Articles from CannabisNewsWire

The marijuana capital markets have encountered substantial hurdles in recent years. Investors who have been in the industry since 2019 have witnessed every phase of the market—from thrilling peaks to somber valleys.

Missouri courts are close to completing their review of cannabis expungements after expunging hundreds of thousands of cannabis cases. The review began after Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize adult use marijuana in 2022 and has seen state courts expunge over 300,000 cases.

A recent survey reveals that over 50% of cannabis users reduce or completely stop their alcohol consumption after using marijuana. The poll, conducted by NuggMD, a marijuana telehealth platform, lends credence to the expanding theory of a substitution effect, according to which people are increasingly choosing marijuana because they believe it to be safer compared to alcohol.

A recently published JAMA study explored the effects of home marijuana smoking on children’s exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke (SHCS). Researchers in the U.S. used urinary biomarkers to assess the levels of delta 9 THC and its metabolites in kids, aiming to measure the extent of exposure and show the importance of preventive actions to protect their health.

Congressional researchers say they are uncertain whether the previous administration’s tentative plans to reschedule marijuana will advance under President Donald Trump. Former President Biden and his administration had proposed rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III, but the plans didn’t crystallize before Biden’s term elapsed.

Marijuana farmers in the state of California revealed that the weather during this year’s growing season was favorable, which may improve yields and in turn, prices.

An investigation into marijuana sold in Dutch semi-legal coffee stores has uncovered a range of contaminants, including pesticides, lead, and harmful bacteria. The Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction study was designed to find a “baseline” for contamination levels typically found in cannabis products.

Spanish leaders are on the brink of legalizing medical marijuana and allowing tens of millions of adults to access the controversial drug. A Royal Decree that is expected to be signed and delivered before next summer will legalize medical cannabis in the country, adding Spain to the list of over 40 nations that have legalized the drug for either medical or recreational use.

Three pieces of legislation have been introduced in Nebraska aiming to implement medical marijuana legalization and regulation initiatives approved by voters in the November election.

With cannabis rescheduling currently on hold indefinitely, the $32 billion industry’s fate hinges on critical decisions—particularly President Donald Trump’s choice of the next Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) director.

Pennsylvanian cannabis reform proponents are unsure if the state will legalize cannabis this year amidst silence from the Pennsylvania Capitol regarding the drug’s future. Dozens of states have already legalized cannabis and currently generate billions of dollars in sales taxes every year, making legalization an attractive prospect for Pennsylvania which is projected to lose its budget surplus this year.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas recently highlighted the advantages of medical cannabis tax revenue in her last week’s State of the State address, announcing a significant plan.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are asking a federal judge to dismiss a case brought by New Mexico-licensed cannabis businesses. The businesses allege that the agencies unlawfully seized state-regulated cannabis products and arrested staff members at checkpoints within the state.

A ransomware attack in California has compromised the data of hundreds of thousands of cannabis customers across the state. Stiiizy, a marijuana brand based in California, recently notified 380,000 customers that their data had been compromised in a phishing attack against one of its vendors. The cannabis brand confirmed the alert via a data breach notification to the Maine Attorney General’s Office stating that on November 20, 2024, one of its point-of-sale processing services vendors notified it of a massive data breach at several retail locations.

Marijuana advocates in Florida have submitted a fresh proposal aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis. The new measure comes only two months after a similar one failed to secure the required supermajority vote during the November election. Florida residents will have the opportunity to vote on the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2026 if the measure is approved.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of almost 2,500 inmates convicted of various non-violent drug offenses ( including marijuana ) during his last days in the Oval Office. Biden noted that with this last round of commutations, he has granted clemency to more Americans than any other president in U.S. history.

In Texas, getting high has never been easier, despite the state’s reputation for strict policies and socially conservative values. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, Texas boasts over 7,000 marijuana dispensaries —nearly double the number in California. The market has expanded to include 24/7 marijuana delivery services, mobile dispensary trucks, vending machines, and even mail-order options.

Cannabis regulators in Illinois have expanded the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana for the first time since legalization in 2019, focusing specifically on women’s health issues.

Cannabis Means Business (“CMB”), the premier business to business conference and expo, has announced that registration is now open for its highly anticipated 2025 event. Set to take place at the Javits Convention Center in New York City on June 4-5, 2025, CMB will bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts from across the rapidly growing cannabis sector. “As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, CMB remains at the forefront of shaping its business landscape,” said Christine Ianuzzi, CEO of CMB. “Our mission is to provide a vibrant space for industry professionals to connect, learn and discover the tools they need to succeed in this dynamic market. This year’s event promises to deliver even more value with a carefully curated lineup of speakers, exhibitors and innovative content.”

A significant portion of adults in the U.S. remains in favor of cannabis legalization . However, despite this momentum, three out of four recreational legalization initiatives—proposed in Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota—failed during the November elections.

Efforts to reclassify cannabis at the federal level recently hit a roadblock after a DEA judge canceled the upcoming reclassification meeting . The main agenda at the meeting would have been a proposal seeking to amend federal cannabis laws and reclassify the controversial drug, putting an end to several decades of prohibition.

Dallas police have updated guidelines on handling cannabis possession cases after Proposition R was put into effect. An internal memo from the Dallas Police Department (DPD) outlines the changes, stating that officers are no longer permitted to arrest or issue citations for possession of cannabis weighing less than four ounces. Furthermore, cannabis odor alone cannot be used as probable cause for a search, except in high-priority narcotics or violent felony cases.

Every cannabis retailer worth their salt makes sure to study consumer preferences and incorporate them into their decision-making processes. Regardless of the sector, taking customer preferences into account helps businesses serve their customers efficiently by providing goods or services that meet an already-established need. With the cannabis industry entering a new year, customer preferences will be a major influencing factor for the industry.

Recent data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) shows that since cannabis legalization came into effect in the state, fatal traffic accidents connected to marijuana use have decreased by 30%. This contradicts concerns raised by critics of legalization who predicted an increase in deadly crashes caused by impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers has proposed granting voters the power to introduce binding questions directly on the ballot to enact new laws. He cited widespread bipartisan support for issues like cannabis legalization, which the Republican-led legislature has consistently refused to address.

A multi-institutional study involving researchers from three universities has discovered a correlation between medical cannabis legalization and reduced payments from opioid drug manufacturers to pain doctors. The study found that when states launch regulated medical marijuana programs, patients begin using the divisive drug as an alternative to pharmaceutical pain medications.

The marijuana industry experienced a sluggish pace of progress in 2024. Efforts to pass cannabis reform measures in Congress fell short, and the DEA delayed rescheduling cannabis as a recognized medicinal substance.

With the Oklahoma legislative session just a month away, state legislators have proposed two measures to regulate medical cannabis. One bill aims to regulate how much a person can purchase in a week, while the other one focuses on regulating how cannabis dispensaries in the state can advertise their products.

Voters in Arkansas approved a measure to legalize medical marijuana in 2016 and the state finally began sales in mid-2019 with about 11,000 registered medical marijuana patients. Arkansas’s medical cannabis program has expanded significantly in the years since as more patients registered, reaching 101,006 active MMJ cards in June 2024 and 108,957 by the end of the year.

New York has reached a major milestone in its legal cannabis market, surpassing $1 billion in sales. Governor Kathy Hochul described this achievement as a reflection of the dedication of individuals who have worked tirelessly to build an industry that prioritizes fairness, public safety, and community empowerment.

A recent scientific review highlights increasing evidence that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, has antidepressant effects on both animals and humans, with minimal side effects. The review also suggests that CBD may contribute to reducing inflammation and encouraging the growth of new brain cells.

Medical marijuana patients in Kentucky will not have access to guns and ammunition due to federal law. Kentucky’s medical marijuana legalization bill was signed into law in March 2023 but took effect on January 1st, 2025, making it legal for approved citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to consume medical-grade cannabis.

The year 2024 began with high hopes for the end of marijuana prohibition in the United States. However, as the year winds down, many of those expectations remain unmet.

A recent NORML analysis has revealed that over 4,000 scientific papers focusing on cannabis were published globally in 2024. This marks the fourth year that research output has reached this level.

Business analysts have observed a sudden increase in cannabis use as a growing number of Americans turn to cannabis as an alternative to alcohol. According to a recently published Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) survey, Americans are substituting alcohol with cannabis at ‘soaring rates’ as the country’s state-level marijuana industry expands.

New laws in the United States are making it possible to include THC in beverages, offering what some see as a potential alcohol alternative. While this development is being met with optimism by some, others believe its benefits may vary.

The past couple of years have been rough on America’s state-level cannabis industry. Cannabis businesses enjoyed healthy demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in states where cannabis was deemed an essential product, but the industry has been plagued with market oversaturation, low prices, and increasing black market competition in the years since.

Researchers from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are exploring the ethical implications of marijuana research that’s largely funded by actors with industry interests. Prior to the recent wave of state-level legalization, studying the potential risks and benefits of marijuana was practically impossible, making the recent rush of cannabis-related studies even more important for the fledgling cannabis market.

Drug use in teenagers has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to findings from a recent survey.

Non-German companies could potentially benefit from new recreational marijuana pilot programs in Germany, observers say. The European nation partially decriminalized adult-use cannabis on April 1, 2024, becoming the 9th country in the world to legalize cannabis and granting millions of Germans access to the drug.

A senator in South Carolina has proposed a measure aimed at legalizing medical marijuana for individuals suffering from certain medical conditions. The measure was pre-filed by Senator Tom Davis (R) in preparation for next year’s legislative session.

While around one in every five Americans now use marijuana, the understanding of its health effects has historically been limited . However, as regulations surrounding cannabis ease, scientists are gaining new insights into its benefits and risks.

New York marijuana cultivators and processors are pushing Governor Kathy Hochul to approve a measure that would simplify how they handle tax filings, switching the system to an annual basis.

The DEA is requesting approval from an agency judge to issue subpoenas compelling officials from the FDA to testify at forthcoming hearings regarding the Biden administration’s proposal to reschedule cannabis.

In a year that will go down in history as one of the quietest for state-level marijuana market launches in the U.S., Ohio’s adult-use market stood out with the only launch of 2024 . Ohio debuted its recreational cannabis market on August 6, making it the only state to unveil a new cannabis market in the U.S. this year. This marks a significant departure from a young industry that has gone through non-stop market expansion for more than 10 years.

Elton John has been vocal about his stance on the legalization of cannabis, openly criticizing its approval in parts of the United States and Canada. The legendary musician expressed strong concerns about the drug, reflecting on his own experiences and observations during a Time magazine interview .

New York state marijuana regulators are considering whether they should temporarily cap the number of marijuana retail licenses to 1,600. According to a statement from Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) chair Joseph Belluck, the Cannabis Advisory Board sent the suggestion to cap state retail licenses to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). The CCB’s suggestion is nonbinding and it will be up to the Cannabis Control Board to take steps and facilitate the temporary cap on licenses.

A top medical marijuana opponent in Nebraska has initiated a new legal challenge aiming to nullify two recent ballot initiatives to legalize and regulate marijuana in the state.

Portugal is rapidly emerging as a leading center for medical marijuana in Europe. Its mild, temperate, subtropical environment, frequently likened to that of California, makes it an excellent location for cultivating cannabis.

The nascent cannabis research field recently hit a major milestone after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) finally greenlit Phase 2 of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) study on the feasibility of using smoked cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.

Democrats in Pennsylvania are making another attempt to legalize cannabis through new legislation spearheaded by state Representatives Dan Frankel from Allegheny County and Rick Krajewski from Philadelphia. They are currently seeking co-sponsors for their proposal, marking the latest effort in a series of attempts over recent years to address cannabis legalization in the state.

CannExpo 2025, Toronto’s Cannabis Lifestyle Show, is set to blaze into the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place on March 21-22, 2025. The event will bring together enthusiasts, curious newcomers and professionals from the cannabis industry. An eclectic mix of exhibitors will be featured, from cutting-edge growers and innovative product developers to trendsetting accessory makers and wellness experts. The one-stop-shop for discovering the latest and greatest in the world of cannabis will be buzzing with engaging panels and discussions on hot topics.

A United States appeals court seemed inclined to reject claims made by several marijuana businesses in Massachusetts, which argued that federal laws prohibiting cannabis are no longer constitutional.

A new study has found that marijuana users with epilepsy typically spend fewer days in the hospital for epilepsy-related issues compared to people with epilepsy who didn’t use cannabis. Data from the study shows that epileptic individuals who used cannabis had an elevated epilepsy event capturability rate and reduced hospital stays.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) has urged the global community to reconsider punitive and criminal approaches to drug policy, declaring that the “war on drugs” has been a profound failure.

As the cannabis industry takes stock of 2024 and looks ahead to potential opportunities in 2025, many marijuana experts believe interstate commerce and mergers & acquisitions will be major trends in cannabis next year. America’s marijuana industry has dealt with constant change right from its infancy and the sector is slated to experience even more major changes in 2025 amidst shifting consumer preferences, changing regulations, and a challenging business environment.

Flora (NASDAQFLGC) announced that its THC-infused beverage brand, Melo, will be available in store in select states beginning Friday Dec. 13, 2024. The beverage is poised to reach a broader audience with imminent placement in the retail networks of Total Wines & More (“Total”), one of the most recognized retailers of innovative and premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic products in the U.S.

A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has explored how marijuana use might influence the epigenome in the human body . The epigenome, often described as a system of switches, regulates how genes are activated or deactivated, shaping bodily functions.

Marijuana industry leaders have countless opportunities to form connections and secure business deals at this year’s MJBizCon . MJBizCon 2024 kicked off on Tuesday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, starting with preshow sessions and running through Friday.

Last week, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission unveiled the proposed regulatory framework for the social consumption of marijuana. The state legalized the social consumption of marijuana in 2016, via the same ballot measure that legalized the recreational use of the drug.

Data released by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control shows that the price of marijuana has slowly been reducing since adult-use sales were launched this past summer. Dispensaries have reported slow-starts to the recreational program, indicating that vendor costs, confusion among consumers, and the state’s regulations may have contributed to this.

A recent study examining the use of prescribed opioids in Utah after medical cannabis legalization in the state highlights a significant reduction in opioid consumption among patients managing chronic pain. The findings also show a substantial decline in opioid prescription-related deaths since Utah authorized medical marijuana in 2018.

Mississippi’s medical cannabis businesses are prohibited from advertising on billboards or any other platforms due to marijuana’s federal status as an illegal substance, according to a recent decision by an appeals court.

AROYA by Addium, a leader in data-driven cultivation solutions, is unveiling groundbreaking innovations at the Marijuana Business Conference (“MJBizCon”), taking place in the Las Vegas Convention Center from Dec. 4–6, 2024. As a leading innovator in cannabis cultivation, AROYA is reimagining precision substrate irrigation and positioning a bold new brand tailored to the future.

In 2022, the Biden Administration initiated efforts to reevaluate how cannabis is classified under federal law, leading the DEA to start a formal rule-making procedure this year.

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted long-awaited approval for a clinical trial exploring whether cannabis can help manage veterans’ post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

AROYA by Addium, an industry leader in cannabis cultivation technology, has unveiled IRRIGAIT(TM), a groundbreaking intent-based irrigation system designed to optimize the cultivation process for commercial growers. Available now through an exclusive early access program, IRRIGAIT offers true dynamic irrigation powered by real-time data and enables growers to achieve maximum genetic potential for each cultivar.

A recent study by researchers from St. Louis’ Washington University has found that teenagers who use marijuana experience more signs of psychosis spectrum and higher levels of distress due to the symptoms. This suggests that both self-medication and shared vulnerability play a role in linking marijuana use to an increased risk of psychosis.

Last week, a judge in Ramsey County stopped a lottery that would’ve awarded marijuana licenses in Minnesota. This is a huge setback for regulators in the state, who are prepping for legal sales come 2025.

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX, LEXXW) provided a strategic update on its efforts to leverage its DehydraTECH technology within the rapidly growing GLP-1 drug market, projected to surpass $100 billion annually. GLP-1 drugs, initially approved for diabetes and weight loss, are now being explored for broader applications, including cardiovascular, liver, and kidney diseases, as well as sleep apnea and neurodegenerative conditions. Lexaria is advancing research to enhance GLP-1 drug delivery to the brain, with data from its animal study on brain absorption expected by early 2025. The company aims to capitalize on the transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs by enabling expanded therapeutic benefits and improved efficacy through its proprietary technology.

Mike Hilgers, Nebraska’s Attorney General, assured the public on Tuesday that his office’s current investigations into two medical marijuana ballot measures will not affect his decision to certify the election results . Speaking at a press conference on an unrelated lawsuit, Hilgers stated that the election certification process would proceed independently of the marijuana-related legal disputes or the timing of any court ruling.

Public health experts have raised concerns that Trump’s pick for the Health and Human Services department may impede access to pharmaceuticals and instead, favor experimental therapies. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who was selected by the incoming president recently, is an attorney with no background in government public health.

The journey toward cannabis legalization in the United States has been significant, with nearly half of the states now allowing its recreational use. However, the topic remains contentious and divisive, frequently leveraged by politicians. Some invoke fears about potential harm to oppose legalization, while others emphasize benefits such as increased revenue and reduced violent crime to advocate for it.

AROYA by Addium, the leader in precision cannabis cultivation technologies, has introduced an innovative automated dryback tracking feature within its platform. In cannabis cultivation, dryback refers to the reduction in moisture content within substrate between irrigation events. “For growers and operators, this groundbreaking addition simplifies one of the most labor-intensive tasks for professional cultivators—manual dryback cycle management—by leveraging advanced algorithms to ensure precise and efficient data tracking,” said Christian Hertel, VP of Marketing at AROYA.

CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”), a leading communications platform for the cannabis industry and part of the InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”), today announced its engagement as the official newswire for the 13th Annual MJBizCon . In its 13th year, MJBizCon has firmly established itself as a flagship event, attracting over 30,000 cannabis executives, entrepreneurs and professionals annually from around the globe. Set to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Dec. 3–6, 2024, this year’s event promises to continue its legacy as the premier global cannabis business conference and tradeshow.