From Our Writers

The New Mexico Senate unanimously approved a non-binding resolution urging the Department of Health to explore the therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms, highlighting bipartisan support and referencing research on its potential to treat depression and addiction.

The Florida Senate has unanimously passed a bill to ban delta-8 THC products and impose strict regulations on the hemp industry, including THC caps and restrictions on products appealing to children.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a bill legalizing medical cannabis for conditions like cancer and PTSD, with the program expected to start in six months and targeting those affected by the ongoing conflict with Russia.

A federal lawsuit in Georgia accuses cannabis brands STIIIZY and Cookies, among others, of racketeering by selling marijuana as legal hemp products, seeking $150 million in damages for misleading consumers.

As Thailand contemplates retracting its landmark cannabis decriminalization reforms, industry insiders prepare to launch lawsuits to safeguard their businesses amidst legislative attempts to restrict recreational use and pivot towards medical applications only.

South Carolina’s Senate has passed a bill to allow medical cannabis for certain serious illnesses, mirroring a conservative approach that emphasizes tight regulation over production and dispensing, and setting a clear distinction from broader adult-use legalization.

A California lawyer, Jeffrey Jensen, is challenging Maryland’s cannabis social equity program, arguing that its state residency requirement is unconstitutional, potentially impacting licensing processes similar to previous cases in other states.

The U.S. Navy has updated its recruitment policy to no longer disqualify recruits who test positive for THC at boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, aiming to adapt to the increasing prevalence and legal accessibility of cannabis.

The mayor of Winnebago, Minnesota, and his son were arrested for growing illegal quantities of cannabis in commercial-grade greenhouses, in violation of the state’s limits on home growing.

Massachusetts lawmakers have moved forward a proposal to legalize medical, therapeutic, and spiritual use of psilocybin, with a focus on supervised sessions and an inclusive licensing framework for facilitators.

Idaho legislators are considering a bill to ban advertising for illegal products, inspired by billboards promoting out-of-state cannabis, aiming to impose misdemeanor charges for such advertisements.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has called for the legalization of adult-use cannabis, highlighting potential revenue losses to neighboring states with legal cannabis and proposing a 20% tax to generate significant tax revenues in his budget proposal.

The European Commission has partially approved the ‘European Cannabis Initiative,’ aimed at improving EU medical cannabis access and research, while rejecting a proposal for a trans-European assembly on cannabis policy.

Massachusetts cannabis dispensaries achieved a record $1.56 billion in sales in 2023, amidst industry challenges and regulatory upheaval, showcasing the maturing market and consumer demand for legal, lab-tested cannabis products.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering three different cannabis reform bills this legislative session, including two that would legalize adult-use cannabis and establish a regulatory authority.

A new bill proposed in Maryland, titled the Drug Free Roadways Act of 2024, aims to allow police to conduct traffic stops and vehicle searches based on cannabis odor, reversing a previous change in the law which made them illegal.

A Kentucky state representative has introduced “House Bill 420,” a bill to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis, protect consumer employment rights, offer expungement for certain convictions, and establish a tax-funded system to address prohibition impacts.

The owner of two Humboldt County cannabis cultivators has agreed to a $750,000 settlement for environmental violations, promising to pay fines to state agencies and undertake restorative measures as part of the court-approved agreement.

Florida lawmakers have moved forward a bill to cap potency on adult-use cannabis products ahead of potential legalization, setting THC limits for various forms and stipulating the measure would activate once legalization has been enacted.

A recent study published in JAMA has concluded that blood THC levels do not correlate with driving behavior, highlighting the need for more nuanced impairment regulations.