Alcohol use down/hallucinogen & cannabis use up in young US adults, possible marijuana-policy changes in global sports, and the US Coast Guard grabs it’s biggest bust ever.
There can be a lot to keep track of when it comes to the fast-paced world of cannabis information and news. Our roundup has everything you might have missed from the last week and more.
Cannabis Businesses Not Counting On Federal Legalization Before 2022
Questions around coming catalysts for the cannabis sector from Washington, D.C., have been frequent in recent conversations with investors, but with other items such as infrastructure, healthcare, and potential tax hike under debate, it’s unlikely lawmakers will act on any federal measures in the near future. The next six months may still provide a window for some action in early 2022 before attention shifts to midterm elections later next year, Grey said.
Alcohol Use Down, Cannabis & Hallucinogen Use Up Among Young Adults In United States:
“I think there has been some good public health work done here to decrease alcohol use and particularly binging, which can be dangerous for people participating, and particularly young adults.” – Dr. Maria Rahmandar, medical director of the substance use program at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
New York: St. Regis Mohawk Tribe To Offer Cannabis Businesses Licenses Before State
“Our community’s cannabis ordinance gives tribally licensed businesses a jump start,” Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief Beverly Cook said. “But more importantly, it helps certify that the products being made available for sale have been tested and proven safe for consumers. Ensuring product safety is part of the Tribe’s effort to encourage Tribal members to participate in this new industry that will benefit the entire community.”
Alabama State Treasurer Resigns To Become Director Of New Medical Cannabis Commission
[John] McMillan was elected treasurer in 2018, succeeding Boozer, who had served two four-year terms. Before becoming state treasurer, McMillan served two terms as commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. He is also the former commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Maine: Over 90% Of Maine Towns Still Block Recreational Cannabis Sales
Across the state, only 47 of Maine’s approximately 500 towns, cities and plantations have opted in to allow recreational marijuana retailers. Fewer than a third of Maine residents, just 29 percent, live in those communities, though many more live near them.
Arizona Slowly Expunging Marijuana Convictions
“It has illustrated the folly of making expungement an opt-in process. This should have been universal and automatic. This should be work that our 15 county attorneys and our [attorney general] are doing entirely on their own.” – Julie Gunnigle, Director of Politics with Arizona NORML
Philadelphia Police Warn Of Fentanyl-Laced Cannabis Edibles
According to Cabrini University public safety officials who have been notified by the Radnor Police, various forms of marijuana edibles have been laced with fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid. Police officials said these potent drugs are being bought and sold in the suburban Philadelphia area. This includes brownies, gummies, candies and other edibles that marijuana can be packaged in.
New Jersey Automatically Expunges Over 360,000 Cannabis-Related Offenses
There could be another 125,000 to 150,000 potential marijuana expungements for the courts to complete automatically, said MaryAnn Spoto, a spokeswoman for the Judiciary. People with marijuana cases that were not automatically expunged can file a motion for review with the court.
Detroit To Vote On Psychedelic Plant Decriminalization
“These substances have medicinal value, religious significance, and have a low propensity for abuse,” Senator Irwin said in a notice of his recent legislative work posted on his website. “We shouldn’t focus any law enforcement resources on people using these substances responsibly.”
World Anti-Doping Agency Officially Reviewing Cannabis Policies
While cannabis will remain prohibited in 2022, any changes that stem from the agency’s review would not take effect until the following year. This comes after the agency received “requests from a number of stakeholders,” the release said.
Research: Cannabis Use May Alter Developing Brains In Teens
“It is critical to know if teen cannabis use may change how you function as an adult,” says Ferland. Until more is known, many researchers recommend postponing any cannabis use until adulthood. They also suggest limiting its frequency and using only low-potency products.
Cannabis Use Linked To Uncontrollable Vomiting
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome burst upon the medical scene in 2004, when a group of Australian researchers wrote about 19 chronic marijuana users who had repeated episodes of abdominal pain and retching. The researchers followed nine of the patients over time and found symptoms went away when cannabis use was stopped but returned when it was restarted.
Editorial: “Lawyers, race and money: Illinois’ messy weed experiment.”
Illinois is taking a methodical approach to handing out licenses to avoid the fate of most other state markets that have few minority-owned businesses. But there’s another twist: Some marijuana dispensary winners in Illinois are already looking to sell their licenses — or a stake in them — to larger companies.
“Biggest Drug Haul Ever”: Coast Guard Snags 1.4 Billion In Illegal Narcotics Off Florida Coast
The Cutter James crew in Port Everglades, Florida, had seized 59,700 pounds of cocaine and 1,430 pounds of marijuana, worth more than $1.4 billion, according to a news release. Vice Admiral Steven Poulin, the commander of the Atlantic Area, in the release praised the “combined efforts of our inter-agency partners and a dedicated international coalition.” [
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