Tennessee lawmakers from both parties are calling for reform of state marijuana laws following the federal reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III, with Democrats advocating for medical use and decriminalization, while some Republicans remain opposed due to concerns about safety and efficacy.
President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing research restrictions and aligning it with certain prescription drugs, but stopping short of legalizing recreational use or changing criminal laws.
Canopy Growth is acquiring MTL Cannabis in a deal valued at approximately $125 million, aiming to strengthen its position as Canada's leading medical cannabis provider, expand its product portfolio, and increase capacity for international demand, with expected synergies of around $10 million annually.
The U.S. government shutdown is affecting federal workers' pay and potentially the food stamp program, while Colombia has withdrawn its ambassador from the U.S. amid deteriorating relations. Additionally, a major art theft occurred at the Louvre, and new European studies suggest medical cannabis may be effective for chronic back pain. Meanwhile, the popularity of pickleball has led to increased eye injuries, prompting calls for protective guidelines.
A study published in PLOS Mental Health found that cannabis-based medical products can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety in insomnia patients over an 18-month period, with minimal side effects, suggesting potential as an alternative treatment where traditional options fail.
A study found that over half of patients using medical cannabis for chronic musculoskeletal pain stop within a year, with older age being the main predictor of discontinuation, raising questions about its long-term effectiveness.
A study published in PLOS suggests that cannabis-based medical products may improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety and depression, and alleviate pain in insomnia patients over an 18-month period, with mild side effects, though further controlled trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.
Marijuana use among Americans aged 65 and older has increased significantly from 4.8% in 2021 to 7% in 2023, with higher usage among college-educated, higher-income, and female seniors, and a notable rise among those with multiple chronic diseases, especially in states where medical marijuana is legal.
Japan has enacted revised laws criminalizing the use of cannabis and THC, with penalties including up to seven years in prison, amid rising drug abuse among young people. While possession and cultivation were already illegal, the new laws classify these substances as narcotics. The revisions also legalize medical cannabis products proven safe and effective, aligning with international practices. In 2023, cannabis-related investigations in Japan surpassed those for methamphetamine, with a significant portion involving individuals under 30.
A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed legal challenges against Nebraska's medical cannabis ballot petitions, allowing them to proceed to the 2024 general election. The lawsuit, led by former state senator John Kuehn and supported by the Nebraska Secretary of State and Attorney General, failed to invalidate enough petition signatures. Despite allegations of circulator fraud and improper notarizations, the court found insufficient evidence of widespread wrongdoing. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Nebraskans voted on six ballot measures, with five receiving majority support, including initiatives on medical cannabis, abortion, school choice, and paid sick leave. Medical cannabis measures will take effect upon the governor's proclamation, pending a court ruling. A measure restricting abortion after the first trimester passed, while a competing measure to enshrine abortion rights failed. A school choice repeal measure passed, and a paid sick leave initiative will take effect in 2025. The State Canvassing Board will certify results in December, with potential recounts and legal challenges ongoing.
Private clinics in London are seeing a significant rise in patients using medical cannabis to treat chronic pain and mental health conditions, despite limited NHS prescriptions. Legalized in 2018, medical cannabis remains largely inaccessible through the NHS due to a lack of clinical evidence and high costs, prompting calls for wider availability and subsidies. Campaigners highlight the stigma and mixed messaging surrounding cannabis use, particularly in minority communities, as a barrier to broader acceptance and use.
German lawmakers have passed a marijuana decriminalization bill, paving the way for adults to legally possess and grow small amounts of cannabis, and for non-profit cannabis clubs to supply consumers. The legislation, part of an agreement by the country’s three-party coalition government, will remove cannabis as a narcotic substance in Germany, benefiting the country’s existing medical marijuana operators. The bill is now headed to the Bundesrat, and if there are no objections, the first part of the bill could be enacted on April 1, with the second part following on July 1.
Senators, including Elizabeth Warren and John Fetterman, demand the DEA to fully legalize marijuana under federal law and answer questions about its ongoing cannabis scheduling review. Concerns about medical cannabis in Kansas and a delay in Ireland's marijuana legalization vote are highlighted. Additionally, a new THC testing method with 96 percent accuracy has been developed, and various states are discussing cannabis and psilocybin legislation.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) has selected five companies out of 33 applicants to receive integrated licenses for the state's new medical marijuana industry. These companies will be responsible for cultivating, processing, transporting, and dispensing medical cannabis. The licenses are expected to be issued on January 9, 2022, after license fees are received and site inspections are conducted. The AMCC hopes that medical cannabis products will be available by spring 2024. The selected companies are Trulieve Alabama, Sustainable Alabama, Wagon Trail Med-Serv, Flowerwood Medical Cannabis, and Specialty Medical Products of Alabama.