420 with CNW — Genetics Study Explains Why Some Marijuana Users Become Addicted

A new genetic study is offering fresh insight into why some people can use cannabis without becoming dependent while others go on to develop cannabis use disorder. The research suggests that occasional cannabis use and problematic addiction are connected to separate biological pathways in the brain rather than representing different stages of the same process.

The study, backed by the Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (YC-SCAN2), combined genome-wide genetic data with advanced brain imaging to explore the biological differences between CUD and cannabis use.

Scientists analyzed thousands of MRI-based brain measurements, known as imaging-derived phenotypes, which capture details about brain structure and activity. They then examined whether these characteristics shared genetic links with either marijuana use or CUD. Their analysis revealed clear differences between the two.

According to the researchers, genetic factors associated with marijuana use were primarily connected to the brain’s default mode network. This network is most active during self-reflection, daydreaming, and internally focused thinking.

The study also identified a genetic relationship involving communication between the default mode network and the central executive network, which plays a key role in planning, decision-making, and higher-level thinking.

In contrast, CUD showed genetic associations with a different set of brain systems. These included connections between the default mode network and the salience network, which helps the brain identify important information and shift attention between internal thoughts and the outside world. Researchers also found links to the microstructure of white matter, the network of fibers responsible for transmitting information across different brain regions.

Senior study author Renato Polimanti said the findings reinforce the idea that marijuana use and CUD should not be viewed as identical conditions. Instead, the evidence points to separate neurological mechanisms that influence whether a person progresses from casual use to addiction. He explained that the transition represents a meaningful biological change rather than simply an increase in consumption.

The findings come as cannabis laws continue to evolve in many countries and usage rates increase worldwide. Researchers believe the work could influence how healthcare professionals identify people at greater risk of developing CUD. It may also help shape future prevention strategies, treatment approaches, and scientific studies focused on cannabis-related health outcomes.

Polimanti emphasized that distinguishing the biological basis of addiction from the biology of marijuana use is becoming increasingly important as access expands. Understanding these differences, he said, could improve efforts to develop more targeted interventions and avoid treating all cannabis users as though they face the same level of risk.

Awareness about marijuana is shifting away from the “reefer madness” stereotype of the past several decades toward a perspective in which scientific inquiry is bridging knowledge gaps, and licensed retailers like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) are gradually loosening the grip that black-market operators had on cannabis sales.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Federally Funded Study Finds High Marijuana Taxes Boost Black Market

A newly released federally-funded study suggests that states with higher taxes on legal cannabis may be unintentionally encouraging consumers to purchase cannabis from illegal sellers instead of licensed retailers.

The research examined the buying habits of 1,525 Americans aged 21 and over who had used recreational cannabis within the previous month. Researchers analyzed how pricing and taxation influence purchasing decisions in both regulated and unregulated markets.

According to the findings, retail prices and higher taxes were associated with reduced purchases of legal cannabis and lower THC consumption through licensed outlets. However, researchers estimated that as much as 89% of the reduction in legal cannabis consumption may be offset by consumers switching to illicit products.

The authors noted that excise taxes can reduce cannabis use and increase government revenue if illegal sales are effectively controlled. Without strong enforcement, however, a substantial share of consumers may avoid higher legal prices by buying from unlicensed suppliers instead.

Many states have attempted to find the right balance between generating tax income and keeping regulated cannabis affordable enough to compete with illegal sellers. So far, there has been no widely accepted tax structure that consistently achieves both goals.

Researchers also found that illegal and legal cannabis flower products compete directly with one another. Their analysis showed that a 10% increase in the price of legal flower was linked to roughly a 1% rise in purchases of illicit flower, measured by both product quantity and THC content. Similar substitution patterns appeared in the opposite direction, although changes in THC demand were more pronounced when consumers shifted from legal to illegal products.

The report also indicated that unregulated cannabis flower can replace THC vape cartridges in some cases. A 10% increase in cartridge prices was associated with a 0.4% increase in purchases of illegal flower.

Commenting on the findings, NORML’s Paul Armentano argued that excessive cannabis taxes weaken licensed businesses while giving illegal operators a competitive advantage. He added that unlicensed sellers often operate without product testing, age verification, or regulatory oversight.

Separate figures from the Marijuana Policy Project recently showed that states have collected over $28.4 billion in tax revenue from adult-use cannabis sales since legal recreational markets first opened. Another industry analysis by Whitney Economics and Vangst reported that national cannabis sales revenue declined year over year in 2025, marking the first annual drop since recreational markets began in 2014.

The findings of this report are unlikely to be surprising to the marijuana industry, such as firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), since the industry has always argued that excessive taxes inadvertently promote the black market for cannabis products.

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420 with CNW — Federal Survey Reveals Continuing Decline of Teenage Marijuana Use

Recent figures released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicate that cannabis use among young adults and teenagers in the United States continues to move downward, extending a trend that has been observed over the past several years.

The latest annual findings show declines in both monthly and yearly marijuana consumption among people aged 12 to 17, as well as those between 18 and 25. The report also points to fewer adolescents trying cannabis for the first time, suggesting that initiation rates are continuing to decrease.

Among teenagers, the share of respondents who said they had used cannabis within the previous month dropped by 22% over a three-year period (2022-2025). During the same period, reported use over the previous year declined by 25%. Officials noted that first-time experimentation with marijuana has also become less common within this age group.

Young adults experienced a similar, although less pronounced, decline. According to the report, past-month marijuana use among individuals aged 18 to 25 fell by 10% over the three-year period. Annual use also decreased, with the proportion of respondents reporting marijuana consumption during the previous year dropping by 12%.

Christopher D. Carroll, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at SAMHSA, said the findings suggest encouraging progress across several behavioral health measures. He added that young adults and adolescents have continued to show either improving or stable patterns in many key indicators during the last five years.

The latest federal data aligns with research produced by other organizations, including the University of Michigan and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those studies have also found that marijuana use among younger Americans has reached historically low levels.

In addition, an analysis published by the Marijuana Policy Project in 2025 concluded that youth cannabis consumption has fallen across nearly every state where recreational cannabis has been legalized.

While younger age groups are reporting reduced cannabis use, the picture is different for older Americans. Federal survey results indicate that adults aged 26 and above have shown increasing levels of self-reported cannabis use in recent years, with the largest growth occurring among older age groups.

Responding to the new figures, NORML’s Paul Armentano argued that the data challenges claims that legal recreational marijuana policies encourage greater use among teenagers. He said the findings demonstrate that carefully regulated cannabis laws can provide legal access for adults without leading to increased use among young people, adding that the results should give policymakers greater confidence when considering cannabis regulation.

As states legalize some form of marijuana use and allow companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) to operate, measures like age-verification conducted at dispensaries help to reduce the number of teens that access marijuana, hence triggering a reduction in self-reported marijuana use.

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420 with CNW — State Fairs Offer Opportunities for Honest Marijuana Conversations

For the first time in almost two centuries, the Great New York State Fair will feature a booth dedicated to marijuana consumers and the state’s expanding legal cannabis sector. The move marks a notable addition to one of New York’s largest annual events, which welcomed close to one million visitors last year.

The Empire State Green Standard Alliance will become the first organization focused on marijuana consumer advocacy to host an exhibit at the fair. Representatives say the initiative is designed to provide reliable information about legal cannabis rather than promote its use.

Organizers believe the fair offers an ideal setting to connect with residents from across New York, creating an opportunity to discuss responsible consumption, consumer safety, and the benefits of purchasing products through the state’s regulated cannabis market.

Marijuana has become an increasingly significant part of New York’s economy. Millions of adults now legally purchase cannabis, and sales surpassed $1.7 billion in 2025. Industry figures also indicate that 2026 is on pace to deliver another record-breaking year. Even with that growth, questions remain about regulations, product safety, and the differences between legal and illegal cannabis products.

Alliance officials say education remains their primary objective. Throughout the event, visitors will be able to learn about product testing standards, packaging requirements, labelling, and responsible consumption practices. The group also plans to explain how consumers can recognize products sold through licensed dispensaries instead of unregulated sources.

In addition, fairgoers will have the chance to join the organization at no cost. According to the alliance, expanding its membership will allow more consumers to participate in discussions surrounding cannabis policy, safety standards, and future regulatory changes across the state.

The campaign comes as New York continues to strengthen its legal cannabis industry. Although hundreds of licensed cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and retailers have invested heavily to comply with strict state rules, many consumers still struggle to identify products that meet regulatory standards. Industry advocates argue that improving public awareness can help reduce confusion while encouraging safer purchasing decisions.

Supporters also believe consumer interests have often received less attention than political, commercial, or legal debates surrounding cannabis. They argue that adults who legally use cannabis deserve independent representation, much like organizations that advocate for patients, veterans, homeowners, or taxpayers. The alliance says its mission centers on consumer protection, transparency, education, and fair policymaking.

Licensed cannabis businesses are also being encouraged to participate in the initiative. Companies can contribute educational resources, promotional materials, or financial sponsorship to support outreach efforts during the fair. Organizers say such involvement demonstrates a commitment to responsible business practices while helping strengthen public confidence in New York’s regulated marketplace.

Located inside the Horticulture Building, the booth is expected to attract thousands of visitors during the fair. Organizers hope attendees will stop to ask questions, learn more about the legal cannabis industry, and leave with a clearer understanding of how New York’s regulated market operates. They view the exhibit not only as an important achievement for their organization but also as a significant step in expanding consumer education across the state.

The broader marijuana industry, including entities like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), is likely to applaud the effort being made to educate the public about legal marijuana in New York State because such awareness campaigns boost the industry in the long term.

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420 with CNW — Georgia’s Expanded MMJ Program Triggers Influx of Patients

Georgia is seeing a sharp rise in medical cannabis registrations after a new state law broadened eligibility and introduced significant changes to the program.

The legislation expanded the list of medical conditions that qualify for treatment, authorized vaping as a permitted method of use for certain patients, and revised the state’s limits on THC content, among several other updates.

Active registrations increased from roughly 34,000 at the beginning of June to over 41,400, representing an increase of almost 22%. Since July 1, enrollment has climbed from 36,703 patients, marking growth of nearly 13% in three weeks.

Medical cannabis businesses say demand rose immediately after the law came into force, with customers arriving well before opening time on July 1. Industry leaders expect the program to continue expanding and predict that the number of registered patients could triple by the middle of 2027 as more people become eligible.

Among the most significant changes is the addition of lupus to the list of qualifying medical conditions. Previously, eligibility covered illnesses including Parkinson’s disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic pain, autism spectrum disorder, and several other approved diagnoses. The law also removes the requirement that many conditions be classified as end-stage or severe before patients can participate.

The measure, introduced by Senator Matt Brass, also broadens the ways eligible adults may use medical cannabis. Patients aged 21 and older can now legally use vaporized products, while smoking remains prohibited. According to experts, inhaled cannabis products provide faster symptom relief as they take effect almost immediately, unlike oil-based alternatives that must pass through the digestive system and can require 30 minutes or longer before producing results.

In addition, the legislation replaces the previous 5% THC potency restriction with a possession limit allowing patients to hold up to 12,000 mg of THC.

When signing the bill in May, Gov. Brian Kemp said the reforms provide important benefits for patients without changing Georgia’s overall approach to cannabis policy. He reiterated his opposition to recreational legalization but acknowledged that medical cannabis can offer meaningful relief for people who might otherwise depend on stronger opioid medications.

The law further updates statutory language by replacing the term “low THC oil” with “medical marijuana” and assigns the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission responsibility for expanding public education efforts about the program, its approved products, and their potential benefits for eligible patients.

Legal marijuana companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) and others around the country will be glad the law in Georgia has allowed more patients to gain legal access to medicinal marijuana products.

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420 with CNW — Report Shows More Nebraskans Favor Marijuana Legalization

Support for marijuana legalization continues to grow across Nebraska, according to newly released survey findings, nearly two years after voters strongly backed the legalization of medical marijuana.

The latest Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey, conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Rural Drug Addiction Research Center, compared public attitudes and cannabis use between 2024 and 2026.

In the 2026 survey, 47% of Nebraskans said they favored allowing cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes, up from 44% in 2024. Backing for medical marijuana alone also rose during the same period, with 84% expressing support compared with 80% two years earlier.

Nebraska residents approved medical cannabis through a statewide ballot measure in 2024, with a 71% vote. Since then, state officials have finalized permanent regulations, and the first cultivation license has been awarded, marking another step toward launching the program.

Researchers also found that cannabis use has increased. Fifteen percent of respondents in 2026 reported purchasing cannabis legally in another state, compared with 11% in 2024. Nebraska does not permit recreational marijuana, while neighboring Missouri and Colorado both have legal markets, making cross-border purchases an option for some residents.

The survey also identified a smaller but noticeable increase in the use of delta-8 and similar THC products. Reported use rose from 8% in 2024 to 10%. The products have remained available under provisions created by the 2018 Farm Bill, which expanded hemp production.

However, a new federal law scheduled to take effect in November will tighten THC limits in hemp products, potentially ending that legal pathway. Court challenges have already been filed against the measure.

Patrick Habecker, co-author of the report, said the rise in overall cannabis consumption, particularly among people traveling outside Nebraska to buy marijuana, stood out in the findings. He added that monitoring public opinion and changing consumption patterns is valuable because cannabis products and markets continue to evolve.

The survey also highlighted notable regional differences. Residents in metropolitan areas, including Sioux City, Omaha, Grand Island, and Lincoln, showed the strongest support for medical and recreational legalization at 54 percent. Support dropped to 35 percent in micropolitan communities and 32% in the state’s remaining counties.

Researchers said future surveys will examine how Nebraska’s market changes once medical cannabis becomes available and whether restrictions on hemp-derived THC products influence consumer behavior, including possible increases in out-of-state purchases, reduced use, or shifts toward illegal markets.

Marijuana companies, such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), operating in other markets where marijuana is already legal will be hoping that the medical cannabis program in Nebraska gets off to a good start without suffering major glitches that could delay patients’ access to the products they need.

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420 with CNW — Oklahoma Grapples with Inconsistent Marijuana Testing Standards, Lab Shopping

Oklahoma’s medical cannabis industry is facing renewed scrutiny as concerns over varying laboratory findings fuel debate about product safety and the effectiveness of current oversight.

For Oklahoma patient Summer Parker, those concerns became deeply personal. She recalled experiencing severe episodes after smoking pre-rolls from Graves Farm Organics. According to Parker, she struggled to think clearly, had difficulty speaking, collapsed, and eventually required emergency medical assistance.

At first, she did not suspect the cannabis product. However, after similar incidents repeatedly followed the use of the same brand, she and her spouse, Charles Hrabina, decided to have several products independently analyzed.

Their lawsuit against the business alleges that testing revealed multiple pesticide failures, one microbial contamination issue, and a lower THC level than the manufacturer advertised.

The company and its founder, Michael Graves, deny any connection between the products and Parker’s medical episodes. Attorney Felina Rivera, representing the company, rejected claims that the products were defective but argued that Oklahoma’s marijuana testing framework suffers from major inconsistencies.

Rivera said identical samples submitted to several licensed laboratories can produce very different outcomes, a criticism echoed by others throughout the cannabis industry. The disagreement has intensified questions about whether patients can rely on the certificates of analysis that accompany legal marijuana products.

State law requires every medical cannabis product sold in Oklahoma to undergo testing before reaching dispensaries. Licensed laboratories examine samples for contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, mycotoxins, and residual solvents, while also measuring cannabinoid potency and terpene content.

Each approved batch receives a certificate of analysis documenting test results and confirming whether it met state requirements. Products that fail safety requirements cannot legally enter the marketplace.

Laboratories must be accredited, participate in proficiency testing, and follow standards established by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). They are also required to maintain safeguards intended to prevent financial interests from influencing laboratory findings.

Critics say that even with those protections, the pressure to compete makes producers want to find labs that are more likely to give them better results. Since THC percentages strongly influence purchasing decisions, even modest differences in reported potency can affect both pricing and sales.

OMMA acknowledges that lab shopping exists nationwide and says stronger oversight is essential. Since Oklahoma’s medical cannabis program launched, regulators have taken enforcement action against 29 laboratories. Some facilities have also been required to correct deficiencies after failing proficiency evaluations.

A 2023 law authorized OMMA to establish its own quality assurance laboratory to verify testing accuracy. Although the facility is still completing accreditation for several testing categories, officials say it already performs limited analyses for potency and pesticides. Once fully operational, it will compare identical samples across laboratories, conduct independent testing during investigations, and monitor overall laboratory performance.

Parker has since become an advocate for stronger oversight, co-founding Patients for Safe Access of Oklahoma. She said independent testing of roughly 40 products over two years revealed concerns extending beyond a single producer, including compounds not covered by Oklahoma’s required screening panel.

Outside Oklahoma’s regulated medical cannabis market, concerns grow even larger. Hemp-derived products containing intoxicating THC variants are sold through retailers that are not subject to the same testing standards, inspections, or consumer protections, leaving many experts warning that buyers face even greater uncertainty.

The entire marijuana industry, including established companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), would want the issues linked to product testing addressed in different legal markets so that legally sourced products don’t trigger any doubts in the minds of consumers who should naturally trust the product labels attached to these items.

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420 with CNW — Key Questions Employers Need to Ask as Marijuana Laws Evolve

As cannabis laws continue to change across the U.S., employers are facing new challenges when it comes to workplace drug policies. Growing acceptance of cannabis use, combined with increasing rates of positive drug tests, is prompting many organizations to reconsider long-standing hiring and safety practices.

Recent federal action has added another layer of complexity. Certain medical cannabis products have already been moved to Schedule III under federal law, while broader changes remain under review. If additional reforms move forward, businesses could see more requests for workplace accommodations as well as an increase in disability-related claims tied to cannabis use.

Against this changing legal landscape, employers are trying to strike a balance between maintaining safe workplaces and complying with evolving regulations. This is particularly important for industries where employee impairment could create significant safety risks.

Here are eight questions businesses should consider when reviewing or updating workplace policies:

Should pre-employment cannabis testing remain part of the hiring process?

Businesses may decide to remove cannabis from standard drug screening for some positions, depending on the nature of the job and the laws in the states where they operate. However, certain occupations, including federally regulated transportation roles, may still require THC testing.

Should safety-sensitive positions follow different rules?

While office-based employees may no longer face cannabis screening, workers in higher-risk roles may still be required to undergo testing. Any policy should be applied consistently and comply with applicable legal requirements.

How should reasonable suspicion be handled?

Organizations need a clear process for identifying signs that an employee may be impaired while working. Policies should explain how supervisors should respond, document concerns, and take appropriate action while remaining consistent with workplace safety standards and anti-discrimination laws.

Is there a defined disciplinary policy?

Companies should clearly outline the consequences for violating workplace rules related to marijuana use and possession while on company property or during working hours.

Are managers and supervisors properly trained?

Frontline leaders should understand how to recognize possible impairment, respond appropriately, document incidents accurately, and report concerns according to company procedures.

What happens after a positive cannabis test?

Employers should establish procedures for reviewing positive test results, allowing employees or applicants to challenge findings when appropriate. Businesses should also consider how they will address requests for reasonable accommodations from individuals legally using medical marijuana.

Will one company-wide policy be enough?

Organizations operating in multiple states must decide whether to implement a single policy that satisfies all jurisdictions or develop separate guidelines reflecting each state’s legal requirements.

Has legal guidance been obtained?

Before enforcing disciplinary measures or making employment decisions following a positive cannabis test, employers should consult qualified legal counsel. Professional legal review can help ensure workplace policies remain compliant as cannabis regulations continue to evolve.

For companies like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that have marijuana businesses as clients, workplace marijuana policies could even be more important in preventing liability as employees go about their work.

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420 with CNW — California Judge Signals Lawmakers May Not Need Voter Approval to Change Marijuana Regulations

A California judge has indicated that state lawmakers may have the authority to revise parts of the voter-approved marijuana legalization measure without asking voters to approve every legislative update. The preliminary opinion was issued last Thursday by San Francisco Superior Court Judge Harold Kahn during an ongoing legal dispute over changes to cannabis tax policy.

The case was filed by youth advocacy organizations challenging legislation approved by the California Legislature and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last year. The lawsuit seeks to overturn a reduction in the state’s cannabis retail excise tax, arguing that lawmakers exceeded their constitutional authority when they altered provisions tied to the 2016 legalization initiative.

According to state figures, licensed cannabis retailers recorded less than $4 billion in sales last year, a decline from the $4.2 billion reported in 2024. The total number of products sold also fell, reflecting weaker demand across the regulated market.

Industry representatives had warned that higher taxes could further reduce legal sales. On July 1, 2025, the cannabis excise tax automatically increased from 15 to 19 percent under a framework established in 2022 after lawmakers eliminated the cultivation tax. That increase was later reversed when Newsom signed legislation restoring the excise tax to 15% through at least 2028.

While cannabis businesses welcomed the lower rate, critics argued that the decision reduced funding for programs supported by marijuana tax revenue. Organizations including Youth Transforming Justice and the East Bay Asian Youth Center filed suit in February against the California Department of Cannabis Control and other state officials. They also challenged Senate Bill 141, which directs money from the Cannabis Tax Fund toward enforcement efforts targeting illegal marijuana operations.

The plaintiffs contend that both laws violate the California Constitution. They argue that the Legislature cannot modify a voter-approved initiative unless the measure specifically authorizes those changes or voters approve them through another statewide election. According to the lawsuit, reducing cannabis taxes weakens the financial support voters intended for social and environmental initiatives.

During the hearing, Judge Kahn signaled that the legislative changes appear likely to comply with constitutional requirements. However, attorney Margaret Prinzing, representing the advocacy groups, requested additional time to present arguments challenging the legality of the tax reduction. The judge granted that request, although no schedule for further legal briefs has been announced.

Meanwhile, recent revenue data highlights the financial pressures facing the legal cannabis market. Despite the temporary tax increase, California collected about $1.05 billion in marijuana tax revenue during 2025, slightly below the $1.07 billion generated in 2024. The figures suggest that higher tax rates did not produce greater overall revenue as legal sales continued to soften.

Marijuana companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) that have retail outlets in California will wait to see the final ruling in this case that could impact the cannabis policies of the state.

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420 with CNW — Idaho MMJ Initiative Fails to Qualify for November Ballot

Idaho voters will not have the opportunity to decide on a proposed medical cannabis measure during the upcoming November election after state officials ruled that the initiative failed to satisfy legal qualification standards.

The decision was announced by the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, which determined that the proposed Idaho Medical Cannabis Act Initiative didn’t collect enough valid support to earn a place on the statewide ballot.

According to a letter sent to the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho (NMAI), the organization leading the campaign, the petition effort failed to meet several statutory requirements established under Idaho election law.

To qualify for the ballot, supporters were required to collect signatures from at least 6% of registered voters in 18 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts. Overall, the campaign also needed approximately 70,000 valid signatures statewide. State officials reported that organizers submitted about 58,000 signatures and reached the required threshold in only 13 legislative districts, leaving the proposal well below the necessary benchmark.

The Secretary of State’s office also identified additional concerns discovered during the review process. Among them was a signature associated with an individual who had died about five years ago. Officials further found signatures connected to people whose voter registrations had previously been removed from the state’s records.

The review also uncovered issues involving campaign documentation and financial reporting. In addition, the officials said they could not verify the Idaho residency of 293 petition circulators. Under state law, only Idaho residents are permitted to collect signatures for ballot initiatives.

The letter stated that the shortage of qualifying signatures at both the statewide and legislative district levels was, by itself, enough to reject the filing. It added that the other findings only reinforced the decision and were not needed as separate grounds for disqualification.

The NMAI responded in an emailed statement, saying it conducted the campaign honestly and intends to cooperate with any official review. The organization explained that it hired a professional signature-gathering company because its members lacked experience managing a statewide petition drive. It said the group relied on that firm to complete the work in accordance with Idaho law while maintaining confidence in the state’s established ballot initiative process.

The organization said its mission was driven by the belief that people living with severe and chronic medical conditions should have access to alternatives to prescription opioid medications. It also argued that Idaho residents should have the freedom to make personal healthcare choices without unnecessary government interference.

Campaign finance filings show the organization spent approximately $2.7 million in its unsuccessful effort to place the proposal before Idaho voters this November. Medical marijuana firms around the country, such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), will be disappointed that patients in Idaho will have to wait longer before they can legally access medical marijuana products to manage their symptoms.

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