Author: CannabisNewsWire (CNW)

About CannabisNewsWire CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

420 with CNW — US Congress Passes Marijuana Banking Bill

Earlier this week, Congress approved the SAFE Banking Act, a law that would make it possible for financial institutions such as banks to conduct business with cannabis companies that are licensed in states which allow marijuana for either recreational or medical use, or both. This law is intended to remove the fear banks have of being penalized by federal authorities since marijuana is currently illegal at the federal level.

The legislators in the House of Representatives passed the bill in a 321-101 vote, and now the bill will be sent to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

The bill provides clarification that any proceeds generated by duly licensed cannabis firms within states with enabling cannabis laws shouldn’t be looked at as illegal, and the law instructs federal regulatory agencies to draft appropriate guidelines through which such banking activities could be overseen at a national level.

Generally, banks have been hesitant to transact business with entities that sell cannabis or cannabis-related products. This reluctance has been based on the fear of being found in transgression of federal regulations.

Consequently, businesses in the cannabis industry were left with limited options for financial transactions. They had to do business with smaller financial institutions (i.e., credit unions, for instance) or were forced to transact in cash. Analysts say this lack of collaboration with banks has held the development of this industry in jurisdictions where it is legal.

Several banking associations have lobbied endlessly for the passing of the proposed SAFE Banking Act. In their view, banks have been put in a difficult position of having to listen to the calls of state regulators asking banks to accept cannabis industry clients while fearing federal regulators who regard marijuana as a highly controlled substance that shouldn’t be available for use.

By urging Congress to act on this legal conundrum, banking companies hope to get a definitive legal position upon which to decide whether or not to do business with state-legal marijuana companies. At the moment, 36 states have systems in place to regulate medical marijuana operators while 17 states have permitted the recreational use of cannabis.

The bill will now head to the Senate where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has severally expressed his support for the cannabis banking bill as well as other policy reforms with respect to marijuana. He even went on to say that the legislative chamber is ready to move forward regardless of the President’s views on the matter.

If this SAFE Banking bill is finally enacted into law, marijuana sector players such as Grapefruit USA Inc. (OTCQB: GPFT) will have one less hurdle to face as they go about their state-legal activities.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Grapefruit USA Inc. (OTCQB: GPFT) are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/GPFT

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Study Finds Illinois Was Fifth-Top Cannabis Tax Earner in 2020

A study that was carried out recently found that in 2020 the state of Illinois generated $175 million in cannabis sales tax, which is the fifth-highest amount in the country. This amount makes up 0.4% of the state’s total 2020 revenue.

At the moment, 16 states across the nation have now fully legalized cannabis, with 11 of these imposing retail sales taxes on cannabis and cannabis products. The study, which was released by the U.S. Drug Test Centers, also found that youth and adult usage of cannabis grew in the past year.

The state of Illinois had initially awarded 75 cannabis dispensary licenses last year. However, current published reports show that a proposed legislation that would afford minorities as well as the poor a chance to enter the cannabis industry since they were excluded in the initial round and that would double the number of licenses, may soon be introduced.

Last month, State. Rep. La Shawn Ford got together with a group of minority marijuana applicants and announced plans for a measure that would establish nearly 115 new cannabis shop permits. A story covering that announcement was published in the Chicago Sun-Times, stating that advocates of the proposed measure noted that there was no licensed cannabis business that had an individual of color as a majority owner.

The study also discovered that since 2015, cannabis usage had grown by double digits in every state, with the state of Nevada claiming the number 1 spot at 119%. Additionally, adults who viewed cannabis as a dangerous substance had decreased to 25%.

Among the states that have legalized marijuana, including Washington DC, the study observed a decrease in youth usage in half and a rise of the same in the remaining eight states. However, the study found no direct correlation between the usage of marijuana by the youth and legalization.

In addition to this, the study also discovered that since 2015, youths aged between 12 and 17 and adults in the state of Illinois who used cannabis “in the last month” had grown by 4% and 39% respectively.

Earlier in December 2019, the City Council of Kankakee County approved a law that would permit the regulation of adult-use marijuana business organizations. The city is allowed to have a single licensed retailer. In the same year, the Kankakee County Board also voted in favor of prohibiting cannabis sales in unincorporated areas of the county. The executive committee will be re-examining this issue during its next meeting this April.

It may be reasonable to assume that as states earn large sums of money in the form of taxes on marijuana, the different cannabis companies such as Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF) are also, hopefully, turning a decent profit rather than suffering under the yoke of taxes.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/GLDFF

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Governor Evers Encounters Pushback Against Proposal to Legalize Marijuana

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin included plans to legalize marijuana in his budget plan this year. However, his Badger Bounceback budget is encountering some resistance, especially the proposals on medicinal and recreational cannabis.

In his proposal, Evers suggests that residents of the state who are at least 21 years of age should be allowed to possess up to two oz. of cannabis and also grow up to six cannabis plants for recreational use. The plan indicates that nonresidents of Wisconsin may only carry a maximum of 0.25 oz of cannabis. The proposal also has provisions on reforms to the criminal justice system in respect to the enforcement of marijuana policy.

The governor is also of the view that people who are currently incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses can have their convictions repealed or the sentences reduced, especially for minor crimes. Evers also wants drugs to be regulated in a way that is identical to the mechanism used to regulate alcohol. In his plan, the cannabis industry has the potential to generate at least $165 million for the state in the form of taxes.

Out of that amount, $65.1 million would come from the proposed 15% wholesale tax imposed on growers who sell to processors. A 10% sales tax on retail sales would generate a further $67.1 million while a 5% general tax levy would bring in $33.6 million.

However, not everyone is convinced marijuana legalization is good for the state. Rep. Jesse James is one of the legislators who thinks recreational cannabis shouldn’t be permitted in Wisconsin. He points to the lack of sufficient research on marijuana as a strong factor in his reluctance to endorse policy reform.

Additionally, James says that he is uneasy about changing cannabis law in Wisconsin when the federal government is still opposed to legalizing marijuana. The lawmaker also points out that Colorado, which has had a legal marketplace for cannabis for quite a long time, has recorded cases of criminal activity conducted while the perpetuators were “high” on marijuana. This should be looked into, he says.

However, James’ views do not enjoy the support of all lawmakers in the state. For example, Sen. Jeff Smith from Eau Claire affirms that legalizing medicinal marijuana has benefits that outweigh by far any problems that such a policy change can bring.

Smith points to the opioid crisis currently faced by not just Wisconsin but the entire country. To him, this crisis alone is sufficient for the legalization of medical cannabis to be regarded as an emergency in Wisconsin.

It remains to be seen what consensus will develop around this proposed legislation as the matter goes through the different legislative committees before being voted upon.

As Wisconsin takes its first steps towards passing cannabis reform legislation, states that already have mature legal marijuana markets are seeing different cannabis companies taking major steps forward. For example, California-based Sonoma Biologics Corp. is setting the bar high for the sustainable cultivation of marijuana by using only solar energy at its grow facilities. This approach is likely to be adopted by other growers, and zero-carbon footprint will take on a whole new meaning in the sector.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Sonoma Biologics Corp. are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/Sonoma

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — New Poll Finds That Most Connecticut Voters Favor Cannabis Legalization

With legislation to legalize cannabis in the state of Connecticut advancing through the legislature, a survey recently found out that cannabis reform has strong support among state residents. The survey was conducted March 23–31, 2021, and involved 1,000 Connecticut residents.

The poll, which was released earlier this week by Sacred Heart University, revealed that nearly 66% of residents in the state supported the legalization of marijuana for adult use, with only 27% opposing reform.

If the policy change is approved, 62% of the respondents stated that those who had been convicted of cannabis possession and other related charges prior to the policy’s enactment should have their records expunged.

In comparison with those who identify as Republicans or individuals aged 65 or older, individuals who identify as Democrats as well as younger individuals were also found to be more likely to be in favor of ending prohibition.

The survey also asked respondents about the perceived harms of marijuana, with 77% of those who responded admitting that they felt marijuana had comparable or fewer adverse effects as compared to alcohol. Nearly 72% of the respondents admitted to feeling the same way about marijuana and other drugs such as prescription painkillers, amphetamines and heroin.

The poll results are similar to a previous survey conducted by the university in February.

The survey also revealed that while almost half of the residents in the state supported the change in policy, residents were also concerned about the possible negative safety implications of marijuana legalization. This is in addition to discovering that two in five respondents were of the opinion that cannabis was a gateway drug.

In other news, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s marijuana legalization measure was recently approved by the Judiciary Committee. Additionally, the Labor and Public Employees Committee approved a competing measure sponsored by Rep. Robyn Porter earlier in March.

The governor’s measure had included a few amendments, among them was the provision for the erasure of prior cannabis convictions for the sale or possession of up to six mature cannabis plants or up to four ounces of marijuana. This policy has been supported by a majority of residents in the state.

Gov. Lamont has described his legalization measure as an extensive framework for the growing, manufacture, use, possession, sale and taxation of marijuana, adding that his plan also prioritizes social justice, public safety and public health.

Should efforts to approve the measure fail, the matter will be decided on by voters through the state’s 2022 ballot.

While the debate on cannabis legalization is just beginning to gather steam in Connecticut, many other states have already legalized the substance, and several companies, such as Hero Technologies Inc. (OTC: HENC), are now setting the stage to become multistate operators (“MSOs”) in order to benefit from the different regulated marijuana markets across the country.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Hero Technologies Inc. (OTC: HENC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/HENC

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

CannabisNewsBreaks – Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (GRYN) Acquires American Hemp and Diablo CBD Cigarette Brands

Green Hygienics Holdings (OTCQB: GRYN) today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of two CBD cigarette brands: American Hemp and Diablo. According to the update, the acquisition includes all related business development assets, such as sales and distribution relationships, trademarks and digital assets. “The two CBD cigarette brands, American Hemp and Diablo, are extremely well packaged, and the acquisition includes $21.5M worth of inventory at MSRP that we are purchasing at a considerable discount to market,” said Green Hygienics COO Kyle MacKinnon. “We plan to use this acquisition to launch the company’s smokables division and add our Sol Valley Ranch Natural and Sol Valley Ranch Blond premium CBD cigarette brands to the portfolio.”

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/vpROV

About Green Hygienics Holdings Inc.

Green Hygienics Holdings is a California-based, innovative, technology-driven enterprise focused on the high-standard cultivation and processing of industrial hemp and manufacturing of pharmaceutical-grade bioactive cannabinoids. The company’s corporate mission is to adhere to the highest standards of operations in consistently delivering safe, premium-quality products to consumers as well as to partner with CPG (consumer-packaged-goods) and pharmaceutical companies. Green Hygienics intends to be a leader in compliances and capabilities in the hemp and cannabinoid supply marketplace. Using state-of-the-art technologies, the company intends to open a whole new world of novel cannabinoids and targeted bio-delivery technologies never before explored, solving the issues of stability, pharmacokinetics, biological tissue penetration and bioavailability. Hygienics is the science of preserving and promoting the health of individuals, communities and the planet. For more information about the company, visit www.GreenHygienics.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GRYN are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/GRYN

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

CBDNewsBreaks – Willow Biosciences Inc. (TSX: WLLW) (OTCQX: CANSF) Announces Completion of Groundbreaking Study on CBG Use on Skin

Willow Biosciences (TSX: WLLW) (OTCQX: CANSF), a leading developer of biosynthetic production systems for high-value, plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) and intermediates, has completed a series of studies evaluating the safety and anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antimicrobial properties of its cannabigerol (“CBG”) when used on skin. The studies were conducted in collaboration with Signum Biosciences Inc., Willow’s development partner. The company announced that the studies show that Willow CBG is safe and effective when used on the skin and around the eye area; data indicates the ingredient can act as a more potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory for certain skin applications than plant-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”). Willow will present the results of its findings at the upcoming Society for Investigative Dermatology (“SID”) meeting, scheduled for May 3–8, 2021; the company also noted it will make the full data available on its website on May 3. “Demonstrating the safety and benefit of a new ingredient like Willow’s CBG is a critical step in commercialization and it’s one that we take seriously at the Company,” said Willow Biosciences chief operating officer Dr. Chris Savile in the press release. “Willow’s CBG is now clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin and demonstrated in the laboratory to act as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. Most interestingly, Willow CBG was shown to be as potent or more potent than CBD, in some cases up to twice as potent, in the performed assays. We believe the clinical work on human skin and in vitro models with CBG are the first of their kind to be reported and we are very excited to share the results with our stakeholders and industry.”

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/XNy9R

About Willow Biosciences Inc.

Willow is a Canadian biotechnology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, which produces high-purity, plant-derived compounds that provide building blocks for the global pharmaceutical, health and wellness, and consumer packaged goods industries. Willow’s current focus is on the production of cannabinoids for the treatment for pain, anxiety, obesity and brain disorders, among other significant indications. Willow’s science team has a proven track record of developing manufacturing technologies for high-purity compounds in pain and cancer treatments. Willow’s manufacturing process creates a consistent, scalable and sustainable product that allows for the discovery and development of new life-changing drugs. For more information about the company, visit www.WillowBio.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to WLLW are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/WLLW

About CBDWire

CBDWire (CBDW) is a specialized information provider focused on (1) reporting CBD-related news and updates, (2) releasing CBDNewsBreaks crafted to keep investors abreast of the latest and greatest in the CBD market, (3) refining and enhancing corporate press releases, (4) delivering end-to-end distribution and social media services to client-partners and (5) constructing effective corporate communication solutions based on the unique requirements of CBD companies. CBDW is exclusively positioned in the burgeoning CBD sector with a proven team of journalists and researchers working to deliver high quality content to an expansive target audience of investors, consumers and industry news outlets. Our dissemination network of over 5,000 downstream distribution points allows us to deliver unparalleled reach, visibility and recognition to companies operating in both cannabidiol and the wider cannabis space. CBDWire (CBDW) is where CBD news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CBDWire to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CBDWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CBDWire website applicable to all content provided by CBDW, wherever published or re-published: https://CBDWire.com/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW? Ask Our Editor

CBDWire (CBDW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CBDWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CBDWire.com

CBDWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — IRS Terminology Every Cannabis Entrepreneur Should Know

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is a United States government agency that is responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws contained in the Internal Revenue Code. Below are a few terminologies that the agency uses — and which every cannabis business needs to know.

Tax Deficiency

This is basically the difference between what the IRS has determined is owed to the federal government based off of its records and what a taxpayer reports on their return.

The Audit Technique Guide/Participant Guide

These guides are internally written and published by the IRS and are used to assist agents in auditing businesses. While the Audit Technique Guide is made public for companies and can be used by businesses to help in paying federal taxes, the Participant Guide remains confidential and was published for IRS use only.

The Authorization Form

This form is used by agents of the IRS to request targeted audit programs, commonly referred to as a Compliance Initiative Project. The form, which includes a description of the audit, its scope and its objectives, must be completed by agents and signed by their superiors.

Compliance Initiative Project (“CIP”)

As mentioned above, this is the formal title for a targeted series of audits for noncompliant industries and taxpayer groups. The objective of the targeted audit programs are to find returns when the agency suspects that taxpayers have underpaid their federal taxes.

Since 2010, the Internal Revenue Service has launched at least five CIPs targeting cannabis companies.

The Internal Revenue Code’s Section 280E: This prevents any company that is engaged in the trafficking of Schedule 1 or 2 controlled substances from obtaining standard business deductions on their federal taxes. As a result of this section, licensed cannabis businesses pay higher taxes when compared to businesses in other industries.
CHAMP: Refers to a major legal case that focuses on section 280E and its application to state-legal cannabis businesses. The case, “Californians Helping to Alleviate Medical Problems vs. Commissioner,” was closed in 2007 after a ruling was issued, which found that the plaintiff’s caregiving service was separate from the dispensary.
Olive: This is the shorthand reference for another section 280E legal case, which was decided in 2012. The case, “Olive vs. Commissioner and CHAMP,” along with CHAMPS, are considered to be important legal precedents for how the IRS applies Section 280E of the internal revenue code to cannabis businesses.
Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”): This federal law was enacted to ensure government transparency,in 1967. It is commonly referred to using its abbreviation forma: FOIA. The FOIA allows United States citizens to ask for documents from any government agency.

Many U.S.-based cannabis companies may be wondering when changes will be made to the federal laws governing marijuana so that they can enjoy equal treatment by tax authorities in the way companies in Canada, such as Pure Extracts Technologies Corp. (CSE: PULL) (OTC: PRXTF), are regarded where cannabis is legal across the country.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Pure Extracts Technologies Corp. (CSE: PULL) (OTC: PRXTF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/PULL

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Medical Cannabis Bill Awaits Floor Vote in Alabama House

Patients suffering from a variety of serious ailments in Alabama are a step closer to accessing medical cannabis after a House Committee made several amendments to a bill that would legalize medical marijuana in the state. The legislation, which has already passed the Senate, would allow qualifying patients to purchase and possess up to 70 daily doses of medical cannabis. Additionally, the bill would establish an Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and task it with implementing industry legislations and issuing licenses.

Senator Tim Melson, who sponsored the bill, stated that giving patients access to medical cannabis could reduce the number of deaths caused by opioid overdose. To qualify for medical cannabis under the program, patients would have to be diagnosed with one of 20 qualifying conditions including intractable pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”). As per one of the amendments, the daily dose…

420 with CNW — New York Company Says Device Can Identify Drivers Impaired by Cannabis

As more states across the United States decriminalize or legalize recreational and medicinal cannabis, concerns about cannabis impairment have been floated, with some of the opinion that the plant’s legalization will bring about increased dangerous driving.

Various studies have been conducted on marijuana and driving while impaired. So far, it has been determined that knowing whether a driver’s ability has been impaired by cannabis is a distinctly different task than determining whether an individual has been driving with too much alcohol in their bloodstream. This is mainly because THC, which is the main active chemical in cannabis, can stay in an individual’s system for weeks. Its presence does not mean that the person recently consumed cannabis.

Cognivue, a company that was bought in 2018 by businessman Tom Golisano, is convinced that its computerized cognitive testing device may be a solution to this issue. The company, which was founded in 2005, designs and develops a proprietary cognitive assessment device that is largely used in medical settings. The device was the first device that measures cognitive impairment to be approved for use by the FDA.

According to company officials, a grant from the NIH’s National Eye Institute helped fund its initial research for the device, which was created after more than a decade of research. Cognivue’s clinical account manager Kristin Weber explained that the device had been clinically validated more than once, noting that the company’s objective is to become validated globally.

Company officials have already scheduled meetings with state legislators to notify them of the device, given that the process of testing its effectiveness is currently ongoing.

Last year, the firm tested the device in Philadelphia on 130 drug-impaired people and have scheduled a clinical test at the Green Lab in Denver, Colorado, in June of this year. Weber stated that the company chose Colorado because the state has had legalized marijuana longer than any other state in the country while the lab that was chosen happens to be the leading consultant for the marijuana industry.

Cognivue hopes that the tests prove the device’s reliability, which would allow law enforcement to begin using them as early as this year. The device has been designed to eliminate biases, such as sociological and physical, that may come with cognitive testing. It tests various traits, including visual and mobile responses.

As intended, the police would need to transport an individual suspected of impairment to the station, before administering the cognitive test. Weber asserted that the company wanted to address public safety issues while also making sure that individuals who are using cannabis responsibly and legally are not punished.

As different jurisdictions consider ways to detect motorists who are driving while intoxicated by cannabis, lots of companies, such as Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) OTCQB: PACRF) (FSE: 4XM), are investing a lot to develop products which will appeal to the most sophisticated of clients.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) (OTCQB: PACRF) (FSE: 4XM) are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/PACR

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Ailing MTA Employee Mulls $5 Million Suit Against New York for Denying Him Medical Cannabis

Although more than 30 states have legalized some form of cannabis, the drug still remains illegal at the federal level. So while people in states with legal cannabis markets can consume cannabis legally, they are still liable to federal repercussions in certain situations. This is especially true for individuals who are employed by federal organizations, which base their policies on federal regulations and consequently penalize employees who use cannabis.

An ailing Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) worker found this out the hard way after the NYC Transit Authority suspended him and forced him to attend drug rehab classes for using medical cannabis. NYC Transit worker Myles Watson is now looking to file a $5 million notice of claim against the agency, arguing that he was a victim of discrimination due to severe back and neck injuries he had sustained while on the job. Watson’s legal claims came soon after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo finally signed legislation to legalize recreational cannabis in the state.

The 43-year-old’s troubles began back in 2017 when he was involved in a car accident while in an NYC transit vehicle. The ordeal left him with three herniated disks and two bulging disks and forced him to have neck fusion surgery. However, he couldn’t rely on prescription painkillers to reduce the pain he was in because he suffered from diverticulosis and celiac disease. He began using cannabis to help manage his pain and stomach issues.

Since it is a federal agency, NYC Transit carries out random drug tests. During one such test, Watson tested positive for marijuana and was instructed to attend drug counseling sessions. Another car crash in December 2019 injured him further, tearing cartilage in his knee and causing even more pain. He began smoking CBD flower for pain relief, tested positive for marijuana during another random drug test, and was suspended without pay last November. Due to this, Watson has had his vehicle repossessed, his daughters have no health insurance and their home is under threat of foreclosure.

The agency also instructed Watson to attend several drug counseling sessions per week with individuals who are addicted to much more dangerous drugs. He argues that he isn’t addicted to cannabis, he is just using it medicinally to address his health issues. His lawyer, John Scola, says that although federal agencies such as the MTA have to abide by federal law, they cannot ignore anti-disability discrimination laws in their quest to enforce “archaic” cannabis policies.

Still on the subject of medical marijuana, many programs are underway to conduct clinical trials on several cannabis-based medications, including trials being done by XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. (CSE: XPHY) (OTCQB: XPHYF) (FSE: 4XT). If such clinical trials are successful, FDA approval could be secured and patients wouldn’t face the risk of being penalized for using those medicines.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. (CSE: XPHY) (OTCQB: XPHYF) (FSE: 4XT) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/XPHYF

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.