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

Software Effective Solutions Corp. (SFWJ) Dedicated to Creating Unparalleled Tech, Labs, Facilities and Teams in Cannabis Space

MedCana offers a long list of proprietary essential services to its clients
The company’s team of pharmaceutical scientists includes some of the world’s most respected chemists
From initial grow to final product, MedCana helps partners produce pharmaceutical CBD and other extracts that have no equal

As the cannabis industry prepares to enter a new era with a pending schedule change in the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”), Software Effective Solutions (d/b/a MedCana) (OTC: SFWJ) is committed to being a worldwide force for high-quality cannabis products. To achieve this lofty goal, the company is focused on building the technology, laboratories, growing facilities, and scientific teams needed to provide premium pharmaceutical-grade cannabis extracts to the world (https://cnw.fm/858iB).

Leading the way forward in the cannabis space, the company offers a long list of essential resources and services for its clients. That list includes proprietary blockchain technology to track every product from seed to the growing facility to the final product; a team of expert scientists, engineers and chemists from the United States and Colombia; state-of-the-art laboratory equipment; partners with growing facilities in Colombia; and an impressive international management team from the U.S. and Colombia.

MedCana’s team of pharmaceutical scientists includes some of the most respected chemists in the world. This extraordinary group is committed to ensuring that MedCana customers and partners can create premium pharmaceutical-grade cannabis extracts that satisfy the growing worldwide demand while also meeting the highest industry standards.

Unlike any other software in the market, the company’s proprietary software ensures traceability and quality from seed to products. In addition, one of MedCana’s partners will be a globally certified lab that will provide certification for distribution through the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S). PIC/S presently comprises 54 participating authorities worldwide, including Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Australia.

As MedCana works to achieve its objective of becoming a worldwide cannabis-market force, the company’s initial emphasis is on partnering with and developing companies in Latin America with a focus in Colombia and partnerships with laboratories, research facilities, and hospitals throughout the world. “MedCana’s advantage is our global view and reach,” the company states. “From initial grow to final product, we’ll be helping partners produce pharmaceutical CBD and other extracts that will have no equal.”

Software Effective Solutions is a global infrastructure and holding company in the cannabis industry. MedCana currently has five companies focused on pharmaceutical cannabis production, as well a software company focused on managing processes for plant-to-patient operations. The recent acquisition of an irrigation and greenhouse technology company rounds out MedCana’s portfolio of holdings.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.MedCana.net.

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

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

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420 with CNW — Florida’s Marijuana Legalization Ballot Measure Could Face Heavily Funded Opposition

The recreational cannabis legalization campaign in Florida is up against a significant new challenge: heavily funded opposition. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) recently created the Florida Freedom Fund, allowing him to receive unlimited donations aimed at achieving the fund’s specific goals.

A primary objective of the fund is to thwart Amendment 3, which proposes to legalize recreational marijuana and permit sales at already-existing medical cannabis dispensaries. In the unlikely event that DeSantis is successful in garnering national attention and support for this cause, the legalization of recreational marijuana may not be supported by a larger financial advantage throughout its campaign.

Smart and Safe Florida spokesperson Morgan Hill noted that a recent survey indicated 66% of probable voters support the ballot measure. In Florida, a constitutional amendment must receive the support of at least 60% of voters to pass, a rather high percentage.

In contrast, Ohio’s recreational cannabis was approved by more than 57% of voters last year. The opposition there managed to collect contributions totaling only $927,900, while the pro-legalization campaign raised more than $6.7 million.

Florida represents a crucial market for marijuana businesses, being the largest domestic medical cannabis market, with strict state laws limiting the number of participants. The stakes in Florida are high, especially because it’s a presidential battleground state, and the legalization measure will appear on the same ballot as President Joseph Biden and Florida resident and presumed GOP contender Donald Trump.

Biden is anticipated to focus some of his campaign on marijuana reform to win over young people following his executive order from 2022, which prompted the U.S. DOJ to propose cannabis rescheduling. Trump has not yet taken a stance on Florida’s recreational cannabis legalization, but DeSantis, a former presidential contender, has expressed strong opposition.

The DeSantis fund is also targeting a measure that seeks to overturn a law he signed earlier prohibiting abortion procedures beyond the six-week pregnancy mark. The governor has labeled both measures as quite excessive.

Political analysts speculate that the confluence of these concerns may boost female and younger voter turnout, which might help Democratic candidates such as Biden.

There’s been significant fundraising done to support the two measures. The Tampa Bay Times reported that the abortion protection proposal has received $12 million in contributions since April. In the meantime, supporters of cannabis legalization have invested more than $40 million in Florida. The leading contributor remains Trulieve, which added another $5 million in April.

Marijuana companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) will be hoping that, at the end of the day, the true will of the people of Florida carries the day on polling day regardless of which way the ballot swings.

About CNW420

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 — Kentucky to Start Receiving Applications from Medical Marijuana Companies

Businesses in Kentucky looking to grow, process or sell medical cannabis can start submitting applications for licenses on Monday, July 1, 2024. Governor Andy Beshear announced this as part of an expedited effort to have products on the market by early 2025.

Healthcare providers, including advanced-practice registered nurses and doctors, can also start applying to certify qualified patients for purchasing medical cannabis. The process will be overseen by the state’s Board of Medical Licensure and Board of Nursing.

The state’s medical marijuana program is officially scheduled to kick off on Jan. 1, 2025. The legislation, passed in 2023 with bipartisan support in the GOP-dominated state assembly, legalizes medical marijuana for individuals with a range of debilitating conditions. Beshear signed the law promptly, and his administration has been diligently working on the program’s regulations ever since.

To accelerate the process, Beshear signed additional measures this spring, advancing the timeline for marijuana business registration by six months.

To help applicants, the state has made several YouTube seminars, a handbook for business license applications and other materials available. Companies have until August 30 to submit their licensing applications. According to Beshear, the objective is to have medical marijuana accessible by January, coinciding with the legalization of these goods.

Medical marijuana cards will be available for application starting the first of the year to patients with qualifying diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, chronic epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as chronic pain and nausea.

Eric Friedlander, the secretary of Kentucky’s Health and Family Services, underlined the commitment of the state to providing affordable and safe access to medical marijuana for people with qualifying conditions.

Beshear noted in April that the first round of company licenses would be distributed by the state through a lottery. The program’s goal, according to Sam Flynn, director of the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana, is to guarantee that marijuana licensing is equitable, open and focused on the needs of customers.

Initially, the state will issue 48 store licenses, distributed among 11 regions, with each area receiving at least four licenses. Most counties will be limited to one dispensary license each, except for the counties housing Lexington and Louisville, which will be allocated two licenses each.

The first wave of the license lottery is scheduled for October 2024. A restricted number of licenses for cannabis cultivation and processing will also be issued. Beshear mentioned that the license caps are designed to prevent market saturation, which could negatively impact both patients and businesses. The program has the flexibility to expand based on demand and the inclusion of additional qualifying conditions.

These developments in Kentucky are likely to be welcome news to the entire cannabis industry, including entities such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), since they mean that the rolling back of prohibition is underway in yet another U.S. state and the people there will soon have the option of using medical marijuana products to manage some of the illnesses they face for which medical cannabis is helpful.

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The 5th Annual NECANN New Jersey Cannabis Convention Projected to Witness Mammoth Turnout

The NECANN New Jersey Cannabis Convention will be held in partnership with 420NJevents at the Atlantic City Convention Center, September 6-7. As the NECANN family continues to grow every year, the turnout this year is expected to cross 4,000+ attendees with 200 exhibitors showcasing their innovative business ideas.

The NECANN New Jersey Cannabis Convention has developed robust networking and business connections since its first event in 2019. The convention will be attended by influential canna traders, license holders, dispensary owners, suppliers, investors, ancillary industries, and industry leaders from the East Coast and beyond. New Jersey has a thriving cannabis market, and the NECANN Convention is considered a powerful business platform for the region’s cannabis trading community.

Local traders, growers, and entrepreneurs, set up exhibitor booths to showcase their innovative products, and services. Industry thought leaders and experts will share insights on important trends in the cannabis industry. Attendees can discover the newest canna products and enjoy the unique experiences for which the New Jersey NECANN event is well known.

The NECANN New Jersey Convention strives to unite the local cannabis community by offering phenomenal networking and business opportunities for the region. The event will be graced by important cannabis industry leaders and investors looking for the best investment avenues. Local traders can leverage this key opportunity to learn the latest industry trends in order to stay in line with growing competition. They can also connect with serious investors to establish long-term business ties.

The NECANN event is one of the largest cannabis events in the northeast. The event offers collaborative business opportunities and high returns for sponsors, exhibitors, traders, and regional cannabis businesses. Exhibitor spaces and sponsorships are available for interested parties.

To know more, please visit https://cnw.fm/VbYEO

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420 with CNW — NCAA Removes Cannabis from List of Banned Substances

Marijuana will no longer be prohibited for Division 1 athletes following a vote by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The decision comes approximately five months after the association’s Division I Council recommended the change.

The new policy highlights that cannabis should be viewed similarly to alcohol because it isn’t a performance-enhancing substance. Further, the change follows a 2022 policy revision that increased the allowable THC levels for college athletes, bringing the NCAA’s rules in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The new rule modifies the NCAA’s drug-testing guidelines for student-athletes participating in postseason football and sports championships, applying retroactively to remove any current penalties for marijuana-related violations.

NCAA council head, Josh Whitman, said in a news release that marijuana does not provide athletes with an unfair edge and that the drug-testing policy is intended to protect the fairness of competition. The NCAA further noted on social media that cannabinoids will be treated just as other substances that do not enhance performance, such as alcohol, with a focus on harm reduction for problematic marijuana use.

The reform is based on the NCAA’s CSMAS preliminary recommendations made last June, which suggested that all three governing bodies of the NCAA remove cannabis from the prohibited substances list. While Division I has voted on the proposal, Divisions II and III have yet to make their decisions.

The CSMAS’s recommendation recognized the shortcomings of the prior regulation and said that prohibiting and testing and punishing for the use of cannabis did not support the association’s view that the substance is not performance enhancing; rather, the regulations supported a harm-reduction approach.

Other sports associations have also revised their cannabis-testing regulations in light of changing state laws. For instance, as part of a collective bargaining agreement, the NFL and its players’ union decided in 2020 to stop suspending players for using cannabis. The NFL has also invested significantly in researching whether CBD can be a viable alternative to opioids and its potential for chronic pain management.

Further, the UFC declared in December that, per previous revisions, it would take cannabis off its list of prohibited substances. However, prior to a UFC event in February, a California athletics association stated that fighters could still be penalized by state laws for having THC levels above a specific threshold.

While supporters applaud these changes, WADA has come under fire for sticking to its prohibition of cannabis. A WADA panel argued in August of last year that cannabis usage goes against the sporting spirit, implying that athletes who use it become less than ideal role models and that their possible impairment may put others in danger.

As more sports bodies recognize that the prohibition of marijuana in the past wasn’t based on sound scientific reasons, they are likely to amend their rules and allow athletes to freely partake of the medical or recreational cannabis products from licensed companies such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), which could further boost the growth of the industry.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Completes Dosing in Second GLP-1 Human Pilot Study

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX, LEXXW), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, today announced that human pilot study #2, GLP-1-H24-2, has now completed all dosing. The final DehydraTECH study arm used a Rybelsus(R) composition processed with DehydraTECH that is compliant with the FDA’s Inactive Ingredient Database (“FDA IID”), delivered within an in-mouth dissolvable tablet. According to the announcement, this will be the first study designed to investigate whether DehydraTECH-enhanced semaglutide can absorb at any level systemically through the sublingual/buccal tissues of the mouth and throat with fewer side effects than from swallowed administration, and with some effective drug delivery into the bloodstream. “Lexaria is delighted that our contracted clinical research organization was able to complete the active phase of the study on schedule,” said Lexaria CEO Chris Bunka. “The results of this study are expected to validate our earlier work with semaglutide, and also to discover whether it is possible to achieve any absorption of this market-leading GLP-1 drug through the tissues of the mouth.”

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

About Lexaria Bioscience Corp.

DehydraTECH(TM) is Lexaria’s patented drug delivery formulation and processing platform technology that improves the way active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) enter the bloodstream through oral delivery. Since 2016, Lexaria has developed and investigated DehydraTECH with a variety of beneficial molecules in oral and topical formats. DehydraTECH has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to increase bio-absorption and has also evidenced an ability to deliver some drugs more effectively across the blood brain barrier, which Lexaria believes to be of particular importance for centrally active compounds. Lexaria operates a licensed in-house research laboratory and holds a robust intellectual property portfolio with 46 patents granted and many patents pending worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LexariaBioscience.com.

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

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420 with CNW — Brazilian Supreme Court Ends Criminalization of Cannabis Possession for Personal Use

The Brazilian Supreme Court recently voted to decriminalize cannabis possession for personal use, joining other Latin American nations in this reform and potentially reducing its substantial prison population. The majority of the justices, since the discussions began in 2015, have supported this move.

The justices now need to decide on the maximum amount of cannabis considered for personal use, with the effective date of the ruling expected soon. The justices who favored the decision noted that decriminalization should only apply to personal use amounts, keeping the sale of drugs illegal.

A 2006 bill passed by the U.S. Congress sought to penalize those who carried minor amounts of drugs, including marijuana, with noncustodial sentences such as community service. However, critics argue that it was too ambiguous, lacking a specific amount to distinguish trafficking from personal.

In response to the Supreme Court’s deliberations, Congress is separately working on a proposal to strengthen drug laws, complicating the legal landscape regarding cannabis possession. The Senate approved an amendment in April criminalizing possession of any illegal substances. This proposal passed the lower House’s constitutional committee on June 12, 2024, and needs approval from at least one more committee before a full House vote.

Should lawmakers approve the bill, it would override the Supreme Court’s decision but could still face constitutional challenges.

Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco stated that it is not within the top court’s jurisdiction to decide on the matter. The court’s decision has long been awaited by legal scholars and activists in Brazil, a country with the world’s third-largest prison population. Critics argue that the current laws often result in users being convicted on trafficking charges and incarcerated in overcrowded prisons, where they face pressure to join gangs.

As of the end of 2023, Brazil had about 852,000 people incarcerated, nearly 25% of whom were detained for drug trafficking or possession. The prison system is overcrowded, and Black individuals are disproportionately affected, comprising more than two-thirds of the inmates.

According to a recent study by the Brazilian research company Insper, Black people were marginally more likely than whites to be charged with drug trafficking. More than 3.5 million records from the public security secretariat of Sao Paulo were examined in this investigation between 2010 and 2020.

Leftist politician Chico Alencar celebrated the decision on social media, calling it a major step forward for Brazil’s drug policy and an issue of public health rather than safety and punishment. However, Gustavo Scandelari, an expert on Brazil’s penal code, contended that even if the court establishes a cap on the amount for personal use, the decision might not result in significant changes. He pointed out that although money plays a role in defining whether someone is viewed as a dealer or a user, it is not the only way.

In other Latin American countries, medical cannabis is permitted, though often under strict regulations. Colombia decriminalized possession about 10 years ago, but a measure to regulate recreational use failed to pass in the Senate last August. Similarly, Peru, Venezuela and Ecuador allow medical use but prohibit possession and distribution for other purposes.

For cannabis companies that could have foreign markets in the sights, such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), these developments in Brazil may be of more than casual interest since they could later open the door to broader cannabis-policy reforms that allow established companies to enter that market.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Operators in Pennsylvania Complain About Software Mandated by Regulators

Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis market generated more than $1.3 billion in sales in 2023, despite numerous issues and outages with the state’s mandated track-and-trace software. Operators claim these problems could be avoided if the software provided by MJ Freeway functioned correctly.

Although MJ Freeway recently merged with BioTrack to form Alleaves, it remains the sole provider under a contract established in 2017. Industry operators and a few legislators have voiced frustrations regarding MJ Freeway’s lack of a two-way Application Programming Interface (API) with other approved software used for sales and inventory management. This means businesses must manually input data, such as lab results and POS information, into MJ Freeway, which is both prone to errors and is time consuming. Additionally, when MJ Freeway experiences an outage, such as one that occurred last September, all operations are forced to halt.

Software providers, such as I Heart Jane and Dutchie, have confirmed that the API connection with MJ Freeway is nonfunctional, further complicating matters for businesses.

The situation is exacerbated by the state health department’s delay in implementing a fully integrated API system as mandated by a 2021 rule. State Representative Joe McAndrew expressed his confusion over the monopoly held by MJ Freeway in the state’s cannabis industry. McAndrew presented a resolution to the state legislature in May that would mandate that the health department integrate the required API technology per state law and review its contract with MJ Freeway within a month.

At the moment, medical marijuana enterprises can employ seven software providers certified by the health department; however, not all of them can interface with MJ Freeway. The ambiguity surrounding which platforms can communicate with the mandated software adds to the confusion.

Neil Ruhland, a spokesman for the health department, emphasized the organization’s dedication to safeguarding patient data while also looking for ways to enhance the current setup. Ruhland acknowledged that Pennsylvania already employs a seed-to-sale solution with some API capabilities, but he did not specify which vendors have a functional two-way API with MJ.

Moreover, the state is exploring alternatives to MJ Freeway, as indicated by a public notice posted last November, though the current status of that search remains unclear.

The $10.3 million, five-year contract with MJ Freeway was extended in April 2022. Grown In, a cannabis-related newsletter, said that MJ Freeway can charge medical cannabis licensees an extra $80,000 a year for assistance because of the deal.

As state lawmakers consider three different proposals for legalizing adult-use marijuana, the importance of a reliable seed-to-sale platform becomes more evident. Legalization PA, an advocacy group, estimates that legalizing recreational cannabis could potentially boost the state’s cannabis market to $2.8 billion in yearly sales.

Cannabis advocates thus emphasize the necessity of an effective and interactive software system to prevent the problems encountered in the past few years.

The concerns of industry players in Pennsylvania need to be addressed so that they don’t have to grapple with more challenges than they already face. This will enable them to have a chance at thriving in the same way industry companies such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) are thriving in other legal markets.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds Older Medical Marijuana Patients Experience Marked Health, Well-Being Improvements

A recent study has revealed that medical cannabis can offer numerous therapeutic benefits for older adults, positively impacting their mood, sleep, health and well-being. The study observed significant reductions in both pain interference and severity in older adults who use cannabis to manage chronic pain.

Published in the “Drugs and Aging Journal,” the study addresses the limited high-quality studies on marijuana use among older adults. Typically, clinical trials exclude participants older than 65 years of age, even as this demographic increasingly turns to medical cannabis for relief.

The research, which was carried out by a group from Drug Science and the Center for Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, examined information from the T21 project, a sizable cannabis observational study that was started in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2020.

Since 2018, marijuana-based medical products (CBMPs) have been legally prescribed in the UK. However, access through the National Health Service is limited, with most prescriptions coming from the private market.

The study measured patient outcomes through self-reported overall health, quality of life, sleep and mood metrics. Findings showed steady improvements in all these areas from the start of treatment to a three-month follow-up. Older adults who continued using CBMPs reported significant enhancements in their well-being and overall health.

Further, the study noted that while older patients’ improvements in mood and quality of life were not as significant as those of younger patients (those below 65 years), the advantages were still significant. Improvements in general health and sleep were similar across all age groups.

The researchers emphasized the importance of their findings in filling a gap in the current understanding of medical marijuana use among older adults. They highlighted a nationwide study by the Center for Medical Marijuana that failed to differentiate older persons over age 55, and the UK’s National Statistics Office, which does not gather particular information on marijuana usage by adults over the age of 59. Additionally, they noted that most data does not distinguish between recreational and medical use.

The study also identified distinctions between older and younger patients. Older patients were more likely to be female, report chronic pain as their major condition and be on multiple prescribed medications. They were also less likely to have used cannabis before and to use it daily before starting treatment. When prescribed, older patients were more likely to receive CBD-infused oils and less likely to receive cannabis flower with high-THC potency.

The study concludes that the improvements, even if slightly lower in quality of life and mood for older adults, are significant and add to the limited knowledge about medical marijuana in this age group.

As more becomes known about the specific ways in which different groups of patients, such as seniors, can benefit from medical marijuana products, businesses such as Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) could see their clientele growing faster in the years to come.

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420 with CNW — Florida Medical Cannabis Patients Surprised by Email Blast

Florida boasts more than 700,000 medical cannabis patients, and GOP Governor Ron DeSantis, who is currently opposing a proposal to legalize recreational cannabis, wants to highlight his achievements to this targeted group. Recently, Florida’s Health Department sent out an email to medical-cannabis patients, praising DeSantis for signing the state’s budget. The email also promoted a cancer research initiative by First Lady Casey DeSantis and highlighted various health issues addressed in the budget, including syphilis, HIV and hepatitis.

However, the email did not mention medical cannabis, which has raised concerns among advocates and patients who argue that the administration misused the patient list to push political messaging, violating the privacy of these patients. State Representative Kelly Skidmore, the top Democrat on the House Health Policy Committee, criticized the move as a misuse of power and information. She emphasized that patients did not consent to receive promotional material about the governor’s achievements.

In defense of its conduct, the Health Department said that the email was sent to every person in its databases — more than two million people — including the media, the general public, healthcare professionals and licensees. Weesam Khoury, a department spokesperson, did not elaborate on whether comparable marketing made use of patient records for COVID-19, HIV, cancer or other conditions. She was disappointed, she said, that the Associated Press chose to accentuate the annoyance caused by the email over the budget’s noteworthy initiatives.

Advocates argue that the issue extends beyond inconvenience to a breach of privacy. They worry that the broad public-records laws in Florida could allow someone to identify medical-cannabis patients from the email list, because these patients comprise about 35% of the email recipients. This could lead to unwarranted marketing, political messages or even job-related repercussions for patients.

Former agriculture commissioner and state Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried expressed surprise that the state was using the patient email list to promote policies. She said she would have encountered fierce criticism if she had taken similar action with the database of concealed weapons licenses. Fried referred to the action as reckless.

A medical-cannabis patient in Pensacola, who wished to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, mentioned plans to file a formal complaint. The patient compared the situation to a doctor disclosing private patient information for personal gain, insisting that accountability is necessary.

John Morgan, a personal injury attorney who led Florida’s 2016 medical cannabis initiative, questioned whether the email violated federal laws protecting medical information. He suggested that the email list could be highly valuable for political purposes, especially for promoting recreational cannabis legalization in the upcoming November election.

Leading cannabis companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) could be concerned at the casual way in which the health department in Florida is regarding the registry of medical-marijuana patients, given the potentially serious consequences that can result when that data reaches the wrong hands and the loss is traced to a state government agency.

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