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 — AMA Study Contradicts Claims That Drug Overdose Prevention Centers Fuel Crime

New research has found that overdose prevention centers in New York City have not led to an increase in crime. This is despite concerns that the establishment of harm-reduction centers would cause crime to skyrocket. The new findings add to previous research that demonstrated the centers’ potential in decreasing overdose deaths.

Overdose-prevention centers allow individuals to use illegal substances in a supervised environment, helping reduce the risk of harms associated with drug use, such as a fatal overdose.

The study was carried out by researchers at Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Connecticut. For their research, the investigators examined crime trends in NYC’s first government-sanctioned overdose prevention centers, which were launched two years ago. They then compared their findings to areas close to more than 15 syringe service programs that did not provide resources to prevent overdose.

The researchers also analyzed 311 and 911 calls, drug-possession arrests, public nuisances, law enforcement summons for criminal infractions and medical events. They observed no considerable increases in calls for emergency services or crimes recorded by law enforcement in neighborhoods where the prevention centers were located.

In addition, they recorded no statistically significant spike in either violent or property crime near these overdose prevention centers. This is despite a reduction in the number of drug-possession arrests made as the state continues to reprioritize law enforcement.

In their report, the researchers stated that statistically significant decreases in narcotics enforcement by the police around these centers was observed, adding that this was consistent with NYC’s commitment to ensuring that individuals could access the centers without any interference by the police. The researchers also noted that more studies were needed to establish that overdose-prevention centers wouldn’t be linked to localized increases in disorder and crime in the long-term.

At the moment, however, the findings strengthen arguments from harm-reduction advocates on the minimal risk associated with using overdose-prevention sites to help alleviate the risk of overdose deaths, as the opioid crisis rages on.

The research’s findings were published by the American Medical Association in “JAMA Public Health.”

A separate study published in 2022 determined that trained staff intervened in more than 100 overdose instances two months after the first overdose prevention center was launched in NYC. The staff are said to have alleviated risks of overdose by administering oxygen and naloxone as well as offering other services to prevent death. Naloxone is a medication that has been approved by the FDA to reverse an opioid overdose.

The positive role that overdose-prevention centers are playing, contrary to the views of detractors, may mirror the positive impact that marijuana companies such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) are having in spite of prohibitionists’ alarmist claims that legalizing cannabis does more harm than good to society.

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.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds Cannabis Gives Anxiety Sufferers Better Sleep Compared to Alcohol

A recent study supported by federal funding has uncovered insights into the sleep patterns of individuals dealing with anxiety, revealing that the use of marijuana appears to be linked to improved sleep quality. The research, published in the “Drug and Alcohol Review” journal and conducted collaboratively by teams from the University of Haifa, Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, sought to explore the subjective sleep experiences of 347 individuals utilizing cannabis to manage anxiety.

Over a span of 30 days, participants were engaged in daily surveys where they documented their substance use and recounted their previous night’s sleep experience. The study compared outcomes on days with no substance use, marijuana-only use, alcohol-only use and co-use of both substances.

The findings indicated a notable difference in reported sleep quality, with participants reporting better sleep on marijuana-only days and co-use days in contrast to nonuse days. Intriguingly, alcohol-only use did not exhibit a similar positive association with sleep quality. The study also revealed a correlation between the frequency of alcohol and cannabis use and sleep patterns. Individuals with higher usage frequencies reported enhanced sleep quality on days when marijuana was the sole substance used compared to those who used alcohol and cannabis less frequently.

This correlation challenges the idea that tolerance may diminish the sleep-inducing effects of cannabis, as the study suggests an opposite trend of improved sleep quality with more frequent marijuana use. In addition, contrary to the common belief that alcohol aids in sleep, the research corroborated previous findings that alcohol does not contribute significantly to overall sleep quality, especially when juxtaposed with cannabis.

The study posited that understanding various cannabis combinations and ratios remains limited, emphasizing the need for further research, especially in clinical trials. The inclusion of diverse cannabis types, varying in dosage and product selection, prompted the researchers to acknowledge existing gaps in knowledge, advocating for future trials to address these uncertainties.

The study concluded by emphasizing the urgency of experimental investigations into the effects of cannabis and alcohol on sleep. It underscored the potential positive impact of cannabis on subjective sleep quality for individuals dealing with anxiety. Additionally, it highlighted the need for further exploration into the interplay between the frequency of substance use and its immediate influence on sleep, especially in populations seeking cannabis as a coping mechanism for anxiety, where alcohol and cannabis misuse may be prevalent.

As the health benefits of cannabis gain more attention from the scientific community, demand could grow much faster, which could in turn boost the demand for ancillary services such as those offered by Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).

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Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Building a Global Presence with Superior Delivery Technology for Wide Range of Drugs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Lexaria, a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, has, through its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology, proven to enhance the performance of several categories of fat-soluble active molecules and drugs
Since 2018, human clinical studies on the technology have yielded positive results, ultimately earning Lexaria 37 granted patents globally, with many more pending around the world
With the strides made so far, Lexaria looks to grow its revenue and commercial opportunities through licensing

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, remains committed to its mission to provide healthier delivery methods of drugs and other Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (“APIs”). This is made possible through its patented drug delivery technology, DehydraTECH(TM), proven to enhance the performance of several categories of fat-soluble active molecules and drugs across oral and/or topical product formats.

The company’s efforts have focused on several key segments, including hypertension, diabetes, antivirals, epilepsy, nicotine replacement, and more. This has been an ongoing process since 2016, with positive results achieved from various clinical studies thus far, showing up to 17x brain absorption improvements for oral administration of APIs. In 2021, for instance, the nicotine oral mucosal animal absorption study, NIC-A21-1, demonstrated a 10x to 20x reduction in time to deliver peak levels of nicotine, as well as a 1.7x to 6.6x improvement in nicotine levels in the bloodstream (https://cnw.fm/7orZ4).

This is enabled by DehydraTECH’s specific design for formulating and delivering lipophilic drugs and APIs. By increasing their effectiveness and improving the way they enter the bloodstream, DehydraTECH can offer a wide range of benefits, such as a significant increase in bioavailability, increased brain absorption, improving the speed of onset, masking unwanted tastes, and reduced drug administration costs.

Human clinical studies have been conducted since 2018, with more on the way, ultimately earning Lexaria 37 granted patents globally, with many more pending around the world. From 2018 to 2022, four human clinical studies on the potential treatment of hypertension were completed, evidencing lower blood pressure (“BP”) with zero serious adverse events. Lexaria is now closer than ever to submitting its Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application for its planned U.S. Phase 1b Hypertension Clinical Trial with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

For the first half of the 2023 calendar year, animal studies on using DehydraTECH-processed CBD for potentially treating diabetes demonstrated positive results such as reduced triglyceride levels, weight loss, and improved cholesterol levels. . .

“This is a remarkable achievement that speaks to the capabilities of the DehydraTECH technology and also to the Lexaria R&D team, working ardently with scarce resources relative to global multi-billion-dollar behemoths,” noted Chris Bunka, Lexaria’s CEO (https://cnw.fm/xOuDJ).

With the strides made, Lexaria looks to grow its revenue and commercial opportunities through licensing. Given its versatile application areas, the technology can be licensed by both the consumer-packaged goods industry and the drug and pharmaceutical sector. Its suitability cuts across a growing range of consumer product formats, such as registered drugs, nutraceuticals, oral suspensions, topical applications, capsules, pills, tablets and more.

The progress achieved thus far by Lexaria is remarkable. Its goals are also much more significant, as evidenced by the time and resources invested into DehydraTECH development. The efforts so far affirm the company’s commitment to providing healthier delivery methods for drugs and other APIs. They also assert its commitment to creating shareholder value and stamping its position as a leader in its segment.

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

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 — Amid Congressional Inaction, NY Governor Enacts Measure Easing Cannabis Banking

Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York signed into law a measure that eases the process through which financial institutions can work with legal marijuana businesses. The bill was sponsored by Assembly member Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Senator Jeremy Cooney.

It permits the Office of Cannabis Management to offer information about legal cannabis business applicants or licensees to financial institutions. The objective is to make it easier for businesses to comply with antimoney-laundering laws and filing of activity reports required for every marijuana-related transaction at the federal level.

It should be noted that before information can be shared, applicants and licensees would have to give their consent.

A memo attached to the measure states that it would permit financial institutions to access and verify financial as well as personal information for their prospective marijuana clients. It explains that the measure will reduce the costs imposed by additional reporting and compliance measures while also making it easier for financial institutions that want to bank marijuana businesses to comply with federal reporting.

The memo also highlights that handling large cash amounts, which most legal marijuana businesses do because they are unable to secure banking services, puts workers as well as the general public at risk. It notes that accessing financial services affects public safety and that cash businesses are exploited for criminal purposes, which undermines the goal of creating legal, safe and regulated markets.

The memo also highlights that handling large cash amounts, which most legal marijuana businesses do because they are unable to secure banking services, puts workers as well as the general public at risk. It notes that accessing financial services affects public safety and cash businesses are exploited for criminal purposes, which undermines the goal of creating legal, safe and regulated markets.

Currently, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Despite being legal in various states, this classification makes the drug illegal at the federal level.

In addition to providing banking services to marijuana businesses, the new law eliminates a number of the systemic and financial barriers that can prevent some from taking part in the legal cannabis market safely. Expanding eligibility for participation in this flourishing market may facilitate the opening of more legal businesses at a time when the illicit market continues to flourish in New York City.

Hochul also signed a resolution that offers tax relief to cannabis businesses in the state of New York. Currently, these businesses are still not allowed to make federal deductions under IRS code 280E.

In other news, legislators in Albany have been debating on solutions to deal with issues facing the implementation of marijuana legalization. Last month, the legislators discussed enforcement efforts to quash the illegal cannabis market in the state, the THC potency tax, preventing youth from accessing marijuana and lab testing practices, priorities on licensing and distribution, among other problems.

As more states take matters into their own hands and enact local measures to help marijuana businesses access conventional banking services, the operations of numerous entities such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) could have one less hurdle to deal with.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana-Infused Dinners on the Rise in Maryland

The marijuana industry in the state of Maryland is on course to becoming a billion-dollar business after the recreational use of the drug was legalized a few months ago. Many are taking advantage of this new market, with some offering private dinner parties that feature foods infused with marijuana.

One entrepreneur, Chef Jazmine Moore, has been offering such course meals at her restaurant. Moore believes more individuals are looking for alternative ways to relax and enjoy themselves, and her food affords them an approachable way to use marijuana.

Her approach is backed by numbers from a recent poll, which show that almost 40% of individuals in America felt two alcoholic drinks was unhealthy, which may have some substituting drinks for marijuana.

The chef normally consults with her guests prior to every event, which enables her to ensure that everyone participating is aged 21 years and older; she also ensures that every individual signs a waiver. Moore revealed that she had used marijuana herself to help her overcome Crohn’s Disease symptoms, which had caused digestive issues that actually prevented her from eating.

Moore’s business, the Green Panther Chef, allows her to forge her path in a new field while also taking away the stigma that still surrounds the use of cannabis. During her dinner parties, which last roughly three hours, guests often begin the night with a CBD-infused mocktail or cocktail.

One dinner guest, Shirdell Kenney, revealed that marijuana helped people unwind and afforded the space for guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Ayanna Lawson, another dinner guest, noted that consuming marijuana-infused meals didn’t make one a stoner. Lawson herself owns and manages Front Row Travels, a travel firm that centers on marijuana-friendly getaways and experiences.

A few other guests were interviewed, with one declaring that food did taste better with marijuana while another discussed how marijuana helped her as a survivor of thyroid cancer.

Moore revealed that she enjoyed teaching others how to cook with marijuana and had already published her own cookbook focused on that topic. She hopes that in the future, cannabis will be allowed to expand restaurant menus in the state. When asked about marijuana’s effect after one has consumed infused foods, she equates the feeling to that of having a few glasses of wine.

Kenney herself noted that the feeling was a mellow and better high, especially when compared to smoking a joint.

Such dinners featuring marijuana-infused foods and drinks could go a long way in helping many individuals become comfortable consuming marijuana products from entities similar to Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) that make products for the recreational and medical markets within different jurisdictions.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – AROYA Unveils CLIMATE ONE, TEROS ONE and AROYA GO at MJBizCon

AROYA by Addium, the preferred cannabis production platform for more than 600 operators across the country, from booth #51005 at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, introduced the latest additions to its portfolio: The CLIMATE ONE Climate Station and The TEROS ONE Substrate Sensors. AROYA’s new environmental and substrate sensors are a means through which to access real-time information and to adjust irrigation and climate conditions. The combination lets growers control environmental factors to influence plant growth patterns and outcomes, leading to more effective and sustainable cultivation practices. “AROYA has set a new standard in precision agriculture for cannabis,” said AROYA CEO Scott Campbell. “These devices are not just technological advancements; they’re a game-changer for growers who are committed to sustainable and efficient cultivation practices. These announcements embody our commitment to empowering cultivators with the best sensors, software and science – the requisite tools for success.”

In addition, the company introduced AROYA GO, the most advanced cannabis grow kit to ever hit the consumer market. AROYA GO brings the company’s industry-leading sensors, data science, intelligence and weather station technology to at-home and craft cannabis cultivation. With the same high-grade hardware, elegant software and real-time analytics used in the world’s largest and most advanced grow rooms, plug-and-play AROYA GO democratizes the ability to cultivate top-quality, high-yield craft cannabis. “AROYA GO is a legitimate game-changer for serious, passionate enthusiasts,” Campbell said of the system.

To view the full press releases, visit https://cnw.fm/sr3aW and https://cnw.fm/Z7UP6

About AROYA

AROYA is the leading cannabis production platform, combining forward-thinking science, sensors and software to empower cultivators with data-driven insights that help them increase yield, scale operations and achieve consistent quality. Based in Pullman, Washington, AROYA brings 30 years of experience in sensor development to the ag-tech industry, enabling cultivators to do more with less while making more purpose-driven decisions for their businesses. For additional information, please visit AROYA.io.

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420 with CNW — Genomic Study Gives Insights into Why Individuals Suffer from CUD

An examination of the genetic makeup of more than a million individuals, spearheaded by researchers at Yale, has provided valuable insights into the biological foundations of marijuana use disorder and how it relates to mental health issues, substance misuse (including tobacco) and potentially even a higher risk of lung cancer.

The study examined the genomes of participants from a range of ancestry groups, utilizing information from many genomic databases in addition to the extensive genetic data bank of the United States Veterans Affairs’ Million Veteran Program (MVP).The analysis revealed many genetic variations connected to marijuana use disorder, providing insight into a range of behavioral and physical problems related to the condition.

The study, published in the “Nature Genetics Journal” this month, was led by Daniel Levy, an assistant professor of psychiatry, and Joel Gelernter, a professor at the Foundations Fund of Psychiatry and Genetics and Neuroscience.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48 million individuals, or 18% of the American population, used cannabis at least once in 2019, making cannabis the most widely used federally illegal substance in the country. Previous research indicates that roughly 10% of cannabis users develop an addiction, while three out of ten users have a marijuana use disorder, which is defined as an unfavorable pattern of use that results in clinical impairment or suffering. Furthermore, another study found that those who began using marijuana throughout childhood or adolescence and who use it more regularly have a higher chance of developing the disorder.

The newly unveiled genetic findings provide nuanced views into the underpinnings of this phenomenon and its potential ramifications on health. Notably, certain genetic variants associated with marijuana use disorder were identified in genes responsible for encoding three distinct types of neuron receptors, indicating an elevated risk of developing this disorder.

Intriguingly, there was a correlation found between these same genetic variations and an elevated risk of lung cancer. The researchers, however, underscore the necessity for further investigation to disentangle the influences of tobacco smoking and other factors on cancer diagnosis from those associated with cannabis use.

Joel Gelernter emphasized the significance of this study, labeling it the most extensive genome-wide exploration of marijuana use disorder to date. He also noted that as cannabis legalization and decriminalization efforts gain momentum across states, studies of this nature are instrumental in comprehending the accompanying health risks.

This study helps to clarify that individuals who develop cannabis use disorder often have a genetic predisposition to this condition. For that reason, most members of the general population can safely use marijuana products from any of the many companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) for recreational or medical reasons without having a high risk of developing CUD.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds Marijuana Users Possess Greater Understanding, Empathy

A recent study, featured in the “Journal of Neuroscience Research,” has shed light on the enhanced emotional understanding observed in regular cannabis users. The study, conducted by a team of neurobiologists at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, underscores the potential positive impact of cannabis on interpersonal relationships and its plausible therapeutic applications.

The research involved a comparison of empathy measurements between two distinct groups: 85 regular marijuana users and 51 individuals who abstained from cannabis use. The researchers utilized a 33-item written test and MRI images to gauge the participants’ empathic responses.

The written test, designed to evaluate both cognitive and affective empathy, delved into specific areas, or subscales, including the ability to empathize by placing oneself in another’s shoes and recognizing others’ impressions and emotions. Additionally, it gauged the capacity to resonate with positive and negative emotions.

The authors found that marijuana users exhibited higher scores on emotional comprehension scales, emphasizing their proficiency in recognizing and understanding others’ emotions. However, distinctions in empathy subscales beyond emotional comprehension did not reach statistical significance.

Researchers posited a potential link between cannabis use and heightened empathy, though they urged caution, emphasizing the necessity for further research to unravel the complexities involved. In their attempt to elucidate the findings, the authors highlighted the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a susceptible region to cannabis effects and a key player in the complex process of empathy. The study proposed that the differences in emotional comprehension scores and brain functional connectivity observed in regular marijuana users might be linked to the impact of marijuana on the ACC, an area rich in CB1 receptors crucial for representing others’ affective states.

Despite these insights, the authors acknowledged certain limitations. Notably, they couldn’t rule out preexisting differences before marijuana-use initiation, emphasizing the study’s inability to establish causation. Moreover, empathy assessments relied on self-reported responses, lacking biochemical markers alongside subjective reports.

Additionally, the study recognized a potential disparity in THC potency between Mexican and U.S. cannabis, with the former containing lower THC levels. They noted that Mexican marijuana contained approximately 2% to 20% THC on the illegal market, potentially influencing brain outcomes differently than in studies reporting emotional dysfunctions in cannabis users.

Despite these caveats, the authors asserted that the results pave the way for further investigation into the clinical applications of cannabis in affecting mood and social interactions. The findings of such studies could end up giving major industry players such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) ideas on how they can tweak their products and appeal to consumers with specific needs.

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420 with CNW — Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Granting New York Cannabis Businesses Code 280E Tax Relief

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law a measure that provides tax relief to cannabis businesses in the state of New York. The measure, which was approved by the Senate and Assembly a few months ago, fills a policy gap left by a separate measure the governor signed in 2022, which included provisions that permitted tax deductions for marijuana businesses in the state.

In summary, the resolution would permit deductions for business expenses incurred by those authorized by the law to sell, distribute or produce medical marijuana or adult-use marijuana products, for purposes of the business corporation tax, the general corporation tax and the unincorporated business tax. A memo attached to this resolution stated that the modification was appropriate as the expenses of marijuana-related businesses couldn’t be deducted for federal purposes.

Legislators in a few other states have been looking into a tax workaround as state-licensed marijuana businesses continue to grapple with considerably higher federal tax rates as a result of prohibition. For instance, lawmakers in Pennsylvania passed a large-scale tax reform measure in October that contained language to offer state-level relief to medical cannabis businesses.

Governor Janet Mills of Maine also signed a measure to separate state tax from the federal policy for marijuana businesses. In addition, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont also signed a budget resolution that included provisions offering tax relief at the state-level to licensed cannabis businesses as a workaround for the growing industry.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also signed a budget measure that included provisions that permitted licensed cannabis businesses to take state tax deductions that were currently prohibited under the 280E code. Prior to the moves made by the Connecticut and Illinois governors, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy signed a measure that would permit licensed cannabis businesses to deduct some expenses on their state tax returns as a partial fix.

Legislators in Virginia and Iowa have also pursued similar tax relief measures for their state’s cannabis markets.

A bill that would amend the IRS code and permit state-legal cannabis businesses to take federal tax deductions that were availed to companies in other industries was also reintroduced by Representative Earl Blumenauer in Congress. At the federal level, however, cannabis businesses in legal states are still not allowed to make federal deductions under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code. This is primarily because marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

This issue can be resolved if the DEA considered the recommendations made by the Department of Health and Human Services and reclassified cannabis under Schedule III.

These efforts to provide a measure of tax relief to cannabis companies is a step in the right direction and enterprises such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) could use the funds they save in this way to avail more product options to their customers.

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420 with CNW — UMass Study Concludes High Schoolers’ Likelihood to Use Cannabis Isn’t Heightened by Legalization

A new study has found that high schoolers are not as likely to use cannabis following the drug’s legalization. This finding weakens prior claims that youth who know or think that their friends, siblings or parents use cannabis may have a heightened risk for marijuana use and additional intervention and prevention strategies need to be implemented to reduce said risk.

The study, which was carried out by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, included associate professor Jennifer Whitehill of health policy and management and Public Health and Health Sciences doctoral candidate, Faith English. Whitehill’s focus, as the study’s senior author, was assessing whether the link between perceived cannabis use by friends and family, a risk factor for adolescent cannabis use, changed in the context of legalization.

For their study, the researchers conducted an analysis of data gathered from a pair of high schools in Massachusetts. They then compared data from two years: before marijuana was legalized and after retail stores were launched. They observed no significant difference in the prevalence of cannabis use in a 30-day period.

Among the participants surveyed prior to legalization, 27% and 19% of males and females respectively, reported that they used cannabis in the last 30 days. In the survey conducted after legalization, 28% and 20% of males and females respectively reported cannabis use in the last 30 days. They also observed that following legalization, the percentage of adolescents who reported that their parents used cannabis grew to 24% from 18%.

Currently, the recreational use of cannabis is fully legal in 24 states and the District of Columbia. In legal states, individuals aged 21 years and older are allowed to purchase and possess cannabis for recreational use. The researchers also discovered that perceived use of cannabis by a best friend, in comparison to perceived use by other parties, had the strongest link with cannabis use by teenagers.

The study’s findings can help inform public health guidelines and policy in the state of Massachusetts as well as other states rolling out marijuana laws.

English, who was the lead author of the study, is also interested in how legalization of marijuana influences youth contact with the justice system. In her dissertation, she assesses trends in marijuana-related discipline in a school setting and uses qualitative interviews with adolescents to understand their experiences with and perspectives on discipline in a school setting.

The study’s findings were reported in a special issue of “Clinical Therapeutics.”

This study shows that opponents of legalization have no scientific basis to malign the entire cannabis industry, together with its leading players such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), for allegedly commercializing a product that would become increasingly accessible to kids. The data disproves such a claim.

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