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 — Survey Shows at Least 10% of Senior Americans Have Used Marijuana Recently

Recent research findings indicate a growing trend of cannabis use among older Americans. A University of Michigan study, which used data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, revealed that 12.1% of individuals aged 50 to 80 years of age in the United States reported using marijuana within the past year.

According to the researchers, among those who acknowledged marijuana use, 34.2% reported using it at least four days a week. The study also revealed that during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than one in ten adults in that same age range turned to marijuana, with many adopting a regular usage pattern.

The researchers stress the importance of ongoing monitoring by clinicians and policymakers as marijuana accessibility expands nationally, particularly focusing on potential risks for older adults.

The study also observed that marijuana use was less prevalent among individuals identifying as Hispanic or belonging to “other” racial categories compared to non-Hispanic white respondents. Despite this, cannabis has gained popularity among older individuals seeking relief from chronic pain and various age-related ailments.

NORML deputy director Paul Armentano commented on the survey results, noting that it is not surprising that an increasing percentage of older adults view marijuana as a viable option. Many older individuals contend with issues such as restless sleep, anxiety and pain, all conditions that are often alleviated by marijuana products. Armentano highlighted the awareness among older adults regarding the serious adverse effects linked to prescription drugs, such as sleeping aids and opioids, positioning medical marijuana as a practical and potentially safer alternative.

Additional survey data aligns with this growing trend. A report by the Hill earlier this year highlighted a significant increase in cannabis usage among Americans aged over 65, nearly tripling from 11% in 2009 to 32% in 2019. The report also noted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on survey methodology and results.

Gallup corroborated these findings, revealing that 50% of Americans have tried cannabis at some point. This represents a gradual increase over the past 25 years, with 17% reporting current marijuana use. The proportion of Americans admitting to smoking marijuana has more than doubled since 2013, reaching 49% in 2021. Gallup’s historical trends highlight a substantial increase in public support for marijuana legalization, growing from 12% in 1969 to an impressive 68% today.

In essence, these research findings indicate a shifting landscape of marijuana use, especially among older Americans, driven by a growing acceptance of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. These are trends that major players in the marijuana industry such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) may be watching closely because seniors can be a stable market segment to target.

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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CannabisNewsBreaks – Why Software Effective Solutions Corp. (SFWJ) Is ‘One to Watch’

Software Effective Solutions (OTC: SFWJ) (d/b/a MedCana) is a global infrastructure and holding company in the cannabis industry. MedCana’s current portfolio includes five companies focused on pharmaceutical cannabis production, a software company focused on managing processes for plant-to-patient operations, and a recently acquired irrigation and greenhouse technology company. “MedCana’s focus is on developing clients and companies in Latin America, initially in Colombia, and partnerships with laboratories, research facilities and hospitals throughout the world. MedCana is building the technology, laboratories, growing facilities and scientific teams to provide premium pharmaceutical-grade cannabis extracts to the world. MedCana’s goal is to be the world’s premier resource for pharmaceutical cannabis products. The company believes its advantage is its global view and reach,” a recent article reads. “MedCana announced in May 2023 the beginning of full-scale production of non-THC cannabis for export to Europe in response to high demand in that market. This expansion comes after the successful completion of full crop cycle testing and infrastructure development at production sites in Columbia. The recent acquisition of the assets of Tokan Corp., a software company focused on creating an enterprise resource planning (‘ERP’) platform for the cannabis industry, and Eko2O S.A.S., a greenhouse and irrigation engineering company, has positioned MedCana for explosive growth in the region. As a MedCana subsidiary, Eko2O SA will increase the company’s revenue potential in Central and South America… In addition, MedCana has started talks with the government in Argentina about possible incentives for beginning operations in that country as part of its ongoing worldwide development strategy.”

To view the full article, visit https://cnw.fm/sNStT

About Software Effective Solutions Corp.

Software Effective Solutions/MedCana is a global infrastructure and holding company in the cannabis industry. Currently, MedCana has five companies focused on pharmaceutical cannabis production and one software company focused on managing processes for plant-to-patient operations. The recent acquisition of an irrigation and greenhouse technology company has rounded out MedCana’s portfolio of companies. MedCana’s initial focus is on developing clients and companies in Latin America with an initial focus in Colombia and partnerships with laboratories, research facilities and hospitals throughout the world.

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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CannabisNewsBreaks – Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Releases Update on FDA Application for Investigational Drug

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX, LEXXW), a global innovator in drug-delivery platforms, is planning to submit an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) in the next 45 days. The application is for the company’s planned U.S. phase 1b Hypertension Clinical Trial. The filing had been delayed for necessary documentation from a raw material supplier, which is now being provided, enabling Lexaria to finalize the IND application. According to the announcement, the supplier anticipates providing the final two pieces of outstanding information to the FDA within the next 45 days, after which Lexaria can proceed with filing the IND application. The trial, which is titled “A Phase 1b Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of DehydraTECH-CBD(TM) in Subjects with Stage 1 or Stage 2 Hypertension,” is designed to evaluate safety and tolerability in hypertensive patients. Secondary objectives of the study will include efficacy evaluation in reducing blood pressure together with detailed pharmacokinetic testing. “Lexaria feels confident, given that from 2018 through 2022 it has previously conducted five human clinical trials studying DehydraTECH-CBD in an aggregate total of 134 people, without recording a single serious adverse event, that it’s proposed phase 1b study plan will not expose test subjects to unreasonable risk,” the company stated in the press release. “Lexaria looks forward to submitting this important IND filing and hopes that the review process proceeds smoothly toward effectiveness in the subsequent 30 day period allotted by the FDA.”

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/Ne8PK

About Lexaria Bioscience Corp.

Lexaria Bioscience’s patented drug-delivery formulation and processing platform technology, DehydraTECH(TM), 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 bioabsorption 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 37 patents granted and many patents pending worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit www.LexariaBioscience.com.

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

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420 with CNW — Policy Analyst Says Marijuana Legalization ‘Inevitable’

A policy analyst from TD Cowen says that cannabis legalization in the United States is “inevitable” and believes that it is just a question of weathering a bumpy legislative landscape for the next several years. Originally, many analysts thought federal cannabis legalization was finally on track after the Democrats secured the House, Senate and White House, especially as President Joe Biden had based part of his campaign on cannabis reform.

However, while the Biden administration has taken some cannabis-related action, including issuing a mass pardon for people with certain cannabis-related convictions, the administration has barely made any moves to legalize cannabis at the federal level.

With President Biden’s first term fast approaching its end, many pundits and investors are quickly losing hope for federal cannabis legalization, particularly in the next couple of years. Capital investment in the state-legal cannabis industry is extremely low, and the AdvisorShares Pure U.S. Cannabis ETF, current holder of all U.S.-based marijuana companies, is trading at just $6.80 a share down from around $52 a share in early 2021.

Federal prohibition has made operating in the cannabis sector almost untenable; cannabis businesses are barred from interstate commerce, they struggle to obtain investment and financing, and they aren’t allowed to make normal business tax deductions. Even so, TD Cowen policy analyst Jaret Seiberg says federal legalization is inevitable. Polls show that a majority of the American population is in favor of either decriminalization or outright legalization, and a cadre of top lawmakers has thrown their weight behind cannabis reform.

Bipartisan legislation such as the SAFER Banking Act seeks to legitimize the cannabis sector by allowing industry players to access financial services from banking institutions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other senators have also been working on a bill that would legalize cannabis at the federal level.

In addition, a group of Massachusetts cannabis businesses has filed a lawsuit alleging that the Controlled Substances Act, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled drug, is an unconstitutional infringement on the power of states with legal cannabis. Although a favorable ruling wouldn’t make interstate cannabis trade any easier, it would significantly ease the operations of already existing cannabis businesses by granting them access to essential financial services, such as bank accounts and cashless payments.

Legalization may also be spurred by executive action. For instance, Biden recently asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review marijuana’s federal status as a controlled substance. Subsequently, a letter dated Aug 29, 2023, which was obtained by Bloomberg, revealed that a top HHS official had recommended that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reschedule cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III.

The cannabis industry, including enterprises such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), awaits any definitive action taken by the DEA as this will have a major effect on the trajectory of the marijuana industry in the United States.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds Drop in Young Adults’ Use of Tobacco, Alcohol Post-Cannabis Legalization

New research has found that the legalization of cannabis may be linked to a drop in the use of cigarettes and alcohol by young adults. For their study, the researchers surveyed 311 individuals aged 18 to 20 years of age who were living in Los Angeles prior to and after the state legalized the recreational use of cannabis in 2016.

The participants were divided into two groups: prelegalization and postlegalization, with the latter group having 139 participants.

The researchers found that despite increased normalization of marijuana use and increased access to the drug, legalization did not cause the frequency of marijuana use to increase. However, they did observe a shift in the use of edibles after legalization. This, the researchers theorized, could point to a substitution effect that may have resulted from increased access to marijuana via diversion of marijuana from adult-use or medical marijuana dispensaries or a medical marijuana recommendation.

With regard to the use of other substances, the researchers observed a drop in cigarette and alcohol use among participants in the postlegalization group. This, they argued, suggested the possibility of a protective effect provided by marijuana or potentially ongoing changes in attitudes and norms toward the drug.

The study, which was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reported its findings in the “Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.”

The study’s findings counter arguments made by prohibitionists on the potential impact of legalizing marijuana, as the data also showed no significant rise in the use of cannabis among young adults who hadn’t attained the minimum age that’d allow them to access retail dispensaries. In their report, the researchers recommended that future studies monitor whether stable rates of marijuana use and reductions in the use of cigarettes and alcohol would be sustained as participants attained legal age to access these substances. They also recommended that research focus on how these trends altered or continued as participants entered adulthood.

This is not the first study to observe a possible substitution effect. Research that was published recently in the “International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction” reported that the legalization of medical cannabis was linked to a lower frequency of use for nonprescribed opioids. Separate research published in October also found that legal access to CBD products brought about considerable reductions in opioid prescriptions.

Earlier in August, another study determined that cannabis was significantly linked to decreased cravings for opioids for individuals who were using them without prescriptions. This suggests that expanding access to legal marijuana by letting various companies such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) operate may offer individuals safer substitutes.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Industry Stakeholders Upbeat Regarding Prospects of Ending Section 280E Pains

During a recent panel discussion at MJBizCon, industry insiders expressed hope for a positive shift in the status of marijuana under the Biden administration. The anticipation is that marijuana could be rescheduled, potentially reducing the burdensome taxes imposed on marijuana businesses by Section 280E of the federal tax code.

However, amid this optimism, the panel acknowledged the existing challenges in the industry and the necessity of taking calculated risks to unlock future benefits. An illustrative example is Virgil Grant, an industry veteran who, despite enduring a six-year federal prison sentence for operating a legally sanctioned medical cannabis business in California, remains undeterred in his commitment to the cannabis sector.

Grant, now the CEO of a California marijuana retail chain and cofounder of the California Minority Alliance and the Southern California Coalition, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the industry. Recently, his bank closed his account, creating significant obstacles for essential financial operations such as payroll and lease payments. Rather than succumbing to these challenges, Grant is actively advocating for the passage of the SAFER banking bill, emphasizing its potential to facilitate access to crucial services and capital. He also advocates for ending the imposition of Section 280E on marijuana companies, a sentiment shared by fellow industry stakeholders.

At MJBizCon, Grant shared the stage with other prominent figures, including Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve Cannabis, and David Mangone, director of policy at the National Cannabis Roundtable. These individuals participated in a session titled “Cannabis Industry Outlook: Trends, Obstacles, and Strategies to Survive,” which delved into the risks undertaken by industry players in the hope of long-term rewards.

For Rivers, the risks involve a substantial investment of $40 million in advocating for adult-use legalization in Florida and pursuing a $143 million tax redemption from the IRS for payments made between 2019 and 2021. Rivers clarified that Trulieve, unlike some companies, has chosen not to defer tax payments under 280E, emphasizing its commitment to paying taxes in full and on time.

Despite these financial risks, Rivers remains optimistic about the potential $150 million IRS refund. “We’ll let you know if any big checks come through,” he said. The overall theme of the session emphasized the resilience required to navigate the current challenges and uncertainties in the cannabis industry.

In the first presentation of the day, MJBizDaily editorial team members presented predictions for the coming year. These included the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to III and the possible elimination of Section 280E. Other predictions encompassed the unlikelihood of a takeover of the cannabis industry by major pharmaceutical firms, increased legalization of recreational cannabis in states such as Pennsylvania and Florida, growing interest from investors in the marijuana industry and the diminishing significance of marijuana in the 2024 presidential election due to bipartisan support for federal cannabis reform.

The expected easing of the tax burden on the marijuana industry in the United States would make it possible for industry actors such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) to earn a decent profit from their operations, gaining the financial muscle to push ahead with bringing more innovative products to market.

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420 with CNW — Immigrants Still Face Legal Consequences for Marijuana Use Despite State-Level Legalization

In Minnesota, individuals aged 21 years and older are permitted to legally possess and use marijuana. However, despite being legal at the state level, marijuana remains prohibited under federal law. This legal nuance is particularly pertinent for immigrants who haven’t obtain U.S. citizenship, according to Julia Decker, the policy director at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.

Decker emphasizes the federal control over cannabis, noting that engaging in any related activities or possessing marijuana could result in immigration consequences, potentially leading to deportation. This distinction holds regardless of one’s legal status, even if an individual possesses a green card or other lawful immigration documentation.

The complexity arises because, under Minnesota state law, an individual might possess a small quantity of cannabis for personal use without facing criminal charges. However, immigration applications often inquire about any uncharged or unconvicted criminal acts, complicating matters for applicants swearing under penalty of perjury or oath. Even in the absence of a criminal case, Decker warns of potential consequences.

Linus Chan, a clinical professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School, points out the challenge attorneys face in navigating a system where the distinction between state and federal law isn’t always clear. He notes that people often overlook the difference between state and federal law when determining whether an act constitutes a crime. This lack of clarity extends to areas such as conviction expungements, where a state expungement may not carry weight at the federal level.

The federal immigration law, as Chan points out, provides no exceptions for medically prescribed cannabis or employment at a dispensary. Although a marijuana conviction doesn’t automatically hinder naturalization or trigger deportation, the risks are heightened for individuals lacking citizenship, according to both Chan and Decker.

Decker underscores the necessity of recognizing the arbitrary nature of legal distinctions, especially concerning marijuana laws. She suggests that, particularly in the context of citizens versus noncitizens, the disparities in legal standards can seem fundamentally unfair across various issues.

As cannabis legalization in Minnesota is still in its early stages, Decker recommends individuals navigating the immigration system seek advice from immigration lawyers. Meanwhile, legal experts closely monitor how these changes may impact the future citizenship prospects of Minnesota residents.

The shifting legal landscape prompts a proactive approach for immigrants, ensuring they comprehend the nuances and potential ramifications within the complex intersection of state, federal and immigration law.

These legal contradictions between federal and state law also create complexities for marijuana companies, such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), as they conduct their legitimate operations.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Sustain Southern California Names IBN as Media Sponsor for Upcoming Sustainability Private Capital Event

Sustain Southern California (Sustain SoCal), a nonprofit organization, announced that InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”), a leading corporate communications firm and content distributor, will be the official media sponsor for the sixth annual Sustainability Private Capital Event. The event, scheduled for Dec. 6–7, 2023, will be hosted by Sustain SoCal and Roth MKM. The conference agenda features some 40 companies as well as experts from an array of sectors, including solar/storage, e-mobility, smart cities, circular economy and water, with most of the companies being in the series A/B fundraising stage. Participating investors include venture capitalists, private equity offices, family offices, representatives of endowments and foundations, and angel investors. As the event media sponsor, IBN will leverage its full suite of corporate communications solutions to enhance visibility and recognition for panel speakers, participating companies and the event itself. Through its events, Sustain SoCal has earned a reputation for being a leading information hub, advocacy and networking platform as well as educational forum committed to advancing discourse and actions on economic progress and sustainable environmental development in Southern California and the surrounding regions.

ROTH MKM is a privately owned investment banking firm that has gained a reputation for its premier suite of business lines, including M&A, financing, restructuring, advisory, and corporate services. “We are always pleased to partner with both Sustain SoCal and ROTH MKM,” said IBN communications director Jonathan Keim in the press release. “It is a pleasure to work alongside their highly professional teams and to actively connect our investor audiences with the events they produce.”

To learn more about the event, visit https://cnw.fm/4uwhE

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

About Sustain SoCal

Sustain SoCal, a nonprofit organization, accelerates sustainability and economic growth through innovation, collaboration and education in Southern California. The organization has a 10-year history of exploring and implementing pragmatic, real-world solutions to the challenges created by growth, change and inefficiency. The company conducts conferences, workshops and networking events that lead to initiatives that positively impact the region’s economic progress and sustainability. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SustainSoCal.org.

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420 with CNW — Colorado Researchers Search for Reliable Cannabis Breathalyzer

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are on the hunt for a reliable cannabis breathalyzer. Dozens of states now allow access to medical or recreational cannabis, but law enforcement institutions in the United States have largely been against cannabis reform efforts.

On top of complicating law-enforcement efforts, these institutions say legalization will increase driving under the influence rates across the country. While data from several states shows no correlation between cannabis reform and higher traffic incident rates, the lack of a proper cannabis drug test is a major issue.

The breathalyzer has a long history of accurately testing alcohol levels on-site, but we still don’t have tests that can check cannabis intoxication rates. Now that tens of millions of Americans have access to marijuana, there is an urgent need for reliable cannabis breathalyzers to aid in the policing of driving under the influence and prevent nonintoxicated people from being penalized due to inaccurate tests.

Current tools regularly fail to provide accurate blood cannabis levels and often cannot correlate these levels with intoxication at the moment, meaning Americans can be penalized for having THC in their blood even if they aren’t necessarily intoxicated at the moment. The lack of proper tools has left many law enforcement officials searching for a way forward.

Sgt. Roger Meyers from the Colorado State Patrol says the agency has decided not to use the cannabis breathalyzers currently on the market. University of Colorado Boulder associate professor of cognitive science Cinnamon Bidwell says the tools currently in use simply aren’t a good system. He says researchers at the university are working to develop a reliable tool as fast as they can to meet market demand for a marijuana breathalyzer. According to an initial report from a new study, the development of such a tool is gaining promise in terms of gaining scientific information and using the device to help make law enforcement in transportation safe and fair.

Bidwell says that the potential for roadside testing will be incredibly critical for public safety but explains that it will take a lot of research steps before scientists can even establish if a marijuana breathalyzer will be suitable for use by public safety officers. He explains that comparing a marijuana breathalyzer with an alcohol breathalyzer is akin to likening apples to pinecones because only very small amounts of cannabis remain in the body after ingestion.

The fact that marijuana stays in the system longer also makes it difficult to determine a timeline of consumption, especially in people who consume the drug regularly. An accurate test would require plenty of work from the ground up to learn how different cannabis strains affect people, to share this knowledge to troopers and to develop tools that can accurately test cannabis intoxication levels.

The entire cannabis industry, including major companies such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), would welcome a reliable way to identify people who are driving while intoxicated or those who use cannabis while at work. This would prevent innocent people from being victimized for false positives arising from cannabis use that occurred days or even months prior.

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420 with CNW — Public Transit Groups Urge DHHS to Certify Firms Conducting Saliva Tests for Cannabis

U.S. public transit organizations are urging the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to implement a system for utilizing saliva tests in drug screenings, specifically for cannabis and other substances. Advocates argue that this method is less invasive compared to traditional urine tests and provides a more accurate reflection of recent drug consumption, preventing individuals from facing consequences for substance use that occurred up to a month before testing.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently changed regulations to allow federally regulated transportation workers such as truckers, pilots and commercial drivers to employ oral fluid testing instead of urine drug testing. HHS has not yet certified saliva-screening laboratories or approved appropriate equipment for on-site saliva collection, despite the regulatory change.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently sent a letter to Xavier Becerra, the HHS secretary, urging the HHS to expedite the certification of testing labs. In a recent notice, HHS acknowledged the absence of certified laboratories capable of conducting drug-validity testing on oral-fluid specimens. According to APTA, the FDA, an arm of HHS, is also responsible for authorizing a minimum of one oral-fluid collection device to guarantee adherence to the DOT regulation concerning the oral-fluid testing system.

APTA, representing both private and public organizations employing about 430,000 individuals, outlined the advantages of oral-fluid drug testing. These include a less intrusive collection option that is gender neutral, eliminating the use of secured bathrooms. Additionally, saliva-based testing makes it possible to detect more recent drug use, which is important in situations involving post accident testing. The possibility of manipulation or intervention is also diminished by the transparency of the collection procedure.

The benefits were also underscored by the Albuquerque Transit Advisory Board, New Mexico, highlighting its gender-neutral collecting method and quicker identification of recent marijuana usage than urine testing.

In a recent meeting, the board urged the state’s congressional delegation to put pressure on HHS to approve at least two laboratories for oral-fluid testing. In addition, it requested that the city of Albuquerque amend its policy to incorporate oral testing and adhere to federal regulations mandating the use of oral fluid testing for direct observational testing of nonbinary and transgender staff members.

In a separate correspondence, the board urged Becerra to speed up the certification procedure for laboratories. The letter underlined how critical it is to solve the nation’s bus-driver crisis and allow agencies to hire and retain more mechanics and operators. It emphasized the necessity of striking a balance between safety concerns and the changing legal and societal context of drug usage.

With easily accessible certified labs that can accurately establish recent cannabis consumption, more people will be less hesitate to consume marijuana products from numerous companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) while off duty because they won’t be victimized under the mistaken belief that they were under the influence while at work when an accident occurred.

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