420 with CNW — NIH Says Oncologists Aren’t Equipped to Answer Cancer Patients’ Questions on Medical Marijuana

Recent research highlights the increasing use of marijuana among individuals undergoing cancer treatment and the associated implications of this trend. Various studies indicate that approximately 20%-40% of cancer patients turn to cannabinoids or medical marijuana to alleviate side effects such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and nausea.

The surge in marijuana use among cancer patients aligns with the rise in states that have legalized it for medical purposes. However, research into the safety and efficacy of which marijuana products can be used for managing side effects and symptoms associated with cancer has not kept pace.

In March this year, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released its first clinical marijuana use guidelines stating that the access and utilization of marijuana and/or cannabinoids by cancer adult patients had outstripped the body of research supporting their clinical applicability.

A significant issue stemming from this gap in scientific knowledge is that many cancer care professionals, including oncologists, feel unprepared to discuss medical marijuana with their cancer patients. One study revealed that while almost 40% of surveyed oncology nurses and oncologists felt comfortable providing advice on marijuana use, just roughly 13% considered themselves knowledgeable about it.

The studies, which were conducted at cancer centers recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and funded by the organization, were published as a group in JNCI Monographs in August.

For many years, cancer patients have turned to marijuana to alleviate various symptoms associated with cancer and other illnesses. However, until recently, such practices were largely illegal in the U.S. Even now, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug, which means it is still federally illegal. Yet, 24 states plus DC have legalized it for both medical and recreational use.

Approximately 75% of Americans now reside in a state where marijuana is legal in some capacity, per a Pew study. Furthermore, access to marijuana has become widespread, with roughly 15,000 dispensaries across the country.

While access to marijuana has grown, questions about its safety remain. One of the primary concerns is the potential interaction between marijuana and cancer treatments. Some small studies suggest that marijuana could reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. Additionally, marijuana has sedative properties and may amplify the effects of other medications that cause drowsiness, increasing the risk of accidents or falls.

Despite these concerns, many patients believe the marijuana benefits outweigh its risks. This can make it challenging for healthcare providers to discuss the potential harms and the lack of robust scientific evidence with patients who may already have preconceived positive opinions about its use.

Experts advise healthcare providers to review the ASCO guidelines and stay updated on the growing body of research into the physiological and biological effects of marijuana. Furthermore, they recommend that cancer patients inform their oncologists of any supplements they are using, including marijuana products.

Studies, however, indicate that this is not occurring as frequently as it ought to—the JNCI study found that just 20% of marijuana users reported talking to their oncologist about their use.

The marijuana industry, including enterprises like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) would be comfortable when oncologists get ample information about the medicinal use of cannabis by cancer patients so that the best advice can be given by these professionals who are responsible for overseeing the treatment and management of issues arising after a cancer diagnosis.

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

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420 with CNW — Federally-Financed Studies Reveal Developmental Issues or Autism Aren’t Linked to Maternal Marijuana Use

Two new studies funded by the federal government may help reduce some concerns about cannabis use during pregnancy. One study found no link between early cannabis use in pregnancy and the development of autism in children, while the other showed no connection to an increased risk of developmental delays in early childhood.

Both studies analyzed pregnancy outcomes where the mother either self-reported marijuana use or tested positive for THC during prenatal visits, typically around the second month of pregnancy.

The autism-related study included information from 146,296 individuals involved in 178,948 pregnancies from 2011 to 2019. The study on developmental delays included information from 106,240 adults and 119,976 pregnancies from early 2015 to late 2019. The kids underwent tests at different phases to check for developmental milestones and autism.

The autism study concluded that prenatal marijuana use was not linked to childhood autism after accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status, other substance use, and maternal health conditions. Likewise, the developmental delay study found no evidence that cannabis use in early pregnancy was associated with delays in motor skills, speech or language, or overall developmental impairment.

However, both studies caution that the results should not be interpreted as indicating that marijuana use during pregnancy is entirely safe, especially with heavy or frequent use. The autism study’s authors did note that, despite the lack of a general link to autism, there might be one with frequent cannabis use, underscoring the need for additional investigation in this field.

One notable finding in the developmental study was a slight reduction in speech and language delays when only urine test results were considered for cannabis use. This finding did not appear in the self-reported data on marijuana use.

The studies also align with recommendations from both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which advise pregnant people to avoid marijuana use. The authors recommend that people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should be informed of the potential risks marijuana poses to fetal and newborn health.

The research teams stated that their work represents one of the largest investigations into maternal cannabis use during pregnancy. While their results are consistent with most studies on childhood development following prenatal cannabis use, the researchers acknowledged that some earlier research had suggested a negative impact. They also pointed out that their findings differ from a 2023 study that reported a connection between cannabis use and autism in children.

These studies align with what many in the cannabis industry, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), have always wanted government-funded studies to reaffirm so that the claims by prohibitionists are proved wrong.

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420 with CNW — Benzinga Cannabis Conference Shows How Businesses Are Struggling in the Legal Grey Area

Last week’s Benzinga cannabis conference, held in downtown Chicago, offered a glimpse into an industry that is anxiously awaiting full legal recognition.

The event seemed, at first appearance, to be very similar to most business conferences. There were notably fewer women in the gathering than men, who made up the majority of those in suits. While many participants left with complimentary T-shirts or tote bags, there was no overt smell of cannabis in the venue. However, it was more difficult to locate actual cannabis on-site.

Most of the people present had experience in traditional corporate settings before transitioning into the marijuana space. Many had backgrounds in industries like alcohol, law, or medicine. Surprisingly, several marijuana company CEOs admitted they had never personally tried marijuana until they began working in the industry.

The conference covered a variety of topics, from taxation to lobbying efforts. However, speakers occasionally touched on the reality that thousands of individuals have been imprisoned for participating in the illegal cannabis trade. These individuals, who are often left out of the conversation, would likely never get to attend such events.

In addition to broader legal challenges, the inconsistency of cannabis regulations across different states also poses significant hurdles for the sector.

For instance, designer Dang Nguyen of The Packaging Company shared that he often has to create multiple versions of the same packaging to meet diverse state cannabis requirements. Some states mandate that warning labels cover a significant portion of the package design, while others prohibit the use of bright or attractive colors on packaging.

The complex regulatory environment has even given rise to new industry sectors. Certainty Labs’ creator, Brandy Young, launched her company when recreational marijuana became legal in New York. Her lab specializes in third-party testing, which is required by law to guarantee that marijuana products have proper potency labels and do not contain harmful levels of contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides.

However, Young pointed out that labs face criticism from both within the industry and from consumers. “Regulators place us in a role where we’re seen as policing the industry, but that’s not our purpose,” she explained. On top of that, labs can lose credibility with consumers due to incidents like a recent exposé by the Los Angeles Times, which revealed that some marijuana products contained harmful chemicals that did not show up in lab tests.

For many marijuana businesses struggling to stay afloat, the hope is that federal legalization could bring financial security and stability. However, according to some experts, this could come with its own set of problems, such as higher taxes. Nonetheless, the entire industry, including firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), would appreciate a uniform regulatory structure across the country.

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420 with CNW — Study Says Medical Cannabis Promotes a Higher Level of Physical Activity

A recent study published in the Cannabis Research Journal challenges the outdated stereotype that cannabis users, often labeled as “lazy stoners,” are less active. The research shows that medical cannabis promotes increased physical activity in individuals with chronic health issues, while recreational marijuana boosts physical activity even more, particularly in those without chronic conditions.

The study examined data from adults aged 18 and over across the United States between 2016 and 2022. The researchers analyzed information collected by the CDC’s Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, which conducts nationwide phone surveys focused on health-related behaviors, preventive health services, and chronic illnesses.

One of the key findings was that people who reported using cannabis were more physically active than those who didn’t, but this difference was most pronounced in areas where cannabis is legally available, either for medical or recreational use. The study did not find a strong link between medical marijuana use and increased physical activity. However, physical activity was a more common reason for recreational use.

The authors suggest that when people use cannabis to enhance physical activity, it might be because it helps them focus, boosts enjoyment, or strengthens the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Cannabis may also aid in rehabilitation by enhancing sleep and lowering discomfort.

Although medical cannabis users did not list physical activity as a primary reason for use, the researchers proposed that cannabis might indirectly help those with chronic illnesses stay more active by alleviating some of their symptoms.

Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, commented on the study, highlighting how it goes against long-standing assumptions about cannabis users. He noted that the results challenge the false stereotype that marijuana consumers are unmotivated or lazy. He also expressed disappointment that these misconceptions have often shaped public health messages and have contributed to stigmatizing responsible marijuana use.

The study’s conclusions align with some previous research on the relationship between physical activity and cannabis use. For instance, a similar study conducted in Canada this year found that adults aged 18 to 50 who used cannabis were neither more inactive nor more intensely active than non-users.

However, the research did note a slight increase in light physical activity following marijuana use. The authors of that study argued that their findings contradicted concerns that marijuana use promotes a sedentary lifestyle. They emphasized that the traditional “lazy stoner” image fails to account for the many ways people use marijuana today.

According to another study published in February, people who use cannabis walk more often than non-users or e-cigarette users. The same study also discovered that cannabis users had the same likelihood of engaging in fundamental physical activities like strength training as non-users did.

Additionally, 2019 research suggested that people who use marijuana before or after exercise experience better workouts and recover more effectively. Overall, the growing body of research challenges traditional assumptions about marijuana users, showing that many incorporate it into an active and health-conscious lifestyle.

The entire cannabis industry, including leading companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), may be pleased that yet another misconception about marijuana use has fallen apart in the face of rigorous studies conducted to understand the true effects of the substance.

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420 with CNW —South Dakota Voters Can Decriminalize Cannabis, Legislators Will Decide on Sales

The recreational cannabis ballot initiative in South Dakota, known as Initiated Measure 29 (IM 29), will not directly lead to the legalization of cannabis sales. For sales to become legal, further action from the state legislature would be required.

IM 29 primarily aims to decriminalize the use, possession and free sharing of up to two ounces of cannabis for individuals 21 years of age and older. Currently, possessing cannabis is considered a misdemeanor that could result in up to a year of jail time. The measure would also decriminalize cannabis edibles and concentrates, which are currently classified as felonies in the state, carrying potential prison sentences of up to five years.

Decisions regarding the establishment of a legal market for cannabis sales would be left to the state legislature during its annual lawmaking session, which runs from January to March.

The cautious approach to legalization is a result of a failed attempt in 2020 to legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes in South Dakota. That effort, which was supported by a majority of voters, was struck down in court for violating the state’s rule for ballot initiatives. As a result, IM 29 focuses on legalizing distribution and possession while leaving the creation of a retail market for future legislative discussion.

A fiscal note prepared by the Legislative Research Council estimates that passing IM 29 could save South Dakota counties about $581,556 annually in costs related to prosecutions and incarcerations for misdemeanor marijuana offenses. However, the note does not address the potential savings from decriminalizing felony possession of concentrated marijuana.

House majority leader, Representative Will Mortenson, stated that he anticipates the legislature will deal with retail cannabis market regulation if IM 29 passes. The foundation has already been established. A law to regulate cannabis sales was passed by the state senate in 2022, but it was not approved by the house. Mortenson also notes that there is resistance to the legalization of cannabis, with certain legislators holding steadfast antilegalization stances.

Recent polling showed that 42% of voters supported IM 29, while 542% opposed it and 7% remained undecided.

Opponents have raised concerns about the increased potency of current cannabis, potential public-health risks and the possibility of higher crime rates in states that have legalized the drug. They contend that the cost of addiction treatment and law enforcement would exceed any tax income from the legal sales.

Supporters of IM 29 counter these arguments, however, pointing out that states with legalized cannabis have already collected billions in taxes. Additionally, they emphasize that IM 29 would still prohibit driving while intoxicated and that legalization would grant legislators the authority to control the potency of cannabis products.

Companies with interests in the marijuana industry, including Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR), will be watching to see whether the voters of South Dakota finally get a chance to legally access recreational marijuana.

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420 with CNW — Report Shows Patients in Texas Lack Access to Medical Cannabis

According to a recent report by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), further actions should be taken by the state to increase accessibility to medical cannabis. The report focuses on Texas’ Compassionate Use Program (CUP), analyzing its effectiveness in providing patients across the state with reasonable access to treatment.

The findings highlight that Texas’ vast size creates specific challenges for both dispensaries and patients. According to Goodblend senior director of government relations, Jervonne Singletary, the main problem dispensaries encounter is logistics. Everything must be obtained from the pickup location, which functions as a retail location, and any unsold or uncollected items must be returned to the main hub in Austin, Texas, at the end of the day.

In the newly released 70-page DPS report, a third-party assessment was conducted to evaluate the CUP and suggest improvements. One of the most important findings in the report is the need for better access to medical cannabis for patients across Texas.

Nico Richardson, CEO of Texas Original, also underlined the necessity of tightening rules, saying, “Before thinking about expanding the number of new licenses, you need to address the regulatory framework of the current system. Overreliance on a small number of operators is unsustainable.” When CUP debuted in 2015, Texas Original was one of the first three businesses granted a license to conduct business in the state.

Richardson cautions against assuming that the issue would be resolved by merely allowing more dispensaries, particularly in underprivileged areas throughout the state. He makes the point that adding additional operators without changing the regulatory framework would make it harder for companies to survive, especially in smaller areas, and ultimately would not increase access.

Another significant issue raised in the report is the growing trend of patients turning to the hemp market for alternatives, such as delta 8 products. These products remain largely unregulated in Texas, which creates potential risks for consumers. Singletary believes this is an unintended consequence of current regulations, noting, “I don’t think the Texas legislature meant to create this situation with such easy access to hemp products.”

The unregulated hemp market has raised concerns among licensed dispensaries, as Richardson points out: “We’re regulated as if we’re handling hazardous materials like enriched plutonium, and it’s no longer reasonable.” He, along with other operators, believes that Texas needs to rethink its regulations to ensure the program can adequately serve patients.

As of now, more than 66,000 patients have enrolled in the program since its inception. However, the DPS report clarifies that this number doesn’t necessarily reflect active participants.

The data indicating that patients in Texas have limited access to medical marijuana products is likely saddening to industry actors such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) which believe that patients who want to try medical cannabis products in jurisdictions where enabling laws exist shouldn’t unduly be limited from accessing products legally.

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420 with CNW — Research Says Most Americans Distrust Government as Cannabis Information Source

According to a recent study, many American adults tend to obtain information about cannabis not from government or medical resources but rather from friends and family. The study, which included a nationally representative sample of 1,161 participants, highlighted that government websites were the least preferred source for marijuana-related information, accounting for just 4.7% of respondents. Health providers were slightly more popular, with 9.3% citing them as a source. Interestingly, budtenders who provide guidance in cannabis dispensaries were at 8.6%.

In contrast, the leading sources of cannabis information were family and friends, with 35.65%, closely followed by websites at 33.7%. Notably, individuals using medical marijuana were more likely to cite healthcare professionals as a source of information compared to nonmedical users — 16.4% versus 5.2%, respectively.

The study points to a growing trend of liberalizing marijuana policies across the United States. It suggests that the potential shift in cannabis classification from schedule 1 to 3 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) could have widespread implications for public health. The authors of the paper emphasize the need for better education for healthcare providers on marijuana-related topics and careful management of government communications regarding cannabis.

Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, commented on the findings, noting that cannabis consumption is a longstanding practice that is not going to diminish. He emphasized that government agencies and healthcare providers should deliver accurate information about marijuana. Historically, government sources have either exaggerated or misrepresented the facts about cannabis and its consequences, which has contributed to the public’s skepticism regarding their credibility as reliable information sources.

Armentano also stressed that healthcare providers must remain updated on marijuana-related trends and research and should engage with their patients about cannabis just as they would with any other health-related behavior that could influence their patients’ well-being.

The authors of the study highlighted that the lack of adequate training for physicians may worsen the spread of misinformation regarding marijuana. Previous surveys and studies indicate that many healthcare professionals seek more relevant training, particularly during their medical education. Alarmingly, only 9% of medical schools in 2016 had specific courses on medical marijuana.

Among the surveyed individuals, 27% reported using cannabis within the past year. These individuals were more inclined to gather information from a variety of sources, except for government sites and mainstream media articles.

The study was published in the “Cannabis Research Journal” and received funding support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

It isn’t surprising that Americans prefer to obtain their cannabis information from industry actors such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) since many state and federal authorities seem biased against marijuana. As long as those biases persist, the population could keep distrusting anything that the authorities say about marijuana.

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420 with CNW — Nebraska Officials Question Voter Signatures in Bid to Thwart Medical Marijuana Measure

Nebraska’s top election official and the state’s chief prosecutor are raising concerns about the validity of most signatures gathered for two medical marijuana petitions set to appear on the ballot this November. Mike Hilgers, Nebraska’s attorney general, who filed a legal motion on behalf of Bob Evnen, secretary of state, stated that inquiries are still being conducted to determine whether the 49,000-plus confirmed signatures on these petitions are authentic.

With early voting already underway on whether to legalize or regulate medical cannabis, Evnen and Hilger are urging the court to verify the total number of valid signatures and potentially nullify the election results if enough legitimate signatures are not confirmed.

In response, Nebraskans for Medical Cannabis criticized the state’s policies, stating that it is alarming that the state is attempting to silence Nebraskans based on largely speculative legal issues.

The legal filing accuses petition circulators of fraud or other misconduct in 72 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. Hilgers’ office claims that three notaries acted as both circulator and notary on an unspecified number of petitions, while six others notarized documents without witnessing the signatures in person, as required.

A total of eight notaries have been accused of misconduct. If the signatures collected by these individuals are disqualified, it could potentially void about 49,000 signatures on both the legalization and regulatory petitions.

Additionally, four circulators are accused of fraudulent activities, though the filing doesn’t specify the exact nature of the fraud. In total, about 656 signatures on each petition are at risk of being disqualified due to alleged fraud.

Hilgers argued that the burden of proving the signatures’ validity should fall on the petition sponsors, stating that when fraud or misconduct is discovered, any associated signatures lose their presumption of validity. His office is asking the court to take an even tougher stance than a 1919 state Supreme Court ruling that nullified signatures tied to fraudulent circulators during a referendum on women’s suffrage.

The investigation points to more than 30 people suspected of wrongdoing, including high rates of signature rejections. One sponsor involved is Crista Eggers, campaign manager for Nebraska Families 4 Medical Marijuana. As of now, no additional charges have been filed against any other circulators or notaries connected to the cannabis petitions.

This marks the third attempt by Nebraskans for Medical Cannabis to get the measure on the ballot. The organization’s first effort in 2020 was blocked by the state Supreme Court, and in 2022, the group failed to gather enough signatures. While several measures will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot this year, Evnen and Hilgers are focusing their scrutiny solely on the medical cannabis initiatives.

These efforts to block the passage of laws legalizing medical or recreational marijuana aren’t new. Companies such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) have seen similar issues arise in different markets, but the reform movement scores gains sooner or later.

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420 with CNW — Study Shows Teen Marijuana Users Have Poorer School Outcomes

According to a recent examination of the existing data, teenagers who use marijuana typically do poorly academically. The JAMA Pediatrics study analyzed information from 63 different studies involving nearly 440,000 adolescents.

The findings revealed that marijuana use during teenage years is likely associated with lower academic performance, decreased chances of finishing high school, less likelihood of enrolling in college or university, and a higher likelihood of dropping out of school and being frequently absent.

One significant point the researchers noted was that marijuana use among teens is widespread, with about 22% of high school students in the United States using cannabis at least once in the previous month. Another concern is that today’s marijuana is much stronger than it used to be, with THC levels increasing from 4% in 1995 to 14% in 2019.

The study also highlighted long-term effects, stating that heavy marijuana use during adolescence could lead to lasting changes in the brain’s structure. These changes might interfere with memory, cognitive function and attention span, all of which are critical to academic success.

To investigate the potential academic consequences, the team analyzed data from numerous studies that looked at cannabis use, school performance and even employment among young people. While not all the data was equally reliable, the researchers identified evidence — classified as “moderate certainty” — linking marijuana use with several negative outcomes. Specifically, they found that teens who used marijuana had:

39% higher chances of earning lower grades
50% lower odds of obtaining a high school certificate
28% less likelihood of attending university
31% decreased chance of earning a post-secondary degree
more than twice as likely to drop out of high school
more than twice as likely to miss school often

While the research team also found some evidence, though weaker, suggesting marijuana use could be tied to unemployment, the risks generally increased the more frequently a teen used the drug. Starting at an early age (before or around 16) also seemed to worsen the academic impact.

Although the findings suggest a strong link between marijuana use and poor school outcomes, the researchers acknowledged that they couldn’t definitively prove marijuana is the direct cause. For instance, teens struggling with other substance-use problems or mental-health concerns might be more likely to use marijuana and face challenges in school. However, the researchers adjusted their results to account for such factors.

One thing is clear: As marijuana becomes more accepted and decriminalized in various parts of the world, its use among teenagers is on the rise. U.S. national data suggests that more than three million teens aged between 12 and 17 years of age had used marijuana in the past year — more than any other illegal drug.

Given these trends, the researchers emphasized the urgent need for effective programs to prevent early marijuana use and protect youth from the potential negative consequences.

The age-verification activities that licensed companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) implement contribute to restricting access to marijuana by minors, but much more needs to be done by all stakeholders to keep marijuana away from teens.

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420 with CNW — Report Says NY Marijuana Program Has Undergone Successful Moments, Growing Pains

New York authorities recently published a comprehensive report on the progress of the state’s cannabis legalization law, which was signed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2021. The state’s cannabis management office (OCM) shared the document, outlining the advancements made toward achieving the law’s primary goals.

The outlined advancements include fostering equity and creating opportunities for groups that have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition, building a strong and thriving industry, and preserving the environment, among others.

Tremaine Wright, head of the state marijuana control board, stated, “This report demonstrates our dedication to transparency and equity. I’m proud of how far we’ve come in the last three years to create a strong foundation for New York’s marijuana industry. Our objective has always been establishing a just and equitable industry that addresses historical wrongs and forges ahead with new prospects.”

According to the report, the state has licensed 200 cannabis retail dispensaries, with more than 1,300 recreational cannabis business licenses issued in total. The report also noted that54.7% of the licenses have gone to applicants from economic and social equity backgrounds. Additionally, most cannabis users are now purchasing from legal sources. According to the report, 67% of consumers who used marijuana in the past year said they bought their products from licensed dispensaries.

Another significant result of the law is the expungement of marijuana-related criminal records. More than 200,000 convictions have already been sealed, while an additional 107,000 are awaiting the same process. Furthermore, the report confirms that no one in the state is currently incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses alone.

In terms of consumer habits, the report noted that as of 2022, 14.9% of New Yorkers 18 years of age and older used marijuana monthly, with 7% reporting daily use. In addition, 52% said they used cannabis for recreational purposes, while 13.5% were medical users. Meanwhile, 34.5% reported using cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes.

The enforcement section of the report emphasizes that enforcing cannabis laws is crucial to maintaining a level playing field for legal operators. The report highlights that enforcement protects the investments of legal entrepreneurs while holding those selling illegal and unsafe products accountable.

The report acknowledges the struggles faced during the market’s initial phase, such as delays in rolling out the market, leadership disputes and issues surrounding the cannabis social-equity fund. It states that there is still much to do, including refining data collection, improving customer service, educating consumers and tackling the illegal marijuana market. Nonetheless, the officials are upbeat about the potential success of the sector.

The progress that is being made in rolling out the adult-use marijuana program in New York State is being watched positively by the entire industry, including entities such as Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) that would like to see all adults who use marijuana obtaining it from a licensed source.

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