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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CNW420

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

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Kentucky to Start Receiving Applications from Medical Marijuana Companies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

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

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

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

About Lexaria Bioscience Corp.

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

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

About CannabisNewsWire

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Ohio Companies Prepare for Recreational Cannabis Sales Launch

Ohio’s move from solely medical cannabis sales to also allowing recreational sales is taking a unique path compared to other states. The specific date for the start of recreational sales remains unclear, even though the application period for converting medical cannabis licenses to dual-use began on June 7, 2024. Industry insiders anticipate that the first dual-use licenses might be approved in the coming weeks, but state officials have not confirmed this timeline.

Ohio’s regulators are also prioritizing applications from testing labs, cultivators and processors over retailers. This means cannabis businesses and consumers will see approvals happen in stages based on when applications are submitted and whether applicants meet all necessary criteria, such as inspections and POS systems that differentiate between recreational and medical sales.

Projections suggest that Ohio’s marijuana sales could surpass $1 billion by 2025 and potentially reach $2 billion by 2028. The state’s sizable population (nearly 12 million people) and strategic location are key factors in this growth, likely drawing in many new consumers despite a decline in medical cannabis patients.

Of the five states Ohio borders, only Michigan has licensed recreational cannabis sales. Other states, including Wisconsin and Indiana, still don’t have any form of regulated cannabis program, which could also boost Ohio’s market. Minnesota, meanwhile, is preparing to launch its recreational cannabis market next year.

The move to recreational sales in Ohio was spurred by a voter-approved ballot initiative in a November 2023 special election. When Ohio issues its first recreational licenses, it will become the 21st state in the United States to do so, following Maryland and Missouri, which began their recreational markets in July and February of 2023, respectively. The gap between these launches is the longest seen since the first states legalized recreational cannabis more than 10 years ago.

As the state prepares for the new market, its medical-cannabis sector has seen a decline in sales and patient numbers. The latest figures show 165,746 registered patients, a drop of nearly 15,000 since last November. For comparison, Pennsylvania, with a similar population size, had more than 441,000 registered patients as of April, a figure that has increased by more t han 6,000 since November.

One reason for the decline in Ohio’s medical-cannabis patients could be the lower prices in Michigan, where many Ohio residents purchase their products. In 2023, Ohio’s medical-cannabis dispensaries reported sales of $484 million, a modest 1% increase from the previous year. To support the market, Ohio regulators reduced the fee for caregiver and patient cards to just one cent in March.

Most operators are expected to apply for dual-use licenses. According to the voter-approved law, the converted licenses must be issued by September 7, 2024. Regulators also need to complete the recreational market guidelines by this date. Until then, the market will adhere to medical cannabis standards, delaying the availability of pre-rolls and the increase of THC potency caps on concentrates. Smoking accessories such as rolling papers and delivery services are also restricted.

The wider marijuana industry, including leading entities such as Software Effective Solutions Corp. (d/b/a MedCana) (OTC: SFWJ), have their eyes on Ohio and are rooting for this latest addition to the adult-use markets to launch without major hiccups such as those that have dogged the market in New York State.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Software Effective Solutions Corp. (d/b/a MedCana) (OTC: SFWJ) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/SFWJ

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Study Finds Opioids, Alcohol Cause Worse SecondHand Harms Compared to Marijuana Use

A recent nationwide study has revealed that secondhand harm from cannabis use is significantly less common than that from alcohol. The study, which surveyed thousands, found that respondents were almost six times more likely to report secondhand alcohol harm than cannabis harm. The perceived risks associated with opioids and other substances also outweighed those associated with marijuana.

The study analyzed responses from 7,799 participants in the 2020 United States National Alcohol Survey. It showed that more than one-third (34.2%) of respondents had experienced alcohol-related secondhand harm at some point in their lives. In contrast, only 5.5% reported experiencing secondhand harm due to marijuana.

Concerning other substances, 7.6% of respondents claimed to have suffered negative effects from the use of opioids by others, and 8.3% reported negative effects from other nonspecific drugs. In the past year, alcohol remained the leading cause of secondhand harm, with 6.2% of respondents affected. This was followed by other substances (2.2%), opioids (2%) and marijuana (1.8%).

The authors also found that different demographic groups had varying experiences with secondhand harm caused by substance use. There were noticeably more reports of secondhand harm from women, white people, those with a family history of alcoholism, and those who were divorced, separated or bereaved. Among these harms were marriage and family problems, road accidents, physical harm, vandalism and money troubles.

For marijuana, a higher likelihood of secondhand harm was reported among Black respondents. However, the authors suggest that many of these harms may be linked to punitive cannabis policies rather than the substance itself.

Interestingly, the survey found that individuals who consumed alcohol were slightly more likely to report secondhand harm. The authors suggest this may be because heavy drinkers are more often in the company of other heavy drinkers. Conversely, frequent cannabis users reported significantly lower odds of experiencing secondhand harm, which aligns with previous research.

Despite the higher reports of alcohol-related secondhand harm compared to cannabis or other substances, the authors expressed some skepticism about the reliability of the participants’ responses. For example, they speculated that marijuana users might report lower cannabis-related secondhand harm because its use often coincides with opioid and alcohol use, leading respondents to attribute harm more to opioids or alcohol than to marijuana.

The study aims to expand the understanding of substance-related harms by focusing on the impact on the family and friends of drug users, not just the users themselves.

Cannabis legalization supporters state that the findings support existing research. Commenting on the study, NORML’s deputy director Paul Armentano noted in a blog post that the public health impact of cannabis is far less severe than that of alcohol, a reality that most adults now recognize.

As more misconceptions about marijuana are dispelled by scientific studies, the industry is likely to deepen its penetration of different markets and create even more opportunities for ancillary companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve marijuana businesses.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com