420 with CNW — Dallas Police Get New Instructions on Making Marijuana-Related Arrests, Citations

Dallas police have updated guidelines on handling cannabis possession cases after Proposition R was put into effect. An internal memo from the Dallas Police Department (DPD) outlines the changes, stating that officers are no longer permitted to arrest or issue citations for possession of cannabis weighing less than four ounces. Furthermore, cannabis odor alone cannot be used as probable cause for a search, except in high-priority narcotics or violent felony cases.

Previously, the policy required officers to confiscate cannabis from individuals with less than two ounces without issuing citations or making arrests. However, the recent memo, circulated on Friday, declares that the former policy is no longer relevant.

Proposition R, referred to as the “Dallas Freedom Act” by its supporters, was approved by 66% of voters during the recent election.

Eddie Garcia, the former chief of police in Dallas, voiced worries last year regarding the measure’s possible effects on safety. Garcia told the city council, “In my thirty years in law enforcement, I think this could lead to more illegal sales and have a negative impact on the quality of life in some neighborhoods.”

Proposition R doesn’t legalize cannabis in Dallas. Possession of two ounces and below is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, attracting a $2,000 fine and a 180-day maximum jail sentence. Having two to four ounces in your possession is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a one-year maximum jail sentence and a maximum fine of four thousand dollars.

In 2023, Texas AG Ken Paxton filed lawsuits against five cities over measures deprioritizing enforcement of misdemeanor cannabis offenses. According to John Creuzot, Dallas County District Attorney, 97 percent of misdemeanor cannabis prosecutions in the county contained amounts under two ounces.

Meanwhile, Garcia cautioned that Proposition R could hinder law enforcement’s ability to prosecute drug dealers, as four ounces can equate to roughly 38 typical cannabis transactions.

Although Texas has not legalized cannabis for recreational use, the state does have a medical cannabis program established by the Texas Compassionate Use Act in 2015. The program allows certain physicians, registered with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), to prescribe low-THC cannabis to patients with qualifying medical conditions.

The Farm Bill 2018 federally defined “hemp” as marijuana containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Subsequently, in 2019, Texas legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp products, including consumable items like CBD and other edible hemp derivatives.

If more cities take the step of making the enforcement of marijuana laws a low priority for police, it could lead to the eventual legalization of the substance, and that could open opportunities for marijuana firms and ancillary companies, such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve cannabis companies.

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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 — Data Shows After Ohio Legalized Marijuana, Fatal Car Crashes Have Dropped

Recent data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) shows that since cannabis legalization came into effect in the state, fatal traffic accidents connected to marijuana use have decreased by 30%. This contradicts concerns raised by critics of legalization who predicted an increase in deadly crashes caused by impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Ohio voters approved recreational cannabis legalization in November 2023 and the law went into effect the following month, allowing for legal possession and use. Retail sales began in August 2024.

The state had 1,067 fatal road accidents last year—the lowest figure in the last five years and a 7% decline from the 1,150 crashes recorded in 2023. Among these, 215 accidents, or about 20%, were linked to marijuana—a drop from 306 crashes (27%) tied to cannabis the previous year.

Operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) arrests also decreased last year, with 644 fewer cases recorded than in 2023. Marijuana-related OVI arrests specifically saw an 83-case decline in 2024 compared to the prior year. In 2023, law enforcement reported 15,276 OVI arrests, of which around 10% (1,454) involved cannabis. By 2024, the total arrests had dropped to 14,632, and marijuana-related arrests accounted for 1,371 of those—a 6% decrease.

Tragically, 242 people lost their lives in crashes thought to be caused by cannabis use in 2024. However, this is a significant improvement—28% fewer fatalities than the 335 recorded in 2023. It’s also the lowest number of such deaths since 2020. Marijuana-related crashes in general fell as well, with 1,171 incidents reported in 2024—the lowest since 2020 and a 12% decrease from 2023.

Beyond traffic incidents, overall drug arrests by OSHP dropped significantly after marijuana legalization. In 2024, there were 5,458 fewer drug arrests compared to the prior year, representing a 66% decline. Arrests for all drug-related offenses have steadily decreased since 2021, with 12,528 arrests recorded that year. The numbers fell to 8,385 in 2022, 8,215 in 2023, and just 2,758 in 2024.

While OSHP noted that the current data is preliminary and might change as more toxicology results become available, these trends suggest a clear decline in cannabis-related traffic deaths. Reports from state regulators also revealed that legal marijuana sales in the state exceeded $242 million in 2024. According to regulators, 32,486 pounds of plant material and 4,007,127 units of manufactured items have been sold.

These statistics prove that marijuana legalization and the licensing of entities like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) doesn’t lead to a spike in fatal crashes. Instead, systems are created, such as education campaigns, to encourage responsible use. As a result, communities reap the benefits of this substance while also keeping any attendant risks minimal.

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420 with CNW — Governor Wants Wisconsin Voters to Legalize Marijuana as GOP Lawmakers Block Reform Efforts

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers has proposed granting voters the power to introduce binding questions directly on the ballot to enact new laws. He cited widespread bipartisan support for issues like cannabis legalization, which the Republican-led legislature has consistently refused to address.

During a recent press conference, Evers announced his intention to include a proposal in the 2025/27 biennial budget allowing citizens to initiate ballot measures for constitutional or statutory changes, provided they receive majority approval.

Evers specifically highlighted popular issues such as the legalization and taxation of cannabis akin to alcohol, gun safety, abortion rights, and more financing for civic education. He accused GOP legislators of ignoring the will of Wisconsin’s residents despite public backing.

In 2022, the governor issued an executive order calling for a special legislative session to grant citizens the right to propose ballot initiatives. This move raised hopes among campaigners that voters could decide on marijuana legalization directly. However, the Republican-controlled legislature rejected the proposal.

Whether lawmakers support the governor’s upcoming budget request remains uncertain. Historically, they have declined to approve Evers’ past proposals, including his repeated calls to legalize medical and recreational marijuana.

Last month, Evers reaffirmed cannabis reform as a top priority for the 2025 legislative session, urging action amidst a budget surplus. A recent poll revealed that nearly 65% of rural voters in Wisconsin support legalizing marijuana, reflecting growing public approval.

In May, the governor expressed optimism that the 2024 elections might lead to Democratic legislative control, potentially paving the way for legalization. However, Republican legislators have consistently removed cannabis-related provisions from Evers’ budget requests.

Even modest attempts at marijuana reform have faced obstacles. Last year, a Democratic lawmaker attempted to introduce a medical cannabis compromise as an amendment to a kratom measure. The proposal was pulled from the agenda, allegedly to avoid a contentious debate.

Further complicating matters, a Republican-sponsored medical cannabis measure proposed in January was criticized for its restrictive nature, including a plan for state-controlled dispensaries. This drew opposition from within the Republican Party itself, with one senator arguing it contradicted free-market principles.

The Senate president recently expressed a willingness to discuss medical cannabis legalization in 2025, but the Assembly speaker remains a significant barrier.

Meanwhile, a fiscal analysis from the Revenue Department projected that legalization could generate an annual tax income of $170 million. A separate report estimated that Wisconsin citizens spent over $121 million on marijuana in neighboring Illinois in 2022, generating $36 million in tax income for the state.

Evers and fellow Democrats have reiterated their willingness to support a limited medical cannabis program as a starting point, even as they advocate for broader reforms.

Established marijuana firms like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) in other jurisdictions hope that the people of Wisconsin one day get to enjoy the many benefits that medical and recreational users of cannabis in many other parts of the country are enjoying.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Industry Predictions for 2025

The marijuana industry experienced a sluggish pace of progress in 2024. Efforts to pass cannabis reform measures in Congress fell short, and the DEA delayed rescheduling cannabis as a recognized medicinal substance.

Moreover, voter rejection of recreational cannabis legalization initiatives, including a high-profile defeat in Florida despite almost $150 million spent by multistate operators, suggests that easy reform opportunities may have reached their peak.

However, significant changes are looming. Relief from the burdens of Section 280E taxation appears closer, and with Donald Trump assuming office, he will become the first president to have publicly supported recreational cannabis legalization.

Here are the key developments anticipated in the industry for 2025:

Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule 3

The DEA is expected to finalize the process of rescheduling cannabis as a Schedule III drug this year. Following a May 2024 proposal to alter marijuana’s federal classification, an administrative law judge will issue a decision after hearing extensive arguments. Regardless of the outcome, legal challenges are likely, and the Trump-appointed DEA administrator holds the authority to override the judge’s ruling.

A pro-marijuana presidency?

For the first time since 2017, Republicans will control all three branches of government as Donald Trump begins his term. Many in the cannabis industry are optimistic, citing Trump’s past endorsement of Florida’s recreational cannabis legalization measure during his campaign.

However, his cabinet choices, including Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi—who has previously linked marijuana use to fentanyl addiction—suggest marijuana reform may not be a top priority. Although Trump could push for hearings on marijuana banking reforms, other pressing issues like the border crisis and opioid epidemic may delay significant action until after the 2026 midterms.

Tax battles with the IRS

In a memo last year, the IRS reiterated that marijuana businesses must comply with Section 280E, preventing them from taking typical business deductions. Nevertheless, major operators claimed these deductions, sparking a potential legal showdown that could set critical precedents for the cannabis industry.

California’s tax dilemma

California marijuana businesses owe the state $1.3 billion in taxes, with the excise tax set to rise to 19% this summer unless lawmakers intervene. High tax rates have long driven customers to the illicit market, straining legal operators. As the state faces a $20 billion budget deficit starting in 2026, lawmakers will likely face tough choices.

Tighter controls on hemp-derived THC

Although Congress failed to update the Farm Bill to address the hemp THC loophole, several states, including California, enacted bans on intoxicating hemp products. Many experts believe uniform regulations for THC products are inevitable, though significant federal action may go past 2025.

A Supreme Court showdown

Legal challenges to federal marijuana prohibition are intensifying. Attorneys for Verano Holdings and others argue that federal cannabis laws are unconstitutional, citing a 2005 Supreme Court decision. While lower courts have rejected these arguments, the case is expected to reach the Supreme Court by 2025, potentially setting a landmark precedent.

State-level reforms stagnate

States like Pennsylvania have promised votes on recreational cannabis legalization, but progress remains slow. Recent defeats in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Florida leave state legislatures as the primary avenue for reform, though efforts in states like Minnesota and Delaware are still unfolding at a measured pace.

Cannabis firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) will be watching how the U.S. marijuana industry landscape shapes up as the year progresses and the new administration reveals more concrete plans for its stance on this substance.

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420 with CNW — Oklahoma Lawmakers Table Two Bills to Regulate Medical Cannabis

With the Oklahoma legislative session just a month away, state legislators have proposed two measures to regulate medical cannabis. One bill aims to regulate how much a person can purchase in a week, while the other one focuses on regulating how cannabis dispensaries in the state can advertise their products.

Likewise Cannabis founder Corbin Wyatt shared his thoughts on the significance of medical cannabis for numerous individuals, noting that many patients state that they have been able to quit using strong medications, such as fentanyl, over time. “Their lives have been changed by marijuana,” Wyatt added.

Senate Bill 320, presented by State Senator George Burns, would regulate the weekly amount of medical marijuana that can be purchased by an individual to 2.5 ounces. The bill, filed exactly one month before the session starts, is stirring conversations within the industry, Wyatt noted. Wyatt pointed out that most of the patients rely on being able to buy three ounces of marijuana flower to meet their medicinal requirements.

Right now, licensed patients in Oklahoma are allowed to possess up to three ounces of medical marijuana. However, Senate Bill 320 would lower the weekly maximum amount that a person might purchase if it were to become law. Wyatt voiced doubts about the bill’s efficacy, speculating that it might not succeed in keeping cannabis out of the illegal market. “Imposing what looks like a spurious purchase limit is not the best way to address that issue,” Wyatt stated.

The other measure, also filed this week, Senate Bill 191, sponsored by State Senator Dusty Deevers, takes aim at medical cannabis advertising. The proposed legislation seeks to ban advertisements that claim cannabis is completely harmless or safe. It also includes provisions restricting specific types of advertising by dispensaries.

Wyatt weighed in on the measure as well, referencing certain advertising methods. “Things like flashing signs, flags, banners, or those inflatable tube men,” he explained. Although the bill doesn’t explicitly mention tube men, it does contain language prohibiting any advertising designed to appeal to children or individuals under the age of 18.

Wyatt emphasized the need for better education about medical cannabis. “Instead of focusing on these restrictions, we should teach people what cannabis truly is, when it’s appropriate to use it, and when it’s not,” he said.

The next legislative session is scheduled to begin on February 3. The broader cannabis industry, including entities like Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF), will be hoping that the regulatory framework for the medical cannabis market in Oklahoma is completed in time and the launch of sales is successful so that patients who need these treatments can start legally accessing the products.

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420 with CNW — New York Governor Announces That Legal Cannabis Sales Have Reached $1bn

New York has reached a major milestone in its legal cannabis market, surpassing $1 billion in sales. Governor Kathy Hochul described this achievement as a reflection of the dedication of individuals who have worked tirelessly to build an industry that prioritizes fairness, public safety, and community empowerment.

Another statement from the governor’s office highlighted how this milestone underscores the efforts of communities, entrepreneurs, and consumers in embracing the legal market, further solidifying New York’s reputation as a leader in innovation and equity within the industry.

The Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) acting executive director, Felicia A.B. Reid, underlined that the milestone shows the effectiveness of a socially just economic model as well as the high level of consumer demand for legal marijuana.

Regulators also noted that more than half of all licenses for recreational marijuana businesses have been granted to applicants who meet economic and social equity criteria. Many of these businesses are minority- or women-owned, reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusivity.

Tremaine Wright, chair of the Cannabis Control Board, praised this approach, saying it has helped create a thriving market that benefits communities while generating significant economic growth. Wright also pointed out that tax revenue from marijuana sales is reinvested in communities that were disproportionately affected by prohibition, ensuring that these areas receive meaningful support and development.

According to OCM, cannabis use in the state has significantly increased over the last decade. Approximately 19% of residents report using cannabis annually, with 12% saying they use it monthly. Additionally, two-thirds of consumers who used marijuana within the past year purchased their products from legal retailers, showing growing trust in the regulated market.

OCM had earlier predicted that the $1 billion sales mark would be reached by the end of 2024. Officials encouraged residents to support their local communities by purchasing cannabis from licensed retailers.

Despite an initial slow rollout due to legal challenges and other setbacks, the state’s legal cannabis market has gained momentum in recent months. Regulators attribute this progress to the growing number of licensed businesses and a concerted effort to shut down unlicensed shops through initiatives like Operation Padlock in NYC. This enforcement action has led to a 105% increase in sales for licensed retailers, according to a survey by OCM.

Crystal Peoples-Stokes, the majority leader of the State, likened the development of New York’s marijuana industry to a steady process. Quoting the Buffalo Bills coach, she said, “Trust the process.” She praised the solid groundwork laid by the OCM and expressed optimism about the continued growth and refinement of the industry.

The entire marijuana industry, including firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) is glad that the recreational cannabis program in New York State is finally on a growth trajectory and the results are beginning to show.

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420 with CNW — Latest Scientific Review Finds CBD Has Potential to Treat Depression, with Minimal Side Effects

A recent scientific review highlights increasing evidence that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, has antidepressant effects on both animals and humans, with minimal side effects. The review also suggests that CBD may contribute to reducing inflammation and encouraging the growth of new brain cells.

According to the study, CBD shows promise as a potential depression treatment. While its antidepressant properties have been noted before, the exact mechanisms driving these effects remain unclear. To address this gap, the paper examines the molecular pathways, safety, and pharmacokinetics profile of CBD.

The study’s authors analyzed recent clinical and experimental studies and found that CBD’s effects are likely linked to its ability to lower inflammation and promote neurogenesis. Regarding how CBD interacts with the body, the researchers explained that its receptor mechanisms are highly intricate. They involve several receptors, such as PPARγ, CB1, 5-HT1A, CB2, and GPR55.

Although the review acknowledges CBD’s potential, it also emphasizes the need for further research into its long-term safety and possible side effects. Recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews generally describe CBD as having a strong safety profile, with only minor side effects, such as diarrhea.

However, the review also points out limitations that hinder CBD’s therapeutic potential. For instance, its limited water solubility and high hydrophobicity make it challenging to use in certain formulations. Furthermore, the therapeutic window may be constrained by CBD’s extremely poor oral-gastrointestinal absorption and its effects, which frequently follow an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve.

Given these challenges and uncertainties around optimal dosing, the authors call for further clinical trials and preclinical studies to refine its application. They stress that this research is vital, as conventional treatments for depression often fall short.

They state that while psychological therapies can benefit many with mild depression, only a small percentage of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) receive pharmacological treatments, and around 30% of those patients do not respond to standard interventions.

While emerging therapies like ketamine provide rapid relief for some, they come with risks, including neurological, cardiovascular, and psychiatric side effects. Similarly, electroconvulsive therapy, though effective, can lead to cognitive issues, pain, and anesthesia-related problems.

The review underscores the historical use of marijuana for various ailments and the increasing interest in natural compounds like CBD, which offer therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects. It concludes by stressing the urgency of developing effective and innovative depression treatments.

The studies highlighting the therapeutic potential of cannabis compounds like CBD could give companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) opportunities to develop customized products targeting individuals with symptoms that CBD and other cannabinoids can address.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Industry in the US Braces for Uncertain Times Under Trump 2.0

The year 2024 began with high hopes for the end of marijuana prohibition in the United States. However, as the year winds down, many of those expectations remain unmet.

“The main issue is reclassification,” stated Alex Halperin, a journalist covering the marijuana industry since 2015 through his newsletter WeedWeek. Rescheduling would remove marijuana from the list of substances federally prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

President Joe Biden had pledged to reform federal marijuana policy during his 2020 presidential campaign, with rescheduling appearing to be the most likely significant step. However, recent developments suggest this change might not occur during his presidency—or at all.

In January, the HHS issued a scientific review recommending marijuana be reclassified from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 substance. This shift would allow marijuana-based medications to gain FDA approval. Acting on this recommendation, the DEA introduced a proposal for rescheduling and opened the matter to public comments in May. Out of over 40,000 responses, 69% favored federal legalization or decriminalization.

Despite this, progress has slowed. Shortly after the public comment period ended, the DEA announced a December hearing to discuss rescheduling. However, the hearing was downgraded to a preliminary discussion and postponed to 2025, further extending the process.

This year’s presidential campaign offered mixed feelings for marijuana advocates. For the first time, both Republican and Democratic candidates expressed support for reform. Vice President Kamala Harris pushed for federal legalization, while Donald Trump endorsed a Florida initiative to legalize adult-use marijuana. Yet these positions have not translated into actionable progress.

Ballot initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota and Florida were rejected, marking the first year since 2017 without new states adopting legalization. Nebraska, however, approved medical marijuana.

Halperin remarked that predicting federal reform under Trump’s administration remains challenging as Republican lawmakers largely oppose legalization, even though younger Republican voters increasingly support it.

While legislative efforts stagnated, parts of the industry saw growth. Delaware and Ohio issued their first licenses for recreational dispensaries after legalization in 2023. Consumption lounges have also gained approval in various regions.

However, concerns over product safety have escalated. In one of his articles, Halperin highlighted the presence of pesticides in regulated marijuana products in California. The exposé spurred further reports on contamination in both marijuana and hemp products, the latter being less regulated and often sold without age restrictions.

In response to growing alarm, the California governor temporarily banned intoxicating hemp goods in September, while New Jersey lawmakers attempted to regulate the market through licensing. However, these measures face legal challenges, further delaying reforms. Meanwhile, federal bills like the SAFE Banking Act, which aimed at improving financial access for marijuana businesses, have also stalled in Congress.

A lot is riding on the policy actions that the incoming administration opts to implement, and those policies could also indirectly affect ancillary firms like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve marijuana plant-touching businesses in different jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — NORML Analysis Shows at Least 35,000 Studies Were Done on Cannabis in the Last 10 Years

A recent NORML analysis has revealed that over 4,000 scientific papers focusing on cannabis were published globally in 2024. This marks the fourth year that research output has reached this level.

Since 2014, over 35,000 cannabis-related studies have been released, according to NORML. These publications reflect an increasing emphasis on exploring the plant’s therapeutic benefits and the societal impacts of legalization laws.

Paul Armentano, NORML’s Deputy Director, shared insights in a blog post, noting that the past decade has seen an exponential rise in marijuana research. “Contrary to the belief that cannabis lacks sufficient scientific investigation, researchers have significantly deepened their understanding of cannabis, its active compounds, mechanisms, and its effects on users and society,” he stated. He further called on policymakers to shift their focus from uncertainties about marijuana to evidence-based discussions that reflect current knowledge.

NORML’s analysis involved a keyword search on PubMed.gov, a National Library of Medicine resource. The group reported that PubMed now lists over 49,500 scientific articles on cannabis, dating back to 1840. Interestingly, about 70% of these studies were published in the last decade, and over 90% have been added since 2002.

The research output for 2024 slightly trails the record set in 2022 when over 4,300 cannabis-related studies were published. However, the numbers still reflect a consistent upward trend compared to the previous decade, during which 32,000 studies were recorded.

Recent publications explore a variety of topics. For example, some studies highlight how cannabis legalization has reduced the rate of opioid overdose. Others discuss the plant’s ability to alleviate pain as effectively as morphine, and its role in improving the quality of life for patients with conditions like autism, epilepsy, and chronic pain.

Further research examines the effects of legalization on drug prescriptions. One study found that access to medical cannabis in Utah reduced opioid use among pain patients. Another revealed that incorporating marijuana into state prescription monitoring programs led to fewer prescriptions for narcotics.

Scientists have also delved into marijuana’s chemical components, including compounds like terpenes and minor cannabinoids. A study on cannabigerol (CBG) suggested it could help treat various conditions, including cancer and inflammation.

These studies represent just a fraction of the ongoing research into marijuana’s scientific, cultural, and legal dimensions as legalization continues to expand across the U.S., and federal reforms remain a topic of discussion in Congress. Industry actors like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) hope that this growing body of scientific literature on marijuana helps to shape future drug policy in different jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Could the Growing Popularity of THC Drinks Push Alcohol Out of the US Market?

New laws in the United States are making it possible to include THC in beverages, offering what some see as a potential alcohol alternative. While this development is being met with optimism by some, others believe its benefits may vary.

Policies enabling the sale of THC-infused drinks are becoming more common, often placing them in venues that sell alcohol. Minnesota, for instance, passed legislation last year permitting the sale of THC beverages in liquor establishments, and these products have since started appearing across the country.

The 2018 Farm Bill included a loophole that lifted federal prohibitions on hemp-derived products with trace amounts of delta-9 THC. Since 2019, Texas has been licensing establishments to sell hemp products, including liquor stores and bars.

Connecticut implemented a law that confines the sale of THC drinks to licensed dispensaries and liquor stores. Meanwhile, in states without explicit regulations, retailers like Total Wine and More have begun selling these beverages in regions where they are not specifically prohibited.

The popularity of alcohol alternatives has been growing steadily. Yet, whether THC drinks will gain acceptance as a lasting replacement for alcohol or remain a novelty remains uncertain.

Meenakshi Subbaraman, a researcher at UC Berkeley’s Public Health Institute, has studied the possibility that marijuana could aid those who suffer from alcoholism in cutting back on their use. According to her research, marijuana satisfies the majority of requirements for a suitable alternative. However, substituting THC beverages for alcohol’s social component presents a special difficulty.

Subbaraman points out that people who successfully switch from alcohol to marijuana often do so for specific reasons, such as managing pain, improving sleep, or reducing alcohol intake intentionally.

THC beverages often take longer to produce noticeable effects, sometimes exceeding an hour, unlike alcohol. Manufacturers are investing in nanoemulsion technology to shorten this time.

Marijuana and alcohol share similar risks, including impaired driving. As more cities allow marijuana consumption lounges, managing intoxicated driving may become a significant issue. For instance, The Artist Tree, a California-based dispensary with two lounges, trains staff to recognize intoxication, cut off customers if necessary, and even help them arrange transportation. Despite these efforts, marijuana lounges face stricter regulations and higher taxes compared to businesses selling hemp-based THC drinks.

Another obstacle is price. A six-pack of THC beverages starts at around $30, making them less accessible for casual or frequent occasions, such as tailgating events. It is now up to marijuana players like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) to assess the long term market prospects of THC drinks and if they find it a viable line, find innovative ways to bring down the current price of these products.

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