420 with CNW — Ohio House Approves Bill Reforming Marijuana Laws, Banning Hemp THC

Lawmakers in Ohio advanced a measure that would tighten rules on hemp products with intoxicating effects and revise several parts of the state’s recreational cannabis system. The House approved Senate Bill 56 in a 52-34 vote, sending it back to the upper chamber for final consideration.

The Senate is scheduled to return on December 9, and House Speaker Matt Huffman said he was confident the chamber would sign off on the proposal.

The Senate first approved the legislation in February, but the House later added new rules for intoxicating hemp, which prompted senators to vote unanimously in October against adopting those changes. That decision sent the issue to negotiation.

Soon after, federal lawmakers voted to prohibit products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per package as part of the agreement to reopen the federal government. The 2018 Farm Bill had previously allowed hemp cultivation as long as plants remained below 0.3 percent THC.

Although the federal restriction does not take effect for a year, states can adopt their own rules sooner. Steve Huffman said Congress’s move shaped Ohio’s approach to both hemp and marijuana. The bill now aims to keep intoxicating hemp products out of general retail shops by limiting sales to licensed cannabis dispensaries.

If the Senate signs off and Governor Mike DeWine approves the measure before January, the hemp provisions could begin as early as March. Five-milligram THC beverages would still be allowed until the end of 2026. Lawmakers also included language signaling that they would revisit the issue if federal rules shift again.

On the cannabis side, the bill lowers THC limits for concentrates to 70%, caps flower at 35%, and expands restrictions on smoking in public places. Some probable cause language was removed, though officers could still act if drivers show clear signs of impairment.

Communities hosting recreational dispensaries would receive 36% of adult-use tax revenue. The tax rate for recreational cannabis would remain at 10%, and home grow limits would stay at six plants per person and twelve per household.

Voters approved recreational cannabis in 2023 with 57% support, and sales began in August 2024. Since the measure passed as a statute rather than a constitutional amendment, lawmakers are permitted to modify it.

Critics say the new bill ignores what residents approved. Supporters argue it brings needed structure to a young industry and addresses public safety concerns as the market expands. Many actors within the broader marijuana industry, even across borders, such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be happy that some clarity is being brought into the hemp THC phenomenon in the U.S.

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 — Florida Authorities Relent to Pressure, Advance Marijuana Ballot Initiative

Florida’s long-running fight over a proposed recreational cannabis amendment took another turn this week after state election officials confirmed they had completed a key step that a pro-legalization group accused the DeSantis administration of deliberately delaying.

Smart and Safe Florida, the organization behind the proposal, filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court in October, accusing the state of stalling the ballot certification process. On Tuesday, Attorney General James Uthmeier urged the court to dismiss the case, noting that the action the group sought had been carried out the day before.

Maria Matthews, the director of the Division of Elections, issued the required letter confirming that the group had collected enough verified signatures to move the measure forward.

According to the state’s filing, Smart and Safe’s lawsuit requested that the court compel officials to send the acknowledgment letter and advance the petition to the attorney general. The state argued that the issue is now moot because the letter has been delivered and the proposal sent along for further review.

This marks the second lawsuit the group has filed over the proposed amendment. The latest legal move comes months after the recreational marijuana measure fell short during the 2024 election cycle. While 56% of voters backed legalization, Florida law requires at least 60% for a constitutional change.

The defeat followed a high-profile effort by Governor Ron DeSantis and several state leaders who campaigned aggressively against the initiative. They warned that expanding access to marijuana would harm communities and invite corporate influence, turning the issue into one of the most contentious fights of the year.

In its October lawsuit, Smart and Safe said it informed the election division in August that the campaign had far exceeded the number of verified petitions needed to trigger the next step in the process. The group said it had secured over 660,000 verified signatures, more than triple the minimum required to begin review.

Despite the early notification, no acknowledgment letter was issued for months. Smart and Safe argued that the delay was intentional and part of a broader effort to hinder the initiative. The group pointed to an October 3 directive from the Secretary of State instructing county supervisors to invalidate up to 200,000 petition signatures.

According to the order, organizers did not include the full text of the proposed amendment in certain mailings, which the state said violated petition rules. The decision wiped out nearly one-fourth of the signatures required for next year’s ballot and was the core of the group’s lawsuit.

The wider marijuana industry, including allied firms like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR), will be glad that the effort in Florida has notched this step in the process of making its way onto the ballot.

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 — Female Frequent Users of Marijuana Are More Satisfied in Their Romantic Relationships, Study Finds

A recent study from Israel suggests that marijuana use may influence how partners feel about their relationships, with women and men reporting sharply different experiences. The research, published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence Journal, examined how varying levels of cannabis consumption relate to satisfaction in long-term partnerships.

The study involved 110 couples who answered detailed surveys about how often they used cannabis, how they viewed the strength of their relationship, how they felt about their sex lives, and how responsive they believed their partners were.

Women who consumed cannabis frequently tended to rate their relationships more positively, describing both themselves and their partners as more fulfilled than women who used it rarely or never. Men, however, told a different story. The study notes that those who used marijuana at similar high levels tended to report lower satisfaction. They also viewed their partners as less responsive, although the latter finding did not meet the threshold for statistical significance.

The study is one of the few to look at possible dose-related effects rather than simply whether a person uses cannabis or abstains. The authors say this approach offers a more nuanced look at how consumption patterns shape couples’ experiences.

The study notes that couples who differed significantly in how much they used the drug were more likely to describe weaker bonds and less satisfying sex lives. The researchers link this trend to a long-standing theory that shared activities strengthen romantic bonds. When one partner regularly uses marijuana and the other does not, or when their consumption levels differ widely, the couple may have fewer mutual experiences built around that activity, which can limit closeness.

As for the gender divide, the researchers offered several ideas. Men generally consume cannabis more often than women, which has been associated in previous studies with a greater chance of negative physical or psychological effects. Those drawbacks might spill into relationships and influence both partners’ sense of connection.

Women, on the other hand, typically use cannabis at lower levels. Light use has been associated with fewer adverse consequences and a better reported quality of life compared with heavy use. The researchers suggest that these differences may help explain why frequent use appears to affect women more positively in the context of romantic satisfaction.

The team also raised the possibility that social expectations play a part. Women who use cannabis heavily may be stepping outside traditional gender roles, which could create a sense of autonomy and authenticity. That feeling of independence may contribute to a stronger perception of relationship quality.

The authors caution that their sample size was modest and that more research is needed to understand why these gender patterns emerge.

Rigorous data of this nature could be useful to the cannabis industry, including firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as it could inform how they refine their products targeting different sections of the population.

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 — Will the Revolt Against Marijuana Taxes Succeed?

The U.S. has roughly 38,000 licensed marijuana businesses, yet many are struggling to meet federal tax obligations. Eleven of the largest operators collectively owe over $2.3 billion in federal income taxes. Smaller firms are facing similar pressure, largely due to Section 280E of the federal tax code, which blocks marijuana businesses from deducting most expenses.

That burden has pushed a growing number of companies to take a risky step. Cannabis businesses are submitting tax returns that challenge the IRS’s position on what they owe.

Whether that pushback will succeed is far from clear. Previous attempts by Americans to mount large-scale tax rebellions offer historical context, and most did not end well for the people involved.

One of the first major confrontations over taxes came in the early 1790s, when farmers in western Pennsylvania rejected a federal levy on distilled spirits meant to help the young nation pay down its war debt. President George Washington responded by leading troops into the region in 1794, and the Whiskey Rebellion fell apart almost immediately.

Only two participants were convicted, and both were later pardoned. Although residents continued resisting the tax until it was eliminated in 1802, the public largely backed the government’s actions.

Another revolt came in the 1990s, when thousands filed for a supposed “Black Inheritance Tax Refund.” It was based on the idea that the federal government had promised former slaves land and livestock after the Civil War. While the IRS stated that no such refund existed, it acknowledged that it had mistakenly paid out over $30 million and moved aggressively to alert the public and shut down the scheme.

Every major tax revolt has ended with the government prevailing, which does not bode well for today’s cannabis operators. Still, this modern dispute has its dynamics. Many marijuana companies argue they want to settle, but only for amounts they can realistically afford.

Supporters often cite the 2022 Harborside case in which the IRS accepted far less than the $22 million it claimed was owed and agreed to a ten-year payment plan. That deal was shaped by Harborside’s bleak finances and the likelihood that the company would collapse without leniency.

It also included a provision adjusting payments every two years so that any future profit would flow largely to the IRS. Harborside, later rebranded as StateHouse Holdings, ultimately failed anyway.

Others point to potential changes in federal drug policy or a retroactive fix to Section 280E. However, the Treasury Department has historically resisted retroactive tax changes, and such amendments are rare as taxpayers rely on the law as it stands when they file returns.

Some observers also raise the idea of a settlement program similar to the recent employee retention credit initiative, which allowed participants to repay most of what they received without facing penalties. Still, even an offer requiring repayment of 85% of the tax owed would be unreachable for many marijuana businesses already operating on thin margins.

For now, there is no close comparison in American tax history to a revolt where enforcing the law as written could threaten an entire industry. The outcome of the marijuana tax rebellion remains uncertain, and the stakes are only getting higher.

A more fair tax system would enable companies like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) to grow a lot faster than they are currently doing.

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 — New Federal Law Gives States Power to Regulate Hemp THC

Cannabis remains illegal in Wisconsin, yet anyone driving through commercial districts could easily assume otherwise. Shops advertising CBD and THC products have multiplied across the state, filling windows with colorful displays of gummies, oils, drinks, and vape cartridges. Many grocery stores and gas stations also carry similar items.

Their presence stems from a gap in federal law that allowed hemp products with trace levels of the psychoactive compound THC to be sold openly. That gap is now on track to close.

A policy change in 2018 removed hemp from the federal list of controlled substances. The move permitted a wide range of products that include THC, provided they came from hemp and stayed under a strict limit of 0.3% by dry weight. The change fueled a booming market that a national hemp organization values at roughly $28 billion.

President Donald Trump recently signed legislation to end the federal government shutdown. Tucked inside the measure was language that tightens the limit on THC levels in hemp products. Products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC would be barred, a standard that would rule out most products currently on store shelves. The new limit becomes enforceable in one year.

This sparked immediate concern among growers, manufacturers, and retailers in Wisconsin, who fear the move could wipe out a large share of their business. Still, some legal scholars say the reaction may be stronger than the situation warrants.

Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University who studies drug policy, said the federal government lacks the capacity to enforce a sweeping crackdown on the wide network of companies that produce or sell these products. In his view, the future of the market will hinge largely on decisions made in states rather than Washington.

Efforts to create state-level oversight are already moving. As the House prepared to vote on the shutdown legislation, Wisconsin’s Assembly Committee on State Affairs reviewed a bipartisan measure that would set up a thorough regulatory structure for hemp products.

The proposal calls for mandatory testing and licensing, taxes similar to those on alcohol, and clear municipal authority. It also outlines an age requirement for purchasing and using these products, a licensing system for producers and retailers, and rules for packaging.

A separate proposal would revise Wisconsin’s definition of hemp to match the new federal standard. That measure is expected to face a veto from Governor Tony Evers.

Even so, Mikos said the industry is unlikely to face aggressive enforcement in the near future, even after the federal limit takes effect next year. He cautioned that small businesses could still encounter ripple effects involving taxes or federal permits. But he added that the risk of criminal penalties remains extremely low.

Marijuana companies, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be tracking how this change to federal law impacts companies that have been manufacturing THC products from hemp.

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 — Michigan Files Defense in Case Challenging its New Marijuana Taxes

The state of Michigan is standing by its newly approved wholesale cannabis tax, stating that the measure complies with the state constitution and does not violate the 2018 ballot initiative that legalized recreational marijuana.

The legal defense comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, which is challenging a 24% wholesale tax on cannabis slated to take effect at the start of 2026. The tax would be added to the existing excise tax already applied to retail sales under the voter-approved legalization measure.

Industry representatives argue that the new levy is unconstitutional as it was not passed with the supermajority vote required to alter a voter-initiated measure. The tax cleared the House by a 78-21 vote and the Senate by 19-17, both falling short of the three-fourths margin required by the state constitution for such changes.

A separate lawsuit filed by Holistic Research Inc., a licensed marijuana cultivator based in Harrison Township, is also seeking to block the tax while litigation proceeds temporarily. The company has requested a preliminary injunction that would prevent the state from implementing the tax on January 1.

In its court filings, the state maintains that the new tax is a separate measure and does not amend the 2018 legalization law. State attorneys argue that lawmakers created a distinct revenue mechanism intended to work alongside Michigan’s broader marijuana regulatory framework, which is governed by multiple overlapping statutes.

According to the state’s brief, the goal of the new tax is to generate additional funding for road improvements, not to alter or regulate the marijuana market itself. Officials say the tax will contribute roughly $420 million to a $2 billion infrastructure plan designed to improve state and local roads.

Critics, however, warn that the added cost will likely raise prices for consumers, push some businesses to the brink, and encourage more buyers to return to the illegal market, undermining the state’s goal of supporting a regulated industry.

The state also rejected claims that lawmakers improperly changed the intent of an unrelated bill to push the tax through.

Attorneys for the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association have not yet formally responded to the state’s arguments, but a spokesperson said the group intends to press for a temporary injunction. Judge Sima Patel of the Court of Claims is scheduled to consider that request on November 25 in Detroit.

The wider cannabis industry, including companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) will be hoping that a workable compromise is attained to increase tax revenue without unduly burdening marijuana companies in Michigan.

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 — Trump Supports Hemp THC Ban in Spending Bill Reopening Government

The U.S. Senate’s recent approval of a broad spending bill to end the longest federal government shutdown includes a measure that would prohibit hemp-derived THC products, marking a major shift in national cannabis policy since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The proposal, which has now been signed into law, seeks to close what lawmakers describe as a loophole that has allowed intoxicating hemp products to flourish outside state-regulated marijuana markets. While Senator Rand Paul(R) attempted to strike the new language from the legislation, the White House indicated that President Trump supported the measure.

The debate represented another chapter in an ongoing fight over hemp-derived THC products such as Delta-8 and THCA flower. These products, which can produce the same psychoactive effects as marijuana, are being sold widely online and in convenience stores across the country. Critics argue they exploit the Farm Bill’s definition of hemp, allowing unregulated marijuana to be sold under the guise of legality.

Major retailers have started stocking hemp-based THC drinks even as opponents, including state-regulated cannabis industry groups and prohibition advocates, warn of potential risks to public health. Alcohol industry representatives have also weighed in, with leading trade associations announcing their support for the ban.

Hemp industry leaders, however, warn that the ban could devastate hemp producers. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable noted that the language could effectively eliminate most of the $28 billion hemp market.

The Senate Appropriations Committee stated that the measure would halt sales of intoxicating hemp-based products, including Delta-8 THC, while maintaining the legality of non-intoxicating industrial hemp and CBD.

The revised definition of hemp limits THC content, including its acidic precursor THCA, to no more than 0.3% by dry weight. It also excludes compounds not naturally produced by the marijuana plant or those synthesized in a lab, such as HHC and THC-P.

Now that it has been enacted, the rule bans most hemp-derived drinks currently sold in stores and bars, allowing only products with no more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per serving.

Senator Paul had urged colleagues to vote on an amendment that would remove the restrictive language, despite his actions likely putting him at odds with Trump. Meanwhile, representatives from major alcohol trade associations, including the Beer Institute and Wine Institute, pressed senators to reject Paul’s proposal, warning that his actions could jeopardize efforts to reopen the government.

For the regulated cannabis industry, the move is a win, seen as a long-overdue step toward aligning federal law with current market realities.

Marijuana industry players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be watching how the marijuana and hemp retail landscape is reshaped by this newly passed law.

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 — Virginia’s New Democratic Governor Could Establish a Retail Market for Marijuana

Virginia could soon establish a legal retail cannabis market by 2026, with Abigail Spanberger (D) elected as the state’s next governor and her party securing control of both chambers of the General Assembly.

Although adults 21 and older have been allowed to possess and use cannabis in Virginia since 2021, there is still no legal way to purchase it. Outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed legislation twice that would have created a regulated retail market. That stance is expected to shift when Spanberger takes office in January.

“Spanberger noted during her campaign that she supports moving cannabis sales from the street corner to a legal, age-verified setting,” said JM Pedini, NORML’s development director. “That clears a pathway for lawmakers to finalize recreational cannabis retail legalization in the 2026 session.”

NORML, which has long advocated for retail legalization, expects the state legislature’s Joint Commission overseeing the transition to a cannabis marketplace to introduce a new proposal next year. If approved, retail sales could begin as early as January 2027. Localities would have until the end of 2026 to opt out of participation, giving small businesses time to prepare for entry into the industry.

According to Pedini, establishing a legal market would improve consumer safety and redirect revenue away from the illicit trade.

However, not everyone supports the move. The advocacy group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) argues that legalization could lead to increased use among young people and more public health risks.

“Our biggest concern is youth access and the growing potency of THC products,” said Jordan Davidson, SAM’s government affairs director. “In states like Colorado, where dispensaries outnumber McDonald’s and Starbucks combined, the outcome has been troubling. We’ve seen significant mental and physical health issues tied to high-potency cannabis.”

Davidson warned that legalization could make it easier for minors to obtain cannabis despite age restrictions and accused the industry of copying “big tobacco” tactics to build a base of dependent consumers. He called for strict limits, or a complete ban, on marijuana advertising.

While Davidson acknowledged that a retail market in Virginia now seems inevitable, he urged Spanberger’s administration to prioritize safety measures, including limits on THC strength. “Potency has skyrocketed compared to the 1970s,” he said. “States like Montana, Connecticut, and Vermont have imposed caps. We’d like to see Virginia adopt similar restrictions, ideally keeping THC content between 5% and 15%.”

Licensed marijuana companies like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) may be wondering how Virginia has permitted adults to consume recreational marijuana without establishing a legal way for people to buy the products. This approach gives the black market a lucrative opportunity to meet the demand.

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 — Federally Financed Canadian Research Shows Marijuana Use by Youths Reduced After Legalization

A new Canadian study funded by the federal government suggests that cannabis use among young people has dropped since the country legalized marijuana, challenging long-standing fears that legalization would lead to higher rates of youth consumption.

The research, published in Addictive Behaviors Reports, analyzed data from the COMPASS Study, an ongoing national survey that tracks health-related behaviors in Canadian youth. Conducted by researchers from Brock University and the University of Waterloo, the study compared cannabis use rates among youths before legalization (2017 and 2018) and after legalization (2021 and 2022).

Results showed that 15% of adolescents reported using cannabis in the month prior to legalization. That figure dropped to 12.3% after legalization. The proportion of students who said they had never used cannabis also grew during the post-legalization period.

The researchers also examined which factors were most likely to predict whether a student might use cannabis, noting that these predictors shifted in meaningful ways between the two time periods.

According to the report, while certain influences—like time spent texting, eating breakfast daily, and completing homework—remained relevant, the relative importance of these risk factors changed. In post-legalization use, feelings of depression, satisfaction with home life, and attitudes about school performance emerged as stronger predictors of use.

The study covered over 65,000 students across both time frames. The authors suggested periodically updating prevention strategies to align with current youth realities, given the evolving nature of these risk factors.

Overall, the researchers noted a modest decline in reported cannabis use and a rise in the number of students who said they never consume it. They suggested this trend may not be tied to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but instead could reflect shifts in regulation, social norms, or perceptions of risk following legalization.

Canada’s results mirror similar findings in Europe and the United States. In Germany, federal health officials recently reported that youth cannabis use has also decreased following national legalization. German authorities said other common concerns, including road safety and increased youth access, have not materialized.

In the United States, federal surveys indicate that cannabis use among adolescents has stayed steady or declined even as more states have adopted adult-use legalization. A report by the Marijuana Policy Project found that adolescent marijuana use dropped in 19 of the 21 states that legalized recreational cannabis, with an average decrease of 35% in the earliest adopting states.

This goes to show that legalization and licensing companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) could help in curbing access to marijuana products by the underage as measures like age verification prior to product purchase are enforced.

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 — Massachusetts Regulators Delay Decision on Marijuana Consumption Lounges

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has postponed a key vote on regulations that would open the door for social marijuana consumption across the state, with officials now aiming for a decision before Christmas.

Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien outlined the revised timeline during the agency’s public meeting, which also marked the introduction of a new commissioner, Carrie Benedon.

The proposal in question would permit marijuana consumers to buy and use products in the same location, a move advocates say would expand access and normalize legal consumption. However, commissioners opted to delay the vote to allow for further review.

The proposal, first drafted in July, establishes three categories of licenses for social consumption. The first, a “supplemental” license, would enable existing cannabis retailers to create on-site consumption areas for their customers. A second, the “hospitality” license, would extend that privilege to certain non-marijuana venues such as theaters or cafes. The third, called an “event organizer” license, would allow temporary consumption spaces at approved gatherings and festivals.

If approved, the first five years of licensing would be restricted to participants in the commission’s economic or social equity empowerment programs, along with microbusinesses and cooperatives. The commission noted that more adjustments could be made before final rules are adopted.

Benedon joins the commission from the state attorney general’s office where she serves as director of the Open Government Division. Her background includes time as an assistant attorney general handling constitutional and administrative law, as well as representing the Public Health Department in cases involving medical cannabis regulations.

She fills the seat previously held by Nurys Camargo, representing the category reserved for expertise in social justice and legal issues within regulated industries.

Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said Benedon’s onboarding prompted the delay, explaining that she needed time to review the proposed rules. Stebbins added that the commission may hold extra meetings before the end of the year to keep the process on track. The next scheduled meeting is on November 18.

“I hope we can finalize this by Christmas,” Stebbins said, noting that commissioners are now focused on clarifying fine details to give future licensees certainty. He emphasized that delays are about inclusion, not hesitation. “We want everyone’s input.”

The agency has been operating with just three active commissioners for months, as one seat remained empty, and another commissioner was on leave. The addition of Benedon gives the body more flexibility to move forward, though a tie vote remains a possibility for the five-member commission.

The entire marijuana industry, including actors from across the U.S. border like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be hoping that no further delays occur in the timelines of the regulator in Massachusetts so that adults can have public locations where they can consume marijuana products legally away from their hotel rooms or homes.

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