420 with CNW — Study Finds Psychosis-Prone Young People Registered Surprising Symptom Improvement After Using Marijuana

A team of researchers from several institutions has discovered that cannabis may improve symptoms in teenagers and young adults at risk of developing psychosis. The study contradicts claims that marijuana use can trigger the early onset of psychotic disorder symptoms and shows that cannabis may actually deliver modest cognitive functioning improvements while reducing the use of prescribed medications.

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine, Zucker Hillside Hospital, University of California at Davis and the University of Michigan published their findings in the “Psychiatry Research” journal. The study noted that the recent surge in recreational cannabis use has raised questions regarding the possibility of adult use being a trigger for the onset of psychosis.

However, the study authors note that there is little evidence tying cannabis use and negative health outcomes for people who are predisposed to developing psychosis.

The research team followed 210 patients with a clinical high risk (CHR) of psychosis who took part in an Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program (EDIPPP) for two years. Over the study period, the researchers compared prescription medication use with mental health in people who consumed cannabis regularly and people who didn’t consume cannabis.

Individuals who consumed cannabis continually over the two-year study period did not exhibit an increased psychosis transition rate, study authors say, and cannabis use did not contribute to a decline in clinical symptoms, neurocognition or functioning levels. On the contrary, youth who used cannabis continuously exhibited improved clinical symptoms even as their medication use decreased.

Furthermore, the scientists found that CHR youth who used cannabis regularly over the study period had higher social functioning and neurocognition compared to noncannabis users. The recent study adds to the growing body of scientific literature on cannabis and its potential association with psychosis.

Cannabis legalization opponents have long claimed that cannabis use can trigger schizophrenia, especially now that the market is flooded with increasingly potent THC-infused products. Some medical professionals have also stated that continued exposure to high-THC cannabis may cause psychosis-like symptoms in some consumers.

Studies have found that cannabis-induced psychosis is quite rare, with a Canadian study that analyzed 23,000 consumers finding that only 26 individuals required hospitalization for psychotic-like symptoms. Data from Canada also shows that although the country legalized adult-use cannabis in 2018, there has been no significant increase in the number of emergency room visits due to cannabis-induced schizophrenia or psychosis.

Additionally, a European study published in the “Translation Psychiatry” journal found that less than one-half of 1% of 230,000 consumers experienced psychosis-like symptoms after consuming cannabis.

As the different misconceptions about marijuana are dispelled one at a time, demand for the substance is likely to increase and enterprises such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), which capitalize on availing some of the products that marijuana cultivators need, could grow their businesses.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Registration for Medical Marijuana Cards in South Dakota Nearly Doubles State Projections

More than two years have passed since the legalization of medical cannabis in South Dakota, and an impressive count of more than 11,500 individuals from the state now possess medical marijuana cards. This substantial figure stands in stark contrast to the initial projections made back in 2021 when the program was launched, as Jennifer Seale, the medical cannabis program administrator at the state Department of Health, pointed out.

Initially, the state had envisaged a cardholder count of 6,000 by 2024, a projection that Seale shared with the members of the Medical Cannabis Oversight Committee in Pierre during a recent session. The committee, composed of lawmakers and other officials, evaluates the state-operated medical cannabis program and provides suggestions for its enhancement.

The fiscal year 2023 witnessed a significant portion of the medical cannabis program’s revenue attributed to newly issued cards, amassing a total of $1.37 million. However, Seale expressed uncertainty about the sustainability of this revenue stream once the issuance of medical cannabis cards reaches a saturation point.

A contentious issue that emerged in discussions pertains to pop-up clinics, which have become a primary channel through which South Dakotans access medical cannabis cards. The issue of pop-up clinics was also flagged as problematic during a prior committee assembly in October 2022. This concern led to the introduction of failed bills, one of which aimed to confine medical cannabis clinics to specific facilities.

Representative Fred Deutsch presented these bills during the legislative session of 2023, which concluded in March. Reflecting on his personal experience of acquiring a medical cannabis card, Deutsch underscored the lack of privacy due to audibly overheard conversations between patients and providers. Additionally, he highlighted the suboptimal nature of the provider-patient relationship established during the appointment. Deutsch’s appointment was conducted by a nurse practitioner he had not encountered before. He criticized the appointment for its brevity, lasting less than 10 minutes, and for failing to conduct a thorough examination to determine his eligibility for the card.

The committee is poised to readdress the issue, potentially through legislation or recommendations presented to the Legislature. Several ideas are under consideration, including barring individuals with vested interests in the cannabis industry from operating pop-up clinics, mandating ongoing medical education for card issuance and implementing a cap on the number of cards a provider can issue in a single day.

Although the fee for obtaining a medical cannabis card remains at $75, pop-up clinics have the latitude to impose significantly higher charges for appointments. As Deutsch disclosed, he paid around $170 for his appointment.

Presently, there is no limitation on the number of cards a provider can dispense. Senator Erin Tobin, who chairs the committee, asserted that enforcing such a change would eliminate the financial incentive associated with operating pop-up clinics.

The committee’s discussions extended to other matters, including the utilization of medical cannabis by parolees, even though substances such as alcohol are prohibited for them. Some members of the committee contended that this allowance contradicts the court’s intention of barring parolees from alcohol or drug use. The committee has plans to revisit the topic of pop-up clinics and other associated issues in its forthcoming meeting.

The growing interest in the medical use of marijuana could encourage many companies such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) to expand their operations and address the growing demand for cultivation equipment and other supplies needed in the marijuana value chain.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Court Ruling Puts New York’s Cannabis Equity Program in Jeopardy

Efforts to launch an equitable recreational cannabis industry in New York hit another roadblock after a state Supreme Court judge ruled that the licensing process violated state law. The most recent state Supreme Court ruling has now deemed the licensing process for social equity applicants unconstitutional and banned the state Office of Cannabis Management from providing any new retail recreational cannabis licenses until Aug. 25, 2023, when there will be further arguments on the matter.

Like other states with recreational cannabis markets, New York sought to launch an industry that provided equitable access to victims of the failed drug war via social-equity processes such as getting the first crack at the state’s first batch of adult-use cannabis retail licenses. However, a group of disabled veterans looking to enter the nascent cannabis market challenged the preferential licensing process for social-equity applicants in a state Supreme Court lawsuit.

The veterans argued that the Office of Cannabis Management violated state law by only allowing individuals with cannabis-related offenses and their immediate family members to apply for cannabis licenses rather than opening the application process to everyone. This lawsuit came months after multistate cannabis operators with medical marijuana licenses sued New York regulators for shutting them out of the recreational cannabis industry.

Although the ruling by Supreme Court Judge Kevin Bryant will not apply to individuals who had met the licensing conditions before Aug. 7, 2023, it will likely impact the hundreds of business owners looking to apply for Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses.

CAURD permits are the only existing licenses for legal recreational cannabis sales in New York, meaning cutting access to these licenses essentially prevents entrepreneurs from entering the cannabis industry.

State regulators may have had their hearts in the right place in terms of social equity when they implemented the selective licensing program, but it has had major repercussions for the state adult-use cannabis market. According to the lawsuit filed by the disabled veterans, the New York Office of Cannabis Management has failed in its mandate to create the marijuana market “envisioned by the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA),” particularly by preventing disabled military veterans and other minorities from access cannabis licenses.

The suit argued that every day that New York’s recreational cannabis program was limited to CAURD program participants impacted priority groups included in the MRTA as well as New York State farmers.

A spokesperson from the OCM said the agency will appeal the recent state Supreme Court ruling.

If these hiccups to the full launch of the recreational marijuana market in New York State continue, many opportunities are likely to be lost by entrepreneurs, such as those operating ancillary businesses similar to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX).

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — State Cannabis Regulators Urge Congress to Look Beyond CBD While Enacting Cannabinoid Regulations

State cannabis regulators are informing congressional legislators that, in addition to providing the FDA with more regulatory power, their investigation into the absence of federal regulations for CBD products derived from hemp must consider other cannabinoids that are becoming more widely available, such as delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol.

Last Friday, the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) sent lawmakers a letter with proposals for developing a framework for all hemp-derived cannabinoids in reply to a request for expert advice on CBD laws from major Senate and House committees. The group members’ combined experience managing state cannabis initiatives served as the basis for the application.

While CBD has received a lot of attention, all derivatives other than delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, including psychoactive substances such as THC-O-acetate and delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, were also widely deregulated when hemp was legalized federally under the 2018 Farm Bill. CANNRA argued that Congress renamed marijuana as hemp and effectively legalized it on a federal level, with no restrictions on products.

Although the DEA has stated that it views cannabinoids as illegal if they are synthesized, which is typical for delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, the demand for these products has grown with little enforcement. Numerous states have acted on their own to outlaw or regulate them.

The FDA has been under fire from a number of legislators and hemp stakeholders for not enacting CBD regulations, but CANNRA stated that it concurs with the FDA that it does not currently have the jurisdiction to create the kind of complete framework required for a market this complicated. According to the regulators, the FDA requires precise authority and brief timeframes for issuing regulations.

Furthermore, the association recommended that the FDA work in tandem with tribes, territories and states to ensure that regulations are not created in isolation. And states ought to have the authority to pass laws that go above and beyond federal minimum requirements to better safeguard their citizens and businesses, even though federal regulations are crucial.

The letter also offers thorough answers to some 24 specific queries outlined by the committees on the matter. These questions covered a wide range of topics, from the state of the CBD market today to the difficulties associated with the lack of regulations to the specifications for labeling and packaging.

CANNRA is not the only group that has replied to the request for information. The United States Hemp Roundtable also addressed the panel’s inquiries in a letter. In contrast to CANNRA, the group contended that Congress ought to order the FDA to act, disputing its claim that it lacks the appropriate power to create a cannabinoids regulatory framework.

The ATACH also replied with a letter stating that, although the FDA ought to regulate CBD, unregulated synthetic hemp intoxicants are the real issue. The group argued that the TTB, not the FDA, ought to regulate these goods.

Cornbread Hemp, a CBD company based in Kentucky, also gave the committees its take on the matter. In its view, the absence of FDA regulations has created a fragmented collection of state regulations that adversely affect businesses and perplex consumers.

As these anticipated regulations are codified, the market for the products commercialized by enterprises such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) is likely to expand as more entities increase their cannabis production.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — German Cabinet OKs Recreational Marijuana Legalization Plan

The German government approved a preliminary statute, marking a significant step toward legalizing recreational cannabis. Under the upcoming legislation, adults would be permitted to own a maximum of 25 grams (approximately 0.9 ounces) of marijuana and cultivate up to three plants for personal use. Moreover, they could participate in not-for-profit “marijuana clubs,” comprising up to 500 members, where the legal growth and purchase of the substance would be permissible.

The bill’s journey to becoming law is not yet complete. The legislation must be approved by German parliamentarians who are slated to reconvene on Sept. 4, 2023, after their summer recess.

Karl Lauterbach, the country’s health minister, hailed the draft legislation as a pivotal moment in Germany’s stance on marijuana. According to him, the more lenient approach holds the potential to combat the illicit market and drug-linked offenses. Moreover, it could alleviate the pressure on law-enforcement agencies and encourage safer cannabis consumption.

While this shift appears to endorse a more permissive attitude, minors would still be barred from cannabis use, with a planned government campaign alerting young people to the associated health hazards.

The new legislation, a centerpiece of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition, marks a departure from one of Europe’s most liberal marijuana policies. Nevertheless, the current draft has undergone modifications from its original, more ambitious, form. Notably, plans to permit the widespread commercial sale of cannabis through licensed outlets were jettisoned in April due to reservations raised by the European Commission.

Despite these changes, the draft law has faced formidable opposition from conservative politicians, medical professionals and law-enforcement representatives. A notable detractor is Klaus Holetschek, Bavaria’s regional health minister from the CDU party, who has branded the proposals as reckless. He argues that past examples from other nations reveal that liberalization does little to suppress the illegal market.

The German Professional Association of Pediatricians, in conjunction with other youth healthcare groups, has also criticized the plans for potentially encouraging cannabis use among young individuals. In addition, the law-enforcement community, including judges and police unions, has voiced concerns, characterizing the legislation as overly bureaucratic. They fear that the law could exacerbate the situation rather than alleviate burdens on the judicial system.

However, Lauterbach welcomes the controversial discourse initiated by the proposals, although he contends that critics fail to offer viable alternatives. Lauterbach staunchly advocates for a decriminalization approach, coupled with stringent restrictions and comprehensive education on the perils of cannabis consumption. To further regulate the use of cannabis, the legislation designates a 200-meter exclusion zone around cannabis clubs, sports facilities, playgrounds, youth organizations and schools.

If the bill garners approval, the government plans to assess its societal impact after a span of four years.

This initiative aligns with a global trend, as multiple countries have taken steps to relax regulations surrounding cannabis use. In 2013, Uruguay led the charge by legalizing the cultivation, sale and consumption of cannabis, setting a precedent for the world. In the United States, numerous states, including California, have progressively revised their laws over the last decade to accommodate recreational marijuana use.

Malta achieved a landmark feat in 2021 as the first European Union member to legalize recreational marijuana. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has long tolerated the sale and consumption of marijuana in designated “coffee shops” since the 1970s.

Drawing inspiration from these international examples, Lauterbach expresses confidence that the current form of the German plan constitutes the most comprehensive endeavor in marijuana legislation to date.

When this marijuana market finally opens, many companies that operate along the lines of U.S-based Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are likely to mushroom and strive as they serve those interested in growing their own marijuana at home.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Analysis Shows Ohio Stands to Collect $404M in Annual Cannabis Taxes

Ohio has the potential to witness a substantial boost in its yearly tax revenue, reaching an impressive $403.5 million from the sales of recreational marijuana, according to a fresh analysis by researchers at Ohio State University. The researchers base their tax revenue estimations on the initial years of sales, drawing insights from comparable markets in other states.

The study primarily hones in on the patterns of cannabis sales in Michigan, a neighboring state with a similar population size. Additionally, Michigan’s tax structure bears a striking resemblance to the one that Ohio would likely adopt if the legalization measure gets the nod. The research also casts its gaze on sales figures from 2018 to 2023 in states such as Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Illinois, and Colorado.

This report marks the second iteration, an update from last year’s edition, factoring in two more years of marijuana sales data in regulated markets. The decision to revise the estimates stems from the high likelihood of Ohio granting voters the opportunity to weigh in on the legalization initiative via the coming ballot.

The outcomes of this research indicate that Ohio could potentially rake in between $276.2 and $403.5 million in annual tax revenue from cannabis sales within five years of its legalization. Notably, the lower estimate remains consistent with the previous year’s report, while the upper range has surged by nearly $30 million due to the inclusion of more sales data from the six states.

This range in estimations results from the utilization of three distinct pricing models. The models map out the potential tax income under the following scenarios: Ohio’s cannabis products are taxed at rates equivalent to Michigan’s, 10% higher or 20% higher.

The paper underscores the pivotal role tax levels and structure would play in determining the final tax revenue. Although the Michigan tax framework and the proposed Ohio tax structure are comparatively modest among legalized states, Ohio could opt for higher taxes, potentially leading to enhanced revenue. Nevertheless, this could inadvertently elevate product costs, making it challenging to combat the illicit marijuana trade and potentially resulting in dwindling tax returns over time.

The report further elucidates that revenue from marijuana tends to exhibit robust growth during the initial stages of adult-use legalization, with a subsequent tapering off as markets mature. As evident from their review of different states, established markets have witnessed declines in cannabis tax revenue, while newer entrants such as Illinois and Michigan experienced significant revenue growth.

The updated analysis projects escalating marijuana revenue in Ohio, projecting figures as high as $218.5 million in the second year of sales, surging to potentially $305.6 million in the third year and $366.8 million in the fourth year. The peak is expected to be reached in the fifth year, hitting the $403.5 million milestone.

Throughout 2023, multiple states with legalized marijuana have reported consistently record-breaking monthly sales. Michigan, for instance, achieved a new monthly record in July, exceeding the previous month’s sales by a substantial margin.

States in the Northeast, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut, have all marked new records for marijuana transactions. Illinois recorded its strongest sales month to date in July, while Maryland also saw impressive figures since launching its recreational market. Missouri has also experienced a thriving cannabis market since its recreational market initiation in February, boasting daily sales averaging around $4 million and attaining a record-breaking $121.3 million in cannabis purchases in June.

In Ohio, proponents of cannabis legalization are confident about the initiative’s appearance on the ballot. Despite falling short by 679 signatures initially, advocates managed to bridge the gap during a 10-day correction period after submitting a substantial number of petitions. The campaign awaits official confirmation of success from the secretary of state’s office.

Once cannabis is legalized in Ohio, numerous business opportunities are likely to open up for a diverse variety of enterprises, such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), which specialize in providing supplies like indoor cultivation equipment to mainstream marijuana companies.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Germans Hold Rally Calling for Cannabis Legalization

Demonstrations rocked the German capital city of Berlin last weekend as hundreds of Germans joined the country’s yearly marijuana legalization protests. Held just days before the German country met to discuss the fate of a draft measure that would get rid of Germany’s ban on cannabis, several hundred protestors joined the annual Hanfparade (Hemp Parade) and called on the government to legalize cannabis.

The rally began at the Berlin Rotes Rathaus (Red town hall) before the protestors walked a route that took them through the Unter den Linden boulevard and to the government district.

Held every year since 1997, the Hemp Parade’s main goal is to persuade the government to review and liberalize policies on soft drugs such as hashish and marijuana that come from the marijuana plant. Event organizers also support and advocate for expanded access to medical marijuana as well as the use of hemp, a plant in the cannabis family that produces very minimal amounts of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

This year’s demonstration motto was “Hemp is great for peace and climate.”

German lawmakers plan on legalizing marijuana and possibly allowing the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis and home cultivation of up to three cannabis plants for adults. A proposed cannabis legalization law would also allow “cannabis clubs” to cultivate and sell cannabis to adults under specific rules. This includes limiting each customer to 50 grams of cannabis per month and using neutral packaging.

On top of generating millions of dollars in revenue, the proposed law would save Germany’s police force, the legal system and prison facilities more than $1.11 billion in operational costs every year.

Although reform activists hope the bill will advance and finally end cannabis prohibition in Germany, it will likely face plenty of pushback from associated agencies and organizations. For instance, the German Judges Association (DRB) claims upholding the measure will be difficult, calling it a “very small-scale law” that would require a very high degree of control and potentially lead to several court disputes. The DRB added that the legalization measure would have little effect on Germany’s illicit drug market.

German police have also criticized the proposed marijuana legalization measure. Like the DRB, the deputy head of the German Police Union (Gdp) says that the measure “lacks precision and oversight” and will burden the country’s police force to a significant degree. Gdp deputy federal chairman Alexander Poitz argued that the measure does not outline how to source and manage the additional personnel and technical effort law enforcement will need if it becomes law.

The Free Democratic Party (FDP) addiction and drug-policy spokesperson Kristine Lütke also said that the proposal in its current form would “create a bureaucratic monster.”

As more countries consider and implement marijuana legalization measures, many enterprises are likely to mushroom and thrive in the way that companies such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are finding success by doing business with marijuana companies in the U.S.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Marijuana Smell Sparks Smoking-in-Public Debate

As more states have legalized recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 year and older, a debate on public consumption and marijuana’s distinct smell has grown increasingly fierce. Most, if not all states with recreational and medical cannabis programs have outlawed public consumption and require that eligible adults consume and cultivate cannabis in private residences away from the public eye.

However, marijuana smoke is a strong, pungent scent that can travel, especially when cannabis users are living in close quarters with other people, such as in apartments. This means that individuals abiding by state law and consuming cannabis in private often expose nonusers to smoke, albeit unintentionally, raising questions about where cannabis users could legally consume marijuana without affecting others.

Duluth, Minnesota, resident Carl Sack has taken a unique approach to cannabis smoke in public. Although Sack himself does not consume cannabis and actively states that he hates running into clouds of cannabis smoke in his neighborhood, he opposes local administrative efforts to outlaw public cannabis consumption. He is part of a group of residents who are calling on the Duluth City Council to reject a proposed measure that would ban consuming cannabis in the city’s parks.

Unlike other state cannabis measures, Minnesota’s recreational cannabis law did not ban public marijuana consumption outright, meaning per existing state laws, adults could smoke cannabis in most public outdoor places unless local governments specifically banned cannabis consumption.

Adults in New York can also smoke cannabis wherever tobacco is allowed if local governments allow it because the state treats cannabis as it does tobacco. However, users in other states have to smoke in private. In addition, state bans on public marijuana consumption are preventing states from taking advantage of a key demographic that could significantly improve their profits: cannabis tourists.

Some states are circumventing public consumption bans by legalizing cannabis consumption lounges, establishments that would provide a space for adults to consume cannabis “in public” without subjecting nonsmokers to pot smoke. On top of providing residents with a place to consume cannabis outside their houses legally, these establishments could allow states to tap into the cannabis tourism segment.

National Cannabis Industry Association chief executive officer Aaron Smith says that each state is approaching the issue of public consumption differently. He added that regulators should provide consumers with a legal way of consuming legal cannabis. Policymakers often talk about public safety during discussions regarding public marijuana consumption, stating that the public and especially children should not be exposed to marijuana’s pungent odor.

The specific ways that different jurisdictions adopt to address the issue of public smoking could impact various businesses that specialize in supplying indoor cultivation equipment, such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX). For example, if a proactive approach is taken and consumption lounges are permitted, more tourists or visitors can buy marijuana, which would in turn create additional demand for cultivators.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — NAACP Reaffirms Support for Cannabis Legalization, Urges for Protection of Industry Employees

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has reaffirmed its support for cannabis reform at the federal level and is calling on cannabis industry regulators to protect employee rights in the sector. During its 114th National Convention in late July, the civil rights organization adopted a resolution renewing its support for federal cannabis legalization.

Although America is home to an incredibly lucrative state-legal cannabis industry that is spread across dozens of states, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug alongside narcotics like heroin and cocaine. While the industry has managed to grow into a global behemoth valued at billions of dollars, marijuana’s federal classification causes a myriad of issues for players in America’s marijuana sector.

These issues include limited access to banking services, capital and federal assistance even though the cannabis industry collectively generated more t han $15 billion in taxes last year alone. Federal prohibition also prevents marijuana businesses from accessing crucial financial services and forces them to operate on a cash-only basis, which significantly increases the risk of experiencing violent robberies.

NAACP also took a position on labor agreements on worker protections in the marijuana sector, stating that most people in the industry will be “workers rather than owners” and that employees throughout the cannabis supply chain have the right to a fair and safe workplace as well as a living wage. The civil rights organization noted that granting marijuana workers access to union representation, apprenticeship and training will ensure a wide pool of workers benefit from the lucrative cannabis industry.

Protecting employee rights in the cannabis sector will be especially beneficial for individuals from communities that were disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition during the failed drug war. As it stands, the challenges presented by marijuana’s federal status make it much harder for social-equity applicants to survive, much less thrive, in the industry because they often lack the capital and connections needed to be successful in America’s overly bureaucratic cannabis sector.

According to the NAACP’s resolution, the organization supports descheduling cannabis and legalizing it at the federal level. The resolution also reaffirmed the association’s prior resolutions on marijuana, decriminalization, cannabis industries and equity in the sector. Furthermore, the NAACP expressed that it intended to advocate for cannabis measures that make labor peace agreements a condition for receiving licenses.

The civil rights organization adopted the measure without any discussion by members during the session.

The United Foods and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) praised the NAACP’s resolution and called it a crucial step toward ensuring legislators and employees understand just how profoundly a worker-friendly marijuana industry would benefit people of color.

If these calls for the federal legalization of marijuana are acted upon, new markets are set to open up for various companies such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) as demand for marijuana could explode and those supplying cannabis companies with the products they need will benefit too.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — New Paltz, NY Farmers’ Market Draws Marijuana Enthusiasts

In an unprecedented move, New York made history by making marijuana legally available for purchase at a special farmers’ market for adults only in Ulster County. The main goal of this creative move was to address the oversupply situation that many marijuana growers are currently in.

While stringent security measures ensured that only those with verified IDs could enter the farmer-market space, the scene within the event resembled that of a conventional farmers’ market, complete with sprawling tents, neatly arranged tables, inquisitive consumers and well-informed farmers.

The event, held in New Paltz, was New York’s first attempt at staging a pop-up market solely for cannabis. Despite the continuous rain, eager consumers formed queues as four cannabis farms prepared to engrave their names in history.

According to the stipulations set by the state, licensed dispensaries were mandated to oversee the sales process at such pop-up events. The Marijuana Growers Showcase took place just outside the former New Paltz courthouse, which has seen countless people sentenced for petty marijuana possession violations in the past.

The intention behind these pop-up ventures is to extend a helping hand to New York’s farmers, who now find themselves grappling with an abundance of harvested cannabis. CBS New York’s visit to Hepworth Farms in June showcased the predicament faced by more than a hundred cannabis farms that are burdened with copious unsold inventory due to the sluggish establishment of retail outlets under the intricate state licensing framework.

Rick Weissman from High Falls Canna noted, “Despite the state’s well-meaning intentions, the issuance of licensed dispensaries has been painfully slow. We have 290 cultivators but only 21 dispensaries.”

Last year’s cultivation efforts were undertaken with the understanding that there would be around 70 open dispensaries by this point, illustrating the discrepancy between projections and reality.

“This scenario has a dual perspective,” mused Jens Verhaegh of Supernaturals NY. “Not only has the state recognized the substantial revenue potential that it missed out on due to the gradual rollout, but it also underscores the significance of expediting the process.”

With an established tax rate of 13%, New York projects a revenue inflow exceeding $1 billion from legal cannabis sales by 2028. Anticipated in the upcoming months is the emergence of cannabis markets across various locations in New York. The pop-up market is set to operate every week until Dec. 30, 2023, marking a unique and evolving chapter in the state’s history.

If the pop-markets serve their stop-gap role of helping growers sell the bulk of their stockpiled marijuana, other cultivation companies may also enjoy the impetus they need to get modern cultivation equipment from various manufacturers such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) to scale up their operations as more retailers are licensed by the state.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.