420 with CNW — Federal Judge Upholds Medical Cannabis Advertising Restrictions

A lawsuit filed against the state of Mississippi by a medical cannabis dispensary owner has been dismissed. The lawsuit challenged Mississippi’s laws, which the plaintiff said placed restrictions on marijuana businesses by forbidding them from placing advertisements on a majority of media platforms.

In a decision issues last week, Federal District Judge Michael P. Mills agreed with the state’s stance that such operations do not benefit from the constitutional protections afforded to certain types of commercial speech because marijuana possession is still prohibited under federal law.

Clarence Cocroft II, the plaintiff, founded Tru Source Medical Cannabis in 2022 following Mississippi’s legalization of medical cannabis use for patients with life-threatening illnesses. However, he claims that because the state forbids medical cannabis companies from running advertisements in any medium, he has had difficulty attracting consumers.

Cocroft, who was represented by the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit libertarian law firm, filed a lawsuit against Mississippi’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Bureau and the state’s Health and Revenue Departments. His claims revolve around the purported infringement of his advertising rights, stating that the limitations imposed by the state prohibit him from running advertisements in periodicals, newspapers, radio, television and billboards.

In his decision, Judge Mills stated that he believed it would be a major violation of state sovereignty to remove Mississippi’s prohibitions on marijuana advertising. He stressed that the state’s legislature had outdone the U.S. Congress by legalizing cannabis to some degree. This, in Mills’ opinion, called into question the jurisdiction of a federal court to tell the Mississippi legislature how far it may take cannabis legalization.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the ruling, Cocroft maintained that Mississippi’s rules violate businesses’ First Amendment rights. He stated that he plans to file an appeal with the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals over the ruling. While the state can’t restrict dispensaries from displaying signs on their premises or showcasing products on their websites, Cocroft’s attorneys maintain that the broader advertising restrictions imposed by the health department are unconstitutional.

Marijuana is still classified as a restricted substance under federal law, even though President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of individuals who were found guilty of using cannabis and of simple possession on federal property. Mills emphasized that states have the right to control marijuana advertising as long as it is still illegal on a federal level, bolstering Mississippi’s jurisdiction to regulate how the substance is advertised.

This lawsuit filed in Mississippi highlights some of the challenges that cannabis enterprises, including major actors such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), have to contend with in the different markets in which they operate. Reform has been slow and incremental, but the industry hopes that all vestiges of the era of prohibition will be reversed as the public and policymakers gain a deeper understanding of the industry.

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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.

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420 with CNW — Czech Republic Wants to Legalize Marijuana Sans Legal Sales

The Czech Republic has revealed its plan to legalize adult-use marijuana. Local news media outlets reported that the measure aimed at legalizing adult-use marijuana wouldn’t include regulations for a legal market. Expats.cz reported that the government tabled a draft marijuana regulation measure last week.

The Central European nation is among several other countries in Europe that are working on marijuana regulation. The country decriminalized the possession of marijuana for personal use in 2010, then legalized medical marijuana in 2013. However, the recreational use of marijuana remains illegal.

In 2022, the country publicized its plans to legalize adult-use marijuana, which included the creation of a legal market. With recent the news, however, it seems legalization will be limited to home cultivation, possession and the establishment of marijuana social clubs. One of the primary advocates of marijuana legalization in the country, the Pirate Party, said that the measure was a compromise and they were working out additions.

The proposed measure is part of the Czech government’s plan to address addiction via different initiatives. These include endorsing policy based on a scientifically proven and balanced approach to harm reduction and risk prevention in addiction management, as well as the regulation of addictive drugs based on their levels of harm.

The revised measure has already received criticism from the public, primarily centering on legalization without the establishment of a legal market.

Cannabis associations in the country noted in a joint press release that the lack of a regulated market failed to tackle the illicit market, which continued to make significant profits. However, this sentiment isn’t shared by all. Dr. Tomas Ryska, Astrasana Czechs MD, stated in a recent interview that the lack of regulation for a legal cannabis market is part of the plan.

The plan’s objective was to pressure the Christian and Democratic Union, give rise to negative sentiment in the media and demonstrate that citizens weren’t happy with legalization without the establishment of a regulated market.

The Christian and Democratic Union is the only party that opposes the creation of a legal marijuana market. In its argument, the party raised concerns about the possible increase in marijuana users and funds spent on addiction-prevention and treatment programs.

However, JindřichVobořil has consistently asserted that the market’s regulation can control sales, distribution and production, which would make prevention more effective while also generating tax revenues.

According to Ryska, the government plans to pursue the creation of a legal market in the near future.

Players that are in already established cannabis markets such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) will be watching the developments in the Czech Republic as those regulatory changes could eventually open international opportunities for these companies.

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420 with CNW — Florida GOP Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Restrict THC potency If Voters Approve Recreational Marijuana

With the prospect of a potential November vote in Florida on cannabis legalization, a GOP legislator, Representative Ralph Massullo, has introduced a measure that would establish strict restrictions on THC potency in the event of voter approval. Introduced last week, Massullo’s measure suggests a THC cap significantly lower than the prevailing limits in most cannabis markets.

The proposed limitations would become effective 30 days after voters endorse any future constitutional amendment endorsing legalization. The measure proposes a 10% THC limit for smoking-related marijuana products and a 60% limit for other cannabis products, such as extracts. The highest amount of THC allowed in edibles under this legislation would be 200 milligrams, with a 10-milligram cap on each serving.

Such stringent limits could pose significant challenges in commerce and logistics within the potential recreational cannabis market, likely drawing backlash from stakeholders, advocates and consumers. Notably, the average THC content in marijuana flower sold at recreational or medical dispensaries usually ranges between 20% and 30%. This mirrors the existing scenario in the state’s medical marijuana market, where the measure’s focus on “recreational use potency limits” may create complications by establishing different THC regulations for recreational consumers and patients.

Contrastingly, Florida’s current medical marijuana dosage limits, revised in 2022 amid some controversy, do not depend on THC percentage. The bill introduces a complex definition of potency, specifically addressing cannabis dispensed to a caregiver or patient in terms of relative cannabinoid strength and total THC content.

The bill seems to specifically target the impending legalization vote initiative awaiting the outcome of the state’s Supreme Court ruling. A legal challenge against the reform put up by Smart and Safe Florida, which gathered almost a million signatures to qualify for the ballot, is being led by the state’s attorney general, Ashley Moody. Even though the court heard oral arguments in November, its position on the initiative is still unknown.

Crucially, the ballot measure itself does not establish THC potency limits. Therefore, Massullo’s bill could potentially preempt the initiative, preventing voters from deciding on the matter independently. This legislative strategy is reminiscent of moves made by Ohio GOP legislators after voters approved a recreational cannabis legalization bill. In Ohio, efforts are underway to amend the marijuana law significantly, with similar discussions about implementing THC potency limits.

Meanwhile, a Florida GOP senator filed a measure last month that would permit approved medical cannabis companies to qualify for tax deductions from the state otherwise not allowed at the national level due to code 280E.

The struggle for reforms isn’t only playing out in Florida. Even jurisdictions where companies such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) have their own issues and efforts to bring incremental improvements are underway.

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420 with CNW — Top Congressional, Federal Cannabis Policy Developments in 2023

The year 2023 witnessed a range of notable federal developments on the cannabis landscape. Among these were significant milestones such as the Biden administration’s proposal to reschedule cannabis, an expansion of pardons for federal cannabis possession offenses and setbacks in the congressional journey toward marijuana banking reform.

As Congress takes a recess for the holiday season, stakeholders and advocates are reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year, intending to advance their efforts in 2024.

A pivotal moment in 2023 was the U.S. Department of Health & Human Sciences recommending the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This recommendation, arising from President Biden’s directive, is undergoing the administrative process led by the U. S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). If implemented, this move would symbolically acknowledge that marijuana is not a dangerous drug lacking medical value; it would also potentially ease research barriers and allow state-licensed businesses to claim federal tax deductions.

Biden also made headlines by extending and broadening pardons for individuals with federal cannabis possession offenses, aligning with his renewed focus on marijuana reform. However, these actions fall short of his initial campaign promises, which included federal legalization of medical marijuana, marijuana decriminalization, and preventing incarceration for nonviolent marijuana-related offenses.

Marijuana banking reform faced challenges in the Senate, with the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Bill stalling despite passing through the Banking Committee. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer remains committed to advancing the bill in 2024, emphasizing the need for bipartisanship in a divided Congress.

Public support for cannabis legalization reached an all-time high of 70%, according to a Gallup poll released in November. This bipartisan support extended across states with varying marijuana legalization statuses, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for reform. In congressional legislation, various bipartisan bills were introduced in 2023, addressing different aspects of federal cannabis policy. Notable bills included the STATES 2.0 Act, the MORE Act and the HOPE Act, each proposing reforms ranging from ending federal prohibition in legal states to expunging prior marijuana convictions.

While multiple drug-policy reform amendments were blocked by the GOP-controlled Rules Committee, some amendments, such as allowing VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans, did find success in the House. In addition, several federal agencies engaged with marijuana-related issues in 2023. The DEA announced plans to increase domestic production of cannabinoids for research purposes while also proposing a federal ban on two psychedelic compounds. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration stirred controversy by refraining from regulating hemp-derived CBD in the food supply, and the VA reaffirmed its prohibition on doctors recommending medical cannabis to veterans.

The Justice Department faced legal challenges defending the federal ban preventing cannabis consumers from buying or possessing firearms. Despite court rulings deeming the ban unconstitutional, the government continues to appeal.

Looking ahead to 2024, the marijuana landscape remains uncertain. The DEA’s decision on cannabis scheduling and the fate of the banking bill in the Senate will be key focal points. With a presidential election year on the horizon, Biden may continue to emphasize his marijuana pardon actions, though the extent of his commitment to broader legalization remains to be seen. Despite the challenges, the momentum for marijuana reform persists, providing stakeholders and advocates with a compelling force for the future.

Established cannabis entities such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) will certainly take a keen interest on how the regulatory landscape evolves this year.

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420 with CNW — Feds Pour Cold Water on Efforts by Georgia to Sell Medical Cannabis in Pharmacies

Georgia’s ambition to become the first state to allow pharmacies to distribute medical-cannabis products faces a setback as the DEA issued a stern warning. On Nov. 27, 2023, the agency cautioned pharmacies that dispensing medical cannabis violates federal law, urging Georgia to reconsider its plans.

The state’s pharmacy board, which initiated the acceptance of applications for dispensing medical cannabis products in October, has already granted licenses to 23 pharmacies in the state. The state’s medical marijuana commission, GMCC, acknowledges the federal directive. Despite state law permitting pharmacies to dispense medical marijuana, the commission, under the leadership of Andrew Turnage, cannot override the federal warning. Turnage expressed the state’s desire to continue allowing pharmacists to provide consultations for medical marijuana, paralleling their role with other medications.

According to the DEA’s memorandum to pharmacies, handling or dispensing cannabis or related products containing more than 0.3% THC is deemed unlawful. While Georgia allows medical-cannabis patients to purchase cannabis products containing up to 5% THC, the agency categorizes products exceeding 0.3% THC content as illegal under federal law.

Since 2015, Georgia has permitted patients with certain illnesses, sanctioned by physicians, to possess and consume low-THC medical-marijuana products. However, legal acquisition of the product within the state’s borders only became possible in April this year.

Nationwide, 24 states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, and an additional 23 allow medical marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The recent DEA notice, disseminated online by the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Cannabis, prompted varied reactions. Some responses, such as the one from Ira Katz of Little Five Points Pharmacy, indicate pharmacies should be allowed to dispense medical-cannabis products akin to marijuana dispensaries. Conversely, Mahlon Davidson, interim CEO of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, expressed skepticism about independent pharmacists jeopardizing their businesses by contravening the DEA’s directives.

Opponents of recreational and medical cannabis legalization argue that the DEA’s directive serves to protect consumers and allows for further research. Michael Mumper, executive director of the nonprofit Georgians for Responsible Cannabis Policy, emphasized the trust consumers place in drugs dispensed from pharmacies, highlighting FDA approval and federal legality, aspects he contends are lacking in medical cannabis.

The federal perspective might transform with a recent proposal seeking to ease restrictions on cannabis. The HHS recommended removing cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III in August. The decision on this currently lies with the DEA, which is in charge of controlling substance classification in the United States.

The success of pharmacies in Georgia selling medical cannabis could have provided an interesting channel that would have interested other marijuana entities such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) and other states looking to improve their cannabis markets.

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420 with CNW — Feds Make Public 250+ Pages of Text Detailing Cannabis’ Medical Potential

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a set of documents pertaining to its recommendation to move cannabis from Schedule I to III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The documents also encompass an in-depth evaluation conducted by the health agency regarding the acknowledged medical value of marijuana.

Included in the newly revealed materials are correspondences from HHS officials to DEA administrator Anne Milgram and the rationale behind the recommended reclassification, backed by an exhaustive eight-factor analysis mandated by the CSA. Despite the release, a significant portion of the pages is heavily censored, and some have been entirely withheld.

The documents became accessible online, courtesy of attorneys Shane Pennington and Matt Zorn, coauthors of the On Drugs blog. Zorn had previously submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain these records. In response, HHS scrutinized 252 pages, releasing only two pages in full. An additional 236 pages were partially redacted, and 14 were entirely withheld.

The disclosed documents broadly outline contemporary scientific findings that have emerged in recent years, after a previous denial of a petition to reschedule cannabis. HHS suggests that these developments may now warrant a reconsideration of cannabis scheduling.

The current examination primarily focuses on the modern scientific considerations surrounding currently accepted medical use (CAMU) for cannabis. It also delves into new epidemiological data regarding marijuana abuse, a perspective absent in the 2015 HHS evaluation of marijuana under the CSA’s eight-factor analysis.

HHS acknowledges the complexity of determining the abuse potential of cannabis, emphasizing that it involves multifaceted dimensions. The health agency underscores that there is no singular test or assessment that comprehensively characterizes the abuse potential, making it an intricate consideration.

HHS director of FOIA litigations and appeals, in a letter to Zorn, explained that redactions were made under a FOIA provision exempting intra-agency memoranda or letters not available by law to parties outside an agency engaged in litigation with the agency.

HHS had earlier released a highly redacted version of a one-page letter from the health agency to the DEA in response to public records requests by various entities, including lawyers and news organizations.

The attention has now shifted to the DEA, as it holds the rescheduling recommendation. While the Congressional Research Service (CRS) indicates a likelihood of the DEA following the HHS recommendation based on historical precedent, the DEA retains the authority to disregard the health agency’s advice due to its final jurisdiction over the CSA.

Marijuana businesses such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) are likely to analyze those released documents in order to glean insights into the possible policy direction that may emerge over the coming years.

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420 with CNW — Survey Shows at Least 10% of Senior Americans Have Used Marijuana Recently

Recent research findings indicate a growing trend of cannabis use among older Americans. A University of Michigan study, which used data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, revealed that 12.1% of individuals aged 50 to 80 years of age in the United States reported using marijuana within the past year.

According to the researchers, among those who acknowledged marijuana use, 34.2% reported using it at least four days a week. The study also revealed that during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than one in ten adults in that same age range turned to marijuana, with many adopting a regular usage pattern.

The researchers stress the importance of ongoing monitoring by clinicians and policymakers as marijuana accessibility expands nationally, particularly focusing on potential risks for older adults.

The study also observed that marijuana use was less prevalent among individuals identifying as Hispanic or belonging to “other” racial categories compared to non-Hispanic white respondents. Despite this, cannabis has gained popularity among older individuals seeking relief from chronic pain and various age-related ailments.

NORML deputy director Paul Armentano commented on the survey results, noting that it is not surprising that an increasing percentage of older adults view marijuana as a viable option. Many older individuals contend with issues such as restless sleep, anxiety and pain, all conditions that are often alleviated by marijuana products. Armentano highlighted the awareness among older adults regarding the serious adverse effects linked to prescription drugs, such as sleeping aids and opioids, positioning medical marijuana as a practical and potentially safer alternative.

Additional survey data aligns with this growing trend. A report by the Hill earlier this year highlighted a significant increase in cannabis usage among Americans aged over 65, nearly tripling from 11% in 2009 to 32% in 2019. The report also noted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on survey methodology and results.

Gallup corroborated these findings, revealing that 50% of Americans have tried cannabis at some point. This represents a gradual increase over the past 25 years, with 17% reporting current marijuana use. The proportion of Americans admitting to smoking marijuana has more than doubled since 2013, reaching 49% in 2021. Gallup’s historical trends highlight a substantial increase in public support for marijuana legalization, growing from 12% in 1969 to an impressive 68% today.

In essence, these research findings indicate a shifting landscape of marijuana use, especially among older Americans, driven by a growing acceptance of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. These are trends that major players in the marijuana industry such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) may be watching closely because seniors can be a stable market segment to target.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana-Infused Dinners on the Rise in Maryland

The marijuana industry in the state of Maryland is on course to becoming a billion-dollar business after the recreational use of the drug was legalized a few months ago. Many are taking advantage of this new market, with some offering private dinner parties that feature foods infused with marijuana.

One entrepreneur, Chef Jazmine Moore, has been offering such course meals at her restaurant. Moore believes more individuals are looking for alternative ways to relax and enjoy themselves, and her food affords them an approachable way to use marijuana.

Her approach is backed by numbers from a recent poll, which show that almost 40% of individuals in America felt two alcoholic drinks was unhealthy, which may have some substituting drinks for marijuana.

The chef normally consults with her guests prior to every event, which enables her to ensure that everyone participating is aged 21 years and older; she also ensures that every individual signs a waiver. Moore revealed that she had used marijuana herself to help her overcome Crohn’s Disease symptoms, which had caused digestive issues that actually prevented her from eating.

Moore’s business, the Green Panther Chef, allows her to forge her path in a new field while also taking away the stigma that still surrounds the use of cannabis. During her dinner parties, which last roughly three hours, guests often begin the night with a CBD-infused mocktail or cocktail.

One dinner guest, Shirdell Kenney, revealed that marijuana helped people unwind and afforded the space for guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Ayanna Lawson, another dinner guest, noted that consuming marijuana-infused meals didn’t make one a stoner. Lawson herself owns and manages Front Row Travels, a travel firm that centers on marijuana-friendly getaways and experiences.

A few other guests were interviewed, with one declaring that food did taste better with marijuana while another discussed how marijuana helped her as a survivor of thyroid cancer.

Moore revealed that she enjoyed teaching others how to cook with marijuana and had already published her own cookbook focused on that topic. She hopes that in the future, cannabis will be allowed to expand restaurant menus in the state. When asked about marijuana’s effect after one has consumed infused foods, she equates the feeling to that of having a few glasses of wine.

Kenney herself noted that the feeling was a mellow and better high, especially when compared to smoking a joint.

Such dinners featuring marijuana-infused foods and drinks could go a long way in helping many individuals become comfortable consuming marijuana products from entities similar to Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) that make products for the recreational and medical markets within different jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Prohibitionist States Register More Cannabis-Use Disorder Cases Than States with Legal Marijuana Markets

New research shows that the likelihood of a patient visiting an ER and getting a cannabis use disorder diagnosis is 50% lower in legal cannabis states in comparison to prohibitionist states. The research examined data obtained from emergency departments for the period between 2017–2020. Researchers focused on the states of Oregon and Colorado, which have legalized marijuana, and Rhode Island and Maryland, which still prohibit the use of marijuana.

Specifically, the researchers assessed “treat & release” visiting rates, in which patients received cannabis-use disorder diagnoses that indicated problematic use of the substance. In total, the researchers had to analyze more than 17 million ER visits, which they did using a multivariate logistic regression model.

The researchers revealed that they naturally expected to find higher cannabis-use disorder rates in states that have legalized the drug given that previous studies had found that ending prohibition was linked to slight increases in cannabis use by adults. However, they were surprised when the data indicated that recreational marijuana states had lower odds of cannabis-use disorder in comparison to states where the drug remained illegal.

In their report, the researchers stated that their findings could inform actions of policymakers and recommended that additional studies and analysis of the cannabis use disorder-legalization interrelationship be done in emergency departments, among other healthcare settings. They added that previous studies regarding post-legalization ER visits and hospitalizations had primarily centered on the youth, which meant even slight changes could look more noticeable due to the comparatively low prevalence of marijuana use within said population.

They also noted that in legal states, providers were more tolerant of marijuana use and less likely to recognize problematic behavior associated with cannabis-use disorder, which reduced the chances of proper diagnosis and documentation of cannabis-use disorder in medical records. This, the researchers assume, could account for lower prevalence of the disorder in emergency departments in legal states.

In their report, the researchers also cited separate findings which determined that decreasing admissions for cannabis-use disorder following legalization may have reduced stigma while also increasing the societal acceptability of marijuana use.

The authors published their findings in the “Preventative Medicine Reports” journal.

In other news, findings from a study published by the American Medical Association show that the use of marijuana among the youth has actually been decreasing as more states scrap prohibition laws in favor of regulated recreational sales for eligible individuals. A separate study by NIDA also determined that state-level marijuana legalization was not linked to an increase in use among the youth.

All this scientific data goes to dispel some of the claims made by opponents of cannabis legalization that creating a regulated market in which companies such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) are allowed to operate will result in a spike in cannabis use by the youth.

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420 with CNW — Study Shows Opioid Prescription Rates Reduce When Patients Can Legally Access CBD

A recent study investigating the impact of CBD availability on opioid prescriptions has revealed that although legalizing CBD alone does not automatically reduce the rate of opioid prescriptions, making legal CBD products readily available and affordable has significantly reduced the number of opioid prescriptions by approximately 8.1%.

The study, which was recently published in the “Journal of Southern Economics,” suggests that three key factors impact the opioid crisis: prescription CBD legalization, regulations that limit CBD purchases and access through CBD dispensaries.

To conduct the study, the authors scrutinized state laws concerning restricted-access, CBD-only regulations in states such as Texas, Iowa and Tennessee from 2010 to 2019, which allowed the prescription of CBD products to patients with specific medical conditions. The study acknowledges that during this period, the CBD market was expanding rapidly, with over-the-counter (OTC) use growing at the fastest rate. However, in the early stages of the study, OTC CBD products were not generally accessible because the majority of states had not yet created industrial hemp programs until 2016.

While the presence of CBD dispensaries appeared to have a meaningful impact on reducing opioid prescriptions, this benefit was nullified when strict rules governing CBD access were in place. Additional regulations, such as ID requirements and patient registries, almost entirely negated the positive effects of CBD dispensaries on opioid reduction.

The study indicates that legalizing CBD alone decreased the number of opioid prescriptions, although not as significantly as comprehensive recreational and medical laws. States that had legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes tended to prescribe fewer opioids per 100 residents than states that did not. However, these regions also tended to have healthier populations and higher concentrations of medical professionals, indicating that the variations in opioid use could not be exclusively related to the legalization of cannabis.

Prescription rates for opioids generally decreased during the research period, most likely as a result of the rise in overdose deaths involving opioids. Between 2010 and 2018, states with medical cannabis laws saw a 35% decline in the number of opioid prescriptions, while states without any kind of cannabis legalization saw a 33% decrease.

The findings of the study indicate that the imposition of ID checks or patient registries for CBD purchases did not significantly affect the rates of opioid prescriptions, even in states where CBD dispensaries are present. This, according to the study, underscores the notion that regulatory barriers may impede the potential advantages of legalizing CBD for tackling the opioid problem.

The study concludes by highlighting the need for legislators to carefully weigh the trade-offs between limiting access and regulating CBD for quality since strong regulations impede CBD’s significant influence on the rates of opioid prescriptions.

The evolving laws around CBD and marijuana permitting enterprises such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) to bring innovative products onto the market could help patients find alternatives to opioids and thereby put the brakes on the escalating opioid crisis.

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