420 with CNW — AMA Study Finds Patients Are Turning to Marijuana for Pain Management

According to a recent study published by the American Medical Association, approximately one-third of people with chronic pain use weed as a treatment option, with the majority of that group using it to replace other pain drugs, including opioids. The new study, published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association Substance Use and Addiction,” adds to the plethora of previous works affirming that cannabis can be used to treat pain effectively and as an alternative to some pharmaceuticals.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan conducted the study, using information from 1,724 adults of ages 18 and older from 36 states. The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

According to the authors, more than 50% of adults who used marijuana to manage their chronic pain reported that doing so resulted in them using fewer over-the-counter, prescription nonopioid and opioid painkillers, and less than 1% reported that doing so resulted in them using more of these drugs. Additionally, the researchers noted that the high level of cannabis use as an alternative to opioid treatment highlighted the need for further studies to determine the efficacy and possible negative effects of cannabis.

Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, responded to the research in a blog stating that marijuana has shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, and that its safety profile is comparable to or better than that of other regulated substances. “It is therefore not surprising that patients with legal access to cannabis are substituting it in place of other, perhaps more harmful and less effective substances,” he stated. Furthermore, the deputy director stated that the weed substitution effect will become more apparent in the future as legal access expands.

Several other studies have been conducted on this subject in the past, most recently by the American Medical Association (AMA), which found that the legalization of medical cannabis in some states is linked to a sharp decline in the prescribing and use of opioid painkillers among some cancer patients.

Similar results were found in a September study that showed providing patients with legal access to medical marijuana could help them cut back or stop using opioid painkillers without affecting their health. A different study published the same month revealed that the pharmaceutical industry suffers significantly in terms of revenue after states legalize cannabis. The study showed that the industry has lost more than $10 billion in revenue per legalization event.

In total, more than 4,300 studies on marijuana and its constituent parts were published in 2022, according to a NORML analysis.

This growing proof that cannabis is helping numerous patients to manage their health conditions suggests that entities such as India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) that are focused on developing therapeutic formulations using cannabinoids, including THC, could be onto something that may transform how various conditions are treated going forward.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC

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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 — Study Finds That Jobs in Agriculture Are Boosted by Cannabis Legalization

Contrary to the prohibitionist claim that legalizing marijuana hurts employment, a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) revealed that the change actually creates more job prospects. According to researchers from San Diego State University and Bentley University, their investigation, which compared employment and wage trends in states with and without adult-use legalization, is a pioneer study to examine the effects of recreational marijuana legalization (RML) on the market for employment among people of working age.

The study would have revealed “significant negative repercussions” on the economy and industry if prohibitionists’ contention that decriminalization would impede job outcomes and employment opportunities by posing a health and safety risk were accurate. However, the analysis did not uncover any proof to back up those assertions.

Instead, the working paper’s data provide some indication that RML implementation is related to modest improvements in adult-job opportunities in the agriculture industry, associated with the establishment of a more legitimate market for marijuana cultivation and production. California, Colorado and to a lesser extent Oregon witnessed increases in agricultural opportunities among the early adopting states.

Additionally, there is some indication that RML implementation is related to small, typically short-run job improvements for Hispanics as well as for individuals over 30 years of age, according to the report.

The researchers asserted that the hiring and earnings effects were usually negligible and sometimes positive because they used methodologies such as the study of events to analyze both pre-decriminalization patterns and evaluations of after-treatment variations in job market effects. The conclusion was that the economic stability of those of employment age is only marginally affected by the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Researchers also investigated the potential economic benefits of legalizing marijuana for adult use versus medical marijuana laws (MMLs). Granting access to a larger population, for instance, may enhance the labor deficit and create new economic openings.

However, it is also typical for reforms to the criminal justice system, such as expungements, to be included in recreational legalization legislation. RMLs may thus have a significant impact on the employment and earning potential of young males with a significantly increased proclivity for marijuana possession arrest because they reduce the general risk of being convicted of a crime.

As a result of this new lawful market, there is a greater likelihood that jobs in sales and agriculture will increase, perhaps combined with employee wages as well.

However, the study did not attempt to determine whether cannabis use proactively enhances work performance. Instead, it examined broader economic changes in the wake of legalization’s implementation of policies, which it linked to somewhat higher average adult consumption.

According to the authors, legalization may have favorable implications for hiring and earnings. The emergence of a legal business, which may involve marijuana manufacturing and cultivation as well as sales of legal marijuana at recreational marijuana stores, could increase employment.

Furthermore, labor market prospects may improve — or at least be no worse off — if legal access to cannabis encourages switching away from drugs that have adverse effects on productivity, such as painkillers or excessive drinking. Additionally, if cannabis is successful at treating physical illnesses, reducing stress or enhancing mental well-being, such positive effects could have a favorable impact on the job market.

The results are essentially in line with earlier assessments, such as one dated 2021 that discovered legalization is linked to higher employee productivity and fewer workplace accidents.

Businesses have begun changing their substance-testing practices as a result of the state decriminalization movement, and strict regulations barring employers from using cannabis while they are hiring have also been connected to smaller talent pools for companies. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently suggested modifying a number of employment application forms for potential employees in ways that may consider past marijuana consumption more leniently than under existing policy, even at the federal level where marijuana is strictly outlawed.

The mushrooming of companies such as India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) that seek to develop therapeutic formulations from cannabis compounds also further boosts the high-paying employment opportunities in these specialized firms.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC

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India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) Announces Beginning of Phase 2 Clinical Trials for Proprietary Drug Candidate in Treating Alzheimer’s

Believed to be the first natural low-doses of THC-based compound to enter human trials for Alzheimer’s
IGC-AD1 has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
The clinical trial is expected to produce data to “help us to further understand the metabolism of IGC-AD1 for a diverse population,” says CEO

In a historic first, India Globalization Capital (NYSE American: IGC) has begun Phase 2 clinical trials evaluating its flagship drug candidate, IGC-AD1, for the treatment of agitation in dementia from Alzheimer’s disease (https://cnw.fm/LGAZG). Company officials noted that, to their knowledge, this is the first natural low-dose THC-based compound to enter human trials for the treatment of symptoms such as agitation in dementia from Alzheimer’s disease. Currently there is no FDA-approved medication to treat agitation in Alzheimer’s.

“We believe IGC-AD1 has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of the symptoms (agitation) of Alzheimer’s disease as the only natural low-dose THC-based formulation candidate currently undergoing FDA testing,” said IGC CEO Ram Mukunda. “Approximately 8 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s in North America and over 55 million worldwide. We believe that the diverse population we have selected for this study will allow us to accurately look at both the impact of variations of the gene CYP2C9 that metabolizes THC, as well as the APOE e4 a gene that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

“This data will help us to further understand the metabolism of IGC-AD1 for a diverse population, which is important in a disease that has a global impact like Alzheimer’s,” Mukunda continued. “Through these and further trials, we look forward to establishing IGC-AD1’s efficacy in treating the symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease.”

IGC’s Phase 2 trial, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of IGC-AD1, has started at two sites in the United States, with plans to add up to five additional sites throughout the U.S. and Canada; a site in South America is also being considered in order to increase population diversity and promote the inclusion of underrepresented populations.

According to the company, the trial will enroll 146 patients with one-half of participants, the “treated” group, receiving IGC-AD1, and the other half, the “control” group, receiving a placebo. “The goal of the trial is to evaluate and establish the efficacy of IGC-AD1 in helping patients with Alzheimer’s dementia reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms (‘NPS’) such as agitation, which effects 76% of individuals with Alzheimer’s,” the announcement stated. “Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (‘FDA’)-approved drug for treating agitation in dementia due to Alzheimer’s.”

According to the announcement, IGC-AD1 relies on low-doses of THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid, and another compound as active agents. In the pre-clinical trials, the formulation demonstrated in Alzheimer’s cell lines the potential to be effective in suppressing or ameliorating a key protein that is responsible for Aβ plaques, a key hallmark of the disease.

India Globalization Capital develops advanced cannabinoid-based formulations for treating diseases, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and even pet seizures. The company sells various brands of CBD-based consumer products, including Holief, which includes gummies and pain relief creams for women experiencing premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea (period cramps), and Sunday Seltzer, which includes a CBD-infused energy beverage. The company operates facilities in the United States under Good Manufacturing Practices.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.IGCPharma.com.

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

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420 with CNW — 2022 Sales Bring Recreational Marijuana Sales in Massachusetts to Almost $4B

Cannabis has proven highly lucrative for most states with legal marijuana programs. Thanks to immense demand from the public, cannabis retailers in states such as California and Colorado have been selling billions of dollars’ worth of cannabis products to customers. State governments win big in such scenarios because they often receive hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars in cannabis taxes.

Massachusetts is one of the latest states to rake in billions in cannabis sales. Data from a recent report released by the state’s Cannabis Control Commission shows that the state collected a whopping $1.42 billion in adult use sales between Jan. 1 and Dec. 18, 2022.

A closer look at the report reveals that recreational use sales of cannabis in Massachusetts increased steadily month by month. February had the lowest sales in the year at around $110.1 million while the highest sales occurred in July ($132.4 million) and August ($130.8 million).

December also recorded low sales of only $72 million, but this is probably because the state stopped recording sales data for the year on Dec. 18, 2022. Incidentally, the last few days that weren’t recorded saw an increasing amount of sales that eventually peaked at $5.1 million on Dec. 17 before dropping down to $4 million the next day.

Cannabis flower was still the most popular product among consumers with more than $11 million of flower sold during the week leading up to Christmas. Vape-related products came in second at $6 million in sales followed by pre-rolls and edibles which both saw around $4 million in sales each.

Massachusetts’s recreational cannabis industry is relatively new. The state moved to legalize recreational cannabis sales in November 2018, and the industry has grown significantly since then. By the end of last year, Massachusetts had collected $3.9 billion in total gross cannabis sales, first reaching the billion-dollar mark in October 2020 followed by $2 billion in July 2021 and finally $3 billion last May.

Cannabis has been one of the most-used drugs in America for quite a while, and consumers have been eager to buy from recreational markets around the world, creating an industry worth billions of dollars in only a few short years.

Sales of medical cannabis sales from Jan. 1, 2022, to December 18, 2022,, hit $260.2 million, with the state experiencing a decline in medical cannabis sales toward the end of the year after a sales peak in March and April. Data from the commission also shows that medical cannabis sales in March and April reached $24.7 million and $24.4 million respectively.

Such stats for medical cannabis sales show that the public is hungry for medicinal products made from marijuana and that there is a potential market for companies looking to develop therapeutic formulations from cannabinoids such as THC, including India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC),

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420 with CNW — Report from White House Draws Attention to Law Enforcement Concerns on Marijuana

Cannabis policing has been an extremely controversial issue in American history. While the war on drugs was ostensibly launched to cripple the criminal organizations behind the illicit drug trade, Black and Brown communities were disproportionately affected by the antidrug campaign. Decades later, the drug war has decimated marginalized communities for minor drug charges and has long been declared an unmitigated failure.

Even though the move to legalize cannabis across the country has been praised by criminal and racial justice activists, the cannabis reform movement hasn’t received everyone’s support. The White House recently issued its annual drug enforcement report to Congress and highlighted several concerns that law enforcement has regarding America’s growing state-level cannabis industry. For instance, the report outlined police concerns about burglaries and robberies in states with legal cannabis markets.

Although cannabis is now legal in more than 30 states, it remains a controlled substance at the federal level. This has largely prevented the state-legal cannabis industry from accessing crucial financial services, such as banking and cashless payment systems, forcing it to operate on a mostly cash-only basis.

Unfortunately, this has made cannabis dispensaries an attractive mark for criminals looking for establishments with plenty of physical cash and movable product on hand. In 2022, an explosion of cannabis dispensary robberies led to increased calls for a cannabis banking bill that would finally grant the industry access to cashless payment services.

The report also stated that despite legalization efforts across the country, the illicit marijuana market is still going strong and supplying a large chunk of the cannabis in America. Some pundits expected that legalization efforts across the country would slow down the illicit market, but the state-legal cannabis industry has largely been unable to compete.

On top of denying states tax revenue from cannabis production and sale, the report added that illicit cannabis growers posed a “serious environmental threat.” The report observed that illegal grows polluted water sources and poisoned wildlife through the unregulated use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

However, legalization experts have long argued that these reports are biased because they are facilitated through the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), whose statutory mandate is opposing the legalization of controlled drugs such as cannabis.

Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) president Toi Hutchison stated that prohibition is the reason for large-scale illegal cannabis farming, not legalization. She argued that there is little to no illicit production of drugs such as alcohol and tobacco because they are legal under both state and federal law.

In addition, Hutchison noted that prohibition made illicit production more attractive because it drove up production costs and made it almost impossible to compete with illicit sellers.

As more companies such as India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) move toward medicalizing cannabis compounds, the discussion on this plant will broaden as growing numbers of people seek FDA-approved treatments made from this divisive substance.

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420 with CNW — New York Launches First Legal Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary

Last week, the state of New York launched its first legal dispensary for recreational cannabis. The dispensary, which is operated by Housing Works, is the first legal shop in what is expected to be one of the most profitable markets for marijuana in the country.

Housing Works is a not-for-profit organization that is minority controlled and serves individuals who were formerly incarcerated as well as the homeless and individuals diagnosed with HIV and AIDS.

New York legalized the recreational use of marijuana in March 2021. However, unauthorized sellers have been selling the drug for years. Consumers’ purchasing regulated and high-quality marijuana from legal dispensaries is expected to shrink the illicit market in the state. Cannabis regulators also expect that the opening of legal stores will help ensure that users are buying safe products.

Additionally, officials at Housing Works are hopeful that investing in the cannabis industry will help fund its programs. They also revealed that the store had already received more than 2,000 reservations from individuals who wanted to buy their products.

The social service agency’s CEO Charles King stated that the agency was thrilled to be setting a model that others would soon follow. The new store is the first of 36 dispensaries that are scheduled for launch, with the Office of Cannabis Management announcing that it plans to issue more than 100 additional licenses.

The marijuana dispensary adjoins the New York University campus, which is a consumer market just waiting to be tapped. In a news conference during the launch, King highlighted that the store was in a prime location as it sat between the East Village and West Village, making it easily accessible to tourists.

The store’s first purchase was made by the executive director of New York’s cannabis office, Chris Alexander, who purchased a tin of cannabis flowers and watermelon-flavored gummies. Council member Carlina Rivera of New York City also purchased gummies, revealing that the store eliminated the need for her to go out of state for legal marijuana. Rivera added that more stores opening would benefit the state as well as the city’s economy.

Currently, the recreational use of marijuana is legal in more than 20 states. Unlike other states, New York issued its first retail licenses to nonprofits and applicants with cannabis convictions and their relatives. Additionally, the state established a $200 million fund to aid social equity businesses, which the law defines as businesses owned by minorities or women, individuals from communities that are heavily policed for marijuana, disabled veterans and struggling farmers.

The legal sale of recreational marijuana in New York State is coming at a time when many companies, including India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC), are investing heavily in developing cannabis-based therapeutic formulations, which can win FDA approval and be availed to patients in need through the hospital system of the country.

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420 with CNW — Schumer Promises to Fight for Federal Cannabis Decriminalization in 2023

After reformers encountered several defeats in December, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to continue working toward decriminalizing marijuana on a federal level next year. Schumer gave a speech in the Senate in which he praised the efforts of Reggie Babin, a senior staffer who has been leading the charge for marijuana policy reform legislation. He promised to carry on with Babin’s work and legacy, mentioning a few things that Babin had wished to accomplish, such as aiding in the decriminalization of marijuana.

Even though Schumer, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Ron Wyden produced a comprehensive cannabis legalization measure in July, analysts say it was obvious that the extensive legislation lacked the support necessary to pass the Senate with 60 votes.

Due to this, Schumer has moved to complete a set of more modest reforms, with the banking and decriminalization of cannabis as their focal points. Advocates had anticipated that the reform would be tacked onto important defense or funding bills that were required to advance before the session ended. However, that did not occur, largely because backers ran into opposition from Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and other Republicans.

In late December, Representative Ed Perlmutter, a Democrat from Colorado and the lead sponsor of SAFE Banking, tabled an amendment modifying the omnibus spending bill to incorporate the reforms. However, Perlmutter didn’t compel putting the matter to a vote; it was mostly made as a show of support prior to his resignation from Congress.

A Senate insider recently said that Schumer was attempting to incorporate the marijuana banking language into the country’s spending bill at the last minute but was unable to come to an agreement. He said the issue would have to wait until the new Congress takes office, in which the House will be under Republican control.

Obviously, discussions about including new provisions in the bill were delicate, and reform on drug policy suffered as a result until a final consensus position was reached. Along with not mentioning SAFE Plus or SAFE Banking, the law also excluded a number of other reform ideas that were added to budget bills which were previously enacted by the Senate and House.

Another significant defeat for proponents is that this bill keeps a clause that bars the country’s capital from setting up a controlled cannabis trade system.

Sherrod Brown, the chair of Senate’s Banking Committee, indicated that there’s a high chance cannabis banking would come up in 2023. Nevertheless, a staff member said early in December that he would still be open to including it in the spending bill if it contained more comprehensive provisions.

The Financial Services Committee head in the upcoming Congress, Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC), has stated that he agrees that the matter should be handled after the “lame duck” is over. Although the congressman declared that he continues to oppose SAFE Banking, he left the door open to backing it on condition that his Republican colleagues embrace it too.

The goings on in the upcoming Congress are likely to be of key interest to companies such as India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE America: IGC) because any policy changes could have a profound impact upon the trajectory of the marijuana industry.

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420 with CNW — Kentucky Prepares to Implement Medical Cannabis Executive Order

Last month, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order that would partly legalize the use of medical cannabis. The executive order, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, will permit individuals in the state who have been diagnosed with various conditions to use and possess cannabis they purchase legally in other states.

The state of Kentucky is one of the few remaining ones in the country where it is still illegal to purchase either recreational or medical cannabis. States bordering the Bluegrass state with legal medical cannabis programs include Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Missouri and Illinois. Of these states, only Indiana and Tennessee allow nonresidents to buy medical cannabis.

Medical conditions eligible for medical marijuana in Kentucky include cancer, intractable seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anemia, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, PTSD, severe and chronic pain, severe arthritis, neuropathies, cachexia or wasting syndrome, intractable pain, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS and any other terminal illness. Patients will need to have valid written certification from their physicians to use or possess legally purchased cannabis. Their medical provider’s written certification should contain the name, phone number and address of the medical provider as well as the patient.

In addition, the certification should also include the medical provider’s license number, their medical diagnosis, the provider’s signature, a statement which shows a bonafide provider-patient relationship and the date. The order stipulates that individuals will not be allowed to possess more than eight ounces of cannabis at any given time within the Bluegrass state. Individuals are also advised to keep the receipt showing when and where the drug was bought.

The total number of states that have legalized the use of recreational marijuana in the country will soon be 21, following Maryland and Missouri’s success on their general election ballot measures. The state of Missouri legalized the possession of recreational cannabis on Dec. 8, 2022. However, legal sales are not expected to begin until state regulations are finalized.

Virginia, which also borders Kentucky, also legalized recreational cannabis possession last year. The state has yet to launch its legal markets. As a result, residents of Kentucky will only be able to purchase recreational cannabis legally in bordering Illinois, whenever this will be permitted. Starting in 2023, however, Kentuckians will be able to buy recreational cannabis legally in Michigan.

This growing medical use of cannabis is also motivating many companies such as India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) to go a step further and develop cannabinoid-derived formulations which, once FDA approved, could be available through the hospital system.

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420 with CNW — Bipartisan Legislators Call on Biden to Support Cannabis Legalization

While the Biden administration is working toward conducting a review into the federal scheduling for marijuana, a coalition of bipartisan congressional lawmakers is requesting Biden to stand behind marijuana legalization.

“We might not frequently agree on particular measures, but we understand that continued federal marijuana criminalization and prohibition is not the will of the American citizenry. Therefore, the administration should acknowledge the scheduling review directive and also be cognizant of the advantages of full descheduling,” says the letter. Advocates plan to deliver the letter to Biden’s top cabinet officers over the coming days. This letter was obtained by various media desks.

“Marijuana should not be classified as a dangerous substance with high abuse potential and no medicinal purpose. Hence it shouldn’t be placed in the Controlled Substance Act,” the letter also says.

Notable signatures on the letter include Senator Elizabeth Warren; Congress cannabis caucus representatives Earl Blumenauer, Dave Joyce and Brian Mast as well as Barbara Lee. Additional signatures are sought before the letter reaches the president and his cabinet.

“Descheduling marijuana can propel federal authority to regulate cannabis; allowing states which wish to continue prohibiting cannabis sales and production to do so. The federal government needs to nullify the criminalization of otherwise legal marijuana and allow research to advance unrestricted. In doing so, this could open up job opportunities, cease unjust incarceration, promote the safety of the public and uphold state regulations of production, taxation and sale of cannabis.

“We do not trivialize the importance of legislative ACTION and federal guidance, but the federal government should magnify the importance of de-scheduling marijuana in a manner that protects the will of states, markets and regulations within their (state) authority to establish,” the letter continued.

The congressional lawmakers were circulating this letter as leaders worked to enact more legislation on marijuana banking and expungement within the little time left; those efforts fell flat. Advocates are looking to see wider legalization enacted sooner, but it seems there isn’t enough senate support to reach the 60-vote threshold for passage. Descheduling ends punitive marijuana prohibition by the federal government and helps law enforcers to prioritize public safety.

US Health and Human Services secretary Becerra has said the department would expedite a scientific review, and discussions are ongoing with FDA senior officials on the same. President Joseph Biden has signed a marijuana bill into law making this a primary standalone cannabis legislation in the history of the United States.

Industry participants such as India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are probably going to watch events as they develop on Capitol Hill to see which policy direction is likely to emerge from the marijuana scheduling review process.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC

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420 with CNW — DOJ Official Explains Upcoming Process to Gain Presidential Marijuana Pardon

In early October, President Joseph Biden announced that he would pardon thousands of Americans who were convicted of simple marijuana possession at the federal level. President Biden also called on governors to begin the process of issuing pardons for similar cannabis convictions at the state level, saying in a public statement that no one should be jailed for just possessing or using marijuana.

However, the pardon would not apply to noncitizens who did not have legal status when they were arrested and convicted. At the time, the White House stated that the Office of the Pardon Attorney would soon make it possible for eligible parties to apply for a certificate of pardon via a short application form.

On Tuesday, U.S. Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer revealed that this short, 10-minute form is nearly ready and that the Justice Department would unveil it to the public. Oyer discussed the practical and symbolic implications of Biden’s pardon during a panel discussion by Ohio State University’s Mortiz College of Law. The panel also involved Last Prisoner Project executive director and general counsel Sarah Gersten and University of Minnesota Law School Clemency project director JaneAnne Murray.

Acknowledging the fact that this clemency does not extend to immigrants, an exclusion that raised the ire of several immigration and racial justice groups, Oyer said that immigrants may be able to receive certificates of pardons by applying through the traditional clemency process. Oyer noted that eligible parties were officially pardoned as soon as the pardon proclamation was signed in October as the pardon was “self-effectuating.” However, the proclamation also instructed the DOJ to create a certification process following the pardons.

According to Oyer, the certification process that the DOJ office is working on will be “very simple and very streamlined,’” taking most people no more than 10 minutes to complete. She explained that crafting something simple in the government often requires more effort and takes longer but that the applications will be ready for public deployment ‘”very soon.”

These applications will be available online and can also be submitted through physical mail.

Oyer said that the office is looking to speed up the application process for applicants by working with the DOJ’s IT department to develop a web-based platform where applicants can simply and quickly submit their applications. The platform will also be designed in a way that makes it easier for Oyer’s office to swiftly review the information and process the applications into certificates of pardon.

Meanwhile, aside from the debates on whether marijuana should or shouldn’t be legalized federally, several companies such as India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are taking the pharmaceutical route of conducting preclinical and clinical development programs on cannabinoid-based medicines so that FDA approval is secured and the therapies are availed through the hospital system.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC

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