420 with CNW — Study Finds Opioids, Alcohol Cause Worse SecondHand Harms Compared to Marijuana Use

A recent nationwide study has revealed that secondhand harm from cannabis use is significantly less common than that from alcohol. The study, which surveyed thousands, found that respondents were almost six times more likely to report secondhand alcohol harm than cannabis harm. The perceived risks associated with opioids and other substances also outweighed those associated with marijuana.

The study analyzed responses from 7,799 participants in the 2020 United States National Alcohol Survey. It showed that more than one-third (34.2%) of respondents had experienced alcohol-related secondhand harm at some point in their lives. In contrast, only 5.5% reported experiencing secondhand harm due to marijuana.

Concerning other substances, 7.6% of respondents claimed to have suffered negative effects from the use of opioids by others, and 8.3% reported negative effects from other nonspecific drugs. In the past year, alcohol remained the leading cause of secondhand harm, with 6.2% of respondents affected. This was followed by other substances (2.2%), opioids (2%) and marijuana (1.8%).

The authors also found that different demographic groups had varying experiences with secondhand harm caused by substance use. There were noticeably more reports of secondhand harm from women, white people, those with a family history of alcoholism, and those who were divorced, separated or bereaved. Among these harms were marriage and family problems, road accidents, physical harm, vandalism and money troubles.

For marijuana, a higher likelihood of secondhand harm was reported among Black respondents. However, the authors suggest that many of these harms may be linked to punitive cannabis policies rather than the substance itself.

Interestingly, the survey found that individuals who consumed alcohol were slightly more likely to report secondhand harm. The authors suggest this may be because heavy drinkers are more often in the company of other heavy drinkers. Conversely, frequent cannabis users reported significantly lower odds of experiencing secondhand harm, which aligns with previous research.

Despite the higher reports of alcohol-related secondhand harm compared to cannabis or other substances, the authors expressed some skepticism about the reliability of the participants’ responses. For example, they speculated that marijuana users might report lower cannabis-related secondhand harm because its use often coincides with opioid and alcohol use, leading respondents to attribute harm more to opioids or alcohol than to marijuana.

The study aims to expand the understanding of substance-related harms by focusing on the impact on the family and friends of drug users, not just the users themselves.

Cannabis legalization supporters state that the findings support existing research. Commenting on the study, NORML’s deputy director Paul Armentano noted in a blog post that the public health impact of cannabis is far less severe than that of alcohol, a reality that most adults now recognize.

As more misconceptions about marijuana are dispelled by scientific studies, the industry is likely to deepen its penetration of different markets and create even more opportunities for ancillary companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve marijuana businesses.

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

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420 with CNW — Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Could Begin in Ohio by June

The sale of recreational cannabis is on track to commence around mid-June in Ohio following the recent approval of new licensing regulations for dispensaries. Since December 2023, when a voter-approved statute came into effect, the state has been in a state of uncertainty regarding recreational sales.

While individuals 21 years and older were permitted to cultivate and use marijuana at home, the absence of legal avenues for purchase raised concerns about the emergence of a black market, prompting attention from Governor Mike DeWine and certain GOP legislators.

The Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review granted passage to the regulations necessary for a dual-licensing scheme, allowing current medical cannabis dispensaries to expand their offerings to recreational cannabis products. According to Jim Canepa, superintendent of Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control (DCC), applications for licensing will be accessible by June 7, 2024, in accordance with the stipulations of the new law.

Canepa refrained from speculating on the duration of application approval, citing variable circumstances. However, Ohio Cannabis Coalition spokesman Tom Haren expressed confidence in the readiness of dispensary operators, commending the diligent efforts of the DCC in meeting regulatory deadlines.

The impending rollout of recreational sales has spurred preparations among existing dispensaries, with many expected to pursue dual licenses to accommodate both recreational and medical clientele.

Canepa highlighted the ongoing development of regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the multifaceted approach required for full program implementation by the Sept. 7, 2024, deadline.

Under the new legislation, individuals aged 21 years and older are permitted to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, with provisions for home cultivation of up to 6 plants per person or 12 plants per household. A 10% tax will be imposed on sales, with the resultant revenue allocated toward addiction treatment, administrative expenses, municipal dispensaries, social-equity initiatives and employment programs within the marijuana sector.

GOP Representative Jamie Callendar, a proponent of recreational legalization, underscored the efficiency of the regulatory process undertaken by the DCC, contrasting it with previous legislative deliberations. Despite prior contention over proposed amendments to the voter-approved statute, Callendar expressed optimism regarding the viability of the current regulatory framework.

Legislative action may then be required to handle other issues, such as safeguards for business owners, limitations on marketing to minors and child-safety measures. Callendar emphasized the evolving consensus among policymakers, signaling a shift toward acknowledging the program’s potential success.

As Ohio inches closer to legalizing recreational marijuana sales, the collaborative efforts of regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders signal a pragmatic approach toward implementation, fostering cautious optimism among proponents and policymakers alike.

If the recreational marijuana sales kick off as expected in June, there could be opportunities for ancillary entities akin to Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that could also sprout and benefit from serving marijuana businesses in the state.

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420 with CNW — Reports Confirm DEA Is Close to Reclassifying Marijuana

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is set to change the classification of cannabis. The proposal, pending review by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), acknowledges marijuana’s medical potential and implies that it is less prone to abuse compared to other certain drugs. However, it does not advocate for the complete legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes.

The move, disclosed by anonymous sources familiar with the matter, signals a major policy change for the DEA and a shift in U.S. drug policy. Once approved, the agency will invite public feedback on moving cannabis from Schedule I to III, aligning it with substances such as certain steroids and ketamine, as recommended by the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS). Following public commentary and administrative review, a final ruling will be issued.

In a statement, Xochitl Hinojosa, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) director of public affairs, confirmed the circulation of a proposal to reclassify cannabis, emphasizing the formal rulemaking process it would initiate upon publication by the Federal Register.

This development follows President Joseph Biden’s call for a federal cannabis law review in 2022, coupled with efforts to pardon numerous individuals convicted of minor cannabis possession charges. Further, the announcement, strategically timed for an election year, may bolster Biden’s support, especially among younger demographics.

Biden, alongside bipartisan lawmakers, has long since advocated for the DEA’s decision as public acceptance of cannabis grows, as reflected in a recent Gallup poll showing that 70% of American adults support legalization, a stark increase from 2000. Despite reclassification to Schedule III, cannabis would still be regulated and subject to federal laws. Critics argue against altering marijuana’s classification, fearing adverse effects, while proponents advocate for treating it as alcohol is treated.

While many states have moved ahead with cannabis legalization, federal reform has lagged. This has led to the rapid growth of the cannabis industry, estimated to be worth nearly $30 billion. Relaxing federal laws could alleviate the significant tax burden on businesses and facilitate research on marijuana, currently hindered by its Schedule I status. The immediate impact on the justice system might be limited, as federal prosecutions for simple possession are infrequent. However, loosening restrictions could have unintended consequences in the ongoing war on drugs.

Critics also highlight logistical challenges, such as the DEA’s capacity to regulate thousands of dispensaries currently in operation across the country. Additionally, the U.S. international obligations, particularly the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, pose a significant obstacle. Previous attempts to reschedule cannabis, citing international obligations, were denied during the Obama administration.

This anticipated reclassification could open up more opportunities not only for marijuana companies but also ancillary companies, such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR), that serve plant-touching businesses.

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420 with CNW — Is Cannabis Legalization Addressing Harms Minority Communities Suffered?

In 2014, Washington state marked a milestone by opening some of the country’s pioneering legal cannabis stores. At that time, Sam Ward Jr. found himself under home detention due to federal narcotics charges. He eventually went to prison to complete a four-year prison sentence.

Fast forward to today, Ward, a Black American citizen, proudly stands as the CEO of Cloud 9 Cannabis, his own marijuana store. Perched atop a colorful blue and gold throne, he extends a kind greeting to customers looking for early 4/20 discounts while reflecting on his experiences as one of the first to profit from Washington’s effort to open up the cannabis market to people affected by the drug war.

“It’s a remarkable feeling knowing that I’m steering a business, with employees counting on me,” Ward stated. “Simply being a part of something bigger brings immense satisfaction.”

A primary rationale behind legalizing recreational marijuana was to mitigate the harm caused by the uneven application of drug laws, which disproportionately affected communities of color such as Latino and Black communities. Studies consistently reveal that despite similar rates of marijuana use, minorities faced higher incarceration rates compared to their white counterparts.

However, efforts aimed at enabling those most impacted to engage in and benefit from the legal cannabis industry have encountered obstacles. While 24 states and the District of Columbia have embraced legal recreational cannabis use, nearly all have implemented social-equity programs to address the injustices of the drug war.

These encompass various measures, including expunging certain marijuana-related convictions, facilitating access to marijuana licenses and financial aid for individuals with prior marijuana convictions, and allocating cannabis tax revenues to affected communities.

Each state has its own criteria for determining eligibility for social-equity cannabis licenses, which may not exclusively hinge on race. For instance, in Washington, eligibility hinges on factors such as owning more than one-half of the entity, residing for a significant period in areas with marijuana-related arrests, unemployment, high poverty rates, or households with below-median income.

These programs’ execution has been hampered by legal challenges, such as in New York. Currently, New York is facing a new lawsuit despite having settled previous ones, that claims prejudice against minority-owned and women applicants and individuals affected by the war on drugs.

Moreover, concerns arise over large corporations with multistate operations obtaining licenses through social equity, potentially undermining its purpose. In Arizona, legislators raised alarms over licensees’ perceptions of being coerced into ceding power by predatory businesses.

Challenges extend to securing suitable locations due to local bans on marijuana businesses and obtaining bank financing amid federal prohibition. Ironically, factors qualifying individuals for licenses, such as residing in impoverished neighborhoods or having criminal records, hinder their ability to secure necessary funds.

David Penn Jr., another recipient of a social-equity license, faces similar challenges in establishing his marijuana business in Pasco, Washington. Despite financial backing from a friend, he grapples with the reality that grants alone may not suffice to overcome the hurdles he faces.

Washington, a trailblazer in marijuana legislation, recently initiated its social-equity initiative in 2020. However, only in recent months have the first licenses under the program been issued, with only two, including Ward’s store, currently operational.

The state, benefiting from substantial cannabis taxes, has allocated $8 million in grants to assist licensees in the social-equity program with expenses such as renovations, security systems and business coaching. Additionally, $250 million is directed toward communities affected by the war on drugs, supporting initiatives including job training, housing aid, violence prevention and business loans.

As states continue to grapple with the complexities of social equity in the cannabis industry, the experiences of individuals such as Ward and Penn serve as both a testament to progress made and a reminder of the work that remains to be done.

As the challenges faced by social-equity initiatives are addressed, other existing benefits will keep growing for ancillary enterprises such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that have carved out a niche for themselves by serving entities directly involved in regulated cannabis operations.

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420 with CNW — Report Shows the US Cannabis Industry Now Employs 440,000 Full-Time

A recent yearly report on marijuana sector employment in the United States reveals a nearly 5% increase in full-time cannabis jobs over the past year, marking a turnaround from the approximately 2% decline compared to 2022. Despite this increase, it represents the smallest annual growth since 2017.

According to the report by Vangst, a Colorado-based cannabis staffing company, and Whitney Economics, an analytics company, legal marijuana in the United States now supports more than 440,000 full-time workers. However, the report highlights that job growth was not evenly distributed across the country.

In states such as Michigan where cannabis sales have increased, significant job growth was observed: 11,000 jobs, representing a 39% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Missouri, in its first complete year of recreational sales, saw an addition of 10,735 jobs. Utah, Rhode Island, New Mexico, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland also experienced job growth.

However, more established markets such as Washington and Colorado saw job losses, with the two states reporting a 15% and 16% decline, respectively. California, despite its large market, saw a 6% decrease compared to the previous year. The report attributes these losses to various factors, including cannabis oversupply and a decline in cannabis-related tourism. For instance, the expansion of recreational sales to 20 states has reduced cannabis tourism in Colorado significantly.

Despite these challenges, the report remains optimistic about the industry’s future and predicts a recovery in the upcoming years. It anticipates losses in mature markets to decrease in 2024 and improve once more in 2025.

Looking ahead, the report projects that the legal marijuana industry in the United States will bring in $87 billion by 2035, more than tripling the $28.8 billion it brought in in 2023.

Apart from talking about employment figures, the report also provides insights into the wages of various positions within the cannabis industry. Retail directors make approximately $80,000 a year, whereas trimmers make between $14 to $27 per hour. On the other hand, cultivation directors get about $90,000, while budtenders make about $14 to $22 per hour.

Karson Humiston, CEO and founder of Vangst, noted the importance of their job-tracking initiative, especially considering the lack of federal government involvement in the cannabis industry. While the Vangst report does not delve into the impact of unionization on the industry, it acknowledges the varying trends in state cannabis revenue, noting that sales in new markets tend to grow rapidly. With more states expected to legalize marijuana in the future, the overall cannabis market in the U.S. is projected to continue expanding.

It would be interesting to see the findings of a similar analysis focused on how the marijuana industry is boosting other industries and verticals, such as the real estate niche in which companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) operate and serve marijuana businesses.

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420 with CNW — Florida’s Highest Court Greenlights Adult-Use Marijuana Ballot Measure

Florida’s Supreme Court rendered a ruling on April 1, 2024, permitting an initiative aiming to legalize recreational cannabis to be included on the state’s November ballot. Two justices dissented from the measure, while five justices were in support of it.

The proposed measure would allow anybody who is 21 years of age or older to own, purchase or use cannabis products and accessories for their own personal use, including smoking, ingesting or using in other ways. It also authorizes medical-marijuana treatment facilities and other licensed businesses to carry out operations such as purchasing, growing, processing, producing, selling and distributing accessories and products.

The legislation faces opposition from a large number of Republicans, including the office of the state attorney general, necessitating 60% approval from voters to pass. Justice Jamie R. Grosshans explained the court’s position, reiterating that the amendment complies with constitutional criteria and is presented in an understandable manner.

Grosshans, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, emphasized the court’s limited role, confined to assessing single-subject conformity, clarity of the ballot summary and facial validity under the federal constitution. Consequently, he noted that the court approved the proposed amendment for inclusion on the ballot based on these limitations.

The legality of cannabis varies by state, with more than 40 states allowing its usage for either medical or recreational purposes.

One of the initiative’s supporters, Smart and Safe Florida, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, emphasizing how pleased it was with the ballot’s lucid language and the chance it gave voters to weigh in on this important issue.

While the offices of the governor and the state attorney general did not immediately comment on the ruling, it’s notable that the attorney general had previously opposed the initiative, arguing that it was misleading.

In addition to the cannabis legalization initiative, the court also addressed abortion-related matters. It upheld a 15-week abortion ban, meaning a previously signed six-week ban by Governor DeSantis will now be enforced. However, the court ruled in favor of including a proposed amendment aimed at safeguarding abortion rights in the state constitution on the ballot.

During his reelection campaign, President Joe Biden criticized Florida’s abortion prohibition in a memo, suggesting that his administration will bring abortion rights to the forefront of the political agenda in November. This move was seen as potentially advantageous for Biden, with the state, previously won by former President Donald Trump, now considered within Biden’s reach.

If the voters in Florida approve the legalization of recreational cannabis, the launch of that market could open opportunities for not just cannabis companies but ancillary ones as well operating akin to companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).

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420 with CNW — New York to Evaluate Struggling Cannabis Industry as Hiccups Allow Illicit Market to Flourish

Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, has issued an order to reassess the state’s adult-use cannabis licensing program due to various setbacks. Those hurdles, including lawsuits and administrative challenges, have not only stood in the way of the legal marijuana market but have also led to the proliferation of illicit sellers.

The assessment aims to identify ways to expedite license processing and facilitate quicker business openings. Additionally, the assessment will conduct a comprehensive review of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) organizational structure and procedures.

Hochul, a member of the Democratic Party, has openly complained about the launch process of recreational cannabis in the state, referring to it as a failure. Since the commencement of sales in 2022, just a little more than 80 legal dispensaries have been established.

The initial phase of the legalization law allocated retail licenses exclusively to nonprofit organizations and people with previous cannabis-related convictions. Additionally, it introduced a $200 million equity fund aimed at assisting applicants adversely impacted by the drug war in setting up dispensaries.

However, the licensing procedure encountered legal obstacles and implementing the equity fund faced delays, thereby impeding the legal marijuana market from thriving. Consequently, unauthorized dispensaries began to emerge throughout the state, particularly in New York City. The situation became so problematic that Hochul requested online platforms such as Yelp and Google refrain from listing these illegal establishments.

Despite efforts to regulate the market, the regulatory bodies struggled to cope with the overwhelming number of license applications. The OCM, responsible for processing licenses, has only 32 employees dedicated to reviewing applications, while it has received about 7,000 applications last year.

This decision to review the program came shortly after a senior official at the agency was sent on administrative leave after allegations from the NY Cannabis Insider that the agency had exhibited biased enforcement practices, particularly targeting a cannabis processor. Commissioner Jeanette Moy of the Office of General Services, along with other state officials, will spend at least 30 days immersed in the agency as part of the assessment process. Together, the team will develop plans to improve the agency’s operations and set performance standards for subsequent projects.

OCM’s executive director, Chris Alexander, acknowledged the progress made in building an equitable marijuana market but emphasized the need for improvement in the agency’s operations. He expressed confidence in Moy’s leadership abilities and her capacity to steer the agency in the right direction.

The delays in having a flourishing legal marijuana market in New York is potentially stifling opportunities for local ancillary companies operating similar to Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that would have sprouted and carved out a niche for themselves in this state.

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420 with CNW — New Study Suggests Cannabis Handouts Could Curb Drug Overdose Fatalities

A new study published in the “Journal of Harm Reduction” proposes that distributing free marijuana through harm-reduction groups could significantly decrease drug overdose fatalities and enhance the well-being of users. The study, focusing on a cannabis donation initiative in rural Michigan, marks the pioneering documentation of the harm-reduction approach in the United States, suggesting its potential sustainability contingent upon state regulations.

While acknowledging existing obstacles in marijuana distribution and regulation policies, study authors emphasize the perceived advantages recognized by harm-reduction practitioners. Those advantages include reduced premature mortality, enhanced life quality, pain alleviation, better recovery prospects and heightened safety for both communities and clients.

Spanning from September 2021 to May 2023, the observation involved 10 marijuana-experienced harm-reduction participants who received weekly marijuana allocations through deliveries or pickups. The suitability of the allocations was assessed by clinical staff based on interest and need.

Upon reporting their interactions with participants, staff highlighted numerous observed benefits. For instance, a patient (aged 50 years of age or older), having undergone complex spinal fusion surgery, previously struggled with alcohol abstinence but achieved complete sobriety during recovery, expressing gratitude for the pain relief provided by marijuana products. Similarly, a pregnant participant in her 20s, initially homeless and dependent on opioids and methamphetamine, reduced the frequency of substance use with the aid of donated marijuana products after actively seeking assistance from harm-reduction agencies to access treatment for opioid use disorder during pregnancy.

Examining data from a contributing marijuana company, the study unveiled insights into product varieties and donation scales. Notably, while flower products dominated medical and recreational sales, donations primarily comprised topical, oil and edible products. Furthermore, donation costs represented a mere 1% of overall gross sales, falling considerably below the anticipated annual donation volume.

The authors stress the necessity for further research to fully understand the effects on individuals, the implications for public health, the legal requirements and the best practices for marijuana donation. In light of the persistent overdose mortality linked to illicit fentanyl and synthetic contaminants, the report advocates for harm-reduction practitioners to uphold client autonomy and mutual aid, including the provision of safe psychoactive products to drug users.

While refraining from drawing definitive conclusions regarding the overarching efficacy of harm-reduction endeavors, the analysis relies on interviews with the program administrators, outlining the exploratory nature of the study and its focus on depicting the organic evolution of marijuana donation within a regulated state framework. Overall, the findings underscore the viability of such initiatives, notably the minimal contribution of commercial cannabis companies’ donations to their overall product inventory, affirming the potential scalability and sustainability of marijuana donation programs within harm-reduction frameworks.

Further studies may be needed to ascertain the best ways in which these donations can help those at risk of drug overdose death. As this concept becomes better understood, a clearer picture is likely to emerge of how cannabis legalization can be a major force for good in society well beyond allowing an ecosystem of ancillary businesses, such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR), to thrive around the mainstream marijuana industry.

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420 with CNW — Veterans Groups Urge Biden Administration to Reclassify Cannabis

Leading U.S. veterans’ organizations are urging the Biden administration to promptly relax federal marijuana laws, aligning with a growing chorus of voices advocating for rescheduling the substance six months after a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Expressing their sentiments in a recent letter, the groups have called upon the Department of Justice, which oversees the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to take swift action.

Highlighting the challenges faced by veterans of the United States Armed Forces when they return home, the coalition, comprising entities such as the Minority Veterans of America, AMVETS, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the American GI Forum, the Blinded Veterans Association and the American Legion, emphasized the importance of offering a broad spectrum of treatments to address both visible and invisible war wounds.

Currently categorized as a Schedule I drug, alongside drugs such as heroin, marijuana is deemed to have a high potential for misuse and no known medical uses. The HHS has recommended moving it to Schedule III, a significantly less-restrictive classification.

In October 2022, President Joseph Biden initiated a review of the federal cannabis policy, and insiders anticipate a formal decision from the DEA imminently, possibly within the upcoming weeks.

Although the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department isn’t allowed to refuse medical care to veterans who use cannabis in states where it is legal, the agency doesn’t cover prescriptions or offer medical cannabis as a treatment. Last year, a joint recommendation from the Defense Department and the VA advised against cannabis use for PTSD.

However, the veterans’ coalition argues that their members need this option, pointing to an American Legion survey where 82% of participants expressed a preference for federally approved medical marijuana treatment. The coalition underscored that without DEA action, many veterans are reluctant to discuss marijuana use with their VA clinicians, fearing repercussions.

Acknowledging the lengthy administrative scheduling procedure, the groups stressed the advantages of the DEA’s quick reclassification, which could include incorporation into the VHA, the biggest healthcare system in the nation.

Their appeal coincides with mounting Congressional efforts to reform federal marijuana policies. Bipartisan lawmakers from both chambers have proposed numerous bills related to cannabis and veterans, such as enabling VA providers to prescribe medical cannabis in legalized states and mandating marijuana studies on veterans with PTSD and chronic pain.

Public opinion increasingly favors cannabis legalization as well, as evidenced by a Gallup survey indicating that 70% of U.S. adults support it, including a significant number of younger voters and most Republicans.

A cohort of Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, recently pushed the DEA to take marijuana off of scheduling entirely, highlighting this as a once-in-a-decade opportunity for the Biden administration to take action.

Any change to the classification of cannabis at the federal level is likely to result in some improved regulatory environment for cannabis companies and ancillary businesses such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) as the red tape that goes with this industry can be stifling at times.

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420 with CNW — Poll Suggests 32% of Americans Would Resort to Black Market If Cannabis Only Available in Pharmacies

A recent poll indicates that almost one-third of marijuana consumers nationwide would return to purchasing from illegal sources if marijuana were to be rescheduled without preserving legal state marketplaces. The survey, conducted by a website that facilitates medical cannabis physician evaluations, involved nearly 800 respondents.

NuggMD.com reported that its survey findings showed that if cannabis was rescheduled, restricting its legal access to FDA-approved prescription medications, 32% of participants would head to the black market. An estimated 55% of respondents preferred using pharmacies to obtain cannabis, indicating a large preference for legal sources.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made a recommendation to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), urging the agency to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to III of the CSA. However, rescheduling would not automatically grant cannabis the status of a legitimate prescription medication. This is because the FDA adopts a distinct drug-approval process and typically excludes botanical substances as prescription drugs.

Despite this, the poll explores how cannabis users might react if their only access is through pharmacies, treating cannabis similarly to other Schedule III drugs. Drugs in this category are usually prescribed and available through pharmacies or under a physician’s supervision. The survey also provides insight into how users feel about possible marijuana schedule changes. Although 47% of respondents think that rescheduling wouldn’t impact their access, a sizable number — 77% of respondents — would rather purchase dispensary cannabis than depend on FDA-approved pharmacies.

Additionally, the poll reveals opinions about federal regulation. Significantly, 69% of respondents prefer separate state markets to a single federal market, and 85% of respondents support removing marijuana from the CSA rather than moving it to Schedule III.

Consumers also express a reluctance to involve the FDA or pharmaceutical companies in marijuana regulation, signaling a strong trust in state-controlled markets. Interestingly, a significant portion is willing to obtain marijuana, even if it means ignoring legal restrictions.

Although reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to III could facilitate medical use and encourage the creation of FDA-approved medications, the process of doing so takes time. State-licensed dispensaries will probably continue to be accessible for both recreational and medical consumers until then.

There is also skepticism about products, such as raw cannabis flower, gaining approval. This skepticism highlights the need for substitute medical-grade products that can be purchased from pharmacies.

Despite potential changes, legal state markets are expected to remain, providing accessibility and lowering reliance on the black market.

It remains to be seen how the implementation of the expected rescheduling of marijuana will affect companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that had found a lucrative niche serving plant-touching cannabis companies.

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