420 with CNW — New Study Says Stress Drives Riskier Marijuana Use in Youth

A recent Canadian study focused on marijuana use among young adults offers insights into which behaviors and personal characteristics are linked to higher risks of marijuana-related problems.

While not all marijuana use results in negative outcomes, around 5% of young users in Canada may experience addiction or other harmful effects. What separates those who face issues from those who do not often comes down to how and why marijuana is used.

The study found that certain habits were linked to a higher risk of problems. These included using marijuana when alone, using it frequently throughout the week, consuming large amounts at once, or turning to it as a way to escape from stress or negative emotions. People who used marijuana to make everyday activities more enjoyable or to explore new experiences also tended to report more issues.

These findings line up with other research, especially the idea that frequent use and using alone are warning signs.

The study also found that not all groups of young adults face the same level of risk. Young people who identify as queer, lesbian, bisexual, gay, or otherwise sexually diverse reported more frequent and riskier patterns of marijuana use than their heterosexual peers. They were about three times more likely to fall into these higher-risk categories.

This increased risk was not attributed to sexual identity itself but to the elevated stress levels reported by these groups. Although higher rates of depression and anxiety were also noted among sexually diverse youth, general stress, particularly feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control, was the strongest predictor of problematic marijuana use. These stressors go beyond those caused by discrimination and point to broader life challenges that disproportionately affect marginalized groups.

This connects to a larger concept known as “minority stress”— the added stress that comes from being marginalized. Discrimination, exclusion, and internalized negativity can take a toll, and marijuana can become a way to cope.

With rising hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities in both the U.S. and Canada, the stress-related gaps in marijuana use may grow wider, according to the researchers.

Access to mental health care remains another barrier. Many sexually diverse youths face obstacles when trying to find safe, inclusive, and effective support services. As a result, marijuana may become a primary coping tool in the absence of better alternatives.

The study emphasizes the importance of making low-risk marijuana use strategies accessible, such as limiting frequency, avoiding solitary use, reducing quantities, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. However, these strategies are only effective if young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, have real access to supportive resources.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and create numerous opportunities for other companies like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) exploiting opportunities within the marijuana ecosystem, more studies will be required to understand the drivers behind the use of this substance and how those who develop unhealthy usage habits can be helped.

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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 — Most People in Canada Support Expanding the Marijuana Industry, Survey Finds

Most Canadians believe the government should do more to support the legal marijuana industry, according to a recent national poll. The survey, conducted by Abacus Data for Organigram Global, found that 64% of adults in Canada think the government should make it easier for the marijuana sector to expand. This view spans all regions and age groups.

Support was especially strong in Atlantic Canada, where 65% backed more government action. Similar levels of support were seen in British Columbia (61 percent), Ontario (62 percent), and the Prairies (64 percent). Even among citizens over 60—a group often more skeptical of cannabis—57% agreed that the industry deserves greater backing.

These results come at a time when Canada is heading into a federal election and facing economic uncertainty, particularly in light of strained trade relations with the United States. The marijuana sector, despite being relatively new, is becoming a significant player in the national economy. Last year, it added $7.4 billion to the nation’s GDP, outpacing sectors like forestry and brewing, which contributed $3.3 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.

Beena Goldenberg, the CEO of Organigram, noted that Canadians want the government to help homegrown industries thrive, and marijuana is one of them. She emphasized that the incoming prime minister should focus on removing barriers that are holding the sector back.

Nearly 90% of respondents also said they believe Canada needs to explore new avenues for economic growth. A similar number agreed that the country should act quickly to capitalize on fresh opportunities in emerging industries.

Since cannabis was legalized in 2018, the sector has generated over $43 billion in GDP and now supports more than 80,000 jobs, according to figures cited from Deloitte.

The survey, conducted from April 3 to April 8, surveyed 1,915 adults in Canada. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.24%.

The analysis also outlined specific steps the government could take—such as simplifying taxes, easing interprovincial sales restrictions, and encouraging research and development. It suggested that targeted support could especially help regions hit hard by declines in traditional sectors.

While the rollout of marijuana legalization wasn’t perfect, most indicators point to a positive outcome. Previous surveys show Canadians are largely purchasing cannabis through legal channels now, and youth usage hasn’t spiked—countering fears raised by critics of legalization. A government report from December last year revealed that only 3% of consumers still turn to illegal sources.

If these sentiments are acted upon and the cannabis program is expanded, there could be room for entrepreneurs to start firms similar to Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve marijuana companies and create a lot more benefits through their operations.

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420 with CNW — FBI Stance on Background Check Request Upends Delaware’s Marijuana Market Launch

Plans to launch recreational marijuana sales in Delaware this spring have hit a major roadblock following an announcement by the state’s Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) that the FBI had denied their updated service code request. The code is required to perform fingerprint-based background checks, which is a prerequisite for the impending recreational market.

The fate of Delaware’s recreational marijuana market now rests on lawmakers’ ability to revise legislation and meet federal requirements. The current roadblock is likely to set back not just marijuana firms but also ancillary companies operating in the format of Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that were gearing up…

420 with CNW — FBI Stance on Background Check Request Upends Delaware’s Marijuana Market Launch

The OMC had been collaborating with the state Justice Department and the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) to obtain the service code. However, a dispute between state and federal regulations means lawmakers will have to draft new legislation that aligns with the FBI’s standards.

The state General Assembly remains in session until June 30, so the timeline for resolving this issue remains uncertain.

This delay comes approximately two years after former Governor John Carney permitted the approval of two recreational marijuana measures without signing them. Last year, lawmakers passed additional legislation to clarify and correct certain provisions in the prior Act, including amendments to state codes.

One key requirement mandates that recreational cannabis license applicants submit fingerprints for the SBI to retrieve their FBI criminal history records. However, the agency has now ruled that Delaware’s legislation was not properly structured, further complicating the approval process for 125 cannabis license recipients.

This uncertainty poses financial risks for the awarded licenses, particularly if they are paying rent for facilities without being able to generate revenue. The OMC held lotteries in October last year, granting 110 licenses to testing labs, cultivators, social equity candidates, and manufacturers. In December, another lottery round awarded fifteen licenses to standard dispensaries.

Before stepping down in January 2025, Rob Coupe, the state’s first cannabis commissioner, had aimed for sales to begin in March. Now with the FBI roadblock in place, an alternative path could involve leveraging the state’s existing medical marijuana licensees.

Coupe had worked with legislators to draft a measure permitting the medical marijuana businesses to transition into the recreational market. The legislation, signed into law by Carney in July last year, allows medical dispensaries to convert their licenses by paying conversion fees—$100,000 for testing, retail, and manufacturing permits, and $200,000 for cultivation licenses.

The fee system could generate over $4 million, which legislators have allocated to support social equity applicants.

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420 with CNW — Government-Funded Research Shows Including CBD While Making Dentures Staves Off Oral Infections

A recently published study suggests that integrating CBD into denture materials may help prevent oral infections. The research, which appeared last month in the journal Molecules and backed by government funding, indicates that incorporating CBD into dentures could provide an antibiotic-free method to reduce plaque buildup and improve oral hygiene.

To explore this possibility, scientists infused CBD into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a plastic commonly used in dentures due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. They then evaluated its antimicrobial effects against three bacteria: Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Findings revealed that CBD-coated dentures were highly effective in killing Gram-positive bacteria. While the coating did not eliminate free-floating Gram-negative bacteria, it successfully eradicated bacterial biofilms.

The study reported a remarkable 99% decrease in biofilm growth for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria on CBD-treated PMMA compared to the standard material. Researchers noted that CBD caused bacterial cell walls to break down and be destroyed.

In certain instances, the contrast between normal and CBD-infused PMMA was striking. For instance, S. agalactiae growth was 10,000 times higher on regular PMMA than on the CBD-coated version. The research also documented a 99% drop in E. coli and S. aureus biofilms and an even greater 99.99% decrease in S. agalactiae biofilms.

One aspect requiring further examination is how to develop coatings that allow for a controlled and prolonged release of CBD to maximize its ability to combat bacteria over time. The researchers observed that CBD released rapidly within the first 12 hours before stabilizing and dispersing gradually in a controlled environment.

Another area for future investigation is why CBD coatings effectively eradicated biofilms but did not affect free-floating planktonic bacteria of the same species. The researchers suggest further research into the genetic mechanisms behind biofilm formation and maintenance, as well as the role of CBD in disrupting bacterial adhesion to surfaces.

These findings align with separate research that explored CBD’s antibacterial effects in other contexts.

One study found that CBD could help treat bacterial vaginosis by weakening Gardnerella vaginalis biofilms, which can disrupt the microbial balance in the vagina. Another study, published in Pharmaceuticals, suggested that CBD might have wound-healing and anti-aging properties, making it a valuable addition to skincare products.

As research into CBD’s medical applications continues, these studies highlight its potential as a natural antibacterial agent that could revolutionize dental and healthcare treatments.

These studies funded by the federal government are helping to confirm what is behind the popularity of marijuana brands and the mushrooming of ancillary enterprises like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that have been established to address the niche needs of companies dealing directly in marijuana products.

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420 with CNW — Patchy Marijuana Laws Could Expose Consumers to Contaminants

A recent Gallup survey indicates that marijuana use in the U.S. has doubled over the last ten years. In several states, cannabis is legal, and most Americans now consume it as often as they would wine or beer. However, finding safe and properly regulated marijuana products can be a challenge.

While marijuana carries health risks regardless of contamination, researchers warn that its increasing potency and widespread use can negatively impact mental health and brain function. An additional concern for users is the presence of harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, and molds in vape products and edibles. Although state regulators are working to address these issues, experts suggest there is still a lot to be done.

Here’s a breakdown of key points regarding the safety of cannabis products and the current regulatory landscape.

The complexity of marijuana regulation

Each state has its own approach to regulating cannabis, which makes enforcement inconsistent. Regulators aim to keep marijuana free from contaminants that can seep in from soil. These substances can pose short-term risks, such as food poisoning symptoms, and long-term risks, including cancer and neurological issues.

Federal law complicates regulation since cannabis remains illegal at the national level. Not all states have legalized marijuana, and those that have have quite different laws.

Research conducted in 2022 found more than 600 contaminants are regulated across 30 states, but each jurisdiction monitors only between 60 and 120 contaminants. This means a pesticide considered unsafe in one state might go unnoticed in another.

However, merely increasing the number of contaminants tested does not necessarily guarantee safer products. Scientists are still determining which substances pose the greatest threats.

The persistence of the black market

Due to inconsistent state regulations and the continued federal ban, legally produced cannabis cannot be transported across state lines. This has allowed underground markets to thrive, often backed by criminal organizations. Many of these unregulated products are cultivated and processed under unsanitary conditions, with poor working environments and banned pesticides. They also lack reliable potency information.

Even many seemingly legitimate storefronts sell black-market cannabis, making it difficult for consumers to determine whether they are purchasing legally regulated products.

Improvements in legal cannabis access

Experts anticipate that as time goes on, navigating the legal cannabis market will become easier for consumers. Drug policy researchers note that transitioning from prohibition to legalization is a gradual process.

Over time, legal marijuana businesses are expected to outcompete illicit sellers, making it simpler for consumers to identify safer products.

The benefits of purchasing legal marijuana

Where available, legal marijuana is generally safer because it undergoes testing for contaminants such as mold and pesticides. States monitor these products and remove unsafe batches from shelves. Licensed growers and sellers have an incentive to maintain high standards to protect consumers and continue operating.

For instance, California saw over 60 cannabis product recalls last year, including flower buds, edibles, pre-rolls, and vape items—up significantly from just four recalls in 2023. Officials attribute this increase to expanded testing efforts.

Similarly, Maine, which has a newer regulatory system, had its first-ever marijuana recall last year due to mold concerns.

Although researchers continue to study the effectiveness of consumer protections, purchasing cannabis from licensed stores remains the safest option. Regulated products significantly reduce the likelihood of exposure to harmful contaminants, providing consumers with greater peace of mind.

If the federal government takes too long to reform its marijuana laws, the risk of contaminated products will only grow and it could reverse some of the gains that the reform movement has registered over the years. That would be a pity, because the business opportunities that were opening up at a fast pace for marijuana companies and also allied actors like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) could begin to dwindle as consumers become wary of the available products.

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420 with CNW — Nebraskan Lawmakers Consider Proposals to Implement Voter-Approved Medical Marijuana Program

Three pieces of legislation have been introduced in Nebraska aiming to implement medical marijuana legalization and regulation initiatives approved by voters in the November election.

The legislation, sponsored by Senators Terrell McKinney, Ben Hansen, and Danielle Conrad of Omaha, Blair, and Lincoln, respectively, center on setting up registry systems and outlining the Nebraska Medical Marijuana Commission’s regulating and licensing responsibilities.

The proposed bills—LB 705 (McKinney), LB 677 (Hansen), and LB 651 (Conrad)—would allow residents to acquire registry cards after obtaining a healthcare provider’s written recommendation, confirming their eligibility as a medical cannabis patient. The registry system would also cover caregivers, including those assisting minors.

Currently, the law requires the commission to finalize criteria for approving or denying applications for marijuana businesses by July 1, with licensing anticipated to begin by October 1. However, the new proposals suggest delaying the licensing process until January 1, 2026, to allow more time for regulatory preparations.

A separate proposal, LB 483, introduced by Senator Jared Storm (David City) aims to restrict the amount of delta-9 THC that can be used for medical purposes to 300 milligrams and only permit the use of liquid tinctures or pills. This restriction significantly narrows the scope compared to what voters had approved, which was overwhelmingly supported in the recent ballot measures.

Senator Conrad noted that some patients cannot consume cannabis in pill form due to medical conditions, prompting her to draft a more expansive bill to align with voters’ wishes. Senator Hansen highlighted his commitment to honoring the people’s will, citing his previous work with Senator Anna Wishart on similar efforts.

The voter-approved measures remain under legal scrutiny, with challenges still pending in state and federal courts. Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Governor Jim Pillen have raised concerns about conflicts with federal law, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance. Conrad dismissed this as a political viewpoint, arguing that states have considerable authority under the Constitution to create such programs.

The measures from Hansen, McKinney, and Conrad include protection from arrest for caregivers, patients, and officials involved in medical cannabis. They would legalize medical cannabis use for patients, allowing up to 5 ounces, with exceptions for higher quantities based on a physician’s recommendation.

Each bill outlines licensing structures and fees. Conrad’s plan features five license categories: testing facility, cultivator, product manufacturer, dispensary, and vertically integrated businesses. Hansen’s bill adds a transporter license. McKinney introduces tiers for businesses—micro, small, and large-scale—and reserves over half of the licenses for social equity candidates from communities disproportionately affected by drug policies.

Tax revenue from cannabis sales would be redirected differently under each bill. Hansen prioritizes property tax relief, while McKinney and Conrad propose reinvesting funds into the cannabis program. McKinney’s plan also includes automatic expungement for specific marijuana-related offenses.

Changes or revisions to these laws need a supermajority vote in the legislature since they are the result of initiatives that were passed by the electorate. The provisions will be self-enforcing if legislators do nothing, guaranteeing that they are implemented as intended.

When the program is finally launched, numerous business opportunities will become available in the state, including for companies operating like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that have found a niche in serving marijuana companies.

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420 with CNW — Dallas Police Get New Instructions on Making Marijuana-Related Arrests, Citations

Dallas police have updated guidelines on handling cannabis possession cases after Proposition R was put into effect. An internal memo from the Dallas Police Department (DPD) outlines the changes, stating that officers are no longer permitted to arrest or issue citations for possession of cannabis weighing less than four ounces. Furthermore, cannabis odor alone cannot be used as probable cause for a search, except in high-priority narcotics or violent felony cases.

Previously, the policy required officers to confiscate cannabis from individuals with less than two ounces without issuing citations or making arrests. However, the recent memo, circulated on Friday, declares that the former policy is no longer relevant.

Proposition R, referred to as the “Dallas Freedom Act” by its supporters, was approved by 66% of voters during the recent election.

Eddie Garcia, the former chief of police in Dallas, voiced worries last year regarding the measure’s possible effects on safety. Garcia told the city council, “In my thirty years in law enforcement, I think this could lead to more illegal sales and have a negative impact on the quality of life in some neighborhoods.”

Proposition R doesn’t legalize cannabis in Dallas. Possession of two ounces and below is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, attracting a $2,000 fine and a 180-day maximum jail sentence. Having two to four ounces in your possession is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a one-year maximum jail sentence and a maximum fine of four thousand dollars.

In 2023, Texas AG Ken Paxton filed lawsuits against five cities over measures deprioritizing enforcement of misdemeanor cannabis offenses. According to John Creuzot, Dallas County District Attorney, 97 percent of misdemeanor cannabis prosecutions in the county contained amounts under two ounces.

Meanwhile, Garcia cautioned that Proposition R could hinder law enforcement’s ability to prosecute drug dealers, as four ounces can equate to roughly 38 typical cannabis transactions.

Although Texas has not legalized cannabis for recreational use, the state does have a medical cannabis program established by the Texas Compassionate Use Act in 2015. The program allows certain physicians, registered with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), to prescribe low-THC cannabis to patients with qualifying medical conditions.

The Farm Bill 2018 federally defined “hemp” as marijuana containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Subsequently, in 2019, Texas legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp products, including consumable items like CBD and other edible hemp derivatives.

If more cities take the step of making the enforcement of marijuana laws a low priority for police, it could lead to the eventual legalization of the substance, and that could open opportunities for marijuana firms and ancillary companies, such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve cannabis companies.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Industry in the US Braces for Uncertain Times Under Trump 2.0

The year 2024 began with high hopes for the end of marijuana prohibition in the United States. However, as the year winds down, many of those expectations remain unmet.

“The main issue is reclassification,” stated Alex Halperin, a journalist covering the marijuana industry since 2015 through his newsletter WeedWeek. Rescheduling would remove marijuana from the list of substances federally prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

President Joe Biden had pledged to reform federal marijuana policy during his 2020 presidential campaign, with rescheduling appearing to be the most likely significant step. However, recent developments suggest this change might not occur during his presidency—or at all.

In January, the HHS issued a scientific review recommending marijuana be reclassified from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 substance. This shift would allow marijuana-based medications to gain FDA approval. Acting on this recommendation, the DEA introduced a proposal for rescheduling and opened the matter to public comments in May. Out of over 40,000 responses, 69% favored federal legalization or decriminalization.

Despite this, progress has slowed. Shortly after the public comment period ended, the DEA announced a December hearing to discuss rescheduling. However, the hearing was downgraded to a preliminary discussion and postponed to 2025, further extending the process.

This year’s presidential campaign offered mixed feelings for marijuana advocates. For the first time, both Republican and Democratic candidates expressed support for reform. Vice President Kamala Harris pushed for federal legalization, while Donald Trump endorsed a Florida initiative to legalize adult-use marijuana. Yet these positions have not translated into actionable progress.

Ballot initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota and Florida were rejected, marking the first year since 2017 without new states adopting legalization. Nebraska, however, approved medical marijuana.

Halperin remarked that predicting federal reform under Trump’s administration remains challenging as Republican lawmakers largely oppose legalization, even though younger Republican voters increasingly support it.

While legislative efforts stagnated, parts of the industry saw growth. Delaware and Ohio issued their first licenses for recreational dispensaries after legalization in 2023. Consumption lounges have also gained approval in various regions.

However, concerns over product safety have escalated. In one of his articles, Halperin highlighted the presence of pesticides in regulated marijuana products in California. The exposé spurred further reports on contamination in both marijuana and hemp products, the latter being less regulated and often sold without age restrictions.

In response to growing alarm, the California governor temporarily banned intoxicating hemp goods in September, while New Jersey lawmakers attempted to regulate the market through licensing. However, these measures face legal challenges, further delaying reforms. Meanwhile, federal bills like the SAFE Banking Act, which aimed at improving financial access for marijuana businesses, have also stalled in Congress.

A lot is riding on the policy actions that the incoming administration opts to implement, and those policies could also indirectly affect ancillary firms like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve marijuana plant-touching businesses in different jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds That Adolescents Suffer More Severe Psychosis Symptoms if They Use Marijuana

A recent study by researchers from St. Louis’ Washington University has found that teenagers who use marijuana experience more signs of psychosis spectrum and higher levels of distress due to the symptoms. This suggests that both self-medication and shared vulnerability play a role in linking marijuana use to an increased risk of psychosis.

Previous research indicates that teenagers who use marijuana have a two to four times higher risk of developing psychosis than their non-user counterparts. Marijuana usage that starts in youth is frequently linked to more intense symptoms, a higher chance of relapse, and an earlier beginning of psychotic illnesses.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug among teenagers, and its usage has grown significantly over the last 20 years, doubling from 11 percent to 22 percent. During the same period, teenagers’ perception of the risks associated with marijuana use has declined. For example, the proportion of adolescents who view weekly marijuana use as harmful has dropped from 36.3 percent to 25 percent.

There is ongoing debate about the relationship between psychosis and adolescent marijuana use, with researchers proposing several hypotheses to explain this connection, including self-medication, contributing risk, and shared vulnerability theories.

The contributing risk theory suggests that marijuana disrupts brain development during adolescence, triggering psychosis and worsening its progression. The shared vulnerability theory argues that environmental, genetic, or prenatal factors may increase susceptibility to both psychosis and marijuana use, meaning these two phenomena stem from common origins. Lastly, the self-medication theory proposes that a person may use marijuana to relieve symptoms of psychosis, such as distress or discomfort.

Although previous studies have provided evidence for all three theories, more research on early adolescence is needed. A study in JAMA Psychiatry tracked 11,868 participants aged 9 to 10 and examined psychosis symptoms before and after marijuana use. It found no consistent evidence for the contributing risk theory, as marijuana use did not reliably increase psychosis symptoms.

However, teens who used marijuana at any point in the study reported more psychosis symptoms and greater distress than non-users, supporting the shared vulnerability theory. Additionally, researchers observed an increase in psychosis symptoms and related distress before the initiation of marijuana use, supporting the self-medication theory.

Overall, the recent study suggests that the relationship between psychosis and marijuana use is more likely explained by self-medication and shared vulnerability rather than marijuana being a direct cause of psychosis.

The creation of legal marijuana markets in different jurisdictions not only allows marijuana companies and allied businesses like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) to operate, it also creates safeguards like age restrictions that prevent adolescents from accessing marijuana products. Such measures can avert the risks that come from underage individuals using marijuana.

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