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.

About CNW420

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 — 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.

About CNW420

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 — 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.

About CNW420

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 — 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.

About CNW420

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 — Advocates in Idaho File Ballot Measure to Legalize Marijuana in 2026

Public use would remain off-limits, ensuring that cannabis consumption is kept private and not visible in open areas. The measure specifically avoids creating a commercial cannabis market, unlike the recent ballot efforts in other states that sought to legalize the production and sale of marijuana.

Joe Evans, treasurer for Kind Idaho, highlighted this distinction in a statement back in September when the group first submitted the measure. He noted that the group’s approach is based on the belief that people should be allowed to manage their health and well-being privately, without interference from the state, as long as they’re acting responsibly.

Evans also mentioned that the straightforwardness of the measure might make it more appealing to Idaho voters as it does not include provisions for a state-managed medical cannabis program, which has been part of prior legalization efforts.

Kind Idaho has revised the proposal’s language following feedback from state officials, including the Idaho secretary of state and attorney general. The measure, titled “Decriminalize Marijuana Now,” has now entered the next phase of the state approval process.

The attorney general’s office has 10 days to finalize the ballot title and draft a summary for voters. Once this step is complete, Kind Idaho plans to start gathering signatures to place the measure on the 2026 ballot.

To qualify for the ballot, Kind Idaho needs to collect around 70,000 signatures from registered Idaho voters. This includes gathering support from at least 6% of voters across at least 18 of the state’s thirty-five legislative districts. The group has until April 2026 to submit these petitions for the proposal to be officially added to the ballot.

The decision to push for a more limited legalization measure in Idaho aligns with recent trends in cannabis legislation, particularly following the failure of broader legalization efforts in other states. In the 2024 election, similar ballot measures in North Dakota and Florida were rejected by voters. South Dakota also saw a failed attempt to legalize cannabis possession without authorizing commercial sales.

As the legalization movement spreads to more states across the U.S. and reforms are enacted, numerous business opportunities are likely to be opened up, such as those that take their inspiration from the operations of entities like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).

About CNW420

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 — Recreational Marijuana Measure Attracts Heavy Funding on Both Sides in South Dakota

The financial race surrounding the recreational marijuana legalization initiative in South Dakota was highly competitive, with both opponents and supporters gathering nearly equal resources. This set the scene for an intense debate while voters prepared for the November 5 ballot. Both sides have collectively raised around $915,000, showcasing the deeply split opinions across the state on the matter.

Advocates for Initiated Measure 29, which aims to legalize the use and sale of cannabis for those aged 21 and over, have secured about $458,000 in funding. The main group pushing for the measure, known as the Yes on 29 Ballot Committee, has raised $436,000, with $300,000 contributed by cannabis-related businesses. The largest single donation was $100,000 from GL Partners, a Rapid City-based medical cannabis dispensary.

On the opposing front, the Protecting SD Kids Ballot Question Committee accumulated about $457,000. A large share of this funding came from individual contributions, including a notable $61,400 donation by Brad Wheeler, a local manufacturer. Additionally, businesses within South Dakota collectively contributed $71,000 to the opposition’s campaign.

The significant financial backing on both sides highlights the importance of Initiated Measure 29, one of seven ballot measures voters will decide on this November. So far, the Yes on 29 campaign has spent approximately $217,000 on its advocacy efforts, while the opposition has spent a more substantial $371,000 on initiatives to prevent the measure’s approval.

The financial records show an ongoing trend where the marijuana industry heavily invests in efforts to support legalization measures across the country. Meanwhile, those against such measures often rely on local businesses and grassroots donations to bolster their campaigns.

As election day neared, the close fundraising figures signal a tight race. Both sides stepped up their campaigns to influence voters, aware of the potential long-term effects on South Dakota’s cannabis policy.

Neighboring states also contribute to the broader conversation about cannabis reform. Montana, for instance, has already seen more than $118 million in tax revenue from its legalized marijuana market over two years. North Dakota, looking at similar economic incentives, is proposing Measure 5, which promises job creation and financial gains. In contrast, Nebraska stands apart, lacking any legalization measures and emphasizing the varied regional perspectives on cannabis policy.

Without any restrictions on donation amounts, South Dakota’s campaign on this issue represents a significant and contentious vote, making November 5 a pivotal day for the state’s future approach to cannabis regulation.

Businesses like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) with interests in the cannabis space in other markets will be hoping that the will of the people wins the day once vote counting is completed.

About CNW420

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 — Poll Predictions Suggest Florida Marijuana Measure Will Pass

A recent poll indicates that voters in Florida are likely to approve two highly debated measures on the upcoming November ballot: recreational cannabis and abortion rights.

The poll, conducted by the Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) at the University of North Florida, was released on Monday and shows strong support for both measures. Specifically, 66% of voters back Amendment 3, which aims to legalize recreational marijuana, while exactly 60% of voters are in favor of Amendment 4, which would secure the right to abortion.

For an amendment to be added to Florida’s Constitution, it requires at least 60% voter approval statewide. The poll, which comes with a margin of error of about 3.5 percentage points, suggests that both amendments are on track to meet this threshold.

Michael Binder, a professor of political science and the director of PORL, commented on the survey stating that after years of Floridians polling on cannabis legalization, it’s evident that the majority of voters are in favor. Binder also noted that support for legalization has risen slightly, gaining two percentage points since the last PORL survey conducted in July, where 64% of voters expressed their intention to vote “yes.”

While support for Amendment 3 has increased, the abortion rights measure has just barely crossed the 60% threshold, according to Binder. Currently, 32% of respondents are opposed to Amendment 4, while 8% remain undecided.

The survey results come at a time when Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration have been actively opposing both initiatives. The governor has even used public funds to finance public service statements from state agencies that criticize the amendments. This has sparked several legal battles aimed at stopping the amendments, though most have been unsuccessful so far.

Additionally, the Florida Department of State recently published a report accusing the group behind the abortion rights amendment of fraudulent practices during the petition-gathering process. The group denies any misconduct, and the report led to a lawsuit filed by an anti-abortion organization seeking to invalidate the results of the votes on the measure.

The PORL survey polled 977 likely voters between October 7 and 18, targeting individuals from the state’s 10 key media markets. The sample was drawn from the state’s September 2024 voter file and included both mobile and landline phone numbers. To qualify for the poll, voters had to have participated in one of Florida’s general elections in 2016, 2018, 2020, or 2022, or the state’s primary elections in 2020, 2022, or 2024. Those who indicated that they would “definitely”or “probably” not vote in the November election were excluded.

If the adult-use legalization measure passes, the launch of recreational cannabis sales is likely to expand the business opportunities available to not only plant-touching marijuana companies but also other ancillary entities, such as those operating on the same model as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).

About CNW420

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 —South Dakota Voters Can Decriminalize Cannabis, Legislators Will Decide on Sales

The recreational cannabis ballot initiative in South Dakota, known as Initiated Measure 29 (IM 29), will not directly lead to the legalization of cannabis sales. For sales to become legal, further action from the state legislature would be required.

IM 29 primarily aims to decriminalize the use, possession and free sharing of up to two ounces of cannabis for individuals 21 years of age and older. Currently, possessing cannabis is considered a misdemeanor that could result in up to a year of jail time. The measure would also decriminalize cannabis edibles and concentrates, which are currently classified as felonies in the state, carrying potential prison sentences of up to five years.

Decisions regarding the establishment of a legal market for cannabis sales would be left to the state legislature during its annual lawmaking session, which runs from January to March.

The cautious approach to legalization is a result of a failed attempt in 2020 to legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes in South Dakota. That effort, which was supported by a majority of voters, was struck down in court for violating the state’s rule for ballot initiatives. As a result, IM 29 focuses on legalizing distribution and possession while leaving the creation of a retail market for future legislative discussion.

fiscal note prepared by the Legislative Research Council estimates that passing IM 29 could save South Dakota counties about $581,556 annually in costs related to prosecutions and incarcerations for misdemeanor marijuana offenses. However, the note does not address the potential savings from decriminalizing felony possession of concentrated marijuana.

House majority leader, Representative Will Mortenson, stated that he anticipates the legislature will deal with retail cannabis market regulation if IM 29 passes. The foundation has already been established. A law to regulate cannabis sales was passed by the state senate in 2022, but it was not approved by the house. Mortenson also notes that there is resistance to the legalization of cannabis, with certain legislators holding steadfast antilegalization stances.

Recent polling showed that 42% of voters supported IM 29, while 542% opposed it and 7% remained undecided.

Opponents have raised concerns about the increased potency of current cannabis, potential public-health risks and the possibility of higher crime rates in states that have legalized the drug. They contend that the cost of addiction treatment and law enforcement would exceed any tax income from the legal sales.

Supporters of IM 29 counter these arguments, however, pointing out that states with legalized cannabis have already collected billions in taxes. Additionally, they emphasize that IM 29 would still prohibit driving while intoxicated and that legalization would grant legislators the authority to control the potency of cannabis products.

Companies with interests in the marijuana industry, including Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR), will be watching to see whether the voters of South Dakota finally get a chance to legally access recreational marijuana.

About CNW420

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 — Arkansas Disqualifies Medical Cannabis Amendment for November Poll

John Thurston, Arkansas secretary of state, has rejected a proposed amendment aimed at broadening access to medical cannabis. Thurston announced on Aug. 31, 2024, that the group advocating for the reform, Arkansans for Patient Access, had not gathered enough valid signatures to qualify for inclusion on the ballot.

The organization had been given an additional 30 days to collect more signatures but ultimately fell short of the required 90,074 valid signatures. According to Thurston, only 10,521 of the signatures collected throughout the extended period were verified as legitimate. When added to the previously accepted signatures, the total reached 88,040, falling short of the required threshold.

Issue 3, if approved, would have increased the list of medical ailments that can be treated with medical cannabis. Additionally, it would have simplified the licensing process for medical cannabis patients and allowed more healthcare providers to prescribe cannabis.

In response to Thurston’s announcement, the Arkansans for Patient Access released a statement expressing its dissatisfaction and plans to pursue legal action against the office of the Secretary of State. Officials from the organization argue that they submitted more than 150,000 signatures from all Arkansas counties, showcasing strong public backing for the amendment.

The group also claims that the exclusion of approximately 20,000 signatures gathered during the extended period was the result of an unfair, last-minute procedural change that undermines the democratic process.

The main point of contention is a particular requirement that the amendment’s sponsor sign the canvasser registration forms instead of a representative of the business that employs canvassers. This same issue also prevented another proposed change, related to abortion rights, from moving forward in the current election cycle.

Bill Paschall, a spokesperson for Arkansans for Patient Access, argued that the duty of filing canvasser registration documents can be delegated and cited a similar legal stance taken in a previous casino-related case.

While Issue 3 will still appear on this year’s November ballot, any votes cast for or against it will not be counted unless there is a legal resolution.

The conservative Family Council Action Committee hinted in a statement that there will be further litigation over the change. Jerry Cox, executive director of the committee, suggested that those supporting the amendment, which consists of major cannabis businesses in Arkansas and have invested nearly $2 million, would likely appeal to the state’s supreme court to overturn Thurston’s decision.

If this matter goes to the state’s highest court, it could attract the attention of a variety of industry and allied actors such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) since the expansion of the medical cannabis program could bring full legalization one step closer in Arkansas. Full cannabis legalization has been seen to create broad economic opportunities for different industries and verticals.

About CNW420

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 — AMA Study Finds Working Memory, Other Brain Processes Unaffected by Cannabis Use

A recent federally funded study published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open” has revealed that cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, reward response and working memory do not change significantly after a year of cannabis use. The study refutes the long-held notion that marijuana use impairs memory and brain function. It involved adults who typically used cannabis for issues such as depression, anxiety, pain or sleep problems.

The research team conducted the study on 57 patients who had recently received medical cannabis certification in the Boston area. Brain activity was monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while participants performed various cognitive activities. Brain activity was evaluated at the beginning of the trial and again after a year of marijuana use.

The fMRI scans showed no discernible changes in brain activation related to mental activities even after a year of consuming medical marijuana. Furthermore, there was no correlation observed over time between the frequency of cannabis use and changes in brain activity.

In a statement summarizing their findings, the researchers emphasized that medical cannabis users who typically consume it in small to moderate doses to manage medical symptoms often experience minimal long-term neural changes in areas such as working memory, inhibitory control and reward processing. They reiterated that no notable differences were observed in brain activity between the initial and follow-up scans taken a year later.

These results may provide reassurance to individuals who rely on medical cannabis to manage their health concerns but are worried about the potential long-term effects on their brain health. However, the researchers recommended that further studies be conducted, particularly focusing on higher doses of cannabis, more frequent usage and studies involving younger individuals.

The study findings align with recent research that suggests prescribed medical marijuana has minimal short-term impact on cognitive function, even for those managing chronic illnesses.

While more research is necessary to fully understand the long-term consequences of marijuana use, a growing body of evidence indicates that some concerns may have been exaggerated. For instance, a study from last year found that cancer patients who used medical cannabis reported clearer thinking and better pain management.

Another study involving young people at risk for psychosis found that consistent marijuana use—more than two years—did not lead to early psychosis, as some critics of cannabis claim. Instead, it was linked to slight improvements in cognitive abilities and a reduction in the use of other drugs.

Furthermore, an analysis of data from about 65 million health insurance policyholders by the AMA revealed no discernible increase in diagnoses for psychosis in places where the drug has been allowed as opposed to those where it has not.

As more misconceptions about the effects of marijuana on the brain are debunked, the overall industry could grow more explosively and other verticals, such as the one in which Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) operates, are set to also experience faster growth.

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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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CannabisNewsWire
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CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN