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 — 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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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).

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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.

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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).

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