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.

A 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.

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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 — 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.

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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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420 with CNW — Study Finds Cannabis Grown in Colombian Jungles Possesses Uncommon Terpenes

A new study on cannabis grown in Colombia highlights the impressive variety of phytochemicals in the plants. The study identified four different chemotypes based on their cannabinoid profiles, revealing an abundance of uncommon terpenes.

The study’s results, which were published in the “Phytochemical Analysis” journal, indicate that the wide range of compounds found in Colombian marijuana could benefit both growers and the medical cannabis industry. Further, the findings demonstrate Colombia’s potential to be a leader in the global cannabis industry, particularly in South America, as new markets continue to develop.

The authors state that one reason for this diversity is Colombia’s varied environmental regions. The country is known for its array of landscapes, including snowy mountains, tropical coastlines, deserts, rainforests and grasslands. This environmental variety has already contributed to the success of other agricultural industries, such as coffee production.

Researchers collected 156 cannabis samples from 17 licensed medical cannabis cultivation sites, spanning 7 provinces and 5 regions of Colombia. Growers provided information about the types of plants used in the samples — local, imported or hybrids — as well as specifics regarding the growth conditions (indoor, outdoor or greenhouse).

Significant structural and color differences were evident in the samples even before any chemical testing was conducted. The study found that whereas some blooms were more open and airy, others were compact and dense. The samples’ colors ranged from bright, warm tones to softer, more subdued hues.

The research team divided the cannabis into four primary categories after examining the cannabinoids in each sample: type 1, which was dominant in THC; type 3, which was prominent in CBD; type 4, which was dominant in CBG; and type 2, which was balanced. Even though these kinds were distributed throughout Colombia, certain regional patterns did show up.

For instance, plants from the Coffee Triangle region had the highest concentrations of CBD-A, whereas cannabis from the Amazon and south-central regions had the highest THC-A levels. Additionally, the researchers found that cannabis from these same regions contained higher levels of certain compounds, such as CBDV, CBGA and THCV.

The authors also measured the levels of 23 distinct terpenes in the samples. THC-dominant strains showed the greatest variety of terpenes, while CBD-dominant and balanced strains had β-myrcene as the most common terpene. Some types also contained high levels of terpenes that are less common in North American cannabis, such as nerolidol and linalool. The study highlights that the observed diversity in these samples is likely due to a combination of genetic factors and the environment in which the plants were grown.

Interestingly, the research found that nearly one-half of the samples were local varieties, with most of the rest being hybrids of imported and local strains. Very few samples were purely imported. This suggests that Colombia’s long history of growing cannabis before legalization has influenced the country’s current medical cannabis market, with growers blending local and foreign cultivars.

The study provides the first detailed metabolic analysis of legally grown cannabis in Colombia, uncovering significant chemical diversity. The researchers believe that this diversity could contribute to new opportunities in medical cannabis worldwide. They recommend further studies that include full-genome sequencing and a deeper exploration of how environmental factors influence the chemical makeup of cannabis plants.

As more cannabis companies and patients leverage these different cannabis compounds for therapeutic purposes and their efficacy is confirmed, the cannabis industry could boom even more, and ancillary entities such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) could also see a commensurate uptick in the business opportunities available to them.

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420 with CNW — Cannabis Reclassification Unlikely to Happen Until After Elections

A ruling on whether to change cannabis classification to a less dangerous substance in the United States is not expected until after the November election, making it a significant topic in the closely contested presidential race.

Last week, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration scheduled a hearing on the proposed changes for Dec. 2, 2024. Given this date, a final decision might not be made until the next presidential administration. Although there’s a chance it could happen before the end of President Biden’s term, marijuana attorney Brian Vicente notes that issuing a decision before Inauguration Day would be a rushed action.

The matter may draw fresh focus to the positions taken by presidential contenders regarding marijuana.

Vice President Kamala Harris has shown support for cannabis decriminalization and expressed disapproval of the drug’s current Schedule 1 listing, where it is classified along with LSD and heroin. Harris’s stance has changed over time, though. She took part in enforcing marijuana laws while serving as California’s attorney general in 2010 and opposed the state’s recreational cannabis legalization.

On the other hand, Donald Trump, the GOP nominee, recently expressed support for a marijuana legalization initiative in Florida, reflecting his growing belief that individuals should not be jailed for cannabis use because it is legal in a majority of states. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump supported medical cannabis and suggested that states should decide the legality of cannabis. However, during his term, Jeff Sessions, the then-attorney general, reversed an Obama-era directive that limited federal crackdowns on the cannabis industry in states where it was legal.

Marijuana rescheduling would mark the biggest change to drug policy in the United States in 50 years and might have a significant impact on younger voters. Nonetheless, organizations such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana are against the proposal. Kevin Sabet, president of the organization, contends that insufficient evidence exists to support placing cannabis in the less hazardous schedule 3 category, where it would be placed with drugs such as ketamine.

Sabet stated that the DEA’s decision to hold a hearing was a success in making sure that medical science, not politics, would be the deciding factor. He added that his resistance to the proposal is backed by attorneys general from 18 states.

Rescheduling could enable state-licensed cannabis enterprises to claim federal tax deductions that are presently unavailable to anyone engaged in the trade of schedule I or II substances. Some advocates also hope that rescheduling could push Congress to enact laws that would make it easier for banks to provide services to marijuana businesses. Currently, because of its legal classification, most banks are hesitant to offer financial services to cannabis businesses.

Moreover, rescheduling could also simplify cannabis research, as conducting authorized studies on schedule 1 substances is currently challenging. However, some advocates worry that the debate has become too politicized, with the focus on how rescheduling might impact the industry overshadowing the potential benefits.

All that entities such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) can do is to wait for the next steps of the rescheduling process to play out so that once the final rule is published, they can determine how the change could impact their business projections.

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420 with CNW — Dallas Voters to Decide on Marijuana Decriminalization in November

Dallas voters will have the opportunity to decide in November whether or not the city should decriminalize cannabis. The city’s council decided on Aug. 14, 2024, to add the Dallas Freedom Act to the ballot for the upcoming Nov. 5 election. Local proponents of cannabis reform are leading this effort to loosen the rules governing adult possession of marijuana.

The push for reform is led by Ground Game Texas, a nonprofit organization focused on social justice. The group gathered nearly 50,000 signatures from residents, far exceeding the 20,000-signature threshold needed to get the measure on the ballot.

The measure would forbid police from arresting or ticketing people for having less than four ounces of cannabis in their possession. Possession of two to four ounces of cannabis is currently regarded as a class A misdemeanor in Texas, which carries a maximum one-year jail sentence. Possession of less than two ounces results in a class B misdemeanor, and the punishment is up to 180 days in jail.

Other key provisions within the proposal include:

Except for felony investigations, Dallas police would no longer be permitted to use the scent of hemp or cannabis as justification for searching or seizing property.
Except for the restricted circumstances outlined by the proposal, police would not issue a citation for class A or B misdemeanor possession of cannabis or arrest unless instructed otherwise by an orderly ruling from a federal or state court.
Except in cases where testing is required for public safety (such as toxicology tests) or is a component of a violent crime investigation, no cannabis product would be subjected to THC-level testing to assess if it complies with the legal definition of marijuana using city resources or people.

The city council approved the proposal for the November ballot by a vote of 11–4. Supporters of the measure, including Council Members Omar Narvaez, Adam Bazaldua, Zarin Gracey and Chad West, have voiced their backing for decriminalization. West, who first proposed the initiative in June, argued that it is a needed reform for Dallas.

On the other hand, Eddie Garcia, the chief of police in Dallas, expressed concerns, stating that the proposed changes wouldn’t benefit the community. He argued that four ounces is more than a small amount for individual use. Garcia noted that his narcotics unit found that an average illicit purchase for individual use in the city consists of two or three dime bags, which is far less than four ounces.

If Dallas voters decide to decriminalize cannabis possession, other cities may also take the same approach, which could trigger a statewide movement that eventually sees adult-use marijuana legalized. When that happens, plenty of business opportunities could be created, including for companies seeking to offer services that are similar to what companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) are currently offering in other jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Voters in North Dakota Again Have Say on Cannabis Legalization

A ballot measure aiming to legalize recreational cannabis in North Dakota has been confirmed for the upcoming November election, as announced by the state’s chief election official on Monday. This development brings the issue back to voters, where previous attempts to pass similar measures have been unsuccessful.

Michael Howe, the state’s secretary of state, confirmed that almost 19,000 voter signatures were validated during the review process, surpassing the required number needed to secure a spot on the November ballot. The group responsible for the initiative, known as New Economic Frontier, had initially submitted more than 22,000 signatures in July.

The measure’s leader, Steve Bakken, former mayor of Bismarck and commissioner for Burleigh County, stated that law enforcement should concentrate more on battling fentanyl and opioids than cannabis. The initiative’s goal, he added, is to stop any actions taken outside of the state that might have unmanageable repercussions.

The proposed 20-page measure seeks to legalize recreational cannabis use for individuals 21 years of age and older. The measure also details various processing and production regulations and prohibited uses, such as in vehicles and public spaces.

The legislation sets limits on the amount of cannabis that can be purchased and possessed. Additionally, it would allow for edibles, cannabis solutions, transdermal patches, capsules and concentrates.

Currently in North Dakota, marijuana use by individuals under the age of 21 is classified as a misdemeanor. For those older than 21, recreational use is not illegal, but possession is, with penalties such as misdemeanors and infractions depending on the quantity of marijuana involved. Delivery of cannabis is considered a felony, with potential sentence enhancements if it occurs within 300 feet of a school.

Data from the state’s courts indicates that 4,451 individuals were charged with marijuana possession or use across the state last year.

While voters approved medical cannabis in 2016, they rejected recreational cannabis initiatives in both 2022 and 2018. In 2021, the state’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed measures to legalize recreational cannabis, but the Republican-controlled Senate ultimately defeated these efforts.

Representative Matt Ruby noted that the current priorities will be informing voters about the possible economic advantages, enhanced safety regulations and more convenient access to medical cannabis. On the other hand, the Brighter Future Alliance, a group opposing the measure, criticized supporters for not accepting defeat after multiple unsuccessful attempts.

Currently, recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states. Ohio was the most recent state to legalize marijuana in 2023 through a ballot measure. Voters in South Dakota and Florida will also have the opportunity to decide on similar measures in November.

In case the voters in these states give the nod to adult-use marijuana legalization at the polls, a chance will be created not only for marijuana companies but also ancillary ones such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) to sprout in those markets and serve the entities that need their services.

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420 with CNW — Chinese Money Launderers Taking Over Marijuana Trafficking in US

For decades, Chinese criminal organizations have covertly operated in major U.S. cities such as New York and San Francisco. Their activities, which include cybercrime and wildlife trafficking, have largely flown by without law enforcement noticing due to their nonviolent nature.

Historically, these groups have remained more active and visible in the Pacific and Asia, especially in nations such as Singapore and Australia, where they have targeted Chinese companies with their money-laundering operations. However, their new partnerships with drug-trafficking groups in Latin America have elevated them to the status of leading money launderers globally.

In 2018, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division initiated Project Sleeping Giant, a coordinated effort among various government agencies to combat Chinese-associated money-laundering and drug activities. The DEA had identified some Chinese money brokers who were engaged in the fentanyl trade in locations including Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Over the following months, investigators began to uncover the extent of Chinese involvement with Mexican cartels.

The money-laundering process starts with Mexican cartel members delivering cash from fentanyl sales to Chinese money brokers in the United States. After that, these intermediaries make sure the cartels in Mexico get paid the same amount in pesos or cryptocurrencies. Large sums of money are occasionally delivered straight to cartel stash houses by a Chinese partner in Mexico.

In Mexico, the brokers use unofficial trade networks to keep a regular supply of cash on hand. Purchasing expensive devices, associates in China, especially in Guangzhou, ship the devices to Mexico. Later, Mexican companies sell these products for less money, giving the cartels the money they need.

Unlike traditional methods, this Chinese money-laundering system doesn’t involve physically moving cash across borders. It’s safer, faster and cheaper, allowing Chinese brokers to charge the cartels less than other groups, thanks to their additional revenue stream from Chinese customers buying U.S. dollars.

DEA analysts identified individuals around the country by carefully examining these Chinese money-laundering networks between 2018 and 2020. It was found that a large number of them had a passing acquaintance with a specific Queens, New York, neighborhood. Plans were made to target more than 100 money launderers in various cities, but the COVID-19 pandemic and a surge in fentanyl deaths shifted federal focus to drug seizures and trafficker arrests.

Before the pandemic, investigators found that money-laundering organizations were also involved in the cannabis trade. The brokers in New York were buying properties in states such as California and Colorado to cultivate cannabis, which was then distributed to cities across the country. However, the DEA had largely ceased pursuing cannabis cases following a 2013 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) memorandum discouraging federal enforcement in states that had legalized cannabis.

Chinese groups seized control of the cannabis business from Mexican cartels, who had moved on to more lucrative substances such as fentanyl and heroin because there was less chance of prosecution. There are 23 states where Chinese-owned marijuana businesses are known to operate, and the money made from these operations is frequently used to finance additional crimes, including human trafficking.

Oklahoma has been a production center since 2021 due to its cheap land and lax medical cannabis legislation. More than 3,000 farms have been closed by local authorities, with 80%–90% of these farms being connected to Chinese organized crime.

Recently, Chinese manufacturers have moved to Maine, where it is thought that an estimated 100 illicit businesses are still in operation, although more than 40 have been shut down since January. According to former DEA agents, attempts to dismantle Chinese criminal networks have been hampered by the move away from marijuana charges.

Although there are no clear connections between marijuana businesses and the Chinese government, inquiries are still underway, according to a June testimony given by FBI director Christopher Wray. Meanwhile, a report by a bipartisan house committee revealed that the Chinese government supports the production of illicit drugs that are exported to the United States.

Chinese officials, however, deny these allegations. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, stated that China has been cooperating with U.S. antimony-laundering operations and emphasized that Chinese citizens are urged to follow local laws abroad.

While U.S. officials have long criticized China for inadequate cooperation in combating the drug trade, a recent exception occurred in June when federal law enforcement in California indicted 24 individuals, 9 of whom were Chinese nationals, for laundering $50 million in illegal drug proceeds for the Sinaloa cartel. One suspect, Peiji Tong, was arrested by Chinese authorities after fleeing the U.S. This indictment follows similar cases in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia and Arkansas.

Even with these initiatives, congressional representatives and veteran DEA officers emphasize that much more work has to be done.

This issue of Chinese cartels cornering sections of the marijuana industry without being licensed to engage in commercial industry activities undercuts not only licensed cannabis companies but also ancillary entities such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that are denied an opportunity to serve more legitimate businesses since the market is being cornered by these illicit actors.

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420 with CNW — Florida’s Marijuana Legalization Ballot Measure Could Face Heavily Funded Opposition

The recreational cannabis legalization campaign in Florida is up against a significant new challenge: heavily funded opposition. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) recently created the Florida Freedom Fund, allowing him to receive unlimited donations aimed at achieving the fund’s specific goals.

A primary objective of the fund is to thwart Amendment 3, which proposes to legalize recreational marijuana and permit sales at already-existing medical cannabis dispensaries. In the unlikely event that DeSantis is successful in garnering national attention and support for this cause, the legalization of recreational marijuana may not be supported by a larger financial advantage throughout its campaign.

Smart and Safe Florida spokesperson Morgan Hill noted that a recent survey indicated 66% of probable voters support the ballot measure. In Florida, a constitutional amendment must receive the support of at least 60% of voters to pass, a rather high percentage.

In contrast, Ohio’s recreational cannabis was approved by more than 57% of voters last year. The opposition there managed to collect contributions totaling only $927,900, while the pro-legalization campaign raised more than $6.7 million.

Florida represents a crucial market for marijuana businesses, being the largest domestic medical cannabis market, with strict state laws limiting the number of participants. The stakes in Florida are high, especially because it’s a presidential battleground state, and the legalization measure will appear on the same ballot as President Joseph Biden and Florida resident and presumed GOP contender Donald Trump.

Biden is anticipated to focus some of his campaign on marijuana reform to win over young people following his executive order from 2022, which prompted the U.S. DOJ to propose cannabis rescheduling. Trump has not yet taken a stance on Florida’s recreational cannabis legalization, but DeSantis, a former presidential contender, has expressed strong opposition.

The DeSantis fund is also targeting a measure that seeks to overturn a law he signed earlier prohibiting abortion procedures beyond the six-week pregnancy mark. The governor has labeled both measures as quite excessive.

Political analysts speculate that the confluence of these concerns may boost female and younger voter turnout, which might help Democratic candidates such as Biden.

There’s been significant fundraising done to support the two measures. The Tampa Bay Times reported that the abortion protection proposal has received $12 million in contributions since April. In the meantime, supporters of cannabis legalization have invested more than $40 million in Florida. The leading contributor remains Trulieve, which added another $5 million in April.

Marijuana companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) will be hoping that, at the end of the day, the true will of the people of Florida carries the day on polling day regardless of which way the ballot swings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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