420 with CNW — Federal Study Finds That Prohibitionist States See More Hospital Admissions for Cannabis Use Disorder

Despite concerns voiced by critics regarding the potential surge in problematic cannabis use following legalization, recently released federal data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals a different narrative. The SAMHSA analysis, which covered 2021 and was released last week, showed that the states with the greatest rates of treatment admissions for cannabis were those where sales of the drug were still illegal. The data showed that admissions to substance-use treatment services at state-licensed facilities for people aged 12 year of age and older totaled approximately 1.5 million countrywide.

According to the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), 10.2% of all recorded admissions involved cannabis or hashish as the major drug. This placed cannabis as the fourth most-used drug, following alcohol (34.8%), heroin (20.2%) and methamphetamine (13.5%). Notably, states with the highest per capita admissions for cannabis as a major substance did not have legal recreational sales at the beginning of 2021, despite some allowing medical cannabis use.

South Dakota led the list with 151 admissions per 100,000 people, followed by Iowa, Connecticut, South Carolina, Minnesota, New York, Wyoming, Georgia, North Dakota and New Jersey. States with the lowest marijuana admission rates were New Hampshire, New Mexico, West Virginia, Montana, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Arizona, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Oregon and Washington, both of which legalized recreational cannabis sales in 2021, did not report data for the SAMHSA report.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), a prohibitionist group, pointed out that admissions for marijuana treatment in 2021 declined by more than 10,000 compared to the previous year, despite more states embracing legalization. Heroin treatment admissions also experienced a more substantial decrease during the same timeframe.

However, interpreting admission numbers as indicative of drug-use disorders comes with challenges. Factors such as available space, resources and referral mechanisms impact the types of services individuals receive and for what drugs. For example, self-referral was the most popular referral route in 2021, but the criminal justice system, which differs greatly between states, was the second most popular approach.

A study based on the SAMHSA report from September revealed a decline in referrals for cannabis-related treatment after legalization, attributed to reduced marijuana-related arrests among individuals aged between 18 and 24. Although criminal justice referrals were decreasing nationally, states with legalized marijuana saw a steeper decline post-legalization.

Despite the positive aspect of fewer admissions related to the war on drugs, concerns were raised as admissions fell amid increasing risk factors for problematic cannabis use. Instead of advocating for more criminal justice referrals, the report suggested a greater role for primary care healthcare professionals in recognizing and referring individuals with marijuana use disorder to treatment.

In a different study conducted in August, researchers found that there was a drop in the number of referrals to foster care after cannabis legalization. States that legalized recreational marijuana did not see an increase in foster care admissions associated with drug usage by parents or teenagers.

Conversely, a University of Mississippi study conducted last year linked recreational cannabis legalization to an average minimum 10% drop in foster care admissions, which includes neglect, physical abuse, parental incarceration, and alcohol and other drug abuse.

The body of scientific literature dispelling many of the claims made by prohibitionists is growing, and it shows that ending prohibition and allowing cannabis companies such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) to open shop brings benefits without the harms that legalization opponents often mention.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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 Contradicts Claims That Drug Overdose Prevention Centers Fuel Crime

New research has found that overdose prevention centers in New York City have not led to an increase in crime. This is despite concerns that the establishment of harm-reduction centers would cause crime to skyrocket. The new findings add to previous research that demonstrated the centers’ potential in decreasing overdose deaths.

Overdose-prevention centers allow individuals to use illegal substances in a supervised environment, helping reduce the risk of harms associated with drug use, such as a fatal overdose.

The study was carried out by researchers at Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Connecticut. For their research, the investigators examined crime trends in NYC’s first government-sanctioned overdose prevention centers, which were launched two years ago. They then compared their findings to areas close to more than 15 syringe service programs that did not provide resources to prevent overdose.

The researchers also analyzed 311 and 911 calls, drug-possession arrests, public nuisances, law enforcement summons for criminal infractions and medical events. They observed no considerable increases in calls for emergency services or crimes recorded by law enforcement in neighborhoods where the prevention centers were located.

In addition, they recorded no statistically significant spike in either violent or property crime near these overdose prevention centers. This is despite a reduction in the number of drug-possession arrests made as the state continues to reprioritize law enforcement.

In their report, the researchers stated that statistically significant decreases in narcotics enforcement by the police around these centers was observed, adding that this was consistent with NYC’s commitment to ensuring that individuals could access the centers without any interference by the police. The researchers also noted that more studies were needed to establish that overdose-prevention centers wouldn’t be linked to localized increases in disorder and crime in the long-term.

At the moment, however, the findings strengthen arguments from harm-reduction advocates on the minimal risk associated with using overdose-prevention sites to help alleviate the risk of overdose deaths, as the opioid crisis rages on.

The research’s findings were published by the American Medical Association in “JAMA Public Health.”

A separate study published in 2022 determined that trained staff intervened in more than 100 overdose instances two months after the first overdose prevention center was launched in NYC. The staff are said to have alleviated risks of overdose by administering oxygen and naloxone as well as offering other services to prevent death. Naloxone is a medication that has been approved by the FDA to reverse an opioid overdose.

The positive role that overdose-prevention centers are playing, contrary to the views of detractors, may mirror the positive impact that marijuana companies such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) are having in spite of prohibitionists’ alarmist claims that legalizing cannabis does more harm than good to society.

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420 with CNW — Study Suggests Cannabis Enables Users Quit Prescription Sleep Medications

A recent study into the sleep habits of marijuana users facing sleep difficulties shows that a majority of participants prefer cannabis over other sleep aids, citing improved outcomes the following morning and fewer side effects. The consumption of CBD, THC and myrcene-infused joints or vaping products emerged as particularly popular choices among participants.

Contrasted with conventional sleep aids or abstaining from them altogether, respondents conveyed a heightened sense of refreshment, focus and improved functionality in the mornings after using cannabis. This was coupled with a decrease in nausea and headaches. However, users did acknowledge some adverse effects, such as waking up feeling groggy, anxious and irritable.

The study, undertaken by psychology researchers from Washington State University (WSU) and published in the “Exploration of Medicine” journal, is the first to compare marijuana to both over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping medication and prescription sleep aids (PSAs). According to Carrie Cuttler, coauthor of the study, cannabis did not exhibit a hangover effect, differentiating it from alcohol and long-acting sedatives. However, lingering effects SUCH AS sleepiness and mood alterations were reported.

The survey, conducted through the Strainprint medical cannabis app, involved 1,216 participants. A substantial 64.9% disclosed experiencing sleep issues for a minimum of five years, and nearly 70% claimed to have utilized marijuana for sleep aid for at least a year. About 38% had been employing marijuana for sleep assistance for one to three years.

Approximately 82% of marijuana users do not currently rely on PSAs or OTC sleep medications. However, more than one-half admitted to having used those substances in the past, signaling a shift toward perceiving marijuana as a superior option. More than 50% of respondents also revealed using marijuana every night to facilitate sleep, predominantly through smoking joints (46.1%), vaping flowers (42.6%) or marijuana oil (42.5%) before bedtime. Edibles and vape pens were chosen by nearly one-third, while 14.6% opted for cannabis capsules.

Although inhaled forms of cannabis were generally favored, the researchers noted a preference for smoking and vaping among those with sleep issues due to the rapid onset and the high percentage reporting difficulty falling asleep. The surprising observation was the lesser popularity of edibles or capsules, which have a more prolonged effect and could be more beneficial for maintaining sleep.

Concerning product composition, most participants favored high-THC products (60%), with 21.7% choosing a balanced THC–CBD blend. Myrcene emerged as the most popular terpene (49%), followed by linalool, limonene and beta-caryophyllene. Respondents attributed the positive effects of marijuana on sleep to its ability to relax both the body (81%) and mind (83%). It was also seen as preventing sleep interruptions (36.3%) and promoting deeper (56.2%) and longer (41.6%) sleep.

Among the 526 participants who used prescription and OTC sleep aids alongside marijuana, a significantly higher number reported feeling more refreshed, focused and functional after using marijuana compared to other sleep aids or none at all. They also experienced less nausea and fewer headaches. However, some side effects, such as dry mouth and red eyes, were more prevalent with cannabis use. Notably, participants reported more extended sleep durations and fewer nighttime awakenings when using cannabis alone compared to traditional sleep aids. Despite potential side effects, researchers suggested that cannabis’s side effects might be more tolerable than those associated with conventional sleep aids.

Acknowledging the survey’s bias toward individuals already using cannabis, the researchers stressed the need for future research to incorporate more objective sleep measures for a comprehensive understanding of cannabis’s effects on sleep.

It is eye-opening that despite what the prohibitionists say about marijuana, consumers are increasingly relying on products from cannabis companies such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) to attain improved sleep and reduce their reliance on prescription sleep aids.

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420 with CNW — Senate Passes Bill Giving VA Doctors Leeway to Recommend Marijuana Treatments

The U.S. Senate has approved a measure that will allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana treatments to military veterans. Titled the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act, the bipartisan congressional bill will allow veterans to access medical marijuana as long as they have a government doctor recommendation.

Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) doctors will now have the ability to recommend medical cannabis to their patients as long as they reside in states with legal marijuana markets. The measure will provide support for American military forces and their families in critical facets such as housing and infrastructure while increasing healthcare and benefits funding for military veterans.

It advanced by a unanimous vote of 28–0 and will be a godsend for U.S. military veterans and their families, a community that often doesn’t receive the support it needs. Military veterans are much more likely to develop crippling mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, especially soldiers who see active combat.

Many of them fail to integrate into society when they return from war due to limited access to mental-health care services, resulting in tens of thousands of military vets living on the streets.

According to Senate Appropriations Committee vice chair Susan Collins, the bill will provide “much-needed funding” to support the housing and treatment of American military veterans. Collins said that she would keep pushing for funding for the country’s veterans as the measure moves through the appropriations process in her capacity as the Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman. She also noted that the investments made by the legislation are critical to America’s national security and will reduce maintenance costs in the military while ensuring safety and readiness.

Expanding medical marijuana access to veterans has been a hot topic since states began legalizing medical marijuana. While several studies show that cannabis can be effective at alleviating conditions that tend to affect veterans such as chronic pain, anxiety, low appetite and insomnia, federal law still classifies the plant as a Schedule I controlled substance with no medical applications.

Consequently, VA doctors have been unable to recommend medical cannabis to their patients even if they live in states with regulated cannabis markets.

With the new bill’s passage, veterans around the country now have access to medical marijuana with a government doctor’s recommendation, providing them and their families with another tool to deal with the long-term effects of military service.

Companies such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) will be watching this development closely as the cannabis industry awaits the DEA’s recommendation regarding the rescheduling of marijuana in the United States. This is because these developments can open more opportunities for not just U.S.-based companies but also enterprises from other countries.

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420 with CNW — Brazilian Scientists Find Cannabis Compound Inside Unrelated Plant

Researchers have discovered that a common plant in Brazil contains the cannabis ingredient cannabidiol (CBD). This discovery creates new opportunities for the production of the well-known substance from alternative sources.

A group of scientists from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro uncovered CBD in the flowers and fruits of the Tremamicranthablume (trema) plant, a common shrub found throughout Brazil. According to lead scientist Rodrigo Moura Neto, the plant, which is sometimes categorized as a weed, is a promising source of CBD.

CBD, recognized for its potential in managing anxiety, chronic pain and epilepsy, stands as a key active component in marijuana, alongside tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for inducing the “high” associated with cannabis use.

While CBD’s medicinal efficacy remains under scientific scrutiny, Neto’s chemical analysis confirmed the presence of CBD in trema while ruling out the existence of THC. This development points to the likelihood of discovering additional sources of CBD, evading the legal constraints tethered to marijuana, which remains prohibited in many regions, including Brazil.

“It presents a legal alternative to marijuana use,” said Neto, highlighting the ubiquitous growth of trema throughout Brazil and emphasizing its potential as a more accessible and cost-effective CBD source. He also noted that CBD had previously been found in a related plant in Thailand.

Additionally, a different study published in May 2023 in the “Nature Plants” Journal revealed that the woolly umbrella, a plant native to South Africa, contained more than a dozen different types of cannabinoids. Despite the plant’s inability to produce CBD or THC, researchers did discover notable concentrations of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabibigerol (CBG).

Although Neto has not yet formally published his findings, he stated that he intends to broaden the study’s emphasis to include improving trema CBD extraction techniques and evaluating the drug’s efficacy in treating patients for ailments that are currently being treated with medicinal cannabis.

The Brazilian government recently awarded his team a grant of 500,000 real ($104,000) to continue the research, which he predicts will take at least five years to finish.

According to a survey conducted last year by market research company Vantage Market Research, the global market for CBD is currently expected to be worth close to $5 billion. The study also predicted that the industry will likely expand to exceed $47 billion by 2028, primarily due to the substance’s increasing popularity in health and wellness.

These research findings could open up new opportunities for the wider cannabis industry, including established actors such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), which could explore diversifying their operations.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Contaminants Could Have Health Risks for Users

Cannabis use, whether for medical or recreational purposes, may have adverse effects due to the presence of harmful fungi contaminating the plants, according to a recent peer-reviewed study. The study, published in the “Frontiers in Microbiology” journal, employed data derived from earlier studies, combined with U.S. and international regulations related to the marijuana industry. The researchers examined various contaminants, including mucor, fusarium, penicillium, aspergillus and other fungi capable of infecting cannabis plants and generating mycotoxins.

The findings showed that specific fungi could induce infections in lung and skin tissues, with such infections being more prevalent when marijuana is smoked compared to when it’s ingested. Cancer patients using marijuana to alleviate nausea and enhance their appetite, along with transplant recipients and individuals with type 1 diabetes or HIV, are particularly susceptible to these infections. Additionally, the findings suggest that individuals involved in cannabis harvesting might be at risk.

Lead author Kimberly Gwinn said, “Cannabis and hemp are relatively new crops, and our comprehension of their interactions with pathogens is in its infancy. Many pathogens produce mycotoxins, which are compounds known to have detrimental effects on human health and are closely monitored in other crops.

“In our review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature regarding mycotoxins in cannabis and hemp products,” she continued. “We also highlight the existing research gaps regarding potential mycotoxin contamination in these crops, drawing from insights gained in other crop systems.”

While cannabis research has predominantly focused on the substance and its medicinal applications, there is an imperative need for a more extensive examination of potential health hazards associated with its consumption, according to the study. The authors noted that the absence of standardized human health-risk assessment methodologies applicable to the emerging hemp and cannabis industries has resulted in fewer studies focused on their risk. Additionally, the diverse array of consumer uses for these substances, including medicinal use by patients with specific medical conditions, presents a unique challenge in evaluating and mitigating the health risks associated with contaminants.

The differing cannabis regulations from state to state, particularly in the United States, also pose a challenge to mitigating risks. Notably, fusarium mycotoxins, a common class of fungal contaminants that result in vomiting when consumed, currently lack regulatory oversight in most states.

In light of these discoveries, the authors strongly advise immunocompromised consumers to opt for products that have undergone sterilization, at least until more comprehensive data becomes available. The study’s authors also recommend further exploration and possible regulatory adjustments to safeguard consumers, particularly those with compromised immune systems.

This risk of consuming tainted cannabis products is the reason why it is better for consumers to access their products from licensed companies, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as opposed to riskier black-market products, which don’t adhere to specific standards.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Classes Register Explosive Demand Growth in Wake of Minnesota Legalization

Several months after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a recreational cannabis legalization measure into law and nearly two months after the legislation took effect, the state has seen a significant increase in demand for marijuana classes. Minnesota is a relatively late entrant into the recreational cannabis game, but Minnesotans proved that they overwhelmingly supported legalization via a ballot vote, and they are now eager to learn as much as they can about the often-controversial plant.

According to Minnesota Cannabis College president Tanner Berris, demand for marijuana classes across the state is huge as many residents are itching to tap into the recently launched recreational cannabis industry. Berris says the college has been receiving calls every day, every hour from people who would like to become part of the cannabis industry by either opening a cannabis business or getting a job in the nascent industry.

Although the college’s marijuana program isn’t accredited, the nonprofit has been able to expand from its hemp roots to recreational cannabis now that the state has legalized adult-use marijuana. The college’s goal is now to provide support to entrepreneurs interested in joining the cannabis sector and provide them with the training they will need to flourish in the industry. The school will soon start to offer classes on cannabis cultivation, business management, and “budtending” training to people who want to work in retail cannabis stores.

Since Minnesota’s recreational cannabis law won’t allow the launch of retail marijuana dispensaries until 2025 (with the exception of some tribal nations), interested entrepreneurs have plenty of time to learn about cannabis commerce before official sales commence.

In the meantime, state law currently allows Minnesotans to cultivate up to eight cannabis plants at home.

Although the Minnesota Cannabis College began offering cannabis cultivation classes in reaction to home cultivation laws, the nonprofit is more interested in providing business-related cannabis knowledge. Berris says the most surprising thing has been the number of Minnesotans who have expressed interest in launching their own business. This includes people who use cannabis either sporadically or regularly as well as people who don’t use cannabis but are entrepreneurs who noticed a business opportunity in Minnesota’s burgeoning cannabis sector and are looking for industry-specific information before taking the plunge. Berris says all of the cannabis classes at the nonprofit are full.

Minnesotans interested in an online cannabis education certificate can also head to St. Cloud State University for programs that cover cannabis healthcare and medicine, cannabis compliance and risk management, cannabis agriculture and horticulture, and business of cannabis.

This explosive interest in Minnesota could be signaling to entities operating elsewhere, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), that the cannabis industry still has plenty of room for growth, and any policy changes at the federal level will probably take this growth to a whole new level, bringing massive opportunities to sector players.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds Entourage Effect of Marijuana Triggers More Intense High Than THC Alone

When many people contemplate the euphoria induced by marijuana consumption, their thoughts inevitably gravitate toward THC, the plant’s principal psychoactive constituent. However, a recent study lends support to the notion of the “entourage effect,” demonstrating that marijuana products containing a wider variety of natural cannabinoids result in an even more potent psychoactive high than those made from pure THC.

This research used innovative electroencephalogram (EEG) technology, augmented by AI capabilities, to gauge the euphoria that individuals experienced while vaporizing two distinct products. The first was a full-spectrum live rosin with an average concentration of 85% THC, complemented by other natural terpenes and cannabinoids. The second was a high-purity THC oil boasting a potency range of 82% to 85%.

Twenty-eight adults took part in the study, donning EEG headsets created by the marijuana technology company Zentrela. The participants ingested two hits (8 mg) of the first or second product through a vape made by PAX, which also sponsored the research.

Before consuming the products, the participants underwent a baseline reading. Over the ensuing 90 minutes, the EEG observed cerebral activity across eight distinct brain regions. Subsequently, the collected data were translated into psychoactive effect levels (PEL), which are expressed on a standard scale ranging from 0% to 100%. The outcomes unveiled that the full-spectrum live rosin, containing THC along with other terpenes and cannabinoids, exhibited a slightly swifter onset: three minutes. Results showed a potency reading of 20.8% at the outset and even more substantial potencies at the 15-minute peak (40%) and 90-minute mark (30.2%).

On the other hand, the pure THC product exhibited an average onset time of four minutes with an initial potency of 13.5%. At its peak, the potency registered at 19.1%, subsequently declining to 18.1%.

In essence, the study, while yet to undergo peer review or publication in a scientific journal, lends credence to the entourage effect hypothesis. It suggests that cannabis containing a more varied composition of its innate constituents yields a more potent experience. This finding holds significance for patients, as the entourage effect could potentially fortify specific therapeutic applications.

Brian Witlin, PAX’s vice president of product development, stated in a press release, “Consumers seeking psychoactive effects frequently base their choices on THC content, which is somewhat misleading.”

Beyond enhancing consumer awareness, the study’s findings can also empower marijuana companies to devise more targeted products by harnessing data regarding the distinct combinations of cannabinoids that engender diverse effects.

This study isn’t the first to spotlight the comparative advantages of diverse marijuana products. In 2018, a study revealed that patients with epilepsy who utilize plant-based CBD extracts as opposed to refined CBD products have better health results and experience fewer negative side effects.

For companies that sell whole-flower products, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), the study’s findings that the entourage effect triggers more intense experiences for cannabis users makes a case for the continued development of products that leverage the entire spectrum of cannabinoids and other constituents rather than individual compounds.

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420 with CNW — Thai PM Announces Clampdown on Marijuana in Major Policy Reversal

Srettha Thavisin, Thailand’s newly elected prime minister, has pledged to change the country’s cannabis laws over the next six months to limit their use to medical purposes only. Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize marijuana after delisting the plant as a narcotic last year, resulting in a surge of cannabis dispensaries and cafes in major tourist locations such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

Currently, Thai law allows adults over the age of 20 to use marijuana inside their homes but not while they are nursing or pregnant. Furthermore, foods containing cannabis extracts are permitted to be served in restaurants with a license.

However, the lack of legislation to govern its usage has resulted in a legal gap in the country. Presently, about 6,000 dispensaries are operating nationwide, offering a range of cannabis products from oil extracts to buds. Thai farmers have also been permitted to cultivate marijuana after registering with the Thai FDA.

Thailand’s new leader, who took office in August, stressed the consensus within the coalition government to amend the law and prohibit recreational use. “The law must undergo a complete overhaul,” Srettha stated. “It needs correction. We can only control it for medical use,” he added, dismissing any compromise for recreational usage.

Srettha is the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, which formed a coalition government with 10 other parties. Prior to the May elections, the coalition advocated for a strict antidrug campaign and pledged to undo the historic cannabis decriminalization policy. The coalition includes the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, who remains committed to advancing a parliamentary bill aimed at introducing stricter industry oversight while opposing the reclassification of marijuana as a controlled substance.

Some within the tourism sector have welcomed the move to restrict cannabis usage, citing problems arising from lax industry regulations. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, group executive director of Sunshine Hotels and Resorts in Pattaya, remarked that most marijuana shops largely cater to recreational users and that there have been reports of marijuana overdoses. He emphasized the importance of stricter regulations to ensure that individuals who need it receive safe medical care.

Supporters of recreational cannabis argue that reclassifying the substance as a narcotic instead of implementing industry regulation, could drive recreational usage into an unregulated underground market, exacerbating control issues. Thailand plays a key role in drug trafficking along the vast Mekong River valley in southeast Asia, often with the assistance of law enforcement agencies. Srettha has committed to eliminating illicit drugs in the nation within a year.

This policy reversal is obviously disturbing to companies that were investing in the industry in anticipation that enabling regulations would be enacted. Even established companies such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) would be immensely impacted if any of the markets in which they had advanced plans to expand into suddenly changed course and reestablished prohibitive policies.

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420 with CNW — Nebraska Campaigners Start 2024 Medical Cannabis Legalization Drive

Activists in Nebraska have initiated a fundraising campaign to garner support for the inclusion of two medical cannabis legalization proposals on the state’s 2024 ballot. The group, Nebraskans for Medical Cannabis (NMM), has already begun the circulation of petitions and claims to have satisfied signature requirements in two counties by the end of last month.

The recent launch event held in Lincoln aimed to address a significant hurdle faced last year: the loss of vital funding after a major donor’s tragic death in a plane crash.

This is the third attempt by NMM to present the reform proposal to voters, and activists maintain their optimism, believing they will secure the necessary grassroots backing and resources to succeed this time around.

The launch showcased the involvement of various caregivers, patients and activists in medical marijuana advocacy, including key figures such as Crista Eggers, the campaign manager, and Senator Anna Wishart and former Senator Adam Morfeld, both of whom cochair NMM.

The campaign is set to obtain signatures from at least 5% of registered voters in 38 counties by year-end, with two counties already accomplished. To secure a place on the November 2024 ballot, the campaign must collect approximately 87,000 valid signatures from registered voters for each petition, in addition to meeting the county-specific goals, by July 5, 2024.

One of the initiatives seeks to establish safeguards for doctors recommending cannabis and patients purchasing and possessing it, effectively creating qualified immunity. The second initiative plans to establish a state cannabis commission to oversee the registration and regulation of individuals involved in the production, distribution and dispensing of medical cannabis.

Governor Jim Pillen has voiced opposition to marijuana reform, asserting that medical cannabis should only be accessible through FDA-approved processes, citing potential risks to children. In contrast, Eggers, NMM’s campaign manager, is determined to advocate for children such as her son, who suffers from severe seizures and could benefit from medical cannabis.

NMM initially submitted its reform petitions in May, with signature collection starting in July. An earlier campaign secured enough signatures for the 2020 ballot but was invalidated by the state Supreme Court due to a single-subject challenge. Subsequently, the revised petitions fell short due to a lack of funding following the tragic plane crash that claimed a key donor’s life.

Efforts by Nebraska legislators, including Wishart, to enact marijuana reform legislatively have consistently faced hurdles in the conservative legislature. Despite receiving a hearing in the unicameral Judiciary Committee in February, Wishart’s medical marijuana bill did not progress, which she attributed to changes in committee membership. A prior version of the measure faced a filibuster and ultimately stalled in the GOP-controlled legislature.

As many more states and countries work to ease their marijuana regulations, companies such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) will have a bigger pool of potential markets into which to expand as they grow their footprints.

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