In 2014, a Denver-based cannabis dispensary, 3D Cannabis, made history as the first seller of legal marijuana. Over a decade later, the dispensary bears a sign saying it is “temporarily closed,” with the building’s doors and windows boarded up and the parking lot strewn with trash, symbolizing the challenges facing Colorado’s marijuana market.

Once a thriving success, the industry is now marked by failed entities and struggling entrepreneurs due to regulatory challenges, market saturation and increased competition from neighboring states.

The market’s sales peaked in 2020 at $2.2 billion. But by 2023, revenues had fallen to $1.5 billion, which led to restructuring, closures and layoffs. The decrease has also affected state finances; in the most recent fiscal year, Colorado’s marijuana tax receipts dropped significantly to $282 million from prior years.

Several factors have contributed to the industry’s struggles. An oversupply of cannabis following the pandemic caused prices to drop sharply. The rise of cheap, unregulated hemp-derived products added further pressure. Additionally, the federal illegality of marijuana means operators face high taxes and costly rules.

However, the primary challenge has been the rapid spread of legalization across the country, with neighboring states such as Arizona and New Mexico now having their own legal cannabis markets and disrupting Colorado dispensaries, particularly those near the southern border. Tourists who previously flocked to Colorado for legal marijuana now have closer options, and even Texans are finding satisfying alternatives in hemp products available locally.

While some business owners have managed to survive by adapting, many have closed or moved to other states. The number of marijuana licenses in Colorado decreased by more than 16%, similar to the number of marijuana jobs, marking the second consecutive year of employment losses.

Maggie’s Farm, a retailer in southern Colorado, is one prominent example: out of its eight dispensaries, five are closed. Similarly, one of the biggest marijuana companies in the United States, Curaleaf, stated in January of last year that it was closing its cultivation and production facilities in Colorado.

In 2020, the pandemic helped the state’s cannabis industry at first since more people were staying at home and making more purchases, thanks to stimulus checks. However, as the pandemic’s dynamics shifted, the rush to expand cannabis production resulted in a glut of supply, causing prices to drop from nearly $1,700 a pound to about $700 a pound.

Companies such as Veritas Fine Marijuana, a wholesale grower, initially expanded their production but later had to downsize and change their cultivation methods to stay competitive. At its peak, Veritas employed 144 people; currently, it has only 21 employees.

Native Roots, another significant player, experienced similar challenges. Its Mothership growth facility in Denver used to produce around 32,000 pounds of cannabis annually but had to cut production by half by mid-2023. The company is cautiously increasing production again while closely monitoring market conditions. Native Roots benefits from having 21 dispensaries across the state, helping it weather the downturn better than some competitors.

Moreover, states compete on regulations, further complicating the market. New Mexico, for instance, allows adults to purchase up to two ounces of marijuana, double Colorado’s limit. Additionally, edibles in New Mexico can contain higher dosages. These higher limits attract residents from states without legal weed, who previously traveled to Colorado.

Despite the industry’s struggles, Colorado’s early legalization has produced successful entrepreneurs who have expanded beyond Colorado’s borders. Nancy Whiteman, for instance, founded Wana in 2010, focusing on marijuana-infused edibles. Wana has grown significantly, with operations in 17 states and Puerto Rico, and plans to enter the European market. Whiteman’s success culminated in a lucrative deal with Canopy Growth, a major Canadian cannabis producer valued at $350 million.

Major marijuana entities such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) could be assessing the changing market dynamics and planning their future strategic direction in order to remain at the top.

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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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According to a recent survey, the number of Americans who use marijuana daily or almost daily has increased relative to those who use alcohol at the same frequency. The findings, which have been published in the “Addiction Journal,” are based on information gathered over the previous 40 years by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

According to the report, 17.7 million people used cannabis daily in 2022, overtaking the 14.7 million people who drink alcohol every day for the first time. Although alcohol is still consumed more frequently overall, the survey shows that daily cannabis consumption has significantly increased over the past few decades.

In particular, there was a 15-fold increase in the number of individuals consuming cannabis every day, or almost every day, between 1992 and 2022. Less than a million people reported using it frequently in 1992, which was the lowest number since the survey’s inception in 1979.

The chief medical officer of the medicinal cannabis startup EO Care, Dr. Brooke Worster, noted that although there are more users now for a variety of reasons, more people are freely confessing to using cannabis as a result of the stigma around it being lessened. According to Worster, the rates haven’t changed as drastically as the survey suggests.

She also noted that more than the previous 20 years, the legal marijuana market has expanded dramatically, drawing a wide variety of users, including a large number of senior citizens.

Currently, 24 states and DC allow the recreational use of cannabis, and 38 states allow it for medical use. Despite this, the federal government has been hesitant to decriminalize or fully legalize cannabis nationally.

However, a major shift occurred recently when the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) moved to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I of the the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III. President Joseph Biden acknowledged the need for reform, stating that too many lives have been destroyed by a misguided approach to cannabis.

Worster also addressed the misconception that cannabis acts as a “gateway” drug leading to the use of more dangerous substances. Decades of medical research have debunked this myth, showing that the majority of marijuana users do not progress to harder substances. Nonetheless, she cautioned that young adults and users of high-potency cannabis products are at higher risk of developing marijuana-use disorder.

Marijuana-use disorder can result in serious health and social problems that affect a person’s safety and quality of life, but it does not cause organ destruction or death such as opioid and alcohol-use disorders do.

The increasing daily use of marijuana by Americans suggests that licensed entities such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) could potentially see their sales grow steadily as more people become comfortable about using marijuana either for medicinal or recreational purposes.

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Cannabis, when used in the right amount, can have calming effects, easing anxiety and alleviating pain. However, determining the appropriate dosage can be challenging. Consuming even slightly too much can lead to a starkly different experience, often referred to as “paranoia” by recreational users, characterized by panic and acute anxiety.

Recent research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence suggests that one of the aromatic compounds in marijuana, d-limonene, may counteract these anxiety-causing effects. The citrusy compound, found naturally in marijuana, could potentially help users avoid experiencing anxiety attacks, which would increase cannabis’ therapeutic effects.

Marijuana contains more than 500 chemical components, with THC being the primary psychoactive component responsible for the “high.” Additionally, cannabinoids such as CBD are thought to influence the overall experience. Terpenes, aromatic compounds in marijuana, contribute to its unique scent. There’s a longstanding belief in the cannabis community that ingesting products created from the entire plant rather than isolated compounds, including CBD or THC, produces a different, more beneficial effect, a concept known as the entourage effect.

However, the scientific evidence for the effect remains unclear due to the many chemicals involved. Ryan Vandrey, a behavioral pharmacologist at Johns Hopkins University, explains that, despite the lack of conclusive evidence for the entourage effect, it has significantly influenced how marijuana strains are bred and marketed. This concept originated partly from studies suggesting that terpenes such as d-limonene may have anxiety-reducing properties, as indicated in a review paper in 2011 by Ethan Russo.

To investigate whether d-limonene could indeed alleviate THC-induced anxiety, Vandrey and his team conducted a double-blind study involving participants who had previously experienced anxiety while using marijuana. The results showed that increasing concentrations of d-limonene relative to THC led to fewer reported symptoms of anxiety, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect. This effect was most significant when participants inhaled a high ratio of d-limonene to THC, a ratio not typically found in natural marijuana strains.

However, Vandrey cautioned about the preliminary nature of these findings and the need for further research. While d-limonene appears to target anxiety specifically without affecting other aspects of the marijuana high, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Additionally, the study’s limitations, such as using vaporized marijuana and high concentrations of d-limonene, need to be addressed in future studies.

Despite these limitations, the study opens the door to further exploration of terpenes’ role in marijuana effects. Researchers are already investigating other terpenes found in marijuana to better understand their impact.

The potential of terpenes such as d-limonene isn’t entirely new. Folk remedies dating back centuries suggest that compounds found in citrus fruits could counteract the negative effects of cannabis. While these remedies have historical backing, scientific research is just beginning to uncover their true potential.

The entire cannabis industry, including leading companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), could pay attention to the outcomes of any additional studies exploring the effects of d-limonene because it could open new opportunities for custom cannabis products.

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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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California authorities recently conducted a comprehensive operation aimed at dismantling illegal marijuana operations across the state, seizing more than $53 million worth of illicit cannabis between Jan. 1, 2024, and March 31, 2024. The crackdown spearheaded by the state’s governor’s office targeted search warrants in various counties, including eight in Orange, one in San Joaquin, two in Riverside, one in Los Angeles, two in Alameda, five in Kern and one in Fresno.

During the operation, law enforcement confiscated $53,620,600 worth of illegal marijuana along with 31,866 pounds of unlicensed product and 11 firearms. Additionally, approximately 54,137 unlicensed marijuana plants were eradicated during the multicounty effort.

Governor Gavin Newsom stressed the significance of combating illegal marijuana activities, noting that it not only undermined the regulated market but also posed risks to public health and the environment. He highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering a legal market while aggressively tackling illicit operations associated with human trafficking as well as organized crime.

Established in 2022 by Governor Newsom, the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) plays a pivotal role in coordinating enforcement efforts among federal, state and local agencies. Led by the state’s Fish & Wildlife Department (CDFW) and the Cannabis Control Department (DCC), with support from the Homeland Security Division of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the task force comprises more than two dozen partners working collaboratively to disrupt illegal marijuana activities.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control, Cannabis Control, Employment Development, Fish & Wildlife, and Tax & Fee Administration departments, the California National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health, and the California State Parks were among the state agencies and departments that took part in this year’s Q1 UCETF operations.

Since the task force’s establishment, 236 search warrants have been carried out, yielding the confiscation of illicit marijuana valued at $371,199,431. In addition, during enforcement actions, 139 guns and more than 401,458 illegal cannabis plants have been seized so far.

Nathaniel Arnold, CDFW’s acting chief, highlighted UCETF’s dedication to prioritizing high-impact targets and leveraging resources from partner agencies to enhance public safety, protect the environment and support the regulated marijuana market. In parallel efforts, California recently allocated $12 million in cannabis grants to 10 cities and counties statewide, aimed at supporting equity programs for communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies. The funds support programs that help applicants secure startup financing, comply with regulations and receive technical support.

The broader cannabis industry, including leading companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be hoping that all jurisdictions where marijuana is legal take firm action against the marijuana black market because it not only threatens the viability of the regulated market but also poses serious public health risks.

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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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In the past year, Colombia’s export of medical marijuana has continued its upward trajectory, although it hasn’t reached the anticipated heights yet. According to data from ProColombia, a governmental body promoting alternative Colombian trade, medical marijuana exports from the country reached a value of $10.8 million in 2023. This marks an 11.3% increase compared to the previous year’s $9.7 million and a notable 96% rise from 2021.

Observers within the industry interpret these latest figures as indicators of the Colombian marijuana market’s ongoing development. Avicanna CEO Aras Azadian highlights the growing recognition of the economic, practical and environmental advantages of cultivating cannabis in Colombia. Azadian anticipates further growth, particularly as pharmaceutical projects such as Avicanna’s Trunerox gain marketing authorization in Colombia and Brazil, leveraging active pharmaceutical ingredients sourced from Colombia.

Trunerox, an Avicanna’s CBD-based medication that targets individuals with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, exemplifies the potential for medical cannabis products. Azadian notes the extended timeline for developing medical marijuana markets, suggesting that only a handful of companies may thrive due to the considerable investment and regulatory hurdles. Despite the challenges, the approval of certain products indicates potential scalability.

In 2023, Colombia’s marijuana exports encompassed diverse products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics and phytotherapeutic products. Notably, the destinations for Colombia’s exports have been evolving alongside changing regulations in other countries. Brazil emerged as the top destination in 2023, surpassing Argentina, then followed by Australia and Germany.

Azadian draws attention to the importance of pharmaceutical cannabis medications such as Trunerox, which can make medical claims and may support Colombia’s exports in the future. Rather than being a raw resource, he sees Trunerox as a finished good that Colombia will sell in large quantities.

Recent regulatory changes in Colombia that extend the timeframe for selling or exporting THC products to 48 months offer further opportunities. This extension, doubling the previous limit, aims to prevent the stockpiling of unsellable cannabis while providing relief to companies with surplus inventory.

Industry responses to the regulatory change vary, with some viewing it as critical, particularly for smaller growers who rely on inventory as capital. Larger producers such as PharmaCielo welcome the extension because it allows them to retain inventory for longer, supporting anticipated growth in international sales.

Despite the expansion of government-funded health insurance to include medical cannabis in late 2022, the domestic market in Colombia faces challenges. Only two medical marijuana drugs have obtained marketing authorization from INVIMA, Colombia’s regulatory body. Additionally, the majority of medical products are magisterial preparations, which face hurdles in scaling due to regulatory constraints and insurance coverage issues.

Avicanna’s head legal director, Ernesto Castilla Bautista, highlights the constraints imposed by the magisterial preparation model, inhibiting economies of scale. He notes the challenges patients face in accessing medical cannabis due to insurance coverage issues, emphasizing the need for products such as Trunerox with INVIMA approval to streamline access and affordability for patients.

The successes being notched by Colombian cannabis exporters are an inspiration to entities such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) that have an interest in making their mark on the global cannabis market.

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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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Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, is rallying public support for a bill focused on facilitating banking services for cannabis-related businesses through an online petition. In a recent communication concerning this endeavor, he reaffirmed his stance in favor of a comprehensive federal legalization of marijuana.

In the wake of continuing congressional discussions on budgetary appropriations, the SAFER Banking Act has come back into focus. Schumer, in an email communication, highlighted the challenges faced by state-licensed marijuana businesses in accessing banking facilities nationwide.

Schumer paints a picture of the predicament faced by these businesses, unable to access basic financial services such as credit lines or deposits due to the federal illegality of cannabis. Consequently, they are compelled to manage substantial cash reserves, a situation fraught with risks. Financial institutions remain wary of engaging with such enterprises given the conflicting legal landscape.

Further, he emphasizes the urgency of supporting the SAFER Banking Act to address these immediate concerns, employing a common tactic of online petitioning to galvanize support, leveraging it as a means for list-building and potential campaign fundraising.

Signatories are directed to a questionnaire probing their awareness of the marijuana banking issue, shedding light on the extent of the problem. The messaging underscores Senate Democrats’ commitment to assisting small businesses and rectifying the unjust legal status of cannabis. It solicits support to uphold the Democratic Senate Majority, hinting at donation avenues for those inclined to contribute.

The fate of the bill now rests with Schumer’s leadership. While the banking committee in the Senate endorsed the bipartisan measure months ago, its progression to the Senate floor hinges on scheduling. Nonetheless, there’s a palpable optimism among legislators regarding the measure’s prospects, buoyed by ongoing bicameral discussions.

Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, has signaled the Act’s priority status despite acknowledging the complexities posed by prevailing House dynamics. Similarly, Tom Emmer, the House Majority Whip, although not a vocal advocate for marijuana reform, expressed a desire to advance the banking bill during a recent industry summit.

Disagreements over nonmarijuana provisions within the measure have stalled its advancement. Nevertheless, bicameral negotiations persist, with indications pointing towards an imminent resolution. Prominent sponsors from both parties have reaffirmed their commitment to shepherding the bill through Congress. Senator Maria Cantwell recently joined as the 36th cosponsor of the measure, further solidifying support within the chamber.

Should the bill proceed to the Senate this year, amendments are expected. Schumer has hinted at the possibility of incorporating provisions relating to gun rights for marijuana consumers and state-legal marijuana expungements.

The cannabis industry, including leading companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) has long yearned for equal access to banking services in the way that other legitimate businesses access these services, but it looks like it may take a while for the needed legal reforms to be enacted at the federal level.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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Two bipartisan Congress lawmakers have expressed serious concerns about the slow progress in implementing a measure that President Joseph Biden signed into law aimed at simplifying cannabis research procedures.

Representatives Andy Harris from Maryland and Earl Blumenauer from Oregon sent a letter to the heads of the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking clarification on how marijuana research should be facilitated under the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act signed into law by the president in 2022.

Harris and Blumenauer, despite their differing views on more general marijuana policy matters, collaborated on this legislation, which they hailed as a significant step forward in resolving the federal government’s restrictions on marijuana research. However, they criticized the DEA and HHS for failing to implement the law effectively, contrary to congressional intentions.

In their letter, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of studying the effects of marijuana use, especially with more than one-half of U.S. citizens residing in states where recreational marijuana is legal and more than four million medical cannabis users. They expressed concern over the delay in processing an estimated 150 research applications for marijuana studies by the FDA under HHS and highlighted the outdated licensing requirements imposed by the DEA, which exclude many researchers.

Further, they noted that the HHS failed to meet its deadline for providing Congress with a report detailing the obstacles to government cannabis research, pointing to the act’s inadequate execution.

Harris and Blumenauer posed several questions to the DEA and HHS, including seeking clarification on timelines for research application decisions, pending research licensing applications, reasons for missing deadlines, and steps being taken to streamline research registration and expand marijuana research.

The collaboration between Harris and Blumenauer is noteworthy given their contrasting stances on marijuana policy. Blumenauer, a cochair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus (CCC), has long advocated for federal cannabis legalization, while Harris has opposed such efforts. Despite their differences, both lawmakers are committed to ensuring that federal agencies adhere to the law aimed at facilitating marijuana studies.

In a related move, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognized the difficulties faced by researchers studying marijuana due to federal prohibition; these challenges include convoluted laws and insufficient cannabis supply. In response, the agency declared its intention to create a resource center for marijuana and cannabinoid studies, demonstrating its dedication to removing obstacles that stand in the way of researchers and scientists.

The research barriers that the lawmakers refer to are a fraction of the hurdles that industry actors such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) have to contend with in the different jurisdictions where they operate.

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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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A recent study suggests a potential link between cannabis use and reduced instances of subjective cognitive decline (SDC), wherein individuals who incorporate cannabis into their routines, whether for medical or recreational purposes, report experiencing less memory impairment and confusion than nonusers.

Published in the “Current Alzheimer Research” Journal, the study’s significance lies in its departure from prior research that has often associated subjective cognitive decline with a higher risk of dementia in later life. The findings challenge conventional assumptions about the cognitive impacts of THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.

The research, conducted by scholars from SUNY Upstate Medical University, examines various facets of marijuana use and its association with SCD among older and middle-aged adults in the United States. Unlike previous studies, which primarily focused on heavy marijuana consumption’s adverse effects on mental performance, this study delved into the nuanced relationship between marijuana use frequency, reasons for consumption, method of administration and subjective cognitive decline.

The researchers obtained insights from respondents 45 years of age and older in 14 states as well as Washington, D.C., by examining data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The study, which included 4,744 valid responses on SCD, investigated the use of cannabis by participants, including how often they used it, why they used it (medically, recreationally, or both), and how they consumed it (smoking, ingesting it, vaporizing it, etc.).

The study disproved assumptions regarding the negative effects of cannabis use on cognition by showing that recreational marijuana usage was highly linked to a decreased risk of SCD in contrast to nonusers. The researchers proposed several hypotheses to explain these findings, including the potential role of cannabis in improving sleep quality and reducing stress levels, both of which are implicated in cognitive function.

However, the study also identified some mixed results. While certain consumption methods, particularly smoking, were associated with a higher prevalence of SCD, the relationship between marijuana use frequency and subjective cognitive decline was not statistically significant. Moreover, the study highlighted the prevalence of SCD among individuals using marijuana for medical or combined medical and nonmedical reasons, hinting at the complexity of the relationship between marijuana use motives and cognitive outcomes.

Despite shedding new light on the potential cognitive benefits of marijuana use, the study acknowledges several limitations. Self-reported data, potential underreporting or misreporting of cannabis use, and the lack of geographical diversity in the sample raise questions about the study’s generalizability and reliability.

In conclusion, while the study challenges prevailing beliefs about the cognitive impacts of cannabis, it underscores the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential risks associated with cannabis consumption. By considering multiple factors, including reasons for use, future studies can provide a more nuanced understanding of cannabis’s effects on cognitive health.

For now, users of licensed marijuana products from various companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) can take comfort in the fact that they may not face any major risk of cognitive decline if they use cannabis products in moderation.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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Opinions among adults in New Jersey vary regarding how the state should utilize revenue from the marijuana tax. However, a recent study sheds light on the prevailing sentiment that most residents do not favor directing marijuana tax funds toward antidrug or law-enforcement initiatives.

The study, which was published in the “International Journal of Drug Policy,” polled 1,006 New Jersey residents and gave them seven alternatives for how marijuana tax revenue should be spent, including financing for law enforcement, affordable housing and public health.

The study’s findings, compiled by researchers from Drexel and Rutgers Universities, showed that financing for community-based programs such as education (23%), housing (15%), public health (21%) and transport infrastructure (13%), was preferred over funding for antidrug initiatives (4%) and law enforcement (11%). Findings showed that 13% of respondents did not know where the revenue should be directed.

According to the authors, these findings reflect a desire among the public to invest in essential societal pillars such as public health and education rather than continuing the punitive measures that have traditionally been linked to marijuana laws.

The results shed light on a discussion that has taken place in legislatures and political campaigns around the nation, with proponents of legalization typically opposing plans to utilize marijuana tax revenue to fund the organizations that upheld the harsh drug laws that the repeal of prohibition wants to remove.

The survey results also revealed partisan differences, with Republicans generally supporting funding priorities less than Democrats, especially when it comes to law enforcement. Notably, only one Black participant stated that funding law enforcement was a top priority when it came to cannabis tax revenue, highlighting concerns about the disproportionate impact of marijuana criminalization on Black communities.

The study concludes by stating that marijuana legalization initiatives can address social inequities by reinvesting tax revenue, though further exploration is needed on how this reinvestment can benefit disadvantaged communities and promote health equity.

The data from New Jersey indicates a preference for investing in education, drug treatment and public-health initiatives over law enforcement, reflecting a broader trend in public opinion. This sentiment underscores the potential benefits of formally allocating health- and justice-related funding to address health disparities and historical injustices stemming from punitive marijuana policies.

Similarly, in Ohio, the debate over tax revenue allocation has intensified, with cannabis activists opposing efforts by the Republican-controlled assembly to redirect funds toward law enforcement, contrary to voter-approved legalization measures.

The debates going on regarding how best to utilize the cannabis taxes that companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) pay in the states where they operate show how a legal cannabis industry can exert a transformative role upon the jurisdictions that enact drug reform and end prohibition.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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A recent review that delves into the collaborative interplay of different marijuana chemical compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids, has shown that to fully understand the therapeutic potential of marijuana, it’s important to understand how the different constituents interact. Echoing sentiments expressed in the cannabis community for years, the study underscores that the effects of cannabis extend beyond only CBD and THC.

The study stresses the entourage effect, which describes the complex interactions between flavonoids, terpenes, cannabinoids and other chemicals found in marijuana plants. The study, published in the scientific journal “Molecules” last month, highlights the need to explore these complex connections to fully realize cannabis’ therapeutic potential in the field of natural plant medicine.

The study recommends a more thorough investigation of the precise ratios of flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids in various marijuana products or strains. It implies that this kind of examination can result in the creation of more specialized and efficient medical treatments.

Terpenes and cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce a range of effects, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, research indicates that other substances in the plant may also have an impact on their effects, which may not be entirely attributable to their separate actions.

The research notes that terpenes, for instance, have demonstrated pharmacological properties and can interact with neurotransmitter receptors and enzymes, potentially modulating the effects of cannabinoids. Further, the entourage effect proposes that terpenes and cannabinoids working together could have a therapeutic benefit that is more potent than the sum of their separate actions.

The authors also cited studies that suggest that flavonoids may have neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities with cannflavins, a type of flavonoid, showing strong anti-inflammatory properties, especially against neuroinflammation. The study ALSO sheds light on the intricate network of chemical interactions that could influence the effects of cannabis on individuals.

However, the authors stress the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and synergistic effects of flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids. They further highlight the importance of exploring the biotechnological, bioactivities and biosynthesis applications of these compounds to harness their potential and expand treatment options.

The study also notes that the regulatory obstacles to marijuana research present serious difficulties. It highlights how important it is to resolve these barriers, especially those resulting from marijuana’s Schedule I status, to enable more widespread access to marijuana products for research.

Companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) may be doing a lot behind the scenes to leverage the therapeutic effects of combining different components of marijuana plants.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
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www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN