420 with CNW — Ukraine Lawmakers Pass Bill Legalizing Medical Cannabis, Send to President’s Desk

Legislators in Ukraine recently gave their final approval for a measure that will legalize the use of medical cannabis nationally. The measure has been forwarded to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s desk, who is in favor of reform, to be signed into law. The law shall come into effect six months after the president signs it.

The measure will legalize medical marijuana use for patients diagnosed with serious illnesses and PTSD linked to the country’s ongoing war with Russia. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, with experts noting this was an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war, which began in 2014.

In order to obtain the needed approval for the legalization, a petition calling for special procedure, which needed the signatures of 150 members, was circulated. Olga Stefanyshina, a member of Parliament, revealed recently that a total of 164 signatures were collected, which cleared the way for the bill’s passage. It should be noted that the bill’s language explicitly lists war-borne, post-traumatic stress disorder and cancer as the only eligible conditions qualifying patients to receive medical marijuana.

Despite this, the health committee’s chair revealed earlier in the year that legislators heard daily from individuals with other ailments, including epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. The measure’s approval reschedules marijuana from a List I drug to a List II drug. While drugs under the former category are strictly prohibited, those in the latter category are available for therapeutic use if one has a prescription.

It is expected that the Ministry of Agrarian Policy will have regulatory authority with regard to marijuana cultivation as well as processing operations. On the other hand, the State Agency on Medicines and the National Police will oversee and enforce authorities associated with the drug’s distribution.

The bill also permits the import of raw marijuana materials from other nations, in an effort to ensure patient access.

In a translation, MP Maria Mezentseva stated that the government leaders had accounted for the various fundamental issues emphasized by colleagues and that it was crucial to not trust fake information that was making the rounds on various social media platforms. Mezentseva added that the law on medicinal marijuana was aimed solely at providing treatment for nationals who truly needed it.

The president discussed his stance on medical cannabis legalization earlier this year. During his address to parliament, Zelensky stated that the most effective policies as well as the best practices and solutions needed to be applied in the country, so Ukrainians didn’t have to endure the stress, pain and trauma of war. He also noted that fairly legalizing marijuana-based medicines for all those who needed them, with appropriate scientific study and controlled production, was key.

Companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) could explore supplying some of the needed medical marijuana products to Ukraine since they already have some experience availing these products to a number of markets within the EU bloc.

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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 — Pilot Project for Marijuana Legalization Starts in Netherlands

For years, Dutch coffee shops have functioned in a system where cannabis sale was permitted, but its growth remained illegal. This led to a lack of transparency for consumers, leaving them unaware of the origins, growers and conditions under which the products they purchased were cultivated. However, that will soon change as the government initiates a marijuana legalization pilot project.

The initial phase of a closed-chain experiment, designed to deliver marijuana from legally sanctioned cultivation to coffee shops commenced on Dec. 15, 2023. The current timeline indicates that two authorized producers will be prepared to supply coffee shops in the final quarter of 2023. This development is substantial enough to initiate the preparatory phase of the pilot program, initially focused on Tilburg and Breda.

Participating coffee shops in Tilburg and Breda will have the opportunity to offer both legally produced marijuana and tolerated products sourced from the illicit market. Two additional producers are anticipated to commence their supply to coffee shops in these cities by February 2024. Tilburg and Breda’s mayors proposed the preliminary phase idea, which was approved by Justice and Security Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and Health, Welfare, and Sports Minister Ernst Kuipers. The aim is to kick-start a modest-scale “experiment with legalized production and sales chain.”

According to reports from rijksoverheid.nl., the progress made during the preparatory phase will undergo continuous monitoring. In the event of a significant threat to security or public order, the preparatory phase may be prematurely terminated. The insights gained will be shared with all participating cities, contributing to the refinement of systems and processes for a seamless transition to the subsequent phase.

Expected to last a maximum of six months, the preliminary phase will give way to the transition phase. The earliest commencement for participating cities is projected to be by the end of the Q1 2024. During this stage, coffee shops in these cities will be authorized to offer both black-market and legally cultivated cannabis products. Subsequently, participating coffee shop proprietors will exclusively vend marijuana sourced from regulated crops. Legally produced marijuana will be packaged with a QR code, enabling consumers to access comprehensive information, including details about the product’s origin, cultivation time and the responsible company.

The entire experiment is earmarked for a four-year duration, culminating in a decision on whether to extend its implementation.

For companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) with operations in several countries on different continents, the experiment being undertaken in the Netherlands is of great interest because it could eventually open extra market opportunities to tap.

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420 with CNW — Germany Pushes Vote on Legalization Measure to Next Year

The anticipated final vote on the legalization of cannabis in Germany, initially scheduled for this week, has been postponed due to concerns raised by leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). SPDP member Dirk Heidenblut, who is in charge of the party’s marijuana policy in the Bundestag, stated in an Instagram post that parliamentary group consent is essential and that a vote cannot move forward if a faction leader, in this case the SPD, expresses concerns.

Despite the delay, Heidenblut reassured that as long as the measure progresses by the end of January, it should not significantly impact the timeline for…

420 with CNW — Public Transit Groups Urge DHHS to Certify Firms Conducting Saliva Tests for Cannabis

U.S. public transit organizations are urging the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to implement a system for utilizing saliva tests in drug screenings, specifically for cannabis and other substances. Advocates argue that this method is less invasive compared to traditional urine tests and provides a more accurate reflection of recent drug consumption, preventing individuals from facing consequences for substance use that occurred up to a month before testing.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently changed regulations to allow federally regulated transportation workers such as truckers, pilots and commercial drivers to employ oral fluid testing instead of urine drug testing. HHS has not yet certified saliva-screening laboratories or approved appropriate equipment for on-site saliva collection, despite the regulatory change.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently sent a letter to Xavier Becerra, the HHS secretary, urging the HHS to expedite the certification of testing labs. In a recent notice, HHS acknowledged the absence of certified laboratories capable of conducting drug-validity testing on oral-fluid specimens. According to APTA, the FDA, an arm of HHS, is also responsible for authorizing a minimum of one oral-fluid collection device to guarantee adherence to the DOT regulation concerning the oral-fluid testing system.

APTA, representing both private and public organizations employing about 430,000 individuals, outlined the advantages of oral-fluid drug testing. These include a less intrusive collection option that is gender neutral, eliminating the use of secured bathrooms. Additionally, saliva-based testing makes it possible to detect more recent drug use, which is important in situations involving post accident testing. The possibility of manipulation or intervention is also diminished by the transparency of the collection procedure.

The benefits were also underscored by the Albuquerque Transit Advisory Board, New Mexico, highlighting its gender-neutral collecting method and quicker identification of recent marijuana usage than urine testing.

In a recent meeting, the board urged the state’s congressional delegation to put pressure on HHS to approve at least two laboratories for oral-fluid testing. In addition, it requested that the city of Albuquerque amend its policy to incorporate oral testing and adhere to federal regulations mandating the use of oral fluid testing for direct observational testing of nonbinary and transgender staff members.

In a separate correspondence, the board urged Becerra to speed up the certification procedure for laboratories. The letter underlined how critical it is to solve the nation’s bus-driver crisis and allow agencies to hire and retain more mechanics and operators. It emphasized the necessity of striking a balance between safety concerns and the changing legal and societal context of drug usage.

With easily accessible certified labs that can accurately establish recent cannabis consumption, more people will be less hesitate to consume marijuana products from numerous companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) while off duty because they won’t be victimized under the mistaken belief that they were under the influence while at work when an accident occurred.

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420 with CNW — NORML Deputy Director Calls Out Republican Politicians for Trying to Subvert Voters’ Wishes on Marijuana

Paul Armentano, who works as deputy director at NORML, a nonprofit aimed at advocating for the reform of marijuana laws, recently penned a post for The Hill in which he expressed concerns about a growing trend in which GOP lawmakers in different states have actively taken steps to subvert the wishes of voters with regard to marijuana legalization. Recently, Ohioans made a decisive choice in favor of Issue 2 — a citizen-driven ballot initiative marking a significant step toward legalizing the cultivation, possession and sale of recreational cannabis.

The vote was in line with a broader national trend where, across the United States, a substantial two-thirds majority, spanning Republicans, Democrats and Independents, supports the legalization of marijuana. Notably, of the 24 states that have embraced legalization, more than one-half have done so through direct public votes.

Ahead of the Ohio election, polls conducted by Baldwin Wallace University left little room for uncertainty regarding public sentiment. Issue 2 found strong backing from diverse demographic groups, transcending educational backgrounds, religion, race, age, political affiliations and gender. The widespread support indicated a clear mandate from the people for a change in marijuana policy.

Given this expansive public backing, one might expect elected officials to mirror the enthusiasm for cannabis legalization. However, this is not the case, particularly among GOP politicians. In the lead-up to Ohio’s election, prominent figures such as GOP Governor Mike DeWine and other Republican leaders actively campaigned against the initiative. Moreover, the GOP-led Senate went a step further, passing a resolution condemning the legislation, with the Senate leader expressing intentions to amend certain provisions of the newly approved law that he found objectionable. The flexibility offered by the statutory nature of Issue 2 allows state lawmakers to make legislative changes.

This resistance from GOP officials post-election mirrors patterns observed in other states. In 2020, despite 54% of South Dakotans voting in favor of a constitutional amendment supporting recreational marijuana, GOP Governor Kristi Noem initiated litigation challenging the vote, eventually nullifying the election results. Similarly, in Mississippi, a GOP mayor’s litigation successfully overturned the votes of 74% of state residents who had approved a ballot legislation in 2020 for legal cannabis access.

The trend extends to Florida, where the GOP attorney general seeks to preemptively thwart a proposed marijuana legalization initiative slated for the 2024 ballot. Despite gathering more than a million signatures and enjoying majority support among Florida voters, the fate of the proposal now rests with the state’s Supreme Court.

Regardless of personal views on marijuana legalization, the undemocratic maneuvers employed by some GOP lawmakers should raise concerns. In a well-functioning democracy, elected officials are expected to represent the views of their constituents. However, on the matter of marijuana law reform, GOP lawmakers frequently sidestep or actively undermine the expressed will of the voters. This poses a potential risk, given the increasing bipartisan backing for legalization.

Marijuana industry players such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) are likely to keep an eye on how this form of pushback to cannabis policy reform will pan out over the coming years.

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420 with CNW — Newly Released FDA Documents Shed Light on 50 Years of Cannabis Research

For several decades, the federal government’s categorization of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance has prompted the FDA to assess various applications from researchers looking to create therapeutic drugs derived from the plant. The FDA recently published two documents that reflect on more than 50 years of exploring marijuana-based drugs and offer insights into the potential future of drug development.

The documents highlight the evolution of the FDA’s evaluations regarding marijuana-related drugs and products and also discuss the exploration of different consumption methods, such as edibles, and delve into the examination of lesser-known cannabinoids and additional components like terpenes.

Throughout the past half century, the FDA has reviewed more than 800 investigational new drug (IND) applications linked to marijuana and marijuana-derived products. This extensive period witnessed significant changes in the forms of cannabis products, societal perspectives, and the legal framework surrounding cannabis, all of which have influenced the FDA’s stance.

Initially, there were only a few applications after the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) passage in 1970. However, in recent years, especially as more states have legalized cannabis for medical and recreational use, there has been a substantial surge in applications. In the last decade alone, the number of marijuana-related drug applications nearly equaled those from the preceding 40 years combined. Presently, the FDA is reviewing more than 150 active INDs concerning marijuana-based drugs and related synthetics.

The FDA has adapted its guidance for researchers and drug developers venturing into the realm of cannabis. It released a guidance document on botanical drug development in 2016 and, earlier this year, provided separate guidance on the distinctive considerations surrounding cannabis and hemp.

The INDs have mainly focused on four key clinical areas over the years, predominantly centered around addiction and pain medicine (53%), followed by neurology (19%), immunology and inflammation (14%) and ending with psychiatry (9%).

The evolution of product forms has also been substantial. Initially, in the 1970s, most INDs revolved around smokable marijuana. Yet, as the landscape shifted with state-level legalization, the FDA began receiving more applications concerning vapor, oral and infused food products such as sweets and baked goods. This transition in product forms, according to the FDA, is largely due to changes in consumer preferences, which are moving from exclusively smoking dried marijuana flowers to consuming alternative forms such as edibles.

Despite these transformations, challenges persist in developing marijuana-related drugs for clinical trials, particularly concerning the safety of unknown compounds. Nonetheless, the broadening exploration of different form factors aligns with recent drug approvals such as Syndros (2016) and Epidiolex (2018), both oral formulations.

The FDA anticipates increased interest in clinical research regarding marijuana-based drugs, envisioning a focus on new products, diverse forms and lesser-known components such as terpenes. However, challenges remain due to the Schedule I status of marijuana, hindering extensive research into its properties.

Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), has repeatedly emphasized that marijuana’s Schedule I classification significantly hampers research due to administrative hurdles. The federal prohibition on cannabis has also impeded research efforts, as noted by other federal agencies such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Change is, however, slowly underway. The DEA recently ended a long-standing monopoly on domestic cannabis manufacturing for research purposes and is streamlining access to marijuana for scientists after a marijuana research bill’s enactment last year. Additionally, the DEA is reviewing marijuana’s scheduling status following a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reclassify it from Schedule I to Schedule III.

Once this reclassification is completed, cannabis industry players such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) could see an easing of some of the hurdles they have been facing in their bid to bring innovative products to the market.

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420 with CNW — Georgia Pharmacies Start Selling Medical Marijuana Oil

Oct. 27, 2023, marked the first day of medical cannabis sales at independent pharmacies in Georgia, with Robin’s Pharmacy, Allen Pharmacy Group and Omega Pharmacy becoming the first to secure state licenses for the sale of low-THC (less than 5% concentration) medical cannabis products.

Dr. Ankit Patel of Robins Pharmacy expressed his excitement, calling it a historic moment. He had been closely monitoring the development of the state’s cannabis laws for about four years, eagerly awaiting the opportunity for independent pharmacies to stock these products.

To gain state approval, pharmacies need to undergo inspections by the Georgia Drugs & Narcotics Agency, which assesses security measures and evaluates the staff’s knowledge of handling and dispensing medical marijuana. State law mandates that cannabis products be displayed on shelves alongside other prescription medications.

Bill Posey, owner of Allen Pharmacy Group, likened medical cannabis to other “dangerous” drugs, citing examples such as blood pressure medication that are categorized similarly. Posey’s pharmacy commenced cannabis sales on Oct. 30, 2023, and he reported receiving inquiries from potential customers even before the official sales launch.

Dr. Jordan Day, owner of Omega Pharmacy, expects to initiate medical cannabis sales at her pharmacy in the near future. She envisions her pharmacy playing a crucial role in educating patients about the benefits of medical cannabis, potentially replacing traditional anxiety, pain, and sleep medications.

Georgia’s Access to Medical Cannabis Oil Commission chair, Andrew Turnage, expressed the significance of this development, stating that it would greatly enhance accessibility to medical cannabis for patients across the state as pharmacies are just a short drive away.

The journey to this point began when Governor Brian P. Kemp signed HB 324, known as Georgia’s Hope Act, in April 2019, with the law coming into effect in July of the same year. The measure aimed to provide access to medical marijuana oil for individuals in need, especially those battling chronic and debilitating diseases.

The law entrusted the regulation, production, cultivation, manufacturing and sale of low-THC oil to the Georgia Access to Medical Marijuana Commission. The commission was formed in November 2019, but it wasn’t until July 2021 that the state revamped its medical marijuana program, ultimately approving six companies to sell cannabis.

Recent updates revealed that the number of medical marijuana patients in the state was significantly lower than initially believed. While it was originally thought that there were more than 50,000 patients, anomalies in the system, such as expired patient cards and patient passings since 2015, have now reduced the count to approximately 14,000.

This development is probably welcome news to the entire marijuana industry, including companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) since the availability of cannabis products at pharmacies increases access for those who badly need these products to address their medical needs.

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420 with CNW — Seasonal Marijuana Harvesters in Demand Amid Layoffs

The competition for seasonal workers for this year’s outdoor cannabis harvest has been relatively fierce. Many marijuana growers have downsized their full-time workforce in recent years in response to inflation, high-interest rates and the substantial capital required to compensate for this labor shortage.

Over the past one and a half years, there have been numerous layoffs in the industry, resulting in slimmer crews that require additional assistance during the harvest season, according to Viridian Staffing CEO Kara Bradford. An April report from Vangst showed that total cannabis job numbers have declined by 2% since 2022, marking the first decline in the industry since the legalization of marijuana in various states.

EzHire Cannabis CEO and cofounder Jacob Carlson noted that cannabis companies struggled to establish full-time cultivation teams with competitive salaries and benefits, resulting in the need for temporary workers.

The demand for seasonal employees has also surged due to increasing competition from mainstream industries grappling with similar economic challenges.

Viridian has seen a surge in requests for temporary workers during the fall’s “Croptober,” when most outdoor harvests occur. However, Bradford stated that companies are often deterred by the costs associated with hiring a recruitment firm, as they mistakenly assume that temporary workers are cheaper than full-time employees.

In reality, factors such as inflation and rising wages have made temporary workers costly. Currently, the average hourly pay for a marijuana trimmer is $16, which can go up to $40 depending on experience. In addition to this, recruitment companies have to cover expenses such as workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and workplace safety training, which many operators overlook, making the hiring cost high.

The work involved in cannabis harvesting is more demanding than regular retail jobs, leading to higher turnover rates. Additionally, in some states, growers face obstacles such as background checks and criminal record checks when hiring temporary marijuana workers.

Larger companies, especially multistate operators, have a financial advantage and can afford to pay higher wages to attract seasonal workers. Smaller operators, on the other hand, may find it challenging to compete, given the cost constraints.

In the past, full-time, noncultivation employees were used for outdoor harvests; today, more companies are seeking temporary workers with experience. Trimmers, in particular, require knowledge and experience because the job can be isolating, with long hours spent alone. For small companies, this means higher costs, which can be hard for some to meet.

Karson Humiston, CEO of Vangst, views the increased demand for seasonal workers as a sign of a maturing market. She stated that companies have become more adept at predicting the labor needs, particularly during the fall harvest season, which necessitates additional workers. “The early demand for autumn harvest workers as early as April is a positive sign, indicating that businesses are adopting more sophisticated HR strategies to better forecast their labor needs,” she said.

The labor changes being seen regarding harvesters shows how the marijuana industry and its players like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) will adjust their systems in order to stay afloat even when the market experiences headwinds like the current high inflation.

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420 with CNW — Study Says Marijuana Users Fared Better with COVID-19

Recent research presented at a conference in Hawaii indicates that individuals who contracted COVID-19 and who had used cannabis experienced more favorable outcomes and a reduced mortality rate compared to those who didn’t. These findings were shared during a presentation at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST).

To carry out the research, a team of scientists scrutinized the medical records of more than 320,000 patients collected from the U.S. National Inpatient Sample, a database monitoring hospital admissions and outcomes. Any patients under the age of 18 years old or those with incomplete information were excluded from the study. Among the patients surveyed, only 1% — 2,603 patients — reported cannabis use.

These patients were classified into two groups based on their cannabis usage. To ensure comparability, the data from the study was employed to match cannabis users with nonusers in a one-to-one ratio based on factors such as gender, race, age and 17 other comorbidities, including chronic lung conditions. The research findings revealed a significant contrast between marijuana users and nonusers, with cannabis users displaying a notably lower mortality rate (2.9% versus 13.5%). Furthermore, cannabis users experienced significantly fewer COVID-19 complications such as multiorgan failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and intubation.

The analysis brought to light that, on univariate assessment, cannabis users exhibited notably lower rates of intubation (6.8% versus 12%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (2.1% versus 6%), acute respiratory failure (25% versus 52.9%), severe sepsis resulting in multiorgan failure (5.8% versus 12%), in-hospital cardiac arrest (1.2% versus 2.7%) and mortality (2.9% versus 13.5%). The authors underlined the clinical implications of these findings and urged further exploration of the potential association between COVID-19 outcomes and marijuana use.

Research into potential links between marijuana and COVID-19 has been relatively scarce. In 2022, a study found that among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, cannabis users exhibited milder COVID-19 symptoms and markedly improved health results. Another study conducted the same year also indicated that marijuana use was associated with a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19, though it was also correlated with more severe infections.

Additionally, in 2022, researchers from the University of Oregon conducted a laboratory study that suggested marijuana compounds could prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells. These findings have prompted further investigations into cannabis as a potential treatment for COVID-19.

The recent study, titled “Exploring the Relationship Between Cannabis Smoking and COVID-19,” has been published in this month’s supplement to the peer-reviewed “CHEST” Journal.

This study, together with more scientific literature that is becoming available, gives further credence to the concept of medicinal marijuana and encourages entities such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) to keep developing more medical cannabis products for their clients.

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420 with CNW — Mismatch Grows Between the Public’s Interest In, Education About Cannabis

Public perceptions about cannabis have come a long way over the past couple of decades. For the generations that grew up during the war on drugs era, cannabis was framed as a dangerous illicit drug that acted as a gateway to more hardcore drug use and increased criminal activity in communities. However, as states such as California began legalizing cannabis for medical use over two decades ago and state-level cannabis criminalization steadily reduced, attitudes toward cannabis across the country began to improve.

These days, most nationwide polls show that the majority of the country is in favor of legalizing medical cannabis use or at least decriminalizing the use and possession of marijuana.

Despite the fact that marijuana enjoys growing nationwide support, there seems to be a mismatch between public interest and accurate cannabis knowledge. In fact, with support for cannabis growing, the gap between public interest in the controversial drug and education about it seems to be growing even faster.

This gap is largely caused by the proliferation of misinformation and inaccurate information in America’s state-level cannabis industry, resulting in a population that has an immense interest in cannabis but doesn’t always receive the right information regarding the plant. On the other end of the spectrum are members of the public who are interested in cannabis but have no strong inclination to learn.

Some misconceptions about cannabis have become so entrenched that budtenders, or individuals tasked with knowing the most about cannabis and informing interested customers, often talk about things such as the “indica and sativa effect,” even though they aren’t scientifically accurate.

Another aspect of the nascent cannabis sector that is rife with misinformation is THC potency in cannabis and cannabis-infused products. With extraction methods becoming more refined in recent years, cannabis companies are developing increasingly potent THC products.

Many companies tout their products’ high THC levels as a top selling point to capitalize on the public’s increasing obsession with high THC products. A lot of these companies claim to be interested in teaching consumers about cannabis, but they continue to push high-THC cannabis strains as high-quality products without stating their potential side effects.

Conflating high-THC products with the industry standard has led many consumers to mistakenly believe that more potent cannabis products are inherently superior to low-THC products. This assumption causes many to miss out on the purported benefits of consuming whole cannabis with all the cannabinoids (including THC), terpenes, flavonoids and other plant compounds.

Local, state and federal entities now need to work with industry actors such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) to bridge the information gap evident within the members of the public.

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