Federally Funded AMA Research Finds More Older Adults Opting for MMJ

A newly released federally backed study suggests that many older Americans are turning to cannabis not for recreation, but in search of relief after struggling with traditional medical treatments.

The new research explored why adults aged 60 and older have become the fastest-expanding group of cannabis users in the U.S. Investigators from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Utah Health focused on what motivates seniors to try marijuana and what kinds of products they are most likely to choose.

Researchers interviewed 169 adults over age 60 as part of a community-based qualitative study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Participants were primarily seeking help for common challenges associated with aging, including chronic pain, sleep problems, and overall declines in quality of life.

Although growing cannabis use among seniors has received increasing public attention, researchers noted there has been limited understanding of what shapes older adults’ decisions, particularly when it comes to edible products and preferred formulations.

The study found that many participants viewed cannabis as a possible substitute for prescription medication. Interviewees frequently expressed frustration with conventional pharmaceutical options, citing concerns about side effects, dependence, and possible long-term health consequences. For some, marijuana appeared to represent a less risky alternative after difficult experiences with medications they had already tried.

The study also found that several older adults considered cannabis only after other methods had failed. Some participants said they had already attempted therapies such as massage, acupuncture, counseling, or standard medical treatments without achieving meaningful results. In those cases, cannabis was often seen as a final option for managing ongoing discomfort.

Word-of-mouth also played a role in shaping attitudes. Participants said they learned about potential benefits through conversations with friends, family members, health-related discussions, and media coverage. While health concerns dominated most responses, a smaller group expressed interest in marijuana for social reasons, such as enhancing gatherings with friends or replacing substances like alcohol.

When it came to product choices, combination marijuana products containing both THC and CBD emerged as the most popular option. About 58% of participants favored edibles blending the psychoactive compound THC with cannabidiol, or CBD, which does not produce intoxicating effects. Meanwhile, 29% preferred products dominated by CBD, and 14% selected THC-heavy options.

Even among participants willing to try cannabis, concerns remained. Those considering THC-based or mixed products often worried about becoming impaired or experiencing unwanted psychoactive effects. On the other hand, people leaning toward CBD products questioned whether they would be effective enough to address symptoms.

Sleep-related problems topped the list of leading reasons older adults sought cannabis treatment, with 57% of respondents citing them as a concern. Pain management followed at 50%, while mental health issues accounted for 25%.

The study concluded that as legalization expands across the country, increasing numbers of seniors are exploring cannabis to cope with age-related conditions rather than for purely recreational purposes. Still, they warned that many older adults are making decisions about products without clear medical guidance.

The authors emphasized the need for more research into the risks and potential benefits of cannabis, especially products that combine THC and CBD. They also called for better educational tools for both doctors and patients so older adults can make informed choices and feel supported when considering alternative approaches to pain, sleep issues, and other health concerns.

Marijuana firms like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) could weigh the opportunity of coming up with a broader range of medical marijuana products tailored to address the unique needs of older adults.

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

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420 with CNW — DEA Opens Portal to Register Medical Marijuana Operators

Businesses interested in operating as medical cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. can begin submitting applications starting Wednesday, April 29, following a directive from President Donald Trump to change how marijuana is classified under federal law. The update was announced through a notice published on the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

According to the agency, its online system for medical marijuana registration will open at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. The rollout comes just days after the Justice Department revealed plans to ease certain federal limits on cannabis-related products and accelerate efforts to place marijuana in a less restrictive category.

Companies applying for approval will need to meet several requirements. The DEA has set an annual application fee of $794. In addition, applicants must respond to detailed questions about their compliance history. This includes disclosing whether they have ever given up a professional license issued by a state authority or had a registration related to controlled substances suspended or revoked.

The application process also requires businesses to outline the security arrangements at any proposed dispensary site. These measures are intended to ensure that cannabis products are stored and distributed in line with federal expectations, particularly as oversight evolves under the new classification approach.

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illegal substance both globally and within the U.S. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that close to 20% of Americans report using marijuana at least once each year. Despite its widespread use, the drug has historically been subject to strict enforcement, leading to millions of arrests for possession over the decades.

At the same time, the legal cannabis market has expanded rapidly. A growing number of companies are involved in producing and selling marijuana-related goods in states where such activities are permitted under local law. This has created a complex landscape in which state-level legalization coexists with federal restrictions.

The decision to reclassify marijuana signals a shift in federal policy, but it does not amount to full legalization nationwide. Cannabis will still be regulated, and its legal status will continue to vary depending on jurisdiction. Federal authorities are expected to maintain oversight, even as rules are adjusted to reflect changing attitudes and increased medical use.

As applications begin, regulators and companies alike will be watching closely to see how the new system functions in practice and what it may signal for the future of cannabis policy in the U.S.

While this recent regulatory change may not have been what marijuana companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) had hoped for, it is nonetheless a starting point that other reforms can be built upon.

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420 with CNW — US DOJ Turmoil Unlikely to Derail Cannabis Rescheduling

The abrupt dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi by President Donald Trump is unlikely to significantly alter the trajectory of cannabis rescheduling efforts, according to several individuals familiar with the situation.

Industry observers say the underlying dynamics remain unchanged, regardless of whether the Department of Justice is temporarily led by Todd Blanche or eventually by Lee Zeldin, who is widely viewed as the president’s preferred long-term appointee.

Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to reclassify cannabis, and sources indicate that efforts within the DOJ are already progressing. One person close to the process suggested that movement could come within the next one to two months.

Still, questions remain about what happens after a formal decision is made. Legal challenges are widely expected and could delay practical outcomes, including potential tax benefits for cannabis businesses.

The industry has been waiting for further action since Trump signed an executive order on December 18 directing the DOJ to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III substance under federal law. That move went further than steps taken under former President Joe Biden, whose administration concluded that marijuana has recognized medical use but left the process unfinished amid regulatory disputes.

Trump’s stance is said to have been influenced in part by billionaire Howard Kessler, a longtime associate who has publicly credited CBD with helping him manage the effects of cancer treatment.

Some industry leaders have responded positively to Blanche’s interim leadership. Jushi Holdings’ Trent Woloveck noted that Blanche has already been involved in discussions surrounding the proposed rule. That familiarity, he said, could help avoid delays tied to onboarding a new official.

There are additional signs of momentum. According to federal records, Woloveck and a company lobbyist recently met with officials from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which oversees implementation of presidential directives. While no specific timeline was shared, the general sentiment within the industry suggests that rescheduling is increasingly seen as inevitable.

Another development fueling that sentiment is the launch of a pilot program by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) to cover certain CBD treatments. The initiative allows accountable care organizations to apply for participation. At least five have already done so, according to a CMMS statement.

While supporters view the program as a meaningful step forward, opposition remains active. Groups against cannabis reform filed a lawsuit challenging the CBD program, arguing that it failed to follow proper legal procedures. The groups have indicated they will pursue similar legal action if marijuana is formally rescheduled.

Despite the anticipated pushback, sources say officials within the DOJ are well aware of the legal risks and are preparing for them as the process moves ahead. Marijuana firms like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) will be hoping that the rescheduling process is completed expeditiously so that the industry can adjust to that new regulatory framework.

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420 with CNW — Virginia Lawmakers Send Marijuana Sales Bill to Governor

Virginia is on the verge of establishing a legal marketplace for recreational cannabis, five years after lawmakers permitted possession but stopped short of creating a system for sales. The General Assembly approved legislation that would set up a regulated retail structure, resolving a long-running gap in state policy.

The state Senate signed off on a negotiated version of HB 642 late Friday, passing it with a 21 to 18 vote. A day later, on the last day of the 2026 legislative session, the House of Delegates backed the measure 64 to 32. The bill now awaits action from Governor Abigail Spanberger. If approved, it would allow adults aged 21 and older to purchase marijuana legally starting January 1, 2027.

The decision marks a turning point after repeated setbacks. In 2021, Virginia legalized possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and allowed limited home cultivation. However, efforts to establish retail sales stalled, largely due to vetoes from former Governor Glenn Youngkin.

The newly passed legislation establishes licensing rules, taxation policies, and regulatory oversight under the state Cannabis Control Authority.

Lawmakers spent months negotiating differences between House and Senate proposals. One major point of contention involved the timeline for launching sales. While the House initially pushed for a November 2026 start date, the final agreement aligns with the Senate’s later target of January 2027.

The bill imposes a 6% tax on cannabis sales and permits local governments to add a levy of 1% to 3.5%. When combined with existing sales taxes, the total rate is expected to fall between roughly 12% and 16%.

Medical cannabis businesses would be allowed to transition into the recreational market by paying a $10 million fee. The legislation also limits the number of retail licenses to 350 and increases the legal possession cap to 2.5 ounces.

Businesses seeking to operate in the cannabis sector must secure licenses and display official authorization markers. Regulators will oversee compliance, collect taxes, and track distribution. License holders will have up to two years to begin operations or risk forfeiture.

The bill also includes measures aimed at addressing past inequities tied to marijuana enforcement. It introduces funding for community reinvestment and support for small business participation. A portion of tax revenue will go toward early childhood education and programs designed to assist communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies.

Supporters argue that the legislation could bring both economic growth and a more equitable framework to the state’s cannabis industry. The wider marijuana movement, including firms like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be glad that a system to provide legal sources of adult-use marijuana is finally going to be launched in Virginia after so many years of being in limbo.

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420 with CNW — More Chaos for Marijuana Operators as Trump Changes Tariff Policy Again

The legal marijuana sector has long operated under a patchwork of rules and shifting policies. Now, a new round of trade measures under President Donald Trump is adding fresh strain to an already complex marketplace.

From vaporizer components to grow equipment and packaging materials, businesses say the latest tariffs are making it harder to forecast costs and manage supply chains. Some companies have shifted production away from countries facing steep import duties. Others are holding off on major changes, unsure what the next policy move will bring.

The White House has leaned on the 1977 IEEPA to raise import taxes. Although the Supreme Court recently invalidated tariffs announced in April last year, the administration responded with a new 10% global duty that took effect last week. Trump has indicated that the rate could climb to 15%.

The 10% levy sits on top of another 25% tariff imposed during Trump’s first term on marijuana-related products from China, including mylar packaging bags and vaporizer parts.

Industry executives say the layering of fees complicates forecasting as higher import costs are likely to ripple across product categories. Many operators already operate on thin margins and face stiff competition from the illegal market, limiting their ability to pass costs on to shoppers.

Pax Labs’ vice president, Laura Fogelman, notes that even when courts strike down a tariff, the broader instability carries its own cost. Pax previously shifted part of its production from China to Malaysia to reduce exposure to earlier duties and chose to absorb some added expenses rather than raise prices.

For Custom Cones USA, which produces pre-roll packaging, earlier tariff rounds drove per-container charges from $2,000 to as much as $20,000, according to co-founder Harrison Bard. He said recent notices from federal agencies and shipping companies suggest that the latest rules remain unclear.

In response to earlier trade measures, the company set up a third-party logistics hub in Canada and launched a dedicated Canadian website to serve licensed producers there. Bard said sales north of the border dipped after the April announcement, prompting the company to strengthen its local presence.

Not every business reports major disruption. Jason Ambrosino, who runs Veterans Choice, said Chinese factories have absorbed much of the extra cost so far, keeping pricing relatively stable. He believes the broader marijuana market has largely adjusted.

Others see ongoing turmoil. Calyx Containers co-founder Alex Gonzalez said frequent policy shifts have left supply chain teams scrambling. He added that companies are forced to make quick purchasing decisions without knowing whether rates will be 10%, 15%, or something else entirely.

Gonzalez noted that some operators are trimming product lines to focus on top sellers and building closer ties with U.S. suppliers to gain more predictable cash flow. With tariffs expected to remain central to the administration’s economic strategy, many in cannabis say they are preparing for continued volatility rather than a swift return to stability.

That expected volatility will test management teams at enterprises like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) and all marijuana firms within the U.S. as supply chains may need to be reconfigured and budgets adjusted.

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420 with CNW — Study Links Psychiatric Disorders to Adolescent Cannabis Use

Teenagers who use marijuana may be far more likely to develop serious mental health conditions as they move into adulthood, according to a major study released in JAMA Health Forum.

The study tracked 463,396 young people aged 13 to 17 years and followed them until age 26. Investigators found that teens who reported using cannabis within the previous year faced roughly twice the risk of being diagnosed later with psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder. They were also more likely to develop anxiety and depression.

The research team reviewed electronic health records collected during routine pediatric appointments from 2016 through 2023. On average, marijuana use was reported about two years before a psychiatric condition was diagnosed. By examining data over time, researchers were able to observe how substance use and mental health outcomes unfolded, strengthening the argument that adolescent exposure to marijuana may play a role in later illness.

According to one of the study’s authors, Lynn Silver, the results highlight growing concerns as marijuana products become more potent and widely promoted. She noted that bipolar and psychotic disorders are among the most severe psychiatric illnesses and said the data support calls for stronger public health measures.

Those steps could include limiting product potency, restricting marketing aimed at young people, and expanding prevention efforts. She added that marijuana use among teens should be viewed as a health risk rather than dismissed as harmless experimentation.

Marijuana remains the most commonly used illegal substance among U.S. teenagers. A long-running survey shows that use increases as students get older, climbing from about 8% of eighth graders to 26% of high school seniors. Moreover, a 2024 national survey showed that more than one in ten teens aged between 12 and 17 reported using cannabis in the last year.

At the same time, the potency of available products has increased sharply. In California, average THC concentrations in cannabis flower now exceed 20%, far above levels seen decades ago. Concentrated products can reach more than 95% THC.

Unlike earlier research that often focused on heavy consumption or marijuana use disorder, the new study included any self-reported use within the past year. Screening was conducted universally during regular pediatric visits, allowing researchers to capture occasional users as well.

The study also found higher rates of marijuana use among teens covered by Medicaid and those living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Researchers cautioned that expanding commercialization could widen existing mental health gaps if preventive measures are not strengthened.

These findings make a strong case for the control of black market cannabis sellers while allowing licensed companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) that implement age-verification checks to prevent minors from accessing regulated products to flourish.

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420 with CNW — New Study Design Could Provide Workaround to Existing Research Hurdles

A pilot study conducted in Minnesota is pointing to a possible new way for scientists to study medical marijuana without becoming entangled in federal regulatory hurdles that have long limited clinical research in this area.

Researchers worked alongside Minnesota’s state-run medical marijuana program to test whether marijuana could help reduce symptoms in people recently diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

The findings suggest the approach is safe, practical, and acceptable to patients, while also offering early signs that cannabis may provide symptom relief.

The study focused on individuals with locally metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a disease often accompanied by intense pain, sleep problems, and loss of appetite. Previous research has shown that marijuana may help ease some of these issues, but strict federal controls have made large, high-quality trials difficult to conduct.

Under current federal law, marijuana is categorized by the DEA as a Schedule 1 drug, which means researchers who handle cannabis must secure special federal licenses. These requirements can be time-consuming and costly, discouraging many academic studies.

To work around those obstacles, the researchers partnered directly with the state’s medical marijuana program. This approach allowed patients to obtain cannabis legally through established channels, while researchers focused on monitoring outcomes rather than managing the drug supply.

The pilot trial enrolled 32 patients, with a median age of 71, and 53% being women. At the start of the study, most participants reported moderate to severe symptoms, including sleep problems (85%), pain (77%), and reduced appetite (69%).

Participants received education on safe marijuana use, emphasizing cautious dosing. They continued standard cancer treatments and supportive medications as needed. Half of the group received immediate access to medical cannabis during the first eight weeks, while the remainder began the intervention later, serving as a comparison group.

Ninety percent reported symptom improvement without negative health effects and said they would recommend medical cannabis to others with similar conditions.

Although differences between the early and delayed groups did not reach statistical significance, patients who received cannabis earlier showed higher rates of improvement in sleep, appetite, and pain by the eight-week mark.

The researchers emphasized caution when interpreting these findings, but said the consistency of patient reports suggests real potential benefits. One participant, interviewed shortly after starting the intervention, described being able to sleep through the night for the first time since diagnosis.

The team has since expanded the protocol to include people with advanced colorectal cancer, with additional enrollment underway. Overall, the results suggest that collaboration with state marijuana programs could help researchers overcome long-standing barriers and generate more rigorous data on medical marijuana use in cancer care.

As more such studies are conducted and they provide additional scientific data on the benefits of using medical marijuana products, more patients could gain confidence in trying products from licensed companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) to help in symptom management alongside their conventional medications.

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420 with CNW — Lessons That Successful Marijuana Retailers Have Learned

Mike Khemmoro expected the launch of Mango Cannabis’ New Buffalo store in Michigan to follow a familiar playbook. As chief operating officer of the small multistate company, which operates retail locations across four states, he anticipated the usual challenges that come with opening a new dispensary. What he did not expect was a sudden change in state tax policy just days before opening.

Michigan’s decision to introduce a 24% wholesale tax starting January 1 forced Khemmoro and his team to rethink their strategy. The market was already crowded with large, established competitors, and prices had been under pressure for years. Opening with limited inventory was not an option, but neither was losing ground on margins.

To stay competitive, Mango significantly increased its opening order. Khemmoro said the company purchased roughly three times the inventory it would normally carry at launch. Without that adjustment, he said, the store would have started off at a serious disadvantage.

Operators often face rising costs and delays well before their first sale. Many say these issues become clear only after they are deep into the process.

Fadi Boumitri, chief executive of Ohio-based Ascension Biomedical, learned this lesson while planning the launch of Roam Dispensary. Boumitri believed he had secured an ideal location, only to discover that local zoning rules made the site unusable. Ohio law requires marijuana retailers to maintain a 500-foot distance from certain locations, including schools, parks, churches, and libraries.

In Boumitri’s case, a nearby office building housed a church that used part of the space once a week for services. That was enough to disqualify the site. After months of work with brokers and negotiations, Boumitri had to abandon the plan and start over elsewhere.

Even after navigating state regulations, operators must pay close attention to local rules. Counties and cities often impose their own restrictions, from caps on the number of licenses to detailed security standards. These requirements can significantly increase construction costs.

In New York, cannabis regulators require surveillance cameras at all entrances, exits, and points of sale, with footage capable of clearly identifying individuals. Meeting these standards can be expensive. High-quality camera systems alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars, according to industry consultants. Overall startup expenses for a cannabis store can range from several hundred thousand dollars to well over a million, depending on location and scope.

Costs can rise further when approval processes stretch out. Many operators underestimate how many layers of review are involved. Community board meetings, municipal approvals, and state sign-offs often happen sequentially, not simultaneously. During that time, rent and other fixed expenses continue to accumulate.

Inventory planning presents another challenge. Coordinating product deliveries, intake procedures, and point-of-sale systems must align with construction timelines and inspections. Experts advise new retailers to avoid overcommitting at launch. A smaller, varied product selection can reduce risk and allow stores to better respond to local demand.

Staffing decisions can also make or break an opening. Employees must be trained on compliance rules, customer service, and technology systems. Hiring too late can leave a team unprepared, while hiring too early can strain payroll before sales begin. Khemmoro said he would prioritize building his team earlier if starting over, even if it meant higher upfront costs.

He also recommends building extra time and budget into every phase and considering a soft opening. A limited launch allows operators to address issues in a lower-pressure setting before welcoming a full flow of customers. For many retailers, that flexibility can make the difference between a rocky start and a sustainable business.

For companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) that have been in operation for years, these lessons have been learned and honed into a working system that keeps the entities on a growth trajectory.

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420 with CNW — Some Changes Resulting from Marijuana Rescheduling Could Take Time

President Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to loosen restrictions on marijuana is being welcomed by cannabis businesses and researchers, but experts caution that the practical effects will unfold slowly and unevenly. While the move signals a shift in federal posture, it does not immediately dismantle decades of drug policy.

The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to move marijuana toward Schedule III under federal law, a lower-risk category than its current classification. However, executive action alone does not rewrite the Controlled Substances Act, which has governed drug scheduling since 1970.

According to Gillian Schauer, executive director of the Cannabis Regulators Association, rescheduling typically requires a formal rulemaking process or congressional involvement, neither of which happens overnight.

How quickly the change takes effect depends largely on the path the Justice Department chooses. Bondi could revive a proposal initiated under the previous administration or use a less common provision of federal law that allows faster action. Schauer notes that the accelerated option limits procedural steps but may expose the administration to legal challenges, particularly from groups opposed to loosening marijuana laws.

Public participation could also affect the timeline. A traditional notice-and-comment period would slow the process, while bypassing it could speed implementation. When federal agencies previously floated rescheduling, tens of thousands of public comments poured in, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding the issue.

For cannabis companies, the most immediate impact could come through taxes. Businesses that sell marijuana currently face higher tax burdens because they are barred from claiming standard deductions. Sam Brill, chief executive of multistate operator Ascend Wellness Holdings, says moving marijuana out of its most restrictive category would eliminate those penalties, easing cash flow and reducing the need to set aside large reserves for potential tax disputes.

Other restrictions are less certain. Even with rescheduling, marijuana would remain illegal to transport across state lines, and access to banking services would likely stay limited. Many financial institutions still avoid the industry, forcing dispensaries to operate largely in cash. Patrick Sims, who owns a dispensary in New York, says the inability to accept credit cards remains one of the biggest barriers for both businesses and customers.

Medical research stands to benefit, though gains may be modest at first. Scientists would no longer need the most restrictive licenses to study marijuana, and laboratory rules would become less burdensome. Neuroscientist Staci Gruber, who studies cannabis at a Harvard-affiliated hospital, has said regulatory requirements have long discouraged researchers from entering the field.

Even so, sourcing marijuana for studies remains tightly controlled by federal agencies, a limitation unaffected by rescheduling. Schauer notes that unless those policies change as well, research will continue to face bottlenecks. Taken together, the executive order marks progress, rather than a clean break from the past. The direction is clear but the pace will depend on legal choices, agency follow-through, and whether broader policy reforms follow.

The entire marijuana industry, including leading companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be hoping that meaningful changes come sooner rather than later so that the regulatory environment is characterized by fewer onerous bottlenecks to businesses.

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Study Suggests Legalizing Marijuana Lowers Suicide Rates Among Seniors

States that allowed recreational marijuana stores to open experienced a drop in suicide rates among older residents, according to a recent analysis that reviewed more than twenty years of data from across the U.S. The findings suggest a clear association between the start of legal cannabis sales and a measurable decline in suicides among adults later in life.

The study analyzed monthly suicide figures from all 50 states. The goal was to examine whether expanded access to cannabis, specifically through regulated retail outlets, had any observable connection to mental health.

The researchers found that suicide rates fell among people aged 45 and over in states with recreational marijuana stores. The decline was most noticeable among men, a group that has long had higher rates of suicide than women. Men in this age range are also likely to report using cannabis to cope with chronic pain, which is a known contributor to depression and suicide risk.

The analysis did not show similar changes among younger people. It also found no reduction in suicide rates in states that legalized adult-use marijuana but had yet to open retail locations. According to the authors, this distinction points to access rather than cannabis legalization on paper as the key factor.

The study found no evidence that expanded marijuana availability led to an increase in suicides. This runs counter to concerns raised by critics of legalization, who have warned that broader cannabis use could worsen mental health, particularly among younger adults.

The paper also addressed the broader factors that contribute to suicide risk, pointing to pain management as an area that has received limited attention in previous research. They argue that understanding how cannabis may alleviate underlying physical discomfort adds a new dimension to debates over marijuana policy.

To rule out other explanations, the researchers accounted for a range of additional policies and economic factors. Their analysis included alcohol and tobacco taxes, as well as several opioid-related measures such as prescription limits, pill mill regulations, and drug monitoring programs. None of these factors explained the decline they observed.

The findings come amid ongoing concern over the rate of suicide in the United States, which remains close to record levels, particularly among senior and middle-aged adults. While the reduction associated with cannabis dispensaries was relatively small, the researchers emphasize that even incremental improvements can translate into lives saved when applied across large populations.

The authors cautioned that more research is needed to understand why the association exists and how cannabis use may influence mental health in different groups. Entities like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) operating licensed marijuana outlets will be glad that their products could be having such unintended positive effects on their users and potentially saving lives.

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