Articles from CannabisNewsWire

Staff at Massachusetts’ Hanscom Air Force Base have been reminded of the stringent rules governing the use and possession of marijuana products on the base.

The Pennsylvania Cannabis Convention (“PACC”) is gearing up to bring together growers, traders, brands, and enthusiasts to explore the legal cannabis sector in Pennsylvania on March 30, 2025. This event is a must-visit for those involved in the local cannabis industry, offering attendees in-depth insights into every aspect of the PA medical program. Registrations are open, and PA patients can attend the PACC for free.

The upcoming 2025 California State Fair will allow onsite cannabis sales and consumption as well as a wider category of awards to demonstrate the diversity of California’s marijuana market. This will be the fourth year that event organizers invite cannabis entrepreneurs and consumers to the 17-day event to take part in the festivities, and the second year in a row where cannabis sales and consumption are allowed on-site.

The year 2025 is set to mark a turning point in collaborations between universities and the marijuana industry, both in the U.S. and around the world. While partnerships between academia and businesses are nothing new, the marijuana sector has been slow to accept them, largely due to cannabis’ federal illegality in the U.S.

In spite of the widespread use of cannabis, businesses in the industry have faced significant challenges . Despite the continued growth in retail sales, many brands find it challenging to differentiate themselves in a market that largely views cannabis as a commodity. Even some of the biggest players have filed for bankruptcy due to these difficulties.

An Ohio Republican senator has put forward a new measure that seeks to limit the amount of homegrown cannabis, lower the permitted THC levels in recreational cannabis, raise taxes, and reroute how the revenue is allocated.

A barely-known IRS credit scheme has allowed a multi-state marijuana operator (MSO) to earn millions of dollars in tax credits . Although cannabis firms remit hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes annually, federal law prevents them from claiming tax credits and deductions for operational expenses. However, Jushi Holdings took advantage of an obscure tax credit scheme to earn a little over $5 million.

For years, Darrin Varnell, Pawnee County Sheriff, had received alarming reports about a cannabis farm near Maramec—men carrying assault rifles, a worker fleeing in fear, and even an incident where a man with a machete chased a naked woman.

A recent Columbia University study has revealed that youths in New York City have access to marijuana through unlicensed cannabis outlets . Even though New York State laws prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from accessing recreational marijuana, the study found that NYC youth are using illicit sellers to circumvent the state’s cannabis laws and access the drug before they are eligible.

The New Hampshire legislature recently approved a proposal to legalize the personal use and possession of recreational cannabis. However, the bill does not include provisions for the regulated sale of marijuana. The legislation, known as HB 75 and sponsored by Representative Kevin Verville, was passed in the House through a voice vote in Thursday’s afternoon session.

Several Ohio residents have voiced their opposition to a proposed measure that seeks to alter the state’s cannabis regulations. Senate Bill 56, introduced last month by Senator Steve Huffman, has received pushback, with 40 people submitting testimony against it during a Senate General Government Committee hearing.

Traders, dealers, businesses, and enthusiasts of the cannabis industry are invited to attend the New England Cannabis Convention in Boston from March 21 to March 22, 2025. Operating since 2015, NECANN events are referred to as “ MJBizCon East.” The second largest B2B event in the U.S., NECANN witnesses thousands of attendees, with the largest gathering of licensed operators, exhibitors, buyers, and leaders, for the East Coast cannabis market. These events are considered the home base for the Northeast cannabis industry.

The Department of Treasury in Michigan announced on Friday that it will be distributing approximately $100m in cannabis tax revenue to 302 local communities and tribes. Detroit stands out as it will receive over $3m, the largest amount that any community in the state will receive.

While the push to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida did not succeed in the November election, lawmakers are now focusing on expanding access to medical marijuana . A proposed piece of legislation, Senate Bill 546, aims to give medical cannabis patients the ability to cultivate their own marijuana plants at home.

Germany is set to hold its national elections on February 23, 2025, a pivotal event that will determine whether the Social Democratic Party (SDU) retains leadership or whether power shifts to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Lawmakers in Ohio have proposed a new measure that would make cannabis products sold throughout the state less potent and more expensive. Although legal marijuana in Ohio already costs twice as much as the cannabis sold in Michigan, the proposal seeks to make the drug even more costly, a move that would make it incredibly difficult for people who need cannabis to access it.

A recent survey has revealed that nearly 70% of cannabis consumers in the U.S. intend to either maintain or increase their spending on marijuana in 2025 compared to 2024. Additionally, 62% of users continue to rely on cash transactions due to ongoing financial restrictions within the industry.

Aegis Capital has been in the wealth management and investment banking business since 1984 and is dedicated to providing corporate finance, strategic advisory and related services to public and private companies across multiple sectors and regions. Aegis has announced that it acted as exclusive placement agent on a $25.0 million private placement priced at-the-market for Greenlane Holdings Inc. (NASDAQGNLN) .

Involving cannabis industry players in marijuana testing could help U.S. states address testing lab fraud, scientist David Vaillencourt says. Testing is critical to ensuring the cannabis products entering the U.S. market are free from potentially harmful contaminants like heavy metals, residual solvents, and bacteria. However, data has consistently shown that America’s state-approved cannabis industry is awash with untested products.

President Donald Trump has appointed Terrance Cole to lead the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Cole, a seasoned DEA professional, is currently serving as a high-ranking law enforcement agent in Virginia.

A recent study published in the journal Cancer suggests that cancer survivors experiencing pain may be more likely to use cannabis and cigarettes. The research also highlights a link between cigarette smoking, pain, and an increase in side effects related to treatment, ultimately leading to poorer health outcomes for cancer survivors.

Reports of alleged fraudulent activity in cannabis testing labs have surfaced once again in New York’s recreational market, with claims that some vape oil cartridges are being labeled with cannabinoid levels exceeding 100%. Similar accusations of labs inflating THC levels to meet client demands and possibly altering data meant to ensure consumer safety have been raised in other states as well.

The Illinois Department of Revenue has revealed that the Buckeye State generated over $2 billion in legal cannabis sales and almost $500m in tax revenue last year. Illinois legalized recreational cannabis use on January 1, 2020, becoming the 11th state to allow adult-use cannabis and the first state to legalize the controversial drug via a state legislature instead of a ballot initiative.

A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs revealed that a significant number of Texans are in favor of legalizing cannabis for recreational use. The poll, which gathered responses from 1,200 adults across Texas and has a margin of error of 2.38%, found that over 60% of Texans support permitting recreational cannabis sales and consumption.

Two U.S. Senators have teamed up with prohibitionists to work on legislation that would block marijuana firms from receiving potential tax relief under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Senators Pete Ricketts and James Lankford are working with Smart Approaches to Marijuana to block 280E relief for state-sanctioned cannabis companies in the U.S.

Oregon’s recreational cannabis market continues to struggle with an oversupply issue, causing consumer prices to drop to record lows while businesses face shrinking profit margins. This challenge, outlined in a recent Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) report, has made it increasingly difficult for many operators to stay afloat.

More than a decade after states began legalizing recreational cannabis, the U.S. marijuana industry remains complex. On one side, marijuana has become as common for some as a cold beer or a glass of wine, with regulated companies offering products that meet government standards. Yet, a significant portion of cannabis sales in the country still comes from illegal operations.

A recent report has revealed that signs at cannabis dispensaries warning about the potential effects of using marijuana while pregnant are ineffective . The report was conducted by Rutgers University and published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs . It found that pregnant cannabis users may even be distrustful of the contents of these warning signs.

A recent Gallup survey indicates that marijuana use in the U.S. has doubled over the last ten years. In several states, cannabis is legal, and most Americans now consume it as often as they would wine or beer. However, finding safe and properly regulated marijuana products can be a challenge.

Authorities in Oklahoma are worried that the state’s booming medical marijuana industry may be fueling the growth of the illicit cannabis market. Oklahoma legalized medical cannabis in 2018 and by 2021 there were over 9,400 registered grow operations competing to fulfill the state’s demand for cannabis.

A House committee in New Hampshire recently convened to discuss one of three different proposals aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis in the state. The committee reviewed House Bill 186, introduced by Representative Jared Sullivan.

A recent review of Colorado’s recreational marijuana products has revealed that over 85% of the products sold by regulated cannabis retailers may violate labeling and health laws . An analysis conducted by one cannabis operator found a shocking amount of microbial and pesticide contaminants in a majority of retail adult-use products Colorado residents consume.

Two residents of Colorado Springs have taken legal action against the city over an upcoming ballot initiative in April that seeks to overturn a voter-approved policy permitting recreational cannabis sales.

The marijuana capital markets have encountered substantial hurdles in recent years. Investors who have been in the industry since 2019 have witnessed every phase of the market—from thrilling peaks to somber valleys.

Missouri courts are close to completing their review of cannabis expungements after expunging hundreds of thousands of cannabis cases. The review began after Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize adult use marijuana in 2022 and has seen state courts expunge over 300,000 cases.

A recent survey reveals that over 50% of cannabis users reduce or completely stop their alcohol consumption after using marijuana. The poll, conducted by NuggMD, a marijuana telehealth platform, lends credence to the expanding theory of a substitution effect, according to which people are increasingly choosing marijuana because they believe it to be safer compared to alcohol.

A recently published JAMA study explored the effects of home marijuana smoking on children’s exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke (SHCS). Researchers in the U.S. used urinary biomarkers to assess the levels of delta 9 THC and its metabolites in kids, aiming to measure the extent of exposure and show the importance of preventive actions to protect their health.

Congressional researchers say they are uncertain whether the previous administration’s tentative plans to reschedule marijuana will advance under President Donald Trump. Former President Biden and his administration had proposed rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III, but the plans didn’t crystallize before Biden’s term elapsed.

An investigation into marijuana sold in Dutch semi-legal coffee stores has uncovered a range of contaminants, including pesticides, lead, and harmful bacteria. The Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction study was designed to find a “baseline” for contamination levels typically found in cannabis products.

Spanish leaders are on the brink of legalizing medical marijuana and allowing tens of millions of adults to access the controversial drug. A Royal Decree that is expected to be signed and delivered before next summer will legalize medical cannabis in the country, adding Spain to the list of over 40 nations that have legalized the drug for either medical or recreational use.

Three pieces of legislation have been introduced in Nebraska aiming to implement medical marijuana legalization and regulation initiatives approved by voters in the November election.

With cannabis rescheduling currently on hold indefinitely, the $32 billion industry’s fate hinges on critical decisions—particularly President Donald Trump’s choice of the next Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) director.

Pennsylvanian cannabis reform proponents are unsure if the state will legalize cannabis this year amidst silence from the Pennsylvania Capitol regarding the drug’s future. Dozens of states have already legalized cannabis and currently generate billions of dollars in sales taxes every year, making legalization an attractive prospect for Pennsylvania which is projected to lose its budget surplus this year.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas recently highlighted the advantages of medical cannabis tax revenue in her last week’s State of the State address, announcing a significant plan.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are asking a federal judge to dismiss a case brought by New Mexico-licensed cannabis businesses. The businesses allege that the agencies unlawfully seized state-regulated cannabis products and arrested staff members at checkpoints within the state.

A ransomware attack in California has compromised the data of hundreds of thousands of cannabis customers across the state. Stiiizy, a marijuana brand based in California, recently notified 380,000 customers that their data had been compromised in a phishing attack against one of its vendors. The cannabis brand confirmed the alert via a data breach notification to the Maine Attorney General’s Office stating that on November 20, 2024, one of its point-of-sale processing services vendors notified it of a massive data breach at several retail locations.

Marijuana advocates in Florida have submitted a fresh proposal aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis. The new measure comes only two months after a similar one failed to secure the required supermajority vote during the November election. Florida residents will have the opportunity to vote on the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2026 if the measure is approved.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of almost 2,500 inmates convicted of various non-violent drug offenses ( including marijuana ) during his last days in the Oval Office. Biden noted that with this last round of commutations, he has granted clemency to more Americans than any other president in U.S. history.

In Texas, getting high has never been easier, despite the state’s reputation for strict policies and socially conservative values. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, Texas boasts over 7,000 marijuana dispensaries —nearly double the number in California. The market has expanded to include 24/7 marijuana delivery services, mobile dispensary trucks, vending machines, and even mail-order options.

Cannabis regulators in Illinois have expanded the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana for the first time since legalization in 2019, focusing specifically on women’s health issues.

Cannabis Means Business (“CMB”), the premier business to business conference and expo, has announced that registration is now open for its highly anticipated 2025 event. Set to take place at the Javits Convention Center in New York City on June 4-5, 2025, CMB will bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts from across the rapidly growing cannabis sector. “As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, CMB remains at the forefront of shaping its business landscape,” said Christine Ianuzzi, CEO of CMB. “Our mission is to provide a vibrant space for industry professionals to connect, learn and discover the tools they need to succeed in this dynamic market. This year’s event promises to deliver even more value with a carefully curated lineup of speakers, exhibitors and innovative content.”

A significant portion of adults in the U.S. remains in favor of cannabis legalization . However, despite this momentum, three out of four recreational legalization initiatives—proposed in Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota—failed during the November elections.

Efforts to reclassify cannabis at the federal level recently hit a roadblock after a DEA judge canceled the upcoming reclassification meeting . The main agenda at the meeting would have been a proposal seeking to amend federal cannabis laws and reclassify the controversial drug, putting an end to several decades of prohibition.

Dallas police have updated guidelines on handling cannabis possession cases after Proposition R was put into effect. An internal memo from the Dallas Police Department (DPD) outlines the changes, stating that officers are no longer permitted to arrest or issue citations for possession of cannabis weighing less than four ounces. Furthermore, cannabis odor alone cannot be used as probable cause for a search, except in high-priority narcotics or violent felony cases.

Every cannabis retailer worth their salt makes sure to study consumer preferences and incorporate them into their decision-making processes. Regardless of the sector, taking customer preferences into account helps businesses serve their customers efficiently by providing goods or services that meet an already-established need. With the cannabis industry entering a new year, customer preferences will be a major influencing factor for the industry.

Recent data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) shows that since cannabis legalization came into effect in the state, fatal traffic accidents connected to marijuana use have decreased by 30%. This contradicts concerns raised by critics of legalization who predicted an increase in deadly crashes caused by impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers has proposed granting voters the power to introduce binding questions directly on the ballot to enact new laws. He cited widespread bipartisan support for issues like cannabis legalization, which the Republican-led legislature has consistently refused to address.

A multi-institutional study involving researchers from three universities has discovered a correlation between medical cannabis legalization and reduced payments from opioid drug manufacturers to pain doctors. The study found that when states launch regulated medical marijuana programs, patients begin using the divisive drug as an alternative to pharmaceutical pain medications.

The marijuana industry experienced a sluggish pace of progress in 2024. Efforts to pass cannabis reform measures in Congress fell short, and the DEA delayed rescheduling cannabis as a recognized medicinal substance.

With the Oklahoma legislative session just a month away, state legislators have proposed two measures to regulate medical cannabis. One bill aims to regulate how much a person can purchase in a week, while the other one focuses on regulating how cannabis dispensaries in the state can advertise their products.

Voters in Arkansas approved a measure to legalize medical marijuana in 2016 and the state finally began sales in mid-2019 with about 11,000 registered medical marijuana patients. Arkansas’s medical cannabis program has expanded significantly in the years since as more patients registered, reaching 101,006 active MMJ cards in June 2024 and 108,957 by the end of the year.

New York has reached a major milestone in its legal cannabis market, surpassing $1 billion in sales. Governor Kathy Hochul described this achievement as a reflection of the dedication of individuals who have worked tirelessly to build an industry that prioritizes fairness, public safety, and community empowerment.

A recent scientific review highlights increasing evidence that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, has antidepressant effects on both animals and humans, with minimal side effects. The review also suggests that CBD may contribute to reducing inflammation and encouraging the growth of new brain cells.

Medical marijuana patients in Kentucky will not have access to guns and ammunition due to federal law. Kentucky’s medical marijuana legalization bill was signed into law in March 2023 but took effect on January 1st, 2025, making it legal for approved citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to consume medical-grade cannabis.

The year 2024 began with high hopes for the end of marijuana prohibition in the United States. However, as the year winds down, many of those expectations remain unmet.

A recent NORML analysis has revealed that over 4,000 scientific papers focusing on cannabis were published globally in 2024. This marks the fourth year that research output has reached this level.

Business analysts have observed a sudden increase in cannabis use as a growing number of Americans turn to cannabis as an alternative to alcohol. According to a recently published Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) survey, Americans are substituting alcohol with cannabis at ‘soaring rates’ as the country’s state-level marijuana industry expands.

New laws in the United States are making it possible to include THC in beverages, offering what some see as a potential alcohol alternative. While this development is being met with optimism by some, others believe its benefits may vary.

The past couple of years have been rough on America’s state-level cannabis industry. Cannabis businesses enjoyed healthy demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in states where cannabis was deemed an essential product, but the industry has been plagued with market oversaturation, low prices, and increasing black market competition in the years since.

Researchers from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are exploring the ethical implications of marijuana research that’s largely funded by actors with industry interests. Prior to the recent wave of state-level legalization, studying the potential risks and benefits of marijuana was practically impossible, making the recent rush of cannabis-related studies even more important for the fledgling cannabis market.

Drug use in teenagers has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to findings from a recent survey.

Non-German companies could potentially benefit from new recreational marijuana pilot programs in Germany, observers say. The European nation partially decriminalized adult-use cannabis on April 1, 2024, becoming the 9th country in the world to legalize cannabis and granting millions of Germans access to the drug.

A senator in South Carolina has proposed a measure aimed at legalizing medical marijuana for individuals suffering from certain medical conditions. The measure was pre-filed by Senator Tom Davis (R) in preparation for next year’s legislative session.

While around one in every five Americans now use marijuana, the understanding of its health effects has historically been limited . However, as regulations surrounding cannabis ease, scientists are gaining new insights into its benefits and risks.

New York marijuana cultivators and processors are pushing Governor Kathy Hochul to approve a measure that would simplify how they handle tax filings, switching the system to an annual basis.