Get ready for a quick update on the latest buzz in the cannabis world! From changing laws in Texas to women making strides in Minnesota’s cannabis business scene, there’s a lot happening. Conservative Ohio just gave the nod to recreational use, and the U.S. government is reconsidering how it views marijuana. Exciting times ahead, right?
Rise of Women Entrepreneurs in Cannabis Business
Minnesota Women’s Cannabusiness Network is gaining momentum as women entrepreneurs explore opportunities in the emerging cannabis industry. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Minnesota, Blunt Strategies, a women-owned cannabis public relations and consulting firm, hosted a networking event where 70 women connected over coffee, conversation, and cannabis-infused drinks. The event highlights the growing interest in the cannabis space, offering a supportive environment for networking and collaboration among women in various stages of establishing cannabis-related businesses.
Grassroots Support for Legalizing Marijuana Hits Record 70%
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Seven in 10 Americans think marijuana use should be legal, marking the highest level of support yet. This groundbreaking revelation comes after three years of stability at 68%, as unveiled by a recent Gallup poll conducted from Oct 2-23.
The roots of support trace back to 1969 when merely 12% of Americans favored legalizing marijuana. The turning point was in 2013, surging to 58% after Colorado and Washington pioneered recreational use. Now, support has risen by an additional 12 points, aligning with increased self-reported marijuana use.
Pot News Today: The July Consumption Habits survey disclosed a 10-point rise in personal marijuana use and a 12-point increase in those who have ever tried it. With support spanning all political groups, this news reaffirms the evolving landscape of marijuana acceptance.
Impact of Recent Decriminalization Measures
As Lubbock city in Texas contemplates a citizen-initiated proposal to decriminalize cannabis, a report by Texas advocacy group Ground Game Texas sheds light on the outcomes of similar efforts in five other cities during the 2022 elections. Examining reforms in Killeen, San Marcos, Denton, Harker Heights, and Elgin, the report indicates a significant reduction in marijuana arrests, such as a 78% drop in Killeen within the first six months. Despite facing opposition from law enforcement in some areas, these measures aim to keep hundreds out of the criminal legal system.
Recreational Marijuana in Florida Faces Legal Hurdles
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In Florida, the spotlight is on the proposed recreational marijuana amendment heading for the 2024 ballot. Smart & Safe Florida, backed by Trulieve, the state’s largest medical marijuana producer, spearheads the initiative. With over 1 million valid signatures, the proposed amendment could bring about a significant change in Florida’s cannabis landscape.
Federal Legalization News Today: Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody challenges the amendment’s validity, prompting the Supreme Court to weigh in. If ruled in favor, Florida’s 13 million voters will decide the fate of marijuana legalization.
Litigation Strategies Amid Federal Cannabis Reform Delays
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As federal cannabis reform faces setbacks, major cannabis companies, known as multi-state operators (MSOs), are turning to litigation. Verano Holdings Corp, a publicly traded cannabis company, has initiated a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. This shift towards litigation suggests a response to economic challenges within the industry and the ongoing delays in anticipated federal reforms like the SAFE Banking Act.
Health Officials Explore Lower-Risk Classification for Marijuana
In a noteworthy shift, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends easing restrictions on marijuana. This move, following a review request from the Biden Administration, holds substantial implications for the federal stance on cannabis.
HHS suggests reclassifying marijuana to a lower-risk category, potentially aligning it with substances like ketamine and testosterone. This development, if realized, could pave the way for wider legalization and transformative changes in the cannabis industry.
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Ohio’s Move to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
Ohio becomes the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana as voters approve a ballot measure. The regulation-and-tax program imposed by the state allows individuals aged 21 and over to use, grow, or sell marijuana legally. The approval is a part of a broader trend of marijuana legalization gaining traction, even in more conservative regions. Efforts are underway in various states to introduce recreational marijuana ballot measures in the coming years, signaling a continued shift in public attitudes towards cannabis.
Struggles of Cannabis Farmers in New York
The Cannabis Farmers Alliance spoke out on the challenges faced by cannabis farmers in New York due to the slow rollout of the state’s legal cannabis marketplace. A survey conducted by the alliance indicates financial ruin, deteriorating mental health, and strained personal relationships among farmers.
The results emphasize the urgent need for support and relief measures for small cannabis farmers. This cannabisnews findings have been presented to the New York State Senate Subcommittee, shedding light on the pressing issues within the state’s cannabis industry.
Major Changes to Cannabis Laws Take Effect Across the US
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Thanks to the collective advocacy, activism, and support, numerous marijuana laws have taken effect across the U.S. This includes the legalization of cannabis possession, personal cultivation, and retail sales in Maryland, as well as various improvements in Virginia and Nevada’s medical cannabis programs.
Weed News Today: Efforts to expunge prior cannabis offenses and the legalization of adult-use marijuana in Delaware, Minnesota, and medical cannabis in Kentucky showcase the ongoing evolution in cannabis laws.
Senate Approves Bill for Veteran Access to Medical Cannabis
In a significant development, the Senate approved a bill allowing doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recommend cannabis as a treatment, but only in states where cannabis is legal. The bill, part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilConVA) measure, aims to support veterans’ access to medical cannabis programs approved by states. With strong support from veterans and voters, this bill addresses the need for veterans to access cannabis for pain relief without jeopardizing their benefits.
That’s a wrap on the latest in cannabis news! Whether it’s local initiatives making waves or the big players turning to the courts, the cannabis scene is buzzing with change. With more states legalizing and the feds rethinking their stance, the future of cannabis does looks interesting.
