A new study suggests that states allowing medical cannabis sales through licensed dispensaries may see fewer prescriptions for strong opioids among cancer patients recovering from surgery. However, the same policy appears to coincide with a higher rate of hospital visits for reasons unrelated to cancer treatment.  The research, published in Cancer, compared opioid use among … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Medical Cannabis Slashes Opioid Use Among Surgical Patients with Cancer”

Over 160 Floridians with state-issued medical cannabis cards have lost or could soon lose access to their prescriptions following a new regulation from the state health department. The rule, enacted this summer, targets patients charged with or convicted of drug-related offenses.  Bobbie Smith, who leads the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), told lawmakers … Continue reading “420 with CNW — New Rule in Florida Puts Access to Medical Cannabis at Risk”

A months-long legal showdown began on October 20 over who gets to enter Florida’s tightly controlled medical cannabis market, a fight that could reshape one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.  The administrative hearing, expected to continue into mid-February, follows nearly a year of disputes since health officials announced they intended to grant 22 new licenses … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Court Starts Hearing Case Against Florida Marijuana Licensing Process”

The US Supreme Court has stated that it will hear a case on whether individuals who frequently use cannabis can legally possess firearms. The case will mark the latest in a series of major gun rights disputes since the Court’s 2022 decision that broadened constitutional protections for gun ownership.  The Department of Justice (DOJ) is … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Supreme Court to Hear Case on Gun Rights of Marijuana Users”

Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in New Hampshire are back on the table as legislators press forward with new proposals aimed at changing state law.  Representative Jared Sullivan has introduced House Bill 186, which is currently before the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. Sullivan said he expects the measure to earn backing from both parties … Continue reading “420 with CNW — New Hampshire Lawmakers Push to Legalize Marijuana”

More consumers are swapping traditional alcoholic beverages for cannabis-infused alternatives across the United States. These drinks, often packaged like seltzers, teas, or sodas, contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive compound in marijuana—and sometimes cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating ingredient said to ease stress and discomfort.  The rise in marijuana beverages comes as fewer Americans report drinking alcohol. A … Continue reading “420 with CNW — More Americans are Consuming Marijuana Beverages, Less Alcohol”

Missouri cannabis dispensaries could soon have another way to serve customers, as state regulators consider a rule that would permit curbside pickup. The proposal would expand the current options, which already include delivery and drive-thru services with state approval.  The state Division of Cannabis Regulation this week released a draft amendment that outlines how dispensaries … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Missouri Regulators Consider Authorizing Marijuana Curbside Pickup”

Researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, working alongside the genetics company 23andMe, have pinpointed specific regions in the human genome that appear to influence marijuana use.  Their findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest connections between these genetic factors and various psychiatric, cognitive, and physical health traits. The research could help … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Study Uncovers Genetic Links Between Marijuana Use and Health Challenges”