Florida officials under Governor Ron DeSantis are stepping up their opposition to a proposed ballot measure that would allow recreational marijuana, drawing county election offices into the fight and prompting accusations that the state is trying to derail the effort before voters weigh in.  Critics say the administration’s actions amount to an aggressive campaign against legalization at a time … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Recreational Marijuana Legalization Support Dips as Florida Officials Oppose Campaign”

A new scientific review is challenging the foundations of U.S. drug law, arguing that the legal system governing controlled substances no longer reflects modern scientific understanding of risk.  According to the analysis, drugs such as marijuana are regulated far more harshly than evidence would justify, while substances responsible for widespread harm often face looser oversight or fall outside … Continue reading “420 with CNW — New Study Says No Science Supports Federal Categorization of Marijuana”

$7.3 million from the California Cannabis Control Department (DCC). The funding will support studies that examine medical applications of cannabinoids, potential heart-related risks linked to marijuana consumption, and ways to better understand and respond to California’s illegal cannabis market.  Faculty members from multiple UCLA divisions will participate, including researchers from the Fielding School of Public Health, the … Continue reading “420 with CNW — UCLA Gets $7.3M in State Grants to Study Marijuana”

As the new year begins, many Americans are once again setting personal goals, but a new survey suggests cutting back on cannabis is low on the list compared with other habits. According to recent polling, people are more likely to resolve to drink less alcohol, stop using tobacco, or even spend less time on social media than to scale … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Survey Finds Americans More Likely to Quit Tobacco, Alcohol Than Cannabis”

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 … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Some Changes Resulting from Marijuana Rescheduling Could Take Time”

Researchers at the University of Washington are taking a close look at the potential health risks for marijuana production workers. A new study from the university’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences is examining whether people employed in cannabis cultivation and processing face health risks on the job, particularly those affecting the lungs.  Since recreational and medical marijuana laws … Continue reading “420 with CNW — UW Scientists Study Health Hazards of Marijuana in Workplaces”

New York regulators have published a series of year-end reports outlining how the state’s legal cannabis industry has developed, highlighting strong sales, growing tax revenue, progress on equity goals, and expanded access for medical patients.  According to the reports, total legal marijuana sales in the state have now passed $2.5 billion since recreational use was approved. Of that amount, roughly $1.6 billion came in … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Officials in New York Tout Successes Recorded in Legal Marijuana Program”

Florida’s debate over recreational cannabis is resurfacing after a failed ballot initiative and renewed public support, setting the stage for a possible return to voters in 2026.  During the 2024 election cycle, a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use marijuana earned backing from 56% of voters. While that represented a clear majority, it did not meet the state’s 60% threshold required to amend the constitution. As a … Continue reading “420 with CNW — Florida Could Again Vote on Recreational Marijuana in 2026 Polls”