A Missouri appeals court has ruled that THC possession convictions must be expunged, aligning with the state’s legalization law. This decision overturns a previous ruling that excluded THC from the expungement process, marking a significant victory for advocates of cannabis reform in Missouri.
A recent study suggests a potential link between cannabis use and lower Body Mass Index (BMI) in U.S. adults. The research, analyzing data from 2016 to 2022, shows that marijuana users are less likely to be obese compared to non-users. While further research is needed, these findings could offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against the obesity crisis.
New York’s legal cannabis industry has surpassed $500 million in sales within a year of opening its first dispensary. This rapid growth is attributed to a crackdown on unlicensed sellers, known as Operation Padlock, which has effectively driven consumers towards legal outlets. The state anticipates continued growth and substantial tax revenue from the legal cannabis market.
Thailand and Pakistan are both making strides in their respective cannabis industries. Thailand is facing an oversupply, leading to price drops, while growers are adopting new techniques to meet international standards. Meanwhile, Pakistan is exploring the economic potential of cannabis and establishing a regulatory body to oversee its cultivation and sale.
Kendall Jenner, the renowned model and reality TV star, revealed her cannabis use during a podcast interview, making it the first time she openly discussed this aspect of her life. Her confession sparked further discussion about drug use within the Kardashian-Jenner family, following Kim Kardashian’s previous revelations about her experiences with ecstasy.
JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, has made a false claim about fentanyl being laced in marijuana, drawing criticism for his stance on drug policy and the border. While Vance emphasizes the dangers of fentanyl, experts refute his claim, pointing to the lack of evidence and the potential consequences of spreading misinformation.
Ohio’s adult-use cannabis market has seen an explosive start, generating over $11.5 million in revenue within the first five days of sales. This success suggests Ohio could reach $842 million in annual sales, surpassing even Michigan’s initial year. Major cannabis operators are also rapidly entering the market, with companies like Ascend Wellness Holdings and Verano Holdings reporting significant increases in customer traffic.
Delaware is accelerating its recreational marijuana program, opening applications for licenses on August 19. The state plans to issue 125 licenses across various categories, with a focus on social equity and micro-businesses. The application window will remain open until September 30, 2024.
This week in the cannabis industry, the Supreme Court’s recent ruling provides a legal avenue for cannabis companies to challenge tax burdens. Meanwhile, Ohio’s adult-use cannabis market is experiencing a successful launch, with sales exceeding expectations. The political landscape remains a key factor, with cannabis expected to be a hot topic in the upcoming November elections.
Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, a longtime proponent of marijuana legalization, has surprisingly come out against Amendment 3, a Florida ballot initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana. Gaetz believes such issues shouldn’t be decided through constitutional amendments. This stance contrasts with his past support for cannabis, including his role in legalizing low-THC medical marijuana a decade ago and his recent proposal to stop testing military personnel for cannabis use. His opposition aligns with other Florida Republicans like Gov. Ron DeSantis, who vehemently opposes legalization. However, support for Amendment 3 remains strong among Floridians, with 66% favoring legalization. The outcome of the November vote remains uncertain, with a mixed bag of opinions among Republican leaders.
