As the cannabis industry evolves, the focus has shifted away from medical marijuana and towards adult-use legalization. Debra Borchardt, executive editor of Green Market Report, highlights the lack of FDA-approved clinical trials and the potential impact of hemp bans on medical cannabis. Borchardt expresses concern about the future of medical marijuana and the potential for patient access to be limited as adult-use cannabis continues to dominate the conversation.
While the adult-use cannabis market captures headlines, Joseph Lustberg, CEO of Upwise Capital, emphasizes the critical role medical marijuana continues to play in the cannabis industry. He argues for its inclusion in policy discussions, highlighting its therapeutic benefits and potential to bridge cannabis with the health and wellness sector.
As cannabis legalization gains momentum, the focus on medical marijuana, while crucial, sometimes gets overshadowed by recreational use. This article delves into the unique challenges and opportunities facing the medical cannabis sector, exploring the intersection of tax incentives, state-level regulations, and the growing competition between medical and adult-use dispensaries.
Nebraska voters will decide on the legalization of medical cannabis in November 2024 after two ballot measures were certified by the Secretary of State, despite legal challenges and allegations of signature fraud. The path to certification has been contentious, with lawsuits and criminal charges against a signature gatherer, but advocates remain optimistic.
Japan is taking a two-pronged approach to cannabis, criminalizing personal use while simultaneously legalizing medical cannabis products. The move aims to regulate cannabis use, combat drug abuse, and expand access to cannabis-derived medicines.
Celadon Pharmaceuticals, a UK-based cannabis company, raised £1.05 million through a share sale, securing funding to expand its operations. The company also announced a strategic partnership with Valeos Pharma A/S, a Danish medicinal marijuana producer, which will see Celadon provide its genetics and expertise for increased cannabis production and supply in Europe.
Pakistan’s Senate has passed the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Bill, 2024, paving the way for the legal cultivation and production of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes. The bill aims to generate revenue and regulate the industry while ensuring public health. The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) will be responsible for issuing licenses and overseeing cultivation, with the Ministry of Defense playing a key role due to the historical cultivation of cannabis in the FATA region.
A recent study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research suggests that marijuana users may experience better outcomes when battling COVID-19, including lower rates of severe infection and death. The study, conducted by Northwell Health, analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample Database and found that cannabis users had a significantly lower mortality rate and shorter hospital stays compared to non-users. While the study offers promising findings, experts emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the complex relationship between cannabis and COVID-19.
Canopy Growth Polska, a subsidiary of Canopy Growth, is withdrawing its popular medical marijuana strain Penelope from the Polish market due to aging and quality instability. The company is working to introduce new strains with a similar profile to Penelope, while the Polish government is tightening regulations on medical marijuana amid its growing popularity.
SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals, a Portugal-based marijuana company, has partnered with Cosma S.A., a Polish company focused on cannabis-based pharmaceutical advancements, to introduce a range of advanced cannabis-based products to Polish patients. The partnership aims to improve access to high-quality, innovative cannabis-based therapies for Polish patients, with Cosma S.A. acting as the marketing authorization holder (MAH) for both companies’ products.
