The Sweet Life Gazette
Sweet insights and valuable information on cannabis health benefits and industry news
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Historic Shift: Federal Government Moves to Reclassify Cannabis
May 24, 2024…The Justice Department is proposing to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, acknowledging its medical benefits and safety. This move marks a significant policy reversal, but it doesn't fully align federal laws with state-level cannabis regulations, leaving the adult-use industry in legal uncertainty.
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Wholesale Cannabis Prices Surpass Expectations Amid Market Adjustments
May 7th, 2024…Despite declines in some state-regulated markets, wholesale cannabis prices have performed better than expected, with a nearly 5% year-over-year increase in several key states and a slight overall rise in the U.S. Cannabis Spot Index. While prices in markets like California and Arizona remain under pressure, new markets and strategic adjustments in states like Michigan and Maryland indicate potential growth and stabilization in the industry.
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Federal Judge Skeptical of Cannabis Businesses' Challenge to Overturn Federal Prohibition
May 23, 2024 …Federal judge in Massachusetts expressed skepticism about a constitutional challenge by four cannabis businesses, including Verano Holdings, aimed at overturning the federal marijuana prohibition. Despite arguments by high-profile lawyer David Boies citing changed circumstances since a 2005 Supreme Court ruling, the judge suggested that such a significant decision would need to come from the Supreme Court itself.
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Mississippi Boosts Medical Marijuana Staffing to Meet Tightened Application Deadlines
April 19, 2024…In response to changes in the Medical Cannabis law requiring quicker patient application processing, Mississippi's Medical Cannabis Program is increasing its staffing. Despite current delays in meeting the new 10-day processing requirement, the program is training new hires and contracting additional help to handle the influx of patient applications.
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Congress Moves Closer to Cannabis Banking Reform
April 24, 2024... Representative Maxine Waters asserts that now is the opportune moment for Congress to pass the SAFER Banking Act, aiming to include it in negotiations with Republican counterparts and potentially attaching it to a must-pass FAA spending bill by May 10.
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FDA Chief Urges DEA: No More Delay on Marijuana Rescheduling!
April 12, 2024… The FDA commissioner urged the DEA to expedite the process of rescheduling marijuana, emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework. He expressed frustration with the delay, stating there's no reason for the DEA to prolong the decision-making process. Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of FDA regulations for hemp products, including CBD, with calls for Congress to provide clarity on the regulatory pathway.
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Medical Marijuana Laws Linked to Improved Mental Health, Study Finds
April 11, 2024… A study published in the journal Health Economics, Policy, and Law found that patients in states with medical marijuana laws reported improvements in mental health, particularly those suffering from chronic pain. Researchers concluded that eased access to medical marijuana reduced the number of days with poor mental health for individuals using cannabis for medical purposes, without causing harm to other groups.
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Unlocking the Potential of Cannabis: From Origins to Therapeutic Promise
April 5, 2024… The article discusses the origins and components of cannabis, highlighting its classification as a controlled substance in the United States and its potential therapeutic benefits. It also outlines the regulatory hurdles for conducting clinical trials on medicinal cannabis and distinguishes between hemp-derived products and pharmaceutical cannabinoids.
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Study Challenges THC Detection as Indicator of Impairment: NORML Advocates for Alternative Traffic Safety Measures
April 4, 2024… The review conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis, and published in the Journal of AOAC International concludes that the presence of THC or its metabolites in bodily fluids is not indicative of impairment. This finding challenges the validity of per se THC limits for motorists in several states, suggesting that such laws risk wrongly accusing individuals who may not be impaired despite detectable THC levels. NORML advocates for alternative approaches, such as mobile performance technology, to address concerns about cannabis-related impairment without solely relying on THC detection.
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Study Investigates Effects of Biofertilizers and Humic Acid on Cannabis Growth
MARCHr 24,2024…A study examined the impact of biofertilizers and humic acid on cannabis growth and soil microbial activity. Results showed significant increases in plant parameters under suboptimal conditions, suggesting potential benefits of biostimulants for cannabis cultivation, although further research is needed to determine optimal application rates and combinations.
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Medical Cannabis: A Prescription for Improved Quality of Life
March 21, 2024… A study conducted by researchers at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine found that patients authorized to use medical cannabis in Pennsylvania reported significant and sustained improvements in their overall health, including decreases in emotional limitations, fatigue, and pain levels. The study concluded that medical marijuana has the potential to enhance physical and social functioning, energy levels, emotional well-being, and overall general health within the first 30–60 days of use.
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Inhaling Limonene: A Zesty Solution to Cannabis-induced Anxiety
March 21, 2024… A study conducted at John Hopkins University found that inhaling D-limonene alongside THC led to reduced feelings of anxiety and paranoia in healthy volunteers, with higher doses of D-limonene resulting in more pronounced effects. This suggests that D-limonene could potentially enhance the therapeutic benefits of THC by mitigating its adverse psychological effects.
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Unveiling the Power of Cannabis: In Vivo Evidence for Melanoma Treatment
Aug 19, 2020…This study reviews evidence from in vivo studies on the effects of cannabinoids on melanoma, highlighting their potential to reduce tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and promote autophagy in melanoma cells. While promising, further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and establish cannabinoids as a viable therapeutic option for melanoma treatment.
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New Legislation Paves the Way for Cannabis Research in Rheumatology
Mar 8. 2024… The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act signed by President Biden marks a significant milestone, potentially transforming rheumatology care by allowing research into cannabinoids. While optimism surrounds the legislation, hurdles such as funding, dosing standardization, and product quality regulation must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of cannabis in rheumatology treatment.
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Preparing for Cannabis's Organic Evolution: Insights and Strategies for Industry Growth
Mar 8, 2024… Ricardo Baca discusses the evolving landscape of cannabis as it integrates into the natural products and wellness market, emphasizing the need for adherence to quality standards, pursuit of organic certification, and cultural acceptance through education and advocacy. With regulatory changes on the horizon, proactive adoption of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards and alignment with organic cultivation methodologies are essential for industry readiness and sustainable growth.
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Revolutionizing Cannabis Drying and Curing: Insights from Researcher Allison Justice
Feb 24, 2024… Allison Justice, a Ph.D. holder in plant and environmental science, delves into her groundbreaking research on cannabis cultivation, particularly focusing on drying and curing methods. Her findings, relevant to both hemp and marijuana industries, challenge traditional practices and offer insights into preserving trichomes and enhancing product quality, despite encountering resistance within the cultivation community.
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Mississippi's Medical Cannabis Program Blooms, Rakes in Millions in Revenue
Feb 22. 2024… Mississippi's Medical Cannabis Program has had a successful inaugural year, drawing over 32,000 patients like Mike Watkins, who credits medical marijuana for transforming his life. With millions in revenue, calls for program expansion and research investment echo across the state.
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Cannabis Industry Embraces ERP Software to Enhance Track-and-Trace Systems
Feb 7, 2024… Cannabis companies like Native Roots are turning to robust ERP software solutions to address the limitations of track-and-trace systems like Metrc and BioTrack. With ERP platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, businesses can streamline inventory management, point-of-sale operations, and supply chain processes, providing comprehensive solutions for compliance and operational efficiency despite the challenges of implementation and ongoing maintenance costs.
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Cannabis Operators Stress Importance of System Audits for Compliance
Jan 31, 2024… Cannabis businesses, despite having state-mandated compliance systems and ERP backups, remain susceptible to human errors which can jeopardize their compliance status. To mitigate this risk, industry operators emphasize the necessity of conducting regular audits to ensure accuracy and rectify discrepancies promptly.
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Mississippi Judge Upholds Ban on Cannabis Advertising, Leaving Dispensaries in Limbo
Jan 26, 2024… A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Mississippi's ban on cannabis advertising, citing the federal classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Despite the ruling, there's potential for change pending shifts in federal law, leaving dispensary operators like Clarence Cocroft II, who plans to appeal, in a state of uncertainty regarding advertising regulations.
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Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients: Relief or Risk? A Systematic Review Reveals Insights
Jan 4, 2024… A systematic review of observational data on cannabis use among cancer patients and survivors in the United States found that between 4.8% and 22% reported using cannabis. The most common modes of intake were topical application, smoking, vaping, and ingestion of edibles. Cannabis was primarily used to manage symptoms such as pain, nausea, lack of sleep, and anxiety, with many participants reporting sympREAD MOREtom relief. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term benefits and risks of cannabis use in this population.
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Fighting for Free Speech: Dispensary Challenges Ad Ban
Nov 15, 2023… Mississippi dispensary owner sues state agencies to lift the nation's strictest cannabis ad ban, arguing it infringes on free speech and impacts his business negatively.
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Clearing the Smoke: Marijuana Safer than Tobacco, Science Shows
Oct 11, 2023… In his commentary, Paul Armentano, the deputy director for NORML, highlights mounting evidence that smoking marijuana is less hazardous to health than smoking tobacco. Studies indicate that marijuana smokers have a lower risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to tobacco smokers, challenging the misconception of equal respiratory risks. While cannabis smoke isn't entirely harmless, alternatives like vaporizers and non-smoking cannabis products offer safer consumption methods, emphasizing the disparity in health risks between marijuana and tobacco.
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Mississippi Medical Cannabis Sales Soar
Aug 24, 2023… Mississippi's medical cannabis sales hit $4.4 million in July, marking a 15.3% increase from June and the sixth consecutive month of growth since the program's inception in January. With $15.7 million in products sold to date, the market thrives despite regulatory challenges and local opt-outs.
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Federal Judge Rules Marijuana Users Have Constitutional Right to Own Firearms
Feb 5, 2023…In a significant decision, a federal judge in Oklahoma has ruled that laws prohibiting marijuana users from owning firearms are unconstitutional. The ruling follows the U.S. Supreme Court's precedent-setting case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which established new standards for evaluating gun laws.
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Mississippi MJ Launch Deemed Success
Jan 26, 2023… Mississippi's medical marijuana program kicked off with three dispensaries opening. One supplier plans to expand with six more dispensaries as patient registration grows beyond 1,700. Sales are anticipated to reach $800 million by the fourth year.