Author: News Room

Two in three Kansans, including a majority of Republicans, support legalizing marijuana, according to a new poll. And most say they’re likely to vote for lawmakers who back medical cannabis legalization. While medical marijuana reform has consistently stalled out in the GOP-controlled state legislature, about 67 percent of Kansans say they’re ready for a fundamental policy change to raise revenue from legalizing and taxing recreational cannabis, the Kansas Speaks fall survey from the Docking Institute of Public Affairs found. That includes a majority of people from every age demographic, all income levels and all political and religious affiliations surveyed. People…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a highly redacted version of a brief letter to the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding the agency’s marijuana rescheduling recommendation. The letter, obtained via Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by Law360 reporter Sam Reisman, confirmed certain previously reported details such as the date of the correspondence, August 29, and the author, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine. But it was redacted to exclude the substance of the message such as the scheduling recommendation itself, as well as the scientific review portion that was attached…

Bipartisan House lawmakers have refiled another bill to federally legalize marijuana, while taking steps to preserve existing state cannabis markets. Sponsored by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), the States Reform Act was first introduced in 2021, serving as an alternative to a Democratic-led legalization proposal that’s cleared the House twice in recent years. At that time, Mace’s bill had only GOP cosponsors. The text of the new version of the legislation, which has has a handful of both Democrats and Republicans signed on, isn’t available yet, so it’s unclear if there have been meaningful changes. Even more uncertain are its prospects…

Anthony Armour wants his job at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) back. But after being fired for testing positive for THC that he attributes to federally legal CBD products, his legal fight for reinstatement is causing significant financial hardship—and now he’s turning to the public for help. Described by DEA as an “outstanding” special agent during his 16-year tenure, Armour was ultimately terminated by the agency in 2019 following a random drug screening that revealed traces of THC metabolites. He admitted to taking CBD for chronic pain as an opioid alternative—and he turned over the products he believed to be federally…

Talking to Devendra Banhart is somewhat akin to listening to a Devendra Banhart album. You let go and simply go with the flow. At one point during our conversation, Banhart describes his love for sad songs and horror movies, comparing them to a ride. Having a conversation with Banhart is a similar experience. Discard the notes, forget any questions, and just enjoy as Banhart’s focus wanders while he discusses his latest album, Flying Wig, and the classic Los Del Río tune, the “Macarena.” Perhaps the 30th anniversary of the song was on Banhart’s mind? Whatever the case may be, Banhart…

A Pennsylvania House committee will convene for an informational meeting next week to hear from experts about adult-use marijuana legalization as legislators chart a path for the reform, with the panel’s chairman considering the possibility of incorporating a state-run cannabis sales model. While the House Health Subcommittee on Health Care will not take up any specific legislation at its November 1 hearing, members will have the chance to listen to testimony from professors, advocates and addiction specialists about the health considerations of moving forward with legalization in the Keystone State. The subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Dan Frankel (D), who…

A New Hampshire commission charged with drafting a bill to legalize cannabis sales through state-run stores began digging into possible legislative language on Tuesday, discussing issues such as how existing medical marijuana dispensaries would be integrated into the new system, how products would be tested for potency and safety and how to avoid interfering with existing hemp and CBD markets. The 19-person panel also heard from three opponents to marijuana legalization, although the commission chair, Sen. Daryl Abbas (R), had to repeatedly remind speakers that the body’s core goal is to craft a proposal that would legalize cannabis in New…

While many marijuana enthusiasts believe that components called terpenes are responsible for strains’ distinctive smells, a new study published by the American Chemical Society has identified “previously undiscovered cannabis compounds” that challenge that conventional wisdom of what really gives each variety its unique olfactory profile. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from marijuana extraction and testing companies and published this month in the journal ACS Omega, says that “while aroma is a key property in differentiating cannabis varieties and user preferences, the importance of terpenes appears to be overstated.” Terpenes, which make up about 1 percent to 4…

New York marijuana regulators are working to debunk what they say is the “false” narrative that cannabis is commonly contaminated with fentanyl—a “misconception” that remains “widespread” despite a lack of evidence. The state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) recently put out a factsheet on the issue, acknowledging that while fentanyl has been found in drugs like MDMA and heroin, anecdotal claims about marijuana laced with the potent opioid are so far unfounded. OCM published the two-page document—titled “Cannabis and Fentanyl: Facts and Unknowns”—to “address misconceptions about cannabis being mixed with fentanyl,” it said. “The goal of this fact sheet is…

“Citizen-initiatives are limited to a single subject which makes it difficult to address lots of different things.” By Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal Legalizing marijuana in Ohio under Issue 2 would not lead to the automatic expungement for those charged with cannabis offenses. But the tax revenue from legalizing cannabis could address some criminal justice reform through the social equity and jobs program fund, said Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol. “That fund—in addition to the direct investment to disproportionately impacted communities—is designed to fund and steady criminal justice reform efforts including sentencing reform, bail…