Author: News Room

A bi-partisan hemp bill that would separate grain and fiber outputs from flower-derived products such as CBD and other cannabinoids has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The measure, HR 3755, would also remove a requirement that hemp fiber and grain growers undergo background checks, and eliminate mandatory sampling and testing of crops, requiring only an annual inspection. Reps. Matt Rosendale, a Republican of Montana, and Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Democrat, are sponsoring the measure, which is a companion bill to a similar proposed law introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this year. Separation The separation of grain…

If you’ve run packs from the Bay or done any clandestine dealings in Humboldt before 2018 it’s more than likely at one time or another those transactions took place in the parking lot of the Tip Top, the only strip club in the Emerald Triangle and unofficial community hub of The Hill—the nickname affectionately given to the lush mountains of NorCal where growing cannabis is prevalent.  The standalone building was a known destination for lonely farmers and trimmers alike, a veritable trading post pre-legalization, and a hidden treasure trove for dancers. Perched on a bluff off the 101 and Salmon…

Welcome to June, stargazers! As the summer solstice draws near on June 21, the stars foretell a magical, energetic month. Time to savor the simple joys of life, take a break, and bask in the warmth of the summer sun. Use this month to recharge, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your inner self. This month brings the juiciest details from the cosmic realm while setting the stage for a summery selection of cannabis goodies. At the year’s halfway point, we’re delving deep into the astral vibes of each zodiac sign, revealing what the universe has in store for you—and you can navigate…

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers have introduced a bill that would create a $75 million federal grant program to support research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for certain health conditions among active duty military service members. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) filed the legislation last week. It’s titled the “Douglas ‘Mike’ Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023,” honoring a former Navy SEAL and Silver Star recipient who died in March. The measure, which has 11 cosponsors and has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee, would direct the defense secretary to establish the grant program, funding phase two…

After expenses, revenue can go towards processing cannabis expungements, supporting veterans, funding drug treatment and adding to the Missouri Public Defenders System’s budget. By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent Since Missouri’s marijuana sales began in 2019, the state has collected nearly $100 million in revenue from taxes and program fees, according to state authorities. Etched in the state’s constitution is a road map for where the revenue can go. The first stop is operational costs. By law, any expense it takes to run both medical and recreational marijuana programs—like salaries or professional services—all must be paid for through marijuana revenues. That…

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) has signed a bill to bolster marijuana-related protections for working professionals in the state—effectively codifying an executive order he issued last year. The legislation from Sen. Kevin Van Winkle (R), which was approved by the legislature last month, prohibits regulators from denying or revoking professional certifications, registrations or licenses to people based solely on prior civil or criminal violations over cannabis-related activity that’s been made legal in the state. If a person’s licensure or certification was previously impacted because of a marijuana issue, that also couldn’t be used as the basis for disciplinary action going…

The California Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit employers from asking job applicants about prior marijuana use. After moving through four committees, the legislation from Sen. Steven Bradford (D) passed on the floor in a 29-9 vote on Tuesday, sending it to the Assembly for consideration. It would build on existing employment protections enacted last session that bar employers from penalizing most workers for using cannabis in compliance with state law off the job. “It is unlawful for an employer to request information from an applicant for employment relating to the applicant’s prior use of cannabis,” the bill…

Florida activists have collected enough valid signatures to qualify a marijuana legalization initiative for the 2024 ballot, state officials confirmed on Thursday as the campaign faces a legal challenge from the state attorney general. The Florida Division of Elections, which updates petition counts on the measure at the end of each month, is reporting that it has verified 967,528 signatures as of the end of May—exceeding the required 891,523 signature threshold. At the end of January, the measure cleared an initial major hurdle, getting enough signatures to initiate a state Supreme Court review of the measure’s language. That analysis is still…

Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens is pure, uncut silliness. It’s a series packed to the brim with personality and jokes relatable and literally out-of-this-world. In season three of the Comedy Central series, which was created by Awkwafina and Teresa Hsiao, Nora still searches for the answers to, “What does it all mean? Wait, what do *I* even mean?” It’s the no. 1 stoner comedy on television, and season three may or not be the final season from Teresa Hsiao, who’s experiencing a career high at the moment. The former writer on Family Guy and We Bare Bears also co-wrote and…

A Kentucky administrative commission announced on Wednesday that the state will be distributing $42 million in funding for research into the potential of the psychedelic ibogaine for the treatment of opioid addiction. At an event that featured Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R)—who is also the Republican nominee in this November’s gubernatorial election—officials with the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission said the body will be spearheading the psychedelics research effort, using funds received from a legal settlement with major opioid manufacturers. “We need to explore a new approach,” Cameron, who was one of 18 state attorneys general who called on President…