“Sudden spike” in cannabis as substitute for alcohol (Newsletter: December 30, 2024)

US marijuana prisoner in Russia “wrongfully detained”; CBD as antidepressant; Top 2024 state cannabis developments

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

2024 saw many cannabis policy developments at the state level—including votes on legalization ballot measures, the advancement of reform legislation by lawmakers, crackdowns on intoxicating hemp products, the launch of marijuana sales on tribal lands and much more.

The U.S. State Department has finally declared that American citizen Marc Fogel, who is incarcerated in Russia for possessing medical marijuana that he used to treat pain, is “wrongfully detained.”

A new analysis from Bloomberg Intelligence shows a “sudden spike in the substitution of marijuana for alcohol,” with a significant portion of Americans saying in a new survey that they also substitute cannabis for cigarettes and pain killers.

A new scientific review concludes that the marijuana component CBD “has antidepressant properties in humans and animals with few side effects,” achieving results “through various molecular targets, reducing inflammation, and enhancing neurogenesis.”

“There is growing evidence that CBD may be a promising candidate for the treatment of depression.”

Several South Dakota medical cannabis dispensaries have gone out of business after voters rejected a recreational marijuana legalization ballot measure and amid regulatory challenges and competition from hemp products.

Advocates with the Healing Advocacy Fund previewed how they plan to fine-tune Oregon’s psilocybin services program in 2025, including by pushing legislation to provide new legal protections to healthcare providers and tweak the licensing system.

/ FEDERAL

Former White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Deputy Director Thomas McClellan said legalizing marijuana is a “bad idea” and claimed that safe consumption sites for illegal drugs are “dangerous.”

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) discussed his views on marijuana rescheduling and cannabis banking legislation.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) touted Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s (D-OR) work on marijuana policy during a House floor speech, noting that “even Snoop Dogg asked Earl for advice on how he could help with cannabis legislation.”

/ STATES

Wisconsin’s Assembly minority leader discussed the popularity of medical cannabis.

A New York assemblymember is asking President Joe Biden to commute the sentence of a man convicted of smuggling marijuana across the border.

The Virginia State Crime Commission is considering a proposal to recommend that lawmakers pass legislation sealing all records for marijuana possession.

A Massachusetts regulator hosted marijuana businesses for a roundtable discussion on testing and safety practices.

A Nevada regulator appeared on a cannabis podcast.

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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

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/ INTERNATIONAL

A Northern Ireland lawmaker is calling for drug decriminalization.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “use of medicinal cannabis in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has shown potential in improving symptoms such as hyperactivity, aggression, self-harm, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.”

Researchers said they discovered the “closest free-living relative of the domesticated ‘magic mushroom’ Psilocybe cubensis in Africa.”

/ BUSINESS

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. announced a share buyback program.

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