January 2025 - Page 2 of 4 - CannabisNewsWire

ThursdayJan 23, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Activists in Florida File New Initiative to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Marijuana advocates in Florida have submitted a fresh proposal aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis. The new measure comes only two months after a similar one failed to secure the required supermajority vote during the November election. Florida residents will have the opportunity to vote on the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2026 if the measure is approved. Smart and Safe Florida, the group behind the measure, officially submitted it to the state Elections’ Division on Tuesday. The initiative would legalize recreational cannabis use for individuals 21 years of age or older while establishing regulations for the cultivation, sale, and distribution…

ThursdayJan 23, 2025 10:00 am

Biden Commutes the Sentences of Almost 2,500 Inmates Convicted on Drug Offences

Former U.S. President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of almost 2,500 inmates convicted of various non-violent drug offenses (including marijuana) during his last days in the Oval Office. Biden noted that with this last round of commutations, he has granted clemency to more Americans than any other president in U.S. history. Biden also conducted two mass pardon rounds early in his term where he also granted clemency to Americans who had federal marijuana possession offenses on their records. He released a statement saying the last round of commutations ‘provided relief’ for people who had received long prison sentences based on…

WednesdayJan 22, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana is Widely Available in Texas Despite its Prohibitive Laws

In Texas, getting high has never been easier, despite the state’s reputation for strict policies and socially conservative values. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, Texas boasts over 7,000 marijuana dispensaries—nearly double the number in California. The market has expanded to include 24/7 marijuana delivery services, mobile dispensary trucks, vending machines, and even mail-order options. The contradiction arises from the state legislature, which has consistently opposed legalizing recreational cannabis. Yet, due to a rapidly growing and loosely regulated hemp market, Texas has unintentionally earned the nickname “the THC Republic.” It began when Congress passed Farm Bill 2018, which legalized hemp by…

TuesdayJan 21, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Illinois OKs Additional Conditions for Which Women Can Use Medical Marijuana

Cannabis regulators in Illinois have expanded the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana for the first time since legalization in 2019, focusing specifically on women’s health issues. The state’s public health department, following recommendations from the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, approved four new conditions: female orgasmic disorder, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. While cannabis cannot shrink cysts or fibroids as some treatments might, it can help alleviate the pain brought by these conditions, explained Doctor Leslie Mendoza Temple, co-chair of the advisory board. She expressed satisfaction with the state’s decision to approve the conditions after nearly six years…

FridayJan 17, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Observers Say Budgetary Pressures Could Boost Efforts to Legalize Marijuana in Iowa

A significant portion of adults in the U.S. remains in favor of cannabis legalization. However, despite this momentum, three out of four recreational legalization initiatives—proposed in Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota—failed during the November elections. Projections indicate that about five states might legalize cannabis this year, though Iowa appears to be an exception. As with many policy matters, expanding access to medical marijuana or legalizing recreational marijuana sales in Iowa involves multiple layers of complexity. Issues such as health, social justice, law enforcement, economic impact, agriculture, and employment are all intertwined in this debate. Observers note that financial considerations…

FridayJan 17, 2025 10:00 am

DEA Judge Calls Off Upcoming Cannabis Reclassification Hearing

Efforts to reclassify cannabis at the federal level recently hit a roadblock after a DEA judge canceled the upcoming reclassification meeting. The main agenda at the meeting would have been a proposal seeking to amend federal cannabis laws and reclassify the controversial drug, putting an end to several decades of prohibition. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration judge has effectively delayed the reclassification process for at least three months. The Department of Health and Human Services proposal sought to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the CSA, a move that would finally grant America’s state-level marijuana sector access…

ThursdayJan 16, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Dallas Police Get New Instructions on Making Marijuana-Related Arrests, Citations

Dallas police have updated guidelines on handling cannabis possession cases after Proposition R was put into effect. An internal memo from the Dallas Police Department (DPD) outlines the changes, stating that officers are no longer permitted to arrest or issue citations for possession of cannabis weighing less than four ounces. Furthermore, cannabis odor alone cannot be used as probable cause for a search, except in high-priority narcotics or violent felony cases. Previously, the policy required officers to confiscate cannabis from individuals with less than two ounces without issuing citations or making arrests. However, the recent memo, circulated on Friday, declares…

ThursdayJan 16, 2025 10:00 am

How Consumer Preferences Could Influence Marijuana Retail This Year

Every cannabis retailer worth their salt makes sure to study consumer preferences and incorporate them into their decision-making processes. Regardless of the sector, taking customer preferences into account helps businesses serve their customers efficiently by providing goods or services that meet an already-established need. With the cannabis industry entering a new year, customer preferences will be a major influencing factor for the industry. Retailers will likely use consumer preference data to determine their inventory and the products they offer in 2025. For instance, pre-rolls have exhibited sustained growth for the past year and could make a major appearance in major…

WednesdayJan 15, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Data Shows After Ohio Legalized Marijuana, Fatal Car Crashes Have Dropped

Recent data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) shows that since cannabis legalization came into effect in the state, fatal traffic accidents connected to marijuana use have decreased by 30%. This contradicts concerns raised by critics of legalization who predicted an increase in deadly crashes caused by impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana. Ohio voters approved recreational cannabis legalization in November 2023 and the law went into effect the following month, allowing for legal possession and use. Retail sales began in August 2024. The state had 1,067 fatal road accidents last year—the lowest figure in the last…

TuesdayJan 14, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Governor Wants Wisconsin Voters to Legalize Marijuana as GOP Lawmakers Block Reform Efforts

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers has proposed granting voters the power to introduce binding questions directly on the ballot to enact new laws. He cited widespread bipartisan support for issues like cannabis legalization, which the Republican-led legislature has consistently refused to address. During a recent press conference, Evers announced his intention to include a proposal in the 2025/27 biennial budget allowing citizens to initiate ballot measures for constitutional or statutory changes, provided they receive majority approval. Evers specifically highlighted popular issues such as the legalization and taxation of cannabis akin to alcohol, gun safety, abortion rights, and more financing for civic…