Hemp Knightz CannaNews™
Missouri News
Travis Kelce Estimates High Cannabis Use Among NFL Players
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, two-time Super Bowl champion and tight end Travis Kelce estimated that 50-80% of NFL players are using cannabis. This comes after the NFL's policy change in 2020, which no longer suspends players for testing positive for cannabis and limits the drug testing period to the first two weeks of training camp. The policy change also increased the threshold for a positive cannabis drug test from 35 to 150 nanograms of THC. Kelce's estimate aligns with those of other former NFL players, some of whom suggest the number could be even higher.
US National News
Cannabis Policy Updates Across Multiple States
Several states, including Connecticut, Illinois, and New York, have made significant strides in cannabis policy reform. In Connecticut, the state's adult-use cannabis market is set to launch, with adults aged 21 and over being allowed to possess and cultivate cannabis for personal use. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation into law to provide additional funding for social equity applicants seeking to participate in the state's cannabis industry. In New York, lawmakers have approved a bill to allow farmers to sell cannabis to tribes, a move that aims to foster economic development and cooperation between farmers and tribal communities.
Connecticut Launches Legal Home Cultivation
Connecticut is set to launch its legal home cultivation program, allowing adults aged 21 and over to grow cannabis for personal use. The new law, which goes into effect on July 1, permits adults to cultivate up to six plants per person, with a maximum of 12 plants per household. The move is part of the state's broader effort to regulate and control the cannabis market, following the legalization of recreational cannabis use in June 2021.
- https://hightimes.com/news/connecticut-to-launch-legal-home-cultivation-this-weekend/
- https://norml.org/blog/2023/06/28/connecticut-law-change-permitting-adults-to-home-cultivate-cannabis-takes-effect-on-saturday/
NBA Removes Marijuana from Banned Substances List
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and its players union have officially signed a collective bargaining agreement that removes marijuana from the league’s banned substances list. The agreement also allows players to invest in and promote cannabis brands, with certain exceptions. The move is seen as a significant step towards the normalization of cannabis use in professional sports.
Major Cannabis Industry Players Launch Super PAC
A coalition of marijuana businesses and advocacy groups, including the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC), has launched a new super PAC, "Legalize America". The super PAC aims to raise the profile of cannabis as a national issue in the 2024 election and beyond. Part of the strategy will involve finding industry partners to ask their customers to make “round-up” donations at the point of sale when shopping at dispensaries.
Wisconsin GOP Senators Defeat Marijuana Legalization Amendment
In Wisconsin, a marijuana legalization amendment led by a top Democrat has been defeated by GOP senators. The amendment, which was proposed as part of the state's budget plan, aimed to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana sales. However, the Republican-controlled Senate voted against the amendment, arguing that such a significant policy change should not be included in the budget process.
Top Labor Union Urges Biden Administration to Support Marijuana Workers
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union, a top labor union, has urged the Biden administration to support marijuana workers and prevent industry monopolization. The union has called on the administration to adopt a series of recommendations aimed at protecting the rights of workers in the cannabis industry, including prioritizing union jobs and preventing monopolies.
RFK Jr. Pledges to Legalize Marijuana and Psychedelics
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine advocate, has pledged to legalize marijuana and psychedelics if he is elected as a U.S. senator. Kennedy plans to use the revenue from the legalization to fund farms where people recovering from drug addiction can grow organic food.
Santa Barbara County Implements 'Death Penalty' Tax Rule
Santa Barbara County in California has approved stricter penalties for cannabis businesses that fail to pay their taxes on time. Starting in August, businesses that do not pay their quarterly taxes or file the necessary paperwork within the 30-day grace period could lose their license to operate. The move is part of the county's efforts to address the growing issue of late tax payments and report filings among cannabis businesses.
New Poll Shows Majority of Americans Support Legalizing Psychedelic Therapy
A recent poll conducted by the University of California, Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP) reveals that 61% of American registered voters support the legalization of regulated therapeutic access to psychedelics. Furthermore, 78% of voters support making it easier for researchers to study psychedelic substances, and almost half (49%) support removing criminal penalties for personal use and possession. The poll, which is part of a new longitudinal public opinion research project by the university, was presented at the Psychedelic Science 2023 Conference in Denver, Colorado. The full results of the Berkeley Psychedelics Survey will be published in the coming weeks.
International News
Luxembourg Parliament Votes to Legalize Marijuana
Luxembourg's parliament has voted to legalize the possession and cultivation of marijuana, making it the second European Union country to end prohibition. The new law allows adults aged 18 and over to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis and to grow up to four plants per household for personal use. The law also includes provisions for the establishment of a regulated market for the sale of cannabis.
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/luxembourg-parliament-votes-to-legalize-marijuana-possession-and-cultivation-making-it-second-eu-country-to-end-prohibition/
- https://hightimes.com/news/luxembourg-legalizes-weed-for-personal-use/
Ukraine's President Supports Medical Marijuana Legalization
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed support for the legalization of medical marijuana, stating that it could help people affected by the trauma of war with Russia. The president made the remarks during a press conference, where he also discussed the potential benefits of legalizing gambling and prostitution.
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/ukraines-president-says-legalizing-medical-marijuana-can-help-people-impacted-by-trauma-of-war-with-russia/
- https://hightimes.com/news/zelensky-pushes-medical-cannabis-legalization-to-aid-ukrainians-suffering-trauma-of-war/
Catalonia Cracks Down on Cannabis Industry
In the Spanish region of Catalonia, law enforcement is cracking down on the booming illegal production of marijuana. The region, which is Spain's top producing region, has seen an increase in the availability of high-potency extracts and edibles, leading to concerns about acute toxicity presentations in hospital emergency departments. The region's cannabis clubs, which were legalized in 2017 but are now in legal limbo due to a court ruling in 2021, operate under self-imposed rules.
Cannabis Identified as Most Used Substance in Europe
According to a report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, cannabis is the most commonly consumed illicit drug in Europe. The report shows that 8% of European adults have used cannabis within the last year, with an estimated 1.3% of adults described as "daily" or "almost daily" consumers. The report also highlights the increasing diversity of cannabis products available in Europe, both on the illicit drug market and for consumer markets.
In the coming week, we anticipate further discussions and developments around the topics we've covered today. From the potential legalization of psychedelic therapy in the US, to the ongoing regulatory changes in various states, the cannabis industry continues to evolve and adapt. Regulatory challenges persist, but so too do opportunities for new products and markets, as evidenced by the increasing acceptance of cannabis and psychedelics for therapeutic use.
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, stay tuned for more insights, updates, and analysis. Join us next week for the latest edition of Hemp Knightz CannaNews - Weekly Edition, where we'll bring you the most important headlines and developments from the world of cannabis. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, and stay engaged.
.jfif)
Comments
Post a Comment