From SXSW 2024's Psychedelics To Gallup's Surprising Poll: Marijuana Trumps Cigarettes Among Americans

Alabama's Medical Marijuana Licenses Under Fire - Who Holds The Key To Transparency?

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) faces renewed scrutiny as it attempts to re-evaluate and award licenses for medical marijuana production and sales.

After awarding licenses to 21 out of 90 applicants, the AMCC suspended its decision due to scoring inconsistencies, leading to legal challenges from seven companies.

Among the concerns raised is the lack of transparency in the licensing process, prompting companies to sue over closed-door meetings.

Two applicants, Alabama Always and Specialty Medical Products of Alabama (SMPA) seek a restraining order to ensure transparency in the upcoming license allocation.

SMPA's attorneys argue that if the commission's deliberations remain secretive, SMPA would lack the critical information needed to mount an effective appeal, hindering their ability to challenge license decisions.

Northern Michigan University Seeks Cannabis Education Breakthrough With Research License

Northern Michigan University (NMU) has taken a pioneering step by applying for a marijuana educational research license, aiming to become the first institution in Michigan to integrate live cannabis plants into its curriculum, reported Dustin Walsh for Crain’s Detroit Business.

The license, introduced in 2020, would enable NMU to incorporate marijuana products, research and disposal into its courses, revolutionizing education in fields like medicinal plant chemistry and biochemical techniques.

Despite federal legal concerns, NMU's move highlights a growing trend in academia to explore cannabis-related studies, potentially shaping the future of cannabis education and research in the state.

SXSW 2024: Record Number Of Psychedelics And Marijuana Panels

The 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival's voting phase has begun, featuring over 100 panels focused on marijuana and psychedelics topics.

The surge in proposed panels reflects the growing interest in drug policy reform, with psychedelics discussions taking the lead this year, reported Marijuana Moment.

Despite both categories having a comparable number of submissions, this marks the first time that psychedelics-related panels have outnumbered those centered around cannabis. The SXSW PanelPicker voting period will determine the lineup for the March 2024 event and showcases the increasing prominence of these reform movements.

Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission's Summer Tour Highlights Equity Concerns

The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission's summer listening tour has drawn attention to equity issues in the state's cannabis industry. Community members and advocates have called for social equity measures, emphasizing the need to address the historical injustices caused by the War on Drugs.

Concerns were raised about prioritizing ownership over employment in social equity licenses and reinvesting cannabis revenue in marginalized communities, while some also questioned the use of funds for law enforcement.

The commission plans to leverage expert input to shape regulations and recommendations from an upcoming Cannabis Advisory Board, aiming to ensure a fair and inclusive cannabis market in the state.

Gallup Poll: Marijuana Surpasses Cigarettes Among Americans

A recent Gallup poll reveals that marijuana usage has overtaken cigarettes among Americans, with 17% of U.S. adults reporting current cannabis consumption, compared to just 11% who smoke cigarettes.

The survey also found that more than half of Americans have tried marijuana, marking a record high of 50% lifetime use.

The data indicates that marijuana consumption is increasing, particularly among young adults, with 29% of those aged 18-34 reporting current usage.

Additionally, public support for marijuana legalization continues to grow alongside the state-by-state reform movement.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the place where deals get done, is returning to Chicago this Sept 27-28 for its 17th edition. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Photo by Keren Fedida on Unsplash.