FDA's Scarce CBD Regulations, MO Weed Measures, Cannabis In NJ, Kratom's Legal Statues & More

Congressman Blames FDA For Damaging Public Trust Due To Lack Of CBD Regs

At a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, a Republican congressman and staunch marijuana opponent accused the FDA of failing to regulate the CBD, causing "controversies" and "disrupting public confidence" in the agency.

According to Marijuana Moment, Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) expressed frustration over the FDA's lack of a "regulatory pathway for cannabidiol oil" after years of investment. He urged the agency to make reforms that would restore trust and confidence in its abilities.

Marijuana To Cope With Homelessness In Kansas

Advocates aim to tackle homelessness with the help of a marijuana sales tax in Kansas City, Missouri.

Voters will decide on whether to impose a 3% sales tax on recreational cannabis sales, which could potentially boost revenue for the city's homeless services through the ongoing 0 KC Plan, reported Fox 4 Kansas.

States Consider Regulating Or Banning Kratom

US lawmakers are considering regulating or banning kratom, a Southeast Asian plant with opioid-like properties used to treat pain, help with opioid withdrawal and improve mood.

Despite its growing popularity, kratom remains unregulated at the federal level, prompting a flurry of state-level scrutiny, reported Marijuana Moment. “It really comes down to your evaluation of a harm reduction tool,” said Mac Haddow, a lobbyist and senior fellow on public policy at the American Kratom Association. “Other than that, it’s a freedom issue.”

Oakland Revisits Cannabis Cultivation App To Avoid $6.8M Lawsuit

The Oakland Borough Council, NJ, voted 4-1 to reconsider a cannabis cultivation application that was left unaddressed for four months. The move is an attempt to resolve a $6.8 million tort claim filed by Kusala Care LLC, which submitted the application to open a marijuana-growing facility in the borough, per Yahoo Life.

The application is based on local ordinances that permit non-retail cannabis businesses to operate in four designated zones, including cultivation. Despite opposition from newly-elected Councilman John McCann, residents have urged the council to vote on the application to avoid the financial burden of the lawsuit on borough taxes and benefit from the potential tax revenue generated by cannabis businesses.

Indiana Sees Drop In Illicit Marijuana Seizures: What About Fentanyl?

The Fort Wayne Police Department in Indiana reported a significant decrease in marijuana seizures in recent years, with only 32,855 grams seized in 2022 compared to 67,843.5 grams in 2020.

A local news media outlet says that Captain Kevin Hunter of the Vice and Narcotics Bureau at FWPD attributes the decline to a straightforward reason... Fentanyl. “Fentanyl is, again, it’s killing people and we want to get that off the streets so that we’re not causing harm to our community.” 

Another Cannabis Capital Conference Happening In Miami

The most successful cannabis business event in the world, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference returns to Miami for its 16th edition. This is the place where DEALS GET DONE, where money is raised, M&A happens and companies meet investors and key partners. Join us at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Florida on April 11-12. Don’t miss out. Secure your tickets now before prices go up.

Image Credits: Bukhta Yurii And ChonnieArtwork On Shutterstock Edited By Benzinga