Russia has freed a U.S. citizen arrested earlier this month on drug smuggling charges, according to Russian media reports and a U.S. official who spoke with The Associated Press. The move appeared to be an effort to ease tension between Moscow and Washington ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, which are expected to focus on the war in Ukraine and the fragile ceasefire … [Read more...] about Russia reportedly frees American Kalob Byers, detained for alleged cannabis, as Trump seeks Ukraine deal
In The News
‘It’s a good way to get rid of the noise’ Soldier who killed Osama Bin Laden launches Cannabis brand
New York: Robert O'Neill, the decorated former SEAL Team 6 operator, has entered the cannabis industry with Operator Canna Co, a state-licensed marijuana brand aimed at supporting veterans dealing with PTSD and stress-related disorders. A portion of the company’s revenue will be donated to charities supporting disabled veterans. O'Neill, who was part of the 2011 raid that … [Read more...] about ‘It’s a good way to get rid of the noise’ Soldier who killed Osama Bin Laden launches Cannabis brand
Cannabis industry faces debt reckoning without bankruptcy help
If it were like most companies on the losing end of a boom and bust cycle, Schwazze could just turn to the U.S. bankruptcy court to keep its creditors at bay while renegotiating its debt. But unlike most businesses, its product — marijuana — is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government. That disadvantage will make it harder for Schwazze and other cannabis companies to … [Read more...] about Cannabis industry faces debt reckoning without bankruptcy help
NY may allow even more pot shops in neighborhoods but some merchants say change would put them out of business
More licensed pot shops would be crammed into New York neighborhoods under a new rule proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s cannabis regulators Thursday — sparking outrage from weed merchants who worry the change would put them out of business. The Office of Cannabis Management’s plan would tighten the buffer zones separating licensed dispensaries in communities in New York City and … [Read more...] about NY may allow even more pot shops in neighborhoods but some merchants say change would put them out of business
New Meredith poll finds strong support for medical marijuana legalization in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A newly-released poll conducted by Meredith found more than 7 in 10 North Carolinians back medical marijuana legalization. The findings, released this week, showed 71% of North Carolinians "strongly" or "somewhat" support marijuana legalization, while 23% "strongly" or "somewhat" oppose. Breaking down the report further, medical marijuana legalization … [Read more...] about New Meredith poll finds strong support for medical marijuana legalization in North Carolina
New study looks at risks of marijuana use
Just like alcohol or opioids, experts say people who often smoke marijuana can get addicted with a higher risk of death. Those are the results of a new JAMA Network study of 11 million people, which finds those with Cannabis Use Disorder have a six-fold elevated risk of death compared to non-users. Detroit Medical Center Doctor Andrew King says Cannabis Use Disorder can cause … [Read more...] about New study looks at risks of marijuana use
Study: Retail Cannabis Sales Associated With Reduced Drinking Among Young Adults
New York, NY: Fewer young adults report using alcohol following the opening of licensed marijuana retailers, according to data published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Researchers affiliated with the City University of New York and the University of Alabama at Birmingham assessed the relationship between adult-use legalization laws and consumers’ use of alcohol … [Read more...] about Study: Retail Cannabis Sales Associated With Reduced Drinking Among Young Adults
Rhode Island: Nearly $10 Million in Legal Cannabis Sold in January
Licensed marijuana outlets in Rhode Island sold $9.57 million worth of marijuana between January 1 and January 31, according to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. While this marks a slight decline from the $10.11 million recorded in December, it represents a modest rise from the $9.50 million sold in January 2024. Of the $9.57 million in sales, $7.89 million … [Read more...] about Rhode Island: Nearly $10 Million in Legal Cannabis Sold in January
Veterans Cannabis Care (VCC) Expands Mission to Serve Veterans in Need
CASSELBERRY, Fla., February 11, 2025 (Newswire.com) - Veterans Cannabis Care (VCC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Veterans' quality of life through access to The Florida Medical Marijuana Program, cannabis education and resources, proudly announces its commitment to expanding its programs to serve even more Veterans in need. As part of this effort, … [Read more...] about Veterans Cannabis Care (VCC) Expands Mission to Serve Veterans in Need
NY launches Cannabis Banking Directory
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management has launched the Cannabis Banking Directory, which connects licensed cannabis businesses with banks and credit unions ready to serve the industry. The program launched by OCM’s Social and Economic Equity (SEE) team is designed to increase access to financial services by reducing barriers to help create more financial stability … [Read more...] about NY launches Cannabis Banking Directory