As marijuana products become more accessible than ever before, the number of cannabis consumers grows worldwide. However, as the market expands, many are unable to identify the major differences or similarities between strains such as cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. This uncertainty is largely due to the disparity between public knowledge and current research. Although the sativa and indica strains are among the most recognizable in the marijuana market, research around benefits and effects is comparatively limited to other substances. Several experts believe that the stigma against marijuana research is due to the plant’s federal Schedule 1 status as an allegedly dangerous and addictive drug.
FDA and CDC Warrant Federal Warnings about Delta-8 THC
On September 14, 2021, the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) warranted federal warnings against the usage and marketing of Delta-8 THC. In similar reports, these federal agencies warned against the use of Delta-8 because of the lack of research on the rare cannabinoid and the growing accessibility of these products in the market.
Mexico Decriminalizes Recreational Marijuana, Moves Towards Legalization
On June 28, 2021, the Mexican Supreme Court voted in an 8-3 ruling in favor of the decriminalization of marijuana. This ruling comes after Congress stalled a decision over cannabis legalization for over three years. The Mexican Supreme Court’s monumental ruling exerts pressure on the Mexican Congress to vote on cannabis legalization. If approved by Congress, Mexico would become the largest cannabis market in the world. Below, we outline the history behind this controversial matter and dissect what it means for the marijuana industry as a whole.
New York Becomes the 15th State To Legalize Recreational Marijuana
On March 30, 2021, New York lawmakers voted in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis after hours of debate in the State Senate and Assembly. Approximately 12 hours after the legislation was approved, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill that legalizes marijuana for adults and expunges the criminal records of those previously convicted by actions that would now be legal under the new law.
With the passing of this bill, New York became the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adults in the U.S. Below, we break down the details of this significant marijuana legislation.
New Jersey Officially Legalizes Marijuana After Years of Efforts
After several years of failed attempts and efforts, New Jersey finally legalized marijuana on Monday, February 22, 2021, when Governor Philip D. Murphy signed three bills into law. These bills permit and regulate the use of recreational marijuana in the Garden State (with some strict stipulations) and focus on community outreach for previous marijuana-related convictions. The legalization of marijuana in New Jersey comes after a long run of unsuccessful attempts and hopes to end the era of arrests and ambiguity. Below, we take a closer look at New Jersey’s path to legalization of marijuana, as well as the recently enacted legislation itself.