DR. DIOL?

Oregon's outdoor cannabis cultivators are reporting one of their best harvests in recent memory, thanks to a sunny, hot summer that minimized mold issues. This marks a significant improvement over the previous year's wetter conditions, which led to mold problems. As of October 2024, growers have produced 2.3 million pounds of marijuana, with final harvest data still pending. The favorable weather also resulted in a less severe fire season, reducing smoke damage to crops. However, pricing remains volatile, with costs ranging from $200 to $600 per pound, depending on volume and quality.

The below article argues that while federal marijuana legalization could resolve the conflict between intoxicating hemp and marijuana industries, it is unlikely to happen due to political divisions, public health concerns, and the influence of pharmaceutical companies. Descheduling marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act would face numerous hurdles, including regulatory complexity and international treaties. Incremental reforms, rather than full legalization, are seen as a more likely outcome.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has postponed its hearing on the Biden administration's proposal to reschedule marijuana from December 2, 2024, to early 2025. This delay follows the selection of over two dozen witnesses to participate in the hearing. The DEA selected witnesses are as follows: Counsel for the Government Village Farms International National Cannabis Industry Association American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Cannabis Bioscience International Holdings Hemp for Victory State of Connecticut Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board Veterans Initiative 22 The Doc App. Dba, My Florida Green The Commonwealth Project Saint Michael’s College National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association Smart Approaches to Marijuana International Academy on the Science and Impact of Cannabis Cannabis Industry Victims Educating Litigators National Transportation Safety Board Attorney General Mike Hilgers for the State of Nebraska International Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America Tennessee Bureau of Investigation National Sheriff’s Association The postponement extends the timeline for any potential changes to federal marijuana policy.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is preparing for its hearing on cannabis rescheduling by selecting witnesses to testify. The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) has confirmed its inclusion among the approved speakers. Other organizations, such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association, have also received approval to participate. The outcome of the election could influence the rescheduling process, as a new administration might alter its course.

U.S. Senator Rand Paul has introduced the HEMP Act, which aims to raise the legal THC limit in hemp from 0.3% to 1%. The bill also mandates that hemp-derived products, rather than raw plants, be tested and requires documentation for hemp transport. Paul believes this would help ease federal regulations and support the economic growth of the hemp industry. A competing bill introduced by Senator Ron Wyden seeks stricter regulations, banning synthetic cannabinoids. Congress is long overdue on updating the Farm Bill, which regulates hemp policy.

Japan has updated its CBD regulations, raising the THC threshold in CBD products from 1 part per million (ppm) to 10 ppm, marking a significant but still very strict limit. The changes, part of Japan’s amended Cannabis Control Act, are a response to industry concerns, but the tight THC restrictions continue to challenge cannabis operators and investors in Japan’s CBD market.

Morocco's new regulations favor marijuana cultivation over hemp, placing hemp farmers at a disadvantage. The rules allow only licensed producers to grow cannabis, with a focus on marijuana for medical and industrial purposes. This has led to concerns that hemp, which is less profitable and tightly regulated, could be marginalized in the market. The complex regulatory framework may hinder the growth of the hemp industry in Morocco, despite its potential benefits.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill restricting the sale of intoxicating hemp products to businesses licensed by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. The law allows future sales of hemp-infused beverages in liquor stores after regulatory rules are finalized. It targets unregulated intoxicating hemp products, particularly those accessible to minors, and includes fines for violations, starting at $100 for a first offense and increasing significantly for repeat offenses.

A secret-shopper survey in Delaware found that many hemp products were contaminated with psilocybin, mold, pesticides, and synthetic cannabinoids. The survey, conducted at unlicensed shops, revealed that 83% of samples violated the Farm Bill, and 23% contained harmful contaminants. Products often had inaccurate labels, with some showing THC levels much higher than advertised. This highlights the risks of unregulated hemp products, especially in states like Delaware, where intoxicating hemp is illegal, but enforcement remains lax.

A clinical trial suggests that Cannabigerol (CBG) may help reduce emotional discomfort and enhance memory in individuals. The study, conducted on humans, indicates that CBG could be effective in managing stress and improving cognitive function. These findings are promising, though more research is needed to fully understand CBG's potential therapeutic benefits.