This week’s newsletter covers explosive findings from California lab testing of unregulated intoxicating hemp products, alongside legislative developments on cannabis and psilocybin across Idaho, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois.
Noteworthy Read
The Intoxicating Hemp Swindle (Project CBD)
A new study from an industry advocacy group in California examines the content of dozens of unregulated intoxicating “hemp” products that are easily available in the Golden State despite being banned by state law.
The report’s lead author is Tiffany Devitt of Groundwork Holdings, Inc., the parent company of March & Ash and CannaCraft. For the study, Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs of San Diego tested 104 products marketed as “hemp” — mostly chewable gummies and vapes — that were purchased online from 68 brands. These include well-known names like Cookies, Cheech and Chong, Cali Extrax, Dome Wrecker, Torch, and Cake.
The study’s findings indicate that many so-called hemp products are infused with synthetic psychoactive cannabinoids, which can actually make users feel loopier than natural Delta-9 THC. What’s more, synthesized Delta-9 THC is present in many of these products, despite being prohibited in both California’s cannabis and hemp programs. And finally, these products, mostly vended through websites, are effectively dodging the taxman — raising no revenues for state or local governments.
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More Noteworthy Reading
Idaho House Passes Bill Asking Voters to Rescind Their Right to Pass Cannabis Reforms (Ganjapreneur)
Idaho lawmakers have approved a bill that would put a measure on the ballot asking voters to give up their ability to pass cannabis-related initiatives, a move seen as an effort to block future legalization efforts.
Nebraska Legislative Committee Considering Two Bills to Establish Medical Cannabis Regulations (Ganjapreneur)
Nebraska lawmakers are debating two bills that would create a medical cannabis program, with proposals ranging from restrictive access for certain conditions to broader patient eligibility.
Missouri Lawmakers Advance Bill to Conduct Medical Psilocybin Trials (Ganjapreneur)
Missouri’s legislature is moving forward with a bill to fund clinical trials on psilocybin’s potential medical benefits, particularly for treating mental health conditions like PTSD and depression.
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Illinois Senate Considering Bill to Prevent Police from Searching Vehicles Based on Cannabis Odor (Ganjapreneur)
Illinois legislators are reviewing a proposal that would prohibit law enforcement from using the smell of cannabis as probable cause for vehicle searches, aiming to curb discriminatory policing practices.
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