As of December 2024, it has become official: the current Congress will not provide any protections for banks that serve state-legal marijuana businesses. This decision has significant implications for the cannabis industry, which continues to grow rapidly despite the lack of federal support.

In a significant development for the burgeoning cannabis industry, the U.S. Census Bureau has reported that states across the nation have collectively amassed over **$9.7 billion** in tax revenue from marijuana sales since mid-2021. This figure underscores the economic impact of legalized cannabis and highlights the growing acceptance of marijuana as both a recreational and medicinal substance in various states. As more states move toward legalization, the financial implications both positive and negative are becoming increasingly evident.

The ongoing debate over cannabis legalization in Florida reflects broader national trends regarding marijuana policy. As more states move toward legalization both for medicinal and recreational use—Florida finds itself at a crossroads. The outcome of Amendment 3 could set a precedent for future legislative efforts and influence public perception of cannabis use.

On November 28, 2024, the Costa Rican Constitutional Court, known as Sala IV, made a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through the nation and the broader Latin American region: it struck down a proposed referendum aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis.

Elton’s defenders argue that his perspective is a reminder to proceed with caution. “It’s not about banning cannabis altogether,” one user wrote. “It’s about acknowledging the risks and ensuring we don’t glamorize it.”

Since Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012, the industry has experienced explosive growth. By 2023, legal cannabis sales in the U.S. reached approximately $30 billion, with projections suggesting that this figure could exceed $50 billion by 2026. This rapid expansion has generated substantial tax revenues for states that have embraced legalization.

The landscape of cannabis consumption in Canada has undergone a transformative shift since the legalization of recreational cannabis in October 2018. A recent survey conducted by Health Canada reveals that only **3% of cannabis consumed in the country** comes from illicit sources.

Maurice Kevin O'Rourke, a resident of Ontario, Canada, was traveling through Dubai International Airport when he was arrested in July 2023. His journey took a drastic turn when customs officials discovered CBD oil and cannabis in his luggage. O'Rourke had been using these substances to manage his health condition—Addison's disease—a rare disorder that affects the adrenal glands and can lead to severe health complications if not properly managed.

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s perceptions of substances like cannabis. Studies indicate that adolescents are more likely to use cannabis if they perceive their parents as accepting or using it themselves. Conversely, strong parental disapproval of drug use is associated with lower rates of adolescent substance use. This dynamic underscores the importance of parental attitudes in influencing teen behavior.

An attorney has accused the DEA of concealing emails related to its communications with Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), a prominent anti-marijuana organization. This article delves into the details of the lawsuit, the implications of these allegations, and the broader context of marijuana policy in America.