Republican Senators James Lankford (Oklahoma) and Pete Ricketts (Nebraska) have introduced a bill that seeks to permanently enforce the tax penalties imposed on cannabis businesses under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code. The legislation, titled the “No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act,” was filed on February 7, 2025, and aims to ensure that marijuana operators remain unable to deduct standard business expenses, even if marijuana is rescheduled under federal law.
A recent poll conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs has revealed that 62% of Texans support the legalization of recreational cannabis. This finding not only highlights a shift in public opinion but also raises important questions about the future of cannabis policy in one of the largest and most conservative states in the nation.
It’s news surrounding the results of a controversial study, claiming that cannabis use can cause memory loss, especially when consumption patterns are on the heavy side. Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus conducted what is considered to be the biggest study of its kind, specifically analyzing the impact of both lifetime and recent cannabis use on the cognitive function of over 1,000 individuals whose ages ranged from 22 to 36.
In a significant development within the cannabis industry, Adam Levin, the chairman of Hightimes Holding Corp., has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy charges related to a scheme involving undisclosed payments made to an investment analyst. Or is he? Adam plans to change his guilty plea in a new court proceeding that is coming up. So what gives?
The temporary federal funding freeze served as a wake-up call, highlighting the vulnerability of the cannabis industry and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. For Indigenous communities, the path forward lies in prioritizing economic sovereignty through collaborative development of the cannabis and hemp industries. By pooling resources, expertise, and infrastructure, tribes can create a resilient economic network that benefits all members.
The rise of intoxicating hemp products presents a complex and evolving challenge. Failing to address this challenge effectively could have serious consequences for public health, consumer safety, and the integrity of the legal cannabis market.
Recent research has revealed that children exposed to cannabis smoke in their homes are at risk of testing positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. This finding raises significant concerns about the health, safety, and developmental outcomes for these children.
The legal cannabis industry in the United States achieved a groundbreaking milestone in 2024, with total sales surpassing $30 billion. This remarkable achievement underscores the rapid growth and normalization of cannabis as both a medical and recreational product, reflecting shifting societal attitudes, legislative reforms, and an evolving consumer market.
On January 21st, 2025, he took office, but we’re yet to find out if he’s the great threat to cannabis rescheduling that we think he is. Having Maltz in the DEA office could quite literally be a cannabis prohibitionist’s dream: he has all the right ingredients in place to keep cannabis illegal and stop it from progressing. Rescheduling? Don’t even think about it.
More recently, in January 2025, a press release was published detailing Vectura Fertin Pharma’s (VFP), a subsidiary of Philip Morris International, joint venture with a Canadian biotech firm focusing on cannabinoid-based drugs – Avicanna. According to the press release, the joint venture seeks to promote cannabis accessibility and research. Avicanna already has a stronghold in the wellness sector. However, the press release hardly makes any other mention about the involvement of Philip Morris International, but it’s clear that Big Tobacco has long had their eye in the cannabis industry.
