The DOJ moved certain marijuana products—from FDA-approved items to state-licensed medical cannabis—from Schedule I to Schedule III, a narrow step that allows medical prescriptions but does not legalize cannabis federally or for recreation. Enforcement remains discretionary, and ongoing lawsuits challenge the order, while states continue operating under a patchwork system with broad public support for legalization but no federal change on the horizon.
Virginia lawmakers rejected Governor Abigail Spanberger’s amendments to the recreational marijuana sales bill, sending the measure back to her desk with a risk of a veto while preserving their own framework for a regulated market. The House voted by voice and the Senate approved 21-18 to block Spanberger’s changes, and lawmakers also declined her tweaks to a separate resentencing bill, though they adopted some of her adjustments to delivery and labeling rules. Key policy disputes include the start date (Jan. 1, 2027 in the legislature’s plan vs. Spanberger’s July 1, 2027), tax structure (6% excise and 5.3% sales tax vs. her proposed 8% excise), and revenue allocation (funds would go to a Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund and public programs rather than the general fund). The bill would allow up to 2.5 ounces per transaction, permit delivery, cap serving sizes at 10 mg THC per item (100 mg per package), and place licensing under the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority; localities could not opt out. If Spanberger vetoes, lawmakers would need to start over with new bills in 2027.
Turkmenistan has officially legalized cryptocurrency mining and exchanges, marking a significant policy shift in its tightly controlled, gas-dependent economy, though digital currencies are not recognized as legal tender or security.
Turkmenistan has officially legalized cryptocurrency mining and exchanges, marking a significant policy shift in its tightly controlled, gas-dependent economy, though digital currencies are not recognized as legal tender or security.
President Trump signed an executive order to prompt the Department of Justice to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which could ease banking and tax issues for cannabis businesses and potentially influence future medical and recreational use policies, but it does not legalize marijuana federally or allow crossing state lines with it.
A 2018 Supreme Court decision struck down a federal law banning sports betting in most states, leading to the rapid growth of the legal sports betting industry, but also raising concerns about corruption and integrity in sports, as recent arrests highlight ongoing criminal schemes.
Shares of cannabis companies surged after President Trump endorsed the potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for senior healthcare, signaling possible reclassification of marijuana which could ease regulations and boost industry growth.
Donald Trump shared a video promoting the health benefits of hemp-derived CBD and suggested it should be included in Medicare, which may bolster discussions on reclassifying marijuana as less dangerous. The video highlights economic savings and medical benefits, especially for seniors, and references the 2018 Farm Bill and the endocannabinoid system. This move could influence future drug policy and healthcare approaches in the US.
President Trump is privately considering reclassifying marijuana to a less dangerous category, a move that could impact law enforcement and appeal to younger voters, but faces internal debate and legal hurdles amid ongoing federal review and political considerations.
Since New York legalized recreational cannabis, ER visits related to cannabis use have doubled, with over 135,000 cases in 2023, including symptoms like vomiting and rapid heartbeat, especially in Central NY which leads the state in hospital visits.
Thailand's recent policy reversal on cannabis legalization, which now restricts sales to medical use and imposes strict regulations, has caused widespread concern among dispensaries, farmers, and tourists, threatening the billion-dollar industry and risking a surge in underground markets.
Many U.S. states have legalized cannabis, leading to increased use among older adults, according to family physician Jeffrey Quinlan, highlighting ongoing discussions about its health implications.
In a recent interview, Elton John criticized the legalization of marijuana in the U.S. and Canada, calling it a major mistake and citing its addictive nature. This stance contrasts with his past experiences and admissions of drug use, including marijuana. Critics have pointed out the inconsistency in his views, especially given his history with cocaine addiction. The article discusses the broader context of cannabis as a gateway drug and its potential benefits, highlighting the shift in public opinion and legal status across many states.
Elton John criticized the legalization of marijuana in the U.S. and Canada, calling it a significant mistake due to its addictive nature and potential to lead to other drugs. Reflecting on his past cocaine use, John noted how drugs negatively impacted his personality and decision-making. His comments were made during an interview with Time Magazine, which named him "Icon of the Year." John also shared his thoughts on Donald Trump's use of his song "Rocket Man" and declined to perform at Trump's 2017 inauguration.
The UK's first fully licensed medicinal cannabis facility, Dalgety, aims to revolutionize cannabis production by growing, packaging, and selling the drug directly to pharmacies from a single location. Founded by James Leavesley, who transitioned from the oil and gas industry, the facility is highly secure and employs advanced agricultural techniques. Despite the high costs and regulatory hurdles, Dalgety plans to produce enough cannabis for 4,000 prescriptions monthly by January. However, access to medicinal cannabis remains limited on the NHS, with most prescriptions issued through private clinics.
