Medical Cannabis

In 2023, Biden Administration recommended cannabis reclassification, with progress continuing into 2024. The FDA rejected MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD in August, with another clinical trial planned. Boulder's Cannabis Licensing and Advisory Board considered a marijuana concentrates ban, which the industry opposes. Colorado prepared for psychedelic healing centers, with training programs approved and licenses available from December. Naropa's psychedelic program was delayed but will be run by Memoru Center. Healing centers will initially use psilocybin and psilocin, with potential expansion to other substances in 2026.

A stolen property investigation led to a major drug bust in Nakina, resulting in the confiscation of stolen items and drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and a firearm. Five suspects were arrested and face various charges, with more charges anticipated as the investigation continues.

Colorado School of Public Health launched 'Tea on THC', an educational campaign on high-concentration cannabis, funded by the State of Colorado. The campaign focuses on youth and pregnant or nursing mothers, featuring self-paced learning, podcasts, and testimonials from individuals affected by high-THC cannabis use.

FDA approves a clinical trial involving 320 veterans with PTSD, including Michiganders, to study marijuana's effects. MAPS, conducting the trial, received a $12.9 million grant from Michigan. The study will involve smoking marijuana with higher THC concentrations, aiming to provide more scientific data on its potential benefits for PTSD symptoms.

A search warrant on Nucket Lane led Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Detectives to recover stolen property including three trailers, a camper, and a dirt bike. Another warrant found heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and a firearm. Skylar Ray Long, Jonathan David Cumbee, Teresa Marie Hursey, Linda Nicole Gore, and Jonathan Brett Dorsch were charged. The investigation continues with expected additional charges.

Substance use among adolescents remained low in 2024, continuing a trend since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Monitoring the Future Survey, funded by NIH, found stable or declining use of most drugs, with alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis seeing the most reported use. Factors contributing to this trend are under investigation to inform future interventions.

DEA increases 2025 DMT production quota to 20,000 grams to support FDA-approved drug development, citing research needs and public comments. Several companies are exploring DMT for treating mental health conditions and brain injuries.

FLUENT, operated by Cansortium, is the first Florida dispensary to offer Freedom Town Holdings' innovative flower window bags. These bags feature a 'peekaboo' window for visual inspection of cannabis products, enhancing transparency. Made from recyclable mylar, they provide superior product protection and reduce environmental impact, while maintaining child-resistant features and detailed labeling.

Two men, Jerome Jackson and Giovanni Gibson, were arrested in Painesville Township after a traffic stop revealed drugs and loaded handguns. Jackson faces felony drug and weapons charges, while Gibson faces felony and misdemeanor weapons charges.

FDA approves MAPS' Phase 2 study of smoked cannabis for PTSD in veterans, testing high-THC cannabis vs. placebo. Study challenges conventional research limitations, including THC dose, smoking/vaping methods, and participant cannabis experience. FDA's approval signals evolving attitudes towards marijuana, with DEA considering reclassification from Schedule I to III.