TGIF, Cannabis Investors! It's official! Germany's partial cannabis legalization takes effect in April.

Plus, although the sentiments toward the marijuana industry are currently bullish, many wonder how the burgeoning market would respond to a significant economic slump.

Also, check out the newest episode of Cannabis Insider, also available on Apple and Spotify.*

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TOP STORY

Ozempic, Wegovy Lowers Risk Of Cannabis Use Disorder Says New Study

Briefly: People prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy are less likely to develop a cannabis use disorder or relapse from the condition than those who take other diabetes or obesity medications, reported a new study.

So Basically: Ozempic and Wegovy are said to reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar levels. They are now routinely prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, and some evidence suggests side effects help ease cravings in substance use disorders, too, such as alcoholism or nicotine addiction.

But Still: No studies had assessed whether semaglutide affects cannabis use — until now. The National Institute on Drug Abuse tracked incidences of cannabis use disorder and relapse in people prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy.

Specifically: Researchers collected data on more than 85,000 people with obesity in the U.S. using electronic health records. More than 46,000 of the participants were prescribed semaglutide, while the rest used other obesity medications. More than 2,000 of the participants had a history of cannabis use disorder.

Click here to read the results of the study.

WHERE DEALS GET DONE

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is where deals get done.

With 2,000+ decision-makers in one room, attendees have the chance to engage in a year's worth of networking in just two days. More than 100 CEOs and 200 Investors confirmed for Investment and Branding on April 16th - 18th at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL.

Boris Jordan, executive chairman of Curaleaf, to deliver Keynote Speech.

Don't be the ONLY cannabis leader missing this event.

ZINGERS

Detroit dispensary drama fueled by unresponsive insurance providers: Viola's operations indefinitely suspended

MariMed’s 48% revenue surge: Find out it pulled it off at Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

Tilray's Redecan launches spring lineup as medical cannabis giant ramps up its 'Diversification' strategy

New Maryland bill targets overly strict county zoning regulations for cannabis dispensaries

ONE FOR THE ROAD

Continued Tense Exchanges In Cannabis Politics

Briefly: During a House Ways & Means Committee hearing on Wednesday, Representative Earl Blumenauer sought clarification from the HHS regarding its request to the DOJ on cannabis scheduling.

So Basically: Blumenauer’s inquiry comes as part of an effort to address what he describes as the “failed and discriminatory” federal stance on marijuana, which he said is categorized more on historical stigma than scientific evidence.

So Then: He emphasized the need for change, branding the current administration’s inertia on the issue as “political malpractice.” Some DEA agents are rumored to be resisting the change on the basis that cannabis’ medicinal benefits remain unproven.

So What? "Marijuana was scheduled based on stigma, not science. It is time to remedy this injustice," said Blumenaur in his exclusive address at the September 2023 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago.

What Next: Cannabis reform will be one of the hot topics at the upcoming Benzinga cannabis event in Florida on April 16 and 17, 2024.

Get your tickets now!

WHERE DEALS GET DONE

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is where deals get done.

With 2,000+ decision-makers in one room, attendees have the chance to engage in a year's worth of networking in just two days. More than 100 CEOs and 200 Investors confirmed for Investment and Branding on April 16th - 18th at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL.

Boris Jordan, executive chairman of Curaleaf, to deliver Keynote Speech.

Don't be the ONLY cannabis leader missing this event.

KEEP READING

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