Happy Tuesday, Cannabin-vestors! Grab your kaleidoscopes and stethoscopes. Denver is on track to become the first U.S. city training first responders in the art of psychedelic crisis intervention.

Plus, ex-Honduran President, once keen on stuffing drugs, now faces a life sentence. Well, well, well. How the turntables…

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

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TOP STORY

DEA Vs. White House: Agency Pushes Back On Medical Benefits Of Cannabis, Weed Stocks Wobble

Briefly: Tension between the White House and the DEA over marijuana rescheduling seems to be increasing.

So Basically: Some DEA officials are resisting this change on the basis that cannabis' "medicinal benefits remain unproven and that it has a high potential for abuse,” per a WSJ report, citing “people familiar with the matter.”

So Then: This contradicts the HHS’s January release of 252 pages of documents stating that cannabis "has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States" and a "potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in Schedules I and II.” 

So What? Rescheduling will not legalize marijuana federally, but it would unlock significant benefits for the cannabis industry. Businesses could finally claim federal tax deductions currently prohibited under IRS code 280E.

Click here to see which share took a dip after the report.

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FIVE ZINGERS

Both Biden and Trump could take on cannabis reform as a way to attract younger voters. What's stopping them?

'Blanket' marijuana pardons coming to Massachusetts as Governor Healey follows up on Biden's initiative

This is the woman redefining cannabis hospitality across America

Cannabis REIT Chicago Atlantic's net income grows 20% YoY in 2023

Benzinga's Elliot Lane shed light on the resilience and potential of the California cannabis sector.

ONE FOR THE ROAD

Michigan Tests First-Ever Free Cannabis Give-Away To Reduce Opioid Overdose Crisis

Briefly: Free cannabis anyone?

What’s Happening: A pilot program in rural Michigan is exploring the use of cannabis as a harm reduction tool by providing cannabis donations.

How It Works: Researchers followed 10 clients who received free marijuana through a harm reduction organization, with promising results. Staff observed positive changes, like one client who successfully replaced alcohol with cannabis to manage post-surgical pain, and another who reduced methamphetamine and opioid use while pregnant.

Why It Matters: The research offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against the devastating opioid crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 107,000 Americans in 2021.

Click here to read more.

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KEEP READING

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