Driving High, Market Moves, Cannabis Research & Home Grow Battles

Plus, surprising new research on drug seizures

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Hey Benzinga Cannabis Community, Maureen Meehan here, bringing you another packed edition of Cannabis Daily. Today, we’ve got a mix of news, including a report that a whopping 85% of cannabis users drive the same day they light up, POSaBIT’s domination of Washington State’s dispensary scene and home cultivation is back in the spotlight in New Jersey.

Plus, Utah is inching closer to recreational weed and a new study links cannabis use to higher heart attack risk in younger adults.

Let’s get into it!

A new survey by AAA reveals that nearly 85% of cannabis users drive the same day they consume. The survey, aimed at helping law enforcement and policymakers curb impaired driving, found that few users wait the recommended eight hours before getting behind the wheel.

POSaBIT Systems Corporation (CSE: PBIT, OTC: POSAF) is flexing hard in Washington State, processing over 85% of all cannabis transactions in the region. CEO Ryan Hamlin calls this milestone a testament to their secure and seamless payment solutions.

POSaBIT isn’t stopping here—the company is setting its sights on national expansion, which could shake up the cannabis retail payment landscape across the U.S.

🏛️ Policy Battles: Home Grow in NJ & Ohio’s Hemp Bill Shake-Up, NY News And North Carolina Legalization Push

NJ Ex-Senator Backs Home Cultivation for Medical Patients

Former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney is running for governor and finally supporting homegrown medical marijuana—a move many have been waiting for. “It is time,” says Sweeney, arguing that home cultivation should now be legal for medical patients after the successful rollout of the adult-use market.

Ohio’s Marijuana Industry Faces a Hemp Crisis

Ohio’s Senate Bill 86 could seriously shake up the cannabis and hemp market by limiting the sale of intoxicating hemp products to licensed dispensaries only. With a 15% tax on these products and bans on sales to minors, supporters argue this is necessary to combat unregulated “poser dispensaries.”

NC Lawmaker Pushes for Marijuana Legalization

A Mecklenburg County lawmaker introduced House Bill 413 to legalize marijuana in North Carolina. Rep. Jordan Lopez hopes to spark discussions despite opposition from the GOP-led legislature. The bill permits adults 21+ to possess, grow, and buy cannabis under state regulation. Some industry leaders, like Michael Sims of Crown Town Cannabis, call for uniform regulations instead. The bill is in committee, awaiting a hearing.

A new poll by Noble Predictive Insights shows 52% of Utah voters now support legalizing cannabis for recreational use. That’s the first time a majority has backed full legalization, with support strongest among atheists, agnostics, and liberals—while Mormon and conservative opposition remains high.

Could this mean a ballot initiative is on the horizon?

Black and veteran-owned Silly Nice is making waves in New York’s competitive cannabis market by focusing on small-batch, high-quality products. Their Bubble Hash and craft cannabis flower are now available in over 100 dispensaries statewide.

Cannabis Research Update

A new study in JACC Advances has linked cannabis use to a higher risk of heart attack in people under 50. Researchers analyzed over 4.6 million adults and found cannabis users had a 6x higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) compared to non-users.

New research from Binghamton University finds young adults (18-25) with acute and chronic pain start using cannabis earlier and often mix it with alcohol. Contrary to common beliefs, pain conditions peak in early adulthood, yet these groups receive little attention. The study highlights the need for better awareness of pain management in emerging adults.

A federally funded study links police drug seizures to a rise in opioid-related overdoses near the enforcement site. Overdose risk spikes within 24 hours and remains high for a week. Researchers argue that policing drugs may do more harm than good, challenging conventional enforcement strategies.

That’s a wrap for today’s Cannabis Daily. What story caught your attention the most? Let’s keep the conversation going. Until next time—stay lifted, stay informed and stay safe!

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