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Good morning, cannabis folks! Nicolás Rodríguez and Patricio Liddle here, bringing you this week’s hottest stories. From the feds proposing THC caps and tighter regulations on hemp, to Kentucky stepping into the medical cannabis game and Governor DeSantis making bold claims on cannabis and car crashes, we’ve got it all covered. Buckle up for the weekend and a wild ride in the cannabis world!

Just Say Now: Feds Speak Up On Cannabis Policy… Recommend Capping THC

A new federal report urges the CDC to take a stronger role in shaping U.S. cannabis policy, marking a significant shift from the "Just Say No" era. As cannabis potency rises, experts warn of increasing health risks. The report recommends setting national THC standards, launching public health campaigns, and tightening testing for contaminants. It also calls for Congress to close loopholes allowing intoxicating hemp-derived products in states where cannabis remains illegal.

The CDC emphasized that additional funding will be needed to implement these changes effectively, which could influence the speed and scale of new regulations. Investors should keep an eye on federal involvement, which could shake up state policies and lead to stricter national standards.

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Wyden’s Hemp Bill Proposes Tighter Regulations And Synthetic Cannabinoid Ban

If cannabis were federally legal, we probably wouldn’t even be having this conversation, but alas, here we are. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced Wednesday the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA), aiming to establish federal regulations for hemp-derived products like CBD, while also banning psychoactive hemp derivatives such as Delta-8 THC. The bill seeks to federally regulate hemp, ensuring stricter oversight on safety, labeling, and testing. It promises tighter—and more expensive—regulations, with FDA oversight and safety measures.

Will prohibition work better this time? We’ll save you the spoiler.

Crash Course

Governor Ron DeSantis is steering into controversy with a taxpayer-funded ad linking marijuana legalization to increased car crashes. Critics argue the claim is misleading, with research showing mixed results on cannabis and impaired driving. Smart & Safe Florida, advocates for Amendment 3, hit the brakes, sending cease-and-desist letters and accusing DeSantis of using taxpayer funds to push political messaging under the guise of public safety. 

Bluegrass Bounce

Kentucky moved closer to its medical cannabis rollout, awarding the first license to KCA Labs, a Nicholasville-based testing facility. Tasked with ensuring product safety, the lab marks the beginning of a new era in the Bluegrass State’s cannabis regulation, paving the way for more licenses in the coming months.

Weekend Weed Reads:

• NYC Sheriff Under Investigation Over Missing Cash From Cannabis Raids As Mayor Adams Faces Federal Indictment

• 'I Dealt With Gangsters, Shakedowns, Loan Sharks And Government Corruption,' Says Entrepreneur Who Built The First Cannabis Unicorn

• Top 10 Cannabis Harm Reduction Tips For Safer Use And Better Experiences

• With 70% In Favor, Could Nebraska's Cannabis Program Unlock Underserved Markets? Local Expert Weighs In

• Cannabis Companies Delisted From Major Stock Exchanges In 2024: What Went Wrong?

• Minnesota Moves Forward With Psilocybin Therapy Plan, Eyes Broader Psychedelic Reforms

Our Writers Today

Nicolás holds a B.A. in International Relations, an M.A. in International Affairs, and an M.Phil in Public Policy. He is a doctoral student in Public and Urban Policy at The New School in New York City. After working for the United Nations in 2014, Nico pivoted his research to studying the relationship between the cannabis industry and economic development.

Patricio is a development economist with extensive experience in IT, finance, and banking. He writes about the economic and social opportunities obscured by over fifty years of drug prohibition. Beyond his professional expertise, Patricio is a committed advocate for social change, passionately working to promote harm reduction and reform drug policies.

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