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Good morning, and happy Monday! Nicolás Rodríguez and Patricio Liddle here, bringing you this week’s essential cannabis news.

Today, we dive into the lasting consequences of Nixon’s War on Drugs, explore the growing use of cannabis among older adults seeking relief, and check in on Pennsylvania’s latest efforts to legalize adult-use marijuana.

From political hypocrisy to hopeful reform, we’ve got you covered!

Nixon Knew His War On Drugs Was A Farce, Edwin Rubis Still Paying The Price

Newly revealed tapes show Richard Nixon privately dismissed marijuana as "not particularly dangerous," publicly waging a War on Drugs that sent countless to prison, still crippling minorities today.

Fast forward to today: Edwin Rubis has served 27 years of a 40-year sentence for a non-violent cannabis charge, still awaiting a pardon from Biden—a stark emblem of these failed policies' lingering consequences. While Nixon's hypocrisy laid the groundwork, today's leaders, with unfulfilled promises of amnesty, continue to prop up an archaic and cruel system. Past and present administrations seem to prioritize the political gains of prohibition over genuine reform.

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21% of Older Adults Have Turned to Cannabis—Could It Replace Their Meds?

A recent poll reveals that 21% of adults aged 50 and older have used cannabis in the past year, with many turning to it for sleep, pain relief, and mental health support. As older adults increasingly replace medications with cannabis for their well-being, federal legalization could make it more accessible. 

A study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics shows that national cannabis legalization could reduce prices by allowing cheaper cannabis from states like California, where ounces go as low as $23, to flow into higher-cost markets. This price drop would benefit older consumers seeking affordable alternatives to expensive medications, especially in markets currently limited by state restrictions. 

A Blessing And A Curse

Pennsylvania is moving toward legalizing adult-use cannabis with a bipartisan bill aiming to regulate the market, create jobs, and support local farmers. The bill, introduced by Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne County) and Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny), also prioritizes minority, rural, and veteran-owned businesses, ensuring broad participation in the cannabis industry. 

Meanwhile, in Nebraska, a former GOP senator has filed a lawsuit to block two medical marijuana initiatives from reaching the November ballot, despite 81% public support. 

Stories In The Spotlight:

• Cannabis Giant Green Thumb Confirms $50M Share Repurchase Program, CEO Open To M&A And 'Unique Investments'

• Are Investors Missing The Forest? 35% Stock Drop Masks The International Potential Of This Weed Company

• Detroit Minority Cannabis Entrepreneurs Will Get No-Cost Mentorship And Training: Learn How To Empower Your Business In A $3B+ Market

• Federal Marshals Raid Legal Medical Marijuana Shop In Texas: Why The Big Guns? Advocates Say 'It's Absurd'

• Marijuana Sales Hit Record Highs In These 6 US States: Is Marijuana Outpacing Alcohol?

• CBD Suppositories Could Be A Game-Changer For Menstrual Relief, Harvard Study Shows

• New CBD-Based Drug Offers Hope For Breast Cancer Patients Struggling With Pain: Clinical Trial Kicks Off

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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