Cannabis News Roundup: 08.29.14

Major Oregon paper endorses legalization… Washington State’s recreational statute in danger… Can CBD-cannabis qualify as hemp?…  Deaths drop in legal pot states… and more.

LEGALIZATION        

Oregon’s leading paper endorses recreational marijuana // The Oregonian    “Oregonians should support outright legalization.” 

City challenges Washington State’s recreational statute // Attny. Gen’l. of Washington State       “This case presents a significant threat” to recreational sales.

Possession now a misdemeanor in Santa Fe // Ladybud     Close vote follows county’s similar action earlier this week.

BUSINESS

Colorado brothers hope to export CBD-cannabis under hemp rule //  NYT   Low THC level could qualify as hemp under state law. But will federal classification allow it?

Customer education falls to Colorado budtenders // NPR      The state’s new rules on dosage for edible products may overwhelm new customers – as will the product’s effect, if not properly administered. That’s why dispensary workers are stepping in to explain. [Just like a pharmacist! – Ed.]

Washington growers are engaging in price gouging, dispensaries claim // KOIN    Prices are higher now than when stores opened last month.

Thoughts on how businesses can finally take it to the bank // MJ Business Daily        “New services are helping banks streamline the process and ensuring they stay within the federal guidelines.” Most cannabis-related businesses currently must have cash-only operations.

HEALTH

Fewer deaths from prescription drugs in states with legal pot // The JAMA Network Journals     “States with medical marijuana laws had a 24.8 percent lower average annual opioid overdose death rate compared to states without such laws.”

Cannabis could aide in Alzheimer’s treatment // Toke of the Town       Low doses of THC shown to reduce growth of key components leading to memory loss.

DEA dramatically increases amount of cannabis grown for research  // US News & World Report       Nearly ¾ of a ton will be available, up from 46.3 pounds annually. But who gets it for research?  Only one person participated in the public comment period. That comment was positive, which helped influence the decision to raise the quota.

OPINION

Boycott NFL until they drop cannabis prohibition // SF Weekly         Thousands of current and former players suffer from game injuries. Why deny them use of cannabis as a treatment?

IN OTHER NEWS…

Anti-marijuana doctors found on payrolls of Big Pharma // Vice.com   Investigative report finds “many of the researchers” who oppose legalization get paid by drug companies, without full disclosure.

Video shows militants burning Syrian cannabis field // Int’l. Business Times   Islamic State crusaders chop plants, then douse them with gasoline.

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Cannabis News Roundup: 08.29.14