Category: Policy Updates

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Oregon Reverts Drug Policy: Possession Criminalised Again

Oregon’s recent legislative changes mark the end of a groundbreaking drug decriminalisation experiment, as possession of small amounts of hard drugs is now categorised as a misdemeanour punishable by up to six months in jail. This rollback, supported by Republican lawmakers, comes as a response to the persistent fentanyl crisis and the slow deployment of...

DEA’s Marijuana Rescheduling Decision Delayed Until Post-Election
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DEA’s Marijuana Rescheduling Decision Delayed Until Post-Election

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is considering a significant shift in federal drug policy with the potential rescheduling of marijuana. However, a decision will not be reached until after the upcoming presidential election in November. This delay means the issue could become a focal point in the election campaign, with candidates likely to be...

Trump's Marijuana Comments Draw Policy Group Criticism
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Trump’s Marijuana Comments Draw Policy Group Criticism

Former President Donald Trump recently faced criticism from Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) following his comments supporting Amendment 3 in Florida, which proposes the legalisation of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. Trump’s remarks on Truth Social emphasised his law-and-order stance while recognising the growing support for marijuana legalisation across several states. However, his...

Vancouver's Drug Crisis: A Debate of Strategies
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Vancouver’s Drug Crisis: A Debate of Strategies

Vancouver, much like San Francisco, is grappling with a severe drug crisis, sparking a debate on the best way to tackle this ongoing emergency. The core of the discussion revolves around two primary strategies: harm reduction and recovery-focused approaches. In Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, the prevalence of drugs is a significant barrier to overcoming addiction, with...

Tax Policy as a Strategy to Reduce Cannabis Use
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Tax Policy as a Strategy to Reduce Cannabis Use

The ongoing legalisation of cannabis across numerous U.S. states has sparked discussions on its broader societal impacts. With the number of states allowing nonmedical cannabis use increasing and potential federal legal changes on the horizon, the debate on mitigating adverse effects is more relevant than ever. One approach gaining attention is the taxation of cannabis...

DEA Delays Cannabis Rescheduling Until Post-Election
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DEA Delays Cannabis Rescheduling Until Post-Election

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has postponed its decision on potentially reclassifying marijuana until after the upcoming presidential election. This move follows a proposal from the Biden administration, aimed at easing federal restrictions on cannabis. The decision, accompanied by a scheduled hearing for December 2, has caused a stir within both the public and the...

Texas Supreme Court Takes on Delta-8 THC Ban: What's at Stake?
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Texas Supreme Court Takes on Delta-8 THC Ban: What’s at Stake?

The legal saga surrounding delta-8 THC in Texas has reached a pivotal moment as the Texas Supreme Court is set to review the state’s attempt to ban the substance. This development marks a significant chapter in the ongoing debate over cannabis regulation, with implications for the burgeoning hemp industry in Texas. This article delves into...

Georgia's New Cannabis Rules: What They Mean for Delta-9 THC
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Georgia’s New Cannabis Rules: What They Mean for Delta-9 THC

As Georgia prepares to implement new regulations on its legal hemp industry, significant changes are on the horizon for delta-9 THC products. These regulations aim to address the burgeoning market of cannabis-infused products and impose stricter controls on their production and sale. This article delves into the specifics of the new rules, the potential legal...

U.S. Lawmakers Target Fentanyl Trafficking with New Legislation
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U.S. Lawmakers Target Fentanyl Trafficking with New Legislation

In response to the escalating fentanyl crisis, U.S. lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at curbing the influx of illicit fentanyl into the country. The proposal, spearheaded by a bipartisan group of legislators, focuses on enhancing border security measures, increasing penalties for traffickers, and providing more resources for law enforcement agencies. The legislation seeks to...

MDMA Rejection Sparks Debate Over PTSD Treatment Options
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MDMA Rejection Sparks Debate Over PTSD Treatment Options

The FDA has recently rejected the use of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, as a treatment for PTSD, following recommendations from its advisory panel. The panel expressed concerns over the drug’s unproven efficacy and potential safety risks. Despite substantial advocacy from supporters, including some veterans who have found relief from PTSD symptoms through MDMA-assisted therapy,...