Welcome to the latest edition of “Last week in Weed,” catching you up on the latest breaking news and industry developments in the world of cannabis.
Here’s what you may have missed over the last week:
New York Resumes Cannabis Farmers Markets, Classifies Cannabis as an Agricultural Crop
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two key cannabis bills into law, reviving the Cannabis Growers Showcase (CGS) program and officially categorizing cannabis as an agricultural crop. The CGS program allows farmers and processors to sell directly to consumers at farmers market-style events, providing immediate sales opportunities amid the slow rollout of retail stores.
The agricultural crop classification ensures cannabis farmers are eligible for benefits like lower agricultural tax rates, addressing prior ambiguity in local tax assessments. While these measures are seen as a lifeline for struggling farmers, Hochul vetoed a separate bill that would have allowed growers to pay excise taxes annually instead of quarterly, a move advocates say could have further eased financial strain.
The updated CGS program will authorize permits for pop-up events lasting up to 14 days, supporting smaller farmers while expanding access to legal cannabis. Lawmakers and industry leaders have praised the efforts as critical to stabilizing New York’s nascent cannabis market.
Flying with Cannabis This Holiday Season? Here’s What You Need to Know
As holiday travel continues to reach record levels this season, the TSA is reminding flyers about the rules for cannabis.
While the TSA is focused on security threats, marijuana remains federally illegal, and officers are required to report it to local authorities—even if you’re in a state where cannabis is legal. That means enforcement can vary depending on where you’re flying. On the bright side, CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are permitted.
To avoid holiday travel headaches, check local and federal rules before packing your stash.
Study Finds No Link Between Cannabis Legalization and Increased Impaired Driving
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence debunks fears that marijuana legalization leads to a rise in impaired driving. Researchers analyzed data from 21 states that legalized cannabis between 2008 and 2017 and found no significant increase in self-reported driving under the influence (DUI) of cannabis.
The study highlights that public safety concerns often cited by legalization opponents—such as normalization of impaired driving—are unsupported by evidence. Researchers also suggest that targeted education campaigns and stricter enforcement may help maintain road safety as cannabis legalization expands. These findings could influence future policymaking and regulatory efforts.
Montana Cannabis Sales Near $1 Billion Since Legalization
Montana’s cannabis market has boomed since recreational legalization in January 2022, with nearly $1 billion in total sales. In 2023 alone, recreational cannabis accounted for $303 million, while medical sales brought in $76 million. The state has benefited significantly, collecting over $54 million in taxes this year.
Experts attribute the success to strong tourism and Montana’s culture of cannabis use. However, concerns remain about oversaturation and potential market corrections.
Cannabis Legalization Linked to Immediate Drop in Opioid Overdose Deaths
A newly released study published on the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) found a consistent negative relationship between recreational marijuana legalization (RML) and opioid overdose deaths. Using advanced statistical methods, the research estimates that RML is associated with a reduction of approximately 3.5 opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 people. The findings are most pronounced in states that legalized cannabis earlier during the opioid crisis, with effects becoming stronger over time.
The study highlights that the impact of RML is particularly evident three years post-implementation, with more significant results in states with earlier dispensary openings. While the paper has not yet been peer-reviewed, it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that legal cannabis access could play a role in combating the opioid epidemic by serving as an alternative pain management option.
Researchers noted that while their results are promising, the short timeline of RML policies limits the ability to analyze long-term effects. The findings suggest that further research could explore cannabis legalization’s broader impact on opioid-related public health issues, including nonfatal overdoses and prescription rates.
CBD May Help Reduce Alcohol Cravings, New Study Finds
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that CBD could be a promising treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers found that a single 800-milligram dose of CBD significantly reduced cravings triggered by stress or alcohol-related cues in a controlled bar-like setting. Brain scans revealed that CBD reduced activity in craving-related brain regions, with effects specific to alcohol cues.
The trial, conducted with 28 participants, showed a rapid onset of CBD’s effects, which were observed three hours after administration. Researchers highlighted CBD’s safety profile and its ability to target core AUD symptoms like craving, suggesting it could complement existing treatment options.
