Following important cannabis news articles every day can be a real burn-out, we know. That’s why the Emerald rolls up a chronicle of the headiest news hits, and passes them to you at the end of each week. We Bring You: The Dime.
Study Shows Legalization Benefits Child Welfare, Reduces Foster Care Admissions
Among the benefits of legal weed that researchers uncovered so far is its reduction on foster care rates. In fact, researchers say foster care rates steadily declined in states with legal adult-use markets. More specifically, researchers found that, “legalization decreases foster-care placements by at least 10%, with larger effects in years after legalization, and for admissions for reasons of parental drug and alcohol abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and parental incarceration.” That’s according to results from a study in the Economic Inquiry journal. The study also revealed that nationwide legalization would “reduce the financial burden of the foster-care system by about $675 million, annually,” Marijuana Moment reports. However, the authors of the study posited that the decline could be due to parental rights that come from reform; or, it could be that access to cannabis reduces use of other substances, including alcohol. Whatever the case, researchers say more investigation is necessary.
New Poll Shows a Majority of Europeans Want Weed Legal
A new poll conducted by cannabis research company, Hanway Associates, has found that 55% of Europeans welcome a legal, regulated cannabis market, while “20% were indifferent and the remainder, 25%, were opposed,” according to Businesswire. The survey asked people in eight different countries ranging from Italy to the Netherlands, reports Bloomberg. “Italy and Portugal stand out as the most supportive of legalization,” the publication adds. “Netherlands, surprisingly, holds the most pessimistic views on legalizing cannabis […] with only 47% of the respondents supporting legalization. That’s the lowest among the eight countries surveyed.” The report also found that survey participants support certain limitations. For example, many favored restrictions on outdoor consumption in public places (57%); bans on advertising (58%); and potency limits (51%), the report states.
Sales in New Mexico Soar During First Week of Recreational Sales
On April 1st, New Mexico officially launched its retail recreational cannabis market. During the first weekend, sales topped $5.2 million, according to the state’s Cannabis Control Division (CCD). In a press release from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office, Grisham states, “New Mexico’s launch of recreational cannabis has been one of the most successful, if not the most, of any state.” While the governor has expressed support for the legal, regulated industry — which officials expect to earn more than $300 million in annual sales and 11,000 jobs — others aren’t so welcoming. According to High Times, border patrol agents are warning people that cannabis is still a federally illegal. As such, they “will continue to take appropriate enforcement action against those who [they encounter] in possession of marijuana anywhere in the United States.”
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