By Samantha Wahl
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 Digital Dime.
Study Suggests Cannabis Could Cause Fake Memories
We all know that cannabis can make people forget things. Researchers are saying it can also make users imagine a past that never happened at all. A team of researchers from the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience at Maastricht University studied the effects of THC on a group of subjects’ memories, Medical News Today reported. First, the team gave subjects THC, or a placebo. Then, they tested their ability to remember information from a word association test, and a virtual reality simulation. Findings showed that the THC group expressed false memories from both tests, even a full week after consuming THC. This isn’t exactly revolutionary information for those who have consumed THC before. We’ve all had pot-induced thoughts and visions. But the sense of security brought by new scientific data into the developing cannabis industry is helpful.
Singapore Bans Weed Content From Netflix
While many countries are showing progress in the weed world, Singapore’s regulations are harsher than ever. According to Marijuana Moment, Singapore’s government called for Netflix to remove five different shows and movies from their streaming service due to drug-related content. One of the shows was blocked because it contained scenes that exhibited partying. The nation’s Central Narcotics Bureau explained that, “Examples of other countries have clearly shown that a permissive attitude towards the use of cannabis exacts a high cost on society.” But, this argument conflicts with America’s recent history with cannabis normalization, as we’ve seen states thrive in incoming profit and medical milestones.
New Mexico Might Not Make it Happen This Time Around
New Mexico took a step back this week when their legalization bill was rejected. The state was working to become the next in line to allow recreational cannabis use, after legislative discussion throughout 2019. Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be in the cards for February 2020, says Marijuana Moment. But some government officials are hopeful, promising legalization in the future. They believe the bill can be passed, it just needs some editing. In a state like New Mexico, with such a high rate of dangerous drug abuse, legalization of cannabis could be a positive influence.
Small Victories in Kentucky and Virginia
New Mexico aside, some states are making cannabis breakthroughs.
Virginia is on track to decriminalize this year after the Senate approved a bill last week. That is to say, punishment of small amounts of pot will add up to a fine of $50, tops. That means less arrests in a state that recorded 29,000 cannabis possession-related arrests in 2019 alone. Cannabis Business Times says decriminalization is not a promise of legalization, but an important step nonetheless.
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s House of Representatives just approved a medical use bill with a majority sweep, MJBizDaily article reports. Nothing is set in stone yet, as the bill still needs to make it through the Senate. However, this is the progress that our country needs to see in the South. Legalization has a domino effect. Once some states start, others will follow.
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