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.
Latest Study Shows Cannabinoids Prevent COVID Infection
Certain compounds in cannabis may prevent COVID infection. That’s according to a new study published this week in the Journal of Nature Products. Specifically, it revealed that certain cannabinoids — CBDA and CBGA — “bound to spike proteins found on the virus and blocked a step the pathogen uses to infect people,” according to Fortune. In response to the news, late night talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel, said “all this time we’ve been listening to the CDC, we should have been eating CBD.” However, while the study used human kidney cells, reports the Miami Herald, it doesn’t mean smoking cannabis (or hemp) will be effective in preventing the virus. However, the research proves promising. And, it isn’t the only one to show such results. In fact similar research has also shown cannabis’ capability of protecting against coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Canadian Health Officials Allow Ease Access to Psychedelics like MDMA, Psilocybin
In early January, Canadian health officials announced they would ease access to certain restricted drugs. These controlled substances “generally do not have approved medical uses,” reports Canada Gazette. The amendment now allows physicians to request substances like MDMA or psilocybin for patients under the country’s Special Access Program. “This program is meant to streamline access to special treatments for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions in instances where other therapies have failed or are unsuitable,” according to Benzinga. Doctors may request such access “in instances where conventional therapies have failed, are unsuitable, or unavailable,” the publication also adds.
Advocates and Entrepreneurs Protest ”Drug War 2.0” at California State Capital
On Thursday, January 13th, BIPOC and legacy cannabis industry members gathered in Sacramento at the No Drug War 2.0 Rally. There, they rallied for: “repeal of the excise tax for equity retailers and the repeal of the cultivation tax for all growers across the state,” High Times reports. Sen. Steven Bradford, one of several speakers, spoke about the inequity of the drug war, and about legalization. “The victory [of legalization] cannot be celebrated […]. Where we can, we must make amends,” he said. “[…] The people in the business here today need help for it to work. [We] hear them tell us over and over that they’re over-regulated, […] over-taxed, that it’s impossible to earn a sustainable profit. [They] tell us they need our help, […] or else their doors will close.” The event attendees are asking state officials to ease regulations such as high taxes at or before the state’s July 1st budget deadline.
Italy Moves Closer to Enacting Pro-Cannabis Reform
On Wednesday, January 12th, members of ReferendumCannabis — a group working to legalize cannabis in Italy — announced that their efforts may result in a voter referendum. More specifically, the advocates collected more than 630,000 signatures in support of a measure to legalize personal cannabis consumption. The measure also includes personal cultivation of psychedelics like mushrooms, according to Marjiuana Moment. Next, the group reported, the Constitutional Court will decide whether the referendum will go to voters in spring 2022. The group expects the court’s decision on February 15th, Marijuana Moment adds.
Leave a Reply