In a significant and up-to-date policy shift, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) medical committee has recommended that college athletes should no longer face penalties for using cannabis. This progressive stance reflects the evolving landscape of cannabis regulations across the United States. The committee has firmly asserted that drug testing efforts should be redirected towards detecting performance-enhancing substances, leaving cannabis use without punitive measures. This recommendation comes after the committee conducted a thorough review of existing policies and solicited input from member organizations. It anticipates that the final decision on this matter will be made in the fall, following consultations and legislative processes within each of the NCAA’s governing bodies.

The basis for the medical committee’s recommendation is rooted in insights derived from the 2022 Summit on Cannabinoids in College Athletics. During this summit, experts in the field shared their research findings and policy perspectives related to cannabis. The consensus among these experts was that cannabis does not confer any performance-enhancing advantages, and a harm-reduction approach to its use is most effective when implemented at the school level.

In addition to advocating for the removal of cannabis from the list of banned substances, the committee is proposing a redirection of drug testing efforts towards substances that genuinely enhance athletic performance. They also stress the importance of educating student-athletes about the potential health risks associated with contemporary cannabis use and the various methods of consumption.

This move by the NCAA medical committee is part of a broader trend of sports organizations reconsidering their approaches to cannabis use in light of decriminalization efforts sweeping across the United States. The National Basketball Association (NBA), for instance, recently reached a tentative agreement with the NBA Players Association in April, stipulating that players would no longer be subjected to testing or penalties for cannabis use. This marks a significant departure from the NBA’s previous policy, which included a mandatory treatment program after the first offense, a $25,000 fine for the second violation, and a five-game suspension after the third offense, as reported by Forbes. Notably, former NBA player Al Harrington, in an interview with GQ in 2021, estimated that around 85% of players in the league either use cannabis or some form of it. He emphasized that for many athletes, cannabis serves as a safe and alternative way to cope with the immense stress and pressures they face.

The case of Sha’carri Richardson, a former standout track athlete from LSU, further underscores the contentiousness surrounding cannabis use in sports. Richardson tested positive for THC metabolites, a component found in cannabis, ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and was subsequently disqualified from competing. She later revealed that she had used cannabis to help cope with the pressures of performing on the world’s biggest stage and the recent loss of her mother.

President Joe Biden, when asked about Richardson’s suspension, acknowledged that while the rules were known to all participants, the broader question of whether those rules should remain in place warrants consideration. The public discourse surrounding Richardson’s case, along with the evolving views on cannabis use, has contributed to an ongoing reevaluation of policies within athletic organizations.

As the NCAA medical committee progresses towards reforming its stance on cannabis, it signifies a progressive and empathetic approach to the well-being of student-athletes. By shifting the focus of drug testing efforts towards performance-enhancing substances, while simultaneously providing education on the risks associated with cannabis use, the committee aims to foster a safer and more informed environment for college athletes. As discussions continue and decisions are finalized, the NCAA has the opportunity to set a precedent that prioritizes the evolving needs and perspectives of its student-athletes in an ever-changing landscape of drug policies and societal attitudes.

Source: Business Insider

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In a significant move towards enhancing environmental sustainability and reducing plastic waste, the California legislature has passed a bill that will revolutionize the way marijuana plants are tracked within the state. Proposed by Senator Ben Allen, this legislation has garnered unanimous support in both chambers, with the Senate recently endorsing it in a final concurrence vote.

While the bill’s text does not explicitly address the current use of single-use plastic tags in California’s cannabis tracking system, industry insiders and cannabis businesses contend that this transition away from plastic tags will not only prevent waste but also save the state millions of dollars.

The existing law mandates the issuance of a unique identifier for each cannabis plant, to be attached at the base of the plant or as otherwise required by regulations. The new bill, if signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, would shift the responsibility of determining the unique identifier’s recording method to the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), giving regulators the flexibility to implement more ecologically sound tracking methods, potentially including digital tags.

Tiffany Devitt, head of regulatory affairs at CannaCraft, a vertically integrated cannabis company, emphasized the urgency of this change, stating, “We eagerly anticipate Governor Newsom’s signature on SB 622, drawing attention to the impact of the past five years: the state has used between 200 and 250 million plant tags, resulting in over 1 million pounds of plastic waste. Astonishingly, this waste carries a price tag of approximately $15 million annually, as the state of California purchases these tags and distributes them to cannabis farms. The most unfortunate aspect of this situation is that these tags failed to fulfill their intended purpose of preventing diversion.”

This shift in policy represents a step forward in addressing not only environmental concerns but also the financial implications of a wasteful system. Policymakers at both the state and federal levels have expressed concerns about the environmental damage caused by illegal marijuana cultivation, including the use of banned pesticides that can harm wildlife. A bipartisan bill in Congress has even aimed to combat illicit cultivation sites in California. However, Senator Allen’s bill targets a different environmental aspect, highlighting how even regulated markets can inadvertently contribute to waste.

Supporters of the legislation include prominent entities like the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA), California NORML, Cresco, Humboldt County Growers Alliance, Kiva Confections, Pax, and Project CBD.

In 2021, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife introduced the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program, allocating $6 million in funds from marijuana tax revenue to assist small cultivators in environmental cleanup and remediation efforts.

Meanwhile, as New York prepares to launch its adult-use marijuana program, regulators have proactively endorsed rules to limit plastic usage and promote sustainability in cannabis packaging, aligning with the broader trend towards environmentally responsible practices.

In the California legislature, another cannabis-related bill is now on the cusp of becoming law following a final Assembly vote. This measure would legalize marijuana cafes, allowing dispensaries to serve non-cannabis food and drinks on-site, provided they obtain local approval.

Additionally, the Assembly Appropriations Committee recently approved a Senate-passed bill designed to enhance protections for workers who use cannabis during their off-duty hours. Although the committee incorporated technical amendments to Senator Steven Bradford’s original proposal, the bill is poised to return to the Senate for concurrence if approved by the full Assembly.

In another significant development, the legislature recently forwarded a bill to the governor’s desk that would legalize the possession and cultivation of small amounts of certain psychedelics for adults. This bill also seeks to establish a work group to explore potential regulatory models for therapeutic and facilitated use of these substances, underscoring California’s continued role as a progressive leader in drug policy reform.

In summary, California’s groundbreaking legislation to reform marijuana plant tracking demonstrates the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing plastic waste. This move not only benefits the environment but also saves the state millions of dollars annually. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, California’s proactive approach to addressing its environmental footprint sets a precedent for responsible regulation and sustainable practices.

Source: Marijuana Moment

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Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming service, has always been known for its bold and innovative approach. In a groundbreaking move, Spotify has become the first streaming platform to embrace cannabis advertising through its new collaboration with Cresco Labs (CRLBF).

The campaign marks a significant convergence of two influential industries: cannabis and music streaming. Spotify boasts an impressive user base of over 220 million subscribers as of the first quarter of 2023, according to Statista, making it a prime target for advertisers seeking broad reach.

Cresco Labs, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is the owner of the renowned Sunnyside cannabis dispensary brand. The company believes that advertising on Spotify, one of the most frequented music streaming platforms, will effectively connect with cannabis enthusiasts—an unsurprising association given the historical link between music and marijuana.

Cory Rothschild, National Retail President of Cresco Labs, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for this groundbreaking partnership: “Audio streaming services represent a major opportunity for brands to reach large audiences in a targeted manner, and we’re excited to collaborate with Spotify to launch the first-ever cannabis ads from our Sunnyside national retail brand. Our Sunnyside advertising strategy is built on a data ecosystem enabling best-in-class targeting and measurement. Spotify’s platform will enable our marketing team to target our ads compliantly and profitably to our core shoppers in Illinois where we have a leading share in retail.”

Rothschild also highlighted the broader significance of this partnership, stating, “This important partnership is not only a step in normalizing cannabis, but it also showcases the sophistication and quality of marketing that we have unlocked at Cresco Labs.”

The Cresco ad campaign is expected to center on the Sunnyside “shopping experience.” It will feature 30-second audio advertisements and in-app digital banners, primarily focusing on the company’s proprietary e-commerce platform.

Spotify has earned a reputation for being an affordable platform for advertisers, with per-ad prices starting at just $250.

In this innovative partnership, Spotify and Cresco Labs are not only pushing boundaries but also contributing to the evolving landscape of cannabis advertising, marking a significant step toward its normalization.

Source: The Street

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Vermont’s cannabis marketplace is celebrating its first year of operation, and the results are nothing short of impressive. With projections indicating retail sales for the current fiscal year reaching over $100 million, the state has reaped more than $20 million in additional revenue. This milestone underscores the success of Vermont’s foray into regulated cannabis sales.

In October of the previous year, the Vermont Cannabis Control Board took the pivotal step of granting licenses to a select few retail stores. Since then, the Control Board has been tirelessly working to expand its reach, and the fruits of their labor are evident with the issuance of nearly 70 retail licenses, with more in the pipeline.

James Pepper, the Chairman of the Control Board, is enthusiastic about the positive response from Vermont consumers to the state-controlled cannabis marketplace. He notes that consumers have demonstrated a strong preference for regulated products. They seek out the educational resources provided, desire transparency through labeling, and appreciate the consistency and variety offered within the state’s regulated cannabis market.

Pepper is optimistic about the financial windfall that these cannabis sales will bring to the state. The substantial new revenue is slated to make a significant impact on vital programs. The chairman highlights that the funds will primarily bolster “after school” programs, providing opportunities for Vermont’s youth to engage in constructive activities during their free time. Additionally, the revenue will be channeled into drug education and prevention programs, serving as a proactive measure to address substance abuse and related issues.

As Vermont’s cannabis marketplace gains momentum, it not only offers an opportunity for responsible adult use but also contributes to the betterment of the state’s communities. The success of this venture demonstrates the effectiveness of regulated cannabis sales in meeting consumer demand while simultaneously benefiting important social initiatives. Vermont’s journey into the world of legalized cannabis continues to set an example for responsible and profitable cannabis regulation across the nation.

For More Information, Visit https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2023-09-18/vermonts-cannabis-marketplace-has-been-open-for-a-year-and-is-generating-millions“

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