Cannabis News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published its Draft Guidance for the research of psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA. This guidance outlines the regulatory requirements and unique challenges associated with studying the therapeutic potential of these substances. The FDA aims to ensure that clinical studies are designed appropriately to evaluate safety and effectiveness while considering the distinctive characteristics of psychedelic drugs. The FDA's Draft Guidance emphasizes that psychedelic drug development programs must adhere to the same regulations and evidentiary standards as other drug development programs. Compliance with the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act is essential, and non-clinical investigations should follow the guidelines outlined in the Nonclinical Safety Studies for Human Clinical Trials and Marketing Authorization for Pharmaceuticals. Designing clinical studies for psychedelic drugs presents unique challenges due to their profound effects on perception and consciousness, which can last for several hours. Some programs incorporate psychological or behavioral interventions, and researchers hypothesize that these drugs can provide rapid-onset and long-term benefits with just a few doses. These distinctive characteristics must be carefully considered to ensure the interpretability of study results. The FDA acknowledges that most medical conditions being studied in psychedelic research programs are chronic in nature. The proposed regulations provide a framework for psychedelic therapy, which is currently legal in Oregon. If the FDA were to approve a drug currently classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, the assessment of abuse potential would assist in determining appropriate rescheduling actions. The FDA is welcoming public comments on the proposed rules until August 28. This opportunity allows stakeholders and interested parties to provide feedback and contribute to the ongoing development of regulations for psychedelic drug research. Public input plays a crucial role in shaping the future of this field and ensuring safe and effective use of psychedelic therapies. Stay up-to-date with the ever-changing landscape of cannabis. Subscribe to NECANN today for the latest updates.

FDA Releases Draft Guidance for Psychedelic Drug Research

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published its Draft Guidance for the research of psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA. This guidance outlines the regulatory requirements and unique challenges associated with studying the therapeutic potential of these substances. The FDA aims to ensure that clinical studies are designed appropriately to evaluate safety […]

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New York's Capital District Educational Opportunity Center to Launch Cannabis Construction Training Program

New York’s Capital District Educational Opportunity Center to Launch Cannabis Construction Training Program

The Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), a division of Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), has received a $75,000 grant from the University of Southern California’s Race and Equity Center (USC) to establish a Cannabis Construction training program. The program aims to provide enrolled students with the necessary skills to construct indoor and outdoor grow

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Study Shows Teen Binge Drinking Declines with Cannabis Legalization, But Adults Show Increase

Study Shows Teen Binge Drinking Declines with Cannabis Legalization, But Adults Show Increase

A recent study examining the relationship between adult-use cannabis laws and binge drinking habits reveals interesting findings. The study, titled “Recreational cannabis legislation and binge drinking in U.S. adolescents and adults,” utilized data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health spanning from 2008 to 2019. The researchers observed a decline in overall binge

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Connecticut Allows Home Cannabis Cultivation for Adults

Connecticut Allows Home Cannabis Cultivation for Adults

Adults aged 21 and older in Connecticut can legally grow their own marijuana plants for personal use, marking another milestone in the state’s cannabis legalization journey. The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) recently published a notice outlining the rules and emphasizing responsible cultivation. Here are the key details about the home cultivation laws under the

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Maryland Legalizes Cannabis Possession and Cultivation Now Allowed

Maryland Marijuana Legalization Law Takes Effect, Enabling Possession and Cultivation for Personal Use

Maryland’s long-awaited marijuana legalization law came into effect, granting individuals the ability to possess and cultivate cannabis for personal use. This development coincided with the opening of most existing medical cannabis dispensaries to adult consumers for recreational sales. Additionally, a separate law prohibiting police from using the odor or possession of marijuana as a basis

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Luxembourg Becomes Second EU Country to Legalize Cannabis Possession and Cultivation

Luxembourg Becomes Second EU Country to Legalize Cannabis Possession and Cultivation

Luxembourg has made history as the second European Union member nation to legalize cannabis possession and cultivation for personal use. The new law, approved with a 38-22 vote, allows adults in Luxembourg to possess up to three grams of cannabis for personal use. Additionally, citizens are permitted to grow up to four cannabis plants at

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Colombia Senate Narrowly Rejects Bill for Legal Cannabis Sales to Adults

Colombia Senate Narrowly Rejects Bill for Legal Cannabis Sales to Adults

In a close vote, the Colombia Senate rejected a bill that would have legalized cannabis sales to adults. Despite having majority support in the chamber, with 47 senators in favor and 43 opposed, the bill fell short of the required 54 votes needed as a constitutional amendment. Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco expressed the administration’s

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Federal Ban Renews, Blocking D.C. Marijuana Sales

Federal Ban Renews, Blocking D.C. Marijuana Sales

The persistent rider, introduced by Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) and in place since 2014, has prevented the District from utilizing local tax revenue to enact regulations for a commercial cannabis market. Despite D.C. voters legalizing cannabis possession and home cultivation for adults through a successful ballot initiative, the ban has hampered the city’s ability to

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Missouri Cannabis Licensing Raises Equity Concerns for Black Communities

Missouri Cannabis Licensing Raises Equity Concerns for Black Communities

In the wake of Missouri’s legalization of recreational marijuana, concerns are being raised over the potential exclusion of Black communities from the economic opportunities presented by the cannabis industry. Historically, Black residents have faced disproportionate criminalization for marijuana offenses, and advocates argue that they should have a fair chance to participate in the burgeoning legal

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New Jersey Supreme Court Rules Police Cannot Use Marijuana Odor as Probable Cause for Car Searches

New Jersey Supreme Court Rules Police Cannot Use Marijuana Odor as Probable Cause for Car Searches

In a unanimous ruling, the New Jersey Supreme Court has declared that police officers improperly used the smell of marijuana as a basis to search a man’s car on the New Jersey Turnpike in 2016. The decision allows the man to withdraw his guilty plea to a weapons offense. This ruling comes after Governor Phil

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