Introducing: the CBD Medical Journal
An exciting new medical journal just came online this month. The CBD Medical Journal is dedicated to Medical Marijuana and CBD Health and Wellness.
See below for just a few of the exclusive articles you will only find at our CBD companion site,
Vermont Set To Expand Medical Marijuana
Vermont Lawmakers Approve Expansion of Medical Marijuana.
The Associated Press reports that Vermont lawmakers are expanding access to medical marijuana in the state. Legislators have approved a bill that would add additional ailments to the list of qualifying conditions AND triple the number of dispensaries in the state.
2017 Federal Spending Bill Extends Key Marijuana Protections
Marijuana advocates have reason to celebrate. The recent Omnibus spending bill passed by the 115th GOP led Congress, maintains a key provision that has been protecting legal medical marijuana operations from federal prosecution since 2014.
Originally introduced in 2003, the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment did not become law until inclusion in the 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill. The amendment, known now as Section 542, is hidden away on page 223 of a 2000+ page spending bill.
Federal Legalization of Medical Marijuana Could Save Government $3.8 Billion
In a new STUDY published by Health Affairs (April, 2017), the authors Ashley Bradford and W. David Bradford propose that the nation could save between $1 billion – $3.8 billion annually – if medical marijuana was federally legal and available in every state.
Americans support for Legal Marijuana Climbs to 60%!
HAPPY 420 | Great news to celebrate!
WASHINGTON, D.C. — According to the latest Gallup Poll, the support for legal marijuana stands at an all-time high of 60%!
Gallup Q: “Do you think the use of marijuana should be made legal, or not?”
A: 60% said YES, legalize
Americans approve of legal marijuana!
* Gallup Poll Oct. 2016
Wisconsin Legislature Unanimously approves Marijuana CBD Oil
Madison, WI – The Wisconsin state Assembly voted 98-0 last week, to legalize possession of CBD oil! CBD oil is a marijuana extract and is used to treat seizures, reduce pain and inflammation and may even be effective as a neuro-protectant. It won’t get you high, but many people swear by its benefits.
With the state Senate having overwhelmingly approved the bill, it now moves on to the governor’s desk for his signature. Gov. Scott Walker is expected to sign the legislation into law.
Unfortunately (for many), the Wisconsin bill does not go far enough. For one thing, the legislation does not allow for the production or sale of CBD oil in Wisconsin. Parents are expected to obtain CBD oil from outside the state. Then bring it back into Wisconsin, in violation of federal law. Seems a little short-sighted, doesn’t it?
Updated March 28th
NORML – Madison reports that Wisconsin City has removed fines for marijuana possession and consumption.
Under a new ordinance passed this week in March, adults 21+ will no longer be subject to fine for possessing marijuana (public or private). Using marijuana in private is also exempt from any fines. However, public use is still prohibited and subject to a $200 fine.
Spotlight: Marijuana company Canopy Growth now in S&P/TSX Index
SMITH FALLS, Ontario – Another milestone for the cannabis industry was reached today…
Canopy Growth [TSX:WEED], Canada’s largest and arguably most successful marijuana company – has been added to the S&P/TSX Composite Index. The index represents nearly 70% of the total market capitalization on the Toronto Stock Exchange and is considered a key benchmark for the Canadian equity market.
With the addition of Canopy Growth to the index, more and more investors will now be ‘buying and holding‘ weed.
Canopy Growth has a market capitalization of $780.6 million and a year-to-date stock price change of +192%. Canopy Growth is definitely a cannabis company to watch in 2017.
Celebrating Powerful Women in Weed on International Women’s Day
The CBD Business Blog
would like to celebrate
International Women’s Day
by celebrating
Powerful Women In Weed
Is GOP led 115th Congress Shifting Views on Marijuana with new Legislation?
At least two bills have been introduced by Republican lawmakers in the past 6 weeks, that would end federal marijuana prohibition.
I’M JUST A BILL – H.R. 715
On January 27th, 2017 – House Republican Rep. Griffith Morgan from Virginia introduced H.R. 715 to the 115th Congress. Legislation that would reschedule marijuana from a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, AND exclude cannabidiol (CBD) from the definition of marijuana.
I’M JUST A SECOND MARIJUANA BILL!
On February 27th, 2017 – House Republican Rep. Thomas Garrett of Virginia introduced legislation entitled, Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017.
Rep. Garrett’s legislation, if it becomes law, would end federal prohibition by removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. This would in effect, leave marijuana legality/policy up to the states.
Rep. Garrett has been a vocal Trump Supporter and the timing of his bill is worth noting. AG Sessions himself suggested during his confirmation hearings – that if congress didn’t like his approach to marijuana law enforcement, they should change the laws accordingly.
Perhaps the Republicans are attempting to do just that?! First with a stick, then with a carrot?
Garrett’s office released a press release to coincide with the legislation’s introduction:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today 5th District Congressman Tom Garrett introduced legislation aimed at federally decriminalizing marijuana.
The short title for this legislation is cited as the “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017.” If passed, this bill would take marijuana off the federal controlled substances list – joining other industries such as alcohol and tobacco.
Garrett went on to say,
“this step allows states to determine appropriate medicinal use and allows for industrial hemp growth, something that will provide a major economic boost to agricultural development in Southside Virginia. In the coming weeks, I anticipate introducing legislation aimed at growing the hemp industry in Virginia, something that is long overdue.”
SENATORS ON MARIJUANA IN 2017: CBD Medical Journal
Take a listen to Senator Schatz as he blasts AG Sessions on the Senate floor, February 8th, 2017 – over his comments disparaging marijuana.
According to the Associated Press (article), Senators from eight states with legal recreational marijuana (Washington, Colorado, Nevada, California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Maine, Alaska), sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions on March 2nd, 2017 – asking him to uphold the Department of Justice’s existing enforcement policy toward marijuana.
Among those who signed this letter where Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey.
TRUMP ON MARIJUANARepublican Presidential Candidate Donald speaks in front of a crowd in Reno, Nevada on October 29th, 2015.
Listen to Trump’s answer, when asked how he would approach CBD medical and recreational marijuana.
TRUMP ON MARIJUANARepublican Presidential Candidate Donald speaks in front of a crowd in Reno, Nevada on October 29th, 2015.
Listen to Trump’s answer, when asked how he would approach medical and recreational marijuana.
House Republican Rep. Griffith Morgan from Virginia, has introduced a bill to the 115th Congress that would reschedule marijuana from a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, AND exclude cannabidiol (CBD) from the definition of marijuana.
Part I – The Big News | Reschedule Marijuana!Introduced in the House of Representatives on January 27, 2017, H.R. 715 would reschedule marijuana under section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812) to a schedule under section 202 other than the dreaded schedule I.
Schedule I is reserved for substances that have a high potential for abuse, have no currently accepted medical use, and demonstrate a lack of acceptable safety when used under medical supervision.
No accepted medical use?
Not so fast! Clearly, marijuana does not belong under Schedule I. Marijuana has demonstrated health benefits. CBD oil, from marijuana and hemp, is used by many people to treat joint inflammation and the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. And CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high.
Science is just now beginning to explore the potential health benefits of cannabis. Recent clinical research suggests applications in the treatment of anxiety and schizophrenia, and even cancer. The THCV and terpenes in marijuana and hemp may even help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels and possibly even help you avoid serious health problems such as diabetes.
This bill, if passed, would be truly historic. It would completely alter the landscape for the cannabis industry nationally and perhaps even globally. Although rescheduling alone would likely not immediately end Federal prohibition, it would drive a huge crack in the wall of ignorance surrounding medical and recreational marijuana.
Part II – Equally Great News | CBD Excluded from CSA!
H.R. 715 would also remove cannabidiol (CBD), famous for its efficacy in treating intractable childhood epilepsy (e.g. Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome), from governance under the Controlled Substance Act!
Learn why cannabidiol (CBD) and how the industry is expecting 700% growth.
An End to Federal Prohibition?
H.R. 715, by itself, would not prevent the FDA from restricting and regulating marijuana, but it would remove the DEA from the conversation.
Passage would also likely permit banks and other financial bodies to engage with state-compliant marijuana companies. This would bring much needed capital and financial security to an industry producing billions of dollars outside of mainstream financial institutions and poised to be crowned the #1 most valuable legal cash crop in the U.S.