Forbes • 19th April 2025

Florida Bills Seek To Regulate And Tax Hemp-Derived THC Products

Florida lawmakers have moved forward with two bills aimed at regulating hemp-derived THC products, setting up a taxation system, and establishing rules for sales. The House Committee unanimously approved on April 16 two proposals that would strengthen regulations on hemp-derived THC products and introduce a 15% excise tax on their retail sales. Although Florida legalized medical cannabis in 2016, recreational cannabis remains illegal in the state. However, hemp-derived THC products have become p...

Forbes • 15th April 2025

Cannabis Smoking Declines As Vaping And Edibles Surge, CDC Finds

While smoking is still the most common method of using cannabis, alternative methods like vaping and edibles are growing in popularity, according to a new survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC report published last week provides an overview of how adults in the U.S. consume cannabis based on the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual telephone survey of health behaviors among adults in all 50 states, DC, and three territories. The surv...

CannIntelligence • 9th April 2025

Italy’s looming CBD ban triggers fears of a potential shutdown of its hemp industry | CannIntelligence

Italy’s government has invoked its emergency powers to issue a decree on security matters, including a ban on the sale of CBD products.On 4th April, Italy’s Council of Ministers converted the so-called Security Bill – which introduces new rules in multiple areas, including public safety and the prison system – into a decree, introducing amendments to hemp law 242/2016 that explicitly ban the cultivation, processing and sale of CBD flowers and related products, including CBD oil.The new decree ba...

The New Arab • 7th April 2025

Will the US cut a nuclear deal with Iran or go to war?

US President Donald Trump is looking to revive talks with Iran to secure a nuclear deal that would dissuade Tehran from potentially developing nuclear weapons, but the path to negotiations is challenging. In early May, Trump sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reportedly through an Emirati diplomat, proposing nuclear talks with demands for Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, halt its support for regional militias, and comply within two months for sanctions relief. Iran reje...

Forbes • 26th March 2025

How Do Tariffs On China Affect The U.S. Cannabis Industry?

U.S. tariffs on China could drive up some cannabis product prices, as the industry heavily depends on Chinese manufacturing. However, some companies are already diversifying their production to avoid the rising costs. Since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term, he has implemented tariffs on imports from China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. These measures aim to encourage domestic manufacturing, protect U.S. jobs, and address trade imbalances despite potential economic...

Forbes • 21st March 2025

Netherlands To Launch Legal Cannabis Sales Experiment Amid Concerns

The Netherlands is set to launch a groundbreaking experiment in fully legal cannabis sales, marking a shift away from its long-standing tolerance policy. The experiment will be launched on April 7 and will allow cannabis shops, also known as coffeeshops, in ten municipalities to sell cannabis products from legal suppliers. This marks a breakthrough in the Dutch cannabis market, as coffeeshops currently source their stock from unauthorized suppliers, often allegedly associated with organized crim...

Forbes • 20th March 2025

Nearly 85% Of Cannabis Users Drive The Same Day They Consume It.

A new survey has found that most U.S. cannabis users drive the same day as they consume it, highlighting little knowledge about cannabis laws and regulations. The U.S. non-profit AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety published this month a survey about cannabis users’ perceptions and self-reported behaviors when driving after using cannabis. The survey reveals that nearly 85% of users drive the same day they consume cannabis, compared to those who never drive after use, defined as people who either...

The New Arab • 17th March 2025

Borderline disorder: Is Iran destabilising post-Assad Syria?

The fall of Syria's former President Bashar al-Assad in December, overthrown by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led coalition, now headed by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, marked a significant shift in the region, dealing a major setback to Iran. Following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's military response in Gaza and Lebanon, the Iran-led axis of resistance faced significant setbacks, though they still maintain considerable influence in the region. However, the loss o...

Forbes • 15th March 2025

Idaho Lawmakers Push For Medical Cannabis Legalization

Just days following the Idaho Senate’s approval of a bill to revise the state constitution in a bid to halt voter-initiated attempts at legalizing cannabis, Idaho House lawmakers have introduced a bill that would legalize medical cannabis. State Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene) sponsored a bipartisan medical cannabis legalization bill this week, named Sgt. Kitzhaber Medical Cannabis Act, along with Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise). Idaho has one of the strictest cannabis laws in the United States...

Forbes • 6th March 2025

Colombian President Urges Congress To Legalize Cannabis Amid Rising Drug Cartel Violence

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked Congress to legalize cannabis, arguing that prohibition fuels violence from cartels in the illicit market, which has recently surged in the country. In a post on X on Sunday, Petro called Colombian lawmakers to legalize cannabis and remove the crop from the cycle of violence. “The prohibition of marijuana in Colombia only brings violence,” he said. He also called on “the governments of the world” to end the ban on the use of coca leaves for purposes ot...

Forbes • 27th February 2025

Republicans Seek To Block Marijuana Tax Deductions Amid Potential Rescheduling

Seven Republican representatives have introduced a bill to block businesses from claiming tax marijuana deductions for expenses, even if the substance is federally rescheduled. Republican Rep. Jodey C. Arrington, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, introduced a bill last week—co-sponsored by six colleagues—to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and uphold the ban on tax deductions or credits for businesses involved in marijuana trafficking. The bill, though its text is unavailable, aims...

The New Arab • 25th February 2025

A compound crisis in Beirut after US-imposed ban on Iran flights

Lebanon's new government is facing a combined domestic crisis with Hezbollah and a diplomatic crisis with Tehran after banning Iranian commercial flights following US and Israeli pressure.  The controversy erupted on February 13 when Lebanon blocked an Iranian Mahan Air flight from landing at Beirut's Rafic Hariri Airport, reportedly following a US warning that Israel might strike the airport if it did. The ban sparked outrage among Hezbollah supporters, leading to protests and roadblocks at t...

Forbes • 17th February 2025

Switzerland Moves To Legalize Recreational Cannabis With A State-Controlled Monopoly

Swiss lawmakers have introduced a bill to legalize recreational cannabis in an effort to curb the illegal market. The Health Committee of the House of Representatives approved last week a draft bill aimed at relaxing restrictions for adults. The proposal, which received 14 votes in favor, nine against, and two abstentions, is intended to curb illegal market activity, safeguard public health, and establish a non-profit sales framework. Recreational cannabis is still illegal in Switzerland, though...

Forbes • 14th February 2025

FDA Grants Fast-Track Designation To Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome Drug

Pharmaceutical development company PleoPharma has received a grant from the U.S. Federal Drug Administration to fast-track the development of a medication designed to mitigate cannabis withdrawal syndrome in patients with cannabis use disorder. U.S.-based PleoPharma announced yesterday that the FDA has granted it a fast-track designation for PP-01, which is a new investigational drug for cannabis withdrawal syndrome. If approved, this medication can help people with cannabis use disorder to over...

Al-Monitor • 14th February 2025

Why Hezbollah, Amal want to control Lebanon's Finance Ministry

The New Arab • 11th February 2025

Will Arab states push back against Trump's Gaza expulsion plans?

US President Donald Trump's repeated remarks about the US taking over Gaza for reconstruction and expelling Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan have shocked Arab states. The brazen proposal was made during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington last week when he said the US could take ownership of Gaza and redevelop it into the "Riviera of the Middle East", resettling Palestinians in regional states. Since Netanyahu’s visit, he has doubled down on his remarks, on Monday s...

Forbes • 11th February 2025

Alabama Senator Introduces Bill To Ban Intoxicating Hemp Products

An Alabama senator has introduced a bill to ban intoxicating hemp products, such as delta-8 THC, making Alabama the latest state to seek to prohibit these substances. Republican Senator Tim Melson introduced a bill last week to ban hemp-derived THC products like delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 in Alabama. The bill is currently awaiting action in the Senate Committee on Healthcare. If passed, the bill would classify these psychoactive cannabinoids as Schedule I controlled substances, and it would...

Forbes • 4th February 2025

Heavy Cannabis Use Linked To Lasting Memory Deficits, Study Finds

A new study on brain activity found that heavy cannabis use is linked to reduced activity in memory-related regions, while recent use may cause temporary cognitive impairments. Published in the Substance Use and Addiction journal of JAMA Network on January 28, researchers from the U.S. and Canada analyzed surveys and brain scans of over 1,000 young adults, comparing their cannabis use habits with brain activity during cognitive tasks. This study explored the impact of cannabis use on brain funct...

Forbes • 30th January 2025

Ohio Republican Lawmakers Seek More Marijuana Taxes And Home Grow Limits

Ohio Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill to reform their state’s marijuana laws, increasing taxes on the substance and limiting personal cultivation. Recently introduced by Sen. Stephen A. Huffman, the bill is a rewriting of Issue 2, which legalized marijuana in the state with a ballot measure approved by voters in November 2023. The new bill includes increased taxation, cuts in home cultivation limits, and removal of social equity provisions. While supporters say the moves will refine r...

Forbes • 28th January 2025

Illinois Cannabis Consumer Files Class Action Against Companies For Allegedly Exceeding THC Limits Deceptively

Cannabis companies in Illinois are facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly labeling cannabis-infused products as concentrates in order to exceed the state’s THC limits. Illinois cannabis consumer Chad Alsip filed two class action lawsuits this week against multiple defendants, including Wellness Group Pharms and its affiliates operating collectively as Aeriz, as well as several entities under Acreage Holdings, In Grown Farms, and NCC. The two complaints represent over 100 members each, with...