The enactment of state laws legalizing the physician-recommended use of cannabis therapy is not associated with increased levels of marijuana use by young people, according to data published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Investigators concluded, “This study did not find increases in adolescent marijuana use related to legalization of medical marijuana. … This suggests that concerns about ‘sending the wrong message’ may have been overblown. … Our study … may provide some reassurance to policy makers who wish to balance compassion for individuals who have been unable to find relief from conventional medical therapies with the safety and well-being of youth.”

A marijuana leaf on top of the Maryland flag

GOVERNMENT

Maryland: Governor Signs Marijuana Reform Measures Into Law

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Posted on April 14, 2014June 21, 2022

Democrat Gov. Martin O’Malley today signed two separate pieces of legislation reforming the state’s marijuana laws.

LEGISLATION

Nevada: Governor Signs Cannabis Dispensary Measure Into Law

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Posted on June 13, 2013June 20, 2022

Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval has signed legislation, Senate Bill 374, authorizing the creation of up to 66 medical marijuana dispensaries. Under the new law, state regulators are tasked with overseeing the creation of licensed establishments to produce, test, and dispense cannabis and cannabis-infused products to authorized patients. Nevada voters enacted legislation in 2000 to allow for physician authorized patients to consume and grow cannabis. However, that law did provide for facilities where authorized patients may obtain medicinal cannabis. Approximately 3,800 Nevadans are presently authorized to grow and/or consume cannabis under state law

Image includes a leafy cannabis plant, the structural formula for THC and for CBD, and icons representing clinical applications for cannabis, like sleep and pain

SCIENCE

Even More Science Suggesting That Cannabinoids May Halt Diabetes

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Posted on June 10, 2013June 20, 2022

Preclinical study data published online in the scientific journal Nutrition & Diabetes reports that tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) — a naturally occurring analogue of THC — possesses positive metabolic effects in animal models of obesity. Researchers concluded: “Based on these data, it can be suggested that THCV may be useful for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome and/or type 2 diabetes (adult onset diabetes), either alone or in combination with existing treatments.”

LEGISLATION

Oregon: Governor Signs Measure to Expand State’s Medical Cannabis Program to Include Patients With Post Traumatic Stress

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Posted on June 7, 2013June 20, 2022

Democrat Gov. John Kitzhaber on Thursday signed legislation, Senate Bill 281, into law to allow patients with post-traumatic stress to be eligible to engage in the therapeutic use of cannabis. The new law expands the state’s existing medical marijuana program, initially enacted by voters in 1998, to include post-traumatic stress as a state-qualified illness for which marijuana may be recommended.

Activism

Michigan: Medical Marijuana Act Trumps Per Se Driving Law

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Posted on May 22, 2013June 20, 2022

A Michigan traffic safety law that prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle by persons who possess any presence of THC in their blood, regardless of whether or not they are behaviorally impaired by the substance, may not be strictly applied to state-qualified medical cannabis patients.