Articles By Nushin Rashidian

United States

Kamala Harris Hosts Cannabis Roundtable, Calls Current Federal Policy “Absurd” 

In a White House conversation focused on cannabis pardons, Harris also urged the DEA to move "as quickly as possible" on its review of how the federal government classifies cannabis.

California

California’s Cannabis Advisory Committee Talks Lab Improvements, Facilitating Events

The committee met for the first time this year, and focused on labs and events largely through the lens of reining in bad actors and unlicensed activity.

Global

United Nations’ Narcotics Board Report Finds Legal Cannabis Production Has “Grown Significantly” 

In response to a question during the report launch about Germany’s legalization plans, INCB’s president said it is up to the international community to decide on legal cannabis “once and for all.”

Virginia

Virginia Lawmakers Send Cannabis Sales Legislation to Gov. Youngkin. Will He Sign it?

While an adult use cannabis legalization bill was signed into law in Virginia in 2021, a change in political control has stalled efforts to launch sales.

Germany

Germany’s Parliament Passes Bill to Legalize Cannabis for Adults

If the bill clears its remaining steps without delay, including consideration by one more legislative body, it is on track to take effect in April.

California

In California, These Cannabis Bills Are Moving Ahead This Year

Several cannabis efforts introduced last year will get another shot in 2024.

United States

U.S. Justice Department Aims to Dismiss Cannabis Companies’ Lawsuit

The suit argues that federal cannabis prohibition should not apply in states that have chosen to legalize. DOJ says the plaintiffs “lack standing” and finds their arguments “unpersuasive.”

Regulation

What Else Is In HHS’ Cannabis Rescheduling Docs?

Many groups’ work, from CANNRA to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, informed a federal recommendation to reclassify cannabis.

Regulation

State Medical Cannabis Programs, Booming Research, Informed HHS Recommendation to Reclassify Cannabis

Newly released documents from the Dept. of Health and Human Services detail the agency’s recommendation to the DEA to put cannabis in Schedule III.