MMJ: A Winner

Hey man. What’s happening? I mean like on a national level? Is weed still winning? - Jess Wondrin

WEED STAYS WINNING! Illinois just passed a comprehensive bill to legalize cannabis for adults and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who ran and won as a pro-legalization candidate, has said he will sign the bill. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2020, and will allow Illinois residents over age 21 to possess up to 30 grams (that’s a little more than an ounce) of cannabis, while non-residents will be allowed to possess 15 grams.

More good news: The bill will also expunge convictions for people who were busted for cannabis during the prohibition days. Downside: Home grows are heavily regulated and only medical cannabis patients will be allowed to grow. Employers will still be able to fire employees that test positive for cannabis, and local jurisdictions have a lot of leeway in how, or even if, they want to regulate cannabusinesses. Still, this is a good thing. There are now 12 states with legal cannabis. The tipping point is fast approaching.

Meanwhile, more good news: A federal court has ordered the DEA to “promptly” reassess cannabis’ place as a Schedule I drug. “Schedule I” means that the drug has no medical uses and is harmful and addictive. The DEA has habitually dragged its feet when it comes to being honest about cannabis and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has finally had enough. “We are troubled by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s history of dilatory proceedings,” Judge Guido Calabresi wrote in the decision. This is big. I mean, I expect the DEA to continue to delay and distract, but now they have to deal with a court that is in no mood to play. So yeah, weed is still winning.

CBD products are becoming prolific. Some work, most don’t. How can you tell if one is worth it before you buy? - Auntie Vice (via Twitter)

It’s getting ridiculous. CBD is effective for a variety of things, but does it really need to be in everything from lotion to ice cream? Studies show that most over-the-counter CBD products don’t even contain CBD. The FDA is starting to crack down on bogus products, but it’s an uphill battle. Your best bet is to go to your local dispensary and look for CBD products that have test results clearly listed. By the way, CBD is way more effective when mixed with a little THC. Have fun. Be well.