January was a wild ride for cannabis news. From bureaucratic delays to groundbreaking research, here are three big updates you should know.
The DEA’s Cannabis Hearing? Yeah, It’s Delayed.
So, the DEA was supposed to hold a hearing on January 21 to discuss rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III (aka, moving it out of the “as bad as heroin” category). But surprise! It got postponed because of an appeal from someone involved. Now, everyone’s left wondering when or if the government will finally make a move. Classic.
Cannabis for Dementia? Science Says, “Let’s Find Out.”
Over at the University of Kentucky, researchers kicked off a study on cannabis for late-stage dementia patients. The goal? See if it helps with agitation and discomfort—two big struggles for those with advanced dementia. The study, called the LiBBY Study, is backed by the National Institutes of Health and FDA-approved. If it works, cannabis could become a legit option for easing symptoms. Finally, science catching up with common sense.
The Feds Want a “Game Plan” for Cannabis Research
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) just dropped a new cannabis research roadmap, and it’s all about closing knowledge gaps. They want to figure out both the benefits and the risks (because, you know, balanced science and all that). This plan could shape future policies, regulations, and maybe even finally bring some clarity to the whole “is it medicine or not?” debate.
