Policy Précis

Epidiolex descheduled. For the first time, a cannabinoid medicine (Epidiolex, a CBD-based therapy used to treat Dravet syndrome) has been descheduled by the US DEA. Read the press release from manufacturer GW Pharma here.

EVALI leads to tighter cannabis controls. Oregon officials will carry out random testing for unlicensed additives in cannabis products and Washington State passed an emergency rule banning vape products containing vitamin E acetate. A second rule “requires manufacturers of THC products to disclose all compounds (including ingredients, solvents, additives, etc.) used in the production and processing as well as the sources of all vapor products."

Epidiolex descheduled. For the first time, a cannabinoid medicine (Epidiolex, a CBD-based therapy used to treat Dravet syndrome) has been descheduled by the US DEA. Read the press release from manufacturer GW Pharma here.

EVALI leads to tighter cannabis controls. Oregon officials will carry out random testing for unlicensed additives in cannabis products and Washington State passed an emergency rule banning vape products containing vitamin E acetate. A second rule “requires manufacturers of THC products to disclose all compounds (including ingredients, solvents, additives, etc.) used in the production and processing as well as the sources of all vapor products."

Growing cannabis for research. After a four-year delay, the US DEA has announced it will review 37 applications to grow cannabis for research, and published a draft framework for growers (read it here). US scientists have previously complained that the cannabis supplied by NIDA for research (currently grown at a single facility at the University of Mississippi)  is very different from that on sale in dispensaries. 

What is a “unit” of THC? The NIDA has issued a request for information from researchers to help establish a standard dose of THC (they are proposing 5 mg), which they believe will allow a more systematic study of the benefits and harms of cannabis use. 

Hemp testing reprieve. Following criticism, the USDA delayed the requirement for all hemp testing to be carried out at DEA-registered labs until October 2021, or publication of the final rule, whichever comes first. Read the statement here.

Referendum ready in New Zealand. The latest version of New Zealand's Cannabis Legislation and Control Bill will be put to the nation in a referendum on September 19. The Bill sets out what legalizing personal use for adults would look like, with large fines or jail time for unlawful supply, and a focus on treatment rather than punishment for underage users. 

Lebanon legalizes cultivation. Read more here.