National Institute on Drug Abuse to Create Standard Measure of THC

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - April 6, 2020 - PRLog -- The National Institute on Drug Abuse releases a notice to create a standardized unit to measure the THC potency of cannabis products in an effort to improve consistency in marijuana research. While the federal agency admits that varying levels of other cannabinoids along with method of consumption could complicate such a task, they emphasize the importance of reliable data as marijauana policy changes across the country. The NIDA is seeking public feedback on the proposal by May 1st.

In Colorado, regulators award the first medical cannabis delivery license in the state to Boulder-based The Dandelion. The dispensary will provide service to Boulder and neighboring Superior, the only jurisdictions in the state to permit delivery and will only apply to medical marijuana, as recreational delivery will not be allowed in Colorado until next year.

In Nevada, marijuana retailer The Source, with two Las Vegas locations, becomes the latest to transition to medical-only sales in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The store joins others who are prioritizing access for medical patients while protecting many of those with compromised immune systems. With the uncertainty regarding the situation around the country, the company's new policy will continue until further notice.

In the entertainment world former pop star-turned chef Kelis is set to host a new show, "Cooked with Cannabis", on Netflix. The program involves a competition in which professional chefs will create THC, CBD, and terpene-infused dishes for a grand prize of 10,000 dollars, and debuts on 420.

In finance Village Farms, raises 10 million Canadian dollars by selling over 3 million shares priced at 3.20 Canadian dollars each to Beacon Securities Limited. The produce company, which first entered the marijuana sector through a joint venture with Emerald Health in 2017 and now holds majority ownership of cannabis cultivation giant Pure Sun Farms, is currently pursuing opportunities in the U.S. hemp-derived CBD market.

Also in Canada, the Public Safety Minister Bill Blair prioritizes developing a plan of action to combat the country's online cannabis black market. Although details weren't disclosed, industry insiders are criticizing the likely strategy of enforcement. Some speculate that governments in all provinces aside from Manitoba and Saskatchewan monopolizing online sales is exacerbating the issue, and licensing private online retailers is the better solution.

Columbia's Ministry of Health issues a new regulation providing a regulatory framework for domestic medical cannabis sales. The policy allows patients with a variety of qualifying conditions, such as cancer, parkinson's, chronic pain, and insomnia, to obtain MMJ prescriptions. The move opens up opportunities for already-licensed cannabis companies in the country, like PharmaCielo and Clever Leaves, to access the estimated 5 million patient market.

Written by Jacqui Verdura and Micah Tatum

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