Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program Set to Launch
The state’s medical cannabis program goes live on Jan. 1, 2025. Matching patients with certified medical providers begins Dec. 1, 2024, when the online directory goes live.
Currently, 154 physicians and advance practice registered nurses are approved as medical cannabis providers – hundreds more expected to join their ranks. That online directory is at kymedcan.ky.gov.
Despite its restrictive nature, the program is targeted to help patients with debilitating conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, intractable pain, epilepsy, intractable nausea, and PTSD.
Applications for a medical cannabis card must be prepared to provide written certification provided by registered practitioners.
Lotteries will also be held on November 27 and December 16 to randomly choose applicants to get a license for an opioid alternative treatment center/medical cannabis dispensary license. So far, Kentucky has licensed 29 cultivators, safety compliance facilities, and processors.
Source: AP News
UC Merced Launches Cannabis Workforce Training Program
The University of California, Merced Extension – with Green Flower – has announced it had launched a series of four online cannabis certificate programs.
This will yield a talented pipeline of professionals prepared to enter into the cannabis industry in health care, law, business and agriculture – some of the fastest-growing sectors propelled by increasing demand in California’s booming cannabis market.
The first cohort starts classes on March 4, 2025.
Source: GV Wire
Cannabis-Infused Giardiniera Debuts in Illinois
In a truly special culinary collaboration, Chicago’s J.P. Graziano and nuEra have released GiardinuEra, a limited-edition cannabis-infused giardiniera.
The novelty product really melds together Chicago’s favorite spicy pickled condiment with THC into a great holiday twist.
It contains 25mg of THC per 4-ounce jar, and is available from nuEra locations and various dispensaries.
This move reflects a trend of cannabis being increasingly infused into traditional food as a new way of cannabis consumers enjoying the product.
Source: Eater Chicago
DEA Recommends Reclassifying Cannabis
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration has recommended reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
This significant shift acknowledges cannabis’s medical benefits and could facilitate research, reduce federal penalties, and improve banking access for cannabis businesses.
The recommendation comes after a full review by the Department of Health and Human Services and a shift in the federal view towards cannabis.
Source: Reuters
Germany Make First Legal Cannabis Sales
Germany has taken a historic step in cannabis reform, with the first legal cannabis distribution occurring through a cannabis club. This milestone is part of the country’s phased legalization process, which began in April 2024.
Cannabis clubs, known as “cannabis social clubs,” allow adults to cultivate and share cannabis collectively.
Each non-profit club can have up to 500 members, who are permitted to receive up to 50 grams of cannabis per month.
These clubs aim to provide safe and legal access to cannabis while reducing reliance on the illicit market. Strict regulations ensure that all cannabis is cultivated under quality and safety standards.
Source: MarijuanaMoment
