NFL Awards Funding to Further Study CBD as An Alternative to Opioids
The National Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association announced that they are jointly granting funds to study CBD as an alternative to opioids for players who sustain concussions. The total amount awarded is $526,525 to be used for two different independent research studies. One of the studies is led by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) to explore CBD and non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation (nVNS) as treatment options for post-concussion headaches. Over the last several years, the NFL and the players union have supported researching CBD and its benefits and risks. In 2022, the league awarded $1 million in funding to study cannabis and cannabinoids and their potential for pain management for players as well as treatment for concussions.
Marijuana Regulators in Nevada Issue First Licenses for Cannabis Consumption Lounges
This week, cannabis regulators in Nevada decided to ease restrictions on air ventilation for marijuana consumption lounges in Las Vegas and other parts of the state. The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) made the move to provide more clarity for businesses hoping to open social consumption sites. Marijuana businesses had also expressed concerns about the original standards for air ventilation for cannabis lounges as the requirements were proving to make opening the lounges extremely costly. The CCB unanimously decided to lower the number of complete air changes required from 30 to 20 per hour. This number is similar to standards for venues like hookah bars and cigar lounges. The hope is the change will reduce the barrier to entry for cannabis consumption lounges and allow businesses to move forward with design and construction. The CCB also awarded the first three conditional licenses for marijuana consumption sites.
Cannabis Workers in Both Pennsylvania and California Join Local Unions
The labor movement in the cannabis industry continues to gain momentum as dispensary workers in Pennsylvania and drivers in California voted to join unions. Earlier in June, workers at the medical marijuana dispensary Restore Integrative Wellness Center in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania joined the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union Local 1776. Marijuana distribution drivers at Southern California business Amuse voted to join Teamsters Local 630. In a statement regarding the move, Lou Villavazo, the secretary-treasurer of Local 630 said, “We look forward to getting them a strong contract that addresses the issues that are important to them – security, regular wage increases, respect, and a voice on the job.” Cannabis workers in other states have also been voting to join local unions to secure contracts and ensure their voices are heard in the workplace.
