In-depth coverage of federal policy, peer-reviewed research, state market developments, and industry trends — written by our editorial team of policy analysts, medical advisors, and market researchers.
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The DEA's proposed rule to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III is the most significant federal cannabis policy shift in decades. Here is what it changes — and what it does not.
Sarah Chen
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in JAMA Psychiatry found that standardized CBD formulations produced statistically significant reductions in GAD symptom scores compared to placebo.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Cannabis Advisor
After two years of rulemaking, public comment, and legal challenges, the DEA has published its final rule moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III — the most consequential federal cannabis policy change in 54 years.
Sarah Chen
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
From CBD's role in neurogenesis to THCV's potential for diabetes, 2025 was a landmark year for cannabis science. Here are the five studies that mattered most.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Science Editor
The SAFER Banking Act has passed the Senate Banking Committee with bipartisan support. Here is what the bill does, what has changed from earlier versions, and the realistic path to enactment.
Marcus Williams
Policy & Advocacy Director
Cannabigerol (CBG) is emerging as one of the most therapeutically promising minor cannabinoids. New preclinical and early clinical data suggest significant neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Cannabis Advisor
Ohio launched adult-use cannabis sales in August 2024. Six months of sales data reveals a market growing faster than projections — and significant challenges for medical program retention.
David Kim
Market Research Analyst
Insomnia is the most common reason adults report using cannabis. But what does the clinical evidence actually show? A systematic review of 34 studies finds nuanced results that depend heavily on cannabinoid profile and dosing.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Cannabis Advisor
The cannabis industry is undergoing rapid consolidation as multi-state operators acquire distressed single-state companies. What does this mean for product quality, pricing, and the independent dispensary?
David Kim
Market Research Analyst
Germany became the largest European country to legalize adult-use cannabis in April 2024. One year later, the results are instructive — and the rest of Europe is paying close attention.
Marcus Williams
Policy & Advocacy Director
The "entourage effect" is one of the most cited concepts in cannabis — and one of the most misunderstood. Here is what the research actually shows about cannabinoid and terpene synergy.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Cannabis Advisor
Cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the US — and one of the least unionized. A new report documents wage theft, unsafe conditions, and the barriers workers face in organizing.
Marcus Williams
Policy & Advocacy Director
After seven failed attempts over a decade, the SAFER Banking Act has been signed into law, prohibiting federal banking regulators from penalizing financial institutions that serve state-legal cannabis businesses.
Sarah Chen
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
A 200-patient Phase II trial published in Diabetes Care confirms earlier findings that THCV improves fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, and adiponectin levels in type 2 diabetes patients — with a favorable safety profile.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Science Editor
Germany's Cannabis Act took effect April 1, 2024. Twelve months of data reveal surprising outcomes on youth use, black market activity, and public health — with lessons for other nations watching closely.
Marcus Williams
Policy & Advocacy Director
Two independent research groups have published preclinical data showing cannabigerol (CBG) reduces amyloid-beta plaque accumulation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease mouse models — advancing the case for human trials.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Science Editor
A comprehensive analysis of state expungement programs finds that 2.4 million cannabis convictions have been cleared since 2020 — but 8 million records remain, and racial disparities in who benefits persist.
Marcus Williams
Policy & Advocacy Director
The FDA's long-awaited final rule on hemp-derived cannabinoids establishes a 0.3% total THC threshold, bans delta-8 THC in food and beverages, and creates a new regulatory pathway for hemp-derived CBD supplements.
Sarah Chen
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
A 500,000-patient cohort study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that patients with access to medical cannabis programs fill significantly fewer opioid prescriptions — with the strongest effects in chronic pain and cancer patients.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Science Editor
Germany became the largest European country to legalize cannabis in April 2024. A year later, the results are mixed — consumption clubs are operational, but the commercial market faces delays.
Marcus Williams
Policy & Advocacy Editor
The SAFER Banking Act has passed the Senate Banking Committee but faces an uncertain path to full passage. Here's why cannabis banking reform matters — and what's blocking it.
David Kim
Industry & Business Editor
Five years after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, the FDA still has not created a regulatory framework for CBD in food and supplements. Here's why — and what it means for consumers.
Sarah Chen
Editor-in-Chief
Legal states have expunged millions of cannabis convictions, but tens of thousands of people remain incarcerated for cannabis offenses. Here's where expungement stands in 2025.
Marcus Williams
Policy & Advocacy Editor
Ohio launched recreational cannabis sales in June 2024, just 7 months after voters approved Issue 2. Here's how the state pulled it off — and what the first year looked like.
David Kim
Industry & Business Editor
Can your employer fire you for legal cannabis use? The answer depends entirely on where you live. Here's the current state of employment protections — and which states lead the way.
Marcus Williams
Policy & Advocacy Editor
From Amsterdam to Denver to Las Vegas, cannabis tourism is a growing industry. Here's where visitors can legally consume, what the rules are, and what's changing.
Sarah Chen
Editor-in-Chief
Over 30% of veterans with PTSD report using cannabis for symptom management. Yet the VA still cannot recommend it. Here's where the policy stands — and what the research shows.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Science Editor
Multi-state operators are acquiring smaller companies at an accelerating pace. What does consolidation mean for consumers, workers, and the craft cannabis market?
David Kim
Industry & Business Editor
Cannabis use during pregnancy has increased significantly as legalization spreads. The research on risks is clearer than ever — but many pregnant people aren't getting the message.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Science Editor
Multiple investigations have found that cannabis products with failed lab tests are reaching consumers. Here's how it happens — and what needs to change.
Sarah Chen
Editor-in-Chief
Adults 65+ are the fastest-growing cannabis consumer demographic in the US. Pain, insomnia, and anxiety are driving use — but many seniors face barriers to access and information.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Medical Science Editor
Every article published on Cannabis Dispensary is written by a named expert contributor and reviewed for factual accuracy before publication. We cite primary sources — peer-reviewed journals, government data, and official regulatory filings — and distinguish clearly between established evidence and emerging research. We do not accept sponsored content or allow advertiser relationships to influence editorial coverage.
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