Yale Center Announces $600K+ In Cannabis Research Investments

12/02/2024

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The Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (YC-SCAN²) is awarding over $600,000 in grants to 14 Yale School of Medicine researchers to conduct cannabis research. Specifically, the grants will fund investigations into the impact of cannabis and cannabinoids on neurodevelopment and mental health.

YC-SCAN², established in 2023, is managed and directed by Deepak Cyril D’Souza, MD, Vikram Sodhi ’92 Professor of Psychiatry. The department was designed to be a research hub for medicinal cannabis research, and the findings “will be disseminated and used to educate the scientific community, healthcare professionals, and the public,” according to a press release.

“We received a highly competitive set of applications making for a challenging selection process. We are grateful to our reviewers who brought their expertise in basic and clinical sciences in reviewing these applications,” Dr. S’Souza said.

“The projects cover a broad range of topics from the effects of cannabinoids on fetal neurodevelopment and adolescent brain development, the therapeutic potential of beta-caryophyllene for pain, to the impact of cannabis in schizophrenia. The projects are led by investigators at different stages of their careers utilizing several novel approaches. We are optimistic that these projects will advance the science of cannabis and cannabinoids and bring Yale closer to the forefront of cutting-edge research in the area.” — Dr. S’Souza, in a statement

The 14 research projects covered by the grant include:

  • Defining the impact of prenatal exposure to cannabinoids on primate brain development
  • Deciphering the impact of prenatal exposure to THC on psychiatric disorder risk
  • An observational study into oral beta-caryophyllene for the treatment of chronic reflex sympathetic dystrophy pain
  • Investigating cognitive mechanisms of perceptual and reward processing in youth with and without cannabis use
  • Consequences of developmental cannabinoid exposure for GABAergic circuits in the prefrontal cortex
  • Investigating whether the brain states produced by cannabis mimic those of the earliest phases of psychosis
  • Computational behavioral analysis and in vivo electrophysiological characterization of the emerging cannabinoid delta-8-THC
  • Establishing a preclinical model to investigate mGlu5 receptor mechanisms in cannabis use
  • Studying developmental mechanisms for the effects of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on prefrontal circuitry
  • Brain-wide pleiotropy investigation of cannabis use vs. cannabis use disorder
  • Multimodal evaluation of cannabis use impact on schizophrenia risk
  • Studying the impact of perinatal cannabinoid exposure on the histaminergic system and its relevance to tic disorders

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Judge Dismisses Legal Challenge to Nebraska Medical Cannabis Petitions

11/29/2024

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A Lancaster County, Nebraska District Court judge on Tuesday dismissed legal challenges against the state’s two medical cannabis petitions, the Nebraska Examiner reports. In the 57-page order Judge Susan Strong said the petition challengers – former State Board of Health member John Kuehn, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office – were “well short” of proving that enough signatures collected for the petitions were invalid.      

“For the Legalization Petition, they have shown that 711 signatures have lost their presumption of validity. For the Regulatory Petition, they have shown that 826 signatures have lost their presumption of validity. Because the Plaintiff and Secretary have not rebutted the presumption of validity for a material number of signatures, a second phase of trial is not necessary.” — Strong in the order 

In order to prevail, the plaintiffs would have had to show that more than 3,463 signatures on the legalization petition and 3,357 signatures on the regulatory petition were invalid. Both petitions needed to be approved by voters in order to create a functional medical cannabis industry in the state. 

In the order, Strong notes that “In a record of this size, it is likely, perhaps inevitable, that the Court has made some mathematical errors” and “it is also possible that the Court missed a few petitions that should lose their presumption of validity under this Court’s reasoning.” 

“So it is important to state that this Court’s judgment does not turn on the inclusion or exclusion of a few petitions,” Strong wrote. “In fact, even if the signatures on all the petitions identified in [two exhibits] lost their presumption of validity, the Plaintiff and Secretary would still fall short.”  

The ruling on the petitions – which easily met the required threshold of voter support during the 2024 election – may not end the protracted court battle. A spokesperson for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, which represented Evnen, told the Examiner that “We appreciate the Court’s time and thoughtful consideration in deciding this matter. We are reviewing the decision and considering next steps.”  

Crista Eggers, the statewide campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, the group behind the campaign, said in a statement to the Examiner that she is pleased with the ruling. 

“Many years of hard work have gone into this effort – from volunteers, patients and families across the state,” Eggers said in a statement. “Knowing that another mother will soon have an option for her suffering child makes it all worthwhile.” 

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Poll: Supermajority of Indiana Voters Back Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

11/29/2024

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A supermajority – 70% – of Indiana voters support broad cannabis legalization in the state, according to a Causeway Solutions poll published Monday. The pollster has Republican ties, and the results were initially released by Safe and Regulated Indiana, which is backed by Republicans in the state.  

According to the poll results, outlined by Indiana Capital Chronicle, just 27% of those polled opposed the reforms and just 16% of respondents indicated they were less likely to politically support someone who voted to legalize cannabis for adult use. Another 58% of those surveyed who also identified themselves as cannabis consumers said they were more likely to vote for a politician that backed the reforms.    

In a statement, Joe Elsener, spokesperson for Safe and Regulated Indiana, said the “survey confirms” what the organization already knows. 

“Hoosiers are overwhelmingly united behind safe and regulated marijuana policy. Indiana voters strongly support legalization for adults 21+ and taxing and regulating marijuana just like alcohol. They want responsible legalization because they know it means safer streets, shutting down drug dealers, and keeping tax revenue here in our state.” — Elsener in a statement via the Capital Chronicle  

During the 2024 gubernatorial campaign, Gov.-elect Mike Braun (R) told the Chicago Tribune that he would be “probably favorably disposed towards medical use of marijuana.”  

“I think when it comes to medical marijuana there are a lot of groups – veterans and others – that really find beneficial use from it,” he said in the interview.  

All of Indiana’s neighboring states – Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio – have legalized cannabis for adult use, while Kentucky has legalized medical cannabis. 

The survey included 1,252 Indiana voters and was conducted between October 30 and November 3. 

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Kentucky Selects 36 Applications for Medical Cannabis Dispensaries During Lottery

11/29/2024

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Kentucky on Monday held the first of two lotteries for medical cannabis dispensary licenses, selecting 36 applicants for nine of the 11 dispensary regions. The drawing was held at the Kentucky Lottery Corporation using a random number generator. 

In a statement, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said the dispensary announcement moves the state “one step closer to ensuring Kentuckians with serious medical conditions have access to the safe, affordable medicine they need.”  

“Team Kentucky has worked hard to ensure that all medical cannabis business applicants have an equal and fair chance to become a part of this emerging industry.” — Beshear in a press release 

Sam Flynn, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC), noted in a statement that the OMC received 4,998 applications, of which 4,075 were dispensary applicants, and that applicants selected in the lottery now have 15 days to pay their license fee, which runs $5,000, after which the office will issue a license.   

Eric Friedlander, cabinet for Health and Family Services secretary, called the lottery awards “an exciting moment for Kentucky.” 

“By providing medical cannabis as a safe, regulated treatment option, we are not only creating new opportunities for economic growth but, more importantly, more hope and choice for those with serious medical conditions,” he said in the statement.  

Last week, officials announced that medical cannabis patient certification will begin in Kentucky December 1. 

The next dispensary license lottery will be held December 16.  

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Study: Cannabis Not Associated with Age-Related IQ Decline

11/27/2024

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A decades-long study found cannabis consumption is not associated with age-related IQ decline, according to data published in the November issue of the journal Brain and Behavior.

The study followed 5,162 Danish men over 44 years and researchers relied on extensive, self-reported data covering the participants’ health and lifestyle choices. The mean starting age of the participants was 22 and the mean age among participants at the end of the study was 62.

“Men with a history of cannabis use had less cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife compared to men without a history of cannabis use,” the researchers wrote. “Among cannabis users, neither age of initiation of cannabis use nor frequent use was significantly associated with a greater age-related cognitive decline.”

Paul Armentano, the deputy director for the cannabis political advocacy group NORML, said the results “contradict one of the more prominent and longstanding stereotypes about cannabis and cannabis consumers.”

“It is unfortunate that these stereotypes often go unchallenged in the media and elsewhere. It is even more unfortunate that studies refuting these long-held stereotypes seldom receive the type of mainstream attention they deserve.” — Armentano, in a statement

In a 2020 study, Israeli researchers found that senior citizens who use cannabis did not show evidence of cognitive decline.

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Minnesota Social Equity Licensing Lottery Delayed by Lawsuits

11/27/2024

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A Minnesota judge has delayed the Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) licensing lottery for social equity cannabis licenses due to lawsuits filed by applicants whose applications were denied, CBS News reports.

OCM officials denied about two-thirds of the state’s cannabis social equity applications last week, citing a glut of paperwork issues and cases of some individuals trying to “flood” the pool with multiple applications. Several rejected applicants filed lawsuits last week saying they had been denied unfairly.

The lottery was supposed to be held Tuesday but Ramsey County Judge Stephen Smith ordered the delay to give time for the court to consider the plaintiffs’ complaints, writing Monday that “Given the extraordinary circumstances presented by the timing of OCM’s application decisions and filing of these cases, a fair and reasoned decision by the Court of Appeals is not possible without a stay of the lottery.”

One of the plaintiffs, Cristina Aranguiz, said in the report that her application “meets the criteria set by the state” but it was denied because she had assisted others who were also going through the process.

“Today’s ruling to pause the lottery is a victory for fairness, transparency, and accountability in Minnesota’s new cannabis industry. It also shows that the court recognizes the importance of ensuring every qualified social equity applicant has an equal chance to succeed.” – Aranguiz, via CBS News

OCM officials said they were disappointed by the judge’s ruling, and that the agency “always aimed to protect the integrity of a social equity license, and the rigorous review also allowed us to identify and prevent bad actors from entering the system.”

“We remain committed to launching an equitable, sustainable, and responsible adult-use cannabis marketplace in Minnesota,” regulators said in a statement.

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Lawsuits Contest Minnesota Cannabis Agency’s Social Equity Application Denials

11/25/2024

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Two lawsuits have been filed against Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) aiming to delay the state’s lottery for social equity licenses, the Star Tribune reports. The lawsuit comes after the agency last week denied some 1,200 social equity applicants – about two-thirds of all applications – for issues ranging from inadequate paperwork to “flooding” the application pool in attempts to improve the odds of receiving pre-approval. 

The lawsuits were filed last week by eight license hopefuls who contend the OCM denials were arbitrary or without explanation. Jen Reise, an attorney who filed a lawsuit on behalf of six applicants, said the OCM’s evaluation process was “unfair” and inconsistently applied. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order delaying Tuesday’s lottery and that her clients be given the opportunity to correct paperwork errors.  

“We’re deeply concerned that OCM has been unwilling to engage with social equity applicants, many of whom were denied for extremely minor paperwork problems or whose denials are not supported by the reasons OCM is giving them.” — Reise to the Star Tribune 

In the other lawsuit, Cristina Aranguiz, one of the denied applicants, said the explanation by OCM for the rejection of her application “made no sense” when considering the state’s requirements. 

In a statement issued following the lawsuit filings, Charlene Briner, interim director of OCM, called Aranguiz “the face of a scheme to use hundreds of straw applicants to gain unfair advantage in the lottery.” 

“This attempt to flood the zone and place their thumb on the scale at the expense of legitimate social equity applicants is disturbing,” Briner said in the statement. “These kinds of spurious tactics have been used in other states and are well-known to anyone paying attention to the evolving cannabis industry nationwide – and precisely what social equity advocates and authors of Minnesota’s cannabis legislation cautioned about and thoughtfully prepared against in state law.” 

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Members of Congress Ask Biden to Use Clemency Powers Broadly During Final Days in Office

11/25/2024

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Sixty-six members of Congress are asking President Joe Biden (D) to use his clemency powers during the final months of his presidency to “address longstanding injustices” in the U.S. legal system and set the “nation on the path toward ending mass incarceration.” 

In a letter dated November 20, the authors note that there are nearly 2 million people imprisoned in the U.S. and that “People of color are disproportionately put behind bars, along with individuals from low-income communities, LGBTQIA+ folks, and those with disabilities.” 

“The bloated prison system reflects and emboldens biases that undermine the ideals of our nation and diminishes trust in the rule of law. Mass incarceration attacks the most vulnerable Americans, thereby destabilizing families and inflicting intergenerational trauma.” — Nov. 20 letter to Biden 

The signatories write that the annual cost to taxpayers to keep people imprisoned is $182 billion – more than double the entire Department of Education Budget.   

“Our country is spending exorbitant amounts of money to keep people in prison for prolonged periods of time, including those who do not pose a significant public safety threat,” the letter states. “In our growing federal prison population, 90% of people are convicted of non-violent offenses. The reliance on incarceration in our legal system has created a crisis that must be addressed.” 

In 2022 and 2023, Biden issued mass pardons for all federal cannabis possession convictions. The letter urges Biden to use his clemency powers “to help broad classes of people and cases, including the elderly and chronically ill, those on death row, people with unjustified sentencing disparities, and women who were punished for defending themselves against their abusers.” 

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Medical Cannabis Patient Certification Opens in Kentucky Next Month

11/25/2024

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Kentucky is opening medical cannabis patient certifications on December 1, WLKY reports. During his Team Kentucky update last week, Gov. Andy Beshear said on that day a page will launch on kymedcan.ky.gov to connect patients with more than 150 authorized medical cannabis practitioners. 

Patients certified by a healthcare provider will be able to apply for medical cannabis ID cards on January 1.  

Beshear did indicate that it remains unclear whether medical cannabis will be available for patients by January – the lottery drawing for retail licenses for some sites in the state is not set until December 16, while others are set to be announced this week.  

In 2022, Beshear issued an executive order allowing individuals with certain severe medical conditions and who meet specific requirements to be able to possess and consume small amounts of cannabis purchased from a state with legal access. That order, while providing relief for a small number of patients, also led to a patchwork of medical cannabis hospital policies in the state.   

Beshear signed the Legislature-approved legislation into law on March 31, 2023. The law does not allow patients to access smokable cannabis products but permits edibles and concentrates.  

The bill’s qualifying conditions for the medical cannabis program include any type or form of cancer, regardless of the stage; chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain; epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder; multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity; chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that has proven resistant to other conventional medical treatments; and post-traumatic stress disorder. The measure allows the Kentucky Center for Cannabis Research to add medical conditions to the list.   

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Charges Dropped Against Nebraska Notary for Medical Cannabis Petitions

11/25/2024

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All charges against a Nebraska notary public caught up in a legal challenge against the state’s recent medical cannabis legalization campaign were dropped last week, the Nebraska Examiner reports.

The state had charged Jacy C. Todd with 24 cases of “official misconduct,” accusing the 53-year-old notary public of improperly notarizing pages of medical cannabis petition signatures on 24 occasions. Prosecutors argued in the case that notaries are public officials and that Todd “knowingly” broke the law, and the charges prompted a last-minute legal challenge against the medical cannabis vote.

However, Hall County Judge Alfred Corey on Friday accepted a request by Todd’s attorney to dismiss the charges, writing in his opinion, “While these duties greatly assist others, notary publics are not public servants who are performing governmental functions.”

“We recognize the critical need for a notary’s duties to be carried out correctly and with integrity. But a notary’s duties, important as they are, hardly implicate responsibilities that go to the heart of representative government. Rather, these duties are essentially clerical and ministerial.” — Hall County Judge Alfred Corey, in the opinion

Despite the dismissal of Todd’s charges, the broader legal case continues. Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong is currently reviewing a case brought by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, which argues that alleged circulator fraud and notarial misconduct invalidate a substantial number of petition signatures. The outcome of this case will determine whether the ballot measures stand as certified by state officials.

Nebraska voters passed both medical cannabis measures that appeared on the ballot this month: one legalizes medical cannabis for qualified patients, and the other establishes a program regulating the cultivation and sale of medical cannabis products. These measures follow a 2020 effort in which a single medical cannabis petition was invalidated by the courts for violating a state law requiring ballot initiatives to be limited to a single issue.

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Michigan Ends Industrial Hemp Program, Leaves Farmer Oversight to USDA

11/25/2024

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Michigan’s industrial hemp program is ending and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will oversee the regulation of hemp farmers in the state moving forward, according to a MITech News report.

The shift suggests big changes are coming for Michigan hemp farmers as they adjust to the USDA’s hemp cultivation rules, which include stricter protocols regarding pre-harvest THC tests, record-keeping, reporting, and compliance. Additionally, any testing must be conducted by a federally approved lab, the report said. The changes will take effect starting in 2025.

Blain Becktold, president of iHemp Michigan, an organization representing Michigan hemp farmers, seed cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and other hemp businesses, told MITech News the change will mean paying fewer fees to get state hemp permits — and that being associated with the USDA might bring more credibility to the versatile hemp crop.

“Now that more uses of industrial hemp products in the building and animal feed sectors are starting to emerge, this move (to USDA) may encourage farmers and processors to look again at the possibilities that industrial hemp could provide to their operations.” Becktold, via MITech News

Michigan first established its industrial hemp program in 2019 and the plan was later approved by the USDA in 2020. The bills establishing the program closely followed the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp.

 

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Hemp Definition Farm Bill Draft

Senate Farm Bill Draft Redefines Hemp But Leaves Loophole Open

11/22/2024

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A new draft of the U.S. Senate’s Farm Bill reflects bipartisan momentum to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products, including delta-8 THC and THCA. The proposal, introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow, would redefine hemp by capping total THC at 0.3%, encompassing all psychoactive THC variants. This effort aims to address market confusion and close a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp with a delta-9 THC concentration of 0.3% or less but inadvertently enabled the rise of other intoxicating cannabinoids being sold in various forms, from gummies and beverages to pre-rolls and “THCA flower.”

In absence of any real federal action to address the rise of intoxicating hemp products over the past several years, numerous states have been implementing measures to restrict or control them already. California recently enacted a sweeping ban on intoxicating hemp products, and several other states have also introduced or implemented stricter regulations on hemp-derived THC. These measures are aimed at preventing the unregulated sale of these products over the internet and in brick and mortar shops in order to keep them out of the hands of underage consumers, and to protect state-licensed cannabis businesses from unfair competition.

The House’s version of the Farm Bill, published earlier this year, takes an even harder stance, with an amendment from Representative Mary Miller proposing an outright ban on all hemp-derived THC. The Senate’s approach reflects a regulatory compromise, focusing on clearer definitions and tighter rules rather than outright prohibition.

However, the current Senate draft does not seem to directly address a loophole being exploited by certain hemp products, such as gummies and beverages, which due to their weight/density can include high levels of THC while still adhering to the 0.3% total THC limit. For example, a beverage that weighs 500 grams (roughly 16oz) could contain up to 1500mg THC under this definition. Most state cannabis markets, by comparison, cap total THC per serving at 10mg for infused products.

To mitigate this issue, the Farm Bill would need to explicitly apply the THC percentage threshold to hemp biomass, not finished goods; this solution was proposed by leading cannabinoid research publisher Project CBD over a year ago. Another possibility would be to introduce separate THC caps for consumable hemp products on a per-serving or per-container basis.

While the Farm Bill appears unlikely to pass before the new Congress convenes in January, the fact that the House and Senate both seem to be aligning intentions against the current free-for-all suggests that the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry should prepare for stricter oversight in 2025. Whether or not new regulations will be effective at controlling the myriad of hemp products currently on the market is another question, though.

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FDA Approves Trial Investigating Medical Cannabis as PTSD Treatment for Veterans

11/22/2024

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week approved a clinical trial to investigate whether smoking or vaping medical cannabis products can help to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans, The Hill reports.

Funded by the Michigan Veteran Marijuana Research Grant Program and sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), the trial faced delays in 2021 after FDA officials objected to several aspects of the study: that inhaling cannabis smoke might be potentially dangerous for study participants, and that the study would follow a “self-titration” dosing method that would allow participants to use as much medical cannabis as they believe could be of benefit, rather than a prescribed amount. Additionally, the FDA was concerned about letting participants use high-potency products.

However, in a statement released Wednesday, MAPS said that the FDA no longer objected to those aspects of the study.

“After three years of negotiations with the FDA, this decision opens the door to future research into cannabis as a medical treatment, offering hope to millions.” — MAPS statement, via The Hill

MAPS’ director of cannabis research Allison Coker said in the report that the group didn’t want the study to be changed based on the federal agency’s objections because the trial is meant to mimic the actual habits of veterans who are already using medical cannabis.

The trial will be a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 320 veterans experiencing moderate to severe PTSD. In addition to the placebo products, the trial will utilize high-potency cannabis products sourced from Canada, the report said.

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Texas AG Suing City of Dallas Over Voter-Backed Cannabis Decriminalization Policy

11/22/2024

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the city of Dallas over the cannabis decriminalization policy approved by voters there during the recent election.

The reforms in Dallas make low-level cannabis possession the “lowest enforcement priority” for local law enforcement, effectively decriminalizing cannabis possession within the city limits up to four ounces. Two-thirds of state voters supported the proposal.

“Cities cannot pick and choose which State laws they follow. The City of Dallas has no authority to override Texas drug laws or prohibit the police from enforcing them. This is a backdoor attempt to violate the Texas Constitution, and any city that tries to constrain police in this fashion will be met swiftly with a lawsuit by my office.” — AG Paxton, in a press release

Thursday’s filing marks the second time Paxton has sought to overturn locally approved cannabis reforms. Previously, the attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit against the cities of Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos after the municipalities adopted voter-backed cannabis decriminalization policies — but a judge dismissed the suit in June, saying the attorney general had no legal justification for the complaint.

Two other Texas cities voted alongside Dallas this year to decriminalize low-level cannabis possession: Bastrop and Lockheart, which both passed the reforms with more than two-thirds voter support.

 

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DNA Genetics

Top Shelf DNA Genetics Strains for Indoor Growing Success

11/21/2024

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Creating your ideal indoor grow space is the key to unlocking your plants’ full potential. Whether you’re working with a small closet or a dedicated grow tent, the right environment can make all the difference. Mastering lighting, temperature, humidity, and ventilation will set the foundation for lush growth and bountiful harvests.

At DNA Genetics, we’ve been shaping the future of cannabis cultivation since 2004, winning over 200 awards, including numerous High Times Cannabis Cups. Our focus on innovation and quality has led us to develop strains that thrive in indoor spaces.

Are you ready to take your indoor grow to the next level? With the right tools, techniques, and strains, you can cultivate lush, healthy plants. Let’s lay the groundwork for your indoor growing success!

Creating Your Ideal Indoor Grow Space

Creating the perfect indoor grow space is all about balancing control and creativity. Whether you’re converting a closet or investing in a grow tent, here’s what you’ll need to get started.

DNA Genetics

The basic requirements your grow space should include are:

  • A grow tent to keep your plants protected and the environment stable.
  • Sufficient lighting. Choose between energy-efficient LEDs for cooler operation or HPS lights for intent flowering power.
  • Provide proper ventilation with fans and vents to maintain airflow and regulate heat and humidity.
  • Control temperature and humidity. Aim for 70–80°F (21–27°C) and humidity levels adjusted by stage (65–80% for seedlings and 40–50% for flowering).

Choosing the right lighting can make or break your harvest outcomes. LEDs are perfect for growers who want energy efficiency and precise light spectrums, especially in tight spaces. HPS lights are hotter, but excel in producing heavy yields during flowering. The right light setup ensures your plants thrive at every stage.

Remember that cannabis is sensitive to its surroundings. Use oscillating fans to eliminate hot spots, and monitor humidity with sensors to keep mold at bay. Dehumidifiers and HVAC systems are your best friends in this case, especially during flowering.

Are you low on space? A small grow tent or modified closet can work wonders with good ventilation and reflective materials to amplify light. It’s essential to ensure proper plant spacing to maximize airflow and light exposure.

Prioritize safety with correct electrical setups, moisture management, and regular equipment checks. Real-time monitoring tools can help catch issues before they escalate.

With the right preparation, your indoor grow space can thrive, delivering top-tier results every time.

Choosing the Best Indoor Strains: Traits to Prioritize

When selecting cannabis strains for indoor cultivation, there are many aspects to consider. Here are the most vital traits to look at:

Compact Growth Structure

Indoor growers often need plants that can flourish in confined spaces. Compact, bushier strains are perfect for smaller grow tents or closets. They make efficient use of vertical and horizontal space while producing multiple dense colas.

DNA Marijuana Indoor Grow

Flowering Time and Yield

Quick turnarounds are key for indoor operations. Strains with shorter flowering times don’t compromise yield, letting growers enjoy faster harvest cycles with abundant results. High-yielding genetics ensure every harvest is worth the effort, even in limited grow areas.

Mold and Mildew Resistance

Indoor spaces can be prone to humidity issues, but some strains are bred for resilience against mildew and mold. These genetics provide peace of mind, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Goal-driven Selection

Every grower has unique goals. Do you want maximum yields? How about specific effects? Maybe you’re low on space and need a compact plant? Consider your needs to determine your best match.

By focusing on these traits, you’ll set yourself up for a productive and stress-free indoor growing experience.

Strains to Watch: Top Picks for Indoor Cultivation

Indoor cultivation provides a controlled environment for cannabis plants , enabling growers to achieve optimal conditions and consistent results. Certain strains perform exceptionally well indoors due to their growth habits, resilience, and adaptability to techniques like training and pruning.

Here are the top five picks for indoor cannabis strains and why we think they’re perfect for maximizing your grow room’s potential.

Kosher Kush

An indica-dominant strain with roots in the legendary OG lineage, Kosher Kush has become a favorite among indoor cultivators. Its robust genetics make it particularly suited for controlled environments, thriving in compact spaces while naturally resisting mold.

With earthy, pine-like aroma accented by a touch of lemon, this cultivar delivers a sensory experience as rich as its growth characteristics. This strain responds exceptionally well to topping, allowing growers to manage height while boosting yield.

For best results, maintain low humidity levels during the flowering phase and invest in strong lighting to maximize its dense, resinous buds. The flowering phase typically takes around 9–10 weeks, rewarding growers with yields of 15–19 oz./m2. Its ease of cultivation and potent effects make it a reliable choice for beginners and experts alike.

MacNana Auto

When it comes to a robust autoflowering strain, MacNana auto was bred for ease of cultivation and exceptional results. The strain boasts a lineage that marries Strawberry Banana with MAC auto, resulting in a genetic masterpiece. Its aroma blends sweet banana with citrus and earthy undertones, offering a flavorful experience that delights the senses.

The cultivar thrives in a variety of environments but truly excels indoors. Its compact structure and fast flowering time of just 9–10 weeks make it ideal for growers seeking efficiency without compromising quality. Using low-stress training (LST) can help optimize light exposure and boost yields to around 14–19 oz./m² under ideal conditions.

MacNana is celebrated for its balanced effects, offering a relaxing yet uplifting high, making it a versatile choice for day or night use. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned grower, this strain delivers reliability, potency, and exceptional flavor in every harvest.

Watermelon Man Auto

Watermelon Man auto is an indica-dominant hybrid resulting from Watermelon and OG Kush Auto. It boasts a sweet grape-candy smoke with herbal melon and citrus pine notes. The strain’s compact size and bushy structure make it ideal for indoor grows, especially with low-stress training to optimize light distribution.

After around 8–9 weeks of flowering, the cultivar is expected to yield up to 18 oz./m2 under in an ideal environment. For best results, consider using soil enriched with beneficial microbes, regular pruning, and feeding vital nutrients to enhance flavor and terpene production.

The strain’s resilience, stunning purple-hued buds, and uplifting yet soothing effects make it a favorite for growers and consumers alike.

Chocolope

Award-winning Chocolope is a sativa-dominant hybrid resulting from OG Chocolate Thai and Cannalope Haze. It offers a chocolate-coffee flavor profile that sets it apart from other strains.

The cultivar is ideal for indoor growing thanks to its relatively short flowering time of 8–9 weeks. It thrives in stable environments, producing high yields of 18–21 oz./m² when grown with care.

For optimal results, maintain a steady light cycle and ensure sufficient airflow to prevent mold and mildew. Balanced nutrients tailored for sativa strains will further support its vigorous  growth and enhance its flavor.

With its uplifting effects and distinctive flavor, Chocolope is a must-try for those seeking a rewarding indoor cultivation experience.

HG23 AKA MICHAEL JORDAN AUTO

HG23 auto (AKA Michael Jordan) is an indica-dominant hybrid bred from Holy Grail Kush, Kosher Kush, and ruderalis for autoflowering convenience. This strain features a smooth, earthy flavor with hints of citrus, floral undertones, and a roasted coffee finish.

It’s known for its relaxing yet euphoric effects, helping to ease tension and inspire creativity. Many prefer HG23 when needing to unwind or for a spark of creativity.

This beginner-friendly strain thrives in various growing conditions, yielding up to 18 oz./m2 after just 8–9 weeks of flowering. Its robust genetics, compact size, and compatibility with LST techniques ensure an efficient and satisfying grow.

Indoor growers can unlock the full potential of these strains by tailoring their techniques to suit each plant’s characteristics. Whatever your preference, these strains offer versatility, robust growth, and rewarding yields in controlled environments.

Tips for Getting the Best Indoor Results

Indoor cannabis cultivation requires precision and care to maximize yield and quality. From choosing the right lighting to mastering plant training, here’s how to get the best results.

Tailor the lighting spectrum to each growth phase.

  • Seedling: Use soft white light with a blue spectrum to promote healthy leaves.
  • Vegetative: Bright white or blue light encourages robust, leafy growth. LEDs are a great choice for energy efficiency and minimal heat.
  • Flowering: Switch to red-spectrum light for better bud development. HPS (High-pressure sodium) lights excel here due to their intensity, but they may require cooling systems.

DNA Marijuana Indoor Grow

Temperature and humidity precision is key.

  • Seedling: Keep temperatures between 68–77°F (20–25°C) and 65–80% humidity to support delicate roots.
  • Vegetative: Aim for 68–78°F (20–26°C) and 40–70% humidity. Gradually reduce humidity as plants grow.
  • Flowering: Maintain 68–77°F (20–25°C) and humidity levels at 40–50%. This prevents mold and improves trichome production for high-resin strains.

Boost yields in limited space with training methods.

  • Low-stress training (LST): Gently bend the tie branches to maximize light exposure without stressing plants. Perfect for bushy strains like Kosher Kush.
  • Topping: Removing the main stem tip to promote bushier growth. It’s ideal for managing height in compact spaces.
  • Screen of Green (SCROG): Use a mesh screen to evenly distribute the canopy. This method is excellent for strains that benefit from even light exposure.

Wrapping It Up: DNA Genetics and Indoor Growing Success

Indoor cannabis cultivation presents unique challenges, but with the right environment, techniques, and genetics, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By focusing on creating an optimized grow space, you can achieve impressive results.

At DNA Genetics, we’ve crafted a diverse range of cannabis strains tailored for indoor growing. From compact and mold-resistant varieties to those yielding potent, flavorful buds in limited spaces, we have you covered every step of the way. Browse our store for the highest quality seeds to start your indoor grow today!

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Two-Thirds of Minnesota Social Equity License Applications Denied

11/20/2024

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Two-thirds of Minnesota social equity cannabis license applicants were denied for inadequate documentation with the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) claiming that a lot of the rejected applicants are “zone flooders or predatory applicants or who do not meet the letter of the law around ownership requirements and expectations,” according to a MinnPost report. 

The denials affect about 1,200 of the 1,817 social equity applications. OCM had previously verified 2,307 individuals as social equity-qualified applicants, mostly military veterans and people with previous cannabis-related convictions. About 640 of the applicants will be included in the license lottery, which is scheduled for the week of December 2.   

Charlene Briner, the interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management, told MinnPost that the state “gave the answers to the test ahead of time” by detailing license requirements and issuing how-to guides.  

“While the disappointment is understandable, the basic proxy for readiness is your ability to submit a successful application. … We’ve always known this is a highly complex regulated space, and we heard concerns about readiness so the people who get into the lottery are qualified.” — Briner to MinnPost 

Briner added that officials “want to make sure the right universe of fully qualified and vetted applicants are in the mix,” and that applicants included in the lottery will be notified by the agency.  

Attorney Jen Randolph Reise, who represents some of the rejected applicants, told MinnPost that the denials are “a significant misstep by OCM” and that the agency should “allow denials made in error to be challenged and reversed” despite state law prohibiting appeals of decisions to deny access to the pre-approval lottery. 

The state did not receive enough qualified applications for cannabis wholesaler, cannabis transporter, and cannabis testing facility licenses to trigger a lottery and received the most applications for cultivation, manufacturer, and retail licenses.    

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Adult-Use Cannabis Price-Per-Ounce in Michigan Falls to $74 in October

11/20/2024

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The average price of an ounce of cannabis flower in Michigan’s adult-use market has fallen to $73.99, down almost $20 from September, according to data from the state Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). The price marks a steep decline from four years ago when the average price-per-ounce was $287.92. 

Meanwhile, the average retail price for flower in the medical cannabis market in October was $92.61. 

Adult-use cannabis sales in the state for October topped $267 million led by $116.4 million in flower sales. Vape cartridges were the second most popular products sold in the state ($49.9 million), followed by inhalable concentrate compounds ($39.1 million), edibles ($24 million), shake and trim ($21.3 million), concentrates ($14.7 million), infused liquids ($1.2 million), infused non-edible solids ($630,173), infused non-edible liquids ($128,164), and kief ($28,518), according to the CRA data. 

For October, medical cannabis sales in Michigan neared $1 million, totaling $961,844, with flower sales representing about a third of products sold ($329,189), followed by vape cartridges ($306,977), inhalable compound concentrates ($120,176), edibles ($88,481), concentrates ($56,769), shake and trim ($46,338), infused liquids ($9,518), infused solid non-edibles ($4,186), infused liquid non-edibles ($188), and kief ($24), according to the CRA data. 

As of October 31, adult-use sales in the state have totaled more than $9.6 billion, while medical cannabis sales have exceeded $1.6 billion. 

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Report: Millennials Purchase the Most Pre-Rolls

11/20/2024

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Millennials account for the largest share of pre-roll purchases, with the cohort cornering 45% of the market from 2023 to mid-2024, according to a white paper from Custom Cones USA and cannabis intelligence firm Headset. Pre-rolls represented the third most popular and fastest-growing category with $4.1 billion in sales from 2023 to the middle of this year, the report says. 

Gen Xers were the second-largest cohort to buy pre-rolls (24%), followed by Gen Z (19%) and Boomers (13%). Ninety-four percent of the more than 900 cannabis consumers surveyed for the white paper indicated that joints were their preferred mode of consumption, followed by vape pens (67%), edibles (66%), and bowls (65%). Most pre-roll smokers (80%) consumed cannabis multiple times daily, while 12% smoked once a day, and 5% a few times weekly.

The paper found that full-gram pre-rolls were the most popular (57%), followed by half-grams (28%), and three-quarter grams (9%).

Infused pre-rolls’ market share rose from 34.4% in 2019 to 44.4% in 2024, the report says, with kief the top concentrate preferred in infused pre-roll products (78%) followed by live resin (77%) and rosin (59%). Forty-three percent of those surveyed buy both single-use and multi-pack pre-rolls, with 31% preferring multi-packs, while 59% of smokers buy pre-rolls with premium filter tips – 51.8% for special occasions – 21.4% weekly. Glass-tipped pre-rolls are most popular (80%), followed by wood (70%); while nearly 55% have tried ceramic tips, the report says.

According to the white paper, the average pre-roll price fell to $9.50 in September 2024, down from $10.67 in 2023, and $11.68 in 2022. Washington and Oregon have the lowest per-gram prices at $3.36 and $3.87, respectively, while New York ($13.74) and Illinois ($11.90) are the highest. 

The white paper found Jeeter leading the pre-roll market with 8.8% share, selling 18.6 million units or about $504 million in sales.

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Curaleaf Wins First Massachusetts Cannabis Research License

11/20/2024

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The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) last week awarded Curaleaf Processing, a subsidiary of the multistate operator Curaleaf Holdings, the state’s first Marijuana Research Facility license.

“We are excited to move the state’s first-ever Research Facility license forward in the hopes that it will contribute to a safer regulated cannabis industry, rooted in science. This licensee has worked diligently over the last two years to bring this facility to the Commonwealth, and we look forward to the work their team will accomplish after their receipt of a research permit.” — CCC Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins, in a press release

The state’s research facility licenses were first announced in 2018 and officials said seven hopeful licensees have applied; the licenses are available to academic institutions, nonprofits, or companies licensed to do business in Massachusetts. Additionally, the licensees will need to apply for a Research Permit from the CCC’s Research Department to authorize specific studies and research methods to be performed at the facilities.

“As long as marijuana remains a Schedule I substance, it is important that states like ours continue to innovate and pursue opportunities for research despite the barriers that may exist,” Commissioner Ava Callender Concepcion said in the release. “I’m thrilled to see this licensee moving forward, and we are excited for the day when we can announce that their research efforts have officially begun.”

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Georgia Adding More Dispensaries After Medical Cannabis Patient Count Reaches 25k

11/20/2024

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Georgia medical cannabis operators are opening additional dispensaries after the medical cannabis program’s total patient count recently reached 25,000 patients, the Capitol Beat News Service reports. There are now six medical cannabis cultivators operating 13 dispensary locations in the state.

Georgia first legalized low-potency medical cannabis access in 2015 but lawmakers didn’t pass legislation to license the production and retail of medical cannabis until 2019. Before then, patients were either traveling out-of-state or sourcing their cannabis products from the illicit marketplace.

The Georgia medical cannabis program only allows dispensaries to sell low-potency THC extracts containing no more than 5% THC.

“Patient access continues to be our mission and purpose. Expanding Georgia’s medical cannabis program, especially providing service to patients, is why the commission exists.” — Commission Chairman Sid Johnson, via Capitol Beat News Service

Regulators issued the state’s first five dispensary licenses last April. Per state law, the commission can add additional dispensary licenses for every 10,000 patients.

Commission Executive Director Andrew Turnage said in the report, “We anticipate things are going to pick up in pace quickly from here.”

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Missouri Court Rules ‘Stacking’ Cannabis Taxes is Prohibited

11/18/2024

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The Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District ruled Tuesday that local governments cannot stack cannabis industry sales taxes, Gannett reports. The ruling reverses a lower court’s decision from May that allowed the city of Florissant and St. Louis County to impose a 3% sales tax on adult-use cannabis sales.

In the decision, the panel of appellate judges said that the state constitution’s “plain, unambiguous” language only allows “one local government…to impose an additional three percent sales tax.”

Due to the stacked taxes, customers at Florissant dispensaries were paying a total of 20.988% in sales taxes on adult-use cannabis products.

The primary question before the panel was: what did voters intend by “local government” when they approved the adult-use cannabis reforms in 2022? The appellate panel determined the answer to that question is in “an incorporated area like Florissant, the village, town, or city is the ‘local government,’ not the county.”

In an interview with Gannett, Andrew Mullins, executive director for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said the ruling “helps put $3 million back into the pockets of Missouri customers each month.”

According to data from the Missouri Department of Revenue, 90 of the state’s 114 counties have enacted a 3% cannabis sales tax with 74 including a municipality that has imposed the tax, meaning both city and county governments have been imposing a 3% tax at dispensaries.

Doug Moore, spokesman for St. Louis County, told Gannett that officials are “reviewing the ruling and determining next steps.”

“It is unclear at this point what the financial impact would be,” he said.

A similar case is pending in Buchanan County.

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Report: Chronic Pain is the Most Common Reason for Medical Cannabis Use

11/18/2024

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Chronic pain is the most common reason for medical cannabis use, according to a new report from virtual cannabis clinic Leafwell, with nearly a third (32%) of patients citing it as their primary condition. Leafwell found more than 58% of patients use medical cannabis to manage two or more medical conditions. 

The report includes data from more than 81,000 medical cannabis patients across 32 states and found while chronic pain topped the list of medical conditions used for medical cannabis, anxiety was the second most cited condition (26.8%), followed by insomnia (18.5%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (11.2%). 

According to the Leafwell report, two-thirds of medical cannabis cardholders were 21- to 49-years-old, with about a quarter (25.4%) older and 8.3% younger. The average age of a patient seen by Leafwell was 40.

Medical cannabis cards are also nearly evenly split among men and women, Leafwell found, at 51.1% and 48.9%, respectively. The vast majority of medical cannabis card holders, according to the data, are white (71.5%), with Black people comprising 10.4% of cardholders, followed by Hispanic people (8.4%), with 7.1% identifying as “other.”

Chronic pain was more frequently reported among white and Black, non-Hispanic patients, the report notes, while anxiety was more prominent among Hispanic patients.

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Cannabis Research Institute Launches in Illinois

11/18/2024

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The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI), a partnership between the University of Illinois and Discovery Partners Institute, officially launched in Illinois last week. In a statement, Gov. JB Pritzker said CRI “will use innovative research and data collection to deepen our understanding of cannabis and help shape the future of the industry, better inform the public, and develop policies for consumer protection, economic and community development, and equity.”  

“At the time I was elected, we were allowing people to be held criminally liable – and inequitably so – for consuming cannabis. Just five years later, we have one of the most orderly and successful cannabis industries, and we are launching a research institute – funded by the legal sale of that same plant – that will accelerate the transformation of that old, unfair, unjust system into a vehicle for community revitalization.” — Pritzker in a press release 

The CRI is a joint effort supported by the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, housed within DPI, which is part of the University of Illinois system. It was first announced in 2022 and earlier this year was awarded $7 million over three years from the state Department of Human Services, with the express purpose of supporting research, education, and increased understanding of the potential impacts of cannabis on individuals and communities.  

In a statement, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton called the launch “an exciting development that will move us even closer to an equitable cannabis industry and a more just Illinois.” 

“Illinois continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge practices and programs surrounding cannabis,” she said in the statement. “Holistic reform is part of our administration’s vision for transforming the state’s justice system toward more healing-centered practices.” 

In September, CRI opened a new laboratory in a former COVID-19 testing facility on Chicago’s west side Illinois Medical Center campus. The site will temporarily serve as a research base. 

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USDA Extends Deadline for Mandatory Testing of Hemp Products by DEA-Approved Labs

11/18/2024

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) last week announced another one-year delay in the enforcement of a rule requiring hemp products sold in the country to be tested by a laboratory registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It’s the third year in a row that officials have delayed enforcing the rule.

Following the temporary suspension of the rules, hemp product makers can utilize any third-party lab not registered with the DEA for product testing until December 31, 2025.

“USDA is delaying enforcement of this requirement based on input received from state and tribal governments and third-party cannabis testing facilities that have experienced delays in completing the DEA laboratory registration process. Because of these setbacks in the completion of the DEA process, USDA is concerned there will be inadequate approved hemp laboratory testing capacity for the 2025 growing season.” — USDA statement, in a press release

Industrial hemp is legal in the U.S. per the 2018 federal Farm Bill but despite witnessing a flourishing hemp products space now for years, the federal government has done little to address the burgeoning industry.

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