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A new American Medical Association (AMA) review shows a surge in psilocybin use in the U.S., driven by decriminalization and promising clinical trials. However, current federal laws—specifically Schedule I classification—present a major barrier to research, leading to a situation where "public access and enthusiasm are outpacing regulatory oversight and scientific understanding," which poses public health risks due to unregulated use and variable potency. The review calls for a shift in research focus from synthetic psilocybin clinical trials to real-world use of naturally occurring psilocybin mushrooms to better inform harm reduction strategies and policy. < Back Psilocybin Use Has ‘Surged’ But Federal Law Is A ‘Major Barrier’ To Research, Study Published By American Medical Association Says Nov 5, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A new scientific review published by the American Medical Association (AMA) shows that use of psilocybin has “surged” in the U.S. in recent years amid the decriminalization movement and in light of “promising clinical trial results” on its therapeutic potential. But the paper, released on Wednesday, also points out that current federal laws present “a major barrier” to researchers gaining a better understanding of the psychedelic substance’s true impacts. As a result, similar to what’s been observed during the state-level marijuana legalization push, “public access and enthusiasm are outpacing regulatory oversight and scientific understanding, posing potential risks to public health,” researchers said. An analysis of epidemiological and pharmacological studies on psilocybin-related trends from January 1-December 31, 2024—which also examined parallels to cannabis policy shifts—showed a sharp increase in the use of psychedelic mushrooms, “particularly among adults aged 19 to 50 years.” The researchers from the University of Colorado said this increase in usage rates “coincided with a substantial increase in poison control center calls related to psychedelics,” and data from jurisdictions that have decriminalized entheogenic substances like psilocybin reveals “more than 20-fold variability in psilocybin potency and inconsistent levels of minor tryptamines across mushroom strains.” “The expanding use of unregulated psilocybin mushrooms, combined with high variability in composition and common co-use with other substances, raises urgent public health concerns. Existing clinical data are insufficient to guide harm reduction or policy. There is a pressing need to pivot from controlled efficacy trials to real-world research on psilocybin use, including public education, potency testing, and age-specific risk assessment.” The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry, said it’s “critical” that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others in the academic community “prioritize research on the risks and potential benefits of natural psilocybin-containing mushrooms to inform harm reduction strategies.” Researchers also zeroed in on parallels between cannabis and psilocybin usage and the challenges of studying their risks and benefits given their status as Schedule I drugs under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). “Psychedelic drug policy in the US is evolving rapidly, reflected in the steady increase of reform bills introduced each year, and is projected to follow a legislative trajectory somewhat similar to that of cannabis,” the review says. “Currently, both cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms are becoming more accessible and more widely accepted by the public and scientific communities.” However, the authors cautioned that, “as with cannabis in its early stages, use of psychedelic mushrooms is advancing faster than the science, creating potential risks for consumers and raising public health and safety concerns.” While the review says researching psilocybin mushrooms is more complicated than researching marijuana because of a lack of access to whole mushrooms (as opposed to synthetic psilocybin), that isn’t necessarily the case any longer, as of this year. The Scottsdale Research Institute (SRI) is federally approved to produce natural psilocybin for study purposes, and one of the initial grants for such research was approved in Arizona last month. Even so, the authors said “very little is known about the acute or long-term effects of naturally occurring psilocybin as it is consumed by the public,” and, “in this way, Schedule I classification remains a major barrier to understanding the real-world public health impact of psychedelic mushrooms.” The researchers said that the purpose of their review isn’t about advocating for “stricter laws or greater enforcement” of non-clinical psychedelic use. Rather, it’s to “underscore the urgent need for new research programs to address the public health implications of a social environment that is already promoting greater use of psilocybin and other psychedelics.” “Much like cannabis, psilocybin carries both risks and potential benefits, which may be very different for different people depending on age, health status, and context of use,” they said. “Conducting research on naturally occurring psilocybin mushrooms will not be easy, given the Schedule I status and the absence of a federally approved source of mushrooms for research. Nonetheless, given the sharp increase in consumer interest and the lack of generalizable research on naturally occurring psilocybin mushrooms, it is critical that the scientific community and funding agencies pivot from a narrow focus on clinical trials of synthetic psilocybin to the study of real-world psilocybin use and treat this shift as a public health priority.” Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in August formally requested that federal health officials conduct a medical scientific review on psilocybin in response to a long-pending rescheduling petition. Under the Biden administration, there was stepped-up interest in examining certain psychedelics, with novel guidance for researchers from FDA in the pursuit of potential approvals, but the agency ultimately rejected an application to make MDMA-assisted therapy available for the treatment of PTSD. In May, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins touted the fact that he’s “one of the first” secretaries of the agency with a commitment to exploring psychedelics as a potential therapy option for veterans. President Donald Trump’s latest surgeon general pick, Casey Means, has also been public about her own experience benefiting from psilocybin Meanwhile, Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Lou Correa (D-CA)—co-chairs of the Congressional Psychedelic Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus—introduced a bill in April to provide $30 million in funding annually to establish psychedelics-focused “centers for excellence” at VA facilities, where veterans could receive novel treatment involving substances like psilocybin, MDMA and ibogaine. Bergman has also expressed optimism about the prospects of advancing psychedelics reform under Trump, arguing that the administration’s efforts to cut spending and the federal workforce will give agencies “spines” to tackle such complex issues. Collins also recently met with a military veteran who’s become an advocate for psilocybin access to discuss the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine for the veteran community. Earlier this year, the secretary separately informed Trump during a Cabinet meeting that his agency is “opening up the possibility of psychedelic treatment” for veterans. The post Psilocybin Use Has ‘Surged’ But Federal Law Is A ‘Major Barrier’ To Research, Study Published By American Medical Association Says appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The Florida campaign Smart & Safe Florida is suing Governor Ron DeSantis' administration in the state Supreme Court, claiming election officials are trying to prevent their adult-use cannabis legalization proposal from appearing on 2026 ballots. The campaign alleges they have secured more than three times the required petition signatures but state officials have failed to formally confirm them, frustrating the constitutional order before the April 1, 2026 Supreme Court sign-off deadline. State officials have not commented on the litigation. < Back Smart & Safe Florida Lawsuit Says Officials Are Blocking Adult-Use Cannabis Ballot Question Nov 4, 2025 TG Branfalt Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Florida campaign seeking to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state is suing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) administration in the state’s Supreme Court, claiming state election officials are trying to block the proposal from appearing on 2026 ballots, the Associated Press reports. In the petition filed last week, Smart & Safe Florida alleges that officials “failed to perform an indisputable legal duty” and called on the court to order state election officials to confirm the campaign has gathered enough signatures to qualify for ballots. “As reflected by Respondents’ own publicly reported data, the initiative petition at issue here has secured three times the number of verified valid petitions required statewide. Ignoring the indisputable facts and their clear legal obligation, Respondents refuse to exercise their mandatory ministerial duty.” — Smart & Safe Florida, in the filing, via the AP April 1, 2026, is the deadline for the state Supreme Court to sign off on the proposed amendment, which is required before the issue is put to voters. Smart & Safe contends that it has collected more than three times as many petition signatures as the law requires, but that state elections officials have, for months, failed to formally confirm those petitions. In the writ of mandamus on behalf of the campaign, attorney Glenn Burhans, Jr. called it “nonsensical, and contrary to the express constitutional and statutory mandates, to allow the Secretary and Director to indefinitely refuse to issue the…Letter and frustrate the constitutional order.” State officials have not commented on the litigation. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Leaders in cannabis financial solutions created the industry's first fully compliant, cashless, and stable payment solution, thereby eliminating the need for cash. < Back Green Check Partners With Lüt to Launch Compliance-First Payment Solution for Cannabis Industry Dec 3, 2025 Staff Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The leaders in cannabis financial solutions created the industry’s first fully compliant, cashless and stable payment solution, eliminating reliance on cash. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced that mirrors a House bill aiming to delay a forthcoming federal ban by two years. < Back 3 Senators File Bill to Keep Intoxicating Hemp Products Legal Until Late 2028 Jan 16, 2026 Staff Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The bipartisan legislation mirrors a bill that House members recently introduced to delay the forthcoming federal ban by two years. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Dave Morrow, a former lacrosse star, is now the CEO of Lume Cannabis Co. He grew the company from $2 million to nearly $200 million in revenue in four years. Morrow's experience as an athlete and building the Warrior brand influenced his approach to business. Lume specializes in various cannabis products and is expanding into other markets. The company focuses on high-quality products at scale and aims to make cannabis accessible to a broad spectrum of consumers. Morrow emphasizes innovation and scalability within the cannabis sector. < Back Full Contact Sport Dec 24, 2024 Eugenio García Cannabis Now Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Dave Morrow’s entrepreneurial journey from champion lacrosse star to cannabis power player is an epic path of unconventional pivots. As the CEO of Lume Cannabis Co., he’s grown the Michigan-based company from $2 million in revenue to nearly $200 million in just four years, making it one of the most successful vertically integrated cannabis enterprises in the US. His story begins in Michigan, far from the traditional East Coast lacrosse hotbeds. Despite his geographical disadvantage, Morrow became one of the sport’s top players. “I was the first American player that wasn’t from the East Coast to achieve a high level of success,” he says. His rise to lacrosse stardom was memorialized by several impressive achievements at Princeton, including one of only a few players in the history of the sport to be named Player Of The Year as a defenseman. Morrow went on to play seven years on the US national team. Morrow captured during his standout career on Princeton University’s championship lacrosse team. While playing the sport he loved, Morrow identified a need for more robust and lighter lacrosse sticks. In 1992, he developed an innovative titanium shaft that revolutionized lacrosse. This invention laid the foundation for Warrior Sports, which Morrow would “form a dorm room business into a global sports brand.” His experience as an elite athlete lent cred to the Warrior brand, while his background working in his father’s machine shop in Detroit provided crucial manufacturing knowledge, including how to scale manufacturing operations. A dozen years after he founded the company, he sold it to New Balance in 2004. Morrow continued serving as CEO of Warrior until January 2019. Morrow says his background in lacrosse and building a global sports brand influenced his approach to business. High-level sports instilled resilience and adaptability within him—traits crucial for successfully maneuvering through the ever-changing landscape of the cannabis industry. He says he had a relationship with cannabis in college and that he smoked joints during his lacrosse days and that it improved his performance. “I really enjoyed cannabis,” Morrow says. “Frankly, I believe it helped me become an elite athlete. Because I wasn’t dehydrated, I wasn’t experiencing a lot of the same effects my peers had from drinking all the time. I took a lot of shit for smoking weed. Princeton athletes typically didn’t do that.” His move into cannabis came from a persuasive nudge from a trusted friend who was already invested in Michigan’s cannabis industry. “I said, ‘Listen, man, I’ll consider this, but there’ll be some stipulations. It has to be legal; we have to get licensed. I’m not going to do this rogue. Plus, I want it to be adult use; I wasn’t interested in the medical business,’” Morrow says. “I was really interested in the challenge of building a consumer brand. I’m an expert at brand building, product development and product design—I’ve been doing it my whole life. But I don’t know shit about cultivating weed. But I know that no matter what category you’re in, if you make an amazing product, people will come back. If you make shitty products, they won’t come back.” [image: lume cannabis] [image: Lume cannabis harvest]A snapshot from Lume’s fall harvest. Lume is projecting to harvest more than 150,000 pounds of cannabis in 2024. In 2018, the Wolverine State legalized adult-use cannabis with the passing of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act. The following year, Morrow founded Lume Cannabis Co., bringing his entrepreneurial expertise and innovative approach to the rapidly growing industry. One of the initial challenges Morrow faced was access to capital. He had to rely heavily on friends, family and his own network to raise the capital needed to get Lume off the ground, as it was challenging to access traditional financing sources. “The part that was the hardest thing for me to get used to was people saying ‘no’ all the time and not getting access to money,” he says. However, his business acumen came through and he would raise “close to a quarter of a billion dollars” through friends and family. “We never did any sponsored raises, private equity or hedge funds. It was all friends and family.” Lume specializes in various cannabis products, including flower, cartridges, concentrates, edibles, topicals and CBD. The company’s success and solid foundation in the Midwest have positioned it for potential expansion into other markets, including plans to enter into Florida. Despite facing challenges such as plummeting retail prices in Michigan, Lume has flourished by investing in technology and automation to cut production costs by 50 percent. Today, Loom has 38 retail stores, 300,000 square feet of indoor grow and seven million square feet of outdoor. Lume is projecting to harvest more than 150,000 pounds of cannabis this year. Lume has 38 retail stores currently. Morrow explains that the company’s approach involved prioritizing the production of high-quality products at scale, ensuring that they could provide top-shelf offerings as well as competitive pricing for customers, similar to strategies that many other consumer packaged goods companies employ. Morrow stresses scalable manufacturing as crucial for success in the cannabis industry. Drawing from his experience with Warrior Sports, Lume focuses on achieving high unit volume with consistent quality at low cost. He believes that having a repeatable manufacturing process capable of scaling to meet demand is vital for Lume’s long-term growth strategy. Morrow’s vision for his company is to make cannabis products available to a broad spectrum of consumers, catering “from the casual user to the connoisseur” and providing products at various price points to ensure accessibility while maintaining quality. He says he envisions a bright future for products beyond traditional flower options—particularly emphasizing smokeless alternatives that cater to evolving consumer preferences. “We want to make cannabis accessible,” Morrow says. As Lume continues its growth trajectory under Morrow’s leadership, he insists that he remains focused on innovation and scalability within the cannabis sector, focusing on developing “innovative products” that “make people happy.” “We want to make cannabis accessible, from the connoisseur to the casual user and everyone in between,” Morrow says. “I think being smokeless will be very important in the future. I’m not running down flower but look at the way big tobacco is going with vapes and pouches. With cannabis, we have drinks, we have topicals—I think there’s a big future for cannabis outside of just combustibles.” A big future is something Dave Morrow has always known a lot about. The post Full Contact Sport appeared first on Cannabis Now. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

We are the Nation's First Cannabis Spa for Natural Healing and Cannabis consumption. We are so much more than just another Smoke Shop option. We combine Massage Therapy, Natural Healing, Meditation, Energy Work, Stress Relief, Anxiety Relief, Pain Management, Injury Recovery, and Relaxation together infused with all things Cannabis. We use Cannabis as a Medicine to Heal whatever we may need in this life. Euphoria DC WEBSITE MENU REVIEWS 611 1/2 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003 (202) 733-1385 We are the Nation's First Cannabis Spa for Natural Healing and Cannabis consumption. We are so much more than just another Smoke Shop option. We combine Massage Therapy, Natural Healing, Meditation, Energy Work, Stress Relief, Anxiety Relief, Pain Management, Injury Recovery, and Relaxation together infused with all things Cannabis. We use Cannabis as a Medicine to Heal whatever we may need in this life. Convenient, Dependable, Discreet Cash Only I-71 Compliant (We gift within DC guidelines) 21+ Only!!! (Valid Physical Government or State Issued ID Required) *We provide the highest quality service for In-Store pick-up, or use our fast & reliable Valet Delivery Service ($100 Minimum for Valet Delivery Services) Hours: Monday: 11am-9pm Tuesday: 11am-9pm Wednesday: 11am-9pm Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday: 11am-9pm Saturday: 11am-9pm Sunday: 11am-6pm Deals: Free Premium THC Lemonade with Donation over $250 Free Premium Pre-Roll with Donation over $125 Order any 3 Packs of Gummies, and Get 1 Free Free Delivery with Orders over $300 Euphoria DC Recent Reviews Cherry Pie - Euphoria DC A cross of Grand Daddy Purple and Durban Poison this batch of Cherry Pie from DC recreational storefront, Euphoria DC, leans indica... Toker's Guide Aug 3, 2022 2 min read Cherry Voltage - Euphoria DC A cross of rare 50/50 strain High Voltage and Cherry Diesel, this Cherry Voltage from DC i-71 storefront Euphoria DC is a sativa-leaning... Toker's Guide May 20, 2022 1 min read Marionberry - Euphoria DC Named for the blackberry fruit, but also with special significance in DC due to former mayor Marion Barry, check out this primo batch of... Elle Weeds Apr 15, 2022 1 min read Northern Lights - Euphoria DC A cross of Afghani and Thai indica's you can check out one of the most legendary strains of all time at DC i-71 storefront Euphoria DC... Toker's Guide Apr 1, 2022 1 min read Platinum Cookies - Euphoria Healing & Wellness Platinum Cookies from DC i-71 day spa and storefront, Euphoria Healing & Wellness, is a slightly indica leaning hybrid (60/40) descending... Maya Francesca Mar 11, 2022 1 min read White Nerds - Euphoria DC Nerds, also known as Nerdz, is a nearly 50/50 hybrid crossbreed of Strawberry Cough and Grape Ape. To get "White Nerds", however, they've... Toker's Guide Feb 24, 2022 1 min read Gary Payton - Euphoria DC This Gary Payton from DC i-71 storefront and day spa, Euphoria Healing & Wellness, is a potent but evenly balanced 50/50 hybrid. A cross... Maya Francesca Feb 9, 2022 1 min read Sherbacio - Euphoria DC Sherbacio, from DC i-71 storefront Euphoria Healing & Wellness in DC, is a cross between Sunset Sherbet and Gelato #41. An even hybrid... Maya Francesca Jan 29, 2022 2 min read Purple Starburst - Euphoria DC Sometimes we get a sample of some absolute fire and we have to throw it up pretty much right when we get it so you, the audience, can to... Elle Weeds Jan 13, 2022 2 min read Huckleberry Kush - Euphoria DC Good morning tokers! For many of you this is probably a vacation week as you look to travel to family or get ready for holiday... Toker's Guide Dec 20, 2021 2 min read Wedding Nerdz - Euphoria DC If you haven't had a chance to check out Euphoria DC they're a healing and wellness spa and i-71 storefront that gifts their clients fine... Toker's Guide Dec 6, 2021 2 min read

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is taking legal action against publishers for allegedly illegal cannabis advertisements. News Life Media, Mamamia.com.au, and AG Therapeutics are among the firms targeted for promoting medical cannabis without permission. Australia has legalized medical cannabis but strictly regulates it, with adult-use cannabis remaining prohibited. The Australian Legal Cannabis Market was worth about USD 126.32 million in 2024 and is expected to reach over USD 420 million by 2030. < Back Australian Publishers Face Legal Action for Cannabis Advertisements Jun 20, 2025 Graham Abbott Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) — the country’s agency for monitoring, assessing, and regulating therapeutic products — has initiated legal action against certain publishers over allegedly illegal cannabis advertisements, Reuters reports. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act of 1989, companies are not allowed to advertise prescription medicines directly to the public without the TGA’s permission. TGA officials announced the action on Friday, targeting News Corp Australia-owned News Life Media and other firms, including AG Therapeutics, Straight Up PR, and Mamamia.com.au, another media outlet. News Life Media and Mamamia are each accused of using prohibited messaging to promote medical cannabis, while officials said AG Therapeutics had improperly called cannabis products “plant medicine” and run online promotions for cannabis use. “We allege that AG Therapeutics, Mamamia and News Life had been warned on multiple occasions in relation to the alleged unlawful advertising of therapeutic goods.” — TGA head Anthony Lawler, via Reuters Australia has legalized medical cannabis at the federal level, but the program is strictly regulated, and adult-use cannabis remains prohibited. The Australian Medical Association announced last year that while it supports certain decriminalization policies, it opposes legalizing adult-use cannabis. Meanwhile, the Australia Legal Cannabis Market report published last month said the market was worth about USD 126.32 million in 2024 and is expected to reach over USD 420 million by 2030. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

OP6 CBD, founded by medical cannabis grower Craig Zaffe and retired NFL player Reggie Grant, produces high-potency CBD topicals, including warming and cooling sports creams, focused on athletic recovery and pain management. The company's vision is centered on educating people about cannabis as a beneficial plant and advocating for wellness to reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals, using products manufactured in an FDA-licensed, GMP-certified facility that are independently lab tested. The brand is the official wellness provider for the Retired NFL Players Congress. < Back OP6 CBD: Redefining Athletic Recovery Without Pharmaceuticals Dec 15, 2025 Ganjapreneur Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link [image: Craig Zaffe and Reggie Grant of OP6CBD] For our latest Q&A interview, we connected with the people behind OP6 CBD, a wellness-focused CBD topicals manufacturer whose high-potency products are geared toward athletic recovery and everyday mobility. Craig Zaffe, a longtime independent medical cannabis grower from New York, partnered with retired NFL player Reggie Grant to grow OP6 in 2022. Together, they set out to deliver high-quality topicals for athletes and anyone suffering from aches and pains. Their flagship products are two CBD-rich sports creams: a “warming” cream for when you’re moving, and a menthol “cooling” cream for when you’re in recovery. All of OP6’s products are manufactured in an FDA-licensed, GMP-certified facility. In this Q&A, Craig and Reggie joined us to discuss how they wound up developing their vision into a tangible product, as well as how they approach manufacturing standards, the importance of community engagement and education, and how CBD topicals are entering recovery conversations across traditional wellness markets and professional sports networks. ------------------------------ Read the interview: *Craig, after growing medical cannabis for decades, what originally inspired you to launch Hemp for Life Wellness and develop the OP6 CBD line?* *Craig:* I’ve been cultivating medical cannabis since 1988 to help family and friends manage health conditions. Over time, I realized THC wasn’t right for everyone, but CBD offered benefits that could support almost anyone. That realization inspired me to launch Hemp for Life Wellness—doing business as OP6 CBD—to make CBD products accessible on a larger scale. *What was your initial vision for the company, and how has it evolved since you got started?* *Craig:* My vision from the beginning was to educate people about cannabis as one of the most beneficial plants on the planet. Cannabis has over 25,000 uses and interacts directly with our endocannabinoid system to regulate balance in the body. By incorporating cannabis into our lives, we can improve our health while also helping the planet. Education remains central—when people understand how the plant works, they’re empowered to take charge of their own wellness. *Reggie, when did you first discover CBD, and how has it impacted your life personally?* *Reggie:* I first learned about CBD at a Jets Alumni Reunion in August 2022, where Craig was giving a seminar. He shared samples of OP6 CBD Sports Cream, and I was amazed at how quickly it relieved my pain and inflammation. The very next day, I reached out to him about working together. *For professional football players and athletes of all kinds, recovery is critical. If the NFL and other leagues were to embrace CBD, how much of a difference could it make?* *Reggie:* It would be a game-changer. CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation without the side effects that come with prescription pain medications. If leagues like the NFL adopted it, athletes could extend their careers and improve their overall quality of life. *How do you approach quality assurance and sourcing when it comes to the CBD and other ingredients in OP6 products?* *Craig:* Our Sports Cream is manufactured in an FDA-licensed, GMP-compliant facility, with 1,200 mg of CBD per jar. We offer both Warm and Cool formulas, using FDA-approved ingredients like menthol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, hemp seed oil, CBD isolate, and a proprietary blend of terpenes. Every batch is independently lab tested to confirm purity and ensure it’s free of pesticides, fungi, and heavy metals. *Reggie, how did the partnership with the Retired NFL Players Congress come together, and what does it mean for OP6 moving forward?* *Reggie:* I’ve been involved with the Retired Players Congress for years. After I started using OP6 CBD, I shared it with fellow players Bob Grant and Ron Brown, who were impressed with the results. That led the Congress to make OP6 CBD its official wellness provider, which helps us reach more retired athletes who can benefit from our products. *The next question is for Craig. Looking back to the grassroots pre-legalization days, what lessons would you say still hold true in today’s cannabis economy?* *Craig:* The most important lesson is to let the science speak for the plant and to keep educating people. Even our own government holds a patent recognizing cannabis’ neuroprotective properties. The more we can ground this industry in science, the stronger it will be. *How important is community involvement in building a wellness brand, and how does OP6 engage locally?* *Craig:* Community engagement is vital. We’re members of the Long Island Cannabis Coalition, we host educational seminars at dispensaries, and we recently spoke with a senior citizens group. We’ve also been featured in *HoneySuckle Magazine*, Channel 12 News, and *Newsday*. Showing up and having real conversations is the best way to connect. *How do you define success—not just for OP6 as a business, but as wellness advocates?* *Craig:* Success is more than profit. It’s about helping people live healthier lives and giving them the information they need to reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals. We want people to feel empowered to make cannabis part of their lifestyle. *Reggie:* I’d add that success also comes from surrounding yourself with people who bring value and being in the room to have those conversations. That’s how both sports and business move forward. *If someone discovers OP6 CBD for the first time today, what’s the one thing you’d want them to take away from the experience?* *Craig:* Most first-time users are amazed at how quickly they feel relief from pain and discomfort. That immediate effect is what we want them to remember—the experience of finding a natural solution that truly works. *Reggie:* For me, it’s about trust. As an athlete who relied on my body for a career, I want people to know these products are safe, reliable, and built to make a difference in everyday life. ------------------------------ *Thank you Craig and Reggie for sharing your insights! To learn more about OP6CBD, visit their website.* < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Florida officials have advanced the Smart & Safe Florida campaign's petition to place an adult-use cannabis legalization amendment on the 2026 ballot, weeks after the campaign sued the governor's administration for allegedly delaying the process. Following the submission of the initiative petition, Attorney General James Uthmeier asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the lawsuit. The proposal now goes to the Supreme Court for final review, which must sign off by April 1, 2026. The amendment requires at least 60% of the popular vote to pass, a threshold a similar 2024 amendment failed to meet. < Back Florida Election Officials Advance Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Ballot Proposal Nov 19, 2025 Graham Abbott Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Florida officials announced this week they have taken the next step in approving a petition submitted by the Smart & Safe Florida campaign to put an adult-use cannabis legalization amendment on the 2026 ballot, the Florida Phoenix reports. The announcement came weeks after the campaign sued Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) administration in the state’s Supreme Court, claiming that election officials were trying to block the proposal from reaching the ballot by delaying the process. Attorney General James Uthmeier, in a state Supreme Court brief filed Tuesday, asked the justices to dismiss the lawsuit after officials “sent the demanded … letter to Smart & Safe and submitted the initiative petition to the Attorney General” on Monday. In its lawsuit, Smart & Safe Florida claims it collected three times the number of petition signatures required, but that election officials purposely delayed recognition of the signatures. Now that the proposal has been approved by state officials and delivered to the attorney general, Uthmeier can submit the proposal to the Supreme Court for a final review. The court has until April 1, 2026, to sign off on the proposed amendment. Florida constitutional ballot amendments require at least 60% of the popular vote to pass. In 2024, an adult-use legalization amendment supported by Smart & Safe Florida received just 56% of voter support, capturing the popular vote but falling short of the threshold. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved an adult-use cannabis legalization proposal. The bill would legalize cannabis possession for adults 21+ and create a regulated framework for commercial cultivation and distribution. Retail sales would be taxed at 12%, and all dispensaries would be operated by the state. Home grows would be allowed with an annual $100 permit. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro supports legalizing cannabis, and the state could generate over $1 billion in cannabis tax revenue over five years. < Back Pennsylvania House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill May 7, 2025 Graham Abbott Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday gave initial approval to an adult-use cannabis legalization proposal that includes state-run dispensaries, Marijuana Moment reports. The proposal was just introduced on Sunday and advanced from the House Health Committee on Monday. House lawmakers then narrowly voted to pass the proposal on a 102-101 party-line vote, with all Democrats voting in favor of the bill and all Republicans voting in opposition. Lawmakers are expected to hold another vote on the proposal soon, and if approved again, the bill will move next to the Senate for consideration. The bill would legalize cannabis possession for adults aged 21+ and create a regulated framework for the commercial cultivation and distribution of cannabis. Retail sales would be taxed at 12%, and all dispensaries would be operated by the state — however, the industry’s cultivators, processors, transporters, and potential consumption sites could be privately owned, the report said. Home grows would be allowed, but only with an annual $100 home cultivation permit issued by the state Liquor Control Board, which would be tasked with overseeing the industry. The bill also includes THC concentration caps for both cannabis edibles and flower products. Health Committee member Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R) noted during Monday’s hearing that “it’s no secret that I stand in opposition to broadly legalized adult-use marijuana — but frankly, I’m appalled by the manner in which it’s being rammed through the committee and the legislature.” The Committee Chair and co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Dan Frankel (D), responded that “this has been a transparent process.” “My door has been open to all those stakeholders on an ongoing basis for the past two years — the six hearings we had, and an opportunity for the minority party to have, to have a meeting to talk about this.” — Frankel, via Marijuana Moment Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro supports legalizing cannabis, and nearly all of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states have already passed legalization policies. Meanwhile, a report last year found the state could generate over $1 billion in cannabis tax revenue over five years of legal sales. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

It might happen soon, but President Donald Trump will deliver on major marijuana reform, according to two cannabis industry figures with White House access. Marijuana industry insiders bullish on federal reform under Trump is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs < Back Marijuana industry insiders bullish on federal reform under Trump Jun 13, 2025 Chris Roberts MJ Biz Daily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link It might happen soon, but President Donald Trump will deliver on major marijuana reform, according to two cannabis industry figures with White House access. Marijuana industry insiders bullish on federal reform under Trump is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The Michigan Court of Claims heard arguments concerning the constitutionality of a new 24% wholesale tax on cannabis products. < Back Michigan cannabis industry fights massive tax hike in court Nov 26, 2025 Margaret Jackson MJbizDaily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Michigan Court of Claims heard arguments Tuesday over the constitutionality of a new 24% wholesale tax on cannabis products. Michigan cannabis industry fights massive tax hike in court is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5