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News

CT’s Psilocybin Decriminalization Bill, NBA Embraces Cannabis, and MO’s Cannabis Boom

Cesar Gallegos

by Cesar Gallegos

April 7, 2023 08:30 am ET Estimated Read Time: 3 Minutes

Connecticut is weighing mushroom decriminalization, the NBA ended its cannabis testing protocol, and Missouri’s job market is booming thanks to cannabis.

Let’s dive into this week’s cannanews.


Connecticut Makes Psilocybin Progress

Another state has joined the growing movement for psilocybin legalization. Last week, a legislative committee in Connecticut passed a bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms.

Under current Connecticut law, psilocybin possession is a Class A misdemeanor. A possession charge carries penalties of up to a year in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine. The newly passed legislation aims to reduce these penalties for larger possession amounts and completely eliminate legal consequences for smaller amounts.

If passed, possession of up to half an ounce of a psychedelic substance would result in a simple civil infraction with a $150 fine. Repeat violations would result in fines of $200 to $500. Three-time offenders, meanwhile, would be referred to a drug education program for rehabilitation.

With this new decriminalization bill, Connecticut now has two different psilocybin bills making their way through the state’s legislature. A bill introduced in Connecticut’s current legislative session sought to lay the outline of a psychedelic-assisted therapy program.

Make sure to check in with Veriheal to stay up to date on the progress of these two bills.

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Veriheal has satisfied millions of patients nationwide by giving them access to these benefits

  • Larger purchase limits
  • Peace of mind
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  • Access to higher potency strains
  • Save up to 25% on cannabis purchases
  • Skip the line at the dispensary

NBA Ends Cannabis Testing

Cannabis’ popularity among NBA players is something of an open secret. Former NBA player Al Harrington told GQ he believes that around 85% of players use “some kind of cannabis.” Now, it looks like the NBA is finally ready to accept this fact.  

According to a statement from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), an agreement has been reached to remove cannabis from the NBA’s drug testing program for the upcoming 2023-24 season. The move extends the NBA’s ongoing suspension of its cannabis testing policy that occurred during the pandemic. Going forward, the league’s focus will shift to testing for performance-enhancing and other illicit drugs.

Beyond these changes in testing protocol, NBA and WNBA players can now also invest in cannabis companies.

As elite athletes from all sports continue to embrace cannabis as a tool for pain management, we may soon see the NBA’s decision cross over into other leagues.

What do you think of the NBA’s recent move? Which league do you think will be next to embrace cannabis? Let us know in the comments!

Missouri Sees Massive Cannabis Industry Job Growth

Missouri made history last November when its voters decided to legalize recreational cannabis. Cut to today, and the state is already reaping the benefits of its bold decision.

Since legalization, Missouri has experienced a boom in brand-new cannabis industry jobs. Those looking to work in the industry are required to get a background check and an agent ID badge. According to the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), which oversees the state’s cannabis program, the number of agent ID badges awarded has quadrupled since November 2022, with 12,970 in the month of February alone. 

Beyond employment numbers, Missouri’s cannabis industry has also proven to be incredibly profitable. In its first month of recreational sales, the state made over $72 million in cannabis sales. Given its momentum, many expect Missouri to become a billion-dollar cannabis market in no time.

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