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Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) have developed a new class of CBD-like compounds that could revolutionize treatment for epilepsy—without using the cannabis plant at all. Instead, the team used caraway seeds, a familiar kitchen spice found in breads, cheeses, and stews. Through genetic modification, UNLV researchers transformed compounds in the seeds to mimic the molecular structure of non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD), commonly found in cannabis. A Breakthrough Beyond Cannabis According to a new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology, these lab-made compounds may be even more effective than traditional CBD at reducing seizures and promoting healthy brain cell growth. “These fully synthetic compounds, made from a safe plant extract and free of THC, not only prevented seizures and reduced seizure-related deaths but also promoted healthier brain cell development—without the sedative side effects of current treatments,” said Dustin Hines, a neuroscience professor at UNLV and co-author of the study. The findings come from pre-clinical trials that showed the caraway-based CBD significantly lowered seizure-related mortality in mice. The researchers say this discovery could pave the way for new therapies for epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Funded by the NIH The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Currently, the only FDA-approved CBD drug for epilepsy is Epidiolex, which is derived from the cannabis plant. The UNLV team hopes their synthetic version could offer a THC-free alternative for patients who don’t respond well to current treatments or experience side effects. Not Your Average Spice While the research centers around caraway seeds, the seeds themselves don’t contain CBD. UNLV student Adriana Carrillo, who contributed to the study, clarified that the spice “just contains the scaffold to create it.” Carrillo added that this discovery offers new hope: “It is encouraging to help build the foundation for future treatment options that could one day offer families safer and more effective choices.” As research continues, these caraway-based compounds could represent the next generation of CBD-style therapeutics—without cannabis.

Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Assembly Bill 1332, legislation that would have allowed licensed microbusinesses to ship medical cannabis directly to patients using common couriers such as UPS or FedEx. The bill aimed to expand patient access in California, the nation’s oldest legalized medical cannabis marketplace. Sponsored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley), A.B. 1332 passed unanimously in both the Senate (39-0) and Assembly (78-0) before reaching the governor’s desk. In his veto statement, Newsom cited administrative challenges and costs as key reasons for rejection: “While I appreciate the author’s goal of expanding patient access to medical cannabis, the proposed direct-shipping program would be burdensome and overly complex to administer,” Newsom said. “The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) will need to revamp the California cannabis track-and-trace system, which will take significant resources and time. Moreover, this measure includes numerous restrictions on eligible products – many of which are unclear, overly narrow or unworkable, adding to the implementation challenge.” A fiscal analysis by the Senate Appropriations Committee reported a one-time $269,000 implementation cost to modify the DCC’s track-and-trace system, with ongoing annual costs of $472,000 to oversee shipments. While small compared to the state’s total taxable cannabis sales, the governor said the costs outweighed the potential benefits, especially as the program would initially allow only two businesses to ship directly to patients. Under A.B. 1332, any microbusiness holding an M-license with retail, manufacturing, distribution, and cultivation activities could ship medicinal cannabis products—including flower and tinctures made with non-volatile solvents—directly to patients. Currently, California has 290 active microbusiness licenses with medicinal or combined adult-use/medicinal designations, of which more than 50 are fully vertically integrated. The veto comes amid declining medical cannabis sales, projected to fall below $200 million in 2025, roughly 4% of the state’s licensed cannabis marketplace, down from $540 million in 2021. Advocates argue that medical patients are increasingly underserved due to high taxes, prioritization of adult-use products, and limited local availability. Proponents of the bill, including Ahrens and the Society for Cannabis Physicians, emphasized the challenges faced by patients with severe conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Many live in regions where specialized medical cannabis products are not stocked, and travel to distant dispensaries is difficult or impossible. “Since the implementation of Proposition 64 in 2018, the availability of medical cannabis products has declined significantly due to regulatory burdens, high taxation and the prioritization of adult-use products over medicinal formulations,” said the Society for Cannabis Physicians. Doctors also testified in favor of A.B. 1332, highlighting that long-term patients can no longer access the medicinal products they previously relied on. Dr. Laurie Vollen, a licensed preventive medicine physician, described California’s medical cannabis patients as “orphans” of the current system. Despite the veto, Governor Newsom indicated a willingness to work with lawmakers to explore alternative strategies to improve equitable access to safe medical cannabis for patients in need.

State cannabis regulators have taken strong enforcement action against Omnium Health Inc., a Long Island-based licensed cannabis processor and distributor, for allegedly enabling unlicensed operators to funnel illicit products into New York’s legal cannabis market. According to the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Omnium risks heavy financial penalties and the possible revocation of its license after investigators discovered what they described as “an unearned backdoor” that allowed untested cannabis products to reach licensed retailers. The agency said the alleged scheme undermines the integrity of New York’s regulated market, valued at nearly $1.8 billion. “These actions ensure that regulated businesses do not exploit loopholes or take advantage to undermine legal operators who play by the rules,” said Felicia A. B. Reid, OCM’s acting executive director, in a statement. The investigation, led by OCM’s Trade Practices Bureau, began in February 2025. Regulators allege that Omnium allowed unlicensed third parties to use its licensed facilities in exchange for rent, effectively laundering illicit cannabis products—including THC isolates—into the state’s supply chain. Officials confirmed there was no evidence these products were produced within New York’s regulated system. In April, regulators quarantined $10 million worth of vaporizers, pre-rolls, and other cannabis products connected to Omnium, sold under brands such as Stiiizy and mfused. The company could now face multiple sanctions, including: Industry leaders have welcomed the OCM’s crackdown, calling it a step toward fairness and consumer safety. “Today’s enforcement actions reinforce a simple truth — consumer safety and market fairness must always come before profit,” said Joe Rossi, spokesperson for the Green Standard Alliance, an advocacy group that recently published a report on the dangers of untested cannabis products. The OCM’s actions against Omnium follow earlier disciplinary measures in September against Lexachrom Labs, another Long Island-based company accused of falsifying cannabis test results. That case led to multiple product recalls after regulators found that test results were fabricated rather than conducted properly. The outcome of Omnium’s case could mark one of the toughest enforcement decisions yet in New York’s legal cannabis industry — signaling that regulators intend to send a strong message to licensed operators about compliance and integrity within the market.

A new national study has revealed what truly motivates female cannabis consumers in the United States as the industry moves into 2025. Conducted by market research firm YouGov, the report highlights the key factors driving purchasing decisions, consumption habits, and product preferences among women aged 21 and older. According to the findings, 70% of women say price is the most persuasive factor when choosing between similar cannabis products. Despite growing brand options and premium product lines, affordability remains a top concern—reflecting continued consumer caution amid inflation and rising living costs. The survey also shows that relaxation (70%) and better sleep (69%) are the main reasons women use cannabis. Interestingly, 41% of respondents substitute cannabis for prescription or over-the-counter medications, showing a steady shift toward natural health alternatives. Spending habits remain modest: 34% of women spend less than $50 per month, and only 5% spend over $250 monthly. Meanwhile, 23% of respondents already hold or plan to acquire a medical marijuana card, indicating growing interest in regulated medical use. In terms of product choices, flower remains the top-selling category, accounting for 32–42% of female cannabis purchases, according to Greenlight Dispensary CEO John Mueller. Pre-rolls are the fastest-growing product among women, making up 11–16% of sales, while edibles and concentrates vary by age group—older women favor edibles, while younger consumers prefer concentrates. As the year’s biggest retail moments approach, including 4/20 and Green Wednesday, brands are preparing for record sales. Data from Jane Technologies shows retailers saw a 90% increase in revenue on Green Wednesday 2023 compared to regular Wednesdays. With women representing half of the U.S. cannabis consumer base, understanding their motivations is crucial. Brands that focus on value, wellness, and authentic engagement will stand out in the competitive cannabis landscape of 2025.

For years, cannabis research has revolved around two main compounds, THC and CBD. These cannabinoids have shaped how we understand the plant’s effects, medical uses, and cultural impact.But beneath this familiar narrative lies another, lesser-known chemical story — one that’s now beginning to capture scientific attention: cannabis alkaloids. What Are Alkaloids? Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, usually defined by one key element — nitrogen in their chemical structure.This nitrogen makes alkaloids biologically active, often affecting the nervous system and interacting with human receptors in powerful ways. Famous examples of alkaloids include: In nature, these compounds often serve as defense mechanisms, protecting plants from insects and diseases. In medicine, they’ve become some of the world’s most potent therapeutic agents. Do Alkaloids Exist in Cannabis? Yes — although they were overlooked for decades. Early research focused mainly on cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis flowers, leading many to believe the plant didn’t produce alkaloids. That changed in the 1970s, when scientists isolated the first confirmed cannabis alkaloid, cannabisativine, from Cannabis sativa roots.Later studies discovered anhydrocannabisativine, a related molecule, proving that cannabis does indeed synthesize nitrogen-based compounds. Modern analytical tools like liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry have since detected even more alkaloid-like molecules in various parts of the plant — including roots, leaves, stems, and flowers. Compound Type Location in Plant Potential Function Cannabisativine Pyrrolidine Alkaloid Roots Plant defense; possible neurological activity Anhydrocannabisativine Derivative Alkaloid Roots, stems Related to stress response Indole Alkaloids Nitrogen-containing Leaves, flowers May influence microbial or mood pathways Why Cannabis Alkaloids Are Unique While cannabinoids like THC and CBD are terpenophenols (made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen), alkaloids are nitrogen-based. This single chemical difference dramatically changes how they behave in the body. Because of this, researchers believe cannabis alkaloids could hold unique therapeutic potential, possibly affecting inflammation, brain health, or microbial balance. However, much of this remains unexplored, as few biological studies have been completed on these rare compounds. Current Research and the ‘Entourage Effect’ Only a handful of studies have examined how cannabis alkaloids might affect humans. Still, some scientists suspect they may play a supporting role in the plant’s overall effects — part of what’s called the entourage effect.This theory suggests that multiple cannabis compounds work together synergistically, enhancing or modifying each other’s impact. Although the precise functions of cannabisativine and anhydrocannabisativine remain unknown, their consistent presence across strains suggests they serve important biological roles — perhaps defending the plant or helping it respond to stress. Why Studying Cannabis Alkaloids Matters The discovery of these compounds highlights how much remains to be learned about cannabis. Research into alkaloids could: For centuries, healers used the roots and leaves of cannabis for inflammation, fever, and infection. It’s possible that alkaloids, not just cannabinoids, contributed to those traditional effects. The Road Ahead As modern science advances, researchers are mapping cannabis’s complete chemical fingerprint, uncovering hundreds of secondary metabolites beyond THC and CBD.Alkaloids represent the next chapter in that exploration — rare, subtle, and possibly transformative. While they exist in tiny amounts, their chemical diversity could one day lead to breakthroughs in neurology, pharmacology, and natural medicine. Cannabis has always been a plant full of secrets — and the discovery of its hidden alkaloids proves that the story is far from over.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the state’s $81 billion budget on October 7, 2025, which includes a 24% wholesale tax on cannabis. The tax will apply to cannabis transferred from cultivators and manufacturers to retailers and is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, unless blocked by a court. This new tax comes in addition to Michigan’s existing 10% retail cannabis excise tax and 6% sales tax, and is projected to generate roughly $420.7 million annually for the state. The revenue will fund Whitmer’s $1.8 billion annual infrastructure plan, focusing on roads, bridges, and other state and local projects. “Big news, Michigan. I signed my seventh balanced bipartisan budget,” Whitmer said in a video statement. “Here’s what it means for you: safer, smoother roads to drive on, thanks to the biggest roads deal in Michigan history, so we can keep fixing all those damn roads, state and local, and keep your car in good shape, too.” How the Tax Will Work The law, named the Comprehensive Road Funding Tax Act (CRFTA), establishes a Comprehensive Road Funding Fund, allocating $3 million from the new tax in fiscal 2026 and $500,000 in each following year. The remainder will go to the Neighborhood Road Fund, with $100 million earmarked for local bridges and the rest distributed to county road commissions, cities, and villages. Experts warn that higher cannabis taxes often increase dispensary prices, which can drive consumers to unregulated sources. Industry Pushback: Lawsuit Filed Despite the governor’s signature, the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MiCIA) filed a lawsuit on October 7 challenging the tax. The 22-page suit, filed in the Michigan Court of Claims, claims the new tax violates the state Constitution because the Legislature failed to secure a three-fourths vote, required to amend citizen-initiated laws like the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) approved by voters in 2018. “The lawsuit details multiple ways in which the legislators acted unconstitutionally,” MiCIA said. “The last-minute, late-night process violated a range of constitutional provisions. We are asking the court to strike the tax in its entirety.” MiCIA argues that MRTMA sets the excise tax at 10%, and the new 24% wholesale tax represents an unauthorized additional excise tax, which can only be enacted by directly amending MRTMA. Governor’s Perspective and Historical Context Whitmer, who voted in favor of MRTMA in 2018, said she intends to ensure the adult-use cannabis program is implemented correctly. “Our leaders frequently ignore the will of the public,” she said. “That happened on medicinal marijuana; they never wanted to make it successful. When this passes, I will take it seriously and ensure it stays out of the hands of kids and that the dollars go where they’re supposed to — into infrastructure and schools.” The 10% cannabis excise tax approved by voters in 2018 was originally dedicated to adult-use program implementation, clinical trials, schools, roads, and local municipalities where licensed businesses operate.

A large clinical trial published in Nature Medicine has found that an experimental cannabis extract may offer relief for people living with chronic low back pain. The study, conducted in Germany and Austria with more than 800 participants, tested VER-01, a cannabis extract in sesame oil that contains THC. Results showed that patients taking the oil reported a greater reduction in pain intensity compared to those given a placebo. On average, pain scores dropped by 1.9 points in the treatment group versus less than one point in the placebo group. While the overall reduction was modest, experts say the results are comparable to existing pain medications. Notably, some patients experienced a 30–50% decrease in pain, particularly those with nerve-related symptoms such as burning or tingling sensations. Side effects—including dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea—led about 17% of participants to discontinue treatment. However, researchers emphasized that unlike opioids, no cases of addiction, dependence, or withdrawal were observed. Canadian pain specialists welcomed the findings, noting the urgent need for safe, non-opioid alternatives for chronic pain. Dr. Hance Clarke, director of pain services at Toronto General Hospital, called the study “the type of well-designed evidence we’ve been waiting for.” The trial was sponsored by German company Vertanical, which has applied for European regulatory approval of VER-01. Plans are also underway for studies aimed at FDA and Health Canada approval, as well as future trials in Canada focused on osteoarthritis pain. Experts caution that longer-term studies are still needed, particularly given that many patients require treatment for years rather than months. Still, the findings mark an important step toward expanding the medical use of cannabis-based therapies.