Author: Sian Ferguson

Using cannabis for creativity refers to the practice of consuming specific strains or products to lower mental barriers, enhance divergent thinking, and spark artistic inspiration. For decades, artists, musicians, and writers have turned to the plant as a tool to unlock their imagination. But is it a magic bullet for your magnum opus, or just a way to make the process more enjoyable? Let's explore how to harness the potential of cannabis to get high and get inspired. Can Cannabis Actually Make You More Creative? The relationship between weed and creativity is a tale of two perspectives: the scientific and the…

Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code refers to a federal tax provision that prohibits businesses trafficking in Schedule I or II controlled substances from deducting standard business expenses. For the cannabis industry, this has meant a crushing tax burden. However, recent legal and regulatory shifts are creating a potential pathway for significant relief, both prospectively and retroactively. The Convergence of Litigation and Rescheduling Two major developments are currently reshaping the tax landscape for cannabis operators. First, the U.S. Tax Court is weighing the case of New Mexico Top Organics, Inc. d/b/a Ultra Health v. Commissioner. A central question in this litigation…

On December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14370, titled "Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research." This directive marks a pivotal shift in federal cannabis policy, signaling an intent to modernize regulations that have long stifled the industry. While the order itself does not immediately legalize marijuana or decriminalize its use, it sets in motion a series of federal actions that could fundamentally reshape the landscape for medical marijuana, CBD, and hemp-derived products. The core of the "Marijuana EO" is a directive for federal agencies to accelerate the process of reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule…

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug under federal law. This significant shift moves cannabis from a category defined as having "no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse" to one recognized as having "low to moderate potential for dependence," aligning it with drugs like Tylenol with codeine. "People begging for me to do this. People that are in great pain," Trump stated regarding the decision, which aims to facilitate newer and faster medical research. Michael Khemmoro, COO of Mango Cannabis, welcomed the move as a…

In a significant legislative shift, the U.S. Congress has voted to ban most hemp-derived products, a move tucked into the recent spending bill that averted a government shutdown. Set to be enforced starting November 2026, this ban threatens to upend the market for popular items like CBD tinctures, balms, and the rapidly growing category of THC-infused drinks. The new rules will drastically alter the pricing, availability, and composition of these products, leaving consumers and businesses scrambling to adapt. Redefining Legal Hemp: The 0.4mg Limit Currently, federal law defines legal hemp as any cannabis plant product containing less than 0.3% delta-9…

The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has approved a significant reform to the General Health Law, establishing an absolute prohibition on the manufacture, import, export, distribution, commercialization, and use of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and similar devices. The measure passed on Tuesday with 324 votes from the ruling coalition (Morena, PT, and Green Party), amidst intense debate. Proponents, like Morena's Pedro Mario Zenteno, hailed the reform as a "historic step" for public health, emphasizing the need to protect citizens from the documented risks of vaping, including lung damage, cardiovascular issues, and addiction. Zenteno clarified that the initiative targets production, trade, and advertising,…

A new Texas law, Senate Bill 2024, which took effect on September 1st, is causing significant confusion among consumers and retailers. The law makes it a Class A misdemeanor to sell or market certain e-cigarettes, including those containing cannabinoids (like THC), alcohol, kratom, kava, or mushrooms. However, the legislation does not prohibit the *possession* of these products. Cannabis attorney Daniel Mehler, who represents several shops, criticized the law for harming Texas businesses while failing to stop consumer access. He noted that these banned vape cartridges often constitute a third or more of a shop's revenue. "They can still be purchased…

As a pet owner, you're always looking for ways to keep your canine companion healthy and comfortable. In recent years, a supplement has moved from the fringes into the mainstream conversation about pet wellness: CBD (cannabidiol). You've likely seen it in oils, chews, and treats, often accompanied by claims that it can help with everything from joint pain and anxiety to seizures and sleep problems. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD offers potential therapeutic benefits without the intoxicating "high" associated with THC. But with a largely unregulated market and a mix of scientific evidence and anecdotal reports, it's natural to…

A new clinical trial conducted by scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that even low, consumer-typical doses of cannabidiol (CBD) may pose a risk of liver injury in some individuals. This finding, published in the esteemed journal JAMA Internal Medicine, adds a critical layer of caution to the booming, yet largely unregulated, market for over-the-counter CBD capsules, gummies, edibles, oils, and lotions that have become omnipresent in the United States in recent years. Despite the widespread availability and popularity of CBD products for self-medicating conditions like pain, anxiety, and insomnia, there has been a significant lack of…

A new study conducted by researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) suggests that people are more likely to quit smoking and switch to vaping if they understand the reduced harm associated with e-cigarettes. The findings highlight the importance of providing accurate information about the relative risks of vaping compared to smoking. The study, which was supported by the UK Medical Research Council, Wellcome, University of Bristol, Cancer Research UK, and Society for the Study of Addiction, found that young adults who smoked at the age of 23/24 and perceived vaping as less harmful than smoking were more likely…