A Weekly Roundup of Stories We Found Interesting – From The Profound To The Profane

Alcohol Goliath’s Big Cannabis Investment
Constellation Brands Inc, the maker of Corona beer and Svedka vodka, has bought a nearly 10 percent stake in Canadian cannabis maker Canopy Growth Corp for about C$245 million ($191 million), the first major wine, beer, and spirits producer to invest in legal cannabis. The company is looking at the potential to capture cannabis-infused beverages.

F.D.A. Warns Companies Against Claims That Marijuana Cures Diseases
Four companies selling marijuana-derived dietary supplements have been warned by the F.D.A. to stop marketing their products as cures for cancer. There is simply not enough evidence to make such claim. However, there are many studies proving that cannabis alleviates cancer patients on symptoms including pain, nausea, upset stomach and stress. As Dr. Junella Chin, an osteopath and integrative cannabis physician suggests that many cancer patients simply run out of options and give up on prescribed medicines to relief on their symptoms – that’s when they turn to pot products.

New Jersey Ordered To Review Marijuana’s Schedule I Classification
A New Jersey appeals court has told the Christie administration it must reconsider its classification of marijuana because its medical health benefits are “abundantly and glaringly apparent now.” The ruling rests in large part on South Jersey resident Genny Barbour, a teenage girl with autism who suffers from seizures.

German Parties Consider Sale Of Marijuana In Pharmacies Or Dispensaries
The Germans unanimously approved a medical cannabis law last year, which came into effect March 2017 and became Europe’s largest medical marijuana market. The drug is now available to “seriously ill” patients on a case-by-case basis. Three German parties — conservatives, the Green Party and the Free Democratic Party — are in discussion of forming a coalition, and part of that discussions involve an agreement on fully legalizing marijuana and selling the drug through pharmacies or licensed dispensaries.

More Than 100 Pennsylvania Doctors Are Now Approved to Certify Medical Cannabis Patients
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 109 doctors have joined the program and completed the four-hour training necessary to recommend medical marijuana, ensuring that qualified patients will be able to get their medication as soon as the program opens for business in 2018.

Scientists Aim to Map Marijuana’s DNA
Scientists want to map marijuana’s DNA in order to help farmers grow hemp plants that are rich in CBD and other medically beneficial compounds.

Is It Legal to Smoke Weed on the High Seas?
Apparently, there is something called the Convention on the High Seas. Krishna Andavolu from Viceland’s “Weediquette” series explains it all here.