Cannabis News

This Marijuana Moment newsletter covers the DEA issuing a 26-question list to Colorado medical cannabis businesses regarding federal rescheduling protections, alongside a House vote on delaying the federal hemp THC ban. Additional updates include state-level cannabis and hemp policy developments, international medical cannabis progress in Costa Rica, and industry business news.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill defining prohibited marijuana packaging and labeling designed to prevent appeal to children.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is urging schools to publicize a law imposing up to a year in jail for smoking marijuana within 2,000 feet of school property.

A federally funded study examines how varying THC and CBD levels affect symptom relief for cancer patients using medical marijuana, while highlighting financial barriers to access.

The U.S. House is set to consider Senate-approved legislation delaying the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products scheduled for November.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear emphasized the economic importance of hemp to state farmers and urged voters not to re-elect members of Congress seeking to ban it.

The DEA is seeking detailed operational information from medical marijuana businesses applying for federal protections under cannabis rescheduling efforts.

This Marijuana Moment newsletter covers a study on medical marijuana for older adults, an op-ed on rescheduling and acquisitions, a Missouri hemp lawsuit, and New Mexico psilocybin producer applications.

New Mexico's Medical Psilocybin Program has begun accepting producer applications, marking a key step toward making therapeutic psilocybin fully operational in the state.

This article highlights the importance of effective store layout and retail design in helping cannabis dispensaries stand out in a competitive market. It features DisplayDispensary.com, which provides customizable and turnkey display solutions backed by over a century of retail fixture expertise from its parent company, Econoco Corporation.

A federal judge is considering a lawsuit challenging Missouri's law banning intoxicating hemp products, with plaintiffs arguing the state law creates conflicting definitions of legal hemp and illegal marijuana.

Alabama opened its second medical cannabis dispensary in Talladega, expanding patient access as state licensees work to establish a total of 12 planned storefronts.

An op-ed discusses how federal marijuana rescheduling creates business consolidation and acquisition opportunities rather than immediate full legalization.

A study of older adults in Colombia found that 91 percent experienced improvements in pain, insomnia, and mood symptoms after using medical marijuana.

Florida Democrats criticized Republican leaders following a grand jury report finding that $10 million in state Medicaid funds were misappropriated for political activities.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis granted 29 new pardons for individuals with past marijuana convictions, adding to thousands of broad cannabis clemency actions.

Diversity is not the same as equity in the US cannabis industry, where true repair and power must include those impacted by prohibition.

This Marijuana Moment newsletter features updates on Kentucky medical marijuana progress, Virginia hemp business hearing requests, and data on cannabis treatment referrals in non-legal states.

Nearly 900 applicants are competing for 77 microbusiness marijuana licenses in Missouri under stricter ownership rules.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the state's medical cannabis program is past the halfway mark toward becoming fully operational.

A community survey reveals that local psychedelic decriminalization efforts are strongly associated with improved safety, therapeutic access, and psychosocial wellbeing among users.

A federal appeals court set the schedule for a lawsuit challenging a Medicare program that covers up to $500 annually in hemp-derived CBD products.

An op-ed highlights federal data showing that cannabis treatment admissions are primarily driven by criminal justice referrals rather than a true rise in problematic use.

Virginia hemp businesses are urging a state legislative committee to hold a hearing addressing the economic impacts of newly enacted THC restrictions.

Viola founder Al Harrington warns that hemp bans penalize compliant businesses while preparing for potential federal limits on hemp beverages.

This Marijuana Moment newsletter covers federal guidance urging states to prepare for psychedelic medicine approvals, an Iowa gubernatorial candidate's marijuana stance, and a cannabis R&D tax credit op-ed.

The DEA published its marijuana rescheduling hearing transcript as a judge considers moving cannabis to Schedule 3.

A federal health agency issued recommendations to help states prepare for clinical approval of psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA, noting historic research hurdles due to Schedule I status.

An op-ed outlines tax incentives and compliance considerations available to cannabis businesses as federal rescheduling progresses.

Iowa Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand proposed legalizing and taxing marijuana like alcohol to address the state's budget deficit while maintaining sensible regulations.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has added polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) with chronic pain and sickle cell disease as new qualifying conditions for the state's medical cannabis program.

Former Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien is suing State Treasurer Deb Goldberg and the commission, alleging retaliation and privacy violations following her previous firing and reinstatement.

The CDC proposed adding new questions to its 2028 national health survey to track marijuana use frequency and distinguish between medical and recreational usage.

This Marijuana Moment newsletter highlights updated FBI marijuana arrest data, Texas Democrats opposing hemp THC bans, new Illinois medical conditions, and a prohibition op-ed.

This article addresses claims by European authorities blaming North American cannabis legalization for illicit drug smuggling, arguing instead that European prohibition drives the illicit market while regulation provides economic and enforcement benefits.

Square is exiting the hemp and CBD market on November 5, 2026, forcing retailers to seek alternative POS and payment processing partners like Cova Software.

US Eagle Federal Credit Union is closing its cannabis banking arm due to rising market competition.

Grown Rogue acquired PharmaCann assets in New York for $4.5 million to expand its indoor flower cultivation capacity.

Illinois health officials added sickle cell disease and PMOS with chronic pain as qualifying conditions for the state's medical marijuana program.

According to the FBI's latest annual crime report, over 200,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession in the U.S. last year.

The full official transcript of the DEA hearing on the Trump administration's marijuana rescheduling proposal has been made available to the public.

An opinion piece by Dr. Jeffrey A. Singer urges caution against triggering a new drug-war moral panic in response to rising adult cannabis use.

Texas Democrats are criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for attempting to ban hemp THC products to benefit campaign donors in the alcohol industry.

A Marijuana Moment newsletter intro highlights stories on FDA hemp delays, California packaging legislation, and cannabis worker unionization.

Higher Love Cannabis Co. is suspending operations at five Michigan dispensaries, citing the heavy burden of the state's 24% wholesale cannabis tax.

German medical cannabis imports increased sixfold in the first quarter of the year following recent reforms, making Germany Europe's largest regulated cannabis market despite proposed legislative tightening.

U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union is shutting down its cannabis banking branch, the Aery Group, due to growing competition among New Mexico financial providers.

This article highlights the ongoing banking challenges faced by state-licensed cannabis retailers and details how Pima Federal Credit Union provides compliant financial services to fill the regulatory gap.

Former Massachusetts cannabis official Shannon O'Brien filed another lawsuit alleging she was ousted for exposing industry corruption.

Aurora Cannabis urges its shareholders to reject a $272 million hostile takeover bid from Curaleaf Holdings.

An article details an Oregon mother's account of her son experiencing severe cognitive and behavioral declines after heavy regular marijuana use.

Employees at Key Cannabis Dispensary in Springfield, Missouri ratified their first collective bargaining agreement securing wage increases, bonuses, and PTO.

California lawmakers passed a bill defining child-attractive cannabis packaging and sent the measure to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Congressional researchers reported that the FDA missed a legal deadline to publish guidance on cannabinoids and hemp product containers.

New Mexico cannabis operations face a six-day inventory system blackout starting August 25 as the state transitions to its new Seed-to-Sale tracking system.

Four Texas hemp retailers filed a lawsuit claiming new state rules restricting hemp-derived THC sales caused billions in losses and 36,000 lost jobs.

A new Gallup poll shows a record-high 17 percent of U.S. adults smoke marijuana, while cigarette smoking dropped to an all-time low.

Canada and Germany continue to dominate global cannabis trade, though their trade pipeline faces emerging threats.

A Marijuana Moment newsletter summary previews headlines on Michigan cannabis tax proposals, Iowa medical rules, and Texas hemp litigation.

Missouri received nearly 900 applications for its final round of 77 available marijuana microbusiness licenses.

South Dakota officials discussed how federal medical marijuana reclassification could offer tax and banking benefits, despite lingering state-level questions.

Tennessee is projected to lose $110 million in tax revenue after state lawmakers banned popular hemp-derived products such as THCA.

Tilray is expanding medical cannabis cultivation in Quebec and Portugal to meet growing European and global demand.

Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate John James promised to repeal or roll back the state's 24 percent wholesale cannabis tax hike if elected.

A second major multistate cannabis operator has filed a federal lawsuit challenging New Jersey's labor licensing rules.

Spark Perceptions Technology has introduced the EZ-UP Aurora, a fully automatic dry herb combustion device designed to bring modern innovation to traditional cannabis smoking.

Iowa regulators filed proposed rule changes to remove residency requirements for medical cannabis patients and reduce registration fees for veterans.

An article highlights how standard probation and parole conditions prevent millions of Americans from using legally recommended medical marijuana.

New Mexico cannabis retailers have passed $2.35 billion in total sales since market launch, driven by strong adult-use demand.

Illinois officials have proposed allowing outdoor cannabis cultivation specifically for extraction purposes while keeping flower production indoors.

Texas hemp retailers filed a lawsuit against state health regulators alleging that the ban on hemp-derived THC products violates the state constitution.

A DEA administrative law judge ordered technical corrections to the transcript of the marijuana rescheduling hearing prior to its public posting.

Cannabis retailers must adjust store strategies as sales fluctuate significantly across different holidays.

This Marijuana Moment newsletter covers the FDA seeking social media monitoring on cannabis, Massachusetts voters opposing a legalization rollback, SXSW panel voting for 2027, and a study on THC drinks reducing alcohol consumption.

Illinois regulators propose legalizing outdoor cannabis cultivation to support local craft growers.

New Mexico recorded $284.9 million in first-half cannabis sales, driven by strong demand near the Texas border.

A study by MoreBetter finds that cannabis-infused beverages help people consume less alcohol while improving sleep quality, mood, and stress reduction.

South by Southwest is accepting public votes on proposed cannabis and psychedelics panels for its 2027 festival in Austin, Texas.

Cannabis operators need clear guardrails and ROI evaluation strategies when adopting AI tools.

Tennessee's ban on THCA products cost the state $54 million in lost tax revenues after bringing in far less revenue than expected.

A Massachusetts regulatory audit revealed that 13% of tested cannabis flower products deviated beyond acceptable THC label variations.

A Michigan cannabis dispensary reached an agreement with local officials to remove a city Flock surveillance camera aimed at its store.

An insurance carrier has sued a major cannabis operator to avoid paying out in a multistate class-action suit.

A Michigan cannabis retailer successfully blocked a local police surveillance camera by installing a sign in front of it.

Georgia regulators are considering permitting mail delivery for medical cannabis products following federal rescheduling actions.

Connecticut generated significantly higher cannabis tax revenues in early 2026 despite overall sales remaining relatively flat.

Data center developers are looking to acquire distressed cannabis cultivation facilities for their power and infrastructure.

Curaleaf bypasses Aurora Cannabis leadership to take its takeover offer directly to shareholders.

New Jersey regulators are appealing a court decision lost to Curaleaf regarding cannabis labor union requirements.

The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld a warrantless search based on the odor of cannabis for the third time this year.

Ohio adult-use cannabis sales have reached over $1.5 billion since 2024, generating $55 million in local excise tax revenues.

The Canadian government is investing $24 million to establish a new research consortium studying cannabis and brain health.

Connecticut cannabis tax revenues jumped 67% due to a temporary THC potency tax despite flat overall sales.

Georgia regulators suggest that federal marijuana rescheduling could permit medical cannabis to be mailed.

A sting by Massachusetts regulators revealed THC potency inflation in roughly 20% of tested cannabis flower samples.

Ohio cannabis sales reached $684.6 million through July as the state paces toward a new annual revenue record.

Cannabis brands must resolve product consistency issues prior to the legalization of interstate commerce.

Illinois adult-use cannabis retailers can now apply for medical licenses to unlock DEA registration and tax benefits.

San Luis Obispo County reduced its cannabis gross receipts tax back to 6% following a recent rate increase.

LEVIA's founders reacquired their cannabis beverage brand two years after selling it to Ayr Wellness.