Cannabis News

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana sales after lawmakers rejected her proposed amendments, which included tax increases and new criminal penalties. The decision leaves Virginia with legal possession and cultivation but no regulated retail market, a move criticized by advocates and bill sponsors for allowing the illicit market to continue unchecked.

A federally funded study published in Preventive Medicine Reports found that legalizing medical and recreational marijuana is associated with significant reductions in non-fatal opioid overdoses among adults with employer-sponsored insurance. The research suggests a "substitution effect" where cannabis access may reduce opioid use, particularly among younger populations and men.

Louisiana lawmakers passed HB 568, a bill that would impose up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for smoking or vaping marijuana within 2,000 feet of school property, including college campuses. The legislation now heads to Governor Jeff Landry, while other measures regarding medical marijuana access and a potential recreational legalization pilot program continue to move through the legislature.

Colorado regulators acknowledged that the illegal sale of chemically converted hemp as marijuana has become an existential threat to the state’s legal market, fueled by fraudulent data and a failing tracking system. Despite these concerns, legislative efforts to overhaul product testing and oversight collapsed due to industry disagreements over taxes and regulation levels.

California's Department of Cannabis Control proposed emergency regulations to allow marijuana businesses to separate medical and adult-use operations into two distinct licenses. This streamlined process aims to help state-licensed medical cannabis businesses benefit from federal tax deductions and other advantages following the federal government's move to reclassify medical marijuana as a Schedule III substance.

The U.S. Army reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for all cannabis products, including hemp-derived CBD and synthetic cannabinoids, warning soldiers that use can lead to positive drug tests and disciplinary action. Despite federal rescheduling efforts and state legalization, the military maintains a blanket ban to ensure mission readiness and avoid risks from the unregulated consumer market.

The Department of Transportation issued guidance maintaining cannabis prohibitions for safety-sensitive workers despite rescheduling, while federal lawmakers introduced legislation to study driving impairment standards. Other developments include a study linking cannabinoids to weight loss, the FDA granting breakthrough status to a cannabis extract for pain, and various state-level regulatory updates in Minnesota and Indiana.

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam announced the launch of RVD420 and DAM GOOD CBD, featuring a multi-state cannabis rollout and a national e-commerce platform debuting in June 2026. The wellness brand, developed through a strategic partnership with a leading multi-state operator, focuses on recovery and authentic cannabis culture.

A national coalition of 41 advocacy groups organized the Cannabis Week of Unity to lobby Congress for federal legalization, the release of cannabis prisoners, and record expungement. The mobilization focused on passing the MORE Act and other reform bills while highlighting the disproportionate impact of prohibition on minority communities and the need for economic equity.

Delta Beverages contributed $50,000 to the Beverage Alcohol Merchants Coalition (BAMCO) to support federal advocacy for fair hemp-derived beverage legislation. BAMCO is collaborating with several industry organizations to develop a unified lobbying strategy and promote responsible regulation amid increasing state and federal scrutiny of the hemp category.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. has been granted Plant Breeders’ Rights in Canada for two proprietary cultivars, Farm Gas and Driftwood Diesel, providing the company with exclusive rights to grow and sell these varieties. Developed at Aurora’s research facility in British Columbia, these cultivars serve as core medical cannabis products in several international markets including Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. is seeking shareholder approval to move its legal domicile from British Columbia, Canada, to Delaware to better align its corporate structure with its U.S. operations. The proposed domestication is not expected to change the company's business activities but remains subject to court and shareholder approvals.

The fourth annual Missouri Vlasic Classic at Old Kinderhook Resort raised $25,000 for cannabis justice advocacy, specifically supporting The Forgotten Prisoner Foundation and Freedom Grow. The event featured over 100 golfers, including Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy, and focused on aiding individuals like Jarred Shaw who are incarcerated on cannabis-related charges.

House leaders introduced the BUILD for America’s 250th Act, which directs federal agencies to study marijuana impairment and develop evidence-based standards for driving. The bill also proposes establishing a national drug-involved crash data collection system funded with $110 million through 2031.

A new study from the University of California, Riverside, published in the Journal of Physiology, suggests that whole extract cannabis can reduce body weight and improve glucose regulation, challenging the "lazy stoner" stereotype. While isolated THC also reduced weight in obese mice, the full-spectrum extract was significantly more effective at normalizing glucose clearance, highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of the "entourage effect."

The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Vertanical's VER-01, a non-opioid cannabinoid extract for chronic low back pain, following successful Phase 3 trials demonstrating superior pain reduction compared to opioids. The company has initiated a U.S. pivotal trial with a planned New Drug Application submission in 2028, aiming to address the global need for effective, non-addictive pain management.

A report from the Global Cannabis Network Collective and Whitney Economics identifies pricing compression as a predictable indicator of cannabis market maturity across global regions like Germany and Latin America. The study highlights how factors such as supply expansion and regulatory shifts drive downward pricing pressure, impacting operator profitability and strategic planning.

The Minnesota House and Senate passed HF4203, an omnibus cannabis bill designed to streamline industry regulations and "right-size" medical cannabis licensing. Key provisions include reducing indoor plant canopy caps for combination licenses to 38,000 square feet, creating a new microbusiness license for 2027, allowing dual hemp and cannabis licensure, and initiating a therapeutic psilocybin program.

The French General Directorate for Food has banned the sale of CBD-infused edibles as of May 15, citing stricter enforcement of EU novel food regulations. While the ban impacts products that account for 40% of hemp sales, it does not affect hemp flower or vaporizers, and medical cannabis remains limited under a pilot program.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed hope that GOP legislative opposition to medical marijuana legalization will soften, citing benefits for veterans and those with trauma. While a Republican senator plans to introduce legislation for the 2027 session, top legislative leaders remain opposed, despite high public support and federal rescheduling efforts.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) clarified that federal reclassification of medical marijuana to Schedule III does not permit safety-sensitive transportation workers, such as truckers and pilots, to use it. DOT maintains that state-licensed medical marijuana lacks FDA approval and cannot serve as a legitimate medical explanation for a positive drug test.

Legal and tax professionals should be consulted to navigate the shifting regulatory landscape and mitigate associated risks.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation providing resentencing relief for individuals with marijuana convictions, following the legislature's rejection of her efforts to scale back the reform's scope. The move aims to address past convictions even as the state continues to navigate the complexities of its legal cannabis framework.

Colorado is implementing a dual-track system for psychedelic medicine that combines a fast-tracked pharmaceutical pathway with a community-based natural medicine program. Dr. Shannon Hughes argues that both pathways are essential and compatible, urging state officials to protect community access while cautioning practitioners to ensure proper training before medicalized rollout.

Petitioners for a failed Ohio marijuana and hemp referendum claim they were not paid in full after the campaign ran out of money and missed the ballot deadline. Several signature collectors and subcontractors are now seeking thousands of dollars in owed wages for their work on the Senate Bill 56 referendum effort.

A state appellate court ruled in favor of two Jersey City police officers fired for off-duty cannabis use, yet the city has not reinstated them or provided back pay despite the court order. While the new mayoral administration is reviewing previous policies that cited federal firearm restrictions, the officers' lawyer claims the city continues to delay their return to active duty.

Texas is experiencing a "Texas whiplash" as court actions repeatedly ban and then allow the sale of smokable hemp products, causing significant economic uncertainty for the industry. While the state argues for public health regulations, the hemp industry and business owners face job losses and potential store closures while awaiting a final court ruling.

Alabama is nearing the launch of its medical cannabis program, with Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery set to be the state's first dispensary to open. While the program allows for the treatment of about 15 conditions using non-smokable forms like tinctures and gummies, the rollout has been delayed by litigation and product testing requirements.

Splash Beverage Group (NYSE: SBEV) has appointed Brady Cobb as interim CEO as the company pivots from alcoholic beverages to regulated wellness and cannabinoid products. The transition follows the resignation of President William Meissner and occurs as the company faces an NYSE noncompliance notice regarding minimum shareholder equity.

Blueberry Tahoe is a balanced hybrid strain, a cross between Blueberry and a Lake Tahoe OG clone, featuring a diesel-like aroma with sweet overtones. It has a nine-week flowering cycle, produces a heavy cerebral high, and is noted for its dense resin clusters and elite genetics.

The DEA states that requiring cannabis businesses to disclose unauthorized dealings on registration forms is intended to fairly evaluate their ability to comply with the federal framework. This information helps the agency assess applications for Schedule III registration based on current operational capabilities.

Rep. Andy Barr is drafting the Lawful Hemp Protection Act to federally regulate hemp-derived products and prevent a scheduled November ban. The legislation faces opposition from prohibitionists, segments of the alcohol industry, and marijuana businesses concerned about market competition.

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found that concentrated cannabis oil helped obese mice lose weight and improve metabolic functions. This study could lead to the development of non-intoxicating, cannabis-based therapies for obesity and diabetes.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bipartisan bill expanding the state’s medical cannabis program by removing the 5% THC cap and adding conditions such as lupus and autism. The legislation permits products like gummies and flower for vaping, reclassifies the program as medical cannabis, and requires new market regulations to be established by 2027.

Tom Wilczynski's Smokey’s Cannabis Co. was a successful high-end grower until market saturation led to the company's closure.

A new systematic review published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science indicates that CBD holds potential as an anticancer agent for dogs by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. While preclinical studies show consistent antiproliferative effects across various canine cancers, researchers emphasize the need for further clinical studies to standardize dosages and fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

Senator John Fetterman praised Donald Trump for his administration's efforts to reschedule marijuana and expand access to therapeutic psychedelics, aligning these moves with his own long-standing libertarian views on substance legalization. Fetterman also emphasized his support for the legal use of products like Zyn and criticized lawmakers for delaying cannabis reform.

New York is working to fulfill its marijuana social equity promises to entrepreneurs who have faced financial challenges.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed amendments to allow military veterans to receive medical cannabis recommendations and to promote research into psychedelic therapies. Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee approved a bill to block federal marijuana rescheduling while maintaining protections for state medical cannabis programs.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation providing automatic resentencing hearings for individuals with past marijuana convictions after lawmakers rejected her amendments to make the process petition-based. The new law applies to those convicted of certain felony offenses prior to July 2021, requiring the state to identify and notify eligible individuals.

The National Advertising Division recommended that Grove Bags modify advertising claims for its TerpLoc cannabis storage products regarding humidity control and terpene preservation. While the division found a reasonable basis for some performance claims, it determined that specific humidity ranges and guaranteed outcomes require clearer disclosure of necessary use conditions.

Senate Bill 220 allows registered patients aged 21 and older in Georgia to purchase vaporizable cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. This legalization of vapes and stronger products is expected to expand the state's medical cannabis market.

Cannatrol is a Vermont-based company that designs drying, curing, and storage systems for cannabis cultivators and retailers using its proprietary Vaportrol technology. Their product line serves a wide range of clients, from home growers with the Cool Cure system to large-scale commercial operations and dispensaries.

MJ Unpacked’s East Coast conference emphasized that cannabis operators should compete on customer experience rather than price to build lasting brand-retailer partnerships. Industry leaders highlighted the importance of consistent digital messaging, inventory organized by consumer "moments," and operational excellence to maintain trust and loyalty in a competitive market.

A U.S. judge approved The Cannabist Co.'s Chapter 15 bankruptcy filing, potentially opening new legal pathways for cannabis companies seeking financial protection.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment allowing Department of Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans in states where it is legal. The House also approved a separate measure to increase research and awareness regarding the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for veterans.

A Louisiana House committee unanimously advanced a bill allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals, provided it is not smoked or vaped and is handled by the patient or a caregiver. The legislation also includes provisions for hospitals to opt out if federal officials take action against facilities in the state.

Sana Packaging is a Denver-based company that provides sustainable, child-resistant cannabis packaging using materials like hemp plastic, reclaimed ocean-bound plastic, and recycled glass. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on domestic manufacturing and serves various cannabis operators with a product line that includes containers, tubes, and jars.

Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would create a split industry with a parallel pharmaceutical market alongside existing state retail channels. While it would provide tax relief by removing Section 280E, it would likely formalize a divide between state-regulated dispensaries and a federally compliant physician-pharmacy model.

A new national survey from UC Berkeley reveals a significant increase in voter support for regulated therapeutic access to psychedelics and scientific research between 2023 and 2025. While support for medical frameworks is growing, voters remain cautious, showing low support for decriminalization and expressing concerns regarding safety, addiction, and mental health risks.

Michigan Marijuana Tours provides guided, behind-the-scenes tours of licensed cannabis cultivation facilities throughout Michigan.

A New Mexico suburb of El Paso has rejected applications for cannabis retailers on the state border at the request of Texas lawmakers.

Aurora Cannabis has received a Canadian grant to protect its proprietary genetics developed through its advanced research and breeding program.

Freedom Grow, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting cannabis prisoners, is expanding its impact under new leadership from Bill and Jeff Levers. The organization is scaling its mission through strategic partnerships, industry events, and retail initiatives like point-of-sale round-up programs and the Commissary Connects Program to integrate advocacy into the legal cannabis market.

The House Appropriations Committee voted to block the federal rescheduling of marijuana by approving a funding bill that prohibits using funds for such purposes. Despite the Trump administration moving forward with rescheduling medical cannabis to Schedule III, this legislative provision could prevent broader rescheduling and related administrative hearings if signed into law.

Rep. Ilhan Omar highlighted the prevalence of cannabis use among members of Congress and advocated for full federal legalization. She emphasized that reform must include social justice measures like expunging records and community reinvestment while noting ongoing legislative actions regarding medical marijuana for veterans and federal rescheduling.

Brett Gelfand founded the Cannabiz Credit Association to assist cannabis operators in making informed credit decisions amid a growing trend of past-due invoices and a credit discipline gap in the industry.

Lawmakers are advocating for federal cannabis and psychedelic reform as new research highlights marijuana's potential as an opioid alternative and a Colombian committee approves a legalization bill. The report also details state-level legislative actions, such as Maryland's kratom crackdown, and quarterly financial losses for several major cannabis companies.

The ATF has released a draft Firearms Transaction Record form with an updated question on illicit drug use following the federal rescheduling of medical cannabis to Schedule III. The proposed changes clarify that recreational marijuana remains illegal under federal law despite state legalization, and public comments on the draft are being accepted through July 7.

A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that California adolescents view daily cannabis use as less harmful than daily cigarette smoking, nicotine vaping, or alcohol use. While harm perceptions for other substances increased with age, the perception of harm for cannabis decreased as students got older.

Michigan’s adult-use cannabis sales reached $258.17 million in April, bolstered by a record $20.4 million in sales on 4/20. Despite a new 24% wholesale tax, the market is showing signs of recovery from previous lows, with the average price of flower seeing a slight increase.

CannaPlanners is a Burlington, Vermont-based digital marketing agency founded by Will Read that provides web design, SEO, branding, and retention marketing services for the cannabis industry. The company specializes in helping dispensaries, multistate operators, and product brands grow their digital presence through custom website development and strategic search engine optimization.

Apollo Global Management is acquiring Emerald Holding Inc. for $1.5 billion and Questex LLC to form a massive B2B experiential media platform. The deal, which takes Emerald private, is expected to close in the second half of 2026 and includes MJBizCon as part of a broader industry consolidation.

Medical cannabis operators are considering DEA registration following marijuana rescheduling to mitigate risks and potentially access benefits like 280E tax relief. While mandatory requirements remain unclear, many businesses are preparing to register to ensure regulatory compliance and financial stability.

A University of Pennsylvania study found that providing affordable medical cannabis significantly reduces opioid use and pain levels in chronic pain patients. Over five months, mean daily opioid consumption dropped by approximately 65%, with nearly a quarter of participants discontinuing opioid therapy entirely.

Fluent-owned Etain is closing its Chestertown cannabis facility and laying off 37 employees as part of a reduction in New York operations ahead of a deal with Vireo.

This article argues that cannabis operators should view employee retention as a margin and revenue issue rather than just a human resources concern. High turnover among budtenders leads to increased retraining costs, higher regulatory risks, and lost sales opportunities from a lack of experienced staff. Implementing benefits like 401(k) plans can serve as a strategic tool to build stable teams, improve customer relationships, and create a long-term competitive advantage.

CEO Norman Yousif is expanding his dispensary chain by opening several new locations across the state.

A multistate cannabis operator has filed applications for state-licensed medical marijuana businesses following the federal order to reschedule cannabis.

A New Jersey appellate court ruled that two Jersey City police officers terminated for off-duty cannabis use must be reinstated with back pay, concluding that duty-issued firearms are exempt from federal restrictions on cannabis consumers.

Indiana State Senator Mike Bohacek announced a proposal to legalize and regulate medical cannabis for the 2027 legislative session. The plan focuses on establishing a regulated industry and adjusting impairment laws while explicitly maintaining the prohibition of recreational marijuana.

One Tail at a Time and Ivy Hall Dispensary are hosting the third annual Smokin’ Weed for Pets in Need fundraiser on May 30 at the Bucktown Adoption Center in Chicago. The 21+ event features adoptable puppies, tie-dye, music, and a mobile cannabis lounge to raise funds and awareness for homeless pets.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation to expand the state's medical cannabis oil program, creating a more permissive structure for patients.

Oklahoma medical marijuana manufacturers and cultivators are now required to register with the DEA to maintain their state permits.

The Red Lake Nation has opened Minnesota's first cannabis lounge, where trained hosts guide visitors through product aromas and effects.

Thirteen jurisdictions improved their cannabis agency transparency scores in 2026, emphasizing the importance of regulatory clarity for accessing financial services.

Global business advisor EisnerAmper has appointed Gregory Chin as a partner in its Transaction Advisory Services practice and leader of the Cannabis and Hemp Group. With 30 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, Chin will provide financial due diligence and strategic insights to clients across diverse industries.

A partnership allows European cultivators and home growers to access premium genetics through an established seed bank platform.

The state's adult-use marketplace is currently incomplete and inconsistent, but it possesses the necessary elements for significant future success.

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam launched RVD420, a cannabis and hemp line featuring a multi-state THC rollout and a national CBD e-commerce platform launching in June 2026. The brand focuses on wellness and recovery through a strategic partnership with a leading multistate operator.

The Level Up case resulted in a $3,000 fine and a $10,000 penalty for future violations, while a federal court upheld Maryland's authority to regulate intoxicating hemp. Additionally, FBI agents executed search warrants on a Virginia Senate leader’s office and a hemp-THC business.

Cannabis business licenses have declined for seven consecutive quarters, a 9% decrease over the past two years.

Moon Valley Cannabis founder Eli Buffalo discusses living soil, Korean Natural Farming, and the challenges of scaling his business in a candid interview.

Target is expanding its sale of THC-infused hemp beverages to over 300 locations across Florida, Texas, and Illinois following a pilot program in Minnesota. The expansion includes various brands like Cann and Wynk, with availability in all Florida and Texas stores and select Illinois municipalities.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control is requiring medical cannabis manufacturers and distributors to register with the DEA following federal reclassification to Schedule III. Licensees have until January 1, 2027, to comply before facing enforcement actions, with registration offering benefits such as tax relief and access to traditional banking.

A study in JAMA Network Open found that most first-time cannabis buyers aged 60 and older in Colorado prefer CBD-only or combination products to manage pain and sleep without seeking a high. Researchers emphasize the importance of using these findings to develop better clinical resources and support for older adults seeking alternative symptom relief.

Telemedicine is revolutionizing medical cannabis access by offering faster, more convenient virtual evaluations that reduce traditional barriers like travel and wait times. Despite challenges such as varying state regulations and lack of insurance coverage, digital healthcare is becoming a permanent fixture in the industry by meeting modern patient expectations for efficiency and privacy.

Texas officials rescinded a conditional medical marijuana permit for Cresco Labs and two other companies.

The cannabis industry is shifting from a reliance on legacy intuition to a model defined by operational precision, data-driven technology, and standardized compliance to ensure product consistency at scale. This evolution integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern systems to meet rising regulatory standards and consumer expectations for reliability.

The application process for non-dispensary businesses to handle Schedule III medical cannabis is expected to launch within the next few weeks.

While traditional dark hash sees limited growth, hash-derived rosin and oil are gaining consumer popularity. Innovation in new product formats may be necessary to expand this niche market further.

Company insiders and consultants acquired nearly 91,000 common shares of the cannabis firm.

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a retroactive correction to its license tabulation methodology.

The company achieved a milestone certification enabling cannabis exports to EU-GMP facilities in Europe and Australia.

A business advisory and accounting firm has entered the cannabis industry and expanded its presence in Arizona through a new acquisition agreement.

Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III could prompt the EPA to establish federal pesticide standards for the industry, potentially replacing the current fragmented system of state-level rules with a unified national framework. This transition is expected to improve product safety and consumer confidence but may also increase compliance costs and take 12 to 24 months to implement.

Chicago-based THC brand 1906 has entered a multiyear partnership with Navy Pier, the Midwest’s most visited attraction.

Rescheduling may provide marijuana companies more marketing opportunities, but big tech platforms are unlikely to allow unrestricted advertising immediately.

Snoop Dogg opened his second Amsterdam coffee shop, Tha Dogg House, at the former De Kroon location in the city center. This follows the 2024 launch of his first shop, SWED, which was forced to change its name after local authorities classified the original title as a cannabis advertisement.

UFCW Local 27 filed unfair labor practice charges against The Apothecarium and its parent company, TerrAscend Corp., alleging that management illegally removed protected union materials from an employee bulletin board.