Alcohol industry tells Congress to scale back hemp ban (Newsletter: June 10, 2025)

*HI gov medical marijuana veto; USDA warning on cannabis & food stamps;
Dispensary’s Bigfoot photo promo; TX decrim & democracy op-ed*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a letter warning the more than
250,000 retailers that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program that accepting welfare benefits “for foods and drinks containing
controlled substances such as cannabis/marijuana” could result in “monetary
penalties, fines and/or criminal prosecution.”

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) said he intends to veto a bill to expand medical
cannabis access over concerns that “provisions authorizing the inspection
of patients’ medical records without warrant constitute a grave violation
of privacy.”

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America is urging Congress to scale back
legislation that would ban most consumable hemp products to instead focus
on eliminating synthetic and novel cannabinoids—which it says would
“preserve state authority, protect compliant businesses, and ensure clarity
for consumers and regulators.”

A new poll from NuggMD shows that marijuana consumers are more than three
times more likely to regularly exercise than drink alcohol—and they’re
nearly five times more likely to routinely work out than eat fast food.

The Uniq Cannabis dispensary in Monroe, Michigan is offering free
pre-rolled marijuana joints to people who bring in “photo proof” of Bigfoot
following a local reported sighting.

Ground Game Texas’s Catina Voellinger argues in a new Marijuana Moment
op-ed that “instead of respecting the will of the voters” who approved
cannabis decriminalization ballot measures, “politicians in this state are
doing everything they can to overturn these democratically elected
policies.”

South Carolina Department of Agriculture data suggests that an
oversaturated hemp market has led many farmers to give up growing the crop.

*/ FEDERAL*

President Donald Trump reportedly told associates that former Department of
Government Efficiency head Elon Musk’s recent “crazy” behavior is linked to
his drug use.

The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted an article about a new Arizona
law to restrict marijuana advertising.

Sen. Ashley Moody (D-FL) claimed that “fentanyl is now found in every type
of illicit substance: counterfeit pills, cocaine, marijuana, and
methamphetamines.”

*/ STATES*

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) touted his move to grant the “largest mass
pardon in the history of the United States of America for misdemeanor
cannabis convictions.”

Alabama’s attorney general said it will become illegal to sell or possess
smokable hemp products on July 1.

Minnesota lawmakers will consider a proposal to increase marijuana taxes
during a special session this week.

Maine lawmakers are expected to vote on a proposed cannabis tax increase
this week.

A Texas senator said it’s unclear if Gov. Greg Abbott (R) will sign a bill
to ban consumable hemp products with any amount of THC.

Florida regulators filed proposed changes to hemp rules.

A new Oklahoma law requires medical cannabis dispensaries to prepackage
products in sealed bags instead of in “deli style” jars.

Illinois regulators published guidance on marijuana packaging and labeling.

Missouri regulators announced an update to the state’s marijuana track and
trace system.

Colorado regulators published average market rates for retail marijuana.

California regulators coordinated with Anaheim officials to close an
illicit cannabis cultivation operation near a school.


*— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug
policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon
supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps,
charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.*


*Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on
Patreon to get access. —*

*/ LOCAL*

The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

The European Union Drugs Agency published the European Drug Report 2025.

Antigua and Barbuda’s government will file legislation to expunge and
pardon prior low-level marijuana possession convictions.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A review concluded that “a regulated cannabis supply was associated with
increased adult cannabis use and healthcare utilization but not with youth
use or traffic-related issues.”

A study found that psilocybin treatment “may hold promise not only in the
treatment of eating disorders but also trauma-related disorders, including
PTSD and dissociative amnesia.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

Fox News host Laura Ingraham hosted another segment on the alleged harms of
marijuana use.

*/ BUSINESS*

Vireo Growth Inc. closed its acquisition of Deep Roots Holdings, Inc.

LEEF Brands Inc. closed its acquisition of a cannabis processor license in
New York.

Village Farms International, Inc. regained compliance with Nasdaq
requirements.

The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of
independent directors.

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*Photo courtesy of Brian Shamblen.*

The post Alcohol industry tells Congress to scale back hemp ban
(Newsletter: June 10, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.