Candidates for Virginia governor clash on cannabis (Newsletter: September 22, 2025)

*Congresswoman calls out colleague’s marijuana arrest; DOJ moves to toss DC
cannabis suit; CO ibogaine; MI judge OKs psychedelics event*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

As early voting begins in Virginia’s gubernatorial election, the candidates
have contrasting marijuana positions—with Democratic nominee Abigail
Spanberger supporting legalization of recreational cannabis sales and
Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears calling it a “gateway drug.”

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) called out Rep. Byron Donalds’s (R-FL) past
marijuana arrest as he works to pass legislation overturning a Washington,
D.C. sentencing reform law—saying, “If he had grown up…under the very D.C.
crime bill he’s pushing today, he wouldn’t be standing here as a member of
Congress.”

The Department of Justice is asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit
that a Washington, D.C. hemp store filed to challenge a law blocking local
officials from legalizing and regulating cannabis sales in the nation’s
capital.

The Colorado Natural Medicine Program Advisory Board voted to recommend
that ibogaine be added to the list of psychedelic substances that can be
administered in the state’s regulated healing centers, alongside psilocybin
and psilocin.

A judge forced the University of Michigan to allow a student group to hold
a psychedelics-focused event despite administrators’ concerns it would pose
a “safety risk.”

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority launched a new tracking system that
shows there were nearly $30 million in medical marijuana sales over the
past two months—even as patients voice concern about high prices.

The Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner is now allowing marijuana
businesses to transfer their permits between counties, a decision that will
let cannabis companies move in response to strict local regulations.

*/ FEDERAL*

Federal officials are reportedly circulating draft legislation that would
allow the president to wage war against drug cartels deemed to be
“terrorists,” as well as against any country that allegedly harbors or aids
them.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “Washington wants to BAN hemp because of a
few bad actors, but that will destroy livelihoods for honest farmers in
Kentucky and nationwide. We can’t let Washington destroy rural America.”

The House bill to respect state marijuana laws got one new cosponsor for a
total of six.

*/ STATES*

Colorado’s attorney general reached a settlement with a cannabis company
that allegedly failed to disclose health risks of its products and
misrepresented their health benefits.

Massachusetts’s treasurer dropped a legal effort to block the state’s
ousted top marijuana regulator from returning to her position.

Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating legislation to restrict intoxicating
hemp products.

California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the
presence of aspergillus and inaccurate labeling.

Minnesota regulators published guidance on hemp licensing.

Montana regulators are accepting proposals to fund applied research and
market development projects to advance the state’s hemp industry.

New York regulators published a list of licensed hemp producers.


*— 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 Sacramento, California City Council voted to allow cannabis cafes to
operate.

The La Crosse County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors debated a proposal to
reduce the fine for marijuana possession to $1.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

European Medicines Agency officials published a new paper about regulatory
perspectives on psychedelics.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “the addition of a cannabinoid reduced the severity of [naloxone]-precipitated
withdrawal.”

A study on psilocybin-assisted therapy “observed a clinically meaningful
reduction in depressive symptoms at the primary endpoint, and the long-term
follow-up.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is advising
pregnant and lactating women not to use cannabis.

*/ BUSINESS*

LeafLink has a new CEO.

Canadian retailers sold C$485 million worth of legal marijuana products in
July.

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*Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.*

The post Candidates for Virginia governor clash on cannabis (Newsletter:
September 22, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.