Cannabis banking issues debated in Senate committee (Newsletter: December 17, 2025)

*Bill targets online marijuana ads; Senator attends hemp biz opening; GOP
lawmaker: Cannabis a “gateway drug”; Prohibitionist filing in SCOTUS gun
case*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The Senate Banking Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer
Protection took testimony on marijuana businesses’ financial services
access problems—with Nevada’s former top cannabis regulator saying the
issue makes state officials’ jobs harder.

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and
Trade approved a bill called the Kids Online Safety Act that would require
online platforms to take steps to prevent minors’ access to potentially
sensitive content—including advertisements for cannabis products and
certain other drugs and services.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at a new hemp
store, saying he’s “working on new legislation” to reverse the looming
federal recriminalization of THC products that was signed into law by
President Donald Trump.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) said President Donald Trump would be “wrong” to
reschedule marijuana—calling it a “gateway drug.”

Smart Approaches to Marijuana and other prohibitionist groups filed a brief
asking the Supreme Court to uphold the law banning gun possession by
cannabis consumers—alleging that marijuana is more dangerous than alcohol
and makes people more prone to psychosis and violence despite it being
“marketed as a ‘chill’ drug by its peddlers.”

A study of Olympic and elite-level athletes found that “CBD users
cumulatively agreed or strongly agreed that CBD is safe (96%); improved
sleep (93%) and relaxation (90%); and reduced pain from training (77%).”

- “Many athletes expressed concerns about the potential for inadvertent
anti-doping rule violations due to CBD product contamination with THC or
other banned cannabinoids.”

The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation is proposing changes to rules
for marijuana social equity microbusinesses in order to address “predatory”
contracts that have led to the revocation of previously awarded licenses.

*/ FEDERAL*

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said former Department of Government
Efficiency head Elon Musk is “an avowed ketamine [user]” and then denied
saying it despite a reporter recording it on tape.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission is accepting public comments on proposed
amendments to federal sentencing guidelines.

Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) discussed momentum for marijuana policy reform.

The House bill to create a path for patients to use Schedule I drugs got
two new cosponsors for a total of nine.

*/ STATES*

A New Mexico cannabis company CEO launched a gubernatorial campaign as a
Republican.

Florida’s attorney general tweeted, “We are seeing a rise in the dangerous
consequences of marijuana use on young people. As ER visits go up, my
office will be investigating how these products are getting into kids’
hands.”

Kansas’s attorney general reacted to a lawsuit challenging recent raids on
sellers of allegedly illegal cannabis products.

Nebraska’s attorney general said the federal recriminalization of hemp THC
products is a “very significant win for the country.”

The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved a bill
to restrict hemp products.

An Ohio representative discussed his reasons for voting against a bill to
alter the voter-approved marijuana legalization law and institute
restrictions on hemp products.

New York regulators published updated marijuana packaging, labeling and
marketing rules.

Maryland regulators filed proposed changes to cannabis tax rules.

Colorado regulators published guidance on changes to marijuana rules.

Vermont regulators will consider marijuana purchase limits guidance,
multi-dose gummies and other issues on Wednesday.


*— 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*

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan’s government is moving to legalize cannabis
cultivation.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “CBD has therapeutic potential in the treatment of [autism
spectrum disorder] symptoms, especially behavioral and emotional problems.”

A study found “positive feedback regarding CBD’s use for insomnia,
indicating that most users perceive it as an effective treatment for this
condition.”

A review concluded that “cannabinoids, especially CBD, exhibit significant
potential as adjuvant or alternative treatments for inflammatory,
infectious, and autoimmune skin diseases.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

Colorado Leads, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp),
Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition and Nevada Cannabis Association filed an
amicus brief in a U.S. Tax Court case challenging the 280E penalty on
marijuana businesses.

*/ BUSINESS*

Organigram Global Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$80.1 million and
a net loss of C$38.0 million.

Michigan retailers sold $259.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in
November.

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The post Cannabis banking issues debated in Senate committee (Newsletter:
December 17, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.