Congress can reschedule cannabis more quickly than DEA, report says (Newsletter: June 19, 2025)

*VA sec visits psychedelics research center; CO psilocybin pardons; TX hemp
ban poll; MN’s 1st marijuana licenses*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins visited a psychedelics research
facility, saying it’s his “promise” to do what it takes to explore the
substances’ benefits for military veterans—even if it’s going to “take some
changes in Congress.”

The Congressional Research Service said in a new report that lawmakers
themselves could reschedule marijuana with “greater speed and flexibility”
compared to an ongoing administrative process—while also avoiding judicial
and international treaty challenges.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced he is pardoning all past psilocybin
possession convictions, following voters’ approval of a psychedelics
legalization law and the legislature’s passage of a bill clearing the way
for gubernatorial clemency.

A new survey from Trump pollster Fabrizio, Lee & Associates shows that
Texas voters across party lines oppose a bill to criminalize consumable
hemp products with any amount of THC that’s on Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) desk.

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management issued the state’s first
recreational marijuana license to Herb Quest, LLC, an outdoor cultivation
microbusiness.

The Rhode Island House Corporations Committee amended a bill to restrict
hemp-derived THC drinks by replacing its text with a resolution calling on
the Cannabis Control Commission and other officials to issue
recommendations for intoxicating hemp product rules.

An Iowa representative said Gov. Kim Reynolds’s (R) veto of a bill to let
doctors prescribe a form of psilocybin after federal approval was
“unexpected” and that he looks forward to “having a conversation” with her
“to learn more about her concerns.”

Texas military veterans are concerned that if Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signs a
bill to ban consumable hemp products with THC that’s on his desk, they will
need to return to opioids or the illegal marijuana market to treat their
pain.

*/ FEDERAL*

The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted an article about a teen whose
“experience with drugs began with cannabis, but…moved on to ketamine, a
dissociative anesthetic that has hallucinogenic effects.”

Former Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) authored a letter to the editor about
bipartisan public support for cannabis reform.

*/ STATES*

Nebraska’s attorney general sent cease and desist letters to 82 stores
allegedly selling illegal THC products.

The New Jersey Assembly Labor Committee approved a bill to protect cannabis
business employees’ rights to join a union.

A Delaware senator discussed his bill to limit local restrictions on
marijuana businesses.

Oklahoma representatives congratulated the state’s top medical marijuana
regulator for being named president of the Cannabis Regulators Association.

Colorado regulators sent a bulletin about a recall of marijuana products
that contain pesticides above acceptable limits.

Minnesota regulators will post a list of tax-delinquent cannabis businesses
on July 15.

Vermont regulators said they will soon publish guidance about medical
cannabis product packaging and labeling.

Massachusetts regulators are continuing to work on rules for cannabis
social consumption businesses.

New York regulators are conducting a survey on cannabis education and
technical assistance.


*— 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*

New York City’s mayor said former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who is also
running for mayor, “put a bad law in place” with marijuana legalization.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

New Zealand’s associate health minister announced that officials approved
the prescription of medical psilocybin outside of clinical trials.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study underscores “the potential of CBD-enriched cannabis oil and ω-3 as
a novel therapeutic approach for neuropathic pain management, offering
promising implications for future research and clinical practice.”

A study of rats suggested that “CBDne exerts broad neuroprotective,
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, targeting central and peripheral
α-synucleinopathies and oxidative damage” and that “its ability to modulate
inflammation, oxidative stress and protein aggregation highlights its
therapeutic potential for controlling the motor and non-motor symptoms of” Parkinson’s
Disease.

*/ BUSINESS*

Aurora Cannabis Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$90.5 million and a
net loss from continuing operations of C$17.2 million.

Gotham Dispensary workers in Brooklyn, New York voted to join Local 338
RWDSU/UFCW.

Cookies was awarded $22.7 million by a California judge in a dispute with
Cookies Retail.

cPort Credit Union is discontinuing banking services for Maine medical
cannabis caregivers not affiliated with licensed businesses.

*/ CULTURE*

Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Stewart played a game of “Who’s High?”

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

The post Congress can reschedule cannabis more quickly than DEA, report
says (Newsletter: June 19, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.