Details on feds’ CBD Medicare coverage program (Newsletter: December 29, 2025)

*OH marijuana referendum; FL cannabis bills; Poll: Americans back
rescheduling & legalization; Study: Cannabis use by disabled people; Hemp
op-ed*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

After Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz
announced a program to have Medicare cover the cost of CBD for certain
patients, one cannabis company that says it’s partnering with the
government is shedding some light on what to expect.

Ohio activists are launching a referendum campaign to block implementation
of a bill Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed to scale back the voter-approved
marijuana legalization law by recriminalizing some cannabis activity and
removing anti-discrimination protections for consumers while also
restricting hemp products.

Florida lawmakers filed bills to reduce medical cannabis patient fees for
military veterans and to clarify that smoking or vaping marijuana in public
places is prohibited.

A new poll shows that a bipartisan majority of Americans support
rescheduling marijuana and believe it has medical benefits.

- Most Democrats and independents also support fully legalizing
cannabis, but Republicans are split on the issue.

A new federally funded study found that “cannabis use is prevalent across
disability domains and the majority of respondents note they use cannabis
to help with pain and to relax or relieve tension.”

- “Specific medical reasons for using cannabis included assistance with
health-related conditions such as migraines, nausea, muscle spasms,
seizures, mental health concerns, and sleep disturbances.”

Cantrip’s Adam Terry argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that President
Donald Trump’s cannabis rescheduling executive order gives Congress
“marching orders” to update the definition of hemp, which will require
delaying the timeline on a recently approved ban on THC products.

The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Health approved
legislation to legalize psilocybin for military veterans, law enforcement
officers and people with certain medical conditions and to establish a
framework for therapeutic access to the psychedelic.

The chairs of the Tennessee House Republican Caucus and Senate Democratic
Caucus are pushing for the state to reform its marijuana laws following
President Donald Trump’s issuance of a federal cannabis rescheduling
executive order.

*/ FEDERAL*

A White House spokesperson defended President Donald Trump’s marijuana
rescheduling executive order in response to questions about industry
lobbying and contributions in advance of the move, saying, “President
Trump made a campaign trail pledge to expand medical research into
applications of marijuana and cannabidiols by rescheduling marijuana. This
historic action paves the way for the development of promising new
treatments for American patients, especially veterans—and the presence of
several leaders from law enforcement and veterans groups at the Oval Office
signing is indicative of how President Trump continues to push the envelope
to support our nation’s heroes.”

The General Services Administration adopted changes to federal rules,
including a prohibition on possessing or being under the influence of
marijuana or other drugs on federal property.

Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said rescheduling marijuana is a “realistic step”
toward recognizing state legalization laws.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) posted several cannabis-related tweets as part of his
annual Festivus airing of grievances.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) said that the Trump administration’s military
attacks on suspected drug boats are against vessels carrying marijuana or
cocaine, not fentanyl.

*/ STATES*

The Hawaii attorney general’s office said it is monitoring the federal
marijuana rescheduling process.

An Ohio senator authored an op-ed criticizing Republican lawmakers for
passing legislation to scale back the voter-approved marijuana legalization
law.

An Indiana representative said federal marijuana rescheduling could boost
reform efforts in the state.

A Utah senator said federal marijuana rescheduling will ease research
barriers.

A Michigan court ruling upholding a recently approved marijuana tax
increase is being appealed.

California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the
company operating as a distributor without a distributor license.

Oklahoma regulators announced a recall of medical cannabis products that
failed pesticide testing.

Colorado regulators published guidance about changes to cannabis testing
rules.

Vermont regulators published guidance on marijuana purchase limits,
multi-serving gummies and audio health warnings.

Oregon regulators published a compliance bulletin about changes to
marijuana rules.

Washington State regulators suspended a cannabis business’s production and
processing license over alleged violations.


*— 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 Santa Cruz County, California Board of Supervisors gave initial
approval to a proposal to set rules for cannabis consumption lounges.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

The Philippine government said it is worth considering establishing a
commission to examine killings in the nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found “association between [cannabis-based medicinal products]
treatment and improvements in pain and [health-related quality of life] in
patients with endometriosis.”

A study of mice “further validates the medical value of CBD for the
treatment of METH use disorder.”

A “long-term follow-up study of MDMA-[assisted therapy] provides
preliminary evidence supporting sustained treatment effects and long-term
safety in” major depressive disorder.

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The American Civil Liberties Union joined the legal team for a case
challenging the federal law denying gun rights to marijuana consumers.

The Bloomberg editorial board supports marijuana rescheduling but is
calling on the Trump administration to “be clear that it isn’t endorsing or
legalizing the drug.”

The Boston Globe editorial board said President Donald Trump’s marijuana
rescheduling order is a “reasonable next step.”

*/ BUSINESS*

Colorado retailers have sold nearly $1 billion worth of legal marijuana
products in 2025.

*/ CULTURE*

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair are suing former executives of Carma HoldCo Inc.
over an alleged conspiracy involving criminal wire fraud, embezzlement,
money laundering, extortion and securities fraud.

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The post Details on feds’ CBD Medicare coverage program (Newsletter:
December 29, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.