FBI data shows cannabis arrests are driving the drug war (Newsletter: October 16, 2025)

*OK legalization ballot deadline; Fed VA official on psychedelics;
Marijuana advocacy org urges industry collab; Study: Cannabis as opioid
alternative*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

New FBI data shows that at least 200,000 people were arrested for marijuana
in the U.S. last year—the vast majority for possession—even as advocates
point out the report’s methodology likely significantly understates the
scope of cannabis and drug enforcement.

A Department of Veterans Affairs mental health official said the federal
government needs to “gear up” to provide psychedelic medicines to military
veterans and ensure that therapists are equipped to facilitate the novel
treatments.

Oklahoma marijuana activists have less than three weeks left to collect
enough valid signatures to qualify a legalization initiative for the 2026
ballot, and more than 500 locations across the state—from medical cannabis
dispensaries to tattoo parlors—are hosting petitions that voters can sign.

The Marijuana Policy Project sent an open letter to cannabis business
leaders making the case that the industry and independent pro-reform
activist groups “need each other” at a time when a “resurgent and
well-funded neo-prohibitionist movement” is rising.

- “Neither industry nor advocacy will succeed alone.”

A new study found legalizing medical marijuana is “associated with
significant reductions in opioid prescribing.”

- “These findings support the potential of [medical cannabis laws] as a
policy tool for reducing opioid use and promoting safer pain management.”

An Ohio judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing Gov. Mike
DeWine’s (R) executive order to ban intoxicating hemp product sales from
taking effect while litigation proceeds.

The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation is proposing new rules that
would let marijuana dispensaries offer curbside pickup, in addition to
drive-thru and delivery services that are already allowed.

*/ FEDERAL*

Former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk is calling on the
federal government to send troops to San Francisco, California to address
what he called a “drug zombie apocalypse.”

The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got one new cosponsor for a
total of 56.

*/ STATES*

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed a bill that would have allowed
municipalities to impose liens to enforce fines and penalties related to
unlicensed commercial cannabis activities.

Members of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee toured marijuana
cultivation and processing facilities.

An Arizona judge dismissed a lawsuit claiming that Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) and
her chief of staff worked to improperly award a marijuana dispensary
license.

A Florida grand jury is taking testimony ahead of potential prosecutions
concerning the alleged misuse of Medicaid settlement funds to campaign
against a marijuana legalization ballot initiative.

Washington, D.C. regulators are asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit
challenging the city’s marijuana rules.

Oregon regulators published resources on cannabis use while pregnant,
lactating or caring for young children.

Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions
against marijuana businesses.

New Jersey officials marked the one-year anniversary of the Cannabis
Training Academy.

The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council will meet on Thursday.


*— 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 Oakland, California Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on
November 6.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he will “regulate the legal use of
cannabis for non-recreational purposes” given the passage of a United
Nations Human Rights Council drug policy resolution.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “medicinal cannabis presents a complex yet promising
solution for reducing opioid-related mortality and addressing healthcare
inequities.”

A study found that medical cannabis “may improve [quality of life] for cancer
patients by alleviating physical and psychosocial symptoms associated with
cancer treatment.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board claimed that marijuana
legalization is causing “carnage on our highways.”

*/ BUSINESS*

New Instagram rules for teen accounts will hide or not recommend posts that
“could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing
marijuana paraphernalia.”

Vireo Growth Inc. closed a transaction to acquire outstanding senior
secured convertible notes of Medicine Man Technologies Inc.

Canopy Growth Corporation shareholders elected board of directors members.

Michigan retailers sold $251.3 million worth of legal marijuana products in
September.

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(Newsletter: October 16, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.