Federal medical cannabis protections approved in Congress (Newsletter: January 9, 2026)

*Rescheduling could let DC legalize marijuana sales; MA anti-cannabis
initiative challenge; Study: CBD combats tumors; OH’s $1 billion in sales*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The House of Representatives passed a spending bill containing a provision
to continue protecting state medical cannabis laws from federal interference
and without a separate rider that would have blocked the Trump
administration from rescheduling marijuana.

Federal marijuana rescheduling in line with President Donald Trump’s recent
executive order could have an outsized impact on Washington, D.C. by
letting the city finally move forward with legalizing recreational cannabis
sales—but there’s a possible catch.

The Massachusetts State Ballot Law Commission scheduled a hearing for next
week to consider a complaint alleging that an anti-marijuana campaign for
an initiative to roll back the state’s legalization law “obtained
signatures fraudulently.”

A new scientific review concluded that “CBD exhibits multi-targeted
anti-tumor effects by disrupting key cancer hallmarks.”

- “Cannabidiol…demonstrates promising antitumor effects by inhibiting
cancer growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis, while also alleviating
cancer-related symptoms such as pain and nausea.”

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control reported that dispensaries sold more
than $1 billion worth of legal recreational and medical marijuana products
in 2025.

*/ FEDERAL*

The House bill to create a pathway for patients to use Schedule I drugs got
one new cosponsor for a total of 12.

*/ STATES*

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) noted the launch of medical cannabis sales
in his State of the Commonwealth speech.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) touted the 100th closure of an
unlicensed cannabis business since enforcement legislation went into effect.

A Virginia senator is resigning to take a position as senior advisor to the
Cannabis Control Authority.

California regulators published guidance on avoiding cannabis business
disputes.

Oklahoma regulators issued guidance on acceptable forms of medical cannabis
patient ID.

Michigan regulators are accepting hemp grower registration applications.

Washington State regulators will host a feedback session on draft cannabis
advertising rules on Friday.


*— 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. —*

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

British Columbia, Canada’s premier said the province is not considering
decriminalizing public drug use when its current pilot project is up for
renewal at the end of this month, though it’s not clear if officials will
seek to extend drug decriminalization in any form.

The UK National Police Chiefs’ Council issued medical cannabis guidance.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study of rats found that “CBD demonstrates neuroprotective effects
against blast-induced behavioral changes, with preventive administration
more effective than post-injury treatment.”

A study suggested that “cannabinoids have distinct antibacterial effects on
certain pathogens associated with persistent endodontic infections.”

A study of bread found that “10–15 % hemp flour offers optimal nutritional
and technological balance.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana published an
“impact report.”

*/ BUSINESS*

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. is moving to redomesticate to Delaware.

Canopy Growth Corporation entered into a series of transactions to
recapitalize its balance sheet and extend the maturity dates of all
outstanding indebtedness to January 2031 at the earliest.

Missouri retailers sold $124.8 million worth of legal marijuana products in
November.

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The post Federal medical cannabis protections approved in Congress
(Newsletter: January 9, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.