Feds say cannabis is a “deadly” drug (Newsletter: October 2, 2025)

*CA marijuana tax break in effect; OR officials defend cannabis industry
labor law; MA psychedelics vote; TX ag commissioner on hemp; NE licenses
delay*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is calling marijuana a “deadly”
drug—touting agents’ efforts to seize it and other illegal substances—while
also warning that possessing cannabis, even for medical use, carries
“serious consequences.”

The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
approved a bill to create a psychedelic therapy pilot program—while two
other panels held hearings on additional psilocybin-focused legislation.

A new California law reversing a marijuana tax increase through at least
late 2028 took effect, weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill he
said is aimed at ensuring “the legal market can continue to grow, consumers
can access safe products, and our local communities see the benefits.”

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (R) sent a letter pushing back
against a senator’s “incorrect assertions” about the state’s compliance
with federal hemp laws—but also signaled changes may be coming to measure
“total THC” to determine the legality of hemp products.

Lawyers for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D) and other state officials are asking
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to overturn a judge’s
ruling that blocked a voter-approved law to require marijuana businesses to
enter into labor peace agreements with workers.

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission missed a deadline to issue the
first marijuana cultivation business licenses in the wake of several
regulators’ resignations.

Michigan marijuana businesses held a rally to push against a tax increase
bill that’s advancing in the legislature—and several lawmakers suggested
that the proposed hike could be reduced by the time it potentially passes.

*/ FEDERAL*

A Department of Veterans Affairs official discussed drug harm reduction
policies on a podcast.

*/ STATES*

North Carolina’s attorney general and secretary of state expressed concerns
about THC-infused treats around Halloween.

A Wisconsin senator spoke about a family member’s experience using medical
cannabis.

The Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals dismissed petitions challenging
approval of a medical cannabis business license.

Colorado regulators issued a health and safety bulletin about marijuana
products manufactured with ingredients that contain pesticides above
acceptable limits.

Massachusetts’s top marijuana regulator laid out her priorities upon
retaking the position following a now-reversed suspension.

Ohio regulators are being sued over rules on marijuana products and
advertising.

Guam regulators posted draft hemp rules.

California regulators published an updated list of pesticides allowed to be
used on cannabis.

Rhode Island Cannabis Advisory Board subcommittees 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 Omaha, Nebraska City Council approved medical cannabis business zoning
rules.

Oakland, California’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Thursday.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

The German federal government rejected Frankfurt’s plans to launch cannabis
sales as part of a research program.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “CBD attenuates amygdala response to negative emotional
stimuli in individuals with alcohol use disorder.”

A study suggested that “psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experiences
play a pivotal role in enhancing mental wellness, leading to positive
behavioural change, including cessation of harmful habits such as alcohol
and nicotine use.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Last Prisoner Project and the Balanced Veterans Network held lobby days
for cannabis reform on Capitol Hill.

*/ BUSINESS*

Trulieve told a federal court that an insurance company owned by Berkshire
Hathaway must provide a legal defense for the company in a lawsuit it is
facing over a worker’s death.

Verano Holdings Corp. announced the closing of a credit agreement to
provide it with a revolving credit facility of $75 million.

*/ CULTURE*

Former football player Jim McMahon authored a letter urging President
Donald Trump to reschedule marijuana.

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The post Feds say cannabis is a “deadly” drug (Newsletter: October 2, 2025)
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