Government-run cannabis dispensary prepares to open next week (Newsletter: January 28, 2026)

*GOP congressman wants AZ legalization rollback; VA cannabis sales vote; HI
marijuana report; UT decrim; MD psychedelics; THC drinks at major arena*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) told Marijuana Moment he supports a ballot
initiative to roll back cannabis legalization in Arizona, though
acknowledged that President Donald Trump has a lot of “power” with his
rescheduling order.

- Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) said the federal government should “keep
marijuana where it was” in Schedule I “because the social safety network is
in place, causing taxpayers to have to fund rehabilitation for those
things.”

A government-run marijuana dispensary in Anoka, Minnesota is set to open
its doors for sales next week—with the mayor saying the city has
“successfully managed and reinvested millions in profits from our municipal
liquor stores” and “that experience has given us a unique blueprint for the
cannabis sector.”

The Virginia House General Laws Committee approved a bill to legalize
recreational marijuana sales, as companion legislation with a different
start date for the launch of the market is also advancing in the Senate.

A report commissioned by the Hawaii Department of Health projects that
legalizing recreational marijuana would generate up to $90 million in
monthly sales—including an estimate that tourists will contribute upwards
of $11.5 million per month in cannabis purchases “at minimum.”

A Utah lawmaker filed a bill to decriminalize marijuana, removing the
threat of jail time for first-time low-level cannabis possession offenses.

Maryland lawmakers introduced bills to extend the Task Force on Responsible
Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances for another year and require an
additional report with updated recommendations for ensuring “broad,
equitable and affordable access to psychedelic substances.”

The United Center—which is the largest entertainment arena in the U.S. and
home to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks—entered into a multi-year
partnership to make THC beverages from Señorita and RYTHM available for
sale at concerts and live events.

*/ FEDERAL*

The Drug Enforcement Administration has a new assistant administrator of
the Diversion Control Division.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission will consider publishing additional proposed
changes to sentencing guidelines on Friday.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “Bureaucrats are meddling in Kentucky’s hemp
industry and hurting our family farms. I’m pushing back to protect jobs,
support innovation, and stop government overreach. My legislation would
allow state regulations to override the federal hemp ban.”

*/ STATES*

New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado (D), who is running a primary challenge
against Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), criticized her leadership on cannabis issues.

The Virginia Senate Court of Justice Committee rejected a bill that would
have allowed police to search vehicles based solely on the smell of
marijuana.

The Maryland Senate Finance Committee heard briefings from cannabis
regulators. Separately, the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council met.

A Washington State senator sent a press release about her bill to regulate
kratom products getting a hearing.

Illinois lawmakers filed legislation on cannabis business signage and
product labeling.

Vermont regulators published guidance on marijuana retail business
relocation.

Oklahoma regulators suspended operations of a medical cannabis business
over alleged violations.

Oregon regulators will host a cannabis listening session on Wednesday.

The Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission 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 Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “initiation of [cannabis-based medicinal products] was
associated with statistically and clinically significant improvements in
depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life
among patients.”

A review concluded that “benzodiazepine-opioid combinations and psilocybin
show promise for anxiety relief in end-of-life patients.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Boston Globe editorial board is calling on Massachusetts officials to
crack down on inversion of marijuana products from other states.

*/ BUSINESS*

Canix is acquiring Trym.

SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a Safe Harbor is expanding its payments solutions
portfolio for the cannabis industry through partnerships with Lüt and
GreenCard.

Rhode Island retailers sold $120.1 million worth of legal marijuana
products in 2025.

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

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(Newsletter: January 28, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.