Groups push Congress to legalize cannabis (Newsletter: September 16, 2025)

*KY medical marijuana available soon; TX Supreme Court dodges cannabis
case; NY psychedelics hearing; Federal hemp product ban op-ed*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The ACLU, Drug Policy Alliance, NORML and groups representing social
workers, lawyers and unions sent a letter urging members of Congress to
support a federal marijuana legalization bill—saying incremental
rescheduling being considered by the Trump administration “will maintain
the criminal penalties and collateral consequences that are in effect
today.”

The executive director of the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis said
legal medical marijuana should be harvested and on dispensary shelves for
sale by next month.

- “So we’re moving and we’re finally getting to a point where we’re,
these patients are going to receive this medication sooner than later.”

The Texas Supreme Court declined to consider an appeal of a ruling that
overturned a voter-approved local marijuana decriminalization law in the
city of San Marcos.

The New York Assembly Health Committee has scheduled a hearing about “the
potential medicinal value and risks of psilocybin” for September 30, with
plans to invite testimony from “researchers, medical experts and other
stakeholders.”

Lauren Estevez and Joanne Caceres of Dentons US Cannabis Group authored a
new Marijuana Moment op-ed highlighting how pending congressional hemp
legislation could reshape the legal market by banning certain products.

*/ FEDERAL*

The Drug Enforcement Administration posted another profile of one of its
special agents.

Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) tweeted, “We need to ensure qualified, motivated
Americans aren’t turned away from serving their country over previous legal
cannabis use. By clarifying the reenlistment waiver process through my
amendment, we can expand opportunities to serve and strengthen our
military.”

*/ STATES*

An Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics official will testify about organized crime
involvement in the state’s medical cannabis industry at a congressional
hearing this week.

Maryland regulators posted guidance about a recent court ruling upholding
hemp product restrictions.

Vermont regulators sent guidance about cannabis lab sample submission
requirements.

California generated $259.7 million in cannabis tax revenue in the second
quarter of this year.

New Jersey officials are considering a pilot program to offer funds to
cannabis businesses.

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

Massachusetts regulators published an explainer video about the marijuana
rulemaking process.

New York regulators participated in a cannabis event at Cornell University.

The Alaska Marijuana Control Board will meet on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday.

Oregon regulators are holding hearings on proposed psilocybin services
rules this week.


*— 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 143rd Judicial District, Texas district attorney is facing a legal
challenge over her decision to smoke marijuana while streaming on TikTok.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization will
reportedly feature cannabis reform perspectives at an upcoming event.

The Philippine Supreme Court acquitted a man accused of planting marijuana,
finding that police failed to follow the required chain of custody.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “there were no increases in any cannabis outcomes after
[recreational cannabis laws] enactment among those 12–20 years old.”

A study found that 85 percent of psychedelic researchers “reported personal
experiences with classic psychedelics.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Pennsylvania Hemp & Cannabis Guild is a newly formed industry advocacy
group.

*/ BUSINESS*

Verano Holdings Corp. is moving to redomicile from British Columbia, Canada
to Nevada.

Canopy Growth Corporation completed an early prepayment of $25 million
against a senior secured term loan.

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson authored a letter in support of ending
the war on drugs.

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

The post Groups push Congress to legalize cannabis (Newsletter: September
16, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.