MA voters regret signing anti-cannabis ballot petition, poll shows (Newsletter: January 23, 2026)

*NH legalization hearing; WA medical marijuana in hospitals; Alcohol
coalition on hemp drinks; Study: 10M Americans microdosed psychedelics in
2025*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a bill to
legalize marijuana, with the sponsor saying President Donald Trump’s
federal cannabis rescheduling order means it’s time for the state to act.

The Washington State House Health Care & Wellness Committee approved a bill
to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in healthcare
facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes and hospices.

A new poll indicates that nearly half of Massachusetts voters who signed a
petition for a ballot initiative to roll back the state’s marijuana
legalization law felt misled by signature gatherers and never would have
signed it had they known the true purpose.

Major alcohol retailers formed a new group called the Beverage Alcohol
Merchants Coalition to push Congress to delay the enactment of a law
President Donald Trump recently signed that will federally recriminalize
hemp-derived THC beverages and other products.

A new RAND Corporation report estimates that nearly 10 million U.S. adults
microdosed psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD and MDMA within the last
year.

Matthew McConaughey said his mother and Woody Harrelson have been kicked
out of two bars for smoking marijuana together, the actors detailed on a
recent podcast with fellow star Ted Danson, who also discussed his own
experiences with cannabis.

The South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced bills
to ban intoxicating hemp and kratom products to the floor for votes—but
without recommendations for passage.

*/ FEDERAL*

A former Drug Enforcement Administration agent was sentenced to five years
in prison after being convicted of taking steps to protect childhood
friends who became drug traffickers.

The Congressional Research Service noted the link between Chinese money
laundering networks and illegal marijuana cultivation.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) discussed her opposition to federally
recriminalizing hemp THC products.

The House bill to delay the enactment of the federal recriminalization of
hemp THC products got five new cosponsors for a total of 24.

*/ STATES*

The Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee approved a
bill to increase penalties for smoking marijuana in a motor vehicle when a
child is present.

New York lawmakers filed legislation to increase distance requirements
between marijuana dispensaries and child care facilities and places of
worship.

Colorado regulators issued health and safety advisories about contaminated
marijuana products.

A lawsuit challenging Tennessee hemp regulations was voluntarily withdrawn.

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

Arkansas medical cannabis tracking software glitched, halting some sales.

Omaha Tribe of Nebraska regulators are considering a cannabis cultivator
license application.

Massachusetts regulators edited a new specialty cannabis issue of the
journal Clinical Therapeutics.

Vermont regulators sent information about an upcoming enhanced budtender
education class.

California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues.

The Alaska Marijuana Control Board’s Laboratory Testing Working Group met.


*— 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 Chicago, Illinois City Council approved a measure to ban most
hemp-derived products.

Humboldt County, California officials are addressing concerns about light
pollution from cannabis cultivation operations.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

The director general of Vanuatu’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock,
Forestry and Biosecurity is seeking to clarify that marijuana remains
illegal in light of confusion about its status.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study highlighted “the potential of lesser-known phytocannabinoids,
especially in combination with specific C. sativa L. matrix components, to
modulate inflammatory pathway supporting their development as functional
ingredients for managing chronic gut-associated inflammation.”

A review concluded that “research has demonstrated that medical cannabis
can be effective in managing symptoms such as chronic pain, nausea,
vomiting, and anxiety, making it a valuable option in cancer care.”

*/ BUSINESS*

AYR Wellness Inc.’s board chair resigned.

Sprouts Farmers Market is launching sales of hemp THC beverages in Florida
and Texas.

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The post MA voters regret signing anti-cannabis ballot petition, poll shows
(Newsletter: January 23, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.