Newly IDed cannabis genetic markers could lead to “enhanced” strains (Newsletter: June 4, 2025)

*PA gov on legalization; ME psilocybin; CA marijuana tax bill passes; TX
hemp petitions; Ukraine medical cannabis import*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said he’s “hopeful” lawmakers will send
him a marijuana legalization bill by a budget deadline at the end of this
month—and he’s urging the GOP-controlled Senate to “put their ideas on the
table” after rejecting a House-passed cannabis measure.

The Maine House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize possession of
psilocybin, without creating a regulatory structure for legal production
and sales of the psychedelic.

The California Assembly unanimously passed a bill to delay implementation
of a planned marijuana tax hike, an increase that cannabis industry
advocates say would detract from efforts to mitigate the illicit market.

The Texas Hemp Business Council and allies including Texas Veterans of
Foreign Wars delivered more than 100,000 petition signatures to Gov. Greg
Abbott’s (R) office, asking him to veto a bill that would ban consumable
hemp products with any amount of THC.

Ukraine’s State Medical Service approved the country’s first-ever permit to
import medical cannabis into the country, following the enactment of a
legalization law last year.

A new study identifies 33 genetic markers in marijuana that “significantly
influence cannabinoid production”—which researchers say will be “highly
valuable” in breeding new strains “with enhanced and specific cannabinoid
profiles tailored for medical and recreational uses.”

- “This study marks a significant stride toward fully integrating
cannabis into modern agricultural practices and genetic research, paving
the way for future innovations.”

Gretchen Gailey of Project Champion argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed
that “the cannabis and hemp sectors need to think like movements, not
markets” in order to start getting more political wins on the
board—especially to legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania this year.

- “That means building political infrastructure: voter engagement
platforms, rapid response teams, grassroots donor networks and storytelling
initiatives that humanize our fight. It means collaborating with civil
rights groups, veterans’ organizations, patient advocates and even
skeptical policymakers—not just to pass bills, but to change minds.”

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is operating shorthanded as
lawmakers consider legislation to overhaul the marijuana regulatory body.

The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation approved co-owners of a
marijuana company that lost its license amid a massive product recall to
take over a separate cultivation and manufacturing business.

*/ FEDERAL*

A White House spokesperson said there is no contradiction between President
Donald Trump’s recent pardons of certain people with drug sales convictions
and his support for broadly applying the death penalty to people who sell
drugs.

Department of Government Efficiency staff allegedly left discarded
marijuana at the U.S. Institute of Peace office.

Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) said he is not familiar with cannabis banking
legislation.

*/ STATES*

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced a new round of financing for the
Cannabis Business Assistance Fund.

Texas’s lieutenant governor touted passage of a bill to ban consumable hemp
products with any amount of THC as one of several “key Senate victories”
this session.

Ohio’s House speaker said he wants to pass legislation amending the
voter-approved marijuana legalization law by the end of this month.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is expected to vote on
legislation to overhaul the Cannabis Control Commission on Wednesday.

A Pennsylvania representative cheered a Senate committee for rejecting a
marijuana legalization bill.

A Florida marijuana campaign told a federal court that unless it places an
injunction on a new state law restricting the initiative petition process,
it will be unlikely to succeed in placing a legalization measure on the
2026 ballot.

Vermont regulators sent a warning about out-of-state THCA offers.

Washington State regulators are accepting applications for cannabis social
equity retail licenses until July 1.

Oregon regulators are accepting applications to serve on a psilocybin
services Rules Advisory Committee.

Minnesota regulators will hold cannabis license application lotteries on
Thursday.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Thursday.

Arkansas regulators will consider rules on medical cannabis business
location changes 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*

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

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

A former London, England police chief who now serves in the UK House of
Lords discussed his support for decriminalizing marijuana.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A review concluded that “medicinal cannabis demonstrates potential in
reducing anxiety symptoms, but the long-term benefits and overall impact on
quality of life remain unclear.”

A study found that “chronic cannabidiol treatment significantly reduces arterial
pressure in renovascular hypertensive rats independent of aortic stiffness.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Boston Globe editorial board is supporting legislation to restructure
the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

*/ BUSINESS*

Vangst is acquiring Se7en Staffing & Employment Solutions.

High Tide Inc. shareholders elected board of directors members.

The Canadian cannabis industry contributed $9.1 billion to the country’s
gross domestic product in the first three months of 2025.

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

The post Newly IDed cannabis genetic markers could lead to “enhanced”
strains (Newsletter: June 4, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.