Pennsylvania should legalize cannabis...

*FL medical marijuana expansion; New ad cheers Trump’s rescheduling move;
OH gov slams cannabis referendum; NJ medical marijuana patient count drops*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Pennsylvania’s House speaker said legalizing marijuana could help to
generate “very important” revenue for the state if only lawmakers have “the
will to do it”—noting that the Senate has so far refused to join her
chamber in passing legislation to end cannabis prohibition.

A Florida senator filed a bill to expand medical cannabis access by waiving
registration fees for military veterans, making patient registrations last
twice as long and increasing smokable marijuana supply limits.

America First Agriculture, Inc.—a group connected to a political action
committee sharing the same treasurer as President Donald Trump’s MAGA Inc.
super PAC—launched a new ad applauding his marijuana rescheduling order,
arguing it’ll “destroy” the illicit market and support seniors and military
veterans who could benefit from cannabis.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) office and a GOP senator are criticizing a
citizen-led cannabis referendum campaign that seeks to reverse lawmakers’
move to recriminalize certain marijuana activity and restrict hemp products.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission reports that the state’s
number of registered medical marijuana patients has dropped 20 percent
since the beginning of 2025.

*/ FEDERAL*

An analysis of the wreckage of an alleged drug boat destroyed by Trump
administration military strikes found that “most packets were empty, though
traces of a substance that looked and smelled like marijuana were found in
the lining of a few.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration is promoting drug facts to “prevent
misuse, avoid harmful interactions, and recognize warning signs early to
help those in need.”

The Congressional Research Service published updated reports on changes to
the federal definition of hemp.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) discussed marijuana and hemp with Tucker
Carlson.

*/ STATES*

A Tennessee representative plans to file a bill to legalize marijuana
possession and home cultivation in the 2026 session.

A former Delaware judge authored an op-ed arguing that it would make more
sense to move marijuana to Schedule II rather than Schedule III.

Florida regulators adopted changes to medical cannabis rules.

California regulators are moving to change cannabis cultivation and minimum
sanitation standard rules.

Michigan regulators published updated guidance on a newly approved
marijuana tax increase.

Colorado regulators published guidance on cannabis business research and
development units.

Minnesota cannabis regulators sent a reminder about the deadline to apply
for a community restoration grant program.


*— 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. —*

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

The Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission hasn’t acted on marijuana
decriminalization months after voters approved a referendum supporting the
reform.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “legalization reduces but does not eliminate illicit THC
sales.“

A study of fibromyalgia patients found “an association between treatment
with [cannabis-based medicinal products] and improvements in pain, anxiety,
sleep, and general quality of life.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Dallas Morning News editorial board says there is “weak evidence on
medical benefits” of marijuana, “but more on its dangers.”

*/ BUSINESS*

Organigram Global Inc. is expanding its investment in Phylos Bioscience Inc.

AYR Wellness Inc.’s interim chief financial officer is leaving the company.

The former chairman of Hightimes Holding Corp. wrote in an op-ed that
cannabis reform should be accompanied by “an honest conversation about
addiction.”

*/ CULTURE*

Paul McCartney visited the marijuana dispensary owned by Bill Maher and
Woody Harrelson, Maher said.

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The post Pennsylvania should legalize cannabis, top lawmaker says
(Newsletter: January 1, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.