Senators advance medical cannabis protections for states (Newsletter: July 21, 2025)

*Trump DEA pick up for vote; Czech president signs marijuana & psilocybin
bill; MN city’s own THC gummy; Cannabis impairment testing criticism*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill to continue protecting
state medical cannabis laws from federal interference, and omitted a
separate rider to block federal marijuana rescheduling that is advancing in
the House version of the legislation.

The U.S. Senate will take a procedural vote on Monday on President Donald
Trump’s nominee for administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration,
Terrance Cole, who has said examining marijuana rescheduling would be “one
of my first priorities” but has also voiced concerns about the dangers of
cannabis.

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel signed a bill to legalize possession
and home cultivation of marijuana and allow medical use of psilocybin.

The city of Eden Prairie, Minnesota is launching its own government-branded
cannabis gummy—and it’s conducting a contest to settle on the best name for
the mixed-berry flavored THC and CBN product crafted specifically for sleep.

Ross Ulbricht, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump after being
convicted of running the dark web platform Silk Road, told attendees at a
conservative conference that all drugs should be legalized even if it’s
“not necessarily what you want to hear.”

A new commentary published by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
concludes that roadside tests for marijuana impairment that are widely used
by law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are “inadequate” and
“pseudoscientific ‘police science.'”

A U.S. Army veteran is suing federal agencies after he says they wrongfully
detained him as part of immigration raids on a state-licensed marijuana
business in California.

Malta’s Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis is sending out
warning letters to marijuana consumers over odors that are “causing
nuisance to neighbors.”

An Illinois representative said it’s a “priority” to regulate intoxicating
hemp products, noting that hemp and marijuana are “two competing
industries” that are “not interested in just losing their operations.”

The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation revoked a company’s marijuana
manufacturing license over several alleged violations.

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin Common Council approved a measure to make it so
hemp-derived THC gummies and other THC-laced drinks, snacks or candies can
only be purchased by adults over 21.

*/ FEDERAL*

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting
Administrator Robert Murphy authored an op-ed about the Trump
administration’s efforts to combat drug cartels.

The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted a prohibitionist group’s
“National Marijuana Facts Week.”

Customs and Border Protection sent a pun-filled press release about a
seizure of psilocybin.

The House Agriculture Committee hosted a hemp roundtable meeting.

*/ STATES*

Colorado’s attorney general criticized the University of Colorado Board of
Regents for censuring a member who owns a cannabis business and who was
accused of using her influence to try to take down a public education
campaign about marijuana that she said used “racist and harmful images.”

The Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee chairman said he would
“never” allow marijuana legalization legislation to pass his committee.

The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that warrantless vehicle searches based
on the odor of cannabis were allowable during the time of marijuana
decriminalization, prior to the state enacting full legalization.

California regulators announced recalls of marijuana products due to the
presence of aspergillus.

Washington, D.C. regulators approved changes to medical cannabis rules.

Florida regulators are developing rules on hemp products that are
attractive to children.

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

Minnesota regulators will hold a lottery for marijuana retailer licenses on
Tuesday.


*— 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*

A Clark County, Nevada commissioner spoke about the opportunities for
casinos to embrace cannabis.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

Alberta, Canada officials are allowing businesses to temporarily sell
cannabis at events and festivals where minors are permitted.

German local officials have approved nearly 300 cannabis clubs under the
country’s legalization law.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “CBD promoted anti-inflammatory eicosanoid production
via the 15-LOX pathway, therefore supporting the potential role of CBD as a
therapeutic candidate for inflammatory diseases.”

A review concluded that “psychedelics appear to ameliorate deficits in
brain areas involved in reward and emotional processing, which may reduce
the risk of relapse” in substance use disorder and that “psychologically,
the insights gained during a psychedelic experience may reinforce personal
motivations for sobriety and support subsequent behavior change.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The chair of the Florida Democratic Party said that a law signed by Gov.
Ron DeSantis (R) to strip medical cannabis cards from people charged with
drug offenses is “unconstitutional.”

*/ BUSINESS*

Honeydew Farms LLC is being sued by workers over alleged wage theft.

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. launched a new ecommerce platform.

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

The post Senators advance medical cannabis protections for states
(Newsletter: July 21, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.