Senators tout medical cannabis as opioid alternative (Newsletter: July 22, 2025)

*Anti-cannabis doctors joins White House drug office; DOGE cancels
marijuana grow contract; PA legalization pressure; CA gov on psychedelics*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is bringing on an
anti-marijuana physician who has criticized federal health officials’
rescheduling recommendation and said it’s “insulting” to suggest cannabis
has medical use.

- She also implied that President Donald Trump may not have even read
the Florida cannabis legalization ballot initiative he endorsed last year.

The U.S. Senate voted to advance the nomination of President Donald Trump’s
pick for Drug Enforcement Administration administrator, 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.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a report encouraging the
Department of Veterans Affairs to explore the possibility of “reducing
opioid use through medical marijuana” and to study the therapeutic benefits
of psychedelics for military veterans.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse clarified that it declined to renew a
marijuana cultivation contract with the University of Mississippi due to a
cost-cutting directive from the Trump administration’s Department of
Government Efficiency (DOGE).

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said he’s “all in” on providing
psychedelic therapy access—but has concerns over commercialization.

- “I have a lot of entrepreneurial friends that are eager to get in this
space. I’m cautious, because I can see capitalism move this in a very
different direction than where we want to move it.”

The Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus launched an action alert that
makes it easy for voters to pressure their senators to legalize marijuana,
noting that “every state surrounding Pennsylvania has legal adult-use
cannabis.”

NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano authored a new Marijuana Moment op-ed
calling out “sore loser” Republican lawmakers across the country who are
using “undemocratic tactics” to try to overturn voter-approved cannabis
reforms.

A new North Dakota law allowing medical cannabis edibles to be sold at
dispensaries will take effect on August 1.

*/ FEDERAL*

Former President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden said he doesn’t “know of any
more destructive drug than alcohol” and discussed his challenges with
addiction and the law, including the federal ban on gun possession by
consumers of marijuana and other illegal substances.

National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said she is “very
intrigued” by the pharmacological properties of psychedelics.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) said his legislation is “the most balanced bill to
accommodate all the hemp interests.”

*/ STATES*

A Pennsylvania senator spoke on the Senate floor about the benefits of
legalizing marijuana.

California regulators are proposing changes to rules on cannabis
cultivation regulations and minimum sanitation standards.

Massachusetts officials are reviewing accusations that a committee working
to pass a psychedelics legalization ballot initiative violated campaign
finance laws.

The Colorado Federally Recognized American Tribes and Indigenous Community
Working Group recommended that regulators halt the implementation of
psilocybin therapy and refrain from allowing mescaline, ibogaine and DMT in
healing centers.

Minnesota regulators sent a newsletter with updates on various cannabis
issues.

The New York Cannabis Control Board will meet on Friday.


*— 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*

New York City’s mayor spoke at a cannabis festival.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

Turkish lawmakers approved legislation allowing medical cannabis sales in
pharmacies.

Polish lawmakers plan to file a marijuana decriminalization bill.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “CBD resulted effective in reducing seizure frequency in
66.6% of the study sample, regardless of the pathogenic variant; side
effects were mild, and caregivers reported an improvement in behavioral and
motor features.”

A case report “highlights the potential role of classic psychedelics as
adjuvant agents in treating persisting symptoms after concussion.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The CSP C-Store Cannabis Board announced its initial members.

*/ BUSINESS*

Cresco Labs Inc. announced a strategic restructuring that includes plans to
sell its California operations.

AYR Wellness Inc. entered into a further extension of its limited waiver
agreement with holders of its senior secured notes.

A former GrowHealthy employee was arrested for allegedly stealing $132,833
worth of cannabis.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. is donating 5 percent of net profits from sale of its
Strains for Heroes products to veteran-focused organizations, up to a
maximum of C$200,000 annually.

*/ CULTURE*

Mike Tyson said he’s “tired” of hearing negative stereotypes about cannabis.

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The post Senators tout medical cannabis as opioid alternative (Newsletter:
July 22, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.