Top cannabis reform group has a new leader (Newsletter: July 16, 2025)

*Marijuana rescheduling block advances in Congress; Psychedelics amendment
stalls; KY medical cannabis plants growing; Study: Marijuana for pain*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and
Related Agencies approved a bill to block marijuana rescheduling from
taking effect—while also continuing a separate rider protecting state
medical cannabis programs from federal interference.

The House Rules Committee blocked an amendment to shift $10 million in
funding to support psychedelic medical clinical trials at the Department of
Defense from getting a floor vote.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the first legal medical
cannabis plants are now being grown in the state, which he called a
“milestone” that gets patients closer to “safe, affordable access” to
marijuana medicine.

A Texas representative filed a bill to protect consumers from criminal
charges for possessing what they think is legal hemp but turns out to be
illegal marijuana if its label says it contains “a consumable hemp product
that is authorized under state or federal law” and was purchased “from a
retailer the person reasonably believed was authorized to sell a consumable
hemp product.”

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved the state’s first
marijuana consumption lounge endorsements, with the chair saying the move
is “a long time coming.”

The Marijuana Policy Project has a new executive director, bringing on
longtime drug policy activist Adam Smith to lead the organization at a key
time for the cannabis reform movement.

A new study found that medical marijuana “is likely an effective treatment
option for patients with chronic pain” and is tied to “reduced healthcare
utilization and improved self-reported [quality of life].”

- “Medical cannabis exposure is associated with lower risk of urgent
care and [emergency department] visits.”

A new study from Clever Real Estate shows that homes in states where
marijuana has been legalized are worth more and grow in value faster than
houses in jurisdictions that continue to criminalize cannabis.

St. Louis, Missouri lawmakers are considering legislation to prohibit
hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles from being sold outside of marijuana
dispensaries.

*/ FEDERAL*

The Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to companies that are
allegedly illegally marketing 7-OH products.

*/ STATES*

Former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), currently the U.S. homeland
security secretary, is asking a federal court to rule against a challenge
to the state’s hemp product ban.

New York regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to
concerns about unreliable testing by a now-unpermitted laboratory.

Ohio regulators filed changes to medical cannabis rules.

Louisiana regulators adopted changes to consumable hemp product rules.

An Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority advisory council is pushing for
officials to take action against intoxicating hemp products.

California regulators sent a reminder that cannabis businesses affected by
wildfires are eligible for disaster relief resources.

Oregon regulators will consider rulemaking to implement recently enacted
marijuana bills on Thursday.

Rhode Island regulators will host a cannabis social equity workshop 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*

Colorado Springs, Colorado’s mayor vetoed legislation to create a process
for allocating marijuana tax revenue.

The Reading, Pennsylvania City Council passed a resolution calling on state
lawmakers to legalize marijuana and is considering a separate measure to
decriminalize cannabis locally.

The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

Germany’s health minister is proposing to restrict the medical cannabis
prescription process.


Veterans Affairs Canada issued reimbursements for more than 30,000
kilograms of cannabis, worth nearly C$245 million, in 2024-2025.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “consumption of cannabis and CBD oil was perceived as
beneficial for relieving [inflammatory bowel disease], with many reporting
significant symptom relief from using these substances.”

A study “provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the
potential role of psilocybin in suicide prevention, offering a novel basis
for further research.”

*/ BUSINESS*

Verano Holdings Corp. has a new chief strategy and compliance officer.

*/ CULTURE*

Basketball player Kevin Durant was spotted appearing to smoke marijuana at
a music festival in London.

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

The post Top cannabis reform group has a new leader (Newsletter: July 16,
2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.