Trump’s drug czar says cannabis is a “bipartisan issue” (Newsletter: September 18, 2025)

*GOP senator: Congress must “step up” on marijuana; Dem lawmaker talks
Trump & cannabis; OH’s $3B in sales; Study: cannabis as tobacco substitute*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Sara Carter, President Donald Trump’s nominee for director of the White
House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said the administration is
continuing to “explore all options” on a pending marijuana rescheduling
proposal—declining to take a clear position on what she called a
“bipartisan issue.”

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said it’s time for the federal government to “step
up” as more states legalize marijuana and “get serious about regulatory
regimens.”

- “Congress needs to step up and try to figure out how we can manage
this, exploit its efficacy in areas that are helpful, particularly for the
treatment of persons with PTSD” and pain.

Congressional Cannabis Caucus Co-chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) told
Marijuana Moment that President Donald Trump’s rescheduling comments have
led to increased discussions about the issue on Capitol Hill, and that
industry banking access is something she’ll “continue to push for.”

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control reported that retailers have now sold
more than $3 billion worth of legal marijuana products, and that the
average price per gram is currently $6.55.

A new study looking at 20 countries found that higher medical marijuana
sales are linked to lower tobacco and amphetamine use rates—suggesting a
“strong potential substitution effect.”

- “The observed substitution effect with tobacco consumption suggests
that as [medical cannabis] becomes more accessible, a portion of consumers
may reduce tobacco use.”

*/ FEDERAL*

Cannabis entrepreneur Wanda James is running for a Colorado congressional
seat.

The House bill to move marijuana to Schedule III got one new cosponsor for
a total of one.

*/ STATES*

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) discussed his support for regulating hemp
products.

A Florida representative authored an op-ed urging President Donald Trump to
reschedule marijuana.

A Hawaii representative spoke about how legalizing marijuana could boost
tourism.

A Pennsylvania senator tweeted, “Are you against intoxicating hemp being
sold to teens with no age checks? Me too. It’s time for a Pennsylvania
Cannabis Control Board.”

Maryland regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the
presence of total coliforms.

Oklahoma’s top medical cannabis regulator said she expects the number of
businesses in the industry to continue to decrease, as “some people are
just closing up shop because they just can’t make money right now.”

A Connecticut regulator’s decision to order an unannounced inspection on a
cannabis business after its CEO testified at a legislative hearing is
detailed in newly revealed documents.

New Jersey regulators sent guidance about cannabis consumption areas.

California regulators sent an update about cannabis business compliance
inspections and other issues.


*— 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*

The St. Louis County, Missouri Council delayed a vote on a proposal to
restrict sales of intoxicating hemp products to marijuana dispensaries.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the U.S.’s decision to
decertify the country as a partner in the “war on drugs.”

Jersey’s attorney general issued guidance on how law enforcement should
deal with low-level drug possession.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A review concluded that “studies suggest that phytocannabinoids such as
cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), along with endogenous
and synthetic compounds such as palmitoyletanolamide (PEA) and dronabinol,
can improve [atopic dermatitis] symptoms, primarily because of their
anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antioxidant properties.”

A study found that “psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy appears safe and may
offer durable relief from depression and anxiety in individuals with a
life-threatening illness.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Hemp Beverage Alliance is establishing a coalition to create and
support a regulatory framework for hemp beverages in Michigan.

*/ BUSINESS*

High Times filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against a company that
allegedly fraudulently registered its name to sell dog food, alcohol and
other products.

Canopy Growth Corporation has a new chief financial officer.

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. announced a quarterly dividend.

Virginia dispensaries sold $29.9 million worth of medical cannabis products
in July and August.

*/ CULTURE*

Matthew McConaughey and Joe Rogan discussed psychedelics.

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

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(Newsletter: September 18, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.