Trump admin declines to file cannabis brief...

*GOP bill to block hemp ban; FL legalization measure advances; Booker:
marijuana is bipartisan; THC drinks exec’s plan cannabis reform plan*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the U.S. Supreme Court that the Trump
administration is declining to file a brief on whether the justices should
take up marijuana companies’ lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of
federal prohibition.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is circulating a draft bill to stop the
implementation of a hemp THC product ban that President Donald Trump signed
into law—saying it will “effectively turn out the lights on America’s legal
hemp farmers, preempt the work being done in states to create regulatory
frameworks for hemp products and restrict consumer choice for the tens of
millions of Americans who use hemp-derived products.”

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said federally legalizing marijuana represents
“justice,” but he’s willing to “accept any progress” along the way—framing
cannabis reform as an “area where we have a common purpose” across party
lines.

VetCBD founder and CEO Tim Shu told Marijuana Moment that a newly approved
federal ban on hemp THC products will cause pets like dogs and cats to
“suffer needlessly” if it takes effect and full-spectrum CBD products
become unavailable for veterinary use.

- “The reality is that there are a lot of people and animals that rely
on full-spectrum CBD products from hemp to not suffer.”

Cantrip CEO Adam Terry argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that the
newly approved federal ban on hemp THC products like the ones his company
makes is an opportunity to achieve even broader cannabis reform like
descheduling.

- “Millions of Americans in red states are about to lose access to
cannabis, and I intend to ensure that they know it.”

Florida officials are advancing a 2026 marijuana legalization ballot
initiative toward a financial and legal review after the campaign filed a
lawsuit alleging a “nonsensical” delay in the process that should have
started when they collected enough signatures to trigger the move.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) said he supports newly enacted
federal legislation to recriminalize hemp THC products—even though he
didn’t sign a letter with 39 other state and territory attorneys general
that asked Congress to pass the ban.

The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance
Use and Recovery held a hearing on legislation to create a psychedelic
therapy pilot program involving psilocybin and other substances.

*/ FEDERAL*

The Drug Enforcement Administration sent a warning about “an emerging
threat posed by nitazenes and bromazolam in illicit drugs entering the U.S.”

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted a link to an op-ed by a person who uses hemp
products to treat epilepsy, saying, “People like this are precisely the
ones I was fighting for when the hemp ban language was snuck into the bill
to reopen the government.”

Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) discussed his support for the federal
recriminalization of hemp THC products.

Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn tweeted, “Nebraska THC
retailers contribute $139 million a year to Nebraska’s economy. They
provide 1,600 jobs and annually generate $7.7 million in sales tax revenue.
Nebraska also has a projected budget deficit that has grown to $451
million.”

The House bill to designate psychedelic therapy centers of excellence got
two new cosponsors for a total of 20.

*/ STATES*

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) appointed new members of the Medical Cannabis
Commission.

The Michigan attorney general’s office said a newly enacted marijuana tax
increase is constitutional.

Ohio’s House speaker said a newly approved federal ban on hemp THC products
“changes the discussion” about the issue in the state.

The Connecticut House deputy majority leader is promoting an event titled,
“The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana.”

Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about marijuana
products with yeast and mold above acceptable limits.

A Massachusetts marijuana regulator resigned.

California regulators filed proposed changes to hemp rules.

Maryland regulators filed proposed changes to cannabis rules.

The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis met.

The Vermont Cannabis Control Board will meet on Wednesday.


*— 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*

Columbus, Ohio’s City Council president invoiced state officials for
marijuana tax revenue that has not been distributed.

The Sussex County, Delaware Council approved changes to marijuana business
zoning rules.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

A New South Wales, Australia lawmaker is filing legislation to protect
medical cannabis patients from driving under the influence charges.

German medical cannabis imports hit a new all-time high between July and
September.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “marijuana users required less intraoperative opioids
when compared to case-matched marijuana nonusers.”

A case study of a patient with advanced cancer found that
psilocybin-assisted therapy “was well tolerated, with significant decreases
in both anxiety and depression.”

A study found that “both cannabinoids and non-cannabinoid phenolics
contribute to the biological activity of Cannabis sativa extracts, with
cannabinoids playing a central role in antimicrobial responses and stronger
anti-inflammatory effect as a pure cannabinoid or as an extract.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Boston Globe editorial board is cheering efforts to restructure the
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

Tucker Carlson hosted a podcast about marijuana, saying, “Once you
understand just how destructive cannabis is to young men, it’s hard not to
see it as a tool of social control.”

*/ BUSINESS*

Canopy Growth Corporation is expanding its product line in Australia.

*/ CULTURE*

Former football player Kyle Turley spoke out against the federal
recriminalization of hemp THC products.

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

The post Trump admin declines to file cannabis brief at SCOTUS (Newsletter:
November 19, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.