Trump drug czar pick dodges cannabis questions from senators (Newsletter: October 13, 2025)

*Target launches THC drink sales; GOP senator: Federally tax marijuana; VA
gubernatorial candidates clash on legalization; TX hemp rule meeting*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Sara Carter Bailey, President Trump’s nominee to serve as director of the
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, dodged senators’
written questions about marijuana rescheduling—saying only that she would
“ensure an examination of all facts and evidence as part of any scheduling
or policy actions.”

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said it’s time to create a regulatory framework for
marijuana with a federal excise tax and allow states to “opt in” to
legalization—stating that he’s “not an anti-cannabis person,” though he did
criticize the way a tribe within his state is marketing its marijuana sales.

Virginia gubernatorial candidates clashed on marijuana at a debate— with
Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger endorsing legalizing recreational
sales and GOP contender Winsome Earle-Sears worrying that users will “blow
everything up” on the job.

Target has begun selling THC-infused cannabis beverages in select stores in
Minnesota—a development that comes as Congress is considering
recriminalizing hemp products with a quantifiable amount of THC.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission held a public meeting on rules to
ban sales of intoxicating hemp products to people under 21—with hemp and
alcohol industry stakeholders expressing concerns about harsh penalties for
a single violation.

Michigan cannabis industry leaders say a new marijuana wholesale tax could
force many businesses to cease operations and actually reduce the amount of
revenue the state can generate as consumers return to the illicit market.

Ohio patients are less satisfied with the state’s medical cannabis program
since recreational marijuana sales started, according to a new survey from
the Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center.

*/ FEDERAL*

Former Drug Enforcement Administration Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Crotty
authored an op-ed pushing back against drug policy reform advocates’
argument that prohibition is to blame for the rise in synthetic drugs.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) said the Trump administration shouldn’t be able to
“unilaterally” attack suspected drug smuggling boats, arguing that it would
need congressional authorization.

*/ STATES*

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is being sued over his executive action to
temporarily ban intoxicating hemp products.

Oregon’s attorney general said the state’s voter-approved drug
decriminalization law failed due to a lack of “support services that were
really needed to realize the hypothesis.”

A Pennsylvania senator tweeted photos of himself at the annual Black
Cannabis Week event, saying, “The fight for legalization continues and will
not stop until equity in the cannabis industry becomes a reality.”

California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to
packaging and labeling that is attractive to children.

Oklahoma regulators issued a recall of medical cannabis products due to
improper testing methods.

Kansas officials are facing a forthcoming lawsuit over enforcement actions
at CBD stores and vape shops.

Washington State regulators adopted changes to rules on acceptable forms of
ID for cannabis customers.

Montana regulators filed proposed rules on marijuana testing and synthetic
cannabinoids.

Minnesota regulators are accepting medical cannabis consultant training
program curriculum submissions.

New Jersey cannabis regulators said the state is “recognized as a national
leader” on the issue.

The New York Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday.


*— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug
policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon
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*/ LOCAL*

The Minneapolis, Minnesota City Council is considering a cannabis event
permitting proposal.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

Bolivian government officials discussed the country’s push to get the
United Nations to remove international restrictions on coca.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “CBD may be helpful in reducing negative emotional
symptoms in the short term without increasing risk for disordered alcohol
use.”

A review concluded that “psilocybin therapy may reduce suicidal ideation in
adults with psychiatric diagnoses.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Wall Street Journal editorial board is concerned about
marijuana-impaired driving.

*/ BUSINESS*

Arcadia Medicine received Food and Drug Administration approval for its
Investigational New Drug application to initiate a clinical trial of its
MDMA formulation.

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(Newsletter: October 13, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.