Veterans push Congress on cannabis & psychedelics access (Newsletter: March 9, 2026)

*VA marijuana resentencing; OR & CO medical cannabis in healthcare
facilities; UT psychedelics; MD firefighter marijuana protections*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees heard testimony from
military veterans advocates about marijuana and psychedelics as alternative
treatment options—including from one who discussed attending President
Donald Trump’s cannabis rescheduling executive order signing ceremony.

Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) legislation to provide
resentencing relief for people with prior marijuana convictions, as bills
to legalize recreational cannabis sales are also nearing the finish line.

Oregon lawmakers sent Gov. Tina Kotek (D) a bill to allow patients to use
medical cannabis in hospices and other healthcare facilities.

Utah lawmakers sent Gov. Spencer Cox (R) a bill to support clinical trials
into the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for military veterans
with serious mental health conditions.

The Maryland Senate passed a bill to protect firefighters and rescue
workers from being penalized for off-duty use of medical cannabis, with the
sponsor saying marijuana is a safer, viable alternative” to opioids.

The Colorado House Health & Human Services Committee approved a
Senate-passed bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis
in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, but advocates said recent
changes undermine the intent.

The Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill to allow patients to
immediately purchase medical cannabis after their registration is submitted
instead of having to wait until their card is delivered.

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill to allocate tens of
millions of dollars in unspent medical cannabis revenue—with an amendment
directing some of the funds to support research on the psychedelic ibogaine.

An Oregon bill to ban marijuana edibles containing more than 10 milligrams
of THC will not advance in the House of Representatives after being passed
by the Senate.

The South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services committee rejected a
House-passed bill to eliminate the Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee,
though it could potentially be revived by the full Senate.

*/ FEDERAL*

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that medical
cannabis can’t be reimbursed under federal workers’ compensation laws.

The Congressional Research Service noted federal circuit court splits on
challenges to residency requirements for marijuana business licenses.

*/ STATES*

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the state now has 19
operational licensed medical cannabis businesses.

Maryland’s first lady testified in support of state legislation to address
sales of kratom, 7-OH and other psychoactive substances

Missouri’s state auditor published a report on marijuana taxes.

The Georgia House of Representatives rejected a bill to tighten regulations
for clinics that administer ketamine and other drugs used for psychedelic
therapy.

A former Kansas representative authored an op-ed calling on lawmakers to
reform marijuana laws.

California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the
presence of aspergillus.

New York regulators approved additional marijuana business licenses and
changes to medical cannabis rules.

Massachusetts regulators extended for another three years the exclusivity
period on marijuana delivery licenses for social equity and economic
empowerment businesses.

Washington State regulators are proposing changes to cannabis advertising
rules.

Michigan regulators are warning marijuana retailers to stop using the term
“dispensary.”

Ohio regulators posted updated marijuana business and sales data.


*— 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 Covington, Georgia City Council rejected a marijuana decriminalization
proposal.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

Grenada’s governor-general assented to the country’s cannabis reforms.

The Isle of Man’s lieutenant governor visited a medical cannabis clinic.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A review concluded that “CBD and THC exert potent and multi-level
anti-tumor effects in ovarian cancer models, driven by oxidative
stress–mediated apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest.”

A study found that “traditional Thai cannabis-based multi-herbal
formulation demonstrated non-inferior efficacy to lorazepam and was well
tolerated, supporting its use as a short-term alternative for chronic
insomnia.”

*/ BUSINESS*

AtaiBeckley Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $1.1 million and a net loss
of $544.8 million.

The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. announced that an ad hoc group of
noteholders of its senior secured notes and senior secured convertible
notes agreed to a further extension and to forbear from exercising any of
their rights and remedies governing the notes until March 17.

*/ CULTURE*

Basketball player Dillon Brooks was arrested for suspicion of driving under
the influence after police said his car “smells like a dispensary.”

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*Photo courtesy of Max Jackson.*

The post Veterans push Congress on cannabis & psychedelics access
(Newsletter: March 9, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.