Would Trump rescheduling cannabis boost reform in Congress? (Newsletter: October 20, 2025)

*PA marijuana hearing; MA official talks recriminalization; NYC mayor
candidates on cannabis; Study: Legalization reduces cancer patient opioid
use*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Bipartisan U.S. senators shared differing perspectives with Marijuana
Moment about whether President Donald Trump rescheduling cannabis would
open the door to advance industry banking legislation in Congress.

- “There are a lot of senators that are ready for it.”

The Pennsylvania Senate Law & Justice Committee has scheduled a Tuesday
vote on a bill to create a Cannabis Control Board to oversee the existing
medical marijuana program and that could also regulate the adult-use market
if broader legalization is enacted.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s executive director said
proposed ballot initiatives to recriminalize recreational marijuana sales
would imperil tax revenue that supports substance misuse treatment efforts
and other public programs.

- “I cannot justify, as a public policy initiative, how alcohol can be
legal and adult-use cannabis cannot be.”

New York City mayoral candidates were asked whether they have ever bought
marijuana at a dispensary during a debate—with Zohran Mamdani revealing
that he has, Andrew Cuomo saying he hasn’t and Curtis Sliwa speaking about
how he’s used it for medical purposes.

The Ocean City, Maryland Police Department said it received an
“overwhelming” number of volunteers to smoke marijuana and get free lunch
at a DUI recognition training event for officers.

A new federally funded study published by the American Medical Association
found that legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational purposes is
“significantly associated with reduced opioid use among patients diagnosed
with cancer.”

- “Results of this study suggest that cannabis may serve as a substitute
for opioids in managing cancer-related pain, underscoring the potential of
cannabis policies to impact opioid use.”

The Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee held a hearing on several
bills aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on the marijuana industry
shortly after a new wholesale tax on cannabis was enacted.

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission held a hearing and heard testimony
from dozens of people who unanimously criticized restrictive rules proposed
by the governor-appointed panel.

*/ FEDERAL*

Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, who had been overseeing the Trump administration’s
military attacks on alleged drug boats, announced he is retiring earlier
than expected.

Federal prosecutors are seeking to ban any mention of marijuana
legalization during a trial of people accused of illegal cannabis
cultivation.

*/ STATES*

A New Mexico marijuana business owner who is considering running for
governor as a Republican filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. Michelle Lujan
Grisham’s (D) line-item vetoes in spending legislation.

New York’s Assembly minority leader authored an op-ed arguing that the
state needs to do more to prevent marijuana-impaired driving.

California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to
incomplete and incorrect regulatory compliance testing.

Delaware regulators issued a warning about a fraudulent marijuana operation
impersonating a licensed business.

Connecticut officials are working to expunge more than 100,000 marijuana
conviction records.

U.S. Virgin Islands regulators are accepting applications for marijuana
manufacturing licenses.

Oklahoma regulators are launching a new medical cannabis portal on Tuesday.

Massachusetts regulators published an annual report on the state’s
marijuana programs.

Nevada regulators will hold a hearing about proposed changes to marijuana
rules on November 20.


*— 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 La Crosse County, Wisconsin Council approved a proposal to lower the
fine for marijuana possession to $1.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study found that “treatments involving cannabis products had a positive
effect on reducing pain symptoms.”

A German study found that “in the early post-legalization period, there is
a small non-significant increase in the prevalence of cannabis use in
comparison to 2021.”

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Washington Examiner editorial board is urging President Donald Trump
not to reschedule marijuana.

*/ BUSINESS*

WeedWeek was acquired by RegStream Media Group.

atai Life Sciences announced a proposed registered underwritten offering of
its common shares.

Colorado retailers sold $115.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in
July.

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

The post Would Trump rescheduling cannabis boost reform in Congress?
(Newsletter: October 20, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.