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Virginia cannabis social equity advocates are urging the governor to postpone the launch of adult-use marijuana sales to ensure small businesses can compete with large multi-state operators.

The Texas Department of Public Safety conditionally approved three new medical marijuana business licenses as part of the Phase II expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Program. This expansion aims to increase the number of licensed dispensaries from three to twelve and broaden qualifying medical conditions to include chronic pain and traumatic brain injury.

Texas is launching its own ibogaine research program after drug companies failed to meet state requirements for a $50 million investment. The state will partner with medical researchers to develop the psychedelic into an FDA-approved treatment for addiction and brain trauma.

The FDA issued a guidance memo regarding hemp-derived CBD products, while Massachusetts businesses sued to keep a legalization repeal off the ballot and Texas approved new medical cannabis licenses. Additionally, D.C. proposed cannabis-infused drink legislation and Virginia began hiring for its recreational marijuana market oversight.

The Trump administration is launching a Medicare initiative to cover hemp CBD and THC products after a federal judge denied a request to block the pilot program. Other developments include Colorado's new law allowing medical cannabis in hospitals, Maryland's advancement of a psychedelics task force, and various state-level regulatory updates.

The U.S. Army adopted a new policy allowing recruits with a single marijuana possession conviction to enlist without a waiver, while various states and international regions advanced legislation on cannabis and psychedelics. Marijuana Moment's newsletter also covers reports on federal bills, state regulatory updates, and recent business developments in the cannabis industry.

Virginia officials are hiring for nearly a dozen new cannabis regulatory roles, including directors for licensing and compliance, as Governor Abigail Spanberger prepares to act on legislation that would launch adult-use marijuana sales in 2027.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is being urged to amend legislation imposing a 2mg THC cap on hemp products to prevent small business losses and maintain consumer access before the state's legal cannabis market launches in 2027. Proponents suggest a 5mg limit to sustain the regulated market and protect users who rely on hemp for wellness.

Reps. Guy Reschenthaler and Troy Carter filed a bipartisan bill to allow state-legal marijuana businesses to list on major stock exchanges and protect service providers. Other updates include a potential 3mg THC limit for Medicare CBD products, Iowa's progress on a psilocybin therapy program, and a study finding cannabis less harmful than alcohol and tobacco.