Maryland Cannabis News

The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 942, a bill to protect parents who legally use marijuana from being deemed neglectful unless harm to the child is established.

The newsletter highlights a new Congressional Research Service report analyzing the constitutionality of the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses, alongside a GOP congressman's doubt that cannabis rescheduling is a current Department of Justice priority. It also reports on the New Hampshire Senate rejecting a marijuana legalization bill, advocacy pushback on penalty amendments in a Virginia cannabis sales bill, a Maryland hearing on psychedelic access, and a study showing AI models can approximate psychedelic narratives.

Maryland lawmakers are considering a bill to extend the state's psychedelics task force through the end of 2027 to develop a clear legislative plan for regulated therapeutic access and potential broader legalization of natural psychedelic substances, focusing initially on psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT. The task force, which previously recommended a multi-phase framework encompassing medical/therapeutic use, supervised adult use, deprioritization, and eventual commercial sales, is required to submit an updated report with its final recommendations by October 31 of this year.

Cannabis operators face major changes this year due to evolving federal tax rules under Section 280E and state policy shifts. Virginia lawmakers are advancing restorative penalties for youth use and cracking down on unlicensed activity as businesses prepare for the adult-use market, while Maryland is moving to protect gun rights for registered medical cannabis patients.

DEA is promoting an anti-marijuana PSA contest, while Colorado's governor criticized his state's attorney general for supporting the federal gun ban for cannabis consumers. Kentucky introduced medical cannabis gummies, and bills were approved in Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Florida regarding medical cannabis. Studies show no negative difference in well child care for cannabis-exposed infants and promising results for psilocybin therapy in cancer patients with anxiety and depression.

Maryland lawmakers are debating House Bill 365, which seeks to prevent authorized medical cannabis patients from being denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm solely based on their patient status, addressing a current loophole in state law. This state-level reform would not affect the similar federal prohibition, which is currently facing scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Virginia senators have approved two key bills: one to legalize recreational marijuana sales and another to provide resentencing relief for people with prior cannabis convictions. The sales legislation passed with controversial amendments that align penalties for illegal marijuana sale and underage possession with those for alcohol, drawing criticism from advocates concerned about recriminalization. The resentencing measure mandates automatic hearings for individuals with certain felony convictions for marijuana offenses that occurred before July 1, 2021, to consider sentence modification.

Virginia lawmakers approved a bill allowing medical marijuana access for qualifying patients in hospitals and expanding protections for hospital workers, provided the federal government moves forward with rescheduling cannabis. Separately, the legislature is advancing bills to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis sales and provide resentencing relief for past convictions.

Trump Signs Bill Continuing To Block D.C. From Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Sales As Advocates Await Rescheduling Action

Republican Rep. Andy Harris, a strong opponent of marijuana reform and the author of the "Harris rider" that blocks D.C. from regulating recreational cannabis sales, is vulnerable to losing his congressional seat due to a new Maryland redistricting plan approved by the state's House of Delegates that favors Democrats. Political observers believe that if he is unseated, it could be a significant step forward for cannabis reform advocates, particularly concerning D.C.'s ability to legalize sales.

Maryland extended its psychedelics task force through 2027 to study decriminalization and regulation of substances like psilocybin, while Virginia lawmakers rejected a bill to bar police from stopping drivers based solely on cannabis odor.

District regulators in D.C. closed another illegal cannabis shop, marking the 101st closure since July 2024. In Maryland, the Cannabis Administration issued 2026 guidance for registering agents and conducting background checks, and the Department of Labor awarded $217,000 to expand workforce training for the regulated cannabis sector.

Developments include an Arizona Republican congressman supporting a rollback of cannabis legalization, a Minnesota city opening a government-run marijuana dispensary, and the Virginia House approving a bill for recreational sales. A Hawaii report projects up to $90 million in monthly sales from legalization, Utah introduced a decriminalization bill, and Maryland lawmakers proposed extending a psychedelics task force. The United Center in Chicago will begin selling THC beverages, and new research indicates cannabis-based medicinal products may improve depression and anxiety, while psilocybin shows promise for end-of-life anxiety relief.

Maryland lawmakers have filed bills to extend the state's psychedelic task force through December 31, 2027, to develop updated recommendations for expanding therapeutic access to novel drugs and potentially creating a regulatory framework for broader legalization, with an initial focus on psilocybin. The task force previously recommended a multi-pathway framework for safe, broad, and equitable access, involving the phased implementation of medical/therapeutic use, supervised adult use, deprioritization measures, and eventual commercial sales.

State Treasurer Larry Pack has not spent $34 million collected from the state's medical marijuana program due to federal concerns about marijuana's classification as a Schedule I narcotic, which puts the legal status of the funds in limbo. The Treasurer's Office is working on a resolution, which may be influenced by a potential federal reclassification of marijuana to a Schedule III drug, though the timeline for any decision remains uncertain.

Virginia bills to legalize recreational marijuana sales advanced in the state legislature, while a bipartisan bill was filed in Congress to federally regulate consumable hemp products as an alternative to a potential THC ban. Additionally, a marijuana legalization petitioner was arrested in Florida on voter fraud charges, and the campaign is currently short of the required signatures needed by the deadline.

The Maryland Cannabis Administration released guidance clarifying agent registration and criminal history check procedures for cannabis businesses, detailing OneStop registration steps, fingerprint submission processes, and compliance with background check requirements, including exemptions for licensed security personnel.

Senate Sends Trump Bill That Would Continue Protecting Medical Marijuana States, Without Anti-Rescheduling Provisions

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a spending bill that includes a provision continuing to block Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales while also warning local officials about cannabis dispensaries near schools. A report attached to the legislation directs federal officials to submit a report on Chinese-linked drug syndicates operating illicit cannabis grows in the United States. The block on D.C. sales could be nullified if the administration reschedules cannabis to Schedule III, though a complication remains due to the rider's use of the undefined term "tetrahydrocannabinols derivative."

Senator Rand Paul revealed that the marijuana and alcohol industries jointly pushed to federally recriminalize hemp THC, while Ohio's Attorney General rejected a cannabis referendum petition and New Jersey's Senate president filed a bill to legalize interstate cannabis commerce. Other key developments include a New Hampshire psilocybin hearing, growing support for legalization in Canada, and new studies highlighting the anti-inflammatory and skin protection benefits of CBD and CBG.

Maryland regulators issued a consent order against the SweetBuds dispensary for seed tracking discrepancies, improper storage and labeling, and selling medical cannabis to adult-use customers, resulting in a $15,000 fine and six months of enhanced compliance reporting and training.

- Federal bill proposes a two-year delay for recriminalizing hemp THC products
- NIDA official reported reduced teen access to and increased disapproval of marijuana use despite legalization spreading
- New Jersey lawmakers sent the governor a bill to create a $6 million psilocybin therapy pilot program
- Indiana poll shows strong support for legalizing medical and recreational cannabis
- Warnings were issued about a coordinated effort to roll back marijuana legalization through ballot initiatives in Arizona, Maine, and Massachusetts
- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation restricting hemp and expanding medical cannabis and labor rights for industry workers

D.C. regulators achieved a major enforcement milestone while Maryland’s Storehouse dispensary received penalties for inventory violations; Virginia is considering bills for adult-use and terminally ill patient access, and federal rescheduling could allow D.C. recreational sales.

MM Brands Inc., funded by KEY Investment Partners, acquired BellRock Brands Inc. out of receivership to revitalize its portfolio of cannabis and hemp brands, which includes Dixie Elixirs and Mary’s Medicinals. Former Curaleaf CEO Joe Bayern was named CEO of the newly formed company, which plans to operate under an asset-lite model.

Congressional leaders agreed on a spending bill that continues to block Washington D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales and reminds local officials of enhanced federal penalties for marijuana distribution near schools. The legislation also directs federal officials to submit a report on PRC-linked criminal drug syndicates involved in illegal drug and money laundering operations in the U.S., which appears intended to target illicit Chinese cannabis growers in states including Maine, California, and Oregon.

Maryland regulators fined Storehouse $10,000 for failing to track cannabis inventory and conduct audits after video evidence showed a dispensary manager diverting products and mislabeling them as green waste. Storehouse responded by terminating the employee, reporting the conduct to law enforcement, and implementing corrective measures.

US House Passes Bill Protecting State Medical Marijuana Laws And Rejecting Attempt To Block Trump’s Rescheduling Move

Moving marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act could enable Washington, D.C. to finally legalize and regulate recreational cannabis sales, bypassing a congressional spending bill rider that currently prohibits the District from using its local funds to establish an adult-use market for Schedule I substances. The only remaining complication is the rider's unclear prohibition on legalizing "any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative."

Curio Wellness appointed Matt O’Neal as regional president, Midwest, where he will oversee commercial performance and wholesale partnerships and report to Chief Operating Officer Brad Friedlander. The company is also seeking a regional president for the Mid-Atlantic.

Cannabis law enforcement by ABCA and MPD has resulted in the closure of WVC Wellness, the fifth licensed dispensary in a year, alongside liquor store license suspensions, a Maryland union filing federal labor charges, and a Virginia car dealership's connection to a multi-state cannabis trafficking ring.

Congressional Leaders Drop Attempt To Block Marijuana Rescheduling, While Preserving State Medical Cannabis Protections

UFCW Local 27 filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against TerrAscend USA Services LLC's Salisbury, Maryland facility, alleging violations concerning union representation and employee rights; the claims are currently pending NLRB review.

Nineteen state attorneys general and Washington, D.C. filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold the federal law that bans marijuana users from possessing firearms in the case *U.S. v. Hemani*, arguing that the combination of drug use and guns poses a public safety risk and is consistent with historical tradition. This stance counters a lower court ruling that the federal ban violates the Second Amendment, with the article noting a growing number of federal courts are finding constitutional problems with the prohibition.

Cannabis retailers in high-volume states such as Maryland could save an average of $805,000 annually per store if the Section 280E tax burden is removed.

Will cannabis rescheduling affect drug testing for safety-sensitive workers? (Newsletter: December 23, 2025)

Trump lied about cannabis rescheduling opposition, GOP senator says (Newsletter: December 22, 2025)

Trump Dismisses GOP Lawmakers’ Opposition To His Marijuana Rescheduling Action, Pointing To Polling And Medical Benefits

The Maryland Cannabis Administration fined Green Leaf Medical, LLC, d/b/a The Cannabist Company $33,000 for cannabis sampling and recordkeeping violations, including improper METRC tracking and providing samples to non-registered attendees, resulting in a consent order that mandates staff training, updated procedures, and a one-year ban on sampling events.

GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump Not To Reschedule Marijuana In Last-Ditch Effort To Block Historic Reform

White House Confirms Trump Will ‘Address Marijuana Rescheduling’ Thursday, But Reported Details On Final Decision Are ‘Speculation’

Most Americans Back Legalizing Marijuana, But Trump Voters Not On Board, Conservative Group’s Poll Shows Amid Rescheduling Rumors

Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Include Industry Banking And CBD Medicare Coverage Provisions, Sources Say

GOP Congressman Says Trump ‘Technically’ Can’t Reschedule Marijuana On His Own, But Reversing It In Congress Would Be A ‘Heavy Lift’

Key developments include the Senate debating financial access issues for cannabis businesses and the House approving a bill targeting online marijuana ads. Sen. Rand Paul is working to reverse federal recriminalization of hemp THC products, while prohibitionist groups asked the Supreme Court to uphold the ban on gun possession for cannabis users. Additionally, studies showed positive findings on CBD's use among athletes and its therapeutic potential for various health conditions, and Michigan reported high monthly marijuana sales.

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) previewed legislation to counter a forthcoming federal ban on consumable hemp products, which he warns could devastate the $25 billion industry; his proposed bill would allow state-level regulation with basic safeguards to supersede the new federal restrictions.

- The NZMCC Industry Day focused on connection and collaboration among patients, clinicians, cultivators, and policymakers in the medicinal cannabis sector.
- The program featured a Leaders’ Roundtable and regulatory briefings, followed by specialized afternoon pathways addressing clinical practice (terpene tailoring, prescribing challenges) and industry topics (cultivation innovation, export readiness, and sustainability).
- NZMCC plans to establish working groups in 2026 focused on priority areas including export markets and patient access.

Only Six Percent Of Marijuana Consumers Approve Of Trump’s Reform Actions, But Most Would Shift Opinion If He Reschedules, Poll Finds

YANA Wellness, a women-owned and operated cannabis brand led by CEO Ariana Fleishman, made history as the first hemp-derived THC beverage line sold in all Total Wine retail locations across Virginia. Fleishman established the brand to advocate for plant-based wellness alternatives over normalized alcohol and prescription drugs, developing a variety of compliant blends to navigate federal prohibition and expand nationwide access. YANA emphasizes social responsibility, research (collaborating with universities on the psychological effects of cannabis and mushrooms), and stimulating the local economy through strategic partnerships with family-owned Virginia businesses for manufacturing and distribution.

A major drug testing organization, the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA), is opposing the rumored proposal to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, warning that without a "Safety Carve Out," it would create dangerous loopholes allowing transportation employees like pilots and truck drivers to use cannabis without mandatory testing. Proponents, including cannabis industry stakeholders, are hopeful for the reform, which would recognize marijuana's medical value and represent a significant change in federal policy, though a final decision has not yet been announced by the White House.

Democratic Senators Wyden and Merkley introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act to establish a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoids, creating an alternative to the impending broad ban set to take effect next November. The bill would empower the FDA to set safety standards, require businesses selling consumable products to register, enforce federal labeling rules, and limit total THC content in products (e.g., 5 milligrams per serving and 50 milligrams per package for most items).

A pending federal ban on most consumable hemp products, set for November implementation, has prompted a Congressional Research Service report suggesting that enforcement may be guided by existing federal non-enforcement policies toward state marijuana laws. The new legislation drastically redefines legal hemp by limiting "total THC" and banning most synthesized cannabinoids, causing widespread industry outcry and spurring lawmakers to seek an alternative regulatory model or outright repeal before the prohibition takes effect.

Congressional researchers warn it remains unclear how the FDA and DEA will enforce the newly enacted federal law banning certain hemp THC products next year, citing a potential lack of agency resources. The legislation alters the definition of legal hemp by applying weight limits to total THC (including isomers like delta-8) and banning synthetic cannabinoids, prompting stakeholders and lawmakers to seek an alternative regulatory framework before the prohibition takes effect.

Bipartisan lawmakers introduced the "Freedom to Heal Act" to allow doctors to administer Schedule I psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, to patients with life-threatening or severe mental health conditions under the country’s "right to try" law. The legislation would amend the Controlled Substances Act to create a pathway for the DEA to authorize physicians to use these FDA-designated breakthrough therapies for patients who have exhausted approved treatments.

A GOP congressman questioned federal financial regulators about the difficulties state-legal marijuana businesses face in accessing banking services due to federal prohibition. Many banks resist accepting cannabis businesses as clients because marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Although the House has passed versions of the SAFER Banking Act seven times, key lawmakers believe its prospects are currently doubtful, as it has taken a back seat to other legislative priorities, though rescheduling cannabis might help advance the measure.

DOJ cannabis enforcement guidance revealed

A government-funded study found that state agencies regulating marijuana largely outperform alcohol regulatory agencies concerning public health goals, activities, and policies. The analysis showed 68 percent of cannabis regulators referenced public health goals in their mission statements, compared to only 35 percent of alcohol regulators, suggesting marijuana is currently regulated more robustly than alcohol regarding key public health measures.

Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and members of Congress, are actively seeking ways to counteract an impending federal ban on hemp-derived THC products set for next November, fearing it will disrupt the state's thriving industry. Lawmakers are pushing for an alternative regulatory framework, similar to Minnesota's current state-level rules, to replace the prohibition and prevent the re-criminalization of consumable hemp products.

A federal lawsuit challenges D.C.’s cannabis enforcement, which continues with the shutdown of Snackz DC and raids on Virginia vape shops; meanwhile, Maryland dispensaries reported record sales, and a task force recommended decriminalizing psychedelics. ABCA also announced upcoming board meetings, leadership updates, and an HR manager opening.

GOP Congressional Leader Is ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Trump Will Reschedule Marijuana—Which He Says Is ‘An Alternative To Highly Addictive Opioids’

A proposed policy change slipped into a budget deal aims to eradicate the legal hemp industry, which would wipe out a $28+ billion market and 300,000 jobs while driving production to the black market. The author argues that Congress should choose regulation—with testing, potency limits, and age gating—over prohibition to address public safety concerns properly.

Minnesota congressional Democrats are urging Congress to quickly fix a recently enacted federal spending bill provision that bans most consumable THC products, which they warn will devastate the state's growing and regulated hemp industry. They are advocating for a new federal regulatory framework, modeled after Minnesota's successful state rules that include age restrictions and safety standards, and are seeking bipartisan support to reverse the ban before it takes effect next year.

GOP members of the Senate Appropriations Committee released a spending bill and a report reminding D.C. that marijuana remains federally illegal, emphasizing enhanced penalties for sales near schools. The legislation continues to include a rider that bans D.C. from using local funds to create a regulated recreational cannabis market, despite voters approving possession and cultivation years ago.

The summary covers several topics in cannabis and drug policy: a judge grilling a DEA lawyer over a psychedelic petition delay; lawmakers, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, preparing to push for an exemption to the hemp-derived THC ban for regulated states; Joe Rogan criticizing the recriminalization of hemp products and blaming the alcohol lobby; a study finding cannabis reduces alcohol consumption; Texas advancing hemp age restriction rules; and updates on federal, state, local, and international cannabis policy developments, as well as new science and business reports.

Congressional Lawmakers Want Exemption From Federal Hemp THC Ban For States With Regulations

New federal THC limits threaten small hemp operations and thousands of jobs in Maryland. In Virginia, AYR Wellness' foreclosure could delay medical cannabis permits ahead of a planned adult-use market launch in fall 2026. West Virginia’s medical cannabis program is experiencing slow growth and high prices, leading patients to look for more affordable options out of state.

West Virginia's medical cannabis patients are struggling with high prices and limited product access, leading many to illegally cross state lines to purchase cheaper recreational cannabis and edibles in neighboring states like Ohio and Maryland. The state's medical cannabis program has high overhead costs due to factors like no outdoor growing, a 10% sales tax on dispensaries, and lack of insurance coverage or tax exemptions due to federal illegality. Patients and advocates are pushing for an expansion of the program, potentially to a recreational market, to lower costs and broaden access, but state officials have not implemented price caps or changed the Medical Cannabis Act since 2021.

Trump admin declines to file cannabis brief at SCOTUS (Newsletter: November 19, 2025)

Verilife is offering a special discount on top products for Green Wednesday, and customers visiting any Maryland Verilife location during the week of 11/23 can redeem a doorbuster with a single in-store purchase.

GOP Lawmakers ‘Forced’ Trump Into Signing Hemp Ban, Longtime Ally Roger Stone Says

GOP Operative Roger Stone Blasts ‘Cheap Cop-Out’ Hemp Ban That Trump Signed Into Law

Kentucky Governor Says Hemp Is An ‘Important Industry’ That Should Be Regulated At The State Level, Not Federally Banned

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is warning Congress that a new blanket ban on consumable hemp products, included in a recently signed spending bill, could jeopardize critical scientific research into hemp-derived cannabinoids. The VFW argues these products offer a safer alternative to heavy prescription drugs for veterans dealing with PTSD, anxiety, pain, and sleep problems. They urge a balanced approach that protects consumers but allows research to continue, stating that a ban would hurt small businesses and drive veterans to the black market. The new legislation changes the definition of legal hemp, applying weight restrictions to total THC (including delta-8 and other isomers) and banning certain intermediate and synthesized products. It also sets limits on total THC per container. Advocates are seeking a compromise before the prohibition is implemented next year. The spending bill also controversially omits bipartisan provisions that would allow VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis in states where it is legal.

Marijuana legalization was not included in Pennsylvania's final budget deal despite the governor's support. Several lawmakers believe there is a path forward for legalization in the 2026 session, seeing it as a necessary source of state revenue. While some Democratic lawmakers are disappointed by the Senate's lack of support, others are optimistic that legalization is a matter of "when" not "if." Separately, there is a bipartisan bill moving forward to create a Cannabis Control Board to oversee the medical program and prepare for adult-use. GOP opposition remains the primary hurdle, with one Republican candidate for governor expressing doubt about projected cannabis revenue.

Trump signs bill recriminalizing hemp THC products (Newsletter: November 13, 2025)

Trump Signs Bill To Recriminalize Hemp THC Products, Years After Approving Their Legalization

The House is preparing to vote on a Senate-passed spending bill that includes a ban on consumable hemp products. Attempts by Republican Representatives Paul Rand and Thomas Massie to strike the prohibition language failed. Republican Representative Morgan Griffith is voting for the underlying bill to avoid a government shutdown, despite disagreeing with the hemp ban. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen supported the ban due to concerns about unregulated synthetic hemp products being sold to children, but suggests Congress should use the one-year before implementation to develop a regulatory framework to preserve access to safe hemp products like CBD. Advocates are also criticizing the bill for omitting bipartisan provisions allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis.

The Maryland Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances delivered a 373-page report to lawmakers advising a multi-phase approach to legalization. The task force suggests first enacting reforms for psilocybin, including deprioritizing personal possession and cultivation, establishing an advisory board for therapeutic protocols, and including expungement policies. This would be followed by establishing clinical access and "full operation and expansion" of the industry, including commercial sales. The report suggests using this experience when considering reforms for other natural psychedelics. Currently, only Oregon and Colorado have therapeutic psilocybin programs, and the FDA gave psilocybin a breakthrough therapy designation in 2018 for research on treatment-resistant depression.

The newsletter covers several cannabis-related developments, including the deletion of provisions for VA medical marijuana recommendations, a Virginia senator's optimism about legalizing recreational cannabis sales, and Texas's new hemp law checklist. It also mentions Sen. Ted Cruz's support for keeping hemp THC products federally legal, struggles faced by Missouri marijuana microbusinesses, and various state-level regulatory updates. Finally, it includes brief sections on international news, science and health studies related to cannabis, advocacy, and business updates.

D.C. expanded medical cannabis reciprocity and finalized tamper-proof packaging rules. Maryland proposed social equity license extensions, and Virginia moved to digital medical certifications. Baltimore nonprofits are hosting a food and diaper drive in November.

Senate rejects amendment to protect hemp products’ legality (Newsletter: November 11, 2025)

Hemp business lawyers and industry stakeholders are opposing a "disastrous" congressional proposal to ban hemp products with THC, arguing it is overbroad and will harm responsible commerce and the industry. They disagree with attorneys general who claim state-level regulation is inadequate, pointing to effective state regulation of alcohol as a parallel. They urge Congress to allow states to continue regulating hemp products instead of including a ban in the appropriations bill, which they warn would devastate the industry, potentially even making nonintoxicating CBD products illegal. The text also notes division among alcohol stakeholders regarding the ban and highlights the differing positions of GOP senators like Mitch McConnell, who supports the ban, and Rand Paul, who opposes it and has introduced legislation to increase the legal THC concentration for hemp.

Maryland's proposed cannabis regulations include extending conditional license deadlines from 18 to 24 months, strengthening contamination controls, reducing fees, and increasing operational flexibility for dispensaries and micro-licensees.

The summary covers several cannabis and psychedelics policy updates, including conflicting industry stances on intoxicating hemp products (one group urging recriminalization, another urging regulation like alcohol), Nebraska AG's warning against buying marijuana, the Maryland task force's recommendation for phased psychedelics legalization starting with psilocybin, and FBI data showing marijuana arrests as a primary driver of drug war enforcement. Other updates include South Dakota's recommendation for tighter medical cannabis and hemp regulations, various state-level regulatory actions and new laws, and financial reports from several cannabis businesses.

Over 50 alcohol distributors are opposing efforts in Congress to ban intoxicating hemp products, arguing that the cannabis market helps sustain their industry as alcohol demand shifts downward. They urge lawmakers to regulate and tax these products like alcohol, drawing parallels to the failure of alcohol prohibition. The article notes division among alcohol stakeholders, with some major industry associations and consumer trade groups actually supporting a ban, at least temporarily. Additionally, 39 state and territory attorneys general are calling for clearer federal definitions and regulations for cannabinoid products. The issue remains contested in Congress, with lawmakers like Sen. Mitch McConnell pushing for a ban while Sen. Rand Paul opposes it and advocates for more lenient regulations.

The Maryland Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances released a final report recommending a multi-phase framework for legal, therapeutic access to natural psychedelics, starting with psilocybin. The plan involves phased implementation of medical/therapeutic use, supervised adult use, deprioritization measures, and eventually commercial sales, with the goal of ensuring safe, broad, and equitable access. The task force does not support delaying state action pending future FDA approval and emphasizes an "ensemble model" approach that balances public health, patient safety, equity, and scientific integrity, positioning Maryland as a potential national leader in psychedelic policy reform. The report also estimates potential client numbers and consumer spending if psilocybin is legalized.

Steve Bevan, a key figure in drafting the hemp language in the 2018 Farm Bill, argues that the emergence of intoxicating cannabinoid products is not due to a "loophole" but rather the intentional language added to the law and subsequent inaction by lawmakers and regulators like the FDA. Bevan's letter to GOP leaders opposes a proposed ban, suggesting that simple age restrictions and regulation are the solution, not prohibition, which he claims would only boost the illicit market. He suggests that state attorneys general advocating for a ban are likely motivated by competition with the cannabis businesses in their states. The article also notes that major alcohol industry associations support a ban and highlights the disagreement among GOP lawmakers, with Senator Rand Paul opposing the ban aggressively, while Senator Mitch McConnell pushes for it. Congress has two options: prohibit the products or create a regulatory framework with quality standards and age requirements.

D.C.'s medical cannabis sales were $7.8 million in September, down 5% from August, but manufacturing, concentrate, and infused product sales showed strong growth, with out-of-District patients from Maryland, Virginia, and Florida as key buyers. Maryland provided a $217,000 grant for cannabis workforce training, police paused the "Green Lab" study due to high volunteer interest, and Virginia's unestablished retail cannabis market is becoming a focus ahead of the gubernatorial race, coinciding with a new online training program for healthcare professionals.

Major alcohol industry associations are urging Congress to temporarily ban intoxicating hemp products until a federal regulatory framework is established. They argue that the ambiguous language in the 2018 Farm Bill has led to an unregulated market for intoxicating cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-9 THC. This push aligns with some lawmakers, like Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Andy Harris, who support a ban, and 39 state attorneys general. However, other alcohol interests, such as Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), oppose a full prohibition, and Sen. Rand Paul is strongly against a ban, arguing it would devastate the hemp industry and preferring regulatory reform, such as his proposed HEMP Act to triple the legal THC concentration.

The summary covers several cannabis-related developments: a lawyer is "hopeful" yet "nervous" about the Supreme Court taking up a federal prohibition lawsuit; the Minnesota AG defended signing a letter to recriminalize hemp THC products while seeking state carve-outs; Massachusetts is considering employment protections for marijuana users; Seth Rogen commented on the push to ban THC drinks; a Nebraska tribe claims punishment for its legalization plan; Sen. Mitch McConnell's office disputed claims he's ending his push for a hemp THC ban; Colorado's governor proposed transferring excess marijuana revenue to education; and Planet 13 Holdings is divesting a California retail store and closing a cultivation facility.

Employees at Nature's Care and Wellness, a medical cannabis dispensary in Cecil County, are accusing management of retaliation and intimidation after they started efforts to unionize with UFCW Local 27.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is defending his decision to sign a bipartisan letter urging Congress to federally ban the sale of intoxicating hemp products, despite supporting Minnesota's regulated THC edible industry. Ellison argues the federal 2018 Farm Bill created an unintended "loophole" leading to unregulated, highly potent THC products entering the state and being marketed to children. His intent is to close this loophole and protect Minnesota's regulations. The AG's office clarified they support a federal "carve-out" for states with adequate regulatory schemes or an enforcement discretion memo. Industry stakeholders and some lawmakers, like Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), oppose a total ban, arguing it would devastate the market. Other lawmakers, like Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), are pushing for an outright ban.

The summary covers several cannabis and psychedelics policy updates, including Sen. Rand Paul's threat to block a government shutdown bill over a provision that would recriminalize hemp products with THC, Idaho activists launching a medical cannabis legalization initiative for 2026, a poll showing Canadians believe the cannabis industry is an important economic contributor, and Arizona approving a clinical trial for whole mushroom psilocybin to treat PTSD in veterans and first responders. It also mentions a study on marijuana aroma and terpenes, state-level policy news, international developments like Lebanon legalizing medical cannabis cultivation, and business/culture news.

In September, D.C.'s medical cannabis sales totaled $7.8 million, a 5% drop from August due to a seasonal slowdown, although manufacturing, concentrate, and infused product sales showed strong growth, with Maryland, Virginia, and Florida patients being top buyers. Regional developments included a $217,000 Maryland grant for cannabis workforce training, a temporary pause in a police-run cannabis impairment study due to high volunteer response, renewed focus on Virginia's unestablished retail market ahead of the gubernatorial race, and the launch of a new online training program for healthcare practitioners.

Multistate operator MariMed Inc. is exiting the Missouri market immediately following a strategic review of its business operations there. The company had been managing the Missouri operations of another licensed cannabis operator since 2024 under an agreement while awaiting license transfer approval, but will no longer manage the facility or seek the transfer. MariMed expects this exit to improve its financial performance and allow management to focus resources on higher-return opportunities, as it continues to own or manage 13 dispensaries and six cultivation and processing facilities across Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

A bipartisan coalition of 39 state and territory attorneys general is urging Congress to clarify the federal definition of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill and impose regulations to prevent the sale of intoxicating cannabinoid products, arguing that the current interpretation has been exploited to sell synthetic THC products, often marketed to minors. They are asking for legislative changes to make these products illegal. Industry stakeholders, however, express concern that a ban could jeopardize the entire hemp market and suggest a middle-ground approach with age-gating and safety standards. Separately, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is advocating for a study into state regulatory models and has proposed legislation to triple the legal THC concentration for hemp, opposing efforts by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to champion criminalization language.

CULTA appointed Joseph Andreae as CEO. He brings experience from other cannabis programs and will focus on building an experienced leadership team, leveraging infrastructure for product quality, maintaining company culture, and differentiating the company through new values prioritizing staff and customers, cultivation integrity, and elevating the perception of cannabis.

A seasoned cannabis executive will help a Maryland company advance its commitment to craft, quality, and community.

The newsletter covers several cannabis and drug policy updates, including marijuana companies petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge federal prohibition, a hemp dispute in Congress, and state updates from Kentucky (15,000 registered medical cannabis patients) and Texas (expanding medical marijuana access). A new study indicates more Americans now use marijuana than smoke cigarettes. Other topics include state-level regulatory updates, a Texas DA lawsuit over refusing to enforce drug laws, a rejection of New York regulators' request on licensing residency privileges, and international news on German cannabis imports. The science section notes that cannabinoids offer modest, condition-specific pain relief and a study on psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression. Lastly, Canadian retailers sold C$498.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in August.

Maryland awarded a $217K EARN grant to CannaWorkforce to expand cannabis workforce training in 2026, which includes new laboratory technician programs and supports job placement for unemployed and underemployed Maryland residents.

The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), representing 39 state and territory attorneys general, sent a letter to Congress seeking clarification on the federal definition of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill. The letter argues that the growing market for hemp-derived THC products is based on a misinterpretation of the law and asks Congress to clarify the definition of hemp to ensure these "harmful products are illegal."