Maryland Cannabis News

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana sales after lawmakers rejected her proposed amendments, which included tax increases and new criminal penalties. The decision leaves Virginia with legal possession and cultivation but no regulated retail market, a move criticized by advocates and bill sponsors for allowing the illicit market to continue unchecked.

Louisiana lawmakers passed HB 568, a bill that would impose up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for smoking or vaping marijuana within 2,000 feet of school property, including college campuses. The legislation now heads to Governor Jeff Landry, while other measures regarding medical marijuana access and a potential recreational legalization pilot program continue to move through the legislature.

Colorado regulators acknowledged that the illegal sale of chemically converted hemp as marijuana has become an existential threat to the state’s legal market, fueled by fraudulent data and a failing tracking system. Despite these concerns, legislative efforts to overhaul product testing and oversight collapsed due to industry disagreements over taxes and regulation levels.

The U.S. Army reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for all cannabis products, including hemp-derived CBD and synthetic cannabinoids, warning soldiers that use can lead to positive drug tests and disciplinary action. Despite federal rescheduling efforts and state legalization, the military maintains a blanket ban to ensure mission readiness and avoid risks from the unregulated consumer market.

House leaders introduced the BUILD for America’s 250th Act, which directs federal agencies to study marijuana impairment and develop evidence-based standards for driving. The bill also proposes establishing a national drug-involved crash data collection system funded with $110 million through 2031.

The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Vertanical's VER-01, a non-opioid cannabinoid extract for chronic low back pain, following successful Phase 3 trials demonstrating superior pain reduction compared to opioids. The company has initiated a U.S. pivotal trial with a planned New Drug Application submission in 2028, aiming to address the global need for effective, non-addictive pain management.

The Minnesota House and Senate passed HF4203, an omnibus cannabis bill designed to streamline industry regulations and "right-size" medical cannabis licensing. Key provisions include reducing indoor plant canopy caps for combination licenses to 38,000 square feet, creating a new microbusiness license for 2027, allowing dual hemp and cannabis licensure, and initiating a therapeutic psilocybin program.

Colorado is implementing a dual-track system for psychedelic medicine that combines a fast-tracked pharmaceutical pathway with a community-based natural medicine program. Dr. Shannon Hughes argues that both pathways are essential and compatible, urging state officials to protect community access while cautioning practitioners to ensure proper training before medicalized rollout.

Alabama is nearing the launch of its medical cannabis program, with Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery set to be the state's first dispensary to open. While the program allows for the treatment of about 15 conditions using non-smokable forms like tinctures and gummies, the rollout has been delayed by litigation and product testing requirements.

The DEA states that requiring cannabis businesses to disclose unauthorized dealings on registration forms is intended to fairly evaluate their ability to comply with the federal framework. This information helps the agency assess applications for Schedule III registration based on current operational capabilities.

Senator John Fetterman praised Donald Trump for his administration's efforts to reschedule marijuana and expand access to therapeutic psychedelics, aligning these moves with his own long-standing libertarian views on substance legalization. Fetterman also emphasized his support for the legal use of products like Zyn and criticized lawmakers for delaying cannabis reform.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation providing automatic resentencing hearings for individuals with past marijuana convictions after lawmakers rejected her amendments to make the process petition-based. The new law applies to those convicted of certain felony offenses prior to July 2021, requiring the state to identify and notify eligible individuals.

The National Advertising Division recommended that Grove Bags modify advertising claims for its TerpLoc cannabis storage products regarding humidity control and terpene preservation. While the division found a reasonable basis for some performance claims, it determined that specific humidity ranges and guaranteed outcomes require clearer disclosure of necessary use conditions.

Cannatrol is a Vermont-based company that designs drying, curing, and storage systems for cannabis cultivators and retailers using its proprietary Vaportrol technology. Their product line serves a wide range of clients, from home growers with the Cool Cure system to large-scale commercial operations and dispensaries.

MJ Unpacked’s East Coast conference emphasized that cannabis operators should compete on customer experience rather than price to build lasting brand-retailer partnerships. Industry leaders highlighted the importance of consistent digital messaging, inventory organized by consumer "moments," and operational excellence to maintain trust and loyalty in a competitive market.

A Louisiana House committee unanimously advanced a bill allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals, provided it is not smoked or vaped and is handled by the patient or a caregiver. The legislation also includes provisions for hospitals to opt out if federal officials take action against facilities in the state.

Rep. Ilhan Omar highlighted the prevalence of cannabis use among members of Congress and advocated for full federal legalization. She emphasized that reform must include social justice measures like expunging records and community reinvestment while noting ongoing legislative actions regarding medical marijuana for veterans and federal rescheduling.

Lawmakers are advocating for federal cannabis and psychedelic reform as new research highlights marijuana's potential as an opioid alternative and a Colombian committee approves a legalization bill. The report also details state-level legislative actions, such as Maryland's kratom crackdown, and quarterly financial losses for several major cannabis companies.

A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that California adolescents view daily cannabis use as less harmful than daily cigarette smoking, nicotine vaping, or alcohol use. While harm perceptions for other substances increased with age, the perception of harm for cannabis decreased as students got older.

Michigan’s adult-use cannabis sales reached $258.17 million in April, bolstered by a record $20.4 million in sales on 4/20. Despite a new 24% wholesale tax, the market is showing signs of recovery from previous lows, with the average price of flower seeing a slight increase.

Apollo Global Management is acquiring Emerald Holding Inc. for $1.5 billion and Questex LLC to form a massive B2B experiential media platform. The deal, which takes Emerald private, is expected to close in the second half of 2026 and includes MJBizCon as part of a broader industry consolidation.

A University of Pennsylvania study found that providing affordable medical cannabis significantly reduces opioid use and pain levels in chronic pain patients. Over five months, mean daily opioid consumption dropped by approximately 65%, with nearly a quarter of participants discontinuing opioid therapy entirely.

The Level Up case resulted in a $3,000 fine and a $10,000 penalty for future violations, while a federal court upheld Maryland's authority to regulate intoxicating hemp. Additionally, FBI agents executed search warrants on a Virginia Senate leader’s office and a hemp-THC business.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control is requiring medical cannabis manufacturers and distributors to register with the DEA following federal reclassification to Schedule III. Licensees have until January 1, 2027, to comply before facing enforcement actions, with registration offering benefits such as tax relief and access to traditional banking.

A study in JAMA Network Open found that most first-time cannabis buyers aged 60 and older in Colorado prefer CBD-only or combination products to manage pain and sleep without seeking a high. Researchers emphasize the importance of using these findings to develop better clinical resources and support for older adults seeking alternative symptom relief.

Telemedicine is revolutionizing medical cannabis access by offering faster, more convenient virtual evaluations that reduce traditional barriers like travel and wait times. Despite challenges such as varying state regulations and lack of insurance coverage, digital healthcare is becoming a permanent fixture in the industry by meeting modern patient expectations for efficiency and privacy.

Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III could prompt the EPA to establish federal pesticide standards for the industry, potentially replacing the current fragmented system of state-level rules with a unified national framework. This transition is expected to improve product safety and consumer confidence but may also increase compliance costs and take 12 to 24 months to implement.

Chicago-based THC brand 1906 has entered a multiyear partnership with Navy Pier, the Midwest’s most visited attraction.

UFCW Local 27 filed unfair labor practice charges against The Apothecarium and its parent company, TerrAscend Corp., alleging that management illegally removed protected union materials from an employee bulletin board.

FBI agents raided a medical cannabis dispensary co-owned by Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas, leading to three arrests and claims of political intimidation. Meanwhile, Governor Abigail Spanberger is weighing a decision on legislation to establish a legal adult-use cannabis market in the state.

The DEA clarified that synthetic HHC is an illegal Schedule I substance, while Maryland and Pennsylvania officials advanced psychedelic and cannabis-related initiatives. Additionally, Texas faced conflicting court rulings on hemp products, and California streamlined license changes to help businesses benefit from federal rescheduling moves.

The West Virginia Supreme Court is considering whether the smell of marijuana alone provides sufficient probable cause for a search warrant of a person's home. The case follows a lower court's decision to suppress evidence seized from a residence, citing the drug's evolving legal status and the heightened privacy protections afforded to homes over vehicles.

Governor Wes Moore signed legislation extending Maryland’s psychedelics task force through 2027 to develop a multi-phase regulatory framework for therapeutic access and potential legalization. The governor also approved new medical marijuana protections for emergency workers and legal safeguards for veterinarians recommending cannabis for animals.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed legislation allowing off-duty medical cannabis use for fire and rescue public safety employees, protecting them from employment discrimination. The law prohibits reporting to duty under the influence and requires employers to report on-duty impairment to the State Emergency Medical Services Board starting October 1.

Congressional amendments regarding hemp THC products stalled in the House, while Maryland's governor signed legislation allowing firefighters to use medical cannabis off-duty. The newsletter also highlights potential medical cannabis progress in North Carolina, archaeological evidence of ancient cannabis cultivation in China, and various federal and state regulatory updates.

Virginia lawmakers rejected Governor Abigail Spanberger's proposed amendments to a retail cannabis market bill, leaving her with 30 days to either sign the original legislation or veto it. The impasse centers on disagreements over the regulatory framework, licensing limits, and social equity provisions, prolonging the state's legal uncertainty regarding cannabis sales.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed legislation protecting firefighters and emergency medical workers from employment discrimination or retaliation for lawful off-duty medical marijuana use. Effective October 1, the law prevents discipline for positive cannabis tests while maintaining prohibitions against on-the-job impairment.

The Trump administration is advancing marijuana rescheduling, and the DEA has begun accepting applications for federal protections for medical cannabis businesses. While some states like Indiana are engaging with advocates, others like Tennessee are blocking local legalization efforts as legal and regulatory debates continue across the country.

The West Virginia Supreme Court is reviewing a case to decide if the odor of cannabis alone justifies a home search, following a lower court ruling that suppressed evidence found in a 2020 search. The court's decision, expected by June 11, will determine whether the smell of marijuana provides sufficient probable cause for police to enter a residence.

President Trump is calling for legislative reforms to protect the hemp industry and is expanding access to psychedelic treatments for mental health conditions. Additionally, federal tax authorities are planning relief for medical marijuana businesses as states continue to update their own cannabis and hemp laws.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman welcomed the federal reclassification of medical marijuana to Schedule III, viewing it as a critical step toward state-level recreational legalization. While public polls show strong support for legalization, Republican leaders and local advocacy groups expressed opposition or caution regarding the potential public health and economic impacts.

The Virginia General Assembly rejected Governor Abigail Spanberger's proposed amendments to an adult-use cannabis sales bill, sending the original legislation back to her desk unchanged. While the governor's amendments sought to delay the market launch and increase penalties, it remains unclear if she will sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without her signature.

The House Appropriations Committee has directed federal agencies to assess the adequacy of state marijuana regulatory frameworks and develop strategies to prevent product diversion into jurisdictions where cannabis remains prohibited. The committee's spending legislation also maintains a long-standing rider blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales, despite local opposition and broader bipartisan calls for federal reform.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has rescheduled medical cannabis to Schedule III, providing 280E tax relief while introducing significant federal oversight through a mandatory DEA buy-back mechanism and new administrative fees. Although the reclassification is effective immediately for medical use, the compliance infrastructure remains undefined, and broader rescheduling for the adult-use market is not expected until at least 2027.

The Trump administration is reportedly moving forward with marijuana rescheduling as several states advance legislation on research, sales, and potency limits. Alabama is set to begin medical cannabis sales soon, while new research highlights the therapeutic potential of cannabis and psychedelics.

Virginia's adult-use marijuana market launch depends on Governor Abigail Spanberger's decision after state lawmakers rejected her proposed amendments to a retail sales bill.

Virginia lawmakers rejected Governor Spanberger's proposed amendments to recreational marijuana sales and resentencing relief legislation, sending the original measures back to her desk for potential veto. The rejected changes included delaying the start date of sales and introducing stricter criminal penalties for consumers.

Sponsors of Virginia's marijuana legalization bills are urging colleagues to reject Governor Abigail Spanberger’s proposed amendments, which include new criminal penalties and a delayed start date for sales. Although rejecting the changes risks a gubernatorial veto, lawmakers argue the amendments undermine social equity efforts and years of bipartisan work.

Green Grow has filed a lawsuit over a failed $1.6M buildout, while Maryland reported $27.6M in cannabis tax revenue. Additionally, D.C. regulators are scheduled to meet on April 22, and Virginia officials face mounting pressure regarding their market rollout.

The House Appropriations Committee is directing federal agencies to evaluate the adequacy of state marijuana regulatory frameworks and develop strategies to prevent the diversion of legal cannabis into states where it remains prohibited. Included in a fiscal year 2027 spending bill, the directive also maintains a federal block on recreational marijuana sales in Washington, D.C.

Colorado's Marijuana Enforcement Division is cracking down on businesses illegally substituting chemically-treated hemp for marijuana to avoid taxes and safety regulations. The agency plans to implement emergency rules and increased testing to address public safety risks and fraudulent reporting that has cost the state millions in tax revenue.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger proposed several amendments to a recreational marijuana legalization bill, including delaying the sales launch to mid-2027 and increasing criminal penalties, following consultations with leaders in other states. The move has faced significant criticism from the bill's sponsors and reform advocates for potentially restricting the legal marketplace and departing from the original legislative framework.

The IRS clarified that cannabis industry workers are currently ineligible for tip tax write-offs until federal legalization, while Maryland's governor signed a bill protecting veterinarians who recommend medical cannabis for animals. Other developments include Pennsylvania's budget incorporating projected marijuana revenue and ongoing legal disputes over licensing in Rhode Island.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a 53.2 billion dollar budget proposal that anticipates revenue from recreational marijuana sales despite the drug not yet being legal in the state. While the plan faces opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate, recent polling indicates that nearly 70 percent of Pennsylvania voters support adult-use legalization.

During a Virginia CCA Board meeting, stakeholders urged regulators to address gaps in the state's adult-use cannabis rollout, including equity licensing, supply chain timing, and workforce readiness.

Virginia Delegate Rozia Henson, Jr. will accept Governor Abigail Spanberger's amendments to a marijuana resentencing bill, despite concerns that shifting from automatic relief to a petition-based process may exclude eligible individuals. While the governor’s changes also address violent offense exclusions and hearing deadlines, the lawmaker emphasizes the need for legal aid resources to help incarcerated individuals navigate the new requirements.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger proposed delaying the start of adult-use cannabis sales until July 2027 and introduced new tax proposals for the market.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing HB 2254, a bill that would require healthcare facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis. The legislation, which recently passed the House Health Committee, aims to provide consistent access to symptom relief while the state also considers broader proposals for recreational marijuana legalization.

Maryland lawmakers have passed legislation to protect firefighters and emergency responders from employment discrimination for off-duty medical marijuana use. Under the bill heading to Governor Wes Moore's desk, registered medical patients in these roles cannot be penalized for testing positive for cannabis metabolites.

Governor Abigail Spanberger requested amendments to Virginia's recreational marijuana sales bill, including delaying the market launch by six months to July 1, 2027. The governor aims to ensure a safer implementation of the legal market while strengthening enforcement against illicit sales and youth-targeted products.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation protecting the parental rights of cannabis consumers and allowing medical marijuana use in hospitals. She also proposed amendments to a bill for resentencing relief, shifting the process from automatic hearings to a petition-based system.

The District of Columbia is using a Ninth Circuit ruling to argue that the dormant Commerce Clause does not apply to cannabis markets, supporting its residency-based licensing rules.

A recent poll by the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition shows that 69% of likely Pennsylvania voters support the regulation and taxation of adult-use cannabis. The survey highlights strong bipartisan support for a regulated framework, like SB 49, that prioritizes safety standards and restricts unregulated intoxicating THC products.

A new poll reveals that nearly 70 percent of Pennsylvania voters across all party lines support legalizing adult-use marijuana as Governor Josh Shapiro continues to urge lawmakers to pass reform legislation for its significant revenue potential.

Roger Stone claims the Trump administration is delaying cannabis rescheduling, while Massachusetts, Maryland, Louisiana, Connecticut, and Hawaii advance various marijuana and psychedelics bills. Other updates include federal gun ownership reports for cannabis users, state-level legalization debates, and new research on the therapeutic benefits of CBD and psilocybin.

Virginia lawmakers passed legislation to regulate adult-use cannabis sales, and advocates are urging Governor Spanberger to sign the bills without delay to replace the illicit market with a safe, regulated system. The proposed laws would allow legal retail sales to begin in 2027, ensuring product testing and consumer protections.

Maryland lawmakers passed legislation providing legal protections for veterinarians to recommend medical marijuana and CBD to animals without facing professional penalties.

The Department of Justice is funding research into 3D-printed marijuana breathalyzers while Massachusetts lawmakers passed a bill to increase legal possession limits and overhaul state cannabis regulation. Meanwhile, Virginia's governor signed a psilocybin legalization bill contingent on FDA approval, and Canadian data shows a shift in consumer preference from alcohol to cannabis.

West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack will release $38 million in medical cannabis funds for state programs, substance abuse treatment, and law enforcement following a gubernatorial veto of a related distribution bill.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed bills HB 1347 and SB 379 to automatically legalize and reschedule FDA-approved formulations of psilocybin in the state. The legislation coincides with federal efforts by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to expand therapeutic access to psychedelics, while Virginia also prepares for the launch of recreational cannabis sales.

Maryland lawmakers passed legislation to extend the state's psychedelics task force through 2027 to continue developing recommendations for therapeutic access and a potential regulatory framework for legalization. The bill, which now heads to the governor's desk, requires the panel to submit an updated report with additional findings by October 31, 2024.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is urging lawmakers to legalize adult-use marijuana, highlighting a projected $1.3 billion in revenue over five years to fund education and public safety. While the Independent Fiscal Office estimates even higher annual returns, the proposal remains stalled in the Republican-led Senate despite voter support and recent progress on a regulatory oversight board.

This weekly cannabis policy roundup covers the closure of unlicensed businesses and beverage proposals in D.C., medical market updates in Virginia, worker protections in Maryland, and national updates on federal policy and industry bankruptcies.

Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced a bill allowing D.C. breweries and distilleries to partner with medical cannabis manufacturers to produce alcohol-free, cannabis-infused beverages for registered patients.

The Cannabist Company is seeking Chapter 15 bankruptcy and selling its ownership interests in several states, including recent deals in Virginia, Ohio, and Delaware.

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.

Maryland lawmakers passed legislation to protect firefighters and rescue workers from employment discrimination or retaliation for using medical marijuana off duty.

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.

Maryland lawmakers have advanced legislation to extend the state's psychedelics task force through 2027. The panel is charged with developing recommendations for therapeutic access and a potential regulatory framework for substances like psilocybin.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana is suing federal health officials to block a pilot program covering hemp CBD and THC products, while several states advance legislation regarding medical cannabis exemptions and psilocybin study. Additionally, the Latino Cannabis Alliance launched to advocate for better representation in the industry, and various legal challenges to hemp regulations continue across the country.

Rodney Holcombe of LeafLink argues that excessive cannabis taxes drive consumers to the illicit market, undermine legal businesses, and ultimately reduce state tax revenue. Using data from states like California and Michigan, the op-ed suggests that simpler, lower tax structures are necessary for a functional and sustainable legal industry.

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.

Story Cannabis celebrates 420 in Maryland with six days of exclusive deals, product drops, and in-store experiences.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and SAMHSA announced that federal workplace drug testing rules for cannabis will remain unchanged as marijuana's status as a Schedule I drug persists. Despite a presidential directive to expedite rescheduling to Schedule III, the agencies have made no revisions to testing panels or nomenclature for federal workers.

MariMed's InHouse brand awarded $5,000 each to four military veterans in Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, and Illinois through its second-annual Help on the Homefront campaign. The funds are intended to address housing-related challenges and critical home improvements for the 2025 beneficiaries.

A new academic paper in the journal Cannabis & Cannabinoid Research argues that while rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III is a historic shift that recognizes its medical value and reduces research barriers, it remains a transitional step. The authors emphasize that this move does not legalize marijuana, authorize interstate commerce, or address social equity and criminal justice reforms, all of which require further congressional action.

The provided text is a Marijuana Moment newsletter summarizing key developments in cannabis and psychedelic policy, business, and science. Highlights include the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's rejection of Snoop Dogg’s "Smoke Weed Everyday" trademark, a $30 million federal bill for veteran psychedelic treatment, and legislative progress on medical cannabis access in Delaware and Maryland. Additionally, the report covers Ohio's referendum deadline, various state-level regulatory updates, and quarterly financial reports from major cannabis companies.

Maryland lawmakers are considering HB 797, a bill designed to protect firefighters and emergency medical workers from employment discrimination or retaliation for their legal, off-duty use of medical marijuana. The legislation aims to provide first responders with alternative treatments for chronic pain and PTSD while maintaining strict prohibitions against on-duty impairment.

Nottingham Apothecarium Workers Join UFCW Local 27

*OK gov slams medical marijuana; VA cannabis user parental rights; TN momentum from rescheduling; TX hemp rules; Study: CBD as medication substitute*

Veterans advocates testified to Congress regarding cannabis and psychedelics as alternative treatments, while several states advanced legislation on medical marijuana access, resentencing, and research funding. The newsletter also highlights international policy reforms, scientific studies on cannabis efficacy, and recent industry business developments.

High Tea wraps by Kretek International are tobacco-free, nicotine-free alternatives made from cacao, yerba mate, and tea, designed to complement flower terpenes rather than mask them. These wraps enable dispensaries to bypass tobacco licensing hurdles while capturing high-margin accessory sales and improving customer loyalty.

The National Compassionate Care Council was formed to advocate for federal cannabis policy rooted in scientific evidence and patient experience rather than historical stereotypes. The group seeks to turn current rescheduling momentum into a durable federal framework that supports clinical research, protects patients, and provides healthcare providers with reliable data.

Texas voters in the Democratic primary approved a marijuana legalization and expungement ballot question by an 80-20 margin. Additionally, Virginia and Washington progressed bills for recreational sales and medical cannabis use in hospitals, while Hawaii advanced a psychedelics task force and Florida saw strong polling for legalization.

Trilogy Wellness in Maryland offers the 2025 Leafly Strain of the Year, Hash Burger, alongside a wide selection of premium cannabis products.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding marijuana consumers' gun rights, with justices discussing how potential rescheduling might affect the case. Meanwhile, legislative committees in Virginia and Maryland approved bills for cannabis resentencing and medical marijuana employment protections, respectively, and Missouri regulators proposed rule changes to industry oversight.

A Maryland Senate panel approved SB 439, a bill that would protect firefighters and rescue workers from being penalized for off-duty medical marijuana use. If enacted, the legislation would prohibit employers from discriminating against these workers based on positive THC tests, though zero-tolerance policies for on-duty impairment would remain.

Alcohol industry stakeholders and former Rep. David Trone are pushing for federal regulation of hemp THC products through a three-tier system to avoid a pending ban. While some lawmakers have proposed delays to the recriminalization set for later this year, the FDA has already missed initial deadlines for defining naturally occurring versus synthetic cannabinoids.

Bills on cannabis use in hospitals advance in several states

Michigan's implementation of a 24% wholesale cannabis tax has led to immediate sales declines and industry layoffs, reversing its status as a model for legal market growth. The author argues that high taxes drive consumers to the illicit market and urges states to maintain moderate tax rates to ensure economic stability and honor the medical legacy of cannabis.