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Colorado marijuana entrepreneur Wanda James is running for Congress on a platform demanding immediate and complete federal cannabis legalization, arguing that incremental reforms are insufficient to end damaging policies like 280E and ensure national market stability. If elected, she plans to champion legislation that uses tax revenue for community reinvestment initiatives and establishes a federal equity framework to prevent corporate consolidation and support small businesses. < Back Marijuana Business Owner Running For Congress Says Federal Legalization Is The ‘Only Path’ For ‘National Market Stability’ Dec 3, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Colorado-based marijuana entrepreneur Wanda James is running for Congress, pledging to push for a complete end to federal cannabis prohibition if she’s elected. Anything short of legalization—whether that’s a bill focused on industry banking access or another incremental reform such as rescheduling—won’t cut it, she says. James, who owns the Denver dispensary Simply Pure, is challenging Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) in next year’s Democratic primary to represent Colorado’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. She spoke about her cannabis legalization platform at a MJBizCon event on Wednesday. “No banking bill will save us. No half step will fix this. No incremental tweak will correct decades of damage,” she said in a press release ahead of the conference. “Only legalization gives this industry oxygen.” “Only legalization ends 280E. Only legalization ends the raids. Only legalization ends the fear,” she said, referring to the existing policy preventing cannabis businesses from taking federal tax deductions and broadly putting companies at risk of federal enforcement action. “Only legalization stops the fragmented nonsense that destroys operators while confusing the public.” “And let me be very clear about something else,” she said. “This is not a fight between hemp and cannabis. It is the same plant. The same history. The same communities. The same families. The same disrespect. It’s time to send someone to Congress who will meet the moment our industry demands.” In a statement on her campaign site, James similarly said she will “champion legislation to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) entirely” if elected. Simply rescheduling the plant or kicking the can down the road with “administrative delays” is insufficient, she said. “Full legalization. PERIOD,” she said. “This is the only way to move forward with federal safety standards, interstate commerce, banking access, and national market stability.” “In Congress, I will work with reform-minded officials, veterans in both parties, and economic innovation committees to ensure legalization is implemented quickly, safely, and with strong public-health and consumer protections,” James added. Today, I’m launching #LegalizeNOW — not reschedule, not half-measures.⁰ Full federal legalization is the only path.⁰ It’s time for real leadership that meets the moment. pic.twitter.com/YZa8BabjGA — Wanda4congress (@wanda4congress) December 2, 2025 The campaign statement also said James would push for legislative reform that involves putting marijuana tax revenue toward community reinvestment initiatives supporting “affordable housing, mental-health services, childcare assistance, public-school improvements, and neighborhood economic development.” “This approach ensures that legalization becomes a tool to lift families, support working people, and rebuild ALL communities harmed by decades of discriminatory and wasteful enforcement,” she said. The candidate further said she’d “push for a federal equity framework that ensures communities disproportionately impacted by criminalization receive licensing priority, business development support, and access to federal grants and low-interest capital.” James said the regulatory approach to marijuana she’d support would prevent “corporate consolidation from wiping out small operators and the pioneers who built this industry.” “I will fight for antitrust protections, federal loan access, and fair interstate commerce rules that allow small businesses to compete without being crushed by multinational interests,” she said. “And I will push for clear federal packaging, testing, and transportation standards so entrepreneurs can scale responsibly across state lines.” Also, as a military veteran herself, James said she’d pursue reform that’d allow doctors at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recommend medical cannabis to the veteran population “without fear of penalty or bureaucratic barriers.” In 2023, James approached then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) at an event focused on higher education and pressed him on stalled-out marijuana banking legislation, expressing how Black entrepreneurs in the industry are broadly supportive of the incremental reform to free up banks and credit unions to work with state-licensed cannabis businesses. “I would be thrilled to see more and more movement on this. However—make no mistake—first and foremost, we must get basic banking over the finish line,” she told Marijuana Moment at the time, adding that her own personal bank accounts were closed recently due to her involvement in the marijuana industry. James is also an elected regent at the University of Colorado, and her role in the marijuana industry became a point of contention leading to a formal censure by the Board of Regents after she criticized an advertisement campaign warning of the risks of cannabis use that she called racist because of its portrayal of Black people using marijuana. “This is a victory for me, because we have completely exposed the University of Colorado’s issues with race,” she said of the censure. “We have been able to lay them bare for the world to see, and I could not be more proud of my community and the people who have stood with truth and stood against anti-Blackness.” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) responded to the board’s censure action, writing that the “First Amendment protects the right to free expression,” and neither “a White House executive order nor a public university policy can override this fundamental right.” The First Amendment protects the right to free expression. Neither a White House executive order nor a public university policy can override this fundamental right. I am concerned that the CU Board of Regents action sanctioning Regent Wanda James did just that. Thread 👇 — Phil Weiser (@pweiser) July 14, 2025 “I am concerned that the CU Board of Regents action sanctioning Regent Wanda James did just that,” he said. “To protect the right of free expression and the fair treatment of CU Regent James, the Board of Regents would do well to reconsider its action against her. Leaving this action in place not only raises questions of fairness, it undermines CD1’s representation on the Board.” *— 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. —* Last year, Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) called James a “force of nature,” recognizing her influence in the marijuana policy debate and historic role in Colorado’s cannabis program. DeGette, the incumbent congresswoman whose seat James is running for, is also supportive of marijuana reform. For example, she’s sponsored legislation—as well as an appropriation rider—to prevent federal interference in state cannabis laws. The post Marijuana Business Owner Running For Congress Says Federal Legalization Is The ‘Only Path’ For ‘National Market Stability’ appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill to streamline research on marijuana and psychedelics by empowering the Research Advisory Panel of California (RAPC) to expedite reviews of study proposals. The bill aims to facilitate studies on Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances to treat conditions like opioid use disorders, traumatic brain injury, and PTSD, especially among veterans. This new legislation extends RAPC's exemptions from open meeting laws until January 1, 2028, building on a previous bill designed to clear a backlog of psychedelic study applications. < Back California Governor Signs Bill To Expedite Marijuana And Psychedelics Research Oct 13, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link California’s governor has signed a bill aimed at streamlining research on marijuana and psychedelics. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday gave final approval to the measure that empowers the Research Advisory Panel of California (RAPC) to expedite reviews of study proposals on Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, through January 2028. The newly enacted legislation, sponsored by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D), will also authorize RAPC’s chair to assign two or more members of the body to conduct expedited reviews of research proposals and approve them on behalf of the panel. It will also allow “individual panel members to communicate and consult asynchronously with other individual panel members with complementary core competencies outside of full panel meetings to conduct their individual reviews,” a summary of the legislation states. The overall intent of the bill is to facilitate studies to determine whether marijuana, psychedelics or other Schedule I or Schedule II drugs can be utilized “to treat opioid use disorders, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions fueling the disproportionate incidence of suicide among California veterans,” the summary says. “Eliminating any and all unnecessary delays in commencing such clinical research in California will save lives,” it says. A leading veterans group had called on Newsom to sign the legislation after it was sent to his desk by lawmakers. Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) said in an action alert last month that the bill will “cut through red tape and expedite approval for psychedelic research projects at California’s world-class institutions.” “These studies will not only benefit veterans in California but will ripple across the nation, changing lives, advancing science, and offering hope where it’s desperately needed,” VETS said. Newsom did not comment on the legislation when signing it into law along with other unrelated bills. The measure’s passage comes more than a year after the governor signed a separate bill that’s similarly meant to streamline the processing of applications to study psychedelics and marijuana. That legislation from Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R) was meant to help clear a logjam of psychedelics study applications overseen by RAPC. Members had previously decided to suspend their activities because they were prohibited under existing law from publicly disclosing applicants’ trade secrets and other confidential information. To resolve the issue, the bill reauthorized the panel to carry out their duties in closed-door meetings, freeing them up to process the backlog. The newly signed bill from this session extends the panel’s exemptions from open meetings laws to January 1, 2028. *— 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. —* Last month the governor signed a bill into law to put a pause on a recently enacted tax hike on marijuana products. California officials are also inviting research proposals for a second round of grants under a program meant to better educate the public on the state’s marijuana law and help policymakers make informed decisions on the issue. In June, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced the recipients of over $52 million in community reinvestment grants to nonprofits and local health departments, also funded by marijuana tax revenue. That marked the seventh round of cannabis-funded California Community Reinvestment Grants (CalCRG) under the state program. Legalization in California has created a number of new grant programs aimed at addressing the consequences of marijuana prohibition and attempting to nurture a strong, well-regulated legal industry. California’s Supreme Court separately delivered a victory for the state’s marijuana program in June, rescinding a lower court ruling in a case that suggested federal prohibition could be used locally to undermine the cannabis market. The state Supreme Court ruling also came just weeks after California officials unveiled a report on the current status and future of the state’s marijuana market—with independent analysts hired by regulators concluding that the federal prohibition on cannabis that prevents interstate commerce is meaningfully bolstering the illicit market. The governor did sign a bill in 2022 that would have empowered him to enter into interstate cannabis commerce agreements with other legal states, but that power was incumbent upon federal guidance or an assessment from the state attorney general that sanctioned such activity. Meanwhile, a California Senate committee recently declined to advance a bipartisan bill that would have created a psilocybin pilot program for military veterans and former first responders. *Image element courtesy of Kristie Gianopulos.* The post California Governor Signs Bill To Expedite Marijuana And Psychedelics Research appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Montana's Governor vetoed a bill that would have allowed tribal nations to negotiate cannabis regulations individually. The bill, HB 952, aimed to remove restrictions on tribal cannabis operations, but the governor cited concerns about tribal sovereignty and the negotiation process. The article also notes the divided cannabis industry in Montana and the governor's other vetoes. < Back Montana Governor Rejects Bill To Let Tribes Negotiate Marijuana Regulations With State Jun 24, 2025 Staff Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *“There’s tribes in the state that are wanting to move forward with manufacturing or processing, testing, distribution.”* *By Alexander Lekhtman, Filter* A Montana proposal that would have allowed tribal nations to negotiate cannabis regulation individually will not be enacted this session. Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) vetoed the bill on June 19, calling it “unnecessary and duplicative.” House Bill 952 sought to address cannabis industry barriers that tribes in Montana have faced since 2021, when the state enacted HB 701. That bill limits each tribe’s licensed cannabis operations to a single location, no more than 1,000 square feet and at least 150 miles outside reservation boundaries. HB 952 would have removed these restrictions and instead authorized each tribe to work out their own regulatory terms with the state, tailored to their own needs. It was modeled after cannabis compacts used by federally recognized Native American tribes in Washington state, according to the Montana Free Press. “While I appreciate the intentions of the bill sponsor, [regulatory] authority already exists under the State-Tribal Cooperative Agreements Act,” Gianforte stated in a June 20 letter explaining his veto. “I also have serious concerns about the bill’s potential impact on tribal sovereignty and self-determination, as well as the government-to-government relationship between the State of Montana and tribal nations. By channeling negotiations through a new statutory process, House Bill 952 may constrain the scope and flexibility of negotiations, introduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and impose State priorities on tribal nations.” The bill was sponsored by Representative Frank Smith (D), a longtime member of the Montana American Indian Caucus. This was the final legislative session before retirement for Smith, who first took office in 1999. Montana began sales of adult-use cannabis in 2022. But the industry is divided into a patchwork of “green” counties, which voted in favor of legalization, and “red” counties, which voted against it. Sales in red counties are automatically banned, unless the county decides to opt in. “There’s tribes in the state that are wanting to move forward with manufacturing or processing, testing, distribution,” Red Medicine LLC Cofounder Patrick Yawakie, who helped draft HB 952, told the Montana Free Press and ICT in a joint interview earlier in 2025. The bill would have ensured “that there’s an opportunity for them or clarity whenever they come to the table with the state to maintain compliance with state regulations.” Yawakie said during that interview that the bill would also help tribes restrict access to cannabis, among those that wish to do so. Gianforte has issued 42 vetoes this session, 10 of which are pending override, according to the Montana Free Press; a two-thirds majority is required to undertake that vote. One of the 10 vetoes that could potentially be overturned is for a bill for allocating cannabis tax revenue. As of June 19 the legislature is in the process of conducting the veto-override vote by mail, as the session has adjourned. Gianforte’s vetoes have been largely budget-related, with steep cuts that he claimed in a June 20 letter are necessary to protect constituents from unnecessary spending. “The budget I received from the legislature wasn’t as fiscally responsible as the one I proposed,” he wrote. “We have an obligation to be good stewards of taxpayer resources, regardless of whether we are in more promising fiscal times or more challenging fiscal times. Protecting taxpayers requires us to make tough decisions, prioritizing what is necessary over what would be nice to have.” *This article was originally published by Filter, an online magazine covering drug use, drug policy and human rights through a harm reduction lens. Follow Filter on Bluesky, X or Facebook, and sign up for its newsletter.* DEA Judge Sides With Agency On Proposal To Ban Two Psychedelics Despite Challenge From Scientific Researchers *Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.* The post Montana Governor Rejects Bill To Let Tribes Negotiate Marijuana Regulations With State appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The Massachusetts cannabis czar has pledged to restore trust and ease regulatory burdens for marijuana businesses, promising to "repair trust" and streamline processes. This news was posted by MJBizDaily. < Back Massachusetts cannabis czar promises to ‘repair trust’ and streamline process Oct 2, 2025 Chris Roberts MJbizDaily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Recently returned Massachusetts cannabis czar pledged to restore trust and ease regulatory burdens for marijuana businesses. Massachusetts cannabis czar promises to ‘repair trust’ and streamline process is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The Texas hemp industry, estimated at $8 billion, successfully fought off legislative attempts to ban or severely restrict THC products in 2025. Despite a last-minute push for stricter regulations, the Senate closed its special session without new THC restrictions. While the industry avoided a total ban, the removal of THC vapes from the market is expected to negatively impact businesses. The debate over hemp products, including age restrictions, is likely to continue. The medical marijuana industry in Texas has also been affected by the uncertainty, though recent expansions to the medical marijuana program are expected to be beneficial. Advocates believe Texas is moving closer to legalizing recreational marijuana. < Back Texas Hemp Businesses Celebrate Lawmakers’ Failure To Pass THC Product Ban Sep 6, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *“I’m glad I stayed vigilant. There’s no rest for the weary.”* *By Paul Cobler and Alex Nguyen, The Texas Tribune* When news broke Wednesday afternoon of a last-minute push to pass new, stricter regulations for consumable hemp products, the employees at Austin Vape & Smoke sprung into action. Zaquiri Hensen, a manager at the South Austin store, said he alerted his staff and other stores around the city before beginning to contact his legislators, urging them to reject any strict regulation or ban. Every customer that came into the store for the rest of the day was told to do the same, Hensen said. “I still watched the House stream just in case because you never know what’s going to happen on the House floor,” Hensen said. Hensen was finally able to relax around 9 p.m. when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) announced in a post on X that the Senate would wrap up the second special session hours later, effectively closing out the Legislature without any new THC restrictions or a ban. The smoke shop’s ability to quickly mobilize played no small part in the incredible opposition from the estimated $8 billion Texas hemp industry and its customer base against legislative threats this year. For the better part of 2025, that industry has grappled with the uncertainty of state legislators seeking to ban or sharply curtail its sales, but on Wednesday, the industry collectively breathed a sigh of relief. After eight months of committee hearings, debates, a surprise decision by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to veto a total ban of hemp in June and last-minute negotiations on Wednesday, the status quo will largely remain in place for the industry, for now. Hemp-derived THC products—the gummies, flower buds and drinks that are sold at convenience stores, liquor stores, smoke shops and even some grocers across the state—will remain legal. Cynthia Cabrera, president of the industry trade association Texas Hemp Business Council, said she never relaxed throughout the two special sessions this summer, despite the lack of public effort from the House to again pass a total ban of hemp. She barely slept as the Senate remained in session until early Thursday morning. “I’m glad I stayed vigilant,” said Cabrera, who is also the chief strategy officer of Hometown Hero, Austin-based manufacturer of hemp-derived THC products. “There’s no rest for the weary.” The Legislature’s impasse means the debate over what to do about hemp products could rage on. Patrick, who has cited protecting children from using the products as key motivator, reiterated in his post on X that he remains committed to a total ban, despite Abbott’s opposition for such a measure. A likely next step: Age restrictions Earlier this year, the Legislature did successfully pass some efforts addressing the sale and marketing of THC products geared toward youth. For instance, the ban on the sale of vape pens, even those that just contain nicotine—which passed during the regular session and took effect Monday—explicitly applies to any made to look like pens, highlighters, smartphones or other items often seen in schools. But lawmakers failed to pass an age limit for who can purchase THC products, despite the proposal garnering wide support. Major hemp industry representatives have said they welcome more regulation over an outright ban and Abbott in his veto of the THC hemp ban called for restrictions including age limits. “If there was a legitimate concern with public safety and access by minors, then that would be resolved by an age gate bill,” Cabrera said. “This piecemeal approach just means [state Sen.] Charles Perry and Dan Patrick lacked the thoughtfulness required to ensure Texans have access to the products they use on a daily basis.” From the recent special session, House Bill 36 focused specifically on banning THC products for people under 21. There was even chatter among some lawmakers during last-minute negotiations on Wednesday to advance the proposal, though it eventually died in a House committee without receiving a hearing. This leaves age restrictions in the hands of retailers. Hensen said his smoke shop, along with other stores he communicates with regularly, have already restricted access to their stores to people 21 or older since the state increased the age to purchase tobacco to 21 in 2019. Supporters of a ban also cited concerns over quality control of hemp products, something Hensen said his store already prioritizes. “If you have a bad product on your shelves, customers aren’t going to come back and buy it again,” Hensen said. “There’s no reason to have something that would send someone to the hospital.” Damage already done While the hemp industry avoided a catastrophic total ban, the decision by lawmakers to remove THC vapes from the market is expected to negatively affect businesses. Hensen, along with several other smoke shop managers in Austin, estimated the vapes made up about 20 percent of their sales every month. “I had a couple people yesterday who came in asking for [THC] vapes,” said Eduard Streltsov, a manager at Dream Planet Smoke Shop in East Austin. “When I told them we didn’t have them anymore, they left without buying anything.” At the same time, the medical marijuana expansion made it so dispensaries are now allowed to sell THC vapes, potentially tightening the existing competition between the two cannabis industries. Along with consumable hemp, the shops sell nicotine products, glass pipes and bongs. Most shops said a total ban would not force them to completely shut down, but it would likely lead to cutting hours for some employees and layoffs for others. The uncertainty in the hemp industry has also prevented growth. Austin Smoke & Vape at the start of the year was planning to open a new location and hire more employees, but those plans were paused in the spring as the ban measure made its way through the Legislature. Regardless of action by the Legislature, advocates said the Texas Department of State Health Services already has laws in place to be able to provide oversight for the hemp industry, but lawmakers noted they are rarely enforced. Law enforcement officials contend they lack the funding to be able to regularly inspect and test hemp products because more deadly drugs like fentanyl take priority at crime labs. Medical marijuana’s impact The country’s conflicting cannabis laws have pitted two sides of the industry against each other in Texas. Although hemp-derived THC is legal, marijuana remains federally illegal except with a prescription. Companies in the heavily regulated Texas medical industry, which has pushed for regulation and never heavily opposed a ban on its sister industry, have reported losing customers to the hemp industry. Texas has had a medical marijuana program since 2015, and it has been expanded three times since in 2019, 2021 and this year. The program is restrictive, only allowing patients with a narrow set of conditions to get a prescription to purchase marijuana from a small number of distributors permitted to operate in the state. Jervonne Singletary, a spokesperson for the Austin medical marijuana company goodblend, said that while her company believes both the hemp industry and medical marijuana industry can coexist in Texas, the company was disappointed to not see restrictions passed that put the industries on a more level playing field. “We want to ensure that what people are taking is safe and effective for the reasons that they’re taking it,” Singletary said. “At the end of the day, these are both intoxicating products with very, very few genetic differences, and so they should be treated in some form or fashion in a like manner.” The Legislature’s uncertainty over hemp-derived THC also impacted the medical marijuana industry. Singletary’s company fielded calls throughout the spring and summer from patients concerned that the legislative debate would also harm access to medical marijuana. The passage of expansion for the medical marijuana program will still be a boon for the industry, Singletary said, pointing to the law’s removal of restrictions like an arduous requirement that dispensaries not hold their product in stores overnight. But the rollout could take several months, delaying an increase in access for ailing users. “The uncertainty has been a bit hard to plan in, but I think now we are past that uncertainty that hinders business development, and we can move forward as a company, and the industry can move forward with the legislature that actually supports the program.” Heather Fazio, director of advocacy for Texas Cannabis Policy Center, said in spite of the intense debates surrounding medical marijuana and hemp in 2025, Texas is closer than ever to legalizing recreational marijuana. Fazio’s advocacy group has worked in Texas for a decade to push the creation of the medical marijuana program, decriminalize marijuana possession, protect the hemp industry and fully legalize the drug. “We’re headed in the right direction, and we’re having meaningful conversations about these policies,” Fazio said. “When we are able to have a seat at the table and have lawmakers at the table, we start to really break down the issue and help to find shared values.” *This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/09/05/texas-thc-shops-retailers-ban-relief-age-limit/.* The post Texas Hemp Businesses Celebrate Lawmakers’ Failure To Pass THC Product Ban appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The California Assembly voted unanimously to advance a bill blocking a nearly 25% tax hike on the state’s legal cannabis industry. The bill, AB564, moves next to the Senate for consideration. Assemblymember Matt Haney noted that increased taxes could threaten the industry. The legal cannabis market struggles against regulations, competition, and high taxes. Caren Woodson stated that any tax increase would be devastating to operators. < Back California Assembly Votes Unanimously to Block Cannabis Tax Hike Jun 4, 2025 Graham Abbott Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The California Assembly voted unanimously (74-0) on Monday to advance a bill blocking a nearly 25% tax hike on the state’s legal cannabis industry that is set to take effect July 1, CBS News reports. The bill, AB564, moves next to the Senate for consideration. The proposal was introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D), who noted that “If we continue to pile on more taxes and fees onto our struggling small cannabis businesses, California’s cannabis culture is under serious threat of extinction.” “If we want to support our cannabis industry that drives millions of visitors to California every year, adding more costs makes absolutely no sense.” — Haney, in a statement, via CBS News The anticipated tax hike — announced earlier this year by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — is attached to a 2022 law that removed a blanket cultivation tax but included rules to raise the tax rate if the state’s cannabis revenues start to fall, which they have. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis market continues to struggle against strict regulations, competition from unlicensed retailers, and already high taxes. “Nearly a decade after Californians overwhelmingly approved cannabis legalization, the industry is struggling under the crushing weight of a 15% excise tax,” Caren Woodson, president of the California Cannabis Industry Association, said in the report. “Any increase, particularly a 25% increase, would not only be bad public policy, but devastating to operators already on the brink.” < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to issue an executive order to regulate the state's hemp industry, setting an age limit of 21, mandating ID checks, requiring retailers to be a certain distance from schools, and potentially including product labeling and testing requirements. This comes after lawmakers failed to pass regulatory bills, and Abbott vetoed a ban on hemp THC products. Additionally, a new law banning the sale of cannabinoid vaporizers and vape products took effect, and Texas expanded its medical cannabis program. < Back Texas Gov. Expected to Adopt Hemp THC Regulations Via Executive Order Sep 10, 2025 Graham Abbott Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is expected to issue an executive order to create rules and regulations for the state’s hemp industry, the Texas Tribune reports. According to a preliminary framework described in the report, the order would set an age limit of 21 for buying hemp THC products, would mandate ID checks at the time of purchase, and would require retailers to be located a certain distance from schools. The expected executive order could also contain product labeling and testing requirements. Lawmakers originally passed legislation this year banning the sale of hemp THC products outright — a plan that would have effectively dismantled the state’s $8.5+ billion hemp industry — but Abbott vetoed the proposal and initiated a special legislative session, asking lawmakers instead to pursue regulations for hemp THC products similar to alcohol. Ultimately, the Legislature failed during two special sessions to pass a bill regulating the industry. The Senate, led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), approved legislation again seeking to ban hemp products during both sessions, but the bills never progressed in the House. Last week, when asked by reporters whether he was considering bringing lawmakers back to the Capitol to address hemp regulations in a third special session, the governor responded, “I will say, stay tuned on that. Something may be happening soon.” Meanwhile, another proposal to regulate hemp products that passed this year, which the governor did not veto, took effect last week. The new law bans the sale of vaporizers and vape products that contain any amount of cannabinoids. Texas also passed a new law this year to expand the state’s medical cannabis program with additional business licenses, new cannabis delivery methods, and new qualifying conditions, including chronic pain. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Capitol Hemp filed two lawsuits challenging hemp regulations and the Harris Amendment. < Back Capitol Hemp sues D.C. over hemp laws and challenges congressional ban Jun 10, 2025 LJ Dawson Outlaw Report Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Capitol Hemp, D.C.'s oldest hemp retailer, has filed two lawsuits challenging the District's ambiguous hemp regulations and the federal Harris Amendment, which restricts D.C.'s legislative authority over Schedule I substances. Source < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The medical cannabis retail facility in Beaver Falls is the company’s 16th location in the state. < Back Cresco Labs Opens New Sunnyside Dispensary in Pennsylvania May 28, 2025 Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The medical cannabis retail facility in Beaver Falls is the company’s 16th location in the state. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

An alcohol industry association urges Congress to revise a spending bill that would ban most consumable hemp products. The association proposes maintaining the legalization of naturally derived cannabinoids while prohibiting synthetic items. The bill could eliminate commonly marketed hemp products. Hemp industry stakeholders oppose the proposal, advocating for federal regulations. < Back Major Alcohol Industry Group Pushes Congress To Dial Back Proposed Hemp Product Ban Jun 9, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A leading alcohol industry association is calling on Congress to dial back language in a House committee-approved spending bill that would ban most consumable hemp products, instead proposing to maintain the legalization of naturally derived cannabinoids from the crop and only prohibit synthetic items. Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), which has backed federally legalizing marijuana and regulating hemp products, said on Friday that it generally supports the effort to ban synthetic cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC that have proliferated since the federal legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. But the hemp provision of the spending bill that cleared the the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies on Thursday is a bridge too far, the association said. “WSWA supports the subcommittee’s action to eliminate synthetic, unnatural cannabinoids that are a threat to public health and safety,” WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton said in a press release. “But prohibition of all cannabinoids is not the answer—it risks sweeping up state regulated and Farm Bill compliant hemp-derived products that have driven a new and dynamic market.” “Under attempted complete prohibition, bad actors dealing in potentially harmful products will continue to operate and thrive in the shadows, while state regulatory structures that protect public safety will be put in conflict with Federal law,” Creighton said. WSWA put forward a policy recommendations for lawmakers to consider—namely removing the a provision redefining hemp in a way that’d prohibit products with any quantifiable amount of THC so that the federal government could instead “preserve state authority, protect compliant businesses, and ensure clarity for consumers and regulators.” WSWA urges Congress to revise language in the FY2026 Ag-FDA bill that could unintentionally ban compliant, naturally derived Delta-9 hemp products. 🔗 Read More: https://t.co/cj5M0WzfbC pic.twitter.com/245Tup8UPO — WSWA (@WSWAMedia) June 6, 2025 The consumable hemp product crackdown isn’t exclusive to the federal government, as multiple states—from California to Florida to Texas—have moved to ban intoxicating cannabinoids in recent months. “States have stepped up to fill the regulatory vacuum, and Congress must be careful not to undermine their progress,” Creighton said. Shawn Lederman of the Florida-based Greenlight Distribution said the company has “invested in jobs, infrastructure, and compliance to bring accountability to this space—efforts that would be wiped out overnight, handing the market to unregulated bad actors. We urge Congress to respect our business and citizens. A total ban would be devastating.” John Giarrante, president of Show Me Beverages in Missouri, said the committee’s “proposal to ban naturally occurring hemp-derived products like Delta-9 will undermine the legitimate and responsible work we’ve done to meet consumer demand while prioritizing public health and safety.” “We’ve built a compliant, transparent business to bring structure and legitimacy to this fast-growing market,” he said. “This action would not only undo that progress but also have a harmful economic impact—putting jobs at risk and handing the entire category over to unlicensed, unregulated actors with no regard for safety or accountability.” Members of WSWA also met with lawmakers and staffers in April to advocate for three key policy priorities that the group says is based on “sound principles of alcohol distribution.” They include banning synthetic THC, setting up a federal system for testing and labeling products and establishing state-level power to regulate retail sales. In an op-ed for Marijuana Moment this month, Creighton echoed that point, reiterating the organization’s position that regulation is superior to prohibition. This is also consistent with WSWA’s earlier message to House and Senate Agriculture Committee last session, where the association implored congressional leaders to create a regulatory framework for hemp-based intoxicating cannabinoids—rather than impose an outright ban. Meanwhile, key GOP congressional lawmakers—including one member who supports marijuana legalization—don’t seem especially concerned about provisions in a new spending bill that would put much of the hemp industry in jeopardy by banning most consumable products derived from the plant. Under the measure that’s being contested, hemp would be redefined under federal statute in a way that would prohibit cannabis products containing any “quantifiable” amount of THC or “any other cannabinoids that have similar effects (or are marketed to have similar effects) on humans or animals” as THC. The provisions in the bill now heading to a full committee vote would effectively eliminate the most commonly marketed hemp products within the industry, as even non-intoxicating CBD items that are sold across the country typically contain trace amounts of THC. Under current law, those products are allowed if they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. Hemp industry stakeholders rallied against that proposal, an earlier version of which was also included in the base bill from the subcommittee last year. It’s virtually identical to a provision of the 2024 Farm Bill that was attached by a separate committee last May via an amendment from Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), which was also not enacted into law. *— 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. —* Jonathan Miller, general counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, told congressional lawmakers in April that the market is “begging” for federal regulations around cannabis products. At the hearing, Rep. James Comer (R-KY) also inquired about FDA inaction around regulations, sarcastically asking if it’d require “a gazillion bureaucrats that work from home” to regulate cannabinoids such as CBD. A report from Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) last year called cannabis a “significant threat” to the alcohol industry, citing survey data that suggests more people are using cannabis as a substitute for alcoholic beverages such a beer and wine. Last November, meanwhile, a beer industry trade group put out a statement of guiding principles to address what it called “the proliferation of largely unregulated intoxicating hemp and cannabis products,” warning of risks to consumers and communities resulting from THC consumption. New Hampshire House Advances Bills To Reduce Psilocybin Penalties And Legalize Medical Marijuana Homegrow By Patients The post Major Alcohol Industry Group Pushes Congress To Dial Back Proposed Hemp Product Ban appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The September 2025 horoscopes welcome a mellow but meaningful energy as Virgo season helps people return to routines. < Back Star signs and cannabis strains: September 2025 horoscopes Aug 28, 2025 Carmen Ramirez Leafly Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Welcome to the September 2025 horoscopes, Stargazers! September brings a mellow but meaningful energy as Virgo season helps us return to routines. The post Star signs and cannabis strains: September 2025 horoscopes appeared first on Leafly. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

A Florida senator introduced a bill to legalize home cultivation of marijuana for qualified medical patients, allowing up to six plants, while the Smart & Safe Florida campaign is pushing a revised legalization amendment for the 2026 ballot. Despite polling showing strong voter support for legalization, the measure faces opposition and legal challenges, including skepticism from Governor Ron DeSantis, and the state is also revoking medical marijuana registrations for patients with criminal drug records. < Back Medical Marijuana Home Cultivation Would Be Legalized In Florida Under Senator’s New Bill Dec 8, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A Florida senator has introduced a new bill for the 2026 session that would legalize home cultivation of marijuana for registered medical cannabis patients in the state. Sen. Carlos Smith (D) filed the legislation on Friday—one of the latest attempts to give patients a home grow option that’s allowed under most medical marijuana programs in other states across the country. This latest measure would permit qualified patients who are at least 21 years old to cultivate up to six flowering plants for personal, therapeutic use. Those patients could also buy seeds and clones from licensed dispensaries. “A qualified patient who cultivates cannabis shall ensure that the plants are secured in a manner to prevent access by unauthorized persons,” the bill text says. “The sale of patient-cultivated cannabis plants and products and cultivation of cannabis by patients beyond the limits specified in this section is subject to the penalties outlined” under existing law. If enacted into law, the bill would become law on July 1, 2026. A similar proposal was introduced at the beginning of this year by Sen. Joe Gruters (R), who is now chairman of the Republican National Committee, but it did not advance. Gruters and Kim Rivers—the CEO of Trulieve, a medical marijuana company that provided the bulk of funding for an unsuccessful cannabis legalization ballot initiative last year—also met with Preident Donald Trump ahead of his endorsement of the constitutional amendment, as well as federal rescheduling and industry banking access. Notably, Amendment 3 would not have legalized home cultivation of marijuana—a detail seized on by some critics of the industry-backed proposal. The campaign behind that initiative, Smart & Safe Florida, recently said it’s collected more than one million signatures to put a new version of the legalization measure on the 2026 ballot—and so it voluntarily declined to appeal a legal case in which a judge allowed state officials to invalidate about 200,000 petitions over a largely procedural issue. Smart & Safe filed a separate lawsuit with the state Supreme Court over another issue last month, alleging that officials are violating election laws by stalling a required review process for the measure without justification. The state has since agreed to move forward with the processing. A federal judge in August separately delivered a win to the campaign—granting “complete relief” from provisions of a law the governor signed to impose other serious restrictions on signature gathering. In March, meanwhile, two Democratic members of Congress representing Florida asked the federal government to investigate what they described as “potentially unlawful diversion” of millions in state Medicaid funds via a group with ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). The money was used to fight against a citizen ballot initiative, vehemently opposed by the governor, that would have legalized marijuana for adults. The lawmakers’ letter followed allegations that a $10 million donation from a state legal settlement was improperly made to the Hope Florida Foundation, which later sent the money to two political nonprofits, which in turn sent $8.5 million to a campaign opposing Amendment 3. The governor said in February that the newest marijuana legalization measure is in “big time trouble” with the state Supreme Court, predicting it will be blocked from going before voters next year. “There’s a lot of different perspectives on on marijuana,” DeSantis said. “It should not be in our Constitution. If you feel strongly about it, you have elections for the legislature. Go back candidates that you believe will be able to deliver what your vision is on that.” “But when you put these things in the Constitution—and I think, I mean, the way they wrote, there’s all kinds of things going on in here. I think it’s going to have big time trouble getting through the Florida Supreme Court,” he said. The latest initiative was filed with the secretary of state’s office just months after the initial version failed during the November 2024 election—despite an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Smart & Safe Florida is hoping the revised version will succeed in 2026. The campaign—which in the last election cycle received tens of millions of dollars from cannabis industry stakeholders, principally the multi-state operator Trulieve—incorporated certain changes into the new version that seem responsive to criticism opponents raised during the 2024 push. For example, it now specifically states that the “smoking and vaping of marijuana in any public place is prohibited.”Another section asserts that the legislature would need to approve rules dealing with the “regulation of the time, place, and manner of the public consumption of marijuana.” Last year, the governor accurately predicted that the 2024 cannabis measure from the campaign would survive a legal challenge from the state attorney general. It’s not entirely clear why he feels this version would face a different outcome. While there’s uncertainty around how the state’s highest court will navigate the measure, a poll released in February showed overwhelming bipartisan voter support for the reform—with 67 percent of Florida voters backing legalization, including 82 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of independents and 55 percent of Republicans. *— 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. —* In the background, a recent poll from a Trump-affiliated research firm found that nearly 9 in 10 Florida voters say they should have the right to decide to legalize marijuana in the state. Meanwhile, a pro-legalization GOP state lawmaker recently filed a bill to amend state law to codify that the public use of marijuana is prohibited. Rep. Alex Andrade (R), the sponsor, said earlier this year that embracing cannabis reform is a way for the Republican party to secure more votes from young people. Separately, Florida medical marijuana officials are actively revoking the registrations of patients and caregivers with drug-related criminal records. The policy is part of broad budget legislation signed into law earlier this year by DeSantis. The provisions in question direct the state Department of Health (DOH) to cancel registrations of medical marijuana patients and caregivers if they’re convicted of—or plead guilty or no contest to—criminal drug charges. The post Medical Marijuana Home Cultivation Would Be Legalized In Florida Under Senator’s New Bill appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5