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This blog post is the first in a three-part series and discusses the benefits of high-intensity lighting for cannabis cultivation. It covers topics such as Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF), Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD), Daily Light Integral (DLI), and Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy (PPE), explaining how they relate to measuring and optimizing light for plant growth. < Back Shining a Light on…. Grow Lighting Terminology Apr 25, 2022 Ed Rosenthal Ed Rosenthal Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *This blog is the first in a three-part guest series. Fohse is proud to partner with Ed Rosenthal to educate cannabis cultivators on the benefits of high intensity lighting in the grow room. Fohse has been leading the industry for the last 6+ years in making high powered LED fixtures designed specifically to grow cannabis. The promise of higher efficacy coupled with greater PAR output has lured celebrities and industry veterans alike to purchase Fohse high intensity LEDs. All are eager to increase their yields while lowering their bottom lines.* Fohse F1V @ Remedy Cultivation Growing cannabis can be complicated. While horticultural experts have simplified the process to nine parameters that govern growth, the management of each individual parameter is still complex, as they are all intrinsically linked. Cultivators must find the perfect levels of soil/medium, nutrients, CO2, water, root temperature, ambient temperature, air velocity, humidity, oxygen... and then there’s the lights. Light affects every aspect of a crop’s wellbeing. As the amount of light a plant gets changes, every other parameter affecting the plant needs to be altered. When light is at higher intensity, plants will absorb more nutrients and water, consume more CO2, and go through photosynthesis at a faster rate. If a light is too hot or too cool, it affects ambient temperature, root zone temperature, soil moisture and humidity. More air conditioning may be required, which in turn necessitates more air and changing the velocity of air in the room. It’s a complex system that can only really be mastered through a lot of information, plenty of trial and error, and a bit of luck. Lighting a grow house can be a pain to figure out -- there is enough terminology to master on this one topic to fill a glossary. Some manufacturers hope you won’t know the lingo. They may throw acronyms and data points at you to make you think you’re getting a good deal. Let’s take a look at some of the terminology surrounding lighting and shed some light on a part of the industry that has been shrouded in darkness. *Full Spectrum, Demystified * You may already be familiar with the basics of light. Light is made up of photons, tiny particles that also act as waves. We measure light by observing the distance from one peak of its wave to another, which is known as a wavelength. What we perceive as light is actually a sliver of the full electromagnetic radiation spectrum. The visible spectrum of light, what we can see, ranges from a wavelength of about 380 to about 750 nanometers. Photosynthetically Active Radiation, or PAR, is the part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that is useful to plants and algae to activate photosynthesis. PAR has a similar range to the visible spectrum, from about 400 to 700 nanometers. Claiming that a light is full spectrum is saying that it emits light at all the wavelengths within the PAR spectrum, from violet to red. Now, all grow lights should emulate the sun as closely as they can, because all plants evolved to grow in sunlight. The best spectrum for growing plants is the spectrum of natural light emitted from the sun. However, sunlight is fickle and unpredictable, so the closest thing we can get that delivers a similar spectrum is the full spectrum LED grow-light. Because of the tilt of the planet and the angle at which sunlight hits the Earth, the ratio of colors within the spectrum of light changes based on the season. Typically, higher-end LED fixtures like the Fohse A3i will give you the ability to change the ratio of colors within the spectrum to simulate seasons like spring, summer, and autumn. This triggers photomorphogenic responses within the plant that can encourage it to grow taller, shorter, heartier, to flower sooner or later, or to maintain its current size. *Measuring Light’s Effectiveness* Any instrument used to produce light for plants will be measured in terms of how effectively it is able to produce light within this range. Therefore, any figures on a grow light’s effectiveness will be completely useless to someone who doesn’t understand what PAR is. In PAR, different colors produce different effects within the plant. Blue photons inhibit cell growth, which may sound bad at first, but at low levels, it can help the plant grow thicker before it flowers. Green photons penetrate leaves, bringing light through the canopy to lower parts of the plant and play a key factor in how our eyes are able to perceive plants. Red photons are great for photosynthesis but lack the green photons' penetrative ability. For plants, a combination of all colors is necessary to achieve an optimal yield. Much like humans, a plant needs a diverse range of “food” to be healthy. If there is just one type of photon, the plants suffer. Fohse A3i @ NorCal Cannabis pulling 159g/sqft *PPF* The Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF) measures the number of photons within the PAR range emitted per second by a light fixture. It is measured in μmol/seconds. Basically, PPF indicates how much light (photons) is coming out of a light fixture. It’s important to note that PPF isn’t a measurement of how much light reaches a plant, just how much is being emitted by the lamp. Not every lamp with the same PPF is as effective at bringing that light down to the crops. Some lamps may have less focus, allowing light particles to spread out wide and be wasted on your walls. However, by considering the PPF of a grow light, you can get a fair estimate of the number of lamps needed to reach your required light level on the plants. Photons emitting at wavelengths above 700nm do not contribute to the PPF and are not measured, and neither do ultraviolet wavelengths, anything below 400nm. A lamp can be producing inordinate amounts of ultraviolet and infrared light and they would contribute nothing to the PPF. In order to test the PPF of a fixture, it must be put into an integrating sphere that is connected to a sophisticated instrument known as a spectrophotocolorimeter. This machine tests the PPF, the spectral distribution chart, it gives the color rendering index (CRI), and also an idea of the PPE based on a specific input. Fohse runs it at 100, 75, 50, and 30 watts to determine how efficacious the lights are at various outputs so you know exactly what you’re getting. *PPFD* The Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PFFD) is a measurement of the number of photons that make it to the plant. It is the number of photons within the PAR zone that fall on a given surface each second, expressed in micromoles of photons per square meter per second, or μmol/m²s. It’s measured with a radio spectrometer, or PAR meter, a small device that you place on your plant under a lamp. The device indicates exactly how many photons are hitting its sensor, which is tiny. Because of the sensor’s size, it’s important to get measurements in many areas on a plant and average them together to get a real idea of the overall PPFD of a light fixture. Many things can be adjusted to achieve the desired PPFD, from the height of the lamp to the spacing of the plants. Some manufacturers incorporate lenses or reflectors to achieve more focused PPFD. This can result in a lower PPF, so growers will have to weigh whether it’s better for their grows to have more photons hitting the plant directly, or more photons being emitted in general. Fohse F1V @ Remedy Cultivation *DLI* The Daily Light Integral (DLI) measures the total amount of light received in one day or “photoperiod” by a plant. While PPFD shows how much light arrives in a particular spot per second, DLI measures how much light was received in the designated area in total for the whole day, or the number of moles (not micromoles) of photons per square meter per day, expressed as mol/m²d Still not getting it? Think of it this way. If light were rain, PPF would be the amount of rain coming out of a cloud, PPFD would be the amount of rain hitting the ground at a single time, and DLI would be the total amount of rain that reached the ground during the day. When creating a lighting plan, it is important to determine your desired DLI. In a greenhouse or grow room, lighting consistency is crucial to growing healthy plants. With indoor grow rooms, it's a bit less complicated, as you don’t have to account for the sun. Simply determine the quantity of photons you want your plants to receive. Too little, and the plants will produce larfier buds, which are smaller, leafy buds that are less commercially viable. Too much light, and you could actually send your plant into photorespiration, where it will burn more carbon than it consumes, and shrink and shrivel into a sickly little sapling. After determining the target PPFD, you can find the target DLI with some simple math: Target PPFD x 60 s/min x 60min/hr x 12 hr/day = Target DLI 1,000,000 µmol/mol “To determine the target DLI, growers need to first determine their target PPFD. Traditionally recommended PPFD levels for cannabis range from 700-900 µmol/m²s, but by adding more CO2 into a grow room, cultivators can push their light levels to 1500 µmo/m²sl and kick their plant growth into overdrive. By adding CO2, the ratio of carbon to oxygen in the air is altered enough to allow the plant to avoid photorespiration by providing it with enough carbon to meet its rate of photosynthesis.” — Fohse *PPE* The Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy (PPE) measures a light fixture’s ability to convert electrical energy into PAR light. This is expressed as micromoles of photons per Joule of energy used. The better a light’s PPE, the more energy-efficient it is, meaning less money spent on energy for the grower. The formula for PPE is PPF/watts of power used, meaning PPE does not take into consideration the PPFD of a grow light. A grow light can claim a high PPE, meaning that its PPF is higher using less energy, but from what we know about PPFD, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re seeing a benefit from that higher efficiency. In fact, there are several ways to manipulate a lighting fixture to have a higher PPE that could have negative effects on the light’s output, and your crop’s growth. To learn more about how manufacturers can manipulate PPE ratings, check back next month for the continuation of this three-part series. *Ready to Grow Like The Pros?** Get a Free Light Plan From Fohse Today!* < 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

Trump Signs Fentanyl Criminalization Bill That Could Also Open Up Research On Marijuana, Psychedelics And Other Schedule I Drugs < Back Trump Signs Fentanyl Criminalization Bill That Could... Jul 17, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link President Donald Trump has signed a bill into law that will permanently ban analogues of fentanyl—though it also contains provisions that would remove barriers to conducting research into the risks and benefits of marijuana, psychedelics and other Schedule I drugs. The president signed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act on Wednesday, accompanied by his yet-to-be-confirmed pick for head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Terrance Cole. Despite the portions of the legislation that are aimed at streamlining studies on drugs, advocates have voiced concerns about the primary intent to criminalize people over a wider array of controlled substances. “Today we strike a righteous blow to the drug dealers, narcotic traffickers and criminal cartels that we’ve all been hearing so much about for so many years, and very little has been done,” Trump said at the signing ceremony in the White House, surrounded by people holding photos of family members who’ve been impacted by the fentanyl crisis. “We’ll be getting the drug dealers, pushers and peddlers off our street—and we will not rest until we have ended the drug overdose epidemic. It’s been getting a little bit better but it’s horrible,” he said. “With this bill, we are officially and permanently classifying all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I narcotics, which is actually a very big deal. It doesn’t sound like much. It’s a big deal.” He added that Cole, in the audience, “better be good” as DEA administrator if he’s ultimately confirmed by the Senate. Trump also lauded another attendee, Sara Carter, his nominee for director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), who has voiced support for medical cannabis as an alternative treatment option. While the focus of the president’s speech was on fentanyl criminalization, other components of the newly enacted law would smooth the process of research into Schedule I drugs like marijuana. “What we did in this bill—and I think it’s something that everybody on the floor can be proud of—is we put into this bill the capability to do extensive research by our research universities, by the [National Institutes of Health and] by the [Food and Drug Administration],” Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) said ahead of the bill’s passage in the House last month. “This bill has the component parts to make that possible, unlike our Schedule I on marijuana, which never allowed research, or realistic research, and created some of the dilemmas that we have today with that substance,” he said. “We fixed that with this bill.” For advocates, the problem is with the crux of the legislation, which would classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), including analogues that haven’t been proven to carry the same risks as the most well-known potent opioid. They say the scheduling action would increase mandatory minimum sentences, reflecting an outmoded war on drugs mentality that would contribute to mass incarceration. Some of the research provisions of the bill are similar to those contained in a marijuana-focused measure that former President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022. Under the legislation, a research applicant who is actively registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to study Schedule I and II drugs would need to have their request assessed within 30 days of sending a notice to the Justice Department. A non-registered applicant would have to have their submission considered within 45 days of sending the notice. The measure also states that research that’s being conducted or funded by federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would qualify for expedited processing. Further, the bill says that duplicative registrations would no longer be required for all researchers involved in an approved study of a Schedule I substance if they’re all part of the same research institution. However, while it would also provide for the limited manufacturing of controlled substances by researchers, there’s a specific exemption for cannabis with respect to the manufacturing provisions. *— 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. —* Meanwhile, a retired professional football player who’s since become an advocate for marijuana policy reform recently met with top Trump administration officials at the White House to discuss the ongoing federal cannabis rescheduling process. This month, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) again notified an agency judge that the marijuana rescheduling process remains stalled under the Trump administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was previously vocal about his support for legalizing cannabis, as well as psychedelics therapy. But during his Senate confirmation process in February, he said that he would defer to DEA on marijuana rescheduling in his new role. Separately, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was reportedly photographed reviewing a document that appears to be a draft contract to provide services—including “administration-related guidance”—to a firm affiliated with the major marijuana company Trulieve. The visible portion of the document describes a lucrative bonus if a certain “matter resolves,” with an “additional ‘Super Success Fee’” for other “exclusive policy remedies.” Last month, the former congressman reiterated his own support for rescheduling cannabis—suggesting in an interview with a Florida Republican lawmaker that the GOP could win more of the youth vote by embracing marijuana reform. Gaetz also said last month that Trump’s endorsement of a Schedule III reclassification was essentially an attempt to shore up support among young voters rather than a sincere reflection of his personal views about cannabis. A survey conducted by a GOP pollster affiliated with Trump that was released in April found that a majority of Republicans back a variety of cannabis reforms, including rescheduling. And, notably, they’re even more supportive of allowing states to legalize marijuana without federal interference compared to the average voter. Meanwhile, Trump picked former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) to run DOJ, and the Senate confirmed that choice. During her confirmation hearings, Bondi declined to say how she planned to navigate key marijuana policy issues. And as state attorney general, she opposed efforts to legalize medical cannabis. Amid the stalled marijuana rescheduling process that’s carried over from the last presidential administration, congressional researchers recently reiterated that lawmakers could enact the reform themselves with “greater speed and flexibility” if they so choose, while potentially avoiding judicial challenges. Meanwhile, a newly formed coalition of professional athletes and entertainers, led by retired boxer Mike Tyson, sent a letter to Trump on Friday—thanking him for past clemency actions while emphasizing the opportunity he has to best Biden by rescheduling marijuana, expanding pardons and freeing up banking services for licensed cannabis businesses. *Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore.* The post Trump Signs Fentanyl Criminalization Bill That Could Also Open Up Research On Marijuana, Psychedelics And Other Schedule I Drugs 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

Former White House Staffers Shed Light On Marijuana Pardon And Rescheduling Process Under Biden < Back Former White House Staffers Shed Light On Marijuana Pardon... Nov 4, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Top White House staffers under the Biden administration have shed new light on the mass marijuana pardon and cannabis rescheduling process they helped facilitate, revealing the extent to which they were involved in broader clemency actions that are now under scrutiny by GOP leaders. As part of a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigation into the last administration—which focused on allegations that then-President Joe Biden’s mental and physical health left key executive decisions up to his staff (and his autopen)—several staffers commented on the two rounds of pardons that were issued for people who’ve committed federal cannabis possession offenses. Former Biden Chief of Staff Ronald Klain was asked broadly about Biden’s role in approving pardon requests, and he said “they were very rare,” but the marijuana clemency actions stood out for their scale. He also mentioned being aware of the president’s cannabis rescheduling review directive that led federal agencies to recommend moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). “There were no pardons or clemencies in 2021 at all. 2022, there were two sets, as I recall—one in the summer, which was derived from a memo the president had issued trying to reschedule marijuana off of Schedule III to Schedule I, directing the secretary of health and human services and the head of the DEA to reexamine the scheduling of marijuana, and making clear that anyone who was in prison for the mere possession of—in federal prison for the mere possession of marijuana was eligible to apply for a pardon under the memorandum.” “I believe a few pardons were ultimately issued. But I was not involved,” Klain said in an interview with the committee. “I was involved in the preparation of that memo, but not in the subsequent followup in terms of applications to the Justice Department and how those applications came from the [Justice Department] to the president and whatnot.” The former top staffer was referring to a novel process that was instituted after the pardons were issued where recipients could request a certification documenting the clemency action. Asked whether he had any “concerns” with the president’s pardons, Klain said “my personal views about pardons doesn’t go to the question of the president’s competency and whatnot.” “But I will say that, in 2022, when the president pardoned people for possession of marijuana—or authorized a pardon for people—authorized people to apply for a pardon for that, we looked at a number of these records,” he said. “We found that there were actually very few people in federal prison for mere possession, and most of the people in prison had also used a gun in conjunction with the crime.” “Many of them were violent offenders. And so we knew that that pardon wasn’t going to cover that many people. And so I was surprised that the president pardoned many of these people who were violent offenders,” Klain said. Anita Dunn, who served as a senior advisor for communications at the White House, also weighed in on the president’s pardons. She said the only clemency cases she was involved with were those dealing with cannabis-related offenses. An attorney representing Dunn in the committee interview clarified that, while Dunn was privy to the decision-making process for presidential pardons, “obviously the president makes the decision,” and the staffer’s role largely came down to her participation in providing a recommendation to Biden about the proposed clemency. Neera Tanden, who directed the Domestic Policy Council White House and served in other roles under the last administration, was also interviewed as part of the inquiry, and she brought up the cannabis pardons after being asked about whether Biden personally signed off on clemency acts presented to him. “As staff secretary, I believe I dealt with one group of pardons, maybe two. They were pardons that dealt with people who had possession of marijuana [convictions] or had some equity issue involved.” “And I remember a decision memo that went up to the president, and I remember getting the decision memo back,” she said. “We had a protocol for decisions for the president. It was a protocol that was established in previous administrations that I followed, which was, we had a decision memo, which had a box at the top of it. The decision memo described the decision itself… It said at the top ‘agree,’ ‘disagree’ or ‘to discuss,'” she said. “We also had a decision card on top of that which synthesized the decision and also had that card. The president traditionally signed both of those. I believe there was a decision and a decision card for those pardons,” Tanden said. “That series of pardons happened, I believe, in something like December 2021. Now, I don’t—I just don’t recall the president signing anything directly. We just did have a decision.” “So were you responsible, then, for when pardons or commutations came down? Were you the one who needed to get President Biden’s signature on those documents?” the interviewer asked. “They were treated like other decisions of the president. So a decision memo came to us. We edited the decision memo. As I recall, it was a decision memo, and then it had materials for each of the pardons,” she said. “And then we had a decision card. I worked on those. I put it in the decision book. The president received a decision book every day. And I remember getting the decision card and memo back.” Ian Sams, a former special assistant to the president, was also pressed on the pardon issue. He said that he couldn’t “recall being involved in any pardon communications.” “I know that during my tenure I think there was a large pardon package around–or a commutation or clemency package around—nonviolent marijuana convicts, people who had been convicted of nonviolent marijuana offenses,” he said. “That happened. I was not a part of that communications process at all. So, generally speaking, I was not a part of the pardon process.” Meanwhile, as the marijuana rescheduling proposal initiated under Biden awaits President Donald Trump’s decision, some GOP members of Congress are urging him to move forward with the reform—with one lawmaker taking a jab at Biden by joking that it’s possible the prior administration “must have not been able to find the autopen in time” to complete the cannabis reform process it initiated. The post Former White House Staffers Shed Light On Marijuana Pardon And Rescheduling Process Under Biden 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

Diversely owned Mister Jones dispensary in Little Falls opens Dec. 19. < Back Ascend Wellness Partners With Mister Jones in New Jersey Dec 10, 2025 Staff Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The diversely owned Mister Jones dispensary in Little Falls will open on Dec. 19. < 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 appeals court ruled that police cannot search a vehicle based solely on the smell of marijuana, due to the legalization of hemp and medical marijuana in the state. This overturns the "plain smell doctrine" and aligns cannabis searches with other suspected contraband, requiring the odor to be considered as one factor among others. Other states, including Maryland, Minnesota, and Illinois, have also addressed or are addressing similar policies regarding cannabis odor and police searches. < Back Florida Court Blocks Police From Using The Smell Of Marijuana Alone To Search Vehicles Oct 2, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A Florida court has ruled that police cannot search a person’s vehicle based only on the smell of marijuana. The District Court of Appeal of Florida Second District on Wednesday issued an opinion, authored by Judge Nelly Khouzam, overturning a lower court decision that upheld the “plain smell doctrine” that has long permitted cannabis odor to be used as a pretense for vehicle searches. The policy was challenged in district court after a man had his probation revoked when police pulled over a car he was in, claimed to smell marijuana, forced the occupants to exit the vehicle to conduct a search and discovered cannabis and pills. But while it might have made sense in the past to use cannabis odor as a pretext for a search when it was strictly prohibited, the state’s laws have “fundamentally” changed, the appellate court said, referencing the legalization of hemp and medical marijuana in Florida. “For generations, cannabis was illegal in all forms—thereby rendering its distinct odor immediately indicative of criminal activity. But several legislative amendments over the years have fundamentally changed its definition and regulation,” it said. “The cumulative result is that cannabis is now legal to possess in multiple forms, depending on discrete characteristics such as where it was procured or its chemical concentration by weight.” “We are obligated under well-established constitutional principles to give meaning and effect to the legislature’s significant amendments to cannabis regulation,” the opinion, first reported by News Service of Florida, said. “In light of significant legislative amendments to the definition and regulation of cannabis, its mere odor can no longer establish that it is ‘immediately apparent’ that the substance is contraband. Accordingly, the plain smell doctrine can no longer establish probable cause based solely on the odor of cannabis. Rather, we now align the Fourth Amendment analysis for cannabis with the test that applies to other suspected contraband, such that its odor is a valid factor to be considered along with all others under the totality of the circumstances.” The court also said the issue is a question of “great public importance” for the Florida Supreme Court to look at and eventually resolve. Cannabis reform enjoys majority support in Florida, according to multiple polls that led up to a vote on an adult-use legalization ballot initiative last year. It ultimately fell short of the steep 60 percent threshold for passage, and part of the opposition came from the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) and the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA). But amid the state-level legalization movement, courts and lawmakers have grappled with how to revising policing policies to comply with laws permitting cannabis for medical or recreational use. In June, for example, Chicago police officials announced an update to city law enforcement guidance to discourage officers from searching vehicles based merely on the smell of raw, unburnt marijuana. The revised policy came amid efforts to respond to a state Supreme Court ruling late last year that said police are justified in searching a vehicle if they smell raw marijuana. Advocates and some lawmakers say the ruling is incongruous with a separate high court decision a few months earlier that found that the smell of *burnt* cannabis was *insufficient* cause to search a vehicle. In May, a House committee in Illinois had an initial hearing on a Senate-passed bill that would clarify that police may not stop or detain drivers, or search their vehicles, based solely on the smell of cannabis. *— 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. —* Critics of the use of marijuana odor as probable cause for vehicle stops and searches argue that that police disproportionately enforce drug laws against Black Americans and other people of color, and allowing stops based on the claimed smell of cannabis could increase enforcement bias. A number of other states have passed laws around the smell of cannabis to justify police searches. Prior to legalization taking effect in Maryland, for example, Gov. Wes Moore (D) allowed a bill to become law that prevents police from using the odor or possession of cannabis alone as the basis of a search. GOP lawmakers unsuccessfully attempted to reverse that policy. The Minnesota Supreme Court also ruled last year that police can’t use the smell of cannabis alone to justify vehicle searches—a ruling that has since been codified by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz (D). And in New York in May, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a budget bill into law that notably does not include a controversial marijuana provision she proposed that would have allowed police to use the smell of marijuana as probable cause that a driver is impaired and then force them to take a drug test. Amendments by lawmakers removed the provision, which a coalition of 60 reform groups had argued in a letter to Hochul and top lawmakers would “repeat some of the worst harms of the War on Drugs” and allow law enforcement to “restart unconstitutional racial profiling of drivers.” *Photo elements courtesy of *rawpixel* and Philip Steffan.* The post Florida Court Blocks Police From Using The Smell Of Marijuana Alone To Search Vehicles 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

Curaleaf Holdings Inc. has acquired the remaining equity stake in Curaleaf International Holdings Limited, bringing its ownership to 100%. The strategic investor chose to receive payment in Curaleaf Subordinate Voting Shares, indicating confidence in Curaleaf's future. This acquisition strengthens Curaleaf's control over its European operations and aims to streamline decision-making and accelerate strategic initiatives. < Back Curaleaf Holdings Buys Out Minority Partner in Curaleaf International Jul 8, 2025 Mg Magazine Newswire MG Magazine Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *STAMFORD, Conn. —* Curaleaf Holdings Inc., a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, acquired the equity stake in Curaleaf International Holdings Limited previously held by a single strategic institutional investor. The transaction brings the Company’s stake in its European holding company to 100%. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction represents the completion of a Put/Call Option that was agreed with the strategic investor at the time of its participation in Curaleaf’s move into Europe in 2021. Following the pricing mechanism incorporated in the Put/Call Option, the investor elected to receive the purchase entirely in Curaleaf Subordinate Voting Shares. The acquisition strengthens the Company’s control over its European operations, enabling enhanced strategic alignment across international markets. The request of the strategic investor to settle the transaction for Company shares underscores the investor’s long-term support and confidence in the future of Curaleaf. The issuance of the Subordinate Voting Shares in connection with the transaction was conditionally approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange on June 25, subject to fulfilling customary listing conditions. The transaction was completed on July 2. Boris Jordan, Executive Chairman of Curaleaf Holdings Inc., commented, “This consolidation of ownership of our European holding company enables us to streamline decision-making, strengthen alignment across regions, and accelerate our strategic initiatives in Europe with greater autonomy. This development marks another important milestone in Curaleaf’s continued commitment to international expansion and long-term value creation for shareholders. We thank our partners for their long-standing support and belief in Curaleaf’s future.” About Curaleaf Holdings Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to enhance lives by cultivating, sharing and celebrating the power of the plant. The Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, Grassroots, Find, Anthem, and The Hemp Company, provide service, product selection, and accessibility across the medical and adult use markets. Curaleaf International is powered by a strong presence in all stages of the supply chain. Its unique distribution network throughout Europe, Canada and Australasia brings together pioneering science and research with cultivation, extraction, and production. About Curaleaf International Curaleaf International’s network includes a clinic, pharmacy, and laboratory in the UK; cultivation and EU-GMP processing facilities in Portugal; an EU-GMP processing, quality assurance and research site in Spain; Four20 Pharma wholesaler and distributor in Germany; a Polish wholesaler and clinic; and the EU-GMP producer Northern Green Canada. < 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

Aurora Cannabis's facility in Brampton, Ontario, has received EU Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) certification. This is their fourth marijuana facility to earn this certification. < Back Aurora Cannabis earns EU-GMP certification for fourth marijuana facility Jul 14, 2025 Margaret Jackson MJbizDaily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Canada-based marijuana company Aurora Cannabis’s facility in Brampton, Ontario, has received European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMO) certification. Aurora Cannabis earns EU-GMP certification for fourth marijuana facility 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

ILGM is hitting the road in their revamped Airstream Bambi for the Home Grow Tour 2025. Find them in six iconic cities through 4/20. The post ILGM’s Home Grow Tour 2025 appeared first on Leafly. < Back ILGM’s Home Grow Tour 2025 Mar 6, 2025 Leafly Staff Leafly Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link ILGM is hitting the road in their revamped Airstream Bambi for the Home Grow Tour 2025. Find them in six iconic cities through 4/20. The post ILGM’s Home Grow Tour 2025 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

D.C. resident patients are the primary contributors to delivery sales, but self-certified temporary non-D.C. resident patients are showing significant growth in this area. All patient categories saw an increase in delivery sales. < Back D.C. cannabis market sees delivery sales soar amidst retail competition Jun 30, 2025 LJ Dawson Outlaw Report Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link While D.C. resident patients contribute the largest volume to delivery sales, self-certified temporary non-D.C. resident patients are demonstrating particularly strong growth in this area. All patient categories experienced an increase in delivery sales. 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

Ohio agencies are urging residents to prioritize safety during July 4th celebrations, specifically regarding fireworks, alcohol, and public cannabis use. The State Fire Marshal warns against risky fireworks behavior, citing past incidents and damages. The Division of Liquor Control emphasizes responsible drinking and planning sober rides. Ohio's Division of Cannabis Control reminds the public that non-medical cannabis use in public is illegal and warns against smoking/vaping indoors or near minors. Local communities like Bellefontaine are also reinforcing these safety measures. < Back Ohio Officials Urge Caution With Fireworks, Alcohol and Cannabis This 4th of July Jul 4, 2025 Staff Mary Jane Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Ohio agencies are reminding residents to stay safe during Independence Day celebrations—particularly around fireworks, alcohol, and public cannabis use. Ohioans are gearing up for July 4 celebrations and the State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon warns against risky behavior—last year saw 135 fireworks-related incidents and 32 structure fires, causing $760,000 in damage. Fireworks, including sparklers that burn at 2,000°F, pose serious safety risks. Officials advise checking local ordinances, wearing protective eyewear, keeping water nearby, and never using fireworks while impaired  . Alcohol is also under scrutiny. The Division of Liquor Control emphasizes responsible drinking: stay hydrated, eat, and plan a sober ride home to avoid mishaps. Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control adds a warning about public marijuana use. Non-medical cannabis in public is a minor misdemeanor; smoking or vaping indoors or near minors can lead to penalties. Superintendent Jim Canepa reminds adults to exercise judgment and keep products away from kids  . Local communities like Bellefontaine have extra steps to ensure safety. Their police chief reminds residents that fireworks possession and use without a licensed exhibitor is banned inside city limits. Alcohol must be treated responsibly, and fireworks complaints should be reported via non-emergency channels, reserving 911 for real emergencies  . The post Ohio Officials Urge Caution With Fireworks, Alcohol and Cannabis This 4th of July appeared first on Merry Jane. < 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

This Memorial Day, honor America’s heroes by choosing to shop at a veteran-owned dispensary for all your long weekend needs. The post Shop military discounts and veteran-owned dispensaries this Memorial Day appeared first on Leafly. < Back Shop military discounts and veteran-owned dispensaries this Memorial Day May 20, 2025 Leafly Staff Leafly Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link This Memorial Day, honor America’s heroes by choosing to shop at a veteran-owned dispensary for all your long weekend needs. The post Shop military discounts and veteran-owned dispensaries this Memorial Day 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

DEA says cannabis rescheduling process still “pending” (Newsletter: January 6, 2026) < Back DEA says cannabis rescheduling process still “pending”... Jan 6, 2026 Tom Angell Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *Congressional marijuana provisions; DEA psychedelic quotas; FL AG: Keep legalization off ballot; Industry group’s Trump PAC donations* Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: *Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…* *Free to read (but not free to produce)!* We’re proud of our newsletter and the reporting we publish at Marijuana Moment, and we’re happy to provide it for free. But it takes a lot of work and resources to make this happen. If you value Marijuana Moment, invest in our success on Patreon so we can expand our coverage and more readers can benefit: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment */ TOP THINGS TO KNOW* The House and Senate Appropriations Committees released a negotiated funding bill that continues a rider protecting state medical cannabis programs from federal interference and deletes a House provision that would have blocked the Trump administration from rescheduling marijuana. The Drug Enforcement Administration said in a new filing that the marijuana rescheduling appeal process is still on hold and “remains pending” despite President Donald Trump’s executive order directing the attorney general to complete the reform “in the most expeditious manner.” The Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to further increase legal production quotas in 2026 for psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT to be used in research. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) and several business and anti-marijuana groups filed briefs asking the state Supreme Court to block a cannabis legalization initiative from appearing on the November ballot. New Federal Election Commission filings show that the marijuana industry-funded American Rights and Reform PAC gave an additional $1.05 million to President Donald Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC before he signed a cannabis rescheduling executive order—on top of the $1 million it gave earlier last year. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) told Marijuana Moment that he opposes President Donald Trump’s marijuana rescheduling executive order—claiming that cannabis is a “gateway drug” and saying his position is informed by the fact that his brother died from a drug overdose. */ FEDERAL* Vice President JD Vance pushed back on claims that U.S. actions in Venezuela have “nothing to do with drugs because most of the fentanyl comes from elsewhere.” Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts noted in his annual report that filings for defendants charged with federal drug offenses fell six percent in 2025. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) tweeted, “I visited Wild State Cider in Duluth to highlight why the hemp ban doesn’t work — threatening 2,700 MN jobs and hurting farmers and small businesses across our state. I’m working across the aisle to support responsible hemp businesses that strengthen our economy.” */ STATES* An Indiana representative introduced a bill to legalize marijuana possession. An Alabama representative filed a bill to increase penalties for people who use marijuana in vehicles with children present. A Pennsylvania senator tweeted, “As we head into 2026, Pennsylvania faces familiar budget challenges—while a major revenue source sits idle. Cannabis is already here. It’s time for responsible regulation that generates revenue, protects consumers, and strengthens our economy.” Florida regulators adopted changes to medical cannabis advertising and marketing rules. The California Highway Patrol is accepting applications for a cannabis revenue-funded grant program supporting efforts to reduce impaired driving. The New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board will meet on Wednesday. *— 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. —* */ INTERNATIONAL* Saudi Arabian officials executed a record number of people in 2025, most of whom were convicted of drug-related offenses. */ SCIENCE & HEALTH* A review concluded that “several observational studies have reported that cannabis helped to reduce endometriosis-associated pain.” A study found that “magnesium increases cannabinoid and terpene production in cannabis plants.” A review concluded that evidence “suggests psilocybin may benefit geriatric depression” and “may theoretically reduce loneliness through enhanced social connectedness.” */ BUSINESS* Wyld is acquiring Grön. Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.’s chief legal officer established an automatic securities disposition plan. *Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.* Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: The post DEA says cannabis rescheduling process still “pending” (Newsletter: January 6, 2026) 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