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World Breeders is a cannabis seed company founded by three partners who transitioned from operating in Spain's semi-legal cannabis associations to establishing a fully legal, large-scale production facility in Colombia in 2020. The company focuses on developing proprietary genetics, such as their current line of nine strains, and is pursuing innovation with triploid seeds while anticipating expansion into liberalizing European markets. < Back From Spain, The Planet Awaits Jan 12, 2026 Bill Weinberg Cannabis Now Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link World Breeders, a cannabis seed company with who is making good on its promise to export seeds worldwide, has three founders, and it’s taken them all to shape the trajectory they have now—from working in cannabis on the “underground side,” as co-director Gorka Cid Luaces says, to an enterprise with operations on three continents and the momentum to fulfill their ambitions. Jon Urriola Rementeria—responsible for seed development, genetics and research—was growing tomatoes for Spanish supermarkets before he switched to *hierba* with the emergence of the first “cannabis associations” in the País Vasco, Spain’s northeast Basque Country. Leandro García Rodriguez handles client and concept development, while Cid Luaces is responsible for overall management of the company. García Rodriguez is originally from Seville, while Rementeria and Cid Luaces are native to the Basque Country. [image: World Breeders cannabis seeds]World Breeders claims to have dedicated itself to selecting and developing its own genetics with meticulous attention to details. Rementeria and Cid Luaces first came together in GreenFarm Éibar, which was among the first cannabis associations in Euskadi, as the País Vasco is known in the Basque language. They produced flower for the association in a mixed greenhouse and outdoor operation, with the local police informed. “The experience with GreenFarm marked our entry into the cannabis industry,” Cid says. “It was a highly rewarding stage, yet also one filled with tension. Working constantly on the edge of legality takes a heavy psychological toll.” GreenFarm was a member organization of the Federation of Cannabis User Associations of Euskadi (EUSFAC) which coordinates rules and standards for a sector operating in a kind of legal gray area. These regulations allowed private cultivation for the associations but limited members to two grams per day, to be consumed on club premises. Several associations closed during the pandemic in 2020, as these restrictions became untenable, and the sector never fully recovered. Associations continue to thrive in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia, but regional authorities in País Vasco cracked down, with some clubs busted and herb confiscated. [image: World Breeders Cannabis Cultivation] The GreenFarm veterans moved into the commercial space, anticipating an expanding market for the recreational side as policy in several European countries liberalized. World Breeders was registered as a seed company in the Czech Republic in 2019, though they had already been working with third partner García Rodriguez from Medical Weed Sevilla, one of the first associations in Andalusia’s southern region, for some time with different companies. Seeking a suitable country for production, the trio settled on the rising industry player of Colombia. Cannabis had been decriminalized there since 1994 and medical marijuana was legalized in December 2015 by decree of then-president Juan Manuel Santos—who would the following year win the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating peace with the guerillas. Along with the historic peace deal in 2016, Colombia’s Congress that year approved commercial cannabis cultivation under government license. “We knew we wanted to continue working in the cannabis industry—it’s our passion, and our professional path,” Cid says. “But we were equally clear that we wanted to do it within a fully legal framework. Colombia offered the chance to operate under official licenses, with a transparent regulatory environment and the ability to develop genetics and production at scale, without legal uncertainty. That’s why we took the leap and established our operations there.” In 2020, World Breeders set up its mixed indoor/greenhouse production facility in Antioquia in the northwest region of the country. Their first greenhouses were in Guarne, a charming mountain town in the Andes. Production began in January 2021 and licensed export of seed to Spain began that year. The seed stock they’d been working with initially had difficulties adjusting to higher altitude and new, more acidic soil and water conditions. Operations later moved to Ebéjico, on the outskirts of the Medellín metropolitan area, where the altitude is lower and the climate warmer. [image: World Breeders growing cannabis in Colombia]Based in Colombia since 2020, World Breeders’ new environment creates exceptional photoperiods: 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness per day. “It’s ideal for complex terpene profiles,” says co-founder Gorka Cid Luaces. Conditions here, as it turns out, are exceptional. The light offers perfect photoperiods: about 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness per day. And the altitude of some 1,400 meters above sea level, Cid describes as “ideal for complex terpene profiles.” “Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to selecting and developing our own genetics with meticulous attention to details,” their website boasts. The company, a seed bank marketing its genetic creations to specialty growers, currently offers nine strains, with names including Clementine Slush, Fizzy Gum and Pink Truffle. Cid takes pride in the descriptive accuracy of these appellations. “If we say it tastes like clementine, it really tastes like clementine,” he assures. A recent addition is La Hokuzan, developed in cooperation with Barcelona-based Hidden Group Genetics. The Catalan group had bred its own indica-heavy hybrid Hokuzai, which World Breeders crossed with their own Fizzy Gum for a more “sparkling and fruity” feel. Just coming online is Pilot, developed in conjunction with Spanish rapper JC Reyes, combining his favorite traits—a three-way cross of Pink Watermelon x Jokerz x WB Bubba. World Breeders is also currently working with growers in the Rif Mountains of Morocco to develop a line of triploid seeds. Triploid strains have three sets of chromosomes, as opposed to the traditional diploid varieties with two sets—one from each parent plant. They typically don’t collect pollen and therefore don’t produce seeds. (Most of the bananas we eat are triploid, as well as seedless watermelons.) This is important for cannabis, because a female plant that doesn’t get fertilized will keep secreting resin indefinitely throughout the growing season, even if there are male plants in the vicinity. A triploid line could be a breakthrough for the centuries-old tradition of hashish production in the Rif, and a boon to growers everywhere. “We’re confident that this new line will mark a before-and-after in the genetic development of cannabis, positioning World Breeders as a benchmark for innovation and quality in the sector,” Cid predicts. But expanding markets in Europe represent the real opportunity on the imminent horizon, Cid says, pointing to recent moves toward permitting adult-use cultivation in Portugal and Germany. “What began as a dream of the World Breeders team is now a consolidated reality,” he says. *This story was originally published in issue 52 of the print edition of Cannabis Now.* The post From Spain, The Planet Awaits appeared first on Cannabis Now. < 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

Over the past four years, Montana's combined cannabis sales have surpassed $1 billion, although the market composition has changed. The state recently recorded a record $327 million in adult-use cannabis sales. < Back Montana adult-use cannabis sales hit record $327 million Jan 15, 2026 Margaret Jackson MJbizDaily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Over the past four years, Montana has recorded more than $1 billion in combined cannabis sales, but the market composition has changed. Montana adult-use cannabis sales hit record $327 million 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

Steve Bevan, a key figure in drafting the hemp language in the 2018 Farm Bill, argues that the emergence of intoxicating cannabinoid products is not due to a "loophole" but rather the intentional language added to the law and subsequent inaction by lawmakers and regulators like the FDA. Bevan's letter to GOP leaders opposes a proposed ban, suggesting that simple age restrictions and regulation are the solution, not prohibition, which he claims would only boost the illicit market. He suggests that state attorneys general advocating for a ban are likely motivated by competition with the cannabis businesses in their states. The article also notes that major alcohol industry associations support a ban and highlights the disagreement among GOP lawmakers, with Senator Rand Paul opposing the ban aggressively, while Senator Mitch McConnell pushes for it. Congress has two options: prohibit the products or create a regulatory framework with quality standards and age requirements. < Back Legalizing Intoxicating Hemp Products Wasn’t A ‘Loophole’ But Was Intentional, Expert Who Helped Draft Farm Bill Says Nov 5, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link One of the behind-the-scenes architects of the federal law legalizing hemp during President Donald Trump’s first term says it’s a misconception that Congress accidentally created a “loophole” allowing intoxicating cannabinoid products to be sold. Rather, the controversy over the hemp THC marketplace that’s emerged is a direct consequence of inaction by lawmakers and regulators that could be resolved without outright banning such products, as certain GOP members have proposed, Steve Bevan said in a letter to key Republican committee leaders on Tuesday. Bevan—who worked with then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to help draft the hemp language contained in the 2018 Farm Bill—said proponents of re-criminalizing intoxicating cannabinoid products “claim it’s about protecting children from dangerous products,” yet “simple age gating and responsible consumption resolve this.” “Instead of focusing on citizens’ access to wellness and the positive economic benefits being realized from the national hemp experiment–it worked!–they bizarrely suggest a return to prohibition,” he said in the letter, which was shared exclusively with Marijuana Moment. The message to congressional leaders is responsive to a separate letter sent by 39 state and territory attorneys general who urged legislators to enact restrictions on the consumable hemp market by banning intoxicating items. This stepped-up push to get such products prohibited again is being led in part by McConnell, who has insisted he and colleagues only intended to allow for industrial uses of hemp, with exceptions for non-intoxicating CBD. That isn’t exactly the case, Bevan said. “We specifically added language about ‘extracts, derivatives, and cannabinoids’ to the definition of hemp to help American farmers and rural communities build businesses around hemp-derived products,” he said. “Senator McConnell understood this and changed the definition. This wasn’t an accident or a loophole—it was intentional to ensure that the farmers of Kentucky newly producing hemp—could reach markets with their new crop.” Bevan, who served as a co-founder and chair of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and is now a partner at OCan Group, said that during the drafting of the hemp provisions of the Farm Bill, “we asked federal regulators to create quality and safety standards for these products.” “That’s common sense—you test food before people eat it, right? But the FDA, even when Congress instructed them to act, has repeatedly refused to regulate these products,” he said, echoing complaints from bipartisan lawmakers and industry stakeholders over the years since hemp was legalized. “We told [FDA] exactly what would happen without proper regulations: products would become popular, quality would vary, there’d be no age restrictions, and consumers wouldn’t know what they’re buying,” he said. “The FDA responded with silence for over two years, then sent out a few warning letters in late 2024. Too little, too late.” Bevan, who also founded the cannabis company GenCanna before it declared bankruptcy in 2020, said that what Congress isn’t addressing with the proposed ban is the fact that intoxicating hemp products are already popular with a significant portion of the adult population, prohibition would only bolster the illicit market, the industry has thrived despite lack of federal support and re-criminalizing would lead to the same drug war consequences the country has historically witnessed. The letter posits that a key reason for the attorneys general message supporting a ban could be that the vast majority of signatories serve states and territories where marijuana is legal in some form, and those businesses “compete directly with hemp products.” “Instead of competing on price and quality, these AGs want Congress to eliminate their competition,” he said. “Think about that. Your state’s top law enforcement official wants to criminalize products that millions of adults use—not because they’re dangerous, but because they’re cutting into state tax revenue.” It concludes by describing “two options” for Congress: Lawmakers can move to prohibit the intoxicating cannabinoid products and launch “another drug war” that ignores consumer demand, or they can create a regulatory framework for the hemp market that establishes “rules around quality and standards for the benefit of the principal stakeholders that should have existed from day one.” If they opt for the latter option, Bevan said that should start with age requirements for hemp purchases and allowing a transition period for businesses to get into compliance with any new regulations, Bevan said. “The question isn’t whether to regulate hemp products—clearly we should. The question is whether we’ll do it intelligently, or whether we’ll repeat the failures of prohibition one more time and miss another opportunity for American leadership and innovation,” he said. “Millions of Americans have made their choice. They want these products. They deserve safe, regulated acces—not criminalization. It’s time for Congress to listen to the people, not just the tax collectors.” Meanwhile, a coalition of major alcohol industry associations is throwing its weight behind the push to get Congress to ban intoxicating hemp products—at least on a temporary basis before the federal government creates a “robust regulatory framework” for the marketplace. As lawmakers work to finalize appropriations legislation, they’ve felt pressure on both sides of the hemp debate, with some interests endorsing controversial proposals to outright prohibit intoxicating cannabinoids and others that have called for a comprehensive regulatory approach that could prevent significant economic fallout for the hemp industry. There’s been a surge in congressional lobbying from major alcohol companies and associations in recent months, with stakeholders aiming to influence federal hemp laws that focus on THC beverages that many consumers are turning to as beer and liquor alternatives. As Congress continues to navigate a path forward on funding legislation to end an ongoing government shutdown, lawmakers are still at work attempting to reach a deal on federal hemp laws—with one GOP senator telling Marijuana Moment that multiple options are on the table, though it will ultimately come down to what leadership wants. Two GOP lawmakers—McConnell and Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD)—have pushed aggressively for an outright ban on hemp products containing THC. But others such as Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) have insisted that such a policy change would devastate the industry. And Paul said recently he’d go so far as to hold up large-scale spending legislation if a full ban was kept intact . The senator also pushed back against the recent letter from the state and territory attorneys general who implored Republican leaders to fully prevent the marketing of intoxicating hemp products. “Some of them came back from states that have completely legalized marijuana, and they’re going to ban hemp? I mean, it’s just ridiculous,” he said. “So they prefer people to use a much higher dose of THC from cannabis than lower-dose hemp products. It doesn’t make any sense.” *— 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. —* As far as legislative options go, Paul did put forward legislative language recently to require a study and report on state regulatory models for hemp that could inform future revisions to the federal law—rather than prohibit sales altogether, as McConnell would have it. In August, McConnell–who ushered in the federal legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill–took to the Senate floor to criticize those who opposed the ban, including Paul. Meanwhile, Paul recently filed a standalone bill that would go in the opposite direction of the hemp ban, proposing to triple the concentration of THC that the crop could legally contain, while addressing multiple other concerns the industry has expressed about federal regulations. The senator introduced the legislation, titled the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act, in June. It mirrors versions he’s sponsored over the last several sessions. *Read the letter from Bevan to congressional leaders on the hemp ban proposal below:* The post Legalizing Intoxicating Hemp Products Wasn’t A ‘Loophole’ But Was Intentional, Expert Who Helped Draft Farm Bill Says 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

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) believes the federal government needs to establish a regulatory framework for marijuana, including exploring its efficacy for conditions like PTSD and pain. He emphasized that Congress has not adequately addressed the issue despite increasing state-level legalization. Tillis also indicated support for regulating cannabis similarly to alcohol and tobacco to allow states to set their own policies. < Back GOP Senator Says Congress Must ‘Step Up’ And Regulate Marijuana, While Exploring Its ‘Efficacy’ For PTSD And Pain Sep 17, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A GOP senator says the federal government needs to “step up” and explore a regulatory framework for marijuana—and that should include a pathway to explore the “efficacy” of cannabis for certain health conditions. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) made the comments during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, where President Donald Trump’s judicial appointees and nominee for director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) testified ahead of possible confirmation votes. Tillis said that Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) made points about cannabis policy in the hearing that “are very well-taken,” adding that “Congress is not doing its job by recognizing that that bell has been rung.” As more states enact legalization, certain public health concerns related to THC potency are going to worsen “unless we get serious about regulatory regimens,” the Republican senator argued. *Listen to the senator’s remarks on marijuana regulations starting at 2:44:10 into the video below:* “Congress needs to step up and try to figure out how we can manage this [and] exploit its efficacy in areas that are helpful—particularly for the treatment of persons with PTSD” and pain, Tillis said. “But we’ve got to step up.” “In my remaining time here, hopefully we can get something done,” Tillis, who is not running for reelection, said. Earlier in the hearing, Trump’s pick for White House drug czar, Sara Carter (who also uses the name Sara Bailey), addressed questions from Booker and said the administration is keeping “all options” on the table as it continues to consider a pending marijuana rescheduling proposal, while describing cannabis reform as a “bipartisan issue.” Booker noted that Carter discussed her support for medical marijuana access in 2023, adding that Congress has had “bipartisan hearings here with military personnel talking about the transformative impact it’s had” in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the senator supports ending federal cannabis prohibition altogether, he said the rescheduling proposal that was initiated under former President Joe Biden and which Trump said last month he’d be making a final decision on imminently would be a “step in the right direction.” Tillis didn’t specifically weigh in on the proposal to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). But he did echo earlier points he’s made about the need to evaluate a regulatory framework for marijuana at the federal level. *— 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. —* At a separate Judiciary Committee hearing in June, Tillis said opponents of marijuana legalization “have lost” the fight to maintain prohibition and that “it’s time” for lawmakers to address that reality by creating a regulatory framework treating cannabis “in the same way that we do with alcohol and tobacco,” so that states can set their own policies without federal intervention. Back in February, the senator also raised the issue during a Senate Banking Committee hearing, saying “we should reexamine [federal marijuana laws].” But at the same time, “we damn sure shouldn’t do it by passing” legislation that would simply prevent federal regulators from penalizing banks that work with state-legal cannabis businesses. “If somebody wants to work on rules of the road and do that—and bank the industry in a cohesive, sustainable way that doesn’t kind of skirt around the fact that it’s still illegal at the federal level—count me in. Happy to do it,” Tillis said. Tillis also said last December that he’s hopeful Congress will have a “discussion” about potentially creating a federal regulatory framework for marijuana in 2025, though he added that he personally wouldn’t vote to federally legalize cannabis. Last year, the senator also said he supports creating a “comprehensive regulatory framework that treats marijuana just like tobacco,” arguing that “the federal government needs to figure out a safe way to allow this market to occur.” Tillis in April joined Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) in asking federal, state and local officials what steps they were taking to enforce marijuana prohibition as an Indian tribe prepared to launch recreational cannabis sales on its lands within North Carolina. Meanwhile, back in 2017, Tillis also teamed up with bipartisan colleagues on a bill that was meant to ease researchers’ access to marijuana for studies on its medical benefits and require the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to develop recommendations for good manufacturing practices for growing and producing cannabis for research. The post GOP Senator Says Congress Must ‘Step Up’ And Regulate Marijuana, While Exploring Its ‘Efficacy’ For PTSD And Pain 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

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will direct the Justice Department to investigate allegations by Sen. Thom Tillis that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' (EBCI) cannabis operation is marketing products to children and transporting products across boundary lines. Tillis expressed concern that the operation seems to be "preying on young people" and questioned the legality of transporting cannabis from tribal land to a non-contiguous dispensary. Bondi stated that transporting cannabis across state or tribal lines would violate federal law. EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks called Tillis' suggestions "inaccurate and offensive," defending the tribe's "lawful and transparent activities" and emphasizing their commitment to sovereignty and economic development while respecting laws and their neighbors. < Back AG Pam Bondi to Investigate Tribal Cannabis Program Oct 14, 2025 TG Branfalt Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has indicated she will direct the Justice Department (DOJ) to investigate allegations by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) cannabis operation is marketing products to children and transporting products across boundary lines when making deliveries to its dispensary, the Asheville Citizen Times reports. During an October 8 hearing, Tillis told Bondi that he couldn’t “find any legal way” to get the cannabis products from the tribal land to the dispensary, which is in a non-contiguous part of the boundary. “This worries me because it’s a money-making enterprise; it kind of seems like it’s preying on young people. But then, I want to talk about this handy app you can get. Now, it’s illegal in North Carolina, and Tennessee, and Georgia, and South Carolina to buy pot, but apparently, you can order on an app and ride over there and get it, I assume. I assume that they’re not delivering it outside the boundary.” — Tillis, during the hearing, via WLOS Bondi responded that she would “absolutely” have the agency “look into the issue.” If the investigation commences – which has not been confirmed by the DOJ – it would mark the first time that a tribal-approved cannabis program is targeted by the federal government. Bondi noted during the hearing that transporting cannabis across state or tribal lines would violate federal law. In an October 9 statement, EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks said Tillis’ suggestion that the North Carolina-based tribe “would endanger children through marketing or sales practices is inaccurate and it is offensive to the values that guide” the tribe. He added that Tillis’ comments mischaracterize “the Tribe’s lawful and transparent activities related to the cultivation, transportation, and marketing” of the products on EBCI land. “Senator Tillis described the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as an ‘island’ in a far, forgotten corner of the state. He’s right about one thing: We are an island, and we are a stronghold of culture, integrity, and self-determination.” Hicks said in the statement. “Yet, we are not afforded real representation from his office. From the heart of our ancestral homeland, we stand as a model of how sovereignty and economic development can coexist with respect for state and federal law, the environment, and our neighbors.” < 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 former Nebraska state senator, John Kuehn, has appealed a second case to the Nebraska Supreme Court, seeking to invalidate the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis laws. Kuehn argues the laws are unconstitutional due to federal marijuana laws and that the creation of the Medical Cannabis Commission is an unlawful delegation of lawmaking authority. A district judge previously ruled Kuehn lacked "standing" to sue. The Nebraska Supreme Court will also hear a separate appeal from Kuehn regarding the validity of petition signatures for the ballot measures. Supporters of the medical cannabis laws view these challenges as an "abuse of power." < Back Former Nebraska Senator Seeks High Court Review In Medical Marijuana Case Seeking To Scrap Voter-Approved Legalization Law Jul 8, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *“This latest appeal is just another desperate attempt to silence the will of Nebraskans, who overwhelmingly support safe, legal access to medical cannabis.”* *By Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner* A former state senator appealed a second case to the Nebraska Supreme Court seeking to invalidate the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis laws. Former state Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a former member of the State Board of Health and a longtime marijuana opponent, filed the brief appeal request Saturday. Kuehn has asked the Nebraska Supreme Court to step in without going through the intermediate Nebraska Court of Appeals. The courts have not yet decided whether to take up the appeal. Kuehn seeks to argue that the 2024 voter-approved laws to legalize and regulate medical cannabis are unconstitutional because of federal laws against marijuana. “Plaintiff has a right to appeal directly to the Supreme Court because his case challenges the constitutionality of Nebraska laws,” the one-page filing states. Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong on June 26 ruled that Kuehn could not prove “injury in fact,” known as “standing,” as a direct result of the medical cannabis laws. Strong disagreed with Kuehn’s arguments that he should be able to sue because taxpayer funds would help carry out the laws, such as employee time, and that the laws were a “matter of great public concern.” “Nebraska, like other states, has no shortage of citizen-taxpayers with strong political opinions. That is not necessarily a bad thing,” Strong wrote. “But it would be bad if all those citizens could sue whenever a law requires a government employee to do something.” Among Kuehn’s main contentions is that Nebraska shouldn’t be able to create a medical cannabis program because of federal law classifying marijuana as a Schedule I drug. A Schedule I drug is one that the federal government says has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical uses. A bipartisan swath of advocates has called for rescheduling the drug for decades. Nearly 40 states, including Nebraska, have laws on the books for some form of medical cannabis program. Kuehn also argues that the creation of the new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, the members of which are named in the lawsuit, is an unlawful delegation of lawmaking authority. The preemption case also names Gov. Jim Pillen (R), Secretary of State Bob Evnen, State Treasurer Tom Briese, Tax Commissioner Jim Kamm and the ballot sponsors who ushered the laws through the 2024 election. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) and his office, who are representing the state defendants, had asked for the case to be dismissed. However, the AG’s Office did so after pledging to sue the Medical Cannabis Commission once it begins licensing medical cannabis establishments while making similar preemption arguments as Kuehn. Licensing must begin by October 1. The Nebraska Supreme Court, as early as September, will hear a separate appeal from Kuehn, Evnen and Hilgers that seeks to invalidate the medical cannabis laws. That case, targeting Evnen and the ballot sponsors, argues there were not enough valid petition signatures for the ballot measures to have been placed on the 2024 ballot in the first place. Strong presided over that earlier case and ruled last November in favor of the ballot measures. About 71 percent of Nebraskans voted to legalize the drug, and about 67 percent voted to regulate it. Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, the 2024 campaign that ushered in the new laws, said the continued legal challenges “are nothing short of an abuse of power.” “This latest appeal is just another desperate attempt to silence the will of Nebraskans, who overwhelmingly support safe, legal access to medical cannabis,” Eggers said in a statement. “We will not be intimidated.” *This story was first published by Nebraska Examiner.* *Photo courtesy of M a n u e l.* The post Former Nebraska Senator Seeks High Court Review In Medical Marijuana Case Seeking To Scrap Voter-Approved Legalization Law 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

This post highlights New York's top concentrate, edible, and pre-roll brands for dispensary visits in July 2025, originally appearing on Leafly. < Back Discover New York’s best oil, edible, and pre-roll brands [July 2025] Jul 16, 2025 Leafly Staff Leafly Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link New York's best concentrate, edible, and pre-roll brands to check out on your next dispensary visit. The post Discover New York’s best oil, edible, and pre-roll brands [July 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

Amid a stalled marijuana rescheduling process that’s carried over from the last presidential administration, congressional researchers are reiterating that lawmakers could enact the reform themselves with “greater speed and flexibility” if they so choose, while potentially avoiding judicial challenges. < Back Lawmakers Could Reschedule Marijuana With ‘Greater Speed And Flexibility’ Than Administration Officials, Congressional Researchers Say Jun 18, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Amid a stalled marijuana rescheduling process that’s carried over from the last presidential administration, congressional researchers are reiterating that lawmakers could enact the reform themselves with “greater speed and flexibility” if they so choose, while potentially avoiding judicial challenges. In an “In Focus” brief published by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) last week, analysts provided an overview of the different mechanisms through which scheduling actions can be implemented, noting the limitations of the process that the Biden administration initiated—and that the Trump administration has since inherited—to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). “There are two ways in which substances can be scheduled under the CSA: Congress can schedule substances by enacting legislation, or the Attorney General (in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS) can schedule substances via an administrative process laid out in the CSA,” CRS said. For this report, which is an update to an earlier analysis CRS put out last year, researchers detailed various instances where Congress has stepped in and made a scheduling decision—such as the federal legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. “Congress placed numerous substances in Schedules I through V when it enacted the CSA in 1970,” it says. “Since the CSA’s enactment, most subsequent scheduling changes have been made by DEA via the rulemaking process, but Congress has at times enacted legislation to schedule controlled substances or change the status of existing controlled substances.” “There are several reasons why Congress might decide to schedule or reschedule substances via legislation,” it says. “For instance, compared to administrative scheduling, legislative scheduling may offer greater speed and flexibility.” “Administrative scheduling under the CSA proceeds via formal rulemaking, which generally takes months or years to complete. In making scheduling decisions, DEA is required by statute to make certain findings with respect to each substance’s potential for abuse and accepted medical use,” it continues. “DEA scheduling orders (other than temporary scheduling orders) are subject to judicial review, including consideration of whether the agency properly applied the relevant statutory standards.” To that point, it did take 11 months for HHS under the Biden administration to complete its review into cannabis and make an initial rescheduling recommendation. DEA then completed a separate review before the Justice Department formally proposed moving marijuana to Schedule III—but even then, there have been months of delay in the administrative hearing process to potentially finalize the rule. Congress, on the other hand, could reschedule or deschedule marijuana more quickly and with a lower threat of a judicial challenge, CRS said. “Congress is not bound by the CSA’s substantive or procedural requirements,” the report says. “This means that it can schedule a substance immediately, regardless of whether the substance meets the statutory criteria. While scheduling legislation may also be challenged in court, the scope of judicial review of legislation is typically more limited than judicial review of regulations.” It also says legislative action “may be the only way to permanently schedule large classes of substances” such as fentanyl-related substances, given the intensive statutory requirements imposed on DEA under the CSA. “Relatedly, the CSA provides DEA with limited options for regulating controlled substances,” CRS said. “The CSA established Schedules I-V, with each schedule carrying a defined set of regulatory controls and penalties for unauthorized activities. If DEA decides to control a substance under the CSA, it must place the substance in one of the existing schedules.” “The agency has asserted some authority to tailor controls to specific substances, but it cannot create new schedules or implement regulations or exceptions from control that are not authorized under the CSA. If Congress wishes to regulate a controlled substance in a way that does not fit within the existing CSA framework, or allow DEA to do so, it must enact legislation.” Additionally, the report notes that while DEA is bound to consider certain international treaty obligations when it comes to drug scheduling, those same commitments “do not prevent Congress from exercising its constitutional authority to enact new laws, even when doing so might cause the United States to violate its treaty obligations.” Meanwhile, last month a Senate committee advanced the confirmation of Terrance Cole to become the administrator of DEA amid the ongoing review of a marijuana rescheduling proposal that he’s refused to commit to enacting. Cole—who has previously voiced concerns about the dangers of marijuana and linked its use to higher suicide risk among youth—said he would “give the matter careful consideration after consulting with appropriate personnel within the Drug Enforcement Administration, familiarizing myself with the current status of the regulatory process, and reviewing all relevant information.” However, during an in-person hearing before the Judiciary Committee in April, he said examining the rescheduling proposal will be “one of my first priorities” if he was confirmed for the role, saying it’s “time to move forward” on the stalled process—but again without clarifying what end result he would like to see. “I’m not familiar exactly where we are, but I know the process has been delayed numerous times—and it’s time to move forward,” he said at the time. “I need to understand more where [agencies] are and look at the science behind it and listen to the experts and really understand where they are in the process.” Cole also said he feels it’s appropriate to form a “working group” to look at the federal-state marijuana law disconnect in order to “stay ahead of it.” DEA recently notified an agency judge that the proceedings are still on hold—with no future actions currently scheduled. The matter sat without action before an acting administrator, Derek Maltz, who has called cannabis a “gateway drug” and linked its use to psychosis. Maltz has since left the position. Most Marijuana Consumers Oppose Trump’s Cannabis Actions So Far, But Rescheduling Or Legalization Could Bolster Support, Poll Shows *Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.* The post Lawmakers Could Reschedule Marijuana With ‘Greater Speed And Flexibility’ Than Administration Officials, Congressional Researchers Say 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

Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis use four years ago, leading to significant changes in the medical marijuana market. Recreational sales have surpassed medical purchases since May 2023. Medical users receive tax exemptions and can purchase products unavailable to recreational users, and are not subject to potency restrictions. The state collected $49.4 million in cannabis revenue in FY 2024. Most dispensaries are now hybrid (medical and recreational) or recreational only, with only one exclusively medical dispensary remaining. Medical card holders are prohibited from purchasing firearms due to federal law. < Back What’s Changed Since Connecticut Legalized Adult-Use Marijuana 4 Years Ago? Jun 30, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *Not only have recreational sales increased, but medical purchases have made up less than half of the state’s cannabis market retail sales since May 2023.* *By Sasha Allen, CT Mirror* July 1 marks four years of legalized recreational cannabis use in Connecticut, and with legalization came major changes to the medical marijuana market. A law enacted in 2012 allowed the purchase and use of cannabis for medical reasons only. But in 2021, the state legalized recreational use for everyone 21 and older. Statewide recreational retail sales began in January 2023, and by May 2023, recreational sales accounted for the majority of state cannabis retail sales, a trend that has continued to today. Connecticut was the 19th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Under state law, anyone 21 or older without a medical card is allowed to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower or other cannabis product equivalent in public and up to 5 ounces in their private residence. Medical cardholders can posses up to 5 ounces of cannabis on their person. Not only have recreational sales increased, but medical purchases have made up less than half of the state’s cannabis market retail sales since May 2023. Connecticut was the 19th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Both medical and recreational dispensaries sell similar products, but medical users who are using the product to treat “debilitating medical conditions” aren’t subject to the cannabis tax. Medical users can also buy other products that recreational users cannot, including capsules, tablets, pills, sublinguals and suppositories. Medical users are also not subject to potency restrictions, while recreational cannabis is currently capped at 30 percent THC for cannabis flower and 60 percent THC for concentrate products other than vapes. However, as of October 1, 2025, the cap for raw flower will be raised to 35 percent THC and 70 percent THC for concentrates other than vapes. The cannabis tax is dependent on both the product and the amount of THC; edible products are taxed the most heavily per milligram of THC and plant products the least. For an eighth of flower that’s 15 percent THC, for the tax currently sits at around 9.4 percent, fluctuating based on product pricing. Edibles are subject to a tax of $0.0275 per milligram of the product’s total THC content. Medical card holders are required to apply for renewal annually, which involves a consultation fee with health care providers that can range from $100 to $350 for users 18 and older. For users under 18, users must have a condition specified by the legislature for medical usage as well as parental consent and a caregiver arrangement. Because cannabis usage is federally illegal, medical card holders are prohibited from purchasing firearms, and everyone applying for a firearm is required to disclose their usage of cannabis and other federally controlled substances. Federal law bars all cannabis users from owning a firearm. Each hybrid or recreational cannabis retailer registered in Connecticut must pay the cannabis tax, which varies by product. The state cannabis tax brought in $21.3 million in state revenue for FY 2024. Overall, the sales tax—along with state sales tax, municipality sales tax and licensing and conversion fees for dispensaries—brought in $49.4 million in cannabis revenue for FY 2024. While there are dozens of products on the market, usable cannabis flower, which is just the dried plant, brings in the most sales across the medical and recreational markets. Overall, in May 2025, recreational cannabis retail sales were $18.7 million. Medical retail sales were $6.6 million. There is only one exclusively medical dispensary in the state. The rest of the dispensaries have transitioned and cater to both the recreational market and the medical market as hybrid dealers, or just the recreational market. Statewide, there are 36 recreational dispensaries and 35 hybrid dealers. However, the number of dispensaries fluctuates. Back in January 2023, only nine hybrid dispensaries existed. Numbers from around February 2025 showed 64 dispensaries in the state—eight fewer than are currently open. *This article first appeared on CT Mirror and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.* Embracing Marijuana Legalization Could Help GOP Win Over More Young Voters, Trump’s First Attorney General Pick Suggests *Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.* The post What’s Changed Since Connecticut Legalized Adult-Use Marijuana 4 Years Ago? 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 new machine's wash cycle capacity is up to 9,000 grams of fresh frozen or 2,100 grams of dry material. < Back Lowtemp Industries Launches Mini Osprey 2.0, a Next-Gen, 30-Gallon Hash Washing Machine Jan 8, 2026 Staff Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The new machine can process up to 9,000 grams of fresh frozen or 2,100 grams of dry material per wash cycle. < 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

Scammers are impersonating Fresh Delaware, a state-licensed cannabis business, by offering illegal delivery services in the Newark area, including the University of Delaware campus, which is prohibited under state law. The Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) is investigating reports of fraudulent business cards and flyers that falsely claim delivery, and they urge the public to provide any information about the scheme. Fresh Delaware confirmed they do not offer deliveries. < Back Delaware Scam Claiming to Represent State-Licensed Dispensary Offering Illegal Cannabis Deliveries Oct 21, 2025 TG Branfalt Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Scammers in Delaware claiming to represent Fresh Delaware – a state-licensed cannabis business – are saying they will deliver products to customers, which is not allowed under state law. The state Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) said it has received reports of fraudulent business cards and flyers in the Newark area, which includes the University of Delaware campus. “The public needs to know that no licensed recreational marijuana dispensary in Delaware is permitted to deliver marijuana or marijuana products. Any business claiming to offer such delivery services is operating illegally.” — DATE in a press release The flyers include the Fresh Cannabis name and logo, while one claims “quick delivery for on campus students” and offers a free eighth for signing up for the service and a free ounce for student referrals. A Fresh Delaware employee told Delaware Online that the dispensary does not offer deliveries. DATE said it is actively investigating the scheme and urged the public to provide the agency with any information about the materials. Jon Peterson, a spokesman for DATE, told the Newark Post that “The impostors are attempting to mislead potential customers into purchasing marijuana products illegally.” < 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 new Virginia government cannabis commission will meet next week to discuss future marijuana laws, likely leading to a revised proposal for retail sales. While marijuana use and possession have been legal since 2022, retail sales are still forbidden, fueling an illicit market. Governor Glenn Youngkin has twice vetoed proposals for regulated sales, but with his term ending, the next governor will likely decide the fate of retail cannabis. The commission, in place until mid-2028, will gather public input and make recommendations on various policy matters for Virginia's transition to a commercial adult-use market, including licensing, taxes, employment protections, and labor union agreements. Advocacy groups like Marijuana Justice and NORML plan to participate, while the Virginia Cannabis Association does not, focusing instead on reintroducing previously vetoed legislation. The outcome of the upcoming gubernatorial election is seen as crucial for the future of cannabis retail in Virginia. < Back New Virginia Cannabis Commission Meeting Next Week Will Help Shape Recreational Marijuana Sales Rules Under The Next Governor Jul 1, 2025 Ben Adlin Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A newly reformed government cannabis commission in Virginia will meet next week to discuss the future of marijuana law in the commonwealth—a process widely expected to result in a revised proposal to legalize retail sales of the drug. Convened as part of a House joint resolution passed by lawmakers earlier this year, the group is set to spend the coming months gathering public input and making recommendations on an array of policy matters around Virginia’s would-be transition into a full-fledged adult-use commercial cannabis market. Those include fundamentals like licensing and tax details along with related issues such as paraphernalia, employment protections and labor union agreements. Use and possession of marijuana has been legal in Virginia since 2022, but retail sales remain forbidden—a situation that’s helped fuel a multibillion-dollar illicit market. Despite efforts by Democrats in past years to legalize and regulate the retail system, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has stood in the way of the reform, twice vetoing proposals passed by lawmakers. “There’s kind of a good-news, bad-news with retail cannabis legalization in Virginia,” Del. Paul Krizek (D), who sponsored the resolution creating the new body—formally called the Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Retail Cannabis Market—told Marijuana Moment in a recent interview. The bad news, he said, is that lawmaker infighting over whether and how to regulate marijuana has meant “we’re unable to provide Virginians with a tested, well regulated retail market” even years after possession became legal. “The good news is it’s given us a little bit of time to work on perfecting this legislation that we’re going to bring back next session,” he continued. “It’s also given us the time to…get more input from the public and from the stakeholders, and to really move cannabis from the street corner to behind an age-verified retail counter.” In the short-term, Krizek and others say the commission’s conversation will inform an updated bill to introduce in the coming year. With Youngkin term-limited and unable to run for re-election in November, his replacement is likely to decide whether regulated products will become available in the commonwealth in the next few years. Whatever happens, the body is scheduled to remain in place until mid-2028, which the lawmaker said will allow members to keep at the work—whether that means continuing to explore the possibility of retail sales or monitoring a fledgling commercial system as gets off the ground. The commission created by Krizek’s bill, HJ 497, consists of six lawmakers from the House and four from the Senate. A similar commission previously existed in the commonwealth, but the law creating that body sunsetted last year and the group disbanded. Most business at the commission’s first meeting, on July 9, will be housekeeping: things like setting agendas and ground rules for meetings, electing officers—Krizek said he hopes to be selected as chair, with Sen. Adam Ebbin (D) as vice chair—and laying out expectations for process ahead. From there, he emphasized, the bulk of the commission’s work will involve hearing from stakeholders and the public. “This is all about a public process with public input, not just stakeholders, but the public in general,” Krizek told Marijuana Moment. “One of the goals, I’m certain, will be to get as much public information [as possible], especially from our stakeholders.” He said he intends to use the recent legal sales bill that was vetoed by Youngkin as a starting point “with a few small tweaks” but also pointed to other issues he hoped the commission would take up, such as expanding cannabis-related employment protections to include non-medical marijuana use by adults, evaluating proposed tax rates on paraphernalia and adding provisions around labor union organizing. Asked whether the matters would be part of a comprehensive sales bill or dealt with on a more piecemeal basis, the lawmaker emphasized that the committee’s focus for now is on understanding policy issues rather than strategizing how to pass legislation. “You have to tackle it policy first, and you worry about the tactics as you go,” he said. Among the organizations expected to participate in the commission process are Marijuana Justice and NORML, which both appeared before the previous iteration of the body. Chelsea Higgs Wise, executive director of Marijuana Justice, said she’s “excited about the opportunity for public comment and expert testimony,” calling the commission “an opportunity for a melding of the minds.” “These legislators, many of them are new to the cannabis industry, and so this is an opportunity for them to learn best practices, hear from trusted advocates and organizers and invite in the experts…to make smart decisions,” she said. “The majority of them have a history of standing on justice, equity and being open to learning how cannabis can really benefit Virginia,” she added of the commission’s members. “I am very excited for this commission to hear and craft the future of Virginia cannabis.” Among the priorities Marijuana Justice has for the conversation is a review of micro business eligibility provisions, which Higgs Wise said could be too wide in scope, as well as how adult-use cannabis operators could effectively compete with large, existing medical marijuana companies. “Centering corporations, centering big cannabis, is not necessarily what’s best for a Virginia-based industry,” she said. “We really want to have in-depth conversations about the start date of sales and what that will mean for people that are just getting started, versus those that are already operational either with hemp or with medical cannabis.” JM Pedini, development director for the advocacy group NORML and executive director for Virginia NORML, told Marijuana Moment that the commission “has consistently provided an excellent opportunity for both lawmakers and members of the public to participate in cannabis policy discussions before the legislative session begins” and encouraged interested members of the public to attend the panel’s meetings. But Pedini also stressed the importance of getting out the vote later this year, especially in the governor’s race. “Ultimately, it is the outcome of this November’s election that will determine the fate of cannabis retail in Virginia,” they said. “There are only two choices. Voters can either elect a governor who will sign a retail sales measure, or one who will double down on prohibitionists’ attempts to roll back cannabis freedoms in the commonwealth.” One advocacy group not planning to engage with the new commission is the Virginia Cannabis Association (VCA). “To be quite frank, we’re not going to participate in any of these meetings,” said Jason Blanchette, the organization’s president. “I don’t really know what’s going to come out of it.” “I’m not really looking to get involved in that at all,” he continued of the commission’s work, explaining that VCA is focused on reintroducing the same bill that lawmakers sent to Youngkin in the past two years. “We are going to push like heck the bill that we have already spent an enormous amount of time getting it to the finish line,” Blanchette said. “The hope is to pass this thing in January so they don’t have to keep monkeying around here.” He also doubted the makeup of the panel, saying that “six delegates and four senators is not the way to do it.” He’d rather see members of the cannabis industry represented on the body itself. “I think it’s going to be mandatory for them to have a medical operator representative. It’s going to be mandatory to have a grower-farmer representative. It’s going to be mandatory to have a retail representative,” he said. “Public input…versus having a seat at the table are two totally different things.” Blanchette said he’s nevertheless bullish on the chances for reform, predicting that after November’s election, Democrats will control not only the governor’s office but also both the Senate and the House of Delegates. “They more than likely are going to have a trifecta,” Blanchette said of the party. “And that’s what makes 2026 the year this has to pass.” *— 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. —* Advocates like Pedini have pointed out that if the next governor isn’t open to legalizing retail sales, that could set back the effort until 2030 or later. It could also affect more incremental reforms. For example, in May Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have allowed deliveries of medical marijuana directly to patients at locations other than their own homes. It would have also updated product labeling requirements so packaging would more clearly indicate THC and CBD levels. In March, after the legislature passed the legislation, Youngkin recommended an amendment that would remove language to allow marijuana to be delivered to places other than a patient’s private residence. Lawmakers later declined to make that change, however, and sent the unamended bill back to the governor. The proposal had strong support in both chambers, passing the Senate on a 30–10 vote and winning final approval in the House on an 84–14 margin. But Youngkin nevertheless rejected it. “While accurate labeling is essential to ensure patients receive consistent and safe medical cannabis,” he wrote in a veto message, “this bill would codify the ability to deliver medical cannabis to commercial businesses and temporary residences, raising public safety and regulatory concerns. Permitting deliveries to businesses—including locations where substance abuse, gambling, or other high-risk activities may occur—creates unnecessary risks for diversion, theft, and unintended access by minors.” Pedini at NORML described the veto at the time as “yet another example of the attacks on legal cannabis and responsible consumers that are underway across the nation.” Youngkin in March also vetoed a host of other drug reform proposals passed by lawmakers, including the legal sales bill and another to authorize the prescription of a synthetic form of psilocybin as soon as the federal government authorizes its use. Beyond the legal sales and psilocybin bills, the governor also rejected a number of other cannabis-related reforms this session, including efforts to resentence people serving time for cannabis offenses and protect the parental rights of those who legally use the drug. Youngkin agued in a veto statement that legalizing sales of adult-use marijuana “endangers Virginians’ health and safety.” “States following this path have seen adverse effects on children’s and adolescents’ health and safety, increased gang activity and violent crime, significant deterioration in mental health, decreased road safety, and significant costs associated with retail marijuana that far exceed tax revenue,” the governor claimed. “It also does not eliminate the illegal black-market sale of cannabis, nor guarantee product safety.” Even before the start of the current legislative session, Youngkin’s office had signaled it had no interest in the reform. Asked by Virginia Public Media (VPM) late last year about the likelihood of a veto, Christian Martinez, a spokesperson for the Youngkin, told the outlet: “I think you can cite the fact that time and time again he has been very clear on that.” Reform advocates are already watching to see where his possible replacements stand on legalization and other cannabis policy changes. Two frontrunners for the position—Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Democratic former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger—have starkly different views on the reform. Earle-Sears recently echoed Youngkin’s views, saying of legalization: “There’s no hope in that.” She’s also said marijuana is a gateway drug and that she fired a previous employee for using it. Spanberger, meanwhile, voiced support for a regulated retail market. “We need a formalized, legal, emerging cannabis market,” she said. “We also need to make sure that [tax] revenues flow into Virginia and are used to strengthen our communities and public schools.” Ebbin, the senator who is expected to become vice chair of the new commission, suggested that the outcome of the election will determine the future of cannabis policy in Virginia. “I think we will finally see regulated sales after the 2026 legislative session,” he told Marijuana Moment, “assuming a pro-regulated market candidate, like Abigail Spanberger, is elected governor.” Marijuana Industry Lawsuit Has ‘Zero Chance’ Of Being Heard By Supreme Court, Former DOJ Lawyer Says (Op-Ed) *Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.* The post New Virginia Cannabis Commission Meeting Next Week Will Help Shape Recreational Marijuana Sales Rules Under The Next Governor 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