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Cannabis retailers in Montana have exceeded $1 billion in sales since the adult-use market launched in January 2022, generating approximately $217 million in tax revenue. However, Governor Greg Gianforte vetoed a bill that would have allowed tribal nations and the state to establish compacts for regulating cannabis on reservations. < Back Montana Surpasses $1 Billion In Total Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Jan 19, 2026 Graham Abbott Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Cannabis retailers in Montana have sold over $1 billion in cannabis products since the adult-use market’s launch in January 2022, the Montana Free Press reports. Retail licensees set a new annual cannabis sales record last year of $327 million, with adult-use sales accounting for 90% of the total. Medical cannabis has accounted for less and less of the annual sales total with each year since the adult-use market launched. Montana collects a 20% tax on adult-use cannabis sales and a 4% tax on medical cannabis sales. In the four years since legalizing adult-use cannabis, Montana has generated about $217 million in cannabis-derived tax revenues — about $207 million from adult-use taxes, and just under $10 million from the medical market. Meanwhile, lawmakers last year passed a bill to let tribal nations and the state government establish compacts to legalize and regulate cannabis on a per-reservation basis. However, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) vetoed the proposal, calling the legislation “unnecessary and duplicative.” < 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 petition drive in Maine seeking to repeal recreational marijuana has drawn numerous complaints about signature gatherers using deceptive tactics to mislead citizens about the ballot measure's true purpose. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has no authority to take enforcement action regarding the truthfulness of what petitioners say due to First Amendment protections, instead encouraging citizens to read the legislation carefully before signing. < Back Maine Secretary Of State Notes Complaints About Anti-Marijuana Ballot Petitioners’ Tactics Jan 13, 2026 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *“We really encourage citizens to think about what you’re signing, why you’re signing it, and what it means.”* *By Emma Davis, Maine Morning Star* In downtown Portland, as hundreds of Mainers gathered for an anti-ICE protest Saturday, others were there to gather signatures for a petition to repeal recreational marijuana in Maine. Though, they didn’t present it as such. It’s about the testing of cannabis, one petitioner said. Misrepresentation of this citizen initiative by signature gatherers has been documented across the state over the last few days. On Monday, state legislators asked the overseer of elections, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D), what could be done about it. “Petitioners have a First Amendment right to say whatever they want to say,” Bellows said during a meeting of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. Sen. Craig Hickman (D-Kennebec), committee co-chair, chimed in, “You have a right to lie under the First Amendment.” Maine has a citizen-initiated referendum process that allows average people to propose statutes or constitutional amendments to be put on the ballot if they gather enough signatures. Bellows doesn’t have the authority to take any enforcement action over the truth of what is being said about such petitions, only about the validity of what’s in the text, underscoring the legal limits to combatting misinformation. “We really encourage citizens to think about what you’re signing, why you’re signing it, and what it means, and to take the time to read the legislation,” Bellows said. In 2016, Maine voters legalized the recreational use of cannabis. The proposed ballot referendum would do away with the commercial cultivation, sale, purchase and manufacture of cannabis starting in 2028, while still allowing personal use and possession of up to 2.5 ounces. It would also create new testing and tracking requirements on medical cannabis, which the industry has resisted in recent years. It is not uncommon for someone to sign a petition thinking it is about something else. In 2024, for example, a person collecting signatures to try to get an independent candidate on the presidential ballot in Maine instead told people who ended up signing the petition that it was an effort to stop politicians from being able to trade stocks. The signees only later found out the true contents of what they’d signed when a law firm representing others who fell victim to the deceptive practices contacted them. This issue is also not unique to Maine. Nearby Massachusetts has a similar referendum effort underway to recriminalize cannabis in that state, and witnesses there have also accused signature-gatherers of misleading people, such as saying the effort was for affordable housing, reducing impaired driving or protecting youth from being jailed for cannabis. The Massachusetts Secretary of State and Attorney General Office’s issued a joint advisory urging voters to read petitions carefully before signing and to contact local officials if they believe they were deceived. Maine’s Department of the Secretary of State relies on the signature validation process to identify potential violations. For example, the petition paperwork available to signees must include a copy of the actual statutory changes that would be made to the law should the referendum pass. Petitions also can’t be left unattended at a location, such as a campaign placing one by the door of an event and encouraging people to sign it on their way out. Only one person can circulate a given petition and that person has to personally witness each signature, taking an oath before a notary to as much. Expressing frustration with a few bad actors spoiling the referendum process for others, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Jill Duson (D-Cumberland) suggested creating a process to file complaints, though limited department resources and time would present challenges for that to work in practice. Absent enforcement authority, Bellows said she would tell the petition organizers that her department has received a significant number of complaints over the last several days about the activities of their circulators. Ultimately, as Hickman put it, when it comes to regulating this type of malfeasance: “It’s a gentleman’s agreement. It’s an honor system. People have to act as if they’re going to respect the letter of the law. There are bad actors and there are outlaws and there are people that are just going to do what they’re going to do, and there’s nothing any of us can do about it.” *This story was first published by Maine Morning Star.* *Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.* The post Maine Secretary Of State Notes Complaints About Anti-Marijuana Ballot Petitioners’ Tactics 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 Drug Enforcement Administration said in a new filing that the marijuana rescheduling appeal process is still on hold and “remains pending” before Administrator Terrance Cole, who previously pledged that advancing the issue would be “one of my first priorities.” < Back DEA gives cannabis rescheduling update (Newsletter: October 8, 2025) Oct 8, 2025 Tom Angell Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *AG Pam Bondi pressed on marijuana at hearing; GOP lawmakers: Trump cannabis action would be “game changer”; Transportation sec’s marijuana concerns* 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…* *Your good deed for the day:* donate to an independent publisher like Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there. Support our work at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment */ TOP THINGS TO KNOW* The Drug Enforcement Administration said in a new filing that the marijuana rescheduling appeal process is still on hold and “remains pending” before Administrator Terrance Cole, who previously pledged that advancing the issue would be “one of my first priorities.” Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Department of Justice will “look at” an Indian tribe’s marijuana cultivation and sales program in response to questions from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who said broader federal cannabis reform could help to “capture revenue.” Three GOP senators—Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND)—spoke to Marijuana Moment about the impact of President Donald Trump potentially rescheduling cannabis, with two of them saying it would be a “game changer.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he’s aware President Donald Trump is “getting pressure” to reschedule marijuana but argued that cannabis has “taken lives” and is “really addictive.” - “At a time when culture is pushing and celebrating the use of marijuana, we’re not talking about the risk… I’m not a supporter of legalizing it.” The Virginia Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market held a hearing on issues related to expanding from medical marijuana to a full-scale recreational cannabis market—with presentations focused on ensuring a fair and competitive industry that doesn’t disproportionately benefit existing multi-state operators while limiting opportunities for newer, smaller businesses. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States announced a partnership with cannabis company Torch Drinks to put its hemp-derived THC beverages in VFW posts around the country as an alcohol alternative—with proceeds supporting veterans services programs. - “The VFW recognizes the importance of providing veterans with alternatives to alcohol consumption.” */ FEDERAL* Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said it’s “good to know” that Denver decriminalized psilocybin when informed about it by an interviewer. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) are preparing to force a War Powers Act vote on the Trump administration’s military strikes on suspected drug cartel boats. */ STATES* Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a marijuana tax increase into law. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill to enact restrictions on online cannabis marketplaces. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) touted his signing a marijuana legalization bill in a speech at a Democratic Party fundraising event. A spokesperson for Massachusetts’s Senate president said senators are reviewing a House-passed bill to reform cannabis regulations. The Missouri Supreme Court narrowed the scope of marijuana convictions that are eligible for expungement. Washington State regulators are extending the public comment period on cannabis advertising rules. Oregon regulators published guidance about licensing for psilocybin services facilitators. New Jersey marijuana regulators clarified that they do not oversee smoke shops selling intoxicating hemp products. Delaware regulators posted an updated list of licensed businesses selling legal recreational marijuana. Georgia regulators will consider issuing medical cannabis dispensary licenses to production businesses 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. —* */ LOCAL* New York City regulators sent an alert about synthetic-cannabinoid-related emergency department visits. */ INTERNATIONAL* Spain’s Council of Ministers approved medical cannabis regulations. */ SCIENCE & HEALTH* A study “did not find evidence of a residual effect of cannabis on simulated driving performance during a short period of cannabis abstinence.” A study “supports the long-term efficacy and safety of [psilocybin-assisted therapy] in reducing depressive symptoms and improving mental health in patients with” major depressive disorder. */ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS* The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center published a report on the state’s cannabis revenue and equity. */ BUSINESS* Canopy USA, LLC and JP Brand Advisors announced a strategic partnership to expand the distribution of Wana Wellness, LLC’s hemp-based beverages and gummies in the U.S. New York retailers sold $214.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in August. */ CULTURE* George Clooney said marijuana is “just not my drug.” *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 gives cannabis rescheduling update (Newsletter: October 8, 2025) 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 Delaware Senate has approved cannabis attorney and lobbyist Joshua Sanderlin to lead the state's Office of the Marijuana Commissioner. New Delaware marijuana commissioner taking reins as adult-use launch looms is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs < Back New Delaware marijuana commissioner taking reins as adult-use launch looms May 20, 2025 Margaret Jackson MJ Biz Daily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Delaware Senate has approved cannabis attorney and lobbyist Joshua Sanderlin to lead the state's Office of the Marijuana Commissioner. New Delaware marijuana commissioner taking reins as adult-use launch looms 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

Senator Says It’s ‘Extremely Concerning’ Trump Has Delayed Marijuana Rescheduling After Pledging Action Two Months Ago < Back Senator Says It’s ‘Extremely Concerning’ Trump Has Delayed Marijuana Rescheduling Oct 20, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A Democratic senator says it’s “extremely concerning the Trump administration continues to drag its feet” on a marijuana reform—including the pending cannabis rescheduling decision that the president said in August would be decided on within weeks. By delaying action on the plan to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the administration is “perpetuating the injustices of the failed war on drugs,” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) told Marijuana Moment on Friday. “Whether it’s lowering prescription drug costs, protecting health care, or bringing our nation’s cannabis laws into the 21st century, Donald Trump’s presidency is one big broken promise,” he said. “I’ll continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to press the administration to get with the program and meet the overwhelming majority of American voters where they are on this issue.” Reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug wouldn’t federally legalize it, but it would recognize the medical value of marijuana, free up certain research barriers associated with Schedule I drugs and allow licensed cannabis businesses to take federal tax deductions they’ve been barred from under Internal Revenue Service code 280E. Polls have shown bipartisan support for that policy change, but a majority of Americans also support ending prohibition altogether. Trump endorsed rescheduling—as well as cannabis industry banking access and a Florida legalization ballot initiative that fell short last year—but he hasn’t gotten behind federal legalization. Trump’s latest comments on the timeline for rescheduling also lacked a clear signal that he intended to move forward with a Schedule III reclassification, even though he pledged to do so last year during his presidential campaign. Wyden, as well as two other GOP senators, additionally weighed in on rescheduling and bipartisan marijuana banking reform legislation in interviews with Marijuana Moment on Thursday. The Democratic senator said rescheduling would send a “huge message” to his colleagues about the need to “finally come up with a modern approach” to marijuana laws. “I’d like it a lot. I mean, it would set up the path to getting into a store and all the areas where there’s consumer demand,” he said, adding that Trump has “been all over the map on this, but I hope he’ll want to help work out the market.” “There are a lot of senators that are ready for it,” he said. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), who’s been the lead GOP sponsor of the cannabis banking measure in past sessions, said he’s “not sure absolutely” whether the president rescheduling marijuana would move the needle within the Republican caucus. “Many senators hold strong opinions,” and “they keep those opinions separate from SAFE Banking,” he said. “I’m not a fan of recreational marijuana. I voted against it in Montana, but it passed. But I definitely support SAFE Banking and taking that cash off the streets, and put it into banks,” Daines said. “It’s the right thing to do.” Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), for his part, said he’s “not tracking” developments on rescheduling, and he suggested that his constituents have not been especially vocal in their outreach to his office about the issue. “My view is we have to just [pass] the Banking Act,” he said. “I mean, that’s the one that’s got a lot of bipartisan support.” Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) told AskAPol last month that he did feel that Trump advancing rescheduling would be an “important domino” to advance the bipartisan cannabis banking legislation. The senator, who is expected to be the lead sponsor of the legislation this Congress, previously said that the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act would be taken up this fall. “We’re still seeing what we can do to get it done in Q4,” Moreno said. “As you know, the Democrats give us a lot of stuff to do. We have to fund the government, we have to get [the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA] across the finish line. We’ve gotta get [Trump’s judicial nominations] done.” Separately, the president last month posted a video on his Truth Social platform promoting the health benefits of cannabis—suggesting that covering CBD under Medicare would be “the most important senior health initiative of the century.” *— 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, during a House Appropriations Committee markup last month, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) criticized the exclusion of provisions to protect banks that work with state-licensed marijuana and hemp businesses from a key spending bill. Relatedly, a bipartisan coalition of 32 state and territory attorneys general from across the U.S. recently called on Congress to pass a marijuana banking bill to free up financial services access for licensed cannabis businesses. The Democratic Senate sponsor of the marijuana banking bill in past sessions, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), recently said that, despite efforts to coordinate meetings around the legislation, other priorities have taken precedence for now. In January, the office of Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), who is again leading the effort on the House, told Marijuana Moment that he would be filing the cannabis banking legislation this session but that its introduction was “not imminent” as some earlier reports had suggested. *The LCB contributed reporting from Washington, D.C. * *Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.* The post Senator Says It’s ‘Extremely Concerning’ Trump Has Delayed Marijuana Rescheduling After Pledging Action Two Months 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

Cannabuzz, a Kentucky-based manufacturer of hemp-derived THC beverages, has joined the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) as an associate member, marking the first time an alcohol industry group has added a THC-infused drinks company to its roster. Cannabuzz aims to collaborate with WSWA to grow a safe and accessible market for THC beverages, focusing on standardized labeling, potency-appropriate serving sizes, and clear age-gating. WSWA has been advocating for a regulatory framework for hemp-based intoxicating cannabinoids, rather than a ban, and has pushed for policies like banning synthetic THC, establishing a federal testing and labeling system, and granting states power to regulate retail sales. Bipartisan House lawmakers are also working on an alternative measure to regulate the market, pushing back against attempts to ban hemp THC products. < Back Major Alcohol Industry Trade Association Welcomes Its First THC Cannabis Beverage Member Sep 30, 2025 Tom Angell Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A leading alcohol industry group has added a company that makes THC-infused drinks to its membership roster for the first time. Cannabuzz, a Kentucky-based manufacturer of hemp-derived THC beverages, is now an associate member of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), the company announced in a press release last week. “We’re proud to be the first THC brand to join WSWA’s THC beverage category,” Annie Rouse, Cannabuzz CEO & Founder, said in a press release. “We look forward to collaborating with the organization and providing our industry expertise to help grow a safe and accessible market.” Being a part of WSWA will give Cannabuzz “access to distributor expertise, best-practice frameworks and policy engagement as the cannabis category matures,” the company said. “Our goal isn’t just to sell drinks—it’s to help retailers, distributors, and regulators align on simple guardrails that protect consumers and give stores confidence to stock the category,” Rouse said. “We believe standardized labeling, potency appropriate serving sizes and clear age-gating will define the next chapter of adult cannabis beverages. We’re excited to join beverage-alcohol’s leading trade group to help build these responsible standards for hemp-derived THC [ready-to-drink beverages].” WSWA staff did not respond to Marijuana Moment’s request for comment for this story, though the organization’s website confirms Cannabuzz is now an associate member of the organization. The association in June called on Congress to dial back language in a House spending bill that would ban most consumable hemp products, instead proposing to maintain the legalization of naturally derived cannabinoids from the crop and only prohibit synthetic items. Members of WSWA also met with lawmakers and staffers in April to advocate for three key policy priorities that the group says is based on “sound principles of alcohol distribution.” They include banning synthetic THC, setting up a federal system for testing and labeling products and establishing state-level power to regulate retail sales. In an op-ed for Marijuana Moment in June, WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton said echoed that point, reiterating the organization’s position that regulation is superior to prohibition. This is also consistent with WSWA’s earlier message to House and Senate Agriculture Committee last session, where the association implored congressional leaders to create a regulatory framework for hemp-based intoxicating cannabinoids—rather than impose an outright ban. *— 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, bipartisan House lawmakers recently pushed back against attempts to ban hemp THC products, arguing that it would “deal a fatal blow” to the industry and, as currently included in a spending bill, violates congressional rules. To that end, the members say there are plans in the works to introduce an alternative measure to regulate the market. While the Senate ultimately stripped similar language from its version of the agriculture spending measure following a procedural protest from Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), there’s still concern among stakeholders that it could wind up in the final package delivered to the president following bicameral negotiations. Dozens of hemp farmers from Kentucky also recently urged their state’s senior U.S. senator, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), to back off from his push to recriminalize some products that are derived from their crops. Paul, for his part, recently cautioned that the cannabis policy movement has “swung hard on the prohibitionist side” amid the ongoing debate over intoxicating hemp products. And he worries that, if things go awry, the hemp market could be decimated “within the next two weeks.” Asked about recent conversations with McConnell and Rep. Andy Harris (R-KY), Paul said “we’ve been working diligently” with the staff “trying to reach a compromise.” The post Major Alcohol Industry Trade Association Welcomes Its First THC Cannabis Beverage Member 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

Decarboxylation is essential for enjoying cannabis, a process where carbon dioxide leaves a molecule, affecting its weight. Heating, light, and oxygen can cause this. The mass lost can be calculated if the initial and final weights are known. Decarboxylation is crucial for understanding cannabis as medicine, as it converts cannabinoid acids like THCA into THC. Most cannabinoids lose approximately 87.7% of their mass during decarboxylation. This is vital for those making edibles or advertising raw cannabis products, requiring accurate labeling. THC is the primary intoxicant and has therapeutic uses, while THCA is a strong anti-inflammatory. CBD aids with anxiety and breast cancer, and CBDA can slow the spread of breast cancer cells. CBG has anti-inflammatory properties for IBS. Mass loss isn't a conversion rate; it's a theoretical maximum, so labeling is important. < Back What You Need to Know About Decarboxylation Dec 17, 2024 Marco Troiani Cannabis Now Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Decarboxylation, which is an essential action in enjoying cannabis flowers and edibles, is a process in which carbon dioxide (CO2) leaves a stable molecule and floats off as a gas. Atoms in a molecule can be thought of like billiard balls, with each one having a size, weight, and exact position. As these atoms float away, the substance left behind will become lighter, like a dry towel being lighter than that same towel soaking wet. The idea is that as the CO2 leaves, the weight left behind is reduced. Decarboxylation typically occurs by heating, but can also be caused by exposure to certain frequencies of light, and certain substances like molecular oxygen in the air. If the weight of the molecule before and after its decarboxylation is known, then a percent of mass lost in decarboxylation can be calculated. If the CO2 contributes 10 percent of the weight of a molecule, than 90 percent of the mass remains after decarboxylation. This would mean that continuously heating 100 grams of this substance would eventually yield 90 grams of the decarboxylated substance, as the remaining 10 grams represent the weight of CO2 which gassed off. *How Does Decarboxylation Affect Cannabinoids?* Decarboxylation of cannabinoids and cannabis products is very crucial to understanding the power of cannabis as medicine. The cannabis plant only has the ability to produce cannabinoid acids, like THCA, and THC is only created by decarboxylation outside the plant. This decarboxylation is usually done by fire when smoking, or by baking in edibles. Most cannabinoids lose approximately 87.7 percent of their mass upon decarboxylation. This means that if you had 100 grams of crystalline isolate of a cannabinoid acid, such as THCA, after decarboxylation you would have 87.7 grams left of THC. This is important for people decarboxylating their cannabinoids themselves, such as producers of cannabis-infused edible products and hash oil producer that wish to sell decarboxylated oil. This is also important for advertisers of raw cannabis products such as cured cannabis flower, who must either report the value of the cannabinoid acid directly observed by the testing lab, use the theoretical conversion, or display both. This labeling issue with raw flower is not as easy as it seems at first glance. Let’s consider a typical example of THC-dominant cannabis. The lab will test the flower and find 26 percent THCA and 3 percent THC. This is because some of the cannabinoid acids produced by the plant are decarboxylated by air and sun before harvesting and curing. The smaller the amount of THC observed directly by the lab typically indicates that the cultivator has submitted fresh cannabis that has been protected from light and exposure. A very high THC content indicates that the cannabis flower is not as fresh and been more exposed. Now the dispensary has to either advertise two numbers, 26 percent and 3 percent, or advertise one theoretically calculated number, 25.8 percent, or both. Both allow the patient to access the greatest amount of information and be the best informed, while also reducing liability on the cannabis business involved in label making. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a well-known cannabinoid for being the primary intoxicant and euphoriant of cannabis. THC is also one of the most practical and safe treatments for neuropathic, chronic, and other types of pain. THC is effective in addressing both the immunological and symptom component of multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite the fact that THCA is not an intoxicant, it is a powerful medicine. THCA is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory agents in cannabis. Smokers receive very little to none of this cannabinoid, due to its decomposition in the smoking process. THCA is an anti-inflammatory agent, and according to one study, a more powerful neuroprotective agent than THC. THCA is a powerful COX-1 and COX-2 antagonist, similar to aspirin and ibuprofen, but with far less toxicity to the liver. The effects of THCA and THC reflect the diversity of action on the human body a cannabinoid and its precursor acid can have. The other cannabinoids, CBD, CBG, CBC, and THCV all have acid forms which have distinct effects on human health. *Cannabidiol* (CBD) has been shown to be an effective medicine for people suffering from anxiety. What CBD has also been shown to be effective at fighting is breast cancer cells. Many of these studies find that CBD promotes apoptosis, or cell suicide, in breast cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells unaffected. *Cannabidiolic acid* (CBDA) is CBD’s acid precursor from raw cannabis flower. CBDA has also been shown to fight human breast cancer, but in a different way. Whereas CBD causes apoptosis in breast cancer cells, CBDA has been shown to slow or stop metastasis of breast cancer cells by arresting their motility, or ability to move throughout the body. This evidence would indicate that a breast cancer patient may want to talk to their doctor about dual CBD/CBDA therapy, taking both decarboxylated CBD and raw CBDA together. *Cannabigerol* (CBG) has been shown to have some potent anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly applicable in inflammatory bowel disease (IBS). Additionally, CBG has been shown to have some properties not known among many other cannabinoids, such as an ability to interact with human adrenal receptors and serotonin receptors. Currently, more studies need to be done on cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) in isolation from CBG to get an understanding what, if any, difference there are between the cannabinoid and its precursor acid on human health. It is important to note that the mass loss is not a conversion rate. Mass loss assumes that all of a substance will decarboxylate and calculates how the mass will change. An accurate answer must account for how much of the cannabinoid will decarboxylate. Studies indicate that 30-70 percent of cannabinoids undergo decarboxylation under standard smoking conditions. This is why our calculations are only a theoretical maximum, and are not a result with the same standing as those directly observed in the plant. This is also why it can be very important to label your theoretical calculations as such, and provide all original values provided by lab results, as a means of reducing liability upon your business. The post What You Need to Know About Decarboxylation 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

The legalization of recreational marijuana is leading to the emergence of cannabis tourism as a new niche in the travel industry. < Back Cannabis industry is sparking a new era of tourism Jul 10, 2025 Margaret Jackson MJbizDaily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link As more states and countries legalize recreational marijuana, a new niche in the travel industry is emerging: cannabis tourism. Cannabis industry is sparking a new era of tourism 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

With a wider House majority and the election of a pro-legalization governor, Virginia Democrats are optimistic about advancing legislation to create an adult-use marijuana market. State Senator Aaron Rouse (D) and Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger support the move, citing potential revenue for communities and public schools. Previous efforts to establish a commercial market were vetoed by outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin (R). Spanberger supports a safe, transparent, and fair market that prioritizes public safety and economic growth. A legislative commission is also preparing a proposal for the full legislature to consider in the 2026 session. < Back Virginia Senator Is ‘Very Optimistic’ About Legalizing Marijuana Sales Under New Pro-Reform Governor Nov 11, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With Virginia Democrats widening their House majority and voters electing a pro-legalization governor during last week’s election, one senator from the party says he’s “very optimistic” about the prospect of advancing legislation to create an adult-use marijuana market in the coming session. In an interview with 13 News Now that aired on Friday, Sen. Aaron Rouse (D) was asked about the prospects of moving forward with cannabis reform and finally implementing a commercial sales program years after the legislature legalized possession and home cultivation by adults. “Any measure that we can take to find revenue, I’m very optimistic about that approach,” the senator, who has been the lead sponsor of legislation to legalize and regulate adult-use sales that was vetoed by the outgoing GOP governor, said. “We, in Virginia, have to take every step we can to make sure we can find revenues that strengthen our communities, that strengthens the education process, that puts food on the table, that gets people back to work,” Rouse said. Since legalizing cannabis possession in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have worked to establish a commercial marijuana market—only to have those efforts consistently stalled under outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures to enact it that were sent to his desk by the legislature. This next session is shaping up to deliver different results. In addition to growing their majority in the Assembly, Democrats now have Abigail Spanberger as the state’s next governor, and the party also secured wins in the Commonwealth’s lieutenant governor and attorney general races. Spanberger, a former congresswoman, told Marijuana Moment ahead of the election that “as Virginia takes steps toward creating a legalized retail market for cannabis,” the commonwealth “needs a clear strategy to set up a market that is safe for consumers, transparent for businesses, and fair to entrepreneurs.” She added that “revenue from commercial cannabis products must return to Virginia communities and be reinvested for purposes like strengthening our public schools.” The governor-elect said she will “work with leaders in the General Assembly to find a path forward that both prioritizes public safety and grows Virginia’s economy”—and that part of that is establishing “a formalized, legal, emerging cannabis market.” During her time in Congress, Spanberger voted twice on the House floor in support of bills to federally legalize marijuana. She also consistently backed legislation to free up banking services for the industry, protect all state cannabis program from federal interference and expand marijuana research. The former congresswoman additionally opposed a proposal to remove protections for universities that study cannabis. She voted against certain reform proposals, however, including on measures to lift certain research barriers for Schedule I drugs and to revise federal policy to prevent past marijuana use from being used as a factor to determine eligibility for a security clearance. Spanberger cosponsored bills to provide medical cannabis access for military veterans on two occasions, and she cosponsored the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act during the 116th Congress. *— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.* *Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. —* In recent months, a Virginia legislative commission has been discussing plans to prepare the state to legalize recreational marijuana sales. Del. Paul Krizek (D), chair of the Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market, began the most recent meeting last month by noting it would be the second-to-last for the body—saying that at the next and final one in December, members will “go over the bill that we are working on now.” The plan is for the body to suggest a proposal that the full legislature can consider passing in the 2026 session that begins in January. At the legislative commission’s first meeting in July, members discussing broad regulatory considerations and other issues related to THC potency, the hemp market and more. In August, the panel focused on cannabis taxes and revenue. Meanwhile, a top Democratic Virginia senator recently said the state should move forward with legalizing recreational marijuana sales—in part to offset the Trump administration’s cuts to federal spending in support of states. *Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.* The post Virginia Senator Is ‘Very Optimistic’ About Legalizing Marijuana Sales Under New Pro-Reform 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

A leader in innovative horticulture lighting solutions, the company was recognized at the council’s annual Industry Awards Celebration. < Back JumpLights Wins Maryland Tech Council’s Emerging Technology Company of the Year ICON Award Jun 4, 2025 Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A leader in innovative horticulture lighting solutions, the company was recognized at the council’s annual Industry Awards Celebration. < 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

Cannabis and hemp growers and experts discuss their methods for combating various pest threats such as aphids, grasshoppers, and mites. < Back How to Protect Your Outdoor Cannabis Crops From Pests Sep 15, 2025 Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Cannabis and hemp growers, experts share how they battle pest threats, from aphids and grasshoppers to mites, and more. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

California cannabis regulators have issued a voluntary recall for several THC-infused beverages due to noncompliant labeling and packaging. This recall was posted on MJBizDaily, a news source for cannabis entrepreneurs. < Back California cannabis regulators recall THC beverages Sep 16, 2025 Margaret Jackson MJbizDaily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link California cannabis regulators issued a voluntary recall for multiple THC-infused beverages because of noncompliant labeling and packaging. California cannabis regulators recall THC beverages 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