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Virginia Cannabis News ALL Washington DC Maryland Virginia Florida New York Filter by Publication Select Publication Filter by City Select City Filter by State Select State Feb 13, 2026 CSBA Virginia's Path to a Regulated Recreational Cannabis Market: Progress, Pitfalls, and the Fight for Equity With Democratic control of both chambers and a pro-reform Governor Abigail Spanberger at the helm, bills to legalize adult-use sales are advancing through committees, yet critical debates over launch timelines, criminal penalties, and market structure underscore the high stakes for small businesses, equity advocates, and consumers alike. City: Richmond State: Virginia Read More Feb 13, 2026 MJBizDaily Illicit market fears arise as Virginia adult-use marijuana launch date debated Virginia's potential November start date for marijuana sales is being debated, as some advocates seek a delay while others warn that postponing the launch could boost the illicit market. City: Richmond State: Virginia Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia House Passes Bill To Protect Rights Of Parents Who Use Marijuana The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 942, a bill to protect parents who legally use marijuana from being deemed neglectful unless harm to the child is established. City: NA State: California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Cannabis businesses’ lawsuit against feds is dismissed (Newsletter: February 12, 2026) A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Customs and Border Protection's seizures of state-legal cannabis. In Virginia, bills to legalize recreational sales, provide resentencing relief, and allow medical use in hospitals advanced. Meanwhile, Hawaii's marijuana legalization efforts stalled for the session, South Dakota rejected bills to repeal the medical cannabis program, and Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating a bill for decriminalization. City: Los Angeles State: Virginia, Washington, South Dakota, Hawaii, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Missouri, Nebraska, Florida, Arizona, Oklahoma, Michigan, Alabama, California Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Sales Legalization And Resentencing Bills Virginia lawmakers approved bills to legalize adult-use marijuana sales, with the House measure proposing a November 1 start date, and separate legislation to establish a resentencing process for past cannabis convictions that occurred before July 1, 2021. Newly sworn-in Gov. Abigail Spanberger supports legalizing adult-use sales. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Lawmakers Approve Bills To Expand Medical Marijuana Access In Hospitals Virginia lawmakers have advanced several cannabis bills, including proposals to: - Expand legal protections for hospital workers assisting terminally ill patients with medical marijuana, contingent on federal rescheduling. - Establish a commercial market for recreational cannabis sales, with different start dates proposed by the Senate (January 1, 2027) and the House (November 1 of this year). - Mandate automatic resentencing hearings for individuals convicted of certain felony marijuana offenses that occurred before the state legalized personal possession in July 2021. City: NA State: Virginia, California Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Cannabis not a “priority” for Trump DOJ, GOP congressman says (Newsletter: February 11, 2026) The newsletter highlights a new Congressional Research Service report analyzing the constitutionality of the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses, alongside a GOP congressman's doubt that cannabis rescheduling is a current Department of Justice priority. It also reports on the New Hampshire Senate rejecting a marijuana legalization bill, advocacy pushback on penalty amendments in a Virginia cannabis sales bill, a Maryland hearing on psychedelic access, and a study showing AI models can approximate psychedelic narratives. City: NA State: Ohio, New Hampshire, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, California, Vermont, Tennessee Read More Feb 10, 2026 RVA Magazine As Virginia Legalizes Cannabis, New Penalties Spark Backlash Under the amended framework, cannabis is legal only when produced, sold, and purchased through an approved license. Activity outside that system remains illegal, and in some cases now carries penalties elevated to match those already on the books for alcohol offenses. City: Richmond State: Virginia Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Senators Should Remove New Marijuana Penalties From Bill To Legalize Sales, Advocacy Groups Say A coalition of 37 cannabis and civil rights organizations is urging Virginia senators to remove "harmful amendments" from a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales, arguing the new criminal penalties—including recriminalizing possession for those under 21 and felony charges for unlicensed cultivation—undermine the legislation's intent and will disproportionately harm minorities. Despite the opposition to these changes, the bill advances, outlining key details such as a maximum 12.625 percent retail tax, the establishment of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, and sales potentially starting on November 1, 2026, under the House version. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Feb 10, 2026 Outlaw Report New bills propose restorative penalties for youth cannabis use and strict criminal sanctions for unlicensed activity, while companies like Jushi Holdings prepare for the adult-use market Cannabis operators face major changes this year due to evolving federal tax rules under Section 280E and state policy shifts. Virginia lawmakers are advancing restorative penalties for youth use and cracking down on unlicensed activity as businesses prepare for the adult-use market, while Maryland is moving to protect gun rights for registered medical cannabis patients. City: NA State: Virginia, Maryland Read More Feb 10, 2026 Ganjapreneur Virginia Senate Committee Adds Harsher Penalties to Cannabis Retail Proposal A Virginia bill setting up a regulated adult-use cannabis market advanced from the Senate Courts of Justice Committee with amendments adding harsher penalties for illegal sales, buying without a license, and underage possession. These penalties, which include a Class 1 misdemeanor for first offenses, aim to align cannabis crimes with alcohol laws and incentivize the legal market; another amendment restored the current law punishing illegal possession of over five pounds with the intent to sell. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Feb 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Bill To Allow Medical Marijuana Use In Hospitals Following Federal Rescheduling Advances Toward Senate Floor Vote Virginia lawmakers approved a bill to allow medical marijuana use in hospitals for qualifying patients, which is contingent on the federal government finalizing its proposal to reschedule cannabis. Separately, the legislature is advancing bills to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis sales, an effort that has the support of newly sworn-in Governor Abigail Spanberger. City: NA State: Virginia, California Read More Feb 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment FDA Faces Deadline To Publish Cannabinoid Lists And Define Hemp Product ‘Containers’ Under Law Trump Signed In nine months, federal hemp laws will significantly change, effectively re-criminalizing most consumable cannabinoid products, while the FDA faces an imminent deadline to publish lists of cannabinoids and define "container" to inform future policy. The new law will narrow the definition of legal hemp, applying the THC limit to total THC and imposing a 0.4-milligram total THC per-container limit, prompting industry stakeholders to seek legislative alternatives, such as the HEMP Act or the Hemp Planting Predictability Act to delay the ban. City: NA State: Virginia, Texas, Kentucky Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Kentucky Governor Announces Medical Marijuana Gummies Are Now Available, While Pushing Lawmakers To Approve New Qualifying Conditions - Governor Andy Beshear announced that cannabis gummies are now available in Kentucky's licensed dispensaries. - He is urging lawmakers to pass a bill expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions to cover approximately 430,000 additional Kentuckians. - The program currently has over 18,500 approved card holders and 510 registered practitioners, with patient access and the supply chain continuing to grow. - Executive orders protecting out-of-state purchases and waiving renewal fees for cards obtained this year will remain in effect. City: NA State: Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Florida, Oklahoma, Alaska Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Maryland Lawmakers Take Up Bill To Protect Medical Marijuana Patients’ Gun Rights Maryland lawmakers are debating House Bill 365, which seeks to prevent authorized medical cannabis patients from being denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm solely based on their patient status, addressing a current loophole in state law. This state-level reform would not affect the similar federal prohibition, which is currently facing scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Read More Feb 4, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Senators Approve Bills To Legalize Marijuana Sales And Provide Resentencing Relief To People With Prior Convictions Virginia senators have approved two key bills: one to legalize recreational marijuana sales and another to provide resentencing relief for people with prior cannabis convictions. The sales legislation passed with controversial amendments that align penalties for illegal marijuana sale and underage possession with those for alcohol, drawing criticism from advocates concerned about recriminalization. The resentencing measure mandates automatic hearings for individuals with certain felony convictions for marijuana offenses that occurred before July 1, 2021, to consider sentence modification. City: NA State: Virginia, Minnesota, Texas, North Carolina, California, Maryland Read More Feb 4, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Ohio AG Certifies Citizen Referendum to Block Cannabis, Hemp Legislative Changes Attorney General Dave Yost approved the referendum petition seeking to repeal legislative changes to Ohio’s voter-approved legalization laws. City: NA State: Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan Read More Feb 4, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Senators Approve Bill To Let Patients Access Medical Marijuana In Hospitals After Federal Rescheduling Virginia lawmakers approved a bill allowing medical marijuana access for qualifying patients in hospitals and expanding protections for hospital workers, provided the federal government moves forward with rescheduling cannabis. Separately, the legislature is advancing bills to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis sales and provide resentencing relief for past convictions. City: NA State: California, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Virginia Read More Feb 3, 2026 Marijuana Moment Pennsylvania Governor Pushes Lawmakers To Legalize Marijuana, Saying ‘Softening’ Of Federal Policy Under Trump Clears The Way Governor Josh Shapiro is again urging Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass an adult-use marijuana legalization bill, citing it as a valuable economic engine that is supported by federal policy changes like proposed cannabis rescheduling. The budget estimates $200 million in annual tax revenue once fully implemented, with funds designated for restorative justice initiatives including record expungement and support for new small businesses. Although the House previously passed a bill and polls show bipartisan support, the reform continues to be blocked by the GOP-controlled Senate. City: NA State: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio Read More Feb 3, 2026 Marijuana Moment Lawmakers In Multiple States Push To Allow Medical Marijuana Use In Hospitals By Qualifying Patients Lawmakers in at least 13 states are advancing variations of "Ryan's Law" this session, a reform aimed at allowing seriously or terminally ill patients to access medical cannabis within hospital and other healthcare facilities. This policy is already enacted in California and Minnesota and is being championed by groups like the Ryan's Law Foundation and NORML to promote humane, patient-centered end-of-life care. City: New York, San Diego State: New York, Hawaii, California, Minnesota, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington State Read More Feb 3, 2026 Outlaw Report Maryland Extends Psychedelics Task Force as Virginia Lawmakers Split on Cannabis Licensing and Police Stops Maryland extended its psychedelics task force through 2027 to study decriminalization and regulation of substances like psilocybin, while Virginia lawmakers rejected a bill to bar police from stopping drivers based solely on cannabis odor. City: NA State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Feb 3, 2026 Marijuana Moment Legal cannabis won’t be on FL ballot, officials say (Newsletter: February 3, 2026) - Legal cannabis won't be on Florida's November ballot after failing to collect enough valid signatures, a determination the campaign disputes. - Oklahoma's Governor is pushing to "shut down" the medical cannabis industry, while Idaho activists collected over 45,000 signatures for a legalization initiative. - West Virginia and Mississippi both passed bills to support ibogaine research. - A federal bill was filed to require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a national drug-involved crash data collection system. - Research suggests that participants who used more cannabis consumed less alcohol, highlighting its potential to reduce alcohol-related harms. City: Oakland State: Oklahoma, Idaho, West Virginia, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, Nebraska, Colorado, New Jersey, Washington, Connecticut, Michigan, California, Massachusetts, Alaska, New York, Illinois, South Carolina Read More Feb 2, 2026 Marijuana Moment West Virginia And Mississippi Lawmakers Approve Psychedelics Bills To Fund Ibogaine Trials Toward FDA Approval The West Virginia and Mississippi Houses of Delegates passed bills to fund research on the psychedelic ibogaine as a potential treatment for opioid and substance use disorders, with requirements for applicants to seek FDA breakthrough therapy status. Separately, West Virginia lawmakers are discussing cannabis reform, as federal marijuana rescheduling and high medical cannabis prices are increasing pressure for legalization in the state, despite previously slow progress. City: NA State: West Virginia, Mississippi, Virginia Read More Jan 30, 2026 Marijuana Moment NRA Joins Marijuana Groups Urging Supreme Court To Overturn Ban On Gun Ownership By Cannabis Consumers As Unconstitutional The National Rifle Association (NRA) joined drug policy reform groups like NORML and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to declare the federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana consumers (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) unconstitutional in the case of *U.S. vs. Hemani*. City: El Paso, Washington District of Columbia State: Virginia, Washington D.C., Florida, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Kentucky, Oklahoma Read More Jan 30, 2026 Marijuana Moment Majority Of Virginia Voters Back Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Sales As Lawmakers Advance Bills To Do It - Virginia lawmakers are advancing legislation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana sales, a move supported by 60 percent of registered voters, according to a new poll. - The legislation proposes retail sales starting in late 2026 or early 2027, with a maximum purchase limit of 2.5 ounces and a total tax rate of up to 12.625 percent. - The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation, and tax revenue would fund administration, an Equity Reinvestment Fund, pre-kindergarten, and substance use prevention programs. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 30, 2026 Marijuana Moment DOJ has no cannabis rescheduling update as rumors swirl (Newsletter: January 30, 2026) The Department of Justice has no updates on the cannabis rescheduling process, while Representatives filed a bill directing the Department of Veterans Affairs to research psychedelics for veteran treatment. The Delaware Senate overrode a veto to prevent restrictive marijuana business zoning rules, and the Virginia House approved a bill for resentencing relief for certain marijuana offenses. In Florida, a bill to slash medical cannabis fees for veterans passed a committee. Separately, gun rights groups urged the Supreme Court to strike down the federal ban on marijuana consumers owning firearms. City: NA State: Michigan, California, Delaware, Virginia, Florida, New York, South Carolina, Ohio, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Illinois, Washington, New Jersey Read More Jan 29, 2026 Marijuana Moment South Carolina Lawmakers Advance Hemp Restriction Bills, Including One To Allow THC Drinks South Carolina lawmakers advanced bills to ban or heavily restrict hemp products infused with THC, aiming to close a legal loophole that allowed unregulated sales, including to minors. One measure proposes a total ban, while a more lenient option would allow licensed businesses to sell low-dose THC beverages (up to 5mg delta-9 THC) only to adults 21 and older, sparking debate between legislators concerned about public safety and industry advocates fearing devastation to their businesses. City: Charlotte State: South Carolina, Virginia, Texas Read More Jan 29, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Lawmakers Approve Bill To Provide Marijuana Sentencing Relief To People With Prior Convictions Virginia lawmakers approved a bill that mandates automatic resentencing hearings and punishment adjustments for individuals convicted of certain felony marijuana offenses that occurred before July 1, 2021, provided they are still incarcerated or under community supervision by July 1, 2026. The legislation, which includes those sentenced through the juvenile justice system, next heads to the House Appropriations Committee. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 28, 2026 Marijuana Moment Government-run cannabis dispensary prepares to open next week (Newsletter: January 28, 2026) Developments include an Arizona Republican congressman supporting a rollback of cannabis legalization, a Minnesota city opening a government-run marijuana dispensary, and the Virginia House approving a bill for recreational sales. A Hawaii report projects up to $90 million in monthly sales from legalization, Utah introduced a decriminalization bill, and Maryland lawmakers proposed extending a psychedelics task force. The United Center in Chicago will begin selling THC beverages, and new research indicates cannabis-based medicinal products may improve depression and anxiety, while psilocybin shows promise for end-of-life anxiety relief. City: Chicago, Boston State: Arizona, Virginia, Hawaii, Utah, Maryland, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Washington State, Vermont, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Rhode Island Read More Jan 27, 2026 MJbizDaily MSO fees, social equity: Framework for Virginia adult-use cannabis sales emerges A proposal for Virginia's adult-use cannabis sales framework requires multistate operators to pay a $10 million fee to convert their existing medical licenses. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 27, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Lawmakers Approve Bill To Legalize Recreational Marijuana Sales Virginia House lawmakers approved a bill to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana sales, with the House version proposing that adult-use retail sales could begin on November 1, 2026. The legislation establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework, including a maximum 12.625 percent tax, a 2.5-ounce purchase limit, and oversight by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, and now heads to the Appropriations Committee. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 27, 2026 Ganjapreneur Virginia Senate Committee Approves Bill to Create Adult-Use Cannabis Marketplace A Virginia Senate bill (SB.542) seeking to establish an adult-use cannabis retail program cleared a key committee, with the proposed start date shifted to January 1, 2027, and is now moving to the Senate Courts and Justice Committee. This legislative push, following previous vetoes, is backed by newly-elected Governor Abigail Spanberger, who promised to work toward a legalized retail market. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 26, 2026 Marijuana Moment West Virginia Officials Still Haven’t Spent Medical Marijuana Revenue Amid Federal Concerns State Treasurer Larry Pack has not spent $34 million collected from the state's medical marijuana program due to federal concerns about marijuana's classification as a Schedule I narcotic, which puts the legal status of the funds in limbo. The Treasurer's Office is working on a resolution, which may be influenced by a potential federal reclassification of marijuana to a Schedule III drug, though the timeline for any decision remains uncertain. City: NA State: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia Read More Jan 26, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia cannabis sales legalization bills advance (Newsletter: January 26, 2026) Virginia bills to legalize recreational marijuana sales advanced in the state legislature, while a bipartisan bill was filed in Congress to federally regulate consumable hemp products as an alternative to a potential THC ban. Additionally, a marijuana legalization petitioner was arrested in Florida on voter fraud charges, and the campaign is currently short of the required signatures needed by the deadline. City: NA State: Massachusetts, South Dakota, Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Nebraska, Kentucky, Illinois, Maine, Oregon, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Oklahoma Read More Jan 23, 2026 Marijuana Moment New Bipartisan Congressional Bill Would Regulate Hemp Products... New Bipartisan Congressional Bill Would Regulate Hemp Products, In Contrast To Ban Trump Signed City: NA State: Virginia, Texas, Kentucky Read More Jan 23, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Senators Approve Bill To Legalize Marijuana Sales Under New Pro-Reform Governor Virginia senators advanced a bill to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana sales, which passed the Senate Rehabilitation & Social Services Committee and is now heading to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee. The legislation, which has the support of the new Governor Abigail Spanberger, aims to establish a commercial market by January 1, 2027, and includes details on taxation, purchase limits, THC caps, and the creation of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 22, 2026 Marijuana Moment ATF revises gun ban for marijuana... ATF revises gun ban for marijuana & other drug consumers (Newsletter: January 22, 2026) City: NA State: New Jersey, Ohio, Hawaii, Washington, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, Louisiana, Colorado, Rhode Island, Virginia Read More Jan 22, 2026 Ganjapreneur Bill to Implement Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Introduced in Virginia A bill has been introduced in Virginia to establish an adult-use cannabis marketplace with retail sales potentially beginning November 1. The proposal includes an 8% excise tax on retail sales, with 60% of derived revenue allocated to a newly created Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, and also sets a 2.5-ounce transaction limit while allowing home cultivation of four plants per household. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 22, 2026 Ganjapreneur West Virginia Treasurer’s Office Still Has Not Released $34M in Medical Cannabis-Derived Funds West Virginia has not spent $34 million collected from its medical cannabis program since 2021, with the state Treasurer’s Office delaying the release of funds until changes in federal law are made. This hold-up has prevented the establishment of a mandated medical cannabis research program. If distributed, the funds are designated for the Department of Health, the Fight Substance Abuse Fund, the Division of Justice and Community Services, and law enforcement professional training. City: NA State: West Virginia Read More Jan 21, 2026 Outlaw Report D.C. cannabis board denies ANC 6A reconsideration protest; Virginia bill sets November 2026 retail launch Recent cannabis industry news covers D.C. denying an ANC 6A protest and Virginia setting a November 2026 launch for retail cannabis, alongside regulatory, market, and legal developments across East Coast states and national trends including THC-infused products and market growth. City: Washington, D.C. State: Virginia Read More Jan 21, 2026 Outlaw Report Virginia bill sets earliest cannabis retail launch for November 1, 2026 Virginia's HB 642 establishes the legal framework for adult-use cannabis retail, specifying that sales cannot commence before November 1, 2026, and the final launch date is contingent on legislative approval and the governor's signature. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 20, 2026 Marijuana Moment South Carolina Lawmakers Should Pass Hemp Legislation That Smartly Regulates Products (Op-Ed) The op-ed calls for sensible regulation of South Carolina's hemp industry to protect public safety and support legitimate small businesses, arguing that the current lack of oversight is unsustainable. It proposes an amendment to House Bill 3924 to implement a framework that includes limiting sales to individuals 21 and over, mandatory product testing, and licensing requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. City: NA State: South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky Read More Jan 16, 2026 Marijuana Moment Senate Sends Trump Bill That Would Continue Protecting Medical Marijuana States... Senate Sends Trump Bill That Would Continue Protecting Medical Marijuana States, Without Anti-Rescheduling Provisions City: NA State: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Nebraska Read More Jan 16, 2026 Marijuana Moment GOP senators try to stop Trump’s cannabis rescheduling (Newsletter: January 16, 2026) Federal news includes Republican senators filing an amendment to block the Department of Justice from rescheduling marijuana, and the House voting to continue blocking D.C. recreational cannabis sales. A key House committee chairman is supporting a bill to delay the recriminalization of hemp-derived THC products. On the state level, a Virginia delegate filed a bill to legalize and regulate recreational sales, Kentucky opened new medical cannabis businesses, and numerous states like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Oklahoma are moving forward with regulatory and enforcement actions related to licensing, taxes, and program oversight. International updates note British Columbia will not seek to extend its drug decriminalization trial. City: Washington, District of Columbia, San Diego State: North Carolina, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Georgia, Missouri, Texas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, California, British Columbia Read More Jan 15, 2026 Marijuana Moment New Virginia Bill Would Legalize Recreational Marijuana Sales And Increase Possession Limit A new bill filed by Virginia Del. Paul Krizek would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana sales, allow retail sales starting November 1, 2026, and increase the legal adult possession limit from one ounce to 2.5 ounces. The legislation establishes the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to oversee the taxed market, with revenue dedicated to equity, pre-kindergarten, and public health programs. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 13, 2026 Outlaw Report D.C. Closes 100th Illegal Cannabis Business; Storehouse Fined $10K; Virginia Bills Advance D.C. regulators achieved a major enforcement milestone while Maryland’s Storehouse dispensary received penalties for inventory violations; Virginia is considering bills for adult-use and terminally ill patient access, and federal rescheduling could allow D.C. recreational sales. City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Jan 13, 2026 Marijuana Moment Congress moves to keep blocking cannabis sales in DC (Newsletter: January 13, 2026) Congress is continuing to block recreational marijuana sales in Washington, D.C., while several new states are considering legalization in 2026. In other news, an anti-marijuana campaign in Maine is facing accusations of lying to voters, and a study found that over a third of popular U.S. rap music videos depict cannabis use. State-level updates include Texas seeing a 32 percent growth in medical cannabis patients and Missouri recording $132.6 million in legal marijuana sales in December. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C., Maine, Nebraska, Texas, Nevada, Kentucky, Hawaii, Ohio, California, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Virginia, Michigan, Missouri Read More Jan 13, 2026 Ganjapreneur University of Lynchburg Launches New Cannabis Certificate Programs The University of Lynchburg has partnered with the cannabis education company Green Flower to launch new online Cannabis Career Certificate programs, making it the first institution in Virginia to offer a professional certificate in the field. These programs include 8-week and 16-week courses covering areas such as cannabis cultivation, product development, retail and sales, compliance, and medical cannabis, with the strongest interest reported in medical and healthcare-focused options. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 11, 2026 Outlaw Report How to stay informed as Virginia gears up for a pivotal year in legal cannabis Virginia lawmakers are preparing for a significant focus on cannabis-related legislation during the upcoming 2026 General Assembly session, and tools are available for residents and industry stakeholders to track bills and stay informed. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Jan 9, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Kentucky Dispensary Openings on Fast-Track With 1st Processor Approved Gov. Andy Beshear anticipates a significant increase in medical dispensaries now that the supply chain is fully licensed. City: NA State: Kentucky, Virginia, Indiana, California, Michigan Read More Jan 9, 2026 Marijuana Moment Federal medical cannabis protections approved in Congress (Newsletter: January 9, 2026) The House of Representatives passed a spending bill to protect state medical cannabis laws, while federal rescheduling could allow Washington, D.C. to move forward with recreational cannabis sales. Key developments include a legal challenge to a Massachusetts anti-marijuana initiative, scientific findings that CBD exhibits anti-tumor effects, and Ohio reporting over $1 billion in legal sales in 2025. City: Washington, D.C. State: British Columbia, California, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. Read More Jan 8, 2026 Marijuana Moment US House Passes Bill Protecting State Medical Marijuana Laws... US House Passes Bill Protecting State Medical Marijuana Laws And Rejecting Attempt To Block Trump’s Rescheduling Move City: NA State: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Read More Jan 8, 2026 Marijuana Moment Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Let Washington, D.C. Finally Legalize Recreational Sales Moving marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act could enable Washington, D.C. to finally legalize and regulate recreational cannabis sales, bypassing a congressional spending bill rider that currently prohibits the District from using its local funds to establish an adult-use market for Schedule I substances. The only remaining complication is the rider's unclear prohibition on legalizing "any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative." City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Delaware, Virginia Read More Jan 7, 2026 Marijuana Moment New Trump drug czar supports medical cannabis (Newsletter: January 7, 2026) - The Senate confirmed Sara Carter Bailey, who supports medical cannabis, as the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy director. - The IRS rejected a cannabis tourism group's nonprofit status, citing federal criminalization and private benefit concerns. - State developments include an Indiana legalization bill, a Virginia bill for patient use in hospitals, Florida legislation on open containers, and a Michigan wholesale tax lawsuit being allowed to proceed. - Wisconsin's Assembly Speaker stated his chamber lacks the votes for a medical cannabis bill despite his support for limited reform. - Ukraine approved quotas for medical cannabis production for 2026. City: Jersey City State: Wisconsin, Indiana, Virginia, Michigan, Florida, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Nebraska, California, Vermont, Arkansas, New York, Texas Read More Jan 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment Senate Approves Trump’s White House Drug Czar Pick Who Supports Medical Marijuana As Rescheduling Looms The Senate confirmed Sara Carter Bailey as the White House drug czar and Director of the ONDCP, who will be central to implementing the administration's drug policy agenda, including marijuana and psychedelics. Carter, who has voiced enthusiastic support for medical cannabis and stated she has no problem with regulated legalization, takes on the role as the administration works to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. City: NA State: New Jersey, West Virginia, Alaska, California Read More Jan 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment Terminally Ill Patients Could Use Medical Marijuana In Virginia Hospitals Under Newly Filed Bill A Virginia bill has been introduced to require health care facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use non-combustible medical cannabis with a doctor's recommendation, subject to certain federal enforcement exemptions. This measure comes as incoming Governor Abigail Spanberger voices support for legalizing commercial adult-use sales, and other lawmakers pursue bills for resentencing past cannabis crimes and legalizing recreational sales by 2026. City: NA State: Virginia, California Read More Jan 6, 2026 Outlaw Report D.C. medical dispensary shut down in ongoing crackdown on illegal cannabis sales Cannabis law enforcement by ABCA and MPD has resulted in the closure of WVC Wellness, the fifth licensed dispensary in a year, alongside liquor store license suspensions, a Maryland union filing federal labor charges, and a Virginia car dealership's connection to a multi-state cannabis trafficking ring. City: NA State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Jan 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Congressional Leaders Drop Attempt To Block Marijuana Rescheduling... Congressional Leaders Drop Attempt To Block Marijuana Rescheduling, While Preserving State Medical Cannabis Protections City: NA State: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Read More Jan 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Supreme Court schedules cannabis case argument (Newsletter: January 5, 2026) The Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments on a case challenging federal restrictions on marijuana consumers' gun rights, while a prohibitionist group announced plans to sue against federal rescheduling and retained former Attorney General Bill Barr. Other key developments include Massachusetts negotiating an increase to marijuana possession limits, New York reporting over $1.5 billion in legal sales for 2025, and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on drug and weapons charges. City: Sacramento State: Massachusetts, New York, Washington, California, Arizona, Nebraska, Alabama, Tennessee, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, Virginia, New Mexico Read More Jan 2, 2026 Marijuana Moment Congressional dispute over Biden’s cannabis pardons... Congressional dispute over Biden’s cannabis pardons (Newsletter: January 2, 2026) City: Washington, D.C. State: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. Read More Jan 1, 2026 Marijuana Moment 4 In 5 Marijuana Consumers Oppose Hemp THC Ban Trump Signed... 4 In 5 Marijuana Consumers Oppose Hemp THC Ban Trump Signed Ahead Of Rescheduling And CBD Access Order, Poll Shows City: NA State: Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, South Carolina Read More Dec 30, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Saw Some Big Moments In 2025... Marijuana Saw Some Big Moments In 2025—From Trump’s Rescheduling Order To State Legalization Momentum City: NA State: Massachusetts, Wyoming, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Arizona, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, Delaware, Minnesota, Kentucky, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Virginia, Florida Read More Dec 30, 2025 Marijuana Moment Could DOJ ignore Trump’s cannabis rescheduling order?... Could DOJ ignore Trump’s cannabis rescheduling order? (Newsletter: December 30, 2025) City: New York, Colorado Springs State: Virginia, Arizona, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Maine, New Jersey, Washington, Missouri, New York Read More Dec 29, 2025 Marijuana Moment Virginia’s Incoming Governor Lists Priorities She Wants In Marijuana Sales Legalization Bill If She’s Going To Sign It Virginia's incoming Democratic governor-elect, Abigail Spanberger, listed strong labeling requirements and dedicating new tax revenue to education and regulation as essential components for her to sign a marijuana sales legalization bill. The state currently allows cannabis possession but lacks a retail market, a situation the new governor wants to clarify. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 23, 2025 Marijuana Moment State Marijuana Regulators Share Tips On How To Stay Safe And Legal Around The Holidays State marijuana regulators in legalized states, such as New Jersey and Virginia, have launched holiday public service campaigns to promote safe and legal cannabis consumption. New Jersey's S.M.A.R.T. campaign emphasizes responsible use, including not driving high and keeping products away from children, while Virginia's guidance focuses on the legal distinction between permissible "adult sharing" and illegal "gifting schemes." City: NA State: New Jersey, Virginia, California, New York Read More Dec 22, 2025 MJbizDaily Marijuana MSO Curaleaf’s Virginia expansion unravels amid more lucrative offer The Cannabist Co. is selling its Virginia medical marijuana permit for $130 million plus a $30 million lease liability, a significantly higher offer that caused Curaleaf's planned $110 million Virginia expansion to unravel. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 22, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump lied about cannabis rescheduling opposition... Trump lied about cannabis rescheduling opposition, GOP senator says (Newsletter: December 22, 2025) City: Austin State: North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wyoming, Florida, Alabama, Kansas, Utah, Maryland, North Dakota, California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Delaware, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Virginia Read More Dec 18, 2025 Outlaw Report Virginia court grants partial injunction in challenge to state vape regulations Virginia small vape businesses are challenging the 2024 "Vape Ban," claiming it favors Big Tobacco and blocks smaller competitors. A federal court partially granted a preliminary injunction, halting some enforcement while federal preemption and constitutional violation claims proceed. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 18, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump Signs Executive Order To Reclassify Marijuana By Removing It From Schedule I Trump Signs Executive Order To Reclassify Marijuana By Removing It From Schedule I and making it Schedule III City: NA State: Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa Read More Dec 18, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump Not To Reschedule Marijuana... GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump Not To Reschedule Marijuana In Last-Ditch Effort To Block Historic Reform City: NA State: Texas, North Carolina, Wyoming, Arkansas, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Wisconsin, Florida, North Dakota, South Carolina, Maryland, Oregon, New York Read More Dec 18, 2025 Marijuana Moment Top Virginia Senator Files Bill To Provide Sentencing Relief For People With Marijuana Convictions Virginia's Senate president pro tempore, Sen. Louise Lucas (D), filed a bill to mandate automatic resentencing hearings and punishment adjustments for people convicted of specific past cannabis crimes that occurred prior to July 1, 2021. This measure, which was previously vetoed by Gov. Youngkin, is now expected to move forward under the incoming administration of Gov.-elect Spanberger (D) and is seen by advocates as critical for securing justice as the state plans to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana sales. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 18, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Senator Wants Feds To Study Hospital Costs Caused By Marijuana Use Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) filed an amendment that would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to track Federal and State expenditures under the Medicaid program for hospital services and emergency room visits related to marijuana use. This data would then be submitted to Congress in a report within one year, along with appropriate legislative and administrative recommendations. City: NA State: North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, New York, South Dakota, Pennsylvania Read More Dec 17, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Include Industry Banking... Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Include Industry Banking And CBD Medicare Coverage Provisions, Sources Say City: NA State: Maryland, Oregon, New York, Washington, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Idaho, Nevada Read More Dec 16, 2025 Cannabis Now Connection in Practice: Inside New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Industry Day - The NZMCC Industry Day focused on connection and collaboration among patients, clinicians, cultivators, and policymakers in the medicinal cannabis sector. - The program featured a Leaders’ Roundtable and regulatory briefings, followed by specialized afternoon pathways addressing clinical practice (terpene tailoring, prescribing challenges) and industry topics (cultivation innovation, export readiness, and sustainability). - NZMCC plans to establish working groups in 2026 focused on priority areas including export markets and patient access. City: NA State: Wyoming, Vermont, Rhode Island, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia Read More Dec 15, 2025 Cannabis Now YANA Wellness Becomes First Women-Owned and Operated THC Drink Line in All Virginia Total Wine Locations YANA Wellness, a women-owned and operated cannabis brand led by CEO Ariana Fleishman, made history as the first hemp-derived THC beverage line sold in all Total Wine retail locations across Virginia. Fleishman established the brand to advocate for plant-based wellness alternatives over normalized alcohol and prescription drugs, developing a variety of compliant blends to navigate federal prohibition and expand nationwide access. YANA emphasizes social responsibility, research (collaborating with universities on the psychological effects of cannabis and mushrooms), and stimulating the local economy through strategic partnerships with family-owned Virginia businesses for manufacturing and distribution. City: Washington, D.C. State: Virginia, Maryland Read More Dec 14, 2025 Marijuana Moment Virginia Hemp Businesses Consider How To Pivot With Federal Ban Looming A looming federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products threatens to halt the industry by next November, creating uncertainty for businesses nationwide. Virginia companies, however, feel they are in a "privileged" position to pivot toward the state's developing legal cannabis market, offering a potential lifeline for growers, processors, and retailers. City: Richmond State: Virginia, North Carolina Read More Dec 11, 2025 Marijuana Moment Federal hemp regulation bill filed as alternative to ban Trump signed (Newsletter: December 11, 2025) Federal lawmakers filed a bill to regulate hemp THC products as an alternative to a ban, while Florida saw new legislation introduced to expand medical cannabis access and allow home cultivation. Separately, a study suggested artificial intelligence can be used to accelerate cannabis strain development, and a report detailed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent use of psychedelics. City: Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Chicago State: Oregon, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, New York, California, Missouri, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois Read More Dec 10, 2025 Marijuana Moment Virginia Rejected A Monopoly Model For Marijuana, But Lawmakers Need To Finish The Job (Op-Ed) Virginia’s proposed cannabis legislation attempts to prevent monopolization and promote restorative justice, but the author warns that current operational timelines and fees threaten to undermine these goals by favoring incumbent multi-state operators. The author recommends that Virginia abandon the arbitrary retail launch date and instead implement "Market Readiness" benchmarks, allowing sales to begin only when independent licensees have compliant product available, thus ensuring a competitive market start. City: NA State: Virginia, New Jersey, Arizona Read More Dec 10, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. refines cannabis retail distant from childcare centers as federal hemp ban ripples across region D.C. lawmakers introduced a bill to clarify cannabis retailer buffer zones and tighten licensing, concurrently with Virginia's hemp sector reassessing models due to a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products and regulators releasing rules for a 2026 adult-use retail market. City: Washington, D.C. State: Virginia Read More Dec 10, 2025 Marijuana Moment Ohio bill to roll back cannabis legalization passes (Newsletter: December 10, 2025) - Ohio lawmakers passed a bill to scale back the voter-approved marijuana legalization law, including recriminalizing some activity and restricting hemp products. - Major state actions include a Maine initiative to recriminalize recreational sales, Texas rules banning consumable hemp sales to those under 21, and Virginia guidance on cannabis consumers’ workplace protection rights. - Research highlighted potential benefits of CBD for blood pressure and antimicrobial properties, and psilocybin for reducing depressive-like behavior and improving cognition in aging mice. City: Boston State: Pennsylvania, Maine, Texas, Oregon, Virginia, Ohio, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Kentucky, Vermont, California, Massachusetts, Ontario Read More Dec 9, 2025 Marijuana Moment Virginia Officials Publish Guidance On Marijuana Consumers’ Workplace Rights Virginia's Department of Labor and Industry released guidance protecting employees from adverse action solely based on off-duty cannabis use (unless impaired or exceptions apply), while newly empowered Democrats and Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger plan to advance legislation to finally establish a regulated adult-use marijuana retail market after previous efforts were vetoed. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 5, 2025 Marijuana Moment Senator Blocks Confirmation Of Trump’s ‘Unqualified’ White House Drug Czar Pick Who Has Voiced Medical Marijuana Support Nominee criticized as 'unqualified' and having expressed support for medical marijuana City: NA State: Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, West Virginia, Alaska Read More Dec 5, 2025 Ganjapreneur Curaleaf Acquires Cannabist Company Operations in Virginia A subsidiary of Curaleaf Holdings Inc. is acquiring the Virginia operations of The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. for a potential value of $110 million, including six retail locations and 82,000 square feet of cultivation capacity. This acquisition comes as Virginia's newly elected governor expresses support for commencing adult-use cannabis sales, which had previously been blocked by the former governor. City: Richmond State: Virginia Read More Dec 4, 2025 Leafly West Virginia medical cannabis is available at Greenlight Greenlight offers medical cannabis at various locations across West Virginia, featuring a wide brand selection and knowledgeable staff. Patients with a medical card are welcome daily between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. City: NA State: West Virginia Read More Dec 4, 2025 Marijuana Moment Doctors Could Legally Administer Schedule I Drugs Like MDMA And Psilocybin To Seriously Ill Patients Under New Bipartisan Bill In Congress Bipartisan lawmakers introduced the "Freedom to Heal Act" to allow doctors to administer Schedule I psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, to patients with life-threatening or severe mental health conditions under the country’s "right to try" law. The legislation would amend the Controlled Substances Act to create a pathway for the DEA to authorize physicians to use these FDA-designated breakthrough therapies for patients who have exhausted approved treatments. City: NA State: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Read More Dec 3, 2025 MJbizDaily Curaleaf to enter Virginia marijuana market with purchase of competitor Curaleaf is planning to enter the Virginia cannabis market by purchasing a competitor for $110 million, a deal that highlights the cannabis industry's excitement over the state. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 3, 2025 Marijuana Moment Could Trump “steal” the cannabis issue from Dems? (Newsletter: December 3, 2025) - A political warning was issued that Republicans could appropriate the popular issue of cannabis legalization from Democrats, noting its impact on Black Americans and cost to the US. - The Department of Veterans Affairs denied a suicide prevention grant application from a group supporting veteran access to psychedelic therapy. - Virginia unveiled a plan to legalize recreational marijuana sales in 2026, while Texas approved nine new medical marijuana business licenses. - Minnesota lawmakers are advocating for cannabis businesses to offer employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) to secure tax benefits. - California generated $283.7 million in marijuana tax revenue during the third quarter of 2025. - The World Health Organization added cannabis hyperemesis syndrome to its diagnostic manual, and new studies assessed cannabis use effects on cognition in older adults. City: Los Angeles State: Virginia, Texas, Minnesota, Nebraska, California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio Read More Dec 2, 2025 MJbizDaily Virginia adult-use cannabis sales could begin November 2026 Virginia adult-use marijuana sales could begin as soon as November 2026, contingent upon a regulatory bill that is set to be proposed this week. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 2, 2025 Marijuana Moment Virginia Marijuana Commission Unveils Plan To Legalize Adult-Use Sales Under New Pro-Reform Governor A Virginia legislative commission unveiled a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana sales for the 2026 legislative session, expressing optimism due to the incoming pro-legalization Governor Abigail Spanberger, unlike prior attempts vetoed by the outgoing governor. The recommended framework features significant changes, including eliminating the local opt-out option, increasing local tax authority to 3.5%, setting a retail start date of November 1, 2026, and prioritizing micro-businesses through a new "direct-to-consumer" license and limiting initial licenses for all types of businesses to prevent monopolies. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 2, 2025 MG Magazine Curaleaf to Acquire Virginia Assets of The Cannabist Company Curaleaf Holdings Inc. committed to acquiring The Cannabist Company’s Virginia assets, which include a cultivation facility, five retail dispensaries, and the right to open one additional dispensary, with the closing anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. The deal includes a go-shop period ending December 22, 2025, and entitles Curaleaf to a $3.3 million break-up fee plus associated expenses if a competing bid is accepted or noteholder consent fails. City: NA State: Connecticut, Virginia Read More Dec 2, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump cabinet members talk psychedelics... Trump cabinet members talk psychedelics with former senator (Newsletter: December 2, 2025) City: New York City State: Arizona, Minnesota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Alaska, Nevada, New York, Florida Read More Dec 2, 2025 Ganjapreneur Virginia Adult-Use Cannabis Proposal Scraps Local Opt-Outs; Privileges Small Operators - Eliminates local opt-out provisions but retains local control over zoning and licensing. - Prioritizes independent, Virginia-based businesses by reserving at least half of new licenses for micro-businesses. - Increases the municipal excise tax on cannabis products to 3.5%. - Maintains the state cannabis tax at 8% and removes the state sales tax on paraphernalia. - Allows cannabis businesses to deduct certain costs from their state taxes. - If adopted, adult-use sales could begin by November 1, 2026. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Dec 1, 2025 Marijuana Moment Bill To Legalize Marijuana Sales In Virginia In 2026 Will Be Unveiled This Week Virginia's Joint Commission unveiled a final proposal to launch a legal adult-use cannabis retail market by November 1, 2026, eliminating the local opt-out clause and raising the local excise tax cap to 3.5 percent. The plan focuses on creating a decentralized, competitive, and sustainable market by reserving up to 50 percent of initial licenses for micro-businesses and channeling tax revenue back into communities harmed by the War on Drugs. City: Virginia Beach State: Virginia Read More Dec 1, 2025 Virginia Mercury After months of hearings, Virginia panel set to roll out blueprint for legal cannabis market None City: Richmond, Fairfax, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach State: Virginia Read More Nov 28, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. and I-71 trade group dual it out in Federal court, Green Wednesday sees legal sales surge. Plus Virginia commission accepting public testimony A federal lawsuit challenges D.C.’s cannabis enforcement, which continues with the shutdown of Snackz DC and raids on Virginia vape shops; meanwhile, Maryland dispensaries reported record sales, and a task force recommended decriminalizing psychedelics. ABCA also announced upcoming board meetings, leadership updates, and an HR manager opening. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Nov 27, 2025 Marijuana Moment Hemp Isn’t A Loophole—It’s A Legal Industry, And It’s Under Attack (Op-Ed) A proposed policy change slipped into a budget deal aims to eradicate the legal hemp industry, which would wipe out a $28+ billion market and 300,000 jobs while driving production to the black market. The author argues that Congress should choose regulation—with testing, potency limits, and age gating—over prohibition to address public safety concerns properly. City: NA State: Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Alaska, Oregon, North Carolina, Iowa, Utah, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, Maryland, Georgia Read More Nov 26, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP-Controlled Senate Committee Warns DC That Marijuana Is Federally Illegal, With ‘Enhanced Penalties’ For Sales Near Schools GOP members of the Senate Appropriations Committee released a spending bill and a report reminding D.C. that marijuana remains federally illegal, emphasizing enhanced penalties for sales near schools. The legislation continues to include a rider that bans D.C. from using local funds to create a regulated recreational cannabis market, despite voters approving possession and cultivation years ago. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maryland, Washington, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nebraska, Florida, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania Read More Nov 25, 2025 RVA Mag Equity vs. Access: Inside the Fight Over Virginia’s New Cannabis Framework None City: Richmond State: Virginia Read More Nov 20, 2025 Marijuana Moment Lawmakers want exemption to new hemp ban for states with regs (Newsletter: November 20, 2025) The summary covers several topics in cannabis and drug policy: a judge grilling a DEA lawyer over a psychedelic petition delay; lawmakers, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, preparing to push for an exemption to the hemp-derived THC ban for regulated states; Joe Rogan criticizing the recriminalization of hemp products and blaming the alcohol lobby; a study finding cannabis reduces alcohol consumption; Texas advancing hemp age restriction rules; and updates on federal, state, local, and international cannabis policy developments, as well as new science and business reports. City: Topeka, Kansas City State: Texas, Minnesota, Maryland, Florida, West Virginia, Vermont, New York, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Nebraska, New Jersey, Kansas Read More Nov 19, 2025 Outlaw Report Virginia moves toward adult-use market, AYR Wellness permit delays and West Virginia patient costs rise New federal THC limits threaten small hemp operations and thousands of jobs in Maryland. In Virginia, AYR Wellness' foreclosure could delay medical cannabis permits ahead of a planned adult-use market launch in fall 2026. West Virginia’s medical cannabis program is experiencing slow growth and high prices, leading patients to look for more affordable options out of state. City: NA State: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia Read More

At Toker's Guide we provide reviews from Virginia cannabis connoisseurs. Want to know how to get cannabis in VA? How about the best cannabis? From medical marijuana to recreational cannabis and hemp, let us be your guide! The BEST Cannabis in VA Reviewed by Local Connoisseurs LEARN MORE Featured Reviews Featured Reviews Featured Reviews Featured Reviews The BEST Virginia Dispensaries Near You Rated by Industry Experts & Local Consumers No. Virginia Richmond SW Virginia Va Beach VA Hemp To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. LEARN MORE Get the FRESHEST New Products & Strains With Our Virginia Product Reviews & Buyer's Guides... ALL No. Virginia Richmond VA Beach SW Virginia VA Hemp Moon Fog | Humboldt Seed Company | Virginia Homegrown Moon Fog is a strain that has gained quite the reputation in many online forums, grower's podcasts and old smoker’s tables around the country. This indica-dominant strain was bred by Humboldt Seed Company and is one of their newest offerings. It's known to carry a well balanced euphoric high and in some smoke circles is becoming a go to nighttime strain... Tyler 20 hours ago 2 min read Brownie Scout by Rythm - RISE, Lynchburg (VA Medical) This was my first encounter with Rythm flower and I found myself filled with eager anticipation. Rythm has a reputation for quality and... Terp Interpreter Jan 10 2 min read Frolic Live Rosin - gLeaf, Manchester (VA Medical) Scoring a gram of Frolic Live Rosin by Amber at gLeaf Dispensary in Manchester, Virginia, felt like hitting the concentrate jackpot on a quiet afternoon run. As someone who's chased premium solventless hashes across the state, I was drawn to this sativa offering's amber-hued jar and promising specs. Back home, twisting open the lid revealed a creamy, badder-like texture in pale golden tones—wet and whippy, with a frolic-some sparkle that screamed fresh-pressed quality... Toker's Guide Jan 10 2 min read Secret Cookies by Triple Seven - gLeaf, Short Pump (VA Medical) They say loose lips sink ships but I’m willing to let everyone know that this latest batch of Secret Cookies from VA medical marijuana di... Terp Interpreter Dec 16, 2025 2 min read GMO by The Bank - gLeaf, Short Pump (VA Medical) With enough of a garlic scent to keep a vampire away, this GMO is grown locally by premium cannabis cultivators, The Bank. Available from... Terp Interpreter Dec 4, 2025 2 min read Night Owl Haze by Rythm - Rise, Lynchburg (VA Medical) Like the nocturnal Raptors these buds get their name after, Night Owl Haze is as beautiful and elegant as an owl soaring through a star-f... Terp Interpreter Dec 2, 2025 2 min read Banana Cream Rosin by Dharma Pharmaceuticals - RISE, Lynchburg (VA Medical) I’m excited because this is the first time I’m trying out rosin cultivated by Dharma Pharmaceuticals. This strain in particular is Banana... Terp Interpreter Nov 26, 2025 2 min read Bubba Kush by The Bank - Beyond / Hello (VA Medical) Bubba Kush is an indica-dominant strain that is legendary among cannabis enthusiasts and medical patients alike. It's known for its poten... Terp Interpreter Nov 20, 2025 2 min read Runtz by The Bank - gLeaf, Colonial Heights (VA Medical) Runtz is a beautiful and tasty candy flavored strain that took the country by storm because of its incredibly potent effects. I was never... Terp Interpreter Nov 11, 2025 2 min read 1 2 3 4 5 LEARN MORE Virginia CANNABIS News Stay Up To Date On the Local Market & Policies Feb 10, 2026 RVA Magazine As Virginia Legalizes Cannabis, New Penalties Spark Backlash Under the amended framework, cannabis is legal only when produced, sold, and purchased through an approved license. Activity outside that system remains illegal, and in some cases now carries penalties elevated to match those already on the books for alcohol offenses. Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia House Passes Bill To Protect Rights Of Parents Who Use Marijuana The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 942, a bill to protect parents who legally use marijuana from being deemed neglectful unless harm to the child is established. Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Lawmakers Approve Bills To Expand Medical Marijuana Access In Hospitals Virginia lawmakers have advanced several cannabis bills, including proposals to: - Expand legal protections for hospital workers assisting terminally ill patients with medical marijuana, contingent on federal rescheduling. - Establish a commercial market for recreational cannabis sales, with different start dates proposed by the Senate (January 1, 2027) and the House (November 1 of this year). - Mandate automatic resentencing hearings for individuals convicted of certain felony marijuana offenses that occurred before the state legalized personal possession in July 2021. Read More Feb 13, 2026 CSBA Virginia's Path to a Regulated Recreational Cannabis Market: Progress, Pitfalls, and the Fight for Equity With Democratic control of both chambers and a pro-reform Governor Abigail Spanberger at the helm, bills to legalize adult-use sales are advancing through committees, yet critical debates over launch timelines, criminal penalties, and market structure underscore the high stakes for small businesses, equity advocates, and consumers alike. Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Cannabis businesses’ lawsuit against feds is dismissed (Newsletter: February 12, 2026) A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Customs and Border Protection's seizures of state-legal cannabis. In Virginia, bills to legalize recreational sales, provide resentencing relief, and allow medical use in hospitals advanced. Meanwhile, Hawaii's marijuana legalization efforts stalled for the session, South Dakota rejected bills to repeal the medical cannabis program, and Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating a bill for decriminalization. Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Cannabis not a “priority” for Trump DOJ, GOP congressman says (Newsletter: February 11, 2026) The newsletter highlights a new Congressional Research Service report analyzing the constitutionality of the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses, alongside a GOP congressman's doubt that cannabis rescheduling is a current Department of Justice priority. It also reports on the New Hampshire Senate rejecting a marijuana legalization bill, advocacy pushback on penalty amendments in a Virginia cannabis sales bill, a Maryland hearing on psychedelic access, and a study showing AI models can approximate psychedelic narratives. Read More Feb 13, 2026 MJBizDaily Illicit market fears arise as Virginia adult-use marijuana launch date debated Virginia's potential November start date for marijuana sales is being debated, as some advocates seek a delay while others warn that postponing the launch could boost the illicit market. Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Sales Legalization And Resentencing Bills Virginia lawmakers approved bills to legalize adult-use marijuana sales, with the House measure proposing a November 1 start date, and separate legislation to establish a resentencing process for past cannabis convictions that occurred before July 1, 2021. Newly sworn-in Gov. Abigail Spanberger supports legalizing adult-use sales. Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Senators Should Remove New Marijuana Penalties From Bill To Legalize Sales, Advocacy Groups Say A coalition of 37 cannabis and civil rights organizations is urging Virginia senators to remove "harmful amendments" from a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales, arguing the new criminal penalties—including recriminalizing possession for those under 21 and felony charges for unlicensed cultivation—undermine the legislation's intent and will disproportionately harm minorities. Despite the opposition to these changes, the bill advances, outlining key details such as a maximum 12.625 percent retail tax, the establishment of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, and sales potentially starting on November 1, 2026, under the House version. Read More LEARN MORE Join the Community Meet Other Virginia Cannabis Enthusiasts LEARN MORE

Under the amended framework, cannabis is legal only when produced, sold, and purchased through an approved license. Activity outside that system remains illegal, and in some cases now carries penalties elevated to match those already on the books for alcohol offenses. < Back As Virginia Legalizes Cannabis, New Penalties Spark Backlash Feb 10, 2026 RVA Staff RVA Magazine Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Originally published by RVA Staff | Feb 10, 2026 Virginia’s long-running effort to build a regulated cannabis marketplace has hit a new turning point this legislative session. Since adult possession became legal in 2021, lawmakers and stakeholders have spent years negotiating a retail framework to replace the unlicensed gray market with a structured, licensed system. Much of that work appeared to be moving forward after extended discussions with advocates, industry representatives, and legislators. But last week, State Senator Scott Surovell, chair of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, introduced a series of surprise amendments to SB542 that shifted key provisions and expanded penalties for unlicensed cannabis activity. Surovell argued that cannabis-related crimes should align more closely with existing alcohol laws and that without meaningful penalties there would be little incentive for people to enter the legal retail market. The changes sparked debate in committee. The bill’s original patron, State Senator Lashrecse Aird, said the amendments moved the proposal in the opposite direction of the Democrats’ earlier goals to address racial disparities in marijuana arrests and to expand opportunities for people with prior cannabis convictions. “It takes us backwards,” Aird said during a hearing, noting that years of negotiations had been upended by amendments introduced on the fly. Some Republican lawmakers also expressed confusion about the revised language. State Senator Mark Peake said that while the goal was to finalize a plan, the committee’s changes would still criminalize people in certain communities who sell marijuana without a license and subject them to felony penalties, outcomes he said lawmakers had aimed to avoid when legalization passed five years ago. Under the amended framework, cannabis is legal only when produced, sold, and purchased through an approved license. Activity outside that system remains illegal, and in some cases now carries penalties elevated to match those already on the books for alcohol offenses. Supporters of the changes say penalties are necessary to encourage participation in the legal market, while critics contend the amendments complicate the larger goal of creating an equitable, balanced regulatory structure. It is within this context, after surprise committee action and ongoing disagreement among lawmakers, that a coalition of advocacy organizations, led by Marijuana Justice, submitted a formal statement to the Senate Finance Committee. Below is that statement in full. Full Statement from Marijuana Justice and Coalition Partners February 9, 2026 Dear Senate Finance Committee Member, We, the undersigned organizations, write to urge you to reject the punitive amendments added to SB542 in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, and restore the intent of the bill, and the will of the people, to focus on responsible regulations, not further criminalization. On February 4, 2026, SB542, a bill to propose a retail adult use market, was presented by Senator Aird. Chairman of Senate Courts, Senator Surovell of Fairfax County, pushed forward a series of amendments, with little notice to the patron or members of the committee. Senator Surovell’s amendments are an attempt to unravel Virginia’s commitment to undoing the harms of the War on Drugs, despite clear findings from the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission that Black Virginians were disproportionately harmed by marijuana enforcement. The amendments passed the Senate Courts of Justice Committee on a 9–6 vote. During the bill hearing, Senator Aird explicitly identified these amendments as unfriendly and inconsistent with the purpose and intent of SB542. Several members of the committee, both Republican and Democrat, also identified the amendments as problematic, confusing, and in direct conflict with the intent of legalization. Cannabis should not be treated the same as alcohol, including penalties. Here is what the amendments do: Increase penalties for consumers (minors and adults) purchasing from unlicensed sellers by: Increasing the penalty from a Class 2 to a Class 1 misdemeanor Revoking driving privileges for individuals 18 and older for six months to one year Recriminalize youth under 21 possession of marijuana, aligning penalties with adults and limiting resources offered to youth, including: Being found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor Imposing a mandatory minimum fine of $500 or a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of community service Excluding minors from possessing a restricted driver’s license Recriminalize distribution by: Increasing the penalty for illegal sale of any amount from a Class 2 misdemeanor to a Class 1 misdemeanor Requiring a second offense to carry no less than 30 days in jail, which cannot be suspended Classifying one to five pounds or unlicensed packaging as a Class 5 felony Imposing five to thirty years of incarceration for more than five pounds for illegal distribution or manufacture Increase penalties for illegal cultivation, raising them from a Class 6 felony to a felony punishable by five to thirty years in prison and fines up to $10,000 Recriminalize transporting cannabis across state lines with intent to distribute as a felony punishable by five to forty years of incarceration and no less than $1,000,000 in fees, with a mandatory minimum ten-year sentence for a second offense Our request is clear. We are demanding that members of the Senate Finance Committee remove these amendments in their entirety and prioritize legalizing cannabis the right way. By signing this letter, organizations are not endorsing the retail bill itself, but are opposing Senator Surovell’s harmful amendments, which will undoubtedly inflict disproportionate harm on Black people, people of color, and low-income Virginians while further criminalizing our communities. Sincerely, Cannabis Small Business Association (CSBA) Legal Aid Justice Center UFCW Local 400 Parabola Center Virginia Student Power Network (VSPN) The Hemp Spectrum Virginia Cannabis Association (VCA) Drug Policy Alliance Purpose Wellness & Recreation Justice Forward Virginia Neighborhood Resource Center Nolef Turns Inc. That Dope Coach New Virginia Majority Last Prisoner Project The Hyena Club Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition (CRCC) iComply DACO (Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities) Mello Tymes Climate Reality Project – New Jersey Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Moon Fog | Humboldt Seed Company | Virginia Homegrown Moon Fog is a strain that has gained quite the reputation in many online forums, grower's podcasts and old smoker’s tables around the country. This indica-dominant strain was bred by Humboldt Seed Company and is one of their newest offerings. It's known to carry a well balanced euphoric high and in some smoke circles is becoming a go to nighttime strain... Poonesia by CULTA (Baltimore, Maryland) Let's be real—Poonesia might be one of the funniest strain names to hit Maryland dispensaries, and it demands an explanation. Is it a pla... Tahiti Twist by Alt Sol - New Leaf Dispensary DC Tahiti Twist, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Wash Hydro in Washington DC, is a balanced hybrid strain that brings tropical flair... 1 2 3 4 5

We've taken all the best Washington DC cannabis news sources and aggregated them into one simple feed. Now you can find stories about DC marijuana policy, laws, regulations, products, science, and more all in one place. Sort by Publication to find the cannabis news that's most important to you and your interests. Or, use our AI search to find ideal cannabis topics. DC Cannabis News ALL Washington DC Maryland Virginia Florida New York Filter by Publication Select Publication Filter by City Select City Filter by State Select State Feb 9, 2026 MG Magazine Susie Plascencia Named Co-Executive Director of National Hispanic Cannabis Council The National Hispanic Cannabis Council (NHCC) expanded its leadership by appointing Susie Plascencia as co-executive director alongside Aaron Lopez. NHCC also unveiled the National Latina Cannabis Leadership Council, an initiative dedicated to advancing Latina leadership, representation, and influence within the cannabis ecosystem, with Plascencia serving as its executive director. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jan 26, 2026 Marijuana Moment Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Move Shows Gun Ban For Consumers Is Outdated, ACLU Lawyers Tell Supreme Court ACLU attorneys are challenging the constitutionality of the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana consumers (18 U.S.C. §922(g)(3)) in the Supreme Court case *U.S. v. Hemani*, arguing the statute is vague, lacks historical precedent, and is outdated given state legalization trends and the federal government's move to reschedule cannabis. This case, which is set for oral arguments on March 2, comes amid a growing conflict among federal circuit courts over the Second Amendment rights of cannabis users. City: Washington, District of Columbia, El Paso State: Washington, D.C., Oklahoma, Florida, Rhode Island, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Kentucky Read More Jan 13, 2026 Marijuana Moment Congress moves to keep blocking cannabis sales in DC (Newsletter: January 13, 2026) Congress is continuing to block recreational marijuana sales in Washington, D.C., while several new states are considering legalization in 2026. In other news, an anti-marijuana campaign in Maine is facing accusations of lying to voters, and a study found that over a third of popular U.S. rap music videos depict cannabis use. State-level updates include Texas seeing a 32 percent growth in medical cannabis patients and Missouri recording $132.6 million in legal marijuana sales in December. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C., Maine, Nebraska, Texas, Nevada, Kentucky, Hawaii, Ohio, California, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Virginia, Michigan, Missouri Read More Jan 9, 2026 Marijuana Moment Federal medical cannabis protections approved in Congress (Newsletter: January 9, 2026) The House of Representatives passed a spending bill to protect state medical cannabis laws, while federal rescheduling could allow Washington, D.C. to move forward with recreational cannabis sales. Key developments include a legal challenge to a Massachusetts anti-marijuana initiative, scientific findings that CBD exhibits anti-tumor effects, and Ohio reporting over $1 billion in legal sales in 2025. City: Washington, D.C. State: British Columbia, California, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. Read More Jan 2, 2026 Marijuana Moment Congressional dispute over Biden’s cannabis pardons... Congressional dispute over Biden’s cannabis pardons (Newsletter: January 2, 2026) City: Washington, D.C. State: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. Read More Dec 23, 2025 Marijuana Moment Supreme Court Should Uphold Gun Ban For Marijuana Users, 19 State AGs Tell Justices Nineteen state attorneys general and Washington, D.C. filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold the federal law that bans marijuana users from possessing firearms in the case *U.S. v. Hemani*, arguing that the combination of drug use and guns poses a public safety risk and is consistent with historical tradition. This stance counters a lower court ruling that the federal ban violates the Second Amendment, with the article noting a growing number of federal courts are finding constitutional problems with the prohibition. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C., Illinois, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington State, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Kentucky Read More Dec 18, 2025 MG Magazine Trump Signs Executive Order to Expedite Cannabis Rescheduling to Schedule III Trump Signs Executive Order to Expedite Cannabis Rescheduling to Schedule III from Schedule I City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Dec 18, 2025 Outlaw Report Trump reclassifies cannabis, D.C hemp shops targeted, VA court issues vape ban injunction D.C. authorities closed five unlicensed cannabis shops and increased regulatory pressure on hemp retailers, while Virginia saw a partial injunction against its "Vape Ban" and is debating rules ahead of its retail cannabis market launch. Separately, Maryland fined Green Leaf Medical $33,000 for sampling and recordkeeping violations. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Nov 28, 2025 Marijuana Moment Feds plan to cover CBD under Medicare (Newsletter: November 28, 2025) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is preparing to cover CBD under Medicare, while Senate Republicans are attempting to block Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational cannabis sales. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are planning to reverse the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products, and the Cato Institute has filed a brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to consider a challenge to federal marijuana prohibition. City: Washington, D.C., New York City State: Washington, D.C., Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Kentucky, Missouri, Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Oregon, Massachusetts, Indiana Read More Oct 12, 2025 Outlaw Report Cultivation sales fall as D.C. medical cannabis market shows signs of slowdown D.C.'s medical cannabis sales fell to $8.2 million in August, a decrease from May's record, but still an 82% increase year-over-year. Vape and concentrate sales rose, while cultivation and manufacturing revenues dropped, indicating a potential market slowdown due to new federal oversight. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Oct 8, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. Council passes bill extending conditional cannabis licenses The D.C. Council passed a bill extending conditional medical cannabis licenses by one year, giving operators more time to open due to real estate and financing delays. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Sep 17, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Comments Are Making More Lawmakers Pay Attention To The Issue, Democratic Congresswoman Says As President Donald Trump continues to weigh a marijuana rescheduling proposal, a Democratic congresswoman says there’s been more discussion among lawmakers about cannabis reform recently–adding that she’ll “continue to push for” other modest policy changes such as industry banking access. City: NA State: Minnesota, Colorado, California, Washington, D.C. Read More Sep 10, 2025 MG Magazine House GOP Moves to Undermine Trump on Cannabis Rescheduling *WASHINGTON* – The House Appropriations Committee will vote September 10 on provisions in the fiscal year 2026 Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations bill that would both strip rescheduling authority from the Trump administration and open the door to new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) crackdowns on state medical cannabis programs. City: NA State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 23, 2025 Outlaw Report Another D.C. psychedelic shop raided — and Congress advances bill to keep blocking D.C. rec weed This newsletter covers DMV cannabis news. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 22, 2025 Marijuana Moment Congressional Subcommittee Votes To Keep Blocking... Congressional Subcommittee Votes To Keep Blocking Marijuana Sales In D.C. As Trump Requested In Budget City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C., Maryland Read More Jul 19, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. closes third unlicensed psychedelic shop amid ongoing crackdown D.C. has shut down Bouquet Labs, an unlicensed cannabis grower, imposing a $10K fine and ordering a license sale after a raid found 999 illegal plants. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 15, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. Shuts Down Second Psychedelic Shop, Bouquet Labs Fined $10K, Virginia Eyes 2026 Cannabis Retail DMV cannabis news. Source Newsletter. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C., Virginia Read More Jul 14, 2025 Outlaw Report Bouquet labs agrees to $10K fine & license sale after 999 illegal cannabis plants seized D.C. has shut down Bouquet Labs, an unlicensed cannabis grower, after a raid found 999 illegal plants. The company faces a $10,000 fine and must sell its license. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 14, 2025 Marijuana Moment Federal Agency Cancels Marijuana Production Deal With University Of Mississippi, Ending Partnership That Lasted Half A Century The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has ended its partnership with the University of Mississippi for cannabis production, though the university's federal contract for cannabis research continues until 2028. This comes after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) also ended a contract with Ole Miss for monitoring cannabinoid content. Despite these cancellations, the University of Mississippi will continue its marijuana research through various centers and partnerships, including a new NIH-hosted resource center. The article also notes the expansion of DEA-approved cannabis growers for research and ongoing challenges in studying marijuana due to its Schedule I classification. City: NA State: Mississippi, Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 14, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. shuts down second magic mushroom shop in ongoing crackdown Cap & Stem, a D.C. mushroom dispensary, was closed by ABCA and MPD, making it the second such closure in the past year as officials target unlicensed psychedelic businesses. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 8, 2025 Marijuana Moment 9 In 10 Americans Support Legalizing Marijuana... 9 In 10 Americans Support Legalizing Marijuana In Some Form, Including Bipartisan Majorities, Pew Poll Shows City: NA State: Washington, D.C., Florida Read More Jul 8, 2025 MJbizDaily District of Columbia medical marijuana sales soar, but many dispensaries are struggling Medical marijuana sales in Washington, D.C., have almost doubled since January, but many dispensaries that converted from "gifting" shops are facing significant struggles. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 8, 2025 Outlaw Report Cookies weed brand officially lands this week in D.C. Cookies, a globally recognized cannabis brand, will open its East Coast flagship store in Washington D.C. on July 11 at 4:20 PM, located at 1115 U Street NW. This marks a significant development for D.C.'s cannabis market as it is the first national brand to collaborate with local businesses to release products legally. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 3, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana’s Schedule I Status ‘Traps Researchers In A Paradox,’ Federally Funded Scientists Say Researchers involved in a federally funded clinical trial on marijuana highlight the critical importance of further study into the substance, given its widespread use. They argue that classifying cannabis as a Schedule I substance creates a paradox, as it heavily restricts the very studies needed to prove its medical value. The researchers advocate for moving marijuana to Schedule III to ease restrictions, increase NIH funding, and improve access to government-approved cannabis supplies. They also point out obstacles such as systemic underfunding, institutional hesitancy due to stigma, navigating multiple federal agencies, and limited supply of NIDA-approved marijuana. The article emphasizes that reform is crucial to close the evidence gap and address public health concerns. City: NA State: Maryland, Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 3, 2025 Marijuana Moment Lawsuit Claims Marijuana Questions In Federal Security Clearance Process Violated DOD Contractor’s Constitutional Rights A U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contractor is suing the federal government, alleging that questions about his past marijuana use during a security clearance process violated his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The lawsuit, filed by Robert Filipiuk, an aerospace engineer, claims that he was forced to choose between self-incrimination and losing his security clearance and employment. The case highlights broader legal questions about federal workers and marijuana use, especially as more states legalize the drug. The article also touches on issues in the trucking industry regarding marijuana testing and the lack of technology to detect impaired driving. City: NA State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 2, 2025 Outlaw Report DC Xtracts emphasizes craft extraction and brand integrity, while the D.C. market sees soaring delivery sales amidst increased retail competition Summary: D.C., Virginia and Maryland cannabis news from June 25 to July 1, 2025. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland Read More Jul 1, 2025 Outlaw Report Inside DC Xtracts: Rob Vasquez on Craft Cannabis Extraction and Brand Integrity DC Xtracts, founded by Rob Vasquez, has gained a loyal following in Washington D.C.'s medical cannabis program by producing clean and honest extracts that reflect the quality of the flower, setting them apart from other companies in the market. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 1, 2025 MG Magazine Top CRMs for Cannabis Businesses A CRM system is crucial for businesses to track customer interactions, streamline communication, and enhance customer engagement to drive sales and revenue. For the cannabis industry, finding a CRM that meets its unique compliance needs has historically been a challenge, but by 2025, more tailored solutions are available. While mainstream CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot are options for larger companies, many cannabis-specific solutions offer deep integrations with POS systems, compliance tools, and loyalty programs. Key CRM features for dispensaries include POS integration, centralized customer data, built-in loyalty programs, marketing automation, compliance tools, and analytics. The article lists 12 CRM providers, including IndicaOnline, Distru, Outfield, Springbig, AIQ Ecommerce, Zoho, 365 Cannabis, Meadow, Apex Trading, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive, highlighting their target markets (B2B/B2C), cost information, and integration capabilities. The article concludes by answering common questions about cannabis-friendly CRMs, their importance for dispensaries, key features, and whether mainstream CRMs are suitable for the industry. City: NA State: California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C. Read More Jul 1, 2025 Marijuana Moment Nebraska Governor Approves Medical Marijuana Rules Banning Flower Access For Patients Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has approved emergency rules for licensing medical cannabis establishments, with licensing to begin by October 1. The regulations were imposed by voters last November, legalizing medical cannabis with a healthcare practitioner's recommendation. The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission will regulate the new medicine. The rules set criteria for licenses (cultivator, manufacturer, dispensary, transporter), including ownership, fingerprinting, location restrictions, and prohibited persons. Dispensaries are limited to one per judicial district and can sell specific products like oral tablets, tinctures, gels, and patches, but not raw plant, edibles, or products for smoking/vaping. Public feedback on the emergency regulations is open until July 15. Advocates have expressed concerns about the ban on whole-plant cannabis and restrictions on usage methods. Formal regulations are expected to follow the emergency guidelines. City: NA State: Nebraska, Virginia, Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 30, 2025 Leafly Anacostia Organics: Cannabis with care in the capital Anacostia Organics, established in 2019, was the first medical dispensary to open east of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 30, 2025 MG Magazine Jones Soda to Keep Hemp Product Line After Divesting Marijuana Division Jones Soda Co. has sold its marijuana-derived THC business but will continue to focus on its fast-growing hemp-derived THC product line, which includes Mary Jones sodas, shooters, and gummies. The company aims to accelerate investment in its core soda, functional beverage, and adult beverage categories, including the hemp-infused THC segment. Jones Soda Co. is a craft beverage company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, known for its premium sodas and adult beverages. City: Seattle State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 30, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. cannabis market sees delivery sales soar amidst retail competition D.C. resident patients are the primary contributors to delivery sales, but self-certified temporary non-D.C. resident patients are showing significant growth in this area. All patient categories saw an increase in delivery sales. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 24, 2025 Outlaw Report Out-of-State patients closing in on half of the D.C. cannabis market The cannabis market in Washington, D.C. is changing, with more out-of-state patients, particularly due to the city's self-certification. Although D.C. residents still make up most of the buyers in May 2025, out-of-state shoppers are increasing. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 20, 2025 Ganjapreneur Maryland Governor Issues 7,000 Cannabis Pardons Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced pardons for nearly 7,000 people convicted of cannabis crimes. This follows a previous pardoning of over 175,000 past cannabis convictions. Moore also announced investments for underserved neighborhoods, historically Black universities and colleges, and procurement contracts for Black-owned businesses. The governor's pardons forgive past convictions but do not expunge them. A bill was signed into law to automatically shield low-level cannabis convictions from public view. Maryland's adult-use cannabis market launched in 2023. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C., Maryland Read More Jun 18, 2025 Marijuana Moment Texas Military Veterans Say Potential Ban On Hemp-Derived THC Could Drive Them Back To Opioids Or The Illicit Marijuana Market Texas veterans with chronic pain are concerned that a potential ban on hemp-derived THC products could force them to return to opioids or the illicit marijuana market. The ban is part of a bill that would prohibit the possession of consumable hemp products containing any synthetic cannabinoid. Some veterans are concerned about the high cost, dosing inflexibility, and civil rights issues raised by the legal alternative. City: New York, San Antonio, Washington, D.C. State: New York, Texas, District of Columbia, Colorado, Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 13, 2025 Marijuana Moment Congressional Committee Clarifies That Hemp Ban Isn’t Meant To Restrict ‘Industrial Or Nonintoxicating’ Products A powerful GOP-led congressional committee amended a report for a spending bill containing provisions that hemp stakeholders say would upend the industry, clarifying that the panel does not intend to prohibit non-intoxicating cannabinoid products with “trace or insignificant amounts of THC” that were federally legalized during the first Trump administration... City: NA State: Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 10, 2025 Outlaw Report Capitol Hemp sues D.C. over hemp laws and challenges congressional ban Capitol Hemp filed two lawsuits challenging hemp regulations and the Harris Amendment. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 10, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. considers “Craft Preparation” endorsement for medical cannabis retailers Washington D.C. is moving to expand options for medical cannabis patients with proposed legislation, the "Medical Cannabis Retailer Craft Preparation Endorsement Amendment Act of 2025." This act aims to create a new "craft preparation endorsement" allowing licensed medical cannabis retailers to prepare certain products on-site. Source City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 9, 2025 Outlaw Report Crafting Calm in a Fast-Paced World: The Story Behind Easyday Edibles We chatted with Alan Manstof about his path to launching Easyday Edibles. What began with a stove-top gummy experiment evolved into a brand defined by clean ingredients and a laid-back ethos. In this interview, Manstof reflects on building a cannabis edibles brand, why every gummy deserves to be beautiful, and how his “analog place” became a guiding philosophy for the business. Source City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 4, 2025 Ganjapreneur Study: Cannabis Use Among Older Adults Higher Than Ever Older Americans are using cannabis at record levels. Cannabis use among those 65+ jumped over 40% from 2021 to 2023. Increased cannabis use was most prevalent among women, white people, people with a degree, people making $75,000+ per year, married people, and people who live in a state with legal medical cannabis access. Cannabis use was also more prevalent among those with serious and chronic health conditions. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Jun 2, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. cannabis tax revenue soars but unlikely to trickle down to equity fund D.C. medical cannabis sales surged to $5.46 million in April 2025, generating a 90% increase in tax revenue compared to the previous year, yet cannabis remains one of the city's lowest-taxed goods at 6%. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More May 27, 2025 Ganjapreneur Washington to Issue New Social Equity Cannabis Licenses This Summer The Washington Cannabis Social Equity Program will begin accepting applications for 52 new retail social equity licenses this June. The licensing period will be open from June 2 to July 1. Qualifying applicants must meet at least two of the social equity program’s four licensing criteria. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More May 14, 2025 Cannabis Business Times Herbal Alternatives Dispensary Founder Pleads Guilty to $1.2 Million in Federal Tax Evasion The former owner of the Washington, D.C.-based cannabis retailer admitted to not paying federal income and employment taxes for five tax years. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More May 14, 2025 MJ Biz Daily District of Columbia cannabis dispensary founder pleads guilty to tax evasion The founder of a medical cannabis dispensary in Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to charges of failing to pay more than $1.2 million in federal income and employment taxes for five years. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More May 12, 2025 Cannabis Now Film Review: Grassland Is A Stunner William Bermudez and Sam Friedman’s *Grassland* is a gripping social justice drama that transports viewers back to 2008, a year marked by the financial crisis and the height of America’s punitive War On Drugs. The film tells the story of how a Latina single mom, Sofia (Mía Maestro) grows cannabis in the basement of her rented apartment to make ends meet for her and her young son, Leo (Ravi Cabot-Conyers). Their lives take a dramatic turn when their new neighbor, John (Jeff Kober), a retired cop, moves into the building and his grandson befriends Leo. Tension escalates as John’s suspicions about Sofia’s activities grow, threatening to unravel her precarious world. Cabot-Conyers delivers an endearing performance as Leo, whose wide-eyed innocence provides a stark contrast to the harsh realities of his life. Meanwhile, Kober plays John with depth; his character is shaped by his own biases and regrets, making him both antagonist and victim of systemic failure while raising his grandson Tom alone. Sofia’s story feels real and raw. She’s not portrayed as a criminal, but as a mother doing what she must to care for her child during rough times. Maestro’s performance captures Sofia’s struggles perfectly, showing her strength and vulnerability. Her basement grow operation isn’t glamorous—it’s a lifeline—and yet it puts her at risk in a society that punished people harshly for even small amounts of cannabis. The film also highlights how unfairly cannabis laws were enforced almost two decades ago. In 2008, Black and Latino communities were disproportionately targeted the most, facing much higher arrest rates than white people for marijuana possession. These disparities are embodied in Brandon (Quincy Isaiah), Sofia’s friend who helps care for Leo but avoids deeper involvement in her operation due to his own criminal record—a chilling reminder of how even minor offenses can derail lives. *Grassland* is more than a film about cannabis; it’s about survival, injustice and the real painful human cost of systemic racial profiling. What makes *Grassland* hit home today is how much has changed—and how far we still must go. Cannabis legalization has spread across the US, with 24 states and Washington, DC, legalizing adult use. Main Street dispensaries sell products legally that once sent people to prison (and still do in some states). Yet, thousands are still locked up for non-violent cannabis-related convictions, some serving long sentences for small amounts of weed. Groups such as Freedom Grow, 40 Tons and the Last Prisoner Project are working to free these individuals, but progress is slow. Society’s view of cannabis has changed dramatically since 2008. Back then, only about 30 percent of Americans supported legalization; now, according to a 2024 Pew research poll, 88 percent of US adults say cannabis should be legal for medical or adult use. It’s a booming industry, with the US market size estimated at $38.50 billion in 2024. Yet despite this cultural change, systemic barriers persist, particularly for those whose lives were upended by prohibition-era policies. *Grassland* reminds us that justice means more than changing laws. It means clearing records, freeing prisoners and helping those hurt by the War On Drugs rebuild their lives. Quincy Isaiah’s character Brandon, highlights the injustices and painful human cost of racial profiling by the police and others. *Grassland* never loses focus on its principal message: Cannabis prohibition ruined lives. Sofia’s story represents that of countless others who were punished for doing things that are now legal—even profitable. By revisiting the dark days of 2008 through Sofia’s eyes, the film challenges us to not only reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to acknowledge how much further we must go to right the wrongs of the past. With its thoughtful storytelling and nuanced performances, *Grassland* serves as both a time capsule of a broken system and a call to action for justice in the present day. For anyone interested in cannabis advocacy or social justice, this film is a must. It challenges us to think about what justice means, and how it remains elusive for so, so many. The post Film Review: Grassland Is A Stunner appeared first on Cannabis Now. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More May 2, 2025 Ganjapreneur PreRoll Press Inc. Delivers Cutting-Edge Pre-Roll Manufacturing Solutions to Optimize Production PreRoll Press Inc. offers pre-roll manufacturing solutions to address challenges in the booming cannabis market, such as labor-intensive processes and inconsistent quality. Their systems optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality pre-rolls, including the Fill N' Fold system with a Dutch Crown finish. They offer scalable systems for various production capacities and stand out with innovative solutions for infused pre-rolls, cost-effective equipment, and user-friendly design. Early adopters have reported significant improvements in labor and product consistency. PreRoll Press aims to empower producers and shape the future of cannabis production. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Apr 26, 2025 Ganjapreneur Trump DOJ Attorney Sends Warning Letter to Licensed D.C. Dispensary *Editor’s note: this article was originally published by The Outlaw Report and has been republished with permission.* U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward R. Martin Jr. has issued a letter to Green Theory, a licensed cannabis dispensary located at 4828 MacArthur Blvd., NW, expressing concern that its operation violates federal law due to its proximity to several area schools... City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Feb 3, 2025 Dope CFO Cannabis Rescheduling in 2025: Expert Insights on Federal Policy Changes The Cannabis industry stands at a pivotal crossroads in 2025. With federal rescheduling proceedings facing unexpected delays and a new administration settling into office, Cannabis businesses and their accountants face significant uncertainty about the regulatory landscape ahead. Understanding these complex policy developments is essential for Cannabis businesses to navigate compliance requirements and prepare for potential changes that could dramatically impact their operations and tax obligations. In this comprehensive analysis, we explore the current state of Cannabis rescheduling efforts, examine the political dynamics at play in Washington, and provide strategic guidance for Cannabis businesses and their financial advisors during this transitional period. The Long Road to Rescheduling: How We Got Here Since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, Cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I substance—a category reserved for drugs with "no accepted medical use" and "high potential for abuse." This classification has placed Cannabis in the same category as heroin and LSD, despite mounting scientific evidence of its medicinal benefits and moderate risk profile. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Dec 19, 2024 Cannabis Now MJBizCon 2024 Highlights Resilience and Growth in Cannabis The 11th annual MJBizCon welcomed cannabis industry professionals. There was a lot to see with 1400 exhibitors. The energy on the show floor was palpable, with deals being made and connections solidified. A spirit of collaboration was also in the air. Events included The Vegas Classic, Blunt Brunch Nationals, and The Emjays. Several brands caught the eye, including Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, FOHSE, Advanced Nutrients, CCELL, and My Bud Vase. City: Las Vegas, Seattle State: Nevada, Washington, D.C. Read More Dec 9, 2024 Cannabis Now Stretch Further: Jessamyn Stanley Redefines Wellness Culture In an article, Jessamyn Stanley discusses her use of cannabis, and how she has incorporated it into her yoga practice. Stanley, who identifies as fat, black, and queer, discusses the stigma surrounding marijuana, and how the forces of white, corporate control are especially insidious in the cannabis industry. City: New York, Seattle State: New York, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. Read More

We've taken all the best cannabis news sources and aggregated them into one simple feed. Now you can find stories about marijuana policy, laws, regulations, products, science, and more all in one place. Sort by Publication, City, and State to find the cannabis news that's most important to you and your community. Cannabis News ALL Washington DC Maryland Virginia Florida New York Filter by Publication Select Publication Filter by City Select City Filter by State Select State Feb 13, 2026 CSBA Virginia's Path to a Regulated Recreational Cannabis Market: Progress, Pitfalls, and the Fight for Equity With Democratic control of both chambers and a pro-reform Governor Abigail Spanberger at the helm, bills to legalize adult-use sales are advancing through committees, yet critical debates over launch timelines, criminal penalties, and market structure underscore the high stakes for small businesses, equity advocates, and consumers alike. City: Richmond State: Virginia Read More Feb 13, 2026 MJBizDaily Illicit market fears arise as Virginia adult-use marijuana launch date debated Virginia's potential November start date for marijuana sales is being debated, as some advocates seek a delay while others warn that postponing the launch could boost the illicit market. City: Richmond State: Virginia Read More Feb 12, 2026 MJbizDaily Missouri cannabis sales hit record $1.5 billion in 2025 Missouri's legal cannabis sales generated a record-breaking $255.57 million in sales tax revenue last year, with total cannabis sales hitting a record $1.5 billion in 2025. City: NA State: Missouri Read More Feb 12, 2026 Cannabis Business Times NY Governor Signs Bill Fixing Dispensary Proximity Issue With Schools, Churches The legislation codifies the door-to-door measurement approach that the Office of Cannabis Management had previously reversed guidance on in 2025. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment FDA Head Says Marijuana Has ‘Benefit In Medical Conditions,’ FDA Head Says Marijuana Has ‘Benefit In Medical Conditions,’ But Trump Administration Also Concerned About ‘Side Effects’ City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 12, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Planet 13 Completes California Exit, Divests Orange County Dispensary, Distribution Licenses The cannabis company closed its 55,000-square-foot SuperStore in Santa Ana, California, as part of an effort to streamline operations and focus on core growth markets. City: Santa Ana State: California Read More Feb 12, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Tilray Expands UK Pharmaceutical Access Through Strategic Agreement With Smartway Pharmaceuticals The CC Pharma agreement is expected to integrate Tilray's medicinal cannabis products into the U.K. health system. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 12, 2026 MJbizDaily How Jamie Pearson transformed from cannabis skeptic to international CEO Jamie Pearson is a recognized leader in the cannabis sector, known for her expertise in navigating international markets. An MJBizDaily post covers her journey from being a cannabis skeptic to becoming an international CEO. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 12, 2026 Cannabis Business Times CRS Weighs 280E’s Constitutionality for Cannabis Businesses The Congressional Research Service examined legal questions regarding the punitive tax application of Section 280E to licensed cannabis operators. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia House Passes Bill To Protect Rights Of Parents Who Use Marijuana The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 942, a bill to protect parents who legally use marijuana from being deemed neglectful unless harm to the child is established. City: NA State: California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Florida Senators Approve Bill To Increase Medical Marijuana Supply Limits And Slash Patient Fees For Veterans Florida senators approved a bill (SB 1032) to increase medical marijuana supply limits, reduce the veteran identification card fee from $75 to $15, and extend the required patient re-evaluation period to 52 weeks. Separately, the Florida Supreme Court closed a case concerning a marijuana legalization ballot initiative after the campaign was found to have fallen short of the required signature count. City: NA State: Florida Read More Feb 12, 2026 MG Magazine 5 Specialty Wraps and Papers that Turn a Small Shelf into Bigger Margins Specialty rolling papers and wraps are now a high-margin category, appealing to customers seeking a story, statement, or sensory upgrade. Retailers should merchandise these products as lifestyle items, using curated, boutique displays, pairing them with accessories like lighters and trays, and grouping them by "vibe" (e.g., luxury, botanical) for easy customer understanding. Key strategies to boost sales include creating "micro-collections," offering "build-your-roll" kits, and using a rotating "featured wrap of the week" to keep the selection fresh. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Cannabis businesses’ lawsuit against feds is dismissed (Newsletter: February 12, 2026) A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Customs and Border Protection's seizures of state-legal cannabis. In Virginia, bills to legalize recreational sales, provide resentencing relief, and allow medical use in hospitals advanced. Meanwhile, Hawaii's marijuana legalization efforts stalled for the session, South Dakota rejected bills to repeal the medical cannabis program, and Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating a bill for decriminalization. City: Los Angeles State: Virginia, Washington, South Dakota, Hawaii, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Missouri, Nebraska, Florida, Arizona, Oklahoma, Michigan, Alabama, California Read More Feb 12, 2026 Ganjapreneur New Hampshire Senate Committee Votes to Kill House-Passed Adult-Use Cannabis Bill New Hampshire's Senate Judiciary Committee, with a Republican majority, voted 2-1 to kill an adult-use cannabis legalization bill that had previously passed the House 209-135, and which was likely to be vetoed by Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte. The bill was defeated despite polling that indicated 70% of New Hampshire residents, including 55% of Republicans, supported the reforms. During the debate, concerns about negative impacts on property values were raised, although several real estate studies suggest that cannabis dispensaries do not negatively affect home values and that home values in states with legal cannabis have appreciated more. City: NA State: New Hampshire Read More Feb 12, 2026 Ganjapreneur Mississippi House Passes Medical Cannabis Reforms Including ID Extensions, ‘Right to Try’ Provisions The Mississippi House passed two medical cannabis bills: one extends patient ID validity from one to two years, removes mandatory 6-month follow-up visits, and increases caregiver card validity up to five years; the second, a "right to try" bill, allows patients with non-qualifying debilitating conditions to petition for medical cannabis use on a case-by-case basis. Both bills now advance to the Senate. City: NA State: Mississippi Read More Feb 12, 2026 Ganjapreneur South Dakota Bill Would End Medical Cannabis Program if Federal Government Reschedules Cannabis Two bills in South Dakota aim to change the state's medical cannabis program: SB.181 would repeal the law if cannabis is federally rescheduled to Schedule III, and SB.194 would impose various THC caps on products like flower, edibles, oils, and concentrates. Both proposals, sponsored by Senator John Carley, are currently before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. City: NA State: South Dakota Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Sales Legalization And Resentencing Bills Virginia lawmakers approved bills to legalize adult-use marijuana sales, with the House measure proposing a November 1 start date, and separate legislation to establish a resentencing process for past cannabis convictions that occurred before July 1, 2021. Newly sworn-in Gov. Abigail Spanberger supports legalizing adult-use sales. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Feb 11, 2026 MJbizDaily Oregon mulls cannabis edibles THC potency cap as concerns spread Oregon is considering Senate Bill 1548, which proposes a THC potency cap on cannabis edibles to address concerns about accidental consumption by children, as the products often resemble treats like cookies and gummies. This issue is reportedly causing spreading concerns. City: NA State: Oregon Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Oregon Lawmakers Consider Banning Marijuana Edibles With More Than 10 Milligrams Of THC Oregon lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 1548 to prohibit the sale of individual cannabis edibles with more than 10 milligrams of THC, responding to increasing cases of young children being poisoned after consuming products that resemble cookies and gummies. Proponents, citing medical cases and data from a similar Washington law, argue the cap would reduce child hospitalizations and poisonings, while opponents from the cannabis industry advocate for tabling the bill in favor of an education campaign on responsible consumption and storage. City: Portland State: Oregon, Washington Read More Feb 11, 2026 MJbizDaily 2026 adult-use marijuana legalization prospects dim as Hawaii, Pennsylvania efforts fade Advocates are hopeful for new states legalizing adult-use marijuana in 2026, but the prospects are dim, particularly as efforts in Hawaii and Pennsylvania are fading. City: NA State: Hawaii, Pennsylvania Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Washington House Passes Bill To Let Terminally Ill Patients Use Medical Cannabis In Hospitals The Washington State House of Representatives passed a bill (HB 2152) allowing terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and hospices, starting January 1, 2027, provided it is consumed via methods other than smoking or vaping, is securely stored, and does not apply to emergency department patients. The legislation, which cleared the House 89-6 and heads to the Senate, aims to promote dignity and comfort for terminally ill patients. City: NA State: Washington, California Read More Feb 11, 2026 Cannabis Now EXCLUSIVE: Be$os and Legado 7 Are Building a New Cultural Lane for Latino Cannabis in California Be$os, a fast-rising Latino cannabis brand, partnered with the corridos verdes music group Legado 7 on the "7 Be$os" collaboration, which blends limited-edition cannabis vapes and a single track. This partnership is rooted in a shared intention to destigmatize cannabis within the Latino community and honor their culture, aiming to define a new lane for Latino voices in the cannabis market. City: Los Angeles State: California Read More Feb 11, 2026 MG Magazine Gotham Launches Accelerator; First Cohort to Support Black-Owned Cannabis Brands The Gotham Growth Project (GGP), launched by dispensary chain Gotham, is a six-session business accelerator focused on supporting growth-stage cannabis consumer brands from underserved communities, beginning with Black-owned businesses in the New York City area. The program provides strategic guidance and curriculum in areas like financial planning, sales strategy, and brand positioning, for eligible applicants who are already selling products through licensed venues. City: New York City State: New York Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment South Dakota Senators Reject Bills To Repeal Medical Marijuana Program After Federal Rescheduling And Limit THC Potency South Dakota Senators rejected two bills that would have repealed the state's medical marijuana program upon federal rescheduling and set strict THC potency limits for patients. City: NA State: South Dakota Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Hawaii Marijuana Legalization Bills Are Likely Dead For 2026 Session, Key Lawmakers Say Hawaii House bills aimed at legalizing marijuana are effectively dead for the 2026 session, as key lawmakers, including House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, cite a lack of sufficient support within the legislature to pass them. Although proposals, including one to put the issue before voters, stalled, the state did advance other cannabis-related measures, such as expediting expungements for past marijuana offenses, expanding medical marijuana caregiver cultivation, and finalizing rules for medical marijuana dispensaries to sell more products. City: Honolulu State: Hawaii Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Ohio Activists Launch Signature Drive For Referendum To Block Marijuana And Hemp Restrictions Ohioans for Cannabis Choice is collecting over 248,000 signatures by a March 19 deadline to get a referendum on the November ballot that would block Senate Bill 56, a new law that modifies the state's recreational marijuana rules and bans intoxicating hemp products. The bill, which reduces THC concentration caps, prohibits public smoking, and criminalizes bringing out-of-state marijuana into Ohio, is opposed by activists, hemp farmers, and business owners who argue it will harm patients and abolish competition. City: Cleveland State: Ohio Read More Feb 11, 2026 Ganjapreneur Oregon Bill Would Set 10 Milligram THC Cap for Cannabis Edibles An Oregon bill, Senate Bill 1548, proposes banning the sale of individual cannabis edibles containing more than 10 milligrams of THC to prevent accidental poisoning in children, a policy supported by doctors who cite success in Washington State but opposed by cannabis industry representatives who favor an education-focused approach. City: NA State: Oregon, Washington Read More Feb 11, 2026 Ganjapreneur Ohio Gov. Says Advocates Challenging New Cannabis Rules Should Stop ‘Whining’ Ohio Governor Mike DeWine criticized advocates fighting new legislative restrictions on hemp and cannabis products for "whining," asserting the changes align with voter intent. The campaign successfully revised its ballot summary language and must now collect nearly 250,000 signatures by mid-March to qualify for the November ballot. City: NA State: Ohio Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Lawmakers Approve Bills To Expand Medical Marijuana Access In Hospitals Virginia lawmakers have advanced several cannabis bills, including proposals to: - Expand legal protections for hospital workers assisting terminally ill patients with medical marijuana, contingent on federal rescheduling. - Establish a commercial market for recreational cannabis sales, with different start dates proposed by the Senate (January 1, 2027) and the House (November 1 of this year). - Mandate automatic resentencing hearings for individuals convicted of certain felony marijuana offenses that occurred before the state legalized personal possession in July 2021. City: NA State: Virginia, California Read More Feb 11, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Safe Harbor Financial Announces Extension With PCCU, Generating Estimated $9 Million Incremental Revenue Through 2031 The new agreement is expected to generate more than $1.5 million in total incremental cost savings over the revised 6.25-year term. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 11, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Aurora Advances Global Medical Growth Strategy With Portfolio Expansion in Australia, New Zealand Aurora's launch strengthens its leadership in key international markets. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Bipartisan Wisconsin Lawmakers Circulate Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Bipartisan Wisconsin lawmakers are introducing a bill to decriminalize first-time marijuana possession of up to 28 grams, which would only result in a $100 fine and no jail time. This proposal follows the Senate's recent approval of a separate GOP-led bill to legalize medical marijuana, although the Assembly Speaker has voiced skepticism about that bill passing the Assembly. Despite two in three Wisconsin voters supporting legalization, the Republican-controlled legislature has repeatedly blocked reform efforts from Democratic Governor Tony Evers and other Democratic lawmakers. City: NA State: Wisconsin, Illinois Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Federal Judge Dismisses Marijuana Businesses’ Lawsuit Challenging CBP Seizures Of State-Legal Products A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by New Mexico marijuana businesses against U.S. Customs and Border Protection over the seizure of state-legal cannabis, ruling that marijuana is "contraband per se" under federal law, which means the businesses lacked a cognizable property interest and were not entitled to due process protections. The court sided with CBP's authority to enforce federal prohibition, a policy that intensified in 2024 and drew legislative pushback and criticism from New Mexico's governor. City: NA State: New Mexico, Arizona, California Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Cannabis not a “priority” for Trump DOJ, GOP congressman says (Newsletter: February 11, 2026) The newsletter highlights a new Congressional Research Service report analyzing the constitutionality of the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses, alongside a GOP congressman's doubt that cannabis rescheduling is a current Department of Justice priority. It also reports on the New Hampshire Senate rejecting a marijuana legalization bill, advocacy pushback on penalty amendments in a Virginia cannabis sales bill, a Maryland hearing on psychedelic access, and a study showing AI models can approximate psychedelic narratives. City: NA State: Ohio, New Hampshire, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, California, Vermont, Tennessee Read More Feb 11, 2026 Cannabis Now True Terpenes Launches Headstash to Solve Cannabis’ Lingering Aroma Problem True Terpenes launched Headstash, a new terpene-based platform, to solve the cannabis industry's problem of inconsistent product aroma, which is a key driver of consumer choice and perceived quality. Headstash helps operators preserve and standardize delicate aromatic compounds across product formats, reflecting a shift toward quality being defined by consistent consumer experience rather than potency alone. City: NA State: Oregon Read More Feb 11, 2026 MG Magazine Stop Waiting for Rescue: The New Rules of Cannabis Finance The cannabis industry's capital drought is structural, driven by the 280E tax code and unpredictable regulation, and is worsened by "toxic hope"—the belief that federal reform or former equity markets will soon return. Operators are advised to abandon this waiting game and adopt alternative ownership structures like Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) to eliminate the 280E tax burden and engineer profitability and liquidity under current law. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 11, 2026 MJbizDaily New Mexico cannabis operators lose federal lawsuit over Border Protection seizures A federal judge ruled that the nearly $1 million in cash and cannabis seized from New Mexico marijuana operators at U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoints was lawfully taken, causing the operators to lose their federal lawsuit. City: NA State: New Mexico Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment New Hampshire Senators Reject House-Passed Marijuana Legalization Bill New Hampshire senators rejected a House-passed marijuana legalization bill (HB 186) with the Senate Judiciary Committee voting 2-1 to deem it "inexpedient to legislate," despite arguments from proponents citing 70 percent public support. If enacted, HB 186 would legalize possession and home grow for adults over 21, vacate past convictions, and establish an 8.5 percent sales tax, but Governor Kelly Ayotte has already threatened a veto. City: NA State: New Hampshire Read More Feb 10, 2026 MJbizDaily Nevada cannabis sales drop 8.6% but education fund gets $96M boost Nevada's cannabis sales fell by 8.6% due to price reductions and the strength of the illegal market, although the state's education fund still received a $96 million boost. City: NA State: Nevada Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment South Carolina Police Leaders Push Lawmakers To Ban Hemp Products Instead Of Regulating Them South Carolina law enforcement chiefs are urging legislators to reject GOP Rep. Greg Ford's proposal to regulate intoxicating hemp products, arguing that it is unenforceable and essentially "legalizes recreational marijuana." Ford, whose son uses the products for seizures, proposed regulating sales with licenses, dosage caps, and an age limit instead of enacting the near-total ban favored by law enforcement leaders. City: NA State: South Carolina Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment Maryland Lawmakers Discuss Bill To Extend Psychedelics Task Force To Recommend More Reforms Through 2027 Maryland lawmakers are considering a bill to extend the state's psychedelics task force through the end of 2027 to develop a clear legislative plan for regulated therapeutic access and potential broader legalization of natural psychedelic substances, focusing initially on psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT. The task force, which previously recommended a multi-phase framework encompassing medical/therapeutic use, supervised adult use, deprioritization, and eventual commercial sales, is required to submit an updated report with its final recommendations by October 31 of this year. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maryland Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment People With Illinois Marijuana Convictions Face Long Delays In Expunging And Sealing Records Despite Illinois's legalization of marijuana and creation of pathways for record-clearing, many eligible individuals face significant delays and uncertainty in having their cannabis-related criminal records officially expunged or sealed. This backlog is attributed to factors like a lack of awareness and long wait times, creating a "second chance gap" that the state hopes to narrow with the future implementation of the Clean Slate Act. City: Chicago State: Illinois Read More Feb 10, 2026 RVA Magazine As Virginia Legalizes Cannabis, New Penalties Spark Backlash Under the amended framework, cannabis is legal only when produced, sold, and purchased through an approved license. Activity outside that system remains illegal, and in some cases now carries penalties elevated to match those already on the books for alcohol offenses. City: Richmond State: Virginia Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Senators Should Remove New Marijuana Penalties From Bill To Legalize Sales, Advocacy Groups Say A coalition of 37 cannabis and civil rights organizations is urging Virginia senators to remove "harmful amendments" from a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales, arguing the new criminal penalties—including recriminalizing possession for those under 21 and felony charges for unlicensed cultivation—undermine the legislation's intent and will disproportionately harm minorities. Despite the opposition to these changes, the bill advances, outlining key details such as a maximum 12.625 percent retail tax, the establishment of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, and sales potentially starting on November 1, 2026, under the House version. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment GOP Congressman Isn’t Sure Marijuana Rescheduling Is A DOJ ‘Priority... GOP Congressman Isn’t Sure Marijuana Rescheduling Is A DOJ ‘Priority,’ But Remains Optimistic About Progress Under Trump City: NA State: Ohio, Florida, New Jersey Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment AI Models Like ChatGPT Can Generate ‘Convincingly Realistic’ Psychedelic Experiences When Virtually Dosed, Study Shows A new study found that large language models (LLMs) can be "virtually dosed" via text prompts to generate convincingly realistic narratives of psychedelic experiences, though the AI simulates the form of altered states without experiential content. The researchers caution that this capability presents significant safety concerns regarding anthropomorphism and the potential for AI to inadvertently amplify distress or delusional ideation if used as a virtual trip sitter by people in altered states. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 10, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Health Canada Cannabis Guidance Exposes ‘Absurd’ Education Gap in Health Care Apothecare calls for the integration of medical cannabis education into clinical training and standard practice, arguing that patients should not be left to figure it out on their own. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment Congressional Researchers Analyze Whether Denying Marijuana Business Tax Deductions Under 280E Is Unconstitutional - Congressional researchers released an analysis of tax implications for cannabis businesses, noting that IRS code 280E disallows federal tax deductions due to marijuana's Schedule I status. - Constitutional challenges arguing that 280E violates the Eighth Amendment have generally been unsuccessful in court. - Relief from 280E is possible if cannabis is moved from Schedule I to Schedule III of the CSA, a process that has been directed for expedited finalization by a presidential executive order. - The IRS has provided guidance confirming that cannabis businesses, while barred from standard deductions, are allowed to reduce gross receipts by the properly calculated cost of goods sold. City: NA State: California Read More Feb 10, 2026 Outlaw Report New bills propose restorative penalties for youth cannabis use and strict criminal sanctions for unlicensed activity, while companies like Jushi Holdings prepare for the adult-use market Cannabis operators face major changes this year due to evolving federal tax rules under Section 280E and state policy shifts. Virginia lawmakers are advancing restorative penalties for youth use and cracking down on unlicensed activity as businesses prepare for the adult-use market, while Maryland is moving to protect gun rights for registered medical cannabis patients. City: NA State: Virginia, Maryland Read More Feb 10, 2026 Cannabis Now HempWood: The Future of Sustainable Building HempWood, founded by Gregory Wilson, offers a carbon-negative, zero-VOC lumber and flooring product that is 20 percent stronger than hickory and uses a soy-based adhesive, making it a sustainable and healthy alternative to traditional wood. The company, which grows and sources hemp in Kentucky, faces challenges related to public perception and political uncertainty due to the plant's association with cannabis. City: NA State: Kentucky Read More Feb 10, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Medical Cannabis at Inflection Point: Policy, Science, What Comes Next (Opinion) Patient care is becoming the central focus of the market, influenced by New York's clinical leadership and emerging product standards. City: New York State: New York Read More Feb 10, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Florida Officials Miss Counting 54,000+ Signatures for Cannabis Legalization Petition Widespread discrepancies exist between county election supervisors' signature counts and the state's tallies, leaving the legalization campaign short of the required signatures amid an ongoing lawsuit. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 10, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Lüt Partners With Frankenmuth Credit Union to Expand Access to Compliant Closed-Loop Payments for Michigan Cannabis Businesses The partnership offers secure, cashless payment infrastructure to licensed operators, while also enhancing the consumer experience through improved checkout, rewards, and reliability. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 10, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Goldflower Cannabis Approved for Florida Cultivation Site The company collaborated with Heavyweight Heads to increase its genetic library in Florida. City: NA State: Florida Read More Feb 10, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Nature’s Miracle Signs MOU for $150 Million Contract to Build Cannabis Greenhouse in California The memorandum of understanding provides engineering, procurement, and construction services for a planned 660,000-square-foot facility. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 10, 2026 Ganjapreneur Virginia Senate Committee Adds Harsher Penalties to Cannabis Retail Proposal A Virginia bill setting up a regulated adult-use cannabis market advanced from the Senate Courts of Justice Committee with amendments adding harsher penalties for illegal sales, buying without a license, and underage possession. These penalties, which include a Class 1 misdemeanor for first offenses, aim to align cannabis crimes with alcohol laws and incentivize the legal market; another amendment restored the current law punishing illegal possession of over five pounds with the intent to sell. City: NA State: Virginia Read More Feb 10, 2026 Ganjapreneur Study: Cannabis Use Associated with Better Cognitive Function in Adults Aged 40-77 New research from the University of Colorado Anschutz suggests that moderate cannabis consumption in adults aged 40 to 77 is associated with larger brain volumes and better cognitive function, which may reflect preserved cognitive function during aging. The study, which grouped 26,362 participants into no, moderate, or high use categories based on lifetime consumption estimates, also indicated dose-dependent effects, with the high-use group showing the best outcomes for certain measures like visual memory. City: NA State: Colorado Read More Feb 10, 2026 Ganjapreneur City-Operated Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Anoka, Minnesota The city of Anoka, Minnesota, opened the Anoka Cannabis Company, which is believed to be one of the first city-operated cannabis dispensaries in the country and the first in the state. Anoka officials plan to use the revenue generated from the dispensary to help fund city parks and reduce the tax levy. City: NA State: Minnesota, Washington Read More Feb 9, 2026 MJbizDaily Cannabis MSO Curaleaf extends debt with record $500 million placement Cannabis MSO Curaleaf secured a record $500 million debt placement with new notes carrying an 11.5% interest rate, which will be used to refinance $475 million in existing senior secured notes. This news was reported by MJBizDaily. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 9, 2026 Marijuana Moment Alaska Government Task Force Recommends Legalizing Psychedelic Therapy Upon FDA Approval An Alaska legislative task force recommended that the state move to allow the regulated use of psychedelic medicines, such as psilocybin and MDMA, immediately upon receiving FDA medical approval, particularly noting their potential to treat conditions like PTSD in veterans and survivors of violence. The task force also advised implementing "trigger legislation" to streamline the regulatory process, mirroring federal scheduling, and prioritizing patient safety and access, especially for veterans. City: NA State: Alaska, Oregon, Colorado Read More Feb 9, 2026 MG Magazine Susie Plascencia Named Co-Executive Director of National Hispanic Cannabis Council The National Hispanic Cannabis Council (NHCC) expanded its leadership by appointing Susie Plascencia as co-executive director alongside Aaron Lopez. NHCC also unveiled the National Latina Cannabis Leadership Council, an initiative dedicated to advancing Latina leadership, representation, and influence within the cannabis ecosystem, with Plascencia serving as its executive director. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C. Read More Feb 9, 2026 Marijuana Moment Ohio Governor Tells Cannabis Advocates To Stop ‘Whining’ Over Legalization Law Changes As Rollback Referendum Proceeds Governor Mike DeWine criticized advocates for "whining" over a new state law (SB 56) that rolls back certain aspects of marijuana legalization and criminalizes intoxicating hemp products, arguing the changes align with voter intent. The controversial law recriminalizes some cannabis activities, removes anti-discrimination protections for lawful users, and bans most hemp products with over 0.4mg of THC outside of licensed dispensaries. In response, a group called Ohioans for Cannabis Choice is leading a referendum campaign to block the implementation of the law's core sections until voters can decide on their repeal. City: Cleveland State: Ohio, Michigan Read More Feb 9, 2026 Outlaw Report New criminal sanctions proposed for unlicensed cannabis activity in Virginia While some lawmakers advocate for restorative measures, amendments added to Senate Bill 542 aim to significantly escalate criminal penalties for unlicensed cannabis activity, sparking a debate over a potential return to "War on Drugs" era policies. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 9, 2026 Outlaw Report New bill proposes restorative approach for Virginia youth cannabis penalties HB1432 aims to align cannabis penalties for minors (under 21) with those for alcohol by replacing criminal charges with a restorative civil framework, emphasizing warnings and social service referrals to prioritize education and support over punitive legal measures. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 9, 2026 Outlaw Report Why some cannabis businesses say 280E no longer applies — and how operators are filing anyway Tax experts and D.C. cannabis operators believe Section 280E may no longer apply as written, citing new inventory accounting rules, HHS’s rescheduling recommendation, and pending tax court cases. Ahead of rescheduling, cannabis businesses are using forward-looking tax strategies, strong bookkeeping, and formal disclosures to reshape compliance, even as refunds face growing IRS scrutiny. City: Washington District of Columbia State: NA Read More Feb 9, 2026 MJbizDaily Florida spent $4 million in opiate settlement to defeat marijuana legalization Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration never told a statewide advisory board that it would spend opiate-settlement money on an anti-marijuana legalization campaign. City: Tallahassee State: Florida Read More Feb 9, 2026 Marijuana Moment Hawaii Lawmakers Approve Bill To Let Patients Use Medical Marijuana At Health Facilities Hawaii lawmakers advanced a "Ryan's Law" bill to allow terminally ill and certain qualifying patients to use medical cannabis in health facilities, though it was amended to be permissive rather than mandatory for the facilities. Facing repeated legislative roadblocks, key sponsors filed a measure to put recreational marijuana legalization on the November ballot as a constitutional amendment for voters to decide, while other recent reforms have included signing bills on expungement and expanding medical caregiver cultivation. City: NA State: Hawaii, California Read More Feb 9, 2026 Marijuana Moment Pennsylvania Governor Should Lead On Marijuana Legalization By Convening Bipartisan Lawmakers For Negotiations, Advocates Say A coalition of advocates is urging Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to convene bipartisan leaders to finally pass marijuana legalization in 2026, arguing the state is losing significant revenue to neighboring states and is continuing unnecessary criminalization for non-violent cannabis offenses. Shapiro supports legalization, but the reform has consistently stalled in the legislature, mainly due to GOP opposition in the Senate. City: Philadelphia State: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio Read More Feb 9, 2026 Ganjapreneur Ohio Attorney General Accuses Multistate Cannabis Operators of Price Fixing Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed an antitrust lawsuit against nine multistate cannabis operators (MSOs), alleging they used reciprocal purchasing agreements and other anti-competitive practices to rig the market and disadvantage independent Ohio licensees. The lawsuit claims the companies agreed to reduce purchases from independent operators to preserve shelf space for one another, leading to reduced product quality, restricted choices, stifled innovation, and supracompetitive pricing. City: NA State: Ohio Read More Feb 9, 2026 Ganjapreneur Oklahoma Gov. Wants Voters to End Medical Cannabis Program During his final State of the State address, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) called for a re-vote on the state's medical cannabis program, claiming the "out-of-control" industry is a threat to public safety. Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R) pushed back, suggesting regulation instead of a re-vote, arguing that many Oklahomans have invested heavily and are trying to operate within the voters' original intent. City: NA State: Oklahoma Read More Feb 9, 2026 Marijuana Moment Top GOP Oklahoma Senator Breaks With Governor Over Call To End Medical Marijuana Program At The Ballot Oklahoma's governor proposed having voters revisit and potentially "shut down" the state's medical marijuana program over concerns about illegal activity and foreign influence, but the move drew mixed reactions, including a break from the top GOP senator who favors continued regulation instead of undoing the law, and caution from the Attorney General regarding the cost of reimbursing hundreds of licensees. City: NA State: Oklahoma Read More Feb 9, 2026 Marijuana Moment Trump Was ‘Poorly Advised’ On Marijuana Rescheduling Trump Was ‘Poorly Advised’ On Marijuana Rescheduling, GOP Senator Says After Directly Raising Concerns With President City: Washington, District of Columbia State: North Carolina Read More Feb 9, 2026 Cannabis Business Times High Tide Opens New Canna Cabana in Scarborough, Ontario The Canadian cannabis company granted stock options and restricted stock units. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 8, 2026 Marijuana Moment Ohio Cannabis Industry Divided Over Referendum To Block Marijuana And Hemp Restrictions The Ohio cannabis industry is divided over a proposed referendum by Ohioans for Cannabis Choice to repeal Senate Bill 56, a new law that reduces THC limits in recreational marijuana, bans intoxicating hemp products, and implements new restrictions. Supporters of the law, including the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, view it as a necessary refinement to protect public health and close loopholes, while opponents argue the law is government overreach and an attack on consumer rights. City: Cleveland State: Ohio Read More Feb 8, 2026 Marijuana Moment Here’s Why Many Cops Support Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Move (Op-Ed) - A former St. Louis police sergeant argues for rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, stating that the current classification is outdated and forces law enforcement to waste resources on simple marijuana cases instead of violent crime or fentanyl. - The federal-state conflict props up criminal markets via unlicensed operations and puts legal businesses at a massive disadvantage by denying them normal tax deductions. - Rescheduling is framed as a practical, evidence-based step supported by police organizations that will free up law enforcement to focus on real public safety threats and lead to safer communities. City: Saint Louis State: Missouri, California, Oklahoma Read More Feb 8, 2026 Cannabis Now The Lonely Stoner’s Guide to Looking for Love in All the Right Places The column, framed around the pressure of Valentine’s Day, addresses the historical difficulty cannabis users have faced in finding a romantic partner due to social stigma. It argues that modern online dating has made it easier for the "lonely stoner" to connect with like-minded individuals by allowing users to openly specify their 420-friendly status on general sites like Match.com and OkCupid, or dedicated sites such as 420 Singles and My 420 Mate. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 7, 2026 Marijuana Moment Arkansas Supreme Court Ruling Could Let Lawmakers Roll Back Medical Marijuana Access An Arkansas Supreme Court ruling affirmed that state lawmakers can amend citizen-led constitutional amendments, including the medical marijuana program, with a two-thirds vote, causing uncertainty for patients and prompting a proposed ballot measure to restore exclusive voter authority over such amendments. While some lawmakers suggest this power will be used sparingly for necessary adjustments, citizens worry it could lead to rolling back access or gutting the popular programs. City: NA State: Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska Read More Feb 7, 2026 Marijuana Moment Florida Lawmakers Approve Bill To Punish Medical Marijuana Patients For Having Open Containers Of Cannabis In Cars The bill (HB 1003) would work the same way Florida law does now in banning driving with open containers of alcohol, Rep. Black told members of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee Thursday. City: Tallahassee State: Florida Read More Feb 6, 2026 Leafly The best weed products for Valentine’s Day 2026 Leafly Picks editors selected the best cannabis products for Valentine's Day 2026 to infuse the holiday with canna-friendly romance. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment A New Government-Run Marijuana Store Just Opened In Minnesota The first government-run marijuana retailer, The Anoka Cannabis Company, has opened in Anoka, Minnesota, which aims to benefit local residents and initiatives by leveraging cannabis legalization. This milestone is part of the state's broader adult-use cannabis rollout, which has also included issuing the first cultivation microbusiness license and ending the criminalization of bong water. City: NA State: Minnesota, Pennsylvania Read More Feb 6, 2026 Ganjapreneur Bid to Repeal Maine Adult-Use Cannabis Industry Fails to Reach Ballot A citizen-led ballot proposal in Maine to end adult-use cannabis sales and home grows failed to qualify for the ballot after missing the signature deadline. The campaign was overwhelmingly funded by a dark money group linked to the national anti-cannabis organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), which also funded a similar, controversial repeal campaign in Massachusetts. City: Portland State: Maine, Massachusetts Read More Feb 6, 2026 Ganjapreneur Florida Supreme Court Cancels Legalization Campaign’s Ballot Text Review, Citing Low Signatures The Smart & Safe Florida campaign, seeking an adult-use cannabis legalization amendment on the 2026 ballot, is facing difficulty after the State Supreme Court canceled oral arguments following a claim that the campaign was short of the required 880,062 signatures. The campaign, which is challenging a new state law that made it harder for citizen-led amendments to qualify, is scheduled to go to trial on February 9 to preserve tens of thousands of rejected signatures. City: NA State: Florida Read More Feb 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Bill To Allow Medical Marijuana Use In Hospitals Following Federal Rescheduling Advances Toward Senate Floor Vote Virginia lawmakers approved a bill to allow medical marijuana use in hospitals for qualifying patients, which is contingent on the federal government finalizing its proposal to reschedule cannabis. Separately, the legislature is advancing bills to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis sales, an effort that has the support of newly sworn-in Governor Abigail Spanberger. City: NA State: Virginia, California Read More Feb 6, 2026 Cannabis Business Times The Cannabist Co. Closes $130 Million Sale of Virginia Assets The company's deal with a Millstreet affiliate includes a medical cannabis license, five active dispensaries, and a cultivation and processing facility City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment FDA Faces Deadline To Publish Cannabinoid Lists And Define Hemp Product ‘Containers’ Under Law Trump Signed In nine months, federal hemp laws will significantly change, effectively re-criminalizing most consumable cannabinoid products, while the FDA faces an imminent deadline to publish lists of cannabinoids and define "container" to inform future policy. The new law will narrow the definition of legal hemp, applying the THC limit to total THC and imposing a 0.4-milligram total THC per-container limit, prompting industry stakeholders to seek legislative alternatives, such as the HEMP Act or the Hemp Planting Predictability Act to delay the ban. City: NA State: Virginia, Texas, Kentucky Read More Feb 6, 2026 MG Magazine Scaling Cannabis Retail: What It Really Takes to Grow - Scaling a cannabis business means scaling systems and compliance, as each new store is a separate regulated entity. - Success is built on four pillars: documented SOPs, consistent customer experience, portfolio-level data, and disciplined inventory practices... City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Consumers Overwhelmingly Back Trump’s Rescheduling Order... Marijuana Consumers Overwhelmingly Back Trump’s Rescheduling Order, Poll Shows As Advocates Await DOJ Action City: NA State: Florida, New Jersey Read More Feb 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment Wisconsin medical cannabis bill advances in Senate (Newsletter: February 6, 2026) DEA is promoting an anti-marijuana PSA contest, while Colorado's governor criticized his state's attorney general for supporting the federal gun ban for cannabis consumers. Kentucky introduced medical cannabis gummies, and bills were approved in Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Florida regarding medical cannabis. Studies show no negative difference in well child care for cannabis-exposed infants and promising results for psilocybin therapy in cancer patients with anxiety and depression. City: Washington, D.C. State: Colorado, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Florida, Maryland, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, Oregon, New York, Iowa, Nevada, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts Read More Feb 6, 2026 MJbizDaily Can legal California cannabis sales grow by $1 billion? New California Department of Cannabis Control Director Clint Kellum believes there is room for growth in the state's cannabis industry, projecting that an additional $1 billion in legal sales is possible. City: NA State: California Read More Feb 5, 2026 MJbizDaily Experiment with city-owned marijuana retail begins in Minnesota A Minnesota city opened one of a handful of government-run cannabis stores, marking the beginning of an experiment with city-owned marijuana retail, as reported by MJBizDaily. City: NA State: Minnesota Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Kentucky Governor Announces Medical Marijuana Gummies Are Now Available, While Pushing Lawmakers To Approve New Qualifying Conditions - Governor Andy Beshear announced that cannabis gummies are now available in Kentucky's licensed dispensaries. - He is urging lawmakers to pass a bill expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions to cover approximately 430,000 additional Kentuckians. - The program currently has over 18,500 approved card holders and 510 registered practitioners, with patient access and the supply chain continuing to grow. - Executive orders protecting out-of-state purchases and waiving renewal fees for cards obtained this year will remain in effect. City: NA State: Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Florida, Oklahoma, Alaska Read More Feb 5, 2026 MJbizDaily Willie Nelson-branded hemp THC drink goes national with $15 million raise A Willie Nelson-branded hemp THC drink, launched less than a year ago, is going national after raising $15 million in financing to fuel product development and national retail expansion. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Colorado Governor Is ‘Pushing Back’ Against His Own State’s Position Supporting Federal Gun Ban For Marijuana Consumers Colorado Governor Jared Polis publicly opposed his state's decision to join a lawsuit supporting the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana consumers, arguing that responsible cannabis users should not be stripped of their Second Amendment rights. This issue, currently before the Supreme Court in the *U.S. vs. Hemani* case, has drawn opposing briefs from groups like the NRA and drug policy reformers, who argue the ban is unconstitutional, and prohibitionist groups who urge the court to uphold it. City: NA State: Colorado, Oklahoma, Florida Read More Feb 5, 2026 Leafly The best weed chocolates of 2026 Leafly has published a list of the best THC chocolates of 2026. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 5, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Willie Nelson’s Willie's Remedy+ Raises $15 Million to Bring Its THC Drinks Nationwide The celebrity's company secured funding to quickly expand its retail presence across the country. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Mississippi House Approves Bill To To Allow Medical Marijuana Use In Hospitals For Terminally Ill Patients The Mississippi House of Representatives approved "Ryan’s Law" (HB 1034), allowing terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in forms other than smoking or vaping within hospitals, nursing facilities, and hospice centers. Under the law, patients or their caregivers are responsible for the acquisition, administration, secure storage, and removal of the cannabis, and compliance can be suspended if federal agencies take enforcement action. City: NA State: Mississippi, California, Minnesota Read More Feb 5, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Standard Wellness Partners With DABSTRACT, Expanding Concentrate Offerings in Missouri The partnership is founded on a shared commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and expanding access to high-quality cannabis products. City: NA State: NA Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Wisconsin Senators Approve GOP-Led Medical Marijuana Bill As Democrats Push Broader Recreational Legalization The Wisconsin Senate Health Committee approved a GOP-led medical marijuana bill, though its passage is uncertain due to concerns from the Assembly Speaker who believes the bill is "way too broad" and doubts there are enough votes to advance it. This occurs despite strong public support for legalization, repeated attempts by Democrats and Governor Tony Evers to include reform in the state budget, and estimates that legalization could generate nearly $170 million in annual tax revenue. City: NA State: Wisconsin, Illinois Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Scientists And Advocates Slam Anti-Marijuana Group For Blocking Their Participation In D.C. Drug Policy Conference The prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is facing criticism for denying entry to drug policy reform experts from the pro-reform group Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) to its summit, leading SSDP to accuse SAM of insulating the event from evidence-based scrutiny. This controversy occurs as SAM actively prepares to fight federal proposals to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maine, Massachusetts, Arizona Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Maryland Lawmakers Take Up Bill To Protect Medical Marijuana Patients’ Gun Rights Maryland lawmakers are debating House Bill 365, which seeks to prevent authorized medical cannabis patients from being denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm solely based on their patient status, addressing a current loophole in state law. This state-level reform would not affect the similar federal prohibition, which is currently facing scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Read More

We've taken all the best Maryland cannabis news sources and aggregated them into one simple feed. Now you can find stories about Maryland marijuana policy, laws, regulations, products, science, and more all in one place. Sort by Publication to find the cannabis news that's most important to you and your interests. Or, use our AI search to find ideal cannabis topics. Maryland Cannabis News ALL Washington DC Maryland Virginia Florida New York Filter by Publication Select Publication Filter by City Select City Filter by State Select State Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia House Passes Bill To Protect Rights Of Parents Who Use Marijuana The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 942, a bill to protect parents who legally use marijuana from being deemed neglectful unless harm to the child is established. City: NA State: California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia Read More Feb 11, 2026 Marijuana Moment Cannabis not a “priority” for Trump DOJ, GOP congressman says (Newsletter: February 11, 2026) The newsletter highlights a new Congressional Research Service report analyzing the constitutionality of the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses, alongside a GOP congressman's doubt that cannabis rescheduling is a current Department of Justice priority. It also reports on the New Hampshire Senate rejecting a marijuana legalization bill, advocacy pushback on penalty amendments in a Virginia cannabis sales bill, a Maryland hearing on psychedelic access, and a study showing AI models can approximate psychedelic narratives. City: NA State: Ohio, New Hampshire, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, California, Vermont, Tennessee Read More Feb 10, 2026 Marijuana Moment Maryland Lawmakers Discuss Bill To Extend Psychedelics Task Force To Recommend More Reforms Through 2027 Maryland lawmakers are considering a bill to extend the state's psychedelics task force through the end of 2027 to develop a clear legislative plan for regulated therapeutic access and potential broader legalization of natural psychedelic substances, focusing initially on psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT. The task force, which previously recommended a multi-phase framework encompassing medical/therapeutic use, supervised adult use, deprioritization, and eventual commercial sales, is required to submit an updated report with its final recommendations by October 31 of this year. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maryland Read More Feb 10, 2026 Outlaw Report New bills propose restorative penalties for youth cannabis use and strict criminal sanctions for unlicensed activity, while companies like Jushi Holdings prepare for the adult-use market Cannabis operators face major changes this year due to evolving federal tax rules under Section 280E and state policy shifts. Virginia lawmakers are advancing restorative penalties for youth use and cracking down on unlicensed activity as businesses prepare for the adult-use market, while Maryland is moving to protect gun rights for registered medical cannabis patients. City: NA State: Virginia, Maryland Read More Feb 6, 2026 Marijuana Moment Wisconsin medical cannabis bill advances in Senate (Newsletter: February 6, 2026) DEA is promoting an anti-marijuana PSA contest, while Colorado's governor criticized his state's attorney general for supporting the federal gun ban for cannabis consumers. Kentucky introduced medical cannabis gummies, and bills were approved in Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Florida regarding medical cannabis. Studies show no negative difference in well child care for cannabis-exposed infants and promising results for psilocybin therapy in cancer patients with anxiety and depression. City: Washington, D.C. State: Colorado, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Florida, Maryland, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, Oregon, New York, Iowa, Nevada, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts Read More Feb 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Maryland Lawmakers Take Up Bill To Protect Medical Marijuana Patients’ Gun Rights Maryland lawmakers are debating House Bill 365, which seeks to prevent authorized medical cannabis patients from being denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm solely based on their patient status, addressing a current loophole in state law. This state-level reform would not affect the similar federal prohibition, which is currently facing scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Read More Feb 4, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Senators Approve Bills To Legalize Marijuana Sales And Provide Resentencing Relief To People With Prior Convictions Virginia senators have approved two key bills: one to legalize recreational marijuana sales and another to provide resentencing relief for people with prior cannabis convictions. The sales legislation passed with controversial amendments that align penalties for illegal marijuana sale and underage possession with those for alcohol, drawing criticism from advocates concerned about recriminalization. The resentencing measure mandates automatic hearings for individuals with certain felony convictions for marijuana offenses that occurred before July 1, 2021, to consider sentence modification. City: NA State: Virginia, Minnesota, Texas, North Carolina, California, Maryland Read More Feb 4, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia Senators Approve Bill To Let Patients Access Medical Marijuana In Hospitals After Federal Rescheduling Virginia lawmakers approved a bill allowing medical marijuana access for qualifying patients in hospitals and expanding protections for hospital workers, provided the federal government moves forward with rescheduling cannabis. Separately, the legislature is advancing bills to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis sales and provide resentencing relief for past convictions. City: NA State: California, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Virginia Read More Feb 4, 2026 Marijuana Moment Trump Signs Bill Continuing To Block D.C. From Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Trump Signs Bill Continuing To Block D.C. From Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Sales As Advocates Await Rescheduling Action City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland Read More Feb 3, 2026 Marijuana Moment Anti-Marijuana Congressman Could Lose His Seat Under New Redistricting Plan Approved By Maryland Lawmakers Republican Rep. Andy Harris, a strong opponent of marijuana reform and the author of the "Harris rider" that blocks D.C. from regulating recreational cannabis sales, is vulnerable to losing his congressional seat due to a new Maryland redistricting plan approved by the state's House of Delegates that favors Democrats. Political observers believe that if he is unseated, it could be a significant step forward for cannabis reform advocates, particularly concerning D.C.'s ability to legalize sales. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maryland Read More Feb 3, 2026 Outlaw Report Maryland Extends Psychedelics Task Force as Virginia Lawmakers Split on Cannabis Licensing and Police Stops Maryland extended its psychedelics task force through 2027 to study decriminalization and regulation of substances like psilocybin, while Virginia lawmakers rejected a bill to bar police from stopping drivers based solely on cannabis odor. City: NA State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Jan 28, 2026 Outlaw Report D.C. Shuts Another Illegal Cannabis Shop, Maryland Updates Agent Registration Rules, and Virginia Advances Social-Equity Legalization Bills District regulators in D.C. closed another illegal cannabis shop, marking the 101st closure since July 2024. In Maryland, the Cannabis Administration issued 2026 guidance for registering agents and conducting background checks, and the Department of Labor awarded $217,000 to expand workforce training for the regulated cannabis sector. City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland Read More Jan 28, 2026 Marijuana Moment Government-run cannabis dispensary prepares to open next week (Newsletter: January 28, 2026) Developments include an Arizona Republican congressman supporting a rollback of cannabis legalization, a Minnesota city opening a government-run marijuana dispensary, and the Virginia House approving a bill for recreational sales. A Hawaii report projects up to $90 million in monthly sales from legalization, Utah introduced a decriminalization bill, and Maryland lawmakers proposed extending a psychedelics task force. The United Center in Chicago will begin selling THC beverages, and new research indicates cannabis-based medicinal products may improve depression and anxiety, while psilocybin shows promise for end-of-life anxiety relief. City: Chicago, Boston State: Arizona, Virginia, Hawaii, Utah, Maryland, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Washington State, Vermont, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Rhode Island Read More Jan 27, 2026 Marijuana Moment Maryland Lawmakers File Bills To Extend Psychedelics Task Force To Recommend More Reforms Through 2027 Maryland lawmakers have filed bills to extend the state's psychedelic task force through December 31, 2027, to develop updated recommendations for expanding therapeutic access to novel drugs and potentially creating a regulatory framework for broader legalization, with an initial focus on psilocybin. The task force previously recommended a multi-pathway framework for safe, broad, and equitable access, involving the phased implementation of medical/therapeutic use, supervised adult use, deprioritization measures, and eventual commercial sales. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Jan 26, 2026 Marijuana Moment West Virginia Officials Still Haven’t Spent Medical Marijuana Revenue Amid Federal Concerns State Treasurer Larry Pack has not spent $34 million collected from the state's medical marijuana program due to federal concerns about marijuana's classification as a Schedule I narcotic, which puts the legal status of the funds in limbo. The Treasurer's Office is working on a resolution, which may be influenced by a potential federal reclassification of marijuana to a Schedule III drug, though the timeline for any decision remains uncertain. City: NA State: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia Read More Jan 26, 2026 Marijuana Moment Virginia cannabis sales legalization bills advance (Newsletter: January 26, 2026) Virginia bills to legalize recreational marijuana sales advanced in the state legislature, while a bipartisan bill was filed in Congress to federally regulate consumable hemp products as an alternative to a potential THC ban. Additionally, a marijuana legalization petitioner was arrested in Florida on voter fraud charges, and the campaign is currently short of the required signatures needed by the deadline. City: NA State: Massachusetts, South Dakota, Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Nebraska, Kentucky, Illinois, Maine, Oregon, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Oklahoma Read More Jan 26, 2026 Outlaw Report Maryland Tightens Cannabis Agent Registration and Criminal History Requirements in 2026 Guidance The Maryland Cannabis Administration released guidance clarifying agent registration and criminal history check procedures for cannabis businesses, detailing OneStop registration steps, fingerprint submission processes, and compliance with background check requirements, including exemptions for licensed security personnel. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Jan 16, 2026 Marijuana Moment Senate Sends Trump Bill That Would Continue Protecting Medical Marijuana States... Senate Sends Trump Bill That Would Continue Protecting Medical Marijuana States, Without Anti-Rescheduling Provisions City: NA State: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Nebraska Read More Jan 15, 2026 Marijuana Moment House Passes Bill To Keep Blocking Washington, D.C. From Legalizing Marijuana Sales The U.S. House of Representatives passed a spending bill that includes a provision continuing to block Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales while also warning local officials about cannabis dispensaries near schools. A report attached to the legislation directs federal officials to submit a report on Chinese-linked drug syndicates operating illicit cannabis grows in the United States. The block on D.C. sales could be nullified if the administration reschedules cannabis to Schedule III, though a complication remains due to the rider's use of the undefined term "tetrahydrocannabinols derivative." City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maryland, Maine, California, Oregon Read More Jan 15, 2026 Marijuana Moment Ohio AG rejects cannabis referendum ballot petition (Newsletter: January 15, 2026) Senator Rand Paul revealed that the marijuana and alcohol industries jointly pushed to federally recriminalize hemp THC, while Ohio's Attorney General rejected a cannabis referendum petition and New Jersey's Senate president filed a bill to legalize interstate cannabis commerce. Other key developments include a New Hampshire psilocybin hearing, growing support for legalization in Canada, and new studies highlighting the anti-inflammatory and skin protection benefits of CBD and CBG. City: Washington, District of Columbia, San Diego, Oakland State: Kentucky, Ohio, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, California, Nevada, Rhode Island, Texas Read More Jan 14, 2026 Outlaw Report Maryland cannabis dispensary SweetBuds fined $15,000, ordered to increase oversight after state investigation Maryland regulators issued a consent order against the SweetBuds dispensary for seed tracking discrepancies, improper storage and labeling, and selling medical cannabis to adult-use customers, resulting in a $15,000 fine and six months of enhanced compliance reporting and training. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Jan 14, 2026 Marijuana Moment Federal hemp THC ban would be delayed for two years under new bill (Newsletter: January 14, 2026) - Federal bill proposes a two-year delay for recriminalizing hemp THC products - NIDA official reported reduced teen access to and increased disapproval of marijuana use despite legalization spreading - New Jersey lawmakers sent the governor a bill to create a $6 million psilocybin therapy pilot program - Indiana poll shows strong support for legalizing medical and recreational cannabis - Warnings were issued about a coordinated effort to roll back marijuana legalization through ballot initiatives in Arizona, Maine, and Massachusetts - New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation restricting hemp and expanding medical cannabis and labor rights for industry workers City: Honolulu State: Indiana, New Jersey, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, Kansas, Oregon, Connecticut, Maryland, Montana, British Columbia, New York Read More Jan 13, 2026 Outlaw Report D.C. Closes 100th Illegal Cannabis Business; Storehouse Fined $10K; Virginia Bills Advance D.C. regulators achieved a major enforcement milestone while Maryland’s Storehouse dispensary received penalties for inventory violations; Virginia is considering bills for adult-use and terminally ill patient access, and federal rescheduling could allow D.C. recreational sales. City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Jan 12, 2026 MG Magazine New Owner Acquires BellRock Brands Portfolio MM Brands Inc., funded by KEY Investment Partners, acquired BellRock Brands Inc. out of receivership to revitalize its portfolio of cannabis and hemp brands, which includes Dixie Elixirs and Mary’s Medicinals. Former Curaleaf CEO Joe Bayern was named CEO of the newly formed company, which plans to operate under an asset-lite model. City: Denver State: California, Michigan, Missouri, Maryland Read More Jan 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment Congressional Leaders Agree To Keep Blocking Washington, D.C. From Legalizing Marijuana Sales Congressional leaders agreed on a spending bill that continues to block Washington D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales and reminds local officials of enhanced federal penalties for marijuana distribution near schools. The legislation also directs federal officials to submit a report on PRC-linked criminal drug syndicates involved in illegal drug and money laundering operations in the U.S., which appears intended to target illicit Chinese cannabis growers in states including Maine, California, and Oregon. City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland, Maine, California, Oregon, Oklahoma Read More Jan 11, 2026 Outlaw Report Maryland dispensary Storehouse fined $10K following cannabis tracking violations Maryland regulators fined Storehouse $10,000 for failing to track cannabis inventory and conduct audits after video evidence showed a dispensary manager diverting products and mislabeling them as green waste. Storehouse responded by terminating the employee, reporting the conduct to law enforcement, and implementing corrective measures. City: Baltimore State: Maryland Read More Jan 8, 2026 Marijuana Moment US House Passes Bill Protecting State Medical Marijuana Laws... US House Passes Bill Protecting State Medical Marijuana Laws And Rejecting Attempt To Block Trump’s Rescheduling Move City: NA State: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Read More Jan 8, 2026 Marijuana Moment Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Let Washington, D.C. Finally Legalize Recreational Sales Moving marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act could enable Washington, D.C. to finally legalize and regulate recreational cannabis sales, bypassing a congressional spending bill rider that currently prohibits the District from using its local funds to establish an adult-use market for Schedule I substances. The only remaining complication is the rider's unclear prohibition on legalizing "any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative." City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Delaware, Virginia Read More Jan 6, 2026 MG Magazine Curio Wellness Appoints Matt O’Neal Regional President, Midwest Curio Wellness appointed Matt O’Neal as regional president, Midwest, where he will oversee commercial performance and wholesale partnerships and report to Chief Operating Officer Brad Friedlander. The company is also seeking a regional president for the Mid-Atlantic. City: NA State: Maryland, Missouri Read More Jan 6, 2026 Outlaw Report D.C. medical dispensary shut down in ongoing crackdown on illegal cannabis sales Cannabis law enforcement by ABCA and MPD has resulted in the closure of WVC Wellness, the fifth licensed dispensary in a year, alongside liquor store license suspensions, a Maryland union filing federal labor charges, and a Virginia car dealership's connection to a multi-state cannabis trafficking ring. City: NA State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Jan 5, 2026 Marijuana Moment Congressional Leaders Drop Attempt To Block Marijuana Rescheduling... Congressional Leaders Drop Attempt To Block Marijuana Rescheduling, While Preserving State Medical Cannabis Protections City: NA State: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Read More Jan 5, 2026 Outlaw Report Maryland union files federal labor charges against TerrAscend over alleged union interference UFCW Local 27 filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against TerrAscend USA Services LLC's Salisbury, Maryland facility, alleging violations concerning union representation and employee rights; the claims are currently pending NLRB review. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Dec 23, 2025 Marijuana Moment Supreme Court Should Uphold Gun Ban For Marijuana Users, 19 State AGs Tell Justices Nineteen state attorneys general and Washington, D.C. filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold the federal law that bans marijuana users from possessing firearms in the case *U.S. v. Hemani*, arguing that the combination of drug use and guns poses a public safety risk and is consistent with historical tradition. This stance counters a lower court ruling that the federal ban violates the Second Amendment, with the article noting a growing number of federal courts are finding constitutional problems with the prohibition. City: Washington, D.C. State: Washington, D.C., Illinois, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington State, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Kentucky Read More Dec 23, 2025 Cannabis Business Times Typical Dispensary to Save $268K Annually Under Schedule III Reclassification Cannabis retailers in high-volume states such as Maryland could save an average of $805,000 annually per store if the Section 280E tax burden is removed. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Dec 23, 2025 Marijuana Moment Will cannabis rescheduling affect drug testing... Will cannabis rescheduling affect drug testing for safety-sensitive workers? (Newsletter: December 23, 2025) City: Houston State: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wyoming, Arkansas, Maryland, Texas, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Illinois, Colorado, Oklahoma, Michigan, Indiana Read More Dec 22, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump lied about cannabis rescheduling opposition... Trump lied about cannabis rescheduling opposition, GOP senator says (Newsletter: December 22, 2025) City: Austin State: North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wyoming, Florida, Alabama, Kansas, Utah, Maryland, North Dakota, California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Delaware, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Virginia Read More Dec 18, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump Dismisses GOP Lawmakers’ Opposition To His Marijuana Rescheduling... Trump Dismisses GOP Lawmakers’ Opposition To His Marijuana Rescheduling Action, Pointing To Polling And Medical Benefits City: NA State: Maryland Read More Dec 18, 2025 Outlaw Report Maryland fines Green Leaf Medical $33k over sampling and recordkeeping violations The Maryland Cannabis Administration fined Green Leaf Medical, LLC, d/b/a The Cannabist Company $33,000 for cannabis sampling and recordkeeping violations, including improper METRC tracking and providing samples to non-registered attendees, resulting in a consent order that mandates staff training, updated procedures, and a one-year ban on sampling events. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Dec 18, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump Not To Reschedule Marijuana... GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump Not To Reschedule Marijuana In Last-Ditch Effort To Block Historic Reform City: NA State: Texas, North Carolina, Wyoming, Arkansas, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Wisconsin, Florida, North Dakota, South Carolina, Maryland, Oregon, New York Read More Dec 17, 2025 Marijuana Moment White House Confirms Trump Will ‘Address Marijuana Rescheduling’ White House Confirms Trump Will ‘Address Marijuana Rescheduling’ Thursday, But Reported Details On Final Decision Are ‘Speculation’ City: NA State: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin Read More Dec 17, 2025 Marijuana Moment Most Americans Back Legalizing Marijuana... Most Americans Back Legalizing Marijuana, But Trump Voters Not On Board, Conservative Group’s Poll Shows Amid Rescheduling Rumors City: NA State: Maryland, Oregon, New York Read More Dec 17, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Include Industry Banking... Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Include Industry Banking And CBD Medicare Coverage Provisions, Sources Say City: NA State: Maryland, Oregon, New York, Washington, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Idaho, Nevada Read More Dec 17, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Congressman Says Trump ‘Technically’ Can’t Reschedule Marijuana... GOP Congressman Says Trump ‘Technically’ Can’t Reschedule Marijuana On His Own, But Reversing It In Congress Would Be A ‘Heavy Lift’ City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland, Oregon, Florida, New York Read More Dec 17, 2025 Marijuana Moment Cannabis banking issues debated in Senate committee (Newsletter: December 17, 2025) Key developments include the Senate debating financial access issues for cannabis businesses and the House approving a bill targeting online marijuana ads. Sen. Rand Paul is working to reverse federal recriminalization of hemp THC products, while prohibitionist groups asked the Supreme Court to uphold the ban on gun possession for cannabis users. Additionally, studies showed positive findings on CBD's use among athletes and its therapeutic potential for various health conditions, and Michigan reported high monthly marijuana sales. City: Boston, New York City, Buffalo, Providence State: Nevada, Kentucky, New York, Missouri, New Mexico, Florida, Kansas, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Colorado, Vermont, Massachusetts, Michigan Read More Dec 16, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Senator Attends Hemp Business Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Vowing To Fight To Stop Looming Federal THC Product Ban Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) previewed legislation to counter a forthcoming federal ban on consumable hemp products, which he warns could devastate the $25 billion industry; his proposed bill would allow state-level regulation with basic safeguards to supersede the new federal restrictions. City: Louisville State: Kentucky, Oregon, Maryland, South Carolina Read More Dec 16, 2025 Cannabis Now Connection in Practice: Inside New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Industry Day - The NZMCC Industry Day focused on connection and collaboration among patients, clinicians, cultivators, and policymakers in the medicinal cannabis sector. - The program featured a Leaders’ Roundtable and regulatory briefings, followed by specialized afternoon pathways addressing clinical practice (terpene tailoring, prescribing challenges) and industry topics (cultivation innovation, export readiness, and sustainability). - NZMCC plans to establish working groups in 2026 focused on priority areas including export markets and patient access. City: NA State: Wyoming, Vermont, Rhode Island, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia Read More Dec 15, 2025 Marijuana Moment Only Six Percent Of Marijuana Consumers Approve Of Trump’s Reform Actions... Only Six Percent Of Marijuana Consumers Approve Of Trump’s Reform Actions, But Most Would Shift Opinion If He Reschedules, Poll Finds City: NA State: Florida, New York, Maryland, Oregon Read More Dec 15, 2025 Cannabis Now YANA Wellness Becomes First Women-Owned and Operated THC Drink Line in All Virginia Total Wine Locations YANA Wellness, a women-owned and operated cannabis brand led by CEO Ariana Fleishman, made history as the first hemp-derived THC beverage line sold in all Total Wine retail locations across Virginia. Fleishman established the brand to advocate for plant-based wellness alternatives over normalized alcohol and prescription drugs, developing a variety of compliant blends to navigate federal prohibition and expand nationwide access. YANA emphasizes social responsibility, research (collaborating with universities on the psychological effects of cannabis and mushrooms), and stimulating the local economy through strategic partnerships with family-owned Virginia businesses for manufacturing and distribution. City: Washington, D.C. State: Virginia, Maryland Read More Dec 15, 2025 Marijuana Moment Drug Testing Industry Group Is ‘Sounding The Alarm’ About Marijuana Rescheduling As Trump Plans Action A major drug testing organization, the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA), is opposing the rumored proposal to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, warning that without a "Safety Carve Out," it would create dangerous loopholes allowing transportation employees like pilots and truck drivers to use cannabis without mandatory testing. Proponents, including cannabis industry stakeholders, are hopeful for the reform, which would recognize marijuana's medical value and represent a significant change in federal policy, though a final decision has not yet been announced by the White House. City: NA State: Maryland, Texas, Missouri, New York, Florida Read More Dec 10, 2025 Marijuana Moment Hemp Products Would Be Federally Regulated Instead Of Banned Under New Senate Bill Democratic Senators Wyden and Merkley introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act to establish a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoids, creating an alternative to the impending broad ban set to take effect next November. The bill would empower the FDA to set safety standards, require businesses selling consumable products to register, enforce federal labeling rules, and limit total THC content in products (e.g., 5 milligrams per serving and 50 milligrams per package for most items). City: NA State: Oregon, Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina Read More Dec 10, 2025 Marijuana Moment Ongoing Marijuana Conflict Between States And Feds Could Provide ‘Guidance’ On How New Hemp Ban Will Be Enforced, Congressional Report Says A pending federal ban on most consumable hemp products, set for November implementation, has prompted a Congressional Research Service report suggesting that enforcement may be guided by existing federal non-enforcement policies toward state marijuana laws. The new legislation drastically redefines legal hemp by limiting "total THC" and banning most synthesized cannabinoids, causing widespread industry outcry and spurring lawmakers to seek an alternative regulatory model or outright repeal before the prohibition takes effect. City: NA State: Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina) Read More Dec 5, 2025 Marijuana Moment It’s ‘Unclear’ How Feds Will Enforce Hemp THC Product Ban, Congressional Researchers Say, Citing Limited FDA And DEA Resources Congressional researchers warn it remains unclear how the FDA and DEA will enforce the newly enacted federal law banning certain hemp THC products next year, citing a potential lack of agency resources. The legislation alters the definition of legal hemp by applying weight limits to total THC (including isomers like delta-8) and banning synthetic cannabinoids, prompting stakeholders and lawmakers to seek an alternative regulatory framework before the prohibition takes effect. City: NA State: Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina Read More Dec 4, 2025 Marijuana Moment Doctors Could Legally Administer Schedule I Drugs Like MDMA And Psilocybin To Seriously Ill Patients Under New Bipartisan Bill In Congress Bipartisan lawmakers introduced the "Freedom to Heal Act" to allow doctors to administer Schedule I psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, to patients with life-threatening or severe mental health conditions under the country’s "right to try" law. The legislation would amend the Controlled Substances Act to create a pathway for the DEA to authorize physicians to use these FDA-designated breakthrough therapies for patients who have exhausted approved treatments. City: NA State: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Read More Dec 4, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Congressman Presses Federal Financial Officials On Marijuana Industry’s Banking Access Problems A GOP congressman questioned federal financial regulators about the difficulties state-legal marijuana businesses face in accessing banking services due to federal prohibition. Many banks resist accepting cannabis businesses as clients because marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Although the House has passed versions of the SAFER Banking Act seven times, key lawmakers believe its prospects are currently doubtful, as it has taken a back seat to other legislative priorities, though rescheduling cannabis might help advance the measure. City: NA State: Ohio, Oregon, California, Maryland, Montana, Minnesota Read More Dec 4, 2025 Marijuana Moment DOJ cannabis enforcement guidance revealed (Newsletter: December 4, 2025) DOJ cannabis enforcement guidance revealed City: Washington, D.C. State: Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, California, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Maryland, Arizona Read More Dec 3, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Regulations Protect Public Health Better Than Alcohol Rules Do, New Government-Funded Study Finds A government-funded study found that state agencies regulating marijuana largely outperform alcohol regulatory agencies concerning public health goals, activities, and policies. The analysis showed 68 percent of cannabis regulators referenced public health goals in their mission statements, compared to only 35 percent of alcohol regulators, suggesting marijuana is currently regulated more robustly than alcohol regarding key public health measures. City: NA State: California, Maryland, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Massachusetts, New York, Florida Read More Dec 1, 2025 Marijuana Moment Minnesota Governor Is ‘Exploring’ How To Address Impending Federal Hemp THC Ban That Would Disrupt ‘Thriving Industry’ Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and members of Congress, are actively seeking ways to counteract an impending federal ban on hemp-derived THC products set for next November, fearing it will disrupt the state's thriving industry. Lawmakers are pushing for an alternative regulatory framework, similar to Minnesota's current state-level rules, to replace the prohibition and prevent the re-criminalization of consumable hemp products. City: NA State: Minnesota, Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina Read More Nov 28, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. and I-71 trade group dual it out in Federal court, Green Wednesday sees legal sales surge. Plus Virginia commission accepting public testimony A federal lawsuit challenges D.C.’s cannabis enforcement, which continues with the shutdown of Snackz DC and raids on Virginia vape shops; meanwhile, Maryland dispensaries reported record sales, and a task force recommended decriminalizing psychedelics. ABCA also announced upcoming board meetings, leadership updates, and an HR manager opening. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Nov 28, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Congressional Leader Is ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Trump Will Reschedule... GOP Congressional Leader Is ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Trump Will Reschedule Marijuana—Which He Says Is ‘An Alternative To Highly Addictive Opioids’ City: NA State: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, Maryland Read More Nov 27, 2025 Marijuana Moment Hemp Isn’t A Loophole—It’s A Legal Industry, And It’s Under Attack (Op-Ed) A proposed policy change slipped into a budget deal aims to eradicate the legal hemp industry, which would wipe out a $28+ billion market and 300,000 jobs while driving production to the black market. The author argues that Congress should choose regulation—with testing, potency limits, and age gating—over prohibition to address public safety concerns properly. City: NA State: Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Alaska, Oregon, North Carolina, Iowa, Utah, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, Maryland, Georgia Read More Nov 26, 2025 Marijuana Moment Congressional Democratic Lawmakers Weigh Plans To Save Hemp Industry From Looming Federal Ban Minnesota congressional Democrats are urging Congress to quickly fix a recently enacted federal spending bill provision that bans most consumable THC products, which they warn will devastate the state's growing and regulated hemp industry. They are advocating for a new federal regulatory framework, modeled after Minnesota's successful state rules that include age restrictions and safety standards, and are seeking bipartisan support to reverse the ban before it takes effect next year. City: NA State: Minnesota, Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina Read More Nov 26, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP-Controlled Senate Committee Warns DC That Marijuana Is Federally Illegal, With ‘Enhanced Penalties’ For Sales Near Schools GOP members of the Senate Appropriations Committee released a spending bill and a report reminding D.C. that marijuana remains federally illegal, emphasizing enhanced penalties for sales near schools. The legislation continues to include a rider that bans D.C. from using local funds to create a regulated recreational cannabis market, despite voters approving possession and cultivation years ago. City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Maryland, Washington, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nebraska, Florida, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania Read More Nov 20, 2025 Marijuana Moment Lawmakers want exemption to new hemp ban for states with regs (Newsletter: November 20, 2025) The summary covers several topics in cannabis and drug policy: a judge grilling a DEA lawyer over a psychedelic petition delay; lawmakers, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, preparing to push for an exemption to the hemp-derived THC ban for regulated states; Joe Rogan criticizing the recriminalization of hemp products and blaming the alcohol lobby; a study finding cannabis reduces alcohol consumption; Texas advancing hemp age restriction rules; and updates on federal, state, local, and international cannabis policy developments, as well as new science and business reports. City: Topeka, Kansas City State: Texas, Minnesota, Maryland, Florida, West Virginia, Vermont, New York, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Nebraska, New Jersey, Kansas Read More Nov 19, 2025 Marijuana Moment Lawmakers Want Exemption From Federal Hemp THC Ban Congressional Lawmakers Want Exemption From Federal Hemp THC Ban For States With Regulations City: Washington, District of Columbia State: Minnesota, Kentucky, Maryland Read More Nov 19, 2025 Outlaw Report Virginia moves toward adult-use market, AYR Wellness permit delays and West Virginia patient costs rise New federal THC limits threaten small hemp operations and thousands of jobs in Maryland. In Virginia, AYR Wellness' foreclosure could delay medical cannabis permits ahead of a planned adult-use market launch in fall 2026. West Virginia’s medical cannabis program is experiencing slow growth and high prices, leading patients to look for more affordable options out of state. City: NA State: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia Read More Nov 19, 2025 Marijuana Moment West Virginia’s High Medical Cannabis Prices Push Patients To Buy Recreational Marijuana In Neighboring States West Virginia's medical cannabis patients are struggling with high prices and limited product access, leading many to illegally cross state lines to purchase cheaper recreational cannabis and edibles in neighboring states like Ohio and Maryland. The state's medical cannabis program has high overhead costs due to factors like no outdoor growing, a 10% sales tax on dispensaries, and lack of insurance coverage or tax exemptions due to federal illegality. Patients and advocates are pushing for an expansion of the program, potentially to a recreational market, to lower costs and broaden access, but state officials have not implemented price caps or changed the Medical Cannabis Act since 2021. City: NA State: West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Michigan Read More Nov 19, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump admin declines to file cannabis brief... Trump admin declines to file cannabis brief at SCOTUS (Newsletter: November 19, 2025) City: Columbus, Boston State: South Carolina, New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Connecticut, Colorado, California, Maryland, North Carolina, Vermont, Delaware Read More Nov 17, 2025 Leafly Enjoy some of Maryland’s best deals this Green Wednesday at Verilife. Verilife is offering a special discount on top products for Green Wednesday, and customers visiting any Maryland Verilife location during the week of 11/23 can redeem a doorbuster with a single in-store purchase. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Nov 17, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Lawmakers ‘Forced’ Trump Into Signing Hemp Ban... GOP Lawmakers ‘Forced’ Trump Into Signing Hemp Ban, Longtime Ally Roger Stone Says City: NA State: Kentucky, Maryland Read More Nov 14, 2025 Marijuana Moment GOP Operative Roger Stone Blasts ‘Cheap Cop-Out’ Hemp Ban... GOP Operative Roger Stone Blasts ‘Cheap Cop-Out’ Hemp Ban That Trump Signed Into Law City: NA State: Kentucky, Maryland Read More Nov 14, 2025 Marijuana Moment Kentucky Governor Says Hemp Is An ‘Important Industry’... Kentucky Governor Says Hemp Is An ‘Important Industry’ That Should Be Regulated At The State Level, Not Federally Banned City: NA State: Kentucky, Maryland, Texas Read More Nov 13, 2025 Marijuana Moment Top Veterans Group Warns Congress That Hemp Ban Could ‘Slam The Door Shut’ On Medical Research The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is warning Congress that a new blanket ban on consumable hemp products, included in a recently signed spending bill, could jeopardize critical scientific research into hemp-derived cannabinoids. The VFW argues these products offer a safer alternative to heavy prescription drugs for veterans dealing with PTSD, anxiety, pain, and sleep problems. They urge a balanced approach that protects consumers but allows research to continue, stating that a ban would hurt small businesses and drive veterans to the black market. The new legislation changes the definition of legal hemp, applying weight restrictions to total THC (including delta-8 and other isomers) and banning certain intermediate and synthesized products. It also sets limits on total THC per container. Advocates are seeking a compromise before the prohibition is implemented next year. The spending bill also controversially omits bipartisan provisions that would allow VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis in states where it is legal. City: NA State: Maryland, Kentucky Read More Nov 13, 2025 Marijuana Moment There’s A Path Forward For Marijuana Legalization In Pennsylvania Even After Omission From Budget Deal, Lawmakers Say Marijuana legalization was not included in Pennsylvania's final budget deal despite the governor's support. Several lawmakers believe there is a path forward for legalization in the 2026 session, seeing it as a necessary source of state revenue. While some Democratic lawmakers are disappointed by the Senate's lack of support, others are optimistic that legalization is a matter of "when" not "if." Separately, there is a bipartisan bill moving forward to create a Cannabis Control Board to oversee the medical program and prepare for adult-use. GOP opposition remains the primary hurdle, with one Republican candidate for governor expressing doubt about projected cannabis revenue. City: NA State: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio Read More Nov 13, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump signs bill recriminalizing hemp... Trump signs bill recriminalizing hemp THC products (Newsletter: November 13, 2025) City: Rapid City, Chicago State: Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Nebraska, Maine, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Vermont, Michigan, Rhode Island, Virginia, South Dakota Read More Nov 13, 2025 Marijuana Moment Trump Signs Bill To Recriminalize Hemp THC Products... Trump Signs Bill To Recriminalize Hemp THC Products, Years After Approving Their Legalization City: NA State: Maryland, Kentucky Read More Nov 12, 2025 Marijuana Moment House Committee Blocks Vote On GOP Lawmaker’s Amendment To Stop Hemp Ban, While Senator Floats Regulatory Alternative The House is preparing to vote on a Senate-passed spending bill that includes a ban on consumable hemp products. Attempts by Republican Representatives Paul Rand and Thomas Massie to strike the prohibition language failed. Republican Representative Morgan Griffith is voting for the underlying bill to avoid a government shutdown, despite disagreeing with the hemp ban. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen supported the ban due to concerns about unregulated synthetic hemp products being sold to children, but suggests Congress should use the one-year before implementation to develop a regulatory framework to preserve access to safe hemp products like CBD. Advocates are also criticizing the bill for omitting bipartisan provisions allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis. City: NA. State: Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Maryland Read More Nov 12, 2025 Ganjapreneur Maryland Task Force Recommends Legalizing Natural Psychedelics The Maryland Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances delivered a 373-page report to lawmakers advising a multi-phase approach to legalization. The task force suggests first enacting reforms for psilocybin, including deprioritizing personal possession and cultivation, establishing an advisory board for therapeutic protocols, and including expungement policies. This would be followed by establishing clinical access and "full operation and expansion" of the industry, including commercial sales. The report suggests using this experience when considering reforms for other natural psychedelics. Currently, only Oregon and Colorado have therapeutic psilocybin programs, and the FDA gave psilocybin a breakthrough therapy designation in 2018 for research on treatment-resistant depression. City: NA State: Maryland, Oregon, Colorado Read More Nov 12, 2025 Marijuana Moment Surprising senator votes to keep hemp THC products legal (Newsletter: November 12, 2025) The newsletter covers several cannabis-related developments, including the deletion of provisions for VA medical marijuana recommendations, a Virginia senator's optimism about legalizing recreational cannabis sales, and Texas's new hemp law checklist. It also mentions Sen. Ted Cruz's support for keeping hemp THC products federally legal, struggles faced by Missouri marijuana microbusinesses, and various state-level regulatory updates. Finally, it includes brief sections on international news, science and health studies related to cannabis, advocacy, and business updates. City: NA State: Virginia, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Maryland, New Mexico, Minnesota, District of Columbia, Maine, Nevada, Colorado, Vermont Read More Nov 11, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. board streamlines rules, Tea Pad hosts Nov. 13 food drive, Maryland social equity deadlines may extend D.C. expanded medical cannabis reciprocity and finalized tamper-proof packaging rules. Maryland proposed social equity license extensions, and Virginia moved to digital medical certifications. Baltimore nonprofits are hosting a food and diaper drive in November. City: District of Columbia, Baltimore State: Maryland, Virginia Read More Nov 11, 2025 Marijuana Moment Senate rejects amendment to protect hemp... Senate rejects amendment to protect hemp products’ legality (Newsletter: November 11, 2025) City: Minneapolis State: Florida, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Indiana, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Minnesota Read More Nov 10, 2025 Marijuana Moment Industry Lawyers Condemn ‘Overbroad’ And ‘Disastrous’ Congressional Push To Ban Hemp THC Products Hemp business lawyers and industry stakeholders are opposing a "disastrous" congressional proposal to ban hemp products with THC, arguing it is overbroad and will harm responsible commerce and the industry. They disagree with attorneys general who claim state-level regulation is inadequate, pointing to effective state regulation of alcohol as a parallel. They urge Congress to allow states to continue regulating hemp products instead of including a ban in the appropriations bill, which they warn would devastate the industry, potentially even making nonintoxicating CBD products illegal. The text also notes division among alcohol stakeholders regarding the ban and highlights the differing positions of GOP senators like Mitch McConnell, who supports the ban, and Rand Paul, who opposes it and has introduced legislation to increase the legal THC concentration for hemp. City: NA State: Minnesota, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland Read More Nov 7, 2025 Outlaw Report Maryland social equity licensees could get deadline extension in new sweeping rule updates Maryland's proposed cannabis regulations include extending conditional license deadlines from 18 to 24 months, strengthening contamination controls, reducing fees, and increasing operational flexibility for dispensaries and micro-licensees. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Nov 7, 2025 Marijuana Moment Conflicting hemp stances from alcohol & packaged goods groups (Newsletter: November 7, 2025) The summary covers several cannabis and psychedelics policy updates, including conflicting industry stances on intoxicating hemp products (one group urging recriminalization, another urging regulation like alcohol), Nebraska AG's warning against buying marijuana, the Maryland task force's recommendation for phased psychedelics legalization starting with psilocybin, and FBI data showing marijuana arrests as a primary driver of drug war enforcement. Other updates include South Dakota's recommendation for tighter medical cannabis and hemp regulations, various state-level regulatory actions and new laws, and financial reports from several cannabis businesses. City: New York City State: Maryland, Nebraska, South Dakota, Ohio, Minnesota, Rhode Island, New York, California Read More Nov 6, 2025 Marijuana Moment Beer, Wine And Spirits Distributors Tell Congress Not To Ban Hemp THC Products As ‘Demand For Alcohol Has Shifted Downward’ Over 50 alcohol distributors are opposing efforts in Congress to ban intoxicating hemp products, arguing that the cannabis market helps sustain their industry as alcohol demand shifts downward. They urge lawmakers to regulate and tax these products like alcohol, drawing parallels to the failure of alcohol prohibition. The article notes division among alcohol stakeholders, with some major industry associations and consumer trade groups actually supporting a ban, at least temporarily. Additionally, 39 state and territory attorneys general are calling for clearer federal definitions and regulations for cannabinoid products. The issue remains contested in Congress, with lawmakers like Sen. Mitch McConnell pushing for a ban while Sen. Rand Paul opposes it and advocates for more lenient regulations. City: NA State: Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota Read More Nov 6, 2025 Marijuana Moment Maryland Government Task Force Recommends Multi-Phase Approach To Legalizing Psychedelics, Starting With Psilocybin The Maryland Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances released a final report recommending a multi-phase framework for legal, therapeutic access to natural psychedelics, starting with psilocybin. The plan involves phased implementation of medical/therapeutic use, supervised adult use, deprioritization measures, and eventually commercial sales, with the goal of ensuring safe, broad, and equitable access. The task force does not support delaying state action pending future FDA approval and emphasizes an "ensemble model" approach that balances public health, patient safety, equity, and scientific integrity, positioning Maryland as a potential national leader in psychedelic policy reform. The report also estimates potential client numbers and consumer spending if psilocybin is legalized. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Nov 5, 2025 Marijuana Moment Legalizing Intoxicating Hemp Products Wasn’t A ‘Loophole’ But Was Intentional, Expert Who Helped Draft Farm Bill Says 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. City: NA State: Kentucky, Maryland Read More Nov 5, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. tightens rules for cannabis retailers, Maryland workers accuse retaliation for unionizing D.C.'s medical cannabis sales were $7.8 million in September, down 5% from August, but manufacturing, concentrate, and infused product sales showed strong growth, with out-of-District patients from Maryland, Virginia, and Florida as key buyers. Maryland provided a $217,000 grant for cannabis workforce training, police paused the "Green Lab" study due to high volunteer interest, and Virginia's unestablished retail cannabis market is becoming a focus ahead of the gubernatorial race, coinciding with a new online training program for healthcare professionals. City: Washington, DC State: Maryland, Virginia, Florida Read More Nov 4, 2025 Marijuana Moment Alcohol Industry Groups Push Congress To Ban Intoxicating Hemp Products—At Least Until Federal Regulations Are Enacted Major alcohol industry associations are urging Congress to temporarily ban intoxicating hemp products until a federal regulatory framework is established. They argue that the ambiguous language in the 2018 Farm Bill has led to an unregulated market for intoxicating cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-9 THC. This push aligns with some lawmakers, like Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Andy Harris, who support a ban, and 39 state attorneys general. However, other alcohol interests, such as Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), oppose a full prohibition, and Sen. Rand Paul is strongly against a ban, arguing it would devastate the hemp industry and preferring regulatory reform, such as his proposed HEMP Act to triple the legal THC concentration. City: NA State: Kentucky, Maryland Read More Nov 4, 2025 Marijuana Moment Lawyer in cannabis case before SCOTUS is “hopeful” (Newsletter: November 4, 2025) The summary covers several cannabis-related developments: a lawyer is "hopeful" yet "nervous" about the Supreme Court taking up a federal prohibition lawsuit; the Minnesota AG defended signing a letter to recriminalize hemp THC products while seeking state carve-outs; Massachusetts is considering employment protections for marijuana users; Seth Rogen commented on the push to ban THC drinks; a Nebraska tribe claims punishment for its legalization plan; Sen. Mitch McConnell's office disputed claims he's ending his push for a hemp THC ban; Colorado's governor proposed transferring excess marijuana revenue to education; and Planet 13 Holdings is divesting a California retail store and closing a cultivation facility. City: Colorado Springs State: Minnesota, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Kentucky, Colorado, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Washington, Hawaii, California, Maryland Read More Nov 4, 2025 Outlaw Report Workers at Maryland dispensary accuse owners of retaliation amid union drive Employees at Nature's Care and Wellness, a medical cannabis dispensary in Cecil County, are accusing management of retaliation and intimidation after they started efforts to unionize with UFCW Local 27. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Nov 3, 2025 Marijuana Moment Minnesota Attorney General Defends Signing Letter Urging Congress To Ban Hemp THC Products Amid Industry Pushback Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is defending his decision to sign a bipartisan letter urging Congress to federally ban the sale of intoxicating hemp products, despite supporting Minnesota's regulated THC edible industry. Ellison argues the federal 2018 Farm Bill created an unintended "loophole" leading to unregulated, highly potent THC products entering the state and being marketed to children. His intent is to close this loophole and protect Minnesota's regulations. The AG's office clarified they support a federal "carve-out" for states with adequate regulatory schemes or an enforcement discretion memo. Industry stakeholders and some lawmakers, like Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), oppose a total ban, arguing it would devastate the market. Other lawmakers, like Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), are pushing for an outright ban. City: NA State: Minnesota, Kentucky, Maryland Read More Oct 30, 2025 Marijuana Moment Hemp dispute threatens bill to end federal shutdown (Newsletter: October 30, 2025) The summary covers several cannabis and psychedelics policy updates, including Sen. Rand Paul's threat to block a government shutdown bill over a provision that would recriminalize hemp products with THC, Idaho activists launching a medical cannabis legalization initiative for 2026, a poll showing Canadians believe the cannabis industry is an important economic contributor, and Arizona approving a clinical trial for whole mushroom psilocybin to treat PTSD in veterans and first responders. It also mentions a study on marijuana aroma and terpenes, state-level policy news, international developments like Lebanon legalizing medical cannabis cultivation, and business/culture news. City: NA State: Kentucky, Idaho, Arizona, Connecticut, California, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Texas, Missouri Read More Oct 29, 2025 Outlaw Report D.C. Cannabis Sales Hit $7.8M as Maryland grant expands workforce training In September, D.C.'s medical cannabis sales totaled $7.8 million, a 5% drop from August due to a seasonal slowdown, although manufacturing, concentrate, and infused product sales showed strong growth, with Maryland, Virginia, and Florida patients being top buyers. Regional developments included a $217,000 Maryland grant for cannabis workforce training, a temporary pause in a police-run cannabis impairment study due to high volunteer response, renewed focus on Virginia's unestablished retail market ahead of the gubernatorial race, and the launch of a new online training program for healthcare practitioners. City: Washington, D.C. State: Maryland, Virginia, Florida Read More Oct 28, 2025 MG Magazine MariMed Exits Missouri Market Multistate operator MariMed Inc. is exiting the Missouri market immediately following a strategic review of its business operations there. The company had been managing the Missouri operations of another licensed cannabis operator since 2024 under an agreement while awaiting license transfer approval, but will no longer manage the facility or seek the transfer. MariMed expects this exit to improve its financial performance and allow management to focus resources on higher-return opportunities, as it continues to own or manage 13 dispensaries and six cultivation and processing facilities across Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. City: NA State: Missouri, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania Read More Oct 27, 2025 Marijuana Moment 39 Bipartisan State And Territory Attorneys General Push Congress To Ban Intoxicating Hemp Products A bipartisan coalition of 39 state and territory attorneys general is urging Congress to clarify the federal definition of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill and impose regulations to prevent the sale of intoxicating cannabinoid products, arguing that the current interpretation has been exploited to sell synthetic THC products, often marketed to minors. They are asking for legislative changes to make these products illegal. Industry stakeholders, however, express concern that a ban could jeopardize the entire hemp market and suggest a middle-ground approach with age-gating and safety standards. Separately, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is advocating for a study into state regulatory models and has proposed legislation to triple the legal THC concentration for hemp, opposing efforts by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to champion criminalization language. City: NA State: Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Minnesota, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming Read More Oct 27, 2025 MG Magazine Joseph Andreae Named CEO at CULTA CULTA appointed Joseph Andreae as CEO. He brings experience from other cannabis programs and will focus on building an experienced leadership team, leveraging infrastructure for product quality, maintaining company culture, and differentiating the company through new values prioritizing staff and customers, cultivation integrity, and elevating the perception of cannabis. City: Baltimore State: Maryland Read More Oct 27, 2025 Cannabis Business Times CULTA Appoints Cannabis Industry Veteran Joseph Andreae as CEO A seasoned cannabis executive will help a Maryland company advance its commitment to craft, quality, and community. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Oct 27, 2025 Marijuana Moment Cannabis industry case challenging prohibition hits Supreme Court (Newsletter: October 27, 2025) The newsletter covers several cannabis and drug policy updates, including marijuana companies petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge federal prohibition, a hemp dispute in Congress, and state updates from Kentucky (15,000 registered medical cannabis patients) and Texas (expanding medical marijuana access). A new study indicates more Americans now use marijuana than smoke cigarettes. Other topics include state-level regulatory updates, a Texas DA lawsuit over refusing to enforce drug laws, a rejection of New York regulators' request on licensing residency privileges, and international news on German cannabis imports. The science section notes that cannabinoids offer modest, condition-specific pain relief and a study on psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression. Lastly, Canadian retailers sold C$498.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in August. City: Washington, D.C. State: Texas, Kentucky, Michigan, South Dakota, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Georgia, New York, Tennessee, Arizona, Ohio, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Maryland Read More Oct 27, 2025 Outlaw Report Maryland awards $217K grant to CannaWorkforce for cannabis job training expansion Maryland awarded a $217K EARN grant to CannaWorkforce to expand cannabis workforce training in 2026, which includes new laboratory technician programs and supports job placement for unemployed and underemployed Maryland residents. City: NA State: Maryland Read More Oct 27, 2025 Ganjapreneur U.S. Attorneys General Ask Congress for Hemp Guidance The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), representing 39 state and territory attorneys general, sent a letter to Congress seeking clarification on the federal definition of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill. The letter argues that the growing market for hemp-derived THC products is based on a misinterpretation of the law and asks Congress to clarify the definition of hemp to ensure these "harmful products are illegal." City: Washington District of Columbia State: Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Minnesota, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming Read More

At Toker's Guide we're helping people find the best cannabis with our connoisseur reviews of top marijuana and hemp products. Every day our team of experts reaches out to local marijuana dispensaries, marijuana delivery services, cannabis cultivators, etc. to identify the best items currently available. Then we report the top options we find to our audience in the form of reviews and photos. Essentially, you can use our guide and the pages within to locate the best cannabis around in real time. Find the BEST Cannabis With Reviews from Local Connoisseurs... LEARN MORE Featured Reviews Featured Reviews Featured Reviews Featured Reviews Shop the BEST Dispensaries Near You Rated by Industry Experts & Local Consumers Washington DC Maryland Virginia Florida New York To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. LEARN MORE Get the FRESHEST New Products & Strains With Our Local Product Reviews & Buyer's Guides... ALL Washington DC Maryland Virginia Florida New York Moon Fog | Humboldt Seed Company | Virginia Homegrown Moon Fog is a strain that has gained quite the reputation in many online forums, grower's podcasts and old smoker’s tables around the country. This indica-dominant strain was bred by Humboldt Seed Company and is one of their newest offerings. It's known to carry a well balanced euphoric high and in some smoke circles is becoming a go to nighttime strain... Tyler 20 hours ago 2 min read Poonesia by CULTA (Baltimore, Maryland) Let's be real—Poonesia might be one of the funniest strain names to hit Maryland dispensaries, and it demands an explanation. Is it a pla... Dave Tart 17 hours ago 4 min read Tahiti Twist by Alt Sol - New Leaf Dispensary DC Tahiti Twist, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Wash Hydro in Washington DC, is a balanced hybrid strain that brings tropical flair... Toker's Guide 19 hours ago 2 min read Gary Payton | Cookies x Alt Sol | Embers Dispensary DC Gary Payton, the cannabis strain, much like the legendary NBA player it's named after, is all about precision and impact. Just as the Hal... Toker's Guide 19 hours ago 2 min read Tarts by Grassroots - Curaleaf (Columbia, Maryland) From the moment the seal cracked open, it felt like I had been hit by a citrusy freight train of fruity goodness. The initial burst of le... Dave Tart 22 hours ago 3 min read Blue Lobster - The Flowery (Florida Medical) Snagging Blue Lobster from The Flowery in Florida feels like reeling in a rare catch—those award-winning Maine Trees buds live up to the hype of being as elusive as the 1-in-2-million blue lobster they're named for. This hybrid (Apples & Bananas x Eye Candy) swept the 2023 East Coast Zalympix with "Gassiest," "Best Terps," and runner-up "Best Overall," proving Maine Trees' cultivation prowess. The Flowery's locations across Florida make it accessible, and the jar's contents d Mary Jane Burnmore 4 days ago 2 min read Air Mail by Fade Co. - Story Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) Receiving a package of Air Mail from Fade Co. at Story Dispensary in Silver Spring, Maryland, felt like getting a first-class dispatch from the clouds—sealed with a stamp of sophistication and ready to take my senses on a transcontinental journey. The dispensary's seamless service, with staff offering winged wisdom on strains, paired perfectly with Silver Spring's dynamic pulse of urban elegance and green spaces. Unsealing the jar at home, I was greeted by robust, resin-laden Maryland Terps Feb 6 2 min read Cookies Gary Payton & Velvetz Dual Chamber Terp Vape - Takoma Wellness Center The Cookies Dual Chamber 3-in-1 cannabis terp vape is an innovative and intriguing addition to the vaping scene at Takoma Wellness Center... Toker's Guide Feb 6 2 min read Triple Burger by Alt Sol - Green Theory Recently harvested by DC craft cultivator Alt Sol, this phenomenal Triple Burger just dropped at Washington DC medical marijuana dispensa... Toker's Guide Feb 5 3 min read 1 2 3 4 5 LEARN MORE Stay UP-To-Date On the Latest News With Our Cannabis News Aggregator ALL Washington DC Maryland Virginia Florida New York Feb 13, 2026 CSBA Virginia's Path to a Regulated Recreational Cannabis Market: Progress, Pitfalls, and the Fight for Equity With Democratic control of both chambers and a pro-reform Governor Abigail Spanberger at the helm, bills to legalize adult-use sales are advancing through committees, yet critical debates over launch timelines, criminal penalties, and market structure underscore the high stakes for small businesses, equity advocates, and consumers alike. Read More Feb 12, 2026 Cannabis Business Times NY Governor Signs Bill Fixing Dispensary Proximity Issue With Schools, Churches The legislation codifies the door-to-door measurement approach that the Office of Cannabis Management had previously reversed guidance on in 2025. Read More Feb 12, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Tilray Expands UK Pharmaceutical Access Through Strategic Agreement With Smartway Pharmaceuticals The CC Pharma agreement is expected to integrate Tilray's medicinal cannabis products into the U.K. health system. Read More Feb 13, 2026 MJBizDaily Illicit market fears arise as Virginia adult-use marijuana launch date debated Virginia's potential November start date for marijuana sales is being debated, as some advocates seek a delay while others warn that postponing the launch could boost the illicit market. Read More Feb 12, 2026 Marijuana Moment FDA Head Says Marijuana Has ‘Benefit In Medical Conditions,’ FDA Head Says Marijuana Has ‘Benefit In Medical Conditions,’ But Trump Administration Also Concerned About ‘Side Effects’ Read More Feb 12, 2026 MJbizDaily How Jamie Pearson transformed from cannabis skeptic to international CEO Jamie Pearson is a recognized leader in the cannabis sector, known for her expertise in navigating international markets. An MJBizDaily post covers her journey from being a cannabis skeptic to becoming an international CEO. Read More Feb 12, 2026 MJbizDaily Missouri cannabis sales hit record $1.5 billion in 2025 Missouri's legal cannabis sales generated a record-breaking $255.57 million in sales tax revenue last year, with total cannabis sales hitting a record $1.5 billion in 2025. Read More Feb 12, 2026 Cannabis Business Times Planet 13 Completes California Exit, Divests Orange County Dispensary, Distribution Licenses The cannabis company closed its 55,000-square-foot SuperStore in Santa Ana, California, as part of an effort to streamline operations and focus on core growth markets. Read More Feb 12, 2026 Cannabis Business Times CRS Weighs 280E’s Constitutionality for Cannabis Businesses The Congressional Research Service examined legal questions regarding the punitive tax application of Section 280E to licensed cannabis operators. Read More LEARN MORE Join the Community Meet Other Local Cannabis Enthusiasts LEARN MORE

The new agreement is expected to generate more than $1.5 million in total incremental cost savings over the revised 6.25-year term. < Back Safe Harbor Financial Announces Extension With PCCU, Generating Estimated $9 Million Incremental Revenue Through 2031 Feb 11, 2026 Staff Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The new agreement is also expected to generate more than $1.5 million in total incremental cost savings over the revised 6.25-year term. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Moon Fog | Humboldt Seed Company | Virginia Homegrown Moon Fog is a strain that has gained quite the reputation in many online forums, grower's podcasts and old smoker’s tables around the country. This indica-dominant strain was bred by Humboldt Seed Company and is one of their newest offerings. It's known to carry a well balanced euphoric high and in some smoke circles is becoming a go to nighttime strain... Poonesia by CULTA (Baltimore, Maryland) Let's be real—Poonesia might be one of the funniest strain names to hit Maryland dispensaries, and it demands an explanation. Is it a pla... Tahiti Twist by Alt Sol - New Leaf Dispensary DC Tahiti Twist, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Wash Hydro in Washington DC, is a balanced hybrid strain that brings tropical flair... 1 2 3 4 5

With Democratic control of both chambers and a pro-reform Governor Abigail Spanberger at the helm, bills to legalize adult-use sales are advancing through committees, yet critical debates over launch timelines, criminal penalties, and market structure underscore the high stakes for small businesses, equity advocates, and consumers alike. < Back Virginia's Path to a Regulated Recreational Cannabis Market: Progress, Pitfalls, and the Fight for Equity Feb 13, 2026 Matt Lyden CSBA Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Opinion by Matt Lyden, Marketing Chair, Cannabis Small Business Association (CSBA) RICHMOND, Va. — As the Virginia General Assembly convenes in its 2026 session, the long-awaited establishment of a regulated recreational cannabis market appears tantalizingly close to fruition. With Democratic control of both chambers and a pro-reform Governor Abigail Spanberger at the helm, bills to legalize adult-use sales are advancing through committees and toward floor votes, signaling a potential end to the limbo that has persisted since possession was decriminalized in 2021. Yet, amid this momentum, critical debates over launch timelines, criminal penalties, and market structure underscore the high stakes for small businesses, equity advocates, and consumers alike. The Cannabis Small Business Association (CSBA), alongside allies like Marijuana Justice, has been at the forefront of these efforts, successfully lobbying to strip away draconian criminalization measures that threatened to undermine the very spirit of reform. The legislative landscape has evolved rapidly in recent weeks. In the House of Delegates, HB 642—sponsored by Del. Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax)—cleared the Appropriations Committee on a decisive 16-6 vote, following approval by the Transportation and Public Safety Subcommittee. This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for retail sales under the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, with provisions for licensing, taxation, and consumer protections. Notably, it proposes a launch date of November 1, 2026, allowing existing medical cannabis operators to convert to adult-use with fees ranging from $4 million to $20 million, depending on their scale. On the Senate side, SB 542—introduced by Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg)—has advanced to the floor after the Finance and Appropriations Committee adopted amendments that removed controversial new penalties, addressing concerns raised by advocacy groups. The Senate version pushes the start date to January 1, 2027, setting the stage for inter-chamber negotiations to reconcile these differences. This progress marks a significant victory for equity-focused organizations. CSBA and Marijuana Justice spearheaded a coalition of 37 cannabis and civil rights groups in a letter to lawmakers, urging the elimination of amendments that would have imposed harsh new criminal sanctions. These provisions, initially added to SB 542 by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), included felony charges for unlicensed cultivation (up to five years in prison), mandatory jail time for repeat unlawful sales, and heightened penalties for underage possession and interstate transport. Such measures, critics argued, would have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities already scarred by decades of prohibition, effectively recriminalizing behaviors that legalization aims to normalize. The successful removal of these amendments from the Senate bill—echoing the cleaner version passed in the House—demonstrates the power of grassroots advocacy in shaping policy. As CSBA President Barbara Biddle noted, these changes prevent a "backdoor criminalization" that could exacerbate social inequities while failing to address the root causes of unregulated markets. Complementing the sales legislation are resentencing bills that offer a pathway to justice for those convicted under outdated laws. SB 62, carried by Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), and its House companion HB 26 from Del. Rozia Henson (D-Prince William), have both advanced through key committees. These measures would allow individuals with prior cannabis convictions to petition for resentencing or record expungement, acknowledging the disproportionate harm inflicted by Virginia's war on drugs. For CSBA, this is not just about market access but about rectifying historical injustices, ensuring that those most affected by prohibition can participate in the emerging industry. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with contention, particularly around the market's launch timeline. The House's November 1, 2026, start date aims for expediency, but CSBA has consistently advocated for a delay until May 2027 to allow adequate preparation for licensing, security protocols, and compliance infrastructure. A rushed rollout, we argue, risks chaos similar to that seen in states like New York, where delays in legal sales fueled illicit markets and left small operators sidelined. Since 2021, Virginia's unregulated landscape has seen an explosion in untested products, leading to health risks such as contamination, inaccurate labeling, and inconsistent THC levels—issues that have driven emergency room visits and perpetuated unsafe consumption. This debate has exposed a deeper rift: the influence of multi-state operators (MSOs) who currently dominate Virginia's medical cannabis sector. Holding the state's five existing licenses, these large corporations stand to benefit from a swift transition, paying hefty conversion fees but gaining early market dominance through vertical integration. In lobbying efforts and public statements, MSOs have amplified fears of an entrenched illicit market to push for an accelerated launch, subtly framing advocates like CSBA—who prioritize equity and small business inclusion—as enablers of unregulated activity. This narrative paints CSBA members, many of whom are local entrepreneurs navigating the hemp and medical spaces, as somehow complicit in illicit operations. Such tactics overlook the reality: a deliberate, well-planned market rollout would empower microbusinesses, foster competition, and genuinely displace black-market sales by providing safe, tested alternatives. As monthly medical sales hover around $15 million, the potential for a thriving adult-use market is immense—but only if it avoids favoring Goliaths over Davids. Governor Spanberger's commitment to signing a sales bill into law offers hope, but the final product must balance urgency with equity. As negotiations unfold, CSBA urges legislators to heed the lessons of other states: prioritize resentencing, reject punitive overreach, and craft a market that uplifts small businesses rather than entrenching corporate monopolies. Virginia's cannabis future could be a model of inclusive reform—or a cautionary tale of missed opportunities. The choice rests in Richmond. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Moon Fog | Humboldt Seed Company | Virginia Homegrown Moon Fog is a strain that has gained quite the reputation in many online forums, grower's podcasts and old smoker’s tables around the country. This indica-dominant strain was bred by Humboldt Seed Company and is one of their newest offerings. It's known to carry a well balanced euphoric high and in some smoke circles is becoming a go to nighttime strain... Poonesia by CULTA (Baltimore, Maryland) Let's be real—Poonesia might be one of the funniest strain names to hit Maryland dispensaries, and it demands an explanation. Is it a pla... Tahiti Twist by Alt Sol - New Leaf Dispensary DC Tahiti Twist, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Wash Hydro in Washington DC, is a balanced hybrid strain that brings tropical flair... 1 2 3 4 5

Virginia's potential November start date for marijuana sales is being debated, as some advocates seek a delay while others warn that postponing the launch could boost the illicit market. < Back Illicit market fears arise as Virginia adult-use marijuana launch date debated Feb 13, 2026 MJBizDaily Staff MJBizDaily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Virginia marijuana sales could begin in November, but some advocates want a delay that others say would boost the illicit market. Virginia lawmakers took another small step toward the highly anticipated launch of adult-use sales in the state, but the exact start date is still unclear. The state House of Delegates Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that could see sales begin Nov. 1, shortly before a federal ban on hemp THC is scheduled to take effect. But that might be too soon – and might advantage the large marijuana multistate operators that hold the state’s five existing medical cannabis licenses, according to small business advocates. When will Virginia adult-use marijuana sales begin? Barbara Biddle, a Washington, D.C.-area hemp retailer and president of the Virginia-based Cannabis Small Business Association, called for Virginia adult-use marijuana sales to be delayed until May 2027. “We want to make sure that we push the start date to a practical date to fully assess the legislation, analyze it and make any recommendations prior to the market actually opening up,” she told WHRO. That’s a controversial take for others, given a rise in illicit-market sales, according to Jamie Patten, the chief administrative officer of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. Critics have blamed a slow start to legal sales for the troubles plaguing other state markets, most notably New York. Multimillion-dollar fees proposed for MSOs converting to adult-use The MSOs, meanwhile, may be asked to pay conversion fees to start selling to adult-use consumers ranging from $4 million to $20 million, according to WVIR. Virginia legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021 without setting up regulated sales. After years of Republican obstructionism, newly elected Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger has pledged to sign a sales bill into law. Monthly medical cannabis sales are averaging about $15 million, according to the state Cannabis Control Authority. According to a 2020 study commissioned by state lawmakers, Virginia could support between: - 100 and 800 cultivation permits - 30 and 150 processing or distribution licenses - 200 and 600 retail licenses < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Moon Fog | Humboldt Seed Company | Virginia Homegrown Moon Fog is a strain that has gained quite the reputation in many online forums, grower's podcasts and old smoker’s tables around the country. This indica-dominant strain was bred by Humboldt Seed Company and is one of their newest offerings. It's known to carry a well balanced euphoric high and in some smoke circles is becoming a go to nighttime strain... Poonesia by CULTA (Baltimore, Maryland) Let's be real—Poonesia might be one of the funniest strain names to hit Maryland dispensaries, and it demands an explanation. Is it a pla... Tahiti Twist by Alt Sol - New Leaf Dispensary DC Tahiti Twist, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Wash Hydro in Washington DC, is a balanced hybrid strain that brings tropical flair... 1 2 3 4 5

The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 942, a bill to protect parents who legally use marijuana from being deemed neglectful unless harm to the child is established. < Back Virginia House Passes Bill To Protect Rights Of Parents Who Use Marijuana Feb 12, 2026 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Virginia House of Delegates has approved a bill to protect the rights of parents who use marijuana in compliance with state law. The legislation from Del. Nadarius Clark (D) is consistent with a measure he sponsored last session that advanced through the legislature, only to be vetoed by then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R). The latest version passed the House in a 62-37 vote on Tuesday. Under the proposal, possession of use of cannabis by a parent or guardian on its own “shall not serve as a basis to deem a child abused or neglected unless other facts establish that such possession or consumption causes or creates a risk of physical or mental injury to the child.” “A person’s legal possession or consumption of substances authorized under [the state’s marijuana law] alone shall not serve as a basis to restrict custody or visitation unless other facts establish that such possession or consumption is not in the best interest of the child,” the text of the bill, HB 942, states. When the bill was on the floor for second reading on Monday, Clark said that the measure “fully preserves judicial discretion requiring a court to act when a child is in danger, but grounding those decisions in individualized evidence-based findings instead of presumptions tied to lawful conduct.” Youngkin claimed in his veto message last year that the prior measure introduced “unnecessary complications and risks exposing children to harm.” “The bill disregards clear evidence linking substance use to child endangerment, particularly in the wake of increased incidents of children ingesting cannabis-infused substances following the legalization of marijuana,” he argued. “By broadly prohibiting courts from considering parental marijuana use in custody and visitation determinations, [the bill] risks prioritizing drug use over the health and well being of children.” The then-governor also vetoed an even earlier version of the bill in 2024. While current Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) hasn’t specifically weighed in on the parental rights legislation, she is generally more supportive of marijuana reform than her predecessor and backs legalizing recreational cannabis sales, which Youngkin also vetoed. Meanwhile, the Virginia Senate this week approved a bill to provide legal protections for hospital workers to facilitate the use of medical marijuana for patients with terminal illnesses in their facilities, so long as cannabis is federally rescheduled. lawmakers are also considering more robust reforms to the state’s marijuana laws, including proposals to legalize recreational cannabis sales. The Senate Courts of Justice Committee passed an amended version of that bill last week, drawing criticism from advocates over changes that would impose new penalties on certain cannabis-related activities such as underage possession and unlicensed cultivation of marijuana that could carry the threat of jail time. A coalition of reform groups has since sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, where the measure was transmitted, imploring members to roll back those amendments. As approved in committee, the legislation largely aligns with recommendations released in December by the legislature’s Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market. Since legalizing cannabis possession and home cultivation in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have worked to establish a commercial marijuana market—only to have those efforts consistently stalled under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures to enact it that were sent to his desk by the legislature. The Senate version calls for sales to start on January 1, 2027, while the House bill stipulates that adult-use cannabis sales could begin on November 1 of this year. *— 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. —* Another cannabis bill approved by the Senate Courts of Justice Committee last week would mandate that individuals with certain offenses automatically receive resentencing hearings and have their punishments adjusted. A House companion version from Del. Rozia Henson, Jr. (D) also advanced recently. The legislation would create a process by which people who are incarcerated or on community supervision for certain felony offenses involving the possession, manufacture, selling or distribution of marijuana could receive an automatic hearing to consider modification of their sentences. The bill applies to people whose convictions or adjudications are for conduct that occurred prior to July 1, 2021, when a state law legalizing personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana went into effect. Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry recently published a new outlining workplace protections for cannabis consumers. The post Virginia House Passes Bill To Protect Rights Of Parents Who Use Marijuana appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Blue Lobster - The Flowery (Florida Medical) Snagging Blue Lobster from The Flowery in Florida feels like reeling in a rare catch—those award-winning Maine Trees buds live up to the hype of being as elusive as the 1-in-2-million blue lobster they're named for. This hybrid (Apples & Bananas x Eye Candy) swept the 2023 East Coast Zalympix with "Gassiest," "Best Terps," and runner-up "Best Overall," proving Maine Trees' cultivation prowess. The Flowery's locations across Florida make it accessible, and the jar's contents d Air Mail by Fade Co. - Story Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) Receiving a package of Air Mail from Fade Co. at Story Dispensary in Silver Spring, Maryland, felt like getting a first-class dispatch from the clouds—sealed with a stamp of sophistication and ready to take my senses on a transcontinental journey. The dispensary's seamless service, with staff offering winged wisdom on strains, paired perfectly with Silver Spring's dynamic pulse of urban elegance and green spaces. Unsealing the jar at home, I was greeted by robust, resin-laden Cookies Gary Payton & Velvetz Dual Chamber Terp Vape - Takoma Wellness Center The Cookies Dual Chamber 3-in-1 cannabis terp vape is an innovative and intriguing addition to the vaping scene at Takoma Wellness Center... 1 2 3 4 5

- A former St. Louis police sergeant argues for rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, stating that the current classification is outdated and forces law enforcement to waste resources on simple marijuana cases instead of violent crime or fentanyl. - The federal-state conflict props up criminal markets via unlicensed operations and puts legal businesses at a massive disadvantage by denying them normal tax deductions. - Rescheduling is framed as a practical, evidence-based step supported by police organizations that will free up law enforcement to focus on real public safety threats and lead to safer communities. < Back Here’s Why Many Cops Support Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Move (Op-Ed) Feb 8, 2026 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *“Every hour an officer spends on a simple marijuana case is an hour not spent investigating violent crime, stopping human trafficking, or getting fentanyl off the streets.”* *By Gary Wiegert, former St. Louis police sergeant via Missouri Independent* I dedicated decades of my life to helping keep St. Louis safe. As a former cop, I know how hard it is to do that with limited resources—we can’t be everywhere at once or prevent every crime. How we prioritize our time and resources matters. That’s why many police chiefs, sheriffs and prosecutors across the country support President Donald Trump’s decision to change how cannabis is classified. For over 50 years, marijuana has been listed as a Schedule I drug, the same category as heroin. That classification means the federal government considers it to have no medical value and a high potential for abuse. But everyone knows that’s simply not true anymore, including cops who have been forced to navigate conflicting federal, state and local laws. Millions of Americans use it legally under state law every single day because 38 states have legalized cannabis in some form. This disconnect between federal and state law isn’t just a technicality. It creates real problems for law enforcement. Every hour an officer spends on a simple marijuana case is an hour not spent investigating violent crime, stopping human trafficking, or getting fentanyl off the streets. Consider these stats from the Law Enforcement Action Partnership: “Of the 11.8 million arrests in the United States for drug-related offenses since 2011, over 80 percent involved simple possession. Arrests for simple possession of cannabis comprise approximately 35 percent of all drug arrests and 44 percent of drug possession arrests. An astounding 16.5 percent of all arrests in the United States since 2011 were for simple possession of cannabis.” Does that really seem like the best use of cops’ time? Wouldn’t you rather have law enforcement focusing on real threats from violent crime and drugs like fentanyl? Rescheduling would help both federal and state law enforcement work together on priority threats that genuinely harm our communities, including illegal grow operations run by criminal enterprises. Here’s what we’re seeing on the ground: when you have conflicting federal and state laws, you create space for criminals to operate. Unlicensed cannabis operations—some tied to organized crime—are popping up in states like California and Oklahoma. These outfits don’t follow any safety standards, don’t pay taxes and don’t care about keeping products away from kids. Legal, regulated cannabis businesses struggle to compete when they’re hit with crushing federal tax burdens while illegal operators face no oversight at all. Under current law, state-legal cannabis companies can’t deduct normal business expenses on their federal taxes, something every other legitimate business can do. This puts them at a massive disadvantage and pushes consumers toward the unregulated market we’re trying to shut down. Moving cannabis to Schedule III—the category for substances with accepted medical use and lower abuse potential—would let legal businesses operate fairly, which means more resources for regulation and enforcement where it actually matters. We’re not talking about legalizing marijuana at the federal level. Schedule III substances are still controlled. But the change would acknowledge what doctors, researchers and patients already know: cannabis has legitimate medical uses and shouldn’t be treated like heroin or other dangerous Schedule I drugs. For many people in law enforcement, this isn’t just about public safety. This issue hits close to home for many cops, particularly those who have served our country in the military. Research shows that rates of PTSD among police officers and other first responders can be as much as five times greater than the general population. Cannabis-based treatments could help, but current federal restrictions make access difficult—especially for active-duty military and federal employees. Rescheduling wouldn’t solve all these problems overnight, but it’s a necessary step toward sensible policy that serves both public safety and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting others. Supporting cannabis rescheduling isn’t about being pro-marijuana or anti-marijuana. It’s about recognizing that our current approach isn’t working. The federal-state conflict undermines law enforcement effectiveness, props up criminal markets and prevents us from focusing resources where they’re needed most. That’s why Law Enforcement Action Partnership and Law Enforcement Leaders both officially support rescheduling. We can regulate cannabis responsibly, just like we regulate alcohol and prescription medications. We can research its effects and uses scientifically. We can create clear standards and oversight. And we can do all of this while keeping communities safe—probably safer than they are now. After years of enforcing marijuana prohibition, many of us in law enforcement have reached the same conclusion: it’s time for federal policy to catch up with reality. Rescheduling to Schedule III is a practical, evidence-based step that will make our jobs easier and our communities safer. That’s not politics. That’s just good policing. *Gary Wiegert was a sergeant with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department from 1980 to 2015.* *This piece was first published by Missouri Independent.* The post Here’s Why Many Cops Support Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Move (Op-Ed) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Blue Lobster - The Flowery (Florida Medical) Snagging Blue Lobster from The Flowery in Florida feels like reeling in a rare catch—those award-winning Maine Trees buds live up to the hype of being as elusive as the 1-in-2-million blue lobster they're named for. This hybrid (Apples & Bananas x Eye Candy) swept the 2023 East Coast Zalympix with "Gassiest," "Best Terps," and runner-up "Best Overall," proving Maine Trees' cultivation prowess. The Flowery's locations across Florida make it accessible, and the jar's contents d Air Mail by Fade Co. - Story Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) Receiving a package of Air Mail from Fade Co. at Story Dispensary in Silver Spring, Maryland, felt like getting a first-class dispatch from the clouds—sealed with a stamp of sophistication and ready to take my senses on a transcontinental journey. The dispensary's seamless service, with staff offering winged wisdom on strains, paired perfectly with Silver Spring's dynamic pulse of urban elegance and green spaces. Unsealing the jar at home, I was greeted by robust, resin-laden Cookies Gary Payton & Velvetz Dual Chamber Terp Vape - Takoma Wellness Center The Cookies Dual Chamber 3-in-1 cannabis terp vape is an innovative and intriguing addition to the vaping scene at Takoma Wellness Center... 1 2 3 4 5