Virginia Cannabis News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

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.

Attorney General Dave Yost approved the referendum petition seeking to repeal legislative changes to Ohio’s voter-approved legalization laws.

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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

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*.

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Bipartisan Congressional Bill Would Regulate Hemp Products, In Contrast To Ban Trump Signed

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.

ATF revises gun ban for marijuana & other drug consumers (Newsletter: January 22, 2026)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Senate Sends Trump Bill That Would Continue Protecting Medical Marijuana States, Without Anti-Rescheduling Provisions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gov. Andy Beshear anticipates a significant increase in medical dispensaries now that the supply chain is fully licensed.

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.

US House Passes Bill Protecting State Medical Marijuana Laws And Rejecting Attempt To Block Trump’s Rescheduling Move

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."

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

Congressional Leaders Drop Attempt To Block Marijuana Rescheduling, While Preserving State Medical Cannabis Protections

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.

Congressional dispute over Biden’s cannabis pardons (Newsletter: January 2, 2026)

4 In 5 Marijuana Consumers Oppose Hemp THC Ban Trump Signed Ahead Of Rescheduling And CBD Access Order, Poll Shows

Marijuana Saw Some Big Moments In 2025—From Trump’s Rescheduling Order To State Legalization Momentum

Could DOJ ignore Trump’s cannabis rescheduling order? (Newsletter: December 30, 2025)

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.

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."

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.

Trump lied about cannabis rescheduling opposition, GOP senator says (Newsletter: December 22, 2025)

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.

Trump Signs Executive Order To Reclassify Marijuana By Removing It From Schedule I and making it Schedule III

GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump Not To Reschedule Marijuana In Last-Ditch Effort To Block Historic Reform

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.

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.

Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Include Industry Banking And CBD Medicare Coverage Provisions, Sources Say

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

Nominee criticized as 'unqualified' and having expressed support for medical marijuana

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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

Trump cabinet members talk psychedelics with former senator (Newsletter: December 2, 2025)

- 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Trump admin see cannabis as “hazard,” federal prosecutor says (Newsletter: November 18, 2025)

Virginia lawmakers, following the election of Governor Abigail Spanberger who pledged to sign legalization legislation, are moving forward with establishing a regulated adult-use cannabis market after years of obstruction from outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales will present its finalized proposal on December 2nd, with sales potentially starting as early as fall 2026. The legislation aims to create a well-regulated market, address historical injustice, and direct tax revenue toward priorities like education, while combating the current illicit market. Equity advocates are urging for stronger provisions to ensure fair competition and investment in disproportionately harmed communities. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) also recently launched a new portal to streamline medical cannabis certification.