State of Cannabis: Weekly News Digest

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-23: Minnesota Licenses Issued, Texas Expands Medical Program, North Carolina Forms Cannabis Council

7 June, 2025
 
TOP HEADLINES:
- Ohio’s lawmakers tinker with voter-approved legalization
- North Carolina launches a statewide advisory council for THC reform
- Minnesota’s business license lottery
- California’s decision to delay its cannabis tax hike
- Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh legalization during critical budget talks
- Texas could ban hemp-derived THC even as it expands medical access
- Record sales in Arkansas, etc.
 
 
If you found this episode helpful, make sure to follow and subscribe on your favorite platform — whether you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere else. Leave a rating or comment to support the show, and share this episode with anyone interested in cannabis in the U.S.
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Tags:
cannabis news 2025, Texas hemp ban, Minnesota cannabis licenses, North Carolina cannabis reform, Arkansas marijuana sales, Ohio cannabis legalization, California cannabis tax delay, Massachusetts cannabis regulation, Pennsylvania cannabis legalization 2025, Nevada cannabis policy, U.S. cannabis market update, federal hemp ban 2025, marijuana podcast USA, weed news podcast, legal cannabis states 2025, cannabis industry reform, marijuana legalization updates, THC product laws, medical marijuana updates, cannabis business licensing
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SUMMARIES:
ARKANSAS
Arkansas is seeing steady growth in medical marijuana use. From January through May 2025, dispensaries sold over 32,000 pounds of cannabis, generating $121 million—up 6% from last year. With daily sales now averaging $806,000 and patient numbers rising, the state is on pace to break its 2023 sales record.
#ArkansasCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #ArkansasMMJ #CannabisSales2025 #ArkansasDispensaries #CannabisNews #THCArkansas #MedicalCannabis #CannabisRevenue #ArkansasPatients #CannabisIndustry
 
CALIFORNIA
 
California’s cannabis industry has won a major reprieve. Lawmakers in the Assembly voted 74-0 to delay a planned increase in marijuana excise taxes from 15% to 19%, originally set to take effect this July. If passed by the Senate, the new law would keep tax rates frozen until 2030.
#CaliforniaCannabis #AB564 #CannabisTaxRelief #LegalWeedCA #CannabisIndustry #CannabisPolicy #MattHaney #StopTheHike #TaxJustice #CannabisEconomy #CANNABIZ
MINNESOTA
Minnesota has taken a major step toward launching its recreational cannabis market. On June 5, the state awarded 249 business licenses through a lottery, prioritizing social equity applicants like veterans and those affected by past drug laws. While more steps remain before stores can open, the first dispensaries could arrive as soon as August.
#MinnesotaCannabis #MNMarijuanaLottery #CannabisEquity #RecreationalCannabisMN #MNDispensaries #CannabisLicensesMN #SocialEquityCannabis #OCMMinnesota #CannabisMarketLaunch #MNWeedNews #VeteransInCannabis #TribalCannabisMN
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts lawmakers have passed a wide-ranging cannabis reform bill. The House voted unanimously to restructure the Cannabis Control Commission, increase retail license limits, remove business restrictions on medical marijuana, and regulate hemp products. The bill now awaits action in the Senate.
#MACannabisReform #H4187 #MassCannabisLaw #CCCReform #MedicalMarijuanaMA #HempRegulation #CannabisLicenseCaps #MassMarijuanaNews #CannabisPolicyMA #CBDTaxMA #CannabisOversight
NEVADA
 
Nevada has passed a new law allowing people with old marijuana possession convictions to become foster parents or work in foster homes. Governor Joe Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 107, which exempts non-sale possession offenses older than five years from disqualifying background checks.
 
#NevadaCannabis #AB107 #FosterCareReform #CannabisJustice #JoeLombardo #NevadaLegislation #CannabisPolicy #MarijuanaReform #CannabisEquity #FosterCareRights
 
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has created a bipartisan cannabis advisory council to study marijuana legalization, youth protections, and public safety. The move comes amid growing concern over unregulated THC products and rising public support for reform. The council will submit recommendations starting in 2026.
#NCCannabisReform #JoshStein #CannabisLegalization #THCRegulation #NCMarijuana #CannabisCouncilNC #PublicHealthTHC #ExpungeMarijuanaRecords #LegalWeedNC #NCPolitics #BipartisanReform #MedicalMarijuanaNC #CannabisJustice
 
OHIO
Ohio has increased the daily cannabis flower purchase limit for adults from 1 ounce to 2.5 ounces. The change, effective June 5, comes after regulators determined the state’s cannabis market can sustain both medical and recreational demand. Medical patient limits remain the same, and dispensaries must maintain supply before raising their sales thresholds. Meanwhile, lawmakers are debating bills that could significantly reshape the voter-approved legalization law.
In Columbus, Ohio lawmakers are reworking Senate Bill 56, a controversial proposal to revise the state's cannabis legalization law passed by voters in 2023. After strong public opposition, legislators have removed some criminal penalties and say more changes are coming. Key concerns remain over public use restrictions, THC limits, and cuts to social equity funding. Meanwhile, adults in Ohio can now legally purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per day.
#OhioCannabis #SB56 #OhioLegislation #MarijuanaReform #CannabisEquity #LegalWeedOhio #Issue2 #CannabisNews #THCLaws #OhioPolitics #OhioCannabis #MarijuanaPolicy #CannabisReform #THCLimits #MedicalMarijuana #RecreationalWeed #OhioDispensaries #CannabisNews #LegalWeedOhio #DCCUpdate #CannabisLegislation #CannabisMarketOhio #CannabisPodcast
 
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says he’s hopeful lawmakers will legalize adult-use marijuana by the end of June. The House passed a bill, but Senate Republicans rejected it. Now, both sides are trying to reach a compromise before the state budget is finalized.
#PACannabis #LegalizeItPA #JoshShapiro #CannabisReform #PAHouseBill #CannabisJustice #MarijuanaLegalization #EndProhibitionPA #CannabisRevenue #PABudget2025
 
TEXAS
Texas lawmakers have passed House Bill 46, a major expansion of the state’s medical marijuana program. If signed by Governor Greg Abbott, the law will allow patients with chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries, and Crohn’s disease to access medical cannabis starting this September. It will also grow the number of dispensaries from three to fifteen, making it easier for patients to get their medicine.
#TexasCannabis #MedicalMarijuanaTX #HB46 #CannabisAccess #ChronicPainRelief #TBIawareness #CrohnsDisease #CannabisLegislation #TCUP #CannabisReformTexas
FEDERAL
A new federal budget bill proposed by House Republicans would ban most hemp-derived THC products—including Delta-8 and THCA flower—by redefining hemp and tightening legal limits. Advocates warn this could destroy much of the hemp industry, affecting businesses and consumers nationwide.
#HempBan #Delta8 #CannabisPolicy #CBDRegulation #THCABan #FarmBill2026 #AndyHarris #HempIndustry #MarijuanaNews #Cannabinoids #FederalCannabisPolicy #GOPCannabisBill #USHempRoundtable #HempFarmers #CannabisRegulation
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine has approved its first legal import of medical cannabis. The permit, issued on June 2, allows registered cannabis-based medicines to be brought into the country, marking a major step forward in Ukraine’s effort to treat patients suffering from war-related trauma, chronic pain, and neurological conditions.
#UkraineCannabis #MedicalCannabisUkraine #CannabisImports #ZelenskyCannabis #UkraineHealth #CannabisForPTSD #CuraleafUkraine #CannabisReform #EasternEuropeCannabis #MedicalMarijuana
 

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-22: Oregon Eases Cannabis Trade, Hawaii Expands Medical Cannabis Access, Tennessee Bans THCA

31 May, 2025
Catch up on the latest cannabis policy shifts from 10+ states: Minnesota makes history with a tribal-run dispensary, Kentucky maps out 39 future medical cannabis locations, and Texas battles over banning Delta-8 products. Meanwhile, Hawaii advances major reforms, Nebraska inches toward a THC limit, and Oregon opens its doors to cannabis sampling events. We also explore how Tennessee’s hemp crackdown and Ohio’s legislative rewrites could reshape their cannabis landscapes. Big moves, big implications.
 
If you found this episode helpful, make sure to follow and subscribe on your favorite platform — whether you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere else. Leave a rating or comment to support the show, and share this episode with anyone interested in cannabis in the U.S.
---------------------
Tags: cannabis news 2025, texas delta 8 ban, kentucky medical cannabis, ohio cannabis legislation, minnesota tribal dispensary, pennsylvania legalization 2025, hawaii medical marijuana reforms, tennessee thca ban, nebraska thc restrictions, oregon cannabis events, us cannabis legalization updates, state cannabis reform 2025, marijuana laws by state, cannabis policy podcast, legal weed updates usa, cannabis industry news, recreational marijuana 2025, hemp laws 2025, cannabis podcast 2025, marijuana legalization debate
 
 
 
 
 
SUMMARIES:
 
HAWAII
 
Governor Josh Green has signed a new law expanding medical marijuana caregiver rights in Hawaii, allowing them to grow cannabis for up to five patients. He is also considering two other bills that would modernize the state’s medical program and tighten rules on hemp product sales. Decisions are due by July 9.
#HawaiiCannabis #MedicalMarijuanaHI #SB1429 #HB302 #HB1482 #CannabisCaregivers #HempRegulation #GovernorJoshGreen #CannabisReformHI #HawaiiHempLaw #TelehealthCannabis #CannabisPolicy2025
KENTUCKY
Kentucky is moving closer to launching its medical marijuana program. Governor Andy Beshear has rolled out a new online map showing where dispensaries will open and has waived renewal fees for patients who registered in 2025. With more than 10,000 cardholders already signed up, the state expects some dispensaries to open later this year.
#KentuckyCannabis #MedicalMarijuanaKY #AndyBeshear #KYDispensaries #CannabisPatients #MedicalCannabis2025 #KYWeed #MarijuanaAccess #KYMedCan
MINNESOTA
White Earth Nation opened Minnesota’s first recreational cannabis dispensary outside of tribal land on May 23 in Moorhead. This historic move, made possible by a state-tribal agreement, marks a major step forward in tribal participation in the state’s cannabis industry. The dispensary sells fully in-house grown products, with more tribal and government-run dispensaries expected to follow.
#WhiteEarthNation #MoorheadCannabis #MinnesotaCannabis #WaabigwanMashkiki #TribalCannabis #SeedToSale #IndigenousCannabis #MinnesotaMarijuana #OCM #CannabisDispensaryOpening
NEBRASKA
Nebraska's Legislature has advanced a controversial bill, LB 316, which would ban many hemp products with more than 0.3% THC or 10 milligrams per package. The measure adds a 10% tax on legal products and may lead to more felony charges. Supporters say it's about safety, but critics warn it could hurt businesses and consumers.
#NebraskaCannabis #HempBan #LB316 #CannabisLaw #CBDNews #MedicalCannabis #NebraskaPolitics #CannabisPolicy
NEVADA
Nevada lawmakers have approved a bill to allow people with low-level marijuana convictions—if the offense happened more than five years ago—to become foster parents or work in foster care. The bill, known as AB 107, now heads to Governor Joe Lombardo, and it marks a major shift in state policy aligning foster care rules with Nevada’s cannabis laws. Advocates say it could help more qualified individuals join the foster care system without being penalized for past behavior that’s no longer illegal.
#NevadaCannabis #FosterCareReform #AB107 #NevadaNews #CannabisAndChildren #GovLombardo #CannabisLaws #CannabisCommunity #FosterParenting #DrugPolicyReform #NORML
OHIO
Ohio lawmakers are moving to change the state’s marijuana law approved by voters in 2023. Proposed legislation would reduce THC levels, limit home cultivation, and change where cannabis can be used. Critics say the bills go against what voters wanted.
#OhioCannabis #MarijuanaLaw #HB160 #HomeGrow #OhioPolitics #VoterRights #OhioMarijuanaReform #Issue2 #CannabisLawOH #OhioLegislation
Ohio lawmakers are close to passing Senate Bill 56, a major revision of the cannabis law approved by voters in 2023. The bill would impose stricter rules on public consumption, cap dispensary numbers, and cut funding for community programs. Critics say it undermines voter intent and limits access to legal cannabis.
#OhioCannabis #SB56 #OhioMarijuanaReform #Issue2 #CannabisJustice #CannabisLawOH #CannabisEquity #OhioLegislation #MarijuanaPolicy #THCRegulation
OREGON
On May 29th, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill that allows licensed marijuana businesses to offer samples and make wholesale sales at cannabis trade shows. Starting January 1, 2026, the law will let producers, processors, and retailers showcase and distribute products at OLCC-approved events, aiming to support transparency and reduce industry red tape
#OregonCannabis #SenateBill558 #CannabisIndustry #MarijuanaSamples #OLCC #CannabisEvents #TinaKotek #THCNews #HempPolicy #MarijuanaNews #CannabisTradeShows #CannabisMarketing
 
PENNSYLVANIA
 
Pennsylvania State Senator Marty Flynn has introduced the Keystone Cannabis Act, a new bill to legalize recreational marijuana across the state. The plan outlines a private market for cannabis sales, sets strict product regulations, and proposes using tax revenues—expected to top $500 million annually—to invest in rural infrastructure, public health, and equity programs. The legislation comes after a Senate committee recently rejected a separate, state-run legalization proposal. Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders hope to finalize a deal by July.
#KeystoneCannabisAct #PennsylvaniaCannabis #LegalWeedPA #PAHouse #MartyFlynn #GovernorShapiro #CannabisLegislation2025 #CannabisPolicyPA
A new report shows that Pennsylvania could earn more than $2 billion in tax revenue within five years by legalizing adult-use cannabis. But political disagreement in Harrisburg—mainly over whether marijuana should be sold in state-run stores or private dispensaries—has stalled progress. While the House passed a bill, the Senate rejected it, and now bipartisan lawmakers are working on a compromise, hoping to pass legislation before the state budget deadline in July.
#PALegalWeed #AdultUseMarijuana #PAMarijuanaReform #CannabisRevenue #CannabisTax #PAPolitics
TENNESSEE
 
Tennessee is overhauling its hemp industry. Governor Bill Lee has signed House Bill 1376, banning the sale of THCA and synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC. Starting January 1, 2026, all hemp-derived products must be sold in person at licensed shops, under new rules enforced by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The law also introduces new taxes and age restrictions—changes that will affect patients, businesses, and consumers statewide.
#TennesseeHempLaw #HB1376 #THCABan #HempRegulations #THCLaws #TennesseeCannabis #MedicalCannabisTN #CannabisPodcast #THCRegulations #ABCoversight #EndOfTHCA #HempPolicyChange
TEXAS
 
Texas lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 3, which would ban all hemp-derived THC products in the state. Veterans groups and business leaders are urging Governor Greg Abbott to veto the bill, saying it would hurt patients, eliminate jobs, and shut down a growing industry.
#TCUP #HB46 #MedicalMarijuanaTexas #ChronicPainRelief #CannabisPolicy #TexasTHCBan #CannabisAccess
Texas lawmakers are moving forward with a deal to expand access to medical marijuana while also advancing a ban on most THC products. Chronic pain and terminal illness will now qualify for cannabis treatment under the Compassionate Use Program. Meanwhile, a new law could soon outlaw the sale of popular hemp-derived products like delta-8, making the medical program the only legal source for THC in the state.
#CannabisLaw #FederalMarijuanaBan #CannabisCourtCase #MassachusettsCannabis #ControlledSubstancesAct #MarijuanaProhibition #DavidBoies #VeranoHoldings #GonzalesvRaich #CannabisAppeal #FederalCannabisPolicy #USMarijuanaLaw
NATIONAL
A federal court has rejected a lawsuit by several Massachusetts cannabis businesses trying to overturn the federal marijuana ban. Despite legal sales in many states, the court ruled that marijuana remains illegal nationwide under the Controlled Substances Act. The companies plan to take their case to the Supreme Court.
#CannabisLaw #FederalMarijuanaBan #CannabisCourtCase #MassachusettsCannabis #ControlledSubstancesAct #MarijuanaProhibition #CannabisLegalization #DavidBoies #VeranoHoldings #GonzalesvRaich #CannabisAppeal #FederalCannabisPolicy #USMarijuanaLaw

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-21: Texas Bans THC, New York's Legal Weed Pop-Ups, Oregon Union Ruling Shakes Industry

24 May 2025
Cannabis laws are shifting fast! In this update: Texas may ban THC edibles while trying to expand medical use. Minnesota’s new tribal dispensaries could be the state’s only access point for months. Montana’s marijuana tax revenue is now a battleground between conservation and enforcement. Also covered: Oregon's landmark court win on union rules, Utah hitting 100K medical patients, Nebraska’s legal gridlock, and New York's expanding cannabis pop-ups. Listen for critical insights and how these changes could affect you.
 
Cannabis News 2025, Texas THC Ban, Minnesota Cannabis Dispensaries, Montana Weed Tax, New York Cannabis Showcase, Nebraska Medical Marijuana, Utah Medical Cannabis, Oregon Union Law Cannabis, US Cannabis Legislation, Legal Weed Update, Cannabis Industry Trends, THC Laws USA, State Cannabis Reform, Recreational Weed News, Medical Marijuana Policy, Cannabis Business USA, Cannabis Tax Revenue, Marijuana Legalization 2025, Weed Laws by State, Hemp THC Ban
If you found this episode helpful, make sure to follow or subscribe on your favorite platform — whether you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere else. Leave a rating or comment to support the show, and share this episode with anyone interested in cannabis in the U.S.
--------------------
SUMMARIES:
 
MINNESOTA
 
The White Earth Nation is making history in Minnesota as the first tribe allowed to open recreational cannabis dispensaries outside its reservation. Governor Tim Walz signed a compact this week permitting up to eight tribal-run stores statewide. The first will open in Moorhead as soon as this weekend, setting a national precedent for tribal cannabis regulation.
#MinnesotaCannabis #WhiteEarthNation #TribalCannabis #CannabisCompact #RecreationalMarijuana #MoorheadDispensary #CannabisPolicy #CannabisLegalization #MinnesotaMarijuana #WaabigwanMashkiki #TribalSovereignty #CannabisNews #MNPolitics
Minnesota hasn’t launched legal marijuana sales yet, but lawmakers have already approved a tax increase. Under a new budget deal, cannabis products—including hemp-derived THC edibles—will be taxed at 15%, up from 10%. Critics worry the hike could drive consumers back to the illicit market before the legal one even begins.
#CannabisTax #THCProducts #CannabisLegislation #MarijuanaTaxHike #LegalWeedMN #OfficeOfCannabisManagement
 
MONTANA
 
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed a new law expanding how marijuana tax money is used. Starting in July, House Bill 932 will fund wildlife habitat projects on private lands, build wildlife highway crossings, and support water conservation. But there’s a catch—a second bill, SB 537, could change how those funds are spent, potentially redirecting them to law enforcement and addiction services instead. Both bills passed overwhelmingly, and what happens next could reshape Montana’s cannabis-funded conservation future.
#MontanaCannabis #HB932 #MarijuanaTax #WildlifeConservation #CannabisLegislation #MontanaOutdoors #Gianforte #HabitatMontana #CannabisRevenue #WildlifeCrossings #MontanaNews #ConservationPolicy #CannabisTaxReform
 
NEBRASKA
Nebraska lawmakers questioned and voted on two new appointees to the state’s medical cannabis commission. One was approved with support, while the other moved forward without recommendation. Both have past records opposing medical marijuana, raising concerns among advocates that they might hinder the program’s rollout. The state must finalize cannabis regulations by July 1.
 
#NebraskaCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisCommission #CannabisNews #THCRegulation #OldenburgMueting #NebraskaPolitics #CannabisAdvocacy #MMJNews #NebraskaMMJ
Nebraska lawmakers have failed to pass a bill regulating the state’s new medical marijuana program. The plan, supported by voters last year, will now be overseen by a new commission. Critics say this leaves patients in limbo and gives too much power to political appointees who oppose cannabis.
#LB677 #CannabisRegulation #Nebraskalegislation #VoterApproved #MedicalCannabis #LegalWeedNE #CannabisInNebraska
NEW YORK
New York’s cannabis regulators approved 52 new licenses and launched a new map to help consumers find legal dispensaries. They also introduced a tracking system to follow cannabis from farm to sale, all part of efforts to support legal businesses and shut down the illegal market.
#NYCannabis #BuyLegalNY #SeedToSale #OCM #CannabisEquity #MarijuanaLicensing #LegalWeedNY #CannabisCompliance #NewYorkDispensaries #CannabisNews
OREGON
A federal judge has blocked Oregon’s Measure 119, a law approved by voters that required cannabis businesses to stay neutral during union discussions. The judge ruled it violated the First Amendment and conflicted with federal labor law. The decision ends a key union-backed licensing requirement for marijuana businesses in the state.
#OregonCannabis #Measure119 #CannabisNews #LaborRights #FreeSpeech #MarijuanaIndustry #Unionization #CannabisBusiness #CannabisPolicy #CannabisLaw #FirstAmendment #NLRA #FederalCourtRuling #UFCW #PortlandCannabis
TEXAS
Texas is in the midst of a major cannabis policy debate as lawmakers weigh two competing bills: House Bill 46, which expands the state’s Compassionate Use Program for medical marijuana, and Senate Bill 3, which proposes a near-total ban on hemp-derived THC products. The outcome will affect thousands of medical cannabis patients, the $8 billion hemp industry, and retail access across the state. With key votes expected this week, the future of legal THC in Texas hangs in the balance.
#TexasCannabisLaws #HB46 #SB3 #CompassionateUseProgram #MedicalMarijuanaTexas #HempTHCBan #TexasHouseVote #LtGovDanPatrick #CannabisDispensaries #HempIndustryTexas #LowTHCCannabis #MarijuanaExpansionBill #HempDerivedTHC #TexasTHCLegislation #CBDLawsTexas
 
Texas lawmakers have approved a sweeping new bill that bans all THC in consumable hemp products. Senate Bill 3, passed by the House this week, criminalizes possession of compounds like delta-8 and delta-10 THC. Supporters say it protects children and public health, while critics—including industry leaders and veterans—warn it will destroy thousands of jobs and hurt patients who rely on THC for relief. The bill now returns to the Senate before heading to Governor Abbott.
#Delta8THC #Delta10THC #CannabisRegulationTexas #CBGTexas #CannabisLaw2025 #TomOliversonTHCBill #THCPossessionPenaltyTexas #CannabisLegalizationTexas
 
UTAH
Utah has officially registered over 100,000 medical cannabis patients, a major milestone for the program. But while access grows, new rules banning low-cost pop-up clinics near dispensaries are causing concern among low-income patients who rely on those services. Advocates hope the expanded list of prescribers can help offset the change.
#UtahCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisPatients #SB64 #HB54 #UtahPolitics #CannabisAccess #CannabisMilestone #UtahHealth #CannabisReform #UtahNews #MedicalCannabisUtah #CannabisEquity

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-20: Texas Expands Medical Marijuana, Louisiana Kills Cannabis Tax Bill, Massachusetts Launches Equity Jobs Hub

17 May 2025
Big cannabis headlines from across the U.S. this week:
Illinois targets police reform by banning weed smell as grounds for traffic stops.
Louisiana misses a major step toward legalization after a cannabis tax bill fails.
Massachusetts launches an equity-driven cannabis jobs portal.
Missouri tackles a Supreme Court battle over stacked local marijuana taxes.
Pennsylvania blocks legalization efforts by rejecting a state-store retail model.
Texas expands its medical cannabis program with new conditions and product options.
National cannabis policy remains in limbo as the DEA nominee avoids rescheduling commitments. And in hemp: Alabama cracks down with strict new laws, while Florida fails to act—leaving its booming hemp sector in chaos.
If you found this episode helpful, make sure to follow or subscribe on your favorite platform — whether you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere else. Leave a rating or comment to support the show, and share this episode with anyone interested in cannabis in the U.S.
 
cannabis news 2025, weed legalization 2025, medical marijuana texas, missouri cannabis tax, illinois weed laws, pennsylvania marijuana legalization, louisiana cannabis bill, alabama hemp ban, florida hemp regulation, massachusetts cannabis jobs, marijuana reform usa, cannabis equity jobs, cannabis tax policy, recreational marijuana usa, DEA cannabis rescheduling, state cannabis laws, u.s. marijuana policy, cannabis industry update, hemp laws 2025, weed legalization news
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SUMMARIES:ALABAMA
 
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed a controversial new law, HB445, that imposes tough restrictions on hemp-derived THC products. The law bans smokable hemp and vapes, limits THC in edibles, and shifts regulation to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Small business owners and patients who rely on these products warn the law could shut down businesses and reduce access to holistic care.
#AlabamaCannabis #HB445 #HempLaw #MedicalCannabis #THCBan #CBDAlabama #HempIndustry #CannabisRegulation #AlabamaNews #Delta8 #THCRegulations #CannabisPodcast #ABCBoard #AlabamaPolitics
FLORIDA
Florida lawmakers have once again failed to agree on how to regulate the state’s growing hemp industry. Two proposed bills — one calling for sales restrictions and the other a new tax — were debated but not passed, leaving hemp-derived products like Delta-8 and THC-infused drinks unregulated for at least another year. Business owners and public health advocates remain divided as the state punts the issue to a future session.
#FloridaHemp #Delta8THC #THCBeverages #CannabisRegulation #HempIndustryNews #FloridaLegislation #CannabisPolicy #FloridaCannabis #SB438 #HB7027 #THCDrinks #CannabisBusiness #MedicalCannabis
 
ILLINOIS
 
In Illinois, a House committee has advanced Senate Bill 42—a proposal that would prevent police from using the smell of raw cannabis as the sole reason to stop or search a vehicle. Lawmakers say the move is aimed at ensuring fairness, especially following conflicting state court rulings and concerns about racial profiling. The bill now heads to the House floor.
 
#IllinoisCannabis #SB42 #CannabisLawReform #MarijuanaLegislation #CannabisJustice #CannabisOdorSearch #LegalWeedIL #CannabisPolicy #CannabisRights #CivilRightsCannabis #CannabisTrafficLaws #CannabisEquity #ILHouseBill
 
LOUISIANA
 
Louisiana’s plans to prepare for future marijuana legalization took a hit this week. Lawmakers narrowly voted down HB 636, a bill that would have created a 15% excise tax on cannabis sales. While it wouldn’t have legalized marijuana, the bill was designed to set up the tax system in advance, with the revenue earmarked for teacher and school staff salaries. The rejection delays any structural groundwork for a future legal cannabis market in the state.
 
#LouisianaCannabis #HB636 #CannabisReform #MarijuanaTax #CannabisLegislation #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisNews #CannabisPolicy #LegalWeedLA #THCPolicy
 
MASSACHUSETTS
 
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has launched a new tool called the EquityWorks Career Hub. It’s a job and training platform aimed at helping people—especially those impacted by the War on Drugs—find work and build careers in the state’s cannabis industry. The site offers job listings, training resources, and virtual job fairs, and opens to the public in June.
#EquityWorks #MassCannabisJobs #CannabisCareers #SocialEquity #CannabisIndustryMA #MassachusettsCCC #WarOnDrugs #CannabisWorkforce #LegalCannabisJobs #MarijuanaReform
https://masscannabiscontrol.com/equity/equityworks/
 
MISSOURI
 
The Missouri Supreme Court is reviewing a case that could decide whether cities and counties can both charge a 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana. A dispensary in Florissant argues that only one local government should be allowed to tax cannabis sales. If the court agrees, it could impact marijuana tax revenues across more than 70 areas statewide.
 
#MissouriCannabis #CannabisTax #RecreationalMarijuana #MoSupremeCourt #CannabisPolicy #MarijuanaLegalization #CannabisNews #TaxStacking #MissouriWeedTax #FlorissantDispensary #MoCannTrade #CannabisRegulation #WeedPolitics
 
PENNSYLVANIA
 
In Pennsylvania, a Senate committee has rejected House Bill 1200, a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana through state-run stores. The bill had passed the House, but senators voiced concerns about economic impacts, federal legality, and lack of support for private businesses. Lawmakers say more negotiations are expected.
#PennsylvaniaCannabis #PALegalWeed #CannabisReformPA #HB1200 #RecreationalMarijuanaPA #CannabisLegislation #DanLaughlin #SharifStreet #CannabisPolitics #StateRunStores #MarijuanaBill #PAPolitics #CannabisPolicy
 
TEXAS
 
The Texas House has passed a bill to expand the state’s limited medical marijuana program. House Bill 46 would add several new medical conditions, allow inhalable products like vapes, and increase the number of dispensaries from three to eleven. The measure now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers must reconcile a more limited version of the bill.
#TexasCannabis #MedicalMarijuanaTX #HB46 #CannabisExpansion #VeteransForCannabis #CannabisAccess #THCTreatment #CannabisLegislation #TexasHealthPolicy #CannabisReform #RuralHealth #ChronicPainRelief
 
NATIONAL
 
The future of federal cannabis reform is again in question. DEA nominee Terrance Cole declined to say whether he supports reclassifying marijuana, despite a recommendation from federal health officials. Meanwhile, a new bill in Congress would allow the White House drug czar to speak openly about cannabis policy and sponsor research. Together, these developments show growing momentum—but also deep hesitation—within the federal government over marijuana reform.
 
#CannabisReform #DEA #TerranceCole #MarijuanaPolicy #FederalCannabis #EvidenceBasedPolicy #ONDPCLegislation #CannabisResearch #CannabisScheduleIII #CannabisNews
 

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-19: Pot Politics: What's Legal, Banned, or Just Confusing in U.S. States

10 May, 2025
This week, cannabis laws are changing fast—and not always in the same direction. Alabama just cracked down on hemp, Florida is making it harder to legalize weed, and Delaware finally got the go-ahead to license dispensaries. Meanwhile, Michigan bans a bad actor for life, Indiana bans cannabis ads, and Minnesota prepares for its first weed license lottery. We also break down the high-stakes politics in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Nebraska—and the latest warnings about weed use during pregnancy.
 
 
 
 
 
SUMMARY:
 
ALABAMA
Alabama is on the verge of a major shift in hemp regulation. Lawmakers have passed House Bill 445, which would give the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board full authority over the hemp industry, including licensing, product testing, and sales rules. The bill bans smokable products and synthetic cannabinoids and limits THC content to 10 milligrams per serving. If signed by Governor Kay Ivey, the law takes effect this July, with enforcement beginning January 2026.
#AlabamaCannabis #HempRegulation #HB445 #CBDLaws #THCLegislation #CannabisNews #HempIndustry #AlabamaPolitics #CannabisPolicy #LegalHemp
CALIFORNIA
California Governor Gavin Newsom says that the crackdown on intoxicating hemp products is working. State alcohol regulators found that nearly all of the over 11,000 licensed businesses inspected this year are complying with emergency rules banning the sale of hemp-derived THC products. The rules, introduced to protect kids from unregulated cannabinoids, are now set to expire in September.
#CaliforniaCannabis #HempTHCBan #NewsomTHCBan #CannabisRegulations #Delta8Ban #CBDRegulations #CannabisIndustryNews #PublicHealthPolicy #THCCompliance #CannabisPodcast
DELAWARE
Delaware’s legal cannabis market is back on track. After months of delay, the FBI has approved a fingerprint service code for background checks on marijuana business applicants. This follows the passage of House Bill 110, a law that clarified who needs to be checked. Officials say this means selected applicants can now move forward, and recreational cannabis licenses may soon be issued.
#DelawareCannabis #CannabisLegalization #HB110 #FBIApproval #CannabisNews #WeedLicensing #MedicalMarijuana #RecreationalCannabis #CannabisRegulations #CannabisIndustry #SocialEquityCannabis #OMCDelaware
FLORIDA
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new Florida law that makes it harder for citizens to get amendments like marijuana legalization and Medicaid expansion on the ballot. The law requires groups to pay a $1 million bond, limits who can collect signatures, and imposes strict penalties. Advocacy groups have already filed lawsuits, calling it a threat to direct democracy in Florida.
 #FloridaCannabis #BallotInitiative #DeSantis #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisReform #HB1205 #SmartAndSafeFlorida #FloridaPolitic #MedicaidExpansion #DirectDemocracy
INDIANA
Indiana Governor Mike Braun has signed House Bill 1390 into law, banning all marijuana and Schedule I drug advertisements across the state. The measure aims to block cannabis marketing from nearby states like Illinois and Michigan, and violators now face fines starting at $5,000.
#IndianaCannabis #CannabisNews #MarijuanaAdvertising #HouseBill1390 #THCLaw #IndianaPolitics #WeedAdBan #MidwestCannabis #CannabisMarketing #CannabisRegulation #GovMikeBraun #NoWeedAds #CannabisIndustryNews
MICHIGAN
Michigan regulators have issued a first-time ever lifetime ban to a co-owner of a chain of dispensaries in Big Rapids and Bay City. The Cannabis Regulatory Agency found Youssef Barakat violated multiple rules, including selling marijuana to an undercover minor and failing to secure cannabis products. This marks the first time Michigan has involuntarily excluded someone from its legal marijuana industry.
#MichiganCannabis #CRA #CannabisCompliance #TreeHouseClub #CannabisNews #CannabisRegulations #CannabisIndustry #CannabisRetail #CannabisEnforcement #THCNews
MINNESOTA
Minnesota is moving ahead with its adult-use cannabis market. The state’s Office of Cannabis Management announced it will hold license lotteries on June 5 for cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers. Social equity applicants will get first access to retail licenses, with general applicant lotteries coming later this summer. It’s a key move as the state continues working to build out its cannabis supply chain and meet growing demand.
#MinnesotaCannabis #CannabisLicensing #MNWeedLottery #CannabisEquity #MinnesotaOCM #CannabisBusiness #AdultUseCannabis #MNMarijuana #SocialEquityCannabis #CannabisIndustry2025
MISSISSIPPI
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Cocroft v. Graham, a case brought by Mississippi dispensary owner Clarence Cocroft, who challenged the state’s total ban on advertising medical marijuana. Despite cannabis being legal in Mississippi, the courts ruled the state can restrict ads due to marijuana’s federal illegality, leaving Cocroft—and other dispensary owners—unable to share basic information about their legal businesses.
#CocroftvGraham #MississippiCannabis #CannabisAdvertising #FirstAmendmentRights #MedicalMarijuana #TruSource #CannabisNews #CannabisJustice #MMJPolicy #CannabisIndustry #BlackOwnedBusiness #SCOTUS #InstituteForJustice
NEBRASKA
Nebraska’s top law enforcement officials, including Attorney General Mike Hilgers and 15 county sheriffs, are opposing new legislation that would regulate medical marijuana—even after voters approved it last year. Lawmakers are debating a bill and amendment that would establish how patients access cannabis, but critics say it’s too close to recreational use. Supporters argue the law is necessary to help patients and stop the black market. A decision must be made by June 9.
#NebraskaCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisLegislation #NebraskaPolitics #LB677 #CannabisReform #CannabisRegulations #MedicalCannabis #VoterWill #CannabisNews #NebraskaNews #THCPolicy #CannabisAccess #CannabisPatients
 
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania House Democrats moved forward with a landmark cannabis bill that would legalize recreational marijuana and sell it through state-run stores. The bill includes plans for social equity, record expungement, and reinvestment into communities harmed by past drug policies. While it's expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House, it faces strong opposition in the GOP-led Senate.
#PACannabis #CannabisLegalization #HB1200 #PennsylvaniaPolitics #CannabisEquity #MarijuanaReform #LegalWeedPA #PAHouse #CannabisIndustry #CannabisNews
WISCONSIN
In Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers have once again removed a proposal to legalize marijuana from the state budget. Governor Tony Evers' plan included taxing and regulating cannabis like alcohol, but the GOP-controlled budget committee rejected it, repeating a pattern from past years—even though a majority of Wisconsinites support legalization.
#WisconsinCannabis #MarijuanaLegalization #TonyEvers #GOPBudgetCuts #RecreationalMarijuana #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisNews #THCLaws #Delta8 #MidwestCannabis #WisconsinPolitics #WeedReform #CannabisTaxRevenue #LegalizeItWI #WisconsinNews

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-18: From Alabama's Lawsuits to Montana's Tribal Breakthrough

3 May, 2025
Chaos in cannabis: Alabama gets sued, Michigan’s market crashes, and Montana hands tribes cannabis control. Meanwhile, hemp crackdowns sweep the U.S., D.C. delays reform, and Canada’s legal industry sounds the alarm. It’s a state-by-state rundown you don’t want to miss.
Covered states: Alabama, Kentucky, Michiogan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington D.C. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALABAMA
 
Alabama’s medical cannabis program is still in gridlock—and now, five families have taken legal action. They've filed a lawsuit against the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, or AMCC, in Montgomery County Circuit Court, accusing the agency of failing to implement a patient and caregiver registry as required under the Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act, which was signed into law back in 2021.
The law mandated that the registry be up and running by September 1, 2022. It's now more than two years past that deadline, and patients still can’t legally access medical cannabis in the state.
But the AMCC says the problem isn’t the registry itself. In a recent statement, the Commission explained that the patient registry is already fully functional and has been maintained through ongoing support payments. The real issue, they say, lies in the regulatory sequence laid out by state law.
Here’s how that works: Patients can only be registered once they’ve received a recommendation from a physician certified by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. But doctors can’t get certified until the Commission awards at least one license to a cultivator, processor, secure transporter, and dispensary—or to a fully integrated facility. As of now, none of those licenses have been finalized. So while the infrastructure exists, it can’t actually be used.
The AMCC insists it’s “ready on day one” to enroll patients as soon as licensing is complete. In the meantime, individuals who meet Alabama’s qualifying conditions for medical cannabis can join a pre-registration list to receive email notifications when appointments with certified physicians become available.
This lawsuit is just the latest in a string of legal troubles for the Commission. It’s already facing multiple suits over alleged irregularities in its licensing process, including claims of improper scoring, inconsistent procedures, and violations of the Alabama Open Meetings and Administrative Procedure Acts.
 
#AlabamaCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisNews #CannabisPatients #CannabisReform #MedicalCannabis #AlabamaNews #CannabisIndustry #CannabisRegulations #PatientRights #CannabisAccess
KENTUCKY
In Kentucky this week, a political clash is erupting over the state’s newly launched medical cannabis program—raising questions not just about regulation, but about transparency and political pressure.
State Auditor Allison Ball, a Republican, says her office is pressing forward with an investigation into how medical cannabis business licenses were awarded—despite what she calls “political gamesmanship.” Ball claims that five public records requests sent by the Kentucky Democratic Party the day after the probe was announced were meant to intimidate her office. This, she says, follows a pattern of interference from Democratic officials, including a prior incident involving Governor Andy Beshear’s administration.
Democrats deny any attempt at obstruction, calling the records requests routine and pointing out that Kentucky’s Open Records Act does not weigh the motives of requesters. Legal observers say the law is designed to promote government transparency—regardless of political affiliations.
#KentuckyCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisAudit #AllisonBall #KDP #CannabisLicensing #KYPolitics #OpenRecordsAct #CannabisTransparency #KYMMJ #CannabisNews #CannabisIndustry #MedicalCannabisKentucky #KYAuditor
MICHIGAN
In Michigan this week, the state’s largest cannabis lobbying group is urging lawmakers to halt new marijuana business licenses, warning that the market is buckling under oversupply, plummeting prices, and rising illicit sales.
The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association says too many growers and too few retailers are flooding the market. Legal cannabis that sold for $500 an ounce in 2019 now fetches just $65. State regulators admit the imbalance—with more than 2,500 growers for under 900 retailers—but stopped short of backing a licensing freeze.
Adding pressure: a wave of unregulated THC products, often hemp-derived, are slipping into legal channels. A 2024 court ruling also weakened the state’s power to suspend licenses, leaving regulators with few tools to curb bad actors.
For patients and recreational users, cheaper prices may seem like a win—but they come at a cost: a less stable, more fragmented market. And while big players push for tighter controls, critics warn a freeze could lock out smaller entrepreneurs and undermine the industry’s original promise of equity and access.
Michigan’s cannabis crisis echoes a wider trend: of booming growth, weak enforcement, and a market still struggling to find balance.
#MichiganCannabis #CannabisLicensing #MarijuanaOversupply #CannabisRegulation #BlackMarketTHC #LegalWeedMichigan #CannabisNews #MCIA #RobinSchneider #BrianHanna #CannabisPodcast
MISSOURI
Missouri this week became the latest state to commission a full economic impact study of its cannabis industry—a move that could influence how many marijuana business licenses are issued in the future, and who gets them. The decision comes as Missouri’s cannabis market—once a newcomer—has rapidly become one of the most lucrative in the U.S., reporting nearly $3 billion in sales since adult-use legalization just two years ago.
Three research firms are now competing for the state contract, including national players known for cannabis market forecasting and equity analysis. The study will help Missouri regulators decide whether to expand access to licenses, particularly for small operators and historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, or hold the line to avoid oversaturating the market. The findings will also examine how cannabis revenues are impacting underserved communities—part of a growing trend among regulators to view legalization not just as commerce, but as economic justice.
#MissouriCannabis #CannabisLicensing #MarijuanaBusiness #CannabisStudy #MissouriMarijuana #CannabisEquity #CannabisEconomics #MarijuanaMarket #CannabisPolicy #MissouriWeed #CannabisNews #CannabisIndustry #MicrobusinessCannabis #AdultUseCannabis
 
MONTANA
Montana this week took a significant step in cannabis policy that could ripple far beyond the state’s borders. Lawmakers passed House Bill 952, granting Native American tribes the right to negotiate cannabis regulations directly with the governor’s office—ushering in a new era of tribal sovereignty over cannabis on reservation lands.
The bill addresses a major flaw in Montana’s original adult-use cannabis legislation, which had severely limited tribal participation in the legal market. Under the 2021 law, tribes were confined to just one dispensary, with operations restricted to off-reservation areas in so-called “green counties.” That effectively sidelined many Native communities from the economic and health benefits of legal cannabis.
House Bill 952 changes that. It allows each tribal nation to forge its own compact with the state, setting terms for cultivation, retail, taxation, and more. It’s a model that echoes successful frameworks seen in Washington State, and may set a precedent for others.
For tribal governments, the change could mean new revenue streams, job creation, and the ability to address community health needs with culturally informed approaches to medical cannabis. For consumers, especially those in rural areas or on reservations, it could improve access to both recreational and medicinal products—often in places where legal availability is scarce.
Industry watchers should take note that Montana’s compact approach could signal a broader shift toward more inclusive cannabis regulation across the U.S., especially as debates over sovereignty, equity, and public health gain ground.
Still, not everyone is on board. Some lawmakers warn the move might overcomplicate a system they believe is already functioning well. But for now, Montana is positioning itself as a test case in how states and tribes can share authority over an industry still mired in legal gray zones.
#MontanaCannabis #TribalSovereignty #HB952 #CannabisPolicy #NativeAmericanRights #CannabisCompacts #MontanaNews #CannabisLegislation #TribalCannabis #MarijuanaReform #FrankSmithMontana
NEBRASKA
Nebraska this week — lawmakers are facing a cannabis crossroads, with two key bills revealing deep divides over how to regulate both medical marijuana and hemp-derived THC products.
From May 3rd to 5th, state senators will host public forums to gather feedback on LB 677, a stalled bill to implement Nebraska’s newly approved medical cannabis program. Although voters legalized medical marijuana by a wide margin last November, the legislature has yet to agree on how to regulate it. Lawmakers hope the forums will help salvage the bill before the session ends in June. If they don’t act, key deadlines for licensing and implementation could be missed—leaving patients and entrepreneurs in limbo.
At the same time, the legislature has advanced LB 316, a separate and more controversial bill that would ban or severely restrict many hemp-derived THC products, like Delta-8. The measure reclassifies them as marijuana and imposes new taxes and penalties.
 #NebraskaCannabis #MedicalMarijuanaNE #LB677 #CannabisLegislation #NEPolitics #BenHansen #PublicForumCannabis #CannabisReform #LegalizeMarijuanaNE #VoiceOfTheVoters
NEW HAMPSHIRE
In New Hampshire — a bill to legalize cannabis for personal use has stalled in the state Senate, despite overwhelming public support. In a narrow 12 to 10 vote, lawmakers tabled House Bill 198, effectively ending the state’s chances of legalizing marijuana in 2025.
The measure would have allowed adults 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis — but it stopped short of creating a retail market. There were no provisions for sales, taxation, or product safety regulations. Still, supporters argued the bill was a step toward aligning New Hampshire with the rest of New England, where adult-use cannabis is already legal in every neighboring state.
But opponents, including Republican leaders and Governor Kelly Ayotte, warned that legalization could increase youth exposure and public health risks. Ayotte has vowed to veto any legalization measure — and that threat helped sway Senate votes.
#NHPolitics #CannabisLegalization #HB198 #LiveFreeOrDie #NewHampshireMarijuana #NHLegislature #CannabisReform #MarijuanaPolicy #AyotteVeto #LegalizeNH #CannabisNews2025 #NewEnglandCannabis
 
NEW MEXICO
 
In New Mexico this week, a federal court ruling has reignited debate over medical marijuana and insurance coverage, with implications far beyond the state’s borders.
 
A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that health insurers, including Medicaid, are not required to cover medical cannabis—even when state law encourages parity for mental health treatment. The decision stems from a lawsuit brought by patients and cannabis providers in New Mexico, who argued that medical marijuana prescribed for behavioral health should be reimbursed like other treatments under the state's mental health parity laws.
 
But the court disagreed, citing the federal government's classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug—illegal, and lacking FDA approval. That federal status, the judge said, prevents insurers from offering reimbursement, regardless of what state legislation says.
 
Meanwhile, a new bill in New Mexico’s legislature aims to mandate such coverage at the state level. But unless there’s a shift in federal law, any such policy may face the same legal roadblocks.
 
#MedicalMarijuana #CannabisLaw #NewMexicoCannabis #MarijuanaInsurance #CannabisCoverage #UltraHealth #CannabisPolicy #FederalVsStateLaw #CannabisPatients #MedicalCannabis #MarijuanaNews #CBDReform #CannabisAccess #LegalWeed #CannabisInsurance
 
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania this week took a decisive step toward joining the growing number of U.S. states legalizing recreational cannabis. Bipartisan lawmakers are drafting bills, and state officials have launched a nationwide survey to learn from industry leaders elsewhere — all against the backdrop of a looming $250 million budget shortfall.
While Pennsylvania already allows medical marijuana, the push to expand access is gaining urgency. Much of the pressure is economic: residents are spending millions in neighboring states with legal markets, and lawmakers see an opportunity to reclaim that revenue. Governor Josh Shapiro has signaled support, as have members of both major parties, although Senate Republicans remain divided — especially on issues like criminal record expungement.
Two competing legalization models are emerging: one proposes a privatized retail system, favored by Republicans, while another pushes for state-run sales and stronger social equity provisions. But both camps agree that Pennsylvania can't afford to wait much longer.
To inform its path forward, the state launched a national survey of cannabis businesses, asking for insights into regulation, compliance, and industry trends — a signal that Pennsylvania wants to learn from what’s worked, and what hasn’t, in other states and countries.
#PAMarijuana #CannabisLegalization #PAHouse #ShapiroCannabisPlan #CannabisReform #PAPolitics #AdultUseCannabis #LegalizePA #MarijuanaPolicy #BipartisanCannabis #PABudget2025 #CannabisIndustrySurvey
SOUTH CAROLINA
In South Carolina, a bill to legalize medical marijuana is on the brink of collapse. With just days left in the legislative session, the Compassionate Care Act remains stuck in committee. If lawmakers don’t act by May 8, the state will miss its chance—and patients and advocates will have to wait until 2026 for another try.
The bill would allow regulated, non-smokable cannabis products for people with serious medical conditions. Support is strong—both from the public and within the cannabis industry—but political resistance remains high.
#SCMedicalMarijuana #CompassionateCareAct #SenateBill53 #SouthCarolinaCannabis #CannabisReform #MedicalCannabis #CBD #SCPolitics #LegalWeedSC #CannabisNews #MarijuanaPolicy #VeteransForCannabis #SCPatientsDeserveBetter
WASHINGTON D.C.
In Washington DC this week: Momentum may be building—but not yet breaking—in the long-stalled federal effort to reclassify cannabis.
During his Senate confirmation hearing on April 30, President Trump’s pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, Terrance Cole, said reviewing the delayed marijuana rescheduling process would be a top priority if confirmed. However, Cole stopped short of endorsing the proposal to move cannabis from Schedule I—a category reserved for drugs with no accepted medical use—down to Schedule III, which includes substances like ketamine and testosterone.
The move to reschedule cannabis has been sitting in limbo since 2023, when the Department of Health and Human Services recommended reclassification based on its recognized medical utility and relatively low abuse potential. But the DEA, which has the final authority, has yet to act—leaving cannabis classified alongside heroin and LSD, even as state-level legalization expands.
Cole’s cautious tone reflects a delicate balancing act. A longtime law enforcement official and Virginia’s current Secretary of Public Safety, he acknowledged the legal chaos caused by the growing divide between federal law and state cannabis markets. He committed to consulting legal and scientific experts but declined to take a personal stance on cannabis reform, drawing sharp questions from lawmakers eager for clarity.
His nomination follows the withdrawal of a previous DEA pick who had publicly supported decriminalization—signaling that Trump’s administration remains wary of alienating conservative voters, even as public support for legalization surpasses 70%.
In parallel, a new bill introduced by Representatives Dina Titus and Ilhan Omar aims to repeal a decades-old law that prohibits the White House drug czar from even discussing legalization or sponsoring cannabis research. If passed, the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act could open the door to a more science-driven federal approach—regardless of DEA delays.
 
HEMP
Hemp-derived sales are getting pummeled this week. Three states had major shifts in policy, signaling a nationwide reckoning for intoxicating cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC and THC-O — compounds that have thrived in a legal gray area since the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill.
In Ohio, lawmakers unanimously passed a bill that would ban sales of these psychoactive hemp products outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries. The measure adds age limits, product testing, and a 10% tax — effectively folding these products under the same rules as recreational cannabis.
In Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt directed five state agencies to crack down on the sale and production of lab-altered hemp compounds. His order targets both licensed dispensaries and the broader gray market, citing rising concerns over youth access and public safety.
And in Texas, a high-stakes political battle is unfolding. A key House committee advanced a proposal to regulate, not ban, low-dose THC edibles and tinctures — complete with licensing, testing, and childproof packaging. But the Senate is holding firm on a full prohibition, setting up a potential legislative showdown.
INTERNATIONAL:CANADA
Our international story comes from Canada this week. 
The country’s legal cannabis industry is pressing Ottawa for urgent reforms—just days after Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a new term in office.
The Cannabis Council of Canada, which represents licensed growers and industry stakeholders, says the country’s cannabis sector is at a breaking point. Despite contributing over $43 billion to the national economy since legalization in 2018, companies are struggling with outdated tax rules, red tape, and fierce competition from a still-thriving black market.
At the heart of the problem is Canada’s excise tax system. When first designed, it assumed cannabis would retail at around $10 per gram. But as market prices have dropped to as low as $3, many producers are still being taxed at the higher of either 10% or $1 per gram. That fixed floor is squeezing margins and pushing smaller players out of the legal market.
Meanwhile, producers face the added cost of complying with a patchwork of provincial excise stamp requirements—something the federal government pledged to unify last year, but has yet to deliver.
For patients and consumers, the stakes are high. The Council warns that 25–40% of cannabis sales are still happening off the books—and recent federal testing found that nearly all illegal cannabis samples contained harmful contaminants, including banned pesticides and even traces of human waste.
The industry is calling for tax reform, a unified national stamp, and a crackdown on illicit sales. Without action, Canada’s legal cannabis experiment—once a global model—could become a cautionary tale.
#CanadaCannabis #CannabisReform #CannabisCouncil #MarkCarney #LegalWeedCanada #CannabisTaxReform #CanadianCannabis #CannabisPolicy #IllicitMarket #CannabisNews #CdnPoli #CannabisIndustry #WeedReform #CannabisEconomy

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-17: Cannabis in Crisis: Dementia Risks, State Battles, and Hemp Crackdowns

26 Apr, 2025
Cannabis risks and rewards collide this week: new studies reveal troubling links to dementia and pregnancy complications, while states like Maryland, Delaware, and Minnesota advance reforms. But chaos reigns in Alabama’s licensing system, Nebraska’s petition scandal, and Texas’s push to re-criminalize hemp products. Plus, big industry moves in Kentucky, Hawaii, North Dakota, and South Dakota highlight both growth and growing pains.
 
 
 
 
 
Transcript:
 
DEMENTIA / PREGNANCY
This week, two major medical studies are raising fresh questions about the long-term health impacts of cannabis use.
In California, researchers from Columbia University examined nearly 900,000 pregnancies and found a steady rise in diagnoses of cannabis use disorder among pregnant women between 2015 and 2020. Although still rare — affecting about 1 in 400 pregnancies — the trend highlights growing use, often driven by women seeking relief from symptoms like nausea, despite doctors' warnings about potential risks to developing babies.
Meanwhile, in Ontario, a study published in JAMA Neurology tracked over six million adults and found that those hospitalized for cannabis-related issues faced a 23% higher risk of developing dementia within five years, compared to others — and a 72% higher risk compared to the general population. While researchers point to possible factors like brain inflammation and social isolation, they caution that the study doesn't prove cannabis directly causes dementia.
#CannabisNews #MarijuanaStudy #DementiaRisk #CannabisHealth #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisUseDisorder #BrainHealth #CannabisAwareness #JAMANeurology #CannabisPodcast
—------------
DELAWARE
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has nominated cannabis regulatory attorney Joshua Sanderlin as the state’s new Marijuana Commissioner, aiming to jumpstart the implementation of Delaware’s stalled adult-use cannabis market. Sanderlin brings over 15 years of cannabis regulation experience and, if confirmed by the Senate, will lead the state’s effort to launch its recreational marijuana market.
#DelawareCannabis #CannabisRegulation #MarijuanaCommissioner #AdultUseCannabis #CannabisMarket #CannabisLaw
—----------
MARYLAND
Maryland has enacted a series of cannabis reforms aimed at expanding economic opportunity and addressing the consequences of past prohibition. Governor Wes Moore signed several measures into law, including the Expungement Reform Act, which automatically shields thousands of low-level cannabis convictions from public view — a step supporters say will ease barriers to employment, housing, and business ownership.
The new laws also authorize on-site consumption lounges, formally regulating spaces where adults may use cannabis socially, and allow individuals to produce concentrates and edibles for personal use under safety guidelines.
Additionally, Maryland will now permit faster ownership transfers of cannabis businesses, aiming to diversify participation in the industry.
#MarylandCannabis #CannabisReform #Expungement #SocialEquity #CannabisLounge #CannabisSocialUse #CannabisJustice #CannabisEntrepreneurs
—-----------
NEBRASKA
In Nebraska, a judge has reinstated criminal charges against notary public Jacy Todd, who was accused of improperly notarizing signatures for two medical marijuana ballot initiatives.
District Judge ruled Todd must face 24 counts of misconduct, reversing an earlier decision that notaries aren't public officials. Todd allegedly notarized petition signatures without witnessing them in person, which is a legal requirement.
The petitions helped legalize and regulate medical cannabis winning nearly 70% voter approval. Supporters call the case politically motivated while state officials say it's about protecting election integrity.
The outcome could impact Nebraska’s program and how grassroots ballot measures are handled across the U.S.
#NebraskaCannabis #BallotPetition #NotaryMisconduct #LegalWeedNE #CannabisInitiative #CannabisPolitics #MarijuanaLegalization
—-----------
HAWAII
Hawaii has expanded its medical cannabis infrastructure with the licensing of its 25th dispensary even as the state's patient base is shrinking.
Over the past year, the number of registered medical cannabis patients in Hawaii has declined by more than 5%, with just under 30,000 active participants today. Despite this, new retail outlets continue to open, reflecting broader industry efforts to position for future growth — potentially in anticipation of eventual recreational legalization, which is currently going through the state's legislature.
For businesses nationwide, Hawaii's pattern mirrors a familiar challenge: expanding infrastructure in a tightening market. Patients and medical users may see immediate benefits from easier access, but entrepreneurs and investors face questions about long-term demand.
#HawaiiCannabis #CannabisIndustry #CannabisDispensary #CannabisGrowth #FutureOfCannabis #CannabisLegislation
—---------------
KENTUCKY
In Kentucky this week, Cresco Labs officially launched a $15 million dollar medical marijuana cultivation facility. Housed in a former ammunition plant, the new site is expected to produce up to 2,000 pounds of pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis each month and employ up to 100 people. The company has pledged to educate both patients and the public as it prepares for full product availability by late 2025.
However, the path forward isn’t without friction. Kentucky’s licensing process is still under investigation for a lack of transparency, as new cannabis markets come online.
#KentuckyCannabis #CannabisCultivation #CannabisFacility #CrescoLabs #CannabisBusiness
—--------------
MINNESOTA
This week, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management launched a major support initiative aimed at ensuring farmers aren’t left out of the state’s legal cannabis rollout. 
The “CanGrow program is a $2 million investment offering grants for farmer training and technical assistance, as well as nonprofit-backed loans to help new and expanding cannabis growers access capital. The move comes just after Minnesota adopted rules for adult-use cannabis, signaling that licenses will soon be issued, with social equity applicants first in line. OCM leaders say this support will help farmers navigate regulatory complexities, reduce startup costs, and encourage growth across communities statewide. 
CanGrow is part of a larger ecosystem of similar grants, aimed at helping cannabis entrepreneurship in Minnesota flourish during the early start up stages.
#MinnesotaCannabis #CanGrowProgram #CannabisFarming #CannabisGrants #CannabisSupport #CannabisCommunity #CannabisGrowers
—----------------
 
ALABAMA
Alabama’s medical cannabis program is back to square one — again. A judge has thrown out the state's latest attempt to award business licenses, ruling regulators illegally rushed the process. It's the third reset since Alabama legalized medical cannabis in 2021, and it could delay patient access and business operations for another year or more.
The court found that the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission improperly used an emergency rule last December to speed up license awards — without meeting legal standards. As a result, companies that had already built facilities and stocked products are left stranded, and patients hoping for medical cannabis treatments remain in limbo.
But Alabama's chaos reflects a wider trend: in emerging cannabis markets, unclear rules and legal battles are slowing progress everywhere. For businesses, it’s a warning about investing before the ground rules are stable. For patients, it’s a reminder that legalization doesn't guarantee fast access. And for policymakers, it’s a signal that without clear, resilient regulation, even the best intentions can get stuck in court.
#AlabamaCannabis #CannabisDelays #CannabisLegalization #CannabisPatients #CannabisRegulations
—-------------
NORTH DAKOTA
In a cautious shift, North Dakota has expanded its medical cannabis program to allow edible products for the first time. Governor Kelly Armstrong signed legislation this week permitting registered patients to purchase cannabis-infused lozenges under strict regulations.
The new law caps individual servings at five milligrams of THC, with packages limited to 50 milligrams total—making it one of the most tightly controlled edible policies in the United States. Each edible must be a plainly shaped lozenge to avoid appealing to children.
For the over 10,000 North Dakotans who are enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program, the legislation offers a new smokeless option with longer-lasting relief, while the broader legalization efforts across the state remain stalled after recent attempts to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis failed in the state Senate, and voters have twice rejected adult-use legalization measures. 
#NorthDakotaCannabis #CannabisEdibles #CannabisPolicy #THCLimits #CannabisLaw
—------------------
SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota harvested more hemp than any other U.S. state in 2024, proving that strong infrastructure—not just acreage—is critical to success in the evolving hemp industry.
According to the USDA’s latest report, the state processed nearly all of its 3,700 acres, even as average yields fell by 30%. By contrast, Texas planted more but harvested far less, highlighting the fragile state of supply chains nationwide.
South Dakota’s crop value soared by 50% thanks to rising fiber prices, but for cannabis entrepreneurs and hemp producers the path forward is far from clear—especially for those planning to use hemp for consumable products containing THC. Regulatory uncertainty looms large: as multiple U.S. states are now moving to ban, restrict, or even criminalize hemp-derived THC products, creating serious risks for businesses and investors alike.
#SouthDakotaHemp #HempIndustry #HempHarvest #CannabisEconomy #HempProducts #HempMarket #HempRegulations
—---------------
TEXAS
Texas this week escalated its crackdown on cannabis reform, with new legislation that could reset the state to some of the harshest marijuana and hemp laws in the United States.
First, the Texas Senate passed a bill aimed at blocking cities from putting marijuana decriminalization measures on local ballots—an effort to curb the growing wave of grassroots cannabis reforms in places like Austin and Dallas. Meanwhile, a state appeals court struck down Austin’s voter-approved decriminalization ordinance, restoring the ability of police to arrest individuals for low-level possession.
But the debate is no longer just about marijuana. Lawmakers are also weighing two major bills that would re-criminalize even federally legal hemp products. HB 28, in particular, would ban the sale of nearly all THC items except for beverages, and criminalize the simple possession of hemp edibles, lotions, vapes, and even raw flower. If passed, Texans caught in possession of any of these products could face up to a year in jail, despite hemp being legal at the federal level since 2018.
The developments highlight a deepening rift: while public opinion in Texas and nationally continues to favor cannabis liberalization, state leaders are moving to tighten, not loosen, drug laws. The clash is especially significant for entrepreneurs, patients, and the booming hemp-derived product industry, which had seen Texas as a promising, if complex, market.
#TexasCannabis #CannabisCrackdown #HempBan #MarijuanaDecriminalization #CannabisLegislation #TexasHemp #CannabisRights
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Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-16: TX expansion of medical cannabis program, MO recalls and cancelled licenses, NC proposes cannabis access via state-sanctioned studies

19 Apr, 2025
This week’s episode dives into cannabis legislation sweeping the U.S.—from Texas expanding access to chronic pain patients to Missouri cracking down on predatory investors in microbusiness licenses. We cover Illinois' push to end vehicle searches based on smell, Indiana's new Delta-8 regulations, and Florida’s contradictory bills helping veterans while taxing hemp products. Plus, we explore vetoes in Arkansas, New Hampshire's stalled legalization, and equity debates in Kentucky's licensing rollout.
 
 
 
 
Transcript
TEXAS
Texas lawmakers are reviewing a new bill to expand the state’s limited medical cannabis program. House Bill 46, introduced by Representative Ken King, would increase the number of cannabis dispensary licenses to 11, allow storage at satellite locations, and expand treatment access to more patients, including those with chronic pain. The bill also includes new ways of administering low-THC cannabis, such as vaporized inhalation when medically necessary. A hearing on the bill took place on April 17.
#TexasCannabis #HB46 #MedicalMarijuana #TexasLegislation #TCUP #CannabisReform #LowTHC #ChronicPainRelief #CannabisAccess #CannabisNews
 
ILLINOIS
Illinois is taking another step toward cannabis law reform. Senate Bill 42, which passed the Senate on April 11, would prohibit law enforcement from stopping or searching a vehicle based solely on the smell of cannabis. The bill also eliminates a previous requirement that cannabis be transported in odor-proof containers.
The legislation is a response to confusion created by two conflicting Illinois Supreme Court rulings in 2023. One said the smell of burnt cannabis wasn’t enough to justify a search, while another said the odor of raw cannabis was — due to the packaging requirements in place. Senator Rachel Ventura, who sponsored the bill, says this placed an unreasonable burden on law enforcement and created inconsistencies in how cannabis users were treated.
SB 42 now heads to the House, where supporters hope it will soon be signed into law.
MISSOURI
In Missouri this week, cannabis regulators made headlines on two fronts—product safety and social equity enforcement—raising concerns across the broader industry about compliance and accountability.
First, state officials expanded a massive marijuana product recall, now affecting nearly 68,000 items linked to a company called Delta Extraction. The issue? THC oil used in those products was sourced from outside Missouri and never entered the state’s track-and-trace system. While Delta argued their distillate, made from hemp-derived THC-A, was legal, Missouri regulators disagreed—emphasizing that all intoxicating cannabis must be grown, processed, and tracked in-state. It’s a stance that may influence how other states handle hemp-derived cannabinoids.
Second, Missouri revoked 25 cannabis microbusiness licenses after uncovering predatory investor practices that exploited a program designed for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Regulators say wealthy backers used front-facing applicants to gain control of licenses, violating the spirit and the letter of the law. With 34 microbusiness licenses now revoked in total, Missouri’s crackdown is sparking broader conversations about how equity programs are monitored—and whether enough is being done nationwide to protect them from manipulation.
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina is inching closer to legalizing medical marijuana, but with a unique twist. House Bill 984 would legalize the possession and use of cannabis for patients enrolled in registered research studies. The bill aims to create a carefully controlled environment where doctors, institutions, and patients can legally explore the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
The legislation would establish a state-run Cannabis Treatment Research Database under the Department of Health and Human Services. Patients would need written certification from a physician affirming that the health benefits of cannabis outweigh the risks and caregivers would be allowed to assist. Meanwhile both patients and institutions would receive legal protection under the bill.
Until statewide reforms advance further, the only legal access to medical cannabis in North Carolina remains on tribal land. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians began medical marijuana sales to the residents of North Carolina last fall. 
if passed, the bill is scheduled to take effect in July of this year
 
INDIANA
In Indiana this week, lawmakers drew a sharp line between cannabis regulation and legalization—cracking down on one while continuing to block the other.
On April 14, Senate Republicans swiftly rejected a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana, despite rising public support and pressure from legal markets in neighboring states. The amendment, introduced by Democratic Senator Rodney Pol, was dismissed without debate, signaling that Indiana remains one of the few holdouts in the Midwest with no medical or adult-use program.
But the next day, lawmakers advanced a Senate Bill to regulate Delta-8 THC. The bill includes age restrictions, product testing, advertising limits, and licensing requirements—finally addressing growing concerns over mislabeled, potentially unsafe products.
The message is clear: Indiana isn’t ready to legalize marijuana—but it is ready to rein in the gray areas of the hemp industry.
#Delta8Indiana #SB478 #IndianaCannabisLaw #Delta8Regulations #CannabisPolicy #HempIndustry #Delta8THC #IndianaTHC #CannabisNews #ConsumerSafety #IndianaLegislation #THCRegulation #ProtectConsumers #IndianaPolitics 
 
FLORIDA
 
Florida is sending mixed signals on cannabis reform this week, advancing legislation that both expands access for some users while tightening restrictions on others.
 
One bill would waive annual fees for medical marijuana cards for military veterans and extend the renewal period for all patients from one year to two. Supporters say the measure would ease access to cannabis treatment for those who rely on it most—particularly individuals on fixed incomes. If approved, the law would take effect in mid-2025.
 
Meanwhile, separate legislation is moving forward that would impose new limits and taxes on hemp-derived THC products—such as edibles, beverages, and vape pens. The proposals include a 15% excise tax, daily purchase caps, and tighter rules on packaging and retail sales. Some retailers, including gas stations and convenience stores, could be blocked from selling these products altogether.
Both sets of bills still need further legislative approval. But taken together, they show the complicated—and sometimes contradictory—ways cannabis policy is evolving in states that have not fully legalized recreational use.
 
#FloridaCannabis #VeteransCannabis #HB555 #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisAccess #FLHouse #CannabisReform #FloridaLegislation #CannabisForVets #CannabisNews #FloridaCannabis #THCTax #HempRegulations #Delta8THC #CBDLaws #CannabisNews #FloridaLegislation #HB7027 #HB7029 #CannabisIndustry #THCLimits #HempMarket #FloridaHemp #CannabisReform #CBDUsers
 
NEW YORK
As cannabis use becomes increasingly mainstream in New York, the state’s Office of Cannabis Management is doubling down on education. On April 17, the agency launched the “Higher Education” campaign—a public initiative aimed at giving adults the tools to make informed decisions about marijuana. Using QR-coded ads placed in busy areas like transit stations and dispensaries, the campaign connects residents with a comprehensive online Cannabis Education Library.
This resource includes detailed information on legal cannabis use, product labeling, storage practices, and more. The campaign also coincides with broader changes in the state’s cannabis industry, including expanded farmers markets, startup grants, and ongoing equity challenges for small businesses.
#HigherEducationNY #NYCannabis #CannabisEducation #OCMNY #ResponsibleCannabisUse #420Awareness #LegalWeedNY #CannabisPublicHealth #NYWeedLaws #CannabisCampaign
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire is once again holding the line on cannabis prohibition. This week, a state Senate committee narrowly voted to block a bill that would have legalized possession of up to two ounces of marijuana for adults—without setting up a legal market.
The measure had passed the state House with strong bipartisan support and was framed as a modest step to stop arrests for low-level possession, which remains illegal only in New Hampshire among all New England states.
#NHCannabis #NHPolitics #CannabisLegalization #HB198 #NewHampshireMarijuana #CannabisReform #CannabisPolicy #MarijuanaNews #GraniteStateCannabis #CannabisJustice #EndProhibition
 
ARKANSAS
In Arkansas this week, a bill that aimed to modernize and simplify medical marijuana access has been vetoed. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders struck down a Bill that would have permitted dispensaries to serve patients via drive-thru windows and reduce staffing requirements for home delivery.
The bill, which was backed by Republican lawmakers and supported by the state’s cannabis industry, was designed to reintroduce pandemic-era conveniences for the over 100,000 Arkansans who hold medical marijuana cards. It was especially intended to help elderly, immunocompromised, and disabled patients who face mobility issues. 
#ArkansasCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #HB1889 #CannabisAccess #DriveThruDispensary #ArkansasPolitics #MedicalCannabis #CannabisPatients #SarahHuckabeeSanders #CannabisReform #ARLegislation #MarijuanaDelivery #ArkansasNews
 
KENTUCKY
Kentucky’s new medical cannabis program is facing scrutiny. The State Auditor is investigating how business licenses were awarded, after some applicants claimed the lottery system was unfair and favored out-of-state companies. 
Governor Andy Beshear defended the process, noting the licensing rules were subject to multiple legislative reviews and that the lottery was livestreamed to ensure transparency. He emphasized that no lawsuits have been filed over the process and that the complaints came after the lottery results were announced.
This audit is the latest in a series of reviews into Governor Beshear’s administration and comes as Kentucky’s cannabis program begins to ramp up, with more than 8,000 patients already approved for medical cards.
#KentuckyCannabis #MedicalMarijuanaKY #KYMedicalCannabis #CannabisAudit #KYNews #CannabisLicensing #KentuckyPolitics #CannabisTransparency #HempFarmersKY #MedicalCannabisProgram #CannabisRegulation

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-15: America’s Cannabis Future: Justice Reforms, Market Investigations, and Hemp Uncertainty

Week of 12 Apr, 2025
Maryland advances major cannabis expungement reforms after mass pardons.
New York investigates major brands for illegally moving cannabis into the legal market.
Minnesota reinstates its social equity licensing lottery and finalizes key cannabis regulations.
Connecticut debates shortening ownership rules for social equity businesses and establishes a new cannabis oversight division.
North Dakota rejects decriminalization of low-level cannabis possession.
Montana reallocates marijuana tax funds toward conservation, law enforcement, and public health.
Nationally, former DEA officials warn Trump administration may delay marijuana rescheduling.
National hemp news spotlights a regulatory crisis, blaming the FDA’s inaction for a market collapse.
Texas, Alabama, Indiana, and Missouri all see legislative battles around regulating or restricting hemp-derived THC products like delta-8.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
#BreakingNews #CannabisNews, #CannabisIndustry, #MarijuanaNews, #NewsUpdate, #CannabisRegulation, #CannabisBusiness, #CannabisLaws, #Legalization, #CannabisCompliance, #ConsumerSafety, #CannabisReform
MARYLAND
 
Maryland is taking major steps to expand cannabis justice. Lawmakers passed a bill that will automatically hide pardoned marijuana convictions from public view and make it easier for people to expunge cannabis-related records. This follows Governor Wes Moore’s mass pardon of over 175,000 such convictions last year. The bill also removes some restrictions on expungement eligibility, such as the need to complete probation first. Governor Moore is expected to sign the bill into law soon.
#MarylandCannabis #CannabisJustice #MarijuanaExpungement #WesMoore #CannabisLaws #MarijuanaPolicy #SocialJustice #LegalWeedMD
NEW YORK
New York’s cannabis market is under fresh scrutiny.
State regulators have launched an investigation into California-based cannabis giant Stiiizy and several other brands. They’re accused of illegally bringing marijuana grown outside New York into the state’s legal supply chain — a practice called "inversion" that's banned under state and federal law.
Investigators conducted surprise audits at Omnium Canna, a licensed processor on Long Island, suspected of acting as a middleman. Brands reportedly involved, including Grön, M Fused, and To the Moon, have denied any wrongdoing. Stizy says inspections found no violations.
If proven, these allegations could hit local growers, hurt consumer safety, and further destabilize New York’s already fragile legal cannabis industry.
#NewYorkNews #NYCannabis #NYLegalWeed #NYMarijuana #NYState #Stiiizy #NewYorkCannabis #THCLaws #CannabisRegulation #CannabisIndustry #InversionInvestigation #OmniumCanna #LegalWeed #CannabisCompliance #CannabisAudits #OCM #MarijuanaNews #CannabisProbe
 
MINNESOTA
On April 4, a state judge ordered the Office of Cannabis Management to reinstate a canceled lottery for social equity cannabis licenses. That lottery, meant to give early business opportunities to communities harmed by past marijuana laws, had been delayed for months over legal challenges.
Just days later, Minnesota's proposed cannabis regulations were approved without changes — a critical step toward launching retail sales.
Together, these rulings mean Minnesota can soon start issuing licenses and opening legal cannabis businesses. More than 1,700 social equity applicants now have a renewed shot at joining the industry.
While Minnesota’s rollout has been slower than other states, officials say the focus remains on fairness, public safety, and building an inclusive market.
 
#MinnesotaCannabis #SocialEquity #CannabisLicensing #RecreationalMarijuana #MinnesotaWeed #CannabisJustice #CannabisMarketLaunch #MNPolitics #OCMUpdates
 
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut’s cannabis market is evolving — with entrepreneurs and regulators both pushing for major changes as the industry grows.
Social equity cannabis entrepreneurs are urging lawmakers to amend a 2021 rule that requires them to maintain majority ownership of their businesses for seven years. Many argue that the restriction, intended to protect community-based ownership, now limits their ability to adapt, raise capital, or exit struggling ventures in an increasingly competitive market.
A newly proposed House Bill proposes shortening the ownership requirement to three years. Supporters say the change is critical for small business survival, while opponents warn it could lead to corporate buyouts and weaken the state's social equity goals. 
At the same time, Connecticut has created a new cannabis-focused division within the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), separating oversight of cannabis from pharmaceutical regulation. The move was accelerated after controversy over an unannounced inspection raised concerns about regulatory fairness.
With cannabis sales now topping tens of millions monthly, the state says dedicated oversight will help manage the growing complexity of the industry. Officials aim for more responsive and specialized governance as dispensaries, cultivators, and consumers expand across Connecticut.
#ConnecticutCannabis #SocialEquity #CannabisEntrepreneurs #HB7178 #CTCannabis #EquityInCannabis #CannabisLaw #SmallBusinessCT
NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota’s Senate has voted down a bill that was going to make low-level marijuana possession a noncriminal offense.
The proposal, which passed the House earlier this year, would have treated possession of less than half an ounce like a traffic ticket — a $150 fine without court appearances. Supporters argued it would ease pressure on the state’s courts, where thousands of minor cannabis cases have piled up in recent years.
Opponents warned it could lead to broader legalization, which North Dakota voters have rejected in past ballot measures. Critics of the defeat note that voters have never decided specifically on decriminalization alone.
For now, small cannabis possession remains a criminal infraction in North Dakota, carrying fines up to $1,000 and required court hearings.
#NorthDakotaCannabis #HB1596 #MarijuanaDecriminalization #NDPolitics #CannabisLaw #DrugPolicy #CriminalJusticeReform #NDLegislation
 
MONTANA
Montana lawmakers have found a compromise on how to spend the state’s marijuana tax revenue. Two new bipartisan bills keep conservation funding intact while expanding support for law enforcement and addiction treatment programs. The legislation reallocates $33 million in cannabis tax funds across wildlife, police grants, and public health, and both measures now head to the opposite chambers for further debate.
#MontanaCannabis #SB537 #HB932 #CannabisTax #WildlifeFunding #MarijuanaRevenue #HEARTFund #MontanaLawmakers #THCTaxPolicy #MTLegislature #MontanaOutdoors #DrugPolicyReform
 
NATIONAL
While at the Ohio State University policy forum, former officials from the DEA and HHS cautioned that the Trump administration might indefinitely delay marijuana rescheduling unless President Trump directly champions the effort. Despite prior momentum from the Biden era, rescheduling proceedings have paused, partly due to administrative disputes within DEA hearings. Without explicit support from the Oval Office, experts predict the DEA might choose inaction as the easiest course. Trump's current drug policy priorities notably omit cannabis reform, and his appointed DEA leadership has historically opposed marijuana use, deepening concerns. For the cannabis industry and medical patients, a delay could mean continued barriers to tax deductions and research progress, reinforcing a critical need for high-level political advocacy.
#MarijuanaRescheduling #TrumpAdministration #CannabisIndustry #DEA #MedicalCannabis #HempNews #CBDUpdates #CannabisBusiness
 
HEMP-RELATED NEWS
 
NATIONAL
Lawmakers and hemp industry leaders gathered on Capitol Hill this week, warning that America’s hemp marketplace is veering toward a full-blown crisis — and they say the FDA is partly to blame.
At a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing titled "Restoring Trust in the FDA: Rooting Out Illicit Products," the spotlight was on the booming — and largely unregulated — market for hemp-derived intoxicants like delta-8 THC.
Since hemp was federally legalized in 2018, a wave of products that mimic the effects of marijuana have flooded the market, sold everywhere from gas stations to online stores — often without age checks or clear labeling. Industry leaders, like Jonathan Miller from the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, testified that the lack of FDA action has created public health risks, economic devastation for farmers, and confusion among consumers.
In his testimony, Miller said the industry is "begging" for federal rules. Without them, hemp prices have collapsed by over 90 percent, hurting thousands of U.S. farmers who once saw hemp as a new cash crop.
Frustration is bipartisan. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the FDA for ignoring Congress’s directive to regulate hemp under existing food and supplement laws. States have stepped in with their own patchwork of bans and restrictions, but without national standards, the market remains a Wild West.
A legislative fix is now on the table. Senator Ron Wyden has introduced a bipartisan proposal that would authorize the FDA to regulate hemp cannabinoids while giving states the flexibility to set their own rules.
Meanwhile, with new FDA leadership in place, stakeholders are watching closely for signs of change — and for an overdue effort to bring order, safety, and economic stability back to the hemp marketplace.
#CBDPolicy #CongressionalHearing #FDAOversight #FarmBill2024 #CannabinoidSafety #RegulateHemp
TEXAS
 
At this time in Texas this week, the Texas House State Affairs Committee heard emotional testimony against two bills, Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 28, which aim to severely limit or outright ban the sale of THC-infused hemp products. Industry leaders, healthcare providers, veterans, and patients warned lawmakers that the legislation could devastate the $8 billion hemp industry, eliminate thousands of jobs, and block access to natural therapies for chronic conditions. The bills remain pending as public opposition continues to surge.
 
#TexasHemp #THCBan #TexasLegislation #MedicalCannabis #VeteransForCannabis #SB3 #HB28
ALABAMA
Alabama's House Health Committee has advanced HB 445, a bill proposing strict regulation of hemp-derived THC consumables such as edibles and drinks. The bill would place these products under the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, limiting sales to adults 21 and older and requiring licenses, lab testing, and tax compliance. 
 
INDIANA
Indiana is one step closer to regulating delta-8 THC products, a marijuana-like compound currently sold widely across the state. Senate Bill 478 passed its third House committee this week and now heads to the full House for a vote. The bill would cap the number of retailers, restrict who can sell, and give oversight to the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. Lawmakers say it’s time to bring order to a fast-growing and largely unregulated market.
 
#IndianaCannabis #SB478 #INLegislation #THCLaws #Delta8Indiana #CraftHemp #INHouseBill #THCRegulation
MISSOURI
 
Missouri’s plan to regulate hemp-derived THC products like delta-8 has hit a wall. After a seven-hour bipartisan filibuster, lawmakers paused Senate Bill 54, which would restrict edibles and vapes to marijuana dispensaries but allow low-dose beverages outside of them. Supporters say the bill protects public health; critics call it unfair to small hemp businesses. The debate continues.
 
#MissouriCannabis #SB54 #MissouriSenate #CannabisDebate #THCBeverages #THCLegislation

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-14: Cannabis Crisis and Opportunity - The Big Legal Battles You Need to Know

Week of 5 Apr, 2025
Minnesota's market faces controversy ahead of its adult-use launch, Nebraska debates restrictive medical rules, and Oklahoma battles overproduction and illicit trade concerns. Connecticut's traffic stop bill raises civil rights alarms, while Pennsylvania and Maryland push for expanded legalization. Meanwhile, Michigan courts reshape search laws, Florida targets synthetic cannabinoids, and New Hampshire stalls legalization. Plus, on the national level, Trump’s administration backpedals on cannabis reform promises, leaving patients and businesses frustrated.
 
 
 
 
Covered states: CT, FL, MD, MI, MN, NE, NH, OK, PA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MINNESOTA
Minnesota’s cannabis industry is bracing for disruption as lawmakers push HF 2426, a bill expanding medical cannabis businesses’ privileges ahead of the recreational market launch. Small business owners fear monopolization while patient advocates argue it will preserve access to vital treatments. This key debate could define the future of Minnesota’s cannabis market. Keywords: Minnesota cannabis market, HF 2426, medical cannabis, recreational cannabis, cannabis licensing, Minnesota marijuana laws, small cannabis businesses.
 
NEBRASKA
 
Nebraska lawmakers are divided over how broad qualifying conditions should be for the state’s new medical cannabis program, approved by voters in 2024.
Some are pushing for a narrowly limited list, while others warn that over-restricting access could defy the ballot measure’s intent and fuel future pushes for full recreational legalization.
Lawmakers are racing to pass LB 677, the bill that would set the program’s rules, before July 1. That’s when the newly created Medical Cannabis Commission officially takes over licensing—and without a framework in place, the launch of patient access and business licensing could be delayed indefinitely.
Debates over qualifying conditions, product types, and methods of consumption continue to slow negotiations. Advocates warn that if the program is too restrictive, it could be setting Nebraska up for a bigger legalization push as early as 2026.
#NebraskaCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #NebraskaPolitics #CannabisNews #MedicalCannabis #CannabisLegalization #LB677 #NebraskaLegislation #CannabisReform #CannabisIndustry
OKLAHOMA
A new report from the Texoma HIDTA task force reveals that Oklahoma is producing over 30 times the marijuana needed for its own population, triggering alarm from lawmakers and prompting calls for tighter regulation. With a vastly oversized number of growers and dispensaries, federal and state authorities are now investigating the potential for illicit trafficking and urging legislative reform. This development signals significant changes for cannabis operators, patients, and the broader Oklahoma marijuana market. 
Keywords: Oklahoma marijuana oversupply, cannabis regulation, medical marijuana, cannabis industry crackdown, Senator Lankford, Texoma HIDTA report, cannabis trafficking, marijuana dispensaries, marijuana growers, federal cannabis enforcement.
 
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut lawmakers are reviewing House Bill 7258, a controversial proposal that would allow police to stop drivers if they both see and smell cannabis use behind the wheel. While police chiefs argue it’s a necessary step to combat drug-impaired driving, civil liberties advocates warn the bill could revive racial profiling and misuse of traffic laws. The proposal also includes a plan to study a legal THC blood limit for drivers. 
Keywords: Connecticut cannabis law, HB 7258, cannabis driving legislation, marijuana traffic stops, THC blood limit, CT marijuana policy, cannabis impaired driving, law enforcement and cannabis, racial profiling and marijuana, drug recognition experts
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire’s Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to recommend killing three cannabis reform bills, including measures to legalize adult-use marijuana, permit home cultivation for medical patients, and expand access to hemp-derived cannabinoids. The committee’s actions, though not final, reflect ongoing resistance from state leadership—particularly Governor Kelly Ayotte—despite polls showing strong public support for legalization. The decision leaves New Hampshire as the only New England state without a legal adult-use cannabis program and continues to restrict access for patients.
Keywords: New Hampshire cannabis law, NH marijuana legalization, HB 75, HB 53, HB 51, NH Senate cannabis vote, medical marijuana home grow, adult-use legalization, Kelly Ayotte cannabis policy, Granite State cannabis reform
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania lawmakers are ramping up efforts to legalize recreational marijuana, with Governor Josh Shapiro including cannabis reform in his 2025–2026 budget proposal. House Democrats, led by Speaker Joanna McClinton, are championing legalization as a revenue-generating opportunity that could benefit farmers, dispensaries, and consumers across the state. A proposal for state-run dispensaries is being floated, while polls show strong public support. However, bipartisan cooperation will be required to overcome resistance in the GOP-controlled Senate.
Keywords: Pennsylvania marijuana legalization, PA cannabis bill, Josh Shapiro budget, adult-use marijuana, state-run dispensaries, Joanna McClinton cannabis, GOP Senate marijuana vote, legal weed Pennsylvania, PA cannabis reform 2025, marijuana tax revenue
 
MARYLAND
Maryland lawmakers have passed a cannabis reform bill that would allow adults to make marijuana edibles and non-solvent concentrates at home, expanding personal-use rights under the state’s legalization framework. The bill also includes criminal justice provisions, reducing penalties for large-scale cannabis offenses and enabling individuals serving mandatory minimum sentences for marijuana crimes to seek resentencing. Governor Wes Moore is expected to sign the legislation into law.
Keywords: Maryland cannabis law, home cannabis edibles, marijuana concentrate law, cannabis sentencing reform, HB 413, SB 925, Governor Wes Moore cannabis, Maryland marijuana policy, personal cannabis production, cannabis criminal justice reform
MICHIGAN
On April 3, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the smell of marijuana alone is no longer enough to justify a police search of a vehicle, citing the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018. The 5–1 decision overturns decades of precedent and underscores the shift in how courts interpret cannabis-related probable cause in post-legalization Michigan. This ruling is expected to have broad implications for law enforcement practices and civil rights protections in cannabis-legal states.
 
FLORIDA
Florida lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 438, a comprehensive legislative effort to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids and THC-infused beverages. The bill proposes bans on synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8 THC and introduces strict potency limits, advertising restrictions, and product testing requirements. With support and opposition from various stakeholders, including manufacturers and small business owners, the bill seeks to address safety, youth access, and industry accountability in Florida’s fast-growing hemp market.
 
NATIONAL
 
On March 31, 2025, President Trump appointed journalist Sara Carter as the new director of the ONDCP, signaling cautious support for medical cannabis amid a broader freeze on marijuana reform. Although Carter has praised cannabis as a treatment for serious illnesses, the Trump administration later confirmed no immediate action would be taken on cannabis rescheduling or banking reforms, frustrating industry advocates and leaving the future of federal cannabis policy uncertain.