State of Cannabis: Weekly News Digest

Cannabis News Roundup - Podcast: Week 2025-27: AL Hemp Crackdown, CO Operator Banned, MO Eyes Expansion, MA Shuts Down Lab

5 Jul, 2025
Join us as we break down key cannabis developments in Alabama, Delaware, California, and more. From zoning wars to lab fraud, enforcement crackdowns to medical program reforms, this episode brings clarity to the chaotic cannabis landscape. Featuring updates from Florida, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and a surprising appearance from Mike Tyson, we cover the policies, penalties, and politics reshaping the industry.
 
Tags:
cannabis news 2025, Alabama hemp ban, California cannabis tax, Delaware marijuana zoning, Florida MMJ crackdown, Colorado THC scandal, Massachusetts cannabis testing lab, Missouri cannabis licenses, Hawaii cannabis privacy, New Mexico cannabis enforcement, Nebraska medical marijuana, US cannabis reform, state cannabis laws, cannabis legalization update, cannabis industry news, marijuana podcast, cannabis policy podcast, legal weed 2025, dispensary news, weed tax hike, marijuana law changes, weed zoning battles, Mike Tyson cannabis Trump
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SUMMARIES:
Alabama’s controversial hemp law took effect on July 1. A judge denied a request from hemp companies to stop the ban on smokable hemp and synthetic THC. Now, hemp shops across the state are forced to close or change operations, with more regulations coming in 2026.
California’s cannabis excise tax rose from 15% to 19% on July 1, 2025, sparking backlash from industry leaders who warn the increase will drive more consumers to the black market and harm already struggling legal businesses. With taxable sales down 30% from their 2021 peak, dispensaries are cutting prices to compete. A proposed bill, AB 564, aims to reverse the hike, but until then, operators fear closures and lost market share.
Colorado has permanently banned the owner of CBDDY from the cannabis industry after an investigation found the company sold high-THC products under the label of legal hemp. The settlement bars him from future operations. 
Delaware is poised to launch its adult-use cannabis market on August 1st, but local zoning restrictions and slow regulatory approvals are limiting access for hundreds of new licensees. A newly passed bill aims to override county-level bans and standardize rules statewide, though it awaits the governor’s signature. 
Florida has tightened its medical-marijuana rules. Under a bill just signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, patients or caregivers charged with trafficking or selling drugs—including cannabis—will immediately lose their medical-marijuana cards. If they’re convicted, the cards are permanently revoked until all sentencing is complete and a new application is filed.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has signed a bill expanding access to medical marijuana, allowing patients to get certified via telehealth and giving doctors more freedom to recommend cannabis. But the new law also lets the Department of Health inspect patient records without a warrant, raising major privacy concerns among advocates and healthcare providers.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has suspended the license of Assured Testing Laboratories, citing repeated misreporting of contamination results. The lab, which tested 25% of the state’s cannabis, failed to report hundreds of yeast and mold contamination cases. Regulators say the violations posed an immediate threat to public health and consumer safety.
Missouri is taking a closer look at its cannabis market. The state has awarded a $238,700 contract to a New York-based firm to study whether more marijuana business licenses should be issued—and if so, where and to whom. The year-long study will focus on the industry’s economic impact and how it can better support disadvantaged communities. Missouri made $1.46 billion in cannabis sales last year, and the results of this study could reshape the future of the industry.
Nebraska has officially launched its medical marijuana program. Governor Jim Pillen signed emergency rules just before a voter-mandated deadline, allowing license applications to begin. But the rules ban cannabis flower and limit dispensaries to one per district, raising concerns that patients won’t have meaningful access. Public comment is open until mid-July, with permanent rules expected by fall.
Three years after legalizing recreational marijuana, New Mexico is taking enforcement seriously. Starting July 1, a new cannabis enforcement bureau was launched under House Bill 10. The bureau has full police powers to investigate and shut down illegal operations. The state’s cannabis market has grown rapidly, with over $1.7 billion in sales, but lawmakers now worry about rule-breaking and too many dispensaries—especially in border towns like Sunland Park.
 
#AB564 #AdultUse2026 #AlabamaCannabis #AlabamaHempLaw #AssuredTesting #BBB445 #CaliforniaCannabis #CannaBiz #CannabisAccess #CannabisAdvocacy #CannabisBanking #CannabisBusiness #CannabisCalifornia #CannabisClemency #CannabisCompliance #CannabisContamination #CannabisCrackdown #CannabisDispensaries #CannabisEnforcement #CannabisEquity #CannabisIndustryNews #CannabisJustice #CannabisLabSuspension #CannabisLaw #CannabisLegislation #CannabisLicensing #CannabisNews #CannabisPatients #CannabisPolicy #CannabisPrivacy #CannabisReform #CannabisReform2025 #CannabisRegulation #CannabisRegulations #CannabisRescheduling #CannabisRetail #CannabisSafety #CannabisTax #CannabisTelehealth #CannabisTestingFraud #CannabisZoning #CCCEnforcement #CBDDY #CBDNews #ColoradoCannabis #DEAReform #DOH #DSantis #DelawareCannabis #DelawarePolitics #DelawareWeedLaws #DispensaryOversight #DrugLaw #ExciseTax #FloridaCannabis #FloridaLegislation #HB10 #HB302 #HB445 #HempBusiness #HempCrackdown #HempIndustry #HempLegalization #HempTHC #HomeRuleDebate #HawaiiCannabis #HawaiiCannabisLaw #JimPillen #JoshGreen #LegalWeedCrisis #LegalWeedNM #LegalizeIt #MarijuanaBusiness #MarijuanaClemency #MarijuanaMarketStudy #MarijuanaNews #MassachusettsCannabis #MattMeyer #MedicalCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #MicrobusinessCannabis #MikeTyson #MMJCards #MissouriCannabis #MissouriTHC #NebraskaCannabis #NebraskaMarijuana #NewMexicoCannabis #NMCannabis #NMCC #PhilWeiser #SB2514 #SB75 #SmokableHempBan #SyntheticTHCBan #THCA #THCNews #THCRegulation #THCRegulations #Trump2025 #Tyson20 #VoterApprovedCannabis #WeedReform #WeedTax #YeastAndMold

Cannabis News Roundup - Podcast: Week 2025-26: Texas Expands Medical Program, California Cannabis Prices Rise, Wisconsin Voters Want Legal Weed

28 Jun. 2025
Explore this week’s top cannabis stories across the U.S., from Arkansas' crackdown on hemp-derived THC to California's tax hikes threatening legal businesses. Texas broadens its medical marijuana program while keeping Delta-8 edibles legal. Nebraska’s restrictive medical cannabis program draws fierce criticism, and New York gives cultivators breathing room on taxes. Ohio lawmakers delay action on a bill that could limit access, while Pennsylvania debates legalization in its stalled budget. Plus, Oregon advances social lounge legalization and public opinion grows in favor of recreational cannabis in Utah and Wisconsin. (more details in the episode)
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Tags:
Cannabis News 2025, Arkansas Delta-8 Ban, Texas Medical Marijuana 2025, California Cannabis Tax, Nebraska Medical Cannabis, Ohio Cannabis Law Delay, New York Cannabis Tax Reform, Utah Cannabis Legalization Poll, Wisconsin Marijuana Legalization, Pennsylvania Cannabis Budget, Oregon Cannabis Lounges, Federal Cannabis and Gun Rights, Hemp-Derived THC, Delta-8 News, Cannabis State Laws 2025, US Marijuana Policy, Cannabis Legalization Update, Weed News June 2025, Delta-8 Crackdown, Marijuana Podcast
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SUMMARY:
Arkansas can once again outlaw delta-8 and similar hemp-derived THC products. A federal appeals court ruled the 2018 Farm Bill lets states set tougher rules, overturning a lower-court block on Arkansas’s 2023 ban. Retailers now have only weeks to clear their shelves, and the decision gives other Midwestern states—and Texas—a green light to pass their own bans.
California’s cannabis tax is going up. Starting July 1, the excise tax on legal cannabis sales jumps from 15 percent to 19 percent because lawmakers could not agree on a last-minute freeze. Governor Newsom and Assembly leaders supported the delay, but the Senate said no. A separate bill to keep the tax at 15 percent is still moving, yet wouldn’t kick in until 2026—meaning higher prices for at least the next six months.
Nebraska’s medical marijuana program is under fire ahead of its July 1 deadline. Advocates say state officials have failed to release regulations and are handing control to an agency that has long opposed cannabis. Patients remain without access while confusion and legal challenges mount.
NY just approved a bill that lets New York cannabis farmers, processors and distributors pay their quarterly excise tax 50 days after each quarter instead of 20. Sponsors say the extra time will prevent companies from owing tax before their products even reach stores. The measure is on Governor Hochul’s desk.
Ohio lawmakers are heading into summer recess without changing the state’s new recreational marijuana law. A House committee pulled Senate Bill 56, which would have lowered THC limits and forced hemp products into dispensaries. That means the rules voters approved in 2023—including 90 %-strength concentrates and open hemp retail—will stay in place at least until lawmakers return in September.
Oregon could see cannabis cafés on the 2026 ballot. A statewide campaign has submitted more than 1,400 signatures to start the official process of legalizing on-site consumption lounges. If approved, voters will decide on the measure next year.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are running out of time to pass a budget before the June 30 deadline, with major disagreements over transit funding, a $3 billion deficit, and whether to legalize recreational cannabis. Supporters say legalization could bring in over $500 million, but Senate Republicans have blocked the latest bill. Talks are likely to continue into the summer.
Texas this week became a national flashpoint in cannabis policy. The state expanded its medical marijuana program to include chronic pain and other serious conditions, while also allowing new delivery methods and mandating more dispensaries. Just a day later, Governor Abbott vetoed a bill that would have banned hemp-derived THC products—keeping businesses open and giving lawmakers time to develop smarter regulation. With billions at stake and a special session set for July, the future of cannabis in Texas now sits at the center of a broader national conversation.
More than half of Utah voters now support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, but state Republican leaders are holding the line against change. A new poll shows 53% in favor, while 77% continue to support the medical marijuana law. Lawmakers say the current system is working and warn that full legalization could bring unwanted consequences. For now, Utah’s cannabis policy remains strictly medical.
In Wisconsin, support for marijuana legalization has reached new highs. A Marquette University poll shows 67% of voters back legal weed, but Republican lawmakers continue to block reform. Governor Tony Evers says legalization could become a reality if Democrats win control of the legislature next year.
The Supreme Court may soon decide whether marijuana users can legally own guns. The Trump administration is defending a federal law that bans cannabis users from having firearms, calling them a public safety risk. But courts across the country are divided, and advocates say the law unfairly punishes legal medical marijuana patients. The outcome could change both gun laws and cannabis policy across the U.S.
On June 23rd, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee passed a new spending bill that would change the federal definition of hemp and ban most consumable cannabinoid products like Delta-8 THC and even some CBD items. 
 
#A5496 #AdultUseCannabis #ArkansasCannabis #BudtendersUnite #CannaBusiness #CaliforniaCannabis #CannabisAccess #CannabisBusiness #CannabisCafe #CannabisDebate #CannabisEconomy #CannabisEquity #CannabisForPatients #CannabisIndustry #CannabisJobs #CannabisJustice #CannabisLaw #CannabisLegalization #CannabisLegislation #CannabisLounge #CannabisManufacturers #CannabisNews #CannabisPolling #CannabisPolicy #CannabisReform #CannabisRegulation #CannabisTax #CannabisTaxRelief #CannabisUsers #CashFlowFix #CBDNews #CBDRegulations #ChronicPainRelief #Delta8 #Delta8Ban #DOJ #EighthCircuit #FarmBill #FarmBill2025 #FederalCannabisLaw #FirearmBan #FutureOfCannabis #GavinNewsom #GlobalCannabis #GunControlDebate #GunRights #HempBan #HempBusiness #HempIndustry #HempLaw #HempRegulation #HochulDecides #HouseAppropriations #IllicitMarket #Issue2 #JoshShapiro #LegalMarijuanaNY #LegalWeed #LegalWeedOH #LegalWeedPA #LegalWeedSpaces #LegalWeedUtah #LegalizeItPA #LegalizeWI #MarijuanaPolicy #MarijuanaReform #MarijuanaRights #MattHaney #MedicalMarijuana #MidwestCannabis #MikeMcGuire #NYCannabis #NYWeedMarket #OHPolitics #OhioCannabis #OhioLegislature #OregonBallot2026 #OregonCannabis #PACannabis #PABudget2025 #PABudgetCrisis #PAHouse #PASenate #PennsylvaniaPolitics #PotTaxHike #PublicHealth #RecreationalMarijuana #RecreationalWeed #S3261 #SB56 #SCOTUS #SecondAmendment #SocialConsumption #StateVsFederal #SyntheticTHC #TCHLoophole #TexasCannabis #TexasNews #TexasPolitics #TexasSB3 #THCMarket #THCNews #THCLimits #THCPolicy #THCA #TransitFundingPA #TonyEvers #USCannabisPolicy #USCongress #UtahCannabis #UtahCannabisPolicy #UtahPolitics #WeedLoungeOregon #WeedPolicy #WIPolitics #WisconsinCannabis #WisconsinWeed

Cannabis News Roundup - Podcast: Week 2025-25: North Carolina Tightens Rules on THC Drinks, California's Hemp Crackdown, Rhode Island Avoids Ban

21 Jun 2025
Top stories:
   - California Moves to Permanently Ban Hemp-Derived THC
   - Delaware Puts Pause on Hemp Product Restrictions 
   - Minnesota Licenses First Cannabis Microbusiness
   - PA Legalization Blocked from Budget by GOP Leaders
   - Texas Hemp Ban Awaits Abbott’s Decision
 
Tags: cannabis news 2025, cannabis podcast, hemp regulation USA, state cannabis laws, Texas hemp ban, Minnesota cannabis license, Maryland cannabis pardon, New York cannabis recall, Florida hemp packaging rules, California THC ban, Missouri cannabis ballot 2026, North Carolina THC regulation, Delaware cannabis bill, Ohio marijuana law, Pennsylvania cannabis legalization, Rhode Island hemp drinks, Massachusetts consumption lounges, cannabis legalization news, U.S. cannabis reform, hemp industry updates
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.
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SUMMARIES:
California is moving forward with plans to make its temporary ban on hemp-derived THC products permanent. Officials say the goal is to protect the legal cannabis market, but the move could cost the state $600 million and thousands of jobs. The public has 45 days to comment before the policy is finalized.
Florida is now enforcing new hemp product rules that require child-resistant packaging, clear labeling, and QR codes linking to lab results. The law aims to stop marketing to minors and ensure consumer safety. Officials say over 726,000 noncompliant products have already been found, and businesses not following the rules will face strict penalties.
A bill to regulate THC-infused drinks in Delaware has been pulled by its sponsor, Rep. Debra Heffernan, after facing opposition from retailers and hemp businesses. She says there wasn’t enough time to work out the details this session, but she plans to bring it back next year.
On Juneteenth, Maryland Governor Wes Moore pardoned nearly 7,000 cannabis possession offenses and launched a $400 million investment plan to uplift communities historically harmed by discrimination and past drug policies. The new initiative, called “Just Communities,” will prioritize state funding for underserved areas.
Massachusetts is preparing to launch cannabis cafes and social-use venues. The Cannabis Control Commission will vote on final regulations in July, with enforceable rules expected by October. The new rules would allow cannabis consumption in lounges, hospitality venues, and temporary events—offering new opportunities for both consumers and businesses.
Minnesota has officially launched its recreational cannabis market by issuing its first business license to a micro-cultivator, Herb Quest. The state is also opening up new opportunities for cannabis testing labs, event organizers, and social equity applicants, while tribal and local governments are preparing their own cannabis operations.
A battle is brewing in Missouri’s cannabis sector. Hemp industry leaders are planning a 2026 ballot initiative that would replace the current marijuana laws with a unified framework for both hemp and marijuana, regulated like alcohol and tobacco. Supporters say it would streamline access and boost revenue, but the established marijuana industry warns it could undo years of progress.
New York has awarded startup grants of up to $30,000 to 52 cannabis dispensary owners who were previously affected by marijuana convictions. The program is part of the state’s push to build a fair and inclusive cannabis market, and comes as legal sales top $1.5 billion statewide. Officials say the grants will help entrepreneurs cover costs like rent and renovations, while strengthening the state’s regulated market.
North Carolina lawmakers are moving fast to pass a new law that would regulate hemp-derived THC products. The bill, HB 328, would ban synthetic cannabinoids, raise the legal age to buy THC products to 21, and require clear labeling and retail licenses. Lawmakers say the goal is to protect children from unregulated products.
In Ohio, Republican lawmakers have failed to reach an agreement on changes to the state’s voter-approved marijuana law, forcing a planned vote to be canceled. Disputes over how to allocate cannabis tax revenue and whether to increase penalties for sharing cannabis are at the heart of the standoff. With no deal in sight and summer recess beginning, the law remains unchanged.
With Pennsylvania’s budget deadline just days away, Governor Josh Shapiro is still pushing for adult-use marijuana legalization to help close a multi-billion-dollar fiscal gap. But Senate Republicans have rejected its inclusion in the budget, citing disagreements over how the market should be regulated—despite polls showing strong public support and widespread cannabis sales just across the state border.
In Rhode Island, lawmakers have backed off a proposed ban on hemp-derived THC drinks. Instead, they’re asking the state’s Cannabis Control Commission to recommend new rules by March. For now, the intoxicating beverages will remain on store shelves, as officials weigh health and safety concerns against industry pressure.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has until Sunday to decide on a controversial bill that would ban all THC-containing hemp products. The bill, known as SB 3, could eliminate thousands of jobs and reshape the hemp market. If Abbott does nothing, the bill will automatically become law on June 22.
 
#2026Ballot #AmericanShaman #CAURD #CCCUpdates #CBDLaws #CBDProducts #CDPH #CannabisBusinessMN #CannabisCafes #CannabisControlCommission #CannabisEquity #CannabisEquityMN #CannabisEvents #CannabisGrants #CannabisHospitality #CannabisJustice #CannabisLaw #CannabisLegalization #CannabisLegislation #CannabisLicenseMN #CannabisLicensing #CannabisNews #CannabisPardons #CannabisPolicy #CannabisPolicyGridlock #CannabisReformOhio #CannabisReformPA #CannabisRegulation #CannabisRegulations #ChildSafePackaging #DebraHeffernan #Delta8Ban #Delta9THC #DelawareCannabis #DelawareHemp #EndProhibitionPA #FarmBillHemp #FloridaCannabisNews #FloridaHemp #GavinNewsom #GregAbbott #H6270 #HB328 #HempBeverages #HempCompliance #HempIndustry #HempLaw #HempLegislation #HempReform #HempRegulation #HempRegulations #HempRetailers #HempSafety #HempTHCBan #HerbQuest #Issue2 #JamieCallender #JoshShapiro #JustCommunities #JuneteenthJustice #KratomBan #LegalCannabis #LegalWeedMA #LegalWeedNY #LegalWeedOhio #LegalWeedPA #LegalizeItRight #LiquorStoresTHC #MDJusticeReform #MNMarijuana #MassCannabis #MassMarijuana #MarijuanaExpungement #MarijuanaLaws #MarijuanaVote #MarylandCannabis #MedicalCannabisPA #MinnesotaCannabis #MoCannTrade #NCPolicy #NCPolitics #NewYorkCannabis #NorthCarolinaHemp #NYCannabis #OCM #OCMMinnesota #OHGOP #OhioCannabis #OhioMarijuanaLaw #PABudget2025 #PAMarijuana #PennsylvaniaPolitics #PotLounge #ProtectOurKids #RILegislation #RIPolitics #RecreationalMarijuana #RhodeIslandCannabis #Rule5K4034 #SB3 #SB56 #SaveTexasHemp #SocialConsumptionMA #SocialEquity #TestingLabsCannabis #THCBan #THCBeverages #THCDrinks #THCInfusedDrinks #THCLaws #THCLabeling #THCRegulation #THCRegulations #THCA #TXPolitics #TribalCannabisMN #UnifiedCannabisMarket #VeteransForHemp #WeedCafes #WesMoore #WiltonSimpson
 

Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-24: Alabama Felony Hemp Law, New York Recalls Contaminated Weed, Cannabis Chaos in Texas

14 Jun, 2025
In this episode, we cover major cannabis policy shifts across the U.S.—from Alabama’s new law making smokable hemp a felony to Florida’s crackdown on medical cannabis patients with drug convictions, and Missouri’s dual push for product safety and THCA enforcement. We also dive into Minnesota’s steep cannabis tax hike, Texas’s proposed ban on hemp-derived THC, and New York’s product recall over pesticide contamination. Hear updates on tribal cannabis reform in Mississippi, medical marijuana legislation in South Carolina and Pennsylvania, and the uncertain rollout of Nebraska’s new cannabis program.
Tags: cannabis news 2025, US cannabis laws, medical marijuana updates, hemp THC ban Texas, Alabama hemp laws, Missouri THCA crackdown, Minnesota cannabis tax, Florida cannabis patients, New York cannabis recall, Mississippi Choctaw marijuana, Nebraska medical marijuana, South Carolina medical cannabis, Pennsylvania cannabis workplace, Colorado cultivation shutdown, Montana cannabis tax veto, cannabis podcast, cannabis regulation, state cannabis updates, marijuana legalization USA
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.”
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SUMMARIES:
Alabama's new hemp law, HB445, will take effect on July 1. It bans smokable hemp, limits THC in products, and imposes felony penalties for possession. Small businesses say the law could force them to close or move operations, while lawmakers say it brings needed regulation.
Green Dragon, a major cannabis operator in Colorado, is closing its 92,000-square-foot cultivation facility near Denver at the end of June. The company blames falling wholesale prices and rising labor costs. Forty-five employees will lose their jobs. Green Dragon’s dispensaries will remain open, sourcing cannabis from third-party growers.
Florida lawmakers are backing a bill that would revoke medical marijuana cards from patients and caregivers convicted of certain drug offenses. The proposal, now likely to pass as part of a broader health bill, would suspend access once charges are filed and revoke it entirely if the person is found guilty—potentially affecting thousands of users in the state’s medical cannabis program.
Minnesota's cannabis rollout hit a snag this week after the state’s Office of Cannabis Management mistakenly emailed all 249 cannabis license lottery winners to say they’d been denied. The agency corrected the error within an hour, but business owners say the mistake could have real consequences and is shaking their confidence in the process. // Minnesota just raised its cannabis tax from 10% to 15%, giving the state one of the highest rates in the country. Lawmakers also cut out local governments from sharing in cannabis revenue. With dispensaries still months away from opening, groups like NORML warn that higher prices could push people back to the illegal market.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has approved a referendum supporting the development of marijuana laws on tribal lands. With 55% of members voting in favor, the tribe could soon establish Mississippi’s first legal adult-use cannabis market. Tribal officials will now begin research and planning for a possible legalization framework.
Starting July 1, Missouri will begin surprise inspections of cannabis dispensaries and collect products for state lab testing. The effort is aimed at adding a new layer of safety and compliance, checking for mold, pesticides, and THC levels. While regulators say they trust current labs, experts warn the results could reveal problems similar to those found in other states. // Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is cracking down on sales of THCA flower, a hemp product that becomes intoxicating when smoked. He’s sent cease-and-desist letters to at least 18 companies, arguing these products violate state consumer laws. But legal experts say the move might not hold up in court, since Missouri doesn’t have laws explicitly banning THCA.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has vetoed a bill that would have shifted cannabis tax money from mental health and conservation to law enforcement and prisons. The decision keeps the current funding model in place, supporting programs approved by voters. The veto has sparked a broader political debate, and lawmakers may still try to override it.
New York’s Office of Cannabis Management has recalled several cannabis products made by IndoGrow LLC after re-testing found illegal pesticide residues. The affected products were sold in adult-use dispensaries across the state. Consumers can return the products, even if opened, and report any health concerns to the state.
Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission held its first meeting in Lincoln on June 9. With a July 1 deadline to create rules and an October 1 licensing start date, commissioners are working fast—despite budget shortfalls and ongoing lawsuits questioning the law’s constitutionality. Advocates are urging the commission to move quickly to ensure patients can access medical cannabis safely and legally.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing a bipartisan bill to clarify workplace rules for medical marijuana users. The legislation won’t change protections under existing law but will define testing procedures and disclosure requirements, especially for safety-sensitive jobs. This comes as the state debates full legalization.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster says there’s a “very compelling” case for medical marijuana, marking a shift in tone as Republican Senator Tom Davis renews efforts to pass a conservative legalization bill by 2026. Despite widespread public support, the proposal still faces skepticism in the House and among law enforcement.
Texas lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 3, a controversial bill that would ban most hemp-derived THC products. But a new poll shows most Texans—including Republicans and veterans—oppose the ban, warning it could eliminate jobs and fuel black market activity. Governor Greg Abbott has until June 22 to sign or veto the bill.
 

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