NEWS PODCAST: Federal Marijuana Rescheduling & SAFE Banking Return as Virginia, Pennsylvania and Nebraska Move Cannabis Forward

27 June 2026

 

Cannabis policy is moving quickly across federal and state governments. A federal marijuana rescheduling hearing could affect cannabis taxes and regulation, while the latest SAFE Banking Act attempts to improve financial access for legal marijuana businesses.

 

Virginia lawmakers have advanced a recreational cannabis market with a possible July 2027 launch, but a proposed tenfold increase in the public-consumption fine is facing opposition. Pennsylvania legalization remains stalled despite overwhelming voter support, Vermont has enacted broader possession and business reforms, and New Hampshire lawmakers may challenge a veto affecting medical cannabis cultivation.

 

New market opportunities are emerging as Missouri prepares a marijuana microbusiness lottery, Massachusetts builds its cannabis social-consumption licensing system, and Connecticut connects tribal cannabis businesses with the state-regulated marketplace.

 

The episode also covers California’s $227 million cannabis grant program, Nebraska’s first approved medical marijuana grow, and New York’s new cannabis health equity center for healthcare-provider education.