News Roundup: Week 2025-11: THC Limits, Lawsuits & Expungements: This Week’s Biggest Cannabis Updates

Week of 15 Mar 2025

This week in cannabis news: Colorado lawmakers drop a controversial THC cap bill, while a local cannabis company sues regulators over contaminated products. Kentucky and Ohio push new restrictions on hemp-derived THC, sparking industry backlash. Meanwhile, Maryland moves to protect first responders using medical cannabis, and Minnesota advances a bill expanding expungements for past marijuana convictions. In New York, a new measure aims to protect medical marijuana patients from eviction, while Oregon withdraws a scandal-ridden cannabis audit. Nationally, cannabis research faces new hurdles, and in Australia, a fresh push for legalization stirs political debate.

 

Mentioned states: CO, KY, MD, MN, NY, OH, OR, and more.

 

 

 

1 COLORADO 

 

This week in Colorado, tensions over cannabis regulation have intensified as lawmakers withdrew a controversial bill restricting THC potency, while a local cannabis company launched a legal battle against state regulators.

Senate Bill 76, which aimed to cap THC levels in cannabis products and ban certain psilocybin edibles, was pulled after facing significant pushback from the industry and public advocates. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Judy Amabile, cited concerns about marijuana’s mental health effects, but acknowledged the measure lacked legislative support..

Meanwhile, Mammoth Farms, a Colorado-based cannabis company, has filed a lawsuit against the state's Marijuana Enforcement Division, accusing regulators of failing to properly oversee product safety. The lawsuit claims that contaminated cannabis, including products containing methylene chloride, has entered the legal market due to lax testing standards. Mammoth Farms argues that the state's oversight failures endanger consumers and undermine legitimate businesses. If successful, the lawsuit could lead to a major overhaul of Colorado’s cannabis regulatory system.

2 KENTUCKY 

 

Kentucky’s House has approved new restrictions on hemp-derived THC beverages, advancing Senate Bill 202 with a 77 to 17 vote. The legislation caps THC content at 5 milligram per 12-ounce serving, moves regulatory oversight to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control agency, and requires retailers to obtain liquor licenses. Supporters argue these measures are needed to regulate intoxicating hemp drinks and keep them out of the hands of minors. However, the hemp industry warns the bill could harm Kentucky’s $330 million market and force businesses to close. A separate bill, House Bill 775, also proposes increasing taxes on hemp beverages, further fueling industry concerns. Both bills now await Senate approval and possible gubernatorial review.

3 MARYLAND 

 

Maryland lawmakers are advancing a bill to protect firefighters and rescue workers from employment discrimination related to off-duty medical cannabis use. Senate Bill 1023, passed the Senate Finance Committee and now moves forward in the legislative process. The bill ensures first responders with valid medical cannabis certifications cannot be penalized solely for testing positive for THC metabolites, provided they are not impaired while on duty. If enacted, the law could impact workplace cannabis policies and medical cannabis access across Maryland.

4 MINNESOTA 

 

Minnesota lawmakers are moving forward with legislation to expand expungement eligibility for marijuana-related convictions. Senate Bill 204, which received unanimous approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee, aims to ensure individuals with past cannabis offenses can seek record relief—provided their convictions did not involve weapons or violent acts. The measure also clarifies the role of the state’s Cannabis Expungement Board, which has faced challenges in reviewing certain cases due to legislative oversights. If passed, the bill could take effect later this spring, further advancing Minnesota’s cannabis justice reforms.

 

5 NEW YORK 

 

The New York Senate is advancing a bill aimed at protecting medical marijuana patients from eviction. Senate Bill 3689, approved by the Senate’s Housing Committee, would ensure that landlords cannot remove tenants solely because of their legal use of medical cannabis. The measure clarifies existing tenant protections and allows patients to use their certification as a legal defense in eviction cases. However, the bill does not override federal housing laws, which still prohibit cannabis use in federally subsidized housing. Lawmakers and advocates say the legislation is a necessary step to ensure housing stability for medical marijuana patients in New York.

 

6 OHIO 

 

Ohio lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 86, which aims to regulate intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 THC, by restricting sales to state-licensed dispensaries and imposing a 15% tax. The bill would also ban sales to those under 21 and require strict testing, packaging, and labeling standards. Supporters, including Governor Mike DeWine, argue the bill will prevent misleading marketing and protect consumers. However, hemp retailers warn the legislation could hurt small businesses and drive consumers toward illicit markets or neighboring states. The bill also includes provisions for drinkable cannabinoid products, allowing them to be sold in bars, restaurants, and craft breweries under a $3.50 per gallon excise tax. 

7 OREGON 

Oregon’s Secretary of State has withdrawn a controversial audit of the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Commission following ethics concerns tied to former Secretary Shemia Fagan. The audit, released in 2023, recommended modernizing cannabis laws but came under scrutiny when it was revealed that Fagan had financial ties to La Mota, a major dispensary chain regulated by the OLCC. Secretary Tobias Read stated that flaws in the audit selection process, combined with public records showing industry influence, undermined its credibility. While the decision removes the report from public records, Read confirmed that a new audit may be conducted under stricter oversight.

 

8 NATIONAL 

The National Cancer Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, has introduced new restrictions on publishing marijuana research, requiring special approval for studies on cannabis and other controversial topics. Researchers warn the policy could slow progress in medical cannabis research, particularly in understanding its effects on cancer patients. 

While the NCI acknowledges that up to 40% of cancer patients use cannabis to manage symptoms, scientists fear that government interference could limit the timely dissemination of critical findings. As federal marijuana laws continue to evolve, the directive raises concerns about scientific transparency and access to cannabis-related medical data.

 

9 AUSTRALIA

Australia’s Greens Party is renewing its push for cannabis legalization, citing fresh economic projections from the Parliamentary Budget Office. The latest estimates suggest a legal recreational market could generate $700 million in tax revenue annually, significantly lower than previous figures. The Greens argue that legalization would shift profits from organized crime to public services, such as healthcare and education. However, major parties, including the ruling Labor Party and the opposition Coalition, remain opposed, citing concerns over health risks and legal feasibility. With an election looming, the fate of cannabis reform in Australia may hinge on the next government.