Marijuana rescheduling block advances in Congress; Psychedelics amendment stalls; KY medical cannabis plants growing; Study: Marijuana for pain
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies approved a bill to block marijuana rescheduling from taking effect—while also continuing a separate rider protecting state medical cannabis programs from federal interference.
The House Rules Committee blocked an amendment to shift $10 million in funding to support psychedelic medical clinical trials at the Department of Defense from getting a floor vote.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the first legal medical cannabis plants are now being grown in the state, which he called a “milestone” that gets patients closer to “safe, affordable access” to marijuana medicine.
A Texas representative filed a bill to protect consumers from criminal charges for possessing what they think is legal hemp but turns out to be illegal marijuana if its label says it contains “a consumable hemp product that is authorized under state or federal law” and was purchased “from a retailer the person reasonably believed was authorized to sell a consumable hemp product.”
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved the state’s first marijuana consumption lounge endorsements, with the chair saying the move is “a long time coming.”
The Marijuana Policy Project has a new executive director, bringing on longtime drug policy activist Adam Smith to lead the organization at a key time for the cannabis reform movement.
A new study found that medical marijuana “is likely an effective treatment option for patients with chronic pain” and is tied to “reduced healthcare utilization and improved self-reported [quality of life].”
- “Medical cannabis exposure is associated with lower risk of urgent care and [emergency department] visits.”
A new study from Clever Real Estate shows that homes in states where marijuana has been legalized are worth more and grow in value faster than houses in jurisdictions that continue to criminalize cannabis.
St. Louis, Missouri lawmakers are considering legislation to prohibit hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles from being sold outside of marijuana dispensaries.
/ FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to companies that are allegedly illegally marketing 7-OH products.
/ STATES
Former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), currently the U.S. homeland security secretary, is asking a federal court to rule against a challenge to the state’s hemp product ban.
New York regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to concerns about unreliable testing by a now-unpermitted laboratory.
Ohio regulators filed changes to medical cannabis rules.
Louisiana regulators adopted changes to consumable hemp product rules.
An Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority advisory council is pushing for officials to take action against intoxicating hemp products.
California regulators sent a reminder that cannabis businesses affected by wildfires are eligible for disaster relief resources.
Oregon regulators will consider rulemaking to implement recently enacted marijuana bills on Thursday.
Rhode Island regulators will host a cannabis social equity workshop on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
Colorado Springs, Colorado’s mayor vetoed legislation to create a process for allocating marijuana tax revenue.
The Reading, Pennsylvania City Council passed a resolution calling on state lawmakers to legalize marijuana and is considering a separate measure to decriminalize cannabis locally.
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Germany’s health minister is proposing to restrict the medical cannabis prescription process.
Veterans Affairs Canada issued reimbursements for more than 30,000 kilograms of cannabis, worth nearly C$245 million, in 2024-2025.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “consumption of cannabis and CBD oil was perceived as beneficial for relieving [inflammatory bowel disease], with many reporting significant symptom relief from using these substances.”
A study “provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the potential role of psilocybin in suicide prevention, offering a novel basis for further research.”
/ BUSINESS
Verano Holdings Corp. has a new chief strategy and compliance officer.
/ CULTURE
Basketball player Kevin Durant was spotted appearing to smoke marijuana at a music festival in London.
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