Senate psychedelics hearing; FL legalization lawsuit win; TX medical marijuana expansion rules; Jeff Bridges filmed key scene on cannabis
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Republican National Committee elected Florida Sen. Joe Gruters (R)—who supports marijuana legalization and has discussed his own use of cannabis products—as chairman after an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) chaired a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing on the benefits of alternative therapies like psychedelics for military veterans—saying he’s “confident” access will expand under the Trump administration and disclosing that “veterans come to my office quite often” and tell him they’ve “gone to another country and a certain drug has helped.”
A federal judge granted a Florida marijuana campaign “complete relief” from provisions of a state law restricting the signature gathering process that advocates have said could jeopardize their effort to put a legalization initiative on the 2026 ballot.
The Texas Department of Public Safety filed proposed changes to medical cannabis rules to expand patient access by licensing additional dispensaries and setting security requirements for satellite locations.
Virgin Atlantic asked the cannabis drink company Drippy to delete satirical social media posts claiming the airline would serve THC sodas on its flights—but a spokesperson told Marijuana Moment the company “loved the fun” and “let the team know how much it made us smile.”
Actor Jeff Bridges once delivered an Academy Award-nominated performance playing the role of president of the United States while high on marijuana, according to filmmaker Rod Lurie.
Minnesota marijuana businesses and a key lawmaker are expressing concerns that a recently enacted cannabis tax increase could raise prices so much it drives consumers to the illegal, unregulated market.
A Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota lobbyist said the state’s medical marijuana industry “commends” police for carrying out sting operations at retailers who sell intoxicating hemp products.
/ FEDERAL
National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management officials removed an illegal marijuana cultivation site in Sequoia National Park.
The Drug Enforcement Administration posted a profile highlighting another of its special agents.
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) tweeted, “Rescheduling weed undermines @POTUS’ determination 2 address America’s growing health crisis & it won’t be the boon 2 GOP’s midterm chances like Big Weed claims.”
/ STATES
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) commended medical cannabis regulators and law enforcement “on their successful ongoing efforts to reduce illegal marijuana grows.”
Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, currently a congresswoman, discussed her support for legalizing recreational marijuana sales.
An Alabama House candidate discussed her support for legalizing marijuana.
The Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit seeking to block a medical cannabis dispensary from operating within 1,000 feet of schools.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the presence of pesticide contamination.
Minnesota regulators are again being sued for refusing to allow people who grow their own marijuana at home to sell it.
Massachusetts’s acting top marijuana regulator met with cannabis business owners and took a tour of a beverage manufacturing facility.
The Nevada Cannabis Advisory Committee’s Market Participation Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday.
The Alaska Marijuana Control Board will meet on Wednesday.
Michigan regulators will host an event about veterans’ medical cannabis access on October 23.
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/ LOCAL
The Anchorage, Alaska Assembly is expected to vote on a proposal to allow marijuana social consumption lounges on Tuesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Australian Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee is conducting an inquiry on opportunities for hemp industry development.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study’s results “suggest CBD to be an effective” anti-seizure medication.
A review’s results “align with emerging evidence suggesting that psychedelics may be beneficial” in people with eating disorders.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The chair of the Florida Democratic Party tweeted that a ruling on marijuana consumers’ gun rights “was a tremendous win for Florida’s medical cannabis patients and for those who wish to participate in the program. No one should have to [choose] between their constitutional right for access to medical cannabis and their second Amendment rights to bear arms.”
/ BUSINESS
Canadian retailers sold C$480.2 million worth of legal marijuana products in June.
/ CULTURE
Bill Maher said President Donald Trump’s consideration of marijuana rescheduling is an example of him being a “master at winning votes from small groups who are passionate about one issue.”
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