GOP congressman wants AZ legalization rollback; VA cannabis sales vote; HI marijuana report; UT decrim; MD psychedelics; THC drinks at major arena
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) told Marijuana Moment he supports a ballot initiative to roll back cannabis legalization in Arizona, though acknowledged that President Donald Trump has a lot of “power” with his rescheduling order.
- Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) said the federal government should “keep marijuana where it was” in Schedule I “because the social safety network is in place, causing taxpayers to have to fund rehabilitation for those things.”
A government-run marijuana dispensary in Anoka, Minnesota is set to open its doors for sales next week—with the mayor saying the city has “successfully managed and reinvested millions in profits from our municipal liquor stores” and “that experience has given us a unique blueprint for the cannabis sector.”
The Virginia House General Laws Committee approved a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales, as companion legislation with a different start date for the launch of the market is also advancing in the Senate.
A report commissioned by the Hawaii Department of Health projects that legalizing recreational marijuana would generate up to $90 million in monthly sales—including an estimate that tourists will contribute upwards of $11.5 million per month in cannabis purchases “at minimum.”
A Utah lawmaker filed a bill to decriminalize marijuana, removing the threat of jail time for first-time low-level cannabis possession offenses.
Maryland lawmakers introduced bills to extend the Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances for another year and require an additional report with updated recommendations for ensuring “broad, equitable and affordable access to psychedelic substances.”
The United Center—which is the largest entertainment arena in the U.S. and home to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks—entered into a multi-year partnership to make THC beverages from Señorita and RYTHM available for sale at concerts and live events.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration has a new assistant administrator of the Diversion Control Division.
The U.S. Sentencing Commission will consider publishing additional proposed changes to sentencing guidelines on Friday.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “Bureaucrats are meddling in Kentucky’s hemp industry and hurting our family farms. I’m pushing back to protect jobs, support innovation, and stop government overreach. My legislation would allow state regulations to override the federal hemp ban.”
/ STATES
New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado (D), who is running a primary challenge against Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), criticized her leadership on cannabis issues.
The Virginia Senate Court of Justice Committee rejected a bill that would have allowed police to search vehicles based solely on the smell of marijuana.
The Maryland Senate Finance Committee heard briefings from cannabis regulators. Separately, the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council met.
A Washington State senator sent a press release about her bill to regulate kratom products getting a hearing.
Illinois lawmakers filed legislation on cannabis business signage and product labeling.
Vermont regulators published guidance on marijuana retail business relocation.
Oklahoma regulators suspended operations of a medical cannabis business over alleged violations.
Oregon regulators will host a cannabis listening session on Wednesday.
The Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Thursday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
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/ LOCAL
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “initiation of [cannabis-based medicinal products] was associated with statistically and clinically significant improvements in depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life among patients.”
A review concluded that “benzodiazepine-opioid combinations and psilocybin show promise for anxiety relief in end-of-life patients.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Boston Globe editorial board is calling on Massachusetts officials to crack down on inversion of marijuana products from other states.
/ BUSINESS
Canix is acquiring Trym.
SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a Safe Harbor is expanding its payments solutions portfolio for the cannabis industry through partnerships with Lüt and GreenCard.
Rhode Island retailers sold $120.1 million worth of legal marijuana products in 2025.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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