Congressional candidate pledges legalization bill on 1st day; AK psychedelics initiative; Study: Legal marijuana reduces suicide rates in older people
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
*Rattling the tip jar* Got a few dollars you can spare to help Marijuana Moment pay our writers, keep our website running and grow into the kind of robust news organization the fast-paced world of drug policy deserves?
Join us for $25/month and be a part of our work: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Bipartisan members of Congress spoke to Marijuana Moment about reports the Trump administration is planning to reschedule cannabis—with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) calling it a “no brainer” that the two parties have been in a “race” to achieve and Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) saying he doesn’t “agree with everything the president does.”
Colorado Democratic congressional candidate Wanda James, who is also a cannabis business owner, reacted to news of the Trump administration potentially rescheduling marijuana by pledging to file legislation to “fully legalize cannabis nationwide” on her first day in office if elected.
- She also hired marijuana reform and industry veteran Neal Levine as her campaign manager.
Alaska psychedelics activists announced that they will not be able to collect enough signatures to put a legalization initiative on the 20206 ballot—but are shifting focus to 2028, and the petitions they’ve already collected will still be good toward that effort.
A new study found that “suicide rates among older age groups decline following the opening of recreational marijuana dispensaries.”
- “Given that older adults are more prone to chronic pain and various physical and mental health issues, it is not surprising that this demographic is increasingly turning to marijuana for its medicinal properties.”
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission approved three dispensary licenses, which the chair of the body says positions the state to potentially launch sales to patients in early 2026.
A new report from a coalition of advocacy groups highlights how drug prohibition drives the climate crisis by forcing trafficking routes into sensitive forested areas, failing to regulate chemicals used in drug production and allowing authorities to spray herbicides via aerial fumigation.
Ohio sellers of hemp products say a new restrictive bill on the desk of Gov. Mike DeWine (R) will put them out of business.
Virginia hemp businesses are considering how to strategically pivot their operations as a newly approved federal ban on THC product looms.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration highlighted a podcast about substance misuse and body image issues.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) referenced Chinese-backed illegal marijuana grow operations in a press release about the advancement of President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. attorney for Maine.
Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) tweeted, “Marijuana prohibition has failed our communities. It has disproportionately harmed people of color — fueling mass incarceration, tearing families apart, stripping away opportunities, and burdening people with lifelong criminal records.”
/ STATES
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) tweeted, “The Post Dispensary in Beaver Dam is officially open as of today, selling safe medical cannabis to eligible Kentuckians! It took other states up to six years to get up and running, but we did it in two while still ensuring a safe, legal process.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) discussed his reasons for planning to sign a bill restricting hemp products. He also spoke about his support for banning synthetic kratom products.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) administration diverted more than $35 million in taxpayer funds for child welfare and medical programs toward an effort to defeat marijuana legalization and abortion rights ballot initiatives last year, newly unveiled records show.
A Massachusetts campaign seeking to scale back the voter-approved marijuana legalization law submitted signatures for its ballot initiative.
California regulators sent a warning about products containing psilocin.
Illinois regulators are seeking public feedback on cannabis rules.
Oklahoma regulators sent an update about difficulties with a new medical cannabis licensing portal.
Colorado regulators published average market rates for retail marijuana.
Virginia regulators posted a guide to following cannabis legislation in the 2026 session.
The New York Cannabis Control Board will meet on Thursday.
—
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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—
/ LOCAL
Pinal County, Arizona’s attorney claimed that “marijuana has become a precursor to fentanyl use, cocaine and methamphetamine.”
/ INTERNATIONAL
Jamaica’s minister of industry, investment and commerce said he is closely monitoring marijuana rescheduling developments in the U.S.
German federal officials have consistently rejected local proposals for cannabis commerce pilot trials.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A new study is exploring whether using CBD can help people smoke less marijuana.
A study found that “LSD use [is] linked to a reduced risk of” alcohol use disorder.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana launched a TV ad campaign urging President Donald Trump not to reschedule cannabis.
The R Street Institute circulated a statement saying that cannabis rescheduling “is welcome, but it still leaves federal prohibition in place.”
The Cato Institute published a blog post arguing that “little will actually change” under marijuana rescheduling.
/ BUSINESS
Trulieve and ScottsMiracle-Gro executives were reportedly with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office when he phoned House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to discuss marijuana rescheduling.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.
