Lawmakers push for more marijuana reform; MA anti-cannabis ballot signatures; NJ psilocybin vote; Poll: Americans use marijuana for holiday stress
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Department of Transportation sent a notice clarifying that President Donald Trump’s marijuana rescheduling executive order “will not change” federal drug testing process and regulations for safety‐sensitive transportation workers—at least “until any rescheduling is complete.”
Bipartisan members of Congress say that President Donald Trump’s marijuana rescheduling order is only the first step toward needed reforms—and that cannabis industry banking access, sentencing reform and full legalization should follow.
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Elections Division certified that a campaign to scale back the marijuana legalization law by recriminalizing recreational sales and home grow got enough signatures to advance its initiative toward the 2026 ballot.
The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee approved a bill to legalize psilocybin therapy and create a regulated program for patient access.
A new poll shows that nearly one in three Americans “pre-game” with marijuana before family holiday gatherings to emotionally prepare and deal with stress.
/ FEDERAL
A Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson said marijuana rescheduling won’t allow the agency’s doctors to prescribe medical cannabis but will make it easier to conduct research on marijuana.
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Stabilization Policy James Saenz co-authored an op-ed criticizing the Trump administration’s military strikes on alleged drug boats.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) said she disagrees with President Donald Trump on marijuana rescheduling.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) praised the recently approved federal recriminalization of hemp THC products.
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) said the White House rejected his request for a meeting with President Donald Trump to express his concerns about marijuana rescheduling.
Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) discussed the benefits of rescheduling marijuana.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said President Donald Trump “delivered” on marijuana rescheduling when “Obama couldn’t get it done” and “Biden couldn’t get it done.”
/ STATES
California’s attorney general touted efforts to eradicate illegal marijuana plants. Separately, regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the company operating as a distributor without a distributor license.
A Pennsylvania representative said she is “not going to ever support legalization of recreational marijuana.”
Arizona regulators filed changes to marijuana rules.
Illinois regulators are proposing changes to marijuana dispensary rules.
Colorado regulators published a bulletin about burglaries against marijuana businesses.
Oklahoma regulators published guidance about requirements for physicians who want to recommend medical cannabis.
Michigan regulators signed a cannabis compact with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana.
Texas officials awarded $50 million to UTHealth Houston and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston to support ibogaine therapy trials.
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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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/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “CBD is a valuable antioxidant agent in skin care science.”
A study found that “cognitive performance improved two weeks after receiving psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Former Republican National Committee Communications Director Kevin Heye said President Donald Trump’s marijuana rescheduling order sends a “mixed message.”
The Heritage Foundation criticized President Donald Trump’s move to reschedule marijuana.
Gun Owners of America tweeted, “President Trump just ordered that marijuana be reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III. GOA is calling on ATF to cease treating Americans who are prescribed marijuana as ‘unlawful users of controlled substances’ & federally prohibited from possessing firearms.”
/ BUSINESS
Atai Beckley N.V. received a U.S. patent for its oral R-MDMA medication.
Canadian retailers sold C$451.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in October.
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Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.
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