The Senate Judiciary Committee has moved forward with the nomination of Terrance Cole as the next head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Cole, nominated by President Donald Trump, has not clarified his position on the current proposal to reschedule marijuana, which has raised concerns among cannabis advocates and industry stakeholders.
In related news, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) aims to require online platforms to implement measures to prevent minors from accessing cannabis advertisements and other sensitive content. This legislation could complicate how cannabis businesses market their products online.
In Texas, the House of Representatives passed a controversial bill banning consumable hemp products containing any level of THC. This measure, championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), has drawn criticism from Democrats, despite Patrick’s claims of supporting expanded medical cannabis access and research into psychedelics. Industry representatives have warned that they may pursue legal action if this bill becomes law.
Oregon lawmakers have sent a new bill to Governor Tina Kotek (D) that permits cannabis businesses to distribute product samples at trade events and allows for unrestricted wholesale transactions between varying cannabis companies during these gatherings. This measure aims to foster business development within the state’s cannabis sector.
Meanwhile, the Nevada Assembly has passed a resolution urging the federal government to reschedule several psychedelics, including psilocybin and MDMA, to reflect their therapeutic potential and low risk of abuse more appropriately.
In New York, the Office of Cannabis Management has launched an interactive “Buy Legal” map, helping consumers locate licensed marijuana dispensaries in their area. This initiative aims to support legal market growth and ensure consumers can easily find compliant retailers.
A new scientific review has concluded that cannabinoids may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy while also decreasing associated side effects. This finding could bolster the argument for the medical use of cannabis in cancer treatment.
On the legal front, a Nebraska judge is deliberating on a motion to dismiss a lawsuit claiming that the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis initiatives violate federal law.
In federal news, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has exempted a film industry company from requirements to fully query the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for drivers, acknowledging concerns about California’s liberal marijuana laws and substance abuse in the motion picture industry.
At the state level, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R) has enacted a bill that imposes restrictions on hemp products. In New Jersey, the Assembly has approved a measure that adds sickle cell anemia as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. Minnesota’s interim cannabis regulator has suggested a possible increase in marijuana taxes, while Utah regulators are revising medical cannabis and hemp cultivation rules.
In Arizona, regulators are threatening to revoke the license of a marijuana testing facility and seek fines from another for alleged violations of state laws. Massachusetts regulators are attempting to intervene in lawsuits filed against Great Barrington by three marijuana dispensaries, and Oregon has adjusted its marijuana revenue forecasts downward. In California, regulators reported seizing $5.5 million worth of illegal cannabis from an unlicensed dispensary in Los Angeles County.
Local governance efforts include a proposal from the Montgomery County, Maryland Council to restrict marijuana dispensaries from operating within 100 feet of residential properties.
Internationally, Thailand’s public health minister is advocating for a ban on non-medical cannabis, signaling a shift in the country’s cannabis policy.
On the scientific research front, a case study highlighted that the combination of cannabinoids and analgesics reduced postoperative neuropathic pain with manageable side effects. Additionally, a study documented a significant shift in consumer spending from illegal to legal cannabis markets in Canada following the legalization of non-medical cannabis.
Advocacy organizations, including the International Drug Policy Consortium, have sent a letter to UN Secretary General António Guterres, urging him to lead an independent review of the UN drug control system.
In business news, Blum Holdings, Inc. announced its acquisition of a holding company with a minority stake in Cookies Creative Consulting & Promotions, Inc. Additionally, The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. received approval from a Canadian court for its proposed plan of arrangement.
As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve, these developments highlight ongoing regulatory challenges and shifts in policy across various states and at the federal level.
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