Newsletter
Bill to federally legalize cannabis filed in Senate (Newsletter: July 17, 2026)
Rescheduling opponents seek to block marijuana companies from suit; DE cannabis rules changes; VA dental form marijuana question
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with other Democratic senators, filed a bill to federally legalize and tax marijuana while creating programs to aid people harmed by criminalization.
- It would also prevent the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that is scheduled to take effect in November.
Anti-marijuana groups and companies that are suing to block the Trump administration’s federal rescheduling proposal are asking a court not to allow medical cannabis businesses to intervene in the litigation—saying “they have not shown that the government will not adequately represent their interests in this case.”
Delaware’s marijuana commissioner is touting changes to cannabis policies that lawmakers passed this session, saying they will “further strengthen” the state’s regulatory framework—even as one measure was enacted despite the veto of the governor who appointed him.
Veterans Action Council’s Mary Lynn Mathre explains in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed how a seemingly innocuous cannabis question on a Department of Veterans Affairs dental form can affect veterans’ future medical care.
/ FEDERAL
Vice President JD Vance joked that Joe Rogan might need psychedelics after the podcast host quoted a news story about allegations that the U.S. conflict with Iran is intended to spur Biblical end times.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tweeted, “America’s veterans deserve access to every safe and effective treatment modern medicine can offer. I joined @SecVetAffairs Doug Collins to launch a landmark partnership between @HHSgov and @DepVetAffairs to accelerate research into psychedelic therapies for veterans. We will follow the science, build the evidence, and move promising treatments forward for veterans living with PTSD, depression, and addiction. They served our country. Now it’s our duty to deliver the care they deserve.”
Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) tweeted, “President Trump is RIGHT. Washington shouldn’t be picking winners and losers through special tax carveouts. If large cannabis companies want the benefits of full legalization, Congress should debate that openly, not quietly erase tax obligations through lobbyists behind closed doors.”
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) touted efforts to crack down on kratom and 7-OH products.
Nebraska Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz, a former state senator, criticized officials for working to undermine voters’ approval of medical cannabis ballot initiatives.
A former Pennsylvania Superior Court judge authored an op-ed urging lawmakers not to legalize marijuana.
Missouri regulators are being sued over new hemp product restrictions.
Michigan regulators announced a recall of cannabis products that exceed THC potency limits.
Maine regulators are proposing technical changes to marijuana rules.
Rhode Island regulators published guidance on marijuana packaging and labeling requirements.
Ohio regulators published guidance about marijuana packaging seal requirements.
Massachusetts regulators are tracking localities that ban marijuana delivery services.
Washington State’s cannabis reporting system experienced technical issues.
The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council met.
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Advisory Council will meet on Friday.
The Colorado Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee will meet on Monday.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “compared with no cannabis vaping or smoking, cannabis vaping only was not associated with respiratory symptoms, whereas cannabis smoking only and dual vaping and smoking were associated with increased odds.”
A review concluded that “psilocybin-assisted therapy represents a potentially transformative intervention” for major depressive disorder.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Albany Times Union editorial board said New York regulators need to do more to prevent use of marijuana by underage people.
/ BUSINESS
Eli Lilly and Company is acquiring AtaiBeckley Inc.
Organic Remedies is transitioning to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Glass House Brands Inc. updated its at-the-market distribution program following its listing of shares on the New York Stock Exchange.
/ CULTURE
Seth Rogen again spoke about smoking marijuana with Paul McCartney and Paul Rudd.
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Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.
