Newsletter
Colorado governor issues more cannabis pardons (Newsletter: August 31, 2026)
Study: Medical marijuana for older adults; Marijuana rescheduling & business acquisition op-ed; MO hemp lawsuit; NM psilocybin apps
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) pardoned more people for past marijuana convictions—adding to the thousands of such acts of cannabis clemency he has previously granted.
- “Not everyone earns the privilege of a second chance. But you have demonstrated that you deserve one.”
A new study of people over the age of 65 who used medical cannabis found that “pain, insomnia, and mood or behavioral symptoms decreased significantly”—with “consistently low documented clinically effective doses.”
- “Symptom severity decreased significantly across the three main symptom domains, with improvement in approximately 90% of patients.”
Christopher B. Lynch of Dickinson Wright PLLC argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that federal rescheduling “is drawing interest from pharmaceutical, agricultural and consumer products companies” and that “well-positioned operators are already using this window to plan restructurings, seek new partners, acquire distressed assets and target new markets.”
Florida Democrats are seizing on a grand jury report that found Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) administration “misappropriated” $10 million in Medicare funds for “political activities”—including opposing a marijuana legalization ballot initiative.
Missouri officials and hemp businesses filed dueling briefs in a federal lawsuit from the industry that says the state’s new THC product restrictions are “unconstitutionally vague.”
The New Mexico Department of Health is now accepting applications for medical psilocybin producer permits as regulators move to launch the program earlier than anticipated.
Alabama’s second medical cannabis dispensary opened—about three months after sales launched at the first store, and five years after lawmakers passed legislation to legalize patient access.
/ FEDERAL
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health published a report on cannabis industry worker safety.
Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) said he expects the House of Representatives to “iron out” some “sticking points” with a Senate-passed funding bill, “particularly the hemp issue.”
The House bill to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products got two new cosponsors for a total of 40.
/ STATES
A Texas judge held a hearing on a request for a temporary restraining order to block hemp product restrictions.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to incomplete and incorrect regulatory compliance testing.
Illinois regulators clarified that there is no limit on the number of seeds that medical cannabis patients can purchase or possess.
Maine regulators published guidance about outdoor medical cannabis cultivation.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors will meet on September 9.
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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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/ INTERNATIONAL
St. Maarten lawmakers rejected a motion to release documents related to the government’s agreement with a firm helping to craft cannabis policies.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “Cannabis sativa crude extracts possess localised, low-potency inhibitory effects against MRSA.”
A study of shelter-housed dogs with stress-related behaviors treated with CBD and CBDA found “increased resting, reduced locomotion and postural transitions, and fewer dogs displaying repetitive locomotion,” suggesting “a specific calming effect, potentially reflecting reduced nocturnal vigilance and reactivity, rather than generalized sedation.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The New York Post editorial board criticized legislation to create a Cannabis Wage Board.
/ BUSINESS
Glass House Brands Inc. rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
Canadian retailers sold C$517.8 million worth of legal marijuana products in June.
/ CULTURE
Tennis player Katie Boulter complained about the smell of marijuana at the U.S. Open.
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