Newsletter
Congress’s options for addressing cannabis user gun ban (Newsletter: July 15, 2026)
HHS/VA psychedelics partnership; ID medical marijuana push fails; CA data: Local bans boost illicit market; Study: Cannabis-infused tea & happiness
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office announced that medical cannabis activists failed to submit enough valid signatures to qualify a legalization initiative for the November ballot.
The Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new effort to partner on psychedelic medicine development as other federal agencies also announced support for research on ibogaine’s therapeutic value.
A new Congressional Research Service report lays out lawmakers’ options for how to address a federal law barring users of marijuana and other illegal drugs from possessing guns following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld cannabis consumers’ Second Amendment rights.
- “Congress might opt to amend the law to more narrowly capture only those individuals who may, because of their use or the nature of the drug involved, present a danger to themselves or others.”
New data released by the California Department of Cannabis Control reveals that 97 percent of marijuana seized in unincorporated areas of the state came from counties that continue to ban licensed growers.
- “When local governments deny consumers access to licensed retailers, the illicit market and organized crime benefit, while public health and safety is harmed.”
A new study found that drinking marijuana-infused tea leads to a “statistically significant increase in happiness levels” and improvements in sleep—without any negative reported side effects.
- “Cannabis-infused tea enhanced the state of happiness without reported side effects. Therefore, this prototype tea could be consumed at the optimum dose to maintain health and well-being.”
More Maryland social equity marijuana dispensaries are starting to open this year after a slow start to market participation by people who come from communities—or who attended schools in parts of the state—that were disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) filed a bill to ban retail and online sales of nitrous oxide products to consumers.
The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got one new cosponsor for a total of 74.
The House bill to create a cannabis-focused scholarship program got two new cosponsors for a total of three.
/ STATES
Ohio Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Don Kissick said he supports lowering marijuana taxes.
Oklahoma’s attorney general touted enforcement actions against medical cannabis dispensaries suspected of illegal activity.
A Pennsylvania representative celebrated the lack of marijuana legalization language in budget legislation, saying that “aside from being federally illegal, we heard horror stories from other states saying much of the revenue brought in by legalization was canceled out by an increase in funding needed for Medicaid and mental health services.”
New York regulators published guidance about including cannabis brand information in the state’s track-and-trace system.
Washington, D.C. regulators upheld the rescission of a medical cannabis retailer application.
Maine regulators sent a warning about a scam involving phone calls from people purporting to represent the state Office of Cannabis Policy.
Virginia regulators published an overview of the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council.
California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Thursday.
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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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/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s deputy interior minister launched a crackdown on illegal cannabis sales.
Namibia’s High Court rejected a case seeking to overturn marijuana prohibition.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that treatment with cannabis-based medicinal products “was associated with improvements in [health-related quality of life], anxiety, and sleep outcomes in autistic patients over an 18-month period.”
A case report “highlights a potential adjunctive role for cannabidiol in refractory [paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity] following severe” traumatic brain injury.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Josh Kesselman Foundation for Making the World a Better Place is a new foundation focused on supporting cannabis reform and other issues.
/ BUSINESS
The founder of Gold Flora and other cannabis companies is facing federal charges of illegally obtaining pandemic-related loans.
A lawsuit that former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) filed against Meta Platforms, Inc. over alleged scam ads that use his name, image or likeness to sell CBD products was revived by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
/ CULTURE
Sacha Baron Cohen pretended to be selling marijuana as his character Ali G during an appearance at the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
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