Newsletter
DEA clarifies synthetic cannabis component is illegal (Newsletter: May 4, 2026)
PA gov slams opponent’s legalization opposition; MD gov signs psychedelics bill; TX hemp rulings; CA eases biz transition for rescheduling benefits
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Drug Enforcement Administration filed a Federal Register notice clarifying that it views the synthetic cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) as an illegal Schedule I substance—and not legal hemp—and is giving it a unique drug code for federal classification.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s (D) campaign is calling out Republican opponent Stacy Garrity, currently the state treasurer, for opposing cannabis legalization—telling Marijuana Moment that a little-noticed questionnaire she filled out on the issue shows she “wants Pennsylvania to continue to lose out on critical revenue that could be invested into our schools, public safety and small businesses.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed a bill to extend the Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances for a year and require a new report with recommendations to ensure “broad, equitable and affordable access to psychedelic substances.”
A Texas judge issued a temporary injunction allowing sales of smokable hemp THCA flower and other products to continue through at least July 27—but the state Supreme Court separately upheld regulators’ ability to ban delta-8 THC.
The California Department of Cannabis Control has “streamlined” the process of changing marijuana license designations from recreational to medical to make it easier for businesses to take advantage of legal benefits in line with the Trump administration’s federal rescheduling move.
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals is considering a case on whether the smell of marijuana alone is enough for police to obtain a warrant to search a person’s home.
Two Missouri marijuana businesses filed a class action lawsuit claiming that a network of companies formed a “cartel” that has “unlawfully seized control of the Missouri retail dispensary market” through “price-fixing, product- and supplier-allocation agreements, and coordinated exclusionary conduct.”
/ FEDERAL
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring April to be Second Chance Month, a move touted by his pardon czar.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is reportedly planning to issue a new national drug control strategy this week.
Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb authored an op-ed about President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order.
The National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse will meet on Tuesday.
Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) discussed a forthcoming hemp regulation bill that he plans to file.
/ STATES
Connecticut lawmakers are moving to keep current THC limits for marijuana products in place despite the advancement of legislation that would have eliminated or increased potency caps.
Idaho county clerks have 60 calendar days to verify signatures on petitions for medical cannabis legalization and other ballot initiatives.
A New Jersey court ruled that cities can’t fire police officers for off-duty marijuana use.
A federal judge upheld Florida ballot initiative restrictions, rejecting a lawsuit from leaders of campaigns for marijuana legalization and Medicaid expansion.
Missouri regulators announced a recall of marijuana products that did not pass testing for aspergillus.
Maine regulators issued an advisory about marijuana products with unsafe levels of yeast and mold and unsafe levels of the pesticide piperonyl butoxide.
Nevada regulators are expected to reschedule marijuana under state law following its federal reclassification.
Massachusetts regulators published guidance about recently enacted changes to laws on marijuana business financial interest thresholds.
The Texas Medical Board is proposing tighter regulations around ketamine, including stricter physician oversight and banning in-home use.
Michigan regulators added new content to a marijuana policy video library.
The New York Cannabis Control Board 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.
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/ LOCAL
Minneapolis, Minnesota’s mayor vetoed legislation to decriminalize drug paraphernalia.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Gabon’s Council of Ministers issued a draft decree declaring iboga and ibogaine to be part of the country’s national strategic heritage.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD could be an effective natural bioactive compound for breast cancer treatment, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.”
A study’s results “highlight the relevance of phytocannabinoids as promising candidates for the development of non-opioid analgesics.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
An American Enterprise Institute senior fellow authored an op-ed arguing that states should require warning labels on marijuana products.
/ BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. completed the buyout of stake not previously owned in Four 20 Pharma GmbH.
Verano Holdings Corp. authorized the repurchase of up to $20 million in shares.
A National Labor Relations Board official revoked the Teamsters’s certification as the exclusive representative of Herbal Wellness Center employees in Athens, Ohio.
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