Newsletter
DEA judge grants cannabis opponents’ request to pause rescheduling hearing (Newsletter: September 30, 2026)
MA anti-marijuana measure poll; PA medical cannabis in hospitals; MD vets’ cannabis law; Medical marijuana patient growth; Local psychedelics votes
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Drug Enforcement Administration judge has granted a stay in an ongoing hearing on marijuana rescheduling requested by opponents who want a recent Government Accountability Office report finding “gaps” in the federal drug scheduling process to be entered into the record.
Another new poll shows that Massachusetts voters strongly oppose an initiative on the ballot to roll back the state’s marijuana legalization law, 61 percent to 27 percent—though Republicans are twice as likely to support the anti-cannabis measure as Democrats are.
The Pennsylvania Senate Law & Justice Committee unanimously approved a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
A new Maryland law taking effect on Thursday will provide legal protections for veterinarians who recommend medical cannabis for animals, making it so they can’t be punished for it by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
A pair of new studies published by the American College of Physicians shows that there are nearly 4 million patients registered to use medical marijuana under state laws in the U.S., as well as at least 35,000 doctors and clinicians approved to recommend it and nearly 110,000 caregivers authorized to assist patients in growing and obtaining cannabis products.
Local officials in California, Oregon and Washington State cities are advancing measures to deprioritize police enforcement of laws criminalizing psychedelics like psilocybin, ayahuasca and mescaline.
Workers at Greenlight Dispensary in Springfield, Missouri claim they were fired in retaliation for holding a union organizing meeting—though management reportedly accused them of consuming marijuana at work.
/ FEDERAL
The Government Accountability Office reported that 30 percent of noncitizens incarcerated by the Bureau of Prisons were there for drug-related offenses.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said that banning hemp “is a violation of medical freedom.”
/ STATES
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) discussed his opposition to legalizing marijuana.
Tennessee Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerri Green said she would like to work with lawmakers to legalize marijuana if elected.
Ohio regulators adopted changes to rules on non-marijuana ingredients in cannabis products.
Illinois officials are proposing to add cannabis-related criminal codes for operators of electric bicycles, scooters and other vehicles.
Massachusetts regulators issued guidance about marijuana business advertising rules.
Missouri regulators published guidance on changes to marijuana and hemp laws.
Maine regulators sent a newsletter with various cannabis updates.
Georgia regulators will consider changes to medical cannabis rules on Wednesday.
The Virginia Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council will meet on November 12.
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/ LOCAL
The Baltimore, Maryland City Council approved a proposal to allow police to padlock smoke shops that are caught repeatedly selling unlicensed cannabis or other controlled substances.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Sint Maarten’s minister of tourism, economic affairs, transport and telecommunication defended the government’s proposed cannabis legislation in response to criticism from a lawmaker.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “Germany’s 2024 cannabis reform was not associated with changes in 12-month use prevalence or heavy use early (two years) after implementation.”
A review concluded that “clinical trials confirm that single or limited-dose [psilocybin] (particularly 25 mg) rapidly and sustainably alleviates symptoms in treatment-resistant depression.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Marijuana Policy Project published a voter guide for Tennessee’s upcoming elections.
/ BUSINESS
Vireo Growth Inc. entered into a put/call agreement with Battle Green Holdings SR LLC.
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