Newsletter
DEA nominee with unclear cannabis position advances in Senate (Newsletter: May 23, 2025)
TX hemp ban; OR marijuana samples; NY Buy Legal map; NV psychedelics; Senate bill complicates cannabis online ads; Cannabinoids aid cancer treatment
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination of President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, Terrance Cole, who has refused to say where he stands on a marijuana rescheduling proposal before the agency.
A new bipartisan bill filed by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) would require online platforms to take steps to prevent minors’ access to potentially sensitive content—including advertisements for cannabis products and certain other drugs and services.
The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill to ban consumable hemp products with any amount of THC that’s championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), who is emphasizing that he supports expanding medical cannabis access and psychedelics research in the face of criticism from Democrats.
- Hemp industry representatives are already threatening to file a lawsuit if the measure is enacted.
Oregon lawmakers sent Gov. Tina Kotek (D) a bill to allow marijuana businesses to provide samples of their products at trade events and to remove restrictions on wholesale transactions between cannabis companies at those gatherings.
The Nevada Assembly passed a resolution calling on the federal government to “reschedule psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, ibogaine, mescaline and MDMA to a schedule that better reflects the therapeutic value, low potential for abuse and safety.”
The New York Office of Cannabis Management launched a new interactive “Buy Legal” map that shows consumers where they can find nearby licensed marijuana dispensaries.
A new scientific review on medical marijuana’s role in managing cancer therapy concludes that cannabinoids “may increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents while reducing their side effects.”
A Nebraska judge is considering a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that claims the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis ballot initiatives violate federal law.
/ FEDERAL
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration granted an exemption to a film industry company from rules requiring a full query of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for drivers, even while noting a public comment that expressed concerns that “California has liberal laws in regard to marijuana and the motion picture industry is plagued with substance abuse stories.”
/ STATES
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed a bill to restrict hemp products.
The New Jersey Assembly passed a bill to add sickle cell anemia as a medical cannabis qualifying condition.
Minnesota’s interim top cannabis regulator discussed a proposed increase in marijuana taxes.
Utah regulators filed proposed changes to medical cannabis and hemp cultivation and processing rules.
Arizona regulators are threatening to revoke the license of a marijuana testing company and are seeking fines from another over alleged violations.
Massachusetts regulators are seeking to intervene in lawsuits filed by three marijuana dispensaries against Great Barrington.
Oregon regulators revised a marijuana revenue forecast downward.
California regulators touted the seizure of $5.5 million worth of illegal cannabis at an unlicensed dispensary in Los Angeles County.
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/ LOCAL
The Montgomery County, Maryland Council is considering a proposal to prohibit marijuana dispensaries from operating within 100 feet of residential buildings and lots zoned for residential use.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s public health minister is pushing to ban non-medical cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A case study found that “the use of cannabinoids associated with analgesics in our patient decreased postoperative [neuropathic pain] intensity with an acceptable side effect profile.”
A study provided “evidence of substantial transition in expenditures from the illegal to the legal market in the five years since legalization of non-medical cannabis in Canada.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The International Drug Policy Consortium and more than 180 other organizations sent a letter urging United Nations Secretary General António Guterres to “play a leading role in guiding the upcoming independent review of the UN drug control system.”
/ BUSINESS
Blum Holdings, Inc. is acquiring a holding company with a non-controlling equity interest in Cookies Creative Consulting & Promotions, Inc.
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. received approval from a Canadian court for its previously announced plan of arrangement.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
