Newsletter
DEA rejects cannabis business registrations in multiple states (Newsletter: November 12, 2026)
Anti-marijuana GOP leaders in Congress; Senate panel’s cannabis & psychedelics stances; TX bipartisan cannabis teamwork; IA gov-elect on legalization
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Drug Enforcement Administration has sent orders rejecting medical cannabis businesses that applied for federal registration and protections under rescheduling in at least six states and Washington, D.C.—raising various objections with those jurisdictions’ marijuana laws.
- “DEA similarly cannot register any medical marijuana dispensary operating under California’s state law regime because California permits dispensing without a written certification.”
The Senate Appropriations Committee released spending bill reports directing federal agencies to consider medical marijuana as an opioid alternative as well as the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics—while also encouraging hemp cultivar and germplasm development and additionally raising concerns about cannabinoid-infused foods.
Congressional Republicans elected Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Sen. John Thune (R-SD) as respective leaders of the House and Senate GOP conferences despite the fact that they both have long records of strongly opposing marijuana reform at a time when the Trump administration is moving to reschedule cannabis.
Iowa Gov.-elect Rob Sand (D) reiterated that he thinks we “should treat cannabis the way that we treat alcohol”—arguing that legalizing marijuana will generate “hundreds of millions of dollars” in new revenue every year to fund schools and other programs.
Texas elected officials are hopeful about bipartisan cooperation to advance cannabis reform in the 2027 session—with Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin (D) saying she is “not interested in a full ban on THC” and a Republican representative saying that “you’ll see very bipartisan bills come out of the House, and hopefully the Senate.”
Dragonfly Wellness’s Narith Panh argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed for Veterans Day that federal and state policymakers should take “practical steps” to ease military veterans’ access to medical cannabis.
- “This Veterans Day, let’s measure our support in more than ceremonies and dispensary discounts. Let’s build systems that respect scientific uncertainty, trust clinical judgment and make it easier for veterans to receive thoughtful, continuous care.”
/ FEDERAL
The son-in-law of former White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly deleted social media posts that touted his influence in securing a delay of the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking the White House Office of Management and Budget for permission to revise and extend the expiration date of a hemp production practices and costs study.
The Congressional Research Service noted restrictions on legalizing marijuana and other Schedule I drugs for recreational purposes in a report on Washington, D.C. appropriations legislation.
The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got one new cosponsor for a total of 75.
/ STATES
The South Dakota legislature’s Executive Board approved a report on the Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee.
A New Hampshire representative discussed his support for legalizing marijuana.
A former New Jersey representative said that pending legislation to restrict police, first responders and heavy equipment operators from using marijuana while off duty is “going to run into some significant legal hurdles.”
Colorado regulators published guidance about cannabis vaporizer device rules.
Missouri regulators published guidance about acquiring plant material for marijuana businesses.
Rhode Island regulators issued a statement about public feedback on the marijuana quality assurance testing program.
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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
Portland, Oregon’s mayor filed proposed changes to marijuana business rules.
Wayne County, Pennsylvania’s sheriff authored an op-ed urging Congress to keep the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products on track.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabidiol impairs tumor-associated behaviors and modulates apoptosis- and autophagy-related pathways in cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.”
A study’s findings “support the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of MDMA-assisted therapy and provide preliminary descriptive evidence of improvement in PTSD symptoms and alcohol-related outcomes.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
American Oversight filed a Freedom of Information Act request for marijuana- and hemp-related records involving key White House officials.
/ BUSINESS
MoreBetter, Ltd. launched a program to collect patient-reported outcomes in Mississippi medical cannabis patients.
POSaBIT Systems Corporation has a new chief financial officer.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis/Side Pocket Images.
