Newsletter
FAA eyes new cannabis policies for pilots after rescheduling (Newsletter: August 3, 2026)
Senate advances hemp ban delay; Marijuana kiosks for senior citizens; Study: Cannabis roots’ medical potential; Trump VA secretary on psychedelics
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Senate leaders have included provisions to delay the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products in a key new spending bill—with an exception for synthetics, which would be banned as currently planned on November 12.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are convening a series of meetings to help develop new marijuana-related fitness-for-duty standards for pilots and air traffic controllers in light of the Trump administration’s rescheduling move—which “introduces significant operational risk” by “increasing the likelihood and normalization of cannabis use.”
The Sun Lakes Country Club in Arizona is launching a new cannabis kiosk that residents of the senior living community can use to order marijuana for delivery, using what the companies Life Is Chill and LoveBud call “easy mode”—featuring large navigation elements, a curated menu and a streamlined process.
A new scientific review concludes that the roots of cannabis plants are an “underexplored” and “valuable source of pharmacologically active molecules with potential therapeutic applications”—including terpenes and cannabinoids.
- “C. sativa roots possess antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, and antispasmodic activities, as well as promising antibacterial and antifungal properties, with no reports of cytotoxicity or genotoxicity.”
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins touted “massive progress” in the development of psychedelic therapies—saying that in the past there was “more of a wait-and-see approach, and now we’re being more cutting-edge.”
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food will begin accepting applications for a new independent medical cannabis pharmacy license on Monday as part of an expansion meant to provide access to patients in “medically underserved” parts of the state.
/ FEDERAL
Former Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Administrator John J. Coleman authored an op-ed urging the agency not to reschedule marijuana.
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) sent a press release about his cosponsorship of a bill to federally legalize marijuana.
The House bill to federally regulate hemp THC products got two new cosponsors for a total of three.
/ STATES
Kansas gubernatorial candidates discussed their views on marijuana policy.
A Texas representative tweeted, “I stopped by a store that sells THC products yesterday and it was closed. A regular customer came as I was leaving and was disappointed to find it closed. She said she has rheumatoid arthritis and their products help her. Another customer came by moments later. Where will these people go instead? We should legalize and regulate these products in Texas.”
An Ohio appeals court ruled that police can use visible signs of marijuana use as probable cause to search a vehicle.
Colorado regulators issued health and safety advisories about marijuana products with pesticides above the acceptable limits.
Maryland officials released a study showing that middle and high school students’ use of marijuana has declined since legalization was enacted.
The New York Cannabis Control Board will meet on Thursday.
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.
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/ LOCAL
All of Austin, Texas’s local voter-approved marijuana decriminalization law is subject to a temporary injunction, a state appeals court ruled.
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin Common Council approved a proposal to impose the maximum penalty under state law on businesses that illegally sell alcohol, tobacco, nicotine or intoxicating cannabinoid products to minors.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Brazil’s Supreme Court authorized a federal police investigation into the son of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over allegations he sought to influence regulatory decisions on medical cannabis.
Draft legislation in Thailand would limit legal marijuana to medical use.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD, CBG, and CBN exhibit potential anticancer activity in” cholangiocarcinoma.
A study provided preliminary evidence that “MDMA-assisted therapy may effectively alleviate discrimination-related trauma in marginalized populations.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Conservative commentator Ann Coulter suggested that the U.S. “could probably end the country’s drug problem by not saving anyone who overdoses.”
Smart Approaches to Marijuana is asking its supporters to send letters urging Congress not to reverse the scheduled recriminalization of hemp THC products this year.
/ BUSINESS
Vireo Growth Inc. entered into agreements with FarmaceuticalRx LLC, FarmaceuticalRx 2 LLC, CAOH LLC, and Canoe Hill Ohio, LLC and other parties to acquire the four entities and some of their subsidiaries.
Ascend Wellness workers in Barry, Illinois ratified their first contract with Teamsters Local 916 and ended an unfair labor practice strike.
A Hyundai subsidiary won against a lawsuit from a temporary employee who alleged she was improperly denied a permanent position due to using medical cannabis to treat PTSD.
Jushi Holdings Inc. completed its redomestication to Nevada from British Columbia, Canada.
/ CULTURE
Tim Robbins spoke about encountering the spirit of his deceased mother during an ayahuasca experience.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
