Newsletter
FBI data shows cannabis arrests are driving the drug war (Newsletter: October 16, 2025)
OK legalization ballot deadline; Fed VA official on psychedelics; Marijuana advocacy org urges industry collab; Study: Cannabis as opioid alternative
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
New FBI data shows that at least 200,000 people were arrested for marijuana in the U.S. last year—the vast majority for possession—even as advocates point out the report’s methodology likely significantly understates the scope of cannabis and drug enforcement.
A Department of Veterans Affairs mental health official said the federal government needs to “gear up” to provide psychedelic medicines to military veterans and ensure that therapists are equipped to facilitate the novel treatments.
Oklahoma marijuana activists have less than three weeks left to collect enough valid signatures to qualify a legalization initiative for the 2026 ballot, and more than 500 locations across the state—from medical cannabis dispensaries to tattoo parlors—are hosting petitions that voters can sign.
The Marijuana Policy Project sent an open letter to cannabis business leaders making the case that the industry and independent pro-reform activist groups “need each other” at a time when a “resurgent and well-funded neo-prohibitionist movement” is rising.
- “Neither industry nor advocacy will succeed alone.”
- “These findings support the potential of [medical cannabis laws] as a policy tool for reducing opioid use and promoting safer pain management.”
An Ohio judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) executive order to ban intoxicating hemp product sales from taking effect while litigation proceeds.
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation is proposing new rules that would let marijuana dispensaries offer curbside pickup, in addition to drive-thru and delivery services that are already allowed.
/ FEDERAL
Former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk is calling on the federal government to send troops to San Francisco, California to address what he called a “drug zombie apocalypse.”
The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got one new cosponsor for a total of 56.
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed a bill that would have allowed municipalities to impose liens to enforce fines and penalties related to unlicensed commercial cannabis activities.
Members of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee toured marijuana cultivation and processing facilities.
An Arizona judge dismissed a lawsuit claiming that Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) and her chief of staff worked to improperly award a marijuana dispensary license.
A Florida grand jury is taking testimony ahead of potential prosecutions concerning the alleged misuse of Medicaid settlement funds to campaign against a marijuana legalization ballot initiative.
Washington, D.C. regulators are asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the city’s marijuana rules.
Oregon regulators published resources on cannabis use while pregnant, lactating or caring for young children.
Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions against marijuana businesses.
New Jersey officials marked the one-year anniversary of the Cannabis Training Academy.
The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council 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
The Oakland, California Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on November 6.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he will “regulate the legal use of cannabis for non-recreational purposes” given the passage of a United Nations Human Rights Council drug policy resolution.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “medicinal cannabis presents a complex yet promising solution for reducing opioid-related mortality and addressing healthcare inequities.”
A study found that medical cannabis “may improve [quality of life] for cancer patients by alleviating physical and psychosocial symptoms associated with cancer treatment.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board claimed that marijuana legalization is causing “carnage on our highways.”
/ BUSINESS
New Instagram rules for teen accounts will hide or not recommend posts that “could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia.”
Vireo Growth Inc. closed a transaction to acquire outstanding senior secured convertible notes of Medicine Man Technologies Inc.
Canopy Growth Corporation shareholders elected board of directors members.
Michigan retailers sold $251.3 million worth of legal marijuana products in September.
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