Newsletter
Major airline won’t be serving cannabis sodas, despite reports (Newsletter: August 8, 2025)
MA anti-marijuana ballot measure; Fed judge rules for psychedelic church; HI medical cannabis courses; Poll: Marijuana a “gateway crop” to gardening
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Massachusetts marijuana prohibitionists filed two proposed ballot initiatives to scale back the state’s marijuana legalization law by ending commercial recreational sales, one of which would also place potency restrictions on medical cannabis.
A federal judge sided with a Utah church that uses psilocybin as a sacrament, rejecting state and county officials’ motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed following a police raid last year.
The Hawaii Department of Health is offering a series of new courses designed to educate physicians and other healthcare professionals about medical marijuana as the state’s cannabis program expands.
Virgin Atlantic told Marijuana Moment that Drippy’s claim the airline would serve its THC-infused cannabis sodas on select flights is “totally inaccurate”—even as other outlets picked up the story.
- Contacted with news of Virgin Atlantic’s denial, Drippy admitted it “staged the whole thing to make a point: it’s wild that you can slam three vodkas on a flight, but not sip a federally legal drink designed to help you relax and feel more comfortable.”
A new poll suggests that growing marijuana is a “gateway crop” to other kinds of gardening, with two-thirds of people who cultivate their own cannabis saying it inspired them to start producing tomatoes in their backyards as well.
The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use has a new director who previously worked at the Department of Law Enforcement for more than 17 years, as the former top cannabis regulator leaves to take a job in Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) office.
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control reported that retailers sold $702.5 million worth of recreational marijuana products in the first year of legalization.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration is establishing a specific scheduling listing for dipentylone, even though it says it is already a “schedule I controlled substance in the United States because it is a positional isomer of N-ethylpenthylone, which is a schedule I hallucinogen.”
The Environmental Protection Agency said a public comment expressing concerns about air pollution related to cannabis cultivation is not germane to an Iowa air quality plan.
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) responded to an executive order from President Donald Trump about debanking by tweeting, “On the legislative front, I will continue to work to codify these efforts into law by way of the SAFE Banking Act. This legislation has passed the House 7 times with overwhelming bipartisan support. It’s time to push it across the finish line, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in both chambers to do so.”
/ STATES
New Hampshire senators said Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s (R) opposition to marijuana legalization likely dooms the chances of reform legislation passing during her term.
Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about marijuana products that contain pesticides above the acceptable limits.
Massachusetts regulators issued a public health and safety advisory about potentially contaminated marijuana products.
Maryland regulators published guidance on cannabis micro dispensaries.
California regulators sent guidance about upcoming changes to marijuana business licensee contact types.
Virginia regulators published a cannabis guide for young adults.
Ohio regulators launched an online resource to promote safe cannabis and alcohol consumption.
Rhode Island’s top marijuana regulator spoke about the expansion of the state’s market.
Tennessee regulators will hold a hearing on proposed hemp product rules on September 26.
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/ LOCAL
Nashville, Tennessee’s mayor said the state “will probably be the last state in the country to have even medicinal marijuana.”
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Gandaki Province, Nepal government drafted legislation to legalize marijuana cultivation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study “supports the use of purified CBD as an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment option for children with drug-resistant [developmental and epileptic encephalopathies] of diverse etiologies.”
A study suggested that CBD is “a promising dual-action compound, with the potential to both enhance shrimp immune responses and exert direct antiviral effects against key pathogens.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The chair of the Florida Democratic Party responded to a critical tweet by saying she takes “zero money from the cannabis industry, so keep trying and I have always been in favor of home grow.”
The Maryland Association of Counties will host a conference panel on cannabis workplace issues this month.
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $293.3 million and a net loss of $645,000.
Verano Holdings Corp. reported quarterly net revenue of $202.3 million and a net loss of $19.2 million.
Cresco Labs Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $163.6 million and a net loss of $13.9 million.
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $127.3 million and a net loss of $24.4 million.
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $86.4 million and a net loss of $77.4 million.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $62.9 million.
Verano Holdings Corp.’s president is resigning.
FLUENT Corp.’s CEO is resigning.
Würk and National Crime Search launched a partnership to streamline background checks for cannabis operators.
/ CULTURE
Seth Rogen spoke about the time he did Marc Maron’s podcast under the influence of psilocybin.
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