Newsletter
Military veterans support legalizing cannabis, poll shows (Newsletter: October 20, 2026)
Hemp company sends THC drinks to congressional lawmakers; NORML brief in marijuana biz lawsuit; MPP hemp op-ed
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new survey conducted by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America found that 61 percent of military veterans support legalizing recreational marijuana, 87 percent want to allow medical use, 67 percent back federal rescheduling and 91 percent believe cannabis should be researched for its medical potential.
NORML filed a brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit to reconsider a ruling that found marijuana industry contracts are unenforceable due to federal prohibition—saying it “threatens commercial accountability in lawful state-regulated cannabis markets and, ultimately, the medical patients and adult-use consumers those markets serve.”
Hemp THC drink company Herb Light is allowing customers on its website to add in a six-pack of cannabis beverages to be sent to their members of Congress as the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products is set to take effect before the end of this year.
Marijuana Policy Project Executive Director Adam Smith argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that while hemp regulations are “inadequate” and marijuana businesses face “absurdly overbearing” rules, “the answer cannot be a return to full prohibition and skyrocketing arrests and imprisonment” in states where consumers rely on legal access to hemp THC products.
- “I also understand and empathize with the consternation of those on the licensed marijuana business side who are locked into an absurdly restricted system built to accommodate a dying prohibitionist regime, while hemp operators (the good ones) are selling the same molecule with the advantages of far broader retail opportunities, access to banking and card transactions, advantageous tax treatment and interstate commerce. This division, at once under- and over-regulated, is not the cannabis and cannabinoid industry that any of us need.”
/ FEDERAL
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration tweeted, “Marijuana use comes with real risks to health.”
Reps. Jack Berman (R-MI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) coauthored an op-ed about the need to craft effective regulations for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) said hemp is a substitute crop for tobacco for Kentucky’s farmers.
/ STATES
Tennessee gubernatorial candidates detailed their views on marijuana policy.
Nebraska Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz said she would replace the Medical Cannabis Commission if it doesn’t implement the will of voters more quickly.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to packaging failure.
Illinois regulators are proposing rules changes to create 45 new cannabis infuser licenses for applicants who meet social equity criteria.
There are conflicting reports about whether Alabama’s top medical cannabis regulator will step down at the end of this month.
The Colorado state auditor issued a critical report finding “deficiencies and gaps in the State’s marijuana product safety framework.”
Oregon regulators will consider changes to hemp registry application rules on Wednesday.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission will meet on Friday.
New York regulators will begin accepting applications for cannabis nursery licenses on November 5.
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/ LOCAL
A Saint Anthony Village, Minnesota government-run marijuana dispensary is set to open on Saturday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism is opposing a bill to decriminalize drug possession.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabis retail access was not consistently linked to youth use.”
A study found that “repeated psilocybin administration is tolerable and potentially efficacious in reducing [obsessive-compulsive disorder] symptoms.”
/ BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. pushed back against Aurora Cannabis Inc.’s recommendation that its shareholders reject Curaleaf’s unsolicited acquisition offer.
A Glass House Brands Inc. board of directors member resigned.
The CEO of La Mota is facing federal charges of allegedly failing to pay more than $1.5 million in taxes.
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