Newsletter
Pennsylvania should legalize cannabis, top lawmaker says (Newsletter: January 1, 2026)
FL medical marijuana expansion; New ad cheers Trump’s rescheduling move; OH gov slams cannabis referendum; NJ medical marijuana patient count drops
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Pennsylvania’s House speaker said legalizing marijuana could help to generate “very important” revenue for the state if only lawmakers have “the will to do it”—noting that the Senate has so far refused to join her chamber in passing legislation to end cannabis prohibition.
A Florida senator filed a bill to expand medical cannabis access by waiving registration fees for military veterans, making patient registrations last twice as long and increasing smokable marijuana supply limits.
America First Agriculture, Inc.—a group connected to a political action committee sharing the same treasurer as President Donald Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC—launched a new ad applauding his marijuana rescheduling order, arguing it’ll “destroy” the illicit market and support seniors and military veterans who could benefit from cannabis.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) office and a GOP senator are criticizing a citizen-led cannabis referendum campaign that seeks to reverse lawmakers’ move to recriminalize certain marijuana activity and restrict hemp products.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission reports that the state’s number of registered medical marijuana patients has dropped 20 percent since the beginning of 2025.
/ FEDERAL
An analysis of the wreckage of an alleged drug boat destroyed by Trump administration military strikes found that “most packets were empty, though traces of a substance that looked and smelled like marijuana were found in the lining of a few.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration is promoting drug facts to “prevent misuse, avoid harmful interactions, and recognize warning signs early to help those in need.”
The Congressional Research Service published updated reports on changes to the federal definition of hemp.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) discussed marijuana and hemp with Tucker Carlson.
/ STATES
A Tennessee representative plans to file a bill to legalize marijuana possession and home cultivation in the 2026 session.
A former Delaware judge authored an op-ed arguing that it would make more sense to move marijuana to Schedule II rather than Schedule III.
Florida regulators adopted changes to medical cannabis rules.
California regulators are moving to change cannabis cultivation and minimum sanitation standard rules.
Michigan regulators published updated guidance on a newly approved marijuana tax increase.
Colorado regulators published guidance on cannabis business research and development units.
Minnesota cannabis regulators sent a reminder about the deadline to apply for a community restoration grant program.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
The Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission hasn’t acted on marijuana decriminalization months after voters approved a referendum supporting the reform.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “legalization reduces but does not eliminate illicit THC sales.“
A study of fibromyalgia patients found “an association between treatment with [cannabis-based medicinal products] and improvements in pain, anxiety, sleep, and general quality of life.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Dallas Morning News editorial board says there is “weak evidence on medical benefits” of marijuana, “but more on its dangers.”
/ BUSINESS
Organigram Global Inc. is expanding its investment in Phylos Bioscience Inc.
AYR Wellness Inc.’s interim chief financial officer is leaving the company.
The former chairman of Hightimes Holding Corp. wrote in an op-ed that cannabis reform should be accompanied by “an honest conversation about addiction.”
/ CULTURE
Paul McCartney visited the marijuana dispensary owned by Bill Maher and Woody Harrelson, Maher said.
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Photo courtesy of Max Jackson.
