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Senators push against federal hemp ban proposal (Newsletter: September 17, 2025)
MN legal marijuana sales launch; HI officials back cannabis rescheduling; MI lawmakers back marijuana tax hike; Patient advocacy op-ed
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led six other senators on a letter asking leadership to oppose any move to recriminalize hemp products with a quantifiable amount of THC, saying it “would deal a fatal blow to the American farmers who are the foundation of the regulated hemp industry.”
Minnesota’s first legal recreational marijuana sales by non-tribal businesses have launched, with Vireo Growth Inc. announcing that its Green Goods dispensaries are now open to both adult-use customers and medical cannabis patients—and other businesses beginning sales soon too.
The Hawaii Department of Health is highlighting the benefits of federal marijuana rescheduling as the Trump administration weighs the reform, and a key state lawmaker is gathering input on revising a cannabis legalization bill in the hopes it can pass next session.
Michigan Senate Democrats are reportedly embracing a marijuana tax hike proposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) that advocates say would effectively double the tax burden on cannabis and drive consumers to the illegal market.
Cannabis Businesses & Professionals United for National Medical Cannabis leaders argue in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that the fight for reform must center medical patients—not taxes or banking—in order to achieve progress.
- “Without medical cannabis at the center, federal reform loses both its moral compass and its political leverage for many.”
/ FEDERAL
President Donald Trump added Colombia to a list of countries failing to “adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements” for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed concerns about vapes with “high amounts of THC.”
The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got seven new cosponsors for a total of 53.
/ STATES
A former Michigan House speaker convicted of bribery in relation to marijuana business licensing has been released from federal prison.
Delaware’s top marijuana regulator discussed ongoing efforts to launch the recreational market.
New Mexico regulators are being sued by a cannabis company that alleges a state employee destroyed its plants by accidentally flooding them with E. coli-tainted water.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved a new $15 million pilot program to bridge capital access gaps for recreational cannabis businesses.
Vermont regulators sent guidance about marijuana business banking requirements.
The California Legislative Analyst’s Office published a report on cannabis tax revenue.
The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday.
Nevada regulators will consider marijuana business issues on Thursday.
Oregon regulators will consider marijuana business violation stipulated settlement agreements on Thursday.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pushed back on a news report about the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s involvement in the country’s drug war.
Belize Cabinet members are weighing in on a marijuana legalization referendum that Caye Caulker voters will decide on next month.
Irish lawmakers held an event about drug decriminalization.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study highlighted “CBD’s potential as an effective adjunct to conventional antibiotics for treating” extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
A study found that “psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of likely U.S. voters found that 62 percent support the use of a military strike against an alleged drug-smuggling boat from Venezuela.
/ BUSINESS
Bright Green Corporation is merging with PharmAGRI Capital Partners.
High Tide Inc. reported quarterly revenue of C$149.7 million.
Green Thumb Industries Inc. announced a $50 million share repurchase program.
Michigan retailers sold $283.3 million worth of legal marijuana products in August.
/ CULTURE
Matthew McConaughey wrote in his new book about why he quit smoking marijuana.
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