Newsletter
State officials push DEA for cannabis rescheduling guidance (Newsletter: October 8, 2026)
MA anti-marijuana initiative ads; Brittney Griner on legalization; Poll: Cannabis helps people cut alcohol drinking; ID anti-cannabis ballot measure
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Top marijuana regulators in a growing number of states are complaining that federal officials aren’t answering their questions or providing guidance about the Trump administration’s cannabis rescheduling move.
- “Really it’s past time and high time for DEA to communicate with state regulators like us here in Georgia to better understand the programs and these requirements.”
The Massachusetts campaign working to pass a ballot initiative to roll back the state’s marijuana legalization law launched two new ads focused on impaired driving.
Basketball player Brittney Griner, who was incarcerated in Russia over cannabis vapes, said all 50 U.S. states should legalize the “booming business” of marijuana—adding that it has “benefits” for “people that are dealing with different illnesses” and has fewer side effects than many prescription drugs.
- “A lot of the pain pills that they want you to take and use have so many side effects and so much just takes you out of your character. And for me, with all the injuries I’ve had, it’s helped me with being able to still be functional.”
A new poll shows that two-thirds of people who use marijuana say it has helped them to reduce their alcohol drinking—including nearly a third who say they have “completely replaced alcohol with cannabis.”
An Idaho senator is defending a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot to block voters from ever being able to legalize marijuana, saying its aim is to “prevent special interests from convincing people to pass legislation that would give money to those special interest groups.”
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to grant the government’s request to hear a case on gun rights for a man convicted of possessing methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration denied a company’s application for registration as a bulk manufacturer of marijuana, citing the fact that its “parent company and sister company have been engaged in the manufacture of marijuana for sale in the recreational market.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) tweeted, “All Kratom is deadly it should NOT be sold at gas stations/vape stores/ANYWHERE Admin needs 2 put out final 7OH rule NOW Kratom is killing our kids BEWARE of special interest snake oil.”
/ STATES
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a bill to require officials to develop and distribute a notice on the effects of cannabis, hemp and nicotine products to schools.
Texas Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin discussed her views on cannabis.
New Jersey regulators are facing a federal lawsuit over marijuana industry labor rules.
New Ohio marijuana product size, THC potency and purchase limit rules took effect.
Oklahoma regulators are conducting a survey of credentialed medical cannabis business employees.
Florida’s medical cannabis program now has nearly 1 million patients.
Maryland regulators published the results of a survey of marijuana micro processor businesses.
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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 Los Angeles, California City Council delayed the deadline for marijuana businesses to remit unpaid taxes.
A San Antonio, Texas firefighter was suspended after testing positive for cannabis.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet discussed his opposition to legalizing cannabis cultivation.
The UK’s patient safety commissioner issued a warning about the need for safeguards around medical cannabis prescribing.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD treatment was associated with clinically meaningful seizure reduction and acceptable tolerability in this real-world cohort of adults with drug-resistant developmental and epileptic encephalopathies.”
A study suggested that “psilocybin therapy may be safe, tolerable, and preliminarily efficacious for treating depression in” bipolar II disorder.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Texas Hemp Business Council published a voter guide for the upcoming elections.
/ BUSINESS
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. fully repaid approximately $65 million in mortgage notes.
Aurora Cannabis Inc. again urged shareholders to take no action on an unsolicited acquisition bid from Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
A member of the SNDL Inc. board of directors resigned.
/ CULTURE
Howie Mandel and Bill Maher spoke about their use of cannabis.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
