Newsletter
Trump complains about cannabis smell in liberal cities (Newsletter: October 12, 2026)
DOJ & anti-marijuana groups agree on rescheduling lawsuit calendar; Cannabis Caucus chair: review psychedelics; Poll: hikers use marijuana on trails
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Donald Trump complained that in Democratic-run cities it “smells of marijuana and other things worse than marijuana.”
- “The sidewalks are disgusting. The streets are disgusting. They’re just in bad shape… Everything’s dirty.”
The Department of Justice and opponents of marijuana rescheduling have jointly agreed to a proposed briefing schedule in litigation challenging the reform—saying the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit should “schedule oral argument as soon as reasonably practicable.”
Congressional Cannabis Caucus Co-chair Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) told Marijuana Moment that he wants the Trump administration’s cannabis rescheduling move expanded to an “across-the-board” review of the classification of psychedelics and other drugs.
- “I want them to review all of it… It’s not just cannabis. It’s a bigger conversation.”
A new poll shows that more than a third of hikers have used marijuana to enhance their experience on the trail, while 15 percent have hiked under the influence of psilocybin.
The Marijuana Policy Project is asking its supporters to send letters to Congress opposing the currently scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC products, saying that lawmakers should instead focus on enacting comprehensive legal regulations for all cannabis.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission’s chief legal counsel said the state needs to “wait and see what the federal government does” on hemp product policy “before we can sort of act and advise our licensees in accordance with that.”
Incarcerated writer Derek Jason LeCompte argues in a new op-ed that prisons should allow marijuana use, because seeing the widespread and dangerous use of the synthetic cannabinoid K2 “has made me realize it is not realistic to eradicate all illegal drug usage behind bars.”
- “Instead, we should find strategies for safe and responsible harm reduction, including allowing the use of organic marijuana.”
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Justice revised a kratom-related substances scheduling proposal in a way that will allow some products to remain legally available, based on a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s (D-TX) political action committee endorsed a Houston, Texas ballot initiative to deprioritize marijuana enforcement.
The House bill to create a pathway for patients to access Schedule I drugs got one new cosponsor for a total of 18.
/ STATES
Connecticut’s attorney general reached a settlement with a company that allegedly illegally sold cannabis products.
An Oregon senator discussed plans for legislation to restrict marijuana edibles.
A South Dakota representative authored an op-ed urging Congress not to avert the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products.
Colorado regulators issued an expanded health and safety advisory about marijuana products with a synthetic, unapproved flavoring ingredient.
Oklahoma medical cannabis regulators are being sued for alleged sex discrimination by a former employee.
Massachusetts regulators posted resources recognizing the 10-year anniversary of adult-use marijuana legalization.
Montana regulators posted a review of the first year of actions by the merged Cannabis & Alcohol Regulation Division.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted Nevada County police in enforcement actions against suspected illegal cannabis operations.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Pakistani officials finalized a regulatory framework for medical and industrial cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids as promising anticancer agents and therapeutic adjuvants, predominantly in the preclinical setting.”
A study found that “CBD may modulate peak cardiovascular stress and enhance sleep duration and quality, particularly REM sleep, and may promote aerobic efficiency during moderate-intensity exercise.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Consumers League is urging Congress to allow the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products to take effect “unless and until a robust regulatory regime for hemp-derived products is put in place.”
Eagle Forum’s president authored an op-ed calling for a “concerted effort” against “the threat posed by illegal Chinese marijuana growers across the nation.”
/ BUSINESS
High Tide Inc. completed its acquisition of a cannabis retail store in Chestermere, Alberta, Canada.
Still River Wellness workers in Torrington, Connecticut ratified a new contract.
/ CULTURE
Former basketball player Robert Parish is urging Massachusetts voters to reject a ballot initiative to roll back the state’s marijuana legalization law.
Michael Douglas and Bill Maher spoke about their past experiences selling marijuana.
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Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.
