Newsletter
Trump drug czar pick dodges cannabis questions from senators (Newsletter: October 13, 2025)
Target launches THC drink sales; GOP senator: Federally tax marijuana; VA gubernatorial candidates clash on legalization; TX hemp rule meeting
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sara Carter Bailey, President Trump’s nominee to serve as director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, dodged senators’ written questions about marijuana rescheduling—saying only that she would “ensure an examination of all facts and evidence as part of any scheduling or policy actions.”
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said it’s time to create a regulatory framework for marijuana with a federal excise tax and allow states to “opt in” to legalization—stating that he’s “not an anti-cannabis person,” though he did criticize the way a tribe within his state is marketing its marijuana sales.
Virginia gubernatorial candidates clashed on marijuana at a debate— with Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger endorsing legalizing recreational sales and GOP contender Winsome Earle-Sears worrying that users will “blow everything up” on the job.
Target has begun selling THC-infused cannabis beverages in select stores in Minnesota—a development that comes as Congress is considering recriminalizing hemp products with a quantifiable amount of THC.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission held a public meeting on rules to ban sales of intoxicating hemp products to people under 21—with hemp and alcohol industry stakeholders expressing concerns about harsh penalties for a single violation.
Michigan cannabis industry leaders say a new marijuana wholesale tax could force many businesses to cease operations and actually reduce the amount of revenue the state can generate as consumers return to the illicit market.
Ohio patients are less satisfied with the state’s medical cannabis program since recreational marijuana sales started, according to a new survey from the Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center.
/ FEDERAL
Former Drug Enforcement Administration Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Crotty authored an op-ed pushing back against drug policy reform advocates’ argument that prohibition is to blame for the rise in synthetic drugs.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) said the Trump administration shouldn’t be able to “unilaterally” attack suspected drug smuggling boats, arguing that it would need congressional authorization.
/ STATES
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is being sued over his executive action to temporarily ban intoxicating hemp products.
Oregon’s attorney general said the state’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law failed due to a lack of “support services that were really needed to realize the hypothesis.”
A Pennsylvania senator tweeted photos of himself at the annual Black Cannabis Week event, saying, “The fight for legalization continues and will not stop until equity in the cannabis industry becomes a reality.”
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to packaging and labeling that is attractive to children.
Oklahoma regulators issued a recall of medical cannabis products due to improper testing methods.
Kansas officials are facing a forthcoming lawsuit over enforcement actions at CBD stores and vape shops.
Washington State regulators adopted changes to rules on acceptable forms of ID for cannabis customers.
Montana regulators filed proposed rules on marijuana testing and synthetic cannabinoids.
Minnesota regulators are accepting medical cannabis consultant training program curriculum submissions.
New Jersey cannabis regulators said the state is “recognized as a national leader” on the issue.
The New York Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday.
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/ LOCAL
The Minneapolis, Minnesota City Council is considering a cannabis event permitting proposal.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Bolivian government officials discussed the country’s push to get the United Nations to remove international restrictions on coca.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD may be helpful in reducing negative emotional symptoms in the short term without increasing risk for disordered alcohol use.”
A review concluded that “psilocybin therapy may reduce suicidal ideation in adults with psychiatric diagnoses.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Wall Street Journal editorial board is concerned about marijuana-impaired driving.
/ BUSINESS
Arcadia Medicine received Food and Drug Administration approval for its Investigational New Drug application to initiate a clinical trial of its MDMA formulation.
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