Newsletter
Trump ready to move on cannabis rescheduling (Newsletter: April 23, 2026)
VA lawmakers reject gov’s marijuana amendments; CA dispensary drive-thrus; Federal cannabis research bill; Legalization poll
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Trump administration is reportedly finally ready to move forward with the process of marijuana rescheduling, more than four months after the president issued an executive order telling the Department of Justice to get it done in “the most expeditious manner.”
Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) filed a bill to authorize $150 million to support marijuana research, while also allowing state regulatory agencies to provide cannabis to be used in studies.
Virginia lawmakers rejected Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) proposed amendments to recreational marijuana sales legalization legislation, sending their originally passed bills back to her to either sign, veto or allow to become law without her signature.
The California Assembly Business and Professions Committee advanced a bill to allow marijuana dispensaries to offer drive-thru windows to serve customers, subject to local approval.
A new poll shows that nearly six out of ten Americans favor legalizing marijuana, with majority support across party lines—and that 84 percent want to legalize medical cannabis access for patients.
Kemmi Sadler of Law Enforcement Action Partnership authored a new Marijuana Moment op-ed about how using the psychedelic ayahuasca helped her manage grief with a “fundamentally different process than the one I had relied on throughout my career—not control or suppression, but forgiveness, surrender and understanding.”
The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a bill to eliminate THC caps on marijuana flower and concentrates while increasing potency limits for cannabis-infused drinks.
Alabama medical cannabis sales are expected to finally begin next month—nearly five years after lawmakers passed legislation to legalize patient access to marijuana.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration is promoting a video about a McGruff the Crime Dog “campaign to take a bite out of counterfeit pills.”
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “Washington is intent on an industry-ending ban on hemp with just the stroke of a pen. I just introduced a bill that pushes back, empowering the states, and protecting the hemp industry.”
Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) pressed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about potential improprieties in the process for approving psychedelics.
Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA) responded to a question about whether she was aware of any other members of Congress celebrating 4/20 by consuming cannabis.
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) spoke about the need for federal marijuana reform.
/ STATES
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) tweeted, “We cut the ribbon on three new medical cannabis facilities this week, including Slaughter Branch in Webster County. Medical cannabis is a safe option for Kentuckians suffering from PTSD, cancer, multiple sclerosis and more, and I am proud that we’ve been able to step up and help.”
Virginia’s lieutenant governor spoke about the passage of legislation to reschedule psilocybin under state law following federal approval.
A Maryland senator discussed his bill to protect firefighters and first responders from being punished for off-duty medical cannabis use.
Illinois regulators published guidance on cannabis tax rate changes.
A former notary for a Nebraska medical cannabis campaign was fined nearly $4,000 after being convicted on official misconduct charges.
California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues.
Texas regulators will hold a hearing on proposed rules to bar businesses from allowing people to consume hemp products on premises where consumption of alcoholic beverages is generally prohibited on Thursday.
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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
Birmingham, Alabama’s mayor discussed his support for marijuana reform.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The International Criminal Court’s appeals chamber denied an appeal from former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who challenged its jurisdiction to prosecute him over killings in the nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A case study “supports the potential role of combined THC-rich and CBD-rich cannabis oils as a safe and effective adjunct in multimodal palliative care for horses with chronic, refractory conditions.”
A review concluded that “while MDMA has traditionally been associated mainly with recreational use and addiction, research suggests it has the potential to become a valuable therapeutic adjunct in treating such psychiatric conditions as PTSD, alcohol dependence, depression and anxiety.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Britons found that they support legalizing marijuana, 47 percent to 43 percent.
The Washington Post editorial board said President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order is “a welcome gesture to support serious research.”
/ BUSINESS
5WPR published a report on what it calls the cannabis industry’s “communications gap.”
/ CULTURE
Jon Stewart praised President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order.
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