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Would Trump rescheduling cannabis boost reform in Congress? (Newsletter: October 20, 2025)
PA marijuana hearing; MA official talks recriminalization; NYC mayor candidates on cannabis; Study: Legalization reduces cancer patient opioid use
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Bipartisan U.S. senators shared differing perspectives with Marijuana Moment about whether President Donald Trump rescheduling cannabis would open the door to advance industry banking legislation in Congress.
- “There are a lot of senators that are ready for it.”
The Pennsylvania Senate Law & Justice Committee has scheduled a Tuesday vote on a bill to create a Cannabis Control Board to oversee the existing medical marijuana program and that could also regulate the adult-use market if broader legalization is enacted.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s executive director said proposed ballot initiatives to recriminalize recreational marijuana sales would imperil tax revenue that supports substance misuse treatment efforts and other public programs.
- “I cannot justify, as a public policy initiative, how alcohol can be legal and adult-use cannabis cannot be.”
New York City mayoral candidates were asked whether they have ever bought marijuana at a dispensary during a debate—with Zohran Mamdani revealing that he has, Andrew Cuomo saying he hasn’t and Curtis Sliwa speaking about how he’s used it for medical purposes.
The Ocean City, Maryland Police Department said it received an “overwhelming” number of volunteers to smoke marijuana and get free lunch at a DUI recognition training event for officers.
A new federally funded study published by the American Medical Association found that legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational purposes is “significantly associated with reduced opioid use among patients diagnosed with cancer.”
- “Results of this study suggest that cannabis may serve as a substitute for opioids in managing cancer-related pain, underscoring the potential of cannabis policies to impact opioid use.”
The Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee held a hearing on several bills aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on the marijuana industry shortly after a new wholesale tax on cannabis was enacted.
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission held a hearing and heard testimony from dozens of people who unanimously criticized restrictive rules proposed by the governor-appointed panel.
/ FEDERAL
Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, who had been overseeing the Trump administration’s military attacks on alleged drug boats, announced he is retiring earlier than expected.
Federal prosecutors are seeking to ban any mention of marijuana legalization during a trial of people accused of illegal cannabis cultivation.
/ STATES
A New Mexico marijuana business owner who is considering running for governor as a Republican filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) line-item vetoes in spending legislation.
New York’s Assembly minority leader authored an op-ed arguing that the state needs to do more to prevent marijuana-impaired driving.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to incomplete and incorrect regulatory compliance testing.
Delaware regulators issued a warning about a fraudulent marijuana operation impersonating a licensed business.
Connecticut officials are working to expunge more than 100,000 marijuana conviction records.
U.S. Virgin Islands regulators are accepting applications for marijuana manufacturing licenses.
Oklahoma regulators are launching a new medical cannabis portal on Tuesday.
Massachusetts regulators published an annual report on the state’s marijuana programs.
Nevada regulators will hold a hearing about proposed changes to marijuana rules on November 20.
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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 La Crosse County, Wisconsin Council approved a proposal to lower the fine for marijuana possession to $1.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “treatments involving cannabis products had a positive effect on reducing pain symptoms.”
A German study found that “in the early post-legalization period, there is a small non-significant increase in the prevalence of cannabis use in comparison to 2021.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Washington Examiner editorial board is urging President Donald Trump not to reschedule marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
WeedWeek was acquired by RegStream Media Group.
atai Life Sciences announced a proposed registered underwritten offering of its common shares.
Colorado retailers sold $115.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in July.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
