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Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is asking U.S. senators to reject an amendment that would keep a forthcoming ban on hemp products on track to take effect in November. “Passage of this amendment would undo significant gains that have been made to make clinically-appropriate full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD accessible to the senior citizens and individuals with disabilities that rely on the Medicare program for their healthcare,” Oz wrote in a letter to senators. Hemp derivatives with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill that President Donald Trump signed during his first term in office. But late last year, the president signed new legislation containing provisions that will redefine hemp to make it so only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will remain legal after November 12. On Sunday, leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee released the text of a continuing resolution to extend funding for federal agencies through December 11, past the end of the current fiscal year on September 30. Included in the legislation are provisions that will also delay the planned prohibition on most hemp products until December 11—although there is a carve-out that will allow the immediately recriminalization on November 12 of synthetic cannabinoids “that are not capable of being naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant.” Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) and several cosponsors have filed an amendment that seeks to strip the hemp ban delay provisions from the legislation, however, prompting pushback from the White House. In the new letter, Oz said he has “grave concern” that the amendment would undermine the administration’s initiative to cover up to $500 worth of hemp-derived products each year for eligible Medicare patients. The program focuses largely on CBD but also allows products to have up to 3 milligrams of total THC per serving. A federal judge granted the government’s motion to dismiss marijuana legalization opponents’ lawsuit challenging the initiative, but that is being appealed. “Above all, we must ensure that our policies and procedures are not inhibiting access to items and services that are helping patients manage the agony caused by insidious diseases like cancer, debilitating seizure disorders, and other chronic pain.” “In recent months, CMS has taken historic action to not only expand access to full-spectrum CBD, but do so in a way that ensures expanded access drives value for both patients and the Medicare program,” Oz wrote to senators. “We began this exercise with a simple principle: if an entity is accepting financial risk for the health of patients, they should have expanded flexibilities to invest in new care delivery models that they believe may help the health of those patients for whom they are financially at-risk.” “This is why, through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) we created critical flexibilities in three programs for risk-bearing medical entities to offer hemp products to improve symptom control. As a result, healthcare providers participating in the ACO Reach Model, the Enhancing Oncology Model, and the Long-term Enhance ACO Design (LEAD) Model will be able to offer coverage for up to $500 worth of hemp products each year, should those providers determine such coverage helps those patients. Similarly, we expanded the ability of Medicare Advantage plans to offer hemp-derived CBD products through special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill.” “As I have previously stated, CMS is committed to innovation that meets patients where they are while maintaining strong safeguards and clinical oversight,” the letter says. “It is for this reason that I am asking you to oppose S. Amendment 6733, which would rip away from millions of seniors and disabled Americans the opportunity to benefit from these new programs.” Oz said that officials “remain focused on preventing dangerous products from reaching Americans,” telling senators that they have his “commitment to continue to work with you on meeting our shared goals of ensuring patient access and protection of the public health.” Budd, for his part, argued in a Senate floor speech on Wednesday that widespread availability of intoxicating hemp products in states across the country is a “public health crisis” that threatens the lives of children, harms the workforce and undermines military readiness. “The intoxicating hemp industry wants to make a cheap dollar,” the senator said. “I am appalled at the well-oiled, slick lobbying machine, which is very well connected in this town, by the way, that has chosen to wage this surreptitious war against our efforts to protect American children.” Budd’s amendment garnered a lengthly list of cosponsors, including Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Lankford (R-OK), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), among other senators. Several sources told Marijuana Moment this week that Trump personally called Budd in an attempt to get him to back off the push to keep the hemp ban on track for November, but a spokesperson for the senator later clarified that there was “not an explicit ask made to Sen. Budd to drop the amendment” by the president. The spokesperson said that the hemp issue “certainly came up” during what he described as a “very friendly” discussion between Budd and Trump that also touched on number of other topics. Separately, the White House pushed back on the idea that the president’s support for keeping hemp products legal is intended to benefit the son-in-law of Trump’s chief of staff, who owns businesses in the industry—with a spokesperson saying that the administration’s advocacy is in “the best interest of the American people” and is aimed at helping veterans and other people who use hemp products for medical purposes. During a “tense” meeting with Senate Republicans about the issue on Wednesday, White House Director of Legislative Affairs James Braid reportedly committed that there would be no further extensions of the hemp ban’s effective date if the current proposal was enacted into law. — 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. — Also this week, dueling coalitions of police, military veterans and industry groups sent letters pushing Congress in different directions on whether the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products should move forward as scheduled or be delayed. Additionally, a bipartisan coalition of 35 state and territory attorneys general sent a letter calling on Congress not to reverse the hemp THC product ban, saying that lawmakers’ move to enact the forthcoming prohibition “protected consumers, provided much-needed regulatory clarity, and preserved legitimate industrial, agricultural, and nonintoxicating hemp markets.” In June, the House of Representatives passed its own version of a continuing resolution to keep federal agencies funded into December, but it did not have any provisions to alter the planned hemp product ban. Meanwhile, a number of lawmakers from both chambers and both parties have filed or are circulating a growing number of bills to prevent the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC drinks and other products later this year. Until now, none of those proposals have gained traction with congressional leaders. For example, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is circulating legislation that would delay a planned federal ban on hemp THC products and institute some regulations—including packaging requirements, testing rules and age limits. Separately, Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), filed a lengthier proposal to prevent the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products and put in place a number of regulations for manufacturing, labeling, sales and taxation of hemp-derived products, including an age limit of 21. Trump and White House officials have in recent weeks repeatedly pressed Congress to delay, alter or reverse the ban. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in June, for example, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought said the Trump administration wants lawmakers to “ensure the fair treatment of hemp products”—specifically citing Barr’s earlier amendment to keep many hemp products legal while adding regulations and taxes. The administration “welcomes the opportunity to work with the Congress to, at a minimum, update the statutory definition of final hemp-derived cannabinoid products to allow Americans to benefit from access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products,” OMB separately said in June, “while preserving the Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose serious health risks.” Also in April, the president himself urged congressional lawmakers to again redefine hemp to avoid recriminalization of full-spectrum CBD products. “I am calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they have come to rely on, and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “We must get this done RIGHT and FAST, especially for those who saw that CBD helps them,” he said. “Plus, I am told it will also help our GREAT FARMERS, who we love, and will always be there for.” Industry advocates say that the law as enacted last year not only threatens to prohibit intoxicating and synthetic cannabinoid products but also stands to remove popular full-spectrum CBD products that many Americans use therapeutically from the market. “ONE in FIVE adults used it in the past year, and many say it improved their chronic pain enormously,” the president said in his social media post, adding that hemp-derived CBD “has made a HUGE difference for so many people.” “In December, I signed a very important Executive Order calling for Research and Innovation for Hemp-derived CBD,” Trump said. “Our wonderful Dr. Mehmet Oz moved fast to follow the directive in the Executive Order, and launched a model for some Seniors earlier this month. But more must be done!” “Please get it done, and SOON,” the president said in reference to a congressional fix for the broad recriminalization set to take effect in November. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Read Oz’s hemp letter to senators below: The post Dr. Oz Asks Senators To Delay Hemp Product Ban So Seniors Can Get CBD Products Covered Through Medicare appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

The fact that Texas is keeping marijuana illegal while also moving to restrict hemp THC products is “insane,” Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico says. It is also a form of corruption, he said in an interview with The Breakfast Club on Wednesday. “Think about what industries are most worried about THC products being readily available: Big Beer, Big Tobacco, right? And so they were the ones pushing this THC ban because it hurts their bottom line.” “And a lot of research shows that THC—cannabis—these products are safer and less addictive than than beer or tobacco,” Talarico, who currently serves as a state representative, said. “And so to me, this is a prime example of what corruption looks like when you’ve got big industries buying politicians and pushing bills that harm people, but benefit them financially.” The Democratic Senate candidate also noted that “a lot of young Texans, a lot of our veterans, they use THC products, for PTSD. Seniors use it.” THC is now virtually banned in Texas. Big Beer and Big Tobacco bought politicians to ban Delta-8 — because it's a threat to their profits. That is corruption. pic.twitter.com/LyrJbzjFAr — James Talarico (@jamestalarico) August 7, 2026 After Texas legalized hemp several years ago, it became “a booming industry in our state,” Talarico said. But more recently, Texas regulators have moved to ban certain hemp-derived THC cannabis products, including those containing delta-8 and delta-10 THC. Now classified as Schedule I drugs, possession is treated as a felony, carrying a punishment of 180 days to two years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The restrictions are being challenged with a federal lawsuit filed by hemp companies. Talarico, for his part, said that criminalizing cannabis “is a gift to the drug cartels because Texans are going to keep smoking weed.” “They’re going to keep eating edibles,” he said. “They’re not going to stop because some politicians told them to. But now, instead of supporting a local small business, they’re going to go get it on the black market.” .@JamesTalarico: THC products are now virtually banned in the state of Texas. You have to have 3 DUIs to get a felony, and now just having Delta 8 can get you that felony. It’s insane. This is because of corruption. Think about what industries are most worried about THC products… pic.twitter.com/C5XTE5A0o1 — Team Talarico (@TeamTalaricoHQ) August 6, 2026 “Texans can’t afford the basics. They can’t get ahead no matter how hard they work or how much they save,” Talarico said. “And you’re going to ban a product that gives them a little bit of peace. It just it just drives me crazy. We should be trying to make people’s lives easier, not making their lives harder.” Talarico’s opponent for the Senate seat, state Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), is no fan of cannabis reform. As AG, he filed lawsuits to block several Texas cities from implementing local voter-approved laws to decriminalize marijuana. Image element courtesy of AnonMoos. The post Texas Banning Cannabis Is An ‘Insane’ Form Of Corruption That Benefits Big Beer, Big Tobacco And Drug Cartels, Talarico Says appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a new clinical trial to investigate whether psilocybin can help military veterans who are struggling with treatment-resistant depression. The move follows VA’s recent announcement of a separate trial on MDMA-assisted therapy in treating veterans with severe mental health disorders, including PTSD and alcohol use disorder. The new psilocybin and depression research announced on Wednesday, titled “Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression,” or PIVOT, will also include veterans concurrent PTSD. The randomized, controlled trial—which comes on the heels of an executive order President Donald Trump signed in April with the aim of expediting psychedelic therapy access—will be conducted at five separate VA medical centers across Alabama, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington State. “Far too many veterans are living with mental health conditions that don’t respond to available treatments,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a press release. “Under President Trump, VA is pursuing all avenues to evaluate new treatments and offer meaningful relief for those who have worn the uniform. This clinical trial reflects another step toward this goal.” Veterans First VA is launching a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of psilocybin to treat major depression in Veterans, including those with concurrent post-traumatic stress disorder. Read: https://t.co/oLPIy2KKk7 pic.twitter.com/pbKene6JEf — VA Secretary Doug Collins (@SecVetAffairs) August 6, 2026 The psilocybin study will compare outcomes between two different dosage levels and will assess levels of depression before and after the psychedelic treatment, as well as tolerability of side effects. The research “reflects VA’s commitment to pursuing innovative solutions for veterans who have not responded to existing treatments,” the department said in a press release. Collins, the VA secretary, recently touted psychedelic therapy development at an event in Florida, saying that “we’re making massive progress in how we diagnose things, but also how we do new treatments, which in the past was more of a wait-and-see approach, and now we’re being more cutting-edge.” Last month, VA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launchd a new partnership to collaborate on research and development of psychedelic medicines to treat people struggling with serious mental health conditions. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said recently that the Trump administration is “very anxious” to create a pathway for access to psychedelics therapy and that top officials across federal agencies want to “get it out to the public as quickly as possible.” In an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience in February, Kennedy said he’s confident “we’re going to get it done,” with plans to develop and finalize rules that would enable patients with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression to access psychedelic substances like psilocybin and MDMA in a “very controlled setting.” “Everybody in my agency…is very anxious to get a rule out there that will allow these kind of studies and will allow access under therapeutic settings, particularly [for] the military soldiers who have suffered these injuries to get access to these products,” the HHS secretary said. “We’re working through that process now. We’re all working on it and trying to make it happen.” “I think that we’re going to get it done,” he said. Last June, Kennedy said his agency is “absolutely committed” to expanding research on the benefits of psychedelic therapy and, alongside of the head of FDA, is aiming to provide legal access to such substances for military veterans “within 12 months.” Collins disclosed last year that he had an “eye-opening” talk with Kennedy about the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine. And he said he’s open to the idea of having the government provide vouchers to cover the costs of psychedelic therapy for veterans who receive services outside of VA as Congress considers pathways for access. Photo courtesy of Mark Groeneveld. The post VA Launches New Study Using Psilocybin To Treat Veterans With Depression And PTSD appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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Groups on both sides push Congress over hemp; NY gov signs marijuana farmers’ market bill; Study: CBD for athlete recovery Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… BREAKING: Journalism is often consumed for free, but costs money to produce! While this newsletter is proudly sent without cost to you, our ability to send it each day depends on the financial support of readers who can afford to give it. So if you’ve got a few dollars to spare each month and believe in the work we do, please consider joining us on Patreon today. https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) took to the Senate floor to urge colleagues not to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products—raising alarm about kids access’ and alleged harms to the workforce and military readiness. Groups on both sides of the hemp debate—Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, National Association of Convenience Stores and the National Sheriffs’ Association—sent letters pressing Congress about whether or not to delay a scheduled ban on hemp THC products. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a bill allowing marijuana microbusinesses to fully participate in cannabis farmers’ markets and pop-up events—giving them “a real chance to succeed in New York’s legal cannabis market.” A new scientific review concluded that “CBD appears to have beneficial properties for sports recovery” as well as “potentially performance-enhancing properties in athletes.” “CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties, which are potentially beneficial for athlete recovery.” Aaron Edelheit of Mindset Capital argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that cannabis companies that are joining forces with prohibitionists to convince lawmakers to ban hemp THC products are engaged in a “self-defeating campaign” that is “helping those who have been at war with cannabis for decades.” “By aligning themselves with the prohibitionists they are now fighting the president of the United States.” / FEDERAL Vice President JD Vance was reportedly expected to discuss issues around federally recriminalizing hemp THC products with Republican senators. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration tweeted, “Marijuana use during pregnancy can be harmful to a baby’s health and cause many serious problems. Find out why avoiding marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding can give your baby a healthier start in life.” The Congressional Research Service included an analysis of hemp provisions in a report about the Farm Bill. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) tweeted, “We have to stop poisoning our children for the profit of intoxicating hemp merchants.” / STATES California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) touted enforcement efforts that have seized more than $168 million in illicit cannabis and tobacco products since 2019 A former advisor to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) was implicated by a co-defendant of allegedly helping out-of-state clients circumvent state rules on medical cannabis business ownership. Pennsylvania’s attorney general sent a press release about a letter he signed asking Congress not to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products. Colorado regulators adopted changes to marijuana tax rules. Delaware’s top marijuana regulator provided an overview of the state’s first year of legal recreational sales. A Massachusetts marijuana regulator discussed next steps for social consumption businesses. U.S. Virgin Islands regulators approved marijuana manufacturing business license applicants to advance to the next stage of the process. New Jersey regulators published tips for doctors about how to discuss cannabis with their patients. Montana regulators sent a newsletter with various cannabis updates. — 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. — / LOCAL Newton, Massachusetts is being ordered by a state court to repay $2.4 million in “community impact fees” paid by marijuana businesses. Los Angeles, California regulators sent a monthly cannabis newsletter. / INTERNATIONAL Uruguayan officials are increasing legal marijuana prices. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study of mice provided “novel in vivo evidence supporting the potential of cannabinoid-based formulations as adjunctive therapeutic approaches for [estrogen receptor]-positive breast cancer.” A study found that “chronic oral cannabidiol delays seizure onset and reduces seizure burden in a mouse model of” late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS Concerned Women for America tweeted, “Congress voted in November 2025 to ban dangerous hemp-derived THC products like Delta 8 from the market, yet now they may vote to delay that ban via an unrelated government funding bill. Thank you to @SenTedBuddNC and @SenatorRicketts for fighting to remove that provision from the continuing resolution. Congress should vote on their amendment and CWALAC will score in favor of it.” / BUSINESS Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $340.1 million. Cresco Labs Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $173.3 million. Cronos Group Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $53 million. Native Roots is closing a Denver, Colorado facility and laying off 141 employees. High Tide Inc. closed senior secured credit facilities in the aggregate principal amount of C$40 million. / CULTURE The Shambhala music festival features on-site testing of drugs for contaminants. Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images. The post Senators step up push for hemp THC ban in November (Newsletter: August 7, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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The non-intoxicating marijuana component CBD holds “potentially performance-enhancing properties” for athletes and may serve as an effective post-exercise recovery tool, according to a new scientific review. The research looked at 70 peer-reviewed studies on the therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol to assess whether the cannabis compound may uniquely benefit people who participate in sports. Researchers at Universidad Nacional in Costa Rica said the research they reviewed—which included studies involving athletes, people with epilepsy and mice—found that “CBD appears to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic, anxiolytic, and potentially performance-enhancing properties in athletes.” The researchers stressed that additional evidence is “necessary to confirm these effects,” and part of the reason for the current gap in clinical trials is due in part to “national and international restrictions on access to cannabinoids, including CBD, and strict control of their use for research purposes.” However, a review of the scientific literature signals that consuming cannabidiol is associated with improvements in “both physiological and cognitive functions.” For example, studies have demonstrated that CBD can treat “central and peripheral neuropathic pain,” while also assisting with “antidepressant and anxiolytic effects at the cognitive level, with only positive and beneficial evidence for functional recovery and anti-inflammatory symptoms.” “CBD appears to have beneficial properties for sports recovery.” “Regarding muscle function and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD administration in animals, a revealing study found that CBD intake could lead to structural and functional improvement of muscles, suggesting muscular recovery,” the paper, published in the journal MHSalud, said. CBD is also linked to reduced resting blood pressure, which can improve “athletic performance and regulation of body weight.” “Based on these effective benefits, some team sports athletes have widely used CBD for sleep, pain relief, and recovery, and its consumption increases with age,” the study said. Research on cannabidiol and sleep quality improvement also holds “promising evidence for sports.” “Confirmatory analyses using randomized placebo-controlled trials to test the acute and chronic effects of different dosing regimens are needed,” the authors said. “These studies should consider fundamental aspects of sports, such as the variety of biological and situational conditions that contribute to fatigue, the characteristics of each discipline during training and competition, as well as individual athlete peculiarities, tolerance and response to CBD intake, and the combined effect of CBD administration with other physical and nutritional aids.” “Given the relatively common use of cannabis and CBD among athletes, there is a clear need to improve scientific understanding of the effects of CBD use on athlete recovery and performance,” the study concluded. “More scientific advances are needed, primarily the execution of experimental trials, which enable a deeper understanding of both positive and negative critical results for the ultimate benefit of athlete recovery and performance.” “CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties, which are potentially beneficial for athlete recovery.” Meanwhile, a recent study funded by the National Football League (NFL) found that interest in using marijuana for medical reasons is growing among athletes as more states enact legalization, but many feel they aren’t getting adequate information about cannabis from their teams’ and leagues’ health officials due to ongoing stigma around the issue. The paper, written by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina in Canada, noted that major sports leagues have changed their policies in recent years to remove strict punishments for cannabis use. The researchers behind the study previously published research in 2024 that highlighted the growing acceptability of medical cannabis in sports, while also underscoring the obstacles to marijuana research caused by ongoing federal prohibition. NFL and the league’s players union in recent years have put a focus on funding research related to cannabis and athletes. In 2022, for example, they authorized $1 million in grants for a pair of studies looking into the efficacy of marijuana and its components in managing football players’ pain and providing neuroprotection from concussions. The league and the players union also awarded funding to support research on the therapeutic benefits of CBD as a pain treatment alternative to opioids for players with concussions. The NFL reached an agreement with its players union in 2024 to further reform its marijuana policies, significantly reducing fines for positive tests while increasing the allowable THC threshold for players. About four years after NFL ended the practice of suspending players over cannabis or other drugs as part of a collective bargaining agreement, the league again revised its Substances of Abuse Policy and Performance Enhancing Substances Policy. NBA, for its part, removed marijuana from the banned substances list for players in 2023, and it also freed them up to invest in and promote cannabis companies. Most recently, for example, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) this year removed marijuana from its prohibited substances list while also laying out rules for how players can invest in and promote cannabis companies. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 2024 voted to remove marijuana from its banned substances list for Division I players. The reform builds on a 2022 change that increased the allowable THC threshold for college athletes, aligning NCAA’s rules with those of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) blasted the “unfair” ban on marijuana for athletes competing in international sport events, including the Olympics that were underway in Paris at the time of the comments. USADA CEO Travis Tygart said it was “disappointing” that WADA has maintained the cannabis prohibition based on what he considers a misguided justification. WADA did carry out a review into its marijuana policy at the request of USADA and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) following the controversial suspension of U.S. runner Sha’Carri Richardson, who was barred from participating in the Olympics in 2021 after she tested positive for THC. Richardson said she used cannabis to cope with the recent passing of her mother. While UFC announced in late 2023 that it was formally removing marijuana from its modified banned substances list for athletes, the league notified participants that the reform didn’t apply under California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) rules. UFC advised fighters that they could be subject to a $100 fine by CSAS if they tested over 150 nanograms of THC per milliliter ahead of the UFC 298 event that took place in February. The post CBD Has ‘Potentially Performance-Enhancing Properties’ In Sports And May Help Athletes Recover After Exercise, Study Shows appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

“Cannabis lobbying groups are arming prohibitionists by demonizing hemp—helping those who have been at war with cannabis for decades… I’ve rarely seen a more self-defeating campaign.” By Aaron Edelheit, Mindset Capital Are cannabis organizations working to advance reform? Or are they arming the very prohibitionists who want to stop all THC commerce? Some regulated cannabis companies and cannabis lobbying groups are hard at work fighting hemp, which they see as unfairly competing with more regulated state-cannabis companies. They celebrated last November when Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) snuck a ban into a government funding bill. But knowingly or not, these same organizations are now working side by side with prohibitionists whose cult-like coalition includes politicians and interest groups who want to keep all cannabinoids illegal. In my opinion, cannabis lobbying groups are arming prohibitionists by demonizing hemp—helping those who have been at war with cannabis for decades. Today’s prohibitionist movement runs on funding from those who hate THC. Every win against their hated enemy, THC, brings prohibitionists more donations, more influence, more media coverage. The prohibitionists will do anything to win. Beyond misleading and using scare tactics, they have employed canvassers for the Massachusetts ballot initiative who misled signatories about what they were signing. This is more than just politics or business: people are being incarcerated and having their lives ruined, and families are being torn apart because of a plant that should be regulated, not banned. The hemp ban gave them momentum: sustained energy, paid media, influencer campaigns, political muscle. Now Massachusetts faces the first ballot initiative to roll back a state-legal market, bought and paid for by prohibitionists. The op-eds and influencer campaigns are in full swing, timed perfectly ahead of a federal rescheduling decision. What the regulated cannabis industry may not understand, is that by aligning themselves with the prohibitionists they are now fighting the president of the United States. President Donald Trump wants the ban delayed so that there is time for common-sense regulation, and it has been reported that he is personally lobbying senators to give Congress time to get it right. I’ve rarely seen a more self-defeating campaign. The cannabis industry is waiting on rescheduling, tax relief and eventually banking access, while actively opposing the one person who controls all three. So, here’s my plea to cannabis companies fighting hemp: stop pushing for a total ban. Don’t fight the first president to deliver real cannabis reform. If you want a fight, fight for smart regulation, not alongside the prohibitionists. Aaron Edelheit is the CEO of Mindset Capital, a private investment firm with investments in cannabis and hemp beverage companies. Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan. The post Cannabis Companies Should Stop Teaming Up With Prohibitionists To Ban Hemp THC Products (Op-Ed) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

The governor of New York has signed legislation clarifying that marijuana microbusinesses can fully participate in cannabis farmers’ markets and pop-up events. Under previous law, microbusiness licensees were only authorized to sell their own products at the events, which are called “Cannabis Showcase Events” under state rules. Now, because of the new measure signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Thursday, they will be able to fully participate in the events as cultivators, processors and retailers. “This new law gives licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries a real chance to succeed in New York’s legal cannabis market,” Hochul said in a press release. “By opening the door for legal operators to sell at approved community events and farmer’s markets we are putting small entrepreneurs on a level playing field, expanding consumer access to safer, regulated products and strengthening one of New York’s fastest growing industries.” State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D), who sponsored the Senate version of the now-enacted legislation said that “cannabis microbusiness are often small farms without big marketing budgets or easy access to retail markets.” “Showcase events, like farm markets, give these small businesses a perfect way to reach consumers with their homegrown products,” she said. “With summer here and New Yorkers excited to shop outside, it’s critical that cannabis microbusinesses can participate in showcase events alongside retailers and other licensees—and our legislation makes that possible.” Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D), who championed the Assembly version of the bill, said it “ensures that NY’s cannabis microbusinesses can participate in Showcase Events occurring across the state.” “I’d like to thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of supporting these small businesses by signing our legislation today,” she said “They need every competitive advantage in order to market their products, build brand awareness and develop long-term community connections.” A justification memo attached to S10113 and A11217, the legislation signed by the governor, says that “allowing microbusinesses the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the cannabis showcase event will help small farmers compete and give them a new opportunity to sell cannabis products at approved events.” In May, the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) began accepting applications from licensed dispensaries that want to host temporary cannabis farmers’ markets and pop-up events. “Regulated cannabis has proven to be an economic engine for New York, but the strength of this market lies in the businesses operating across the supply chain,” OCM Executive Director John Kagia said on Thursday. “The governor signing this bill secures a critical opportunity for the microbusinesses building New York’s craft cannabis ecosystem to showcase their products at events across the state,” he said. “This bill advances equitable, inclusive opportunity for our small businesses, and we thank the Governor, Senate and Assembly for their continued commitment to strengthening New York’s cannabis market.” The launch of applications this year followed the enactment of earlier legislation signed by Hochul last year that built on an existing showcase program that was first created in 2023. The state Cannabis Control Board (CCB) adopted regulations for the events program that is now rolling out last May. Under state rules, cannabis events are limited to people over 21 years of age and need to have written approval from local officials; advanced application submission to OCM and compliance with distance requirements from schools, places of worship and designated public youth facilities. Organizers must also submit safety, security and incident reporting plans. On-site marijuana consumption is not allowed, nor are free samples or giveaways of cannabis products. Sales at events can only be conducted by the licensed retailer that holds the event permit, while cultivators and processors that participate can showcase products without selling anything directly to attendees or providing samples. Cannabis events can last for up to 14 consecutive days under the rules, with each venue limited to hosting events no more than 45 days during a calendar year. In March, the governor marked the five-year anniversary of adult-use marijuana legalization in New York, highlighting $3.3 billion in retail sales, the opening of more than 600 licensed cannabis shops and achievements in promoting social equity in the industry while taking steps to mitigate the illicit market. In January, New York officials released a set of reports providing a 2025 end-of-year status update on the evolution of the state’s medical and adult-use marijuana markets—touting record sales, revenue hauls for state coffers, licensing approvals, equity initiatives and more. The OCM annual report also notes that Hochul signed legislation into law that expands the state’s medical cannabis program by improving patient access and “updating the program framework to better meet patient needs statewide.” Meanwhile, a coalition of New York marijuana businesses are asking the governor to veto legislation that would create a new Cannabis Wage Board charged with recommending minimum hourly wages for industry workers. The proposal would “create significant uncertainty for operators at a time when many are finally beginning to find their footing after years of regulatory delays, capital constraints, and continued competition from the illicit market,” an action alert sent by the Cannabis Association of New York (CANY) said. — 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. — Separatlely, New York senators recently approved a bill related to reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana patients and the availability of pre-rolled joints in the medical cannabis market—even though the state has already enacted those reforms separately. In February, the sponsor of the bill separately introduced legislation that would allow New York liquor and wine stores to obtain a permit to sell low-dose cannabis-infused drinks at their businesses. Also, the governor recently signed legislation into law that revises zoning requirements for licensed marijuana businesses, granting more flexibility to retailers located within certain distances of schools and places of worship. The post New York Governor Signs Bill To Allow Small Businesses To Sell Marijuana At Farmers’ Markets appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A pair of Republican lawmakers took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to urge their colleagues not to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that is currently scheduled for November. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) said the widespread availability of intoxicating hemp products in states across the country is a “public health crisis” that threatens the lives of children, harms the workforce and undermines military readiness. “The intoxicating hemp industry wants to make a cheap dollar,” the senator said. “I am appalled at the well-oiled, slick lobbying machine, which is very well connected in this town, by the way, that has chosen to wage this surreptitious war against our efforts to protect American children.” Hemp derivatives with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill that President Donald Trump signed during his first term in office. But late last year, the president signed new legislation containing provisions that will redefine hemp to make it so only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will remain legal after November 12. Leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee recently released the text of a continuing resolution to extend funding for federal agencies through December 11, past the end of the current fiscal year on September 30. Included in the legislation are provisions that will also delay the planned prohibition on most hemp products until December 11—although there is a carve-out that will allow the immediately recriminalization on November 12 of synthetic cannabinoids “that are not capable of being naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant.” While the White House supports the delayed ban on THC products, Budd and several GOP cosponsors filed an amendment that seeks to strip those hemp provisions out of the bill and keep the planned prohibition on schedule. Dispute over the amendment has threatened to hold up passage of the funding bill, potentially delaying senators from leaving town this week for their August recess as hoped. “I’m not here to obstruct the Senate for the sake of obstruction. I’m here because I have a duty to the millions of parents in North Carolina who have sent me to Washington to be their voice, and above all, to protect their children,” he said. “I’m not going to back down, and I’m not going to stop fighting until we get this right. This is a public health health crisis that deserves this Senate’s immediate attention. “Our children should never be the testing ground for an industry willing to exploit a loophole in federal law for profit. We need to strip this amendment from the continuing resolution and regulate these harmful substances for exactly what they are, not what the industry wants to call them.” Unregulated hemp-derived products are being sold on the shelves of nearly every corner store in America. These intoxicating substances are hiding in plain sight—and they are putting our kids at risk. pic.twitter.com/tQGm40JX5Z — Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) August 5, 2026 Budd displayed posters showing THC-infused products meant to mimic major brands like Oreos and Skittles, saying that “the packaging is unmistakably designed to appeal to kids because they use bright colors.” “You know this this is not some innocent coincidence. You don’t accidentally create packaging for an intoxicating substance that bears a strange resemblance to a recognizable brand,” he argued. “You don’t accidentally make an intoxicating product look something like a child would recognize from a grocery store shelf without reasonable intent. This is marketing by design, and it’s designed it’s designed to evade the law.” The GOP senator said there are “horrifying consequences” of the products’ availability, claiming that he has met with families of children who have died after they “became addicted to these disguised substances.” “There are young people who no longer walk this earth. They will never graduate. They will never go to college. They will never start a career. They will never get married. They will never have children, and they will never get the chance to experience the life that was ahead of them because these dangerous substances robbed them of their future.” I have a duty to the millions of parents in North Carolina who sent me to Washington to be their voice &, above all, to protect their children. We will have this fight before the end of this Congress, & I can assure you I'm not going to stop fighting to protect America’s kids. — Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) August 5, 2026 “THC can have very serious consequences for adults” as well, Budd said. “It can trigger psychosis, addiction, manic episodes, bipolar relapse, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation… It’s also impacting our workforce. Able-bodied adults—they’re unable to hold jobs that require them to take a drug test. Stores near military bases sell these products to men and women in the armed services, making them ineligible for military service.” The senator said he is “willing to have a larger conversation about marijuana.” “We may not agree, but I’ll have the conversation. But I want to make one thing really, really clear: making THC intoxicating substances readily accessible to our kids is an entirely different issue from the medical marijuana movement,” he said. “So, if substances cause intoxication like marijuana, then it should be regulated as such, not given a free pass as hemp. There is no loophole worth putting a child’s well-being at risk.” “Let me be clear to my colleagues: I’m not going to back down on this. I’m not going to waver. I’m not going to stop until this life-threatening loophole is closed permanently. And we’re going to have this fight before the end of this Congress. And I can assure you that I’m not going to stop fighting to protect American children, and I’ve already had numerous conversations with the White House about this issue.” Three sources with knowledge of discussions around the issue told Marijuana Moment that Trump personally called Budd this week in an attempt to get him to back off the push to keep the hemp ban on track for November, but a spokesperson for the senator later clarified that there was “not an explicit ask made to Sen. Budd to drop the amendment” by the president. The spokesperson said that the hemp issue “certainly came up” during what he described as a “very friendly” discussion between Budd and Trump that also touched on number of other topics. Separately on Wednesday, Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE), who is cosponsoring the amendment with Budd to keep the hemp product ban on schedule, also spoke about the issue on the Senate floor. Unregulated, manufactured THC products have been intentionally designed to look like popular candy and chip brands. These products are poisoning our children. They are causing severe mental health issues. We have a responsibility to protect our children. Closing the… pic.twitter.com/PLMiofRhZr — Senator Pete Ricketts (@SenatorRicketts) August 6, 2026 “We have a drug problem in this country today, and right now there is an industry that is targeting our children with look-alike products,” he said. “This is a serious health risk problem.” “These high THC products, disguised as candy, could get into the hands of young children and poison them. It has done so already,” Ricketts said. “Let’s stop this right now, because we know know when THC gets into young people’s minds, it can reduce their IQs, lead to mental health issues such as suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression. This drug is bad for young people. So let’s close this loophole and keep it closed.” Manufactured THC products have been designed to look like popular chip and candy brands. This was intentional, and it’s putting our children’s lives at risk.@NEAttorneyGen has provided a few side-by-side examples of these THC products: pic.twitter.com/CdmUxadrVY — Senator Pete Ricketts (@SenatorRicketts) August 6, 2026 Also this week, dueling coalitions of police, military veterans and industry groups sent letters pushing Congress in different directions on whether the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products should move forward as scheduled or be delayed. A bipartisan coalition of 35 state and territory attorneys general sent a letter calling on Congress not to reverse the hemp THC product ban, saying that lawmakers’ move to enact the forthcoming prohibition “protected consumers, provided much-needed regulatory clarity, and preserved legitimate industrial, agricultural, and nonintoxicating hemp markets.” In June, the House of Representatives passed its own version of a continuing resolution to keep federal agencies funded into December, but it did not have any provisions to alter the planned hemp product ban. As such, if the Senate passes its new provision it would then still need approval by the other chamber before being sent to the president. Meanwhile, a number of lawmakers from both chambers and both parties have filed or are circulating a growing number of bills to prevent the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC drinks and other products later this year. Until now, none of those proposals have gained traction with congressional leaders. For example, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is circulating legislation that would delay a planned federal ban on hemp THC products and institute some regulations—including packaging requirements, testing rules and age limits. Separately, Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), filed a lengthier proposal to prevent the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products and put in place a number of regulations for manufacturing, labeling, sales and taxation of hemp-derived products, including an age limit of 21. A press release from the congressman’s office claimed that the White House supports the legislation, which is cosponsored by Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), but the administration has not specifically endorsed it despite generally calling for hemp regulations and backing a prior similar amendment filed by Barr. Trump and White House officials have in recent weeks repeatedly pressed Congress to delay, alter or reverse the ban. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in June, for example, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought said the Trump administration wants lawmakers to “ensure the fair treatment of hemp products”—specifically citing Barr’s earlier amendment to keep many hemp products legal while adding regulations and taxes. The administration “welcomes the opportunity to work with the Congress to, at a minimum, update the statutory definition of final hemp-derived cannabinoid products to allow Americans to benefit from access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products,” OMB separately said in June, “while preserving the Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose serious health risks.” Also in April, the president himself urged congressional lawmakers to again redefine hemp to avoid recriminalization of full-spectrum CBD products. “I am calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they have come to rely on, and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “We must get this done RIGHT and FAST, especially for those who saw that CBD helps them,” he said. “Plus, I am told it will also help our GREAT FARMERS, who we love, and will always be there for.” Industry advocates say that the law as enacted last year not only threatens to prohibit intoxicating and synthetic cannabinoid products but also stands to remove popular full-spectrum CBD products that many Americans use therapeutically from the market. “ONE in FIVE adults used it in the past year, and many say it improved their chronic pain enormously,” the president said in his social media post, adding that hemp-derived CBD “has made a HUGE difference for so many people.” He also referenced a new initiative the administration launched in April to cover up to $500 worth of hemp-derived products each year for eligible Medicare patients. The program being implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses largely on CBD but also allows products to have up to 3 milligrams of total THC per serving. A federal judge granted the government’s motion to dismiss marijuana legalization opponents’ lawsuit challenging the initiative, but that is being appealed. “In December, I signed a very important Executive Order calling for Research and Innovation for Hemp-derived CBD,” Trump said. “Our wonderful Dr. Mehmet Oz moved fast to follow the directive in the Executive Order, and launched a model for some Seniors earlier this month. But more must be done!” “Please get it done, and SOON,” the president said in reference to a congressional fix for the broad recriminalization set to take effect in November. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!” The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), an alcohol industry trade association issued praise for Barr’s bipartisan hemp regulation bill, but said the measure’s tax provisions require “continued discussion.” Hemp policy observers expect to see a Senate companion bill to Barr’s proposal filed soon, likely from Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Sheehy recently cited hemp legislation as an area where Republicans and Democrats can work together in an otherwise “hyperpartisan time.” — 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. — Meanwhile, a new poll from NuggMD found that most cannabis consumers say that state-level hemp product bans that lawmakers are enacting in line with the planned federal recriminalization move are causing them to shift their purchases toward licensed marijuana businesses. The National Restaurant Association recently sent a letter urging congressional leaders to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC beverages and replace it with a regulatory framework that “ensures consumer safety while meeting growing market demand” for the products as an alternative to alcohol. Major retailer Target, meanwhile, recently moved to expand its sales of hemp THC drinks into more states. Photo courtesy of Kimzy Nanney. The post GOP Senators Argue That Hemp Product Ban Should Take Effect As Scheduled, Raising Alarm About Kids’ Access To THC appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Dueling coalitions of police, military veterans and industry groups are pushing Congress in different directions on whether the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products should move forward as scheduled or be delayed. Hemp derivatives with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill that President Donald Trump signed during his first term in office. But late last year, the president signed new legislation containing provisions that will redefine hemp to make it so only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will remain legal after November 12. Leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee recently released the text of a continuing resolution to extend funding for federal agencies through December 11, past the end of the current fiscal year on September 30. Included in the legislation are provisions that will also delay the planned prohibition on most hemp products until December 11—although there is a carve-out that will allow the immediately recriminalization on November 12 of synthetic cannabinoids “that are not capable of being naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant.” While the White House supports the delayed ban on THC products, Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) and several GOP cosponsors filed an amendment that seeks to strip those hemp provisions out of the bill and keep the planned prohibition on schedule. Now, groups on both sides of the issue are weighing in as the Senate seeks to wrap up its business this week and head home for the August recess. “Allowing this deadline to proceed without a comprehensive regulatory framework will not result in improved public safety,” a letter from Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, National Association of Convenience Stores, American Beverage Licensees says. “It will produce the opposite: a thriving illicit market, weakened state enforcement, economic disruption for more than one million American workers, and less safety for the very consumers Congress is committed to protecting.” Supporters of the forthcoming ban have said it will close a “loophole” in the prior Farm Bill, but the new letter, which is also signed by the Hemp Beverage Alliance, Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives, Beverage Wholesalers for Responsible Regulation and Beverage Alcohol Merchants Coalition, says that “‘Closing the loophole’ is prohibition.” “Prohibition would be a failure and risk to Consumer Health & Safety. The November 12 deadline does not create a safer, better-regulated hemp market. It creates no legal market at all, while creating an illicit market,” it says. “This is not regulation. This is prohibition.” “The historical record is consistent: prohibition does not eliminate consumer access, improve product safety, or reduce youth exposure. Bad actors will not disappear when the legal market closes, and many consumers will have no regulated alternative. The choice before Congress is not between a ‘loophole’ and safety – It is between regulation and prohibition. We urge Congress to choose regulation.” Hemp fight continues to heat up. Some beverage industry groups, convenience stores, wholesalers out with a letter to House and Senate leaders today urging them to delay the hemp ban. GOP senators had a fiery discussion on this at lunch today. It’s the issue currently dragging… pic.twitter.com/VcOQvMkvt2 — Samantha Handler (@sn_handler) August 5, 2026 Meanwhile, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and its Auxiliary, representing nearly 1.4 million veterans, also sent a letter urging hemp regulation over a ban, saying that THC products “could offer a real alternative to the heavy prescription drugs so many of our veterans are given for PTSD, anxiety, pain, and sleep problems.” “Every day, doctors hand out strong sedatives and psychoactive meds to help veterans cope. They work for some, but too many end up hooked, numb, or dealing with brutal side effects,” the letter says. “We’ve all watched good men and women get trapped in a cycle of pills that dull the pain but don’t fix the problem.” “It’s time to look harder at safer options. Early research on certain hemp compounds shows promise for managing symptoms and reducing physical pain without the same addiction risks… This isn’t proof of a miracle cure, just clear signs we should keep studying.” “But sweeping moves to ‘close the hemp loophole’ could slam that door shut,” VFW wrote. “A blanket ban on hemp cannabinoids would make it nearly impossible for researchers and VA hospitals to study these compounds legally. It would also hurt veteran-owned small businesses already playing by the rules. Critically, it would drive veterans looking for relief straight to black-market junk, making things riskier, not safer.” VFW writes Sen. Sheehy over Hemp issue holding up the Senate: "A blanket ban on hemp cannabinoids would make it nearly impossible for researchers and VA hospitals to study these compounds legally. It would also hurt veteran-owned small businesses" https://t.co/e9UHYFJ0de pic.twitter.com/MniGaFM7b0 — Burgess Everett (@burgessev) August 6, 2026 Dozens of industry associations that represent businesses that sell hemp products, along with other supporters of legal access, sent a letter backing the delay, arguing that “the extra 30-day period would allow for passage of legislation that would robustly regulate the hemp market, keeping dangerous products out of the hands of children, prohibiting imports of synthetic cannabinoids from China, and ensuring good manufacturing practices.” We are proud to join other Texas allies and organizations around the country to push for a federal extension to the looming consumable hemp ban deadline. pic.twitter.com/3mTGUlOAlb — Texas Cannabis Collective (@txcannaco) August 6, 2026 On the other side of the debate, however, a coalition involving conservative and anti-drug groups sent a letter arguing that delaying the ban “would keep easily accessible intoxicating hemp-derived THC products out of reach of vulnerable children.” “The intoxicating hemp industry has built a billion-dollar empire by exploiting this loophole using an addiction-for-profit model in ways that appeal to children in an effort to create life-long customers,” the letter, signed by Family Research Council, Eagle Forum, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association, CatholicVote, D.A.R.E. America, Smart Approaches to Marijuana, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and others says. Eagle Forum has joined 55 organizations supporting @SenTedBuddNC’s amendment to remove the delay in life-saving delta-8 THC restrictions. We urge all Senators to protect our kids from this toxic drug! pic.twitter.com/P7wVKui2r8 — Eagle Forum (@EagleForum) August 6, 2026 The National Sheriffs’ Association sent a separate letter urging lawmakers to let the ban on hemp THC products take effect as scheduled. “This loophole was never intended to create a parallel, unregulated marketplace for intoxicating products, and it should be allowed to close rather than be renewed,” it says. “These products are marketed and sold without meaningful safeguards. Many intoxicating hemp products are available in gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops, and online with limited or no age verification, inconsistent product testing, and no standardized potency limits. Consumers often have no assurance regarding product safety or contaminants.” The law enforcement letter also argues that hemp products are “easily accessible to minors,” saying that “sheriffs across the country continue to report concerns about these products finding their way into schools and communities.” “Closing this loophole would not eliminate legal access to cannabis products where states have chosen to regulate them, it would simply end an unregulated shadow market that undermines public health and circumvents the very state-level frameworks that were designed to protect consumers,” the sheriffs’ letter says. We urge you to let this hemp provision expire and to support comprehensive regulation of intoxicating cannabinoid products.” News: The National Sheriffs’ Association urges Thune and Schumer to oppose the delay of hemp ban that’s in the CR. H/t @ccleffert pic.twitter.com/LWdwGGsF1F — Samantha Handler (@sn_handler) August 5, 2026 Earlier this week, a bipartisan coalition of 35 state and territory attorneys general sent a letter calling on Congress not to reverse the hemp THC product ban, saying that lawmakers’ move to enact the forthcoming prohibition “protected consumers, provided much-needed regulatory clarity, and preserved legitimate industrial, agricultural, and nonintoxicating hemp markets.” In June, the House of Representatives passed its own version of a continuing resolution to keep federal agencies funded into December, but it did not have any provisions to alter the planned hemp product ban. As such, if the Senate passes its new provision it would then still need approval by the other chamber before being sent to the president. Meanwhile, a number of lawmakers from both chambers and both parties have filed or are circulating a growing number of bills to prevent the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC drinks and other products later this year. Until now, none of those proposals have gained traction with congressional leaders. For example, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is circulating legislation that would delay a planned federal ban on hemp THC products and institute some regulations—including packaging requirements, testing rules and age limits. Separately, Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), filed a lengthier proposal to prevent the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products and put in place a number of regulations for manufacturing, labeling, sales and taxation of hemp-derived products, including an age limit of 21. A press release from the congressman’s office claimed that the White House supports the legislation, which is cosponsored by Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), but the administration has not specifically endorsed it despite generally calling for hemp regulations and backing a prior similar amendment filed by Barr. Trump and White House officials have in recent weeks repeatedly pressed Congress to delay, alter or reverse the ban. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in June, for example, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought said the Trump administration wants lawmakers to “ensure the fair treatment of hemp products”—specifically citing Barr’s earlier amendment to keep many hemp products legal while adding regulations and taxes. The administration “welcomes the opportunity to work with the Congress to, at a minimum, update the statutory definition of final hemp-derived cannabinoid products to allow Americans to benefit from access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products,” OMB separately said in June, “while preserving the Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose serious health risks.” Also in April, the president himself urged congressional lawmakers to again redefine hemp to avoid recriminalization of full-spectrum CBD products. “I am calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they have come to rely on, and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “We must get this done RIGHT and FAST, especially for those who saw that CBD helps them,” he said. “Plus, I am told it will also help our GREAT FARMERS, who we love, and will always be there for.” Industry advocates say that the law as enacted last year not only threatens to prohibit intoxicating and synthetic cannabinoid products but also stands to remove popular full-spectrum CBD products that many Americans use therapeutically from the market. “ONE in FIVE adults used it in the past year, and many say it improved their chronic pain enormously,” the president said in his social media post, adding that hemp-derived CBD “has made a HUGE difference for so many people.” He also referenced a new initiative the administration launched in April to cover up to $500 worth of hemp-derived products each year for eligible Medicare patients. The program being implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses largely on CBD but also allows products to have up to 3 milligrams of total THC per serving. A federal judge granted the government’s motion to dismiss marijuana legalization opponents’ lawsuit challenging the initiative, but that is being appealed. “In December, I signed a very important Executive Order calling for Research and Innovation for Hemp-derived CBD,” Trump said. “Our wonderful Dr. Mehmet Oz moved fast to follow the directive in the Executive Order, and launched a model for some Seniors earlier this month. But more must be done!” “Please get it done, and SOON,” the president said in reference to a congressional fix for the broad recriminalization set to take effect in November. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!” The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), an alcohol industry trade association issued praise for Barr’s bipartisan hemp regulation bill, but said the measure’s tax provisions require “continued discussion.” Hemp policy observers expect to see a Senate companion bill to Barr’s proposal filed soon, likely from Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Sheehy recently cited hemp legislation as an area where Republicans and Democrats can work together in an otherwise “hyperpartisan time.” — 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. — Meanwhile, a new poll from NuggMD found that most cannabis consumers say that state-level hemp product bans that lawmakers are enacting in line with the planned federal recriminalization move are causing them to shift their purchases toward licensed marijuana businesses. The National Restaurant Association recently sent a letter urging congressional leaders to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC beverages and replace it with a regulatory framework that “ensures consumer safety while meeting growing market demand” for the products as an alternative to alcohol. Major retailer Target, meanwhile, recently moved to expand its sales of hemp THC drinks into more states. The post Cops, Veterans, Alcohol Industry And Others Press Congress On Delaying Hemp THC Product Ban appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Trump drug official blames marijuana for deaths; NC hemp restriction vote delayed; PR gov signs psychedelics executive order Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… Your good deed for the day: donate to an independent publisher like Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there. Support our work at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW A White House spokesperson rejected claims that the administration’s push to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products is aimed at helping the business interests of President Donald Trump’s chief of staff’s son-in-law. The White House confirmed to Marijuana Moment that the administration supports a funding bill’s provision to delay the ban, and several sources separately said that the president himself called Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) this week to discuss his amendment to keep the prohibition on track for November. And White House Director of Legislative Affairs James Braid reportedly committed during a “tense” meeting with Senate Republicans that there would be no further extensions of the hemp ban’s effective date if the current proposal is enacted. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s chief medical officer claimed that “the number one drug of addiction is marijuana”—arguing that it is important to “remember the victims of marijuana, the people who’ve died from marijuana harms.” The North Carolina House of Representatives delayed a vote on a bill to ban hemp THC products until at least November amid pushback from Gov. Josh Stein (D) and industry advocates, with the speaker saying the legislature shouldn’t pass something that has “unintended consequences.” Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González (R) signed an executive order to boost development of emerging therapies—including psychedelics such as ibogaine, psilocybin and MDMA. A University of Kentucky researcher who helped lead a study showing that THC and CBD from marijuana can help late-stage dementia patients feel less agitation said it is an “oversight” that the state’s medical cannabis program doesn’t include dementia as a qualifying condition. / FEDERAL Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials detained a University of Maryland professor whose research focuses on cannabinoid receptors. A spokesperson for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said he is “firmly opposed” to delaying the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) was pressed on the last time he used illegal drugs, saying it was “several years ago.” South Carolina Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Lynch said during a debate that there is “no way that I’m for legalizing marijuana and cocaine.” / STATES Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted, “Colorado and Texas have taken very different approaches to personal freedoms – as in Colorado actually supports freedom. Colorado protects access to reproductive healthcare and recreational cannabis, while Texas has been going in the opposite direction.” The attorneys general of California, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico and South Dakota sent press releases about a letter they signed calling on Congress not to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products. Here’s a look at where Massachusetts lawmakers and legislative candidates stand on a ballot initiative to roll back marijuana legalization. Mississippi regulators published guidance about the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s registration process for medical cannabis businesses. Maryland regulators are launching a free telephone helpline for medical cannabis patients. New Jersey regulators published information about the differences between inhaling and ingesting cannabis. Michigan regulators entered into consent orders under which a marijuana business will surrender its license and close over alleged violations. Illinois regulators published a list of licensed cannabis businesses. California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues. — 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. — / LOCAL A former Fletcher, North Carolina police chief authored an op-ed urging state lawmakers not to ban hemp THC products. Brown County, Wisconsin police used Flock cameras to track a man who traveled to neighboring Michigan to buy legal marijuana. / INTERNATIONAL A Canadian judge ordered the Human Rights Commission to reopen a discrimination complaint filed by a patient who claims Scotiabank improperly revoked his mortgage because he was growing medical cannabis at home. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found that “CBD favorably modulates the proteolytic system on the cuticle of honeybees.” A review concluded that “psychedelic therapies, particularly MDMA-assisted therapy, represent a potential breakthrough by targeting the underlying causes of PTSD rather than merely suppressing symptoms.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS The Family Research Council is supporting an amendment to keep the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products on track for November. / BUSINESS Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $306.7 million. Verano Holdings Corp. reported quarterly net revenue of $217.9 million and a net loss of $13.4 million. Aurora Cannabis Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$67.6 million and a net loss of C$4 million. Grown Rogue International Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $11.3 million and a net loss of $1.5 million. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas launched new online Cannabis Career Certificate programs. Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: The post White House pushes hemp THC product ban delay (Newsletter: August 6, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

“We are moving toward making Puerto Rico a leader in clinical research and opening new opportunities for our patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, and veterans.” By Jack Gorsline, Psychedelic State(s) of America In a significant move aimed at overhauling Puerto Rico’s approach to severe mental health and substance use disorders, Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón (R) signed an executive order on Tuesday designed to transform the U.S. territory into a pioneering hub for clinical research into emerging medical therapies, including the investigational use of ibogaine. Executive Order 2026-037 will create a comprehensive assessment regarding the feasibility and advisability of establishing a “Pilot Clinical Research Program for Emerging Therapies.” The program would lay the crucial groundwork for highly regulated clinical trials involving novel and historically restricted therapeutic compounds, prioritizing scientific rigor and strict adherence to both state and federal regulatory frameworks. The administration cited the island’s ongoing battle with complex mental health challenges, neurodegenerative diseases and escalating substance use disorders as the primary catalyst for the new public policy. Recognizing that existing treatments often fall short for vulnerable populations, the government is looking toward novel compounds like ibogaine—a psychoactive alkaloid being studied globally for its potential to interrupt severe opioid and substance-use addictions—as well as other emerging therapeutics, like psilocybin and MDMA. “Scientific innovation represents an opportunity to transform the future of Puerto Rico’s healthcare system,” González-Colón said during a signing ceremony at La Fortaleza, the governor’s official residence. “Our responsibility is to prepare the island to participate in the research that will define tomorrow’s treatments, always with the highest standards of scientific rigor, ethics and regulatory compliance.” “Through this Executive Order, we are moving toward making Puerto Rico a leader in clinical research and opening new opportunities for our patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, and veterans,” she added. Today, we are taking another important step toward strengthening Puerto Rico's leadership in healthcare and scientific innovation. I signed an Executive Order to expand clinical research, promote the development of controlled clinical trials, and enhance the scientific… pic.twitter.com/h1ODfLqxUQ — Jenniffer González (@Jenniffer) August 4, 2026 Under the new directive, the Puerto Rico Department of Health is tasked with leading a strategic effort to build out the scientific, regulatory and operational infrastructure required to host cutting-edge, multicenter clinical trials. The order highlights that Puerto Rico already possesses a robust foundation to support this endeavor, citing the island’s strong academic, hospital and scientific infrastructure, which includes major universities, established research centers and highly trained medical professionals. Advocacy organizations across the island, including the Colectivo Psicodélico de Puerto Rico (also known as the Puerto Rico Psychedelic Collective) heralded the executive order as a watershed moment for Puerto Rico’s psychedelic ambitions. “As a psychedelic community, we celebrate this executive order as a meaningful signal that Puerto Rico’s government is beginning to take seriously the emerging evidence base around psychedelic therapies: Dr. Juliana Millán Torres, founder of the CPPR, told Psychedelic State(s) of America. “The archipelago is catching up to a global movement, and that fills us with hope” Millán Torres added. To ensure the program adheres to the highest medical, scientific and ethical standards, the executive order mandates the creation of a specialized Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Committee housed within the Department of Health. The governor will directly appoint the committee’s members, who will be drawn from a diverse pool of government officials and subject matter experts. The advisory body will feature specialists in clinical research, public health, bioethics, pharmacology, neurology, psychiatry, psychology and regulatory affairs. These advisors will be charged with evaluating current scientific evidence surrounding emerging therapies; assessing the logistical, clinical, ethical, and financial viability of the pilot program; and identifying necessary upgrades to the island’s physical infrastructure and medical workforce training. Furthermore, the committee will be responsible for drafting a Strategic Agenda to bolster clinical research across Puerto Rico, pinpointing priority areas for scientific inquiry, and fostering collaborative research opportunities with public, private, academic and federal entities. Underpinning this clinical research initiative is Puerto Rico’s formidable $50 billion pharmaceutical legacy, which has long cemented the island as an indispensable anchor in the broader medical supply chain across the United States and both North and South America. Sustaining tens of thousands of local STEM and manufacturing jobs, the territory’s medical equipment and life sciences export sector is a global powerhouse that currently produces roughly 90 percent of the world’s pacemakers, alongside massive quantities of contact lenses, insulin pumps and glucose monitors. Puerto Rico’s robust, world-class manufacturing infrastructure provides a well-established foundation to support the administration’s ambitious pivot toward cutting-edge clinical trials and emerging therapeutics. A prominent component of the executive order is its dedicated focus on Puerto Rican military veterans. The Department of Health is explicitly instructed to coordinate with the Office of the Puerto Rico Veterans Advocate to “facilitate educational initiatives and explore potential avenues for veterans to safely participate in the clinical trials.” Any participation would be strictly governed by rigorous eligibility criteria, available scientific evidence, and necessary regulatory authorizations. The territory’s new public policy also formally references a broader federal directive to align its objectives. The order links Puerto Rico’s efforts with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump back in April, which aims to accelerate the development of innovative medical treatments for serious mental illnesses by fostering cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, and research institutions. González-Colón’s push for advanced clinical research occurs against a turbulent political backdrop in Puerto Rico following recent revelations that the Department of Justice halted a major election fraud investigation involving her 2024 campaign. According to an investigation by ProPublica, federal narcotics agents had gathered solid evidence that “Los Tiburones,” a notorious Puerto Rican prison gang, allegedly coerced addicted inmates into voting for González-Colón during the gubernatorial primary by offering narcotics in exchange for their support, while simultaneously threatening violence and withholding drugs from those who refused. To achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the executive order, the Puerto Rico Department of Health is authorized to coordinate its efforts across a wide array of state and federal bodies. The order encourages direct collaboration with university networks, hospital systems, nonprofit organizations, and crucial federal partners. The order also states that the directive does not authorize the widespread or routine clinical use of emerging psychedelic therapies, including ibogaine, psilocybin, MDMA or any other compounds currently under investigational status. Instead, the administration emphasized that the singular purpose of the directive is to fortify the scientific and institutional readiness of Puerto Rico’s healthcare system. Looking ahead, the newly established Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Committee will operate on a strict reporting timeline. The panel is required to submit initial progress reports to the Department of Health, culminating in a final report detailing its findings and recommendations. González-Colón will then review the committee’s assessment to determine appropriate administrative actions and subsequent public policy measures required to launch the pilot program. In any event, advocates on the ground aren’t slowing down anytime soon. “It’s an exciting time to continue doing the work that needs to be done in service of a shared purpose, work that will hopefully ripple out into every part of our islands.” said Millán Torres. “The momentum is here to be embraced by the public, healthcare providers, researchers, community members, and everyone contributing in the psychedelic space, as we build this future together.” This article was produced by Psychedelic State(s) of America—a nonprofit-sponsored news organization dedicated to rigorous independent psychedelic journalism. Subscribe to PSA online and Follow PSA on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X and Facebook. Learn more about PSA and donate to the PSA Media Fund here. The post Puerto Rico Governor Signs Psychedelics Executive Order appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A top aide to President Donald Trump may have close family ties to a hemp industry executive, but that has nothing to do with the White House’s push to get Congress to delay the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products this week, an administration official says. Meanwhile, several sources told Marijuana Moment that the president himself called a GOP senator this week to try to get him to back off a push to keep the scheduled ban on track for November. In June, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’s daughter Caroline married Bret Worley, who runs MC Nutraceuticals and other hemp companies. That has led to some accusations that the administration’s advocacy on the hemp issue is intended to benefit those close to the administration. But Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, told The New York Times for a story published on Wednesday that Worley’s hemp business interests have no connection to the president’s position on the issue. The administration’s advocacy is in “the best interest of the American people” and is aimed at helping veterans and other people who use hemp products for medical purposes. Desai added that when Wiles met with lawmakers last week to advocate for passage of a continuing resolution to keep the government funding—which includes a provision to delay the scheduled hemp ban—she did not specifically mention the issue and “has never lobbied in favor of this or any other position on hemp with Capitol Hill,” according to the Times report. Hemp derivatives with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill that Trump signed during his first term in office. But late last year, the president signed new legislation containing provisions that will redefine hemp to make it so only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will remain legal after November 12. On Sunday, leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee released the text of a continuing resolution to extend funding for federal agencies through December 11, past the end of the current fiscal year on September 30. Included in the legislation are provisions that will also delay the planned prohibition on most hemp products until December 11—although there is a carve-out that will allow the immediately recriminalization on November 12 of synthetic cannabinoids “that are not capable of being naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant.” “The White House supports the provision in the temporary government funding bill, which is a modest four-week delay in implementation to allow for productive conversations to continue, that also allows the current limits to go into effect for some synthetic products permanently,” a White House official told Marijuana Moment in an email. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) and several GOP cosponsors have filed an amendment that seeks to strip the provisions from the legislation, however, prompting pushback from the White House. “The Trump administration opposes delaying government funding as well as important conversations over the pathway forward for the SAVE America Act,” the White House spokesperson told Marijuana Moment, referring to separate legislation to mandate proof of citizenship and photo ID requirements to vote in federal elections that is also up for consideration in the Senate and that may be held up if Budd and other GOP senators insist on demanding a vote on the hemp amendment in order to allow expedited consideration of the funding legislation. Three sources with knowledge of discussions around the issue told Marijuana Moment that Trump personally called Budd in an attempt to get him to back off the push to keep the hemp ban on track for November, but a spokesperson for the senator later clarified that there was “not an explicit ask made to Sen. Budd to drop the amendment” by the president. The spokesperson said that the hemp issue “certainly came up” during what he described as a “very friendly” discussion between Budd and Trump that also touched on number of other topics. The White House spokesperson, meanwhile, did not directly address Marijuana Moment’s request for comment on Trump’s direct outreach to lawmakers on the hemp issue this week. Budd, for his part, told The Times that he has “made it clear to the White House and my colleagues in the Senate that any action to delay” the ban “will endanger both the wellness and safety of Americans.” Punchbowl News and NBC News both reported that White House Director of Legislative Affairs James Braid spoke about the issue during a “tense” lunch with Senate Republicans on Wednesday, committing that there would be no further extensions of the hemp ban’s effective date if the current proposal is enacted. NEW — Inside Senate GOP lunch, things got tense between WH legislative affairs chief James Braid & some R senators over the hemp issue in the CR, per multiple ppl in room Braid got especially contentious with COTTON Also: Braid committed to no more extensions on the hemp issue — Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) August 5, 2026 Desai, the White House spokesperson, told NBC that “President Trump has made his position on hemp and cannabis abundantly clear, most recently in a December executive order and April TRUTH Social post.” “This position builds on the President’s 2018 Farm Bill, which authorized the production of hemp, and his support for Florida Amendment 3 in 2024,” he said. “The only interest guiding the Trump administration’s decision-making is the best interest of the American people, and the Administration continues to explore a Gold Science Standard-based framework on hemp to expand treatment options for American veterans and patients.” On Tuesday, a bipartisan coalition of 35 state and territory attorneys general sent a letter calling on Congress not to reverse the hemp THC product ban, saying that lawmakers’ move to enact the forthcoming prohibition “protected consumers, provided much-needed regulatory clarity, and preserved legitimate industrial, agricultural, and nonintoxicating hemp markets.” In June, the House of Representatives passed its own version of a continuing resolution to keep federal agencies funded into December, but it did not have any provisions to alter the planned hemp product ban. As such, if the Senate passes its new provision it would then still need approval by the other chamber before being sent to the president. Meanwhile, a number of lawmakers from both chambers and both parties have filed or are circulating a growing number of bills to prevent the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC drinks and other products later this year. Until now, none of those proposals have gained traction with congressional leaders. For example, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is circulating legislation that would delay a planned federal ban on hemp THC products and institute some regulations—including packaging requirements, testing rules and age limits. Separately, Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), filed a lengthier proposal to prevent the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products and put in place a number of regulations for manufacturing, labeling, sales and taxation of hemp-derived products, including an age limit of 21. A press release from the congressman’s office claimed that the White House supports the legislation, which is cosponsored by Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), but the administration has not specifically endorsed it despite generally calling for hemp regulations and backing a prior similar amendment filed by Barr. Trump and White House officials have in recent weeks repeatedly pressed Congress to delay, alter or reverse the ban. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in June, for example, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought said the Trump administration wants lawmakers to “ensure the fair treatment of hemp products”—specifically citing Barr’s earlier amendment to keep many hemp products legal while adding regulations and taxes. The administration “welcomes the opportunity to work with the Congress to, at a minimum, update the statutory definition of final hemp-derived cannabinoid products to allow Americans to benefit from access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products,” OMB separately said in June, “while preserving the Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose serious health risks.” Also in April, the president himself urged congressional lawmakers to again redefine hemp to avoid recriminalization of full-spectrum CBD products. “I am calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they have come to rely on, and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “We must get this done RIGHT and FAST, especially for those who saw that CBD helps them,” he said. “Plus, I am told it will also help our GREAT FARMERS, who we love, and will always be there for.” Industry advocates say that the law as enacted last year not only threatens to prohibit intoxicating and synthetic cannabinoid products but also stands to remove popular full-spectrum CBD products that many Americans use therapeutically from the market. “ONE in FIVE adults used it in the past year, and many say it improved their chronic pain enormously,” the president said in his social media post, adding that hemp-derived CBD “has made a HUGE difference for so many people.” He also referenced a new initiative the administration launched in April to cover up to $500 worth of hemp-derived products each year for eligible Medicare patients. The program being implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses largely on CBD but also allows products to have up to 3 milligrams of total THC per serving. A federal judge granted the government’s motion to dismiss marijuana legalization opponents’ lawsuit challenging the initiative, but that is being appealed. “In December, I signed a very important Executive Order calling for Research and Innovation for Hemp-derived CBD,” Trump said. “Our wonderful Dr. Mehmet Oz moved fast to follow the directive in the Executive Order, and launched a model for some Seniors earlier this month. But more must be done!” “Please get it done, and SOON,” the president said in reference to a congressional fix for the broad recriminalization set to take effect in November. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!” The post White House Denies That Push To Protect Hemp From Ban Is Aimed At Boosting Business Interests Of Top Trump Staffer’s Family appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

“They were awake, alert, more comfortable and less agitated, and this led to significant improvement in the caregiving quality of life.” By Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern New research—which Kentucky participated in as a trial site—shows a combination of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can help late-stage dementia patients feel less agitation. Dr. Greg Jicha, the director of clinical trials at the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, said this combination, given to patients all over the state who participated in trials, lowered agitation scores by eight points, a “striking” reduction. “We’ve seen a lot of Alzheimer’s research really move towards the early stages in terms of prevention, and that’s really left a huge hole in the field where we have limited options to provide quality of life, dignity and respect for those that are in the later stages of disease,” Jicha said during a Tuesday morning virtual press conference. “We have very few medications that we can use for patients that may be agitated and/or have other neuropsychiatric symptoms, and these can be quite disruptive, especially for our families in our area who choose to care for their loved one at home.” Kentucky has a medical cannabis program, approved by the legislature in 2023, which allows patients experiencing a range of chronic distress to get medical marijuana prescriptions. “Notably, however, dementia is not listed,” Jicha said. Dementia is a “major leading cause of death,” he said, and “the data that we have out there do suggest that the majority of folks that are in hospice are suffering from some sort of dementia, whether they’re in hospice for the dementia itself, or for a related condition, or just other conditions that may be unrelated, such as cancer.” “I think that it was an oversight to not include dementia specifically in our state statute,” Jicha said. Alzheimer’s disease, which falls under the umbrella of dementia, is characterized by memory loss and is incurable. Treatments exist, though, including Lecanemab (brand name Leqembi), which underwent clinical trials at the University of Kentucky. This is an antibody that targets—and in some cases, removes—amyloid plaques from the brain, and has shown some success in slowing cognitive decline. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, patients experiencing agitation who have also lost “their ability to communicate effectively” may express their feelings by throwing things, moaning or groaning, repeating phrases, pacing and more. Treating this agitation can better their quality of life—and that of their caregivers and loved ones, Jicha said. “In essence, they were awake, alert, more comfortable and less agitated, and this led to significant improvement in the caregiving quality of life that was also measured in the study as an ancillary outcome measure,” Jicha said. Because of the nature of the patient population being studied, UK researchers “went mobile,” Jicha said, and drove to participants’ homes. All participants in the study were eligible for hospice; most were cared for inside their homes and many of them were bed bound. The cannabis and THC treatment was given to patients in oil form in the mouth. “I think this is an important study for folks to understand and to hear about, and to know that we’ve not forsaken their loved ones in the later stages of disease,” Jicha said, “nor have we forsaken the family members and caregivers that take on this tremendous task of love and commitment.” This story was first published by Kentucky Lantern. The post Combining THC And CBD From Marijuana Can Improve Dementia Patients’ Quality Of Life, Study Shows appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

An official in the Trump administration’s White House drug office claims that “the number one drug of addiction is marijuana”—arguing that it is important to “remember the victims of marijuana, the people who’ve died from marijuana harms.” Roneet Lev, who serves as the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) chief medical officer, made the comments on the Drug Free America Foundation’s Pathways to Prevention podcast last month. The Trump administration drug official said that she surrounds herself with pictures of people who have “tragically died” as a result of drugs, saying she “doesn’t want them to die in vain” and uses their stories as a way to remind herself of the importance of ONDCP’s work. “At first it was the parents who’ve lost children from the oxycodone and pain medicine epidemic and then fentanyl,” Lev said. “And we also remember the victims of marijuana, the people who’ve died from marijuana harms as well—or any drug. It doesn’t matter what drug. These are all potentially preventable deaths.” The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), however, says that “no deaths from overdose of marijuana have been reported”—though the ONDCP medical official may have been referencing people who died as a result of car accidents involving drivers who were under the influence of cannabis, for example. In the new interview on the prohibitionist organization’s podcast, Lev also said that people who are experiencing addiction should seek treatment “no matter what drugs they’re addicted to.” “And the fact is that the number one drug of addiction is marijuana. And for the first time ever in the history of the United States, the rate of substance use disorder is over the amount of alcohol use disorder—because of marijuana,” she said. “So people are suffering in our country and our strategy acknowledges that and directs efforts toward treatment.” A new federal study released last month found that Americans are now more likely to use marijuana nearly every day than they are to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes on a daily basis. “If people have a marijuana use disorder and they have an addiction, they should be able to stop,” Lev said. “And we should be even if there’s not a medicine for it. There’s plenty of people who stop smoking cigarettes without a medicine, right? And there are medications for nicotine use disorder, but many people are able to quit and with the guidance. And we want that ability for people who have a marijuana use.” The ONDCP official also said the federal government wants people “to make informed decisions and understand the dangers.” “For example, there are hundreds of medications that interact with marijuana,” she said. “So, if you’re using marijuana and you’re also on a blood pressure medicine or a blood thinner or on psychiatric medications, you should look it up and put we have in our prevention framework we have in there. One of the tips is to use drugs.com and put in ‘cannabis’ or ‘marijuana’ or ‘cannabidiol’ for CBD, and checking that against your medications or grandpa’s medications so you make an informed decision and then you can decide for yourself if you want these and be alerted to the potential side effect.” Lev also noted during the podcast that “people are buying marijuana or hemp products or psychedelics or whatever it is that’s in the smoke shop these days.” “None of that has gone through any type of testing and you really don’t know what you’re buying,” she said. “You can’t count on the labels being correct.” Legalization advocates say that the policy change should be accompanied by regulations mandating that products be tested and labeled for ingredients, something that isn’t possible when drugs are illegal and unregulated. What does the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy mean for #prevention? Dr. Roneet Lev of @ONDCP discusses primary prevention, coalition building, faith, recovery, and creating a drug-free America as the social norm. Tune in here: https://t.co/Z4ZcUzwtdW#P2P #ONDCP pic.twitter.com/wn8Tjy6YIa — DrugFreeAmerica (@DrugFreeAmerica) July 29, 2026 Lev—an emergency medicine and addition physician—previously linked marijuana use to suicide, advocated against a Florida legalization measure and criticized health agencies’ move to reschedule cannabis. She has also said it is an “insult” to refer to cannabis as “medical.” In one episode of her own High Truths on Drugs and Addiction podcast from June 2024, she dedicated over an hour to a discussion with prohibitionist advocates about the marijuana rescheduling process that was initiated under the Biden administration, making clear she strongly disagrees with the top federal health agency’s recommendation to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). She said that people who are accepting the scientific findings that led to the recommendation,”including some in the medical community,” are “drinking that same Kool Aid again” with marijuana as they did with prescription opioids. And she claimed that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) produced a flawed report on cannabis, with mistakes in “like every single sentence.” “When it comes to marijuana, the harms are right in front of our eyes—but we ignore the data and follow the industry talking points just like we did in the oxycontin days,” Lev said during the segment, which featured prominent prohibitionists such as Bertha Madras, who also previously served as an ONDCP official. The revised review process that HHS relied on to reach its Schedule III determination for marijuana posts a “threat to the entire way of approving medications and to the medical community at large,” Lev said, adding that her primary contention is the idea that cannabis possesses medical value. Cannabis is “a plant with 500 different chemicals—60 different cannabinoids—many of which have not been studied, and that includes toxins and carcinogens and other things,” she said. “I really feel sorry for the public—not just for marijuana—because if you have a 90-page document from the Health and Human Services saying, ‘this is medicine, this is safe, this is monitored’ and all the things that we see in this document, they’re false to us physicians and scientists who review this material,” Lev said. “None of the science used the high-potency products. There was no consideration to the severe mental health impacts.” “But that’s just for marijuana. What is the public supposed to think when it comes to vaccines or COVID or any other public health,” she said. “I mean, there’s a loss of trust in medicine because of this process for politics and for money.” She also cast doubts on the idea that the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supported HHS’s findings, as was expressed in a letter attached to the federal rescheduling recommendation. Lev said she personally knows people at NIDA, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who oppose the rescheduling proposal. Further, she disputed the claim that moving marijuana to Schedule III would increase research opportunities for the plant and its constituents, saying “that’s not true.” “I don’t have hope that, if this is [rescheduled], it’ll be better regulated, because we could look at all the states now that have quote-unquote medical cannabis, and they’re run by the cannabis industry—not by independent public health people,” Lev claimed. “And we know it’s not working, because we see all the pediatric poisoning and emergency department visits and older people who are poisoned, and that those numbers are going exponentially high. And so we’ve seen that failed process.” “I think the public has lost confidence in medicine and public health after COVID and all the vaccines—and with this, we’re going to have laws that further deteriorate public health credibility, and this is an example of that,” she said, adding that it also poses an “international threat and weakness of the United States not following international laws.” That latter comment referenced potential violations of obligations on drug scheduling under United Nations treaties to which the U.S. is a party that some claim mandate the country keep cannabis in either Schedule I or Schedule II. “The U.S. will be in conflict with international law. That makes things messy,” Lev said earlier in the episode. “We have the right to withdraw from the international treaty, but then if we don’t want to follow international law, how can we expect China and Mexico to follow the law and stop pushing fentanyl on the United States? If the U.S. withdraws from international drug treaties, how does that affect other international treaties like the ones for, say, nuclear weapons?” The Trump administration has since moved forward with implementing cannabis rescheduling. Under an order issued by U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in April, marijuana products regulated by a state medical cannabis license immediately moved from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III, as did any marijuana products that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An administrative hearing is considering broader marijuana rescheduling. On another episode of her podcast that was released in October 2024, Lev took on Amendment 3, a 2024 Florida ballot initiative that sought to legalize adult-use cannabis and that received an endorsement from President Donald Trump while he was campaigning. The measure ultimately failed to meet a steep 60 percent threshold for passage. Despite Trump’s public endorsement, Lev said she wondered if the then-candidate “really read the amendment or really understands the impact of it.” And she said she wished she could have “two minutes with President Trump, because I feel like I could convince him on that.” In the episode, Lev also dismissed the notion that legalization is smart, quipping that the campaign behind the Florida initiative—Smart & Safe Florida—is a misnomer and “it seems like you can’t always go by the names of these organizations.” “We need to learn from history,” she said. “And would we want big tobacco to be in charge of the rules and marketing and nicotine potency? Would we want Purdue Pharma to be in charge of opioid overprescribing?” And if not, why are we allowing big marijuana to control the rules and regulations on public health?” Separately, during a presentation in Missouri last year, Lev reportedly said that “it’s an insult to our profession” to call marijuana “medical.” In 2018, Lev attended an event hosted by prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, tweeting a photo of herself with the group’s president, Kevin Sabet, along with the phrase “Marijuana Death Diaries.” Other posts she made from the event said advocates “need to get message out about marijuana public health crisis” and that “marijuana victims” speaking there told “heart breaking stories.” In 2020 she quote-tweeted a post from Sabet about a teen whose parents say he died by suicide after taking up cannabis use, adding, “marijuana hijacks your brain.” On social media, Lev has posted extensively about cannabis laws and science, making repeated suggestions tying marijuana use to mental and physical health conditions such as schizophrenia, suicide risk, lung issues and more. The post Trump White House Drug Official Claims Marijuana Is Killing People, Calling It ‘The Number One Drug Of Addiction’ appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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“Folks recognize that the current state of our law is not tenable. There are basically no rules.” By Claire Michal, NC Newsline The North Carolina House of Representatives will not vote on a bill that would ban intoxicating hemp products in the state until November. That’s after hundreds of hemp advocates filled the halls of the legislative building on Tuesday—and despite strong support for the bill by law enforcement leaders. Last month, the Senate passed House Bill 328, which would ban the sale of intoxicating hemp products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC in North Carolina. The bill would also prohibit the sale of any hemp products, like CBD, or natural kratom consumables to anyone under 21, and would outlaw the sale of xylazine and synthetic kratom. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Hemp business owners say that the low threshold allowed by the bill would amount to a ban on nearly all hemp products, crippling what advocates say has become a $4 billion industry that employs some 16,000 people in North Carolina. The House did not vote on the measure during its Tuesday session, and House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, said it won’t get a vote until after the election in November. House members “want to make sure they’re solving the problem and not making the problem worse, or doing something with unintended consequences,” Hall said. “What I plan to do is put together a group of our members to take a look at this issue and figure out the right path forward.” Hall on hemp bill dying in the House: “We’ll continue to work on it, and I’m confident something will get done.” #ncpol pic.twitter.com/LgFDH8F1tz — Bryan Anderson (@BryanRAnderson) August 5, 2026 Marijuana itself is currently illegal in North Carolina. It’s defined as cannabis with more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. But there are presently no restrictions, including age limits, on other hemp products that include other types of THC compounds. In 2015, the legislature allowed the cultivation of “industrial hemp,” and then in 2018, following federal law changes, it allowed the cultivation and sale of hemp products with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. This created a loophole that allowed the sale of products that contain delta-8 and delta-10, two other intoxicating THC compounds, as well as THCA, a compound that turns into delta-9 THC when burned. Law enforcement leaders say the lack of regulation has turned the state into the “Wild West” for cannabis products. They’re largely in favor of an outright ban for adults as well as children. On Tuesday, dozens of police chiefs, sheriffs and prosecutors gathered with Republican lawmakers supporting the bill. During the press conference, lawmakers and public safety officials said because North Carolina has no age limit, intoxicating hemp products are currently accessible to children. Certain products, they argue, are being marketed towards children, with brightly-colored packaging. Some even mimic popular brands of candy. “Some will say this bill will put stores out of business,” said Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes.“I say if a business depends primarily on selling these dangerous products to our children, then that will indeed be the result.” Rep. Jimmy Dixon, R-Duplin, said lawmakers made mistakes in the past when they agreed to legalize most hemp products. He said it’s time for a reset on the issue. “We’re here today because there were several misguided Republicans in the House,” he said. “Misguided, good people, but deceived.” Meantime, hundreds of employees, owners and lobbyists for hemp stores gathered in the legislative building to urge lawmakers to vote no on H328 and consider some “common sense regulations” instead of full prohibition. Eric Stahli owns Modern Apotheca in Raleigh. His wife has Crohn’s disease and uses hemp products to manage her chronic pain. He agreed that stricter regulations are needed to keep these products out of the hands of children. But he says an outright ban isn’t the answer. “We’ve been spending the last eight years serving adults, not children, and so we’re here to make sure that our House members and the public know that there are really good actors in this industry that are doing right, and we’re here to get rid of the bad actors,” Stahli said. “There are bills like SB265 that is a regulatory framework which would establish twenty-one plus requirements, marketing restrictions towards children, and a bunch of other things including testing regulations,” Chris Karis, the owner of Carolindica said “But unfortunately, that’s not what we’re here discussing.” The bill was spurred on by a looming federal ban on intoxicating hemp products enacted in last year’s Farm Bill. It’s scheduled to go into effect in November. However in June, after hemp industry lobbyists rallied to oppose the prohibition, the Trump administration sent a letter to Congress urging them to reverse the ban. After Tuesday’s session, Hall said there’s broad agreement among House lawmakers that something needs to be done about the lack of regulation of hemp, especially when it comes to people under 21. “Folks recognize that the current state of our law is not tenable. There are basically no rules. Things being sold shouldn’t be. Things being sold to kids that shouldn’t be sold,” Hall told reporters. “The question is what to do about it.” This story was first published by NC Newsline. Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer. The post North Carolina Bill To Ban Hemp THC Products Won’t Get A House Vote Until At Least November appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

State AGs push Congress not to undo hemp recriminalization; NC gov wants legal marijuana; Combat sports officials weigh cannabis breathalyzer Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… Hold on, just one second before you read today’s news. Have you thought about giving some financial support to Marijuana Moment? If so, today would be a great day to contribute. We’re planning our reporting for the coming months and it would really help to know what kind of support we can count on. Check us out on Patreon and sign up to give $25/month today: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) said he is filing an amendment to keep the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products on track for November by stripping provisions to delay it from a key spending bill on the Senate floor this week. A bipartisan coalition of 35 state and territory attorneys general sent a letter urging Congress not to delay or reverse the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that is set to take effect in November. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) is calling on lawmakers to pass legislation to create a “well-regulated” legal marijuana market that “protects kids” instead of advancing a more limited bill to restrict hemp THC products that is under consideration this week. Attendees at the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports conference heard a presentation about a marijuana breathalyzer device that its manufacturer says can help boxing and MMA officials address “the challenge of balancing athlete rights, public safety and competitive integrity.” The Appellate Court of Maryland ruled that police can search a vehicle based on the smell of marijuana if the occupants are under the legal age for possessing cannabis. The multi-state marijuana business Verano is suing the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission in federal court in an attempt to overturn state rules requiring cannabis companies to sign agreements with labor unions. / FEDERAL The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration tweeted, “Your health and your baby’s health matter. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, learn the facts about marijuana, including effects on growth, brain development and breastfeeding.” Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a press release about her support for provisions in a key spending bill to delay the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products. The House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) over allegations of illegal drug use and other violations. The House bill to accelerate psychedelic therapy development at the Department of Defense got one new cosponsor for a total of four. / STATES Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González (R) signed an executive order to boost development of emerging therapies, including psychedelics. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) tweeted, “Arkansas led the fight against unregulated, dangerous, intoxicating hemp products – the type of drug you see sold at gas stations. I applaud @AGTimGriffin and other AG’s for standing up on this issue. We can’t let Congress reopen loopholes that our state has already closed.” Oklahoma’s attorney general defended his banking company providing services to medical cannabis businesses in response to attacks from his opponent during a Republican gubernatorial candidate debate. Washington, D.C. regulators blocked the sale of a medical cannabis business Minnesota regulators published guidance about marijuana packaging and labeling requirements. Vermont regulators sent a reminder that mailing marijuana is prohibited. New Jersey regulators posted tips about talking to a healthcare professional about cannabis. New York regulators touted what they said is the largest seizure of illicit cannabis in the agency’s history. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife assisted in executing a search warrant at several suspected illegal marijuana cultivation sites. Washington State regulators will consider a tribal cannabis compact on Wednesday. — 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. — / LOCAL The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday. / INTERNATIONAL Israel’s Ministry of Economy is reopening an investigation into claims of Canadian companies “dumping” low-cost medical cannabis products into the country’s market. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found that “pre-harvest mechanical stress increases cannabinoid and terpene production in cannabis.” A study of psilocybin found a “statistically significant improvement in [major depressive disorder] symptoms but not for [borderline personality disorder] symptoms.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS The Parabola Center for Law and Policy published a study on marijuana consumer opinions. / BUSINESS Verdant Capital Partners closed its acquisition of 15 Native Roots retail dispensaries in Colorado. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $63.3 million. RYTHM, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $23 million. / CULTURE Former basketball player Dwayne Wade is partnering with Cann on a new cannabis beverage. Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer. The post Senate amendment would keep hemp THC product ban on track (Newsletter: August 5, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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128. Ancestral Trauma & Psychedelic Integration A 45-year psychedelic guide on ancestral trauma, Internal Family Systems, and why integration, not the ceremony, is the real medicine. Episode Summary Most conversations about psychedelics stay at the level of the ceremony: the dose, the visions, the breakthrough. This episode goes somewhere else. Sand Symes has spent 45 years supporting women, first as a social worker, then as what she calls a modern medicine woman, and she doesn't talk about psychedelics as a fix. She talks about them as a way back to parts of yourself that got buried decades ago and never fully addressed. In this live recording from Psychedelic Salon at Town Hall Seattle, Sand walks through Internal Family Systems, the neuroscience of fear memory, the "trauma of overdoing" that hides inside high-functioning women, and why psychedelic integration for women is the part almost everyone underestimates. If you've ever wondered what actually happens after the journey ends, this is that conversation. Key Takeaways Internal Family Systems (IFS), developed by therapist Richard Schwartz, treats the mind as made up of protector parts, exiled parts carrying old pain, and a calm core self underneath. It's a mainstream therapy model, not something invented by the psychedelic space, though psychedelics often make those parts easier to access directly. The amygdala stores fear memory and drives the fight, flight, or freeze response before conscious thought catches up. Sand's description of medicine "lulling it to sleep" tracks with established neuroscience on how old memories can be revisited without the same emotional charge. The "trauma of overdoing" doesn't look like trauma. It looks like competence: the woman managing her career, her household, her aging parents, and everyone else's emotional temperature, who gets praised the entire way for never stopping. Integration, not the ceremony itself, is where the actual change takes root. Early research on post-psychedelic neuroplasticity is strongest in animal studies so far, but the pattern across integration therapists is consistent: the days and weeks after a journey are when new behavior is easiest to install. Community and ancestral wisdom show up as recurring threads for women in this work, both as ways of processing suppression carried across generations and as safeguards against re-entering ceremony without adequate support afterward. Timestamps [00:00] Disclaimer and welcome back to the show [01:00] Why this episode kicks off a month of psychedelic-informed wisdom for people over 50 [04:00] Why the clinical science on women and psychedelics still falls short [05:00] Sand Symes takes the stage: coming out of the underground after decades [08:00] The amygdala, fear memory, and what medicine work can access [10:00] Sand's first ayahuasca journey and the start of her ancestral work [13:00] Why suppression lives differently in women's bodies [18:00] Internal Family Systems: parts, protectors, and unburdening [19:00] Three case studies: religious trauma, a two-year-old self, and a six-year-old hidden in a corner [24:00] The trauma of overdoing: competence as a cover for a nervous system that can't stop [27:00] Audience Q&A begins [29:00] What integration actually requires, and why two sessions is rarely enough [33:00] The neuroplasticity window after a journey, and what the research does and doesn't show yet [38:00] Psychedelic capitalism: is there a way to do this work right at scale [47:00] Cultural respect, finding the right teacher, and misappropriation [50:00] Three ways to prepare for ceremony and three resources for becoming a guide [53:00] Cycle timing, hormones, and where the science actually stands [55:00] Closing thoughts on integration, overdoing, and Women in the Wild Guest Sand Symes is a psychedelic guide and integration therapist who has spent 45 years supporting women, first as a social worker and now as what she calls a modern medicine woman. She has sat in over 150 ceremonies, assisted in 70, and facilitated more than 60, working primarily with psilocybin and her own ancestral Celtic lineage rather than ayahuasca, MDMA, or LSD. Follow Sand Symes: website | Instagram Resources Ask April: How Do I Find a Psychedelic Guide? — column on legal access, licensed facilitators, and the Oregon versus Colorado distinction Internal Family Systems Psychedelic Salon at Town Hall Seattle Women in the Wild | small in-person gatherings in Seattle on September 12th, October 3rd, and November 7th Follow April on Substack Visit aprilpride.com Original Substack post: https://aprilpride.substack.com/sand-symes-ancestral-trauma-psychedelic-integration Hosted by April Pride IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aprilpridecreates YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@aprilpridecreates Get full access to APRIL PRIDE at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribeCatch the full episode here