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Florida activists submitted two new proposed marijuana legalization ballot initiatives to state officials this week. The first measure, from a group called Floridians for Marijuana, would allow adults over the age of 21 to legally use cannabis. They could possess up to two ounces of marijuana, including no more than five grams of cannabis concentrates. Existing medical cannabis dispensaries would be able to sell recreational marijuana to adults as of the effective date, which would be six months after approval by voters. New businesses would also be allowed to acquire, cultivate, process, transport and or sell marijuana to adults for personal use. Unlike current medical cannabis businesses, however, there would be no requirement for them to be vertically integrated. The measure specifies that marketing and packaging of marijuana in a manner attractive to children would be prohibited, as would smoking or vaping cannabis in any public place. Owners of private property would maintain the right to prohibit marijuana use on premises. It also says that prior to the effective date, lawmakers will need to adopt legislation concerning marijuana business licensing and to regulate the time, place and manner of the public consumption of cannabis. “Nothing herein shall prohibit the legislature from providing for the home growing of marijuana by adults for their personal use and the reasonable regulation thereof,” it says. “Nothing herein shall limit the right of the legislature, subject to Section 19 of Article VII of this Constitution, to exercise its authority through general law in providing for the taxation of sales of marijuana and appropriating such tax revenues to fund law enforcement, education, or as otherwise determined by the Legislature.” The second new initiative, filed by an organization called Let Florida Vote IV, is similar but contains additional provisions contemplating the designation of a separate agency to license marijuana businesses beyond the Department of Health, which currently oversees medical cannabis. It states that existing medical marijuana treatment centers and licensed marijuana entities could acquire cannabis from, and sell or transfer it to one another. The measure directs the legislature to pass a bill to provide for the issuance of cannabis business licenses “to any applicant meeting reasonable and objective qualifications” and specifies that there cannot be fees “in excess of the reasonable cost of administration and enforcement.” If lawmakers do not pass such a law by the effective date, the Department of Health would then promulgate rules for marijuana business licensure within six months and then begin issuing licenses within nine months of the effective date, it says. The separate committees behind the two new initiatives have the same chair and treasurer. Let Florida Vote IV has a website where people can request a copy of the petition be mailed to them to sign. Meanwhile, also still pending is a marijuana legalization ballot measure from Smart & Safe Florida, a campaign committee whose earlier measure on the 2024 ballot got majority support but fell short of the 60 percent threshold needed to pass a constitutional amendment in Florida. The group also tried to get cannabis legalization on Florida’s 2026 ballot but fell short after state officials invalidated tens of thousands of signatures. For any of the three currently pending marijuana legalization measures to make the 2028 ballot, organizers will need to submit 880,062 valid signatures from registered voters. Along the way, submission of 220,016 valid signatures will trigger a judicial and financial impact review from state officials. The post Recreational Marijuana Would Be Legalized In Florida Under Two Newly Filed Ballot Measures appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Virginia regulators are asking patients to complete a “satisfaction survey” about the state’s medical marijuana program. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) said the questionnaire is designed to help officials “hear from the people who know Virginia’s medical cannabis program firsthand.” The survey includes questions about how often patients use medical marijuana, what types of products they consume and where they obtain it from—including whether they go to retailers in other states. Responses will help CCA have a “better understanding of the patient experience and help identify opportunities to strengthen the program,” the agency said, noting that last year more than 114,000 individual patients purchased medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary in Virginia. “Patients bring an important perspective to the medical cannabis program because they experience it firsthand,” Jamie Patten, CCA’s acting head and chief administrative officer, said in a press release. “We want to make sure we are listening to that perspective and using what we learn to make meaningful improvements.” The survey asks patients about what conditions they use medical marijuana for and how much money they typically spend on it, as well as when and how they obtained a medical cannabis recommendation and whether it was from a healthcare provider they regularly see or if it was via a one-time appointment. CCA also wants to know how long it takes patients to travel to dispensaries and what factors go into their purchasing decisions, such as price, potency, packaging design, staff recommendations, strain type and delivery availability. The survey additionally asks patients how strongly they agree or disagree with a number of statements, including: Virginia medical dispensaries offer the types of products I want to purchase. I trust the safety of products available in legal dispensaries in Virginia. Dispensary employees are knowledgeable of the products they sell. Medical cannabis in Virginia is easily accessible for me. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is responsive to patient inquiries and requests for information. The pharmacist on duty at the medical cannabis dispensary is helpful in figuring out the best products for my condition. The pharmacist or other staff always inform me of potential adverse reactions I could experience when taking medical cannabis. The cost of my medical cannabis is reasonable. Medical cannabis has improved my diagnosed medical condition(s)/symptom(s). Medical cannabis has reduced my need for prescription drugs for pain reduction. I would recommend the Virginia medical cannabis program to a friend or family member. Notably, CCA is also asking patients about their thoughts on the forthcoming system of legal and regulated recreational marijuana sales that lawmakers and the governor approved this year. What, if anything, concerns you about the introduction of an adult-use retail marijuana market in Virginia as it relates to your current medical cannabis use? What, if anything, excites you about the introduction of an adult-use retail marijuana market in Virginia as it relates to your current medical cannabis use? When adult-use marijuana becomes available in Virginia, how do you expect your cannabis purchasing to change? I will continue using the medical cannabis program only. I will continue using the medical cannabis program and purchase from adult-use retail stores. Unsure The agency’s press release noted that a prior medical cannabis patient survey in 2024 resulted in a recommendation to expand training and education for health care providers, which CCA implemented. Officials are asking patients to complete the current survey by October 16. Earlier this year, CCA launched a separate survey to gather input from the public and stakeholders about implementation of the state’s newly enacted law legalizing recreational cannabis sales. Meanwhile, lawmakers passed and the governor signed several other reform bills this session—including measures to provide resentencing relief for people with past cannabis convictions, protect the parental rights of marijuana consumers and allow patients to access medical cannabis in hospitals. The post Virginia Officials Launch Medical Marijuana Patient Survey, Including Questions About How Recreational Legalization Will Impact Them appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Medical marijuana helps people with autism ease their anxiety and depression, according a new study conducted by state officials in Minnesota. The research, which involved 1,800 patients enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program, is “one of the largest on record involving autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and medical cannabis patients,” officials said. Of the 88 percent of patients who reported experiencing moderate to severe anxiety upon entering the program, more than half (57 percent) were able to reduce their anxiety by 30 percent or more within four months of beginning medical cannabis use, and 67 percent of those maintained that reduction for an additional four months, according to their answers on self-report surveys. “Patients also reported similar improvements in disturbed sleep (37.3%), fatigue (34.4%), and depression (41.3%) scores,” the study said. “In summary, a proportion of patients qualified for ASD report to have reached clinically meaningful improvements in various symptoms, some of which are commonly reported in this population such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances,” it concluded. “Patients were able to achieve and maintain symptom relief after starting medical cannabis.” The study also compiled quotes from patients and caregivers about the benefits they saw from medical marijuana: “Medical cannabis has helped me deal with so many aspects of my disorder. From being able to eat food in the morning without being sick to being an addition to therapy and the like.” “It feels like my autistic anxiety has calmed down a bit. It helps me sleep a little better. Numbs the depression pain a little.” “[Patient] seems happier, smiles more and will engage in an activity more easily.” “Decrease in anxiety, decrease in aggressive behavior, decrease in self-injurious behavior, sleeping much better, decrease in seizures, better appetite.” “Medical cannabis has eased social anxiety as well as anxiety that I have in the workplace. It has allowed me to be a better student, friend and employee to my peers.” “This study demonstrates the value of listening to patients and using real-world data to better understand how medical cannabis may improve their quality of life,” OCM Executive Director Eric Taubel said in a press release. “The findings are encouraging, particularly for patients experiencing anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and other conditions that can accompany autism. As Minnesota’s cannabis market continues to evolve, research like this helps us build a stronger evidence base and make informed decisions that put patients and public health first.” “Medical cannabis patients qualified for ASD reported reduced anxiety and a sub-set of patients reported reduced presence/severity of behavioral symptoms after starting medical cannabis.” The researchers cautioned that there are some limitations to the study, however. For example, since all patients involved used medical marijuana, it “cannot compare the effectiveness in symptom relief to a control or placebo group.” Other limitations are that there was a lack of information about what other medications and treatments the patients were using, and that many patients were under the age of 18 and had a parent or caregiver filling out the surveys for them. Daren Howard, interim executive director of the Autism Society of Minnesota, said the group is”particularly encouraged by findings that medical cannabis patients with autism report reduced anxiety and depression, because these are pervasive concerns within our community.” “This study represents an important step toward safely informing the public and expanding access to supportive treatment options,” he said. A previous study published by state officials in Minnesota found that medical cannabis appears to help cancer patients by decreasing pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and depression while also improving sleep. Another study they conducted showed that medical marijuana use by chronic pain patients is associated with significant improvements in life enjoyment, general activity and physical wellbeing. OCM also conducted a study showing that medical cannabis provides significant benefits for people struggling with sleep apnea. Last month, Minnesota officials touted the fact that retailers have sold more than a quarter of a billion dollars’ worth in legal marijuana products since the state’s legal recreational cannabis market launched one year ago. Photo courtesy of Carlos Gracia. The post Medical Marijuana Helps People With Autism Reduce Anxiety And Depression, Government Study Shows appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Congressional psychedelics report; GA medical marijuana delivery; CA gov signs cannabis edibles & drinks bill; Vets medical marijuana research measure 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 Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and three other Republican senators sent a letter asking Attorney General Todd Blanche to “investigate the growing role of Chinese transnational criminal organizations in America’s cannabis and intoxicating-hemp markets.” “Chinese transnational criminal organizations dominate marijuana cultivation and distribution in the United States, especially in states with legal cannabis markets.” The Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies Caucus published a report highlighting the need for collaboration across federal agencies and with states to accelerate safe access to therapeutic use of substances like psilocybin and ibogaine. Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (D-CA) filed a bill directing the Department of Veterans Affairs to study the benefits of medical cannabis for military veterans with PTSD and chronic pain. The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission approved new rules allowing medical marijuana delivery, including via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and private carriers like FedEx and UPS—but the federal agency is refusing to clarify if it will take part in cannabis commerce. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill adding new packaging and labeling rules for marijuana-infused edibles and beverages, as well as a requirement that retailers offer consumers measuring instruments or devices for cannabis drinks with more than one serving. A new Maryland law that took effect on Thursday allows firefighters and rescue workers to use medical cannabis while off duty without being punished for it. / FEDERAL A federal judge ordered the Department of Justice to provide an Office of Legal Counsel memo that supposedly provides justification for the Trump administration’s military strikes on suspected drug boats. Department of Health and Human Services Deputy General Counsel Matt Zorn spoke about efforts to ensure that psychedelic treatments are “available” and “affordable.” / STATES The Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on a medical cannabis legalization bill. Florida House Democrats are asking the Internal Revenue Service to investigate whether the use of Medicaid funding to campaign against a marijuana legalization ballot initiative was property reported and whether taxes are due. Here’s a look at where North Carolina Senate and House candidates stand on marijuana and hemp issues. Missouri regulators filed proposed changes to marijuana business rules. Maryland regulators are launching a cannabinoid proficiency testing pilot study comparing five laboratories. — 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. — / INTERNATIONAL The European Food Safety Authority issued a positive opinion on the use of CBD in foods. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A review concluded that “cannabinoids exhibit biologically plausible antitumour activity across multiple cancer hallmarks and may present promising candidates for combination therapeutic strategies.” A study found that “psilocybin and LSD use may promote positive environmental attitudes, which could, in turn, be associated with a greater likelihood of adopting a vegetarian diet.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp published a report finding that a lack of consistent moisture standards for cannabis costs companies and state governments tens of millions of dollars every year and exposes consumers to lower-quality and potentially unsafe products. / BUSINESS Metrc commissioned a study that found consumers support putting state-issued QR codes on cannabis products to provide access to lab testing results, compliance data and safety resources. Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. touted that it has raised and donated more than $600,000 combined for Breast Cancer Action Month causes over the last seven years. 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 GOP senators push probe on cannabis & China ties (Newsletter: October 2, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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Bipartisan congressional lawmakers introduced a bill to direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out studies on the therapeutic potential of marijuana for military veterans with certain conditions. An earlier Senate version of the VA medical cannabis legislation cleared a committee in that chamber and was taken up on the floor for action but was blocked from advancing by Republicans. Under the proposal as reintroduced for the current Congress on Thursday by Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-MI), VA would be tasked with conducting studies that explore the effects of cannabis for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. “With the opioid crisis raging across America, it is imperative to the health and safety of our veterans that we find alternative treatments for chronic pain and service-related injuries,” Correa said in a press release. “Throughout my district, I consistently meet veterans who depend on cannabis to manage their pain. Numerous veterans attest to the treatment benefits of medical cannabis. It’s time the VA did a formal study and began recognizing that cannabis can play a safe role in our veterans’ healthcare.” Bergman said that “veterans struggling with PTSD and chronic pain deserve access to treatments backed by sound science and rigorous research.” “The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act will help us better understand whether medicinal cannabis can provide safe and effective relief while ensuring Veterans’ health and safety remain the top priority,” he said. “We owe it to our veterans to explore every responsible avenue that could improve their quality of life.” A change to the version of the bill that was filed last Congress as compared to initial iterations, which has also carried over to the new measure, would give VA greater latitude in determining for itself whether it’s capable of overseeing clinical trials into marijuana for chronic pain and PTSD. That appeared to be responsive to concerns expressed by VA officials who testified against the earlier proposals. — 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. — A previous version of the legislation cleared a House committee in 2021, despite the protests of VA officials. Earlier iterations of the measure also moved through committee in 2020 and 2018 as well, but none were enacted into law. The current legislation includes a requirement for a retroactive observation study to look into the experiences of veterans who’ve used marijuana for such treatment in the past outside of the clinical trail context. Within 90 days of completion of an observational study on the effects of cannabis on PTSD and chronic pain, VA would be required to submit a report to Congress on whether it’s capable of carrying out the more robust clinical trials that were at the center of earlier forms of the legislation. “The Secretary may terminate the clinical trials…if the Secretary determines that the Department of Veterans Affairs is unable to meet clinical guideline requirements necessary to conduct such trials or the clinical trials would create excessive risk to participant,” the bill text says. VA has repeatedly come out against past versions of the reform proposal, with the department suggesting that the research mandate goes too far with too many requirements. Under the current language, the department could finish the qualitative observational study and then independently decide against carrying out the clinical trial portion involving human subjects. Other revisions in the most recent prior version that carried over to the current measure as compared to those filed in past years include removing language that required studies to involve at least seven cannabis varieties and instead leaving that open-ended. “The VFW supports the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act,” Pat Murray, director of national legislative service for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), said. “VFW members tell us that medicinal cannabis has helped them cope with chronic pain and other service-connected health conditions. They cannot receive these services at VA because of VA’s bureaucratic hurdles. “VA uses evidence-based clinical guidelines to manage other pharmacological treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, and substance use disorder because medical trials have found them effective,” Murray said. “VA must expand research on the efficacy of non-traditional medical therapies, such as medicinal cannabis and other holistic approaches.” Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), said that the group’s members “have said consistently and passionately that cannabis offers real help with the most pressing injuries we face when we come home, from chronic pain to PTSD to traumatic brain injury.” “Our national policies are lagging, research is lacking, and the stigma persists,” Hunter said, “The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act is how we start to change that. Every solution begins with research, and veterans have waited long enough for it.” The post VA Would Be Required To Study Medical Marijuana’s Benefits For Veterans With PTSD And Pain Under New Congressional Bill appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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A new Maryland law that took effect this week will protect firefighters and rescue workers from being penalized over their lawful use of medical marijuana off the job. Gov. Wes Moore (D) gave final approval to the measure in April after it cleared the Senate and House of Delegates, and it officially became operative on Thursday. The new policy, which was sponsored by Sen. Carl Jackson (D), amends the state’s medical marijuana law by stipulating that firefighters, emergency medical technicians, cardiac rescue technicians and paramedics employed by the state or local governments will not face employment discrimination or retaliation for testing positive for cannabis metabolites if they’re a registered patient. As of October 1, employers cannot “discipline, discharge, or otherwise discriminate against the fire and rescue public safety employee with respect to the employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment” if they test positive while holding a medical cannabis registration. Further, employers cannot “limit, segregate, or classify its employees in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive the fire and rescue public safety employee of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the fire and rescue public safety employee’s status as an employee.” Nothing in the legislation prohibits employers from taking action against an employee for showing up to work while under the influence of cannabis, and any instances where a public safety worker is found to be impaired while on duty will be reported to the State Emergency Medical Services Board. The enactment of SB 439 comes after years of attempts over recent sessions to enact the reform aimed at giving emergency service professionals the option to use cannabis as an alternative treatment for health conditions that commonly afflict the first responder community. Del. Adrian Boafo (D) sponsored an identical bill, HB 797, that passed the House this session. The change is “so critically important to our firefighters” and other rescue professionals who “work long shifts in tense emergencies and high-stress situations every day,” Boafo said at a committee hearing. “Many experience chronic pain, injuries and anxiety as a direct result of serving our communities,” the lawmaker said. “Medical cannabis, when prescribed and used off duty, can help manage those conditions. But under current policies, firefighters who use medically prescribed cannabis can face retaliation or discipline from their employers, even when they’re following the law.” “That leaves many of these public servants with a difficult choice: Either continue doing their jobs in pain, or turn to stronger prescription drug drugs, often opiates, just to get through the day,” Boafo said, while emphasizing that “nothing in this bill allows for impairment on the job” and that those who come to work impaired “will still face serious consequences and will be reported” to state emergency medical services regulators. “Public safety remains a top priority here in Maryland, but our state must modernize its laws to protect employees who use medically certified cannabis responsibly and outside of the workplace,” he said. “Our firefighters and rescue professionals dedicate their lives to protecting us. They should not be punished for seeking legal, medically prescribed relief for the physical toll of that work.” The enactment of the House and Senate cannabis bills comes a year after officials in Maryland’s most populous county said they were moving to loosen marijuana policies for would-be police officers in an effort to boost recruitment amid a staffing shortage. — 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 taking effect this week is a new Maryland law providing legal protections for veterinarians who recommend medical cannabis for animals. Another proposal that Moore signed this session extends a psychedelics task force through the end of 2027 to develop updated recommendations on expanding therapeutic access to the novel drugs and potentially creating a regulatory framework for broader legalization. Legislators also took up a bill this session to protect the gun rights of medical marijuana patients in the state, but it did not pass. Photo courtesy of Brian Shamblen. The post Maryland Firefighters And Rescue Workers Can Now Use Medical Marijuana Off Duty Without Being Punished For It appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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The governor of California has signed a bill to revise packaging and labeling rules for marijuana-infused edibles and beverages. Under AB 2532, which Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) approved on Wednesday, labels and inserts for cannabis edibles and drinks would need to include the toll-free telephone number for the national Poison Help line. The legislation from Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D) also mandates that labels for multi-serving THC beverages with more than one serving will need to “clearly and conspicuously” notify consumers that the product contains multiple servings as well as detail the size of servings—measured in fluid ounces to the nearest tenth of a fluid ounce—and provide “information regarding how to accurately measure a single serving for consumption.” Multi-serving cannabis drinks in containers that are transparent or otherwise visibly display the amount of liquid inside must feature “unobstructed and conspicuous lines delineating individual serving or portion sizes,” the new law says. Additionally, retailers selling marijuana beverages with more than one serving will need to offer consumers measuring instruments or devices, provided by manufacturers, that contain at least one fluid ounce and measure to the nearest tenth of a fluid ounce under the now-enacted bill. The new law also prohibits cannabis businesses from advertising or marketing THC drinks with more than one serving as single-serve products or otherwise encouraging consumptions of multiple servings at a time. The provisions of the legislation are set to take effect on July 1, 2027. Earlier this week, Newsom separately signed a pair of bills revising various state marijuana laws related to product testing, tracking, consumer access to information and cannabinoid content. In August, he signed legislation to more clearly define the types of marijuana packaging and labeling that is prohibited due to appealing to children. Last month, the governor touted the fact that that legal marijuana sales have generated nearly $8.4 billion in tax revenue for the state since voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, saying that the money “helps fund programs that benefit Californians, including childcare and early childhood development, youth substance abuse prevention, medical research and environmental recovery.” Newsom recently took credit for helping to lead the push for the state to legalize marijuana and discussed his own limited experience with using cannabis. Last October, however, the governor vetoed a bill that would have allowed certain marijuana microbusinesses to ship medical cannabis products directly to patients via common carriers like FedEx and UPS, stating that the proposal “would be burdensome and overly complex to administer.” Newsom did sign a bill earlier that month aimed at streamlining research on marijuana and psychedelics. — 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. — Last September, the governor also signed a measure into law to put a pause on a recently enacted tax hike on marijuana products. Meanwhile, a lawmaker spoke to Marijuana Moment about her decision to put her own bill to legalize cannabis dispensary drive-thru windows on hold for now. California’s treasurer recently said the marijuana legalization law that voters approved a decade ago has been a “complete failure” and should be replaced with a new ballot initiative that prioritizes consumers and small businesses. Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, recently told Marijuana Moment that taxes and regulations on cannabis are “too high.” California’s top cannabis regulator spoke recently about how the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hasn’t been cooperative in answering questions about the implications of the Trump administration’s rescheduling move. DCC Director Clint Kellum said that there have been “national-level efforts” to contact DEA in conjunction with cannabis regulators from other states, but they “just really haven’t seen any sort of interest on that front, unfortunately.” Photo courtesy of Brian Shamblen. The post California Governor Signs Marijuana Bill Adding New Packaging And Labeling Requirements For THC Edibles And Drinks appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Georgia regulators have approved new regulations that will allow medical marijuana to be delivered directly to patients—including via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and private carriers like FedEx, UPS and DHL. It’s not clear, however, if those entities are willing to participate in cannabis commerce. The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC) adopted the reform on Wednesday as part of a broader package of new rules covering issues such as product recalls, tracking, business license applications and research. The most notable change, on delivery via the mail, is being made possible by the Trump administration’s move to reclassify medical cannabis, which effectively federally legalizes it, state officials have said. The rule specifies that: “Where delivery is performed by the U.S. Postal Service, a common carrier, the Commission, or a common carrier engaged by the Commission, the dispensing licensee shall use certified mail, or a carrier service providing equivalent tracking and proof of delivery, with delivery restricted to, and the signature required of, the patient, caregiver, or healthcare institution employee. No person other than the registered patient, the patient’s caregiver, or the listed healthcare institution employee may sign for or accept such delivery. A dispensing licensee shall record the certified mail receipt, tracking number, or other information evidencing proof of delivery in the Commission-approved tracking system immediately upon completion of delivery.” A USPS official, when contacted by Marijuana Moment, refused to clearly state the agency’s position on participating in medical marijuana deliveries. Nikolaj Hagen, a senior public relations representative for USPS, pointed to general regulations on the mailability of controlled substances. Those rules state that if distribution of a controlled substance is unlawful, “then the mailing of the substance is also unlawful.” Mailing of controlled substances in domestic mail, it says, is only acceptable under three conditions. One is when both the mailer and the addressee are registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). While DEA has launched a process to register medical marijuana businesses that want to receive protections in line with federal rescheduling, there is no such registration process for patients. There is a carve-out in the USPS rule for those who are exempt from DEA registration, but it cites “military, civil defense, and law enforcement personnel” who are “performing official duties.” Another condition under which mailing controlled substances is acceptable concerns mail-back programs, which allow patients to send unused or expired prescription drugs for safe destruction. That also doesn’t apply to patients who want to receive medical marijuana deliveries to their homes. The final and perhaps most applicable condition in the USPS rules allows mailing of prescription medications “when mailed by drug manufacturers or their registered agents, pharmacies, medical practitioners, or other authorized dispensers, as permitted by 21 CFR § 1307.11, or in compliance with any regulation of the FDA or other applicable law.” While state medical marijuana laws have allowed patients to access it via doctors’ recommendations, and not the formal prescription process due to federal prohibition, the cannabis rescheduling order that Attorney General Todd Blanche issued in April contains a provision that seems to deem those recommendations as prescriptions for the purposes of federal law: “Prescriptions. Notwithstanding part 1306 of this chapter or any other provision of these rules, a certification or other document (including an electronic document) that state law deems sufficient for a user to obtain marijuana or products containing marijuana for medical purposes shall be sufficient to permit dispensing of marijuana or products containing marijuana to a user so long as the certification or other document is dated as of, and signed on, the day when issued; bears the full name and address of the user; and contains the name, address, and state license number of the practitioner who signed the certification or other document and is authorized to do so under state law.” When pressed for further clarification on USPS’s position on mailing medical marijuana in light of rescheduling, Hagen simply said that “we have nothing additional to offer at this time.” A spokesperson for DHL told Marijuana Moment that the company is “monitoring and will continue to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries and territories where we operate.” Representatives for UPS and FedEx did not reply to requests for comment. Georgia officials, meanwhile, seem confident that federal rescheduling will allow mailing of medical cannabis under the the newly adopted state rule. “We think this provides a great pathway. It maintains the same tracking standards that the commission has, and it really leverages the authority in that DEA rescheduling order for state-regulated medical marijuana program,” Andrew Turnage, GMCC’s executive director, previously said of the newly adopted rule in a earlier meeting in August. “Without these regulations, we don’t have guidelines in place for things like delivery. We think it’s really important to put those guardrails in place and establish standards.” He noted that Georgia is a “very large state” and that it has been hard for some patients to easily access the medical cannabis that their doctors have recommended. “Patients in many areas are having to travel two hours or more, either into a congested metropolitan area or around large geographic divides—whether that’s the mountains, the rivers, or the lakes, and it makes it impossible to get east to west across our great state, Turnage said. The GMCC official noted that one of the “greatest values” of the new proposed delivery rules will be getting cannabis to patients in healthcare facilities, including those such as nursing homes where they are permanent residents. “This creates a much more secure transaction for that healthcare facility to be able to make a purchase at our dispensaries and have that shipped and delivered securely to those facilities, without presenting a risk for diversion, without presenting a risk for, frankly, theft, robbery, an attack in the parking lot,” he said. This isn’t the first time the state has pushed the envelope of what’s federally acceptable with its medical marijuana program. In 2023, the DEA warned Georgia pharmacies that they could potentially lose their federal registrations if they began dispensing THC products under a provision of state law. Meanwhile, Georgia’s medical cannabis program is seeing a huge influx in the number of registered patients as the state implements a recently enacted law that expands access. The legislation, which Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed in May and which officially took effect on July 1, adds new qualifying conditions for the program, allows patients to vaporize medical cannabis and changes THC potency limits, among other reforms. Gary Long, the CEO of Botanical Sciences, a Georgia-based medical cannabis company, recently predicted that the expanded law could triple the number of patients by mid-2027. Under the legislation, patients with lupus are allowed to legally access medical marijuana, building on the state’s prior law that allowed certain people with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, autism spectrum disorder, intractable pain and other conditions to qualify. The policy, which was sponsored in the legislature by Sen. Matt Brass (R), also removes the requirement for many conditions that the patient’s status be severe or end-stage to be allowed to enter the medical cannabis program. The reform also expands how patients can use medical marijuana. Previously they were able to access oils, tinctures, capsules, lozenges, topicals and transdermal patches—but now vaping is allowed as delivery method for people over 21 years of age, though smoking continues to be prohibited for all patients. The Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act additionally replaces the current 5 percent THC potency cap for medical cannabis products with a limit of 12,000 milligrams of THC that a patient can possess at any one time. “These changes, while meaningful to the affected patients, do not materially alter where Georgia sits in the national landscape on this issue,” Kemp said in a signing statement. “This bill passed with a constitutional majority in both chambers of the General Assembly.” “I, like many of those who expressed opposition to this bill, have reservations about the legalization of recreational cannabis. Many states that have legalized recreational cannabis have come to regret that decision,” he said. “I also recognize that for some patients, medical cannabis provides significant relief to symptoms that would otherwise go untreated or would be treated with even more harmful opioids.” “I do not believe that a well-implemented medical cannabis program must inevitably lead to the legalization of recreational use in Georgia, nor is the question of recreational use anywhere in the bill on my desk for signature,” the governor said. The new law also replaces references to “low THC oil” in current law with “medical cannabis.” — 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. — The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, which oversees the program, also now has a new duty of conducting public awareness activities about “effective uses of medical cannabis and products, including, but not limited to, publishing materials and conducting outreach and public education activities to inform members of the public, law enforcement, and healthcare providers about the medical cannabis program in this state and the potential benefits that medical cannabis and products may have to eligible patients.” Last year, House leaders created a Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies to examine the state’s cannabis laws. Lawmakers in Georgia have also considered legislation to support research on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. The post Georgia Officials Approve New Rule Allowing Medical Marijuana Delivery By USPS, But Federal Agency Won’t Say If It’ll Participate appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A group of Republican senators are pressing the attorney general to “investigate the growing role of Chinese transnational criminal organizations in America’s cannabis and intoxicating-hemp markets.” The lawmakers, led by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday expressing concerns that criminal networks linked to China are “exploiting vulnerabilities in federal law to operate expansive illicit drug enterprises that threaten our communities and national security.” Citing a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) report that found that Chinese criminal organizations “dominate marijuana cultivation and distribution in the United States, especially in states with legal cannabis markets,” the GOP senators are asking the Department of Justice to “fully investigate these criminal networks, including their financing, land usage, chemical imports, and any connections to the Chinese Communist Party.” Chinese-linked criminal organizations are purchasing and leasing land on U.S. soil to conduct “illegal grow operations, traffic foreign workers, and use toxic pesticides and fertilizers shipped from China, including chemicals banned in the United States,” the lawmakers wrote. The letter, which was also signed by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Susan Collins (R-ME), notes the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that is currently set to mostly take effect in December after Congress and President Donald Trump recently approved legislation to delay portions of the ban from its original November 12 effective date. “Congress has recognized the need to address vulnerabilities in this market, including closing gaps in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed unregulated intoxicating hemp and THC products to proliferate,” they wrote. “Leaving the loophole unaddressed would give these networks additional time to flood American commerce with synthetic products.” Continuing to allow production and sales of hemp THC products would allow Chinese criminal organizations to “further entrench their operations on American soil, fund their enterprises with illicit revenue, and expose consumers to unregulated, dangerous synthetic products masquerading as legal hemp,” the senators alleged. Chinese criminals should never be allowed to grow marijuana on American soil. I’m asking @TheJusticeDept to investigate. https://t.co/TQRK9vC9lj — Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) October 1, 2026 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 redefined hemp to make it so only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container would remain legal after November 12. Now, however, under provisions included in a funding bill Trump signed last month, the effective date of the ban for most products is being pushed back to December 11 to give lawmakers more time to craft regulations for hemp derivatives. There is a carve-out, however, to allow the recriminalization on November 12 of synthetic cannabinoids “that are not capable of being naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant.” While the four Republican senators who signed the new letter to Blanche support outright recriminalizing hemp THC products, other members of Congress are weighing how the crop’s derivatives should be regulated as an alternative to prohibition. Several Republican lawmakers recently spoke to Marijuana Moment about the kinds of rules they would like to see enacted to keep hemp THC products legal. 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. For example, Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Greg Landsman (D-OH) filed a bill to keep hemp THC drinks legal while taxing and regulating them like alcohol. 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 repeatedly pressed Congress to delay, alter or reverse the ban in recent months. 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.” The post GOP Senators Want Investigation On Chinese Role In U.S. Marijuana And Hemp Industries appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A new report from a bipartisan psychedelics caucus in Congress summarizes stakeholders’ views on how the therapeutic use of substances like psilocybin, ibogaine and DMT can be “safely and ethically integrated” into the U.S. healthcare system, emphasizing the need for collaboration across federal agencies and with states. The document, published on Thursday by the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus, comes after lawmakers in 2024 issued a request for information (RFI) seeking input from experts about how to best set up a regulatory framework for psychedelic medicines. An analysis of responses to the RFI found “broad consensus among clinicians, researchers, veteran advocates, Tribal leaders, payors, regulators, and patients that [psychedelic-assisted therapy] could offer safe, equitable, and evidence‑based treatment for a wide array of treatment-resistant conditions,” a press release from the caucus says about the new report. The report itself, however, cautions that there are “areas of agreement, tension, concern, and hope that require consideration, discussion, and further input to ensure that actions going forward are supported by policies related to safe access and participant and patient protections in PAT research.” “These policies must ensure that the potential benefits are based on patient needs and minimally restricted by geography across the U.S. in rural and urban areas. Policies should be put in place to support coordinated national data systems to monitor benefits as well as potential unintended consequences of PAT and provide an evidence-base to ensure the best possible patient care that evolves in approach with the diverse emerging pipeline of new medicines and potential medical applications over time.” The co-chairs of the PATH Caucus, Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) said in response to a question from Marijuana Moment at a press briefing about the new report that President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order to streamline research and access into psychedelic medicine this year has boosted their efforts to get fellow lawmakers to take the issue seriously. “I think it’s been very helpful, in my opinion,” Correa said. “President Trump signing the executive order really pushed everybody forward, really pushed us to look at these new treatments—psychedelic treatments—and take them seriously.” “Seventy years of war on drugs has really tied us down, and I think we need to open ourselves to the possibilities of cannabis, psychedelics and maybe other things that are out there that could help us when it comes to mental illness,” he said. Bergman agreed that “the president signing the executive order put it on people’s radar who had not considered it before in a positive way.” “It informed people who are trying to do the right thing for the right reason that they’ve got support from the highest levels,” he said. “And it also puts potential bad actors on notice that we’re watching in a very proactive way because we’re not going to let bad actors or illicit interests take down what we believe is imperative to the next steps in better mental health, not only for Americans but for people around the world.” A major theme of the PATH caucus’s report is the need for federal agencies to effectively coordinate with one another and with state and tribal governments to advance research on and access to psychedelic therapies. “Federal alignment is viewed as essential to reduce regulatory bottlenecks, ensure insurance coverage/reimbursement, establish safety standards, protect cultural knowledge, and integrate longstanding Indigenous customs into policymaking,” the report says. Bergman, speaking at the press briefing, said that “federal agencies need to coordinate their work with states and tribes as partners, because if we don’t do the coordination effort, a one-size-fits-all from one entity is not going to work.” Correa agreed, pointing to recent news that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is taking steps to criminalize additional psychedelics at the same time the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to accelerate therapeutic access. “Federal agencies have to coordinate the efforts as we move in this direction of exploring and determining what psychedelics are good for and under what context,” he said. Marion Coe, a researcher with the firm Pinney Associates that was hired to conduct the analysis of responses to the caucus’s RFI, similarly said that “we can’t have different federal agencies moving in opposite directions when we come to psychedelic research and regulation.” The report offers a number of recommendations stemming from input the caucus received in response to the RFI—including the development of federal guidelines for psychedelic therapy, creation of multiple credentialing pathways for therapy providers and creation of a national system to monitor adverse events related to the use of psychedelics. It also highlights the importance of determining how psychedelics can be covered under insurance, protecting indigenous and religious entheogenic practices and safeguarding against the over-commercialization and monopolization of the substances. “We’re talking about medical treatments administered by trained professionals in supervised clinical settings, not—and I repeat—not at home,” Bergman said at the press briefing. “We must follow the evidence, uphold strong safety standards and understand both the promise and the limits of these therapies, and not be afraid to make adjustments as we see the need.” Correa said that while psychedelics are not “the cure-all” for mental health issues, “the research has shown a lot of promise here when it comes to treatment, mental health, alcoholism, drug addiction, PTSD.” “It’s compelling,” he said. “Our society has a lot of challenges that psychedelics can help with.” The post Bipartisan Congressional Psychedelics Caucus Lays Out Plan For Federal And State Cooperation To Increase Therapeutic Access appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

PA won’t legalize marijuana soon, top GOP senator says; Ads against MA anti-cannabis ballot measure; VA psychedelics research op-ed 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… Subscribers who value this daily dispatch enough to show their support with a few dollars help us keep doing this. Please chip in and help ensure Marijuana Moment’s continued operations. https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), whose reelection campaign is being boosted with ads paid for by marijuana industry donations to a Trump-linked political action committee, said during a debate that New York’s cannabis legalization law is “hurting” the state’s economy and neighborhoods. Pennsylvania’s Republican Senate majority leader said he doesn’t think the state can legalize marijuana until it receives “national direction” on the issue. “The Department of Health has not exactly done a bang-up job on medical marijuana, so I don’t have a whole ton of confidence in our ability, even if we were to legalize recreational marijuana, to do it well.” A Massachusetts campaign working to defeat an initiative on the November ballot that would roll back the state’s marijuana legalization law released two new ads featuring a public health expert, a military veteran and a business owner. Stacey Armstrong and Alan Davis of Ohio State University Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education argue in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that while the Department of Veterans Affairs’s new psilocybin study is a “remarkable milestone,” independent research is still needed to “reach those who receive care elsewhere, including those who have disengaged from VA entirely.” “Independent psychedelic science is neither a rival nor a replacement for VA’s efforts. It is a necessary complement, one that can ask different questions, test different models of care and help reach veterans who might otherwise have nowhere else to turn.” The Portland, Oregon City Council approved an ordinance making enforcement of laws against personal use of natural psychedelics a low priority for police. / FEDERAL The Drug Enforcement Administration is proposing changes to rules on the time allowed for reexports of controlled substances outside of the European Economic Area. The U.S. Forest Service touted its role in eradicating an illegal marijuana grow site in the Mendocino National Forest. / STATES Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand discussed his support for legalizing marijuana. Ohio regulators adopted changes to cannabis rules. Massachusetts regulators are accepting public comments on proposed changes to marijuana business agent registration rules. Virginia’s acting top cannabis regulator discussed recently released draft recreational marijuana sales rules. Minnesota officials are promoting a cannabis industry worker training program. Oregon regulators are accepting applications to join the 2026 Cannabis Technical Rules Advisory Committee. Michigan regulators revoked a business’s medical cannabis licenses and imposed a fine over alleged violations. California regulators sent updates about 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 Democratic Los Angeles, California mayoral candidate Nithya Raman, currently a City Council member, rolled out a cannabis platform. / INTERNATIONAL Australian Capital Territory officials said they aren’t ready to implement a policy to protect medical cannabis patients from driving under the influence charges. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found that “wild hemp [essential oil] possesses strong insecticidal potential against cereal aphids, while its biological activity appears to be primarily associated with toxic effects rather than behavioural deterrence.” A study found that “MDMA administration reduces ethanol drinking and is associated with altered nociceptin and dynorphin system gene expression in alcohol-preferring rats.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS The prohibitionist Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions launched a new ad calling on President Donald Trump to ban kratom. / BUSINESS The founder of KindManage, LLC is facing federal securities fraud and wire fraud charges. 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 GOP congressman backed by cannabis biz donations bashes legalization (Newsletter: October 1, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Trying recipes inspired by different countries can make Cooking games more interesting, especially when new ingredients and cooking techniques are introduced.

“People seeking healing should not have to live in fear of unnecessary criminalization.” By Jack Gorsline, Psychedelic State(s) of America In a unanimous decision, the Portland, Oregon City Council voted on Wednesday to officially deprioritize law enforcement activities surrounding the personal use, cultivation and non-commercial sharing of naturally occurring psychedelics. The newly-passed ordinance carefully distinguishes between different types of substances and activities, designating non-commercial, naturally occurring psychedelics—including psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca—as low-priority targets for the Portland Police Bureau. However, the council included deliberate caveats in the policy. Peyote, a cactus containing the psychoactive compound mescaline, is explicitly excluded from the deprioritization measure. This exception was written into the framework to protect the ecologically threatened plant species and to honor the exclusive religious practices of Native American communities who have historically relied on it. The ordinance maintains strict prohibitions against the commercial sale of any psychedelics outside of state-licensed frameworks; it also preserves all existing criminal penalties for impaired driving, leaving driving under the influence of intoxicants strictly forbidden. Additionally, the measure leaves all existing workplace and professional licensing regulations fully intact, meaning employees and licensed professionals are still subject to their respective occupational standards. Finally, the ordinance ensures that all local provisions remain entirely subordinate to existing Oregon state laws. Advocates who championed the measure emphasize that it represents a critical step in reforming drug policy to focus on public health rather than punitive criminal justice. Max Kelemen, Executive Director of the Portland Psychedelic Society, praised the city’s decision as a milestone for community well-being. “This has been a long, community-led journey shaped by years of organizing, listening, public testimony and conversations with people whose lives and work have been deeply touched by psychedelics,” Kelemen said. “We are standing on the shoulders of indigenous cultures that have stewarded these medicines for millennia, the early psychedelic pioneers whose work was interrupted by criminalization and the war on drugs, and the researchers and advocates who have helped bring this conversation back into public view.” Kelemen noted that the intent behind the initiative is rooted in providing support for vulnerable populations seeking alternative mental health care. “At its heart, this effort has always been about equitable access, freedom of consciousness and giving people greater agency over their own healing, spiritual growth and mental health, especially people who have historically been marginalized or excluded from traditional systems of care,” he added. While Kelemen was careful to clarify the legal boundaries of the new policy, he underscored its practical impact on citizens facing immense mental health hurdles. “This policy does not legalize or decriminalize naturally occurring psychedelics, but by making their personal, noncommercial use a lowest law enforcement priority and putting Portland Police Bureau’s existing approach into durable public policy, it can reduce fear of arrest and prosecution and create greater psychological safety for people already making these choices,” Kelemen said. “It is a hopeful and measured step that allows Portland to keep exploring new possibilities for mental and behavioral health while focusing limited public safety resources on the issues causing the greatest harm.” The push for psychedelic policy reform in Portland occurs against the complex backdrop of Oregon’s broader, and sometimes rocky, history with drug decriminalization, including the widely debated Measure 110. Yet, supporters of this specific psychedelic ordinance argue that plant medicines require a distinct approach, particularly for populations dealing with severe trauma. Amy Charlesworth, a Portland resident, military veteran, Oregon Psilocybin Services Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) member and licensed psilocybin facilitator, spoke to the urgency of providing alternative treatments for those suffering from post-traumatic stress and other mental health conditions. “Portland’s unanimous passage of Ordinance 2026-186 sends a powerful message that people seeking healing should not have to live in fear of unnecessary criminalization,” Charlesworth said. “As a military veteran, and licensed psilocybin facilitator, I’ve seen firsthand how urgently people need new options for addressing trauma and mental health.” For veterans who often exhaust traditional pharmaceutical options without finding relief, the fear of legal repercussions can be a significant barrier to accessing potentially life-saving natural therapies. “This ordinance recognizes the growing body of research around the therapeutic potential of psychedelics while prioritizing public health, harm reduction, education, and dignity over punishment,” Charlesworth continued. “For veterans, first responders and everyday Portlanders exploring these tools for healing, this is an important step toward reducing stigma and creating greater reassurance that seeking support for their mental health should not make them a target of law enforcement.” The local deprioritization vote comes at a pivotal time for psychedelic policy, both in Oregon and nationally. As the Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve the first psychedelic pharmaceutical compound before the end of the year, Oregon continues to navigate the complexities of its first-in-the-nation legalized psilocybin services program. Recently, that state-level program faced a significant economic crossroads. Following intense industry pushback from business owners, advocates and patients, the Oregon Health Authority announced it will not proceed with highly controversial proposed plans to double the licensing fees for the state’s regulated psilocybin services program. Industry advocates and licensed facilitators had warned for months that the steep fee hike could effectively cripple the nation’s first regulated psychedelic access model, forcing service centers to close and driving the cost of legal treatment out of reach for average Oregonians. With the proposed fee hike officially dropped, the fledgling industry has been granted a crucial reprieve. As Portland steps back from criminalizing the personal use of entheogenic plants, the city continues to cement its reputation as a testing ground for progressive drug policy. For now, proponents are celebrating the City Council’s vote as a compassionate victory that aligns local law enforcement practices with the rapidly evolving scientific understanding of psychedelics. This article was produced in partnership with 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 Portland, Oregon City Council Votes To Deprioritize Police Enforcement Against Psychedelics appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

“Independent psychedelic science is neither a rival nor a replacement for VA’s efforts. It is a necessary complement, one that can ask different questions, test different models of care and help reach veterans who might otherwise have nowhere else to turn.” By Stacey Armstrong and Alan Davis, Ohio State University Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a major new psilocybin research initiative this summer, it signaled a remarkable shift in how America approaches veterans’ mental health. But if we want to understand whether psychedelic therapies can truly help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), VA cannot do this work alone. Most veterans do not use VA as their primary source of healthcare. Research must also reach those who receive care elsewhere, including those who have disengaged from VA entirely. That requires sustained support for independent academic research alongside federal efforts. The Veteran Suicide Epidemic Veteran suicide remains one of the most urgent public health challenges facing our country. VA reported that 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023. PTSD is an important part of that crisis. Although evidence-based psychotherapies and medications help many people, a substantial proportion of veterans do not experience adequate relief. Consider Zachariah Collett, an Army veteran from Washington Court House, Ohio, who was medically retired at 25 after serving in Iraq. He lived with nightmares, constant vigilance and anger that affected his family. Years of counseling and medications had not helped. “I was just absolutely tortured by the internal struggle, the internal dialogue, the noise inside my head and my inability even to just be still,” he said. Clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy and an early psilocybin study have reported promising PTSD outcomes, but veteran-specific evidence remains limited. At Ohio State University’s Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE), our team conducted a clinical trial to examine whether psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound in so-called “magic mushrooms,” could be a safe and feasible intervention for veterans with severe PTSD when paired with structured psychotherapy. VA And PIVOT In August, VA announced the launch of Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression, or PIVOT. This randomized, controlled Phase 3 trial will enroll approximately 240 veterans with treatment-resistant depression, with or without concurrent PTSD, at five VA medical centers. The program will provide two dosing sessions with psychological support and is expected to continue until approximately 2031. VA is working with psychedelic drug developer Compass Pathways, which is donating its proprietary psilocybin formulation and supporting investigator training. The company received an expedited FDA review pathway for that formulation in April. This is a remarkable milestone: a federal agency investing in rigorous research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. A Welcome Change, With A Caveat As psychedelic researchers, we welcome a broader and more rigorous program of inquiry. At the same time, it would be a mistake to rely on these studies, or studies like them, alone. Many veterans never enroll in VA programs, and others may be reluctant to return because of prior negative experiences or distrust of institutions. In a 2025 essay for The War Horse, Navy veteran Dylan Harrington described being unable to work or leave home and losing trust in the VA after cycling through therapists and medications without adequate relief. If psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans is developed solely through government channels, some veterans may remain beyond its reach. Those in the greatest distress may be among those least likely to seek care within the systems available to them. Our Research & Findings At CPDRE CPDRE is an independent academic research center that operates outside VA. We conducted what is, to our knowledge, the first U.S. clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy designed specifically for military veterans with severe, treatment-resistant PTSD. The results were recently published in Communications Medicine, a Nature Portfolio journal. Nine of the 12 participants, or 75 percent, no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD one month after treatment. We observed no serious adverse events. Reported side effects included headaches and brief periods of anxiety. Collett was one of those 12 participants. His recovery had begun with an earlier integrative therapy program; he later described psilocybin-assisted therapy as helping him find peace, acceptance and a different way of relating to his family. Some participants’ PTSD symptoms began improving during the preparation phase, before they received psilocybin. Those who improved most during preparation also tended to show the greatest improvement after the dosing sessions. Participants’ expectations about the benefits of psilocybin did not predict these outcomes in our sample. In other words, careful preparation and the development of a trusting, supportive therapeutic relationship may have contributed meaningfully to improvement. There is more to psilocybin-assisted therapy than psilocybin alone. This distinction may sound technical, but it reflects one of the central questions in psychedelic research: How much therapeutic benefit comes from the compound itself, and how much comes from the human connection, preparation and support surrounding it? Answering that question requires careful science conducted across multiple settings, including independent academic research. Building Parallel Tracks For Greater Access To be clear, we do not view our work as competing with PIVOT or substituting for it, nor should PIVOT be viewed as a substitute for independent research. These are parallel, complementary tracks that serve veteran mental health while studying different conditions and answering different questions. PIVOT will operate at a scale far beyond what CPDRE has accomplished to date. Beyond questions of reach and access are questions of scientific independence and objectivity. Concentrating too much of a developing field within any single research program or institution carries risks. Long-term scientific progress is strengthened when there is consistent support across multiple institutions and funding sources. At present, expanding psychedelic research for veterans has both scientific and political support. That alignment may not always continue. Federal agencies and foundations should increase funding for veteran-focused academic research, including investigator-initiated trials testing therapeutic approaches, dosing models and patient populations beyond those studied within VA. Academic centers should partner with veteran-serving community organizations to improve recruitment and engagement, particularly among veterans outside the VA system. Training programs should prepare clinicians and researchers to conduct rigorous psychedelic research with these populations. The Need For Many Stakeholders, Large And Small We must also acknowledge the limitations of our own work. Our trial included only 12 participants, had no control group and used a relatively short follow-up period. The results are encouraging, but they do not provide definitive evidence of efficacy or establish how long improvements will last. No single organization, large or small, can do this work well on its own. We should maintain healthy skepticism about the findings of any one study, including our own, and build multiple scientific pathways toward the same goals, both within and outside the federal research and funding system. Overall, we remain optimistic about VA’s announcement. Its recognition of psychedelic research and its capacity to conduct large trials represent meaningful steps in the right direction. They are not, however, the finish line for independent inquiry, nor should they become the only path forward. Independent psychedelic science is neither a rival nor a replacement for VA’s efforts. It is a necessary complement, one that can ask different questions, test different models of care and help reach veterans who might otherwise have nowhere else to turn. Stacey B. Armstrong is associate director and senior researcher at the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE) at Ohio State University. Alan K. Davis is director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education at Ohio State University and an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University. Photo courtesy of Mark Groeneveld. The post VA’s New Psilocybin Study For Veterans Is Progress, But Independent Psychedelic Research Needs Support Too (Op-Ed) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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As Pennsylvania Democrats step up the push to legalize marijuana, the state’s top Republican senator says he doesn’t think the state will enact the policy change this year—and he believes that it should not move ahead at all without further changes at the federal level. “I don’t see it coming before this session ends,” Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R) said when asked about the prospects of cannabis legalization at a press conference on Monday. “People tend to forget that recreational marijuana, for better or worse, is a scheduled narcotic at the federal level,” he said. “And I think we would all be well served to have some more national direction on how to deal with this issue.” Pittman criticized leaders of the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives for passing a bill last year that would have legalized marijuana and put sales in state-controlled dispensaries, saying it displays a “lack of seriousness on this issue” on the part of the other chamber’s majority party. “They sent us a recreational marijuana legalization proposal that would have marijuana in the state stores. Now, come on,” the top GOP senator said. “I mean, we’re not going to put weed in state stores, number one, because they can’t functionally do it because they couldn’t comply with federal law.” Pittman also said he doubts the state’s ability to manage a recreational marijuana program, pointing to a recent report from the Pennsylvania auditor general that was critical of the current medical cannabis system. “The Department of Health has not exactly done a bang-up job on medical marijuana, so I don’t have a whole ton of confidence in our ability, even if we were to legalize recreational marijuana, to do it well,” he said. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania are continuing to call for broader marijuana legalization. The speaker of the Democratic-controlled House said last week that the state could legalize recreational marijuana next year if her party wins a handful of seats in the November elections and takes a Senate majority. A Democratic senator recently filed a discharge resolution seeking to bring a bipartisan cannabis bill out of committee. A Republican senator said she will soon file legislation to keep hemp THC products legal in the state while adding age limits as well as new requirements for registration, testing and labeling. A separate bill that has already been introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate would create a new Cannabis Control Board (CCB) to oversee the state’s medical marijuana program and significantly restrict most hemp THC products. That legislation was defeated on the Senate floor in June, though it is pending reconsideration. Separately, a Pennsylvania Senate committee approved a bill this week to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, while the full House passed similar legislation earlier this year. — 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. — The legislative maneuvering around cannabis comes as a recent poll shows that Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly support marijuana legalization—and that the largest share put the blame on Republican lawmakers for the fact that the state has not yet enacted the reform. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) has repeatedly called on lawmakers to send him a marijuana legalization bill and for the last several years has included the reform in his budget requests to the legislature. Republican gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity, who is running against Shapiro, recently pledged to veto a marijuana legalization bill if lawmakers ever sent one to her desk—though she added that she doesn’t think the reform stands a chance of making it that far in the state. Her running mate for lieutenant governor, Jason Richey, claimed that legalizing marijuana would be “catastrophic” for the state, arguing it would increase the size of the illegal market, undermine job creation and harm public health. The governor earlier this year, as he has in past years, included cannabis legalization and the resulting expected revenue in his budget request. The state’s Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) reported in February that legalizing cannabis in Pennsylvania would generate nearly half a billion dollars in annual revenue by 2028, an estimate that is a significantly larger cash windfall compared to projections from Shapiro’s own office. A spokesperson in the governor’s office said the Trump administration’s federal marijuana rescheduling move is an “important step” that “adds support” to his push to legalize cannabis. A senator also said that federal reform will make it easier to legalize marijuana in the state. The post Top Pennsylvania GOP Senator Says State Needs ‘National Direction’ Before It Can Legalize Marijuana appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A Massachusetts campaign working to keep recreational marijuana dispensaries open by defeating an initiative on the November ballot that would roll back the state’s legalization law has launched two new ads. One spot rolled out on Tuesday by the No on 8: Stop the Repeal Campaign features Alan Balsam, a former commissioner of public health for the city of Brookline. “Not long ago, people in Massachusetts could only buy marijuana illegally. Question eight would take us back to those days,” he said in the ad. “It bans the safe, legal sale of marijuana.” “As a public health expert, I’m voting no on 8 because it will have unintended consequences,” Balsam said. “It creates real risk, forcing people to buy products that aren’t regulated, tested or labeled. There’d be no way to know potency or if products were laced with fentanyl, pesticide residues or mold. “I’m voting no on 8 to keep people safe.” The campaign’s second new ad features a number of rotating speakers delivering a unified script, including a doctor, a military veteran and a business owner. “Voting no on 8 stops the ban on legal marijuana sales and keeps Massachusetts from going backwards to unregulated marijuana sales on our streets,” the speakers say in the ad, switching from one to another mid-sentence. “Voting no on 8 protects jobs and tax revenue and maintains regulations that protect my patients.” “Voting no on 8 keeps marijuana safe with ID checks, testing and labeling that ensures safety and known potency,” they said. “Vote no on 8 and stop the ban.” A press release from the campaign says the ads will run on digital, streaming and broadcast. “Over the last ten years, legal cannabis has had an immense positive impact on our state and local economies, creating jobs and generating billions in tax revenue,” Ryan Dominguez, chair of Stop the Repeal, said. “These ads will help voters to understand how repealing highly-regulated adult-use cannabis will have a deep effect on Massachusetts communities and our state economy.” “Massachusetts voters made their voices clear when they chose to legalize marijuana and we cannot allow out-of-state groups to come into the Commonwealth and repeal this law,” he said. “We are grateful for all the support we have received from our regional leaders, public health officials, law enforcement, small business owners, and advocates.” Meanwhile, a new poll released this week shows that most Massachusetts voters oppose the ballot measure to roll back marijuana legalization. The survey, published on Tuesday by CommonWealth Beacon and conducted by MassINC Polling Group (MPG), shows that 61 percent of likely voters oppose the initiative—which would repeal laws allowing the regulated commercial sales of recreational cannabis and home cultivation while maintaining legal possession and continuing the medical marijuana system. Just 27 percent of respondents said they favor the anti-cannabis ballot measure, while 11 percent are undecided and 1 percent responded that they would prefer not to state their opinion. A separate poll released last week by The University of New Hampshire, shows that nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of respondents plan to vote against the anti-cannabis measure, while just 24 percent plan to support it. Another survey released last month found that Massachusetts voters oppose the marijuana legalization repeal measure, 55 percent to 33 percent. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, which regulates the legal industry, announced this month that the state has surpassed $10 billion in adult-use cannabis purchases since the market launched in 2018. CCC Chair Chris Harding told Marijuana Moment that he can’t comment directly on the initiative and that the commission does not take positions on pending ballot questions or legislation, but he said that, in general, “repeal of the adult-use industry could eliminate thousands of jobs, hundreds of businesses and billions in tax revenue.” Meanwhile, a top labor union—the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Massachusetts State Council—is urging voters to reject the cannabis legalization rollback initiative. While the latest survey results provide some comfort to cannabis reform supporters, advocates are not resting. A coalition of Massachusetts marijuana business leaders, healthcare professionals and other advocates have launched a campaign to defeat the measure. The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) recently issued a warning that passage of the legalization rollback measure would have “disastrous political and economic consequences for legal cannabis markets everywhere.” “Even a too-close victory would spook markets and incentivize a rash of similar initiatives in states around the country, each costing millions to try and defeat,” the group said. After the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office determined that organizers for the anti-cannabis proposal had turned in enough valid signatures to put the measure before voters, a marijuana reform advocate filed an objection with the State Ballot Law Commission claiming that various signatures were not genuine, obtained through fraudulent means or were not “signed substantially as registered.” The body rejected the challenge to the legal marijuana rollback measure, however, clearing it to go before voters to decide. In June, the campaign behind the anti-legalization ballot measure fired a signature gatherer it says was shown appearing to engage in “wholly unacceptable” conduct in a recent video. As Marijuana Moment reported, a man petitioning for the Massachusetts initiative as well as a similar anti-cannabis proposal in Maine was depicted in recent social media posts seeming to argue that voters who support legal marijuana access should sign the petitions in order to advance or protect reform. The campaign later said it has “zero tolerance for any circulation tactics that would mislead petition signers.” “The identified canvasser was immediately terminated, in coordination with our vendor, upon being made aware of the alleged conduct,” the group said. “The conduct apparent in the video would be wholly unacceptable and does not reflect how this campaign operates. We demand honesty, transparency and professionalism from everyone associated with our effort.” A video posted to Reddit of the signature gatherer shows the man collecting signatures outside a retail store in Massachusetts next to a sign that says “keep cannabis legal.” When confronted by a marijuana reform supporter who recorded the petitioner’s interactions with voters, he appeared to be trying to convince them that it is important to qualify the anti-cannabis measure for the ballot in order to then defeat it. “This is what we’re fighting against right here. That’s why we vote no,” he said. “If we can get this to the ballot right here, we vote no.” The person who captured the video pointed out that Massachusetts voters already approved marijuana legalization years ago, and that the only way it could be imminently repealed is if the new ballot measure qualified for the November election. If the initiative does not get enough signatures to go before voters, the state’s laws will remain the same. “It’s my job,” the petitioner insisted, however. “I know what I’m talking about.” “It’s a group of rich folks from out of state that want to basically take marijuana to when it was a medical marijuana card,” he said. “We don’t want that to happen.” The same man also appeared to also be gathering signatures for a separate measure in Maine that would similarly repeal laws allowing regulated adult-use marijuana sales and home cultivation rights for adults while keeping possession legal and adding new testing requirements for medical cannabis. A staffer for the prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), whose affiliated group SAM Action is largely funding the anti-cannabis ballot campaigns in both states, declined to comment about the petitioner’s conduct when reached by Marijuana Moment. The campaigns have previously been accused of misleading petitioning tactics. In Massachusetts, some voters reported that the campaign used fake cover letters for other ballot measures on unrelated issues like affordable housing and same-day voter registration during the first round of petitioning. Legal cannabis supporters filed an earlier formal complaint about the prohibitionist effort’s tactics, but the State Ballot Law Commission rejected the challenge. The measure also faced a legal challenge from cannabis industry operatives who argued it contains “impermissibly unrelated subjects,” and that the state attorney general’s official summary is “misleading and deficient.” The state Supreme Judicial Court heard oral arguments on the litigation challenging the anti-marijuana initiative but it ultimately ruled against the lawsuit. The governor of Massachusetts last week filed legislation proposing to increase military veterans’ access to medical marijuana by allowing them to receive patient cards without having to get a doctor’s recommendation. The post New Ads Urge Massachusetts Voters To Keep Marijuana Sales Legal By Rejecting Measure On November Ballot appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net