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“The simplest thing, frankly, to do is to stop it right now instead of going until the date in November set by federal law.” By Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed a bill into law Friday that bans intoxicating hemp products and makes various changes to the state’s voter-passed marijuana law, including adding crimes such as making it illegal to bring legally purchased marijuana from another state back to Ohio. DeWine signed Ohio Senate Bill 56, which will take effect in 90 days. He has been urging Ohio lawmakers to do something about intoxicating hemp products for the past nearly two years. Ohio’s bill complies with recent federal changes by banning intoxicating hemp products from being sold outside of a licensed marijuana dispensary. In November, Congress voted to ban products that contain 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container earlier this month when they voted to reopen the government. Those who work in the intoxicating hemp industry are worried this will put thousands of people out of business. DeWine line-item-vetoed the THC-infused beverage provision in the bill that would have allowed five milligram THC beverages to be manufactured, distributed, and sold in Ohio until December 31, 2026. “My veto means that they cannot be sold,” DeWine said during a Friday press conference. “The simplest thing, frankly, to do is to stop it right now instead of going until the date in November set by federal law.” DeWine said he does not think THC beverages are a good idea. “I think they create extra problems,” DeWine said. Ohio S.B. 56 had a provision that said if the federal government legalizes THC beverages, Ohio will consider “a more robust regulatory framework of these products,” according to the bill’s language. “We got to this point because of poorly drafted federal legislation and people taking advantage of it,” Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said. “So speculating about what the federal government may do in the future and what we may do as a result, I think, adds to the same problem that has already been created.” On the marijuana side, the bill would reduce the THC levels in adult-use marijuana extracts from a maximum of 90 percent down to a maximum of 70 percent, cap THC levels in adult-use flower to 35 percent, and prohibit smoking in most public places. Part of the probable cause portions were removed from the bill, but some of it still remains. The bill prohibits possessing marijuana in anything outside of its original packaging and criminalizes bringing legal marijuana from another state back to Ohio. It also requires drivers to store marijuana in the trunk of their car while driving. Ohio S.B. 56 would give 36 percent of adult-use marijuana sale revenue to municipalities and townships that have recreational marijuana dispensaries. The bill also maintains the 10 percent tax rate on recreational marijuana and keeps home grow the same at six plants per adult and 12 per residence. It also places a cap on 400 marijuana dispensaries in the state. Ohioans passed a citizen-initiated law to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023 with 57 percent of the vote. Sales started in August 2024 and exceeded $702.5 million in the first year. Ohio lawmakers can change the law since it passed as a citizen initiative not a constitutional amendment, something they have been trying to do since late 2023. This story was first published by Ohio Capital Journal. Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images. The post Ohio Governor Signs Bill To Recriminalize Some Marijuana Activity, Vetoing Provision To Allow THC Drinks For A Year appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

If marijuana rescheduling is finalized as President Donald Trump instructed on Thursday, the practical policy impact on the federal level will be somewhat limited, as cannabis would remain illegal. But lawmakers in states like Pennsylvania and Tennessee say the political effect could ultimately prove more impactful as they work to enact local reforms in the next year. The executive order Trump signed directs the attorney general to complete a process to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would let cannabis businesses take federal tax deductions and lift certain research barriers. While it wouldn’t legitimize state marijuana programs in the eyes of the federal government, the decision by a Republican president to loosen longstanding cannabis laws and recognize its medical benefits could embolden on-the-fence legislators at the state level, who may see it as a signal that the politics of the issue are shifting and there’s a lower risk of federal enforcement action. In Pennsylvania, for example, bipartisan lawmakers who’ve been working to enact adult-use legalization over recent sessions without success so far say Trump’s rescheduling action could grease the wheels in the new year. “I think that having President Trump, in particular, sign this executive order really gives permission for a lot of Republican lawmakers who may have been reticent about actually admitting that they supported it some cover to be able to actually support it,” Rep. Emily Kinkead (D) said. “I am even more optimistic than I was that we are going to get legalization of recreational cannabis done in Pennsylvania in 2026.” The executive action “reflects the support that we see broadly in the nation—that, overwhelmingly, people support legalization of marijuana, and it is bipartisan,” Kinkead told CBS Pittsburgh. “There isn’t much on which I agree with President Trump, but rescheduling cannabis is long overdue,” she said separately in a press release. “In 2026, Pennsylvania needs to join every other state in the Northeastern United States and legalize adult recreational use—for revenue, for jobs, for justice.” Rep. Abby Major (R), who is sponsoring a legalization bill with Kinkead, said she looks forward to “building off the momentum of rescheduling by working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to deliver what 74 percent of Pennsylvanians want: adult-use cannabis,” “We’ve seen the clearest indication from the White House today that Republicans can lead on cannabis. It shouldn’t be any different in Pennsylvania,” she said on Thursday. Rep. Dan Frankel (D), chair of the House Health Committee and another champion of reform in the legislature, also said the rescheduling move will “bolster the existing medical marijuana marketplace.” “I think it’s going to be a significant step in the right direction to get us to a point where we’re not criminalizing marijuana,” he said. “It’s a significant step to creating an environment where people can purchase at this point medical marijuana without worrying about potential federal criminal penalties.” While there may be some disagreement among lawmakers about rescheduling or broader reform, Trump’s executive order marks a “step toward common-sense drug policy reform,” Sen. Dan Laughlin (R) said. “I know this is a topic that sparks strong opinions on both sides, but if you take an objective look at the guidelines, marijuana should have never been classified as a Schedule I drug,” he said. “I support the Trump Administration’s decision to reclassify it as a Schedule III substance, which better reflects the scientific evidence and could help unlock more research, medical applications, and regulatory clarity.” Laughlin’s Democratic counterpart on bills to legalize cannabis in the Keystone State, Sen. Sharif Street (D), said the rescheduling decision “is a long-overdue and evidence-based step that acknowledges what doctors have known for years: Cannabis doesn’t belong in the same legal category as heroin.” “But this is only the first step. Rescheduling cannabis doesn’t undo the harms of the past,” he said. “Real reform must include expungement, reinvesting resources in communities most impacted by the war on drugs—especially Black and Brown communities—and a legal, regulated market that prioritizes public health, safety and equity.” “That’s why I’ve been fighting in Harrisburg to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis on a bipartisan basis—and why I’m now prepared to take that fight to Washington,” Street, who is running for Congress, said. Brit Crampsie, a spokesperson for the industry advocacy group ResponsiblePA, said the president’s “move to reclassify cannabis is a major wake-up call to state lawmakers who are failing Pennsylvanians.” “We lag behind our neighboring states that already have regulation on the books,” she said. “Further, with the reclassification of cannabis nationwide by the Trump administration and the closing of the intoxicating hemp loophole by Congress, Pennsylvania must step up and institute comprehensive cannabis regulation.” Not every lawmaker is taking the rescheduling news as an affirmation to move forward with legalization, however. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R), for example, said he continues to feel “this is an issue which the federal government needs to provide consistent policy on, rather than states engaging in piecemeal approaches that do not comport with current federal law.” “While President Trump’s Executive Order is a step to offer greater clarity and uniformity for medical marijuana, it does not legalize or encourage the use of marijuana for recreational purposes,” he said, adding that Democratic House lawmakers earlier this year “took a massive step backward in this debate by sending us such an unserious recreational marijuana legalization proposal.” News: In response to President Trump's EO to expediate rescheduling marijuana, Pa. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) said in a statement that it hasn't changed his skepticism of legalizing recreational cannabis. pic.twitter.com/U6mgJcpgdy — Stephen Caruso (@StephenJ_Caruso) December 19, 2025 “At this time, we have very complex issues with a higher level of urgency to address, such as gaming reform, to provide clarity and ensure public safety,” he said. For what it’s worth, another top GOP senator—Sen. Scott Martin (R), chair of the chamber’s Appropriations Committee—said earlier this month that he was skeptical about the prospects of enacting legalizing in the 2026 session, in part because of the federal classification of cannabis that’s now expected to change. Of course, marijuana would still be federally illegal under Schedule III, so it’s unclear if a simple loosening of the law would move the needle enough from his perspective. There’s talk about advancing state-level reform in red states, too. In Tennessee, for instance, the Republican House speaker described the rescheduling development as a “first step,” though he noted there are still certain outstanding logistical questions to answer. “There will have to be conversations about who manufactures it, who tests it, who distributes, which medical illness could it be used for, does this require [federal Food and Drug Administration, or FDA] approval and a host of other questions,” House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) told The Tennessean. House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R), who has worked to restrict intoxicating hemp products, added that “any change in the federal drug schedule that acknowledges legitimate medical use based on scientific evidence will certainly be taken into consideration as we strive to form an appropriate legal framework for dangerous substances.” Sen. London Lamar (D), for her part, told WSMV that “if Washington can acknowledge reality, Tennessee can, too.” “Our marijuana laws are stuck in the dark ages—overly punitive, out of step with our neighbors and holding our state back,” she said. “It’s time for the General Assembly to take a serious step forward on cannabis reform.” “Cannabis reform is about freedom, public health and fiscal responsibility. We should be supporting medical researchers who want to study cannabis and patients who would choose cannabis treatments over deadly opioids,” Lamar said. “Our current laws force us to waste tax dollars on incarceration instead of investing in roads, schools and healthcare, and we’re also missing out on economic growth and new revenue.” Over in Wyoming, the rescheduling news elicited a different kind of reaction from state Attorney General Keith Kautz (R), who was asked about how the state will navigate a “trigger law” that’s generally intended to align federal and state drug scheduling statutes. If U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi abides by Trump’s directive and finalizes the rescheduling rule, the Wyoming attorney general’s office would have 30 days from then to either adopt the marijuana classification or provide an explanation if it chooses to stay the course. “I’m just going to follow the statute,” Kautz said. “And I already [noted] that our state has been reluctant to go the route of medical marijuana.” To that point, after the Trump administration rescinded Biden era guidance on cannabis prosecutorial discretion, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming advised that it would begin “rigorously” prosecuting people over cannabis use or possession on federal lands within the state. Given how recently the executive order was signed, it is likely that lawmakers and officials in more states will be taking the federal action into account as they prepare for the 2026 session. And for advocates, the symbolism of rescheduling is a welcome sign of revamped momentum that helpfully demonstrates just how bipartisan marijuana policy reform has become. Photo courtesy of Max Pixel. The post Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Move Could Boost State Legalization Efforts, Lawmakers In Pennsylvania And Tennessee Say appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A GOP senator is suggesting that President Donald Trump lied when he said during a signing ceremony for a marijuana rescheduling executive order this week that he hadn’t received any calls in opposition to the reform. During Thursday’s event, Trump noted strong public support for marijuana reform and said numerous people called him to voice support for cannabis rescheduling. “I don’t think I received any calls on the other side of it,” he said. That comment didn’t sit right with Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), who says he in fact called the president to express his opposition to rescheduling marijuana just days ago. “I called him personally Friday last week and let him know,” the senator told Punchbowl News. Budd said he is also aware that other lawmakers had called Trump to urge him not to enact the federal reclassification of marijuana. “I was aware of people calling him then—against rescheduling,” he said. “So I knew that my colleagues had been calling him.” “I called him personally Friday last week and let him know. He said that others had been calling him on the issue,” Budd said in an interview. “I was aware of people calling him then — against rescheduling. So I knew that my colleagues had been calling him.” — Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) December 18, 2025 Earlier this week, Budd led a group of GOP senators in sending a letter urging Trump not to reschedule cannabis. House Republican lawmakers also sent a separate letter to the president on the issue. Trump, however, dismissed those concerns during Thursday’s signing ceremony—pointing out that an overwhelming majority of Americans support the reform and that cannabis can help people who are suffering from serious health issues, including his personal friends. Republican state attorneys general are also expressing concerns about Trump’s marijuana move. The executive order Trump signed directs the attorney general to complete a process to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would let cannabis businesses take federal tax deductions and lift certain research barriers. Photo courtesy of Max Pixel. The post Trump Lied About Not Getting Any Calls Against Marijuana Rescheduling, GOP Senator Suggests appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A coalition of Republican state attorneys general are criticizing President Donald Trump’s decision to federally reschedule marijuana, saying cannabis is “properly” classified as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. “Since before President Trump took office, many of us…have argued against the rescheduling of marijuana as a Schedule I drug,” the attorneys general of Indiana, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming said in a joint statement on Thursday. “We all believe the science surrounding marijuana—which has become only more clear in recent weeks—properly establishes it as a Schedule I drug, and we have seen firsthand the harm the drug has caused in our communities.” The statement, led by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R), who has separately sought to overturn his state’s voter-approved medical cannabis law, says the “negative impacts of expanded marijuana use, especially on children and adolescents, are worrisome.” “And the public policy challenges, such as the exponential increase in difficult-to-combat driving under the influence, are both significant and serious,” the coalition of GOP AGs said. “We have conveyed our concerns to the Administration, and we are grateful for the Administration’s good faith consideration of our views.” pic.twitter.com/yJnIzm96rm — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers (@NEAttorneyGen) December 18, 2025 “Because of our long-held views, we are concerned with the issuance of this Executive Order, which directs the U.S. Attorney General to ‘take all necessary steps to complete the rulemaking process related to rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III,'” they said. “We will evaluate the order closely to determine how we can best continue to engage, protect the public health, and ensure the safety of our citizens.” Separately, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley (R) revealed in a press released that he and other state attorneys general “had a conference call with the White House regarding the implementation and effect of the President’s Executive Order” on Thursday after Trump held a signing ceremony. Jackley “greatly appreciates President Trump’s Administration’s open and continued dialogue with the Attorneys General,” he said. “It is important to recognize that the federal rescheduling of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug does not criminally legalize marijuana under federal law. Also, current federal law also does not permit a licensed physician to prescribe marijuana until marijuana receives FDA approval,” Jackley said. “Marijuana use and possession is also illegal under South Dakota state law for recreational use, and permissible only for medical purposes with a valid prescription, a medical card, and from a licensed medical marijuana facility.” Earlier this week, groups of House and Senate Republican lawmakers sent letters urging Trump not to reschedule cannabis. Trump, however, dismissed those concerns—pointing out that an overwhelming majority of Americans support the reform and that cannabis can help people who are suffering from serious health issues, including his personal friends. Rescheduling will not federally legalize cannabis. But the policy change will allow state-licensed marijuana businesses to take federal tax deductions they’ve been deprived under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E. It will also remove certain research barriers applied to Schedule I drugs. The post GOP State Attorneys General Push Back On Trump’s Marijuana Move, Saying It Could Harm ‘The Safety Of Our Citizens’ appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Florida’s attorney general is asking the state Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of an initiative to legalize marijuana that activists want to put on the 2026 ballot. The court accepted the request, and has set a schedule for state officials and the cannabis campaign to file briefs next month. Smart & Safe Florida said last month that it’s collected more than one million signatures to put the cannabis measure on the ballot, but it’s also challenged officials at the state Supreme Court level over delays the certification process, arguing that the review of the ballot content and summary should have moving forward months ago when it reached an initial signature threshold. The state then agreed to move forward with the processing. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) campaigned heavily against an earlier version of the legalization proposal, which received a majority of voters last year but not enough to meet the 60 percent threshold required to pass a constitutional amendment. Former Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) unsuccessfully contested the prior initiative in the courts. So far, while there’s litigation surrounding certification issues—as well as a separate legal challenge over about 200,000 signatures deemed invalid by the state—the latest filings from the secretary of state’s office and court don’t speak to the substance of the proposed measure. Rather, the court simply said on Wednesday that it received a request from Attorney General James Uthmeier’s (R) office, in compliance with state statutes around ballot initiatives, to conduct a review and issue an advisory opinion on whether the legalization measure is drafted in a way that adheres to constitutional election laws. New material in Re: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana (petition). See the docket here: https://t.co/y0lSh4L0BF pic.twitter.com/YkvUcrgA0E — FloridaSupremeCourt (@flcourts) December 18, 2025 The court said in a filing on Thursday that opponents must provide a brief defending their position by January 2 and provide a copy to the attorney general’s office. Answer briefs must be submitted by January 12, and the opposition must respond to that filing by January 20. Meanwhile, Smart & Safe Florida is encouraging voters who signed the petition to contact their local election supervisors or the secretary of state’s office to determine whether their signatures were invalidated. A federal judge in August separately delivered a win to the campaign—granting “complete relief” from provisions of a law the governor signed to impose other serious restrictions on signature gathering. While the law the governor signed in May wasn’t directly targeted at the cannabis initiative, there’s been concern among supporters that it could jeopardize an already complex and costly process to collect enough signatures to make the ballot. That’s because it would block non-residents and non-citizens from collecting signatures for ballot measures. In March, meanwhile, two Democratic members of Congress representing Florida asked the federal government to investigate what they described as “potentially unlawful diversion” of millions in state Medicaid funds via a group with ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). The money was used to fight against a citizen ballot initiative, vehemently opposed by the governor, that would have legalized marijuana for adults. The lawmakers’ letter followed allegations that a $10 million donation from a state legal settlement was improperly made to the Hope Florida Foundation, which later sent the money to two political nonprofits, which in turn sent $8.5 million to a campaign opposing Amendment 3. The governor said in February that the newest marijuana legalization measure is in “big time trouble” with the state Supreme Court, predicting it will be blocked from going before voters next year. “There’s a lot of different perspectives on on marijuana,” DeSantis said. “It should not be in our Constitution. If you feel strongly about it, you have elections for the legislature. Go back candidates that you believe will be able to deliver what your vision is on that.” “But when you put these things in the Constitution—and I think, I mean, the way they wrote, there’s all kinds of things going on in here. I think it’s going to have big time trouble getting through the Florida Supreme Court,” he said. The latest initiative was filed with the secretary of state’s office just months after the initial version failed during the November 2024 election—despite an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Smart & Safe Florida is hoping the revised version will succeed in 2026. The campaign—which in the last election cycle received tens of millions of dollars from cannabis industry stakeholders, principally the multi-state operator Trulieve—incorporated certain changes into the new version that seem responsive to criticism opponents raised during the 2024 push. For example, it now specifically states that the “smoking and vaping of marijuana in any public place is prohibited.”Another section asserts that the legislature would need to approve rules dealing with the “regulation of the time, place, and manner of the public consumption of marijuana.” Last year, the governor accurately predicted that the 2024 cannabis measure from the campaign would survive a legal challenge from the state attorney general. It’s not entirely clear why he feels this version would face a different outcome. While there’s uncertainty around how the state’s highest court will navigate the measure, a poll released in February showed overwhelming bipartisan voter support for the reform—with 67 percent of Florida voters backing legalization, including 82 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of independents and 55 percent of Republicans. — 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. — In the background, a recent poll from a Trump-affiliated research firm found that nearly 9 in 10 Florida voters say they should have the right to decide to legalize marijuana in the state. Meanwhile, a pro-legalization GOP state lawmaker recently filed a bill to amend state law to codify that the public use of marijuana is prohibited. Rep. Alex Andrade (R), the sponsor, said earlier this year that embracing cannabis reform is a way for the Republican party to secure more votes from young people. Separately, Florida medical marijuana officials are actively revoking the registrations of patients and caregivers with drug-related criminal records. The policy is part of broad budget legislation signed into law earlier this year by DeSantis. The provisions in question direct the state Department of Health (DOH) to cancel registrations of medical marijuana patients and caregivers if they’re convicted of—or plead guilty or no contest to—criminal drug charges. Photo elements courtesy of rawpixel and Philip Steffan. The post Florida Attorney General Asks Supreme Court To Review 2026 Marijuana Legalization Ballot Initiative appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Marijuana can “make people feel much better” and serve as a “substitute for addictive and potentially lethal opioid painkillers,” President Donald Trump said on Thursday as he issued an executive order to federally reschedule cannabis and promote access to CBD for therapeutic purposes. He clarified, however, that he personally has no interest in using marijuana himself. Although the president emphasized that he’s repeatedly lectured his children about abstaining from drug use, he said that “the facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications when carefully administered.” “In some cases, this may include the use [of cannabis] as a substitute for addictive and potentially lethal opioid painkillers—they cause tremendous problems,” he said, surrounded by health officials, industry stakeholders and advocates. “This can do it in a much lesser way—can make people feel much better that are living through tremendous pain and problems.” That said, Trump made clear that he has no plans to use cannabis. “I don’t want it,” he said. “I’m not going to be taking it, but a lot of people do want it. A lot of people need it.” Trump’s drug policy positions can be sometimes enigmatic—with a historic cannabis rescheduling order being rolled out amid controversy over weeks of unilateral military operations that have killed dozens of people the administration claims were transporting illicit drugs. But he’s been fairly consistent about his support for medical cannabis access. He also emphasized at the signing event that this executive order directing the completion of a rescheduling process that started under the Biden administration “doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form—and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug.” That’s true. Moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) does not federally legalize it. Rather, it recognizes the medical value of cannabis, loosens certain research restrictions and will allow marijuana businesses to take federal tax deductions. “Forty states and multiple U.S. territories have already recognized the use of medical marijuana,” Trump said. “This reclassification order will make it far easier to conduct marijuana-related medical research, allowing us to study benefits, potential dangers and future treatments. It’s going to have a tremendously positive impact.” The president on Thursday also dismissed the concerns of GOP lawmakers who oppose rescheduling, pointing out that an overwhelming majority of Americans support the reform and that cannabis can help people—including his personal friends—who are suffering from serious health issues. On opioids, to the president’s point, numerous studies have linked the legalization of marijuana to reduce overdoses and prescriptions of the prescription painkiller, with many concluding that, when given the option of cannabis as an alternative, a significant patient population will opt for the plant. The post Trump Touts Medical Marijuana As ‘Substitute For Addictive’ Opioids—But Says He Has No Interest In Using It Himself appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A GOP senator says the while a bipartisan marijuana banking bill remains stalled, with no recent discussions about advancing it as lawmakers focus on other legislative priorities, President Donald Trump’s move to reschedule cannabis could clear the path for further reform. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), who is expected to sponsor the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act in his chamber, told Marijuana Moment this week that there have still been “no” conversations about moving the legislation, despite previously predicting it would be taken up in the fall. As the season comes to a close, however, Congress remains preoccupied with competing priorities such as extending health care subsidies and passing spending bills to keep the government funded. “The line is deep in terms of getting stuff done, so that’s something we’ll think about once we get through all these things,” the senator said. But the cannabis banking bill could gain momentum under Trump’s plan to facilitate rescheduling, he added in a second interview. The order issued on Thursday directs federal agencies to complete the process of moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and clears the way for a pilot program to provide Medicare coverage for CBD. The president’s move “changes it big time,” Moreno said of the banking bill’s prospects of passage. Before the administrative action was confirmed, he told Marijuana Moment that reclassifying cannabis would represent an “important domino” in the push for SAFER Banking. Placing cannabis in Schedule III won’t legalize the plant, of course, but it will be a symbolic recognition that cannabis holds medical value, while allowing marijuana businesses to take federal tax deductions and loosening certain research barriers associated with Schedule I drugs. To that end, the executive order from Trump could spur on-the-fence GOP lawmakers to advance the banking bill, or at least possibly dissuade skeptics from aggressively opposing it. Notably, days before the White House confirmed the president would address rescheduling, a Senate Banking subcommittee convened and took testimony about banking policy issue, including the unique challenges marijuana businesses face under federal prohibition. Chairman Thom Tillis (R-NC)—who has stood out among his Republican colleagues as someone who’s backed regulating cannabis to some extent at the federal level—said he “absolutely” agreed that the marijuana banking issue should be addressed. Many banks continue to resist accepting even state-licensed cannabis businesses as clients because of the potential risk of federal enforcement action given that marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the CSA. However, some banks and credit unions have taken that gamble, while following Obama-era reporting guidance to mitigate the risk. The hearing took place about two weeks after a GOP member of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), raised the cannabis banking issue with Comptroller Jonathan Gould at a meeting of that panel. The House has passed versions of the legislation seven times over recent sessions. It advanced out of committee in the Senate last Congress, but it was not taken up on the floor. One of the most proactive anti-cannabis lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), told Marijuana Moment that he’s not sure about the status of the banking bill but he remains of the mind that, “if it’s illegal at the federal level, it should be kept out of the banking system.” The comments from the bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers came about a month after bipartisan senators said they remain eager to advance the marijuana banking measure—though there was disagreement about whether a possible decision from President Donald Trump to reschedule cannabis would open the door to passing additional reforms in Congress. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), who’s been the lead GOP sponsor of that banking measure in past sessions, said he’s “not sure absolutely” whether moving marijuana to Schedule III. would meaningfully affect how his colleagues approach the financial services legislation. He said “many senators hold strong opinions,” and “they keep those opinions separate from SAFE Banking.” Unlike Daines, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) said rescheduling would send a “huge message” to his colleagues about the need to “finally come up with a modern approach” to marijuana laws. The LCB contributed reporting from Washington, D.C. The post GOP Senator Says Marijuana Banking Bill Remains Stalled—But Trump’s Rescheduling Order Could Spur Congress To Act appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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GOP lawmakers mount anti-marijuana effort; Senate amendment on hospital visits & cannabis; VA marijuana resentencing bill; MI psychedelics Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… Your good deed for the day: donate to an independent publisher like Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there. Support our work at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW President Donald Trump followed through with his campaign pledge to reschedule marijuana by signing an executive order directing the attorney general to complete the process initiated during the Biden administration. Marijuana Moment obtained details of the cannabis rescheduling executive order ahead of its official signing—including how it addresses hemp and CBD product access. House and Senate Republicans made a last-ditch attempt to convince President Donald Trump not to reschedule marijuana—sending a pair of letters that argued the move would harm public health and safety. The president dismissed concerns from Republican lawmakers who urged him not to reschedule cannabis by pointing to a poll showing “82 percent of the people want this” and talking about his friends who are “really sick” and found relief with cannabis. Lawmakers, state officials, advocates and industry stakeholders reacted to President Donald Trump’s marijuana rescheduling executive order—with many saying it’s a step in the right direction but that further reforms are still needed. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) filed an amendment to require the federal government to track the cost of hospitalization due to marijuana use, directing the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress on the issue within one year. Virginia’s Senate president pro tempore filed a bill to provide resentencing relief for people incarcerated or on community supervision for certain marijuana offenses as lawmakers prepare to legalize recreational cannabis sales in 2026. The Jackson, Michigan City Council passed a resolution directing police to deprioritize enforcement of laws against the purchase, cultivation and possession of certain psychedelic plants and fungi. / FEDERAL Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “I’m fighting for Kentucky’s hemp farmers and small businesses as Washington pushes new federal restrictions that threaten a billion-dollar industry built on jobs and innovation. We shouldn’t let the Swamp kill an American success story. We need common-sense hemp policy that protects jobs and choice.” Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) said rescheduling marijuana is a “big mistake.” Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) said he has “concerns” about rescheduling marijuana. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said people in her district are “not huge supporters of marijuana.” Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn tweeted, “The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission is stacked with Ricketts/Pillen appointees whose job is to STRANGLE medical marijuana with regulations. This is what billionaires do when they lose at the ballot box. They rig the system.” / STATES Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted, “We keep waiting for the federal government to catch up to Colorado on legal cannabis. Colorado has led the nation with smart, safe marijuana policy—cutting out illegal markets, protecting public safety, and generating billions for education. Outdated federal rules hurt small businesses and don’t reflect reality.” Massachusetts House and Senate leaders have not yet begun negotiations about reconciling legislation to reform the Cannabis Control Board. A Pennsylvania senator tweeted, “Trump is going to declassify [sic] cannabis. This starts the I told you so tour.” New York regulators created a new Cannabis Education Advisory Panel. New Jersey regulators awarded additional marijuana business licenses and issued fines for violations. Oregon regulators posted updated data on the psilocybin services program. Washington, D.C. officials shuttered more unlicensed marijuana businesses. The Minnesota Cannabis Advisory Council met. The California Cannabis Authority Board of Directors will meet on Monday. Maine regulators will host an event on cannabis lab testing standards on Monday. — 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 New Zealand regulators removed licensing requirements for industrial hemp. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found that “CBD protects primary hippocampal neurons from rotenone-induced toxicity.” A study found that “Google Maps currently offers the most accurate source of dispensary data for cross sectional analyses and performs equally well in urban and rural areas.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS CatholicVote launched a campaign attempting to convince President Donald Trump not to reschedule marijuana. / BUSINESS Jushi Holdings Inc. amended its CEO’s employment agreement. Village Farms International, Inc. has a new global chief strategy officer. / CULTURE Wiz Khalifa was sentenced to nine months in prison in Romania for marijuana possession, though he is appealing the ruling. 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 Trump signs cannabis rescheduling order (Newsletter: December 19, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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This workshop sounds really interesting! I love that Meggyn Pomerleau is talking about self-love through art and body positivity. It's so important to have spaces where women can connect and learn about these topics in a supportive environment. The coloring session sounds relaxing, and the "Clone A Pussy Kit" is definitely a conversation starter! It reminds me of the random stuff that makes me laugh these days. Like, the other day I was watching someone play crazy cattle 3d and the cows were doing the silliest things. It was so absurd, it totally took my mind off everything. Maybe this workshop will be like that – a surprising way to de-stress and connect with yourself.

President Donald Trump’s historic move to direct the reclassification of marijuana on Thursday has elicited a wave of positive feedback from top lawmakers, state officials, advocates and industry stakeholders—reflecting the uniquely bipartisan way cannabis reform has bridge political divides during an especially divisive time. While several Democratic lawmakers have made clear that simply moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) does not go far enough, even some of Trump’s sharpest critics have generally agreed that the executive order directing the incremental reform is a step in the right direction. The order directs the attorney general to complete a rescheduling process that was initiated under the Biden administration. The reclassification wouldn’t legalize marijuana, but it would loosen research restrictions, allow cannabis businesses to take federal tax deductions and symbolically recognize that the plant holds medical value—breaking from the federal government’s decades-long position that it is therapeutically ineffective with a high abuse potential. The order also has implications for the hemp market, with a call to reevaluate how the crop is defined under a newly enacted spending bill that stakeholders say would ultimately eradicate the industry by banning most consumable cannabinoid products. Here’s how people are reacting to the rescheduling news: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) “Though a step in the right direction, more must be done to decriminalize cannabis, ease overly restrictive banking regulations that stall industry progress in states where it is legal, and rectify the harms done by the War on Drugs. I remain committed to the SAFER Banking Act and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act to accomplish these goals.” This is a step in the right direction—but more work must be done to decriminalize cannabis, ease overly restrictive banking regulations that stall industry progress in states where it is legal, and rectify the harms done by the War on Drugs. I remain committed to the SAFER… https://t.co/8vdDvD88h1 — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 18, 2025 Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) The federal war on drugs has failed for decades because Washington insists on controlling what it cannot fix. President Trump recognizes that reality, and I applaud him for ignoring the tired “reefer madness” rhetoric and moving forward with rescheduling.@POTUS https://t.co/79sPbSgQb3 — Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 18, 2025 Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) Proud to see @POTUS deliver on his commitment to the American people with the EO to reschedule cannabis. This is a win for patients—especially seniors & veterans—who deserve clear info, access to care, and choice with their doctors. This common-sense action ends blocked… https://t.co/rnNqrSejiA — Dave Joyce (@RepDaveJoyce) December 18, 2025 Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) Okay. Now let’s de-schedule cannabis entirely. https://t.co/aqLczekQHF — Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) December 18, 2025 Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) For years, I’ve been pushing common-sense legislation to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 substance. (There’s no logical reason why it should have been treated the same as drugs like heroin or LSD for the last 50+ years!) Rescheduling marijuana is a… pic.twitter.com/3IKt53Phef — Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) December 18, 2025 Former Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) “I am delighted that at Long last there will be some federal movement on rescheduling… This is not everything we want, but it is a huge step forward, dealing with banking, taxation and the mindset for reform. I have long felt that this could be the break, the crack in the dam that allows the waters of reform to rush out. It is frustrating that is taken this long, but it is hugely significant and should not be underestimated about leading to a chain of events for more meaningful reforms.” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) “To be blunt, it’s far past time for the federal government to catch up to Colorado and many other states and get rid of arcane federal policies on cannabis that aren’t based in reality and hurt Colorado small businesses and public safety. I thank the President and am pleased that they are finally taking this step to begin the process to reschedule. For years Colorado has been a national leader in smart and safe cannabis policy that has virtually eliminated illegal markets, ensured safe use, and generated over a billion dollars for education. Colorado’s cannabis industry is the gold standard ensuring that products are safe and regulated. It’s good to see the federal government finally following suit, but it’s frustrating it’s taken this long and there is much more to do for a full descheduling.” Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board “As President Trump signs an executive order reclassifying cannabis, the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board is prepared to navigate the changes ahead alongside industry and State lawmakers. The CCB will continue to regulate licensing matters and oversee compliance measures from seed-to-sale, upholding public health and safety.” Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency Executive Director Brian Hanna “While we are still assessing the details of the order, this development has the potential to move the federal marijuana policy debate forward after years of advocacy by patients, businesses, and states across the country. Rescheduling marijuana carries important implications – but also clear limitations – for state-regulated markets. That distinction is critical for policymakers, media, and the public to understand as this process continues… We look forward to completing our review of the executive order and continuing to work with our federal partners to ensure that any change in classification is accompanied by clear guidance and thoughtful implementation that meaningfully addresses long-standing barriers – particularly in banking, research, social equity, and taxation – while preserving the authority, safety, and integrity of state-regulated systems like Michigan’s.” Pennsylvania State Sen. Sharif Street (D) For more than a decade, I’ve led efforts in Pennsylvania to modernize our cannabis laws because prohibition has failed—especially for Black and Brown communities who have borne the brunt of criminalization. (2/4) — Senator Sharif Street (@SenSharifStreet) December 18, 2025 NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano “The Administration’s order calling to remove the cannabis plant from its Schedule I classification validates the experiences of tens of millions of Americans, as well as those of tens of thousands of physicians, who have long recognized that cannabis possesses legitimate medical utility. It wasn’t long ago that federal officials were threatening to seize doctors’ medical licenses just for discussing medical cannabis with their patients. This directive certainly marks a long overdue change in direction. But while such a move potentially provides some benefits to patients, and veterans especially, it still falls well short of the changes necessary to bring federal marijuana policy into the 21st century. Specifically, rescheduling fails to harmonize federal marijuana policy with the cannabis laws of most states, particularly the 24 states that have legalized its use and sale to adults — thereby leaving those who produce, dispense, possess, or use marijuana in compliance with state laws in jeopardy of federal prosecution. In order to rectify this state/federal conflict, and in order to provide state governments with the explicit authority to establish their own cannabis regulatory policies — like they already possess with respect to alcohol — cannabis must be removed from the Controlled Substances Act altogether. Doing so would affirm America’s longstanding principles of federalism and appeal to Americans’ deep-rooted desires to be free from undue government intrusion into their daily lives. Nevertheless, as a first step forward, this federal policy change dramatically shifts the political debate surrounding cannabis. Specifically, it delegitimizes many of the tropes historically exploited by opponents of marijuana policy reform. Claims that cannabis poses unique harms to health, or that it’s not useful for treating chronic pain and other ailments, have now been rejected by the very federal agencies that formerly perpetuated them. Going forward, these specious allegations should be absent from any serious conversations surrounding legalizing and regulating cannabis. Finally, he added: “It is anticipated that reclassification will also provide tax fairness to state-licensed businesses — allowing them, for the first time, to take traditional tax deductions. This change levels the playing field and lowers these entities’ costs of doing business. This change also likely benefits cannabis consumers by resulting in lower overall prices for state-licensed retail products, further incentivizing them to abandon the underground market.” Marijuana Policy Project Executive Director Adam J. Smith “While MPP welcomes the President’s proposal to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, neither the plant itself nor its naturally occurring component cannabinoids belong on the schedule at all. We hope this move to Schedule III truly does open up medical research, that it inspires states to guarantee access to safe, regulated cannabinoids for patients who desperately need them, and that the regulated industry might finally be treated more fairly under the federal tax code. But a move to Schedule III does nothing to end hundreds of thousands of possession arrests each year, nor does it do anything to fix the untenable, ongoing disconnect between federal prohibition and the regulated state markets under which more than half of American adults live. We are pleased that the President is taking this important step, but it is only a step. It is long past time to deschedule cannabis entirely and end nearly a century of failed prohibition.” The Weldon Project’s Weldon Angelos, who received a marijuana pardon from Trump “President Trump’s decision to reschedule cannabis is a major first step toward ending prohibition, and while more work remains, including clemency for those still incarcerated for cannabis, this is a moment worth recognizing and celebrating.” Last Prisoner Project Director of Strategic Initiatives Jason Ortiz “President Trump’s decision to reschedule cannabis is a historic step that reflects the will of the American people. However, moving cannabis to a lower schedule does nothing for the tens of thousands of Americans still locked behind bars for actions that are now legal in most of the country. Thankfully, President Trump has demonstrated he is willing to act boldly to correct outdated policies. By pairing rescheduling with clemency for people incarcerated for cannabis, he can cement his legacy as the leader who has done more for cannabis justice than any other president in American history.” Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition Board Director of Policy Cat Packer “The American people overwhelmingly support legalization and an end to federal marijuana criminalization. Rescheduling marijuana continues federal criminalization, regardless of state law, and falls far short of the reforms our communities need and deserve.” American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley “This is a really important executive order, and The American Legion has long advocated for this change. Cannabis being classified schedule 1 blocks large-scale, randomized clinical trials examining cannabis’ impact on PTSD, TBI, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain…conditions strongly associated with veteran suicide. Reclassification is not legalization and does not mandate use. It simply removes federal barriers to research and informed decision-making. It promotes transparency, clinician oversight, informed consent, and honest patient-provider discussions – reducing unsafe self-medication. Supporting reclassification demonstrates the Legion’s commitment to science, oversight, and saving lives through evidence-based public health policy.” National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President Andrew Birrell “Rescheduling cannabis is an incremental, imperfect improvement. While moving this drug from the Schedule I shadow is a small step off the cliff of cruel prohibition, it’s not the lifeline for justice we desperately need. A reclassified schedule still leaves a web of harmful criminal penalties intact, meaning the War on Drugs will continue to ensnare Americans in a failed punishment scheme. The current federal approach has demonstrably failed to enhance public safety, instead diverting taxpayer dollars to enforcement while maintaining needlessly harsh sentences. This over-criminalization has created devastating collateral consequences—the loss of access to housing, employment, and education—for individuals and families. Crucially, the enforcement of federal cannabis law has been defined by profound racial disparities. Black Americans are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white Americans, despite comparable usage rates. Even with declining federal prosecutions for possession and trafficking, the average sentence for federal marijuana felonies remains a staggering 37 months, with 70% of those offenders having little or no criminal history.” UFCW International President Milton Jones “The Administration’s plan to reclassify cannabis amounts to a tax giveaway for cannabis business owners without any protections for the workers who power this industry. Similar to the Biden Administration’s plan, this effort risks creating an industry that reinforces the inequities present throughout our economy. Hundreds of thousands of cannabis workers will still face the same challenges that they do now, including the lack of access to proper job training and health and safety protections. Reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug ignores the needs of workers and wastes the chance to finally deliver justice for the families impacted by the War on Drugs. Cannabis must be federally decriminalized, with a regulatory framework to ensure that cannabis workers, from seed to sale, have the health, safety, and labor protections they deserve.” National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) Director of Government Relations Michelle Rutter Friberg “Medical professionals, patients, and millions of Americans have long understood that cannabis has accepted medical use and does not belong in the same category as the most dangerous controlled substances. By taking this step, the Administration is recognizing the realities of today’s regulated markets and the work states have done to responsibly oversee them… This is meaningful progress, but it cannot be the final word. NCIA urges lawmakers to build on today’s decision by establishing a framework that respects states’ rights, supports responsible operators, and provides  clear federal enforcement guidelines in order to provide certainty to the thousands of businesses operating openly and in compliance with state law. NCIA will continue working to ensure that this industry can thrive under policies that are fair, consistent, and reflective of modern realities.” Dutchie Chairman and CEO Tim Barash, who also serves as co-chair of the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform “Moving cannabis to Schedule III represents a fundamental shift in how the federal government and society at large view the plant, transforming the way the cannabis industry operates. This change will empower the 425,000 people working in the US cannabis industry and bring in new talent, capital, and awareness to an industry that has a positive impact on millions of people’s lives… One of the most immediate impacts of rescheduling is the end of the 280E tax penalty, removing a long-standing barrier to growth. This change will also bring in large institutions and services across the business and banking world, allowing this major US industry to have the same support as the rest of our economy. When federal policy catches up to reality, it changes how consumers, families, and patients think about cannabis. That matters just as much as the business impact.” American Trade Association for Cannabis & Hemp (ATACH) President Michael Bronstein “Today’s decision to move cannabis to Schedule III marks the most significant federal shift in cannabis policy in over 50 years. After decades of outdated policy, the federal government has finally acknowledged what we as a movement have said for a generation: that marijuana can be medicine. It opens doors to expanded medical research and helps reduce the stigma and provide for better patient outcomes. This change also brings long overdue equal tax treatment by lifting draconian tax penalties on state-legal businesses, and allowing reinvestment in local jobs and communities. Today is a celebration, but our work is not done and we will build on this momentum to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to fully end prohibition in America.” Cresco Labs CEO Charlie Bachtell, who also serves as chair of U.S. Cannabis Roundtable “The U.S. Cannabis Roundtable commends President Trump and the Trump Administration for moving to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III drug. Once completed, this shift will mark a dramatic break with the failed policies of the past. Cannabis has widely accepted medical uses and low abuse potential. It never belonged at Schedule I. After more than five decades, this untenable status quo is finally coming to an end.” Trulieve Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers “This bold and historic direction from President Trump represents long overdue change and a major milestone in cannabis reform. Trulieve is grateful for the decisive action taken by the Administration that acknowledges the medical benefits of cannabis, supports licensed and regulated operators, and allows law enforcement agencies to prosecute bad actors. We are committed to supporting the Administration throughout this process.” Some days make all of the hard work worth it. Today is one of those days! Thank you @POTUS for making history by rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III. It has been an honor to work with you to get this done for the millions of Americans who use medical cannabis and who deserve… pic.twitter.com/TynVYAsZgL — Kim Rivers (@rivers_kim) December 18, 2025 Scotts Miracle-Gro Company CEO Jim Hagedorn “With 39 states already legalizing cannabis in some form, rescheduling to a lower level drug on the federal level has been long overdue. President Trump deserves credit and praise for taking this bold action, as it reflects the will of the people and sets the stage for much-needed research into the medical use of cannabis. Just as importantly, this will help deliver a blow to the illicit cannabis market by strengthening the financial viability of the legal and regulated industry that employs over 425,000 people and contributes $100 billion to the economy.” Curaleaf Chairman and CEO Boris Jordan “Curaleaf thanks President Trump for acting on his commitment to move forward with cannabis reclassification and we express our deep gratitude to him for this bold move. Moving the plant from Schedule I to Schedule III acknowledges what has been known for thousands of years, that the cannabis plant has medicinal properties. This policy shift by the United States government sets a precedent for how cannabis should be viewed globally and we eagerly await Attorney General Pam Bondi’s prompt execution of President Trump’s order.” Brian Vicente, founding partner at Vicente LLP “This monumental change will have a massive, positive effect on thousands of state-legal cannabis businesses around the country. One dominating inequity cannabis businesses face is the inability to deduct regular business expenses, since they sell a Schedule I substance. Rescheduling releases cannabis businesses from the crippling tax burden they have been shackled with and allow these businesses to grow and prosper. We work with hundreds of licensed cannabis businesses, and the ability to deduct ordinary operating costs under the Schedule III proposal is a game-changer for them.” Cato Institute Senior Fellow Jeffrey Singer “This is a positive step in the right direction, but it won’t significantly change things for people who use cannabis medically or recreationally in states where it is legal. It might make it easier to conduct medical research on cannabis, and it could help state-licensed cannabis retailers cover business costs, but overall, it just rearranges the landscape of cannabis prohibition.” Smart Approaches To Marijuana (SAM) President Kevin Sabet “This rule, if finalized, will herald a public health disaster. It’s a full betrayal of the President’s promise to keep all Americans safe and healthy. This is a giant gift to Big Marijuana and its pushers who are now more incentivized to target children with their highly addictive products. Thankfully, this decision does not legalize marijuana, but it gifts the industry with more than $2 billion in tax write-offs at a time when their advertising is inflicting carnage on America’s families. In reality, this is a pyrrhic victory for the industry. They have failed in their attempt to legalize their products, banking, and they were dealt a huge blow with the new law outlawing Delta-8 and other synthetic pot products. In addition, they are facing increased pressure in legalized states, with several now considering a rollback of such policies. The implications for marijuana products remain unclear, since now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will have enforcement jurisdiction over them in a way only the Drug Enforcement Administration currently does.” U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller “The U.S. hemp industry is deeply grateful to President Trump for issuing his strong pro-hemp Executive Order today. While the headlines of the announcement will focus on marijuana rescheduling – which is a positive in itself, for any cannabis reform benefits the entire plant – we are especially pleased to see the provisions that direct the White House staff and urge Congress to ensure access to hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD products, a lifeblood of the industry. We are also thrilled to see the development of a model that would allow a number of Medicare beneficiaries to receive CBD under doctor recommendation at no cost. We consider this Executive Order to be a direct rebuke to the hemp ban that was malignly attached to legislation that reopened government. This also gives strong impetus to efforts to extend the ban’s moratorium an additional 18 months to allow proper time for Congress and the Trump Administration to develop the regulatory framework that ensures the safe provision of hemp products while cracking down on the bad actors peddling the unsafe products that the Executive Order calls out. We look forward to working with the President, his staff, HHS, and Congress in the coming months to ensure the bipartisan vision of a safe, legal, and regulated hemp extract industry.” American Trucking Associations’ Vice President of Safety Policy Brenna Lyles “While we do not hold a formal position on marijuana legalization or deregulation, we are concerned about the safety risks of rescheduling marijuana without explicit safeguards to preserve the testing authority and technical requirements that apply to DOT-regulated, safety-sensitive workers. A safe driver is a qualified driver. And a qualified driver is drug- and alcohol-free. Motor carriers must retain reliable, enforceable tools to ensure they are not putting unqualified drivers behind the wheel. Without clear measures to ensure DOT’s drug- and alcohol-testing program retains—and is equipped to execute—marijuana testing authority, such a federal policy shift could have serious consequences for highway safety and the integrity of the national transportation network. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that there is currently no proven, widely accepted standard to determine marijuana impairment at roadside or before a driver begins operating a vehicle, making it far more difficult to prevent impaired driving. The stakes are not theoretical. Marijuana accounts for nearly 60 percent of all positive drug tests among commercial drivers subject to DOT testing requirements. We appreciate the Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to highway safety and its work to strengthen driver qualification and enforcement standards. We urge DOT to proactively coordinate with HHS, DOJ, and Congress to ensure that any federal policy shift preserves a holistic approach to safety, one that maintains the authority, tools, and technical capacity necessary to keep impaired and unqualified drivers off our roads.” Boxer Mike Tyson Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump for rescheduling cannabis. This decision reflects listening to people across the country and taking a practical step toward modernizing outdated policies. It supports American workers, families, and businesses, and allows over 500,000 existing… — Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) December 18, 2025 Former NFL Player Ricky Williams, who is a co-founder of Project Champion “For over 50 years, cannabis has been wrongly classified alongside the most dangerous substances in America. This Executive Order represents a long-overdue recognition that cannabis has legitimate medical value and that patients deserve policies grounded in science, compassion, and reality.” The post Lawmakers, State Officials, Advocates And Industry React To Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed the concerns of GOP lawmakers who oppose his freshly signed executive order to reschedule marijuana, pointing out that an overwhelming majority of Americans support the reform and that cannabis can help people—including his personal friends—who are suffering from serious health issues. At a signing ceremony, the president issued an order directing the attorney general to “complete” the process of moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III in the “most expeditious manner,” while also announcing plans to make full-spectrum CBD products available to patients through their health providers that could be covered by Medicare. After signing the order, Trump was asked about GOP opposition to the reclassification decision, which included a last-ditch push from groups of House and Senate Republicans to dissuade him from moving forward. The president said he’d prefer to have the medical professionals in attendance at the event take that question, but emphasized that polling has found that four in five Americans are in favor of rescheduling cannabis. The reform wouldn’t legalize marijuana, but it would ease research restrictions and let marijuana businesses take federal tax deductions available to other traditional industries. “I can only tell you that when you see polls [showing] 82 percent of the people want this” and have friends who are “really, really sick” and found relief with cannabis, the policy makes sense, Trump said. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), also responded to the reporter’s question about GOP lawmaker opposition, stressing that strictly prohibiting marijuana as a Schedule I drug for decades “hasn’t protected neither the adolescents nor the adults.” “This is not legalizing it. It’s making it easier to do research,” Volkow, who has long criticized keeping cannabis in Schedule I due to research limitations, said. Meanwhile, amid the heightened rumors that the Trump administration would be moving forward on marijuana rescheduling, multiple top congressional Democrats made the case that the reform would not go far enough—including one senator who said the move is only an attempt by the president to “gaslight” voters into thinking he legalized cannabis to boost his “pathetic” approval ratings. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), one of the more vocal prohibitionists in Congress, said this week that Trump doesn’t have the authority to unilaterally reschedule marijuana via executive order. But while lawmakers could overrule any administrative move to enact the reform, it would be a “heavy lift” in the Republican-controlled Congress, he acknowledged. The post Trump Dismisses GOP Lawmakers’ Opposition To His Marijuana Rescheduling Action, Pointing To Polling And Medical Benefits appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Marijuana will be federally rescheduled under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday. The directive also aims to address federal hemp laws to promote access to full-spectrum CBD that could be covered under federal health insurance plans. Months after Trump said a decision on the cannabis reform proposal was imminent, the president issued the directive for agencies to begin moving forward with the plan to transfer cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). “We have people begging for me to do this, people that are in great pain for decades,” Trump said. “This action has been requested by American patients suffering from extreme pain, incurable diseases, aggressive cancers, seizure disorders, neurological problems and more—including numerous veterans with service-related injuries and older Americans who live with chronic medical problems that severely degrade their quality of life.” The president emphasized that his order “doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form, and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug.” This marks one of the most significant developments in federal marijuana policy since its prohibition a half a century ago, with a Schedule III reclassification recognizing that marijuana has medical value and a lower abuse potential compared to other Schedule I drugs like heroin. Rescheduling will not federally legalize cannabis. But the policy change will allow state-licensed marijuana businesses to take federal tax deductions they’ve been deprived under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E. It will also remove certain research barriers applied to Schedule I drugs. The change may also spur additional states to modernize their own policies on cannabis, as some lawmakers have cited the federal government’s restrictive classification of marijuana as a reason they have been uncomfortable with enacting legalization or at least allowing medical use. In addition to directing the attorney general to “take all necessary steps to complete the rulemaking process related to rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III of the CSA in the most expeditious manner in accordance with Federal law,” Trump’s executive order also urges Congress to examine updating the definition of hemp to ensure that full-spectrum CBD is accessible to patients. If lawmakers do so, it could mitigate some concerns in the sector about a recent spending bill the president signed with provisions that would broadly ban consumable hemp products. A further redefinition of hemp would be part of a novel proposal to allow Medicare recipients to access non-intoxicating CBD that’d be covered under the federal health care plan. To effectuate that, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will also be announcing “a model that will allow a number of CMS beneficiaries to benefit from receiving CBD under doctor recommendation at no cost,” a White House official said during a briefing earlier on Thursday that Marijuana Moment first reported leaked details from ahead of the signing event. The CBD effort is a policy Trump seemed to endorse over the summer when he shared a video calling for that specific reform while promoting the health benefits of cannabidiol, particularly for seniors. During the signing ceremony on Thursday, Trump noted strong public support for marijuana reform and said he has received numerous phone calls in support of rescheduling. “I don’t think I received any calls on the other side of it,” he said. “I promised to be the president of common sense, and that is exactly what we’re doing,” Trump said. “This is really something having to do with common sense, and it’s something having to do with the fact that so many people that I respect asked me to do—people that are having problems, big problems, that are having big problems with illness, with cancer in particular.” President Donald J. Trump signs an Executive Order rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III — recognizing legitimate medical uses and expanding medical marijuana and cannabidiol research to better support patients and doctors. pic.twitter.com/7NpPaLbNTl — The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 18, 2025 Trump endorsed rescheduling—as well as industry banking access and a Florida adult-use legalization initiative—on the campaign trail last year. The president had been largely silent on the issue since taking office during his second term, until a briefing in August where in response to a reporter’s question he announced the administration would decide on rescheduling within weeks. By moving forward with the plan, Trump is completing a process initiated under the Biden administration. That involved a scientific review by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—which concluded that Schedule III is a more appropriate category for marijuana—as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Thursday that the question of cannabis “has divided our country for many, many years, and there are valid claims on both sides.” “On one side, patients and physicians attest that cannabinoids and THC can be have miraculous effects on chronic pain, on epilepsy, on PTSD, on chemotherapy induced nausea,” he said. “On the other side, there are valid claims about the negative impacts, about addiction, about psychosis, about adverse public health impacts and impacts, particularly on young people.” Recent news reports revealed that Trump was planning to issue the executive order directing federal agencies to move ahead with cannabis rescheduling following a meeting with marijuana industry executives, Kennedy and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz. During that meeting, Trump reportedly phoned House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who expressed his opposition to rescheduling cannabis. The rescheduling announcement comes weeks after the president signed a key spending bill that would effectively ban most consumable hemp products, drawing criticism from stakeholders in the hemp industry who argue the policy change would eradicate the market. Meanwhile, amid the heightened rumors that the Trump administration would be moving forward on marijuana rescheduling, multiple top congressional Democrats made the case that the reform would not go far enough—including one senator who said the move is only an attempt by the president to “gaslight” voters into thinking he legalized cannabis to boost his “pathetic” approval ratings. Dozens of Republican members of Congress have urged Trump not to reschedule marijuana, arguing that it would harm public health and safety. A White House fact sheet on the president’s order stresses that rescheduling “corrects the Federal government’s long delay in recognizing the medical use of marijuana and will vastly improve research on safety and efficacy.” “The lack of appropriate research on medical marijuana and consequent lack of FDA approval leaves American patients and doctors without adequate guidance on appropriate prescribing and utilization, especially as just over half of older Americans using marijuana have discussed the usage with their healthcare provider,” it says. “Schedule III status will allow research studies to incorporate real-world evidence and models that can assess the health outcomes of medical marijuana and legal CBD products while focusing on long-term health effects in vulnerable populations like adolescents and young adults.” The post Trump Signs Executive Order To Reclassify Marijuana By Removing It From Schedule I appeared first on Marijuana Moment. 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President Donald Trump will be signing an executive order on Thursday that will direct the attorney to “expedite” and “complete” the marijuana rescheduling process, throw a lifeline to the hemp industry, allow doctors to prescribe CBD products that would be eligible for Medicare coverage and more, a White House official told reporters at a readout ahead of the signing event. Marijuana Moment wasn’t invited to attend the background briefing, but obtained the transcript of the conversation. Many details are consistent with reporting about the plan to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), but the discussion revealed additional information about the order and how the administration is framing the reform. The official started by emphasizing that the “common sense” administrative action is “focused on increasing medical research for medical marijuana and CBD” to “better inform patients and doctors.” That means expediting the finalization of a rule to reschedule marijuana, they said. The move wouldn’t legalize cannabis, but it would help promote research while also letting marijuana businesses take federal tax deductions they’ve been barred from under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E. Here are new details about Trump’s executive order on cannabis: Direct the attorney general to expedite the completion of the process of rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III of the CSA. Direct top White House staff to work with Congress to give patients access to full-spectrum CBD products, “while still restricting the sale and access to products that cause serious and potentially life threatening health risks.” Urge Congress to examine updating the definition of hemp to ensure that full-spectrum CBD is accessible to patients—a policy change that could mitigate some concerns in the sector about a recent spending bill Trump signed with provisions that would broadly ban consumable hemp products. Direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to “develop research methods and models, to utilize real world evidence [and] to improve access to hemp-derived CBD products in accordance with federal law” while informing “standards of care.” Separate from Trump’s order, Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), will also be announcing “a model that will allow a number of CMS beneficiaries to benefit from receiving CBD under doctor recommendation at no cost,” the White House official said. “This is hemp-derived CBD products that would be eligible to receive CBD at no cost under a doctor’s recommendation,” they said. “The product must meet local and state quality and safety laws, come from a legally compliant source and be tested by a third party for CBD levels and contaminants.” While there’s been reporting that Trump’s order would include a directive to Congress to advance a cannabis banking reform bill and possible clemency action, those two details were not mentioned at the media briefing. But the order itself hasn’t been released yet, so it remains to be seen if those work into the action. “The president’s intent…is to remove barriers to research,” the White House staffer said. “The president has heard from so many people who have talked about the potential benefits of medical marijuana and CBD, but he’s also heard from patients and and from doctors that there’s not enough research to inform medical guidelines that many patients are using these products without talking to their doctor about them.” “As a Schedule I substance, marijuana has been defined historically as having no currently accepted medical use, a high abuse potential and a lack of accepted safety for use in their medical supervision,” they said, noting that federal agencies recommended rescheduling cannabis during the Biden administration following a “lengthy” scientific review that determined the plant and its constituents do, in fact, hold medical value. “The president’s directive to the attorney general is to complete that process,” they said, adding that seniors and people with chronic pain in particular may benefit from cannabis as an alternative therapy option. On hemp products, the White House staffer noted that the spending bill Trump recently signed redefined legal hemp products to have a legal limit of 0.4 milligrams per container. “The president’s directive is asking Congress to…potentially update that definition, so that full-spectrum CBD products would still be available.” National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow also spoke on the call, emphasizing how rescheduling will boost research on cannabis. “It’s important…because many Americans are using cannabis for medical purposes, and yet, for the most part, the evidence is not there in terms of not just what are the benefits, but also how to optimally give it to those individuals for which the condition does respond to cannabis,” she said. “I think it’s important to recognize that it is very likely that cannabis has potential therapeutic applications, but we also know very clearly that cannabis can be addictive,” Volkow said. “Thus, it’s crucial that we do research also in order to be able to optimally develop treatments that can help people addicted to cannabis, while at the same time pursuing the research that will enable us to understand under what conditions cannabis may have a therapeutic purpose for and how to minimize the risk.” The post Trump’s Marijuana Executive Order Details Leaked Ahead Of Announcement, Including CBD And Hemp Provisions appeared first on Marijuana Moment. 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Republican congressional lawmakers are making a last-ditch attempt to convince President Donald Trump not to follow through with reported plans to reschedule marijuana—with a pair of letters from House and Senate members who say the move would be a mistake. The House letter says rescheduling cannabis would “send the wrong message to America’s children, enable drug cartels, and make our roads more dangerous.” The representatives—led by Reps. Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Andy Harris (R-TX)—said cannabis is a “harmful drug that is worsening our nation’s addiction crisis.” The Senate letter, organized by Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), told Trump that moving marijuana to Schedule III would “undermine your strong efforts to Make America Great Again and to usher in America’s next economic Golden Age.” The House members’ letter attempts to appeal to Trump by characterizing the reform as a “Biden Administration rescheduling decision,” saying that the former president’s team tried to “expand the use of an addictive drug for partisan gain.” “Rescheduling marijuana will not make America great,” the lawmakers wrote. “You have always been a role model for America’s youth, telling young people for years that they should never do drugs. We hope that you consider the harms of marijuana rescheduling and continue sending that strong message of hope to the next generation.” The House letter claims that the policy change is not needed in order to boost research, contrary to comments the president made earlier this week. Both the House and Senate letters—which were circulated as the White House confirmed to Marijuana Moment that Trump would be addressing cannabis rescheduling on Thursday—claim that the primary benefit of rescheduling would go to cannabis companies that would no longer subject to the federal tax penalty known as 280E and could write off their business expenses. .@RepAndyHarrisMD and I co-led a letter to President Trump, joined by 24 of our colleagues, urging him to oppose any effort to reschedule marijuana. Reclassifying marijuana would send the wrong message to our children, worsen addiction, undermine public safety, and hand… pic.twitter.com/nvSV4xyh6o — Pete Sessions (@PeteSessions) December 18, 2025 “This would incentivize addiction-for-profit dispensaries to advertise more kid-friendly products than ever,” the House lawmakers wrote. “Tax relief should be prioritized for hard-working, law-abiding Americans and businesses, not marijuana shops.” They also argue that enacting federal cannabis reform will make roads “more dangerous” due to impaired driving and will “hamper” Trump’s efforts to combat Chinese-linked criminal groups that operate illicit marijuana farms in the U.S. “These farms yield billions in revenue for Chinese traffickers and are an essential component of fentanyl money laundering schemes. According to the DEA, many of these Chinese marijuana farms are licensed by state governments. Thus, they will be eligible for the 280E-exempt tax deductions under Schedule III. Our country cannot adopt a policy that will provide tax relief to Chinese cartels that kill thousands of Americans every day.” “Schedule I drugs are addictive and have no medical value. Marijuana fits squarely into this category,” the House letter says. “Rescheduling tells our youth that marijuana use is acceptable and safe, a dangerous falsehood that will sink us deeper into our country’s drug crisis.” Growing the marijuana industry endangers the health and safety of Americans. The only winners from rescheduling will be bad actors like Communist China and drug traffickers. I led a letter with 22 of my Senate colleagues voicing concerns about marijuana rescheduling. pic.twitter.com/eVDSAd3zlX — Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) December 18, 2025 The senators’ letter, first reported by Punchbowl News, concluded by saying that “in light of the documented dangers of marijuana, facilitating the growth of the marijuana industry is at odds with growing our economy and encouraging healthy lifestyles for Americans.” “We urge you to continue your strong leadership of our country and our economy, and to turn away from marijuana rescheduling,” they said. The Senate letter was signed by 22 members, including Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY), Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Republican Policy Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). In addition to Session and Harris, the House letter, first reported by Fox News, was also signed by 24 other lawmakers. Whether the messages from GOP lawmakers will influence the president’s decision remain to be seen, but numerous reports over the past week have affirmed that the rescheduling plan is in motion. That includes Marijuana Moment’s reporting on Wednesday that a White House official confirmed Trump is slated to address the issue on Thursday—while caveating that various rumors about the details are “speculation” until the administration finalizes a decision. As recently reported, the president’s executive order may also address ancillary issues related to CBD coverage through federal Medicare and a call for congressional action on cannabis banking. There are also rumors that a rescheduling decision will be coupled with presidential clemency, though the scope of that potential relief is unclear. That said, the White House spokesperson made clear that the deluge of details about the administration’s plans are speculative for now. But according to NBC News, the executive order may contain an explicit push from the president urging Congress to pass a bipartisan bill titled the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, which would prevent federal regulators for penalizing financial institutions simply for working with state-licensed marijuana businesses. The lack of banking access for the cannabis industry was also raised in a Senate subcommittee hearing on Tuesday. It’s also being speculated that the plan is to take a novel—albeit logistically complicated—approach to cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating component of the cannabis plant that’s widely used as a health supplement. Sources have said that drafts of the executive order have called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to amend its rules to let people on Medicare receive reimbursements for the cannabinoid product. That potential reform was also floated in a video from The Commonwealth Project touting the health benefits of CBD that Trump shared on Truth Social in late September. CMS implemented a rule in April specifically stipulating that marijuana, as well as CBD that can be derived from federally legal hemp, are ineligible for coverage under its Medicare Advantage program and other services. But the agency has since revised the proposed rule, just weeks before the expected administrative order by Trump. On Monday, Trump said he is “very strongly” considering rescheduling cannabis in part to ease restrictions on research into its effects. Opponents of the policy change have stepped up their efforts to dissuade the administration from moving forward, arguing that a reclassification to Schedule III will further normalize marijuana use even though it would not federally legalize the plant. Rescheduling would, however, let marijuana businesses take federal tax deductions while reducing certain research barriers associated with Schedule I drugs. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), one of the more vocal prohibitionists in Congress, said this week that Trump doesn’t have the authority to unilaterally reschedule marijuana via executive order. But while lawmakers could overrule any administrative move to enact the reform, it would be a “heavy lift” in the Republican-controlled Congress, he acknowledged. Meanwhile, multiple top congressional Democrats are making the case that the modest reform would not go far enough—including Sen. Ron Wyden (R-OR) who said the move is only an attempt by the president to “gaslight” voters into thinking he legalized cannabis to boost his “pathetic” approval ratings. A major drug testing industry organization separately said it’s “sounding the alarm” amid the reports Trump may soon finalize the rescheduling proposal, arguing that the policy change would “have catastrophic consequences for the safety of the United States workforce and transportation sectors.” — 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. — Bipartisan congressional lawmakers have been weighing in on the potential rescheduling decision over the past week—with Democrats like Rep. Alex Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) calling the reform a “no-brainer” and others like Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) pushing back against the proposal. The Washington Post reported last week that Trump was planning to issue an executive order directing federal agencies to move ahead with cannabis rescheduling. The outlet also said the president met earlier this week in the Oval Office with marijuana industry executives, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz. During that meeting, Trump phoned Johnson, the House speaker, who expressed his opposition to rescheduling cannabis, If the administration does ultimately enact rescheduling, it would mark one of the most significant developments in federal marijuana policy since its prohibition a half a century ago, with a Schedule III reclassification recognizing that marijuana has medical value and a lower abuse potential compared to other Schedule I drugs like heroin. Read the marijuana letters to Trump below: The post GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump Not To Reschedule Marijuana In Last-Ditch Effort To Block Historic Reform appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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Virginia’s Senate president pro tempore has filed a bill to provide relief for people convicted of past cannabis crimes, mandating that individuals with certain offenses automatically receive resentencing hearings and have their punishments adjusted. The legislation is similar to proposals passed by lawmakers in recent sessions that were vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R). The incumbent governor, however, will be leaving office next month and will be replaced by Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D), who supports marijuana reform. The current proposal, filed on Monday by Sen. Louise Lucas (D), would create a process by which people who are incarcerated or on community supervision for certain felony offenses involving the possession, manufacture, selling or distribution of marijuana could receive an automatic hearing to consider modification of their sentences. The measure applies to people whose convictions are for conduct that occurred prior to July 1, 2021, when a state law legalizing personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana went into effect. “During his term, Governor Youngkin repeatedly rejected efforts to review and modify marijuana-related sentences,” JM Pedini, development director for the advocacy group NORML and executive director for Virginia NORML, told Marijuana Moment. “We’re ready to move this issue forward under the Spanberger administration and secure justice for those impacted.” The new sentencing relief bill comes as lawmakers are planning to pass legislation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana sales to build on the state’s current noncommercial legalization law. Youngkin has also vetoed such proposals in the past, but Spanberger has pledged her support. “With all the excitement around a new market this is still one our most important bills that offers relief to the most harmed during Virginia’s full prohibition of marijuana,” Chelsea Higgs Wise, executive director of the advocacy group Marijuana Justice, told Marijuana Moment. “The resentencing bill is critical to show that Virginia is serious about providing repair along with building an equitable market,” she said. “Black Virginians were four times more likely to be arrested and convicted and there are still people serving sentences inside and on probation who deserve this relief while the commonwealth goes on to generate millions in revenue.” — 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. — Sheba Williams, executive director of Nolef Turns said that “the time to address sentence modification for cannabis related offenses was at the moment that legalization became reality in Virginia.” “We had multiple opportunities to do what was right and necessary each year under the Youngkin administration but failed to address the most significant harm of prohibition—the people who have been impacted,” Williams, who is also a Virginia NORML board member and serves on the Virginia Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board, said. “We hope that common sense and justice will apply to those impacted by the failed war on drugs as a new administration ushers in.” Earlier this month, the legislature’s Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market unveiled a much-anticipated proposal to legalize recreational marijuana sales that it is recommending lawmakers pass during the 2026 session. Lucas recently said the state should move forward with legalizing recreational marijuana sales—in part to offset the Trump administration’s cuts to federal spending in support of states. Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry published a new document this month outlining workplace protections for cannabis consumers. The post Top Virginia Senator Files Bill To Provide Sentencing Relief For People With Marijuana Convictions appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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A Republican senator has filed an amendment that would require the federal government to track the cost of hospitalization due to marijuana use. The proposal, from Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), would require the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to compile data on “Federal and State expenditures under the Medicaid program…that are attributable to costs incurred for providing medical assistance for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, and for services received at a hospital emergency room…related to marijuana use.” The information would be due in the form of a report to Congress within one year of the measure being enacted, along with any recommendations for legislation and administrative action that the HHS secretary determines to be appropriate. Legalization opponents have often claimed that cannabis drives an increase in hospital visits due to accidents and over-intoxication. Budd and other GOP senators sent a letter this week urging President Donald Trump not to follow through with plans to federally reschedule marijuana. The senator wants to attach the measure, which he filed on Tuesday, to spending legislation that would fund parts of the federal government for Fiscal Year 2026 that is currently awaiting Senate floor action. The full text of Budd’s marijuana amendment reads: “Sec. ____. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the ‘Secretary’) shall collect data relating to the amount of Federal and State expenditures under the Medicaid program established under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) that are attributable to costs incurred for providing medical assistance for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, and for services received at a hospital emergency room (without regard to whether such services are emergency services (as defined by the Secretary)) related to marijuana use (as defined by the Secretary). Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that includes such data and recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Secretary determines appropriate.” It’s not clear if the amendment will receive a vote on the Senate floor. The post GOP Senator Wants Feds To Study Hospital Costs Caused By Marijuana Use appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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