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Colorado-based marijuana entrepreneur Wanda James is running for Congress, pledging to push for a complete end to federal cannabis prohibition if she’s elected. Anything short of legalization—whether that’s a bill focused on industry banking access or another incremental reform such as rescheduling—won’t cut it, she says. James, who owns the Denver dispensary Simply Pure, is challenging Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) in next year’s Democratic primary to represent Colorado’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. She spoke about her cannabis legalization platform at a MJBizCon event on Wednesday. “No banking bill will save us. No half step will fix this. No incremental tweak will correct decades of damage,” she said in a press release ahead of the conference. “Only legalization gives this industry oxygen.” “Only legalization ends 280E. Only legalization ends the raids. Only legalization ends the fear,” she said, referring to the existing policy preventing cannabis businesses from taking federal tax deductions and broadly putting companies at risk of federal enforcement action. “Only legalization stops the fragmented nonsense that destroys operators while confusing the public.” “And let me be very clear about something else,” she said. “This is not a fight between hemp and cannabis. It is the same plant. The same history. The same communities. The same families. The same disrespect. It’s time to send someone to Congress who will meet the moment our industry demands.” In a statement on her campaign site, James similarly said she will “champion legislation to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) entirely” if elected. Simply rescheduling the plant or kicking the can down the road with “administrative delays” is insufficient, she said. “Full legalization. PERIOD,” she said. “This is the only way to move forward with federal safety standards, interstate commerce, banking access, and national market stability.” “In Congress, I will work with reform-minded officials, veterans in both parties, and economic innovation committees to ensure legalization is implemented quickly, safely, and with strong public-health and consumer protections,” James added. Today, I’m launching #LegalizeNOW — not reschedule, not half-measures.⁰ Full federal legalization is the only path.⁰ It’s time for real leadership that meets the moment. pic.twitter.com/YZa8BabjGA — Wanda4congress (@wanda4congress) December 2, 2025 The campaign statement also said James would push for legislative reform that involves putting marijuana tax revenue toward community reinvestment initiatives supporting “affordable housing, mental-health services, childcare assistance, public-school improvements, and neighborhood economic development.” “This approach ensures that legalization becomes a tool to lift families, support working people, and rebuild ALL communities harmed by decades of discriminatory and wasteful enforcement,” she said. The candidate further said she’d “push for a federal equity framework that ensures communities disproportionately impacted by criminalization receive licensing priority, business development support, and access to federal grants and low-interest capital.” James said the regulatory approach to marijuana she’d support would prevent “corporate consolidation from wiping out small operators and the pioneers who built this industry.” “I will fight for antitrust protections, federal loan access, and fair interstate commerce rules that allow small businesses to compete without being crushed by multinational interests,” she said. “And I will push for clear federal packaging, testing, and transportation standards so entrepreneurs can scale responsibly across state lines.” Also, as a military veteran herself, James said she’d pursue reform that’d allow doctors at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recommend medical cannabis to the veteran population “without fear of penalty or bureaucratic barriers.” In 2023, James approached then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) at an event focused on higher education and pressed him on stalled-out marijuana banking legislation, expressing how Black entrepreneurs in the industry are broadly supportive of the incremental reform to free up banks and credit unions to work with state-licensed cannabis businesses. “I would be thrilled to see more and more movement on this. However—make no mistake—first and foremost, we must get basic banking over the finish line,” she told Marijuana Moment at the time, adding that her own personal bank accounts were closed recently due to her involvement in the marijuana industry. James is also an elected regent at the University of Colorado, and her role in the marijuana industry became a point of contention leading to a formal censure by the Board of Regents after she criticized an advertisement campaign warning of the risks of cannabis use that she called racist because of its portrayal of Black people using marijuana. “This is a victory for me, because we have completely exposed the University of Colorado’s issues with race,” she said of the censure. “We have been able to lay them bare for the world to see, and I could not be more proud of my community and the people who have stood with truth and stood against anti-Blackness.” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) responded to the board’s censure action, writing that the “First Amendment protects the right to free expression,” and neither “a White House executive order nor a public university policy can override this fundamental right.” The First Amendment protects the right to free expression. Neither a White House executive order nor a public university policy can override this fundamental right. I am concerned that the CU Board of Regents action sanctioning Regent Wanda James did just that. Thread — Phil Weiser (@pweiser) July 14, 2025 “I am concerned that the CU Board of Regents action sanctioning Regent Wanda James did just that,” he said. “To protect the right of free expression and the fair treatment of CU Regent James, the Board of Regents would do well to reconsider its action against her. Leaving this action in place not only raises questions of fairness, it undermines CD1’s representation on the Board.” — Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — Last year, Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) called James a “force of nature,” recognizing her influence in the marijuana policy debate and historic role in Colorado’s cannabis program. DeGette, the incumbent congresswoman whose seat James is running for, is also supportive of marijuana reform. For example, she’s sponsored legislation—as well as an appropriation rider—to prevent federal interference in state cannabis laws. The post Marijuana Business Owner Running For Congress Says Federal Legalization Is The ‘Only Path’ For ‘National Market Stability’ appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Former President Joe Biden didn’t just issue mass pardons for federal marijuana possession offenses during his term—his administration also ordered U.S. prosecutors to be “extremely cautious” about how to handle future cannabis cases, according to a previously unpublished guidance memo obtained by Marijuana Moment that has since been rescinded under the Trump administration. The guidance, issued on February 26, 2024—which also had specific implications for medical cannabis patients in legal states and federal laws on gun possession by marijuana consumers—wasn’t publicized even as the then-president was campaigning for a second term that year. That’s despite Biden repeatedly touting the cannabis pardons and his directive for a federal review into marijuana that resulted in a recommendation to reschedule the plant. But last month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming disclosed that the guidance was rescinded in September, and it said cases involving marijuana would consequently be “rigorously” enforced on federal land. In response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, DOJ provided Marijuana Moment with the initial guidance and the notice of the rescission under President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The Biden administration memo advised prosecutors about the scope of the pardons, noting limitations of the clemency action and stressing that, while a pardon represents formal forgiveness for low-level cannabis cases that took place on or before December 22, 2023, U.S. attorneys should generally “oppose motions seeking to expunge records related to pardoned marijuana possession convictions.” On multiple occasions, Biden misrepresented that part of the relief by suggesting that pardons would be accompanied by expungements of past records. But those limitations notwithstanding, the guidance did advise federal attorneys that they “should move to dismiss all [marijuana] charges that are subject to the pardon proclamation”—and that they were further required to report to higher-ups in the Justice Department before pursuing certain additional cannabis-related cases. “Because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, U.S. Attorneys retain the discretion to prosecute cases involving simple possession, use, or attempted possession of marijuana against individuals whose conduct was not covered by the pardon proclamation,” the document says. But, it continues, “U.S. Attorneys should be extremely cautious and measured in the exercise of this discretion.” “Effective immediately, all charges of simple possession of marijuana and other charges where the underlying criminal conduct involves simple possession, use, or attempted possession of marijuana…may only be pursued with the approval of the U.S. Attorney or a supervisory AUSA designated by the U.S. Attorney,” the guidance states. That discretionary policy and reporting requirement was explicitly rescinded in a more recent notice from Francey Hakes, director of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) under the Trump administration, that was distributed to federal prosecutors on September 29 of this year, for reasons that remain unclear. Here’s what Trump’s DOJ said regarding the Biden-era guidance: “EOUSA issued the February 26, 2024 memorandum Department Guidance Regarding the Impact of the President’s Recent Proclamation Pardoning Certain Marijuana Offenses which provided that approval of the United States Attorney (USA) or a supervisory AUSA designated by the USA was required for initiation of all charges of simple possession of marijuana and other charges where the underlying conduct involved simple possession, use, or attempted possession of marijuana. The Memorandum also required that all such charging decisions must be reported immediately to EOUSA’s Controlled Substances Coordinator within 72 hours. This charging guidance and reporting requirement is hereby rescinded, effective immediately.” The Biden guidance, meanwhile, also specified that the pardon proclamation “does not expunge prior convictions.” “With the limited exception of certain individuals who may be eligible for expungement under 18 U.S.C. § 3607, U.S. Attorneys should oppose motions seeking to expunge records related to pardoned marijuana possession convictions,” it says, adding that another key limitation of the clemency action is the fact that cannabis remains federally illegal, so prosecutors could pursue simple possession cases that occurred after the proclamation was issued. “The proclamation does not pardon any other offenses and does not impact the ability to prosecute other crimes related to marijuana or other controlled substances. U.S. Attorneys may continue to charge defendants with simple possession of other controlled substances and other marijuana-related offenses, such as possession of marijuana with intent to distribute or distribution of marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and crimes related to impaired driving caused by marijuana use or public intoxication… U.S. Attorneys may also bring cases for marijuana possession, attempted possession, or use involving conduct that occurred after December 22, 2023, or was otherwise not covered by the pardon proclamation, but should do so with great caution and appropriate supervisory approval.” But the enhanced reporting requirements for prosecutions involving low-level cannabis cases stands out as an example of administrative reform—a policy change the Biden administration curiously declined to capitalize on months before the November 2024 election. Mike Liszewski, the principal of Enact Consulting, told Marijuana Moment after reviewing the memo that he sees “two important takeaways” from the original document and the fact that it has now been rescinded. “First, by the previous DOJ issuing guidance to dismiss marijuana simple possession cases, withdraw associated warrants and fees, and discourage future prosecutions, Biden’s December 2023 pardon proclamation had further reaching impacts in terms of criminal justice reform than we originally thought,” he said. “It strikes me as political malpractice for the Biden administration not to have publicized this guidance at the time it was issued.” “Second, by this current DOJ rescinding the guidance discouraging marijuana simple possession prosecutions, it shows that this administration is seeking to more aggressively prosecute people who use marijuana,” Liszewski said. “Notably, the DOJ’s current position on prosecuting simple marijuana possession offenses seems to be at odds with President Trump’s campaign statements in support of Florida’s 2024 adult-use ballot measure.” When contacted by Marijuana Moment on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment about the reasoning for the rescission of the guidance. Another notable section of the Biden guidance seems to make a policy distinction for people who use cannabis for medical versus recreational purposes, specifically as it concerns the use of marijuana constituting a violation of the conditions of pretrial release, probation and supervised relief. “Violations of conditions of supervision that are based on the medicinal use of marijuana by an individual who lives in a state that authorizes medicinal use, and who has a valid, state-issued medical marijuana license or permit might not warrant the revocation of release conditions in all situations,” the document says. “Accordingly, if the U.S. Probation Office files a violation of supervised release or probation petition based on a defendant’s personal use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in conformity with state law, U.S. Attorneys have the discretion to recommend alternatives to incarceration as an appropriate penalty,” it says. It’s not immediately clear why that distinction for medical cannabis patients, as opposed to adult-use marijuana consumers was made, but it’s possible it’s related to a longstanding congressional spending bill rider that prohibits DOJ from using its funds to interfere in the implementation of state medical cannabis programs. There’s no equivalent rider in place for recreational marijuana laws. Additionally, the memo touches on prosecutions of cases involving marijuana and firearms—a subject that’s been litigated in federal courts across the country in recent years, with the U.S. Supreme Court recently saying it will take up a case on the issue. It states that prosecutors “may pursue charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) or 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(3) based on the unlawful use of, or addiction to, marijuana because the proclamation does not change the fact that marijuana use violates federal law.” However, in order to “mitigate potential litigation risk,” U.S. attorneys “should be cautious before proceeding under these firearms provisions and consult with EOUSA’s Controlled Substances Coordinator prior to doing so.” That seems to be something of an admission of the legal vulnerability of the hotly contested statute. The U.S. attorney for Wyoming, Darin Smith, said last month that the recent rescission reenforces his office’s intent to use “every prosecutorial tool available to hold offenders accountable.” “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law, including the enforcement of federal statutes prohibiting the possession of marijuana and other controlled substances,” he said. The federal prosecutor’s message adds to the uncertainty around how the current administration views its enforcement role as federal and state cannabis laws continue to conflict. For example, the notice from Smith’s office comes just one day after Trump signed a key spending bill that contains provisions to ban consumable hemp products with THC—a move that industry stakeholders say would eradicate the market that’s emerged since the president signed the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing the crop during his first term. Then there’s the ongoing marijuana rescheduling process that the president said in late August would be decided within a matter of weeks. That still hasn’t come to fruition—and a White House spokesperson told Marijuana Moment last month that “there is a process ongoing regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on rescheduling marijuana from May 2024 and all policy and legal requirements and implications are being considered.” — 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. — Trump endorsed rescheduling—as well as marijuana industry banking access and a Florida adult-use legalization initiative that ultimately failed—on the campaign trail ahead of his election to a second term. But when he was pressed on the status of the rescheduling process in mid-August, he was less clear about his personal stance. The administration was “only looking at that” reform, and it’s too “early” to say how the issue will be decided, he said at the time, adding that “it’s a very complicated subject.” Meanwhile, top White House staffers under the Biden administration recently shed new light on the mass marijuana pardon and cannabis rescheduling process they helped facilitate, revealing the extent to which they were involved in broader clemency actions that are now under scrutiny by GOP leaders. Also, as the marijuana rescheduling proposal awaits action, some GOP members of Congress have been urging Trump to move forward with the reform—with one lawmaker taking a jab at Biden by joking that it’s possible the prior administration “must have not been able to find the autopen in time” to complete the cannabis reform process it initiated. Separately, the president in October posted a video on his Truth Social platform promoting the health benefits of cannabis—suggesting that covering CBD under Medicare would be “the most important senior health initiative of the century.” Read the cannabis enforcement guidance and rescission notice below: The post Newly Revealed Biden Marijuana Guidance Rescinded By Trump DOJ Told Prosecutors To Be ‘Extremely Cautious’ About Cannabis Cases appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

“Our governments, farmers and small businesses need more guidance and regulatory certainty—not blanket bans.” By U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), via MinnPost Since Congress legalized hemp in 2018, Minnesota’s hemp industry has blossomed. In the roughly two and a half years since Minnesota signed its own hemp legalization bill into law, hemp has grown into a $200 million a year industry, creating thousands of local jobs in everything from farming and brewing to soapmaking and textiles. It has flourished because Minnesota stepped up to do things the right way by implementing smart and reasonable regulation at the state level. But a few weeks ago, congressional Republicans decided to turn back the clock on the progress Minnesota’s hemp industry has made—threatening local jobs, small businesses, tax revenue and innovation along with it. Much to my disappointment, they did so without talking to Minnesota stakeholders or engaging with the committees most involved in the hemp supply chain—from growth to final product. That includes the House Agriculture Committee, where I serve as the top Democrat. Since then, my office has been flooded with calls, emails and letters from concerned Minnesotans. If the federal government is to get involved in hemp production and sales at the state level, it ought to do so by providing regulatory clarity and market structure for a growing industry—not by adopting one-size-fits-all policies that upend a critical economic engine overnight. In Minnesota, hemp supports jobs at 132 licensed growers, 96 licensed processors and over 2,000 retailers. Despite only a minority of Minnesotans reporting regular use of cannabis or hemp-derived products, a majority—over 60 percent—say they support its legalization. These Minnesotans are not a monolith. Everyone from veterans to hockey moms use hemp-infused products, and consumer choice would be restricted by federal overreach. This newly passed law gives Congress one year to determine a path forward that protects Minnesota small businesses and consumers. Instead of taking a step backward, Congress should look to taking the next step forward to create regulatory certainty for hemp products nationwide. Federal agencies need to know who is in charge, and who regulates what. While certain decisions can be left to the states—in the same way that states are allowed to regulate the sales of alcohol—the federal government still has a role to play regarding which agencies have jurisdiction over what aspects of the cannabis industry. Everyone from veterans to hockey moms use hemp-infused products, and (despite what my Republican colleagues think) it's not the federal government’s place to get involved. I’m supporting the family farmers that grow hemp, the small businesses that process it and the Minnesota… pic.twitter.com/UMjhqvcYG3 — Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) December 3, 2025 The U.S. Department of Agriculture should establish the guidelines and regulations for the growth and production of hemp, including hemp fiber and grain—a surprising source of protein. The Food and Drug Administration likely needs to engage around hemp-infused edibles and beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Other federal agencies likely need to have a say in other areas, including the Federal Trade Commission, which could influence how these products are marketed and advertised across the country, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which has experience regulating the production of intoxicating substances. I have been at the forefront of this effort. In 2020, I joined a cohort of Minnesota lawmakers to call on federal agencies to coordinate and streamline hemp rules so that Minnesota farmers, businesses and tribes could benefit from the budding industry. In 2023, I worked across the aisle and put forth bipartisan legislation to protect consumers and ensure food and dietary supplements made with cannabidiol (commonly referred to as CBD) were properly regulated. Any solution must also address the very real concerns expressed by retailers, parents and law enforcement. That includes preventing hemp-derived products from being marketed to children in the same way that vapes and e-cigarettes have been, with their eye-catching colors and bubblegum-flavored cartridges. Their worries make sense. I’ve seen firsthand the jobs and opportunities that legal hemp provides in Minnesota and heard from concerned parents about unregulated hemp-products. I applaud our state for setting the gold standard for hemp regulation and oversight when the federal government would not. Our governments, farmers and small businesses need more guidance and regulatory certainty—not blanket bans. I stand ready to continue my work in Congress to support the Minnesota farmers who grow hemp, the small businesses that process it, and the Minnesota brewers and small businesses that produce and sell safe regulated products. Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat, represents Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district and is a candidate for U.S. Senate. This article first appeared on MinnPost and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. The post Federal Hemp Ban Pushed By GOP Is A ‘Step Backward,’ Democratic Congresswoman Says (Op-Ed) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

State agencies that regulate marijuana are far more attentive to public health concerns than the those charged with overseeing alcohol, a new government-funded study has concluded. “Cannabis regulatory agencies largely outperform alcohol regulatory agencies in terms of their articulated public health goals, activities, and policies,” the authors, all affiliated with the University of Maryland, wrote. For the study, researchers analyzed recent annual reports from state regulatory agencies in all 24 U.S. states where adult use cannabis is legal as of mid-2025. They compared how cannabis and alcohol regulatory agencies outlined their goals, reported collaboration with health agencies and described activities aimed at improving public health and safety. According to the analysis, 68 percent of cannabis regulatory agencies referenced public health goals in their mission statements, compared with just 35 percent of those that oversee alcohol. As some campaigns to legalize recreational cannabis swept through state ballots over the last decade, “regulate marijuana like alcohol” was a common refrain—but the new study suggests that in practice, marijuana is now being regulated more robustly than alcohol when it comes to key public health measures. The authors also observed differences in outcomes among states, depending on the manner in which marijuana legalization was achieved. “Compared to states that legalized adult-use cannabis through ballot initiatives, states that legalized through their legislatures reported more public health indicators for both cannabis and alcohol regulators,” they wrote. The paper also notes that while the initial wave of laws ending marijuana prohibition were passed via voter initiatives, “states adopting adult-use cannabis legalization more recently have predominantly legalized through their state legislatures and have cannabis regulators that report on a greater number of cannabis-related public health issues.” Regardless of the method of legalization, the researchers, who are affiliated with the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland, concluded that “adult-use cannabis regulatory agencies reported all public health indicators more often, while alcohol regulatory agencies reported engaging in law enforcement efforts more often than cannabis regulators.” The study was funded by a grant from the California Department of Cannabis Control and published in the December 2025 edition of the scientific journal International Journal of Drug Policy. The authors caution that further investigation would be beneficial in understanding the differences among state regulations. “More research is needed to assess whether public health-related actions reported by cannabis agencies translate into tangible public health benefits among cannabis using and affected populations,” they wrote. The new study comes as members of Congress have teamed up across the aisle to prepare the federal government to regulate marijuana like alcohol. One bill that has been introduced in the House would direct the attorney general to create a commission charged with making recommendations on a regulatory system for cannabis that models what is currently in place for alcohol. It also comes at a time when a coalition of leading alcohol industry groups successfully urged Congress to impose a ban on intoxicating hemp products—though they said they would ultimately like federal officials develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for the products. Additionally, the study comes on the heels of a GOP senator saying in June that opponents of marijuana legalization “have lost” the fight to maintain prohibition and that it’s time for lawmakers to address that reality by creating a regulatory framework treating cannabis “in the same way that we do with alcohol and tobacco,” so that states can set their own policies without federal interference. The post Marijuana Regulations Protect Public Health Better Than Alcohol Rules Do, New Government-Funded Study Finds appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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Doctors in Texas can now complete and submit an official state form to recommend adding new medical conditions that they think should qualify a patient for medical marijuana. And dispensaries can also use the form to put forward proposals to authorize specific inhalation devices for patients. After officials adopted rules in compliance with a recently enacted state law expanding Texas’s medical cannabis program, the Department of State Health Services released the new form on Tuesday. For doctors seeking to add qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, they are required to submit peer-reviewed research justifying the expansion. Dispensaries, meanwhile, must affirm that the device they’re recommending is “safe and effective for the pulmonary inhalation of low-THC cannabis.” The form is being distributed just as the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) has conditionally approved nine new medical marijuana business licenses as part of a new cannabis law. Under the law passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in June, DPS is required to issue a total of 12 new licenses under the legislation. The department will issue conditional licenses to three additional dispensaries by April 2026. This represents a major change to the program, as there are currently only three dispensaries licensed to operate in Texas. DPS in October adopted additional rules to increase the number of licensed dispensaries, establishing security requirements for “satellite” locations and authorizing the revocation of licenses for certain violations. In addition to increasing the number of dispensaries in the state, the law signed by the governor also expands the state’s list of medical cannabis qualifying conditions to include chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, while also allowing end-of-life patients in palliative or hospice care to use marijuana. — 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. — Separately, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently adopted a set of emergency rules meant to prevent the sale of intoxicating hemp products to people under 21. After similar restrictions were implemented by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) in September, DSHS announced that they’ve moved forward with the policies changes that comply with the governor’s recent executive order on hemp. After the legislature failed to pass a controversial bill to ban hemp products containing THC during two special sessions following the governor’s veto of a similar measure earlier this year, the governor signed the executive order to impose certain restrictions on the market. Meanwhile, a recent survey from a GOP pollster affiliated with President Donald Trump found that Texas Democratic and Republican voters are unified in their opposition to the hemp ban proposal. The post Texas Agency Releases Form To Recommend New Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions And Approved Inhalation Devices appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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A top marijuana reform group is encouraging people to participate in an annual holiday letter drive by sending messages of hope and support to those who remain behind bars over cannabis offenses. The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has been running the letter-writing campaign for the past seven years, putting a spotlight on the fact that while a majority of states have legalized marijuana for some purpose, there are still thousands of incarcerated people facing the consequences of cannabis criminalization. The letter drive isn’t necessarily about promoting specific reforms. Rather, it’s meant to simply connect with people who might feel especially pained around the holiday season as they remain locked up over marijuana instead of being able to spend time with their families and friends. “The holidays can bring a heavy loneliness for those behind bars,” Stephanie Shepard, acting executive director of LPP, said in a press release. “After serving nearly 10 years in prison for a non-violent, first-time cannabis conviction, I know how isolating it can feel to be away from family and friends during this season. I hope people will consider taking a few minutes to write—it means more than you can imagine.” LPP has an online portal where supporters can send letters to incarcerated people, and it also provides a guide on how to find addresses to physically mail letters to impacted people serving time in prisons across the country. “You may also host or participate in a letter-writing drive (for example: at your workplace, business or with friends). Suggested settings include holiday parties, work events, front-of-business locations, or shared social media campaigns,” the advocacy group said. Philip Feng, who is helping lead this year’s holiday letter-writing campaign after serving nearly two years in prison over a non-violent cannabis conviction, said that, while incarcerated, “the hardest moments were the ones when I felt cut off from the world.” “A single letter could break through that isolation. It reminded me that I still had value, that people on the outside hadn’t forgotten me,” he said. “This drive gives that same lifeline to others who are still waiting to come home.” In September, LPP and the Balanced Veterans Network (BVN) launched a separate campaign to mobilize military veterans to help convince Republican lawmakers to embrace embrace federal cannabis reform. Also, while state legislatures considered a number of criminal justice reform bills around marijuana this year, most ultimately failed to make it across the finish line—a trend advocates at LPP described in a review released over the summer the “hidden crisis in cannabis reform.” — Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — The nonprofit has long pushed for legalization of cannabis to include measures meant to address past drug war harms. In May, the group organized a coalition of marijuana reform advocates that held an event outside the White House to urge President Donald Trump to free those still incarcerated over cannabis. The rally was part of a “Cannabis Unity Week of Action” helmed by LPP that also involved congressional lawmakers who’ve spoken about their own efforts to advance reform on Capitol Hill. It featured multiple speakers who shared stories about their personal experiences with the criminal justice system and their advocacy work, making the case to the administration that now is the time to put a definitive end to marijuana criminalization. At the federal level, Trump is facing pressure on multiple fronts to fulfill campaign pledges to federally reschedule marijuana. That wouldn’t federally legalize the plant, but it could signal a softening of the decades-long war on cannabis. While Trump said in mid-August a decision on rescheduling would come within weeks, that hasn’t come to fruition. The post Marijuana Advocacy Group Launches Holiday Campaign To Send Letters Of Support To People Still Incarcerated For Cannabis appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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VA legal marijuana sales plan; Feds reject psychedelic org’s grant app; TX medical cannabis licenses; MN lawmakers push cannabis employee stock plans 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 The Progressive Turnout Project sent a warning that President Donald Trump and other Republicans could “steal” the popular issue of cannabis legalization away from Democrats—saying that “anti-marijuana policies wrongfully target Black Americans and have cost the U.S. BILLIONS of dollars.” The Department of Veterans Affairs rejected a suicide prevention grant application from No Fallen Heroes, which helps connect veterans to programs where they can receive psychedelic therapy to treat serious mental health conditions. The Virginia legislature’s Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market unveiled a plan to legalize recreational marijuana sales in 2026 under Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D), who supports the reform. The Texas Department of Public Safety conditionally approved nine new medical marijuana business licenses as part of an expansion of patient access to cannabis under a new law passed by lawmakers and signed by the governor this year. Minnesota Sen. Robert Kupec (D) and Rep. Nolan West (R) argue in a new op-ed that the state should allow marijuana businesses to offer employee stock ownership plans, which they say would “create crucial tax benefits the industry desperately needs.” / FEDERAL President Donald Trump pardoned former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández for drug trafficking convictions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited the “fog of war” in defending a second military strike on an alleged drug boat. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) tweeted, “The hemp industry employs thousands of Minnesotans. The new federal ban would eliminate jobs & pull the rug out from businesses operating under MN’s strong safety standards. I am working NOW across the aisle to ensure states like MN can continue producing hemp & safe products.” The House bill to designate psychedelic therapy centers of excellence got one new cosponsor for a total of 21. / STATES The Nebraska Supreme Court will hear a lawsuit seeking to overturn the voter-approved medical cannabis law on Wednesday. California generated $283.7 million in marijuana tax revenue during the third quarter of 2025. Oregon regulators are accepting public comments on proposed changes to psilocybin services rules. Rhode Island’s health director discussed a new program to encourage responsible cannabis use. Pennsylvania regulators published updated data on the medical cannabis program. New Jersey cannabis regulators sent a reminder that state officials are prohibited from accepting any gift, favor, service or other thing of value related in any way to their public duties. The New Mexico Medical Psilocybin Advisory Board will meet on Friday. Ohio regulators will hold a hearing about proposed changes to hemp rules on December 22. — Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — / LOCAL Los Angeles, California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues. / INTERNATIONAL Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that by not legalizing marijuana, the country “loses exports and increases its own violence.” The World Health Organization added cannabis hyperemesis syndrome to its diagnostic manual. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found that “cannabis use is not uniformly harmful to cognition in older adults,” “past use was linked to better performance and slower decline in some cognitive domains” and “specific usage patterns, such as longer duration, were associated with poorer outcomes in other domains.” A study concluded that “the core abuse potential methods that serve U.S. [Controlled Substances Act] scheduling and global new drug scheduling are generally reliable for many categories of drugs but need to be modified and perhaps supplemented with additional outcome measures to more fully and accurately characterize potential abuse-related risks.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS Finland’s Left Alliance party endorsed cannabis legalization. / BUSINESS Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc.’s Virginia assets. Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Company is launching a “reverse licensing model” under which dispensaries can use its branding while maintaining ownership. Glass House Brands Inc. settled a lawsuit from hourly agricultural workers who claimed the company bilked them out of sick pay, minimum wage and lunch breaks. Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images. The post Could Trump “steal” the cannabis issue from Dems? (Newsletter: December 3, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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A Virginia legislative commission on marijuana has unveiled a much-anticipated proposal to legalize recreational marijuana sales that it is recommending lawmakers pass during the 2026 session. And with an incoming governor supportive of the cannabis reform, advocates are optimistic that the plan could come fruition. After months of hearings and debate, the legislature’s Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market released a framework for an adult-use marijuana program at its final meeting on Tuesday. Since legalizing cannabis possession and home cultivation in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have worked to establish a commercial marijuana market—only to have those efforts consistently stalled under outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures to enact it that were sent to his desk by the legislature. Once the next legislative session begins in January, the new proposal is expected to be sponsored by Del. Paul Krizek (D), who has served as chair of the commission, as well as Sens. Louise Lucas (D) and Aaron Rouse (D). Notably, the latest version of the recommended legislation omits language from previous measures that would’ve allowed local jurisdictions to opt out of allowing marijuana businesses within their borders, while also increasing the authority of local governments to levy taxes and promoting a licensing structure that prioritizes small businesses. “Our commission has worked very diligently to review existing law and develop a bill that will not only establish a much needed adult-use retail market here in Virginia, but also reflect what Virginians wanted to be. And we’ve listened to you,” Krizek said in opening remarks on Tuesday. The panel didn’t release the text of a finalized bill it wants the legislature to pass—as staff are still making tweaks based on members’ input—and instead posted a seven-page document outlining changes from a bill that advanced last session. “Our goal has been to listen, and I think we have. And so this bill hopefully has a little for everybody,” Krizek said. “It builds a new market that supports hundreds of small businesses and strengthens Virginia agriculture, reduces the racial disparities created by the prohibition on marijuana and, most importantly, protects public safety and health.” Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D), the vice chair of the panel, echoed those points, stating that the commission “has taken the feedback that has been shared through various stakeholders. You will hear support for some of those recommendations, and you will hear continued opposition to some of those recommendations, but this is what they are.” “They are simply recommendations that will continue to be a fluid—continue to be assessed and further work all the way through this process, as well as the legislative process,” she said. “But I hope that what this matrix reveals today is a responsive attempt to try to take all of the feedback that has been received and structure it into a process and a framework that we can work from in a more collective way.” Krizek and Aird—alongside fellow commission member Rep. Will Morefield (R)—also laid out their thinking on the cannabis rgulatory framework in an op-ed published by Cardinal News on Monday. The lawmakers wrote that they “want retailers to reflect the character and essence of the communities they locate in.” “That’s why any legislation that removes the opt-out option will also allow local governments to maintain full zoning authority, set operational guidelines, review local business licensing and set buffer distances from schools and houses of worship,” they said. “We get one chance to get this right. Virginia has gone on too long in a state of confusion created by an unfinished cannabis law,” the legislators said. “No matter where a person lives, whether it’s in rural, urban or suburban Virginia, they deserve access to cannabis should they choose to use it, and without fear of contaminated products that put their health, safety and well-being at risk.” “There is only one way to do that, and it’s with a law that establishes a retail marketplace for adults that protects consumers and children, allows equitable and fair participation and access in that marketplace, supports law enforcement and fulfills the promise of true legalization,” they said. Here’s what Virginia’s marijuana sales legislation as passed last year would have done: Retail sales could begin as of May 1, 2026. Adults would be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction, or up to an equivalent amount of other cannabis products as determined by regulators. A tax of up to 11.625 percent would apply to the retail sale of any cannabis product. That would include a state retail and use tax of 1.125 percent on top of a new marijuana-specific tax of 8 percent. Local governments could levy an additional 2.5 percent. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry. Its board of directors would have the authority to control possession, sale, transportation, distribution, delivery and testing of marijuana. Local governments could ban marijuana establishments, but only if voters approve an opt-out referendum. Locations of retail outlets could not be within 1,000 feet of another marijuana retailer. Cultivators would be regulated by space devoted to marijuana cultivation, known as canopy size. Both indoor and outdoor marijuana cultivation would be allowed, though only growers in lower tiers—with lower limits on canopy size—could grow plants outside. Larger growers would need to cultivate plants indoors. Secure greenhouses would qualify as indoor cultivation. Only direct, face-to-face transactions would be permitted. The legislation would prohibit the use of other avenues, such as vending machines, drive-through windows, internet-based sales platforms and delivery services. Existing medical marijuana providers that enter the adult-use market could apply to open up to five additional retail establishments, which would need to be colocated at their existing licensed facilities. Serving sizes would be capped at 10 milligrams THC, with no more than 100 mg THC per package. No person could be granted or hold an interest in more than five total licenses, not including transporter licenses. People with convictions for felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude within the past seven years would be ineligible to apply for licensing, as would employees of police or sheriff’s departments if they’re responsible for enforcement of the penal, traffic or motor vehicle laws of the commonwealth. An equity-focused microbusiness program would grant licenses to entities at least two-thirds owned and directly controlled by eligible applicants, which include people with past cannabis misdemeanors, family members of people with past convictions, military veterans, individuals who’ve lived at least three of the past five years in a “historically economically disadvantaged community,” people who’ve attended schools in those areas and individuals who received a federal Pell grant or attended a college or university where at least 30 percent of students are eligible for Pell grants. A “historically economically disadvantaged community” is defined as an area that has recorded marijuana possession offenses at or above 150 percent of the statewide average between 2009 and 2019. Tax revenue from the program would first cover the costs of administering and enforcing the state’s cannabis system. After that, 60 percent of remaining funds would go toward supporting the state’s Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, 25 percent would fund substance use disorder treatment and prevention, 10 percent would go to pre-K programs for at-risk children and 5 percent would fund a public health and awareness campaign. Adults could also share up to 2.5 ounces with other adults without financial remuneration, though gray-market “gifting” of marijuana as part of another transaction would be punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor and a Class 1 misdemeanor on second and subsequent offenses. A number of other new criminal penalties would be created. Knowingly selling or giving marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia to someone under 21, for example, would be a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $2,500 fine, as would knowingly selling cannabis to someone reasonably believed to be intoxicated. It would also be a Class 1 misdemeanor to advertise the sale of marijuana paraphernalia to people under 21. Knowingly obtaining marijuana on behalf of someone under 21 would be a Class 1 misdemeanor. People under 21 who possess or use marijuana, or attempt to obtain it, would be subject to a civil penalty of no more than $25 and ordered to enter a substance use disorder treatment and/or education program. Illegal cultivation or manufacture of marijuana, not including legal homegrow, would be a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. People could process homegrown marijuana into products such as edibles, but butane extraction or the use of other volatile solvents would be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. As recommended by the joint commission, here’s how the bill would change for 2026: Retail sales would begin as of November 1, 2026. Local government could not opt out of allowing marijuana businesses to operate in their area. Localities wold have greater tax authority, however. They could impose up to a 3.5 percent local tax on marijuana sales, compared to a 2.5 percent cap in prior bills. Cannabis retailers could not operate within one mile of each other, rather than 1,000 feet as the original bill stipulated. The bill would create a “direct-to-consumer” license allowing micro-businesses to deliver their products to adult-use customers’ homes. Existing medical cannabis operators could have up to nine dispensaries for adult sales, if they pay a $10 million licensing conversion fee. Top-tier marijuana cultivator licensees could have a maximum canopy size of 35,000 square feet—half the size of what the original bill proposed. All cannabis businesses would have to establish a labor peace agreement with workers. Officials would need to explore allowing on-site consumption licenses and permits for cannabis events such as farmers markets. Up to 50 percent of initial cannabis licenses would go to micro-businesses. And all types of licensees would be limited to a maximum of five total retail and/or cultivation authorization. No sales or transfers of marijuana business licenses could be made without regulators’ approval. Doing so without approval would result in an automatic license suspension. Marijuana dispensaries that are operated by pharmaceutical processors would need to keep certain amounts of cannabis for sales that’s produced by micro-businesses or manufacturers owned by people disproportionately impacted by prohibition. “We’re trying to really make sure that there’s no monopolies and no Big Tobacco, right?” Krizek, the chair of the commission, said at Tuesday’s meeting, referring to ownership limits on licenses. “And so it’s better, in some ways, to be a little tougher with this iteration than not.” “If it comes back a year from now or two years from now, and it’s problematic, then we revisit the code. We make changes. But it seems to me, it’s more prudent to be the tough parent, if you will,” he said. “And then we can always walk it back a little bit because there’ll definitely be changes that we’ll need to make in the future.” JM Pedini, development director for the advocacy group NORML and executive director for Virginia NORML, told Marijuana Moment that the group will be “keeping a close eye on those inflated licensing fees and proposed tax rates—ultimately costs which are passed on to and paid for by cannabis consumers, not corporations.” “NORML will remain steadfast in our advocacy for consumers’ access to cannabis products that are safe, convenient, and affordable,” Pedini said. “Without cannabis consumers, there is no cannabis industry.” Chelsea Higgs Wise, co-founder and executive director of Marijuana Justice, testified before the commission on Tuesday, expressing concern that the timeline to start sales on November 1 of next year may disproportionately favor existing medical cannabis dispensaries that are able to convert sooner than new applicants could get licensed. “It would only be the medical folks that are there and able to sell,” she said. Rouse, one of the sponsors of the newly recommended 2026 proposal, said last month that he’s “very optimistic” about the prospect of advancing legislation to create an adult-use marijuana market in the coming session. That optimism is heightened by the fact that state Democrats widened their House majority, and voters elected a pro-legalization governor, in November. “Any measure that we can take to find revenue, I’m very optimistic about that approach,” the senator, who has been the lead sponsor of legislation to legalize and regulate adult-use sales that was vetoed by the outgoing GOP governor, said. “We, in Virginia, have to take every step we can to make sure we can find revenues that strengthen our communities, that strengthens the education process, that puts food on the table, that gets people back to work,” Rouse said. — Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — This next session is shaping up to deliver different results. In addition to growing their majority in the Assembly, Democrats now have Abigail Spanberger as the state’s next governor, and the party also secured wins in the Commonwealth’s lieutenant governor and attorney general races. Spanberger, a former congresswoman, told Marijuana Moment ahead of the election that “as Virginia takes steps toward creating a legalized retail market for cannabis,” the commonwealth “needs a clear strategy to set up a market that is safe for consumers, transparent for businesses, and fair to entrepreneurs.” She added that “revenue from commercial cannabis products must return to Virginia communities and be reinvested for purposes like strengthening our public schools.” The governor-elect said she will “work with leaders in the General Assembly to find a path forward that both prioritizes public safety and grows Virginia’s economy”—and that part of that is establishing “a formalized, legal, emerging cannabis market.” During her time in Congress, Spanberger voted twice on the House floor in support of bills to federally legalize marijuana. She also consistently backed legislation to free up banking services for the industry, protect all state cannabis program from federal interference and expand marijuana research. The former congresswoman additionally opposed a proposal to remove protections for universities that study cannabis. She voted against certain reform proposals, however, including on measures to lift certain research barriers for Schedule I drugs and to revise federal policy to prevent past marijuana use from being used as a factor to determine eligibility for a security clearance. Spanberger cosponsored bills to provide medical cannabis access for military veterans on two occasions, and she cosponsored the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act during the 116th Congress. At the legislative commission’s first meeting in July, members discussing broad regulatory considerations and other issues related to THC potency, the hemp market and more. In August, the panel focused on cannabis taxes and revenue. Meanwhile, a top Democratic Virginia senator 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. The post Virginia Marijuana Commission Unveils Plan To Legalize Adult-Use Sales Under New Pro-Reform Governor appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

“ESOP as a business structure can give hope to new businesses as they look to grow the Minnesota cannabis sector.” By Sen. Robert Kupec (D) and Rep. Nolan West (R), via MinnPost With new uncertainty around the federal legality of hemp products nationally and a rocky rollout of Minnesota’s cannabis market locally, we need to consider new policy solutions to help new Minnesota cannabis businesses achieve success for owners and employees. Thankfully, there is a bipartisan path forward by allowing employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) for cannabis businesses. Legislation allowing ESOPs has already been introduced (HF3330/SF3520) by members of both parties in both the House and the Senate. ESOPs are uniquely suited to address the problems in Minnesota’s cannabis market. They create crucial tax benefits the industry desperately needs. Due to IRS tax code 280E and federal prohibition, cannabis businesses cannot deduct business expenses like other businesses. As a result, they face debilitating effective tax rates that can exceed 70 percent. This creates a daunting environment for these new startup businesses, which currently have to pay leases and payroll, and they can’t even deduct payroll as a business expense. ESOPs eliminate this issue. A 100 percent employee-owned company does not pay federal or state income tax because it is deemed a qualified retirement plan under federal law. ESOP as a business structure can give hope to new businesses as they look to grow the Minnesota cannabis sector. Cannabis ESOPs have been successful in other states, from Maine to Illinois, and more states are considering them as their cannabis markets struggle under the tax burden, especially in mature markets. Nonpartisan research data from Rutgers University shows that ESOP business structures help to create meaningful multi-generational wealth for BIPOC communities—including many of the populations that were most impacted by the war on drugs. Allowing ESOP structures for Minnesota cannabis businesses can go a long way towards addressing the state’s equity goals, without chaotic lotteries or special licenses. It seems like every issue generates partisan fighting these days, but employee-owned companies perfectly appeal to both parties. They are pro-business and pro-worker. It is exactly the kind of policy that should move forward, considering the even partisan balance in the Minnesota Legislature. ESOPs would address the problems hampering this new industry, and Minnesotans already demonstrably approve of the structure. In fact, Minnesota claims more ESOPs per capita than any other state. When the next legislative session begins on February 17, the Legislature must take up and pass HF3330/SF3520 to allow ESOPs and give these new, small businesses a chance, and set Minnesota’s cannabis market on the right footing for the future. State Sen. Robert Kupec, DFL-Moorhead represents the 4th District and serves as vice chair of the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee, as well as a member of the Health and Human Services, Higher Education, and Labor Committees. Rep. Nolan West, R-Blaine, is a business owner who represents District 32A and serves as co-chair of the Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee, as well as a member of the Commerce Finance and Policy and Ways and Means Committees. This article first appeared on MinnPost and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. The post Minnesota Should Allow Marijuana Businesses To Offer Employee Stock Ownership Plans, Lawmakers Say (Op-Ed) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Texas officials have conditionally approved nine new medical marijuana business licenses as part of a law that’s being implemented to significantly expand the state’s cannabis program. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced on Monday that it’s completed the first phase of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) expansion selection process, which will now involve an additional due diligence assessment for the nine businesses before formally awarding the licenses. Officials said the conditional approvals “do not grant the applicant permission to cultivate, manufacture, distribute or sell cannabis products until final approval by the department.” “As a holder of a conditional license, the licensee is subject to the department’s ongoing due diligence evaluation,” DPS said. “Each conditional licensee is expected to fully comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the medicinal license issued under TCUP.” “DPS will be requesting additional information from these businesses and will not be invoicing any dispensing organization license fees until the additional due diligence evaluations are completed and passed. The announcement of these nine businesses today does not guarantee that these businesses will be issued final TCUP licenses to operate as dispensing organizations.” The law passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in June. DPS is required to issue a total of 12 new licenses under the legislation. The department will issue conditional licenses to three additional dispensaries by April 2026. Update: @TxDPS has commenced Phase I of the Texas Compassionate Use Program expansion selection process, and nine new businesses have been identified to proceed for an additional due diligence evaluation. More about Phase I can be found at https://t.co/D8YElj4qoL. pic.twitter.com/JdyLHyHk38 — Texas DPS (@TxDPS) December 1, 2025 This represents a major change to the program, as there are currently only three dispensaries licensed to operate in Texas. DPS in October adopted additional rules to increase the number of licensed dispensaries, establishing security requirements for “satellite” locations and authorizing the revocation of licenses for certain violations. Of the nine conditional licensees that were selected so far, two are owned by large multi-state operators: Trulieve and Verano. George Archos, Verano’s founder and CEO, said the news puts the company “one step closer to cultivating, processing and dispensing our extensive variety of high-quality medical cannabis products for Texas patients.” “As the second largest state by size and population, Texas’s medical cannabis program expansion marks a significant step forward for legal cannabis in the U.S., joining a growing number of states and an overwhelming majority of Americans that have embraced the regulated cannabis sector as a job creator and provider of health and wellness benefits for millions every day,” he said. Village Farms International, another multi-state operator, issued a press release about not being selected this round, saying its proposal will be considered in the upcoming second phase of approvals. “We remain committed to supporting the Texas cannabis industry, as the outcome of Phase I awards has zero impact on our financial performance, outlook or strategy,” Michael A. DeGiglio, president and CEO of the company, said. “We’ve proven that we don’t need first mover advantage to be successful, and will continue pursuing other opportunities to activate our Texas assets for cannabinoid production in the future.” “We believe our operational capabilities and infrastructure are well suited to support a viable industry in the State of Texas, and will continue working with policy makers and regulators to advocate for commonsense reform that enables safe access to affordable products,” he said. In addition to increasing the number of dispensaries in the state, the law signed by the governor also expands the state’s list of medical cannabis qualifying conditions to include chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, while also allowing end-of-life patients in palliative or hospice care to use marijuana. — 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. — This latest development comes after the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) adopted rules allowing doctors to recommend new qualifying conditions for cannabis patients and creating standards for allowable low-THC inhalation devices. Separately, DSHS recently adopted a set of emergency rules meant to prevent the sale of intoxicating hemp products to people under 21. After similar restrictions were implemented by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) in September, DSHS announced that they’ve moved forward with the policies changes that comply with the governor’s recent executive order on hemp. After the legislature failed to pass a controversial bill to ban hemp products containing THC during two special sessions following the governor’s veto of a similar measure earlier this year, the governor signed the executive order to impose certain restrictions on the market. Separately, a recent survey from a GOP pollster affiliated with President Donald Trump found that Texas Democratic and Republican voters are unified in their opposition to the hemp ban proposal. Image element courtesy of AnonMoos. 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