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VA lawmakers: Reject gov’s marijuana amendments; GOP bill links cannabis & health costs; USDA hemp report; Study: Youth use down after legalization Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… Hold on, just one second before you read today’s news. Have you thought about giving some financial support to Marijuana Moment? If so, today would be a great day to contribute. We’re planning our reporting for the coming months and it would really help to know what kind of support we can count on. Check us out on Patreon and sign up to give $25/month today: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said “the votes do exist to act legislatively” on federal marijuana reform and “we’re going to find a way to do so, hopefully in this Congress, and we certainly will be in a position to do something about it in the next Congress” if Democrats retake the majority. “This does seem to exist as a bipartisan issue, particularly amongst younger generations of Republicans and the entirety of the House Democratic Caucus.” Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) filed a bill to require the federal government to track the cost of hospitalization due to marijuana use—with the sponsor claiming cannabis causes “increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, psychotic disorders and further addictions.” The sponsors of Virginia legislation to legalize recreational cannabis sales told Marijuana Moment they want colleagues to reject Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) proposed amendments on Wednesday—even if it means risking her vetoing the original measure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture published an annual report showing that American farmers grew $739 million worth of hemp crops in 2025—a 64 percent increase from the prior year, a rise that comes amid the pending federal recriminalization of hemp THC products in November that advocates say will devastate the industry. A new Minnesota Department of Health study shows that “there continues to be a steady decline in youth cannabis use” following the legalization of marijuana for adults—despite fears of opponents who claimed it would lead to skyrocketing teen consumption. The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission discussed a federal court ruling temporarily blocking the state’s marijuana business licensing process over a legal challenge to residency requirements. / FEDERAL The White House published a compilation of supportive reactions to President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health announced research teams for its Evidence-Based Validation & Innovation for Rapid Therapeutics in Behavioral Health initiative, including several focused on psychedelic therapy. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted that President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order is “a major step forward in confronting the mental health crisis devastating our nation.” Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a press release about a new hemp bill she is cosponsoring and tweeted, “I’ve heard loud and clear from brewers, farmers, & small businesses in Minnesota — a federal ban on hemp products would be devastating. Today, Senator Paul & I are announcing a new bipartisan bill that protects Minnesota’s small businesses & farmers producing safe hemp products.” Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “Washington is trying to ban hemp, a winning cash crop for Kentucky farmers. I’m working with Sen. Klobuchar on a bill that lets states set their own hemp rules. Call your senator and tell them to support it: (202) 224-3121.” The House bill to designate psychedelic therapy centers of excellence got one new cosponsor for a total of 27. / STATES Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) tweeted, “We made a promise to deliver safe medical cannabis to Kentuckians, and that’s a promise we’ve kept. We cut the ribbon on two new cultivators, including Best State LLC in Stanford. We’ve made a lot of progress in just a year. Congrats, everyone!” Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, currently the state auditor, discussed his support for legalizing marijuana. Florida’s lieutenant governor, who is running for governor, criticized rival Rep. Byron Donalds’s (R-FL) conviction for selling marijuana. Texas’s attorney general is suing online kratom retailers for allegedly deceptive and illegal marketing of synthetic kratom products that exceed the limit for 7-OH. Delaware’s top marijuana regulator spoke about denying marijuana social equity business conditional licenses over “predatory” consulting contracts. New York’s top marijuana regulator authored an op-ed about the state’s first five years of cannabis legalization. Illinois officials announced recipients of $31.8 million in loans through the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program. Vermont regulators published guidance on cannabis business ownership changes and inhalable additives. Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions taken against marijuana businesses. California regulators are extending the public comment period on proposed changes to cannabis pesticide testing rules. — Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — / LOCAL A Columbus, Georgia mayoral candidate is pledging to decriminalize marijuana if elected. Oakland, California officials launched an initiative to promote city-verified cannabis equity businesses. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study highlighted the “potential of [cannabis-based medicinal products] as an alternative to opioid treatment.” A review suggested that “psilocybin-assisted therapy results in substantial decreases in depressive symptoms across studies to date.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS People For The American Way’s president authored an op-ed arguing that Democrats need to take the lead on marijuana reform again. The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes passed a resolution supporting the development of ibogaine as a treatment for addiction and trauma-related disorders. / BUSINESS SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a Safe Harbor launched a pooled employer 401(k) plan for cannabis businesses and companies that serve them. Colorado retailers sold $105 million worth of legal marijuana products in January. / CULTURE Joe Rogan discussed his experience working with President Donald Trump on psychedelics reform. Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel joked about 4/20. Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer. The post Federal cannabis reform has “the votes,” top Dem says (Newsletter: April 22, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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The sponsors of Virginia bills to legalize recreational marijuana sales are recommending that fellow lawmakers vote to reject the governor’s proposed amendments to the legislation this week. Last week, Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) suggested changes to the cannabis commerce legalization measure—including delaying the start date for sales by six months, increasing taxes and instituting new criminal penalties for cannabis consumers. Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D) and Del. Paul Krizek (D), who respectively sponsored the Senate and House versions of the cannabis sales legalization bills, both told Marijuana Moment that they want their colleagues to vote against the amendments when the legislature reconvenes on Wednesday—even if that means risking a veto from Spanberger when the measure returns to her desk. “While the governor and I share the goal of establishing a safe, regulated cannabis market, we differ on how best to achieve it,” Aird said “The substitute moves Virginia in the wrong direction and disregards years of data-driven, bipartisan work and established best practices. For that reason, I will be recommending its rejection.” “As our conversations continue, I urge the governor to reconsider provisions that reintroduce punitive measures undermining the intent of legalization, shift critical elements of the framework into an uncertain regulatory process, and remove essential supports for impact licensees.” Krizek noted that “a few years ago the legislature took bipartisan steps to end racially discriminatory marijuana policing here in Virginia.” “But, unfortunately, and probably not intentionally as she has not been involved in this years-long process,” he said, “the governor’s proposed amendments would repeal a number of those decriminalization laws and undermine what has been a thorough, thoughtful, balanced process of drafting this legislation with community and stakeholder engagement that moved us toward this more fair and responsive cannabis regulatory framework.” “When we legalized cannabis it was with a recognition of the disproportionate harm caused by the war on cannabis, particularly among Black families,” the House lawmaker said. “This bill was intentional in recognizing that, but much of that intentionality is lost with these many amendments.” Krizek separately told WTOP radio that he was expecting some of the governor’s amendments after meeting with her earlier this month, but was “surprised” by others that never came up during the discussion. The lawmaker said he is most concerned about “pretty draconian penalties” Spanberger suggested putting into the bill, adding that because she suggested a full substitute version of the legislation rather than severable amendments, the House and Senate can only take or leave the package as a whole rather than considering each change individually. The the legislature does reject the proposal on Wednesday, and the governor then vetoes the original proposal, lawmakers would have to start with new bills in the 2027 session. Krizek said in the radio interview that he thinks the governor is “very open to dialogue and compromise” “We can do that in next session. We can pass the bill that we know she’s going to sign, and let her administration know that I’m willing to work with her and make it happen,” he said. “We’ll keep meeting, and we will take up a lot of these suggestions that she has in her version of it, and see what we can agree to.” When it comes to Spanberger’s proposed criminal penalties, however, Krizek said “I’m not too sanguine about going backwards in that respect, but I do think that it’s just a matter of negotiating with her and explaining where we’re at and why.” He similarly told Marijuana Moment on Tuesday that he is “hopeful that with more discussion and negotiation we can find a compromise that will maintain” a balance between justice and public safety. A spokesperson for the governor told The Richmond Times-Dispatch that she is “committed to working with patrons to finish the work,” sidestepping the outlet’s question about whether she would veto the original bill if lawmakers sent it back to her this week. Spanberger, for her part, responded to criticism of her cannabis amendments from the bill sponsors and advocates by saying the suggested changes came after she spoke to the leaders of other states that have already implemented adult-use marijuana markets. Personal marijuana possession and home cultivation of marijuana has been legal in Virginia since 2021, but former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) twice vetoed bills to provide consumers with a way to legally purchase regulated adult-use cannabis. Here are the other key details of the cannabis bills—SB 542 and HB 642—as approved by lawmakers and with the governor’s suggested amendments: Lawmakers voted to allow adults to 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. That represents an increase from the limit in current law of 1 ounce. The governor, however, wants the amount increased to only 2 ounces. Under the legislature’s plan, legal sales could begin on January 1, 2027, but the governor is proposing to push that back to July 1, 2027. Lawmakers voted to impose an excise tax of 6 percent on cannabis sales as well as a 5.3 percent retail sales and use tax, while allowing municipalities to set an additional local tax of up to 3.5 percent. The governor’s plan is largely the same, though it would increase the excise tax to 8 percent starting on July 1, 2029. Under the legislation as approved by lawmakers, revenue would be distributed to the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund (30 percent), early childhood education (40 percent), the Department of Behavioral & Developmental Health Services (25 percent) and public health initiatives (5 percent). The governor, however, wants to put all revenue into the general fund while earmarking it “for purposes such as early childhood education, behavioral health, public health awareness, prevention, treatment, and recovery services, workforce development, reentry, indigent criminal defense, and targeted reinvestment in historically disadvantaged communities.” The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry, and would also take on oversight of hemp, which is currently under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Local governments could not opt out of allowing marijuana businesses to operate in their area. Delivery services would be allowed. Serving sizes would be capped at 10 milligrams THC, with no more than 100 mg THC per package. The governor is proposing to make public marijuana use a class 4 criminal misdemeanor instead of civil violation punishable by a $25 fine as under current law. She also wants to make possessing cannabis by people under the age of 21 a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable with a mandatory minimum fine of $500 or 50 hours of community service, as well as the suspension of drivers licenses for at least six months. Illegally selling or distributing 50 pounds or more of marijuana would be a class 2 felony punishable by life in prison. The governor is seeking to eliminate support for the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund. Existing medical cannabis operators could enter the adult-use market if they pay a licensing conversion fee that is set at $10 million. Cannabis businesses would have to establish labor peace agreements with workers. As passed by lawmakers, the bill would have directed a legislative commission to study adding on-site consumption licenses and microbusiness cannabis event permits that would allow licensees to conduct sales at venues like farmers markets or pop-up locations, but the governor is proposing to remove that language. Meanwhile, Spanberger also suggested significant amendments to separate legislation that would provide resentencing relief to people with prior marijuana convictions. Separately, the governor signed several other reform bills this week—including measures to protect the parental rights of marijuana consumers and allow patients to access medical cannabis in hospitals. The post Sponsors Of Virginia Marijuana Sales Legalization Bill Ask Colleagues To Reject Governor’s Amendments, Risking A Veto appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

“Now we are stopped from continuing that process. But that does not mean we are stopped from figuring out the best path forward.” By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Currant Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission on Friday held its first public meeting since a recent court ruling that temporarily paused the process of reviewing and awarding retail cannabis licenses. Commissioners and staff acknowledged applicants’ and cultivators’ frustration over the abrupt halt to the process that would award 20 new retail licenses as early as May. Commissioner Robert Jacquard said regulators had already begun coordinating with the Rhode Island Lottery on equipment and a location for the selection process. “Now we are stopped from continuing that process,” he said. “But that does not mean we are stopped from figuring out the best path forward to reach our top priority, which is issuing retail licenses.” Any details on the commission’s legal strategy will remain hush as it appeals the April 8 order by the U.S. District Court Judge Melissa DuBose temporarily stopping the licensing process. “Anything used in this public forum can be used against us in the court case,” Mariana Ormonde, chief legal counsel, said at the start of her overview. The commission is the defendant in three federal lawsuits filed by out-of-state entrepreneurs over the state’s requirement that all cannabis license holders must be majority owned by Rhode Island residents. Plaintiffs in each case argued the residency requirement violated the Dormant Commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits states from engaging in protectionist practices against other states. Two of those cases date back to May 2024 and were dismissed by DuBose in February of last year, only to be revived in December after Boston’s federal appeals court demanded Rhode Island’s federal court rule based on the merits of the cases. DuBose in her April 8 ruling found there was a likelihood the three lawsuits would succeed on the merits, which is why she granted the injunction. The state appealed that order Tuesday afternoon, just hours after commissioners met behind closed doors to discuss the cases. “That is essentially what is stopping all of the commission’s processes at this point,” Ormonde said. Which has meant 97 applicants continue to sit in limbo. Even before the injunction, applicants have vented frustration over the Cannabis Control Commission’s slow rollout for new licenses in the four years since recreational pot was legalized by the state. “Time is of the essence,” Sasha Gorski, a cultivator and applicant for a retail shop in Providence, told the commission. “Cultivators and prospective applicants are being harmed every day that this continues. We would like to see things move forward as quickly as possible.” Applicants and cultivators at Friday’s meeting were overall satisfied with the update provided by the commission on where the case stands—even from some of the panel’s more vocal critics. “The explanation was perfect,” Jason Calderon, a cultivator who applied for a retail license in North Kingstown, told Rhode Island Current after the meeting. “At least it lets us know where we are.” Attorney Allan Fung, the former Republican Cranston mayor and congressional and gubernatorial candidate who represents several retail applicants, did have some suggestions on how the state could try and solve the case during public comment. One was to have the commission reopen the application process and have it be done on a strictly merit basis so that plaintiffs can’t argue anyone has an unfair advantage. The other suggestion was to provide the plaintiffs with conditional licenses. “That would moot the lawsuit,” he said. Jacquard asked Fung to send his recommendations in writing to the commission, so they could further digest the potential strategies. “They’re very interesting, but take a while to absorb,” Jacquard said. This story was first published by Rhode Island Currant. Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer. The post Rhode Island Marijuana Regulators Discuss Stalled Licensing Process Following Federal Court Ruling appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

A pair of Republican senators have filed a bill that would require the federal government to track the cost of hospitalization due to marijuana use. The new Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act of 2026 from Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) 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. “The health consequences tied to marijuana use are serious, leading to increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, psychotic disorders and further addictions,” Budd claimed in a press release. “When legislating on this issue, Congress needs to put the health and safety of the American people first, full stop.” “This is exactly why lawmakers need access to reliable data that details Medicaid spending associated with marijuana abuse,” he said. “Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid healthcare benefits, and my legislation will ensure Congress understands the dangers of this drug and its impact on federally funded health programs.” The health consequences tied to marijuana use are serious—increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, psychotic disorders, and further addictions. When legislating on this issue, Congress needs to put the health and safety of the American people first, full stop.… — Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) April 20, 2026 Ricketts added that “marijuana is a dangerous drug.” “The average THC potency in marijuana has more than tripled since 1995,” he said. “High-potency marijuana is an increasingly concerning threat to public health. It is important for Congress and HHS to understand the costs and impact to healthcare of increased marijuana usage.” The bill’s language is similar to two amendments Budd previously filed on the cannabis and hospitalization issue that didn’t end up being considered on the Senate floor. 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 last year urging President Donald Trump not to follow through with plans to federally reschedule marijuana. In 2024, Budd pressed federal, state and local officials on what steps they were taking to enforce marijuana prohibition as an Indian tribe prepared to launch recreational cannabis sales on its lands within North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan. The post New GOP Bill Would Require 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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Despite concerns from marijuana legalization opponents who claimed the policy would lead to skyrocketing use by teens, cannabis consumption by middle and high school students in Minnesota is lower now than it has ever been over the past decade, according to newly published state data. “There continues to be a steady decline in youth cannabis use since 2013, with 96% of students reporting not having used cannabis in the last month,” the state Department of Health said in a press release on Monday about the latest results of the Minnesota Student Survey, which is conducted every three years among students in grades 5, 8, 9 and 11. Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed a bill to legalize marijuana in Minnesota in 2023, making the latest iteration of the survey the first to come since the prohibition of cannabis for adults over the age of 21 was ended. State officials said the new data “showed healthier trends related to student use and perceptions of harms” about cannabis in recent years. There has been a 57.7 percent statewide drop in self-reported past-year cannabis use from 2013 to 2025 among 8th, 9th and 11th graders combined. There has also been a decline over time in past-month use. “Overall, self-reported cannabis use by students in Minnesota has continued to decrease each year since 2013,” a fact sheet on the results says. More students also now view using marijuana once or twice a week as moderately to greatly harmful, “reversing the trend seen from 2013 to 2022,” the Department of Health said. Interestingly, respondents in the survey greatly overestimated how many of their fellow students use marijuana. “In 2025, 8th, 9th, and 11th grade students reported thinking that over half of their peers (54%) use cannabis, but 92% of students reported never using cannabis,” the fact sheet says. Even though the survey shows overall that underage use of marijuana is declining in the legalization era, there was one concerning result that stood out in the data, state officials said. “Despite positive trends, the student survey—indicates that some of our children are encountering cannabis at young ages,” Brooke Cunningham, Minnesota’s commissioner of health, said. “We need talk to our children about cannabis before they encounter it because we know the potential harms that early use can bring to their developing brains, mental health and futures.” The Minnesota survey showing that legalization hasn’t led to a spike in teen marijuana use is largely consistent with the results of prior studies in other states and at the national level. It also reinforces reform advocates’ position that creating a regulatory framework for cannabis where licensed retailers must check IDs and implement other security mechanisms to prevent unlawful diversion is a far more effective policy than prohibition, with illicit suppliers whose products may be untested and where age-gating isn’t a strictly enforced regulation. To that point, a recent federally funded study out of Canada found that that youth marijuana use rates declined after the country legalized cannabis. German officials similarly released a separate report on their country’s experience with legalizing marijuana nationwide that showed that fears from opponents about youth use, traffic safety and more have so far proved largely unfounded. Last year, U.S. federal health data also indicated that while past-year marijuana use overall has climbed in recent years, the rise has been “driven by increases…among adults 26 years or older.” As for younger Americans, rates of both past-year use and cannabis use disorder, by contrast, “remained stable among adolescents and young adults between 2021 and 2024.” Across the U.S., research suggests that marijuana use by young people has generally fallen in states that legalize the drug for adults. A report from the advocacy group Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), for example, found that youth marijuana use declined in 19 out of 21 states that legalized adult-use marijuana—with teen cannabis consumption down an average of 35 percent in the earliest states to legalize. Another survey from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also showed a decline in the proportion of high-school students reporting past-month marijuana use over the past decade, as dozens of states moved to legalize cannabis. Another U.S. study reported a “significant decrease” in youth marijuana use from 2011 to 2021—a period in which more than a dozen states legalized marijuana for adults—detailing lower rates of both lifetime and past-month use by high-school students nationwide. Another federal report concluded that cannabis consumption among minors—defined as people 12 to 20 years of age—fell slightly between 2022 and 2023. Separately, a research letter published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2024 said there’s no evidence that states’ adoption of laws to legalize and regulate marijuana for adults have led to an increase in youth use of cannabis. Another JAMA-published study similarly found that neither legalization nor the opening of retail stores led to increases in youth cannabis use. In 2023, meanwhile, a U.S. health official said that teen marijuana use has not increased “even as state legalization has proliferated across the country.” The post Teen Marijuana Use Is Lower Now Than Before Legalization, Government Study From Minnesota Officials Shows appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

The top Democrat in the U.S. House of Representative says there is enough support within the body to pass comprehensive federal marijuana reform—if only Republican leaders would allow a vote. “I’ve consistently supported the rescheduling of marijuana,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said on Monday, which was also the unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20. “It should not be classified as a Schedule I drug.” The congressman was responding to a question at a press briefing from a reporter who asked whether there is any realistic chances of passing marijuana reform legislation amid the still-ongoing administrative process to move cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule III. “I’m hopeful that we can find a legislative path forward,” Jeffries said. “This does seem to exist as a bipartisan issue, particularly amongst younger generations of Republicans and the entirety of the House Democratic Caucus, and we know that the votes do exist to act legislatively.” “We’re going to find a way to do so, hopefully in this Congress, and we certainly will be in a position to do something about it in the next Congress,” he said, an apparent reference to an expectation that his party will win back a majority in the chamber in November’s elections. During his time in Congress and before that as a New York state legislator, Jeffries has sponsored numerous cannabis and drug policy reform proposals. For example, he teamed up with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on a cannabis legalization bill called the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act. He is also cosponsoring legislation with Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) that would lay the groundwork for federal marijuana legalization by creating a commission to study the issue and make recommendations on a regulatory system for cannabis that models what’s currently in place for alcohol. “I’ve been part of bipartisan efforts, including the passage of the First Step Act to deal with overcriminalization in America and to ensure that taxpayer dollars aren’t being spent on a prison industrial complex that has not made the country safer,” Jeffries said on Monday. “It’s devastated individuals, families and communities and hurt our economic growth and development.” Cannabis’s current classification “has been done so in a manner that stems from the failed war on drugs, which has resulted in the over incarceration of millions of Americans since that failed war on drugs was first launched by Richard Nixon in the summer of 1971,” he said. The House under previous Democratic majorities has twice passed bills to federally legalize marijuana and on numerous occasions advanced legislation to ease the cannabis industry’s access to banking services—but those measures have never advanced with GOP control of the chamber. The Senate under Democratic or Republican control has also not passed marijuana legalization or banking legislation. Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee this week is expected to issue a directive for federal agencies to study the “adequacy” of state marijuana laws and to assess methods for “preventing diversion of state legal cannabis product into jurisdictions that do not permit the use of cannabis.” The post Congress Has The Votes To Pass Federal Marijuana Reform, Top House Democrat Says appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Farmers in the U.S. grew three-quarters of a billion dollars worth of hemp crops in 2025—a 64 percent increase from the prior year—according to a new federal report. The new annual National Hemp Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) delineates data on how much of the $739 million worth of crops were grown out in the open in fields or cultivated under protection in greenhouses, high tunnels and hoop houses. The 49,267 acres of hemp grown outdoors in the U.S. last year represents a 9 percent increase from 2024, and its value of $646 million is 53 percent higher than the prior year. Of that, 43,707 acres of crops were actually harvested, a 34 percent annual increase. There was also 3.99 million square feet of hemp crops grown under protection, a 13 percent rise from 2024. The value of those crops jumped significantly from the prior year’s haul—a 225 percent increase, USDA said. The results showing the industry’s growth comes amid the pending federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that’s set to take effect in November under a law that President Donald Trump signed late last year, a change that advocates say stands to devastate the sector. In 2025, the value of hemp production in the open and under protection for the U.S. totaled $739 million, up 64% from 2024. https://t.co/WfOxNIxfTk — National Agricultural Statistics Service (@usda_nass) April 16, 2026 In the meantime, the federal agency’s report further breaks down last year’s data into cannabis crops grown for flower, grain, fiber and seed. Total weight and acreage increased year over year in each category for plants grown in the open. While the value of hemp produced for flower, grain and seed increased compared to 2024, fiber crops decreased in value. The report, which is based on an annual survey USDA sends out to farmers, also found that hemp clones and transplants grown under protection in 2025 1.08 million plants, up 203 percent from the prior year, and that the value of those crops was $1.96 million, a 339 percent annual rise. The federal report also disaggregates the national totals into state-based data. Meanwhile, bipartisan lawmakers in Congress are taking steps to reverse or at least delay the pending move to prohibit hemp THC products later this year. Hemp derivatives with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a drug-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill that President Donald Trump signed during his first term in office. But late last year, Trump signed new legislation containing provisions that will redefine hemp to make it so only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will remain legal after November 12. Under the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act—introduced last week by Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA)—states and Indian tribes could opt out of the broad federal ban and continue regulating and allowing hemp THC products to be produced and sold in their jurisdictions. Other lawmakers have introduced legislation to delay the scheduled recriminalization of hemp THC products, but those efforts have not gained traction with congressional leadership. Meanwhile, the Trump administration this month launched a new initiative to cover up to $500 worth of hemp-derived products each year for eligible Medicare patients. The program being implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses largely on CBD but also allows a certain amount of THC in products. Anti-marijuana organizations filed a lawsuit suit against the Medicare hemp coverage policy, and lawyers for Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Director Mehmet Oz recently filed a brief asking that the case be dismissed. Meanwhile, the White House Office of Management and Budget has been holding a series of meetings about a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) CBD products enforcement policy. FDA also issued guidance making clear that it does not intend to interfere with implementation of the Medicare hemp-derived products coverage plan. CMS separately finalized a rule that will allow coverage of some hemp products as specialized, non-primarily health-related benefits through Medicare Advantage plans. As hemp products have become more popular with consumers, some large brands are attempting to get in on action. Major retailer Target, for example, is expanding its participation in the hemp-derived THC beverage market. Last year, the company began a pilot program involving sales of cannabis drinks at 10 select stores in Minnesota. That apparently went well, and now the company has obtained licenses from Minnesota regulators to sell lower-potency hemp edible products—including THC drinks—at all 72 of its stores in the state. The post American Farmers Grew $739 Million Worth Of Legal Hemp Last Year, New USDA Report Shows appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Politicians & brands mark 4/20; MA gov signs marijuana bill; PA legalization; DE medical cannabis bill; Woody Harrelson & Bill Maher talk marijuana 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… They say a journalist is a machine that converts coffee into copy. But where do you think the coffee comes from? Readers like you! Signing up for a $25/month subscription will help keep us digging, interviewing and reporting on all the cannabis news that’s fit to print. And in return, you’ll gain access to our Bill Tracker tool, too, so you can have the most up-to-date information on the drug policy reform efforts around the U.S. Join Marijuana Moment for $25/month to support our work: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW The House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a report on Tuesday calling on federal agencies to study the “adequacy” of state marijuana laws and assess methods for “preventing diversion of state legal cannabis product into jurisdictions that do not permit the use of cannabis.” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) signed a bill doubling the legal marijuana possession limit, overhauling the Cannabis Control Commission and changing business licensing and ownership rules. Delaware lawmakers sent Gov. Matt Meyer (D) a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals, with the legislation passing both chambers unanimously. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) marked the 4/20 cannabis holiday by asking lawmakers to send him a bill to legalize marijuana—and the House Majority Policy Committee held a hearing on the collateral consequences of cannabis convictions. “It’s time for us to finally catch up—and for the legislature to send a bill to my desk and get this done.” More politicians and companies are embracing cannabis culture and using 4/20 as a way to get their message out as legalization gains support and marijuana becomes more mainstream. A new report from the Marijuana Policy Project shows that cannabis arrests are, not surprisingly, dropping significantly as more states enact legalization laws—but also that tens of thousands of people are still being put in handcuffs over marijuana every year in the U.S. Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher complained about marijuana taxes being too high while smoking joints together at the cannabis business they co-own. They also addressed the industry’s banking access issues during the 4/20 episode of the Club Random podcast. The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation filed proposed rules to create a new class of marijuana research licenses and will be accepting public feedback throughout May. / FEDERAL National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow met with the co-chairs of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies Caucus. Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams tweeted, “While the substance of POTUS’s EO (“Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness”) is a reasonable, research-focused step for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD, depression & TBI – as I detailed in the thread below -the rollout was problematic.” A former Drug Enforcement Administration informant was sentenced to time served after admitting he failed to pay taxes on nearly $4 million he received for undercover work. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “So just to be clear, should the ban pass, my bill (should it be signed into law) would allow to states to essentially OPT OUT of the ban so states can continue regulating hemp themselves, as long as they maintain a minimum age for purchase and keep the ban on dangerous synthetic cannabinoids that don’t naturally occur in the hemp plant.” / STATES California’s Assembly speaker pro tem discussed the advancement of his psychedelics reform legislation as President Donald Trump announced federal moves on the issue. An Illinois representative authored an op-ed arguing that the state still has work to do to achieve an equitable cannabis industry. An Indiana judge is facing disciplinary charges over alleged illegal drug use and possession of marijuana. Missouri regulators adopted changes to marijuana business rules. Ohio regulators posted guidance about marijuana product IDs. Nevada regulators launched an online catalog of marijuana products. The Guam Cannabis Control Board will meet on Wednesday. New York will host an event about marijuana home cultivation of marijuana on Wednesday. — Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — / LOCAL New York City officials are accepting applications for another wave of cannabis business loans. Jackson, Michigan officials launched a “Pot for Potholes” initiative to use marijuana revenue to support road repair. / INTERNATIONAL Ecuadorian lawmakers advanced a citizen-led marijuana legalization initiative. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found that cannabis-based medicinal products “were associated with improvements in [health-related quality of life] measures up to 2 years, being relatively well tolerated” and that “higher THC doses were associated with a greater likelihood of improvement on migraine-specific measures.” Researchers “reconstructed in one plant assay the full biosynthetic pathways of five renowned natural psychedelics; psilocin and psilocybin found in mushrooms, DMT from plants, and bufotenin and 5-methoxy-DMT secreted by the Sonoran Desert toad.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS NORML posted the results of a cannabis consumer freedom survey it conducted. The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp published a report on hemp products. / BUSINESS Center Origin is suing former employees over an alleged “civil conspiracy” to funnel business into their competing project. Illinois dispensaries sold $13.4 million worth of medical cannabis products in March. / CULTURE Conan O’Brien talked about potentially trying cannabis edibles on the recommendation of his staff. 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 Congress wants federal study of state cannabis laws (Newsletter: April 21, 2026) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

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The governor of Pennsylvania is using the unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20 to press lawmakers once again to send him a bill to legalize marijuana. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers held a hearing focused on the impact of cannabis convictions and the need for legalization. “Pennsylvanians who want to buy recreational marijuana are already driving across the border to one of our neighboring states who’ve legalized it,” Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said in a social media post on Monday. “That’s hundreds of millions in revenue going out of state instead of being spent here in Pennsylvania.” “It’s time for us to finally catch up—and for the legislature to send a bill to my desk and get this done,” he said. Pennsylvanians who want to buy recreational marijuana are already driving across the border to one of our neighboring states who’ve legalized it. That’s hundreds of millions in revenue going out of state instead of being spent here in Pennsylvania. It’s time for us to finally… pic.twitter.com/ftYLZSpWvD — Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 20, 2026 The push comes days after the House of Representatives passed budget legislation proposed by Shapiro that relies on revenue that would be generated from recreational marijuana sales, which has yet to be legalized in the state. The governor earlier this year included cannabis legalization and the resulting expected revenue in his budget request. The $53.2 billion budget legislation, which doesn’t itself include provisions to actually legalize marijuana even as it contemplates allocating money that would result from it, now heads to the Senate for consideration. Meanwhile on Monday, the House Majority Policy Committee held a hearing on cannabis “clean slate” issues focused on how conviction records have collateral consequences on people’s lives. Members heard from representatives of the Last Prisoner Project, Law Enforcement Action Partnership and Community Legal Services. Rep. Andre Carroll (D) said passing cannabis reform would be “truly transformational” and “have a direct impact” on people across the state. “States that seemingly have nothing else in common, like Mississippi and North Dakota, they have already decriminalized cannabis,” he said. “Yet, Pennsylvania remains one of only 19 states in the country where possession of cannabis is criminal offense, and that carries potential jail time here in our commonwealth.” The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives last year passed a bill to legalize marijuana and put sales in state-owned dispensaries, but the Republican Senate majority has criticized that plan while also not advancing a cannabis legalization model of its own. Rep. Darisha Parker (D) said at Monday’s event that “we did our part here in the House, but the Senate is still falling on the job.” Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis // MAJORITY POLICY POINT pic.twitter.com/E8mrjQnF1r — Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee (@PADemPolicy) April 20, 2026 Pennsylvania House Democrats also promoted an online petition on Monday that allows people to easily contact their state senators in support of marijuana legalization legislation. Pennsylvania is moving forward. Legalizing adult-use cannabis means new revenue for our communities and a safer, regulated market. Tell @pasenategop that it’s time to legalize adult-use cannabis in PA: https://t.co/G0eTwfwfs2#legalizepa #cannabis #legalizemarijuana pic.twitter.com/fNWgfY0UnR — PA House Democrats (@PaHouseDems) April 20, 2026 Earlier this month, the House Health Committee approved a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals and other healthcare facilities The legislative developments come as a new poll shows that seven out of ten Pennsylvania likely voters support legalizing adult-use marijuana—including majority backing for the reform across party lines. When asked whether they “support or oppose the regulation and taxation of legal cannabis for use by adults 21 and older in Pennsylvania,” 69 percent of respondents said yes. Support was strongest from Democrats, at 72 percent, but also includes 67 percent of Republicans and 64 percent of independents. Meanwhile, Shapiro continuing to pressure on lawmakers to send him a bill to legalize marijuana in the state, saying that doing so would generate new revenue that could be invested in key programs. “While some in Harrisburg claim we can’t afford to make bigger investments in our kids, public safety, and our economy, know this: If we legalized and regulated adult-use cannabis, we’d bring in $1.3 BILLION in revenue for our Commonwealth over the first five years,” the governor said in another recent social media post. “Those are dollars that can be invested back into our people and our communities,” he said. “Stop with the excuses. Let’s get this done.” The state’s Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) reported in February that legalizing cannabis in Pennsylvania would generate nearly half a billion dollars in annual revenue by 2028, an estimate that is a significantly larger cash windfall compared to projections from Shapiro’s own office. With a proposed 20 percent wholesale cannabis excise tax, 6 percent state sales tax for retail and licensing fees, IFO said the governor’s legalization plan would generate $140 million in tax revenue in the first year of implementation from 2027-2028 and increase to $432 million by 2030-2031. That’s a much higher revenue estimate than what the governor’s office put forward in the latest executive budget. According to his office’s analysis, legalization would generate about $36.9 million in tax dollars in its first year from a 20 percent wholesale tax on marijuana—rising gradually to $223.8 million by 2030-2031. In February, a coalition of drug policy and civil liberties organizations urged Shapiro to play a leadership role in convening legislative leaders to get the job done on cannabis legalization this session. Last month, the Senate Law and Justice Committee amended and approved a bill to create a Cannabis Control Board (CCB) to oversee the state’s medical marijuana program and intoxicating hemp products and that could eventually regulate adult-use cannabis if it is legalized in the state. The post Pennsylvania Governor Pushes Lawmakers To Legalize Marijuana On 4/20 appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

“We’re all very interested in any research on cannabis and safety or its impact on the human body… We’re interested in health research, but it’s not limited to that.” By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent Missouri is preparing to open up an unlimited number of licenses to allow for marijuana research in the state. The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation has filed proposed rules with the secretary of state that describe what a research licensee would be authorized to do and outlines the application requirements and process for a marijuana research license. “Ultimately, it’s just exciting to make progress on marijuana research because we know that that’s been historically difficult,” said Rieka Yu, policy director for the division, which is housed within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The proposed rules will be published in the May 1 issue of the Missouri Register on the Secretary of State’s website, and the public will be able to provide feedback until May 31. When voters approved recreational marijuana in 2022, the constitutional amendment allowed the state to establish licenses to “facilitate scientific research or education.” The language leaves the door open for many research possibilities, said Amy Moore, the division’s director. “We’re all very interested in any research on cannabis and safety or its impact on the human body,” Moore said. “Certainly as a public health agency, we’re interested in health research, but it’s not limited to that. So it’ll be interesting to see what people want to propose once we get this established.” Yu is also interested in research on cultivation. New York passed marijuana rules to allow for research in 2023, and the state has approved studies to look at things like how to protect plants from viruses and how different light impacts plant growth. While the 2022 constitutional amendment allowed for research licenses, Missouri must pass administrative rules to get them off the ground. That process began in August, when the division published a draft of the rules, along with a host of others, asking for informal public feedback. Starting in May, the division will ask for another round of public feedback, in order to file the final version of rules for formal rulemaking this summer. From there, it will take about eight months to get through a legislative review and final publication of the rules. A national study last year found that 17 out of 38 states that have passed either medical or adult-use laws have legislation outlining a funding mechanism for cannabis research. Missouri is not among them. Of the 17 states that have legislation directing funding to research, the study found that 12 have allocated funding. Moore said the division had the option of creating limits or priorities in subject matter for the research studies, but without funding, it may be challenging to attract interest in the licenses. “Letting people decide right now seems advisable, since we’re just not seeing a lot of uptake in other states,” Moore said. “There’s just a lot of challenges still to getting this done.” This story was first published by Missouri Independent. The post Missouri Officials File Rules To Create New Marijuana Research Licenses appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

April 20, or 4/20, is the unofficial cannabis holiday. And as legalization gains support and marijuana becomes more mainstream, a growing number of elected officials and companies are embracing cannabis culture. Here’s a look at the politicians and brands that are marking 4/20 this year: Politicians And Political Parties No one should go to jail for smoking weed. — Democrats (@TheDemocrats) April 20, 2026 Pennsylvanians who want to buy recreational marijuana are already driving across the border to one of our neighboring states who’ve legalized it. That’s hundreds of millions in revenue going out of state instead of being spent here in Pennsylvania. It’s time for us to finally… pic.twitter.com/ftYLZSpWvD — Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 20, 2026 This year marks 10 years since Californians voted to legalize cannabis. In the decade since, we've expanded opportunity and started to correct past injustices, and we continue building a safer, more accountable system. https://t.co/k3z4DgXsEv — Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) April 20, 2026 Happy 4/20, fellow kids pic.twitter.com/OfHQ6L0dYy — Governor Hochul Press Office (@NYGovPress) April 20, 2026 Medical cannabis is bringing relief to Kentuckians; it's also bringing in new business and good jobs. Today we cut the ribbon on Blügrass in Nicholasville, a Kentucky-founded company that has returned to its home state thanks to the legalization of medical cannabis. pic.twitter.com/7yHXWH2gQo — Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) April 20, 2026 We know what day it is. If you’re celebrating, do it responsibly—don’t drive impaired. Plan a safe ride and look out for each other, Colorado. pic.twitter.com/WNN7PRHatJ — Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) April 20, 2026 This 4/20, remember, a blue trifecta in Wisconsin is a huge step towards legalization. pic.twitter.com/fM16zwPZie — Wisconsin Democrats (@WisDems) April 20, 2026 Minnesota and countless other states have proven how we can safely decriminalize and regulate the cannabis industry. Long overdue for the federal government to take a page out of that playbook. — Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) April 20, 2026 Best 4/20 meme Best Rubio meme https://t.co/kCG24X7Qkh pic.twitter.com/y9xICirrrJ — Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) April 20, 2026 I'm celebrating 420 by calling on Congress to pass my bill, the MORE Act, to end the criminalization of cannabis and correct the historical injustices of failed drug policies. For too long, cannabis policy has been a patchwork of inconsistent state laws that have… pic.twitter.com/TCvTJEG8Xj — Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) April 20, 2026 This 4/20, let’s recommit to fighting for equitable cannabis reform. Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to entry and to success in the cannabis industry. The CLIMB Act will address real-world, operational issues facing the cannabis industry and help open the… pic.twitter.com/zMBme6DxGk — Congressman Troy A. Carter (@RepTroyCarter) April 20, 2026 From skincare to beverages, there’s a hemp-product for everyone. This 4/20, remember to support your local hemp growers, brewers and small business owners! Meanwhile, I’ll keep fighting to reverse the federal hemp ban. — Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) April 20, 2026 On this 4/20, even with legalization in sight, there are still tens of thousands of people in prison for nonviolent cannabis “crimes.” Legalization isn’t enough. Everyone caught up in prohibition deserves freedom and a clean record. pic.twitter.com/Ea4DYjen37 — Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) April 20, 2026 It’s about time Wisconsin legalizes marijuana. Illinois got $36 million dollars in tax revenue from Wisconsinites in one year – we are giving our neighbors millions every year by not legalizing. Happy 4/20, please enjoy responsibly! — Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) April 20, 2026 Patients with chronic pain. Veterans dealing with PTSD. Families watching a loved one fight cancer. These are the people who voted. These are the people still waiting. — Dan Osborn (@osbornforne) April 20, 2026 I will go to Washington and fight to make sure the federal government respects what Nebraska voters decided. Patients and caregivers are suffering. I will stop the obstruction. — Dan Osborn (@osbornforne) April 20, 2026 We need a smarter approach to marijuana policy. Legalize medical use. Pardon non-violent charges. Let the people decide recreational use through a statewide referendum. Compassion. Fairness. Accountability.https://t.co/gWBw9vMJ3w pic.twitter.com/7A9n4reVSS — Jermaine Johnson (@Dr_JLJohnson) April 20, 2026 Legalize Weed — Zach Wahls (@ZachWahls) April 20, 2026 It's 4/20 and you know what that means… It's time for a new episode of the World's Greatest Audit Podcast. This one features a discussion on the audit of Missouri's Marijuana Program, which found Missouri's multi-billion dollar marijuana industry was launched using a flawed… pic.twitter.com/wWRbMxC5h6 — Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick (@Auditor_Fitz) April 20, 2026 Happy 4/20 to those who observe! Minneapolis’ cannabis legislation rollout is unfolding like a flower in bloom. We’re working to ensure small businesses and events have what they need to succeed—because local entrepreneurs should be at the forefront of this new industry. — Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) April 20, 2026 Federal And State Government Agencies "We'ed" like to be blunt: driving high is illegal in all 50 states and DC — on 420 Day and EVERY day. pic.twitter.com/4GL4BctPQ8 — nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) April 20, 2026 It’s 4/20! Remember to “Make a Plan” if you choose to consume cannabis outside the home or participate in a cannabis-centric social gathering today. Drop the keys, stay put, and plan to use public transportation or catch a sober ride. Visit https://t.co/9rOFhkzg9b for more. pic.twitter.com/kHd1JPDjnu — Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (@MA_Cannabis) April 20, 2026 Happy 4/20. If you’re planning to get high, plan not to drive. High driving could lead to high penalties like heavy fines and even jail time. So plan ahead or call a ride. Just don’t drive high. Learn more at https://t.co/m20nJuh5q4. pic.twitter.com/bYkDFN6hWJ — Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (@Virginia_CCA) April 20, 2026 This 420 breathe easy. If you use cannabis, explore non-smoking/non-vaping options. Visit https://t.co/nY5S33f3um to find a legal dispensary. pic.twitter.com/HczqhfwQkC — New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (@NewJerseyCRC) April 20, 2026 4/20 and the munchies often go hand in hand. Cannabis can heighten taste, smell, and appetite—making food feel more intense than usual. Understanding these effects is part of consuming responsibly. Explore the Cannabis Education Library to stay informed:… pic.twitter.com/cE0ckkQTZ3 — NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2026 This 4/20, keep it cute… and keep it locked. We’re giving away lockbags to help you store your #NYCannabis safely—out of sight and out of reach. Want to enter? Tell us how you practice safe storage for your cannabis products: https://t.co/QxDtttT9Ps pic.twitter.com/ktccumS1zg — NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2026 Companies And Brands 'Marijuana' is the only English word in which the 'j' is silent. — Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) April 20, 2026 How did “420” become associated with marijuana? pic.twitter.com/oT6hMp1Noi — Encyclopaedia Britannica (@Britannica) April 20, 2026 BYOB $4.20 all day in app for MyRewards members. blaze it. — Carl’s Jr. (@CarlsJr) April 20, 2026 celebrate the toastiest holiday with this dreamy deal get your BOGO Dream Rotation Meal today only 4.20.26 pic.twitter.com/KML1QHpzr7 — Jimmy John’s (@jimmyjohns) April 20, 2026 what u using this for on 4/20? pic.twitter.com/ffOCx2b4sh — Wingstop (@wingstop) April 19, 2026 You know why you're here – $25.99 online only.https://t.co/7UEinCTpYM pic.twitter.com/bb0sZQsywp — Blaze Pizza (@BlazePizza) April 20, 2026 The post Politicians And Major Brands Celebrate Cannabis Culture On 4/20 appeared first on Marijuana Moment. 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A key congressional committee is expected to issue a directive this week for federal agencies to study the “adequacy” of state marijuana laws and to assess methods for “preventing diversion of state legal cannabis product into jurisdictions that do not permit the use of cannabis.” The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday is scheduled to take up spending legislation and related reports, one of which contains the marijuana provisions. The draft report set to be attached to the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) bill says the panel “recognizes that over 20 States and territories now permit the adult use cannabis, while over 35 States and territories permit the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.” It directs the Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to “coordinate an assessment of the adequacy of State marijuana regulatory frameworks, including commonalities and novel approaches to enforcement and oversight.” The committee has approved similar cannabis provisions in past years, but it’s not clear if TTB has ever filed a resulting marijuana policy report with lawmakers. Here’s the full language of the current directive set to be approved by the committee this week: “Cannabis Regulatory Framework.—The Committee recognizes that over 20 States and territories now permit the adult use cannabis, while over 35 States and territories permit the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. The Committee directs TTB in coordination with the entire Department, and other agencies, which may have relevant regulatory expertise, to coordinate an assessment of the adequacy of State marijuana regulatory frameworks, including commonalities and novel approaches to enforcement and oversight. The assessment shall include recommendations to improve data sharing and coordination between State and Federal authorities. The Department is directed brief the Committee on the findings of the assessment within one year of enactment of this Act.” This year’s report also includes a new cannabis-related passage directing TTB and other agencies to assess ways to prevent diversion of marijuana from legal markets to states that maintain prohibition. It reads: “Diversion Prevention.—The Committee urges DOJ, in coordination with the broader Department, TTB, and other agencies that may have relevant regulatory expertise, to coordinate an assessment of the most effective methods of preventing diversion of state legal cannabis product into jurisdictions that do not permit the use of cannabis.” The directive for federal agencies to study the adequacy of state cannabis laws mirrors what was included in reports attached to appropriations bills covering FSGG and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) in several prior sessions. It is also similar in intent to a standalone bill from House FSGG Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Dave Joyce (R-OH), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. That legislation would lay the groundwork for federal marijuana legalization, directing the attorney general to create a commission charged with making recommendations on a regulatory system for cannabis. The underlying FSGG bill, meanwhile, includes a longstanding provision continuing to block Washington, D.C. from legalizing and regulating recreational marijuana sales. While local lawmakers have found ways to work around that policy to some extent by significantly expanding access to an existing medical marijuana program, advocates view the rider—championed by prohibitionist Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD)—as a troubling infringement on D.C.’s autonomy. “SEC. 809. (a) None of the Federal funds contained in this Act may be used to enact or carry out any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) or any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative. (b) No funds available for obligation or expenditure by the District of Columbia government under any authority may be used to enact any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C 801 et seq.) or any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative for recreational purposes.” The White House last year called the District’s move to enact local marijuana reform an example of a “failed” policy that “opened the door to disorder.” President Donald Trump’s budget request that he released earlier this month similarly proposed to continue the Harris rider preventing adult-use marijuana sales in D.C. — Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, bipartisan lawmakers have filed several pieces of legislation to delay or reverse the broad federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that is set to take effect in November. Trump in December directed the Department of Justice to complete the process of moving marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule III “in the most expeditious manner,” but that has not yet occurred. The post Federal Agencies Would Have To Study State Marijuana Laws Under New Directive From Congressional Committee appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

California should ease up on taxes for marijuana businesses like the one they own together, Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher say. The actor and comedian jointly complained about the state’s harsh cannabis taxes in a podcast interview released on Monday, known as the unofficial marijuana holiday 4/20. “California sucks as far as—look, all businesses, but certainly this one,” Maher said on the episode of his Club Random podcast. “They still treat it like it’s poison.” Harrelson agreed, saying, “They treat it like you’re lucky that we allow you to do this, and so we’re going to tax you 35 percent, which is way more—it’s more than double anything.” “I don’t even know what’s the second” in terms of highly taxed items, the actor said, citing guns and beer as facing lower rates than cannabis. “It’s ridiculous that they can just tax the fuck out of you and make it so hard,” he said. “Anyway, I don’t want to bitch and moan. I’m a happy person, generally.” But Maher said, “I’m not happy about this.” “I’m never happy when anybody fucks with my money,” he said. “I’m gangster like that.” Harrelson and Maher own The Woods, a dispensary and cannabis consumption lounge in West Hollywood, where the two smoked joints while filming the new podcast episode. In California, cannabis faces a 15 percent state excise at the point of purchase, as well as local excise taxes that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There are also regular state and local sales taxes that apply, plus taxes at other points of the supply chain such as at the cultivation level. Marijuana businesses can additionally face steep licensing fees in order to do business. Harrelson further complained during the interview with Maher that “they also don’t allow you to write anything off,” an apparent reference to the federal provision known as 280E that blocks marijuana companies from taking tax deductions that are available to businesses in other sectors. California lawmakers, however, like those in a number of other legal cannabis jurisdictions, have taken steps to decouple the state tax code from the federal policy, allowing operators to write off business expenses on their state taxes. Maher, for his part, also noted the cannabis industry’s banking access issues. “For the longest time, it was a very risky business because you couldn’t put the money in the bank, right?” he said. “The banks wouldn’t take ‘your dirty fucking pot money that you fucking hippies got by smoking pot.'” “And everybody would have truckloads of cash around,” Maher said. “So of course, they were a target for robbers.” To that point, Harrelson and Maher’s dispensary was burglarized in what appeared to be part of a string of crimes targeting cannabis businesses in the region. While the situation is changing and more banks are taking on cannabis clients, as the two noted in the new interview, federal legislation to provide a broad fix for the issue has remained stalled for years. Maher and Harrelson have long publicly embraced their cannabis consumption. Last year, when Harrelson was asked to pick anyone living or dead he would like to patronize the dispensary’s cannabis cafe, he zeroed in on marijuana icon Bob Marley. But the actor also conceded that he doesn’t think he could go “toke-for-toke” with the late reggae star. The actor also got involved in marijuana reform advocacy in California, calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to sign a bill legalizing marijuana cafes that passed in 2024, which he did end up approving. Earlier this year, Harrelson joked about his experiences getting kicked out of two bars for smoking marijuana indoors with the mother of fellow star Matthew McConaughey. Harrelson separately disclosed in 2017 that used cannabis to help get through a dinner with President Donald Trump. Last year, Maher said he didn’t get high before attending a dinner with Trump at the White House, joking that it was a “missed opportunity.” Image element courtesy of Angela George. The post Woody Harrelson And Bill Maher Complain That Marijuana Taxes Are Too High While Smoking Joints At The Dispensary They Own Together appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

Delaware lawmakers have passed a bill to let terminally ill patients use medical cannabis in hospitals, sending the measure to the governor. About a month after the cannabis proposal from Sen. Marie Pinkney (D) advanced through the Senate in a unanimous vote, the House of Representatives approved it with a 38-0 tally on Thursday. The measure now heads to Gov. Matt Meyer (D), who can sign, veto or allow it to become law without his signature. Rep. Kamela Smith (D), who carried the legislation in the House, said ahead of the final vote that the bill “is about compassionate, safe and transparent care for the seriously ill.” “This is a patient safety bill. The stigma surrounding cannabis use continues to create unnecessary barriers to patients that are already facing some of the most difficult moments in their life,” she said. “Healthcare facilities will permit use on their premises, but only within established guidelines and safeguards. “Patients are already using it, especially for cancer, chronic pain and serious illness,” Smith said. “Patients shouldn’t have to choose between following their doctor’s treatment plan and following the hospital’s rules and protocols. When patients are admitted to a hospital, their medications are reviewed, the treatment continues, and their plan is managed. Medical marijuana should be treated the same way—openly, safely and not hidden.” If the reform is enacted into law, patients and their caregivers would be responsible for acquiring and administering medical marijuana, and it would need to be stored securely at all times in a locked container. Smoking or vaping of medical cannabis would be prohibited, so patients would need to consume it via other methods. Healthcare facility officials would need to see a copy of patients’ state medical marijuana registry ID cards, and they would be required to note their use of the drug in medical records. They would also need to “develop and disseminate written policies and procedures for the use of medical marijuana within the health care facility.” Facilities would be able to prohibit medical marijuana use if they determine that such use would have an “adverse impact on the medical care and treatment of the patient or is otherwise contraindicated.” They would also be able to suspend permission to use cannabis if a federal agency such as the U.S. Department of Justice or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services takes an enforcement action against such use or “issues a rule, guidance, or otherwise provides notification to health care facilities that expressly prohibits the use of medical marijuana in health care facilities.” The right to use medical cannabis under the bill, SB 226, would not apply to patients who are in the emergency department. — Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — Meanwhile in Delaware, the Senate in January voted to override the governor’s veto of a bill that would prevent local governments from imposing onerous zoning restrictions that make it more challenging for marijuana businesses to operate in their jurisdictions. Delaware’s adult-use cannabis market launched last August, with the governor touting the state’s first “successful” weekend of adult-use cannabis sales, with total purchases for medical and recreational marijuana totaling nearly $1 million—and compliance checks demonstrating that the regulated market is operating as intended under the law. The launch of Delaware’s legal market came about two years after marijuana legalization was enacted into law under former Gov. John Carney (D). Ahead of the sales roll-out, the governor last July toured one of the state’s cannabis cultivation facilities, praising the quality of marijuana that’s being produced, which he said will be the “French wine of weed.” The launch of the legal market came with some controversy, however, with critics alleging that allowing medical operators to start adult-use sales ahead of other license applicants is unfair. Dozens of other would-be retailers that have either already received licenses or are still awaiting issuance will need to wait for further regulatory approvals until they can open their doors—a situation that’s frustrated some advocates. Two lawmakers who led the push to legalize marijuana sought input from consumers and businesses about the market launch. Sen. Trey Paradee (D), the sponsor of SB 75, and House Majority Whip Rep. Ed Osienski (D)—the primary sponsor of the state’s 2023 legalization bills—put out an online form last year for residents to share thoughts and feedback about the cannabis program anonymously. Separately, a Delaware House committee in January approved a bill to decriminalize public consumption of marijuana. While certain legal marijuana states like Colorado and Ohio still impose criminal penalties for public cannabis use, Delaware stands out as especially punitive, with a maximum penalty that carries the risk of jail time in addition to a fine. Photo courtesy of Max Pixel. The post Delaware Lawmakers Pass Bill To Allow Medical Marijuana Use In Hospitals For Terminally Ill Patients, Sending It To Governor appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net

As more states pass laws legalizing marijuana, arrests for cannabis are dropping considerably, a new report from an advocacy organization shows, not surprisingly. But it also makes the case that there is still work to be done as tens of thousands of people continue to be put in handcuffs every year in the U.S. over something that is now legal in nearly half the states. Using data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the new Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) analysis tracks cannabis enforcement trends in states that have enacted reform and those that have not—showing a “wide gap between legalization and prohibition states,” according to the group’s press release. “With cannabis legal and regulated, we anticipated that arrest rates for possession, manufacturing, and sales would plummet as demand shifted to the legal, regulated market,” the report says. “The data backs that up.” The group released the report on Monday, known as the unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20. It shows that there have been more than 21 million cannabis arrests in the U.S. since 1995, but that the trend is very much on the decline as more legalization laws come online. “Annual cannabis arrests in the United States (including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories) have dropped from a peak of over 870,000 in 2007 to 211,104 in 2025,” MPP said. “Cannabis arrests dropped in every state after legalization. On average, legalization states’ cannabis arrest rates have dropped 85.53%, with possession arrests dropping by an average of 84.61% and sales arrests decreasing by an average of 80.39%.” The 24 states with marijuana legalization laws on the books “made a total of 222,261 fewer cannabis arrests in 2025 than they did the year prior to their legalization of cannabis,” the report found. In contrast, states that maintain prohibition made “more than eight times as many cannabis arrests than legalization states in 2025, although they have a smaller total population.” Last year alone, police in legalization states made 22,357 cannabis arrests, compared to 186,581 marijuana arrests in prohibition states. Adam Smith, MPP’s executive director, said in a press release that “cannabis legalization across 24 states has driven a historic decline in cannabis arrests nationwide, from a high of more than 900,000 to just over 200,000 annually.” “That is still an alarmingly high number, with each of those arrests representing an actual person whose current reality and future prospects may well be derailed by a criminal record,” he said. “Across half of our country, hundreds of thousands of Americans are still being funneled into the criminal justice system every year for a victimless ‘crime’ that is very likely legal in the next state over.” Prior to publishing the report, MPP put out a call for supporters to share their stories about being arrested for marijuana—and the resulting document includes several profiles of people who have had their lives upended due to cannabis-related law enforcement encounters. One such story reads: “I was arrested and locked in a cage on my 19th birthday for $20 worth of cannabis. I was jailed with other inmates charged with aggravated assault and armed robbery. I spent 23 days incarcerated for a victimless crime, $1,000 in court fines and fees, $2,200 in attorney costs, $600 in court-ordered probationary classes, and drug screenings. It almost derailed my college career. The trauma I experienced haunts me to this day.” Another says: “I am a disabled mother and grandmother with progressive genetic neuropathy who was able to stop using opiates thanks to cannabis. I was stopped for a rolling stop. The officer said he smelled marijuana and threatened to call the K9. I gave them the small bud (one gram) and pipe I had. Because I refused to plea or inform on others, I was thrown in jail in an overcrowded condemned jail to sleep on the floor for 46 days with no working toilet. My charges were eventually dropped, but I still have PTSD from my time in jail. I am unable to get my driver’s license due to all the fines and fees imposed on me. I live in constant fear that the police are going to break down my door and arrest me because of my choice of medicine.” MPP notes that while legalization has driven a large-scale reduction in the number of arrests, “22,357 total cannabis arrests in a single year is still an alarmingly large number.” “Arrests can be traumatic and incarceration is even more so. A day of missed work due to an arrest can result in job loss, which can result in lost housing and homelessness,” the report says. “Americans have even died while incarcerated for cannabis possession. Longer term, criminal records create barriers to housing, employment, and professional and occupational licensing.” Even in states that have legalized cannabis, MPP notes, some still prohibit home cultivation or administer harsh criminal penalties for consuming marijuana in public or for possession by people under the age of 21. “While we are not aware of any state that limits how much beer or wine an adult can possess, every legalization state caps the amount of cannabis adults can possess. Some limits are as low as one ounce,” it notes. “Although legalization states have dramatically reduced their number of arrests for marijuana, many still have significant work to do to stop ruining lives over personal use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis.” Data released by FBI late last year show that of all drug possession arrests in the country, 27 percent were for marijuana—more than for any other specifically listed substance. An separate analysis of the data by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) concluded that marijuana arrests are driving the overall war on drugs in states where cannabis remains illegal. The organization focused on 14 states in particular. In five of those states (Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska and Wisconsin), marijuana accounted for more than 50 percent of total drug-related arrests last year. For the other nine states (Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming), cannabis constituted a plurality of more than 40 percent of drug-related arrests. Notably, the FBI data, which are compiled from submissions to the agency by local and state law enforcement, show that more than 97 percent of cannabis arrests in Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming were over possession, rather than trafficking or sales. NORML, meanwhile, recently launched a survey asking cannabis consumers about the freedoms (or lack thereof) that they experience where they live. The survey is “designed to capture real-time sentiment from cannabis consumers across the United States and beyond, offering a snapshot of how individuals experience cannabis policy in their daily lives,” the group said. The post New Marijuana Report Shows Arrests Are Plummeting As Legalization Spreads, But Criminalized States Still Send Thousands To Jail Each Year appeared first on Marijuana Moment. View the live link on MarijuanaMoment.net