Marijuana Moment: Feds say cannabis is a “deadly” drug (Newsletter: October 2, 2025)

[Tokeativity]

CA marijuana tax break in effect; OR officials defend cannabis industry labor law; MA psychedelics vote; TX ag commissioner on hemp; NE licenses delay

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is calling marijuana a “deadly” drug—touting agents’ efforts to seize it and other illegal substances—while also warning that possessing cannabis, even for medical use, carries “serious consequences.”

The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Care Financing approved a bill to create a psychedelic therapy pilot program—while two other panels held hearings on additional psilocybin-focused legislation.

A new California law reversing a marijuana tax increase through at least late 2028 took effect, weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill he said is aimed at ensuring “the legal market can continue to grow, consumers can access safe products, and our local communities see the benefits.”

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (R) sent a letter pushing back against a senator’s “incorrect assertions” about the state’s compliance with federal hemp laws—but also signaled changes may be coming to measure “total THC” to determine the legality of hemp products.

Lawyers for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D) and other state officials are asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to overturn a judge’s ruling that blocked a voter-approved law to require marijuana businesses to enter into labor peace agreements with workers.

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission missed a deadline to issue the first marijuana cultivation business licenses in the wake of several regulators’ resignations.

Michigan marijuana businesses held a rally to push against a tax increase bill that’s advancing in the legislature—and several lawmakers suggested that the proposed hike could be reduced by the time it potentially passes.

/ FEDERAL

A Department of Veterans Affairs official discussed drug harm reduction policies on a podcast.

/ STATES

North Carolina’s attorney general and secretary of state expressed concerns about THC-infused treats around Halloween.

A Wisconsin senator spoke about a family member’s experience using medical cannabis.

The Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals dismissed petitions challenging approval of a medical cannabis business license.

Colorado regulators issued a health and safety bulletin about marijuana products manufactured with ingredients that contain pesticides above acceptable limits.

Massachusetts’s top marijuana regulator laid out her priorities upon retaking the position following a now-reversed suspension.

Ohio regulators are being sued over rules on marijuana products and advertising.

Guam regulators posted draft hemp rules.

California regulators published an updated list of pesticides allowed to be used on cannabis.

Rhode Island Cannabis Advisory Board subcommittees will meet on Thursday.

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/ LOCAL

The Omaha, Nebraska City Council approved medical cannabis business zoning rules.

Oakland, California’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Thursday.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The German federal government rejected Frankfurt’s plans to launch cannabis sales as part of a research program.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “CBD attenuates amygdala response to negative emotional stimuli in individuals with alcohol use disorder.”

A study suggested that “psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experiences play a pivotal role in enhancing mental wellness, leading to positive behavioural change, including cessation of harmful habits such as alcohol and nicotine use.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Last Prisoner Project and the Balanced Veterans Network held lobby days for cannabis reform on Capitol Hill.

/ BUSINESS

Trulieve told a federal court that an insurance company owned by Berkshire Hathaway must provide a legal defense for the company in a lawsuit it is facing over a worker’s death.

Verano Holdings Corp. announced the closing of a credit agreement to provide it with a revolving credit facility of $75 million.

/ CULTURE

Former football player Jim McMahon authored a letter urging President Donald Trump to reschedule marijuana.

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