Marijuana Moment: New congressional cannabis rescheduling report (Newsletter: March 18, 2026)

Wednesday at 10:11 AM

CA gov’s marijuana legalization post; CO cannabis tax increase?; OH hemp THC lawsuit; SD psilocybin; RI hemp THC drinks

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Congressional Research Service published an updated report on the federal-state marijuana conflict, removing language from an earlier version that had said it is “likely” federal officials “will move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared that “cannabis is now legal” in a satirical social media post after President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to the California Democrat as “president of the United States.”

The Colorado legislature’s Capital Development Committee is recommending the rejection of a bill that would put a measure on the state’s November ballot asking voters to increase marijuana and alcohol taxes to support mental health treatment.

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) signed a bill to legalize a synthetic form of psilocybin if the psychedelic is federally approved.

Ohio officials filed a brief defending Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) veto of a provision that would have allowed sales of hemp THC drinks through the end of the year in response to a lawsuit from brewers.

The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission is recommending that lawmakers pass a bill to ban the sale of hemp THC beverages in bars and restaurants with liquor licenses.

/ FEDERAL

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight will hold a hearing about U.S. military strikes against suspected drug boats on Wednesday.

The House bill to create psychedelic therapy centers of excellence got one new cosponsor for a total of 24.

/ STATES

South Carolina’s Senate majority leader said he is “hopeful” lawmakers can pass legislation to regulate hemp THC products.

A Pennsylvania senator tweeted about legislation to restrict hemp products, saying, “Protecting consumers and closing loopholes is just common sense. That’s why we aligned Pennsylvania law with new federal standards and give law enforcement the clarity they need to remove these harmful products from the marketplace.”

A Texas representative tweeted, “Let’s treat THC like alcohol. Regulate it. Test it. Let Veterans use it rather than opioids. Let businesses that are currently prospering continue to prosper. We don’t need a nanny state. We need adults to be treated like adults.”

Washington, D.C. regulators adopted changes to medical cannabis rules.

Vermont regulators sent guidance on acceptable forms of ID for verifying the ages of customers purchasing marijuana.

Colorado regulators issued guidance on cannabis vaporizer expiration dates.

Massachusetts officials awarded $28.8 million to support marijuana businesses through the Cannabis Social Equity Grant Program.

California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues.

New York regulators will host a series of listening sessions about cannabis rules next month.

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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.
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/ INTERNATIONAL

A German lawmaker criticized the lack of approvals for local marijuana sales pilot trials.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “cannabis use was not linked to longitudinal cognitive decline or dementia risk.”

A study of mice found that “cannabidiol attenuates methamphetamine-induced psychosis via anti-oxidative stress.”

/ BUSINESS

Vireo Growth Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $104.5 million and a net loss and comprehensive loss of $20.4 million.

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. resolved pending litigation with PharmaCann Inc.