Marijuana Moment: Virginia lawmakers push back on governor’s cannabis amendments (Newsletter: April 15, 2026)

[Tokeativity]

Fed 4/20 DUI campaign; MD 1st responder medical marijuana bill passes; TN anti-cannabis bill to gov; PA medical cannabis in hospitals; Vape study

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is rolling out a 4/20-themed public education campaign aimed at deterring marijuana-impaired driving around the unofficial cannabis holiday.

The sponsors of Virginia legislation to legalize recreational marijuana sales are forcefully pushing back against Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) suggested amendments—saying they raise “serious concerns about fairness, access and public safety.”

Maryland lawmakers sent Gov. Wes Moore (D) a bill to let firefighters and rescue workers use medical cannabis off duty, with the sponsor saying first responders “should not be punished for seeking legal, medically prescribed relief.”

Tennessee lawmakers sent Gov. Bill Lee (R) legislation to block an automatic review that could have legalized medical cannabis under state law following federal marijuana rescheduling.

The Pennsylvania House Health Committee approved a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals, long-term care nursing facilities, assisted living residences and other healthcare facilities.

A new marijuana study found that “vaporization reduced harmful byproducts by up to 99% compared to joint smoke.”

• “These results demonstrate that combustion—not cannabis itself—is the primary driver of harmful inhalation byproducts, and that controlled vaporization can significantly reduce exposure to these compounds.”

Idaho medical cannabis activists say they have collected more than 100,000 signatures for a legalization initiative they want to place on the November ballot as the petition deadline at the end of this month approaches.

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission signed off on rules for licensing, businesses and products—sending them to Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) and Gov. Jim Pillen (R) for final approval.

/ FEDERAL

The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted a podcast about the “growing dangers of vaping and high-potency cannabis among youth.”

The Government Accountability Office published a report about Department of Justice enforcement of laws related to unauthorized e-cigarettes.

/ STATES

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) vetoed legislation to protect people from being charged for possessing illegal drug residue.

The Maine House of Representatives rejected a bill to require testing and tracking of medical cannabis.

A New Jersey law restricting hemp products took effect.

California regulators filed proposed changes to cannabis pesticide testing rules.

Colorado regulators published guidance on marijuana business compliance issues.

Michigan regulators posted guidance about marijuana taxes.

Washington, D.C. regulators are asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging their medical cannabis business licensing framework.

Oregon regulators adopted a new state health improvement plan that includes a strategy to “destigmatize psilocybin as a culturally responsive option for healing and wellness.”

The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday.

The Nevada Cannabis Advisory Commission’s Scheduling Hemp Subcommittee will meet on Friday.

—
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

British Columbia, Canada’s health minister said it is “disappointing” that the province rolled back its drug decriminalization trial.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “CBD is well tolerated in individuals with [anorexia nervosa]” and that “indication of better weight recovery and improvement of eating disorder specific symptoms in the CBD group suggest treatment effects of CBD.”

A study found that “adolescent cannabis [criminal legal system]-referred treatment rates decreased overall by 81.6% from 2010 to 2022.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Albany Times-Union editorial board is urging New York officials to address health issues related to marijuana use.

/ BUSINESS

Verano is being sued for allegedly mishandling medical cannabis patients’ private data.

Michigan retailers sold $255.5 million worth of legal marijuana products in March.

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