420 with CNW – Oregon Lawmaker Unveils Plan to Have THC Cap Imposed on Edibles

When Oregon voters approved recreational marijuana in 2014, Douglas County resident Karma Clarke supported the measure, believing cannabis posed little danger. Her view changed several years later after her son, then 20, began using marijuana frequently.

Clarke said her son had been a successful student and athlete before returning home after earning an associate degree. His behavior then changed dramatically. He became isolated in his bedroom and struggled with basic activities he had previously handled without difficulty, including reading a tape measure and responding to questions.

Following multiple medical appointments, he was hospitalized twice for psychiatric treatment. Clarke said drug screenings did not detect cannabis at the time, but she believed his mental state had undergone a profound change.

She recounted the experience during a virtual discussion last Wednesday organized by state Senator Lisa Reynolds. The lawmaker and pediatrician has been advocating for stronger safeguards aimed at limiting young people’s exposure to marijuana.

Clarke urged the marijuana industry to acknowledge potential harms rather than repeat the history of the tobacco business. She said she hoped companies would recognize the consequences their products can have on families.

Oregon permits recreational marijuana sales to adults 21 and over, while possession and use remain prohibited for minors. Roughly 13,000 Oregonians between 12 and 18 are estimated to use marijuana, according to Dr. Julia Dilley, an epidemiologist who conducted a decade-long examination of public health and marijuana legalization in Washington and Oregon.

Research indicates adolescents who use cannabis face substantially greater odds of developing psychotic disorders. Reynolds said the concern extends beyond temporary effects from being intoxicated, warning that psychosis can result in lasting disability.

Reynolds wants Oregon to strengthen school-based prevention efforts, require additional health warnings and restrict individual edible products to 10 mg of THC. Her proposal passed the state Senate earlier this year but failed in a House committee following opposition from cannabis industry organizations. She plans to introduce the measure again with assistance from a lobbyist.

Dilley noted that Oregon’s youth cannabis use exceeds Washington’s, which has adopted stricter controls. Washington limits individual edibles to 10 mg of THC and requires each serving to be separately wrapped. Oregon permits products containing substantially more THC per item, provided the overall package stays within the 100 mg limit.

Washington also prohibits recreational cannabis cultivation at home, limits retail outlets, and imposes a 37% cannabis tax. Oregon’s rate ranges from 17% to 20%. Both states maintain a 1,000-foot separation between marijuana businesses and public schools, while Washington extends similar restrictions to other child-focused sites.

For firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) operating in more mature legal marijuana markets, the need to limit access by minors to marijuana products is a big concern and all stakeholders need to work together to devise means that address this matter in ways that don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW – Canadian Marijuana Producers Expand Their Footprint in Europe

Canada-based cannabis producer Tilray Brands recently announced that it was increasing its cultivation footprint in Europe and Canada as demand for medical marijuana continues to rise across regulated markets.

According to the company, its yearly production capacity has increased to roughly 275 metric tons, compared with about 210 tons previously. The additional capacity is expected to support expanding sales in overseas markets, particularly across Australia, Europe, and other jurisdictions with established cannabis regulations.

The higher output is being generated at two locations: Tilray’s cultivation operation in Quebec and its European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP)-certified site in Portugal. Currently, Tilray ships cannabis from Quebec to facilities in Australia and Portugal.

The company also expects its Canadian cultivation site to obtain EU-GMP certification within the coming year, a step that would help it meet the manufacturing and quality requirements applied to products entering European markets.

The expansion reflects a wider push by North American marijuana businesses to establish stronger positions in Europe as medical marijuana programs continue to develop. Germany and the United Kingdom have become important targets as their medical cannabis sectors mature, while other European markets are also developing legal frameworks and increasing patient access.

Tilray Chief Executive Irwin Simon said the company’s international network was designed to support long-term expansion as global demand increases. He pointed to the company’s production scale and international infrastructure as key elements of its strategy.

Other major cannabis companies are also strengthening their European operations. Aurora Cannabis, for example, recently announced a $2.8 million cash acquisition of two UK-based businesses: HAP Pharma and Internode Pharma.

Aurora Chief Executive Miguel Martin said the acquisition would help the company use its regulatory and commercial capabilities to expand its presence in the UK. He also said the deal was intended to provide UK patients with a dependable supply of medical marijuana products.

Aurora is considering additional investments aimed at increasing its distribution capabilities in the UK and across Europe, Martin said.

For Tilray, Portugal remains a central part of its European supply network, with products distributed from the country to the UK, Germany, and other legal marijuana markets. The company said its Aphria RX facility in Germany is operating at full capacity, while its newly introduced ARX brand has received an encouraging early response from patients.

Tilray Medical currently serves government agencies, patients, researchers, doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies across 20 countries, according to the operator.

As these early movers in the EU market cement their presence, it may be just a matter of time before other firms like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) also ramp up their expansion into emerging international markets for regulated marijuana products.

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420 with CNW – Cannabis Law Reform Is Increasingly Gaining Prominence as Midterms Approach

Cannabis policy is heading into the U.S. midterm elections as a politically complicated issue, with voters in some states considering ballot measures while candidates elsewhere take opposing positions on legalization. The debate comes as the country remains divided between broad public acceptance of cannabis and its continued prohibition under federal law.

The issue could gain attention as November approaches, although voters are also focused on immigration, the economy, the conflict with Iran, and the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.

President Donald Trump added momentum to the debate in December 2025 by directing the Department of Justice to accelerate consideration of moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. The change would not legalize cannabis federally, but it could reduce restrictions on scientific research and eliminate a major tax burden for licensed cannabis companies.

That shift began taking shape in April, when then-acting Attorney General Todd Blanche ordered state-authorized medical cannabis to be placed in Schedule 3. One significant consequence could involve Section 280E of the federal tax code, which prevents cannabis businesses from deducting many ordinary expenses, including utilities, wages, and rent.

Industry executives have welcomed the prospect. Sun Theory president Matthew Melander said removing the tax provision would make cannabis companies more profitable. Opponents, including Smart Approaches to Marijuana, acknowledge the financial benefit but argue that marijuana businesses should not receive special tax treatment.

Public opinion remains favorable toward legalization, though support has softened. A November Gallup survey found that 64% of American adults believe cannabis should be legal, down from 70 percent in 2023. Republican support dropped particularly sharply, while Democratic and independent voters remained more supportive.

Political divisions are also visible in Congress. Some Republican lawmakers have urged the administration not to reschedule cannabis, arguing that doing so could hurt the party politically.

Democrats have generally welcomed the federal move but criticized it as incomplete. Several Senate Democrats have again introduced legislation that would remove marijuana entirely from the federal controlled-substances system.

The November ballot will offer voters in Massachusetts and Idaho distinct choices. Idaho will consider a measure affecting lawmakers’ authority over citizen-led initiatives involving cannabis and other substances. Massachusetts voters could decide whether to repeal the state’s recreational cannabis system while preserving medical cannabis.

Meanwhile, cannabis policy is emerging in gubernatorial contests. In Kansas, Democrat Cindy Holscher supports recreational legalization, while Republican Ty Masterson opposes it. Iowa presents a similar divide, with Democrat Rob Sand backing regulated recreational cannabis and Republican Zach Lahn rejecting recreational legalization.

Whether marijuana becomes a decisive voting issue remains uncertain. Advocates see growing political momentum, while opponents argue that cannabis rarely determines election outcomes. With the midterms approaching, candidates and voters will have to decide how much weight the issue deserves alongside the broader concerns shaping the 2026 campaign.

Various businesses like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) will be tracking how the issues around marijuana policy shape the outcomes of the midterms and how that could impact the remaining years of the Trump presidency.

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420 with CNW – Could MMJ Be Mailed Once Federal Rescheduling Is Completed?

Georgia regulators are considering whether licensed medical cannabis dispensaries should be permitted to send products directly to registered patients through the mail, a move that could make treatment more accessible across the state.

The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission is scheduled to discuss the proposal at a public meeting on September 16. The plan would apply only to shipments between licensed Georgia dispensaries and patients located within the state.

Commission officials say recent changes in federal cannabis policy may provide legal grounds for such deliveries. Medical cannabis that complies with state regulations was reclassified as a Schedule III controlled substance under federal law earlier this year. Regulators argue that the change gives licensed operators greater authority to ship approved medical products to registered patients.

The proposal comes as Georgia’s medical cannabis program expands following a major overhaul that took effect July 1. According to officials, the state had 45,356 active registered patients as of August 5, representing a 22% increase in fewer than five weeks.

Access remains a significant issue, particularly because Georgia’s newly authorized medical cannabis products, including cannabis flower intended for vaporization, can currently be purchased only through licensed dispensaries.

Regulators are also working to establish that medical cannabis may be delivered to healthcare settings, including assisted-living facilities. Any mail-based system would include tracking and tracing requirements designed to maintain oversight of cannabis from the dispensary through delivery.

Georgia already offers some patients additional access through independent pharmacies, where low-THC oil is available. The proposed delivery system would broaden options for patients who need products that can currently be obtained only from dispensaries.

Medical cannabis delivery is already permitted in about 30 states with regulated programs. However, similar proposals have faced resistance in some states. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation last year that would have allowed certain marijuana businesses to ship products directly to patients through couriers including UPS and FedEx.

The federal policy shift occurred after the California decision, potentially changing the legal landscape surrounding medical cannabis shipments.

Georgia’s expanding market could also create new opportunities for existing cultivators. Officials said licensed growers will be able to seek an additional dispensing permit under the state’s revised framework.

For now, however, neither Georgia regulations nor federal law permits medical cannabis to be transported across state lines. Any delivery program considered by Georgia regulators would therefore remain strictly within the state’s borders.

Marijuana companies like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) will probably keep an eye on developments in Georgia on matters of sending medical marijuana by mail since any decision made there could trigger a domino effect in other states having legal markets for medical cannabis.

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420 with CNW – Study Finds That Marijuana Legalization Boosts Jobs in Agriculture Sector

States that legalize cannabis tend to record stronger agricultural employment growth than they otherwise would have experienced, according to new research from economists at Texas Tech University.

The study, presented at the 2026 Agricultural and Applied Economics Association conference, found that agricultural employment rose by roughly 9% following cannabis legalization. However, the increase in jobs was not accompanied by a comparable rise in pay. Researchers said the wage pattern likely reflects broader labor-market dynamics rather than a direct consequence of marijuana policy.

For the analysis, researchers examined state-level information collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics through its Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. The dataset covered the period from 1990 through 2024.

They used the synthetic difference-in-differences method to estimate how legalization affected agricultural employment and other economic measures. The researchers compared states that adopted cannabis legalization with a modeled group representing how those states might have performed without the policy.

The researchers said the gap between rising employment and unchanged wages may indicate that farms and related businesses were able to meet additional labor demand by attracting more workers rather than offering substantially higher pay. In other words, the agricultural labor pool may have been sufficiently flexible to absorb the increase in demand.

The findings also suggest that the effects of legalization were not identical across all jurisdictions. Researchers urged policymakers to account for when legalization occurs and the conditions of local labor markets when assessing the potential economic consequences of similar policies.

The cannabis industry has become an increasingly significant source of employment in the United States. A 2026 Vangst and Whitney Economics report estimated that the legal marijuana sector supported approximately 412,500 direct jobs nationwide.

Meanwhile, a previous study found that medical cannabis legalization was associated with fewer instances of workers missing work, with the relationship particularly notable in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, where workers may face physically demanding conditions.

Research released last year on workers’ compensation also reported a gradual rise in claims following legalization, while the average cost of individual claims declined. The study additionally found reduced use of prescription medications, including opioid painkillers.

Earlier research from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that recreational marijuana legalization was associated with higher workforce productivity and fewer workplace injuries among older workers. It also reported reductions in both the likelihood of receiving employees’ compensation benefits and the amount paid to those who did.

Industry firms, such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be pleased that research is confirming the beneficial effect of marijuana legalization on employment opportunities in the jurisdictions where reforms are enacted and implemented.

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420 with CNW – New York Approves Sale of Marijuana at Farmers’ Markets

New York cannabis businesses will soon have more opportunities to reach customers outside traditional storefronts after Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation expanding where licensed operators can sell their products.

The law permits licensed marijuana microbusinesses and dispensaries to conduct sales at temporary locations, including farmers’ markets and other approved community gatherings. The change fulfills a proposal regulators first discussed in 2023 and gives smaller operators a new way to reach consumers.

Under New York’s microbusiness license structure, eligible companies can grow cannabis, process it, distribute it, and sell it directly to customers. The model was designed to let smaller businesses manage the full production chain without securing several separate licenses or relying on larger industry players.

Previously, microbusinesses were generally limited to permanent retail locations. For participation in state-approved cannabis showcase events, they also needed to work with a licensed retailer. The new law removes that barrier, allowing qualifying operators to sell their products at approved pop-up events.

Businesses seeking to participate must obtain the appropriate showcase authorization and follow state requirements covering event approval, customer age checks, and security measures.

Hochul said the expansion would give legal marijuana companies a fairer opportunity to compete while increasing access to regulated products.

For smaller cannabis companies, the opportunity comes as many continue to face financial pressure. Microbusinesses typically have fewer resources than larger retailers and can struggle to afford prime storefronts, advertising, and other costs associated with attracting customers.

According to Matthew Nicoletti, owner of Quality High, smaller companies often compete against businesses with substantially larger promotional budgets. He described community events as an important avenue for reaching customers and establishing stronger local connections.

Data presented to New York’s Cannabis Control Board this spring highlighted the difficulties facing the sector. A survey found that only one-fifth of vertically integrated microbusinesses reported turning a profit, while nearly two-thirds said they were operating at a loss.

Nicole Ricci, president of advocacy group New York Small Farma, told regulators in April that fewer than 10% of microbusiness license holders had succeeded in opening a storefront.

Ricci praised state officials and lawmakers for supporting direct sales and said the policy could help small growers build sustainable businesses while maintaining the seed-to-sale model envisioned when the license category was created.

New York’s approach remains unusual among major legal marijuana markets. In California, for instance, small-scale cultivators have spent years seeking greater access to direct-to-consumer sales, but comparable opportunities remain limited.

The wider cannabis industry, including firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will therefore be pleased that New York is taking the lead in giving microbusinesses opportunities to leverage pop-ups as a way to reach more customers during outdoor events and other such gatherings.

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420 with CNW – Virginian Hemp Firms File Lawsuit in Federal Court Protesting THC Cap

Seven hemp operators in Virginia have asked a federal court to halt new limits on consumable hemp products, saying the rules could leave them with unusable stock, force layoffs, and threaten the survival of some businesses.

The lawsuit was filed July 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, less than three weeks before the restrictions are scheduled to begin on August 15.

The businesses are challenging a provision included in the state budget that removes an existing allowance for products containing more than 2 mg of THC when the amount of CBD is at least 25 times higher per package. Once the change takes effect, most consumable hemp products sold in the state will be limited to 2 mg THC while still being required to meet the 0.3% THC concentration threshold per package.

Among the plaintiffs is Barbara Biddle, founder and chief executive of District Hemp Botanicals. She said the new rules could leave her company unable to meet its financial commitments after investing under the previous regulatory system.

Biddle said the business has already reduced its workforce and could be forced to close its Leesburg location. Court documents state that District Hemp has roughly $10,000 worth of inventory that could be affected and over $181,000 in debts to creditors.

The lawsuit contends that Virginia’s action violates constitutional protections, including due process and equal protection, and amounts to an improper taking of private property. The businesses are seeking an injunction, financial damages, legal costs, and a ruling declaring the provision unconstitutional.

The other plaintiffs are Redfern Hemp Co., Nova Hemp & Agriculture, Pure Elkton Manufacturing, Wellness Warriors, Simply Hemp, and Cypress Hemp II.

According to the complaint, the companies learned July 6 that the exception would disappear, leaving them approximately six weeks to change formulations, update labels, alter manufacturing arrangements, and address inventory that could no longer legally be sold.

Nova Hemp operations manager Travis Lane said his company has spent roughly 18 months preparing a statewide beverage distribution operation. Products already produced, he said, could become unsellable.

State officials maintain the changes are needed as intoxicating hemp products become widely available through retailers that do not face the same controls as licensed cannabis businesses.

The dispute comes as Virginia prepares to launch regulated recreational marijuana sales on July 1, 2027. The Cannabis Control Authority is expected to oversee that market and hemp regulations.

As this lawsuit makes its way through the court system, the outcome will be watched by marijuana companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) as it could have ramifications for the trajectory of the cannabis industry.

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420 with CNW – CDC Researchers Find More Heavy Cannabis Users are Visiting ERs

A new federal report points to a sharp rise in emergency room diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a condition linked to frequent cannabis use and marked by repeated bouts of nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.

According to researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diagnoses increased 16% between October and May. The rise coincided with the introduction of a dedicated medical billing code for the syndrome, giving hospitals a more direct way to identify and record cases.

The researchers said the timing and scale of the increase indicate that the condition may have been substantially overlooked in the past. Before the new code became available, physicians and hospitals generally had to rely on separate codes for cannabis use and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is most often reported among people who use cannabis regularly. Previous studies have estimated that millions of Americans experience the condition annually, while emergency department visits associated with it have climbed alongside the broader growth in recreational cannabis use.

Doctors have also warned that the actual number of cases could be higher than existing records suggest. Some patients may not disclose how often they consume cannabis, while others may initially be diagnosed with another gastrointestinal problem.

For the latest analysis, CDC scientists examined emergency department records from roughly 7,500 medical facilities nationwide. The data covered the period from January 2023 through May 2025 and included nearly 200,000 visits associated with the syndrome.

The number of cases remained relatively steady through much of the period examined before rising noticeably in October, when the new diagnostic code took effect.

The increases were particularly pronounced among patients between the ages of 15 and 24, women, and teenage girls, as well as Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Black Americans.

According to Alana Vivolo-Kantor, lead author of the study, the increase among younger patients was unexpected. The finding raises questions about how early some young people begin using cannabis and whether frequent consumption is occurring sooner than previously recognized.

The researchers said the findings highlight the importance of improving awareness of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome among health professionals, families, and young people.

They also called for additional research into the effects of newer cannabis products to understand how the products are being used by younger people and whether they contribute to the growing number of reported cases.

All in all, the study underscores the importance of moderation while consuming marijuana products, and users would be well advised to talk to staff at companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) so that the most suitable product can be selected for one’s needs.

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420 with CNW – US Senate Approves Proposal to Postpone Hemp THC Ban

The Senate has voted to preserve a temporary delay in the federal crackdown on hemp-derived THC products, rejecting an effort to ensure that new restrictions take effect as scheduled in November.

The marijuana industry, including entities like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be following the discussions on…

420 with CNW — Study Finds Cannabis Use Exceeds Cigarette Smoking in the US

New federal survey data shows that regular cannabis use exceeded cigarette smoking in the U.S. in 2025, marking a notable shift in substance use trends across the country.

According to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 43.8 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using cannabis on a regular basis last year. By comparison, 36.1 million people in the same age group said they regularly smoked cigarettes. The findings, released on July 28, highlight changing habits among U.S. consumers as cannabis becomes more widely accepted in many parts of the nation.

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 recorded the highest level of regular cannabis use, with about 8.4 million users in that age bracket. Cigarette smoking, however, remained far more common among adults aged 26 and older, with approximately 32.2 million people reported smoking.

Smoking remained the leading method of cannabis consumption, while edible products ranked second. Other commonly reported forms included vaping, concentrates, waxes, and dabs. Beyond traditional tobacco products, nicotine vaping continued to be widespread, with roughly 29.3 million Americans reporting regular use of e-cigarettes or similar devices.

The annual survey gathered responses from approximately 60,000 participants nationwide. It is carried out by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and has served as one of the federal government’s primary sources of information on substance use and mental health for decades.

Although the report does not identify a specific reason why cannabis use overtook cigarette smoking, the findings coincide with continued expansion of cannabis legalization throughout the U.S. At present, 41 states permit medical cannabis programs, while 24 states have approved recreational cannabis use. Washington, DC also allows both recreational and medical consumption.

Even with cannabis use on the rise, alcohol remains the country’s most commonly used substance. Survey results indicate that 129.1 million Americans aged 12 and older consumed alcohol in 2025. Among them, 44% reported binge drinking at least once a month.

Federal health officials define binge drinking differently for men and women. For men, it means consuming five or more alcoholic drinks on a single day within the previous 30 days. For women, the threshold is four or more drinks during the same period.

First launched in 1971, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health tracks self-reported information from the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged 12 and older. In addition to measuring the use of tobacco, illegal drugs, prescription medications, alcohol, and nicotine products, the survey also examines substance use disorders, treatment access, recovery, depression, anxiety, mental health care, and other indicators of psychological well-being.

As more jurisdictions reform their drug laws to sanction marijuana sales, business opportunities are likely to expand for various enterprises like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that don’t sell marijuana but instead provide services that marijuana companies need.

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