420 with CNW — Study Shows Marijuana Extracts Notably Improve Symptoms of Cancer Patients

A new clinical study indicates that cannabis-derived medicinal extracts may help reduce several symptoms associated with cancer, including difficulty sleeping and anxiety, though patient responses varied considerably depending on which cannabinoid profile worked best for each individual.

The study team evaluated oil-based formulations with different proportions of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using a randomized, placebo-controlled trial that was triple-blinded to reduce bias.

Overall results suggest that cannabis oil treatments produced meaningful relief in about half of participants, with improvements most often reported in sleep-related issues and closely connected symptoms. When outcomes were averaged across the study population, no single formulation consistently showed superior performance compared with the others.

Among the 89 participants who had complete Patient Global Impression of Change records, 56% experienced at least a 1.4-point improvement relative to placebo when using one or more active extracts. In subgroup analyses, response rates were recorded at 50% for pain, 47% for sleep difficulties, and 60% for anxiety. Around two-thirds of participants said they preferred an active cannabinoid product over placebo.

The study also found that a low-dose regimen combining 2.5 milligrams of THC and CBD taken three times per day was generally well tolerated. Even so, the researchers stressed that better outcomes are likely achieved when treatment is tailored rather than standardized across patients.

According to the authors, a universal recommendation is unlikely to fit the wide range of biological differences seen in patients. Variations in the endocannabinoid system may help explain why some individuals respond better to certain extracts than others.

The findings add to expanding scientific work exploring cannabis compounds in cancer care. Earlier reviews have suggested possible anti-tumor activity in specific cancers such as glioblastoma and breast tumors, along with evidence that cannabinoids may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

CBD has also been highlighted in multiple analyses for its potential anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and possible role in slowing tumor growth and spread across cancers including lung, colorectal, ovarian, and prostate.

A 2025 study also examined existing clinical and laboratory data, suggesting cannabinoid use may enhance how standard chemotherapy drugs perform.

Separately, earlier research has reported that many cancer patients who use cannabis describe noticeable improvements in symptom severity and overall quality of life.

Researchers say further large-scale trials will be needed to determine optimal dosing strategies and long-term safety, particularly as interest in cannabinoid-based therapies continues to grow in oncology care settings worldwide.

These scientific findings confirming that marijuana products indeed confer medical benefits upon cancer patients are likely to be welcomed by industry firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) that sell medical marijuana products aimed at helping cancer patients manage their symptoms.

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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 — Illinois Governor Signs Law Restricting Sales of Intoxicating Hemp Products

Illinois has enacted new restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, bringing them under rules similar to those governing recreational cannabis sales across the state.

Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3222 into law on Friday, establishing a minimum purchase age of 21 for products containing intoxicating hemp compounds. The measure targets products such as HHC, Delta-8 THC, THC-P, and Delta-9 THC, which have largely been sold outside Illinois’ regulated cannabis marketplace.

Under the new law, these hemp-derived products will now face many of the same requirements imposed on recreational marijuana, which is already legal for adults aged 21 and older in Illinois. The legislation takes effect immediately, preventing retailers from selling intoxicating hemp products to anyone below the legal cannabis age threshold.

State officials say the measure is intended to address concerns about consumer safety and oversight. In addition to age restrictions, the law requires child-resistant packaging and prohibits advertising or labeling practices that could attract minors. Companies will also be barred from using packaging that resembles popular consumer products often marketed to children.

Existing cannabis industry standards will now extend to intoxicating hemp products as well. Pritzker praised the legislation after signing it, describing it as a significant step toward closing what state leaders viewed as a regulatory gap.

He said the measure strengthens oversight, supports fairness within the cannabis sector, and broadens access to medical cannabis options. The governor added that Illinois remains focused on building an industry that encourages participation from a wide range of businesses while maintaining consumer accessibility and safety.

The statewide action follows a debate in Chicago earlier this year. In February, Mayor Brandon Johnson rejected a proposed city ordinance that would have immediately prohibited sales of intoxicating hemp products to individuals under 21. The proposal also sought to ban most hemp-derived intoxicating products beginning April 1.

That ordinance contained several exceptions, including hemp-infused beverages, topical products, additives, and certain pet-related products. It would have allowed licensed restaurants and bars to continue selling approved hemp additives and beverages, while limiting the sale of many other hemp products to licensed cannabis dispensaries.

With the governor’s approval of the statewide legislation, Chicago’s hemp market will now operate under the same regulatory structure applied throughout Illinois rather than a separate city-specific system.

The issue is also drawing attention at the federal level. A nationwide prohibition on intoxicating hemp products is currently scheduled to take effect in November. However, lawmakers in Congress introduced legislation that could postpone implementation of the federal restrictions until 2028.

The marijuana industry will likely view the action taken in Illinois as the right path to take with regard to the regulation of intoxicating products derived from hemp, and industry actors like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) could see the move as leveling the playing field.

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420 with CNW — Federal Cannabis Trafficking Cases Dwindle Amid State-Level Legalization

Federal prosecutions tied to marijuana trafficking have dropped to their lowest level on record, reflecting a 95% decline that has unfolded over more than a decade, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

The commission’s data shows that fewer than 400 individuals faced federal marijuana trafficking charges in 2025. That marks the smallest annual total ever recorded and highlights the changing landscape of cannabis enforcement across the country. Marijuana-related cases accounted for just 2% of all federal drug trafficking prosecutions during the year.

The contrast with earlier years is striking. In 2012, federal courts sentenced close to 7,000 people for offenses involving marijuana trafficking. That same year marked a turning point in U.S. cannabis policy when voters in Washington and Colorado approved the nation’s first legal frameworks for adult recreational marijuana sales.

Since then, federal prosecution numbers have steadily moved downward. By 2015, the annual total had fallen below 4,000 cases, and by 2019 it had dropped to fewer than 1,000.

The reduction in federal marijuana prosecutions mirrors a similar pattern seen at the U.S.-Mexico border. Government records indicate that border agents seized approximately 61,000 pounds of marijuana in 2023, the lowest amount reported in modern records. Compared with 2013 levels, that represents a decline of roughly 98% in cannabis seizure activity.

Observers say the figures reflect broader shifts in how marijuana is produced, distributed, and sold throughout the U.S. As more states establish regulated cannabis markets, demand for illicitly imported marijuana appears to have weakened, contributing to lower enforcement activity at both the border and the federal court level.

Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, noted that the statistics suggest that state-regulated cannabis programs are having a significant impact on illegal marijuana commerce. He argued that the growth of licensed markets has reduced the role of international suppliers while allowing federal authorities to direct attention and resources toward other criminal investigations that may present greater public safety concerns.

The sentencing data also offers a wider snapshot of federal criminal enforcement. Drug-related offenses continued to represent a substantial share of the federal caseload in 2025, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all prosecutions.

Among those cases, methamphetamine remained the dominant focus for federal authorities. Almost half of individuals prosecuted for federal drug crimes were involved in offenses connected to methamphetamine, making it the most common drug category in the federal system.

The wider marijuana industry, including major companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be happy that fewer people are now being prosecuted for marijuana-related offenses now that most of the country has legalized some form of the drug.

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420 with CNW — Study Documents Marijuana’s Protective Effects Against Diabetes

New research from the University of California, Riverside, has shed light on a long-standing question surrounding cannabis use and metabolic health. While marijuana is widely known for stimulating appetite, regular users have frequently been found to have lower body weight and a reduced likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared with non-users.

For years, population-based studies have suggested that people who use cannabis regularly often display more favorable metabolic indicators than those who do not. This observation has puzzled scientists because cannabis is commonly associated with increased food consumption, often referred to as the “munchies.”

The new study examined whether substances naturally present in cannabis, apart from delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), could help explain the phenomenon.

To investigate, scientists used obese mice fed diets intended to resemble typical human eating habits. The animals received either purified THC or a whole-plant cannabis extract. Importantly, both treatments contained identical amounts of THC, allowing the team to determine whether additional cannabis compounds influenced metabolic outcomes.

The results showed that both groups of mice experienced substantial weight reduction. However, differences emerged when researchers assessed blood sugar regulation. Animals treated solely with THC continued to exhibit problems linked to glucose control, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. In contrast, mice given the full cannabis extract not only lost weight but also demonstrated significant improvement in metabolic function.

According to the study’s authors, the findings indicate that THC by itself does not account for the positive metabolic effects observed in some cannabis users. Instead, other components of the plant appear to contribute significantly.

Further analysis suggested that communication between fat tissue and the pancreas may play a central role. Under healthy conditions, fat cells release signaling molecules that help regulate insulin production. In obesity and diabetes, this process can become impaired, contributing to elevated blood sugar levels.

Researchers found that the whole-plant extract was more effective than THC alone at restoring this biological signaling pathway. Improved communication between fat tissue and the pancreas appeared to support healthier glucose regulation.

Despite the promising findings, the authors stressed that the research should not be interpreted as evidence that cannabis can treat obesity or diabetes. They also stressed the need for human trials before any medical conclusions can be reached.

The team now plans to identify non-intoxicating cannabis compounds that may offer metabolic benefits without producing THC’s psychoactive effects. As cannabis use expands and regulations continue to change, researchers say ongoing scientific investigation will be essential to better understand both its potential advantages and its risks.

Marijuana firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) are unlikely to be surprised that recent studies are starting to document the various beneficial health effects of marijuana. Such scientific findings contradict what critics and prohibitionists have always claimed against marijuana.

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420 with CNW — Medical Marijuana Firms Face Tough Choice as DEA Opens Registration

Operators holding state medical cannabis licenses face a June 22 deadline to register with the DEA to be considered under a new federal Schedule III structure that followed an April 23 rescheduling decision.

The agency has urged cultivators, processors, distributors, wholesalers, transporters, and retail operators to file applications. Submitting within the window offers a temporary safe harbor while regulators review each case. Those that fail to register could be exposed to federal enforcement actions.

Still, registration should not be treated as an automatic win. The main advantage is the interim protection during review. Any wider benefits, such as better tax treatment, easier access to banking services, or improved insurance relationships, are uncertain and will vary depending on each operator’s situation.

Tax policy is drawing close attention as participation could strengthen arguments for standard business deductions that have long been blocked under Internal Revenue Code Section 280E. Even so, results will differ based on company structure, the mix of medical and adult-use activity, and how federal authorities apply the rules in practice.

The process also brings heavy compliance demands. Applicants face ongoing regulatory duties, inspections, product testing requirements, detailed reporting, and an annual fee of $794. They must also submit extensive records covering ownership and tax details, supplier relationships, and operating procedures for areas such as security, inventory management, transportation, dispensing, disposal, and incident reporting.

These disclosures raise concerns about privacy and competition, particularly given the possibility of public records requests that could expose sensitive commercial information.

Another complication lies in the application’s historical questions, which ask whether applicants or related parties have ever been involved in unregistered controlled substance activity, without setting a clear time limit. That creates a difficult judgment call for some businesses.

Companies that operate both recreational and medical cannabis businesses face additional caution. Even under the new framework, non-medical sales remain illegal at the federal level, meaning registration does not change that status. At the same time, movement toward Schedule III suggests a shift toward a more structured system that could eventually resemble pharmaceutical regulation, including prescriptions, clinical standards, and pharmacy distribution models.

Regulators have not signaled any willingness to extend the deadline, leaving operators a limited period to assemble documentation and assess legal exposure. Analysts note that the outcome of this registration push could influence how federal oversight of medical cannabis develops in the coming years, especially if participation becomes widespread.

For smaller businesses, the paperwork burden may prove as significant as the policy change itself, often requiring external legal and compliance support to manage filings and ongoing obligations under the emerging framework.

It now remains up to individual marijuana companies like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) to weigh the registration requirements and find ways to file their paperwork if they determine that registering with the DEA is worthwhile despite any challenges that could arise during and after that process.

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420 with CNW — Virginia Governor, Lawmakers Meet over Marijuana Sales Impasse

Virginia officials and lawmakers are moving closer to an agreement that could revive plans for legal recreational cannabis sales after Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed legalization legislation earlier this year.

Recent discussions between the governor’s administration and legislative sponsors of the measure have focused on incorporating key provisions into the state budget, which lawmakers must approve before July 1. According to multiple people familiar with the talks, negotiations have made significant progress, and both sides appear interested in finding common ground.

Delegate Paul Krizek, who led the House effort on the proposal, described conversations with the governor’s office as productive. He noted that recent exchanges have resulted in substantial movement toward a possible compromise.

Spanberger’s office echoed that message, emphasizing the governor’s support for creating a regulated cannabis marketplace. A spokesperson said the administration remains committed to a system that prioritizes public safety, consumer protection, community interests, and effective oversight.

The legislation cleared the General Assembly in March but later encountered resistance from Spanberger, who sought several revisions. Among her proposed changes were a delayed launch date for retail sales, higher tax rates, and tougher penalties for certain marijuana-related offenses. Lawmakers declined to adopt those recommendations during a reconvened session, leading to the governor’s veto.

While details of a potential deal remain under negotiation, sources indicated that any final agreement would likely push back the start of legal sales from the date outlined in the original bill. However, the stricter criminal penalties previously proposed by the governor are not expected to remain in their earlier form.

Several issues still require resolution, including taxes, the number of retail licenses that would be issued, and limits on how much cannabis adults could legally possess.

Following the veto, legislative leaders openly discussed keeping the proposal alive through budget legislation. The topic was also addressed during a recent meeting of the Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market.

Spanberger has defended her decision by arguing that a slower rollout would allow Virginia to establish a stronger regulatory framework. She has repeatedly said that taking additional time is preferable to implementing a system too quickly.

Public opinion, however, appears to favor faster action. A recent poll found bipartisan support for the legislation and opposition to delaying legal sales. The governor has acknowledged public frustration with her decision, noting that criticism has come from supporters as well as personal acquaintances.

Virginia legalized possession of marijuana and home cultivation in 2021, but residents still lack a legal retail system for purchasing recreational cannabis. Supporters of legalization argue that regulation would replace the existing illicit market with licensed businesses subject to safety standards, age verification requirements, and government oversight.

Once a system is established to enable adult-use marijuana products to be sold within the state, opportunities are likely to open up not just in cannabis retail alone but also in other segments of the state economy linked to the industry, such as in real estate where companies like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) have found success serving clients in the marijuana space.

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420 with CNW — Kentucky Governor Broadens List of MMJ Qualifying Conditions

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has moved to broaden access to the state’s medical cannabis program, signing an executive order that expands the range of medical conditions eligible for treatment and renewing his call for wider marijuana reform.

Speaking at a news conference last week, Beshear said the action is intended to provide greater clarity around Kentucky’s existing medical cannabis law. According to the governor, the current statute already allows marijuana to be recommended for symptoms such as nausea and chronic pain.

His order makes it clear that patients diagnosed with illnesses commonly associated with those symptoms may also qualify for treatment. The move comes after state lawmakers chose not to advance a proposal that would have formally widened the list of qualifying conditions during the most recent legislative session.

In response, Beshear used executive authority to add 15 specific disorders to the eligibility framework. Among the newly recognized conditions are HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, sickle cell anemia, glaucoma, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Beshear said Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis will revise program guidelines to better reflect what he described as the original intent of the law. He argued that uncertainty surrounding eligibility has prevented some residents from seeking treatment that may already be available to them under existing regulations.

The executive order builds on legislation approved in 2023 that legalized medical cannabis in the state. The program officially began operating early last year and has continued to expand. State officials report that 32 licensed cannabis businesses are currently operating, while roughly 500 healthcare professionals are authorized to recommend the treatment.

Nearly 24,000 residents have enrolled so far. Beshear estimated that the latest changes could make over 400,000 additional Kentuckians eligible for medical cannabis access. He framed the decision as a practical step aimed at improving quality of life rather than engaging in political disputes.

When asked whether the state attorney general might challenge the order, Beshear dismissed those concerns, maintaining that the action does not create new law but instead clarifies how existing provisions should be interpreted. He pointed to sickle cell anemia as an example, noting that patients often experience chronic pain, a symptom already recognized under the program.

The governor also referenced recent research from the University of Kentucky that found an association between regulated medical cannabis dispensaries and reduced opioid overdose rates.

Beyond medical access, Beshear reiterated support for federal efforts to reclassify marijuana, saying such a change would encourage additional scientific research. He also voiced support for broader decriminalization, arguing that people should not face jail time solely for marijuana possession, particularly when many use it to manage legitimate medical conditions.

These progressive decisions taken by Gov. Beshear are likely to be welcomed by the broader cannabis industry, including established entities like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) that have long wanted patients to have the right to opt for medical marijuana products that are legally available in case such products can help them manage their symptoms.

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420 with CNW — Chicago Class-Action Lawsuit Alleges Deceptive Advertising of Medical Marijuana Products

A newly filed federal class-action lawsuit is raising questions about how cannabis products are promoted in the U.S., with plaintiffs arguing that some of the industry’s largest companies have misled consumers about both benefits and potential health risks.

The case, submitted in federal court in May, targets three Chicago-based cannabis operators: Verano Holdings, Cresco Labs, and Green Thumb Industries. Spanning over 300 pages, the complaint alleges the companies presented cannabis products as effective for a wide range of medical and psychological conditions while failing to adequately communicate possible adverse effects.

According to the lawsuit, the businesses promoted cannabis as a remedy for issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and certain autoimmune conditions, despite the fact that cannabis has not received approval from the FDA for those treatments.

The filing describes what it calls a coordinated industry effort to market products containing high levels of THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs argue that marketing campaigns have emphasized therapeutic claims while minimizing concerns about potential harm.

The lawsuit references multiple scientific studies examining the effects of cannabis use. Among them is a 2017 NASEM report that identified evidence linking marijuana consumption to an increased likelihood of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, particularly among frequent users.

Patrick Kenneally, an attorney with Burke Law Group representing the plaintiffs, said clearer warnings are needed so consumers can make informed purchasing decisions. He argued that some users experiencing mental health or physical problems may not recognize a possible relationship between those issues and their cannabis consumption.

Kenneally also compared the current debate surrounding marijuana to public discussions about tobacco decades ago, before widespread awareness campaigns and health warnings became common. He said greater public education, whether through labels, packaging inserts, or in-store notices, is necessary to ensure consumers understand potential risks.

The lawsuit also alleges financial injury, claiming customers may have paid premium prices or bought products they otherwise would have avoided if more complete information had been available.

Verano Holdings responded in a statement, noting that it is part of a broader legal campaign against multi-state marijuana operators and noting that similar claims have previously been dismissed by courts. The company stated that it complies with state regulations governing testing, labeling, and consumer warnings.

Verano also pointed to recent federal actions and long-standing state medical marijuana programs as evidence of official recognition of cannabis’s medical uses. The company said it intends to contest the allegations in court.

Kenneally, who noted he was not involved in the lawsuits cited by Verano, said the legal battle could take several years to resolve.

This case is likely to be followed by companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) and other licensed marijuana companies that make and sell medical marijuana products in the U.S. as its outcome could impact the trajectory of the industry.

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420 with CNW — Survey Uncovers the Complex Impact of Marijuana on Sleep

Fresh findings from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) highlight the complicated link between marijuana consumption and sleep quality, revealing a wide range of experiences among U.S. adults.

According to the survey, 33% of respondents said they sleep somewhat or considerably better when using marijuana. Meanwhile, 19% reported either no noticeable change in their sleep patterns or a negative effect. Specifically, 11% said cannabis made little difference, while 8% felt their sleep worsened after use. Nearly half of those surveyed, 47%, stated that they do not use cannabis at all.

Women were less likely to use cannabis, with 55% reporting no use compared with only 39% of men. Men were also more likely to associate marijuana with improved sleep, as 39% reported benefits versus 28% of women.

Adults between 25 and 44 years old were the group most likely to say marijuana helped them sleep better, with 45% reporting positive effects. Older individuals were generally less likely to use cannabis products.

Dr. Kannan Ramar, a former president of the AASM, noted that the growing legalization of marijuana across many states has increased interest in its health effects, including its influence in sleep. However, he emphasized that the relationship is far from straightforward.

Ramar explained that cannabis use may be linked to several health concerns, including excessive daytime drowsiness, reduced driving ability, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms that can interfere with normal sleep patterns.

Scientific research on cannabis and sleep has produced mixed conclusions. While a recent review of multiple studies found that cannabinoids were associated with better self-reported sleep quality, other research suggests that people who use cannabis daily over long periods may spend more time awake during the night when measured objectively.

A small pilot study offered another possible explanation for the conflicting findings. Researchers discovered that participants who expected cannabis to improve their sleep tended to overestimate both how quickly they fell asleep and the total amount of sleep they received when compared with objective measurements.

Recent analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that some Americans regularly rely on cannabis to address sleep problems. The agency reported that 3.7% of U.S. adults used cannabis products often in the last month to help them fall asleep or remain asleep.

Current AASM guidelines identify cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as the preferred treatment for chronic insomnia, while prescription medications may also be appropriate in some cases. The organization additionally recommends maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the evening, creating a quiet and comfortable bedroom environment, reducing screen use before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, journaling, or deep breathing.

As more studies are conducted to provide definitive findings about the role of marijuana on sleep quality, cannabis firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) remain firmly convinced that it will take years, if not decades, for the full health and wellness impacts of marijuana to be scientifically documented.

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420 with CNW — Indiana AG Joins Lawsuit Seeking to Block Marijuana Rescheduling

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has signed onto a legal challenge aimed at stopping the federal government’s effort to reclassify cannabis, a move that supporters of cannabis reform believe could influence policy discussions in Indiana.

The proposed federal action would shift marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA. Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule III drugs are recognized as having certain medical applications and are subject to fewer restrictions.

Advocates for medical and recreational cannabis have argued that the reclassification could encourage Indiana lawmakers to revisit the state’s marijuana laws. Indiana remains one of just 10 states that prohibit both medical cannabis programs and recreational sales.

Rokita, joined by the attorneys general of Louisiana and Nebraska, is seeking to prevent the federal change from taking effect. In a petition filed May 22 with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, they contend that federal officials failed to follow required procedures when advancing the policy.

The filing names the DOJ, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and the DEA. According to the petition, the agencies acted unlawfully and exercised improper discretion in pursuing the reclassification. The states are asking the court to invalidate the action.

The case was later combined with a separate lawsuit brought by the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), organizations that also oppose the federal proposal.

In a statement, SAM CEO Kevin Sabet praised the attorneys general for challenging the policy. He argued that the reclassification could have negative consequences for public safety and said opponents would continue efforts to overturn the change.

Rokita’s office also defended its participation in the lawsuit, emphasizing concerns about the effects of marijuana use on young people. The attorney general’s office pointed to risks including addiction, mental health issues, impaired driving, and potential impacts on adolescent brain development. Officials said they have consistently opposed efforts to ease marijuana restrictions at either the federal or state level.

Meanwhile, debate over cannabis policy continues within Indiana. State Senator Mike Bohacek recently announced plans to introduce legislation in 2027 that would legalize medical cannabis and create a regulatory framework governing its distribution, sale, and use.

Last month, Governor Mike Braun indicated he is willing to consider broader discussions about marijuana policy. While he did not endorse full legalization, Braun said he remains open to reviewing proposals and recommendations from lawmakers regarding the state’s future approach to cannabis regulation.

The marijuana industry, including firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), is unlikely to be surprised that opponents of marijuana reclassification have gone to court to try and block the federal reforms being finalized.

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