420 with CNW — Deadline Looms for the FDA to Publish Cannabinoids List

Federal hemp regulations are set to shift dramatically in nine months, a change that industry leaders warn could effectively outlaw most consumable cannabinoid products. In the meantime, the FDA faces a looming deadline to provide guidance that could shape the future of hemp policy.

Last year, President Donald Trump signed an appropriations bill that included a provision reversing the 2018 Farm Bill’s legalization of certain hemp products. While the bill reinstates restrictions on these products starting Nov. 1, it also instructs the FDA and other agencies to compile detailed lists of cannabis-derived compounds.

The law tasked the FDA with producing three lists within 90 days of enactment: all cannabinoids the agency recognizes as naturally produced by marijuana, all naturally occurring THC category cannabinoids, and any other cannabinoids that either mimic THC’s effects or are marketed as doing so.

In addition, the FDA must clarify the definition of “container” as it applies to THC limits. The new law defines it as the innermost packaging in direct contact with a product sold to consumers, such as cartridges, jars, bottles, boxes, or bags.

The clarifications and lists are due by Feb. 10, though federal agencies have a history of missing deadlines, particularly on cannabis-related matters.

The FDA’s work will help distinguish between legal hemp under a narrower definition and cannabis, which remains federally illegal. Under the 2018 law, hemp was defined as marijuana containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. The new law would expand that measure to include total THC, encompassing delta-8, along with any cannabinoids with similar effects to THC as determined by the HHS.

The updated definition would also ban intermediate hemp-derived products marketed for consumer use, as well as synthetically produced cannabinoids or those not naturally found in marijuana. Legal products would be capped at 0.4 mg of total THC or comparable cannabinoids per container.

The container definition has drawn significant attention from the industry, as it could render the production of certain edibles illegal. According to Cantrip CEO Adam Terry, while low-dose gummies might comply per piece, the liquid used to create them could violate container restrictions.

Jim Higdon of Cornbread Hemp expressed hope that FDA guidance will bring clarity, noting that uncertainty could cause confusion and disruption.

Lawmakers have introduced alternative proposals, including the Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection (HEMP) Act, which would permit adult sales of hemp products under strict regulations, including tamper-proof packaging, cannabinoid disclosure, and production standards. Separate legislation aims to delay the federal THC ban by two years to allow more time for industry adjustment.

As these discussions on the way forward for hemp regulation proceed, cannabis industry players like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will take a keen interest in and await the eventual rules published.

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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 — Why the US Should Avoid Making Canada’s Medical Marijuana Mistake

President Donald Trump’s executive order issued on December 18 signaled a shift in US medical cannabis policy, opening new paths for research and fueling a wave of mergers and acquisitions across the sector. However, one essential issue remains unresolved: how will patients receive medical marijuana in a way that resembles standard healthcare?

Canada confronted this same problem years ago, and its experience offers a cautionary tale.

In 2016, Canadian authorities broadened access to medical marijuana nationwide. While many viewed the decision as progressive, the chosen framework at the time left significant gaps. Healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, were largely excluded from the system. Cannabis could be authorized by physicians, but it was not prescribed in the traditional sense, nor dispensed through pharmacies.

That structure became even more problematic after Canada legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. Many observers expected that adult-use legalization would finally bring medical marijuana into mainstream healthcare settings. Instead, the divide deepened. Doctors continued to issue general authorization documents rather than prescriptions, often without specifying dosage, formulation, or method of use. Pharmacists remained on the sidelines, unable to guide patients directly at the point of care.

Meanwhile, recreational marijuana became widely available through retail stores and online platforms that were often more accessible than medical channels. For many patients, especially those dealing with neurological conditions, chronic pain, or nausea, the recreational market offered speed, convenience, and lower costs. Clinical oversight became a secondary concern.

That shift carried risks. Cannabis can interact with other medications and requires careful guidance on dosing and timing—the kind of support that pharmacists offer. However, that support was largely missing.

Within regulatory limits, some organizations tried to fill the gap. Call centers staffed by licensed pharmacists offered education on proper use, side effects, and potential interactions. Efforts were made to steer patients toward safer formulations and to apply basic pharmaceutical standards to product review.

While patients valued that support, the model was not financially viable. Counseling could not be sustained when purchases flowed through nonmedical channels. Ultimately, the initiative ended not because demand was lacking, but because the system made true medical delivery unworkable.

As U.S. cannabis policy continues to evolve, the country faces a similar crossroads. The central question is no longer about access alone. It is about delivery. Canada’s experience highlights the risks of prioritizing access while sidelining healthcare professionals. If marijuana is to be treated as a medication in the U.S., pharmacists will need to play a central role in providing it.

For medical marijuana companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), a model that improves service to patients would be of great help in ensuring patients can access professional help as they use medical marijuana to manage their symptoms.

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420 with CNW — Ohio AG Approves Measure Seeking to Undo Marijuana Legalization

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has approved the official title and summary language for a proposed referendum that seeks to roll back the state’s recent changes to its recreational marijuana laws. The decision clears a major procedural hurdle for advocates who want voters to weigh in on Senate Bill 56, a measure adopted by lawmakers late last year.

Yost’s approval follows an earlier setback for the group behind the effort, Ohioans for Cannabis Choice. In January, the AG rejected the group’s initial petition, saying the language did not meet legal standards. The campaign was required to revise and resubmit its proposal. In a letter issued Tuesday, Yost said the updated title and summary now meet the requirement of being “truthful and fair.”

With the attorney general’s approval and prior certification from Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirming the validity of the campaign’s first 1,000 signatures, the group can now begin collecting signatures statewide. To qualify for the ballot, the group must submit more than 248,000 valid signatures from registered voters across Ohio.

Supporters say they are ready to move ahead. Spokesman Dennis Willard said the campaign plans to begin gathering signatures throughout the state, arguing that many residents are frustrated by recent changes to marijuana law and want the chance to reject SB 56 at the polls.

The legislation, signed by Governor Mike DeWine on December 19, is scheduled to take effect next month. It makes significant changes to Ohio’s cannabis framework, including strict limits on hemp-derived products. Under the law, most intoxicating hemp products would become illegal to sell or possess.

Lawmakers initially included a provision that would have allowed more time for hemp-derived beverages to remain on the market, reflecting recent federal enforcement trends. Governor DeWine removed that exception using his line-item veto authority, saying it would create confusion.

SB 56 also revises parts of the adult-use marijuana system approved by voters in 2023. Among other changes, it would make it a state offense to store cannabis edibles out of their initial packaging. It also criminalizes possession of marijuana products legally purchased in other states.

The Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN) and the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which led the campaign behind Issue 2, have spoken out against the referendum. Both organizations argue that the repeal campaign is being bankrolled primarily by hemp interests.

In a statement, David Bowling, OHCANN’s Executive Director, said the campaign is aimed at preserving profits for certain operators and would allow unsafe, unregulated products to continue circulating in Ohio.

These developments in Ohio will be closely watched by the broader cannabis industry, including leading firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY).

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420 with CNW — New Wisconsin Bill Could Legalize Medical and Recreational Cannabis

Wisconsin Democratic lawmakers recently introduced legislation that would legalize marijuana for both recreational and medical use, renewing a long-running debate as the state continues to lag behind nearby Midwestern neighbors on cannabis policy. Michigan and Illinois already permit recreational cannabis, while Minnesota has moved in the same direction. Wisconsin, by contrast, still treats most marijuana possession as a crime.

GOP lawmakers have previously put forward their own marijuana-related proposals, though those plans have focused narrowly on medical use under strict oversight.

Meanwhile, Democrats are calling for broader access that includes recreational sales. They argue that their bill reflects shifting national attitudes and recent changes to federal hemp policy, which they argue have created uncertainty for farmers and small businesses. They contend that broader legalization would provide clarity, generate revenue, and reduce arrests for low-level offenses.

Under the Democratic proposal, adults 21 and older would be allowed to purchase and possess marijuana for recreational purposes. Medical cannabis would be available to adults over 18, as well as minors with approval from a parent or guardian. The bill also includes language allowing the state to revisit past cannabis-related convictions and outlines a licensing system for cultivation and retail sales.

Advocates say agriculture could be one of the biggest beneficiaries. Phillip Scott, who leads the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers & Manufacturers Association, said a legal cannabis market could create thousands of jobs and keep production local, rather than pushing consumers to neighboring states.

Polling in Wisconsin has shown broad public support, including backing from a substantial share of Republican voters alongside strong approval among independent voters and Democrats.

Despite that support, legislative progress has been slow. In 2025, GOP Senator Patrick Testin introduced a measure to establish a tightly regulated medical program, but it failed to gain traction. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has consistently opposed recreational cannabis, and GOP leaders have struggled to agree on a unified medical framework.

Instead, recent Republican efforts have centered on hemp regulation. Wisconsin’s hemp industry expanded rapidly after the 2018 federal farm bill created a legal gray area for low-dose THC products. That loophole was closed late last year during negotiations to end the 2025 government shutdown, leaving producers scrambling to adjust.

Since then, bipartisan proposals have emerged to reshape hemp oversight. One would adopt a tiered regulatory model similar to alcohol distribution. Another would largely preserve the current market while adding safety and labeling requirements for products such as beverages, vapes, and gummies.

Even with competing ideas on the table, Democratic lawmakers say discussions with Republicans are ongoing as debate over the newly introduced legalization bill continues.

The eventual passing of a law legalizing both medical and adult-use marijuana in Wisconsin could create room for enterprises similar to Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) to emerge and serve the broader marijuana ecosystem.

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420 with CNW — New Study Design Could Provide Workaround to Existing Research Hurdles

A pilot study conducted in Minnesota is pointing to a possible new way for scientists to study medical marijuana without becoming entangled in federal regulatory hurdles that have long limited clinical research in this area.

Researchers worked alongside Minnesota’s state-run medical marijuana program to test whether marijuana could help reduce symptoms in people recently diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

The findings suggest the approach is safe, practical, and acceptable to patients, while also offering early signs that cannabis may provide symptom relief.

The study focused on individuals with locally metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a disease often accompanied by intense pain, sleep problems, and loss of appetite. Previous research has shown that marijuana may help ease some of these issues, but strict federal controls have made large, high-quality trials difficult to conduct.

Under current federal law, marijuana is categorized by the DEA as a Schedule 1 drug, which means researchers who handle cannabis must secure special federal licenses. These requirements can be time-consuming and costly, discouraging many academic studies.

To work around those obstacles, the researchers partnered directly with the state’s medical marijuana program. This approach allowed patients to obtain cannabis legally through established channels, while researchers focused on monitoring outcomes rather than managing the drug supply.

The pilot trial enrolled 32 patients, with a median age of 71, and 53% being women. At the start of the study, most participants reported moderate to severe symptoms, including sleep problems (85%), pain (77%), and reduced appetite (69%).

Participants received education on safe marijuana use, emphasizing cautious dosing. They continued standard cancer treatments and supportive medications as needed. Half of the group received immediate access to medical cannabis during the first eight weeks, while the remainder began the intervention later, serving as a comparison group.

Ninety percent reported symptom improvement without negative health effects and said they would recommend medical cannabis to others with similar conditions.

Although differences between the early and delayed groups did not reach statistical significance, patients who received cannabis earlier showed higher rates of improvement in sleep, appetite, and pain by the eight-week mark.

The researchers emphasized caution when interpreting these findings, but said the consistency of patient reports suggests real potential benefits. One participant, interviewed shortly after starting the intervention, described being able to sleep through the night for the first time since diagnosis.

The team has since expanded the protocol to include people with advanced colorectal cancer, with additional enrollment underway. Overall, the results suggest that collaboration with state marijuana programs could help researchers overcome long-standing barriers and generate more rigorous data on medical marijuana use in cancer care.

As more such studies are conducted and they provide additional scientific data on the benefits of using medical marijuana products, more patients could gain confidence in trying products from licensed companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) to help in symptom management alongside their conventional medications.

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420 with CNW — NRA Joins Cannabis Groups Asking Supreme Court to Lift Gun Ownership Ban

The National Rifle Association has aligned itself with prominent drug policy reform advocates in a high-profile challenge to a federal law that bars cannabis users from owning or purchasing firearms. In a brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the gun rights group urged justices to strike down the restriction, arguing that it violates the Second Amendment and lacks grounding in American legal history.

The case, U.S. vs. Hemani, centers on 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), a statute that makes it illegal for individuals who use controlled substances to possess guns. The NRA’s filing supports a lower court decision that found the provision unconstitutional.

Drawing on recent Supreme Court precedent, the group maintains that gun laws must be grounded in historical practice. According to the NRA, early American lawmakers addressed intoxication by regulating specific behavior, such as carrying or firing weapons while impaired, rather than stripping people of gun rights based on their status as users of alcohol or other substances.

The brief criticizes the government’s reliance on what it describes as weak historical comparisons, including old laws related to civil commitment and vagrancy. It also notes that certain historical surety laws required individualized risk findings, a safeguard that the current federal statute lacks. On that basis, the NRA contends that disarming Hemani solely because of cannabis use cannot be squared with constitutional tradition.

Similar briefs were submitted by organizations including the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

NORML’s submission focused on who is protected by the Second Amendment. The organization argued that people who use cannabis are ordinary Americans, including veterans, patients, parents, and workers, and not part of any excluded class. It also pointed to the growing acceptance of marijuana, noting that most states now permit medical use and many allow recreational possession under regulated systems.

That shift in state policy, NORML argued, undercuts the idea that cannabis consumption signals inherent danger. Congress itself has acknowledged this reality by limiting federal enforcement against state medical cannabis programs. The group also emphasized that, for centuries, cannabis was not treated as a serious threat, and that its classification as a Schedule I substance is a relatively recent development shaped by political forces.

The DPA raised separate concerns about the statute’s lack of clarity. Its brief argued that the law fails to define how much drug use, or how recent, triggers criminal liability. As written, the organization warned, the provision could apply to millions of people, including gun owners with no criminal history who experiment with cannabis and suddenly face felony charges and loss of civil rights.

Multiple gun rights organizations filed additional briefs raising similar concerns and questioning whether the Hemani case is an appropriate vehicle for resolving such a far-reaching issue. Civil liberties and criminal defense groups also weighed in, urging the court to invalidate the statute.

Meanwhile, attorneys general from nineteen states and Washington backed the federal government, arguing that the law should remain in place. Gun control advocates and public health groups likewise urged the justices to reverse the lower court’s ruling, citing concerns about public safety and alleged links between cannabis use and violence.

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in the case on March 2. Many stakeholders within the marijuana industry, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be following how the case unfolds and is concluded by the highest court in the U.S.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Firms Boost Security Measures Amid Increasing Robberies

Cannabis retailers across Michigan are tightening security as robberies and break-ins continue to spike in waves, prompting concern among business owners and law enforcement officials alike.

420 with CNW — Marijuana Firms Boost Security Measures Amid Increasing Robberies

Cannabis retailers across Michigan are tightening security as robberies and break-ins continue to spike in waves, prompting concern among business owners and law enforcement officials alike.

Law enforcement officials say the pattern has become familiar since the state approved recreational marijuana sales in 2018 and the first licensed stores began operating the following year. Steve Hinkley, Calhoun County Sheriff, noted that dispensary burglaries tend to spike suddenly, often involving several locations within a short period, before tapering off for months. According to Hinkley, these episodes have occurred repeatedly over the past several years.

Southeast Michigan has seen the highest concentration of incidents. A report from the Detroit Metro Times documented at least 75 dispensary break-ins in Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland counties since January 2024. The publication noted that the total is likely higher as not every case is publicly reported.

The same report found that at least 22 burglaries took place during the first quarter of 2025, with most occurring in the Metro Detroit area.

Similar crimes have been reported elsewhere in the state. In Grand Rapids, Noxx Cannabis was robbed at gunpoint in November 2025. Four people recently faced charges in Battle Creek for a break-in at Potter’s Cannabis Boutique. Monroe police also made arrests last summer following a break-in at a dispensary there.

Hinkley noted that these crimes are often driven by organized efforts rather than impulsive theft. Stolen marijuana is frequently resold at prices well below market value, allowing offenders to quickly profit and fund additional break-ins.

The tactics used in dispensary robberies vary, but many involve weapons, adding to the risks faced by employees and customers. As a result, marijuana businesses have increasingly invested in advanced safety systems designed to limit access and quickly alert authorities.

At Flora Cannabis Co. in Lansing, staff rely on multiple layers of protection. Panic buttons are placed throughout the store, triggering silent alerts to police while also activating an audible alarm inside the building. The dispensary uses a controlled entry system that allows staff to unlock doors remotely. In the event of a robbery, employees are instructed to fully cooperate to avoid injury.

Detroit-based Green Acres Cannabis has also upgraded its security. The front entrance remains locked at all times, and customers are admitted through a remotely operated exterior gate. The business recently changed access codes and enhanced outdoor surveillance to further reduce risk.

Law enforcement agencies statewide are coordinating with the industry to address the issue. Ronald Wiles, executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, said departments continue to investigate each case while encouraging prevention through better safeguards.

These challenges come from transacting in cash, so the problems above aren’t unique to Michigan. Even entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) in other states have had to implement elaborate security measures to limit the likelihood of being targeted by criminals.

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420 with CNW — Virginia Lawmakers Pass Bill Enabling Recreational Cannabis Sales

Virginia legislators have advanced legislation that would legalize and oversee adult-use marijuana sales in the state. The proposal is one of several drug policy measures being debated during the 2026 legislative session.

The bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Krizek, cleared the House General Laws Committee with a 19–2 vote. The legislation had already advanced through a Senate committee and a House subcommittee last week and will now move to the House Appropriations Committee before potentially reaching the full chamber for consideration.

During the committee hearing, Delegate Adele McClure, who chairs the committee, noted that the proposal creates a detailed framework for regulating recreational marijuana in Virginia. She explained that the bill sets rules for retail operations, establishes penalties for violations, and includes measures aimed at addressing the long-term impacts of marijuana prohibition on communities.

McClure also highlighted revisions adopted in a substitute version of the measure. Those changes, she said, strengthen penalties for unlawful marijuana sales and alter the structure of the board that governs the state Cannabis Control Authority.

Virginia legalized possession and limited home cultivation of marijuana in 2021, but efforts to establish a commercial system have repeatedly stalled. Former Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed bills that would have created a retail market, preventing implementation despite support from the Democratic-controlled legislature.

Under the House measure, legal sales of recreational cannabis could begin as early as Nov. 1, 2026. That timeline is more aggressive than in the Senate companion bill, which sets a start date of Jan. 1, 2027. Krizek acknowledged the difference and said lawmakers would need to resolve it during conference negotiations.

If enacted, the legislation would allow adults to buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis per transaction, or an equivalent amount of other marijuana products as defined by regulators. Individual servings would be limited to 10 milligrams of THC, with a maximum of 100 milligrams per package.

A tax rate of up to 12.625% would apply to marijuana sales, combining state taxes with an optional local levy. Revenue would fund regulatory operations, early childhood education, public health programs, and substance use treatment and prevention programs.

Local governments would not be allowed to prohibit cannabis businesses, and delivery services would be permitted statewide.

The bill also calls for further study of on-site consumption permits, temporary sales at events, and the possible involvement of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in cannabis oversight.

New Governor Abigail Spanberger has voiced support for legal recreational cannabis sales, arguing that the current legal landscape is confusing for residents. She has said the lack of a clear system creates uncertainty for both medical patients and individuals seeking to comply with personal use laws, underscoring the need for a regulated marketplace.

If this legislation is eventually implemented, it could create opportunities for entrepreneurs to form companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) focused on providing licensed products to adults who wish to consume marijuana legally without having to grow their own plants.

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420 with CNW — Lessons That Successful Marijuana Retailers Have Learned

Mike Khemmoro expected the launch of Mango Cannabis’ New Buffalo store in Michigan to follow a familiar playbook. As chief operating officer of the small multistate company, which operates retail locations across four states, he anticipated the usual challenges that come with opening a new dispensary. What he did not expect was a sudden change in state tax policy just days before opening.

Michigan’s decision to introduce a 24% wholesale tax starting January 1 forced Khemmoro and his team to rethink their strategy. The market was already crowded with large, established competitors, and prices had been under pressure for years. Opening with limited inventory was not an option, but neither was losing ground on margins.

To stay competitive, Mango significantly increased its opening order. Khemmoro said the company purchased roughly three times the inventory it would normally carry at launch. Without that adjustment, he said, the store would have started off at a serious disadvantage.

Operators often face rising costs and delays well before their first sale. Many say these issues become clear only after they are deep into the process.

Fadi Boumitri, chief executive of Ohio-based Ascension Biomedical, learned this lesson while planning the launch of Roam Dispensary. Boumitri believed he had secured an ideal location, only to discover that local zoning rules made the site unusable. Ohio law requires marijuana retailers to maintain a 500-foot distance from certain locations, including schools, parks, churches, and libraries.

In Boumitri’s case, a nearby office building housed a church that used part of the space once a week for services. That was enough to disqualify the site. After months of work with brokers and negotiations, Boumitri had to abandon the plan and start over elsewhere.

Even after navigating state regulations, operators must pay close attention to local rules. Counties and cities often impose their own restrictions, from caps on the number of licenses to detailed security standards. These requirements can significantly increase construction costs.

In New York, cannabis regulators require surveillance cameras at all entrances, exits, and points of sale, with footage capable of clearly identifying individuals. Meeting these standards can be expensive. High-quality camera systems alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars, according to industry consultants. Overall startup expenses for a cannabis store can range from several hundred thousand dollars to well over a million, depending on location and scope.

Costs can rise further when approval processes stretch out. Many operators underestimate how many layers of review are involved. Community board meetings, municipal approvals, and state sign-offs often happen sequentially, not simultaneously. During that time, rent and other fixed expenses continue to accumulate.

Inventory planning presents another challenge. Coordinating product deliveries, intake procedures, and point-of-sale systems must align with construction timelines and inspections. Experts advise new retailers to avoid overcommitting at launch. A smaller, varied product selection can reduce risk and allow stores to better respond to local demand.

Staffing decisions can also make or break an opening. Employees must be trained on compliance rules, customer service, and technology systems. Hiring too late can leave a team unprepared, while hiring too early can strain payroll before sales begin. Khemmoro said he would prioritize building his team earlier if starting over, even if it meant higher upfront costs.

He also recommends building extra time and budget into every phase and considering a soft opening. A limited launch allows operators to address issues in a lower-pressure setting before welcoming a full flow of customers. For many retailers, that flexibility can make the difference between a rocky start and a sustainable business.

For companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) that have been in operation for years, these lessons have been learned and honed into a working system that keeps the entities on a growth trajectory.

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