420 with CNW – Federal Prosecutors Indict Virginia Senator on Illegal Cannabis Enterprise Charges

Federal prosecutors have charged Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas and 6 other people in connection with an investigation into two Portsmouth cannabis businesses that authorities say were used to distribute marijuana illegally.

The case follows federal raids conducted in May this year at the two cannabis outlets. The DOJ said that FBI agents executing a search warrant found firearms and cannabis at both properties.

On October 22, prosecutors announced an eight-count indictment accusing the seven defendants of operating a criminal enterprise that allegedly sold recreational cannabis while presenting the businesses as lawful CBD and hemp retailers.

Federal officials said the investigation had been underway for several years. U.S. AG Todd Blanche stated that investigators had developed the case over an extended period based on evidence and information gathered during the probe.

Director of the FBI Kash Patel alleged that Lucas earned millions from the operation. He said investigators believe she obtained almost $5 million in what prosecutors characterize as illicit proceeds over nearly five years.

Prosecutors also cited a February conversation in which Lucas allegedly discussed the business in terms of building wealth, saying it represented a final opportunity to secure her family’s financial future.

Lucas, who entered the Virginia Senate in 1992 and became Senate president pro tempore in 2020, rejected the allegations publicly. In a post on X, she said she would not be pressured into backing down.

Virginia law distinguishes hemp products from marijuana, and recreational cannabis sales remain prohibited in the state. Licensed medical marijuana businesses are permitted, while lawmakers have separately taken steps toward establishing a broader adult-use market. That system is not scheduled to begin retail operations until next July. Cannabis also remains prohibited under federal law.

The DOJ says Lucas and one of her daughters opened The Cannabis Outlet in 2021. Another daughter and Lucas’ grandson allegedly handled distribution activities at the store.

Prosecutors say both businesses were connected through VA Freedom Life, a company Lucas helped establish in 2019 with Carlton Upton Jr. Lucas later identified herself as the company’s CEO and president.

Lucas faces five of the charges, including drug distribution conspiracy, racketeering, money laundering, and maintaining premises connected to drug activity.

The indictment has also raised questions about Lucas’ future in the state Senate. Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Lucas and her relatives should be allowed to defend themselves while expressing concern about the timing and broader implications of the federal case. House Speaker Don Scott similarly criticized what he described as political interference by the Trump administration, while acknowledging the seriousness of the accusations.

The case highlights the continuing conflict between state efforts to regulate cannabis and federal prohibition, leaving businesses operating in the sector exposed to significant legal risks.

The marijuana industry, including operators like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), will be following how this case proceeds and the rulings made.

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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 – Audit Flags Flaws in Colorado’s Cannabis Testing Mechanisms

A state review has identified weaknesses in Colorado’s system for detecting contamination in cannabis products and alerting the public when potential safety concerns arise.

The audit examined testing and oversight by the state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED). While investigators found no signs of widespread safety and health issues, they concluded that several parts of the regulatory system leave room for improvement.

Colorado approved recreational cannabis in 2012. The MED, part of the Revenue Department, is responsible for licensing marijuana operators and enforcing state requirements governing the industry.

According to the review, several issues combine to make it harder for regulators to identify potential threats and verify that companies are meeting safety standards. The weaknesses, they say, could increase the likelihood that contaminated products reach consumers or that marijuana is sold with inaccurate potency information.

Marijuana businesses choose their samples and submit them to privately operated laboratories for analysis. According to the audit, 24 other states with legal cannabis programs prohibit companies from selecting their own samples and instead use independent third parties.

Senator Rod Pelton questioned whether Colorado should adopt a similar approach. He noted that a business acting improperly could potentially choose which products undergo testing.

MED’s deputy director Kyle Lambert said officials have studied third-party sampling but decided not to make the change in 2026. He cited the expense and logistical difficulties involved in reaching businesses, particularly those in rural areas. He also noted that independent collection would not necessarily ensure that samples accurately reflect an entire production batch.

Additionally, regulators lack enough personnel to visit every marijuana business annually, although the share of businesses receiving inspections has risen over the last three years. MED currently aims to inspect each business once every two years.

Auditors also raised concerns about delays in consumer warnings. From 2023 through 2025, products identified as potentially harmful remained available for more than seven months on average before regulators issued public safety advisories. The average response time improved during 2025 after the division changed its advisory procedures.

The audit recommended making it easier for businesses and consumers to report safety issues and further reducing delays in issuing warnings. MED accepted all of the recommendations.

The audit also called on lawmakers to expand the state reference laboratory’s role in overseeing cannabis regulation. Operated by the state Public Health Department, the facility currently can’t test for mycotoxins, pesticides, and residual solvents. Officials estimate expanding its capabilities would cost roughly $13 million.

Marijuana companies like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) in the North American region will take the audit as a positive step towards ensuring that ongoing improvements are made by regulators so that cannabis products sourced from licensed outlets retain their superiority over illicit products on the black market.

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420 with CNW – Nebraska Considers Modifying Medical Cannabis Rules

Nebraska residents will have another opportunity Thursday to comment on proposed changes to the state’s medical marijuana regulations, either by speaking at a public hearing in Lincoln or submitting their views in writing.

The hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. and is expected to last as long as three hours. It could end sooner if there are no additional speakers. Each person will have three minutes to address the state medical marijuana commission, although that limit could be reduced to two minutes if turnout is high.

Written comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Thursday. People speaking at the hearing are encouraged to provide written copies of their remarks as well.

The commission has asked participants to examine the proposed revisions and identify specific provisions they believe should be changed, clarified, added, or eliminated. Public feedback on the fee schedule is also being accepted.

The changes come after Governor Jim Pillen and State AG Mike Hilgers approved the commission’s previous regulations during the summer, which took effect July 6. All public comments must be considered before the new version is approved, pushing the process into 2027.

No additional businesses will be licensed until the revised rules receive approval from those officials.

Among the most significant changes is the introduction of program fees. The proposal calls for an application fee of $5,000, annual licensing and renewal costs ranging from $10,000 to $28,500 depending on the license, a relocation charge of $1,500, and $13,000 for access to the state’s seed-to-sale tracking program. Dispensaries would also pay $250 when adding a new product and $100 for renewal. The program currently has no fees, and state law prohibits sales taxes on medical cannabis.

The proposal would also combine product manufacturer and transporter licenses, making the transportation permit optional. Other revisions would remove outdated language identifying medical marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance, following its federal reclassification to Schedule 3.

Additional provisions address healthcare providers. Practitioners could be removed from the program if their medical licenses are no longer in good standing. They would also have to confirm that an in-person visit occurred before recommending marijuana and disclose whether they know a patient is pregnant. If pregnancy becomes known later, the commission would have to be notified.

Commissioner Jim Elworth said in August that the revisions were substantial but intended to make the system more efficient.

Existing rules limit the state to 12 dispensaries, restrict cultivation, and impose purchasing limits. They also prohibit smoking, vaping, and edible marijuana products. Advocates have warned that regulatory restrictions, along with the Legislature’s failure to approve protections for recommending healthcare providers, could undermine the program.

The commission is expected to discuss the comments submitted by the public and weigh that input while making their final decision on the proposed rule changes. As the program expands, many opportunities could be created for local companies that operate on a model that is similar to that of Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).

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420 with CNW – Washington Officials Seek Public Input on Easing MMJ Businesses’ Enjoyment of Marijuana Rescheduling

Washington cannabis regulators are considering a new certification system that could help cannabis businesses demonstrate their involvement in the state’s medical marijuana market and potentially gain access to federal benefits following the partial rescheduling of cannabis.

The LCB recently voted to begin examining the proposal. The effort follows a petition from The Cannabis Alliance, which argued that businesses need a way to document medical cannabis-related operations under Washington’s existing regulatory structure.

The issue emerged after the LCB stated that Washington marijuana businesses may not qualify for the federal changes since the state does not operate a separate licensing system for retailers, producers, and processors.

Under an April order signed by AG Todd Blanche, cannabis products covered by state medical marijuana licenses were moved from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under federal law. The same classification applies to cannabis products approved by the FDA.

Washington cannabis businesses, however, currently lack a formal mechanism to establish that they participate in activities connected to the state’s medical marijuana system. The proposed certification could provide documentation for federal registration and other practical matters, including banking and insurance.

The LCB said the potential rules could establish a program verifying a license holder’s status and detailing its involvement in state-approved medical marijuana activities.

The board’s decision came despite opposition from agency staff and does not mean new rules have been adopted. Regulators stressed that the process is still in its early stages and that no specific regulatory language has been drafted.

Members of the public and industry stakeholders can submit comments on the proposal by Dec. 4. The agency said it could work with the state Health Department and federal agencies, including the DEA, to determine what documentation would be required.

The LCB previously explained that Washington has one cannabis market rather than separate recreational and medical licensing systems. Within that framework, certain businesses can produce products meeting the Health Department standards, while qualifying retailers can sell those products to adult patients and designated providers.

Due to that structure, the agency previously concluded that Washington license holders might not meet the federal definition of a state medical cannabis licensee and therefore could be excluded from the federal registration pathway.

The LCB has not prohibited businesses from seeking federal registration on their own. It said it would be interested in hearing about the outcome of any such applications.

Washington’s review comes as other states respond to the federal policy shift. California regulators, for example, have developed emergency changes to cannabis licensing rules designed to help businesses qualify for benefits associated with the federal rescheduling of medical marijuana.

How federal classification could affect the operations of marijuana firms that register with the DEA is still being watched by numerous companies, including Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY).

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420 with CNW – DOJ, Marijuana Prohibitionists Reach Agreement on Scheduling Court Briefings

The Justice Department (DOJ) and organizations challenging the federal government’s effort to loosen cannabis restrictions have submitted a joint proposal for moving their legal battle forward.

In a filing submitted Friday to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, the parties outlined a schedule that would complete written arguments by February 2027 and potentially allow judges to hear oral arguments before the court goes into recess.

The consolidated litigation involves three separate challenges to the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the CSA. The cases were brought by the NDASA and SAM, a coalition that includes cannabis opponents, and medical professionals, and attorneys general from Nebraska and Indiana.

Under the agreement, the eleven petitioners would combine their arguments into one opening brief and one reply. The proposed timeline calls for the main petitioners’ brief to be filed Nov. 24, followed by supporting briefs from outside parties on Dec. 1. The government would respond by Jan. 13 next year, with additional supporting briefs due Jan. 20. Petitioners would then submit their reply by Feb. 5, followed by the joint appendix and final briefs later that month.

The parties said the schedule gives challengers additional time to prepare combined filings while allowing government attorneys more time because the response period overlaps with several holidays. They also cited previously scheduled international travel involving government counsel.

The filing asks the appeals court to hear arguments as soon as practical after briefing concludes. The parties also want permission to exceed the court’s usual word limits, citing the number of issues involved and questions surrounding whether the challengers have legal standing.

The latest development follows the court’s rejection last month of a request by MMJ and NDASA to halt the reclassification process while the lawsuits proceed. The challengers argued that reclassification could expand cannabis use and create broader public health concerns.

The DOJ countered that the groups have financial interests tied to keeping cannabis in the most restrictive federal category and questioned whether they are appropriate parties to challenge the policy.

Additionally, the court declined to let two medical cannabis companies formally intervene on the government’s side, although they were permitted to participate by submitting friend-of-the-court briefs.

Separately, proceedings before a DEA administrative judge have focused on the broader rescheduling proposal. The DEA has argued that cannabis no longer meets the criteria for Schedule 1 as it has recognized medical applications and can be used safely under a physician’s supervision.

The DEA has also relied on a review by the DHHS, which recommended moving cannabis to Schedule 3. The agency said the evidence better places cannabis alongside Schedule 3 substances based on abuse and dependence characteristics.

Opponents dispute that conclusion, challenging the federal government’s updated method for determining accepted medical use and warning about potential effects on workplace drug testing.

The administrative judge will ultimately issue a recommendation, while the DEA administrator will make the final determination. The marijuana industry, including businesses like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), will be watching how the rescheduling process moves through the different steps before a final ruling is made.

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420 with CNW – Study Finds Possible Reason Why Some Marijuana Users Get Paranoid

Marijuana can produce very different psychological effects. For some people, it brings calm or euphoria. For others, especially after consuming large amounts, it can trigger paranoia, anxiety, or panic. Although research has linked regular marijuana consumption with an increased likelihood of anxiety, the biological reasons behind these reactions remain poorly understood.

A new study from Northwestern University researchers offers a possible explanation. Scientists found evidence in mice that cannabinoids can interfere with a group of brain cells involved in controlling responses to danger, potentially helping explain why some marijuana users experience severe anxiety.

The research focused on the central amygdala, a region of the brain involved in processing anxiety and fear. Researchers examined somatostatin neurons, a particular type of cell within the region, to determine how they respond when animals encounter a threatening situation while under the influence of a cannabinoid.

The team administered different amounts of CP55940 to mice, a compound that activates cannabinoid receptors in much the same way as THC, the principal psychoactive element in marijuana. The animals were then exposed to fox urine smell, an odor that naturally signals danger to mice.

As the concentration of the drug increased, the animals displayed stronger defensive behavior. Some attempted to escape, while others remained motionless in response to the threatening scent.

Researchers then monitored activity in the animals’ central amygdala using miniature microscopes attached to their heads. They discovered that somatostatin neurons became particularly active when cannabinoid exposure was combined with the stressful odor.

Further experiments pointed to a possible explanation. Cannabinoids appeared to reduce the discharge of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps limit excessive activity in the brain. According to the researchers, weakening this inhibitory system may effectively remove some of the restraint normally placed on fear-related circuits.

After suppressing somatostatin neuron activity, the researchers found that the mice showed less avoidance of the threatening odor. The findings indicate that these brain cells may directly contribute to the stronger defensive reaction observed after cannabinoid exposure.

Neuroscientist Ozge Gunduz-Cinar described the results as strong evidence of a causal connection. However, she cautioned that the experiment examined one cell population in one brain area and relied on an inherent fear test.

Whether the same process occurs in people remains uncertain. Human studies involving controlled marijuana exposure and fear-related brain activity would raise significant ethical concerns. Still, the researchers say the findings could eventually help scientists develop better approaches for reducing severe anxiety associated with marijuana use.

As the scientific community works to understand why some marijuana users develop paranoia while others don’t, it helps to moderate cannabis use as licensed entities, such as Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), usually caution their customers to do.

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420 with CNW – Georgia Approves Home Delivery of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana regulators in Georgia are taking steps toward allowing patients to receive products at home following the adoption of new delivery regulations.

The state’s medical marijuana commission approved a rule governing the delivery of medical marijuana products during a special meeting held on September 30. The regulation, identified as Rule 351-6-.11, Delivery, was among several proposed measures considered by commissioners.

The delivery provision had previously been included in a package of proposed rules released by the commission in August. State officials held a public hearing on the proposals on September 16 before bringing the regulations back to the commission for final consideration at the recent meeting.

Although the delivery regulation has now been adopted, officials have not announced when delivery to patients will start.

The agency published summaries and recordings following the public meeting, while formal minutes will be made available after commissioners approve them.

The change could eventually provide registered patients with an alternative to traveling to a licensed dispensary to obtain products. The new regulation applies specifically to the state’s medical marijuana system and does not authorize recreational cannabis delivery.

The medical marijuana program is administered through state agencies, with the Public Health Department (DPH) overseeing the patient registry. Under the existing system, patients must first be certified by a licensed physician whose primary practice is located in Georgia and who determines that the individual has a qualifying medical condition.

After the physician submits the necessary information to the state registry, the DPH reviews the application. Approved patients then receive instructions for obtaining a medical marijuana card, which serves as the state credential for participating in the program.

According to the DPH, the card remains valid for five years, and patients must consult their physician when seeking renewal. The card carries a $30 fee, while another $3.75 service charge applies when payment is made through the department’s online portal.

The commission also oversees licensing for businesses involved in the medical marijuana industry, including production operations and dispensaries.

For patients and others seeking information, the DPH provides guidance on qualifying conditions, physician certification, and the medical marijuana card process.

The newly adopted delivery rule marks a change in how registered patients may eventually obtain their medicine, but the practical rollout remains pending. Until the state announces an effective date and ordering procedures, patients must continue using the existing methods for accessing medical cannabis through Georgia’s regulated program.

Marijuana industry actors around the region, such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will likely welcome the step taken to approve MMJ home deliveries in the state of Georgia and await the launch of the program.

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420 with CNW – New York Marijuana Sales Poised to Set New Record

New York’s legal cannabis market is on track to exceed last year’s sales record, although the industry is not growing quickly enough to meet an ambitious projection made by the state’s top marijuana regulator.

Cannabis retail purchases exceeded $1.410 billion during the first nine months of 2026, according to figures presented by Kevin Brennan, deputy director of the state Office of Cannabis Management. The total puts the industry on course to surpass the $1.68 billion recorded in 2025.

The pace, however, remains below the $2.6 billion that John Kagia, OCM Executive Director, suggested could be achievable.

While New York has issued licenses to 1,039 marijuana retailers, only 712 were operating as of the latest OCM report. The potential arrival of hundreds of additional stores could intensify competition among existing businesses. A majority of the state’s municipalities have chosen not to permit recreational marijuana stores, meaning many will be vying for consumers in the same geographic areas.

Sales per retailer have already shown some weakness. Average yearly revenue per store dropped 3.4% to approximately $2.7 million. In Long Island, licensed shop numbers increased by half to 18, while average annual revenue was $11.4 million, down from 2025’s $14.90 million.

Meanwhile, the average price of cannabis products stood at $27.650, down 8% from January. At the same time, the number of products sold rose 7.3%.

Medical marijuana remains a relatively small part of the overall market, accounting for under 3% of total sales, Brennan said.

New York now has nearly 6 licensed marijuana retailers for every 100,000 residents. Brennan said the expanding number of shops means the state is moving closer to markets with considerably greater retail availability, although New York remains trailing several established cannabis states.

Oregon has the highest retail concentration among the markets cited by OCM, with 18.4 stores for every 100,000 residents, followed by Colorado at 14.8 and Michigan at 8.6. For Washington, the number is 7.7; in Massachusetts, it is 6.9, while California is at 4.6.

The strongest store-level performance is coming from businesses operated by registered organizations, companies that hold vertically integrated medical cannabis licenses. Their outlets serving both medical and recreational customers generate an annual revenue average of $5 million.

That figure is more than twice the roughly $2.2 million average reported by social and economic equity retailers, highlighting a significant gap in performance across New York’s developing cannabis industry.

For the marijuana movement, including businesses like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), watching the trajectory of the legal marijuana industry in New York, there is plenty to be pleased about given the stuttering start that the industry experienced when adult-use sales had just been launched.

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420 with CNW – Florida Ballots Could Have 3 Options Seeking Marijuana Legalization

Florida voters could face three separate proposals seeking to legalize recreational marijuana when the state’s 2028 election arrives.

The Division of Elections gave the go-ahead to the Floridians for Marijuana initiative on September 30. A second measure, backed by Let Florida Vote IV, is still awaiting consideration by the Florida Financial Impact Estimating Conference. Both groups are led by the same political team, with Zack Whitson serving as chair and Gloria Maggiolo as treasurer.

The campaigns are entering a field already occupied by Smart and Safe Florida, which is supported by medical marijuana giant Trulieve.

Trulieve spent over $145 million supporting a 2024 legalization amendment. The measure fell short of Florida’s 60% threshold for constitutional amendments by 4%.

The company later provided about $67 million for Smart and Safe Florida’s effort to place another legalization measure on this year’s ballot. However, that failed after Cord Byrd, Secretary of State, instructed election officials to reject almost 71,000 petition signatures. The Florida Supreme Court declined to take up the dispute.

Smart and Safe Florida has continued working toward 2028, but it must gather approximately 880,000 valid signatures, equivalent to 8% of registered voters. Reaching roughly 220,000 signatures triggers state financial and judicial reviews.

The Floridians for Marijuana measure would permit people aged 21 and over to buy and possess cannabis from licensed retailers. The measure would set a possession ceiling of 2 ounces of marijuana and 5 grams of concentrates.

Medical marijuana operators licensed by January 1, 2025, could shift into the recreational market six months after the proposal is approved. Future businesses would not have to follow the vertically integrated model used by existing medical operators and could specialize in cultivation, processing, transportation, or retail sales.

The proposal would prohibit cannabis packaging and advertising designed to appeal to children. Vaping or smoking marijuana in public spaces would also be banned, while property owners could prohibit cannabis use on their premises. The measure would not prevent lawmakers from permitting home cultivation or regulating non-smoked products.

It would preserve laws against driving while impaired, leave federal restrictions unchanged, and allow the Legislature to impose taxes on marijuana sales.

The Let Florida Vote IV proposal takes a similar approach but would permit medical marijuana companies licensed by the 2028 election to enter the recreational market. It would also expressly allow recreational and medical operators to trade cannabis with one another.

Another distinction is the creation of a dedicated licensing authority for new recreational businesses. If lawmakers do not establish one, the Health Department would assume that responsibility. The proposal also sets deadlines for licensing and regulatory action if the lawmakers fail to act.

The differences may reflect an effort to provide an alternative should one measure face challenges under Florida’s single-subject requirement. Recent legalization campaigns have kept proposals narrowly focused after the state Supreme Court rejected earlier initiatives.

That constraint has also kept the 2028 measures from addressing broader issues such as home growing, automatic record clearing, and social-equity programs, which could face greater scrutiny during the review process.

Marijuana companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be wondering whether having so many options on the ballot will not confuse voters and result in each measure performing more poorly than it would have had there been only one option.

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420 with CNW – Hemp-Sourced THC Industry Scrambles for Reprieve as Federal Ban Looms

A growing U.S. industry built around hemp-derived THC products is confronting an uncertain future as Congress moves toward tighter federal restrictions that could force many businesses to close.

In North Carolina, entrepreneur Nicholas Hohns has built a company producing high-potency THC edibles. His operation grew rapidly after the COVID-19 pandemic, after he lost a personal trainer job. Now, he is considering other products, including creatine gummies, in case new federal rules make his current business impossible.

The dispute centers on a provision in the 2018 farm bill that legalized industrial hemp. The law classified hemp as cannabis containing no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a weight basis. That definition created an opening for manufacturers to produce beverages, candies, and other products containing enough hemp-derived THC to cause intoxication while remaining within the legal threshold.

The market expanded nationwide, with THC gummies, drinks, vape products, and other items appearing in convenience stores, gas stations, and other retailers. Some products were available in places that prohibit recreational marijuana, while others competed with licensed cannabis businesses in states where marijuana is legal.

Congress later moved to close the loophole. A provision included in legislation ending a prolonged government shutdown established a federal limit of 0.4 mg of THC per package. The restriction was initially scheduled to take effect one year after passage.

A temporary government-funding measure subsequently pushed the effective date from November to December, providing lawmakers additional time to consider alternatives.

Industry representatives are urging Congress to regulate the products instead of eliminating them. Proposed changes include restricting sales to adults aged 21 and over, imposing package-level THC limits, and prohibiting imported cannabis compounds.

Kentucky-based Cornbread Hemp is among the businesses seeking a compromise. Company executives say they could accept a significantly lower THC level, potentially around 5 milligrams per product, but argue that the proposed federal threshold would make their operations unviable. The company employs more than 100 people and sells hemp beverages across numerous states.

Industry advocates also warn that the proposed limit could affect some CBD products that do not produce intoxication, including certain topical treatments.

Not everyone opposes the crackdown. Public health advocates argue that loosely regulated intoxicating hemp products can pose risks, particularly when they are sold outside established cannabis regulations.

Licensed marijuana businesses also support the restrictions, saying hemp-derived THC products have benefited from a regulatory gap. Their representatives argue that companies built around the loophole should expect major changes as federal oversight increases.

For business owners such as Hohns, however, the debate is about whether years of investment can survive the coming rules. Some companies have already halted production, while others are preparing for a market in which their existing products may no longer be legally viable.

The situation is still very much in flux, and anything can happen on the regulatory front. Various businesses like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve cannabis businesses will be monitoring how discussions progress on matters of THC products made from hemp.

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