420 with CNW — Idaho MMJ Initiative Fails to Qualify for November Ballot

Idaho voters will not have the opportunity to decide on a proposed medical cannabis measure during the upcoming November election after state officials ruled that the initiative failed to satisfy legal qualification standards.

The decision was announced by the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, which determined that the proposed Idaho Medical Cannabis Act Initiative didn’t collect enough valid support to earn a place on the statewide ballot.

According to a letter sent to the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho (NMAI), the organization leading the campaign, the petition effort failed to meet several statutory requirements established under Idaho election law.

To qualify for the ballot, supporters were required to collect signatures from at least 6% of registered voters in 18 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts. Overall, the campaign also needed approximately 70,000 valid signatures statewide. State officials reported that organizers submitted about 58,000 signatures and reached the required threshold in only 13 legislative districts, leaving the proposal well below the necessary benchmark.

The Secretary of State’s office also identified additional concerns discovered during the review process. Among them was a signature associated with an individual who had died about five years ago. Officials further found signatures connected to people whose voter registrations had previously been removed from the state’s records.

The review also uncovered issues involving campaign documentation and financial reporting. In addition, the officials said they could not verify the Idaho residency of 293 petition circulators. Under state law, only Idaho residents are permitted to collect signatures for ballot initiatives.

The letter stated that the shortage of qualifying signatures at both the statewide and legislative district levels was, by itself, enough to reject the filing. It added that the other findings only reinforced the decision and were not needed as separate grounds for disqualification.

The NMAI responded in an emailed statement, saying it conducted the campaign honestly and intends to cooperate with any official review. The organization explained that it hired a professional signature-gathering company because its members lacked experience managing a statewide petition drive. It said the group relied on that firm to complete the work in accordance with Idaho law while maintaining confidence in the state’s established ballot initiative process.

The organization said its mission was driven by the belief that people living with severe and chronic medical conditions should have access to alternatives to prescription opioid medications. It also argued that Idaho residents should have the freedom to make personal healthcare choices without unnecessary government interference.

Campaign finance filings show the organization spent approximately $2.7 million in its unsuccessful effort to place the proposal before Idaho voters this November. Medical marijuana firms around the country, such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), will be disappointed that patients in Idaho will have to wait longer before they can legally access medical marijuana products to 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 — Marijuana Alleviates Agitation in Nearly All Elderly Dementia Patients

A capsule containing a medically prepared cannabis oil has shown encouraging results in reducing agitation among older adults with dementia, offering fresh hope for families dealing with one of the condition’s most difficult symptoms.

Researchers reported that a formulated combination of purified THC and CBD, two compounds derived from cannabis, was linked to noticeable improvements in patients experiencing agitation during the later stages of dementia.

The findings came from the Life’s End Benefits of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (LiBBY) trial. The clinical study involved 120 people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. After 12 weeks of treatment, almost nine out of 10 participants experienced an overall improvement, according to the research team.

Results from the trial were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference by Dr. Jacobo Mintzer of the University of South Carolina and Brigid Reynolds, a clinical nurse practitioner and clinic coordinator at Georgetown University.

Dr. Mintzer described the outcome as highly encouraging, saying the response rate was unlike anything previously seen in dementia-related clinical research. He noted that studies involving new treatments rarely achieve positive results in close to 90% of participants.

Agitation is a common and distressing symptom in advanced dementia, often leading to restlessness, emotional discomfort, and aggression. These behaviors can place a heavy burden on both patients and those responsible for their daily care. Reynolds said finding safer and more effective ways to manage these symptoms remains an important goal for healthcare professionals.

Existing medications, including Haldol, morphine, and Valium, are sometimes prescribed to manage agitation. However, researchers said these drugs have shown limited benefit and may also produce unwanted side effects.

The study was carried out across 10 medical centers in the U.S., with researchers visiting participants in their homes. Those enrolled were receiving hospice care or met the criteria for hospice services. Participants were randomly assigned either to the THC and CBD oil suspension or an inactive placebo, with neither patients nor caregivers knowing which treatment was being administered.

Caregivers assessed agitation using a seven-point scale ranging from no episodes to several incidents every hour while also administering the medication. After two weeks, patients receiving the active treatment recorded an average reduction of 6.27 points in agitation scores. Those in the placebo group experienced a more gradual improvement that continued through the 12-week study period.

One participant’s daughter, Laura, said joining the trial gave her family optimism that better treatment options could become available in the future. Although she did not know whether her mother received the active medication or the placebo, she noticed meaningful changes during visits and said they were able to enjoy moments of genuine connection together.

Despite the promising findings, researchers stressed that the medication used in the trial should not be confused with commercially available cannabis products. Reynolds said the treatment was manufactured under strict medical standards and given with close clinical supervision.

She cautioned that products sold over the counter can differ significantly in quality, ingredients and dosage, meaning they may not produce the same effects and could even present health risks. The study has yet to undergo peer review or be published in a scientific journal.

Nevertheless, marijuana companies like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will be pleased that this rigorous trial has confirmed yet another therapeutic benefit of cannabis compounds in a group of patients that has had limited treatment options for a long time.

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420 with CNW — Congress Advances Bill Requiring Tracking Marijuana Tests in ERs

A House committee has moved forward with legislation directing the Department of Health and Human Services to examine how often hospital emergency units screen overdose patients for fentanyl, marijuana, and several other controlled substances.

The proposal, introduced by Representative Ted Lieu, is known as Tyler’s Law. It honors 19-year-old Tyler Shamash, who died in 2018 after ingesting fentanyl. He was never tested for the synthetic opioid after arriving at a hospital with what was believed to be an overdose.

The bill would require the HHS secretary to complete a nationwide review within one year if it becomes law. The research would evaluate how frequently emergency departments conduct fentanyl screenings alongside standard toxicology tests that commonly include substances such as phencyclidine, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and opiates.

Lawmakers are also asking the HHS to assess the financial impact of fentanyl testing, along with its possible advantages and drawbacks. The review would consider whether routine screening affects patient care, confidentiality, privacy protections, and trust between physicians and those they treat.

After the study is completed, the department would have six months to publish recommendations for hospitals. Those guidelines would address whether fentanyl testing should become a standard part of overdose treatment, how medical professionals can stay informed about the substances included in routine drug screens, and whether broader testing could influence future overdose risks or long-term health outcomes.

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health approved the proposal without changes by voice vote.

A Senate version, sponsored by Senator Jim Banks, advanced through the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee earlier this year. However, senators revised that bill before approval, removing references to cannabis and other substances so the study would focus exclusively on fentanyl.

The Senate proposal also gives the HHS secretary up to three years to complete the research instead of the one-year timeline outlined in the House measure.

Meanwhile, congressional Republicans have introduced another healthcare proposal tied to cannabis. In April, Senators Ted Budd and Pete Ricketts introduced the Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act of 2026. Their bill would require HHS to determine state and federal Medicaid spending connected to hospital admissions, outpatient treatment, and emergency room visits linked to cannabis use.

The proposal closely mirrors earlier amendments Budd introduced seeking similar data on cannabis-related hospitalization costs. Those previous efforts, however, were never brought before the full Senate for consideration.

It remains to be seen how these bills currently being discussed will be impacted by the ongoing marijuana rescheduling process being undertaken by the DEA. Industry actors like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) would then have greater clarity regarding the federal laws that could reshape the trajectory of the industry.

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420 with CNW — Banking Reform is Unlikely to Fix Marijuana Industry Payment Processing Challenges

For finance teams in the cannabis industry, managing payments often means navigating a complicated and uncertain system. Invoices are issued to retail customers, payment deadlines stretch out, and staff members juggle concerns over large electronic transfers, checks, cash deposits, and wire payments that have not fully cleared.

At the same time, businesses must continue buying inventory, paying taxes, and maintaining banking relationships that can seem fragile. This challenge lies at the heart of wholesale cannabis payments.

Public attention frequently focuses on cash transactions at dispensaries, yet the larger difficulties exist deeper in the supply chain. Growers, distributors, manufacturers, and operators with multiple locations regularly handle large-value transactions that require thorough documentation and reliable settlement. Delays in receiving funds can quickly disrupt operations.

Even significant changes in federal banking rules are unlikely to solve every issue. A distributor may report strong sales and record revenue on its books, but still face difficult decisions about postponing payments because incoming funds have not arrived as expected. Such uncertainty can affect purchasing plans, tax schedules, and payroll.

Compared with retail sales, wholesale transactions carry greater financial exposure. Retail purchases are generally small and completed immediately, while business-to-business orders involve larger sums and extended payment terms. A single late payment can delay the next inventory purchase and create pressure on borrowing needs, supplier relationships, and cash reserves.

Federal law remains the primary source of these complications. Although cannabis has seen partial changes in federal classification, recreational marijuana remains illegal at the national level, even where states permit it. This reality shapes the way banks and payment providers approach the industry.

Financial institutions typically categorize cannabis businesses as high risk. As a result, many companies must rely on specialized payment processors that charge significantly more than standard providers due to added compliance requirements and potential exposure to fraud and regulatory concerns.

The consequences extend beyond pricing. Banking relationships, access to credit, and payment processing arrangements can all be affected by changing policies among financial institutions.

Many industry participants view the SAFER Banking Act as a potential solution to these challenges. The legislation could improve access to financial services and reduce reliance on cash transactions. However, it would not legalize cannabis at the federal level, compel banks to work with the industry, or eliminate state regulatory requirements.

Even with improved banking access, cannabis companies would still need payment systems capable of handling large invoices and providing dependable settlement.

Digital payment methods are becoming increasingly important. Industry projections indicate that real-time bank transfers and ACH could account for nearly 42 percent of marijuana transactions in 2026, up from 28 percent. Yet each option presents limitations, including settlement delays, manual processing requirements, and the possibility of flagged transactions.

Stablecoin settlements have also gained interest because they can provide quicker transfers and clearer records. Supporters argue that faster settlement improves cash management and decision-making throughout daily operations.

For cannabis executives, recent years have demonstrated that waiting for federal reforms to resolve operational challenges carries considerable uncertainty. Many companies making progress, such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), are increasingly treating payment infrastructure as a critical element of business resilience.

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420 with CNW — Study Shows Restless Legs Syndrome Patients Benefit from Medical Marijuana

A new study suggests that marijuana-based treatment may provide lasting relief for people living with restless legs syndrome (RLS).

RLS causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs and disrupts sleep. The disorder affects an estimated 7 to 12 percent of adults in North America and Europe and is more frequent among those with multiple sclerosis.

For many years, dopamine agonists have been considered the primary therapy for RLS. More recently, however, research has shifted toward gabapentinoids as a preferred option. Since cannabinoids and gabapentinoids influence similar biological pathways involving certain amino acids linked to the condition, researchers wanted to determine whether cannabis compounds could also ease symptoms.

The open-label study enrolled adults with long-term RLS whose symptoms had persisted despite existing therapies. Most of the participants also had multiple sclerosis.

At the beginning of the trial, participants were prescribed an oral spray containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). They were instructed to take the medication in the evening shortly before symptoms typically emerged.

During the first month, doses were adjusted individually to identify the amount that delivered the greatest benefit. Once an effective dose was established, treatment remained unchanged for the rest of the study period.

Researchers monitored progress using established questionnaires and wrist-based sleep tracking devices known as actigraphy monitors. The primary outcome focused on symptom severity, measured with the International RLS rating scale. The team also evaluated sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, overall well-being, and participants’ ability to tolerate the treatment.

According to the findings, the cannabis formulation, containing 2.5 mg of CBD and 2.7 mg of THC, reduced the severity of RLS in patients with multiple sclerosis as well as those with idiopathic forms of the condition.

The study, which involved 18 participants, found noticeable improvements after one month and again after three months of treatment. Among those who remained on therapy, the benefits were still present one year later. Researchers reported that 67% of patients who continued treatment for a year maintained meaningful symptom improvement.

Although cannabis has already demonstrated benefits in easing muscle spasms and related neurological conditions, its potential use for RLS stands out because no U.S. states specifically identify RLS as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana programs.

The study adds to growing interest in alternative therapies that may eventually reduce dependence on dopamine agonists and expand treatment choices for people with restless legs syndrome.

Marijuana companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) are unlikely to be surprised by the findings of this study since the full therapeutic potential of marijuana and its compounds is yet to be fully scientifically documented.

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420 with CNW — Virginia Authorities Seek Public Views on Planned Marijuana Program

As Virginia moves toward the start of a regulated retail cannabis industry, the state Cannabis Control Authority is asking residents and businesses to share their views through a new public survey.

The questionnaire became available on July 6 and is designed to gather opinions on future rules governing the state’s marijuana market. Officials say they want to hear from individuals, organizations, and communities that either participate in or are affected by the changing cannabis landscape.

Jamie Patten of the CCA said the outreach effort is intended to ensure that people with firsthand experience and those who may feel the effects of new policies have an opportunity to contribute to the discussion. According to Patten, input from stakeholders plays an important role as the agency develops regulations focused on public safety, health protections, and the creation of an orderly and accountable marketplace.

Virginia’s retail cannabis framework was established through the state budget approved earlier this year. The budget measures were accompanied by several cannabis-related bills that passed the legislature and received the signature of Governor Abigail Spanberger.

The survey will remain open until July 21. Agency leaders said responses collected during that period will help them better understand the range of viewpoints surrounding the emerging industry. Information gathered through the survey is expected to guide planning efforts and support decision-making as regulators continue shaping the state’s cannabis policies. Officials noted that all submissions will be reviewed during the rulemaking process.

Another significant development involves changes to hemp oversight in Virginia. Responsibilities currently handled by the Office of Hemp Enforcement are being transferred to the CCA. Those duties are presently administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), but the transition is expected to take effect in August 2026.

State officials noted that registered hemp retailers and industrial hemp producers will receive direct updates from the agriculture department explaining how the upcoming administrative and legislative changes may affect their operations. The communications are expected to provide guidance on compliance requirements and other adjustments connected to the transition.

New legislation also changes how hemp products containing THC are regulated. Lawmakers have removed the previous “25:1 ratio” provision. Under that standard, certain hemp products could contain more than 2mg of THC as long as they included 25 parts cannabidiol (CBD) for every one-part THC.

Starting August 15, products containing more than 2mg of THC in a package will no longer qualify as hemp products that can be manufactured or sold in Virginia. As Virginia moves towards a regulated adult-use marijuana system, industry players like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) will be watching how the actual implementation of the market plays out.

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420 with CNW — Virginia Retailers, Farmers Worry as State and Federal Marijuana Laws Shift

Virginia’s recreational cannabis market is expected to launch next summer if lawmakers approve the final state budget, but uncertainty surrounding state and federal rules is already affecting businesses tied to the hemp industry.

Barbara Biddle, owner of District Hemp Botanicals in Manassas, recently informed her landlord that she will close one of her two retail locations. Her stores offer hemp-derived products such as lotions, bath products, gummies, and beverages containing CBD and THC, compounds naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants.

Both CBD and THC are often promoted for potential benefits that include easing pain, reducing stress, and helping with anxiety. THC-infused beverages have also gained popularity among consumers seeking an alternative to alcohol.

The industry now faces major changes on two fronts. Updated federal rules narrowing the definition of hemp are scheduled to take effect in November, while Virginia’s recreational marijuana market could begin operating next July.

Congress expanded the hemp market through the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing products containing no more than 0.3 percent THC. However, lawmakers have revised that approach, and many products currently available could become illegal once the new federal standards are enforced this fall.

Biddle said the changing legal landscape has made planning difficult. Although she explained that expecting a new baby also influenced her decision to reduce operations, ongoing regulatory uncertainty played a significant role.

The same concerns are affecting farmers. Graham Redfern, who grows hemp in Caroline County, said many of his crops could lose their legal status once the federal changes take effect. He argued that mature hemp naturally produces cannabinoids, making it difficult to build a sustainable hemp business under the proposed standards.

Virginia has already tightened oversight of hemp products following an increase in poison control calls involving children who mistakenly consumed edible products and adults who experienced stronger effects than expected. A 2023 law introduced stricter packaging rules, mandatory third-party laboratory testing, clearer labeling, and lower THC limits.

Biddle and Redfern disagree, saying responsible businesses have followed federal and state requirements for years. They believe recent policy changes favor larger corporate interests while placing small Virginia businesses at risk. Redfern noted that growers and retailers have repeatedly met with lawmakers and the governor seeking solutions but now fear many small operations may not survive without additional time before the new regulations take full effect.

The debate came as state leaders continued negotiating Virginia’s budget as the July 1 deadline approached, with disagreements over data center tax policy threatening to delay final approval.

Developments in Virginia regarding hemp and marijuana regulation will be closely tracked by various industry actors, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), both within and outside the country.

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420 with CNW — Virginia Governor Leaves Marijuana Provisions in State Budget Untouched

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed a series of amendments to the state budget approved by lawmakers last week, but her recommendations leave intact provisions tied to recreational cannabis sales and a controversial increase in penalties for public marijuana use.

The governor’s changes do not alter language that would establish a legal market for recreational cannabis. They also do not address criticism from advocacy organizations that have urged state leaders to remove a section raising the civil fine for consuming marijuana in public from $25 to $250. Opponents argue the increase would place a heavier burden on low-income residents while worsening racial disparities in enforcement.

Spanberger submitted her proposed revisions on Friday. The House of Delegates and Senate reconvened on Monday to consider the amendments before the budget can take effect ahead of the July 1 deadline.

Supporters of cannabis reform welcomed the budget’s framework for launching legal recreational sales but continued to object to the higher public consumption penalty. Advocacy groups have labeled the increase a “poverty penalty,” arguing it unfairly targets vulnerable communities.

Earlier last week, a coalition led by Marijuana Justice released enforcement figures obtained through the state’s Freedom of Information Act. According to the data, 185 white individuals and 179 Black individuals have faced public cannabis consumption charges since personal marijuana possession became legal in 2021.

Given Virginia’s population demographics, advocates say Black residents are more than three times as likely as white residents to receive those citations.

Despite those findings, Spanberger’s amendments leave the penalty unchanged. Organizations including NORML, the ACLU of Virginia, the Marijuana Policy Project, the Latino Cannabis Alliance, and the Drug Policy Alliance have urged both the governor and lawmakers to reconsider the provision, warning it could deepen existing racial and economic inequalities.

The budget agreement follows months of negotiations after Spanberger vetoed an earlier legalization bill. That measure failed after lawmakers declined to adopt her proposed revisions. She later worked with Democratic legislators to develop a compromise that ultimately became part of the budget package.

Under the revised bill, recreational marijuana sales would begin on July 1, 2027. Adults would be permitted to possess and purchase up to two ounces of cannabis per transaction, an increase from the current one-ounce possession limit but less than the 2.5 ounces approved in an earlier proposal. The agreement also raises the cannabis excise tax from 6% to 8% after two years of legal sales.

Virginia legalized personal marijuana possession and home cultivation in 2021, although a regulated retail market has yet to open. During the current legislative session, the governor also signed separate cannabis-related measures expanding protections for medical patients, preserving parental rights for marijuana consumers, and allowing resentencing opportunities for certain individuals with prior cannabis convictions.

The progress being made to finally establish a legal market for adult-use marijuana in Virginia is likely to be welcomed by the broader marijuana industry, including established companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED).

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420 with CNW — Medical Marijuana Sales in Michigan Dwindle to Less Than $500,000

Michigan’s once-thriving medical cannabis market has dwindled to a fraction of its former size, recording only $322,350 in sales in May, according to figures released by the state Cannabis Regulatory Agency.

The future trajectory and strategy of cannabis firms like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be largely impacted by any…

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420 with CNW — Nebraska Allows Grower to Start Medical Cannabis Cultivation

Nebraska cannabis regulators have approved the first licensed cultivation company to begin growing cannabis nearly 19 months after state voters endorsed legalization for medical use.

During a meeting on Monday, members of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission unanimously confirmed that MahaMota Cultivation Company had successfully completed its inspection process, clearing the way for the company to grow the state’s first legal medical cannabis crop.

The commission has spent much of the past year developing rules and oversight procedures after holding its initial meetings in June of last year. While officials have suggested the first crop could be harvested by autumn, they have not changed their projected timeline that places the first retail sales in spring 2027.

Progress has not been uniform among the state’s approved growers. Nebraska law tightly restricts participation in the sector, allowing only four cultivation licenses, four manufacturing permits, and 12 dispensary licenses statewide.

The state’s medical cannabis framework also imposes strict limits on products available to patients. Possession of unprocessed marijuana is still prohibited, and the law also does not permit edible products or cannabis intended for smoking or vaping.

One licensed cultivator, KRL Med, continues to face setbacks linked to a zoning disagreement in Washington County. The company, owned by former state senator Kent Rogert, was informed shortly before a planned inspection in May that its proposed marijuana operation could not qualify under an agricultural exemption. However, hemp production would be eligible.

The dispute has resulted in a stop-work order that prevents the company from completing construction of a greenhouse and limits access to the site. Despite the ongoing conflict, regulators voted unanimously to extend KRL Med’s license for another six months.

The remaining licensed cultivators are also encountering obstacles. Meadowlark Medicinals postponed its inspection for undisclosed reasons. Meanwhile, Midwest Cultivator Group received approval to move its planned operation from Omaha to Gretna due to local zoning standards. Gretna officials have already granted the company a conditional-use license.

Commissioners also voted 3-1 to begin accepting applications for cannabis manufacturing licenses. Officials expect to gather submissions during the next month before assessing associated fees.

Several regulatory issues remain unresolved. Permanent rules still require approval from state AG Mike Hilgers, a longtime opponent of medical marijuana. Governor Jim Pillen must also sign off before the regulations can take effect without a sunset provision. The commission is scheduled to meet again on July 20.

While the Nebraska medical marijuana program is very limited in its scope, industry actors like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) operating in other legal markets will be pleased that modest steps have been taken to give Nebraskans a legal way to access medical marijuana products within the state.

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