Author: CannabisNewsWire (CNW)

About CannabisNewsWire CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 Sales Dip Again in Q1 2026 in California

California’s regulated cannabis sector posted another quarterly decline, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the nation’s largest legal marijuana market. State figures indicate that licensed marijuana stores generated approximately $956.7 million in sales during the first three months of 2026.

That total was modestly lower than the $976.5 million recorded during the same period in 2025. It also trailed the $1.07 billion reported in the opening quarter of 2024, continuing a downward trend that has persisted for several years, according to data released by the state’s Tax and Fee Administration Department.

In many regions, businesses have managed to move higher volumes of products while earning less money due to sustained price pressure. However, state regulators noted that product movement also slipped slightly during the latest quarter, suggesting demand itself may be softening.

Data from the Department of Cannabis Control indicated that California collected roughly $248 million in marijuana-related tax revenue during the quarter.

The latest results follow a difficult year for the legal market. Licensed retailers reported about $3.9 billion in sales throughout 2025, compared with $4.2 billion the year before. Sales had already fallen to $4.4 billion in 2023, making 2025 the third straight year of contraction for the state’s cannabis industry.

Some operators linked last year’s downturn to a higher excise tax that went into effect on July 1, 2025. However, that explanation does not fully account for recent performance because the tax was eliminated by October. As a result, it cannot explain weaker sales reported in late 2025 or the decline seen at the start of 2026.

Across four major product segments, including edibles, vapes, infused pre-rolls, and packaged flower eighths, retailers sold more than 36.3 million units during the quarter. That figure was slightly lower than the nearly 36.9 million units sold during the same period a year earlier.

Vape products generated approximately $350.8 million, outperforming flower, which brought in about $312.8 million. The category has now maintained its lead over flower for nearly a year. Pre-roll products ranked third, producing roughly $184.5 million in revenue.

California’s market performance contrasts with broader national trends. According to Headset, pre-roll sales reached $3.6 billion in 2025, up nearly 10% from the previous year, while unit sales increased by almost 20%.

Meanwhile, legal operators in California continue to compete with an extensive illicit market. Authorities recorded increased seizures of illegal cannabis operations last year, a sign that demand remains strong for lower-priced products sold outside the state’s licensed retail system. State regulators have described the industry as a market undergoing a lengthy transition from decades of illegal activity into a fully regulated commercial environment.

The declining marijuana sales numbers in California are likely to be of concern to the entire marijuana industry, including operators like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) that operate in multiple states across the country.

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420 with CNW — TSA Starts Allowing Medical Cannabis Through Airports

Travelers moving through Orlando International Airport are responding to a recent change in Transportation Security Administration guidance that permits, in limited situations, medical cannabis to pass through airport security screening.

The adjustment represents a notable departure from earlier federal rules that treated marijuana as prohibited during airport screening processes. Officials, however, emphasize that authorization at the federal checkpoint does not override state or municipal regulations governing possession and use.

Several people interviewed by News 6 at the airport admitted they had not heard about the revised approach until recently.

One traveler said the information came as a surprise, adding that the adjustment could benefit people who rely on cannabis for health-related treatment. Another welcomed the development, describing it as a positive decision and arguing that people should have access to medications they legitimately require, regardless of the form those treatments take.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration took steps toward moving marijuana from its previous classification as a Schedule I substance to Schedule III, a category viewed as less restrictive. The move followed years of expanding legalization efforts nationwide, with dozens of states approving medical cannabis.

Despite the policy change, uncertainty remains among many travelers about what is actually permitted at airport checkpoints. Some passengers told News 6 they had little understanding of the rules, while others noted that public discussion surrounding the change has been limited.

The TSA has clarified that its officers are not actively looking for cannabis or narcotics during screenings. Instead, security personnel are tasked with identifying threats that could endanger aircraft or passengers. Supporters of the revised policy say that allowing officers to concentrate on aviation safety rather than small amounts of medical cannabis makes sense.

Questions still remain over how officials would determine whether a traveler possesses a valid medical cannabis authorization. Procedures for verifying eligibility have not been clearly outlined.

In situations where law enforcement is summoned to a checkpoint, the Orlando Police Department noted that officers would review each case individually and apply relevant laws as necessary.

Under city regulations in Orlando, individuals without authorization for medical cannabis may receive a $100 citation if found carrying less than 20 grams.

Despite the new guidance, confusion persists among travelers, with some describing marijuana regulations in Florida as unclear and inconsistently understood. Meanwhile, TSA officials continue reminding passengers that local and state regulations remain in effect, even as federal policies evolve.

Companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) operating in Florida and other states will continue to monitor this evolving situation at airports and possibly offer guidance to their customers as more information becomes available.

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420 with CNW — Missouri Regulators Prepare Final Marijuana License Lottery

Missouri cannabis regulators are preparing for a statewide outreach effort ahead of the final lottery that will distribute 77 microbusiness marijuana permits, with officials hoping recent policy changes will strengthen oversight and reduce problems that have troubled earlier rounds.

Throughout June, Missouri’s marijuana regulatory division chief equity officer Lesley Turek plans to host informational sessions in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City along with five virtual events. The meetings are intended to guide prospective applicants through the process, explain eligibility standards and answer questions before submissions begin later this summer.

A key focus of the presentations will be new regulations scheduled to take effect at the end of May. State officials introduced the changes after numerous licenses were withdrawn because of ownership structures regulators determined violated constitutional requirements.

According to Turek, the revised rules are designed to return the initiative to its original purpose: helping individuals who might otherwise be excluded from the marijuana sector gain access to ownership opportunities.

Missouri’s microbusiness licensing system was created under the 2022 amendment that legalized recreational cannabis. The framework aimed to increase participation among disadvantaged and underrepresented residents by lowering barriers to entry in the regulated cannabis market.

Since the first lottery in 2023, however, the rollout has faced repeated setbacks. Investigations uncovered cases where outside investors allegedly recruited eligible applicants to submit paperwork, only to later enter agreements that reduced those applicants’ authority, financial benefits, and control over operations.

So far, Missouri has granted 106 microbusiness permits, but regulators have revoked 38, and one additional license was voluntarily surrendered.

State officials have said many questionable arrangements involved outside parties attempting to secure permits through individuals who met eligibility standards, rather than allowing qualified applicants to maintain genuine control of businesses.

Under the updated rules, regulators will complete detailed reviews before licenses are awarded instead of after recipients are selected. Officials believe this shift could reduce the number of future cancellations.

The regulations also clarify what it means for an eligible individual to “majority own and operate” a cannabis business. To qualify, applicants must hold more than half of both ownership interest and decision-making authority.

Another major change affects designated contacts. Going forward, the primary contact person must be either the applicant or an eligible majority owner. Regulators say this requirement emerged after communication problems during past reviews, when third parties sometimes blocked or delayed access to information.

Applicants will also be required to complete compliance training before applying and after receiving approval. The online course is intended to educate participants about regulations, business responsibilities, and warning signs of potentially exploitative arrangements.

To qualify for a microbusiness permit, applicants must meet one of several criteria, including low income, residence in economically distressed areas, or previous marijuana-related criminal records. A refundable $1,500 application fee is required.

The upcoming lottery will mark Missouri’s final round, bringing the state closer to the constitutional requirement of issuing at least 144 microbusiness licenses. Regulators hope earlier screening measures will prevent widespread revocations while preserving opportunities for legitimate small business owners.

As these microbusiness licenses are issued and the recipients launch their operations, other opportunities could be created within the marijuana industry ecosystem for services similar to what firms like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) offer.

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420 with CNW — Massachusetts Officials to Start Conducting Checks on THC Potency Inflation

Massachusetts cannabis regulators are planning to test whether THC levels listed on marijuana products truly reflect what consumers are buying, following a commitment made late last year to tighten oversight of the industry.

The state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) said it will begin auditing cannabis items sold in Massachusetts and take enforcement measures if laboratory findings differ significantly from the potency claims printed on packaging.

Travis Ahern, the CCC Executive Director, noted that ensuring marijuana products are correctly labeled supports the agency’s responsibility to provide residents with safe, fair, and reliable access to the legal cannabis market.

Under the commission’s guidelines, THC content shown on packaging must fall between 75% and 125% of the amount listed on the label while still meeting compliance standards. For instance, a product advertised as containing 15% THC would be considered compliant if testing shows potency between 11.25% and 18.75%. However, products with results falling far outside those limits could face regulatory consequences.

The newly formed commission also has authority to refer cases involving inaccurate labeling to the Massachusetts attorney general’s office for possible legal review.

Ahern stated that the initiative aims to strengthen public understanding while recognizing that THC levels can naturally fluctuate, especially in cannabis flower. He noted that potency may decline over time depending on storage conditions and other variables that influence product composition.

According to the CCC, officials developed the policy after reviewing regulations in other states, conducting research, and evaluating data gathered from Massachusetts’ 11 independent cannabis testing laboratories. The commission, however, has not identified which facilities will carry out the verification testing or whether any of the current commercial labs will be selected.

The auditing effort is one piece of a broader campaign to improve testing standards across the cannabis sector. Regulators have recently revised testing procedures, assembled a task force to evaluate laboratory operations, and introduced a requirement that testing facilities upload digital certificates of analysis with every product assessment.

Officials are also collaborating with Metrc, Massachusetts’ cannabis tracking platform, to make testing certificates available to the public.

The move follows mounting scrutiny over allegations that THC potency has been overstated in legal cannabis products. Industry participants and law enforcement officials have argued for years that some laboratories may report inflated figures, driven in part by consumer demand for stronger marijuana products and pressure from businesses competing in the marketplace.

These efforts to address any inconsistencies in product labels are likely to be welcomed by the wider marijuana industry, including established firms like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), so that consumer confidence in products obtained from licensed outlets can be boosted.

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420 with CNW — Spanberger Vetoes Virginia Bills Establishing Marijuana Sales System

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has vetoed two measures aimed at launching a legal retail cannabis industry, arguing that the proposals arrived too soon and lacked safeguards needed for a responsible rollout. In her veto message, the governor said Virginia was not yet fully equipped to introduce a commercial system without creating risks tied to regulation, enforcement, and public safety.

Spanberger said any future system should place emphasis on public safety, youth protection, product quality, and accountability. She also pointed to lessons from other states, arguing that Virginia must be fully prepared with adequate testing, inspections, and enforcement tools before retail sales begin. The governor added that she remains open to continued discussions with legislators, law enforcement agencies, and other interested groups.

Despite legalizing recreational cannabis in 2021, lawmakers intentionally delayed the creation of commercial sales, separating legalization of possession from a retail framework. As a result, adults in Virginia may legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis and cultivate as many as four plants for personal use, but no legal marketplace currently exists for purchasing the product.

The effort to authorize sales has faced repeated setbacks. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin blocked similar legislation in 2024 and 2025, preventing lawmakers from moving ahead with a regulated system.

During her campaign, Spanberger signaled support for eventually creating a regulated cannabis market and promised to work with legislators on a workable approach. HB 642 and SB 542, companion proposals introduced during the session, aimed to establish licensed dispensaries and begin legal marijuana sales by January next year.

Earlier this year, Spanberger proposed several revisions to the legislation. Her recommendations included delaying implementation until July 2027, lowering the maximum number of dispensary licenses, and strengthening compliance and enforcement measures. The General Assembly declined to adopt those revisions, instead sending the bills back to the governor in their original form.

The veto likely delays legal marijuana sales in Virginia until at least 2028, depending on action taken during the next legislative session.

Virginia’s debate comes as cannabis policy shifts nationwide. Last month, federal authorities moved several cannabis-related substances to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, easing some restrictions tied to medical use.

The move followed an executive order from President Donald Trump directing faster action on reclassification efforts. Separately, the Supreme Court recently declined to hear a challenge from Massachusetts cannabis businesses contesting federal marijuana laws.

The wider cannabis industry, including established firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be disappointed that yet another effort to start legal marijuana sales in Virginia has hit a wall and residents who can’t grow their own marijuana will have to wait for much longer before they access products at licensed retail points.

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420 with CNW — New York Cannabis Social Equity Entrepreneurs Stuck As State Support Underwhelms

When New York legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, it framed the move as a step toward restorative justice, promising an industry that would benefit communities most harmed by prohibition.

A central piece of that plan was the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, designed to give retail licenses to individuals with prior cannabis-related convictions. The idea was that those most impacted by decades of enforcement would be first in line to take part in the legal market.

Applicants followed state requirements, completed training, submitted paperwork, and waited through delays while investing personal savings to prepare for opening.

Later, the state launched a $200 million Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) to provide low-interest financing for leases and construction.

In practice, buildouts were routed through state-approved vendors, and costs often escalated beyond expectations, leaving operators with limited control over key decisions.

Financing structures involved private partners, including Chicago Atlantic, a real estate investment trust active in cannabis lending, which helped shape loan terms tied to these projects.

As a result, many license holders entered operations carrying multi-million-dollar debt burdens in a market that was shifting faster than projections anticipated.

One example is Stoops, a cannabis retail shop in Manhattan’s Flatiron District built as a neighborhood-focused store emphasizing education, compliance, and community engagement. The business model included local hiring, tax compliance, and strict adherence to regulatory rules.

Despite these efforts, operators have faced mounting pressure from falling marijuana prices and ongoing competition from an unlicensed market that continues to operate across the state. Additionally, some CAURD operators tied to DASNY and Chicago Atlantic financing face repayment terms that no longer match market reality.

What was meant to be a path to ownership and repair has, for many, become a financial strain that threatens the survival of the entrepreneurs the program was designed to support.

These concerns contributed to the formation of CAURD Inc., a member-led organization composed of early CAURD license holders seeking coordinated advocacy. The group is calling for restructuring or partial relief of state-backed loans, greater transparency in how construction costs and interest rates were determined, increased flexibility in vendor selection, and improved access to working capital to stabilize legal operators.

Advocates argue that while regulatory oversight remains important, financial burdens tied to the program’s design should not fall disproportionately on small businesses that entered the market under the promise of economic justice and restorative opportunity.

Operating in the state-legal marijuana industry has always been challenging, and even well-established firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) are grappling with operational challenges linked to the regulatory systems in the jurisdictions where they have operations.

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420 with CNW — DOT Says Marijuana Rescheduling Doesn’t Change Drug Testing Requirements

Commercial drivers and other safety-sensitive transportation workers will remain subject to penalties if they use state-legal medical marijuana, according to updated guidance from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The clarification, issued in a memorandum dated May 26, confirms that federal drug testing rules have not shifted, even after the Department of Justice moved to reclassify state-approved medical marijuana.

The memo stresses that cannabis obtained through state medical programs or other non-prescription channels cannot be considered a valid medical justification under federal testing standards. It points to 49 CFR § 40.137(a), which defines what qualifies as a legitimate medical explanation in workplace drug testing.

According to the guidance, only a substance that is legally prescribed in line with federal law can meet that threshold. Since marijuana remains unapproved by the FDA, it is excluded from that category even after the recent rescheduling.

The document further notes that while medical review officers may receive documentation such as state-issued medical marijuana cards or physician recommendations, it does not satisfy federal requirements for a legitimate medical explanation under existing rules.

This position aligns with earlier statements from federal transportation leadership. During a prior testimony before Congress, the then-Transportation Secretary noted that the reclassification of cannabis would not meaningfully affect workplace drug testing rules for regulated transportation employees.

He explained that federal regulations established in the late 1980s continue to require cannabis screening for safety-sensitive roles, regardless of how the drug is scheduled under federal law.

The federal testing framework covers roughly six million private-sector workers in transportation roles considered safety-sensitive. The standard urinalysis does not detect active intoxication but instead identifies a cannabis metabolite that can remain in the body long after use. This compound, known as carboxy-THC, may be detectable for weeks or even months, even though the psychoactive effects of cannabis typically last only a few hours.

Research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports earlier this year found no measurable difference in next-day cognitive performance between cannabis users and non-users.

Industry data shows that more than 139,000 truck drivers have tested positive for past marijuana exposure in recent years, a figure that exceeds combined positives for all other tested substances. Many of those drivers did not return to the industry afterward, contributing to ongoing labor shortages and supply chain pressures in freight transportation.

Critics of the policy argue that the system is outdated and not aligned with current science or state laws. According to an American Transportation Research Institute survey, 62% of motor carrier representatives believe federal drug testing regulations should be updated in response to the growing number of states legalizing cannabis use.

While the DOT introduced a rule in 2023 allowing commercial drivers to choose oral fluid testing as an alternative to urine testing, that option has not yet been implemented. Advocacy groups such as NORML continue to push for testing methods that measure impairment more directly, including performance-based tools like DRUID and AlertMeter, arguing they would provide a more accurate assessment of on-the-job safety risk.

Marijuana industry firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will continue to hope that federal testing guidance evolves to be in line with the reality on the ground in which a large section of employees live in areas with legal marijuana in some capacity.

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420 with CNW — Georgia Governor Signs Bill Expanding Access to Medical Marijuana

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has approved legislation that broadens access to the state’s medical cannabis program, introducing several changes aimed at expanding treatment options for eligible patients while maintaining restrictions on recreational marijuana. The measure, Senate Bill 220, adds new qualifying medical conditions, revised rules on THC limits, and expanded methods for how patients may use cannabis products.

Under the updated law, individuals diagnosed with lupus will now qualify for medical cannabis treatment in Georgia. The move widens eligibility under a system that already permits access for patients coping with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), autism spectrum disorder, chronic pain, and several other serious illnesses.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Matt Brass, also eases restrictions that previously prevented some patients from participating unless their condition had reached a severe or terminal stage.

Another major adjustment involves the way patients can consume medical cannabis. Before the passage of the bill, approved products were limited to oils, capsules, tinctures, topical treatments, transdermal patches, and lozenges. With the new changes in place, patients aged 21 and older will now be permitted to use vaporized cannabis products. Smoking marijuana, however, remains prohibited for all patients.

The law, formally titled the Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act, also reshapes the state’s approach to THC restrictions. Georgia previously enforced a cap limiting products to 5% THC concentration. The revised framework instead allows registered patients to possess up to 12,000 mg of THC at one time.

The legislation also updates statutory language by replacing references to “low THC oil” with the broader term “medical cannabis.”

In addition, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will take on expanded responsibilities related to public education. The agency will now be tasked with increasing awareness about medical cannabis, including its potential uses and benefits for eligible patients. Outreach efforts will target residents, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies through educational materials and public engagement campaigns.

In remarks released alongside the signing, Kemp said that while the revisions are important for patients relying on medical cannabis, the law does not dramatically alter Georgia’s position compared with other states. He noted that the legislation gained broad backing in both chambers of the state legislature.

At the same time, the governor acknowledged lingering concerns surrounding recreational marijuana legalization. Kemp said he shares the reservations expressed by critics who fear medical programs could eventually lead to wider recreational use. He pointed to examples of states that, in his view, have reconsidered broad cannabis legalization after implementation.

The latest reform follows broader discussions around cannabis policy in Georgia. Last year, House lawmakers established a Blue-Ribbon Study Committee to review the state’s medical marijuana and hemp laws. Separately, legislators have explored proposals focused on researching the possible therapeutic applications of psychedelics.

Marijuana companies across the country, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be pleased that access to medical marijuana has been broadened in Georgia and thousands of patients who had previously been locked out can now use the products they need.

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Federally Funded AMA Research Finds More Older Adults Opting for MMJ

A newly released federally backed study suggests that many older Americans are turning to cannabis not for recreation, but in search of relief after struggling with traditional medical treatments.

The new research explored why adults aged 60 and older have become the fastest-expanding group of cannabis users in the U.S. Investigators from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Utah Health focused on what motivates seniors to try marijuana and what kinds of products they are most likely to choose.

Researchers interviewed 169 adults over age 60 as part of a community-based qualitative study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Participants were primarily seeking help for common challenges associated with aging, including chronic pain, sleep problems, and overall declines in quality of life.

Although growing cannabis use among seniors has received increasing public attention, researchers noted there has been limited understanding of what shapes older adults’ decisions, particularly when it comes to edible products and preferred formulations.

The study found that many participants viewed cannabis as a possible substitute for prescription medication. Interviewees frequently expressed frustration with conventional pharmaceutical options, citing concerns about side effects, dependence, and possible long-term health consequences. For some, marijuana appeared to represent a less risky alternative after difficult experiences with medications they had already tried.

The study also found that several older adults considered cannabis only after other methods had failed. Some participants said they had already attempted therapies such as massage, acupuncture, counseling, or standard medical treatments without achieving meaningful results. In those cases, cannabis was often seen as a final option for managing ongoing discomfort.

Word-of-mouth also played a role in shaping attitudes. Participants said they learned about potential benefits through conversations with friends, family members, health-related discussions, and media coverage. While health concerns dominated most responses, a smaller group expressed interest in marijuana for social reasons, such as enhancing gatherings with friends or replacing substances like alcohol.

When it came to product choices, combination marijuana products containing both THC and CBD emerged as the most popular option. About 58% of participants favored edibles blending the psychoactive compound THC with cannabidiol, or CBD, which does not produce intoxicating effects. Meanwhile, 29% preferred products dominated by CBD, and 14% selected THC-heavy options.

Even among participants willing to try cannabis, concerns remained. Those considering THC-based or mixed products often worried about becoming impaired or experiencing unwanted psychoactive effects. On the other hand, people leaning toward CBD products questioned whether they would be effective enough to address symptoms.

Sleep-related problems topped the list of leading reasons older adults sought cannabis treatment, with 57% of respondents citing them as a concern. Pain management followed at 50%, while mental health issues accounted for 25%.

The study concluded that as legalization expands across the country, increasing numbers of seniors are exploring cannabis to cope with age-related conditions rather than for purely recreational purposes. Still, they warned that many older adults are making decisions about products without clear medical guidance.

The authors emphasized the need for more research into the risks and potential benefits of cannabis, especially products that combine THC and CBD. They also called for better educational tools for both doctors and patients so older adults can make informed choices and feel supported when considering alternative approaches to pain, sleep issues, and other health concerns.

Marijuana firms like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) could weigh the opportunity of coming up with a broader range of medical marijuana products tailored to address the unique needs of older adults.

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