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 — Does Marijuana Prohibition at the Federal Level Prevent Employee Unionization?

A marijuana business in Michigan is arguing that federal labor laws should not apply to marijuana employees since cannabis remains illegal under U.S. law in an attempt to block unionization.

The company, Exclusive Brands, based in Ann Arbor, recently made this case to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). If the board accepts the argument, it could weaken protections for workers in the fast-growing $32 billion cannabis market. Observers say this could be the first time a marijuana company has used federal prohibition as a reason to block union efforts.

For years, the NLRB has recognized cannabis employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Reversing that stance would mean overturning its own precedent. Lauren McFarran, a former NLRB chair, described such a shift as a major departure. Still, some experts believe a Trump-era board could be open to such a move, given the administration’s record of limiting worker protections.

At the moment, the NLRB cannot act because it lacks the quorum needed to issue decisions. Until new appointments are made, labor disputes fall under state law, leaving cannabis workers and employers facing a confusing mix of rules depending on where they operate.

Tensions are already high in Michigan, where eight employees from Exclusive Brand have been on strike since late August. They voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers union, but the company has refused to recognize their choice. Budtender Emily Hull, part of the organizing team, accused the company of cutting hours in retaliation against outspoken staff. According to Hull, Exclusive has also ignored attempts to negotiate.

Josh Leadford, the company’s attorney, filed a petition with the NLRB in early August. His filing claimed that because cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, neither Exclusive nor the union can seek protection or enforcement through the board. Notably, the petition did not cite prior case law. A hearing has yet to be scheduled.

Historically, even GOP-appointed panels have agreed that the NLRA applies to marijuana businesses. But if the NLRB remains in limbo, states may step in. Some states, such as California, Massachusetts, and New York, allow workers to appeal to state labor boards if the federal board cannot act. In conservative states with weaker labor regulations, however, cannabis companies might benefit.

Marijuana employees already face gaps in protection. Federal law excludes agricultural workers from the NLRA, which means many cultivation staff are left out unless their state has its own laws, as in California. Unions gained traction in the industry under Biden’s administration, with Arizona seeing its first agricultural unionization in decades.

However, major operators like Green Thumb and Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) have fought hard against union efforts in both the courts and before the NLRB.

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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 — Cannabis Firms in Delaware Can Now Transfer to Another County

Delaware’s cannabis commissioner has stated that marijuana license holders can now request to transfer their permits across Delaware’s three counties. This change opens the door for companies to relocate from areas with stricter rules, like Sussex County, to places where operating may be easier.

Speaking with Spotlight Delaware, Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin explained that the move overturns a rule put in place by the previous commissioner. The update comes after Sussex County and several municipalities introduced regulations in 2024 that left cannabis shops confined to very limited parts of the region.

Lawmakers tried to address the issue by passing Senate Bill 75 which aimed to reduce counties’ control over cannabis businesses. However, Governor Matt Meyer vetoed the measure, saying it stripped local governments of authority without offering them adequate support.

Sanderlin stressed that his office’s decision was not a direct response to the governor’s veto. Instead, it followed multiple requests from business owners who wanted flexibility in where they could operate. As someone who previously worked in the industry, he noted that his goal is to regulate fairly while also supporting license holders as partners rather than obstacles.

It’s still early to determine how the change will affect where businesses set up shop, but Sanderlin expects to see some movement toward New Castle and Kent Counties. At the same time, he believes the industry will eventually balance out across the state as businesses naturally gravitate toward financially sustainable locations.

Last year, Delaware issued 125 cannabis licenses but under the old rules, each one was tied to a specific county. That system, designed by Sanderlin’s predecessor Rob Coupe, was intended to guarantee fair distribution across the state. With the new rule, companies can apply to move their permits if they have trouble securing property in their assigned county.

One transfer has already been approved, allowing a manufacturer to relocate from New Castle to Sussex County after finding a workable site. He said more requests will be considered, as long as business owners present a solid relocation plan.

Sussex County has some of the toughest zoning rules, including a three-mile buffer between cannabis shops and schools or other sensitive locations. New Castle’s buffer is 1,000 feet, while Kent has none, though dispensaries there must be in commercial zones.

Business owners say the new flexibility gives them more options, particularly after SB 75 was vetoed. Sussex license holder Derro Smith, who runs a micro-cultivation business, said he would strongly consider moving his operation since his county has some of the toughest restrictions in the state.

Marijuana companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) operating in other legal markets will be watching how the changes made in Delaware enable adults who choose to consume cannabis get improved access to licensed outlets over the coming months and years.

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420 with CNW — US Congressional Committee to Conduct Hearing This Week on Illegal Chinese Cannabis Operations

A Republican-led committee in Congress is set to hold a hearing on what some lawmakers are calling a Chinese “invasion” of the United States through illegal cannabis operations.

The House Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability subcommittee announced that it will hold the hearing on September 18. Details about the specific agenda or the witnesses have not been released.

The issue of foreign-linked cannabis grows has drawn growing attention in Congress. Earlier this year, a report attached to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies spending bill instructed federal agencies to probe illegal cannabis cultivation across the U.S. Lawmakers specifically asked investigators to examine potential links to Chinese criminal networks or even ties to the Chinese government.

In 2024, Senator Chuck Grassley stated that illegal marijuana operations with Chinese connections were spreading across the country. He highlighted Oklahoma in particular, pointing out that thousands of state-licensed medical cannabis businesses had been flagged for questionable activity with suspected ties to China.

Similarly, Senator Susan Collins has repeatedly pressed federal officials about marijuana operations in her state that she believed to have connections to China.

The growing attention has also been used by prohibitionist organizations to push their arguments. In July, the Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) group released an advertisement warning that moving forward with marijuana rescheduling could strengthen Chinese cartels.

The cannabis industry itself has faced missteps over the matter. In 2023, a major lobbying organization apologized for sending Senate leaders a letter on a bipartisan marijuana banking measure that made what it later admitted were “inappropriate” claims about Chinese investments, which the group said were included in a misguided push to influence amendments.

The timing of the upcoming House hearing is noteworthy, as it coincides with major developments in federal cannabis policy. Stakeholders and advocates are awaiting President Trump’s decision on whether to move marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act, a shift that would mark a significant change in how the government regulates the drug. The reclassification effort began under the Biden administration but has stalled since January 2025.

Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee recently advanced a spending measure designed to prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from changing cannabis’ classification. The House Oversight &Government Reform Committee also advanced legislation to roll back a Washington, D.C. law that expanded expungements for cannabis possession cases.

The broader marijuana industry, including the likes of Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be watching how the debates surrounding marijuana reclassification in Washington progress.

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420 with CNW — California Lawmakers Send Bill Seeking to Halt Cannabis Tax Hikes to Governor

A measure to temporarily stop a recent tax hike on cannabis products in California has cleared the legislature and now awaits the governor’s decision.

The Assembly voted unanimously, 57-0, to accept amendments made in the Senate to the bill by Assemblymember Matt Haney. With that vote, the measure now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until October 12 to either sign or reject it.

If enacted, the bill would stop the increase in cannabis excise taxes for five years. Haney said the change is designed to give relief to an industry already dealing with high costs, reversing what he called an “unprecedented” 25% increase. Lawmakers from both parties have strongly backed the measure throughout the process.

One of the changes approved in the Senate pushes back the starting date to October rather than having the pause take effect immediately. The tax hike took effect in July, following state officials’ announcement in June that the marijuana excise tax would increase from 15% to 19%. At the time, supporters of the industry had hoped that ongoing budget discussions would include a freeze similar to Haney’s measure, but those talks fell short.

Although Newsom and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas supported including a freeze in the budget process, Senate leader Mike McGuire reportedly opposed the move, leaving Haney to continue advancing his separate bill.

Haney’s measure originally would have locked in the lower 15% rate until 2030, with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) adjusting rates afterward every two years. Regulators would have been required to set tax levels to generate revenue comparable to what the state used to collect from the discontinued cultivation tax, but not above 19%.

The Senate Appropriations Committee later scaled back that timeline, shortening the period at the lower rate and adding requirements for annual reporting. Under the revised bill, the CDTFA, working in conjunction with the Finance Department, must determine tax adjustments annually.

They are tasked with estimating how much revenue the old cultivation tax would have generated and then setting the excise rate to raise a similar amount from retail cannabis sales.

The law’s stated purpose is to provide immediate financial relief for marijuana operators. To measure whether the change is effective, CDTFA will need to submit annual reports to the Legislature starting in December 2026, outlining gains or losses in tax revenue compared to expectations.

Separately, the Senate Appropriations Committee recently advanced another bill to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids in California. That legislation would bring hemp-based products into the state’s cannabis framework, prohibit synthetic cannabinoids, and clarify rules for hemp items such as topical salves. The same committee also backed a measure allowing licensed cannabis microbusinesses to ship products directly to patients.

Most likely, other licensed firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) operating in other states would appreciate any efforts taken to provide some relief from the heavy tax load that they carry.

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420 with CNW — Texas Lt. Governor Releases Statement on His Disagreement with THC Ban Veto

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has issued a statement criticizing Governor Greg Abbott’s recent executive order on THC, saying it creates the impression that the state has endorsed the existing THC market.

Patrick stated that his dispute with the governor is not personal but centered on policy. He noted that while he and Abbott have worked together on many issues, they remain far apart on THC regulation.

According to Patrick, the order has been widely interpreted by the hemp and THC industry as a green light from the state. He pointed to public statements from business groups celebrating the decision as a major victory, arguing it legitimizes products that remain dangerous and often mislabeled.

“These are the same companies that have been marketing to minors and opening shops near schools,” Patrick said. He added that many of the products on the shelves are still illegal and, in some cases, carry ingredients not disclosed to buyers.

He warned that the governor’s action could pave the way for recreational cannabis use, despite Abbott’s repeated claims that legalization is not on the table. He emphasized that the Legislature has never voted to approve recreational cannabis. Instead, he said businesses have exploited loopholes in hemp laws to flood the market with high-potency products, now available in thousands of stores across Texas.

The lieutenant governor noted that Senate Bill 3, passed earlier in the year, would have banned such products outright, but the measure was vetoed. He said only a full ban can protect children since age limits on alcohol and tobacco have not prevented underage use. He also cited undercover police footage from Dallas showing smoke shop employees cautioning customers that overdosing on certain THC products could be deadly.

Patrick explained that during a special session, state leaders tried but failed to reach an agreement on safe limits for THC potency, serving size, and retail sales. Without clarity on those points, he said, lawmakers could not support moving forward.

He further argued that the governor’s order leaves major gaps. It does not stop the sale of synthetic variants such as Delta-8 or Delta-10, nor does it restrict the sale of potent Delta-9 products. He also faulted the order for allowing stores to remain near schools and for leaving enforcement responsibilities to already stretched law enforcement agencies.

Patrick further rejected claims in the order that states cannot ban THC under federal law. He pointed to multiple federal court rulings confirming states’ authority to impose bans and added that Congress is currently considering a nationwide prohibition on consumable THC.

The lieutenant governor closed his statement by reaffirming his support for the state’s Compassionate Use Program, which allows doctors to prescribe THC for medical purposes, as well as for legal CBG and CBD products. But he warned against what he sees as a path toward broader legalization. “We do not want to follow Colorado’s example,” he said, adding that he remains open to further discussions with the governor.

The debates surrounding the way to regulate hemp-sourced THC products in different jurisdictions will be closely watched by marijuana companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) as it could have diverse implications for the legal marijuana industry.

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420 with CNW — Illinois Could Offer Solutions to What Happens if Holders of Social Equity Licenses Die

The U.S. legal marijuana market has been operating for more than a decade, and new challenges are beginning to surface that lawmakers did not anticipate when drafting regulations for the multibillion-dollar industry.

One issue currently grabbing attention in Illinois is what should happen if the holder of a cannabis social equity license passes away. For advocates of equity programs, the bigger question is whether the rules should ensure that ownership remains in the hands of people and communities that were harmed by decades of marijuana prohibition.

The matter recently gained attention after John Rushing, the licensee behind three Cookies-branded dispensaries in Illinois, passed away in December. Rushing was a Vietnam veteran and longtime resident of Palatine, Chicago. His company, Project Equity Illinois, had been awarded three retail permits in 2022. The licenses allowed the opening of Cookies shops in Pontoon Beach, Bloomington, and Peoria. Each store later received a $240,000 forgivable grant from the state.

The uncertainty now is whether those permits can transfer to his heirs or whether they must remain in the hands of someone who independently qualifies under Illinois’ social equity rules. Current law does not clearly spell this out, and regulators have avoided direct comment, pointing only to the existing statutes.

Public records confirm Rushing held the licenses, but state law provides only vague direction on how succession works if the original permit holder dies. Some observers argue that nothing prevents the permits from being sold, even to buyers who do not meet social equity qualifications.

This isn’t the first time death has complicated cannabis licensing in Illinois. When recreational sales began in 2020, some applicants passed away before their licenses were granted, which automatically voided those applications. Rushing’s case, however, is the first widely known instance of a license holder dying after the dispensaries were already operational.

Illinois’ social equity program is meant to repair some of the harm caused by decades of cannabis criminalization, especially for communities heavily targeted by drug laws. However, its requirements are looser compared to some other states. An applicant may qualify if they have lived in an area designated as disproportionately impacted, if they or a close family member have a marijuana-related conviction, or even through employees if a business has enough qualifying workers.

Experts question how long such programs will remain in place. Robert Silverman, a professor at the University of Buffalo, noted that equity permits were always intended as a temporary form of restitution. As fewer people meet the criteria over time, states may eventually decide that the special licenses are no longer needed and revert to standard business permits instead.

Cannabis firms around the country, such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be watching how Illinois resolves the issue of an existing social equity license after its holder passes on. This decision could set a precedent that other states take a leaf from when handling a similar situation.

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420 with CNW — Nebraska Commission Heeds Governor’s Request and Sets Medical Marijuana Plant Limit

Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission will restrict the number of plants medical growers can cultivate, setting the cap at 1,250 flowering cannabis plants per operation. The move followed pressure from Governor Jim Pillen, who stated that the new program must have firm boundaries before he approved emergency guidelines.

In a letter to the commission, the governor noted that without such a restriction, the risk of excess production could lead to illegal sales and undermine regulation. He indicated he would back the rest of the proposal if the adjustment were included.

The commission recently announced that it will authorize only four licenses for cultivators, with applications due by September 23 and licensing expected to start October 1. The discussion over limits was guided by Bo Botelho, legal counsel for the state’s Health and Human Services Department.

When drafting the initial framework, Botelho used Missouri’s program, which allows cultivation for both medical and recreational markets. His early suggestions were far lower than Missouri’s thresholds: 200 plants indoors, 300 in greenhouses, 500 outdoors, and 200 for mixed setups. He admitted the figures were only placeholders and not based on detailed calculations.

Commissioner Bruce Bailey led efforts to increase the limits, pointing out that not all plants survive or pass testing and that supply should be sufficient to meet patient demand. Estimates suggested that if about 1% of Nebraska’s population sought medical marijuana, roughly 20,000 patients could enroll. Using a simple formula of one plant for every two patients, the need would reach 10,000 plants statewide.

Other commissioners, including Lorelle Mueting and Kim Lowe, agreed that demand might not reach that level immediately but supported reviewing numbers later. Mueting noted that based on her research, 2,000 indoor plants could potentially produce adequate tinctures for approximately 2,300 patients annually. She, however, stressed that yields vary depending on how plants are grown.

Ultimately, Bailey suggested a single flat limit of 1,250 plants per cultivator, regardless of facility type. With four licensed growers, this would allow up to 5,000 plants in production at one time, with two harvests annually, meeting the target of 10,000 plants annually.

However, not everyone supports the restriction. Crista Eggers, who led the petition drive for medical marijuana legalization in the state, argues the program is being weakened before it even starts. Medical marijuana patients like Lia Post are urging the commission to recognize real medical needs rather than imposing what she sees as artificial restrictions.

The commission is set to meet again on September 30 at 1 p.m. Licensed cannabis companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) operating in other markets will be watching how the market in Nebraska finally rolls out.

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420 with CNW — Pro-Cannabis Legalization Tycoon Becomes PM of Thailand

Thailand’s parliament has appointed Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister after days of tense political maneuvering. Lawmakers voted for him following long negotiations sparked by the dismissal of former leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Only a week prior, Paetongtarn was removed from office when the Constitutional Court declared that she had violated moral principles in managing a boundary dispute with Cambodia. She is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to be forced out of power before completing a term.

The ruling set off fierce bargaining among parties, with Anutin’s Bhumjaithai party and Pheu Thai working hard to rally support.

Anutin, aged 58, has been in politics for years but first made headlines as the driving force behind Thailand’s decision to decriminalize marijuana. His family controls one of the country’s most influential construction firms, responsible for major projects including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and even the national parliament building.

Over the years, he has held several cabinet positions, including Health Minister and Interior Minister. His most controversial role came during his health ministry tenure when he championed marijuana legalization. Critics argued that the laws were passed too quickly, opening the door to widespread recreational use, but Anutin has consistently maintained that the law was meant for medical purposes.

Speaking outside parliament, Anutin pledged to dedicate himself fully to solving the country’s challenges. He told reporters that he plans to give his full energy to the job and treat every day as an opportunity to deliver results.

To secure his win, Anutin reached an agreement with the reformist People’s Party. Although the People’s Party does not share political values with Bhumjaithai, its leaders argued that the path offered the fastest way to push for reforms. However, the party has declined to join his administration, and some of its supporters remain skeptical that Anutin will keep his word.

Anutin won against 77-year-old lawyer Chaikasem Nitisiri of the Pheu Thai with a 311-152 vote.

The outcome is another setback for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose once-dominant influence has weakened since his controversial return from 15 years abroad in 2023. His deal with conservative elites, which allowed his homecoming, has since collapsed. His popularity has slipped, while ongoing legal battles continue to haunt him.

Writing on X, Thaksin said he was in Dubai for medical treatment and meeting old friends, adding that he would return to Thailand to attend court.

Will Anutin’s ascendance to the office of PM result in marijuana policy reforms given his previous efforts to legalize the substance? A policy change would create a large market for marijuana in the country and trigger opportunities for many businesses, not just those directly dealing in marijuana but also other ecosystem players operating akin to Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) in the U.S.

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420 with CNW — On-Tap Drinks Containing THC are Transforming the Bar Experience

A new type of drink is making its way into U.S. bars. Beverages infused with hemp-derived THC, which were once only sold in bottles and cans, are now being served straight from taps in several states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Carolina.

While some states have drawn firm lines around hemp-derived THC products, others permit them not only in liquor stores but also in restaurants and bars. The result is a new drinking experience that feels familiar—grabbing a pint at a bar—while skipping alcohol altogether.

Pharos Brands is one of the companies leading the charge. Each pour contains about 5 milligrams of THC, offering a light, approachable effect. For bar owners, this helps make use of empty taps while pulling in new customers who are curious about marijuana.

Currently, Pharos sells its kegs only in Wisconsin. Co-founder Mary Bernuth says the state made sense because of its deep beer culture and reputation as the nation’s brewing hub. The kegs are produced in partnership with Upstate Beverage Consultants, a South Carolina company also behind the Rebel Rabbit brand, another THC drink brand.

The partnership comes as alcohol consumption trends downward. Gallup recently reported that 54% of American adults say they drink alcohol, down from 58% in 2024.

Industry research also highlights the potential growth of this sector. The global marijuana beverage market, valued at $1.3 billion in 2024, is projected to more than double by 2030. Wisconsin bars like The Phoenix Taproom in Eau Claire and Orsetta in De Pere are already on board, bringing in customers interested in trying the new trend.

Rebel Rabbit is only available in keg form in a few Carolina bars due to distribution hurdles, though canned versions are sold in more than a dozen states. Its founder, Pierce Wylie, has launched a program allowing customers to suggest flavors and offer feedback. Popular creations can become permanent products, such as Blackberry Lemon, which blends THC with caffeine for a more energized effect. New versions, like a tea-based THC drink, are already in the pipeline.

Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. THC doesn’t dissolve in water, which means drinks rely on emulsions to keep the cannabinoids evenly spread. Over time, these can separate, a problem that’s harder to solve with kegs than with bottles. Packaging also creates issues, since some can liners may strip away potency or affect flavor.

Experts are pushing for national guidelines that cover stability, packaging, and even clearer labeling so consumers know exactly what they’re drinking.

Will leading marijuana industries like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) get in on the act? Many factors are likely to come into play, such as regulatory uncertainty around THC drinks made from hemp, so this is a trend that one should keep an eye on.

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420 with CNW — Governor Abbott Signals Texans to Await Action on THC-Rich Hemp Products

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has hinted that more action could soon be taken on THC-infused hemp products, despite lawmakers failing to move the issue forward this year.

Speaking on Friday, Abbott suggested the discussion is far from over and told reporters to “stay tuned” when asked whether he would wait until the 2027 regular session or call another special session as early as next year.

While some Republican legislators have pushed for a full ban on intoxicating hemp products, Abbott has resisted that approach. Instead, he has leaned toward rules centered on age restrictions and protecting public health. Earlier in the year, he vetoed a measure that would have outlawed THC-infused hemp products entirely.

The state’s special legislative sessions were primarily called for election redistricting measures, but both also featured bills targeting THC-infused hemp products. In August, during the second special session, the Senate again passed a hemp ban and sent it to the House. But progress stalled as many Democratic representatives left the state to block a redistricting measure, preventing the chamber from taking up the hemp legislation.

Abbott has stated that he is open to a revised plan, but not one that shuts down the industry completely. His stance has placed him at odds with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senator Charles Perry, the bill’s sponsor, who argue that banning THC-infused hemp products is necessary for public safety.

Supporters of regulation, on the other hand, maintain that the state should focus on preventing youth access while continuing to allow adults 21 and over to purchase and use hemp responsibly.

Democratic lawmakers also introduced alternative measures. Representative Nicole Collier proposed HB 42, a short bill aimed at protecting consumers who unknowingly purchase hemp items that test above legal THC limits. The measure would prevent criminal charges if a person bought what they reasonably thought was a legal hemp product from a licensed retailer.

Representative Jessica González filed HB 195, which would go further by legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and over, permitting possession of up to 2.5 ounces, with stricter limits on concentrates. Another proposal, HB 198, called for a state-led study on testing methods to detect THC impairment.

Separately, the Texas Department of State Health Services has moved forward with proposed rules to broaden medical marijuana access, including allowing doctors to recommend cannabis for additional conditions and setting standards for approved inhalation equipment.

Major players in the marijuana industry, such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), will be monitoring how the push to legalize adult-use marijuana in Texas progresses.

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