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 — Campaigners for Cannabis Legalization in Florida Sue DeSantis in State Supreme Court

The group leading Florida’s effort to legalize recreational cannabis has taken Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration to court, accusing state officials of obstructing the campaign’s path to the 2026 ballot. The lawsuit, filed with the Florida Supreme Court, marks the latest chapter in a prolonged fight between reform advocates and the Republican governor.

Smart & Safe Florida, the organization behind the legalization initiative, claims the state’s Division of Elections has refused to certify the number of voter signatures submitted to qualify the measure for review. The group says it has collected more than triple the required number of verified signatures, but that officials have not completed the procedural certification necessary to move the proposal forward.

According to the petition, the delay violates a clear legal obligation under Florida law. The group is asking the state’s highest court to compel election officials to acknowledge that the threshold has been met, which would send the proposed constitutional amendment to the attorney general for language review and then back to the Supreme Court for approval.

The group is racing to meet an April 1 deadline for the Supreme Court to clear the measure for the ballot. Without that approval, voters would be unable to weigh in on whether to allow recreational cannabis for adults statewide.

Florida currently allows medical cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions, following voter approval of a 2016 constitutional change that broadened access beyond therapeutic use. Over the past decade, ballot initiatives have become a key tool for Floridians to pursue policies blocked by the Republican-led Legislature, including restoring voting rights to former felons and increasing the minimum wage.

However, those citizen-led efforts have faced mounting barriers. Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed legislation tightening requirements for ballot initiatives, a move critics describe as an attempt to stifle grassroots campaigns. The new rules significantly increase the cost and complexity of gathering the signatures required to place amendments before voters.

In response, a separate campaign to expand Medicaid announced it would postpone its efforts until 2028.

The lawsuit also comes amid broader scrutiny of the governor’s administration. Reports surfaced that a state-run foundation, overseen by First Lady Casey DeSantis, funneled $10 million from a state settlement to two nonprofit organizations that later contributed millions to a political committee opposing recreational cannabis legalization in 2024. That committee was chaired by James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ former chief of staff and now the state attorney general.

These indirect efforts to frustrate marijuana policy reform in Florida are likely to be condemned by the wider marijuana industry, including entities like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) that operate in other legal markets.

About CNW420

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.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Teens Who Use Marijuana Before 15 Likely to Exhibit Problems Later

Teenagers who begin using marijuana before the age of 15 face a significantly greater likelihood of using the drug more frequently later in life and of developing physical and mental health issues as young adults, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open.

The study, conducted by researchers in Montreal, draws on data from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, a decades-long project tracking more than 1,500 participants from birth into early adulthood. The goal was to understand how early cannabis habits might influence long-term health outcomes.

Researchers found that 60 percent of teens in the study never used marijuana during adolescence. Of those who did, half began experimenting in their later teen years and reported occasional use by age 17.

The remaining 20 percent, who started using before turning 15, were far more likely to use marijuana regularly by the time they reached 17. This group also showed higher rates of medical visits for physical and psychological concerns once they reached adulthood.

“The risk is concentrated among those who begin early and use often,” said Massimiliano Orri, a psychologist at McGill University and the study’s lead author.

According to the study, early marijuana users were more likely (51%) to seek mental health care in young adulthood, even after accounting for factors such as family conflict, peer relationships, and parental supervision. They were also 86 percent more likely to need treatment for physical health issues, with respiratory problems, accidents, and injuries among the most commonly reported conditions.

Previous studies have also linked early marijuana use to mental health challenges. Columbia University psychiatrist Dr. Ryan Sultan, who has conducted related research, found that adolescents who use marijuana recreationally are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders. Other studies have connected early use to psychosis, poor school performance, and truancy.

Experts note that the adolescent brain continues to develop well into the mid-twenties, particularly in regions responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Regular marijuana use during this stage, they say, can interfere with that process.

Sultan added that teens who rely on cannabis to manage anxiety or mood may weaken their natural coping abilities over time, which can increase the risk of developing chronic mental health disorders. For that reason, he advises young people and their parents to delay cannabis use until around age 25, when the brain has matured further and the potential health risks are lower.

The policy changes made to legalize the substance and license companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) could provide an avenue through which teens and younger adults can be prevented from accessing marijuana through age-verification checks conducted at retail outlets so that the risks indicated in this research are minimized.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — 39 State AGs Ask Congress to Ban Hemp-Sourced THC Products

A coalition of 39 attorneys general from 37 U.S. states and two territories is urging Congress to take immediate action against the growing sale of hemp-derived THC products. In a letter sent on October 24 to leaders of key Senate and House committees, the group called for a revision of federal law to close what they describe as a loophole in the Farm Bill 2018 that has allowed synthetic, psychoactive products to proliferate nationwide.

The bipartisan letter, coordinated by Arkansas AG Tim Griffin along with Indiana’s Todd Rokita, Minnesota’s Keith Ellison, and Connecticut’s William Tong, warns that hemp-derived THC compounds, often stronger than traditional cannabis, are being sold with little oversight. They argue that the substances, including THC-O, delta-8, and delta-10, are being sold openly in gas stations, convenience stores, and online, often packaged in ways that attract children.

Their letter also argues that companies are exploiting the original intent of the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp for industrial uses such as fiber and grain. The attorneys general contend that manufacturers have twisted the bill’s language to justify producing synthetic THC compounds that are often more potent than cannabis, classified as a controlled substance. Without clear federal action, they warn, the market for these unregulated products will continue to expand, posing risks to public health and complicating law enforcement efforts.

The AGs are asking lawmakers to revise the definition of hemp either through the next federal spending bill or the upcoming farm bill reauthorization, making clear that intoxicating hemp products should be considered illegal.

Senator Mitch McConnell, who championed hemp legalization in 2018, said earlier this year that Congress never intended to allow unregulated intoxicating hemp products. A Senate committee briefly included a proposal to ban such substances in a spending bill, but the measure was later removed after objections from Senator Rand Paul, who argued for regulation rather than prohibition.

State governments have taken steps to restrict or ban synthetic THC products, but the AGs warn that inconsistent state laws cannot address a nationwide issue. “Only Congress can fix this,” they wrote, emphasizing the need for a clear, unified federal approach to restore the original purpose of the Farm Bill and protect public health.

The group’s letter reflects growing bipartisan concern over an industry that operates with minimal oversight and few safety standards. Without federal action, they caution, the market for these products will continue to expand, putting children, consumers, and law enforcement at risk.

Marijuana firms, including those based outside the U.S. like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be watching whether Congress takes up this matter and what decisions are made regarding intoxicants made from hemp.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Will Health Insurance Ever Cover Medical Marijuana in the US?

Health insurance coverage for medical marijuana remains largely out of reach across the U.S., but a new initiative could soon offer some financial relief to patients who rely on marijuana-based treatments.

The American Council of Cannabis Medicine (ACCM) has introduced a reimbursement program known as Elevated States, which aims to cover part of the expenses tied to medical cannabis use. Under the program, qualifying patients could get up to $175 each month to offset costs related to cannabis purchases and doctor consultations.

Several major insurers, including Envita Health, Cigna, and Detego Health, are reportedly participating in certain plans across the 38 states where medical cannabis is legal. ACCM consultant Doug Benns expects about 15 insurance companies to be involved by the time open enrollment begins on November 1. Coverage details vary, with some plans reimbursing medical consultations, while others extend benefits to dispensary purchases, or both.

Despite growing public acceptance of medical cannabis and several state-level rulings requiring reimbursement under workers’ compensation, federal prohibition continues to deter large-scale insurer involvement. The lack of federal guidance leaves most patients paying out of pocket for cannabis-based treatments.

According to Steph Sherer, president of Americans for Safe Access, the new efforts should not be mistaken for full insurance coverage. “There’s a lot of discussion about frameworks and benefits, but right now no insurance company is truly covering marijuana,” she said. Most of the current offerings, Sherer added, resemble employee discounts rather than actual medical benefits. Patients may receive price reductions at dispensaries or with cannabis specialists, but that’s far from the comprehensive coverage advocates are seeking.

Some states have experimented with workers’ compensation reimbursements for medical marijuana, though experts say these remain isolated examples rather than signs of a national shift. Still, even partial reimbursement could provide a much-needed boost for the industry, which often sees patient numbers decline once recreational markets open.

One early participant in the EM2P2 and ACCM network is Kolas, a Sacramento-based cannabis company that operates six dispensaries serving both medical and recreational customers. Kevin McCarty, the company’s compliance director, said medical users currently make up about 5% of their clientele, but he expects that number to grow once patients can seek reimbursement.

Federal prohibition remains the biggest barrier to true insurance integration. Without consistent federal guidelines or standardized medical protocols, insurers are hesitant to underwrite cannabis treatments. Advocates argue that reclassifying marijuana under federal law could be a turning point.

Cannabis companies from far and near, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), hope wider reforms are made so that patients who need medical marijuana aren’t left to incur the full cost of their treatment out of pocket despite having medical insurance.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Marijuana Firms Ask Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging Federal Cannabis Ban

A group of cannabis businesses has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the federal government’s ongoing prohibition on marijuana.

The petition, filed Friday by Boies Schiller Flexner LLP on behalf of several Massachusetts-based companies, including Verano Holdings, Canna Provisions, Wiseacre Farm, and Gyasi Sellers, contends that the federal government oversteps its authority by criminalizing cannabis operations that occur solely within state borders.

At the heart of their argument is the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The companies say it prevents Washington from applying criminal laws to marijuana businesses that operate only inside a single state’s regulated system. They are asking the justices to revisit the 2005 ruling in Gonzales v. Raich, in which the court narrowly upheld the federal government’s power to enforce marijuana prohibition even against intrastate activity in California.

According to the new petition, that decision marked a sharp break from established interpretations of the Elastic and Commerce Clauses, leading to what the filing calls “a serious intrusion” into states’ rights to manage health and safety matters.

The brief argues that the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) undermines the policy decisions of 38 states that have legalized cannabis in some form. It argues that while only nine states had legalized cannabis when Raich was decided, the landscape has since changed dramatically, and Congress’s national ban “displaces those states’ choices and imposes federal will on local policy.”

A federal appeals court dismissed the companies’ claims in May, following an earlier loss in district court. Despite the setbacks, attorneys for the plaintiffs have made clear from the start that they intended to bring the issue before the Supreme Court. At least four justices are required to vote in favor of review.

Some observers see a potential opening in past comments from Justice Clarence Thomas. In 2021, he criticized the federal government’s inconsistent stance toward marijuana, calling it “a half-in, half-out regime” that both tolerates and forbids local use. Thomas suggested that the court might one day need to reconsider Raich, given the significant changes in the legal landscape.

The filing comes as the federal government considers whether to move cannabis to Schedule III under the CSA—a change President Donald Trump said he would decide on soon but has yet to announce. Separately, the Supreme Court agreed this week to hear another case testing the constitutionality of a federal law that bars individuals who use marijuana or other drugs from owning firearms, an issue the administration argues is critical to public safety.

Marijuana firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) from across the country will be watching whether the Supreme Court votes to hear this petition and what eventual ruling they make after the legal process runs its course.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Medical Cannabis Slashes Opioid Use Among Surgical Patients with Cancer

A new study suggests that states allowing medical cannabis sales through licensed dispensaries may see fewer prescriptions for strong opioids among cancer patients recovering from surgery. However, the same policy appears to coincide with a higher rate of hospital visits for reasons unrelated to cancer treatment.

The research, published in Cancer, compared opioid use among cancer patients in states with and without medical cannabis laws. Researchers found that legalization accompanied by dispensaries was linked to a 4.6% drop in prescriptions for strong opioids compared with states that had not legalized medical cannabis. At the same time, the data showed a 2.6% rise in all-cause emergency department visits or hospitalizations.

To carry out the study, investigators analyzed information from 27 states that had not legalized medical cannabis by early 2016. They tracked which of those states passed legalization measures from 2016 to 2022 and noted whether dispensaries were opened following legalization. The researchers tracked when legalization took effect and when each state’s first dispensary began operating.

In total, 13 states did not adopt legalization during that period, three approved medical cannabis without dispensaries, and 11 legalized with dispensaries in operation.

The team used data from the Health Care Cost Institute, focusing on privately insured adults. The study included 34,911 individuals between 18 and 64 years who were newly diagnosed with lung, breast, or colorectal cancer and underwent surgery within six months. Nearly half of the participants were between 55 and 64 years old. Many also reported other pain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, or neck pain.

During the six months following surgery, about 40% of the patients received at least one opioid prescription. One-third were prescribed strong short-acting opioids, while around 10% received weaker formulations. Roughly one in five patients had an emergency room visit or hospital stay not directly related to their cancer treatment, and 2.4% had visits tied to pain management.

The overall rate of opioid prescribing did not change significantly after states adopted medical cannabis policies. Still, the presence of dispensaries appeared to reduce the need for stronger opioids. In contrast, states that legalized medical cannabis without dispensaries saw a small 1.2% rise in prescriptions for weaker opioids.

Researchers believe that legalization may foster more open communication between patients and doctors about cannabis use, which could lead to more cautious opioid prescribing—such as substituting weaker drugs or using smaller doses for shorter durations.

The study’s authors cautioned that while these policies might influence how pain is treated, they could also carry unintended risks. They called for further research on the direct effects of medical marijuana on pain control, drug side effects, and overall recovery outcomes to help shape future evidence-based guidelines.

Medical marijuana providers like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) are likely to analyze these study findings in order to get some insights about the role that marijuana can play to enhance pain management among different groups of patients.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — New Rule in Florida Puts Access to Medical Cannabis at Risk

Over 160 Floridians with state-issued medical cannabis cards have lost or could soon lose access to their prescriptions following a new regulation from the state health department. The rule, enacted this summer, targets patients charged with or convicted of drug-related offenses.

Bobbie Smith, who leads the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), told lawmakers on October 15 that 20 people already meet the conditions for revocation under Senate Bill 2514. Another 140 remain under court review and could face similar action once convictions are finalized.

The new rule stems from a Senate Appropriations Committee measure initially tied to a student loan program for dental students. The law suspends medical cannabis cards for caregivers and patients accused or convicted of possessing illegal drugs. Once convicted or entering a no-contest plea, their cards are revoked.

Those affected can reapply only after completing their sentences and submitting a notarized affidavit confirming compliance with all court requirements.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on July 3. Within weeks, the health department expedited rulemaking, pushing the measure through the state’s usual administrative hurdles in record time—a pace far faster than the usual months-long regulatory process that includes public input and reviews.

The move marks a significant tightening of Florida’s medical cannabis program as advocates prepare a 2026 ballot initiative seeking to legalize recreational use. Meanwhile, a grand jury in Leon County is investigating allegations that figures tied to the DeSantis administration helped finance opposition to a similar 2024 proposal that voters ultimately rejected.

Orlando lawyer John Morgan, who bankrolled the 2016 campaign that legalized medical cannabis and is often called “Pot Daddy,” criticized the governor’s stance. “DeSantis believes opposing medical marijuana is politically smart. I think he’s wrong,” Morgan said. He has hinted at a possible independent run for governor after the 2025 primaries.

Patient advocates argue the rule unfairly punishes people by cutting off access to necessary treatment.

According to the DOH’s 2025 OMMU report, the number of Floridians with state-issued medical cannabis cards has surged to 925,000, more than doubling since 2020. Among patients, 42 percent are diagnosed with PTSD, 29 percent qualify under listed medical conditions, and 13 percent use cannabis to manage chronic pain. Nearly six in ten cardholders are older than 35, with those aged 35 to 44 and over 65 representing the largest groups.

While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, Florida’s Amendment 2 continues to protect patients who meet the state’s medical criteria—a program now facing its most restrictive phase yet.

The wider marijuana industry, including leading entities like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be unhappy that people who badly need medical cannabis may end up being denied the treatments they need due to the new law.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Court Starts Hearing Case Against Florida Marijuana Licensing Process

A months-long legal showdown began on October 20 over who gets to enter Florida’s tightly controlled medical cannabis market, a fight that could reshape one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.

The administrative hearing, expected to continue into mid-February, follows nearly a year of disputes since health officials announced they intended to grant 22 new licenses out of more than 70 applications. Thirteen rejected companies are now challenging those decisions before an administrative judge.

The state’s health department and most of the selected applicants are also part of the complex proceedings, which include hundreds of documents and days of expert testimony. At the heart of the dispute are scoring discrepancies that determined which companies advanced and which were left out. Applicants were graded on a point system ranging from 1,450 to 3,280. The lowest winner scored just a single point higher than one of the challengers.

Attorney Will Hall, representing Liner Source Inc., told the judge that his client missed the cutoff by only 23 points. Hall argued that evaluators unfairly rated Liner Source’s cultivation plan, awarding just 5 of 60 possible points, even though the company had already invested heavily in growing facilities and equipment.

Other disputes center on procedural issues. MSD Enterprises LLC, which earned one of the highest total scores, was disqualified because regulators said the company failed to list every individual associated with its ownership, as required by the state. Another contender, Niraam LLC, is fighting its rejection under a rule that bars any entity from holding stakes in multiple cannabis licenses.

The disputed licenses stem from a 2017 state law requiring the expansion of Florida’s medical cannabis program as patient numbers grow. More than 930,000 Floridians are now qualified for medical cannabis, making this the first major opportunity for new businesses since that law passed.

Florida currently has 25 licensed operators running 736 dispensaries statewide. The latest application round, launched in 2023, drew 72 submissions, nearly doubling the state’s potential market size.

Ed Lombard, representing the Health Department, noted that the hearing coincides with the 10th anniversary of Florida’s first cannabis licenses.

Many applicants had hoped to capitalize on the potential legalization of recreational cannabis through a 2024 constitutional amendment. The measure fell short of the required 60% approval, despite a $145 million campaign by Trulieve-backed Smart and Safe Florida, which now plans a similar push for the 2026 ballot.

The expansion of the medical marijuana program is expected to create opportunities not only for marijuana companies but also ancillary companies operating on a similar model to that of Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) within the wider business ecosystem around the cannabis industry.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Supreme Court to Hear Case on Gun Rights of Marijuana Users

The US Supreme Court has stated that it will hear a case on whether individuals who frequently use cannabis can legally possess firearms. The case will mark the latest in a series of major gun rights disputes since the Court’s 2022 decision that broadened constitutional protections for gun ownership.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking the Court to revive a prosecution against a Texas man, Ali Danial Hemani, who faced a felony charge for owning a firearm while admitting to being a regular marijuana user.

A federal appeals court had earlier struck down that law, ruling that it was unconstitutional under the Supreme Court’s new interpretation of the Second Amendment. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals said the measure could still apply to individuals found to be armed while actively under the influence, but not to all users in general.

Although the Trump administration generally supports gun rights, government lawyers maintain that the restriction is justified on public safety grounds. They argue that habitual drug users pose unique risks that justify limiting their access to firearms.

Prosecutors noted that during an FBI search, agents found Hemani’s firearm along with cocaine, though the gun possession charge was the only count filed. Defense attorneys countered that the mention of other alleged activities, including ties to Iran, was intended to unfairly portray Hemani as dangerous.

Hemani’s defense team argues that the law’s broad language could criminalize millions of Americans, pointing out that roughly one in five adults has used marijuana, according to federal health surveys. While nearly half of U.S. states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, it remains a controlled substance under federal law, leaving many users caught between conflicting legal standards.

Arguments before the Supreme Court are expected to begin in early 2026, with a ruling likely by the summer. The decision could have broad implications for how federal firearm restrictions are interpreted in the wake of the Court’s 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision, which established that gun regulations must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition.

That 2022 judgment has already fueled a surge of legal challenges to firearm laws nationwide. While the Court has since upheld a separate law preventing individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing guns, this new case could further define how far constitutional protections for gun owners extend when other federal prohibitions are involved.

Marijuana companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) from far and wide will be following this case since it could set a precedent that defines whether cannabis users can legally own firearms or not.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — New Hampshire Lawmakers Push to Legalize Marijuana

Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in New Hampshire are back on the table as legislators press forward with new proposals aimed at changing state law.

Representative Jared Sullivan has introduced House Bill 186, which is currently before the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. Sullivan said he expects the measure to earn backing from both parties when it faces an initial vote on October 28. The full House is expected to take up the bill next year.

Still, Sullivan admits that the road ahead will be difficult. He doubts the Senate will approve it and points out that Governor Kelly Ayotte remains firmly opposed to legalization.

“We’re a coequal branch of government, and it’s our responsibility to move forward with what we believe is the right policy,” Sullivan said. “If the Senate or the governor does not want to support it, they’ll need to explain to the 70% of New Hampshire residents who favor legalization why they’re standing in the way.”

His comment refers to an April survey by the University of New Hampshire that found seven in ten residents support allowing adults to possess small amounts of recreational cannabis. So far, roughly half the states across the country—including every state in New England—have legalized cannabis in some form.

New Hampshire’s House has approved legalization measures before, but they have repeatedly been stopped in the Senate.

Under HB 186, adults 21 and older could possess up to two ounces of marijuana. Sales would take place in licensed stores overseen by a newly formed state commission.

The Granite State reduced penalties for marijuana possession in 2017, turning small-scale possession into a minor violation similar to a traffic fine. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2013.

Meanwhile, Senator Donovan Fenton is preparing a separate Senate proposal, though the final version has not yet been released. He believes New Hampshire is falling behind its neighbors. “Every state around us has already done this,” he said. “They’re not seeing major problems, and it’s generating significant revenue.”

Critics argue that easier access to marijuana could harm public health, particularly among young people. They also worry that legalization would lead to more public use and complaints from residents who don’t want to encounter the marijuana smell.

Supporters counter that cannabis is already widely available through illegal channels. They say a regulated system would ensure safer products, reduce black-market activity, and bring in new tax revenue for the state.

The broader cannabis industry, including established entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), will be hoping that this particular legalization attempt succeeds and adults who wish to consume marijuana recreationally have the opportunity to access the products they need from legal outlets within the state.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (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: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com