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 — Campaign Seeking Marijuana Recriminalization in Massachusetts Accused of Deceptive Tactics

A campaign pushing to reverse Massachusetts’ recreational marijuana industry is distancing itself from accusations that petition circulators are misleading voters into signing its initiative.

Organizers behind the “Act to Restore Sensible Marijuana Policy” say they are not connected to individuals reportedly using deceptive language to obtain signatures. However, even if those reports are true, experts say such tactics are largely protected under free speech laws.

If the measure makes it onto the 2026 ballot and wins majority support, it would end the state’s recreational marijuana industry while keeping medical marijuana legal. To qualify, organizers must gather at least 75,000 valid voter signatures by December 3, though they plan to exceed 100,000 to ensure eligibility.

Some residents, however, claim signature collectors are using false explanations to secure support. According to several accounts, canvassers have told voters the petition aims to remove fentanyl from communities rather than roll back recreational cannabis.

One of those residents, Josh Wallis, said he encountered such a solicitor outside a Medford supermarket on October 27. Wallis said he later reported the incident to both local police and the state Elections Division, which informed him that petitioning is considered protected speech subject only to reasonable restrictions.

MJBizDaily, which first reported the incident, shared the account with Wendy Wakeman, spokesperson for the anti-legalization committee. Wakeman confirmed the campaign uses paid signature gatherers but denied any link to those allegedly deceiving voters. She described such individuals as volunteers acting independently.

Election observers note that misleading petition drives are not unusual and often surface in initiative campaigns nationwide. Similar complaints emerged in Nebraska last year during ballot battles over abortion rights.

Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court struck down a law in 2015 that sought to criminalize false political speech.

Public opinion may pose an even greater obstacle to the recriminalization campaign. Marijuana remains broadly popular across the state, with a 2024 MassInc poll showing 65% of registered voters support legalization, up from 56% in 2016.

Meanwhile, questions remain about the campaign’s funding. Paid signature collection can be costly, with Ballotpedia estimating the average price per valid signature in the 2022 midterms at $13. Collecting enough for the Massachusetts measure could therefore cost millions.

Wakeman declined to disclose financial backers or partner organizations. Campaign finance records that might reveal funding details are not due until January 2026.

Opponents of the initiative argue that the campaign should take stronger action to stop misleading petitioners. Licensed marijuana companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) operating in other states with legal marijuana markets will be watching the events in Massachusetts to see whether legalization is reversed there and a worrisome precedent is set for other Red states.

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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 — Doctors, Lawmakers Still Unsure About Medical Marijuana

After seven years of unrelenting back pain and 36 different prescriptions, Josh Dunifon believed he had exhausted every medical option. His medicine cabinet, once filled with bottles and hope, had become a reminder of how little relief he’d found after a devastating truck accident.

At 48, Dunifon never imagined cannabis could be an alternative. He had always opposed its use, but desperation pushed him to reconsider after his physician brought up the idea of medical marijuana.

“It never occurred to me,” he said. “I was one of those people who thought marijuana was bad. But at that point, I was so desperate I would’ve tried anything if it meant less pain.”

Under the supervision of Dr. Patricia Hurford, a physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine, Dunifon began using small doses of cannabis-infused gummies. The results didn’t come instantly, but the change was noticeable.

He is one of an estimated 3.7 million Americans registered as medical cannabis patients. Despite its growing acceptance, many healthcare providers remain reluctant to recommend it.

“Only 30 percent of doctors feel comfortable talking about marijuana,” said Dr. Hurford. “And that number doesn’t necessarily include those who understand how it might be used therapeutically.”

She believes that federal restrictions are partly to blame. Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, placing it in the same category as methamphetamine and heroin. The DEA defines that classification as having no accepted medical purpose and a high risk for abuse.

“If it were reclassified, it could help reduce the stigma for both doctors and patients,” Hurford said.

President Trump recently hinted that his administration was reviewing cannabis’s classification. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to push reform. Representative Jerrold Nadler has reintroduced the MORE Act, which would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and end federal penalties for its use or distribution. The proposal is currently in the House Judiciary Committee.

Twenty-four states and Washington, D.C., currently allow recreational cannabis, while 40 states permit medical use. In Germany, recent clinical trials have shown that medical cannabis can serve as an alternative to opioids for pain management. In contrast, U.S. studies remain limited due to strict federal controls on Schedule I substances.

For Dunifon, the change has been life-altering. A year after beginning treatment, he regained full arm movement and returned to work.

He credits medical cannabis not only with helping him recover physically but also with improving his outlook. “It’s not for everyone,” Dunifon said. “But if you use it responsibly, it can really make a difference.”

The reports given by people like Dunifon are part of the reason why companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) firmly believe that cannabis can have considerable benefits when used therapeutically with help from a healthcare professional.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Investors Hopeful That Trump Could Ease Regulatory Bottlenecks

Marijuana shares may be gearing up for a resurgence after years of sluggish performance, as investors grow hopeful about possible federal reforms.

Publicly listed cannabis companies have experienced mixed fortunes in recent quarters. Verano Holdings, for instance, posted $203 million in revenue—slightly higher than the previous quarter but 6% below last year’s levels. The company also posted a $44 million net loss, citing a $5 million write-down on a Pennsylvania facility and $10 million in legal expenses tied to a settlement.

Two major players, Trulieve and Curaleaf, are expected to announce their earnings this week.

Three key developments are fueling investor hopes: Trump’s apparent support for CBD Medicare coverage, his openness to reclassifying cannabis, and congressional efforts to regulate hemp.

Cannabis use has also hit record levels. A 2024 Carnegie Mellon University study found that daily cannabis consumption now exceeds daily alcohol use in the United States. The Agriculture Department reported that the total value of U.S. marijuana production jumped 40% in 2024, while research firm Grand View projects the global cannabis market could reach $160 billion by 2032.

Optimism surged in September when the president shared a video promoting CBD for seniors. The clip, made by The Commonwealth Project, a pro-marijuana advocacy group funded by billionaire Howard Kessler, triggered a surge in marijuana shares. Tilray rose 42 percent, Aurora Cannabis 25 percent, Canopy Growth 18 percent, and Cronos Group 15.5 percent.

The discussion around hemp regulation has also intensified. Congress is preparing to revise the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp with less than 0.3 percent THC but left its regulation largely undefined. Lawmakers are considering new national standards for safety, labeling, and testing.

Some legislators want to tighten THC restrictions or even prohibit hemp-derived intoxicants altogether, while industry leaders push for a model similar to alcohol regulation, splitting oversight between the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Food and Drug Administration. Industry advocates warn that a sweeping ban could jeopardize hundreds of thousands of jobs tied to the hemp economy.

Meanwhile, Trump’s comments about possibly reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III have fueled speculation about broader policy shifts. Such a move would not legalize recreational cannabis nationwide but could ease access to banking and research by removing certain federal tax barriers.

An official from the White House said the review process is ongoing and that all legal requirements are being considered. Industry insiders note that optimism partly stems from Trump’s inner circle. His chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has ties to Trulieve, whose CEO, Kim Rivers, has been a vocal advocate for reclassification.

Still, not everyone in Washington shares the enthusiasm. Some GOP legislators have moved to curb hemp-derived products, citing health risks and the lack of regulation since legalization. A measure introduced by Representative Andy Harris would redefine hemp to exclude any products containing measurable THC, while a Senate committee backed similar language in July.

As the industry waits for clearer signals from Trump and Congress, investors are betting that even the possibility of reform could mark the start of a new phase for U.S. marijuana markets, and firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) will be hoping those reforms come sooner rather than later.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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