420 with CNW — Proposal Seeks to Cover Some Hemp Products Under Medicare Plans

Medical marijuana health insurance has long been viewed by cannabis businesses and patient advocates as a breakthrough that could reshape the industry. A recent proposed change to Medicare reimbursement regulations offered a brief spark of attention but delivered little for those hoping for broader coverage.

While the revision would allow coverage for a limited range of hemp products, it would not include CBD.

Talks of government-backed health plans covering CBD treatments picked up last week after Bloomberg reported that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was weighing whether certain older adults might qualify for CBD care beyond the single FDA-approved prescription option.

Such a move could have provided a lifeline to the struggling hemp economy, valued at $28.3 billion and facing major disruption once a federal ban on hemp-derived THC takes effect next year.

A shift in Medicare rules would also have marked a major change from policies rolled out in April 2025. Those guidelines explicitly barred marijuana products from some Medicare plans since they are federally illegal.

The Bloomberg report traced the policy discussion to Howard Kessler, a prominent CBD advocate with ties to President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club. Kessler’s Commonwealth Project produced a video, shared by Trump on Truth Social, highlighting CBD as a potential therapy for seniors. Kessler reportedly met with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sparking speculation that Medicare might eventually cover CBD.

However, CMS’s latest proposal, published in the Federal Register, indicates that CBD is unlikely to qualify for coverage under Medicare. The draft states that any marijuana products deemed illegal under federal or state law, including regulations from the FDA, cannot be reimbursed.

Under these rules, only specific hemp-based products such as hemp seed oil, hulled hemp seeds, and hemp seed protein powder might be eligible for limited coverage.

The FDA has consistently said that current rules for foods and dietary supplements do not apply to CBD because it has never been cleared as a food additive. That stance has limited where CBD can appear on store shelves and has created uncertainty for businesses that invested heavily in the compound.

Complicating matters further is the recent legislation signed by Trump banning hemp-derived THC. The law narrows the definition of hemp, effectively limiting CBD products to 0.4 mg of THC per package. Industry groups say the law would make much of the current hemp market illegal once the rules take effect in 2026.

Currently, the only CBD medicine approved by federal regulators is Epidiolex, which remains available only with a prescription.

The wider marijuana industry, including firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be hoping that federal laws gradually shift and respond to the current realities characterized by the widespread adoption of medical marijuana treatments by vast sections of the U.S. population.

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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 — State Panel to Unveil Plan Establishing a Marijuana Retail Market in Virginia

Virginia is inching closer to clarifying how legal cannabis sales might work after years of political gridlock. A state panel created to review the issue is preparing to release a detailed proposal that could shape the future of the adult-use market.

The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales, formed this year, has spent months gathering testimony from industry experts, regulators, advocates, and residents. Its final roadmap is expected at the panel’s next meeting, giving lawmakers a structured proposal to consider in 2026.

The state legalized possession of small amounts of marijuana and allowed limited home cultivation in 2021, but lawmakers never agreed on rules for retail sales. Adults 21 and over can hold up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to 4 plants per household. Still, there is no sanctioned system for recreational sales, leaving residents in a grey area.

Outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed previous attempts to authorize sales, leaving the system frozen at a halfway point. Incoming Governor Abigail Spanberger has signaled her support for launching a regulated retail market. Advocates believe her position could finally move the issue forward after years of gridlock.

In a statement to FOX 5, her spokesperson said she believes any commercial system should be built on a clear strategy and that tax revenue from cannabis should support public priorities such as schools. She also indicated that she intends to work with legislators to move the issue forward.

Businesses already operating in the medical sector are watching closely. Trent Woloveck, CEO of Beyond Hello, which runs several medical dispensaries in the state, said providers are eager for the chance to offer products to adults statewide. He argued that a regulated market would undercut illegal sales while supporting jobs and bringing in tax dollars.

The state Cannabis Control Authority, which oversees regulation in the state, said it does not take positions on upcoming bills but is prepared to carry out whatever framework the General Assembly enacts. The agency emphasized its focus on public safety, health, and community protection in any future market.

Once lawmakers return, they will decide whether to convert the proposal into a bill. Even if legislation moves quickly next year, it will take time to issue licenses and build a functioning marketplace. For now, Virginians remain in a holding pattern; they can possess cannabis and grow it but cannot buy it in a licensed store.

Industry actors like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) operating in other legal markets around the country will be pleased that Virginians now see a way forward towards implementing a legal market for adult-use marijuana, which is already legal in the state.

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420 with CNW — New Report Shows Illicit Marijuana is Being Sold as Hemp in Missouri

A new report from the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association says many retailers that advertise legal hemp products are instead selling cannabis products with high THC levels. The group’s findings come from laboratory tests on 55 products purchased at gas stations, smoke shops, and stores that market themselves as hemp or CBD sellers.

According to the report, 96% of the samples turned out to be synthetic THC or cannabis. The association’s 16-page document outlines what it describes as a statewide problem involving hundreds of unregulated shops offering potent THC products while presenting them as legal hemp. It includes test results, a map of retailers the group reviewed, and a list of outlets it says are selling THC outside Missouri’s licensed system.

Executive director Andrew Mullins said the findings point to a public safety issue that has been building for years. Mullins noted the absence of mandatory testing or child-resistant packaging leaves minors especially vulnerable.

In nearly every tested item, THC levels surpassed the federal hemp limit of 0.3%. The results ranged from 11 milligrams of THC per package to 5,000 milligrams. One vape bought in Independence tested at 89.3% THC, a concentration far above what hemp laws allow. Nearly 30% of the samples had contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or lingering solvents.

Mullins said the association first raised concerns in 2021 when hemp-derived THC products began appearing routinely in convenience stores. He said the products were packaged like regulated marijuana but sold in places that faced no state controls. According to Mullins, state health officials said the issue fell to local law enforcement, some of whom believed the products were legal after recreational marijuana passed.

The group has backed several measures in recent years to limit or oversee hemp-derived THC, though none have advanced. Mullins said some businesses resist changes because the current system benefits them. He pointed to a Warrenton case involving a shop owner accused of selling a THC vape cartridge to a 14-year-old and cited a sharp rise (400%) in poison control calls involving unregulated products.

Mullins said some shops advertise THC levels online while labeling packages as hemp in stores, and others use the word “dispensary” despite having no license to sell cannabis.

Not everyone agrees with the trade group’s conclusions. Columbia attorney Dan Viets said the report overlooks important sections of state and federal law. He argues that products made from hemp remain legal even if the final item exceeds the 0.3% threshold, since the definition of hemp is based on the plant’s THC level at harvest.

Viets noted that the hemp sector has long urged state lawmakers to create rules for labeling, testing, and age limits. He argued that the licensed cannabis industry wants hemp-derived THC banned because it does not want competition. He added that restricting these products could force many retailers to close.

Licensed marijuana companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) operating in other regulated marijuana markets in the country will be hoping that states clarify regulations on hemp THC so that it is explicitly clear how those products should be sold in case they are permissible.

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420 with CNW — How the Hemp Industry Could Be Impacted by the Federal Ban on Hemp THC

A surge in hemp-derived THC products that reshaped convenience store shelves and fueled a fast-growing market appears to be heading toward a sharp slowdown. Tucked inside the bill that brought an end to the recent federal shutdown is a clause that would outlaw hemp-derived THC products nationwide.

That measure, scheduled for November 2026, has sent the $24 billion hemp sector scrambling for answers and time. Supporters and critics agree on one thing; this change would close a loophole created six years ago by the Farm Bill 2018, although some disagree on whether that is a good thing.

The 2018 bill defined hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. That wording created a loophole, allowing operators to produce products with enough THC to cause impairment. Businesses found even more room to maneuver by converting CBD, a compound that does not intoxicate, into other forms of THC, such as delta-10 and delta-8.

Within a few years, vape cartridges, candies, sodas, chips, and baked products using hemp-derived THC had spread nationwide with little oversight. In some states, teenagers could buy them at gas stations.

In legal cannabis markets, they competed directly with regulated and taxed products. In prohibition states, they skirted bans on recreational cannabis. Several states, including Indiana, later reported more calls to poison control centers involving young children. With federal action stalled until now, states moved on their own. Some restricted sales, others banned items outright.

Influential Senator Mitch McConnell, who was instrumental in shaping the 2018 hemp legislation, added the federal ban to the recent measure that ended the 43-day shutdown.

Parts of the legal cannabis industry have welcomed the development, arguing that the hemp sector has been allowed to dodge taxes and safety rules. Anti-cannabis groups have also praised the move.

However, hemp producers hope that Congress will use the one-year window to craft national standards instead of shutting the industry down. They argue that stricter age limits, rules against synthetic cannabinoids, and bans on child-focused marketing could address concerns without wiping out the entire industry.

Industry representatives warn the ban could put over 300,000 jobs at risk and cost states an estimated $1.5 billion in tax revenue. Some business owners say their companies would not survive.

Several lawmakers are now pushing for a middle path. Senator Rand Paul attempted to remove the ban from the funding bill, though the effort failed. Minnesota’s Senators, Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, have called for hearings and suggested that states be allowed to create their own regulations.

The marijuana industry, including entities like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be following the discussions in the wake of this federal hemp-sourced THC ban to see how it reshapes the hemp and cannabis industries.

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420 with CNW — Michigan Court Starts Hearing Challenge to Newly Approved Marijuana Taxes

A judge on the Michigan Court of Claims is set to review arguments over whether state lawmakers crossed a constitutional line when they approved a new tax on cannabis. The hearing centers on a 24% levy on wholesale cannabis transactions that became a key part of the state budget signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer last month.

The state’s recreational cannabis industry filed suit shortly after the budget became law. Industry leaders argue that voters already established the tax framework for legal marijuana when they passed a ballot initiative in 2018, which created a retail tax on cannabis products.

They argue that lawmakers cannot layer an additional tax on the industry without meeting the required supermajority votes.

The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association spokesperson, Rose Tantraphol, stated that the Legislature exceeded those limits. She accused lawmakers of approving the wholesale tax during hectic late-night proceedings that left little room for scrutiny.

According to the lawsuit, the original ballot measure was designed to encourage a stable, regulated market for adult-use cannabis, while the recently adopted wholesale tax would undermine that goal. Industry representatives say many stores are already struggling to stay open amid falling prices, limited access to banking, and heavy competition.

“Profit margins are already razor-thin. There is no way to absorb a 24 percent hit,” Tantraphol said. Some operators, she added, have said they would be forced to shut down if the tax is implemented.

Officials in the State Budget Office declined to discuss the case, citing ongoing litigation. In court filings, the state maintains that the new tax stands on its own, as it appears in a separate statute and is not intended to regulate the cannabis market. Instead, state lawyers say the revenue would help generate an estimated $420 million for Michigan’s roads.

Robert Schneider, a senior analyst with the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, said the dispute may come down to whether the wholesale levy is viewed as distinct from the retail tax approved by voters. He noted that the two appear in different laws and apply to different stages of the supply chain. The court will have to determine whether those differences are meaningful or whether lawmakers attempted an improper workaround.

Both sides have asked for a prompt decision. The tax is scheduled to start on January 1, and any delay in the ruling could complicate the state’s plans for budgeting and distribution of the expected revenue.

The marijuana industry is also seeking a temporary order that would halt enforcement of the tax until the case is resolved. If the judge issues an immediate ruling, the matter could reach the state Supreme Court in the coming months.

The entire marijuana industry within and outside the U.S., including leading companies like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be watching how the judge handles this dispute and the ruling made as it could set a precedent that other states emulate in their bid to generate more tax revenue from licensed cannabis companies.

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420 with CNW — Buying Habits of Gen Z’s Are Changing Marijuana Retail

Cannabis retailers across the U.S. are adjusting to an unexpected shift in shopper behavior as the youngest legal buyers reshape the market. Gen Z customers are coming into stores, but they are approaching cannabis with more intention, more research, and more caution than many of the shoppers who came before them.

Los Angeles’ The Higher Path & The Other Path director Adrienne Airhart says customers are not walking in to chase intense highs. According to her, younger adults often use THC to support workouts, manage school workloads, or ease social discomfort. For many of them, cannabis has become another tool in a daily routine rather than an escape vehicle.

For years, many retailers assumed younger adults would consume less cannabis and that growth would come from older demographics. But Gen Z’s approach is presenting a new opening. It is not tied to high-volume use. It is tied to consistency, intentionality, and a desire for reliable effects.

Recent consumer surveys reveal clear differences between age groups. Adults 50 and older continue to adopt marijuana at fast rates and often look for help with sleep, relaxation, pain, or mental health. Millennials remain the most active spenders, buying across a wide range of products that deliver comfort and convenience, such as topicals, vapes, edibles, and affordable flower.

Gen Z, shaped by wellness trends and rising awareness around anxiety, is coming up during a period where many young adults drink less than previous generations.

National polling, including Gallup findings, shows younger consumers prefer substances that feel cleaner, are easier to regulate, and are compatible with daily life. Cannabis fits neatly into that shift.

Financial strain also plays a significant role. High housing costs, inflation, and lingering student loans leave this group with limited discretionary money. They visit stores less frequently and choose smaller baskets.

Surveys show most adults (69%) aged 18 to 24 favor marijuana over alcohol, and many say they are replacing alcohol with lower-dose THC options, such as beverages and edibles. They also plan consumption around specific situations and emphasize consistency over intensity.

Retailers have started adjusting their shelves accordingly. The Higher Path added a low-dose shelf in response to growing interest in mild, easy-to-manage products.

Larger multipacks of prerolls still sell, but often to groups seeking light social effects rather than a strong high. Gen Z buyers have not abandoned potency, yet they increasingly want it delivered in formats that feel controlled and purposeful.

Since only part of Gen Z is old enough to buy legally, experts say these habits are early indicators of what the future market may look like. Retailers who invest in education, effect-based merchandising, and products that fit structured routines may benefit from steady demand as this generation gains more buying power.

Operators say the opportunity is not in waiting for heavy consumption to return. It lies in adapting to a consumer base that values purpose, control, and thoughtful use. For companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), the changing preferences of different demographics of consumers is something that will determine product design and marketing for years to come.

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420 with CNW — Activists in Oregon Withdraw Measure Seeking to Legalize Marijuana Consumption Lounges

Oregon activists have halted their effort to place a measure on the 2026 ballot that would have legalized marijuana social lounges across the state. The Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition confirmed that it has withdrawn the proposal after months of preliminary work, including filing two variations of the measure.

Justyce Seith, founder of the coalition and chief petitioner, said the decision was not taken lightly. She noted that the campaign’s timeline and signature-gathering goals no longer aligned with the resources available. According to Seith, attention will now shift to developing a better version of the proposal for a future ballot cycle.

Seith thanked volunteers who helped the campaign reach several early milestones. Their work drew enough support to confirm, in her view, that public spaces for marijuana use remain an important issue for many residents.

The state attorney general approved a verified ballot title for the initiative in September. That approval followed the release of an initial proposal in August. Only one public comment was submitted in response to the draft. The commenter argued that the word “lounges” lacked clarity and suggested using “business establishments” instead.

State officials reviewed the suggestion and declined to modify the title. The individual could have sought review by the Oregon Supreme Court, but did not pursue that option.

To qualify for the ballot, OCCC would have been required to gather at least 117,000 valid signatures from registered voters.

The proposal would have allowed state-licensed marijuana social lounges to open and operate under specific rules. These locations would have provided adults with a place to consume marijuana while also offering unmedicated beverages and food, but no cannabis sales could take place inside the premises.

Consumption would have been limited to vaping, smoking, and the use of non-edibles. Nicotine products, tobacco, and alcohol would have been banned.

Local governments would have been permitted to set limits on the number of lounges and adopt additional rules. They also would have had the authority to inspect businesses for compliance. Oversight at the state level would have been handled by the OLCC, which would have reviewed license applications and enforced penalties that could include license suspension and/or fines.

The proposal also called for clear public education requirements, including signage explaining health risks and operational rules. The commission would have worked with health agencies to develop outreach materials.

If approved, the measure would have taken effect at the start of 2027. Marijuana companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that have participated in efforts to reform cannabis laws in other jurisdictions sympathize with the Oregon campaigners because it is a very expensive and back-breaking undertaking to push a ballot measure through the preliminary steps and then oversee campaigns to get the measure approved by voters.

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420 with CNW — Ohio House Approves Bill Reforming Marijuana Laws, Banning Hemp THC

Lawmakers in Ohio advanced a measure that would tighten rules on hemp products with intoxicating effects and revise several parts of the state’s recreational cannabis system. The House approved Senate Bill 56 in a 52-34 vote, sending it back to the upper chamber for final consideration.

The Senate is scheduled to return on December 9, and House Speaker Matt Huffman said he was confident the chamber would sign off on the proposal.

The Senate first approved the legislation in February, but the House later added new rules for intoxicating hemp, which prompted senators to vote unanimously in October against adopting those changes. That decision sent the issue to negotiation.

Soon after, federal lawmakers voted to prohibit products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per package as part of the agreement to reopen the federal government. The 2018 Farm Bill had previously allowed hemp cultivation as long as plants remained below 0.3 percent THC.

Although the federal restriction does not take effect for a year, states can adopt their own rules sooner. Steve Huffman said Congress’s move shaped Ohio’s approach to both hemp and marijuana. The bill now aims to keep intoxicating hemp products out of general retail shops by limiting sales to licensed cannabis dispensaries.

If the Senate signs off and Governor Mike DeWine approves the measure before January, the hemp provisions could begin as early as March. Five-milligram THC beverages would still be allowed until the end of 2026. Lawmakers also included language signaling that they would revisit the issue if federal rules shift again.

On the cannabis side, the bill lowers THC limits for concentrates to 70%, caps flower at 35%, and expands restrictions on smoking in public places. Some probable cause language was removed, though officers could still act if drivers show clear signs of impairment.

Communities hosting recreational dispensaries would receive 36% of adult-use tax revenue. The tax rate for recreational cannabis would remain at 10%, and home grow limits would stay at six plants per person and twelve per household.

Voters approved recreational cannabis in 2023 with 57% support, and sales began in August 2024. Since the measure passed as a statute rather than a constitutional amendment, lawmakers are permitted to modify it.

Critics say the new bill ignores what residents approved. Supporters argue it brings needed structure to a young industry and addresses public safety concerns as the market expands. Many actors within the broader marijuana industry, even across borders, such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be happy that some clarity is being brought into the hemp THC phenomenon in the U.S.

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420 with CNW — Florida Authorities Relent to Pressure, Advance Marijuana Ballot Initiative

Florida’s long-running fight over a proposed recreational cannabis amendment took another turn this week after state election officials confirmed they had completed a key step that a pro-legalization group accused the DeSantis administration of deliberately delaying.

Smart and Safe Florida, the organization behind the proposal, filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court in October, accusing the state of stalling the ballot certification process. On Tuesday, Attorney General James Uthmeier urged the court to dismiss the case, noting that the action the group sought had been carried out the day before.

Maria Matthews, the director of the Division of Elections, issued the required letter confirming that the group had collected enough verified signatures to move the measure forward.

According to the state’s filing, Smart and Safe’s lawsuit requested that the court compel officials to send the acknowledgment letter and advance the petition to the attorney general. The state argued that the issue is now moot because the letter has been delivered and the proposal sent along for further review.

This marks the second lawsuit the group has filed over the proposed amendment. The latest legal move comes months after the recreational marijuana measure fell short during the 2024 election cycle. While 56% of voters backed legalization, Florida law requires at least 60% for a constitutional change.

The defeat followed a high-profile effort by Governor Ron DeSantis and several state leaders who campaigned aggressively against the initiative. They warned that expanding access to marijuana would harm communities and invite corporate influence, turning the issue into one of the most contentious fights of the year.

In its October lawsuit, Smart and Safe said it informed the election division in August that the campaign had far exceeded the number of verified petitions needed to trigger the next step in the process. The group said it had secured over 660,000 verified signatures, more than triple the minimum required to begin review.

Despite the early notification, no acknowledgment letter was issued for months. Smart and Safe argued that the delay was intentional and part of a broader effort to hinder the initiative. The group pointed to an October 3 directive from the Secretary of State instructing county supervisors to invalidate up to 200,000 petition signatures.

According to the order, organizers did not include the full text of the proposed amendment in certain mailings, which the state said violated petition rules. The decision wiped out nearly one-fourth of the signatures required for next year’s ballot and was the core of the group’s lawsuit.

The wider marijuana industry, including allied firms like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR), will be glad that the effort in Florida has notched this step in the process of making its way onto the ballot.

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420 with CNW — Female Frequent Users of Marijuana Are More Satisfied in Their Romantic Relationships, Study Finds

A recent study from Israel suggests that marijuana use may influence how partners feel about their relationships, with women and men reporting sharply different experiences. The research, published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence Journal, examined how varying levels of cannabis consumption relate to satisfaction in long-term partnerships.

The study involved 110 couples who answered detailed surveys about how often they used cannabis, how they viewed the strength of their relationship, how they felt about their sex lives, and how responsive they believed their partners were.

Women who consumed cannabis frequently tended to rate their relationships more positively, describing both themselves and their partners as more fulfilled than women who used it rarely or never. Men, however, told a different story. The study notes that those who used marijuana at similar high levels tended to report lower satisfaction. They also viewed their partners as less responsive, although the latter finding did not meet the threshold for statistical significance.

The study is one of the few to look at possible dose-related effects rather than simply whether a person uses cannabis or abstains. The authors say this approach offers a more nuanced look at how consumption patterns shape couples’ experiences.

The study notes that couples who differed significantly in how much they used the drug were more likely to describe weaker bonds and less satisfying sex lives. The researchers link this trend to a long-standing theory that shared activities strengthen romantic bonds. When one partner regularly uses marijuana and the other does not, or when their consumption levels differ widely, the couple may have fewer mutual experiences built around that activity, which can limit closeness.

As for the gender divide, the researchers offered several ideas. Men generally consume cannabis more often than women, which has been associated in previous studies with a greater chance of negative physical or psychological effects. Those drawbacks might spill into relationships and influence both partners’ sense of connection.

Women, on the other hand, typically use cannabis at lower levels. Light use has been associated with fewer adverse consequences and a better reported quality of life compared with heavy use. The researchers suggest that these differences may help explain why frequent use appears to affect women more positively in the context of romantic satisfaction.

The team also raised the possibility that social expectations play a part. Women who use cannabis heavily may be stepping outside traditional gender roles, which could create a sense of autonomy and authenticity. That feeling of independence may contribute to a stronger perception of relationship quality.

The authors caution that their sample size was modest and that more research is needed to understand why these gender patterns emerge.

Rigorous data of this nature could be useful to the cannabis industry, including firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as it could inform how they refine their products targeting different sections of the population.

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