420 with CNW — Will the Revolt Against Marijuana Taxes Succeed?

The U.S. has roughly 38,000 licensed marijuana businesses, yet many are struggling to meet federal tax obligations. Eleven of the largest operators collectively owe over $2.3 billion in federal income taxes. Smaller firms are facing similar pressure, largely due to Section 280E of the federal tax code, which blocks marijuana businesses from deducting most expenses.

That burden has pushed a growing number of companies to take a risky step. Cannabis businesses are submitting tax returns that challenge the IRS’s position on what they owe.

Whether that pushback will succeed is far from clear. Previous attempts by Americans to mount large-scale tax rebellions offer historical context, and most did not end well for the people involved.

One of the first major confrontations over taxes came in the early 1790s, when farmers in western Pennsylvania rejected a federal levy on distilled spirits meant to help the young nation pay down its war debt. President George Washington responded by leading troops into the region in 1794, and the Whiskey Rebellion fell apart almost immediately.

Only two participants were convicted, and both were later pardoned. Although residents continued resisting the tax until it was eliminated in 1802, the public largely backed the government’s actions.

Another revolt came in the 1990s, when thousands filed for a supposed “Black Inheritance Tax Refund.” It was based on the idea that the federal government had promised former slaves land and livestock after the Civil War. While the IRS stated that no such refund existed, it acknowledged that it had mistakenly paid out over $30 million and moved aggressively to alert the public and shut down the scheme.

Every major tax revolt has ended with the government prevailing, which does not bode well for today’s cannabis operators. Still, this modern dispute has its dynamics. Many marijuana companies argue they want to settle, but only for amounts they can realistically afford.

Supporters often cite the 2022 Harborside case in which the IRS accepted far less than the $22 million it claimed was owed and agreed to a ten-year payment plan. That deal was shaped by Harborside’s bleak finances and the likelihood that the company would collapse without leniency.

It also included a provision adjusting payments every two years so that any future profit would flow largely to the IRS. Harborside, later rebranded as StateHouse Holdings, ultimately failed anyway.

Others point to potential changes in federal drug policy or a retroactive fix to Section 280E. However, the Treasury Department has historically resisted retroactive tax changes, and such amendments are rare as taxpayers rely on the law as it stands when they file returns.

Some observers also raise the idea of a settlement program similar to the recent employee retention credit initiative, which allowed participants to repay most of what they received without facing penalties. Still, even an offer requiring repayment of 85% of the tax owed would be unreachable for many marijuana businesses already operating on thin margins.

For now, there is no close comparison in American tax history to a revolt where enforcing the law as written could threaten an entire industry. The outcome of the marijuana tax rebellion remains uncertain, and the stakes are only getting higher.

A more fair tax system would enable companies like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) to grow a lot faster than they are currently doing.

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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 — New Federal Law Gives States Power to Regulate Hemp THC

Cannabis remains illegal in Wisconsin, yet anyone driving through commercial districts could easily assume otherwise. Shops advertising CBD and THC products have multiplied across the state, filling windows with colorful displays of gummies, oils, drinks, and vape cartridges. Many grocery stores and gas stations also carry similar items.

Their presence stems from a gap in federal law that allowed hemp products with trace levels of the psychoactive compound THC to be sold openly. That gap is now on track to close.

A policy change in 2018 removed hemp from the federal list of controlled substances. The move permitted a wide range of products that include THC, provided they came from hemp and stayed under a strict limit of 0.3% by dry weight. The change fueled a booming market that a national hemp organization values at roughly $28 billion.

President Donald Trump recently signed legislation to end the federal government shutdown. Tucked inside the measure was language that tightens the limit on THC levels in hemp products. Products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC would be barred, a standard that would rule out most products currently on store shelves. The new limit becomes enforceable in one year.

This sparked immediate concern among growers, manufacturers, and retailers in Wisconsin, who fear the move could wipe out a large share of their business. Still, some legal scholars say the reaction may be stronger than the situation warrants.

Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University who studies drug policy, said the federal government lacks the capacity to enforce a sweeping crackdown on the wide network of companies that produce or sell these products. In his view, the future of the market will hinge largely on decisions made in states rather than Washington.

Efforts to create state-level oversight are already moving. As the House prepared to vote on the shutdown legislation, Wisconsin’s Assembly Committee on State Affairs reviewed a bipartisan measure that would set up a thorough regulatory structure for hemp products.

The proposal calls for mandatory testing and licensing, taxes similar to those on alcohol, and clear municipal authority. It also outlines an age requirement for purchasing and using these products, a licensing system for producers and retailers, and rules for packaging.

A separate proposal would revise Wisconsin’s definition of hemp to match the new federal standard. That measure is expected to face a veto from Governor Tony Evers.

Even so, Mikos said the industry is unlikely to face aggressive enforcement in the near future, even after the federal limit takes effect next year. He cautioned that small businesses could still encounter ripple effects involving taxes or federal permits. But he added that the risk of criminal penalties remains extremely low.

Marijuana companies, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be tracking how this change to federal law impacts companies that have been manufacturing THC products from hemp.

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420 with CNW — Michigan Files Defense in Case Challenging its New Marijuana Taxes

The state of Michigan is standing by its newly approved wholesale cannabis tax, stating that the measure complies with the state constitution and does not violate the 2018 ballot initiative that legalized recreational marijuana.

The legal defense comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, which is challenging a 24% wholesale tax on cannabis slated to take effect at the start of 2026. The tax would be added to the existing excise tax already applied to retail sales under the voter-approved legalization measure.

Industry representatives argue that the new levy is unconstitutional as it was not passed with the supermajority vote required to alter a voter-initiated measure. The tax cleared the House by a 78-21 vote and the Senate by 19-17, both falling short of the three-fourths margin required by the state constitution for such changes.

A separate lawsuit filed by Holistic Research Inc., a licensed marijuana cultivator based in Harrison Township, is also seeking to block the tax while litigation proceeds temporarily. The company has requested a preliminary injunction that would prevent the state from implementing the tax on January 1.

In its court filings, the state maintains that the new tax is a separate measure and does not amend the 2018 legalization law. State attorneys argue that lawmakers created a distinct revenue mechanism intended to work alongside Michigan’s broader marijuana regulatory framework, which is governed by multiple overlapping statutes.

According to the state’s brief, the goal of the new tax is to generate additional funding for road improvements, not to alter or regulate the marijuana market itself. Officials say the tax will contribute roughly $420 million to a $2 billion infrastructure plan designed to improve state and local roads.

Critics, however, warn that the added cost will likely raise prices for consumers, push some businesses to the brink, and encourage more buyers to return to the illegal market, undermining the state’s goal of supporting a regulated industry.

The state also rejected claims that lawmakers improperly changed the intent of an unrelated bill to push the tax through.

Attorneys for the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association have not yet formally responded to the state’s arguments, but a spokesperson said the group intends to press for a temporary injunction. Judge Sima Patel of the Court of Claims is scheduled to consider that request on November 25 in Detroit.

The wider cannabis industry, including companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) will be hoping that a workable compromise is attained to increase tax revenue without unduly burdening marijuana companies in Michigan.

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420 with CNW — Trump Supports Hemp THC Ban in Spending Bill Reopening Government

The U.S. Senate’s recent approval of a broad spending bill to end the longest federal government shutdown includes a measure that would prohibit hemp-derived THC products, marking a major shift in national cannabis policy since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The proposal, which has now been signed into law, seeks to close what lawmakers describe as a loophole that has allowed intoxicating hemp products to flourish outside state-regulated marijuana markets. While Senator Rand Paul(R) attempted to strike the new language from the legislation, the White House indicated that President Trump supported the measure.

The debate represented another chapter in an ongoing fight over hemp-derived THC products such as Delta-8 and THCA flower. These products, which can produce the same psychoactive effects as marijuana, are being sold widely online and in convenience stores across the country. Critics argue they exploit the Farm Bill’s definition of hemp, allowing unregulated marijuana to be sold under the guise of legality.

Major retailers have started stocking hemp-based THC drinks even as opponents, including state-regulated cannabis industry groups and prohibition advocates, warn of potential risks to public health. Alcohol industry representatives have also weighed in, with leading trade associations announcing their support for the ban.

Hemp industry leaders, however, warn that the ban could devastate hemp producers. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable noted that the language could effectively eliminate most of the $28 billion hemp market.

The Senate Appropriations Committee stated that the measure would halt sales of intoxicating hemp-based products, including Delta-8 THC, while maintaining the legality of non-intoxicating industrial hemp and CBD.

The revised definition of hemp limits THC content, including its acidic precursor THCA, to no more than 0.3% by dry weight. It also excludes compounds not naturally produced by the marijuana plant or those synthesized in a lab, such as HHC and THC-P.

Now that it has been enacted, the rule bans most hemp-derived drinks currently sold in stores and bars, allowing only products with no more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per serving.

Senator Paul had urged colleagues to vote on an amendment that would remove the restrictive language, despite his actions likely putting him at odds with Trump. Meanwhile, representatives from major alcohol trade associations, including the Beer Institute and Wine Institute, pressed senators to reject Paul’s proposal, warning that his actions could jeopardize efforts to reopen the government.

For the regulated cannabis industry, the move is a win, seen as a long-overdue step toward aligning federal law with current market realities.

Marijuana industry players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be watching how the marijuana and hemp retail landscape is reshaped by this newly passed law.

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420 with CNW — Virginia’s New Democratic Governor Could Establish a Retail Market for Marijuana

Virginia could soon establish a legal retail cannabis market by 2026, with Abigail Spanberger (D) elected as the state’s next governor and her party securing control of both chambers of the General Assembly.

Although adults 21 and older have been allowed to possess and use cannabis in Virginia since 2021, there is still no legal way to purchase it. Outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed legislation twice that would have created a regulated retail market. That stance is expected to shift when Spanberger takes office in January.

“Spanberger noted during her campaign that she supports moving cannabis sales from the street corner to a legal, age-verified setting,” said JM Pedini, NORML’s development director. “That clears a pathway for lawmakers to finalize recreational cannabis retail legalization in the 2026 session.”

NORML, which has long advocated for retail legalization, expects the state legislature’s Joint Commission overseeing the transition to a cannabis marketplace to introduce a new proposal next year. If approved, retail sales could begin as early as January 2027. Localities would have until the end of 2026 to opt out of participation, giving small businesses time to prepare for entry into the industry.

According to Pedini, establishing a legal market would improve consumer safety and redirect revenue away from the illicit trade.

However, not everyone supports the move. The advocacy group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) argues that legalization could lead to increased use among young people and more public health risks.

“Our biggest concern is youth access and the growing potency of THC products,” said Jordan Davidson, SAM’s government affairs director. “In states like Colorado, where dispensaries outnumber McDonald’s and Starbucks combined, the outcome has been troubling. We’ve seen significant mental and physical health issues tied to high-potency cannabis.”

Davidson warned that legalization could make it easier for minors to obtain cannabis despite age restrictions and accused the industry of copying “big tobacco” tactics to build a base of dependent consumers. He called for strict limits, or a complete ban, on marijuana advertising.

While Davidson acknowledged that a retail market in Virginia now seems inevitable, he urged Spanberger’s administration to prioritize safety measures, including limits on THC strength. “Potency has skyrocketed compared to the 1970s,” he said. “States like Montana, Connecticut, and Vermont have imposed caps. We’d like to see Virginia adopt similar restrictions, ideally keeping THC content between 5% and 15%.”

Licensed marijuana companies like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) may be wondering how Virginia has permitted adults to consume recreational marijuana without establishing a legal way for people to buy the products. This approach gives the black market a lucrative opportunity to meet the demand.

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420 with CNW — Federally Financed Canadian Research Shows Marijuana Use by Youths Reduced After Legalization

A new Canadian study funded by the federal government suggests that cannabis use among young people has dropped since the country legalized marijuana, challenging long-standing fears that legalization would lead to higher rates of youth consumption.

The research, published in Addictive Behaviors Reports, analyzed data from the COMPASS Study, an ongoing national survey that tracks health-related behaviors in Canadian youth. Conducted by researchers from Brock University and the University of Waterloo, the study compared cannabis use rates among youths before legalization (2017 and 2018) and after legalization (2021 and 2022).

Results showed that 15% of adolescents reported using cannabis in the month prior to legalization. That figure dropped to 12.3% after legalization. The proportion of students who said they had never used cannabis also grew during the post-legalization period.

The researchers also examined which factors were most likely to predict whether a student might use cannabis, noting that these predictors shifted in meaningful ways between the two time periods.

According to the report, while certain influences—like time spent texting, eating breakfast daily, and completing homework—remained relevant, the relative importance of these risk factors changed. In post-legalization use, feelings of depression, satisfaction with home life, and attitudes about school performance emerged as stronger predictors of use.

The study covered over 65,000 students across both time frames. The authors suggested periodically updating prevention strategies to align with current youth realities, given the evolving nature of these risk factors.

Overall, the researchers noted a modest decline in reported cannabis use and a rise in the number of students who said they never consume it. They suggested this trend may not be tied to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but instead could reflect shifts in regulation, social norms, or perceptions of risk following legalization.

Canada’s results mirror similar findings in Europe and the United States. In Germany, federal health officials recently reported that youth cannabis use has also decreased following national legalization. German authorities said other common concerns, including road safety and increased youth access, have not materialized.

In the United States, federal surveys indicate that cannabis use among adolescents has stayed steady or declined even as more states have adopted adult-use legalization. A report by the Marijuana Policy Project found that adolescent marijuana use dropped in 19 of the 21 states that legalized recreational cannabis, with an average decrease of 35% in the earliest adopting states.

This goes to show that legalization and licensing companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) could help in curbing access to marijuana products by the underage as measures like age verification prior to product purchase are enforced.

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420 with CNW — Massachusetts Regulators Delay Decision on Marijuana Consumption Lounges

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has postponed a key vote on regulations that would open the door for social marijuana consumption across the state, with officials now aiming for a decision before Christmas.

Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien outlined the revised timeline during the agency’s public meeting, which also marked the introduction of a new commissioner, Carrie Benedon.

The proposal in question would permit marijuana consumers to buy and use products in the same location, a move advocates say would expand access and normalize legal consumption. However, commissioners opted to delay the vote to allow for further review.

The proposal, first drafted in July, establishes three categories of licenses for social consumption. The first, a “supplemental” license, would enable existing cannabis retailers to create on-site consumption areas for their customers. A second, the “hospitality” license, would extend that privilege to certain non-marijuana venues such as theaters or cafes. The third, called an “event organizer” license, would allow temporary consumption spaces at approved gatherings and festivals.

If approved, the first five years of licensing would be restricted to participants in the commission’s economic or social equity empowerment programs, along with microbusinesses and cooperatives. The commission noted that more adjustments could be made before final rules are adopted.

Benedon joins the commission from the state attorney general’s office where she serves as director of the Open Government Division. Her background includes time as an assistant attorney general handling constitutional and administrative law, as well as representing the Public Health Department in cases involving medical cannabis regulations.

She fills the seat previously held by Nurys Camargo, representing the category reserved for expertise in social justice and legal issues within regulated industries.

Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said Benedon’s onboarding prompted the delay, explaining that she needed time to review the proposed rules. Stebbins added that the commission may hold extra meetings before the end of the year to keep the process on track. The next scheduled meeting is on November 18.

“I hope we can finalize this by Christmas,” Stebbins said, noting that commissioners are now focused on clarifying fine details to give future licensees certainty. He emphasized that delays are about inclusion, not hesitation. “We want everyone’s input.”

The agency has been operating with just three active commissioners for months, as one seat remained empty, and another commissioner was on leave. The addition of Benedon gives the body more flexibility to move forward, though a tie vote remains a possibility for the five-member commission.

The entire marijuana industry, including actors from across the U.S. border like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be hoping that no further delays occur in the timelines of the regulator in Massachusetts so that adults can have public locations where they can consume marijuana products legally away from their hotel rooms or homes.

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420 with CNW — Activists in Oklahoma Withdraw Ballot Measure to Legalize Marijuana in 2026

Efforts to place a cannabis legalization measure on Oklahoma’s 2026 ballot have been halted after organizers withdrew their proposal before the submission deadline.

Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action confirmed it did not deliver its petitions to the Secretary of State’s office in time, effectively halting the campaign. The decision marks a major setback for advocates who had been working quickly to collect signatures statewide.

The group had enlisted over 500 local businesses to help circulate petitions, including medical marijuana dispensaries, tattoo shops, and other small retailers. Despite the broad outreach, ORCA fell short of submitting the required 172,993 valid voter signatures by Monday’s cutoff.

Jed Green, founder of ORCA, said in October that volunteers had gathered a large number of signed petitions, but the process of organizing and verifying them proved difficult. Collection efforts continued into the final hours before the deadline, but the group could not finalize delivery in time. The campaign began collecting signatures in August, leaving organizers just three months to meet their goal.

Advocates also faced new political challenges. Governor Kevin Stitt signed legislation earlier this year tightening rules for citizen-led ballot measures, including marijuana reforms. The law adds stricter requirements for the short ballot summaries voters see and limits how many signatures can be collected from any single county—no more than 20.8% for constitutional measures and 11.5% for statutory proposals. That law is currently being contested in court, though not specifically because of the marijuana initiative.

Under the withdrawn initiative, adults 21 and over would have been allowed to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana, cultivate up to 12 plants, and hold one ounce of concentrates for personal use. The measure sought to protect users from discrimination in housing, employment, education, healthcare, and other areas, and it barred the use of THC residue as evidence of impairment.

Local governments would not have been allowed to ban home cultivation, and public-use restrictions could not exceed those already in place for tobacco. A 10% excise tax would have applied to recreational marijuana, with most revenue split between the state, counties, and cities.

The initiative also included provisions for interstate commerce if federal law eventually allows it.

While ORCA’s campaign has ended for now, the broader debate over cannabis policy in Oklahoma continues. Law enforcement agencies have voiced opposition to broader legalization, citing health and public safety concerns.

Meanwhile, state legislators have advanced measures related to marijuana use, including one aimed at preserving firearm rights for medical cannabis patients and another proposing penalties for using marijuana during pregnancy.

The wider marijuana reform movement will be disappointed that the efforts to seek legalization of adult-use marijuana in Oklahoma haven’t placed an initiative on the ballot. This setback closes the door to many business opportunities, such as for firms offering similar services to Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR), that would have resulted if broader policy reforms had succeeded in the state.

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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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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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