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.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — 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.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — 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.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — 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.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — 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.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — 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.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — 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.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Marijuana 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.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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