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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 — Court Starts Hearing Case Against Florida Marijuana Licensing Process

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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420 with CNW — New Hampshire Lawmakers Push to Legalize Marijuana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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420 with CNW — More Americans are Consuming Marijuana Beverages, Less Alcohol

More consumers are swapping traditional alcoholic beverages for cannabis-infused alternatives across the United States. These drinks, often packaged like seltzers, teas, or sodas, contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive compound in marijuana—and sometimes cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating ingredient said to ease stress and discomfort.

The rise in marijuana beverages comes as fewer Americans report drinking alcohol. A Gallup poll released in July found that the share of adults who consume alcohol has dropped to 54 percent, marking the lowest rate since the organization began monitoring drinking habits in the late 1930s. Public attitudes toward alcohol have also shifted, with a growing number of people viewing even moderate intake as unhealthy.

Industry analysts say marijuana drinks are increasingly being positioned as substitutes for beer, wine, and cocktails. Data from Whitney Economics indicates that THC beverage sales could rise from approximately $1.1 billion in 2024 to $5.6 billion by 2035. The consultancy notes that this surge reflects both consumer curiosity and broader acceptance of hemp-derived products.

The U.S. market now hosts hundreds of marijuana beverage brands, ranging from regional start-ups to nationally distributed labels. Many promote their products as nonalcoholic, low-calorie, and sugar-free options for social occasions. Retail interest is also growing, with some large chains testing THC drink sales in states where they are permitted.

Analysts say the strongest growth is coming from women in their 30s and 40s who want an alternative that fits a health-conscious lifestyle.

While the products are gaining popularity, health professionals continue to caution about potential side effects. Medical experts say that marijuana, whether inhaled or consumed through edibles and beverages, can influence brain function, heart rate, and coordination.

Short-term effects may include slower reaction times, memory lapses, or impaired focus, which can increase risks in activities like driving. Prolonged or heavy use, especially among younger individuals, may lead to long-lasting cognitive challenges or dependency.

Despite varying state laws, cannabis drinks are now legal in 44 states, with 37 allowing them to be sold outside marijuana dispensaries. They’re showing up in bars, restaurants, and even major retail chains. In Georgia, for example, Scofflaw Beverage Company, a former brewery, revived its business by selling hemp-derived THC seltzers. “It’s been a huge change in what people want,” said co-founder Matt Shirah, noting that the new product line could outgrow the company’s beer sales.

Major retailers are taking notice too. Target confirmed it is testing THC beverages at select liquor stores in Minnesota, joining others like Total Wine and More in exploring the category. Industry groups estimate there are approximately 750 marijuana beverage brands in the U.S., though only about 30 have a national reach.

These shifts in consumer interests are likely to be watched by marijuana companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) as they could provide insights to help shape the companies’ future strategies.

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420 with CNW — Missouri Regulators Consider Authorizing Marijuana Curbside Pickup

Missouri cannabis dispensaries could soon have another way to serve customers, as state regulators consider a rule that would permit curbside pickup. The proposal would expand the current options, which already include delivery and drive-thru services with state approval.

The state Division of Cannabis Regulation this week released a draft amendment that outlines how dispensaries could implement curbside pickup. The agency is inviting public comments on the proposal through October 28 before deciding whether to move forward.

For some dispensary owners and cannabis customers, the change could make a big difference. Mark Hendren, CEO of Flora Farms, one of Missouri’s largest cannabis companies, said curbside service would help customers who have mobility challenges. Three of Flora Farms’ eight dispensaries currently lack drive-thru windows, which means every visitor must park, walk inside, and go through standard check-in procedures.

“When customers visit our stores, they have to get out of their vehicles and go through the normal check-in inside the building,” Hendren said. “That process can be challenging for some of our customers with disabilities, so this would really help them.”

Under the draft rules, curbside pickup would operate under strict security and payment guidelines. Customers would have to complete their transactions online in advance, ensuring no cash is exchanged outside the dispensary. The designated pickup areas would also need to be monitored by security cameras, similar to those required for existing drive-thru cannabis lanes.

Dispensaries would additionally be required to display a clear warning sign reminding customers that it is illegal to operate a boat, motor vehicle, or aircraft while under the influence of cannabis.

The draft amendment released on Tuesday is still in the early stages and has not yet been incorporated into the state’s formal rulemaking process. According to the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), which oversees the Cannabis Regulation Division, the move is meant to gather input from both industry members and the public before the agency submits an official rule change.

“This step is part of DHSS’s ongoing process to consider all perspectives before filing new or amended regulations,” the department said in a statement.

According to the department’s statement, the goal of the amendment is to improve how dispensaries operate by making cannabis purchases more accessible. The agency said the curbside option would particularly benefit medical patients, caregivers, and consumers with physical limitations who might struggle with in-person transactions.

Such helpful changes are likely to be applauded by players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) in the wider marijuana industry around the region.

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420 with CNW — Study Uncovers Genetic Links Between Marijuana Use and Health Challenges

Researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, working alongside the genetics company 23andMe, have pinpointed specific regions in the human genome that appear to influence marijuana use.

Their findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest connections between these genetic factors and various psychiatric, cognitive, and physical health traits. The research could help shape future prevention and treatment options for cannabis use disorder.

According to the study’s senior author, Dr. Sandra Sanchez-Roige, marijuana is widely used, yet its long-term health impacts remain unclear. The team set out to better understand how genetics contribute to behaviors linked with cannabis use disorder, a condition that can disrupt daily life and affect nearly 30 percent of people who regularly use the drug.

The team conducted a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS), using genetic data from 131,895 participants who volunteered through 23andMe’s research program. Participants completed surveys indicating whether they had ever used marijuana and, if so, how frequently they used it.

Co-author Dr. Abraham Palmer noted that genetic science has long shown that inherited factors influence drug experimentation and addiction. “Tools like GWAS allow us to uncover biological pathways that connect marijuana use to brain activity and behavior,” he said.

The analysis identified two major genes tied to lifetime marijuana use. The first, known as CADM2, helps regulate communication between brain cells and has been previously linked to traits such as impulsivity, cancer spread, and obesity. The second, GRM3, plays a role in brain signaling and plasticity and has known connections to mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Further analysis uncovered 40 additional genes connected to lifetime marijuana use and four related to how often people used marijuana. Notably, 29 of these had not previously been linked to marijuana-related behaviors.

When comparing genetic data with medical information from large databases, the scientists found that a predisposition for marijuana use often overlapped with risks for over 100 traits. These included psychiatric conditions such as depression, ADHD, and anxiety, as well as cognitive differences and physical illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain. Genetic correlations were also observed with tobacco use, autoimmune diseases, and infections like HIV and hepatitis.

Dr. Hayley Thorpe, the study’s lead author, noted that marijuana use exists on a spectrum. Studying early-use behaviors, she said, helps clarify how genetic risks emerge before full cannabis use disorder develops.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for cannabis use disorder, but the researchers hope these findings will pave the way for new therapies and prevention strategies.

The study findings show that cannabis use disorder is more complicated than has been thought. Marijuana businesses like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) are likely to interest themselves in any follow up research done to get more insights on how customers can be better advised on product use.

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420 with CNW — Ohio Senators Approve Bill Overhauling Cannabis DUI Laws

The Ohio state Senate voted unanimously to approve a bill that changes how prosecutors prove whether someone was driving under the influence of cannabis.

Over the last ten years, Ohio has relaxed many of its cannabis restrictions, joining the growing number of states that permit both medical and recreational use. However, this shift has made it difficult to determine when cannabis use actually affects a person’s driving ability.

Unlike alcohol, which has a clear legal limit of 0.08% blood alcohol content, determining marijuana impairment is far more complicated. Scientific studies have found that some drivers with high THC levels show no signs of impairment, while others with low levels do.

Attorney Tim Huey, who represents DUI defense lawyers, said the current system risks convicting people who are not actually impaired.

If approved by the House and signed by the governor, Senate Bill 55 would make two major changes. First, it would end the current practice of convicting drivers simply because cannabis “metabolites” were found in their system. Metabolites are inactive traces left behind as the body breaks down cannabis. These can remain detectable for up to a month after use, even when the person is no longer impaired.

Under the new bill, prosecutors would instead need to prove that a driver had Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the high, in their bloodstream.

Second, the bill gives drivers more room to defend themselves if their THC level is relatively low. Under existing “per se” rules, a positive test almost always leads to a conviction.

The measure would also raise the “per se” THC limit from two nanograms per milliliter of blood to five. Anyone testing above that amount could still face automatic conviction, while those between two and five could present evidence to contest the charge.

SB 55 would be the first major update to the state’s cannabis-related driving laws since legalization.

Studies show that cannabis can slow reaction time and make it harder for drivers to stay focused or maintain their lane. However, research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2017 found only a weak connection between blood THC levels and actual impairment. Similarly, a 2016 study by the AAA Foundation concluded that strict THC “per se” limits cannot be scientifically justified.

The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association (OPAA), which previously opposed similar reforms, did not formally object to the new measure. Executive Director Lou Tobin said that prosecutors agreed with certain revisions, such as keeping a set THC threshold and including products like Delta-8. He added that officers only order tests when there’s a clear reason to suspect impairment and that drivers using marijuana should be aware of the risks before getting behind the wheel.

The broader marijuana industry, including foreign-based firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), are likely to applaud these reforms in Ohio that seek to limit the unnecessary victimization of people who use cannabis.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Golden Triangle Ventures Inc. (OTC: GTVH) Launches Comprehensive Restructuring to Eliminate Convertible Debt and Retire 1.4 Billion Shares

Golden Triangle Ventures (OTC: GTVH) (“GTV”) initiated a major restructuring plan to eliminate all remaining convertible debt, retire 1.4 billion shares, reduce authorized shares, and implement a performance-based buyback program. Following a commitment from its primary noteholder to halt conversions and sales, the Company’s plan removes more than $10 million in combined debt and equity overhang. The agreement includes a final settlement issuing 680 million shares to retire approximately $7 million in debt, while permanently removing 1.4 billion shares from its capitalization table.

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/cU2XW

About Golden Triangle Ventures, Inc.

Golden Triangle Ventures (OTC: GTVH) is a diversified company developing a portfolio of high-growth businesses across construction, energy, and consumer goods. Through subsidiaries such as GoldenEra Development, GoFast Sports, Deep South Electrical Contractors , and its future Manufacturing & Logistics Division , the company operates a vertically integrated model focused on profitability, innovation, and long-term shareholder value.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GTVH are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/GTVH

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CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

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420 with CNW — As Congress Considers Law Reforms, Target Starts Selling THC Drinks

Target is testing the sale of THC-infused drinks at a small number of stores in Minnesota, according to executives from cannabis drink companies involved in the rollout.

The retail giant, headquartered in Minnesota, is reportedly stocking around a dozen different THC drink brands in ten stores across the state. The soft launch signals a growing acceptance of hemp-derived THC products at large retail chains, even as lawmakers in Washington debate new restrictions on such products.

Jason Dayton, founder of Trail Magic, one of the participating brands, called Target’s decision “a huge milestone.” He noted that amid the national discussions over hemp regulation, this partnership highlights how sensible oversight and legal frameworks can help the industry grow responsibly.

“We’re all in favor of more structure, not less,” Dayton said. “Things like age restrictions, proper testing, and clear rules are what helped the alcohol business become a massive, well-regulated industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars.”

The initial lineup of THC drinks reportedly includes Cann, Birdie, Gigli, Indeed, Hi Seltzer, Señorita, Surly, Stigma, Trail Magic, Wyld, Wynk, and Wonder.

Cantrip CEO Adam Terry expressed disappointment that his company wasn’t part of the initial rollout but acknowledged the importance of the step. “It’s still a huge win for the industry,” he said, congratulating those involved.

Mindset Capital CEO Aaron Edelheit noted that major retailers and distributors have been cautious about joining the hemp beverage space. “We’ve seen regional players and big alcohol retailers like Total Wine explore it, but never a national chain on the scale of Target.”

Whether the limited test will evolve into a national rollout is still uncertain. For now, it’s being viewed as an early indicator of how mainstream retailers might embrace cannabis-infused products in the future.

Target’s move reflects a broader trend among major U.S. companies as they adapt to changing cannabis laws. Home Depot, for instance, recently removed marijuana from its employee drug screening process and stopped pre-employment testing for most positions.

Amazon has also shifted its stance. The company has supported both Republican- and Democratic-led efforts to legalize and regulate marijuana nationwide. In 2021, the company stopped testing most employees for marijuana use, aligning its policies with the push for federal reform.

In another development, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization has partnered with a hemp company in a licensing deal that promotes marijuana drinks as alcohol alternatives. The beverages will soon be available at VFW posts nationwide, with proceeds supporting veteran programs and services.

Enterprises like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) will be watching how the regulatory landscape in the U.S. evolves and how hemp firms and marijuana businesses react to any changes to the applicable laws at the federal level.

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