420 with CNW — Ohio Campaigners Start Effort to Undo Recent Changes to State Marijuana Laws

A new campaign is underway to challenge recent changes to Ohio’s cannabis laws, setting the stage for another statewide vote on cannabis policy. Ohioans for Cannabis Choice has launched a referendum effort aimed at overturning parts of Senate Bill 56, legislation that tightens rules around intoxicating hemp products and revises the recreational cannabis framework approved by voters in 2023. 

If the effort succeeds, the question of whether to repeal portions of the law would appear on the statewide ballot next November. To reach the ballot, organizers must gather close to 250,000 valid signatures, a process that is already moving forward. 

Supporters say the new law undermines what voters endorsed when they approved adult-use marijuana. Since that election, lawmakers have repeatedly revisited the cannabis statute, arguing that technical fixes and public safety concerns made revisions necessary. Critics counter that the legislature went far beyond clarification. 

SB 56 establishes limits on cannabis potency, restricts smoking in many public areas, and creates penalties for consuming cannabis inside vehicles, whether someone is driving or riding along. It also bars residents from bringing legally purchased cannabis into Ohio from other states and sets criminal consequences for exceeding limits on home cultivation. Provisions protecting cannabis users from discrimination in housing, employment, and organ donation were also removed. 

Under the new rules, hemp-derived products that cause intoxication would be allowed only within licensed marijuana dispensaries. Supporters of the change say it aligns Ohio law with updated federal standards

Governor Mike DeWine has repeatedly criticized the spread of hemp-based edibles and beverages, especially products packaged to resemble familiar candy or snack brands. With his signature on SB 56, most of these products will be illegal come March. 

While lawmakers initially included language allowing low-dose THC beverages to remain legal until federal rules change in 2026, DeWine removed that provision through a line-item veto, effectively ending their sale at the same time. 

The referendum campaign began immediately after the bill became law, with initial paperwork and signatures filed within days. State officials now have limited time to verify signatures and review the petition language. If approved, organizers will have 90 days to gather the remaining signatures, including minimum thresholds in at least half of Ohio’s counties. 

State Senator Steve Huffman, the bill’s sponsor, acknowledged frustration from some voters but said the legislation mainly clarified ambiguities. He cited homegrow limits as an example, arguing that lawmakers aligned the statute with what voters intended. Huffman also said lawmakers improved expungement procedures and worked to simplify licensing for businesses. 

He questioned whether the referendum truly reflects voter concerns, suggesting opposition is largely driven by hemp industry interests. DeWine’s office echoed that view, saying the 2023 ballot measure did not guarantee the right to sell THC products in bars or convenience stores. While affirming the public’s right to pursue a referendum, administration officials argue the campaign’s claims do not fully match the language voters approved. 

The broader marijuana industry, including established entities like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be keeping an eye on how the debate plays out and any regulatory changes that emerge in the state. 

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.

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420 with CNW — Trump Signs Order Expediting Federal Marijuana Rescheduling

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would expedite cannabis rescheduling, easing restrictions that have been in place for more than half a century. 

The order focuses on speeding up an ongoing review under the Controlled Substances Act, the federal framework that sorts drugs into five categories based on medical usefulness and abuse potential. 

At the top of that system is Schedule I, reserved for substances deemed highly addictive, dangerous, and lacking any accepted medical benefit. Cannabis has remained in that category since 1970, grouped with drugs such as heroin. At the opposite end is Schedule V, which includes medications considered to have clear medical value and low risk of misuse. 

Placement in Schedule I has long created barriers for scientists seeking to study cannabis. Researchers face additional licensing requirements, limits on supply, and other regulatory obstacles that do not apply to substances in lower schedules. This has frustrated doctors and patients who point to decades of use of cannabis-based treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, nausea, and muscle spasms. 

Reclassification efforts began under President Joe Biden, who in 2022 asked the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to review marijuana’s placement. At the time, Biden argued that treating cannabis more harshly than drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl did not align with scientific evidence or public health realities. 

The review moved forward in 2023 when the DHHS recommended moving cannabis to Schedule III. Drugs in this category are recognized as having medical value and a moderate to low likelihood of abuse. Acting on the recommendation, the DOJ released a proposed rule in 2024, opening the door for public comment. 

Roughly 43,000 responses were submitted, and about 70% supported changes that went beyond rescheduling, including removing marijuana from the controlled substances list entirely or legalizing it nationwide. The proposal is now headed toward an administrative hearing. 

If approved, the change would mark an unprecedented shift as federal authorities have never reclassified a Schedule I substance that is as widely used as cannabis. It is currently legal for medical purposes in 40 states and Washington, DC, while recreational use is permitted in 24 states. Surveys also show that daily cannabis consumption now exceeds similar patterns of alcohol use among American adults. 

While the executive order does not immediately change marijuana’s legal status, it instructs the DOJ to complete the ongoing rulemaking as quickly as federal law allows. Lawmakers could also act independently, since Congress has the authority to amend the Controlled Substances Act. 

For now, the order signals renewed momentum in a debate that has steadily reshaped drug policy across the United States. Local and foreign based marijuana companies like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will be closely following how the administrative review process pans out and the final rule enacted. 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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. 

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.

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420 with CNW — Will Health Insurance Ever Cover Medical Marijuana in the US?

Health insurance coverage for medical marijuana remains largely out of reach across the U.S., but a new initiative could soon offer some financial relief to patients who rely on marijuana-based treatments. 

The American Council of Cannabis Medicine (ACCM) has introduced a reimbursement program known as Elevated States, which aims to cover part of the expenses tied to medical cannabis use. Under the program, qualifying patients could get up to $175 each month to offset costs related to cannabis purchases and doctor consultations. 

Several major insurers, including Envita Health, Cigna, and Detego Health, are reportedly participating in certain plans across the 38 states where medical cannabis is legal. ACCM consultant Doug Benns expects about 15 insurance companies to be involved by the time open enrollment begins on November 1. Coverage details vary, with some plans reimbursing medical consultations, while others extend benefits to dispensary purchases, or both. 

Despite growing public acceptance of medical cannabis and several state-level rulings requiring reimbursement under workers’ compensation, federal prohibition continues to deter large-scale insurer involvement. The lack of federal guidance leaves most patients paying out of pocket for cannabis-based treatments. 

According to Steph Sherer, president of Americans for Safe Access, the new efforts should not be mistaken for full insurance coverage. “There’s a lot of discussion about frameworks and benefits, but right now no insurance company is truly covering marijuana,” she said. Most of the current offerings, Sherer added, resemble employee discounts rather than actual medical benefits. Patients may receive price reductions at dispensaries or with cannabis specialists, but that’s far from the comprehensive coverage advocates are seeking. 

Some states have experimented with workers’ compensation reimbursements for medical marijuana, though experts say these remain isolated examples rather than signs of a national shift. Still, even partial reimbursement could provide a much-needed boost for the industry, which often sees patient numbers decline once recreational markets open. 

One early participant in the EM2P2 and ACCM network is Kolas, a Sacramento-based cannabis company that operates six dispensaries serving both medical and recreational customers. Kevin McCarty, the company’s compliance director, said medical users currently make up about 5% of their clientele, but he expects that number to grow once patients can seek reimbursement. 

Federal prohibition remains the biggest barrier to true insurance integration. Without consistent federal guidelines or standardized medical protocols, insurers are hesitant to underwrite cannabis treatments. Advocates argue that reclassifying marijuana under federal law could be a turning point. 

Cannabis companies from far and near, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), hope wider reforms are made so that patients who need medical marijuana aren’t left to incur the full cost of their treatment out of pocket despite having medical insurance. 

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.

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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. 

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.

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420 with CNW — Large Trial Shows Marijuana Treats Chronic Back Pain

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lower back pain affects more than 500 million individuals worldwide and is one of the primary causes of disability. Treatment options, however, remain limited, with most patients relying on common painkillers or opioids, which carry a high risk of dependence and addiction. 

In recent years, the booming marijuana industry has promoted cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabis products as possible solutions for pain. However, experts have repeatedly warned that the scientific evidence supporting these claims has been weak. 

A new large-scale clinical trial, published in Nature Medicine, may shift that conversation. The study was a phase 3, placebo-controlled trial, often considered the highest standard in medical research. It tested a marijuana-based extract known as VER-01 in over 800 participants who suffered from chronic lower back pain that had not improved with non-opioid medication. 

For 12 weeks, patients were randomly given either a placebo or the extract and were then asked to rate their pain on a scale from 1 to 10. Those who took VER-01 reported their pain dropped by 1.9 points on average, compared to just 0.6 points in the placebo group. After six months, the improvements were even greater, with a 2.9-point decrease reported among the VER-01 users. Participants also experienced improved physical activity, better sleep, and a higher overall quality of life. 

The study found no signs of addiction or serious harm. The most frequent side effects were mild issues like temporary dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, or nausea, which tended to ease with time. According to lead researcher Matthias Karst, none of the participants reported feeling “high” from the treatment. 

Andrew Moore, a former Oxford University pain researcher not involved in the trial, praised the results, calling the study one of the strongest pieces of evidence to date that a compound from marijuana can genuinely ease pain. At the same time, he cautioned against assuming the extract is completely free of risks, noting that earlier claims about safety with other drugs have sometimes proven wrong. 

Karst also highlighted that most marijuana-based products vary greatly in strength, purity, and consistency, making them difficult for doctors to prescribe safely. He also added that the results do not mean all cannabis or CBD products will provide the same benefits. VER-01, in contrast, was specifically designed to meet medical approval standards, meaning its results cannot be assumed for general cannabis use. 

These clinical trial results are likely to provide additional credence to the conviction of companies like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) about the medicinal potential of the marijuana plant and its derivatives. 

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.

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420 with CNW — US Congressional Committee to Conduct Hearing This Week on Illegal Chinese Cannabis Operations

A Republican-led committee in Congress is set to hold a hearing on what some lawmakers are calling a Chinese “invasion” of the United States through illegal cannabis operations. 

The House Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability subcommittee announced that it will hold the hearing on September 18. Details about the specific agenda or the witnesses have not been released. 

The issue of foreign-linked cannabis grows has drawn growing attention in Congress. Earlier this year, a report attached to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies spending bill instructed federal agencies to probe illegal cannabis cultivation across the U.S. Lawmakers specifically asked investigators to examine potential links to Chinese criminal networks or even ties to the Chinese government. 

In 2024, Senator Chuck Grassley stated that illegal marijuana operations with Chinese connections were spreading across the country. He highlighted Oklahoma in particular, pointing out that thousands of state-licensed medical cannabis businesses had been flagged for questionable activity with suspected ties to China. 

Similarly, Senator Susan Collins has repeatedly pressed federal officials about marijuana operations in her state that she believed to have connections to China. 

The growing attention has also been used by prohibitionist organizations to push their arguments. In July, the Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) group released an advertisement warning that moving forward with marijuana rescheduling could strengthen Chinese cartels. 

The cannabis industry itself has faced missteps over the matter. In 2023, a major lobbying organization apologized for sending Senate leaders a letter on a bipartisan marijuana banking measure that made what it later admitted were “inappropriate” claims about Chinese investments, which the group said were included in a misguided push to influence amendments. 

The timing of the upcoming House hearing is noteworthy, as it coincides with major developments in federal cannabis policy. Stakeholders and advocates are awaiting President Trump’s decision on whether to move marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act, a shift that would mark a significant change in how the government regulates the drug. The reclassification effort began under the Biden administration but has stalled since January 2025. 

Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee recently advanced a spending measure designed to prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from changing cannabis’ classification. The House Oversight &Government Reform Committee also advanced legislation to roll back a Washington, D.C. law that expanded expungements for cannabis possession cases. 

The broader marijuana industry, including the likes of Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be watching how the debates surrounding marijuana reclassification in Washington progress. 

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.

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420 with CNW — US Congressmen Reintroduce Comprehensive Cannabis Reform Bill

Congress could finally advance a measure to legalize cannabis federally this legislative session. Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Ilhan Omar, Nydia Velázquez, and Dina Titus have once again put forward the MORE Act. The measure is one of the most far-reaching pieces of cannabis reform ever introduced in Congress. 

Now in its fourth version, the 91-page legislation would remove cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances, effectively legalizing it nationwide and ending the inconsistent rules across different states. 

It also seeks to correct the harm caused by decades of harsh drug policies, especially in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. It mandates the review and clearing of past cannabis-related convictions, giving many people a fresh chance at employment, education, and personal growth. Young offenders would also benefit equally from these changes. 

A major financial component of the bill is a 5 percent federal tax on cannabis sales. Revenue from this tax would go into an Opportunity Trust Fund, which would be used to support the community reinvestment, cannabis opportunity, and equitable licensing grant programs. 

The bill would also make cannabis businesses eligible for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, which are currently off-limits to them. 

It also directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to gather detailed demographic information on the industry, ensuring participation from historically excluded groups, including people of color and those from lower-income backgrounds. 

Previous attempts at passing the MORE Act have gained traction in the House. The chamber approved earlier versions twice, including a 220–204 vote in April 2022 that fell along party lines. However, despite attracting 95 co-sponsors in the last Congress, the legislation stalled in the GOP-led House. 

The measure has drawn widespread backing from advocacy organizations across multiple fields, including criminal justice reform, civil rights, immigration, labor, and health. Supporters range from national groups like the ACLU, Drug Policy Alliance, and the Southern Poverty Law Center to local chapters of NORML and grassroots organizations such as JustLeadershipUSA, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and Students for Sensible Drug Policy. 

The reintroduction comes at a time when cannabis policy is also being debated at the executive level. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in moving cannabis from a Schedule I drug, where it is currently grouped with substances like heroin, to Schedule III. The reclassification process began under the Biden administration but has been stalled since early this year. 

The broader cannabis industry, including entities like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be watching to see whether this year’s attempt to pass this major reform bill will succeed where previous attempts have hit a wall. 

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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 York’s Cannabis Social Equity Program Faces Another Legal Challenge

New York’s cannabis industry faced another setback recently after a federal appeals court ruled that the state unlawfully discriminated against applicants from outside New York in a recent licensing process. 

On August 12, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a 2-1 decision stating that the state’s choice to favor applicants with prior marijuana convictions under state law was unconstitutional. The case now heads back to a lower court for further action. 

Although the ruling may not immediately disrupt the state’s program, experts believe it could discourage other states from designing cannabis licensing systems that prioritize residents or people with state-level convictions. 

The lawsuit was filed in December 2023 by Beverly Hills attorney Jeffrey Jensen, who has repeatedly challenged New York’s cannabis regulations and similar laws in other states. 

Jensen previously sued over the state’s Conditional Adult Use Recreational Dispensary (CAURD) program in 2022, winning a permit only to sell it later instead of opening a store. That case delayed the launch of New York’s legal market, which was projected at $1.5 billion. 

In his latest case, Jensen argued that the state’s licensing rules violated the Constitution’s dormant commerce clause, which prevents states from giving preferential treatment to in-state residents. Regulators had offered advantages to applicants with cannabis convictions in New York, effectively sidelining those from other states. 

Initially, a federal district judge sided with New York officials, agreeing with their argument that the commerce clause should not apply to cannabis since the drug remains illegal under federal law. 

But the appeals court reversed that ruling, stating that the lower court had made an error. Judge Dennis Jacobs, writing for the majority, explained that states cannot create protectionist laws unless Congress explicitly allows it—and Congress has not done so for marijuana. 

Despite the legal victory for Jensen, the impact in New York may be minimal in the short term. Regulators had already dropped their earlier plan to cap permits during the late 2023 application windows and instead began reviewing thousands of submissions. That review could stretch on for years, with officials even expressing concern that the state might be licensing more dispensaries than the market can support. 

Attorneys watching the case note that the consequences could extend beyond New York. Courts across the country have been divided on how the dormant commerce clause applies to cannabis regulations, and other lawsuits brought by Jensen are still pending in the 9th and 4th Circuits. If those rulings contradict each other, legal experts say the issue may eventually land before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

The broader marijuana industry, including firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be following these cases to see how any rulings delivered could impact the future of the industry. 

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
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303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN