420 with CNW – Oregon Lawmaker Unveils Plan to Have THC Cap Imposed on Edibles

When Oregon voters approved recreational marijuana in 2014, Douglas County resident Karma Clarke supported the measure, believing cannabis posed little danger. Her view changed several years later after her son, then 20, began using marijuana frequently.

Clarke said her son had been a successful student and athlete before returning home after earning an associate degree. His behavior then changed dramatically. He became isolated in his bedroom and struggled with basic activities he had previously handled without difficulty, including reading a tape measure and responding to questions.

Following multiple medical appointments, he was hospitalized twice for psychiatric treatment. Clarke said drug screenings did not detect cannabis at the time, but she believed his mental state had undergone a profound change.

She recounted the experience during a virtual discussion last Wednesday organized by state Senator Lisa Reynolds. The lawmaker and pediatrician has been advocating for stronger safeguards aimed at limiting young people’s exposure to marijuana.

Clarke urged the marijuana industry to acknowledge potential harms rather than repeat the history of the tobacco business. She said she hoped companies would recognize the consequences their products can have on families.

Oregon permits recreational marijuana sales to adults 21 and over, while possession and use remain prohibited for minors. Roughly 13,000 Oregonians between 12 and 18 are estimated to use marijuana, according to Dr. Julia Dilley, an epidemiologist who conducted a decade-long examination of public health and marijuana legalization in Washington and Oregon.

Research indicates adolescents who use cannabis face substantially greater odds of developing psychotic disorders. Reynolds said the concern extends beyond temporary effects from being intoxicated, warning that psychosis can result in lasting disability.

Reynolds wants Oregon to strengthen school-based prevention efforts, require additional health warnings and restrict individual edible products to 10 mg of THC. Her proposal passed the state Senate earlier this year but failed in a House committee following opposition from cannabis industry organizations. She plans to introduce the measure again with assistance from a lobbyist.

Dilley noted that Oregon’s youth cannabis use exceeds Washington’s, which has adopted stricter controls. Washington limits individual edibles to 10 mg of THC and requires each serving to be separately wrapped. Oregon permits products containing substantially more THC per item, provided the overall package stays within the 100 mg limit.

Washington also prohibits recreational cannabis cultivation at home, limits retail outlets, and imposes a 37% cannabis tax. Oregon’s rate ranges from 17% to 20%. Both states maintain a 1,000-foot separation between marijuana businesses and public schools, while Washington extends similar restrictions to other child-focused sites.

For firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) operating in more mature legal marijuana markets, the need to limit access by minors to marijuana products is a big concern and all stakeholders need to work together to devise means that address this matter in ways that don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.

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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 – Virginian Hemp Firms File Lawsuit in Federal Court Protesting THC Cap

Seven hemp operators in Virginia have asked a federal court to halt new limits on consumable hemp products, saying the rules could leave them with unusable stock, force layoffs, and threaten the survival of some businesses.

The lawsuit was filed July 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, less than three weeks before the restrictions are scheduled to begin on August 15.

The businesses are challenging a provision included in the state budget that removes an existing allowance for products containing more than 2 mg of THC when the amount of CBD is at least 25 times higher per package. Once the change takes effect, most consumable hemp products sold in the state will be limited to 2 mg THC while still being required to meet the 0.3% THC concentration threshold per package.

Among the plaintiffs is Barbara Biddle, founder and chief executive of District Hemp Botanicals. She said the new rules could leave her company unable to meet its financial commitments after investing under the previous regulatory system.

Biddle said the business has already reduced its workforce and could be forced to close its Leesburg location. Court documents state that District Hemp has roughly $10,000 worth of inventory that could be affected and over $181,000 in debts to creditors.

The lawsuit contends that Virginia’s action violates constitutional protections, including due process and equal protection, and amounts to an improper taking of private property. The businesses are seeking an injunction, financial damages, legal costs, and a ruling declaring the provision unconstitutional.

The other plaintiffs are Redfern Hemp Co., Nova Hemp & Agriculture, Pure Elkton Manufacturing, Wellness Warriors, Simply Hemp, and Cypress Hemp II.

According to the complaint, the companies learned July 6 that the exception would disappear, leaving them approximately six weeks to change formulations, update labels, alter manufacturing arrangements, and address inventory that could no longer legally be sold.

Nova Hemp operations manager Travis Lane said his company has spent roughly 18 months preparing a statewide beverage distribution operation. Products already produced, he said, could become unsellable.

State officials maintain the changes are needed as intoxicating hemp products become widely available through retailers that do not face the same controls as licensed cannabis businesses.

The dispute comes as Virginia prepares to launch regulated recreational marijuana sales on July 1, 2027. The Cannabis Control Authority is expected to oversee that market and hemp regulations.

As this lawsuit makes its way through the court system, the outcome will be watched by marijuana companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) as it could have ramifications for the trajectory of the cannabis industry.

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420 with CNW — Federally Funded Study Finds High Marijuana Taxes Boost Black Market

A newly released federally-funded study suggests that states with higher taxes on legal cannabis may be unintentionally encouraging consumers to purchase cannabis from illegal sellers instead of licensed retailers.

The research examined the buying habits of 1,525 Americans aged 21 and over who had used recreational cannabis within the previous month. Researchers analyzed how pricing and taxation influence purchasing decisions in both regulated and unregulated markets.

According to the findings, retail prices and higher taxes were associated with reduced purchases of legal cannabis and lower THC consumption through licensed outlets. However, researchers estimated that as much as 89% of the reduction in legal cannabis consumption may be offset by consumers switching to illicit products.

The authors noted that excise taxes can reduce cannabis use and increase government revenue if illegal sales are effectively controlled. Without strong enforcement, however, a substantial share of consumers may avoid higher legal prices by buying from unlicensed suppliers instead.

Many states have attempted to find the right balance between generating tax income and keeping regulated cannabis affordable enough to compete with illegal sellers. So far, there has been no widely accepted tax structure that consistently achieves both goals.

Researchers also found that illegal and legal cannabis flower products compete directly with one another. Their analysis showed that a 10% increase in the price of legal flower was linked to roughly a 1% rise in purchases of illicit flower, measured by both product quantity and THC content. Similar substitution patterns appeared in the opposite direction, although changes in THC demand were more pronounced when consumers shifted from legal to illegal products.

The report also indicated that unregulated cannabis flower can replace THC vape cartridges in some cases. A 10% increase in cartridge prices was associated with a 0.4% increase in purchases of illegal flower.

Commenting on the findings, NORML’s Paul Armentano argued that excessive cannabis taxes weaken licensed businesses while giving illegal operators a competitive advantage. He added that unlicensed sellers often operate without product testing, age verification, or regulatory oversight.

Separate figures from the Marijuana Policy Project recently showed that states have collected over $28.4 billion in tax revenue from adult-use cannabis sales since legal recreational markets first opened. Another industry analysis by Whitney Economics and Vangst reported that national cannabis sales revenue declined year over year in 2025, marking the first annual drop since recreational markets began in 2014.

The findings of this report are unlikely to be surprising to the marijuana industry, such as firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), since the industry has always argued that excessive taxes inadvertently promote the black market for cannabis products.

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420 with CNW — Congress Advances Bill Requiring Tracking Marijuana Tests in ERs

A House committee has moved forward with legislation directing the Department of Health and Human Services to examine how often hospital emergency units screen overdose patients for fentanyl, marijuana, and several other controlled substances.

The proposal, introduced by Representative Ted Lieu, is known as Tyler’s Law. It honors 19-year-old Tyler Shamash, who died in 2018 after ingesting fentanyl. He was never tested for the synthetic opioid after arriving at a hospital with what was believed to be an overdose.

The bill would require the HHS secretary to complete a nationwide review within one year if it becomes law. The research would evaluate how frequently emergency departments conduct fentanyl screenings alongside standard toxicology tests that commonly include substances such as phencyclidine, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and opiates.

Lawmakers are also asking the HHS to assess the financial impact of fentanyl testing, along with its possible advantages and drawbacks. The review would consider whether routine screening affects patient care, confidentiality, privacy protections, and trust between physicians and those they treat.

After the study is completed, the department would have six months to publish recommendations for hospitals. Those guidelines would address whether fentanyl testing should become a standard part of overdose treatment, how medical professionals can stay informed about the substances included in routine drug screens, and whether broader testing could influence future overdose risks or long-term health outcomes.

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health approved the proposal without changes by voice vote.

A Senate version, sponsored by Senator Jim Banks, advanced through the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee earlier this year. However, senators revised that bill before approval, removing references to cannabis and other substances so the study would focus exclusively on fentanyl.

The Senate proposal also gives the HHS secretary up to three years to complete the research instead of the one-year timeline outlined in the House measure.

Meanwhile, congressional Republicans have introduced another healthcare proposal tied to cannabis. In April, Senators Ted Budd and Pete Ricketts introduced the Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act of 2026. Their bill would require HHS to determine state and federal Medicaid spending connected to hospital admissions, outpatient treatment, and emergency room visits linked to cannabis use.

The proposal closely mirrors earlier amendments Budd introduced seeking similar data on cannabis-related hospitalization costs. Those previous efforts, however, were never brought before the full Senate for consideration.

It remains to be seen how these bills currently being discussed will be impacted by the ongoing marijuana rescheduling process being undertaken by the DEA. Industry actors like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) would then have greater clarity regarding the federal laws that could reshape the trajectory of the industry.

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420 with CNW — Virginia Governor Leaves Marijuana Provisions in State Budget Untouched

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed a series of amendments to the state budget approved by lawmakers last week, but her recommendations leave intact provisions tied to recreational cannabis sales and a controversial increase in penalties for public marijuana use.

The governor’s changes do not alter language that would establish a legal market for recreational cannabis. They also do not address criticism from advocacy organizations that have urged state leaders to remove a section raising the civil fine for consuming marijuana in public from $25 to $250. Opponents argue the increase would place a heavier burden on low-income residents while worsening racial disparities in enforcement.

Spanberger submitted her proposed revisions on Friday. The House of Delegates and Senate reconvened on Monday to consider the amendments before the budget can take effect ahead of the July 1 deadline.

Supporters of cannabis reform welcomed the budget’s framework for launching legal recreational sales but continued to object to the higher public consumption penalty. Advocacy groups have labeled the increase a “poverty penalty,” arguing it unfairly targets vulnerable communities.

Earlier last week, a coalition led by Marijuana Justice released enforcement figures obtained through the state’s Freedom of Information Act. According to the data, 185 white individuals and 179 Black individuals have faced public cannabis consumption charges since personal marijuana possession became legal in 2021.

Given Virginia’s population demographics, advocates say Black residents are more than three times as likely as white residents to receive those citations.

Despite those findings, Spanberger’s amendments leave the penalty unchanged. Organizations including NORML, the ACLU of Virginia, the Marijuana Policy Project, the Latino Cannabis Alliance, and the Drug Policy Alliance have urged both the governor and lawmakers to reconsider the provision, warning it could deepen existing racial and economic inequalities.

The budget agreement follows months of negotiations after Spanberger vetoed an earlier legalization bill. That measure failed after lawmakers declined to adopt her proposed revisions. She later worked with Democratic legislators to develop a compromise that ultimately became part of the budget package.

Under the revised bill, recreational marijuana sales would begin on July 1, 2027. Adults would be permitted to possess and purchase up to two ounces of cannabis per transaction, an increase from the current one-ounce possession limit but less than the 2.5 ounces approved in an earlier proposal. The agreement also raises the cannabis excise tax from 6% to 8% after two years of legal sales.

Virginia legalized personal marijuana possession and home cultivation in 2021, although a regulated retail market has yet to open. During the current legislative session, the governor also signed separate cannabis-related measures expanding protections for medical patients, preserving parental rights for marijuana consumers, and allowing resentencing opportunities for certain individuals with prior cannabis convictions.

The progress being made to finally establish a legal market for adult-use marijuana in Virginia is likely to be welcomed by the broader marijuana industry, including established companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED).

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420 with CNW — Illinois Governor Signs Law Restricting Sales of Intoxicating Hemp Products

Illinois has enacted new restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, bringing them under rules similar to those governing recreational cannabis sales across the state.

Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3222 into law on Friday, establishing a minimum purchase age of 21 for products containing intoxicating hemp compounds. The measure targets products such as HHC, Delta-8 THC, THC-P, and Delta-9 THC, which have largely been sold outside Illinois’ regulated cannabis marketplace.

Under the new law, these hemp-derived products will now face many of the same requirements imposed on recreational marijuana, which is already legal for adults aged 21 and older in Illinois. The legislation takes effect immediately, preventing retailers from selling intoxicating hemp products to anyone below the legal cannabis age threshold.

State officials say the measure is intended to address concerns about consumer safety and oversight. In addition to age restrictions, the law requires child-resistant packaging and prohibits advertising or labeling practices that could attract minors. Companies will also be barred from using packaging that resembles popular consumer products often marketed to children.

Existing cannabis industry standards will now extend to intoxicating hemp products as well. Pritzker praised the legislation after signing it, describing it as a significant step toward closing what state leaders viewed as a regulatory gap.

He said the measure strengthens oversight, supports fairness within the cannabis sector, and broadens access to medical cannabis options. The governor added that Illinois remains focused on building an industry that encourages participation from a wide range of businesses while maintaining consumer accessibility and safety.

The statewide action follows a debate in Chicago earlier this year. In February, Mayor Brandon Johnson rejected a proposed city ordinance that would have immediately prohibited sales of intoxicating hemp products to individuals under 21. The proposal also sought to ban most hemp-derived intoxicating products beginning April 1.

That ordinance contained several exceptions, including hemp-infused beverages, topical products, additives, and certain pet-related products. It would have allowed licensed restaurants and bars to continue selling approved hemp additives and beverages, while limiting the sale of many other hemp products to licensed cannabis dispensaries.

With the governor’s approval of the statewide legislation, Chicago’s hemp market will now operate under the same regulatory structure applied throughout Illinois rather than a separate city-specific system.

The issue is also drawing attention at the federal level. A nationwide prohibition on intoxicating hemp products is currently scheduled to take effect in November. However, lawmakers in Congress introduced legislation that could postpone implementation of the federal restrictions until 2028.

The marijuana industry will likely view the action taken in Illinois as the right path to take with regard to the regulation of intoxicating products derived from hemp, and industry actors like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) could see the move as leveling the playing field.

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420 with CNW — Indiana AG Joins Lawsuit Seeking to Block Marijuana Rescheduling

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has signed onto a legal challenge aimed at stopping the federal government’s effort to reclassify cannabis, a move that supporters of cannabis reform believe could influence policy discussions in Indiana.

The proposed federal action would shift marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA. Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule III drugs are recognized as having certain medical applications and are subject to fewer restrictions.

Advocates for medical and recreational cannabis have argued that the reclassification could encourage Indiana lawmakers to revisit the state’s marijuana laws. Indiana remains one of just 10 states that prohibit both medical cannabis programs and recreational sales.

Rokita, joined by the attorneys general of Louisiana and Nebraska, is seeking to prevent the federal change from taking effect. In a petition filed May 22 with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, they contend that federal officials failed to follow required procedures when advancing the policy.

The filing names the DOJ, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and the DEA. According to the petition, the agencies acted unlawfully and exercised improper discretion in pursuing the reclassification. The states are asking the court to invalidate the action.

The case was later combined with a separate lawsuit brought by the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), organizations that also oppose the federal proposal.

In a statement, SAM CEO Kevin Sabet praised the attorneys general for challenging the policy. He argued that the reclassification could have negative consequences for public safety and said opponents would continue efforts to overturn the change.

Rokita’s office also defended its participation in the lawsuit, emphasizing concerns about the effects of marijuana use on young people. The attorney general’s office pointed to risks including addiction, mental health issues, impaired driving, and potential impacts on adolescent brain development. Officials said they have consistently opposed efforts to ease marijuana restrictions at either the federal or state level.

Meanwhile, debate over cannabis policy continues within Indiana. State Senator Mike Bohacek recently announced plans to introduce legislation in 2027 that would legalize medical cannabis and create a regulatory framework governing its distribution, sale, and use.

Last month, Governor Mike Braun indicated he is willing to consider broader discussions about marijuana policy. While he did not endorse full legalization, Braun said he remains open to reviewing proposals and recommendations from lawmakers regarding the state’s future approach to cannabis regulation.

The marijuana industry, including firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), is unlikely to be surprised that opponents of marijuana reclassification have gone to court to try and block the federal reforms being finalized.

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420 with CNW — Trucking Industry in Grey Area as Marijuana is Reclassified Federally

A directive signed by Acting AG Todd Blanche on April 22 and put into force the next day shifts two categories of cannabis from Schedule I of the CSA to Schedule III. One includes marijuana-based medications approved by the FDA. The other applies to cannabis produced, distributed, or sold under state-issued medical licenses.

The second group carries particular relevance for trucking. It covers legally sanctioned dispensaries where drivers with valid medical authorization can purchase cannabis in most states.

However, beyond these categories, little else has shifted. Recreational use remains in Schedule 1. Cannabis outside federal approval or state medical frameworks is still treated the same as before. For drivers, this means recent positive drug tests still trigger consequences, including placement in the federal Clearinghouse database.

The more consequential shift lies beneath the surface. The legal basis for mandatory drug testing in transportation may now face scrutiny. Authority for such testing flows through the HHS, which sets scientific standards for workplace drug screening. Those guidelines currently allow testing only for substances listed in Schedules I and II. The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 requires the Department of Transportation to follow those standards.

With some medical cannabis now falling under Schedule III, questions emerge about whether federal agencies can continue requiring THC testing without updating their rules. Existing regulations, including 49 CFR Part 40, specifically name cannabis. Some argue that wording protects the testing program. Others see that view as legally uncertain if the underlying authority from HHS no longer applies.

A likely outcome is legislative or regulatory action that explicitly reserves testing requirements for safety-sensitive transportation roles. For now, no such safeguard exists. The AG’s order acknowledges potential economic effects but was issued without a public comment period, limiting industry input.

Current guidance from the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, published in late 2025, still enforces a strict prohibition on cannabis use for regulated employees. That guidance predates the reclassification and has not yet been revised. In practice, nothing has changed for fleets or drivers. Zero tolerance remains the rule, and violations still lead to Clearinghouse records.

At the same time, the broader landscape is far from settled. The conversation has largely focused on commercial drivers holding CDLs, yet a significant portion of operators fall outside that category. Many drive vehicles that meet commercial definitions without requiring a CDL, such as lighter trucks or certain passenger vehicles. Their testing obligations vary widely depending on jurisdiction, cargo, and operational scope.

For this group, the reclassification introduces uncertainty. Some remain under federal testing rules, while others operate under state systems or in areas lacking clear oversight. While the current framework still applies, the legal footing beneath it may invite challenges, particularly in states with strong protections for medical marijuana users.

The order reflects a deliberate legal strategy. By relying on treaty obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, federal officials avoided procedural hurdles that had blocked earlier efforts. That approach suggests the change is designed to withstand court challenges, making it more than a temporary adjustment.

For the trucking industry, that durability raises the stakes. Without clear updates from federal agencies or Congress, a gap exists between current enforcement and the evolving legal structure. Until that gap is addressed, companies and drivers must follow existing rules, even as the foundation supporting them begins to shift.

Entities like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) and their partners in the U.S. will continue to observe what further guidance is provided on the implications of the recent drug policy change.

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420 with CNW — How US Marijuana Breeders Could Protect Their IP Prior to Legalization

Veteran marijuana breeder James Loud is setting his sights on a niche that continues to grow: pre-rolls and ready-to-use joints. Over the next few years, he plans to develop plant varieties tailored for these products, with a focus on durability and consistency during storage and transport.

For manufacturers, longer-lasting marijuana that holds its quality in prepackaged form could offer a clear advantage. But for breeders like Loud, the challenge goes beyond cultivation. Safeguarding original work remains a persistent concern, particularly in a market where federal prohibition still complicates intellectual property protections.

Loud, founder of James Loud Genetics, relies on sophisticated breeding methods and tissue culture to create new strains. While federal law limits traditional protections, he has explored several legal avenues. These include plant variety protection through the Agriculture Department, as well as plant and utility patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

In practice, however, Loud often turns to private contracts. Licensing deals, commonly referred to as material transfer agreements, allow partners to grow his genetics under strict terms. Those agreements prohibit replication, limiting partners to cultivation only.

Legal experts caution that such contracts have limits. Dale Hunt, a San Diego intellectual property attorney, noted that these agreements depend on all parties honoring them. If plant material reaches someone outside the contract, enforcement becomes difficult, especially if that party is unaware of its origin.

Despite these hurdles, industry observers expect cannabis genetics to follow a path similar to other agricultural sectors.

Still, cannabis presents a more complicated case. Many modern strains build on genetics developed before legalization. That raises questions about whether early breeders can assert rights over their work in today’s regulated markets, particularly when competing against large, well-funded companies.

Recent developments overseas highlight the stakes. Aurora Cannabis, a Canadian producer, has secured plant variety rights in the European Union for two high-potency strains. According to observers, the move signals a shift toward formal protections for cannabis genetics on a global scale.

U.S. breeders, especially those who operated before legalization, may struggle to benefit financially if others secure rights first in international markets.

Aurora says its protected varieties can deliver significantly higher yields using the same resources, making them appealing to growers. The company plans to continue expanding its breeding efforts and licensing its genetics abroad, particularly as it shifts focus toward medical cannabis and international production, including operations in Germany.

In the U.S., federal restrictions still limit certain protections. The USDA’s plant variety program applies only to hemp, defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3 percent THC. Securing such protection requires extensive testing to prove a plant’s distinct characteristics, uniformity, and stability, a process that can be costly and time-consuming.

For smaller breeders, those barriers can be difficult to overcome. Some are choosing to wait for clearer regulations, while others are moving forward with available tools, despite the risks.

Patent options remain available through the USPTO, though they come at a high price. A utility patent can cost tens of thousands of dollars, prompting breeders to weigh the commercial value of their creations against the expense and effort required to defend those rights.

As the cannabis sector continues to mature, more companies may adopt formal protections. For now, breeders must balance innovation with caution in an industry still defining its legal boundaries. Questions about evolving legal boundaries are also being faced by firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) and other licensed entities engaged in growing and selling marijuana products.

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420 with CNW — Study Suggests Marijuana Compounds Could Potentially Reverse Liver Disorder

Compounds derived from marijuana may offer a new direction for addressing one of the most widespread chronic liver illnesses worldwide, according to recent findings from researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The study found that cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD) lowered fat buildup in the liver and improved several markers tied to metabolic function in laboratory models.

CBD is among the most extensively researched cannabis compounds that does not cause intoxication. CBG, by contrast, appears in smaller quantities in the plant and serves as a biochemical precursor during the formation of other cannabinoids, including CBD.

Unlike THC, neither CBD nor CBG produces psychoactive effects. Because of this, scientists consider them potential candidates for therapies that could be used over extended periods.

The research focused on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disorder, commonly abbreviated as MASLD. Health experts estimate that the disorder affects roughly one in three adults around the globe.

The illness is strongly tied to insulin resistance and obesity, with limited treatment options. Doctors typically recommend diet changes, weight loss, and increased physical activity, but long-term adherence can be difficult for many patients.

Lead researcher Joseph Tam, who heads the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research at the university, said the team uncovered a biological pathway that may explain the benefits seen in their experiments. According to Tam, the cannabinoids improved the liver’s ability to manage energy and maintain cellular recycling systems.

During the experiments, the compounds triggered what scientists described as metabolic remodeling. This process effectively created an energy reserve inside liver cells. Researchers observed a rise in phosphocreatine, a molecule that stores energy in tissues such as muscle. The extra supply functioned as a reserve power source, helping the liver continue functioning even under the strain of a high-fat diet.

The team also documented improvements in cellular recycling systems. Enzymes known as cathepsins, which operate within lysosomes responsible for degrading unwanted materials, regained activity after treatment with cannabinoids.

When those enzymes function properly, liver cells can more effectively remove harmful fats and debris. The liver cleared out greater amounts of lipids linked to metabolic disease, including ceramides and triglycerides, substances that can promote inflammation.

Both cannabinoids produced beneficial changes, though CBG showed stronger effects in certain measurements. It was associated with lower total body fat, reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improved response to insulin.

The researchers believe the results suggest a broader possibility for plant compounds in treating metabolic disorders. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, the strategy targets how cells produce energy and dispose of waste products.

Still, they note that clinical trials will be required to determine whether the same benefits appear in people and to establish safe treatment guidelines.

These research findings provide additional support for the views of cannabis firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) that believe the full therapeutic potential of marijuana and its compounds is yet to be fully documented by science.

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