420 with CNW — Officials in New York Tout Successes Recorded in Legal Marijuana Program

New York regulators have published a series of year-end reports outlining how the state’s legal cannabis industry has developed, highlighting strong sales, growing tax revenue, progress on equity goals, and expanded access for medical patients.

According to the reports, total legal marijuana sales in the state have now passed $2.5 billion since recreational use was approved. Of that amount, roughly $1.6 billion came in during the most recent year, through November. The number of licensed retail outlets has also grown from 261 stores in 2024 to 556 by 2025, nearly doubling in just one year.

The Office of Cannabis Management noted that New York continues to surpass its social equity targets. About 55% of recreational cannabis licenses are held by social and economic equity entities. Within that group, 50% are owned by people from minority communities, and 47% are run by women.

State officials also detailed enforcement efforts aimed at limiting illegal cannabis sales. In 2025, regulators carried out more than 2,000 enforcement actions, seizing more than $20 million worth of unlicensed marijuana products.

The reports also note changes to the state’s medical marijuana program signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The updates expand access by simplifying patient certification, allowing reciprocity for visitors from other states, and permitting adults aged 18 and older to grow marijuana plants for therapeutic purposes. Officials said the changes are intended to modernize the program and better serve patients across New York.

Tax revenue remains a major outcome of legalization. From April 2023 through the end of November 2025, the state collected approximately $341 million in cannabis-related taxes from recreational and medical sales. However, officials acknowledged that sales are concentrated among a relatively small group of retailers. As of late November, the top 10 cannabis stores accounted for nearly 30% of all sales, while the top 50% of operating locations generated about 80% of total revenue.

The data also suggest that legalization has not led to increased youth use. Surveys show that the share of adolescents reporting recent marijuana use declined from 20% in 2013 to 12.5% in 2023.

Regulators also announced an extension for conditional recreational cannabis licenses, pushing the renewal deadline to the end of the year. The move is intended to give license holders more time to secure compliant locations, particularly amid zoning concerns affecting more than 100 businesses located near schools or religious institutions.

Separately, lawmakers passed a measure that would give marijuana distributors and manufacturers additional time to file quarterly tax returns. If approved, the filing window would expand from 20 days to 50 days after each reporting period ends.

This positive information coming after the hiccups that threatened to derail the program in its initial stages after the launch of legal sales comes as a welcome relief to industry players like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) that are happy to see new markets succeed at giving adults access to products from licensed outlets in states with enabling regulations.

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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 — Judge Rejects Request to Halt Implementation of New Michigan Cannabis Taxes

A Michigan court has refused to pause the state’s newly approved 24% tax on wholesale marijuana, clearing the way for the levy to begin on January 1, 2026. The decision, issued by Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel, was closely watched by marijuana companies and policymakers who have debated for months whether the Legislature overstepped its authority when it added the tax to this year’s budget.

Patel sided with state officials who argued that the new charge does not alter the substance of the 2018 ballot measure that opened Michigan’s recreational cannabis market. State lawyers maintained that the voter-backed law remains intact and that the tax is simply a tool to raise money for infrastructure projects, particularly road improvements.

Patel noted that early drafts of the road funding measure already envisioned higher tax collections to support transportation, even though they did not spell out where those dollars would come from. According to the judge, the underlying purpose of the legislation stayed consistent.

Under the state’s Constitution, any revision to a voter-approved statute requires a three-quarters vote in both legislative chambers. The wholesale tax did not meet that bar, which became a central argument for the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MCIA).

The group contended that creating a new levy without overwhelming legislative support effectively changes the framework voters endorsed six years ago. Business owners have warned that layering a sizable wholesale tax on top of the existing retail excise tax could push some companies to the brink.

Industry representatives also cautioned that higher prices might push buyers back toward unlicensed sellers, undermining efforts to build a stable and regulated marketplace. The court said these predictions were too uncertain to justify blocking the policy.

MCIA spokesperson Rose Tantraphol said the organization intends to keep pressing its case, insisting that lawmakers ignored the intent of the electorate when they approved the budget provision.

A scheduling conference is planned for January 13 to determine how the case will proceed. The next formal step for the industry group is an appeal to the state’s Court of Appeals. Regardless of how that panel rules, both sides expect the issue to reach the state Supreme Court.

The wholesale levy, combined with the state’s existing 10% retail cannabis excise tax, will place Michigan among the states with the highest marijuana tax rates in the country.

Marijuana sales in Michigan are already showing signs of decline. Legal retailers reported $3.2 billion in revenue in 2024, making Michigan the second-largest marijuana market in the nation after California.

Companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) with operations in Michigan will be hoping that the legal process yields an outcome that doesn’t impose an exorbitant tax burden on licensed marijuana companies in the state.

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420 with CNW — New Report Shows Illicit Marijuana is Being Sold as Hemp in Missouri

A new report from the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association says many retailers that advertise legal hemp products are instead selling cannabis products with high THC levels. The group’s findings come from laboratory tests on 55 products purchased at gas stations, smoke shops, and stores that market themselves as hemp or CBD sellers.

According to the report, 96% of the samples turned out to be synthetic THC or cannabis. The association’s 16-page document outlines what it describes as a statewide problem involving hundreds of unregulated shops offering potent THC products while presenting them as legal hemp. It includes test results, a map of retailers the group reviewed, and a list of outlets it says are selling THC outside Missouri’s licensed system.

Executive director Andrew Mullins said the findings point to a public safety issue that has been building for years. Mullins noted the absence of mandatory testing or child-resistant packaging leaves minors especially vulnerable.

In nearly every tested item, THC levels surpassed the federal hemp limit of 0.3%. The results ranged from 11 milligrams of THC per package to 5,000 milligrams. One vape bought in Independence tested at 89.3% THC, a concentration far above what hemp laws allow. Nearly 30% of the samples had contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or lingering solvents.

Mullins said the association first raised concerns in 2021 when hemp-derived THC products began appearing routinely in convenience stores. He said the products were packaged like regulated marijuana but sold in places that faced no state controls. According to Mullins, state health officials said the issue fell to local law enforcement, some of whom believed the products were legal after recreational marijuana passed.

The group has backed several measures in recent years to limit or oversee hemp-derived THC, though none have advanced. Mullins said some businesses resist changes because the current system benefits them. He pointed to a Warrenton case involving a shop owner accused of selling a THC vape cartridge to a 14-year-old and cited a sharp rise (400%) in poison control calls involving unregulated products.

Mullins said some shops advertise THC levels online while labeling packages as hemp in stores, and others use the word “dispensary” despite having no license to sell cannabis.

Not everyone agrees with the trade group’s conclusions. Columbia attorney Dan Viets said the report overlooks important sections of state and federal law. He argues that products made from hemp remain legal even if the final item exceeds the 0.3% threshold, since the definition of hemp is based on the plant’s THC level at harvest.

Viets noted that the hemp sector has long urged state lawmakers to create rules for labeling, testing, and age limits. He argued that the licensed cannabis industry wants hemp-derived THC banned because it does not want competition. He added that restricting these products could force many retailers to close.

Licensed marijuana companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) operating in other regulated marijuana markets in the country will be hoping that states clarify regulations on hemp THC so that it is explicitly clear how those products should be sold in case they are permissible.

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420 with CNW — New Federal Law Gives States Power to Regulate Hemp THC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 — Nebraska GOP Works to Frustrate Voter-Passed Medical Cannabis Program

Nebraska marijuana officials have missed the deadline to issue medical cannabis growing licenses, creating fresh frustration for supporters of the voter-approved law. The setback is the latest sign of political resistance in several GOP-led states against marijuana legalization.

Residents voiced their anger and disappointment during a recent meeting with the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission. Among them was Lia Post, who lives with a painful nerve condition. She said marijuana helps her manage pain without relying on addictive opioids. “I don’t have any fight left in me,” she said, fighting back tears after hearing that licensing would again be postponed.

The commission’s three members, all appointed by Republican Governor Jim Pillen, said more time was needed to review applications. Critics, however, argue that state leaders are intentionally slowing the process to undermine the law voters overwhelmingly supported.

Across the country, 24 states and Washington, D.C., now allow recreational cannabis, and 40 permit medical use in some form. Even so, pushback continues in many conservative states. South Dakota lawmakers have tried to repeal ballot-approved medical cannabis laws, while Idaho legislators proposed a constitutional change to block citizens from legalizing it through ballot initiatives.

In Mississippi, a court ruling erased the medical cannabis law voters passed in 2020, leaving the state’s initiative system in limbo.

Opponents often claim cannabis is dangerous and could lead to wider drug abuse or impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies frequently cite the federal government’s stance that still classifies cannabis alongside LSD and heroin.

However, according to Karen O’Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project, polls show that most Republican voters actually favor medical cannabis. “It’s a small but vocal group that still buys into old myths about marijuana,” she said. She pointed out that far more people die from prescription opioids each year than from marijuana use.

Nebraska’s law required that growing licenses be issued by October 1, but Governor Pillen removed two commissioners just days before the deadline. Critics say his replacements share his opposition to legalization. Pillen has denied trying to block access, saying his goal is to prevent overproduction and illegal sales. His office proposed limiting cultivation to 1,250 plants, a number industry advocates argue is far too low.

The new commission has already changed several parts of the voter-approved plan. It banned vaping, smoking, and edible products, all of which were allowed under the original law. It also added strict limits on how strong medical cannabis can be and placed new requirements on doctors who recommend it.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers is also challenging the initiative in court, calling parts of the petition process fraudulent. Although he lost several legal fights, he continues to argue that cannabis remains unsafe even under medical supervision.

Advocate Crista Eggers says the state’s actions betray voters. “If you’re one of the 71 percent who supported this, you should be outraged,” she said, warning that heavy restrictions will only push patients toward the black market.

Medical marijuana companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) operating in other states with legal medical marijuana markets will be hoping that their counterparts in Nebraska finally get licensed and open their stores to serve patients who need marijuana products for medical reasons.

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420 with CNW — OB/Gyn Association Calls for Universal Screening, Discourages Cannabis Use by Expectant Mothers

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) has released new recommendations urging people to avoid marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The group also recommends that doctors regularly ask patients about marijuana throughout their pregnancy journey so they can better address possible risks.

Marijuana use has grown significantly among pregnant women in the U.S., a trend linked to changing laws and greater social acceptance. In response, ACOG developed the new guidelines to provide healthcare professionals with research-based strategies for counseling and reducing use.

According to a 2019 National Institute on Drug Abuse study of more than 450,000 women between 2002 and 2017, cannabis use during pregnancy more than doubled in that time.

Dr. Amy Valent, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Oregon Health and Science University and contributor to the new guidelines, said that normalization often leads people to underestimate risks. She noted that while cannabis hasn’t been definitively tied to birth defects, that alone does not make it safe for pregnancy.

Recent studies show that cannabinoid receptors form in a fetus within the first trimester and that THC, the primary psychoactive element in marijuana, can cross the placenta and enter breast milk. This exposure has been linked with poor outcomes such as NICU admissions, low birth weight, and, in some cases, higher risks of perinatal death. Long-term effects may also include developmental challenges such as attention problems, memory issues, or learning difficulties.

Although it is difficult to measure exactly how much cannabis leads to these outcomes, experts stress that the safest approach is to avoid use altogether.

The updated guidance also stresses how providers should approach screening. Biological testing, such as urine or hair samples, has historically led to biased treatment of ethnic and racial minority groups, and ACOG strongly advises against using those methods. Instead, open conversations and patient self-reporting are encouraged.

Doctors are encouraged to ask permission before bringing up the subject, keeping the tone nonjudgmental and focused on health rather than punishment.

The recommendations also acknowledge the complexity of state laws on drug testing during pregnancy, which can involve child protection services. ACOG urges providers to understand local regulations while still fostering a safe and honest space for patients.

According to ACOG, many individuals turn to cannabis to manage pregnancy-related nausea, anxiety, or stress. However, doctors suggest discussing other options that may ease symptoms, such as small dietary changes, light exercise, or safe medications. Valent noted that personalized care is key, since every patient’s situation is different.

Medical marijuana companies, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), could also increase their consumer education programs so that individuals make informed decisions when choosing to use marijuana products while pregnant.

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420 with CNW — Gov. Meyer Vetoes Delaware Law Seeking to Loosen Cannabis Zoning Regulations

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has vetoed a measure that aimed to loosen restrictions on where cannabis businesses can open, a move that may slow down the state’s newly launched recreational cannabis market.

Instead of the bill, Meyer put forward his own proposal that ties zoning reforms to revenue-sharing. His draft proposal would give counties and cities a portion of cannabis sales tax revenue in exchange for relaxing zoning rules.

The vetoed measure, SB 75, would have struck down stricter zoning rules adopted by county governments after legalization passed. Opposition to the bill was strong among state Republicans and county officials, who argued that it undermined local authority.

In his veto message, Meyer said he supports creating a safe and fair marijuana market but criticized the bill for removing local control without offering support in return.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Trey Paradee, criticized Meyer’s move, stating that the governor had promised to sign the bill into law in exchange for his support of a future revenue-sharing plan. Paradee argued that breaking that agreement harms trust and damages the chances of cooperation in the future. He also warned that dozens of entrepreneurs who recently won licenses to open dispensaries and grow operations could face serious setbacks.

Over 100 license holders are waiting to open new dispensaries, grow sites, and testing facilities. Many applicants were waiting for the outcome of SB 75, which would have reduced restrictive buffer zones. In Sussex County, for instance, marijuana shops must currently be located at least three miles away from schools, churches, and other sensitive areas.

For now, only the medical cannabis dispensaries that were already operating have been able to expand into recreational sales as of August 1.

Representative Ed Osienski, a top legalization advocate and co-sponsor of SB 75, said he was disappointed by Meyer’s stance. He questioned why cannabis should be treated differently from alcohol or tobacco, since counties do not directly receive tax revenue from those industries. Currently, tax dollars from the two flow into Delaware’s General Fund, with counties receiving a share each year through state grants.

Lawmakers could attempt to override the governor’s veto, though such actions are extremely rare in Delaware. SB 75 cleared both chambers by the three-fifths margin needed, leaving no room for defections. Still, Democrats recently gained a new member in the House, which may provide a slim cushion.

Meyer’s competing measure would direct 4.5% of the state’s 15% cannabis sales tax to the county or city where a cannabis business is located to help offset costs like enforcement, infrastructure, and zoning. Since 7% of the sales tax is already earmarked for a Justice Reinvestment Fund, only 8% of the total revenue would remain for the state and local governments to divide under Meyer’s plan.

If adopted, Sussex County leaders have indicated they may ease some of their restrictions, though the exact details remain unclear.

Industry actors from around the region, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be hoping that some consensus is reached so that a workable policy that balances the interests of the industry with the need to protect sensitive sections of the population, such as school locations, is enacted.

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420 with CNW — ATA Asks DOT to Act as Marijuana Rescheduling Regains Focus

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is calling on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to clarify how a pending federal plan to reclassify cannabis would affect drug testing for commercial drivers.

ATA’s COO, Dan Horvath, noted in a recent letter to the Transportation Secretary that the association is worried that reclassification could weaken the safeguards and testing requirements designed to protect safety-sensitive transportation workers. He added that while the ATA does not take a formal stance on cannabis legalization, it is committed to collaborating with the DOT and other stakeholders on preventing cannabis-related accidents.

The push to reclassify cannabis originally began under the Biden administration, and recent signals suggest the Trump administration may take further action on the proposal.

In his letter, Horvath noted that ATA had previously raised these questions with DOT officials, including during the tenure of former Secretary Pete Buttigieg. While Buttigieg testified before Congress that testing requirements would remain intact, ATA says it never received detailed explanations on how that would be ensured. Without certainty, Horvath warned, there could be gaps in federal oversight that would endanger both drivers and the public.

He noted that nearly 60 percent of all positive drug tests recorded in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse since 2020 involved cannabis. Further, he wrote that research from the National Transportation Safety Board has identified cannabis as one of the most commonly detected substances in crashes involving fatal injuries.

The ATA letter also cited findings from a 2023 study, which linked recreational cannabis legalization to an estimated 1,000 fatalities nationwide each year, with higher death rates in states that legalized the drug earlier.

The letter highlighted several tragic examples where cannabis played a role in deadly crashes. These included a 2023 collision in Indiana that killed seven people, a Texas crash where a cement truck driver admitted to using cannabis the night before a wreck that killed a child and another motorist, and a 2022 accident in Oklahoma that took the lives of six teenagers.

Horvath argued that regular testing acts as both a deterrent and a means of detection, and removing that safeguard could make tragedies like these more common. He asked DOT to coordinate with the DOJ, the DHHS, and lawmakers to ensure that any policy change preserves the authority and resources needed to keep testing programs in place.

Cannabis industry firms, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CNX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), hope that the safety concerns raised by the ATA can be addressed so that responsible marijuana use isn’t sacrificed at the altar of the few people who consume the substance and endanger the lives of others.

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