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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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 — 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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420 with CNW — Massachusetts Marijuana Regulators to Receive Public Comment on Social Consumption Site Regulations

Massachusetts marijuana regulators are seeking input from the public after approving a draft set of rules that could pave the way for cannabis use in public spaces and events.

The state’s marijuana control agency approved the proposed changes during a recent meeting following several days of detailed review. The regulations will be officially filed with the Secretary of State by the end of the week, triggering a mandatory public comment period.

The main goal is to create legal spaces where adults can buy and consume cannabis on-site, similar to how alcohol is sold and enjoyed in bars. This would be especially helpful for out-of-town visitors who can’t smoke in hotels or renters who face building restrictions. It also gives guardians a place to consume cannabis without exposing their kids to it.

Social consumption spaces were part of the original 2016 ballot initiative that legalized recreational cannabis in the state. Although these spaces were supposed to roll out in 2018, regulators chose to focus on opening retail shops after pushback from state lawmakers.

The new regulations outline three kinds of social consumption license categories. The first, a “supplemental” category, would permit existing dispensaries or growers to offer customers cannabis products on-site.

The second, a “hospitality”category, would enable non-marijuana businesses like gyms, salons, or movie theaters to offer cannabis use as an added feature. The third, an “event organizer”category, would make it possible for temporary cannabis consumption at public gatherings such as concerts or festivals.

To keep safety a priority, all licensees must have a plan for how attendees will get home if they’re impaired. There are also rules in place to protect employees working in these spaces.

The permits will initially be available only to businesses that fall under the agency’seconomic empowerment or social equity programs, as well as to small-scale cannabis businesses and co-ops. This exclusivity period is set to last five years.

Changes have been made to the event organizer license category in recent months. These include requiring local approval for events before seeking state authorization, granting towns the same authority they have over alcohol-related events, and capping event licenses to 24 days annually, with no more than five consecutive days per event.

Additional updates include simplifying employee credentialing. Workers employed by more than one cannabis company will now need just one badge instead of multiple. The rules will also allow cannabis businesses to offer packaged, non-marijuana food and beverages for sale.

Over the next few weeks, the agency will accept public input and host a hearing to gather feedback. More information will be shared during a public hearing on August 14.

The entire marijuana industry across the country, including firms like Cresco Labs Inc. (CNSX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be hoping that this new phase of rolling out the cannabis industry in Massachusetts unfolds smoothly.

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420 with CNW — Congressional Committee Passes Measure Blocking DOJ from Reclassifying Marijuana

A congressional subcommittee has passed a new federal spending measure that includes language aimed at preventing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) from reclassifying cannabis. The measure would also continue existing protections for state-run medical marijuana programs, although it introduces stricter rules for cannabis activity near parks and schools.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) advanced the bill with a 9-6 vote. The measure will now move forward to the full committee for review and potentially be sent to the House floor.

This marks the second time lawmakers have inserted language into the spending bill that seeks to block efforts to reclassify cannabis.

The bill specifically states that no funds from the legislation can be used to move marijuana to a different category under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) or remove it from the schedule entirely. The process has faced long delays, partly due to legal objections raised during administrative hearings.

A similar provision was included in a previous version of the CJS spending measure, but it never became law. Additionally, Republican senators tried to pass a separate bill in 2023 that would have blocked the administration’s rescheduling efforts, but that proposal never made it to a vote.

Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) informed an administrative judge that cannabis rescheduling remains at a standstill. The hearings have been paused for over six months. A joint report submitted this month by both DEA lawyers and advocates shows that the two sides have yet to resolve their differences.

Still, advocates can take some comfort in knowing the new spending measure maintains language that prevents the DOJ from interfering with state-level medical cannabis laws. This safeguard has been included in every federal budget since 2014.

However, new language allows the DOJ to enforce penalties for selling marijuana within 1,000 feet of schools, colleges, playgrounds, and public housing, potentially increasing legal risks in those zones.

In addition to medical cannabis protections, the bill also upholds a separate clause that restricts federal interference in state-led hemp research, referencing the 2014 Farm Bill’s definition of legal industrial hemp.

In related developments, a former NFL player turned cannabis advocate met with Trump administration officials last week to discuss marijuana reform. Separately, a group of athletes and celebrities, led by former boxing champion Mike Tyson, urged President Trump to outpace former President Joe Biden on cannabis reform, including expanding pardons and improving access to banking for legal marijuana businesses.

The entire marijuana industry, including companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CNX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be watching how efforts to block marijuana rescheduling pan out, and how advocacy to advance marijuana policy reform helps in shaping federal drug policy.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds That Market Forces Are Reducing Biodiversity in Marijuana Plants

A new study on marijuana genetics reveals that the legal cannabis industry may be unintentionally reducing the plant’s genetic diversity. The push for faster-growing plants with higher cannabinoid content, mainly for economic and regulatory reasons, has led to a narrowing of the genetic pool.

The study, conducted by graduate student Caleb Y. Chen at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, draws from both genetic data and interviews with cannabis breeders. According to Chen, selective breeding practices in the current “post-prohibition” market are creating what he refers to as a genetic “bottleneck.”

While humans have always shaped cannabis genetics to suit their needs, recent breeding has focused narrowly on certain traits like high THC levels, a strong terpene profile, and consistency in chemical composition.

These choices may make sense in a market driven by regulation and consumer demand, but they come at a cost. In an earlier paper from 2021, Chen pointed out that many growers select high-THC strains not because they prefer them, but because state regulations and consumer expectations push them in that direction. As a result, genetic variation is being lost.

The issue isn’t exclusive to cannabis. Many crops face similar reductions in genetic variety due to selective breeding. However, cannabis seems especially vulnerable. The study highlights that what are often described as “wild” marijuana plants today are most likely just escaped domestic strains, not true wild varieties.

Natural processes like wind pollination can spread pollen from hybrid plants to local landrace strains, erasing their distinct genetic identities. This kind of contamination has been reported in countries like Thailand, Jamaica, India, and Mexico.

Chen warns that even without the history of prohibition, the cannabis plant is at risk of becoming genetically uniform. Today, only a small number of cultivars dominate the global market. These strains are treated much like other mass-produced crops, with little regard for preserving their genetic uniqueness.

He also points out that “craft marijuana,” while often used as a marketing label, represents a smaller, more diverse subculture within the industry. Some breeders and growers believe that current testing methods overlook certain compounds that contribute to the overall experience of using cannabis.

Chen’s research also touches on marketing practices, noting that commercial interests sometimes lead to misleading labels on cannabis strains. Growers may intentionally misname their products to meet consumer expectations or fit into regulatory categories.

The study concludes that modern cannabis regulations, falling product prices, and the push for higher yields are all contributing to reduced genetic diversity. It urges policymakers to recognize the importance of maintaining diverse cannabis genetics and recommends that breeders’ knowledge be taken seriously in future regulatory decisions.

It would be interesting to hear what major cannabis brands like Cresco Labs Inc. (CNX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) think about concerns that marijuana genetic diversity is being sacrificed at the altar of commercial interests.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Industry is Already Feeling Tariff Effects

Marijuana companies and related businesses are starting to feel the pressure from rising costs triggered by President Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies. The trade actions, which disrupted long-standing global agreements, have raised fears of economic downturn and higher inflation in the U.S., affecting everything from basic supplies to more specialized equipment used throughout the cannabis industry.

Operators across the cannabis space, especially those relying on global supply chains, are facing higher prices on packaging, cultivation tools, raw materials, and product parts. Many companies are already being forced to reconsider where they source their materials, with some now seeking domestic options to sidestep the growing uncertainty overseas.

Some brands and retailers plan to raise their prices to offset these new expenses. They argue that profit margins were already slim due to heavy regulation and taxes, and the added burden from tariffs could tip the balance even more in favor of the unlicensed, underground market.

Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs targeted countries like those in the EU and Southeast Asia, regions that supply vital gear such as payment systems and raw inputs for cannabis companies. Although he later paused most of these tariffs for 90 days, excluding China, the damage had already begun. China’s exports now face a 145% tariff due to a failed compromise with the U.S., further escalating the trade battle.

A blanket 10% tariff on goods from nearly 90 nations went into effect in early April, causing a sharp drop in U.S. stock markets. This steep decline erased trillions in value over just two days. Although stocks bounced back after the policy was softened, the cannabis sector’s main investment fund still hovered near record lows.

Industry leaders say the financial hit is real. Arnaud Dumas de Rauly, a marijuana consultant and trade group chair, said these new costs are a direct threat to the industry’s growth and profits. “We’re exposed to global supply shocks,” he warned, “and they’re getting more expensive, fast.”

Construction companies working with marijuana firms have seen aluminum, wiring, and security systems jump by as much as 40% in cost. Materials like steel framing and surveillance tools—often imported from Germany and China—are costing significantly more. Procurement is also shifting. Price quotes now expire in just days, and contractors are demanding more upfront money to lock in costs, putting extra strain on company budgets.

Vape brands are hit especially hard. Companies like Pax rely heavily on parts from China, including batteries and devices. Due to overlapping tariffs from both the Trump and Biden administrations, Pax now faces a staggering 150% combined import tax on many of its products. Even alternative manufacturing bases, like Malaysia, are no longer safe from rising trade barriers.

The industry is navigating a new reality: unpredictable tariffs, rising prices, and supply chain disruption. These challenges are forcing operators like Cresco Labs Inc. (CNX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) to adapt quickly and rethink how they do business in an increasingly unstable global trade environment.

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420 with CNW — PA Senate Panel Rejects Provision to Sell Recreational Cannabis Using State Stores

A proposal backed by Pennsylvania Democrats to allow adults to buy recreational marijuana from state-run stores has been blocked by a Senate panel. The bill was voted down 7-3 by the Senate Law and Justice Committee, with one Democrat siding with Republicans to oppose it.

State Senator Dan Laughlin, who leads the committee, supports the idea of legalizing cannabis. However, he voiced strong opposition to selling it through government-operated shops. Laughlin argued that this model would sideline small businesses and entrepreneurs, pose logistical complications, and potentially invite legal trouble given the federal ban on cannabis.

What happens next in Pennsylvania’s ongoing debate over recreational cannabis remains uncertain. Matt Bradford, the state House Majority Leader, urged Senate Republicans to bring forward a legalization plan that could gain enough support to pass. While the House has already taken a clear position, Bradford noted that it’s now the Senate’s turn to propose a version that can secure the necessary 26 votes.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic Representatives Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel, aimed to keep the cannabis market from being overtaken by large corporate players. Supporters argue that public health and consumer interests would be better protected under state management.

Critics, however, say the model is untested and risky—no other state has implemented a government-run cannabis system. They also argue that expanding the existing medical marijuana framework would be a more practical path.

Some Democrats on the Senate committee signaled they could support a compromise approach similar to one Laughlin proposed during a previous legislative session. That version would establish an oversight board and allow already-licensed medical marijuana providers, most of which are large firms, to begin selling recreational products.

Laughlin noted that his proposal isn’t ready for a vote yet.

After the committee’s decision, Krajewski expressed disappointment that Laughlin dismissed the bill without offering amendments or engaging in serious discussion, especially with budget deadlines looming. “We followed his lead and sent a bill,” Krajewski said. “Disagreeing is fine, but that’s why negotiation exists.”

Laughlin said he scheduled the vote quickly to make it obvious the measure lacked enough support to advance. “I knew it wasn’t going anywhere,” he said. “Better to show that now than drag it out.”

He also raised concerns about the expense of creating state-controlled cannabis dispensaries, saying it could cost hundreds of millions before any revenue is generated. “That’s a hard sell when private businesses are already prepared to step in once legalization happens,” he added.

Leading marijuana firms like Cresco Labs Inc. (CNX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) will be watching how lawmakers in Pennsylvania reach a consensus on adult-use marijuana sales as the reform movement makes progress in different jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Florida House Unanimously Passes Bill Making MMJ Cards Free for Veterans

Florida House legislators have come together in full agreement to pass a measure that will benefit military veterans by removing state fees tied to obtaining medical cannabis cards. Under the new legislation, veterans will no longer need to pay registration or renewal fees for their medical cannabis certifications, effectively making the process free for them.

The measure, House Bill 555, introduced by Republican Representative Alex Andrade, cleared the House with a unanimous 110-0 vote after moving through earlier committee stages. Initially, the proposal aimed to make broader updates to Florida’s medical cannabis system, such as allowing patients to grow cannabis at home and recognizing out-of-state medical cannabis cards.

However, those more ambitious elements were taken out by the House Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee, which replaced the original language with a simplified version focusing only on minor adjustments.

Two main changes remain in the final version. First, instead of having to renew their medical cannabis cards every year, patients would only need to do so every two years. Second, the bill eliminates the $75 fee typically required to register or renew a medical cannabis card for anyone who has served in the military. According to the bill’s updated language, the state would be prohibited from charging veterans for the renewal, issuance, or replacement of these cards.

During the debate on the House floor, Democratic Representative Daryl Campbell expressed his appreciation for the measure, noting that veterans often need medical cannabis at higher rates than the general public. He praised the measure for easing financial stress and simplifying the process, saying it allows people to focus more on their treatment rather than getting caught up in bureaucratic red tape.

If signed into law, the changes would go into effect on July 1.

In related developments, the Florida Senate has advanced other legislation affecting the broader cannabis and hemp landscape. One measure targets hemp-derived products, including THC-infused drinks. The proposal would ban any synthetic cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC. It would also cap naturally occurring delta-9 THC in hemp products at 5mg per serving and no more than 50mg per package.

The Senate also passed a more expansive agricultural measure this month. Among its provisions is a ban on fungal spores used to grow mushrooms that contain compounds like psilocin and psilocybin. The move followed a House committee’s decision to advance a similar measure in its chamber just one day earlier.

Such efforts by lawmakers to make it easier for military veterans to access medical marijuana products is a move that industry actors like Cresco Labs Inc. (Cboe CA: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) would welcome as a progressive approach to increasing access to needed cannabis treatments.

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420 with CNW — How U.S. Marijuana Companies Are Responding to President Trump’s Tariffs

Marijuana firms and related businesses are adjusting quickly to changing U.S. trade policies, particularly under the tariff strategies introduced by the Trump administration. Many of these businesses rely heavily on global suppliers, especially for packaging and manufacturing, and the tariffs have added new pressure to an already complex supply chain.

It remains to be seen what innovations marijuana firms like Cresco Labs Inc. (OTCQX: CRLBF) (CNX: CL) (FRA: 6CQ) will introduce to cope with the…