420 with CNW — Feds Arrest Four During Operations Targeting Illicit Marijuana in Las Vegas

Federal prosecutors have charged four individuals accused of operating multiple illegal cannabis cultivation sites across the Las Vegas Valley, according to information obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators. 

The defendants, identified as Jiejiao Zhang, Changtian Mai, Hoi Man Mak, and Jianwen Mai, are each facing a count of conspiracy to produce a controlled substance in a restricted zone. Court records indicate that one of the alleged grow sites was located within 1,000 feet of a public playground, a factor that elevated the severity of the charge. 

The investigation dates back to May 2025, when Las Vegas law enforcement officers detained Mak and another individual following a search at a residence near Tenaya Way and Craig Road. Authorities described the house as having been entirely repurposed into an unlawful indoor cultivation operation. During the search, officers seized 1,267 cannabis plants. 

Later that month, law enforcement officers executed a warrant at a second property located near Tenaya Way and Alexander Road. There, they reported discovering another large-scale grow setup, with 1,264 cannabis plants. Officials noted that the property also falls within 1,000 feet of a park, further supporting the “protected area” designation referenced in the charges. 

Property records from Clark County indicate that Changtian Mai owns both of those homes. Investigators also linked him to a third location through utility payments, noting he had covered an energy bill for the residence. 

Federal agents raided that third property in February. The home, near Buffalo Drive and Spring Mountain Road, contained more than 400 cannabis plants, according to documents. Several individuals were detained during the operation, and authorities reported that one person tried to escape by climbing over a perimeter wall. 

Officers also discovered significant quantities of fertilizer and other materials typically used in indoor growing operations. 

The case expanded further on March 18, when authorities searched a fourth residence near Buffalo Drive and Russell Road. Inside, agents encountered the four defendants along with equipment used for cannabis cultivation. 

Court filings indicated that all four suspects are in federal custody. Details regarding their initial court appearances had not yet been confirmed. 

Authorities did not confirm whether the recent arrests are connected to a separate investigation carried out in February at another suspected grow house near Flamingo Road and Fort Apache Road. That case involved cooperation between local police and federal agencies, including the DEA and FBI. 

These arrests highlight the lengths to which black market marijuana operators will go to sustain their operations and make it harder for licensed companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) to entrench themselves in the jurisdictions where they operate under state law. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Texas to Start Enforcing Smokable Hemp Ban Law on March 31

New regulations approved by Texas health officials will force retailers to remove smokable hemp products from store shelves before the end of March. 

While most edible hemp products remain legal, they will face tighter oversight involving packaging standards and product testing. At the same time, businesses that manufacture or sell these products will see licensing costs rise sharply. 

Even though the final fees are lower than early proposals, many operators warn that the increases could push prices higher or drive smaller companies out of the market. 

State health authorities first introduced the regulatory overhaul in December. The effort followed an executive order from Governor Greg Abbott after lawmakers failed to settle a debate during the legislative session over whether to tighten controls on THC products or outlaw them entirely. 

The state Health Services department finalized the rules last week and confirmed they will take effect by this month’s end. Regulators revised the way they measure Delta-9 THC, the chemical primarily responsible for cannabis-induced intoxication. 

Texas law, adopted in 2019, classifies hemp as cannabis containing no more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC based on dry weight. The new rules introduce a “total THC” calculation that includes THCA, a naturally occurring compound that transforms into Delta-9 when heated or burned. Because of that conversion, THCA flower has gained popularity in shops across Texas. 

The proposal drew strong opposition during the public comment session, with hundreds of submissions arguing that THCA is not prohibited under federal or state statutes. State health officials responded that the total THC approach aligns with existing regulatory interpretations. 

The new framework also revises licensing fees for businesses selling hemp goods. Earlier drafts proposed increases as high as 10,000%. The final version reduces that jump but still raises costs significantly. Retailers must pay $5,000 each year per location, while manufacturing facilities face a $10,000 annual charge. 

More than 9,000 retail outlets across Texas are registered to sell consumable hemp products. Some owners say the combined impact of higher costs and the ban on smokable items could threaten their survival. 

Industry advocates worry the restrictions may unintentionally fuel underground sales. Consumer access, they argue, will not disappear but could shift to online vendors outside Texas or illegal channels that lack product testing, age limits, or safety safeguards. Meanwhile, the regulations focus only on production and retail activity, leaving existing possession laws unchanged. 

It would be interesting to hear what licensed marijuana companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) operating in other jurisdictions think about the regulatory change that is about to take effect in Texas. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Gun Ownership Case Before US Supreme Court Triggers Unusual Alliances


Two issues that rarely share political ground are now colliding at the highest court in the country. Firearm rights and marijuana policy have each reshaped U.S. law and politics over the past few decades. Recently, they met in a Supreme Court case that has produced an unexpected mix of allies and opponents. 

The case centers on a federal statute that prohibits people who regularly use marijuana from possessing firearms. The challenge arrives at a time when the court has broadened protections for gun ownership, particularly after its 2022 ruling that strengthened Second Amendment rights and prompted fresh scrutiny of existing gun regulations. 

The Trump administration is defending the restriction, joined by gun control advocates who are often aligned with Democrats. Opposing the government are the National Rifle Association and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an unusual pairing that underscores the complexity of the dispute. 

ACLU legal director Cecillia Wang argues that the statute is both unconstitutional and unclear. She says it fails to define who qualifies as a drug user and leaves ordinary Americans guessing about their legal exposure. With marijuana legal for medical purposes in most states and approved for recreational use in roughly half the country, Wang contends that millions could unknowingly face prosecution simply for having a gun in their home. 

Although the dispute focuses on cannabis, the law applies to users of any substance prohibited under federal rules. Gun safety advocates maintain that the restriction is consistent with the nation’s legal tradition. 

Marijuana remains classified as illegal under federal law, even as states have moved in a different direction. President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at accelerating the process of reclassifying cannabis to a lower risk category. 

At the same time, the Department of Justice is urging the high court to reinstate charges against Ali Danial Hemani, a man accused of violating the firearms ban. Investigators found a gun at his home and said he admitted to smoking cannabis daily. 

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a conservative-leaning panel, dismissed the case. Judges concluded that criminal liability should apply only when a person is armed while actively under the influence. 

Federal lawyers disagree. In briefs to the Supreme Court, they argue that habitual drug users who possess guns pose heightened risks, particularly during encounters with law enforcement. They liken the restriction to historical limits placed on individuals who were frequently intoxicated. 

The court’s conservative majority has strengthened gun rights in recent years, but it has also upheld certain limits, including a federal gun ban for those subject to domestic violence restraining orders. The DOJ says the drug-user ban fits within that framework. The same statute was invoked in the prosecution of Hunter Biden, who was convicted of purchasing a firearm while struggling with cocaine addiction. 

The Second Amendment Foundation and others argue the federal ban goes too far. Cannabis reform supporters share that view. NORML, a leading marijuana advocacy organization, says many older Americans use products such as edible gummies to manage arthritis or insomnia. Its leaders question whether barring those individuals from owning firearms would meaningfully reduce violence. 

This ongoing case in the highest U.S. court is likely to be tracked by the entire marijuana industry, including firms like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF)

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Kentucky Officials Ask Lawmakers to Expand Medical Marijuana Program

Kentucky marijuana officials are urging lawmakers to broaden the list of medical conditions that qualify patients for a medical cannabis card. In a letter sent Thursday to top legislative leaders, the OCM outlined its case for expanding eligibility under the state’s relatively new program. 

At present, Kentuckians can seek a medical cannabis card if they have been diagnosed with chronic pain, cancer, persistent nausea, PTSD, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis. The OCM now wants to add 16 additional diagnoses to that list, a move it says would significantly increase access for patients across the commonwealth. 

The proposed additions include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, irritable bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, sickle cell anemia, ulcerative colitis, cachexia, neuropathies, fibromyalgia, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, HIV, AIDS, Huntington’s disease, glaucoma, and terminal illnesses. 

Agency officials estimate that expanding eligibility could open the program to roughly 430,000 more residents. 

Advocates for cannabis policy reform are also backing the change. According to Dr. Jeremy Haysley, medical director of the Kentucky Medical Marijuana Center, adding more clearly defined conditions would help remove uncertainty for people who are unsure whether their diagnosis meets current standards. Haysley’s clinic assists patients in obtaining cannabis certifications. 

Matthew Bratcher, executive director of Kentucky NORML, said broader access could offer relief to people living with long-term or debilitating illnesses. He pointed to the potential for cannabis to serve as an alternative to opioid medications, which have contributed to addiction and overdose crises in the state. 

Even so, Bratcher acknowledged that lawmakers may take a cautious approach. He said it is possible the General Assembly will wait until the medical marijuana program has operated for at least a year and participation numbers are clearer before approving additional conditions. 

Kentucky legalized medical cannabis in 2023 when legislators passed Senate Bill 47, setting up the regulatory framework for cultivation, sales, and patient access. The first dispensary opened its doors in December 2025, and several more locations have since begun operating statewide. 

House Bill 401, sponsored by Rep. Al Gentry, would expand the list of qualifying medical conditions, along with other adjustments to the program. In a statement, Gentry said the time has come to ensure that patients who need cannabis for legitimate medical reasons are not left out. 

He added that he plans to introduce two measures this session aimed at widening access and called on fellow lawmakers to support the effort. The broader marijuana industry, including established businesses like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), will be glad when Kentucky lawmakers agree to let more patients gain access to medical marijuana. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Recreational Marijuana Legalization Support Dips as Florida Officials Oppose Campaign

Florida officials under Governor Ron DeSantis are stepping up their opposition to a proposed ballot measure that would allow recreational marijuana, drawing county election offices into the fight and prompting accusations that the state is trying to derail the effort before voters weigh in. 

Critics say the administration’s actions amount to an aggressive campaign against legalization at a time when public backing appears to be weakening. Florida requires at least 60% voter approval to amend its constitution, and recent polling suggests support for adult-use cannabis is well below that mark. 

The latest push comes from Smart and Safe Florida, a group backed largely by Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a multistate cannabis company based in Tallahassee. The group is again seeking to place a legalization amendment on the ballot, this time targeting the 2026 election. A similar attempt in 2024 failed, even after it received a high-profile endorsement from then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. 

This election cycle, opponents within the state government have intensified their scrutiny. The DeSantis administration has filed a challenge with the Florida Supreme Court that raises several objections, including concerns tied to marijuana odor. 

poll released by the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that 51% of likely voters support legal recreational marijuana. That figure represents the lowest level of support recorded in four years. 

In a statement issued Friday, the Chamber criticized both the initiative and its financial backers. The organization pointed out that over $200 million has been spent over two election cycles to promote legalization, with nearly all of that funding coming from Trulieve, the state’s largest medical cannabis operator. According to the Chamber, polling trends suggest that voter interest declines as people learn more details about the proposal. 

Meanwhile, state election authorities have taken steps that supporters of the amendment view as an attempt to slow or block the process. The Office of Election Crimes & Security recently notified election supervisors in three counties that it plans to audit certain approved petition signatures to confirm they were collected legally. 

Smart and Safe Florida responded by accusing state leaders of trying to silence more than one million voters who signed petitions in compliance with the law. The group faces a February 1 deadline to submit 880,000 signatures. As of this week, about 675,000 signatures have been validated, according to state records. 

Outside Florida, Trulieve continues to expand its footprint. The company recently announced plans to enter the Texas market, where lawmakers are considering changes that would broaden its medical marijuana program. 

Entities like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) in the cannabis industry will be watching how efforts to get adult-use marijuana on this year’s ballot in Florida pan out amid growing opposition from state officials and waning voter support. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — US Supreme Court Sets Dates to Hear Marijuana Users’ Gun Rights Case

The United States Supreme Court has set a date to hear arguments in a closely watched case that could determine whether federal restrictions on gun ownership for people who use cannabis are constitutional. 

The justices scheduled oral arguments for March 2, roughly two months after agreeing to review the dispute. The case pits the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Ali Danial Hemani, who was prosecuted under a federal statute that bars individuals who use illegal drugs from purchasing or possessing firearms. Hemani argues that the law violates the Second Amendment. 

At issue is a provision of federal law, codified as 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which has been under increasing scrutiny in lower courts. In Hemani’s case, a federal appeals court ruled that applying the ban to people who use cannabis infringes on constitutional gun rights. That decision created further division among federal courts, prompting the Supreme Court to step in. 

Support for the government’s position has come from a broad group of state officials. Attorneys general from 19 states, along with Washington, D.C., filed a brief urging the justices to preserve the statute. They argue that the law plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and aligns with historical limitations on firearm possession. 

Groups that support tighter gun regulations, including the Brady Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords Law Center, and others, have asked the court to reverse the lower court’s ruling. A separate filing from a coalition of legal and history scholars contends that restrictions on armed individuals viewed as dangerous have longstanding roots in American law. 

Smart Approaches to Marijuana and more than 20 similar groups urged the court to uphold the federal ban, arguing that cannabis consumption can be linked to impaired judgment, violence, and mental health risks. 

In filings with the court, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that people who use illegal substances present a higher risk than those who consume alcohol. 

In an earlier filing related to Hemani, the DOJ noted that federal appeals courts are deeply divided on the issue. Prosecutors also highlighted Hemani’s background as a dual U.S. and Pakistani citizen, alleging connections to Iranian-linked entities that had drawn the attention of federal investigators. 

The case comes during a period of shifting federal cannabis policy. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order instructing AG Pam Bondi to complete a process that would move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act. Legal experts say it remains unclear whether that change would have any direct effect on gun cases tied to marijuana use. 

The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could shape the outcome of several similar cases nationwide. If the justices uphold the statute, the government would likely prevail in other pending disputes. The court has already declined to hear appeals in some related cases, while others remain unresolved. 

The marijuana industry, including entities like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), will be watching how the Supreme Court rules in this case and what precedent will be set by that decision. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Ohio Governor Signals He Will Sign Bill Banning Hemp Intoxicants

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated that he plans to sign legislation that would prohibit the sale of intoxicating hemp products and revise parts of the state’s recreational cannabis law that voters approved in 2023. The measure also introduces new criminal provisions related to cannabis possession and sales. 

Speaking with reporters during a morning appearance, DeWine said the bill would bring much-needed oversight to a market he believes has operated with little control. 

The bill, Senate Bill 56, passed the state Senate earlier last week and now awaits the governor’s signature. If signed before the end of the year, the law could begin taking effect as early as March. 

DeWine has been pressing lawmakers to address the issue since early 2024, repeatedly calling attention to delta-8 THC products. The products, often sold outside licensed cannabis dispensaries, are commonly found at CBD stores, smoke shops, and gas stations. While derived from hemp, many of the products contain psychoactive levels of THC. 

The governor has repeatedly pointed to concerns about children accessing the products. He said the bill would prevent minors from purchasing potent hemp edibles and other THC-infused products at convenience stores. In his view, protecting young people is the most critical outcome of the legislation. 

Data from the Ohio Poison Control Center has added urgency to the debate. In January 2024, the agency reported at least 257 cases of delta-8 exposure in recent years. More than 100 incidents occurred in 2023 alone, and 40 involved children younger than six. 

Earlier this fall, DeWine attempted to curb sales by issuing a 90-day executive order halting the sale of intoxicating hemp products. The order took effect in mid-October but was quickly challenged in court. A Franklin County judge issued a temporary restraining order that paused enforcement until January. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for January 29. 

SB 56 aligns Ohio law with recent federal action that restricts hemp products containing more than 0.4 mg of total THC per package from being sold outside licensed dispensaries. This represents a shift from the Farm Bill 2018, which allowed hemp cultivation if THC levels stayed below 0.3% by weight. Although the federal rule includes a one-year delay, states are permitted to act sooner. 

SB 56 also permits beverages containing up to 5mg of THC to remain on the market through the end of 2026. 

Beyond hemp regulation, the bill revises the state’s recreational cannabis framework. It lowers allowable THC concentrations in extracts and flower, limits smoking in public areas, and adds restrictions on packaging and transport. Bringing legally purchased cannabis from another state into Ohio would become a criminal offense. 

The legislation also reallocates tax revenue, directing 36% of the revenue from recreational cannabis sales to local governments that host dispensaries. 

These developments in Ohio are likely to be watched by multistate operators like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), especially regarding the way hemp intoxicants are being outlawed since these actions could offer a model that other states replicate by restricting THC products to licensed marijuana outlets. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Buying Habits of Gen Z’s Are Changing Marijuana Retail

Cannabis retailers across the U.S. are adjusting to an unexpected shift in shopper behavior as the youngest legal buyers reshape the market. Gen Z customers are coming into stores, but they are approaching cannabis with more intention, more research, and more caution than many of the shoppers who came before them. 

Los Angeles’ The Higher Path & The Other Path director Adrienne Airhart says customers are not walking in to chase intense highs. According to her, younger adults often use THC to support workouts, manage school workloads, or ease social discomfort. For many of them, cannabis has become another tool in a daily routine rather than an escape vehicle. 

For years, many retailers assumed younger adults would consume less cannabis and that growth would come from older demographics. But Gen Z’s approach is presenting a new opening. It is not tied to high-volume use. It is tied to consistency, intentionality, and a desire for reliable effects. 

Recent consumer surveys reveal clear differences between age groups. Adults 50 and older continue to adopt marijuana at fast rates and often look for help with sleep, relaxation, pain, or mental health. Millennials remain the most active spenders, buying across a wide range of products that deliver comfort and convenience, such as topicals, vapes, edibles, and affordable flower. 

Gen Z, shaped by wellness trends and rising awareness around anxiety, is coming up during a period where many young adults drink less than previous generations. 

National polling, including Gallup findings, shows younger consumers prefer substances that feel cleaner, are easier to regulate, and are compatible with daily life. Cannabis fits neatly into that shift. 

Financial strain also plays a significant role. High housing costs, inflation, and lingering student loans leave this group with limited discretionary money. They visit stores less frequently and choose smaller baskets. 

Surveys show most adults (69%) aged 18 to 24 favor marijuana over alcohol, and many say they are replacing alcohol with lower-dose THC options, such as beverages and edibles. They also plan consumption around specific situations and emphasize consistency over intensity. 

Retailers have started adjusting their shelves accordingly. The Higher Path added a low-dose shelf in response to growing interest in mild, easy-to-manage products. 

Larger multipacks of prerolls still sell, but often to groups seeking light social effects rather than a strong high. Gen Z buyers have not abandoned potency, yet they increasingly want it delivered in formats that feel controlled and purposeful. 

Since only part of Gen Z is old enough to buy legally, experts say these habits are early indicators of what the future market may look like. Retailers who invest in education, effect-based merchandising, and products that fit structured routines may benefit from steady demand as this generation gains more buying power. 

Operators say the opportunity is not in waiting for heavy consumption to return. It lies in adapting to a consumer base that values purpose, control, and thoughtful use. For companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), the changing preferences of different demographics of consumers is something that will determine product design and marketing for years to come. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Trump Supports Hemp THC Ban in Spending Bill Reopening Government

The U.S. Senate’s recent approval of a broad spending bill to end the longest federal government shutdown includes a measure that would prohibit hemp-derived THC products, marking a major shift in national cannabis policy since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. 

The proposal, which has now been signed into law, seeks to close what lawmakers describe as a loophole that has allowed intoxicating hemp products to flourish outside state-regulated marijuana markets. While Senator Rand Paul(R) attempted to strike the new language from the legislation, the White House indicated that President Trump supported the measure. 

The debate represented another chapter in an ongoing fight over hemp-derived THC products such as Delta-8 and THCA flower. These products, which can produce the same psychoactive effects as marijuana, are being sold widely online and in convenience stores across the country. Critics argue they exploit the Farm Bill’s definition of hemp, allowing unregulated marijuana to be sold under the guise of legality. 

Major retailers have started stocking hemp-based THC drinks even as opponents, including state-regulated cannabis industry groups and prohibition advocates, warn of potential risks to public health. Alcohol industry representatives have also weighed in, with leading trade associations announcing their support for the ban. 

Hemp industry leaders, however, warn that the ban could devastate hemp producers. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable noted that the language could effectively eliminate most of the $28 billion hemp market. 

The Senate Appropriations Committee stated that the measure would halt sales of intoxicating hemp-based products, including Delta-8 THC, while maintaining the legality of non-intoxicating industrial hemp and CBD. 

The revised definition of hemp limits THC content, including its acidic precursor THCA, to no more than 0.3% by dry weight. It also excludes compounds not naturally produced by the marijuana plant or those synthesized in a lab, such as HHC and THC-P. 

Now that it has been enacted, the rule bans most hemp-derived drinks currently sold in stores and bars, allowing only products with no more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per serving. 

Senator Paul had urged colleagues to vote on an amendment that would remove the restrictive language, despite his actions likely putting him at odds with Trump. Meanwhile, representatives from major alcohol trade associations, including the Beer Institute and Wine Institute, pressed senators to reject Paul’s proposal, warning that his actions could jeopardize efforts to reopen the government. 

For the regulated cannabis industry, the move is a win, seen as a long-overdue step toward aligning federal law with current market realities. 

Marijuana industry players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be watching how the marijuana and hemp retail landscape is reshaped by this newly passed law. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Teens Who Use Marijuana Before 15 Likely to Exhibit Problems Later

Teenagers who begin using marijuana before the age of 15 face a significantly greater likelihood of using the drug more frequently later in life and of developing physical and mental health issues as young adults, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open

The study, conducted by researchers in Montreal, draws on data from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, a decades-long project tracking more than 1,500 participants from birth into early adulthood. The goal was to understand how early cannabis habits might influence long-term health outcomes. 

Researchers found that 60 percent of teens in the study never used marijuana during adolescence. Of those who did, half began experimenting in their later teen years and reported occasional use by age 17. 

The remaining 20 percent, who started using before turning 15, were far more likely to use marijuana regularly by the time they reached 17. This group also showed higher rates of medical visits for physical and psychological concerns once they reached adulthood. 

“The risk is concentrated among those who begin early and use often,” said Massimiliano Orri, a psychologist at McGill University and the study’s lead author. 

According to the study, early marijuana users were more likely (51%) to seek mental health care in young adulthood, even after accounting for factors such as family conflict, peer relationships, and parental supervision. They were also 86 percent more likely to need treatment for physical health issues, with respiratory problems, accidents, and injuries among the most commonly reported conditions. 

Previous studies have also linked early marijuana use to mental health challenges. Columbia University psychiatrist Dr. Ryan Sultan, who has conducted related research, found that adolescents who use marijuana recreationally are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders. Other studies have connected early use to psychosis, poor school performance, and truancy. 

Experts note that the adolescent brain continues to develop well into the mid-twenties, particularly in regions responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Regular marijuana use during this stage, they say, can interfere with that process. 

Sultan added that teens who rely on cannabis to manage anxiety or mood may weaken their natural coping abilities over time, which can increase the risk of developing chronic mental health disorders. For that reason, he advises young people and their parents to delay cannabis use until around age 25, when the brain has matured further and the potential health risks are lower. 

The policy changes made to legalize the substance and license companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) could provide an avenue through which teens and younger adults can be prevented from accessing marijuana through age-verification checks conducted at retail outlets so that the risks indicated in this research are minimized. 

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

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