420 with CNW — New Delaware Bill Seeks to Regulate THC Drinks Like Alcohol

A new measure making its way through Delaware’s state legislature could change how and where THC-infused beverages are sold. House Bill 98, introduced by Representative Debra Heffernan, proposes moving these drinks out of bars and restaurants and limiting their sale to licensed package stores. The bill has already passed the committee stage, and Heffernan expects it to become law before the legislative session ends.

The legislation aims to shift THC drinks into Delaware’s traditional alcohol distribution model, known as the three-tier system. This structure includes producers, distributors, and retailers like liquor stores. By fitting THC beverages into this established framework, the state hopes to bring clarity and oversight to a product category that currently exists in a legal gray zone.

The bill also includes provisions for other hemp-derived consumables, such as edibles and vapes. These products would be restricted to cannabis facilities that don’t yet operate in Delaware. Heffernan said work on the legislation started back in 2024, though it wasn’t formally introduced until May 2025.

Her motivation, she says, is rooted in public health and safety. She pointed out that there are currently no training standards for serving THC drinks in hospitality settings, making it difficult for servers or consumers to know safe consumption limits.

Most of the drinks in question are made with hemp, not marijuana. While both contain Delta-9 THC, the legal distinction hinges on concentration. Under U.S. law, anything with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC is considered hemp. Anything stronger is legally classified as cannabis.

Due to the vague language in the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products have faced far fewer restrictions than marijuana. As a result, hemp-based THC drinks are widely available across the U.S., including in Delaware, where they’re sold in liquor stores and elsewhere. In 2024, the market for these beverages surpassed $3 billion globally.

HB 98 also directs Delaware’s cannabis regulatory office to collect and test samples of the beverages before they reach distributors. This is meant to ensure they meet safety standards. Lawmakers argue that liquor stores are better equipped to handle these sales because they already have safeguards to prevent underage access.

In recent years, Delaware state agencies have started cracking down on unauthorized THC sales. The Department of Justice issued warnings in 2024, and alcohol regulators admitted they lacked the knowledge to properly advise businesses on the legality and safety of THC-infused drinks.

Cannabis attorney Peter Murphy weighed in saying that while legal uncertainty remains, the legislation could benefit both liquor stores and future cannabis dispensaries. According to him, the bill may reshape who controls THC-infused products, moving them from loosely regulated sellers into a more defined—and likely more competitive—market.

This progressive approach being undertaken in Delaware is likely to attract commendation from the wider marijuana industry, including from major companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF).

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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 — Trump’s US Attorney Targets Medical Marijuana Firm in Washington

Washington, D.C. has taken several hits since Donald Trump returned to office— massive job losses, seeing its budget shrink by billions, and even facing a downgrade to its bond rating. Now a recent federal move is raising alarms over the city’s handling of cannabis laws.

Ed Martin, the interim U.S. Attorney appointed by Trump, is putting pressure on D.C.’s marijuana industry, challenging an unspoken understanding that federal prosecutors would stay out of local cannabis matters. His warning came in a letter to a medical dispensary, claiming that its operations violate federal law, even though they comply with city regulations.

Martin, a staunch conservative with a history of anti-abortion activism and ties to controversial January 6 defendants, has been a magnet for political disputes since taking the top prosecutor role in D.C. Just in the past week, he’s been under fire for questioning Wikipedia’s nonprofit status and facing backlash over a video undermining his claims about a Jan. 6 figure’s background.

But it’s his stance on cannabis that’s caught many off guard, and not just those on the political left. D.C.’s marijuana rules, while liberal, enjoy support from people across the political spectrum. Martin’s letter to the dispensary Green Theory in the Palisades area came after a neighborhood conflict over the store’s proximity to schools. While city authorities had already addressed the matter, Martin stepped in anyway, citing concerns about protecting children and federal law.

His message carried a clear threat: even fully licensed dispensaries—or landlords renting to them—could face federal prosecution. Advocates warn that such letters, even without legal action, could financially strain small businesses forced to defend themselves.

The larger issue is D.C.’s messy cannabis policy landscape. Because the city isn’t a state, Congress has restricted its ability to set up a proper sales system. While weed is decriminalized, legal sales are confined to medical dispensaries, and even those operate under patchy, often confusing rules.

Critics, like former Councilmember David Grosso, say the city is being targeted unfairly and its limited self-governance is under threat. Others, like attorney Pamela Wexler, see this as a broader effort to weaken local control in favor of federal overreach.

Martin insists he’s just asking questions. Still, his language—and timing—suggest more than mere curiosity. His critics argue this is a revival of the old D.C. dynamic, where federal officials, disconnected from local voters, step in and override community decisions. And for a city still fighting for full autonomy, that’s a troubling sign.

Marijuana industry players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (Cboe CA: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be following how this point of contention in D.C. is resolved since any outcome there could set the pace for what happens in other jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Makers of THC-Infused Drinks Seek Adults to Participate in Observational Study

A group of cannabis beverage companies is launching a large-scale research project focused on how THC-infused drinks might affect alcohol use, mood, and overall well-being. The study is open to up to 2,000 adults who will receive complimentary marijuana beverages to use during the research period.

Other industry firms like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CBoe CA: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will keep an eye on this study and…

420 with CNW — Narcotics Officials Say Oklahoma’s Black Market Cannabis Exceeds $100bn in Value

The illegal cannabis market in Oklahoma has ballooned to billions of dollars, according to recent data from the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

According to Donnie Anderson, director of the bureau, the state’s tracking system missed about 70 million pounds of cannabis between March last year and this year, which is roughly 30 times more than what is required to meet the demand of the state’s 300,000 registered medical cannabis patients. This is a sharp rise from the 22 million pounds unaccounted for between 2022 and 2023, showing a nearly threefold increase in just two years.

Despite ongoing enforcement efforts, Oklahoma’s underground cannabis trade continues to grow. A state official suggested that the rising numbers may not indicate a spike in production but rather improved compliance with reporting requirements due to stricter oversight.

The newly released report, commissioned by U.S. Senator James Lankford, links the surplus production to unlawful operations run by Chinese criminal networks.

During a press conference on Friday, officials stressed the need for stricter legislative action. Anderson recommended that lawmakers conduct a formal investigation to ascertain the state’s actual medical cannabis needs and establish production limits accordingly. Unlike most states, Oklahoma does not cap the amount of cannabis growers can produce, contributing to unchecked growth.

However, not all state leaders share this viewpoint. Lonnie Paxton, the state Senate President Pro Tempore, stated in February that law enforcement already has the necessary resources to handle the issue and does not believe additional legislation is required.

Under Oklahoma cannabis law, every marijuana plant must be tagged for tracking purposes. Authorities explain that illegal growers often tag plants initially to appear compliant but later remove these tags before diverting the product to unregulated markets. To estimate the volume of marijuana entering the illegal market, officials analyze tracking data and production assumptions.

Prices in the illicit market fluctuate but typically range between $1,800 and $3,500 per pound. Based on these estimates, the diverted cannabis supply could range from $126 billion to $245 billion. For perspective, the state oil sector generated about $55.5 billion in 2023.

The report also outlines significant concerns beyond financial losses. Illegal marijuana operations have led to extensive human trafficking, potential national security threats, and environmental damage. Thousands of foreign workers have been subjected to abuse and exploitation on these farms, and some individuals involved in the state’s cannabis industry have connections to Chinese government-linked activities within the United States.

Licensed cannabis firms like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) have long had concerns about the disruptive and risky effects of the continued existence of black market marijuana. They are therefore likely to support every undertaking taken to curb illicit marijuana proliferation not just in legal markets but in all communities.

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420 with CNW — This New THC-Free Marijuana Compound Could Replace Opioids

A recent study from the University of Arizona Health Sciences suggests that terpenes found in the marijuana plant may offer a new way to manage post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain. The study expands on prior research conducted by Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction member Dr. John Streicher, who previously explored the pain-relieving properties of terpenes in cases of inflammation and nerve pain caused by chemotherapy.

According to Streicher, terpenes do not seem effective for immediate pain relief, such as injuries from burns or stubbing a toe. However, they show promise for pathological or long-term pain conditions. This study marks the first preclinical examination of terpenes in treating post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain, expanding potential non-opioid treatment options.

The research team focused on four terpenes commonly found in marijuana: alpha-humulene, geraniol, beta-caryophyllene, and linalool. In mouse models, all four provided significant pain reduction, with geraniol showing the most substantial effect.

Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition affecting muscles and soft tissues, impacts up to 5% of the global population, according to a 2023 study. In the U.S., approximately 4 million adults suffer from the condition, with women being more affected than men. Current treatments for fibromyalgia are limited, making new approaches like terpene-based therapy particularly important.

Post-surgical pain exists between chronic and acute pain, typically resolving in a short time but sometimes leading to complications due to heightened pain sensitivity and inflammation. While opioids are commonly prescribed for such pain, they can cause side effects like constipation, which may increase the risk of adhesions.

Streicher and his team are investigating alternative solutions, and their findings suggest terpenes could serve as a new therapeutic option.

Each year, around 310 million major surgical procedures take place worldwide. Given the widespread need for post-surgical pain management, identifying non-opioid treatments is a critical area of research.

The Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction’s director, Dr. Todd Vanderah, stressed the value of basic research in the development of novel therapies. He pointed out that many chemical compounds with unrealized medical potential are produced by plants, including marijuana. To illustrate how nature still produces surprising medical advances, he likened this to semaglutide (Ozempic), a drug created from a chemical found in the Gila monster.

The study also confirmed that terpenes interact with the adenosine A2a receptor, the same target as caffeine. This finding suggests that terpenes may have sedative effects, opening avenues for further research into their broader therapeutic potential.

Marijuana firms, such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQB: CURLF), are likely to take an interest in such studies since they could open opportunities for them to develop products geared at addressing the medical needs of specific symptoms afflicting their clients.

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420 with CNW — Germany’s Growing Marijuana Industry Holds its Breath as Elections Loom

Germany is set to hold its national elections on February 23, 2025, a pivotal event that will determine whether the Social Democratic Party (SDU) retains leadership or whether power shifts to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

The outcome of this election is of particular interest to the country’s emerging marijuana industry, which has seen significant legislative progress under the SDU and its governing allies. The most significant changes included reforms that greatly expanded access to medical marijuana, leading to a surge in patient numbers.

Additionally, although limited, a new recreational cannabis legislation was introduced, opening discussions about the possibility of a regulated commercial market.

These legal shifts have attracted interest from international marijuana businesses, particularly from Canada and the U.S., which are establishing a foothold in Germany in anticipation of further industry growth.

However, if the CDU secures victory, the pace of marijuana reform could slow down or be reversed. Despite this uncertainty, Germany’s marijuana market remains dynamic, with promising growth opportunities.

The most substantial growth has come from imports, with Canadian firms maintaining dominance in the market. A notable example is Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), a New York-based company. In 2022, Curaleaf acquired a majority stake in Four 20 Pharma, a German firm licensed to produce and distribute medical marijuana under stringent EU-GMP and GDP standards. This acquisition has given Curaleaf a strong presence in one of the world’s key marijuana markets.

Germany has permitted medical marijuana since 2017, though initial regulations were restrictive and kept patient numbers relatively low. A significant policy shift occurred on April 1, 2024, when cannabis was removed from the country’s narcotics list.

This change simplified the process of obtaining medical cannabis prescriptions, allowing patients to access their medication through regulated pharmacies. The new system enables individuals to consult with doctors via telehealth services, receive a prescription, and fill it at any pharmacy.

On the recreational front, the German government introduced the Cannabis Act, which permits the formation of social cannabis clubs for cultivation, though commercial sales remain prohibited. Members of these clubs can grow marijuana for personal use and share it with fellow members, but no transactions are allowed.

Each club can accommodate up to 500 members, with each individual permitted to acquire a maximum of 50 grams of marijuana in a month. However, consumption on club premises is not allowed. The act also decriminalized possession, allowing adults over 18 to carry up to 25 grams in public and store up to 50 grams at home. Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to three plants per household.

The next step for the German marijuana industry involves launching a recreational use pilot program, set to be implemented following the elections. This initiative will allow businesses and research institutions to apply for licenses to distribute cannabis for recreational use. Unlike the medical market, which remains tax-exempt, this program would generate government revenue through taxation, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to cannabis regulation.

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420 with CNW — Pain Increases Odds of Cancer Patients Using Marijuana, Tobacco

A recent study published in the journal Cancer suggests that cancer survivors experiencing pain may be more likely to use cannabis and cigarettes. The research also highlights a link between cigarette smoking, pain, and an increase in side effects related to treatment, ultimately leading to poorer health outcomes for cancer survivors.

Chronic pain, generally described as pain lasting three months or longer, affects approximately 30 percent of cancer survivors. In those with advanced stages of the disease, the prevalence can rise to 50%. As cancer treatments improve and more individuals live longer after their diagnosis, the number of survivors dealing with long-term pain often grows.

Pain often coincides with the use of substances such as e-cigarettes, cigarettes, cannabis, and alcohol for most people.

To better understand how pain influences non-opioid use among cancer survivors, researchers examined data from two nationwide surveys in the United States. These included 4,130 participants from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and 1,251 adults from 2021’s Wave 6 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

The study also explored how substance use and pain relate to mental well-being, self-perceived physical health, quality of life, and other symptoms associated with cancer treatment. Separate regression analyses were conducted for each data set.

Findings from the PATH Study indicated that individuals who experienced higher pain intensity in the past week were more likely to use cannabis, e-cigarettes, and cigarettes, while they were less likely to consume alcohol. Data from NHIS similarly showed that chronic pain was linked to a higher probability of cigarette use but a lower likelihood of alcohol consumption.

Despite its significant findings, the study had some limitations. Since the research relied on self-reported data, there is potential for bias. Additionally, its cross-sectional design prevents researchers from establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between substance use and pain. Nevertheless, the findings offer important insights into the need for comprehensive care approaches.

The study’s authors emphasized that addressing both substance use and pain together in cancer care is crucial. They noted that pain can lead individuals to turn to substances, while substance use can, in turn, worsen pain, creating a challenging cycle to break.

Although some cancer survivors may use cigarettes or other substances to manage pain and cope with symptoms, doing so may have severe health consequences. It can reduce the efficiency of cancer treatment and raise the risk of recurrence. Marijuana industry players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) can therefore help in spreading awareness about the potential side effects of medical marijuana so that patients are empowered to make informed decisions.

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420 with CNW — New Hampshire House Committee Discusses Measure to Legalize Recreational Cannabis

A House committee in New Hampshire recently convened to discuss one of three different proposals aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis in the state. The committee reviewed House Bill 186, introduced by Representative Jared Sullivan.

The proposal would permit adults from age 21 to possess up to ten grams of concentrate and two ounces of cannabis flower. It would also allow individuals to cultivate up to six marijuana plants for personal use at home.

Consumers would have the opportunity to purchase lab-tested and labeled products from stores regulated by the state. HB 186 is one of two legalization measures that Representative Sullivan has presented in this legislative session. The other proposal, House Bill 198, would legalize home cultivation and possession but does not include provisions for commercial sales.

The legislation discussed this week draws heavily from a similar measure that legislators nearly passed in the previous session. House Democrats, however, ultimately put the bill on hold after some of them voiced misgivings about its suggestion of a state-run franchise system.

Sullivan highlighted key changes in the new measure, including a lower tax rate. Instead of creating a new, marijuana-specific tax, the bill proposes using the state’s existing meals and room tax. Additionally, it seeks to establish an independent marijuana commission to set regulations and oversee the market, a shift from last year’s proposal, which would have placed oversight under the state’s liquor commission.

The committee listened to public testimony but didn’t make any immediate decisions on HB 186. Committee Chair Representative John Hunt stated that the bill would next be examined by a liquor subcommittee. Committee member Representative Merryl Gibbs expressed approval of the updated proposal, praising both the formation of a commission and the decision to base the marijuana tax on the meals and rooms tax.

Representative Heath Howard, co-sponsor of the measure, voiced his support, stressing the importance of providing adults not only with the right to possess cannabis legally but also with a regulated way to access it.

Former Representative Joe Hannon, who has a medical background and previously served on a state opioid committee, also backed the measure. Hannon noted that, without legal options in the state, residents often travel to nearby states to purchase marijuana legally, only to bring it back home.

The state Association of Chiefs of Police provided the only testimony opposing the bill during the hearing.

A poll conducted in June revealed that about 65% of New Hampshire adults support marijuana legalization, with nearly 61% backing the previous bill, House Bill 1633.

The entire marijuana industry, including firms like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be hoping that the lawmakers in New Hampshire keep the interests of their voters in mind while considering the legalization bills before them.

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420 with CNW — President Trump to Play Pivotal Role in Marijuana Policy Reform and Rescheduling

With cannabis rescheduling currently on hold indefinitely, the $32 billion industry’s fate hinges on critical decisions—particularly President Donald Trump’s choice of the next Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) director.

Trump made waves in September by becoming the first presidential candidate from a major party to support a state-level recreational marijuana legalization ballot initiative. However, since then, the topic has not resurfaced in his agenda. It also remained absent during the confirmation hearings for his attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi.

In this information vacuum, speculation has emerged based on Bondi’s record and Trump’s posts on Truth Social. A notable detail is Bondi’s time as a lobbyist for Ballard Partners, a D.C.-based company. Ballard’s client list includes Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a multistate cannabis operator based in Tallahassee, Florida, though Bondi herself is not listed as a lobbyist for the company.

Trulieve’s CEO, Kim Rivers, attended Trump’s inauguration alongside Cresco Labs CEO Charlie Bachtell. Following the event, Rivers shared on X that she had productive discussions on cannabis reform and rescheduling, calling it “a new day” for the industry.

If confirmed, Bondi’s actions—along with Trump’s choice for DEA leadership—could shape the future of cannabis reform. This urgency has heightened after DEA judge John Mulrooney II halted the administrative process to move cannabis to Schedule III. Mulrooney’s January 13 order stopped hearings that were supposed to resume on January 21, citing a request to disqualify DEA director Anne Milgram due to allegations of bias against the process.

Rescheduling would significantly relieve the cannabis sector, allowing businesses to claim standard federal tax deductions currently prohibited under federal law. However, the timing and continuation of the rescheduling hearings remain uncertain. As Mulrooney noted in his order, he could recommend restarting the entire process, but any decision ultimately rests with the next DEA director.

Trump’s first nominee for DEA leadership, Chad Chronister, withdrew his name shortly after being nominated. Trump later claimed he had withdrawn the nomination himself. Observers believe Trump might select someone with deep ties to the DEA, and this seemed likely when Derek Maltz, a long-time DEA official and opponent of rescheduling cannabis, was appointed interim administrator.

Whether Maltz becomes the next director or serves temporarily, many doubt a Trump appointee would oppose his policy stance. Similarly, the GOP-controlled Congress is unlikely to challenge Trump’s directives, despite cannabis advocates’ efforts to push reform.

Under Biden, marijuana reform efforts stalled, including a Senate bill for banking protections that never reached a full vote. Blame for this failure varies, with some pointing fingers at the Republican opposition, while others blame Chuck Schumer, the former Senate Majority Leader. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are not seen as advocates for cannabis reform.

Should the Trump administration prioritize rescheduling, it could drastically alter the trajectory of marijuana policy in the United States. All the eyes of marijuana industry actors like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be on the new team in Washington, D.C. to see what decisions they make and how those decisions shape the future of the industry.

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420 with CNW — Data Shows After Ohio Legalized Marijuana, Fatal Car Crashes Have Dropped

Recent data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) shows that since cannabis legalization came into effect in the state, fatal traffic accidents connected to marijuana use have decreased by 30%. This contradicts concerns raised by critics of legalization who predicted an increase in deadly crashes caused by impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Ohio voters approved recreational cannabis legalization in November 2023 and the law went into effect the following month, allowing for legal possession and use. Retail sales began in August 2024.

The state had 1,067 fatal road accidents last year—the lowest figure in the last five years and a 7% decline from the 1,150 crashes recorded in 2023. Among these, 215 accidents, or about 20%, were linked to marijuana—a drop from 306 crashes (27%) tied to cannabis the previous year.

Operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) arrests also decreased last year, with 644 fewer cases recorded than in 2023. Marijuana-related OVI arrests specifically saw an 83-case decline in 2024 compared to the prior year. In 2023, law enforcement reported 15,276 OVI arrests, of which around 10% (1,454) involved cannabis. By 2024, the total arrests had dropped to 14,632, and marijuana-related arrests accounted for 1,371 of those—a 6% decrease.

Tragically, 242 people lost their lives in crashes thought to be caused by cannabis use in 2024. However, this is a significant improvement—28% fewer fatalities than the 335 recorded in 2023. It’s also the lowest number of such deaths since 2020. Marijuana-related crashes in general fell as well, with 1,171 incidents reported in 2024—the lowest since 2020 and a 12% decrease from 2023.

Beyond traffic incidents, overall drug arrests by OSHP dropped significantly after marijuana legalization. In 2024, there were 5,458 fewer drug arrests compared to the prior year, representing a 66% decline. Arrests for all drug-related offenses have steadily decreased since 2021, with 12,528 arrests recorded that year. The numbers fell to 8,385 in 2022, 8,215 in 2023, and just 2,758 in 2024.

While OSHP noted that the current data is preliminary and might change as more toxicology results become available, these trends suggest a clear decline in cannabis-related traffic deaths. Reports from state regulators also revealed that legal marijuana sales in the state exceeded $242 million in 2024. According to regulators, 32,486 pounds of plant material and 4,007,127 units of manufactured items have been sold.

These statistics prove that marijuana legalization and the licensing of entities like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) doesn’t lead to a spike in fatal crashes. Instead, systems are created, such as education campaigns, to encourage responsible use. As a result, communities reap the benefits of this substance while also keeping any attendant risks minimal.

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