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.

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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 — 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.

A 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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420 with CNW — Missouri Regulators Consider Authorizing Marijuana Curbside Pickup

Missouri cannabis dispensaries could soon have another way to serve customers, as state regulators consider a rule that would permit curbside pickup. The proposal would expand the current options, which already include delivery and drive-thru services with state approval.

The state Division of Cannabis Regulation this week released a draft amendment that outlines how dispensaries could implement curbside pickup. The agency is inviting public comments on the proposal through October 28 before deciding whether to move forward.

For some dispensary owners and cannabis customers, the change could make a big difference. Mark Hendren, CEO of Flora Farms, one of Missouri’s largest cannabis companies, said curbside service would help customers who have mobility challenges. Three of Flora Farms’ eight dispensaries currently lack drive-thru windows, which means every visitor must park, walk inside, and go through standard check-in procedures.

“When customers visit our stores, they have to get out of their vehicles and go through the normal check-in inside the building,” Hendren said. “That process can be challenging for some of our customers with disabilities, so this would really help them.”

Under the draft rules, curbside pickup would operate under strict security and payment guidelines. Customers would have to complete their transactions online in advance, ensuring no cash is exchanged outside the dispensary. The designated pickup areas would also need to be monitored by security cameras, similar to those required for existing drive-thru cannabis lanes.

Dispensaries would additionally be required to display a clear warning sign reminding customers that it is illegal to operate a boat, motor vehicle, or aircraft while under the influence of cannabis.

The draft amendment released on Tuesday is still in the early stages and has not yet been incorporated into the state’s formal rulemaking process. According to the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), which oversees the Cannabis Regulation Division, the move is meant to gather input from both industry members and the public before the agency submits an official rule change.

“This step is part of DHSS’s ongoing process to consider all perspectives before filing new or amended regulations,” the department said in a statement.

According to the department’s statement, the goal of the amendment is to improve how dispensaries operate by making cannabis purchases more accessible. The agency said the curbside option would particularly benefit medical patients, caregivers, and consumers with physical limitations who might struggle with in-person transactions.

Such helpful changes are likely to be applauded by players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) in the wider marijuana industry around the region.

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420 with CNW — Does Marijuana Prohibition at the Federal Level Prevent Employee Unionization?

A marijuana business in Michigan is arguing that federal labor laws should not apply to marijuana employees since cannabis remains illegal under U.S. law in an attempt to block unionization.

The company, Exclusive Brands, based in Ann Arbor, recently made this case to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). If the board accepts the argument, it could weaken protections for workers in the fast-growing $32 billion cannabis market. Observers say this could be the first time a marijuana company has used federal prohibition as a reason to block union efforts.

For years, the NLRB has recognized cannabis employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Reversing that stance would mean overturning its own precedent. Lauren McFarran, a former NLRB chair, described such a shift as a major departure. Still, some experts believe a Trump-era board could be open to such a move, given the administration’s record of limiting worker protections.

At the moment, the NLRB cannot act because it lacks the quorum needed to issue decisions. Until new appointments are made, labor disputes fall under state law, leaving cannabis workers and employers facing a confusing mix of rules depending on where they operate.

Tensions are already high in Michigan, where eight employees from Exclusive Brand have been on strike since late August. They voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers union, but the company has refused to recognize their choice. Budtender Emily Hull, part of the organizing team, accused the company of cutting hours in retaliation against outspoken staff. According to Hull, Exclusive has also ignored attempts to negotiate.

Josh Leadford, the company’s attorney, filed a petition with the NLRB in early August. His filing claimed that because cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, neither Exclusive nor the union can seek protection or enforcement through the board. Notably, the petition did not cite prior case law. A hearing has yet to be scheduled.

Historically, even GOP-appointed panels have agreed that the NLRA applies to marijuana businesses. But if the NLRB remains in limbo, states may step in. Some states, such as California, Massachusetts, and New York, allow workers to appeal to state labor boards if the federal board cannot act. In conservative states with weaker labor regulations, however, cannabis companies might benefit.

Marijuana employees already face gaps in protection. Federal law excludes agricultural workers from the NLRA, which means many cultivation staff are left out unless their state has its own laws, as in California. Unions gained traction in the industry under Biden’s administration, with Arizona seeing its first agricultural unionization in decades.

However, major operators like Green Thumb and Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) have fought hard against union efforts in both the courts and before the NLRB.

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420 with CNW — Governor Abbott Signals Texans to Await Action on THC-Rich Hemp Products

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has hinted that more action could soon be taken on THC-infused hemp products, despite lawmakers failing to move the issue forward this year.

Speaking on Friday, Abbott suggested the discussion is far from over and told reporters to “stay tuned” when asked whether he would wait until the 2027 regular session or call another special session as early as next year.

While some Republican legislators have pushed for a full ban on intoxicating hemp products, Abbott has resisted that approach. Instead, he has leaned toward rules centered on age restrictions and protecting public health. Earlier in the year, he vetoed a measure that would have outlawed THC-infused hemp products entirely.

The state’s special legislative sessions were primarily called for election redistricting measures, but both also featured bills targeting THC-infused hemp products. In August, during the second special session, the Senate again passed a hemp ban and sent it to the House. But progress stalled as many Democratic representatives left the state to block a redistricting measure, preventing the chamber from taking up the hemp legislation.

Abbott has stated that he is open to a revised plan, but not one that shuts down the industry completely. His stance has placed him at odds with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senator Charles Perry, the bill’s sponsor, who argue that banning THC-infused hemp products is necessary for public safety.

Supporters of regulation, on the other hand, maintain that the state should focus on preventing youth access while continuing to allow adults 21 and over to purchase and use hemp responsibly.

Democratic lawmakers also introduced alternative measures. Representative Nicole Collier proposed HB 42, a short bill aimed at protecting consumers who unknowingly purchase hemp items that test above legal THC limits. The measure would prevent criminal charges if a person bought what they reasonably thought was a legal hemp product from a licensed retailer.

Representative Jessica González filed HB 195, which would go further by legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and over, permitting possession of up to 2.5 ounces, with stricter limits on concentrates. Another proposal, HB 198, called for a state-led study on testing methods to detect THC impairment.

Separately, the Texas Department of State Health Services has moved forward with proposed rules to broaden medical marijuana access, including allowing doctors to recommend cannabis for additional conditions and setting standards for approved inhalation equipment.

Major players in the marijuana industry, such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), will be monitoring how the push to legalize adult-use marijuana in Texas progresses.

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420 with CNW — The Supreme Court Could Advance Marijuana Reform Amid Trump’s Inaction

The future of federal cannabis policy is once again in uncertainty as the Trump administration sends mixed signals on marijuana reform. On one hand, Trump has voiced support for medical marijuana and hinted that he may consider reclassifying it.

On the other hand, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively working to defend cannabis prohibition in court while also trying to restrict gun rights for cannabis users.

Since Congress has repeatedly failed to move forward on marijuana reform, advocates are now turning their hopes toward the courts and the executive.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear two cases that could reshape marijuana law. The first, USA v. Hemani, involves a Texas man challenging the government’s ban on marijuana users owning firearms. The second, Canna Provisions v. Bondi, questions a 2005 ruling that upheld federal cannabis prohibition and could open a path for reform without waiting on Congress.

This comes as Trump recently signaled interest in reclassifying cannabis as a less harmful substance. However, predicting his approach is difficult given his conflicting decisions, including appointing an anti-marijuana DEA chief and embracing a strict law-and-order stance.

Despite backing medical marijuana on the campaign trail and voting in Florida, Trump has since given the issue little attention, leaving speculation to fill the gaps.

The ruling on the Hemani case could force the administration to state its position more clearly. However, legal scholars note that rescheduling cannabis may not resolve most concerns. If cannabis moves to Schedule III, it would still require FDA approval and a prescription, meaning recreational users would remain in violation of federal law and could still lose gun rights.

Meanwhile, the second case is moving toward the Supreme Court. Multistate cannabis company Verano Holdings, along with other businesses, filed a lawsuit claiming that cannabis’ federal prohibition is unconstitutional.

Their case was rejected by a federal appeals court earlier this year, but their legal team, led by high-profile attorney David Boies, is preparing to petition the Supreme Court. Their goal is to get the court to reconsider the CSA for the first time since 2005.

Observers caution that litigation should not be read as a clear policy direction. They say that DOJ lawyers are obligated to defend existing laws even as federal agencies weigh new policies, such as rescheduling.

The outcome of these cases could force the government to address the distinction between recreational and medical cannabis. Trump himself has suggested that medical use deserves more consideration, while recreational use raises broader concerns.

Marijuana firms across the board, including companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), will be following these issues before the Supreme Court to see how the outcomes could impact the trajectory of the industry in the U.S.

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