420 with CNW — Marijuana Derivatives Show Promise in Treating Ovarian Cancer

Researchers searching for better ways to treat ovarian cancer have reported encouraging results from laboratory tests involving two marijuana compounds. According to a new study, both THC and CBD were able to slow the growth of ovarian cancer cells, and when used together, they were particularly effective at killing existing malignant cells.

The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, are still at an early stage and are limited to cell-based studies. However, scientists say the results point to a possible new direction for therapies targeting a disease that is often detected late and remains difficult to manage with current drugs.

CBD, which does not produce a psychoactive effect, and THC, which does, have previously shown anti-cancer activity in studies involving other tumor types. Based on that evidence, the research team examined how both substances affected ovarian cancer cells grown in the laboratory.

The scientists worked with two types of ovarian cancer cells. One was responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy, while the other was resistant to it. Each cell line was exposed separately to CBD, THC, and a combination of the two. Healthy cells were also included to assess potential toxicity.

Results showed that cancer cells treated with either compound produced fewer colonies and displayed reduced growth. The strongest effects were observed when CBD and THC were applied together. While each substance alone had a limited ability to kill cancer cells outright, their combined use led to a significant increase in cancer cell death. Researchers believe the compounds may act through different biological processes that reinforce each other when paired.

Further tests revealed that treated cancer cells were less able to move, an important finding since the spread of cancer to other organs is a leading cause of death in ovarian cancer patients. If confirmed in further studies, this could mean the compounds help limit metastasis.

Notably, both chemotherapy-sensitive and resistant cancer cells reacted in similar ways. Healthy cells showed little change, raising the possibility that treatments based on these compounds might be easier to tolerate than current options.

To understand how the effects occur, the researchers examined a key cellular signaling system known as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which is often overactive in ovarian tumors. THC and CBD appeared to bring this pathway back under control, reducing cancer cell growth and survival.

Despite the promising data, researchers caution that extensive additional studies are required. Animal testing and clinical trials will be necessary to determine safety, dosage, and real-world effectiveness. For now, the findings offer a potential foundation for future therapies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.

These findings come at a time when reports show President Trump is considering using an executive order to shift marijuana from Schedule I to III of the CSA. The wider marijuana industry, including enterprises like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), welcomes these positive developments that could help to support efforts to reform drug policies around the world.

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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 — Proposal Seeks to Cover Some Hemp Products Under Medicare Plans

Medical marijuana health insurance has long been viewed by cannabis businesses and patient advocates as a breakthrough that could reshape the industry. A recent proposed change to Medicare reimbursement regulations offered a brief spark of attention but delivered little for those hoping for broader coverage.

While the revision would allow coverage for a limited range of hemp products, it would not include CBD.

Talks of government-backed health plans covering CBD treatments picked up last week after Bloomberg reported that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was weighing whether certain older adults might qualify for CBD care beyond the single FDA-approved prescription option.

Such a move could have provided a lifeline to the struggling hemp economy, valued at $28.3 billion and facing major disruption once a federal ban on hemp-derived THC takes effect next year.

A shift in Medicare rules would also have marked a major change from policies rolled out in April 2025. Those guidelines explicitly barred marijuana products from some Medicare plans since they are federally illegal.

The Bloomberg report traced the policy discussion to Howard Kessler, a prominent CBD advocate with ties to President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club. Kessler’s Commonwealth Project produced a video, shared by Trump on Truth Social, highlighting CBD as a potential therapy for seniors. Kessler reportedly met with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sparking speculation that Medicare might eventually cover CBD.

However, CMS’s latest proposal, published in the Federal Register, indicates that CBD is unlikely to qualify for coverage under Medicare. The draft states that any marijuana products deemed illegal under federal or state law, including regulations from the FDA, cannot be reimbursed.

Under these rules, only specific hemp-based products such as hemp seed oil, hulled hemp seeds, and hemp seed protein powder might be eligible for limited coverage.

The FDA has consistently said that current rules for foods and dietary supplements do not apply to CBD because it has never been cleared as a food additive. That stance has limited where CBD can appear on store shelves and has created uncertainty for businesses that invested heavily in the compound.

Complicating matters further is the recent legislation signed by Trump banning hemp-derived THC. The law narrows the definition of hemp, effectively limiting CBD products to 0.4 mg of THC per package. Industry groups say the law would make much of the current hemp market illegal once the rules take effect in 2026.

Currently, the only CBD medicine approved by federal regulators is Epidiolex, which remains available only with a prescription.

The wider marijuana industry, including firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be hoping that federal laws gradually shift and respond to the current realities characterized by the widespread adoption of medical marijuana treatments by vast sections of the U.S. population.

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420 with CNW — Female Frequent Users of Marijuana Are More Satisfied in Their Romantic Relationships, Study Finds

A recent study from Israel suggests that marijuana use may influence how partners feel about their relationships, with women and men reporting sharply different experiences. The research, published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence Journal, examined how varying levels of cannabis consumption relate to satisfaction in long-term partnerships.

The study involved 110 couples who answered detailed surveys about how often they used cannabis, how they viewed the strength of their relationship, how they felt about their sex lives, and how responsive they believed their partners were.

Women who consumed cannabis frequently tended to rate their relationships more positively, describing both themselves and their partners as more fulfilled than women who used it rarely or never. Men, however, told a different story. The study notes that those who used marijuana at similar high levels tended to report lower satisfaction. They also viewed their partners as less responsive, although the latter finding did not meet the threshold for statistical significance.

The study is one of the few to look at possible dose-related effects rather than simply whether a person uses cannabis or abstains. The authors say this approach offers a more nuanced look at how consumption patterns shape couples’ experiences.

The study notes that couples who differed significantly in how much they used the drug were more likely to describe weaker bonds and less satisfying sex lives. The researchers link this trend to a long-standing theory that shared activities strengthen romantic bonds. When one partner regularly uses marijuana and the other does not, or when their consumption levels differ widely, the couple may have fewer mutual experiences built around that activity, which can limit closeness.

As for the gender divide, the researchers offered several ideas. Men generally consume cannabis more often than women, which has been associated in previous studies with a greater chance of negative physical or psychological effects. Those drawbacks might spill into relationships and influence both partners’ sense of connection.

Women, on the other hand, typically use cannabis at lower levels. Light use has been associated with fewer adverse consequences and a better reported quality of life compared with heavy use. The researchers suggest that these differences may help explain why frequent use appears to affect women more positively in the context of romantic satisfaction.

The team also raised the possibility that social expectations play a part. Women who use cannabis heavily may be stepping outside traditional gender roles, which could create a sense of autonomy and authenticity. That feeling of independence may contribute to a stronger perception of relationship quality.

The authors caution that their sample size was modest and that more research is needed to understand why these gender patterns emerge.

Rigorous data of this nature could be useful to the cannabis industry, including firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as it could inform how they refine their products targeting different sections of the population.

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420 with CNW — Doctors, Lawmakers Still Unsure About Medical Marijuana

After seven years of unrelenting back pain and 36 different prescriptions, Josh Dunifon believed he had exhausted every medical option. His medicine cabinet, once filled with bottles and hope, had become a reminder of how little relief he’d found after a devastating truck accident.

At 48, Dunifon never imagined cannabis could be an alternative. He had always opposed its use, but desperation pushed him to reconsider after his physician brought up the idea of medical marijuana.

“It never occurred to me,” he said. “I was one of those people who thought marijuana was bad. But at that point, I was so desperate I would’ve tried anything if it meant less pain.”

Under the supervision of Dr. Patricia Hurford, a physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine, Dunifon began using small doses of cannabis-infused gummies. The results didn’t come instantly, but the change was noticeable.

He is one of an estimated 3.7 million Americans registered as medical cannabis patients. Despite its growing acceptance, many healthcare providers remain reluctant to recommend it.

“Only 30 percent of doctors feel comfortable talking about marijuana,” said Dr. Hurford. “And that number doesn’t necessarily include those who understand how it might be used therapeutically.”

She believes that federal restrictions are partly to blame. Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, placing it in the same category as methamphetamine and heroin. The DEA defines that classification as having no accepted medical purpose and a high risk for abuse.

“If it were reclassified, it could help reduce the stigma for both doctors and patients,” Hurford said.

President Trump recently hinted that his administration was reviewing cannabis’s classification. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to push reform. Representative Jerrold Nadler has reintroduced the MORE Act, which would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and end federal penalties for its use or distribution. The proposal is currently in the House Judiciary Committee.

Twenty-four states and Washington, D.C., currently allow recreational cannabis, while 40 states permit medical use. In Germany, recent clinical trials have shown that medical cannabis can serve as an alternative to opioids for pain management. In contrast, U.S. studies remain limited due to strict federal controls on Schedule I substances.

For Dunifon, the change has been life-altering. A year after beginning treatment, he regained full arm movement and returned to work.

He credits medical cannabis not only with helping him recover physically but also with improving his outlook. “It’s not for everyone,” Dunifon said. “But if you use it responsibly, it can really make a difference.”

The reports given by people like Dunifon are part of the reason why companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) firmly believe that cannabis can have considerable benefits when used therapeutically with help from a healthcare professional.

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420 with CNW — Supreme Court to Hear Case on Gun Rights of Marijuana Users

The US Supreme Court has stated that it will hear a case on whether individuals who frequently use cannabis can legally possess firearms. The case will mark the latest in a series of major gun rights disputes since the Court’s 2022 decision that broadened constitutional protections for gun ownership.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking the Court to revive a prosecution against a Texas man, Ali Danial Hemani, who faced a felony charge for owning a firearm while admitting to being a regular marijuana user.

A federal appeals court had earlier struck down that law, ruling that it was unconstitutional under the Supreme Court’s new interpretation of the Second Amendment. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals said the measure could still apply to individuals found to be armed while actively under the influence, but not to all users in general.

Although the Trump administration generally supports gun rights, government lawyers maintain that the restriction is justified on public safety grounds. They argue that habitual drug users pose unique risks that justify limiting their access to firearms.

Prosecutors noted that during an FBI search, agents found Hemani’s firearm along with cocaine, though the gun possession charge was the only count filed. Defense attorneys countered that the mention of other alleged activities, including ties to Iran, was intended to unfairly portray Hemani as dangerous.

Hemani’s defense team argues that the law’s broad language could criminalize millions of Americans, pointing out that roughly one in five adults has used marijuana, according to federal health surveys. While nearly half of U.S. states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, it remains a controlled substance under federal law, leaving many users caught between conflicting legal standards.

Arguments before the Supreme Court are expected to begin in early 2026, with a ruling likely by the summer. The decision could have broad implications for how federal firearm restrictions are interpreted in the wake of the Court’s 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision, which established that gun regulations must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition.

That 2022 judgment has already fueled a surge of legal challenges to firearm laws nationwide. While the Court has since upheld a separate law preventing individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing guns, this new case could further define how far constitutional protections for gun owners extend when other federal prohibitions are involved.

Marijuana companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) from far and wide will be following this case since it could set a precedent that defines whether cannabis users can legally own firearms or not.

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420 with CNW — Michigan Lawmakers Pass Marijuana Tax Hike Proposal

The Michigan State Senate recently passed a measure introducing a 24% tax on wholesale marijuana sales. The new levy will be used to fix and maintain the state’s roads. The Senate passed House Bill 4951 last Friday, following the state House’s approval on September 25.

Once signed into law, the 24% levy on wholesale transactions will be added to the existing 10% excise tax already applied to marijuana products. In addition, customers continue to pay a 6 percent sales tax when purchasing cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

According to a legislative analysis, the additional tax is projected to generate roughly $420 million annually for infrastructure improvements. However, the report also predicts a potential 14% drop in marijuana sales as higher prices could discourage consumers or drive them toward unregulated markets.

The bill’s passage in the House last month sparked protests from cannabis advocates, who gathered outside the Capitol to voice their frustration. Many industry leaders and small business owners argue that the additional tax will cripple local marijuana companies, threaten jobs, and push more consumers toward the illegal market where prices are lower and regulation is nonexistent.

“Our industry isn’t a solution for their budget problems,” said Mike DiLaura, House of Dank’s general counsel. “As citizens and business owners, we need to stand together and say we’ve had enough.”

Representative Timmy Beson also criticized the measure, saying that raising taxes on marijuana businesses to pay for road work would hurt small business owners statewide. “We should be encouraging Michigan entrepreneurs, not making it harder for them to survive,” Beson said.

Beson also emphasized the impact on cultivators, saying that small farmers can’t simply raise prices to cover higher costs. He suggested that any new tax should be applied at the retail level instead, where prices are actually determined, and that it should be consistent across all types of marijuana retailers.

Leaflink’s vice president, Rodney Holcombe, added that the move undermines the progress Michigan’s marijuana market has made since legalization. “This industry has created more than 47,000 jobs, contributed consistent tax revenue, and boosted consumer safety,” Holcombe said. “This tax could undo that success, leading to fewer legal sales and more activity in the illicit market. We’re committed to working with the industry to find a fair path forward.”

HB 4951 now awaits Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature. She is expected to approve it as part of a broader agreement on the state budget.

Canadian marijuana firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) may be sympathizing with their U.S.-based counterparts that have to deal with a patchwork of regulatory systems and additional challenges arising from a heavy tax burden.

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420 with CNW — 3 Marijuana Companies Close Their Doors in Colorado Over Liver Issues

Three businesses tied to the creation and sale of a marijuana-based sleep aid are shutting down their operations in Colorado after reaching a settlement and financial penalty that ends a lawsuit brought by the state.

The businesses, Nuka Properties LLC, Nuka Enterprises LLC, and Sima Sciences LLC, were behind the “1906” brand of products sold in Colorado since 2016. One of their best-known products was “Midnight Drops,” a pill made from cannabis combined with other plant-based ingredients.

According to state officials, problems with the product began surfacing in 2020, when consumers started filing complaints. In 2023, the state’s Department of Public Health and Environment and the Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division issued warnings to the public about health concerns linked to “Midnight Drops.”

The notice stated that earlier batches of “Midnight Drops,” produced before March 2022, contained an herbal ingredient called Corydalis, which could potentially cause liver damage. While research on Corydalis is limited, state officials said it raised enough concern to alert the public.

Later versions of the product were also flagged. State investigators found those pills included an extract from the Stephania plant containing L-THP, a compound also linked to signs of liver injury. The notice stated that users showed elevated liver enzyme levels, an early indicator of possible liver problems.

The notice stated that the companies had agreed to discontinue “Midnight Drops” and pull remaining stock from retailers. However, according to the attorney general’s office, the firms did not follow through. Instead, they allegedly continued producing and selling the capsules. Officials also accused the companies of failing to thoroughly research the safety of the herbal additives or properly inform stores about the risks.

The legal battle concluded last week with a settlement. The companies behind the 1906 line agreed to shut down their Colorado operations and pay a $400,000 fine. The agreement does leave open the possibility of resuming business at a later time if certain conditions are satisfied, though the state has not disclosed what those conditions are or how long they would remain in effect.

In addition, the settlement sets the stage for further financial consequences if the firms do not comply with the terms. Altogether, fines could climb as high as $1 million.

This case highlights a broader trend of regulators at both the federal and state levels penalizing companies that promote products with unsupported claims about health benefits.

The case also highlights why it is important to open legal marijuana markets where licensed companies, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), are allowed to operate. Their products can undergo rigorous testing and any anomaly found can be addressed through product recalls or sanctioning the offending firms, as happened to the trio in Colorado. In this way, public health can be protected while also allowing adults who choose to consume products to do so safely.

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420 with CNW — Nebraska Commission Heeds Governor’s Request and Sets Medical Marijuana Plant Limit

Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission will restrict the number of plants medical growers can cultivate, setting the cap at 1,250 flowering cannabis plants per operation. The move followed pressure from Governor Jim Pillen, who stated that the new program must have firm boundaries before he approved emergency guidelines.

In a letter to the commission, the governor noted that without such a restriction, the risk of excess production could lead to illegal sales and undermine regulation. He indicated he would back the rest of the proposal if the adjustment were included.

The commission recently announced that it will authorize only four licenses for cultivators, with applications due by September 23 and licensing expected to start October 1. The discussion over limits was guided by Bo Botelho, legal counsel for the state’s Health and Human Services Department.

When drafting the initial framework, Botelho used Missouri’s program, which allows cultivation for both medical and recreational markets. His early suggestions were far lower than Missouri’s thresholds: 200 plants indoors, 300 in greenhouses, 500 outdoors, and 200 for mixed setups. He admitted the figures were only placeholders and not based on detailed calculations.

Commissioner Bruce Bailey led efforts to increase the limits, pointing out that not all plants survive or pass testing and that supply should be sufficient to meet patient demand. Estimates suggested that if about 1% of Nebraska’s population sought medical marijuana, roughly 20,000 patients could enroll. Using a simple formula of one plant for every two patients, the need would reach 10,000 plants statewide.

Other commissioners, including Lorelle Mueting and Kim Lowe, agreed that demand might not reach that level immediately but supported reviewing numbers later. Mueting noted that based on her research, 2,000 indoor plants could potentially produce adequate tinctures for approximately 2,300 patients annually. She, however, stressed that yields vary depending on how plants are grown.

Ultimately, Bailey suggested a single flat limit of 1,250 plants per cultivator, regardless of facility type. With four licensed growers, this would allow up to 5,000 plants in production at one time, with two harvests annually, meeting the target of 10,000 plants annually.

However, not everyone supports the restriction. Crista Eggers, who led the petition drive for medical marijuana legalization in the state, argues the program is being weakened before it even starts. Medical marijuana patients like Lia Post are urging the commission to recognize real medical needs rather than imposing what she sees as artificial restrictions.

The commission is set to meet again on September 30 at 1 p.m. Licensed cannabis companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) operating in other markets will be watching how the market in Nebraska finally rolls out.

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420 with CNW — Rangers Clear Nearly 3,000 Illicit Cannabis Plants in California National Park

Park rangers in Sequoia National Park, California, have cleared an extensive illegal cannabis cultivation site covering roughly 13 acres.

According to a statement from the National Park Service (NPS), rangers removed more than 2,300 mature cannabis plants. They also hauled away nearly 2,000 pounds of trash, pipes, and equipment using both manual labor and helicopter lifts.

The site was first discovered and raided by park law enforcement in 2024, but officials reported that the area could not be fully restored until this year due to hazardous substances at the site. Among the items found were a semi-automatic handgun and toxic chemicals, including methamidophos. The insecticide, banned in the United States since 2009, is highly poisonous and poses serious risks to people and wildlife.

The case is currently under investigation, and no suspects have been identified or arrested so far.

According to the NPS, natural water sources had been diverted from a creek nearby through irrigation lines and storage pits. Additionally, hillsides were terraced for planting, while vegetation was cleared on a large scale. Rangers also found makeshift camps, cooking areas, poaching activity, and illegal trails stretching about two miles through the wilderness.

Beyond the physical alterations, the environmental impact is severe. Cannabis plants require significant amounts of water, roughly six to eight gallons each day. That level of consumption strains fragile ecosystems, robbing native wildlife and vegetation of the water they rely on. In addition, runoff from the site may carry pesticides into streams, further contaminating habitats.

Large-scale drug cultivation has been an issue in California’s Central Valley and its surrounding parks for decades. Since the early 2000s, nearly 300,000 plants valued at close to $850 million have been seized from Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks alone.

Although the state legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, strict regulations on legal cultivation have fueled a thriving underground market. Many unlicensed operations disregard environmental laws, leaving behind polluted land, depleted water sources, and damaged habitats.

In Northern California’s Siskiyou County, for example, authorities estimate over 15,000 acres of illicit grow sites have been discovered. The result has been declining wildlife populations and widespread use of unregulated pesticides.

Rick Dean, director of community development for Siskiyou’s environmental health unit, described the grim conditions in a past interview. “When you walk through those sites, there’s hardly any wildlife left,” he said. “You’re lucky if you spot a single lizard.”

The grim results of illegal marijuana grows in California make a strong case in support of the calls by the marijuana industry, including firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), to stamp out such illicit actors in all jurisdictions where marijuana has been legalized, and even in prohibitionist jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Partnership Between Cannabis Tracking Software Providers Leaves Marijuana Industry Concerned

Leading cannabis compliance and tracking company Metrc entered into a new partnership with its rival BioTrack, sparking speculation about the future of marijuana tracking in the United States.

The recent announcement has left many licensed operators and state regulators uncertain about its implications, particularly in New York, where a functioning seed-to-sale system is still pending for the state’s $1.5 billion cannabis market.

For years, the U.S. cannabis industry has relied mainly on two Florida-based firms to manage its product tracking systems. Metrc, based in Lakeland, currently holds contracts with twenty-nine states, requiring all licensed operators in these areas to use its RFID-tag-based tracking software. BioTrack, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, serves eight states but has been losing market share despite acquiring smaller competitors, including MJFreeway in 2024.

Under the new partnership, a new company, BT Government, will handle BioTrack’s government contracts, operating independently from BioTrack and Metrc. The entity will be led by BioTrack’s COO, Moe Afaneh, while BioTrack continues to provide point-of-sale and other commercial software services.

Financial terms of the partnership were not revealed. However, state records show that Metrc LLC operates independently from its parent, Metrc Inc., whose leadership includes notable investors such as Karan Wadhera of Casa Verde Capital, a cannabis-focused investment firm linked to Snoop Dogg.

Industry observers see potential benefits in the collaboration. Poseidon Investment Management managing director Emily Paxhia noted that marijuana businesses currently navigate a “patchwork” of different tracking systems, depending on state rules. The new partnership, she suggested, might simplify operations for multi-state operators. Still, it’s unclear whether this move represents a merger or simply a functional partnership.

BioTrack, now owned by Alleaves, currently holds seed-to-sale contracts in Connecticut, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, New York, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Virginia. However, Metrc has been chipping away at BioTrack’s market share. Illinois recently switched from BioTrack to Metrc, and Massachusetts renewed its Metrc contract earlier this year.

New York’s deal with BioTrack, signed in late 2022, was worth $1.2 million over five years, far less than the $113 million California agreed to pay Metrc for four years. Still, operators have raised concerns over BioTrack’s tag pricing requirements, which they say would raise costs unnecessarily.

Following the partnership announcement, New York regulators temporarily halted compliance requirements while they assess the impact. Cannabis operators in other BioTrack states, such as Connecticut, are also waiting for guidance.

Some businesses speculate the partnership might eventually allow states with BioTrack contracts to switch to Metrc’s platform, which they see as more efficient. But for now, the industry is left with more questions than answers—especially about pricing, timelines, and technology updates.

The marijuana industry, including players across the border like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be watching for any additional information provided about this partnership as it could influence the trajectory of operations within the industry.

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