420 with CNW — Massachusetts Considers Freezing Issuance of Marijuana Cultivation Licenses

Cannabis stores across Massachusetts are moving more product than in previous years as the number of licensed businesses reaches a record high in what has become a $1.6 billion annual industry. Even so, regulators are weighing a temporary halt on new cultivation licenses as growers grapple with falling wholesale and retail prices. 

Massachusetts, like several other states, is facing a glut of product. That imbalance has driven prices down sharply. Data from the state cannabis commission show that the average cost of an eighth of an ounce dropped to $14.20 last November, a steep decline compared with earlier years of the legal market. 

According to commission figures, the state has roughly 1-to-1.2 square feet of approved growing canopy for every adult aged 21 and over. That level of production capacity exceeds what is available in nearby Connecticut, where retail prices remain higher. 

Regulators have not yet decided whether to implement a freeze. Commissioners recently voted to schedule a future public hearing to examine the proposal. If approved, the moratorium would apply only to new cultivation applications. Permits that are already in progress would continue moving through the system. 

Commissioner Kim Roy indicated that many operators are struggling and suggested that a pause could offer some breathing room. She said businesses across the supply chain, from growers to storefronts, are feeling the strain of tighter margins and intense competition. 

The number of active cultivators has already declined. State records show 132 cannabis growers currently operating. At the same time, 158 cultivation licenses have lapsed, and 25 approved license holders have yet to launch operations. 

Several multistate cannabis companies have also withdrawn from the state in recent years. In 2023, Trulieve closed its operations in the state while Ayr Wellness shuttered a 217,000-square-foot cultivation facility last summer, marking one of the more visible pullbacks in the market. 

Massachusetts does not impose a statewide cap on the number of marijuana licenses. That open structure helped fuel rapid expansion after legalization, but has also contributed to today’s crowded landscape. 

Other states have tried limiting new entrants, with mixed outcomes. In Oklahoma, a suspension on new medical marijuana licenses remains in place until August as Governor Kevin Stitt pushes for sweeping changes to the industry. 

Meanwhile, Oregon adopted a “one in, one out” approach in 2024, allowing a new cultivation permit only when another operator exits or transfers a license. According to law firm Harris Sliwoski, 24 growers left the Oregon market last year. 

Legal marijuana markets everywhere have their own fair share of oversaturation, and many companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) are having to come up with innovative ways to not only survive but also thrive under the challenging conditions in the jurisdictions where they have operations. 

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — NRA Joins Cannabis Groups Asking Supreme Court to Lift Gun Ownership Ban


The National Rifle Association has aligned itself with prominent drug policy reform advocates in a high-profile challenge to a federal law that bars cannabis users from owning or purchasing firearms. In a brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the gun rights group urged justices to strike down the restriction, arguing that it violates the Second Amendment and lacks grounding in American legal history. 

The case, U.S. vs. Hemani, centers on 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), a statute that makes it illegal for individuals who use controlled substances to possess guns. The NRA’s filing supports a lower court decision that found the provision unconstitutional. 

Drawing on recent Supreme Court precedent, the group maintains that gun laws must be grounded in historical practice. According to the NRA, early American lawmakers addressed intoxication by regulating specific behavior, such as carrying or firing weapons while impaired, rather than stripping people of gun rights based on their status as users of alcohol or other substances. 

The brief criticizes the government’s reliance on what it describes as weak historical comparisons, including old laws related to civil commitment and vagrancy. It also notes that certain historical surety laws required individualized risk findings, a safeguard that the current federal statute lacks. On that basis, the NRA contends that disarming Hemani solely because of cannabis use cannot be squared with constitutional tradition. 

Similar briefs were submitted by organizations including the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). 

NORML’s submission focused on who is protected by the Second Amendment. The organization argued that people who use cannabis are ordinary Americans, including veterans, patients, parents, and workers, and not part of any excluded class. It also pointed to the growing acceptance of marijuana, noting that most states now permit medical use and many allow recreational possession under regulated systems. 

That shift in state policy, NORML argued, undercuts the idea that cannabis consumption signals inherent danger. Congress itself has acknowledged this reality by limiting federal enforcement against state medical cannabis programs. The group also emphasized that, for centuries, cannabis was not treated as a serious threat, and that its classification as a Schedule I substance is a relatively recent development shaped by political forces. 

The DPA raised separate concerns about the statute’s lack of clarity. Its brief argued that the law fails to define how much drug use, or how recent, triggers criminal liability. As written, the organization warned, the provision could apply to millions of people, including gun owners with no criminal history who experiment with cannabis and suddenly face felony charges and loss of civil rights. 

Multiple gun rights organizations filed additional briefs raising similar concerns and questioning whether the Hemani case is an appropriate vehicle for resolving such a far-reaching issue. Civil liberties and criminal defense groups also weighed in, urging the court to invalidate the statute. 

Meanwhile, attorneys general from nineteen states and Washington backed the federal government, arguing that the law should remain in place. Gun control advocates and public health groups likewise urged the justices to reverse the lower court’s ruling, citing concerns about public safety and alleged links between cannabis use and violence. 

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in the case on March 2. Many stakeholders within the marijuana industry, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be following how the case unfolds and is concluded by the highest court in the U.S. 

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — New Congressional Bill Seeks to Regulate Instead of Banning Hemp

Bipartisan lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at setting federal rules for consumable hemp products, providing an alternative to the broad THC prohibition that became law late last year under a spending package signed by President Donald Trump. 

The measure, known as the Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection Act, was introduced by Reps. Morgan Griffith and Marc Veasey. Its release comes as uncertainty continues to surround the future of the hemp-derived products market. 

The bill would permit the sale of consumable hemp products to adults aged 21 and over. The legislation reflects revisions made since Griffith circulated an earlier discussion draft last year, following feedback from regulators and industry participants. 

Griffith noted that, despite long-standing concerns about the safety and legality of CBD products, federal agencies have made little progress in establishing clear rules. In a statement, he described the bill as a step toward resolving confusion that has left consumers unprotected and legitimate businesses operating without consistent oversight. 

The legislation would impose several new requirements on manufacturers and retailers. Packaging would need to be child-resistant, tamper-proof, and designed in a way that does not attract minors. Labels would be required to list all cannabinoids contained in the product and include a QR code linking consumers to independent laboratory test results. 

Companies would be barred from mixing cannabinoids with substances such as caffeine, melatonin, alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, or other compounds that could interact with or amplify cannabinoid effects. Facilities involved in producing hemp products would be subject to federal registration, manufacturing standards, and testing rules. 

A key element of the bill is the creation of federal caps on total cannabinoid content. The HHS would propose limits within 60 days of the bill becoming law. If no final rules are adopted within three years, default thresholds would automatically take effect. 

These include limits of 10 milligrams per serving and 50 milligrams per package for oral products with non-intoxicating cannabinoids. Higher caps are also included for inhalable and topical products and a 5-milligram-per-serving limit for products containing intoxicating cannabinoids such as THC, with a 30-milligram package maximum. 

The THC limits are an increase from earlier drafts, though some industry voices argue the package cap remains restrictive. The updated bill would also give the Food and Drug Administration authority to order recalls of cannabinoid products and establish a new advisory committee to guide THC thresholds. 

The bill would further require HHS to publish and maintain a list of known cannabinoids within one year and amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to create a dedicated regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. 

The debate over hemp regulation is unfolding alongside broader shifts in federal cannabis policy. Trump recently signed an executive order directing the DOJ to move cannabis to Schedule III under federal law and encouraged lawmakers to revisit the definition of hemp to protect access to full-spectrum CBD. 

The administration has also signaled plans to explore a Medicare pilot program that would allow some beneficiaries to receive non-intoxicating CBD at no cost with a doctor’s recommendation. These developments on Capitol Hill are likely to be of interest to not just the hemp industry but also marijuana industry actors like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL)

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — UW Scientists Study Health Hazards of Marijuana in Workplaces

Researchers at the University of Washington are taking a close look at the potential health risks for marijuana production workers. A new study from the university’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences is examining whether people employed in cannabis cultivation and processing face health risks on the job, particularly those affecting the lungs. 

Since recreational and medical marijuana laws began to change across the U.S., cannabis businesses have hired thousands of workers. However, scientists say there is still limited information about the hazards these employees may encounter. 

Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, formal research into working conditions has lagged behind the industry’s growth. Early warning signs now suggest that airborne particles and other exposures could pose respiratory dangers for some workers. 

The study was partly motivated by two deaths in the cannabis sector that investigators linked to job-related asthma. One case occurred in Massachusetts and the other in California. 

According to Callan Krevanko, a doctoral student at UW who is coordinating on-site research, cannabis workplaces have not received the same level of scientific scrutiny as more established industries. He noted that the legal status of marijuana discouraged earlier investigation and added that the current effort is among the first to examine these environments in detail. 

The research team plans to visit at least ten marijuana operations throughout Washington State, including processing and growing sites, ranging from small businesses to large operations. In total, the researchers expect to collect data from over 100 marijuana production workers. 

One of the participating companies is Ferndale-based Subdued Excitement, also known as SubX. Co-founder Nick Cihlar said his company was licensed shortly after Washington voters approved recreational cannabis in 2012, placing it among the early entrants into the legal market. 

Cihlar welcomed the study, saying it is reasonable to expect that issues may surface. He suggested that some workers may not consistently use protective gear and that air filtration systems could be inadequate in certain settings. While he stressed that this view is not based on formal evidence, he said the research is necessary to move beyond speculation. 

When UW researchers visited SubX in November, they spent a full week inside the facility. Their work included measuring particles in the air, collecting samples from workers’ breathing zones, and conducting health assessments to identify possible symptoms linked to workplace exposure. 

Although cannabis businesses fall under oversight from state and federal safety agencies, Cihlar said existing rules are mostly general and not tailored to cannabis production. Tasks such as trimming dried plants can release fine particles into the air, something he believes could affect lung health over time. 

Researchers expect to complete their fieldwork this winter. Once the results are analyzed, they plan to offer practical guidance aimed at reducing risk, including improved ventilation strategies and protective equipment that businesses can realistically afford. 

The findings could offer some insights to cannabis industry participants like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) that employ lots of people across their operations. 

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — 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. 

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — 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. 

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — 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. 

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — 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. 

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — 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. 

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW — 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. 

About CNW420

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

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

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
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303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN