420 with CNW — CNN Documentary Explores How Medical Marijuana is Helping Women

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, his long-running documentary series “Weed” has grown far beyond its original scope, evolving into an ongoing examination of cannabis, medicine, and patient experience.

When filming began in 2012, the intention was to produce a single documentary exploring a controversial plant and its possible medical uses. Instead, the project became a continuing series, with each installment revisiting the topic as new evidence and personal stories emerged. The latest chapter, titled “Weed 8,” turns its attention to women and their increasing reliance on cannabis for health concerns.

Across months of reporting and travel, a consistent theme emerged. Many women are turning to cannabis after exhausting conventional options. They included older patients coping with cancer therapies, professionals dealing with menopause-related symptoms, and athletes managing chronic conditions such as endometriosis. Again and again, the accounts echoed a similar frustration—standard treatments had failed to deliver relief.

This reflects a broader issue in medicine. Women’s health concerns have long faced skepticism within the medical system. Symptoms are often minimized or misinterpreted, leaving many without clear diagnoses or effective care. Even today, women are underrepresented in clinical research, despite clear biological differences that influence how treatments work. The result is a knowledge gap that continues to affect outcomes.

Menopause highlights the gap sharply. Hormone therapy once appeared to offer answers, but safety concerns shifted public perception and limited its use. With few alternatives, increasing numbers of women are exploring cannabis. Data now suggests that women, particularly in midlife and beyond, are using it at higher rates than men.

In places like Oklahoma, this shift is especially visible. A state once known for strict drug policies has seen rapid growth in its medical marijuana industry. Within that space, women are playing a leading role. Many have built small businesses centered on cannabis products tailored to women’s needs. Their work ranges from pain management solutions to sleep aids and wellness education.

What stands out is the intent behind these efforts. For these entrepreneurs and advocates, cannabis represents more than a product. It offers a sense of control in situations where they once felt overlooked. Their approach combines personal experience with emerging science, often developed outside traditional institutions.

Research is beginning to catch up, with medical organizations calling for a reassessment of cannabis classification, citing growing evidence of its therapeutic potential. Studies are exploring its role in managing neurological disorders, chronic pain, and autoimmune conditions. Female researchers are contributing significantly to this work, helping expand understanding in areas that directly affect women.

Still, policy changes lag behind scientific progress, creating real consequences for patients seeking access.

“Weed 8” builds on that legacy by focusing on how women are navigating their health choices today. Across different communities, many are choosing to rely on their own experiences while also engaging with emerging research. They are sharing information, comparing results, and holding one another accountable.

While cannabis is not a universal solution, it represents a starting point for many women. It offers a way to manage symptoms, regain balance, and engage more actively in healthcare decisions.

What is unfolding now is both a cultural and personal shift. As attitudes toward cannabis continue to change, so too does the conversation about women’s health. “Weed 8” captures this moment, showing how progress is unfolding not only in laboratories and policy discussions but also in everyday lives, where individuals are finding new paths forward.

Medical marijuana firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) could capture a bigger fraction of the market by developing more medical cannabis products that are specifically designed to address the unique health challenges that women face.

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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 — Advisory Council Recommends Marijuana Legalization in North Carolina

A state-appointed advisory panel is urging North Carolina legislators to move toward legalizing cannabis under a controlled system that would permit adult sales. The group argues that regulation would improve public safety and generate significant revenue for the state.

While cannabis remains prohibited under federal law, most states have adopted some form of legalization. North Carolina stands among a shrinking number of states that have not approved either recreational or medical cannabis programs.

According to the newly released advisory council report, residents are already spending billions of dollars on illicit marijuana. At the same time, a growing market of loosely regulated cannabis-derived products continues to expand, often operating outside meaningful oversight.

The report highlights that intoxicating cannabis-related products are widely accessible across the state. It frames the situation as a policy decision: continue allowing an unregulated market to operate or establish clear rules designed to safeguard public health and safety.

The advisory group was assembled by Governor Josh Stein and includes representatives from law enforcement, public health, agriculture, and both major political parties. Members believe a licensed retail system would bring structure to an industry that currently operates with minimal control, improving safety standards and enforcement. A more detailed set of recommendations is expected later in the year.

While cannabis is illegal in North Carolina, hemp is permitted because it contains only trace amounts of THC. However, some producers have developed methods to extract and concentrate THC from hemp, creating products that can produce a high.

These products are often marketed as legal because they contain CBD, but regulators warn they may still have potent effects. Unlike prescription drugs or alcohol, many of these products lack uniform requirements for testing, labeling, or age restrictions. They are frequently sold in vape shops and convenience stores, sometimes even to underage customers.

The council argues that stricter rules, including limiting sales to adults, would help reduce access among minors while ensuring better product quality and transparency. It also recommends aligning regulations for cannabis and hemp-derived substances to eliminate confusion around enforcement.

While medical marijuana remains part of the conversation, the panel cautions against building a system limited only to patients. Such a model, they say, would be costly to establish and maintain, requiring new infrastructure, training, and oversight. There is also concern that restricting access could sustain illegal sales rather than reduce them.

Governor Stein has previously described the current situation as chaotic, noting the lack of consistency in how cannabis-related products are handled. He supports allowing adult use for those over 21 and has suggested creating a regulatory body similar to the state’s alcohol control system.

Despite multiple proposals in recent years, none have cleared both chambers of the legislature. Any significant change would require approval from a GOP-led General Assembly, where opinions remain divided.

Stein hopes the council’s report will prompt action in the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing the need for a system that prioritizes safety while addressing an already active market.

The wider marijuana industry, including firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be monitoring how drug reform discussions in North Carolina progress and what consensus is reached on the subject of legalizing cannabis sales.

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420 with CNW — Ohio Law Banning CBD, THC Beverages Takes Effect

New restrictions approved by GOP legislators in Ohio have officially taken effect, altering the state’s voter-backed cannabis framework and introducing fresh criminal penalties. The measure, Senate Bill 56, also bans intoxicating hemp products, including drinks containing THC or CBD.

The law moved forward after a campaign to place a repeal measure on the November ballot fell short of the required signatures.

For many in the hemp industry, the shift brings uncertainty. Hemp grower Joey Ellwood noted that most of his customers rely on hemp products for relief from anxiety, pain, and sleep issues rather than for intoxication. He warned that some may now turn to prescription medication or travel outside the state to find alternatives. He estimates roughly 6,000 businesses across Ohio will feel the impact, raising concerns about job losses.

Some operators are already preparing to leave. Mark Fashian, formerly head of Midwest Analytical Solutions, said continuing operations in Ohio is no longer viable. He worked with hundreds of retailers that stocked hemp-derived products and said many are scrambling to remove inventory to avoid legal risk.

Several companies, including Saucy Seltzer and Uncle Arnie’s, joined a lawsuit in Franklin County seeking to halt enforcement. They argue that without immediate court action, their Ohio operations could collapse and expose them to serious criminal liability.

Supporters of the law, such as the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, argue the measure gives authorities clearer power to keep intoxicating products away from minors and reduce the spread of unregulated goods.

The legislation also reshapes Ohio’s broader marijuana framework, which voters approved in 2023. It lowers allowable THC concentrations in certain products, restricts public consumption, and introduces rules on storage and transport. Bringing marijuana across state lines into Ohio is now prohibited, even if it was legally purchased elsewhere.

Governor Mike DeWine removed a provision that would have temporarily allowed low-dose THC beverages, prompting another lawsuit from beverage makers and distributors. Cincinnati-based Fifty West Brewing, which produces a popular THC seltzer, reported strong sales leading up to the ban and said demand reflects a growing market for alternatives to alcohol.

Hemp advocates, including NORML’s Morgan Fox, argue the changes could push consumers toward unregulated markets, where product safety is less certain. He also warned that many residents may not realize certain actions are now illegal, increasing the risk of arrests tied to behavior voters previously approved.

Federal lawmakers recently approved limits on THC content in hemp products, though enforcement is delayed for a year. States, however, retain the authority to impose stricter rules sooner. Firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) will be studying how the changes in U.S. federal drug laws impact or influence regulations at the state level.

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420 with CNW — Virginia Tech Leverages Novel Way to Study Marijuana Effects on Driving

As more states legalize cannabis, researchers are racing to understand what that shift means for road safety. While laws have changed significantly, scientific evidence on how cannabis influences behavior behind the wheel has lagged. A new study led by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute seeks to close that gap by tracking drivers in their everyday routines.

Over two years, from 2021 through 2023, the research team tracked 105,000 miles driven by adults aged 21 to 70. The trips, 14,700 in total, were recorded using a naturalistic driving approach developed at the institute. About 9,000 miles were logged for marijuana consumption, 1,000 miles reflected alcohol use, while 400 miles included more than one substance use. The remaining trips were substance-free and served as a comparison point for each driver.

According to lead author Kaitlyn Bedwell, the study design allowed researchers to follow individuals over time rather than rely on snapshots. Many earlier studies observed drivers only once or in controlled environments. By contrast, the study tracked how behavior changed across months and years. Bedwell noted that cannabis affects people differently, so observing each participant repeatedly helped capture those differences.

In addition to vehicle data, participants submitted more than 10,000 journal entries describing their substance use. Oral fluid samples were collected regularly to verify those reports.

Preliminary analysis revealed patterns in when and how people drove after using cannabis. Trips linked to cannabis were more common around midday and during evening hours, with Fridays standing out as the most frequent day. Some drivers appeared to adjust their habits, often selecting rural roads instead of busier routes when they had used substances.

Currently, 40 states allow cannabis in some form. While driving while under the influence remains illegal nationwide, measuring marijuana impairment presents challenges. Unlike alcohol, which can be reliably assessed through blood alcohol concentration, there is no roadside tool that can determine whether a driver is under the influence of cannabis.

The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, behaves differently from alcohol in the body. It dissolves in fat and can remain detectable for weeks after use, long after any intoxicating effects have worn off. Individual factors such as metabolism, body composition, and frequency of use further complicate interpretation. Potency also varies widely across products.

These variables make it difficult to link cannabis levels to crash risk or to craft clear policy guidelines. Bedwell noted that inconsistent findings in past research have added to the uncertainty. She argued that lawmakers need stronger evidence rooted in real-world conditions.

The marijuana ecosystem, including businesses like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), hopes that studies of this nature will eventually yield accurate ways to ascertain whether a given driver is or isn’t impaired after using cannabis and getting behind the wheel.

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420 with CNW — Ohio AG Approves Measure Seeking to Undo Marijuana Legalization

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has approved the official title and summary language for a proposed referendum that seeks to roll back the state’s recent changes to its recreational marijuana laws. The decision clears a major procedural hurdle for advocates who want voters to weigh in on Senate Bill 56, a measure adopted by lawmakers late last year.

Yost’s approval follows an earlier setback for the group behind the effort, Ohioans for Cannabis Choice. In January, the AG rejected the group’s initial petition, saying the language did not meet legal standards. The campaign was required to revise and resubmit its proposal. In a letter issued Tuesday, Yost said the updated title and summary now meet the requirement of being “truthful and fair.”

With the attorney general’s approval and prior certification from Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirming the validity of the campaign’s first 1,000 signatures, the group can now begin collecting signatures statewide. To qualify for the ballot, the group must submit more than 248,000 valid signatures from registered voters across Ohio.

Supporters say they are ready to move ahead. Spokesman Dennis Willard said the campaign plans to begin gathering signatures throughout the state, arguing that many residents are frustrated by recent changes to marijuana law and want the chance to reject SB 56 at the polls.

The legislation, signed by Governor Mike DeWine on December 19, is scheduled to take effect next month. It makes significant changes to Ohio’s cannabis framework, including strict limits on hemp-derived products. Under the law, most intoxicating hemp products would become illegal to sell or possess.

Lawmakers initially included a provision that would have allowed more time for hemp-derived beverages to remain on the market, reflecting recent federal enforcement trends. Governor DeWine removed that exception using his line-item veto authority, saying it would create confusion.

SB 56 also revises parts of the adult-use marijuana system approved by voters in 2023. Among other changes, it would make it a state offense to store cannabis edibles out of their initial packaging. It also criminalizes possession of marijuana products legally purchased in other states.

The Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN) and the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which led the campaign behind Issue 2, have spoken out against the referendum. Both organizations argue that the repeal campaign is being bankrolled primarily by hemp interests.

In a statement, David Bowling, OHCANN’s Executive Director, said the campaign is aimed at preserving profits for certain operators and would allow unsafe, unregulated products to continue circulating in Ohio.

These developments in Ohio will be closely watched by the broader cannabis industry, including leading firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY).

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420 with CNW — Virginia Lawmakers Pass Bill Enabling Recreational Cannabis Sales

Virginia legislators have advanced legislation that would legalize and oversee adult-use marijuana sales in the state. The proposal is one of several drug policy measures being debated during the 2026 legislative session.

The bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Krizek, cleared the House General Laws Committee with a 19–2 vote. The legislation had already advanced through a Senate committee and a House subcommittee last week and will now move to the House Appropriations Committee before potentially reaching the full chamber for consideration.

During the committee hearing, Delegate Adele McClure, who chairs the committee, noted that the proposal creates a detailed framework for regulating recreational marijuana in Virginia. She explained that the bill sets rules for retail operations, establishes penalties for violations, and includes measures aimed at addressing the long-term impacts of marijuana prohibition on communities.

McClure also highlighted revisions adopted in a substitute version of the measure. Those changes, she said, strengthen penalties for unlawful marijuana sales and alter the structure of the board that governs the state Cannabis Control Authority.

Virginia legalized possession and limited home cultivation of marijuana in 2021, but efforts to establish a commercial system have repeatedly stalled. Former Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed bills that would have created a retail market, preventing implementation despite support from the Democratic-controlled legislature.

Under the House measure, legal sales of recreational cannabis could begin as early as Nov. 1, 2026. That timeline is more aggressive than in the Senate companion bill, which sets a start date of Jan. 1, 2027. Krizek acknowledged the difference and said lawmakers would need to resolve it during conference negotiations.

If enacted, the legislation would allow adults to buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis per transaction, or an equivalent amount of other marijuana products as defined by regulators. Individual servings would be limited to 10 milligrams of THC, with a maximum of 100 milligrams per package.

A tax rate of up to 12.625% would apply to marijuana sales, combining state taxes with an optional local levy. Revenue would fund regulatory operations, early childhood education, public health programs, and substance use treatment and prevention programs.

Local governments would not be allowed to prohibit cannabis businesses, and delivery services would be permitted statewide.

The bill also calls for further study of on-site consumption permits, temporary sales at events, and the possible involvement of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in cannabis oversight.

New Governor Abigail Spanberger has voiced support for legal recreational cannabis sales, arguing that the current legal landscape is confusing for residents. She has said the lack of a clear system creates uncertainty for both medical patients and individuals seeking to comply with personal use laws, underscoring the need for a regulated marketplace.

If this legislation is eventually implemented, it could create opportunities for entrepreneurs to form companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) focused on providing licensed products to adults who wish to consume marijuana legally without having to grow their own plants.

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420 with CNW — Trends Impacting the US Marijuana Industry in 2026

As the legal marijuana sector enters another year of adjustment, new data points show an industry still working to find its footing. While some long-standing challenges remain unresolved, recent developments suggest parts of the market may finally be moving toward a more sustainable balance.

Tax policy remains one of the most consequential issues for cannabis retailers. For years, Section 280E of the federal tax code has prevented marijuana businesses from deducting ordinary operating expenses, including rent, wages, and compliance costs. This framework has routinely pushed otherwise viable stores into the red.

In many established cannabis markets, the tax burden created by 280E has exceeded total net income, effectively eliminating profits altogether. In some cases, the typical dispensary is already losing money before considering expansion or long-term investment.

Analysis from Headset estimates that the rule has added between $400,000 and $800,000 or more in annual tax obligations per dispensary, leaving fewer resources for hiring, infrastructure upgrades, or financial cushions during slow periods. These effects are most pronounced in mature states where competition is fierce and wholesale prices are already compressed.

The situation could soon change following President Donald Trump’s executive order that aims to move marijuana to a new federal classification, opening the door to relief from the 280E restrictions.

Licensing trends tell a different story depending on the segment of the supply chain. Nationwide, the number of active marijuana licenses slipped to 37,555 in 2025’s quarter four, a decline of 1% from Q3. That drop continues a contraction that began in late 2022. Compared with two years ago, total licenses across the country are down 13%.

Most of that reduction has occurred among growers. Since 2023’s Q3, cultivation permits have fallen by 24%, representing a loss of more than 5,000 licenses. Retail permits, by contrast, have been relatively stable, declining by just over 300 during the same time.

Some analysts view the pullback in cultivation as a healthy correction after years of oversupply. At the close of 2025’s Q3, there were approximately 16,000 cultivation licenses and about 11,600 dispensary licenses in the U.S. Canada offers a sharp contrast, with far more storefronts than grow operations.

At the consumer level, discounting remains a dominant strategy. Retailers leaned heavily on promotions throughout 2025 to maintain traffic and move inventory, especially in crowded markets.

In most states, average monthly markdowns on marijuana flower climbed over the course of the year. Washington posted the highest average discount rate at 39%, a figure that may be influenced by its steep 37% retail tax. Arizona followed closely, averaging 35% and briefly peaking near 37% in the spring.

Industry observers expect aggressive promotions to remain common into 2026, as many operators prioritize customer retention and sales volume over margin recovery in an intensely competitive landscape.

Many foreign-based cannabis firms, such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be hoping that conditions improve meaningfully for all licensed firms within the U.S. so that they can not only survive but thrive as well.

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420 with CNW — As Federal Drug Policy Evolves, Tennessee Lawmakers Mull Medical Marijuana Reforms

Cannabis has been removed from the federal government’s most restrictive drug category following a recent executive order by President Donald Trump. The move shifts marijuana from Schedule I, a group reserved for substances deemed to have no accepted medical use, to Schedule III.

While the change marks a significant shift in federal policy, its impact in Tennessee remains uncertain, especially as the state prepares to implement stricter cannabis-related laws.

Tennessee remains among the ten states that prohibit marijuana entirely, including both medical and recreational use. That stance will be reinforced on January 1, when a new state law takes effect regulating hemp-derived products and prohibiting specific forms of THCA. The law is intended to tighten oversight of products currently sold in stores across the state.

The new order broadens opportunities for scientific research into medical cannabis. During the signing, President Trump said the change responds to decades of requests from patients coping with severe and ongoing pain.

Despite the state’s firm position, the federal reclassification has reopened debate among Tennessee lawmakers. Some Republican legislators say they are willing to revisit the issue of medical marijuana if future studies demonstrate clear benefits.

State Senator Heidi Campbell welcomed the federal decision and urged Tennessee leaders to follow suit. She stated that the state has lagged behind national trends and argued that policy should reflect the evolving scientific understanding and the needs of patients.

Some have expressed cautious openness. House Speaker William Lamberth said any adjustments to state law would depend on credible evidence showing legitimate medical use. He emphasized the importance of building laws around solid research when dealing with substances that carry risks.

Senator Mark Pody echoed a similar sentiment, noting that medical cannabis could potentially address health concerns while also reducing incarceration rates linked to drug offenses.

Personal stories are also shaping the conversation. Billy Reichardt, who grew up in Hendersonville and now lives in Florida, said he turned to medical cannabis after years of chronic neck and back pain.

He credits cannabis with easing both his physical discomfort and anxiety. Reichardt said he would like to see similar access in Tennessee, arguing that regulated medical use could help patients while also generating tax revenue and improving oversight.

Not all state leaders agree. Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally has maintained that cannabis remains dangerous and has said he does not believe it offers meaningful medical value.

For now, Tennessee’s cannabis laws remain unchanged. However, with federal policy shifting and lawmakers signaling renewed interest, the issue is expected to resurface when the legislature reconvenes. Whether that discussion leads to reform or reinforces the state’s current approach remains to be seen.

Cannabis firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) will be tracking the debates around the U.S. in the wake of the federal change to the classification of marijuana to see whether the new development triggers broader drug policy reforms.

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420 with CNW — Seed Ban in America Threatens to Drive Marijuana Genetics Underground

For the first time in six years, the U.S. is preparing to tighten rules on cannabis seeds after lawmakers inserted a last-minute clause into the recent federal spending package that reopened the government. Industry specialists warn that the change could wipe out the domestic seed market and reverse years of lenient oversight.

Marijuana seed producers have operated with relatively few restrictions since 2018. The shift followed the passage of the farm bill that year, which treated any plant material with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC as hemp. Since the seeds contain only trace amounts of the psychoactive compound, they were effectively removed from the Controlled Substances Act.

That interpretation became even clearer in 2022 when the DEA confirmed that cannabis seeds meeting the low-THC threshold are legally considered hemp, even if the plants that grow from them might later contain higher levels of THC.

The clarification allowed most states to permit seed sales and shipping without triggering narcotics laws. Companies have been able to import and sell seeds without special authorization, creating what many describe as the world’s most active seed marketplace.

The new spending bill, however, includes language that would prohibit a broad group of hemp-derived products. The language specifically targets viable seeds from the cannabis plants if the mature plants could exceed the 0.3% THC limit, including THCA, once dried. In practice, the rule would restrict seeds based on the potential potency of the future crop rather than the chemical makeup of the seeds themselves.

Many in the industry say this approach is unworkable. They note that growers cannot determine the future THC content of a plant until it has matured over several months. That leaves growers and companies with no reliable way to identify what would be considered legal under the proposal.

Consumers who grow their own plants could also feel the impact. Some states outlaw home cultivation entirely, while others allow limited growing, often tied to a medical card. New Holland Group CEO Jamie Pearson said patients who depend on specific strains for conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, or nausea risk losing access to varieties that currently help them.

The industry remains unsure how companies would be expected to prove that their seeds can only produce low-THC plants. Pearson believes only a small number of large companies would have the resources to meet any testing or certification requirements. She compared the range of seeds on the market today to the diversity found in wine grapes, which produce subtle differences across wide varieties.

If the ban proceeds, Pearson expects most of that diversity to disappear from the legal market. She warned that only major corporations with the right licenses would remain, while many unique genetics would move underground. In her view, consumers would lose the wide selection they are used to and be left with a far narrower set of options.

Companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) headquartered outside the U.S. may be wondering how long it will take America to adapt to the times and remove existing roadblocks to the widely accepted marijuana industry within the country.

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420 with CNW — Ohio House Approves Bill Reforming Marijuana Laws, Banning Hemp THC

Lawmakers in Ohio advanced a measure that would tighten rules on hemp products with intoxicating effects and revise several parts of the state’s recreational cannabis system. The House approved Senate Bill 56 in a 52-34 vote, sending it back to the upper chamber for final consideration.

The Senate is scheduled to return on December 9, and House Speaker Matt Huffman said he was confident the chamber would sign off on the proposal.

The Senate first approved the legislation in February, but the House later added new rules for intoxicating hemp, which prompted senators to vote unanimously in October against adopting those changes. That decision sent the issue to negotiation.

Soon after, federal lawmakers voted to prohibit products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per package as part of the agreement to reopen the federal government. The 2018 Farm Bill had previously allowed hemp cultivation as long as plants remained below 0.3 percent THC.

Although the federal restriction does not take effect for a year, states can adopt their own rules sooner. Steve Huffman said Congress’s move shaped Ohio’s approach to both hemp and marijuana. The bill now aims to keep intoxicating hemp products out of general retail shops by limiting sales to licensed cannabis dispensaries.

If the Senate signs off and Governor Mike DeWine approves the measure before January, the hemp provisions could begin as early as March. Five-milligram THC beverages would still be allowed until the end of 2026. Lawmakers also included language signaling that they would revisit the issue if federal rules shift again.

On the cannabis side, the bill lowers THC limits for concentrates to 70%, caps flower at 35%, and expands restrictions on smoking in public places. Some probable cause language was removed, though officers could still act if drivers show clear signs of impairment.

Communities hosting recreational dispensaries would receive 36% of adult-use tax revenue. The tax rate for recreational cannabis would remain at 10%, and home grow limits would stay at six plants per person and twelve per household.

Voters approved recreational cannabis in 2023 with 57% support, and sales began in August 2024. Since the measure passed as a statute rather than a constitutional amendment, lawmakers are permitted to modify it.

Critics say the new bill ignores what residents approved. Supporters argue it brings needed structure to a young industry and addresses public safety concerns as the market expands. Many actors within the broader marijuana industry, even across borders, such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be happy that some clarity is being brought into the hemp THC phenomenon in the U.S.

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