420 with CNW — Trump’s Cannabis Order Injects New Life into Hemp Industry

President Trump has offered a boost to the struggling hemp sector with his executive order that directs federal agencies to accelerate the reclassification of cannabis and explore Medicare coverage for CBD products. The move arrives as the industry prepares for a major policy fight in Congress over rules that could sharply restrict hemp-derived goods.

The sector has faced mounting pressure since November, when lawmakers inserted new language into a government funding package aimed at tightening oversight of hemp-derived products. The provision was designed to close a regulatory gap that allowed hemp products to be sold widely with limited federal scrutiny. Industry representatives argue the change goes too far and could effectively wipe out much of the consumer CBD market.

The executive order, signed last week, signals a shift in tone at the federal level. It followed sustained lobbying by cannabis advocates, including some with longstanding ties to the president. While the order does not alter the law, it calls on administration officials to collaborate with Congress to revise existing statutes, allowing certain CBD products to remain available while addressing those that pose legitimate health concerns.

Hemp-derived CBD remains legal, and hemp is not classified as a controlled substance. Still, industry leaders say the president’s directive gives them political momentum. U.S. Hemp Roundtable general counsel Jonathan Miller described the order as a clear rejection of the restrictive language adopted in the funding bill. He added that it strengthens the industry’s position as lawmakers revisit the issue over the coming months.

Hemp was legalized through the 2018 Farm Bill, originally envisioned for uses such as farming and manufacturing. However, broad statutory definitions and limited oversight allowed some producers to concentrate or chemically alter THC derived from hemp, resulting in products that critics say can be just as potent as marijuana.

The funding bill includes a one-year delay before the new limits take effect, giving companies time to press for changes. Thomas Winstanley, an executive at Edibles.com, said businesses are seeking at least an additional six months ahead of the January 30 funding deadline, hoping lawmakers will adjust the policy.

Some advocates caution that the administration’s support is narrowly focused. The order directs the attorney general to move faster on shifting marijuana from Schedule I, reserved for substances with no accepted medical use, to Schedule III, which includes most prescription medications. That change would not protect companies selling synthetic or highly intoxicating THC products under the hemp label.

Chris Lindsey of the American Trade Association for Cannabis & Hemp said the intent is to carve out space for legitimate CBD producers, not businesses operating like marijuana retailers. He argued that the current definition is so sweeping that it risks blocking lawful products from the market. In his view, the president’s message to Congress is to revisit the language and ensure responsible CBD companies are not caught in the dragnet.

As the regulatory landscape for hemp and marijuana evolves over the coming months, firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) will be keeping tabs to analyze how the new regulations impact their business projections.

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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 — Ohio Senate Passes Bill Rolling Back Voter-Passed Marijuana Law

The Ohio Senate has passed a House-revised measure that would scale back parts of the state’s voter-approved cannabis statute and limit where most hemp products can be sold. Senators approved the revised bill on a 22–7 vote, agreeing to the House changes and forwarding the measure to Governor Mike DeWine.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Stephen Huffman, underwent significant revisions over the past several weeks after the two chambers clashed over its scope.

If signed, the bill would roll back parts of the 2023 adult-use cannabis law approved by voters and revive penalties for certain activities that had been permitted. It would also delete protections that prevented discrimination against people who legally use cannabis, including safeguards tied to child custody decisions, access to organ transplants, and some professional licenses.

Advocates for broader legalization say the final bill crosses a line by discarding rules meant to shield residents who use cannabis within the bounds of the law. Under the revised plan, anyone who possesses marijuana purchased outside Ohio’s regulated dispensaries or grown outside a permitted home-grow could face criminal penalties. For instance, someone carrying cannabis bought legally in Michigan could be charged once back in Ohio.

The bill also places new limits on where people can smoke or vape. Using cannabis in outdoor public spaces like bar patios would be prohibited, and landlords would be allowed to ban vaping at rental properties. Violating a landlord’s rule, even in a private backyard, could lead to a misdemeanor.

Lawmakers also rewrote plans for regulating intoxicating hemp products. Instead of establishing a new oversight structure, the final bill bars sales of products that exceed a low THC threshold or contain synthetic cannabinoids unless they are purchased through licensed dispensaries. This aligns with federal changes signed by President Donald Trump last month.

Federal rules give states a one-year window to implement the new hemp restrictions, but Ohio’s legislation appears to be moving faster. One exception covers cannabinoid beverages, which would fall under a temporary state program until the end of 2026.

Huffman argued on the Senate floor that the proposal preserves the basic framework of the voter-approved system while tightening rules to protect public safety and minors. Senator Bill DeMora countered that the bill defies the intent of the 2.2 million Ohioans who supported the 2023 measure. He said lawmakers have spent two years undoing what voters intended on issues ranging from home cultivation to how tax revenue flows to local communities.

Huffman has pushed back on that idea, saying voters changed the state code rather than the Constitution, which allows lawmakers to alter the statute. He maintains that most users will find the new rules workable.

Entities like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that have been involved in advocacy to reform marijuana laws in states like Florida are unlikely to be pleased by what is happening in Ohio where voters made their wishes known and passed a ballot measure but lawmakers are rolling back the scope of that voter-approved reform.

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420 with CNW — Activists in Oregon Withdraw Measure Seeking to Legalize Marijuana Consumption Lounges

Oregon activists have halted their effort to place a measure on the 2026 ballot that would have legalized marijuana social lounges across the state. The Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition confirmed that it has withdrawn the proposal after months of preliminary work, including filing two variations of the measure.

Justyce Seith, founder of the coalition and chief petitioner, said the decision was not taken lightly. She noted that the campaign’s timeline and signature-gathering goals no longer aligned with the resources available. According to Seith, attention will now shift to developing a better version of the proposal for a future ballot cycle.

Seith thanked volunteers who helped the campaign reach several early milestones. Their work drew enough support to confirm, in her view, that public spaces for marijuana use remain an important issue for many residents.

The state attorney general approved a verified ballot title for the initiative in September. That approval followed the release of an initial proposal in August. Only one public comment was submitted in response to the draft. The commenter argued that the word “lounges” lacked clarity and suggested using “business establishments” instead.

State officials reviewed the suggestion and declined to modify the title. The individual could have sought review by the Oregon Supreme Court, but did not pursue that option.

To qualify for the ballot, OCCC would have been required to gather at least 117,000 valid signatures from registered voters.

The proposal would have allowed state-licensed marijuana social lounges to open and operate under specific rules. These locations would have provided adults with a place to consume marijuana while also offering unmedicated beverages and food, but no cannabis sales could take place inside the premises.

Consumption would have been limited to vaping, smoking, and the use of non-edibles. Nicotine products, tobacco, and alcohol would have been banned.

Local governments would have been permitted to set limits on the number of lounges and adopt additional rules. They also would have had the authority to inspect businesses for compliance. Oversight at the state level would have been handled by the OLCC, which would have reviewed license applications and enforced penalties that could include license suspension and/or fines.

The proposal also called for clear public education requirements, including signage explaining health risks and operational rules. The commission would have worked with health agencies to develop outreach materials.

If approved, the measure would have taken effect at the start of 2027. Marijuana companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that have participated in efforts to reform cannabis laws in other jurisdictions sympathize with the Oregon campaigners because it is a very expensive and back-breaking undertaking to push a ballot measure through the preliminary steps and then oversee campaigns to get the measure approved by voters.

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420 with CNW — Federally Financed Canadian Research Shows Marijuana Use by Youths Reduced After Legalization

A new Canadian study funded by the federal government suggests that cannabis use among young people has dropped since the country legalized marijuana, challenging long-standing fears that legalization would lead to higher rates of youth consumption.

The research, published in Addictive Behaviors Reports, analyzed data from the COMPASS Study, an ongoing national survey that tracks health-related behaviors in Canadian youth. Conducted by researchers from Brock University and the University of Waterloo, the study compared cannabis use rates among youths before legalization (2017 and 2018) and after legalization (2021 and 2022).

Results showed that 15% of adolescents reported using cannabis in the month prior to legalization. That figure dropped to 12.3% after legalization. The proportion of students who said they had never used cannabis also grew during the post-legalization period.

The researchers also examined which factors were most likely to predict whether a student might use cannabis, noting that these predictors shifted in meaningful ways between the two time periods.

According to the report, while certain influences—like time spent texting, eating breakfast daily, and completing homework—remained relevant, the relative importance of these risk factors changed. In post-legalization use, feelings of depression, satisfaction with home life, and attitudes about school performance emerged as stronger predictors of use.

The study covered over 65,000 students across both time frames. The authors suggested periodically updating prevention strategies to align with current youth realities, given the evolving nature of these risk factors.

Overall, the researchers noted a modest decline in reported cannabis use and a rise in the number of students who said they never consume it. They suggested this trend may not be tied to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but instead could reflect shifts in regulation, social norms, or perceptions of risk following legalization.

Canada’s results mirror similar findings in Europe and the United States. In Germany, federal health officials recently reported that youth cannabis use has also decreased following national legalization. German authorities said other common concerns, including road safety and increased youth access, have not materialized.

In the United States, federal surveys indicate that cannabis use among adolescents has stayed steady or declined even as more states have adopted adult-use legalization. A report by the Marijuana Policy Project found that adolescent marijuana use dropped in 19 of the 21 states that legalized recreational cannabis, with an average decrease of 35% in the earliest adopting states.

This goes to show that legalization and licensing companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) could help in curbing access to marijuana products by the underage as measures like age verification prior to product purchase are enforced.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Firms Ask Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging Federal Cannabis Ban

A group of cannabis businesses has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the federal government’s ongoing prohibition on marijuana.

The petition, filed Friday by Boies Schiller Flexner LLP on behalf of several Massachusetts-based companies, including Verano Holdings, Canna Provisions, Wiseacre Farm, and Gyasi Sellers, contends that the federal government oversteps its authority by criminalizing cannabis operations that occur solely within state borders.

At the heart of their argument is the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The companies say it prevents Washington from applying criminal laws to marijuana businesses that operate only inside a single state’s regulated system. They are asking the justices to revisit the 2005 ruling in Gonzales v. Raich, in which the court narrowly upheld the federal government’s power to enforce marijuana prohibition even against intrastate activity in California.

According to the new petition, that decision marked a sharp break from established interpretations of the Elastic and Commerce Clauses, leading to what the filing calls “a serious intrusion” into states’ rights to manage health and safety matters.

The brief argues that the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) undermines the policy decisions of 38 states that have legalized cannabis in some form. It argues that while only nine states had legalized cannabis when Raich was decided, the landscape has since changed dramatically, and Congress’s national ban “displaces those states’ choices and imposes federal will on local policy.”

A federal appeals court dismissed the companies’ claims in May, following an earlier loss in district court. Despite the setbacks, attorneys for the plaintiffs have made clear from the start that they intended to bring the issue before the Supreme Court. At least four justices are required to vote in favor of review.

Some observers see a potential opening in past comments from Justice Clarence Thomas. In 2021, he criticized the federal government’s inconsistent stance toward marijuana, calling it “a half-in, half-out regime” that both tolerates and forbids local use. Thomas suggested that the court might one day need to reconsider Raich, given the significant changes in the legal landscape.

The filing comes as the federal government considers whether to move cannabis to Schedule III under the CSA—a change President Donald Trump said he would decide on soon but has yet to announce. Separately, the Supreme Court agreed this week to hear another case testing the constitutionality of a federal law that bars individuals who use marijuana or other drugs from owning firearms, an issue the administration argues is critical to public safety.

Marijuana firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) from across the country will be watching whether the Supreme Court votes to hear this petition and what eventual ruling they make after the legal process runs its course.

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420 with CNW — OHSU Receives $6.7M Grant to Study Cannabis Impact in HIV+ Pregnant Women

A group of scientists from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) has been awarded over $6.7 million by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study how marijuana use during pregnancy affects women living with HIV.

The five-year funding will support research directed by Dr. Jamie Lo, an obstetrics and gynecology associate professor at OHSU’s School of Medicine. She is partnering with Dr. Benjamin Burwitz, associate professor in the Division of Pathobiology & Immunology at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). Additional collaborators include co-lead researcher Dr. Jennifer Manuzak from Tulane’s National Primate Research Center, along with Dr. James Frank and Dr. Matthias Schabel from OHSU.

The study will rely on nonhuman primate models to investigate how daily exposure to THC affects the body during pregnancy in the context of HIV-like infection. The project merges the Lo laboratory’s focus on substance use during pregnancy with the Burwitz team’s expertise in infectious disease and immune system research using primate models.

According to the WHO, approximately 1.2 million pregnant women were living with HIV as of 2023. Even when receiving antiretroviral therapy, these patients face elevated risks such as preterm birth, complications with the placenta, and restricted fetal growth. These problems are tied to persistent body inflammation, which continues despite effective treatment.

Meanwhile, marijuana use during pregnancy is on the rise, including among people with HIV. Although many see marijuana as relatively safe, research has suggested links between its use and pregnancy complications.

The researchers will work with rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which closely mimics HIV in humans. The animals will receive antiretroviral therapy along with daily THC edibles. Researchers will monitor how this combination influences maternal immunity, placental health, and fetal development.

Advanced imaging technology and regular evaluations throughout pregnancy will allow the team to observe biological changes in the mother, placenta, and fetus in ways that cannot be done in human pregnancies for safety reasons.

Dr. Lo explained that the placenta and fetal development in nonhuman primates closely mirror those in humans, and both share the same cannabinoid receptor structure where THC binds. This makes the model uniquely suited for studying cannabis use during pregnancy.

Beyond answering immediate questions, the team will also establish a biological sample bank so other researchers can explore related areas in the future.

“This marks the first detailed study into how pregnancy, cannabis, and HIV interact,” said Dr. Burwitz. “We hope the results will provide doctors with better evidence to guide and counsel pregnant patients with HIV who are using marijuana.”

The findings will undoubtedly be of interest to companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that specialize in selling medical marijuana products in the communities they serve.

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420 with CNW — California Lawmakers Send Bill Seeking to Halt Cannabis Tax Hikes to Governor

A measure to temporarily stop a recent tax hike on cannabis products in California has cleared the legislature and now awaits the governor’s decision.

The Assembly voted unanimously, 57-0, to accept amendments made in the Senate to the bill by Assemblymember Matt Haney. With that vote, the measure now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until October 12 to either sign or reject it.

If enacted, the bill would stop the increase in cannabis excise taxes for five years. Haney said the change is designed to give relief to an industry already dealing with high costs, reversing what he called an “unprecedented” 25% increase. Lawmakers from both parties have strongly backed the measure throughout the process.

One of the changes approved in the Senate pushes back the starting date to October rather than having the pause take effect immediately. The tax hike took effect in July, following state officials’ announcement in June that the marijuana excise tax would increase from 15% to 19%. At the time, supporters of the industry had hoped that ongoing budget discussions would include a freeze similar to Haney’s measure, but those talks fell short.

Although Newsom and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas supported including a freeze in the budget process, Senate leader Mike McGuire reportedly opposed the move, leaving Haney to continue advancing his separate bill.

Haney’s measure originally would have locked in the lower 15% rate until 2030, with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) adjusting rates afterward every two years. Regulators would have been required to set tax levels to generate revenue comparable to what the state used to collect from the discontinued cultivation tax, but not above 19%.

The Senate Appropriations Committee later scaled back that timeline, shortening the period at the lower rate and adding requirements for annual reporting. Under the revised bill, the CDTFA, working in conjunction with the Finance Department, must determine tax adjustments annually.

They are tasked with estimating how much revenue the old cultivation tax would have generated and then setting the excise rate to raise a similar amount from retail cannabis sales.

The law’s stated purpose is to provide immediate financial relief for marijuana operators. To measure whether the change is effective, CDTFA will need to submit annual reports to the Legislature starting in December 2026, outlining gains or losses in tax revenue compared to expectations.

Separately, the Senate Appropriations Committee recently advanced another bill to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids in California. That legislation would bring hemp-based products into the state’s cannabis framework, prohibit synthetic cannabinoids, and clarify rules for hemp items such as topical salves. The same committee also backed a measure allowing licensed cannabis microbusinesses to ship products directly to patients.

Most likely, other licensed firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) operating in other states would appreciate any efforts taken to provide some relief from the heavy tax load that they carry.

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420 with CNW — GOP Congressman Introduces Bill to Reclassify Marijuana Federally

While President Donald Trump weighs an administrative move to change cannabis’ federal classification, a Republican lawmaker has put forward a bill to make that change permanent through legislation.

Representative Greg Steube has once again introduced the “Marijuana 1-to-3 Act,” marking the fourth time he has filed the measure in consecutive sessions. The bill’s name refers to shifting marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).This would place marijuana in the same category as substances considered to have lower abuse potential and recognized medical uses.

The Biden administration began the rescheduling effort last year. Trump backed the idea while campaigning, but his position since taking office has been less direct. He recently stated that his administration was still reviewing the matter and would make a decision in the coming weeks.

Steube’s legislation would bypass administrative uncertainty by writing the change into law. That would make the policy less vulnerable to being reversed or challenged in court. The short, two-page bill instructs the U.S. attorney general to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 within 60 days of the law taking effect.

The filing came a day after Trump was asked about the Biden-led rescheduling process. Where he ultimately stands on the rescheduling issue remains unclear. While he acknowledged both sides of the debate, he did not commit to following through with it. Speaking at the press conference, he noted that some people strongly oppose cannabis, believing it harms both youth and adults, while others support reform.

In response, Steube and Democratic Representative Dina Titus urged the president to move forward. Steube criticized the current federal stance, noting that cannabis is grouped with drugs like LSD and heroin, while cocaine is treated as less restricted. He noted the reclassification would open the door for more medical research and bring federal drug laws in line with reality.

Earlier this year, Steube also introduced the first marijuana-related bill of the 119th Congress. That legislation would protect military veterans from losing federal benefits if they legally use medical marijuana under state law.

Meanwhile, new DEA Administrator Terrence Cole has not placed marijuana rescheduling among his official agency priorities. Instead, his focus list includes combating drug trafficking, targeting Mexican cartels, disrupting fentanyl distribution, and addressing dark web and crypto-related crime.

This is despite his earlier testimony during his Senate confirmation hearing when he identified reviewing cannabis rescheduling as one of his first tasks in office.

The marijuana industry, including companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTCQX: TCNNF) (CNX: TRUL) will be waiting for concrete scheduling changes because many bills and speeches have previously been made regarding the classification of marijuana in the CSA but nothing has materialized.

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420 with CNW — Pennsylvania Lawmakers Remain Divided as Marijuana Bill Discussions Continue

Discussions on recreational cannabis legalization are gaining momentum in Pennsylvania after a key GOP state senator introduced a bill on the matter.

The measure, introduced by Senators Sharif Street and Dan Laughlin, would legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. It also opens the door for current medical cannabis operators to expand into the recreational market, provided they pay a $100,000 transition fee.

One of the main points of contention is how easily existing medical dispensaries should be allowed to switch to recreational sales. Critics, particularly those advocating for small businesses, argue that the $100,000 fee is too low and could lead to larger players gaining an unfair advantage.

To address equity concerns, the bill sets a $50,000 application fee for small businesses and applicants from disproportionately impacted communities. Each group would be capped at 15 licenses.

Senator Laughlin, who chairs the Senate’s Law and Justice Committee, holds a key position in determining the future of marijuana legislation. Earlier this year, he blocked a House-backed measure that would have introduced state-run cannabis stores, modeled after Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor stores.

Key GOP leaders in the Senate have already expressed little interest in advancing recreational marijuana bills. Joe Pittman, the Senate Majority Leader, for instance, said there’s no broad support for legalization within their caucus. Senate Appropriations Committee chair, Senator Scott Martin, has also declined to consider such legislation, which further dims its chances.

Even members of Laughlin’s committee have voiced concerns, citing potential public health and safety risks.

Over in the House, Democrats are pushing their own bills. Representative Amen Brown introduced a version of the Senate proposal, maintaining the same structure and language. Meanwhile, a different proposal by Representatives Abby Major and Emily Kinkead creates a regulatory board, permits medical operators to transition to recreational sales, and includes a $100,000 conversion fee.

Their bill adds labor representation on the board and reserves more licenses for social equity applicants, small businesses, and micro-growers. Application fees for these groups would be determined later by the board.

Representative Rick Krajewski, who supported the state-run model, remains skeptical. He doubts any of the current measures will move forward, given the Senate GOP’s opposition. For him to support a private-market model, he says it would need to include strong safeguards for small operators, such as guaranteed early access to customers, to level the playing field.

These discussions to determine how best to legalize adult-use marijuana in the state while avoiding giving existing industry players an unfair advantage is similar to the discussions over in Florida where medical marijuana entities like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CNX: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) have been working to pass a legalization measure for recreational marijuana.

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420 with CNW — Delaware Governor Ponders Whether to Sign Marijuana Zoning Bill into Law

As Delaware gears up to launch adult-use cannabis sales next month, a bill under consideration could shift the balance of power between state and local governments when it comes to cannabis zoning. Governor Matt Meyer is currently reviewing Senate Bill 75, which would establish statewide zoning rules for marijuana businesses and override local regulations.

Meyer acknowledged the conflict between two priorities. On one side, he wants to ensure the new cannabis market gets off the ground quickly. But as a former county executive, he also recognizes how important it is for cities and counties to maintain control over land use decisions. He noted that he was having conversations with various stakeholders to reach an agreement.

Meyer has several options on SB 75: he can approve it, veto it, or allow it to pass into law without signing it.

SB 75 is backed by Senator Trey Paradee, who also championed the original legalization push. The proposed law would set statewide zoning rules for marijuana businesses, effectively overriding existing regulations in the state’s three counties. Supporters argue this step is necessary to prevent local governments from placing excessive restrictions that could limit public access to legal cannabis.

Sussex County, for instance, currently requires dispensaries to be at least three miles away from schools, churches, and rehab centers. The new bill would lower that requirement to 500 feet and ensure dispensaries aren’t clustered closer than half a mile from each other.

Meyer recognized the concerns of local officials, noting that counties are typically responsible for deciding what types of businesses are appropriate in certain areas. “Land use has always been a core responsibility of local governments,” he said.

Councilmember Janet Kilpatrick from Newcastle County voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing that the state should either handle all zoning issues or leave it entirely to local authorities. “We can’t have the state stepping in only when it wants control over specific industries,” she said.

Retail cannabis sales in Delaware are scheduled to begin on August 1. Thirteen shops are expected to open on day one, with a total of 30 planned in the months ahead. All of the state’s current medical cannabis dispensaries will also sell to recreational customers.

When asked during a recent radio interview why the launch has been delayed, Meyer said the choice was between waiting even longer or allowing medical dispensaries to take the lead since they were already set up to begin selling.

The broader marijuana industry, including key players like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CNX: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), hope that the market launch proceeds as scheduled in Delaware and residents can access approved adult-use products without having to travel long distances.

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