420 with CNW — Nebraska Commission Finalizes Emergency Medical Marijuana Regulations

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission recently signed off on emergency rules that would let the state begin accepting applications for medical marijuana licenses once Governor Jim Pillen gives the official go-ahead. State law requires the governor to act by July 1.

The emergency guidelines were revealed just minutes before the commission’s 10 a.m. meeting. The temporary rules, which closely resemble a bill that stalled in the Legislature last month, could be in effect for up to 90 days, depending on Pillen’s approval. The voter-approved measures legalizing medical marijuana require that applications start being accepted by July 1.

Commissioner Lorelle Mueting said the commission is open to public input on the regulations until July 15. Anyone wishing to comment can email the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, which will forward the messages to the medical marijuana commission.

Commission chair Dr. Monica Oldenburg plans to send a letter to Governor Pillen outlining the urgency of adopting the emergency rules. She warned that without them, residents might turn to unregulated and potentially unsafe alternatives.

A spokesperson for the governor confirmed that Pillen is currently reviewing the regulations and expects to make a decision by the July 1 deadline.

State law requires the licensing process for cannabis businesses to begin by October 1. Under the emergency framework, licenses could be issued for growers, processors, retailers, and delivery services, but each applicant can only apply for one type of license.

Emergency rules can be justified under state law if there’s an immediate threat to public safety or welfare. Meanwhile, Oldenburg and Mueting will lead a subgroup to continue refining the rules.

The commission also voted to collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services and the governor’s policy office to get legal support through DHHS.

A recent bill (LB 677) that would have added tighter regulations narrowly failed in the legislature. It would have permitted up to 30 dispensaries statewide. The emergency rules instead allow only one dispensary per judicial district—totaling 12—which has raised concerns from some marijuana advocates.

Additional restrictions include a ban on dispensaries near schools, churches, hospitals, or daycares. Applicants must have had majority ownership based in Nebraska for at least four years and be U.S. citizens. Background checks, including fingerprinting, are also required.

The rules don’t list qualifying health conditions, unlike LB 677, which named 15. Instead, patients must get a detailed recommendation from a licensed provider. Approved products include tablets, tinctures, lozenges, gels, creams, suppositories, patches, and oils for nebulizers or inhalers. Raw flower, edibles, flavored items, and anything designed for smoking or vaping are not allowed.

While LB 677 would have required strict testing before products reached patients, the emergency rules only suggest that products may be tested. The commission currently doesn’t have the authority to mandate testing without legislative changes.

Packaging must be tamper-proof, child-safe, and free from images or branding that could appeal to minors, including cartoon characters or celebrity likenesses.

Senator Ben Hansen, who introduced LB 677, said many elements of the emergency regulations appear to have been lifted from his bill. He noted the real test would come with the final version of the rules. He also raised concerns about potential lawsuits from the state Attorney General, which could challenge the commission’s authority and burden taxpayers.

Senator John Cavanaugh, co-sponsor of LB 677, noted that the commission lacks the power to limit marijuana product forms. Crista Eggers, who leads the group behind the ballot initiative, agreed, stating the law legalized all forms, including flower. She also noted it’s still unclear where applicants should send their completed paperwork.

After the meeting, Eggers said she sees positive steps being made, especially the commission’s openness to public feedback. Final regulations will be subject to a public hearing with at least 30 days’ notice. The next commission meeting is set for August 4, with a possible hearing on permanent rules to follow in September.

The broader marijuana industry, including leading firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be following how the legalization process plays out in Nebraska to enable qualifying patients to access licensed cannabis-based products to help them to address their symptoms.

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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 — Facebook Appears to No Longer Censor Marijuana Searches

Earlier this year, Meta stated it would shift how it handles controversial topics by loosening certain content rules, particularly around issues frequently debated in politics, such as gender identity and immigration. However, when it came to cannabis, the company continued to censor search results for key terms. Instead of showing related content, users saw alerts asking them to report any drug sales.

The restriction appears to have been lifted, with searches that were previously blocked now delivering actual results and the earlier warnings no longer appear. Though many digital platforms enforce rules against selling drugs and limit who can view substance-related posts, Meta’s actions drew criticism for being too broad and silencing legitimate content meant to educate and inform.

Previously, typing in phrases like “Marijuana Policy Project” or “Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission” on Facebook returned zero results—just a notice encouraging people to flag drug-related posts. That no longer seems to be the case. It’s unclear exactly when the policy was revised.

NORML’s political director Morgan Fox had spoken out about the impact of Meta’s restrictions saying they severely limited how advocates could reach the public. After noticing the shift in search results, he expressed hope that the changes were permanent and wouldn’t just be a short-term adjustment. He also stressed the need for Meta to implement more consistent and transparent moderation systems to avoid repeated censorship of advocacy and educational content.

Kat Murti, who leads Students for Sensible Drug Policy, welcomed the search update but pointed out that issues persist. She mentioned meeting with Meta more than a year ago to highlight concerns, including how the platform’s algorithms were limiting visibility for accounts following the law and supporting public safety.

Meta’s influence in shaping public access to information is massive, Murti said. People turn to these platforms for life-saving advice on overdose prevention, civic engagement, and drug policy reform. Yet much of this content still faces unnecessary censorship, she added.

Illustrator Brian “Box” Brown, a long-time critic of Meta’s policies, said he’s noticed some changes, too. While his posts aren’t getting flagged as frequently, the reach of some cannabis-related content still feels throttled. Brown, who once toned down his own content to avoid penalties, said he now plans to stop self-censoring and see how the platform responds.

Despite growing legalization across states, social media platforms continue to flag and restrict cannabis content, prompting many creators to look for alternative spaces to connect with their audiences.

Any positive adjustments to the policies of major social media platforms are likely to be welcomed by the marijuana industry, including entities like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) that closely observe what is happening in the U.S.

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420 with CNW — Thailand Moves to Keep Only Medical Marijuana Legal

Thailand removed marijuana from its list of narcotics in 2022, effectively decriminalizing the plant. However, the move happened without a proper legal structure to regulate its cultivation, sale, or usage. Since then, thousands of marijuana shops have sprung up, especially in popular tourist areas.

Now, nearly three years later, Thai authorities are preparing to rein in the industry. A new medical marijuana law is expected soon, aiming to restrict marijuana use strictly to health-related purposes. Under this upcoming regulation, dispensaries will only be allowed to sell marijuana to licensed businesses or individuals who have a doctor’s prescription.

Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka, a prominent voice in Thailand’s cannabis activism scene, believes the new rules could wipe out the majority of existing dispensaries. She predicts that around 90% of the shops might shut down, with only larger businesses able to survive the tighter rules. According to her, this shift will mostly affect small, local vendors who can’t afford to navigate the new system. She also believes many locals might turn to home-growing instead, as getting a prescription could prove too difficult.

Originally, the government had high hopes that legal cannabis would become a lucrative crop, boosting tourism and farming, reaching an annual value of over $1 billion. However, the absence of clear legal guidelines created unintended consequences, including a flood of recreational use, unlicensed sales, and a glut of cannabis products. As a result, public backlash has been growing, with some groups demanding stricter regulations.

The timing of the government’s crackdown also coincides with increasing concerns about international smuggling. Recent incidents involving travelers caught with Thai marijuana abroad have raised alarms. In one case, British tourists were arrested in other countries after allegedly trying to bring marijuana out of Thailand. Thai authorities now worry that cannabis is too easy to obtain and too likely to be misused.

Gloria Lai, a drug policy expert, questioned whether the government’s sudden shift will have the intended effect. She argues that the health ministry’s proposal seems rushed and may create more confusion than clarity. Instead of imposing new restrictions abruptly, she suggests a more thoughtful approach, involving dialogue with those affected and proper time for adaptation.

Rattapon Sanrak, who heads the Highland Network, also warned that fast-tracking the measure could disrupt the entire industry. He emphasized that abrupt enforcement leaves little time for businesses or consumers to adjust. He also pointed out that because the new law would be a ministerial directive rather than a parliamentary act, it could be reversed easily if leadership changes.

The impending policy reversal is likely to be disappointing to the global marijuana industry. Entities like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) may have also been denied an international market that they could have had among their options for expansion if an opportunity presented itself.

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420 with CNW — Supreme Court Ruling in RICO Suit Ups Litigation Risk for Cannabis Companies

In a closely split 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court recently sided with a commercial truck driver who sued three CBD firms under the federal RICO statute. The driver, Douglas Horn, claimed he was fired after a drug test came back positive for THC, despite using a CBD product that was labeled as THC-free.

At the center of the case was a legal debate over whether people can bring civil RICO claims to recover financial damages that result from a personal injury. Some courts had previously allowed such lawsuits to move forward, while others dismissed them on the grounds that RICO was not intended to cover harm tied to bodily injuries. The Supreme Court’s decision has clarified that if someone suffers economic losses—like losing a job or future earnings—because of a personal injury, they can still sue under RICO.

This ruling opens the door for more civil lawsuits under RICO against marijuana-related businesses. Legal experts expect attorneys may start using the case as a model to bring similar actions, especially where consumers believe they were misled by false advertising or inaccurate product labels.

Originally enacted in 1970 to combat organized crime, the RICO law allows individuals to sue if they suffer harm to their business or property due to a pattern of unlawful conduct carried out by an organization. That conduct can include fraud, like falsely labeling and shipping a product through the mail or over digital networks.

Horn had been using “Dixie X,” a CBD tincture he bought to help relieve pain from a car accident. It was advertised as free of THC. However, after testing positive for the substance during a surprise drug screening at work and refusing to enroll in a treatment program, he was let go. Later lab tests revealed that the product did contain THC.

Horn sued the companies behind the product in federal court in New York, accusing them of fraud and alleging they worked together as a RICO enterprise to distribute mislabeled goods. While the trial court initially dismissed his lawsuit, saying RICO doesn’t cover claims linked to personal injury, an appeals court disagreed—and now, so has the Supreme Court.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, stated that while physical injuries themselves aren’t covered under RICO, the financial consequences tied to them, such as being fired, are. This distinction could mean big changes for the marijuana industry, which may now face increased legal exposure, stricter oversight, and greater pressure to accurately label and market their products.

Marijuana industry companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) will have plenty to think about regarding the possible global ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in this case.

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420 with CNW — New Mexico Court Makes Ruling on Insurance Coverage for Medical Cannabis Costs

A federal judge has ruled that health insurance providers in New Mexico aren’t legally required to pay for medical cannabis, even though some state laws suggest they should. This decision underscores the ongoing clash between state-level cannabis initiatives and overarching federal drug policies.

The lawsuit originated from a group of plaintiffs that included individuals enrolled in Medicaid or private insurance plans, along with a licensed cannabis dispensary. They claimed that marijuana used to treat mental and behavioral health conditions should be reimbursed under several New Mexico statutes, including the Behavioral Health Services Act and regulations on insurance practices. Their argument hinged on the idea that these laws collectively obligated insurers to cover medical cannabis.

But the court rejected those arguments, siding with major insurers—Western Sky Community Care Inc., Blue Cross & Blue Shield of New Mexico, and Presbyterian Health Plan Inc. The judge pointed to the state’s Benchmark Plan, which acts as a standard for insurance coverage. That plan doesn’t mention marijuana as a covered treatment and specifically excludes substances that lack FDA approval. Since marijuana has not been approved by the FDA, the court concluded that insurers have no legal duty to pay for it.

Federal law played a significant role in the ruling. The Medicaid Act allows coverage only for medications that have the FDA’s endorsement. Since marijuana is still considered a controlled substance at the federal level and hasn’t received formal medical approval, insurers would be violating federal law if they reimbursed patients for its use.

The plaintiffs referenced a state law that prohibits cost-sharing for certain behavioral health treatments, suggesting that patients shouldn’t bear the expense of medical marijuana. However, the court clarified that this law only applies to services that insurers are already required to cover—which, in this case, does not include cannabis.

There was mention during the case that federal cannabis laws could change in the future, potentially opening the door for insurance coverage. However, the judge noted that until such changes happen, federal restrictions remain in place. Offering coverage now could put insurers at legal risk.

Looking ahead, this might not be the final word. New Mexico legislators introduced a measure aimed at requiring insurance companies to cover medical cannabis in March. If that proposal becomes law, it could significantly shift how cannabis is handled within New Mexico’s health insurance system.

The broader industry, including firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) operating outside the U.S. hope that needed reforms can be made so that medical cannabis products can be covered by American insurance companies in order to ensure patients aren’t forced to incur high out-of-pocket costs while choosing these products to manage their symptoms.

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420 with CNW — Research Shows Marijuana Extract Improves Behavior of Autistic Kids, Teens

New findings shared at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in marijuana, may offer behavioral benefits for teens and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

ASD affects roughly one in a hundred children globally. It often involves challenges with communication, emotional expression, social interactions, and a tendency toward repetitive behaviors. In the U.S., diagnoses have surged by roughly 175% from 2011 to 2022, with the latest data from the CDC estimating that 1 in 36 American children are on the spectrum.

Many of these children face behavioral and emotional challenges that go beyond those typically seen in neurotypical youth, often placing a heavy burden on families and caregivers.

Dr. Lara Branco, the lead author of the study, noted that although more adolescents and children are being diagnosed with ASD, treatment options remain limited and are often ineffective.

CBD is a major component of cannabis but does not cause a high like THC. Scientists suggest it interacts with receptors in the body and brain to potentially deliver therapeutic effects without intoxication.

The recent study explored data from three placebo-controlled clinical trials focused on adolescents and children with ASD. It involved a total of 276 youngsters aged 5 to 21 (average age of 10.5 years). About 78 percent of the participants were male. CBD was administered at an initial dose of 1 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, gradually increased to as much as 10 mg/kg.

The research showed that CBD extract led to reduced problem behaviors, lowered anxiety, better sleep, and improvements in social interaction. Notably, these benefits came without an increased risk of side effects. The effects were similar between those taking CBD and those given a placebo, suggesting it is generally safe for use in this group.

European Psychiatric Association President Professor Geert Dom welcomed the results, noting the frustration many families and doctors feel due to the lack of effective therapies for ASD. He expressed hope that findings like these could spark more research and eventually lead to better treatment strategies for the autism community.

Despite the promising results, the researchers pointed out that their analysis had some limitations, including a limited number of trial studies and relatively few participants. They noted that larger, high-quality trial studies are still needed to fully understand the long-term safety and effectiveness of CBD in treating autism symptoms.

Such studies are helping to provide further proof of the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana products from enterprises like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) and other industry actors as research documents how various cannabis compounds can help in addressing different symptoms.

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420 with CNW — How California Keeps Legally Grown Marijuana Safe for Consumption

Walking into Vibe Cultivators, an indoor marijuana farm in Sacramento, California, the first thing you notice is the strong, unmistakable smell of marijuana. The facility is filled with rows of plants stacked on two levels, bathed in artificial light.

“Every plant here is tagged,” explains Brian Prichard, Vibe’s founder. The state-mandated tags prove the farm is fully licensed and not part of an underground operation. Each tag includes the grower’s name, license number, and a unique ID for tracking purposes.

Prichard reflects on how much the industry has changed since California legalized cannabis. In the past, secrecy was a necessity, making it difficult to ask for advice or share information. Now, he can openly communicate with others in the industry, including state regulators.

The state’s Cannabis Control Department (DCC) was established in 2021 to consolidate oversight of California’s legal marijuana market. One of its key responsibilities is ensuring consumer safety, a challenge that many states face due to a lack of federal guidance.

Contaminants in cannabis, such as heavy metals, mold and bacteria, pose health risks. THC potency can also be inconsistent, sometimes failing to match what’s indicated on the packaging. To address these concerns, several states have joined forces through the Cannabis Regulators Association, sharing insights and best practices.

However, regulations vary widely, with some states testing for hundreds of contaminants while others focus on a select few. Without extensive research, experts remain unsure which contaminants pose the greatest risks.

California has seen its share of cannabis recalls, with 63 cases in 2024, the highest since the DCC was formed. These recalls resulted in the removal of 25,000 marijuana products due to issues such as mislabeling or microbial contamination.

Vibe Cultivators has never faced a recall, and Prichard credits strict regulations for maintaining high-quality products.

Edible products, including cannabis-infused drinks, gummies, and brownies, also fall under regulation. Inaccurate THC labeling or bacterial contamination in these products can lead to health concerns, particularly when consumers ingest higher doses than expected.

The DCC closely monitors cannabis from cultivation to sale. Licensed testing labs, such as the state-run facility in Richmond, analyze products for contaminants. These labs help set safety standards and support law enforcement in identifying illicit cannabis operations. As the market evolves, testing methods continue to adapt, ensuring that even infused products like popcorn and hard candies meet safety guidelines.

Over the years, the legal market has become significantly cleaner than its illicit counterpart. Illegal cannabis often contains dangerously high levels of pesticides, sometimes exceeding legal limits by 100 times. In some cases, fentanyl has even been found in unregulated products, reinforcing the risks of buying from the black market.

Ultimately, industry oversight benefits both businesses and consumers by ensuring cannabis is safe and accurately labeled. Businesses like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) and others benefit in many ways, including enjoying consumer trust in the products they sell.

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420 with CNW — Idaho Senate Passes Bill Giving Legislature Power Over Cannabis Legalization

The Idaho State Senate has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would give the legislature sole authority to legalize cannabis and other drugs. The measure, known as House Joint Memorial 4, will be put to a vote in the November 2026 elections.

If passed by a majority of voters, the amendment would eliminate the ability of Idaho residents to legalize cannabis through citizen-led ballot initiatives. The language of the proposed amendment states that only the state legislature would have the power to permit the use, possession, cultivation, sale, and production of cannabis and other psychoactive substances.

Supporters argue that the measure reinforces Idaho’s strict stance on cannabis, setting it apart from neighboring states that have embraced recreational or medical marijuana. Senator Scott Grow, co-sponsor of the amendment, believes it is necessary to prevent the legislature from being pressured by repeated ballot initiatives.

He emphasized that lawmakers have a duty to uphold the state’s values and referenced a section of the Idaho Constitution that prioritizes morality and temperance in governance.

Critics, however, see the measure as a way to strip power from voters. Opponents argue that Idaho’s initiative process is a fundamental part of democracy, allowing citizens to directly propose and enact laws. They believe the amendment reflects a lack of trust in voters and undermines direct democracy.

Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, voiced concerns that the amendment undermines the principle that political power ultimately resides with the people, stating that voters should retain their right to decide on important legislative matters.

For over a decade, advocates have struggled to gather enough signatures to place a cannabis decriminalization measure on the ballot. Currently, efforts are underway to qualify a ballot initiative for the 2026 election, though it remains uncertain whether it will meet the necessary criteria.

A two-thirds majority vote is required in both legislative chambers to advance a constitutional amendment in Idaho. The Idaho Senate passed the proposal with a 29-6 vote, following the House’s 58-10 approval on March 5. When the amendment appears on the ballot in 2026, a simple voter majority will determine whether it becomes law.

The current proposed amendment follows another anti-cannabis measure enacted earlier in 2025. On February 24, Governor Brad Little signed into law a measure mandating a minimum fine of $300 for individuals convicted of possessing cannabis, further reinforcing the state’s firm stance against legalization.

Companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) could be reading the news coming out of Idaho and shaking their heads at how far some lawmakers can go to entrench their own preferences at the expense of those of the people who voted them into office.

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420 with CNW — Washington Lawmakers Again Shelve Initiative to Permit Marijuana Home Cultivation

Washington State lawmakers have once again abandoned an effort to legalize personal cannabis cultivation at home, choosing instead to maintain its felony classification. The proposed legislation, HB 1449, introduced by Representative Shelley Kloba, failed to advance past the House Appropriations Committee before the legislative deadline, effectively halting progress on the measure for this session.

Had it passed, the measure would have permitted individuals aged 21 and over to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at home, with a household limit of 15 plants, regardless of the number of adult residents. The legislation also aimed to allow individuals to keep the cannabis-derived from those plants, even though the state currently only permits possession of up to one ounce.

Kloba and her supporters have been pushing for nearly ten years to enact legislation permitting some home growing, but state agencies and other lawmakers have opposed the plan every year. A similar proposal from Kloba, HB 2194, failed last year. Despite these setbacks, she has repeatedly expressed her determination to continue pushing for reform.

Washington was among the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, approving a ballot measure in 2012. However, growing cannabis at home without a medical license is a Class C felony, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Attempts have been made to amend this part of the law since 2015, but no proposal has been approved.

This year’s bill gained backing from several cannabis businesses and encountered less resistance from state agencies like the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), which had opposed previous home cultivation initiatives. Despite this shift, Democratic lawmakers were unable to unite in support of the measure.

During a recent committee hearing, Kloba emphasized the importance of updating the law, stating that while Washington legalized many aspects of marijuana use through Initiative 502, home cultivation was not included.

The committee eventually voted to move HB 1449 forward after incorporating three amendments proposed by Representative Christine Reeves. Reeves’s amendments added regulations such as requiring the LCB to create a tracking system for homegrown plants, mandating that cannabis waste be mixed with other household waste for disposal, and establishing fees for those who wish to grow at home.

Additionally, commercial producers would be required to inform consumers about home cultivation laws, and the LCB would have to publish relevant legal information on its website.

One of Reeves’s changes also required liability insurance for anyone considering cannabis cultivation. Another stated that before enforcing home grow regulations, law enforcement should take into account the local availability of legal cannabis and provide a warning for first-time infractions involving plant restrictions.

Training on the history of marijuana enforcement and its disproportionate impact on specific populations would be mandatory for all law enforcement officers. Despite these additions, Reeves remained hesitant about the bill, noting that her constituents do not support the presence of marijuana businesses in their communities.

The marijuana movement, including entities like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ; CGC) (TSX: WEED), will likely be unhappy that the repeated efforts to reform the legal cannabis industry in Washington State are not registering the success intended to give adults in the state an opportunity to grow their own marijuana if they so choose.

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420 with CNW — New Hampshire Assembly Passes Adult-Use Marijuana Legalization Bill

The New Hampshire legislature recently approved a proposal to legalize the personal use and possession of recreational cannabis. However, the bill does not include provisions for the regulated sale of marijuana. The legislation, known as HB 75 and sponsored by Representative Kevin Verville, was passed in the House through a voice vote in Thursday’s afternoon session.

If enacted, the measure would eliminate criminal penalties for adults aged 21 and above who possess or use cannabis. Despite this, the proposal does not establish a regulated market for sales. Public consumption would remain prohibited under the law.

Individuals under 21 would still be restricted from possessing or using cannabis. If found in violation, they would face legal consequences, with those under 18 required to undergo a screening.

Before the vote, Representative Jodi Newell voiced her support for the bill. She highlighted the strong public demand for ending cannabis criminalization, noting that many residents of New Hampshire rely on it for various personal uses, such as aiding sleep, enhancing mood, or providing a morning boost.

She also shared personal experiences, revealing that alcohol had taken the life of her brother and that her husband had died from a heroin overdose. “Yet we continue to believe that our citizens cannot be trusted to use marijuana responsibly,” she said. “We are aware that consuming a lethal dose of marijuana is virtually impossible, and we recognize that it poses far less risk than substances that have tragically claimed the lives of my loved ones and perhaps many of yours.”

During last week’s legislative hearing, Representative Jared Sullivan pointed out that the state would not be the first to legalize marijuana use and possession while maintaining restrictions on sales.

Opposing the bill, Representative Terry Roy argued that if cannabis were to be legalized, it should be done in a more structured manner. “We’ve attempted this multiple times, with around 50 different measures over the years. None have succeeded, and this one won’t either,” he said.

“We need a plan that includes safeguards for children and appropriate regulations rather than a haphazard approach.”

The state Senate approved a measure to legalize marijuana last year, despite then-Governor Chris Sununu’s pledge to veto any such cannabis measure. The state’s current governor, Kelly Ayotte, has also expressed opposition to recreational cannabis legalization, making it likely that she would veto HB 75 should it reach her desk.

Leading cannabis industry actors like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) will be watching the developments in New Hampshire and hoping that the adults there who wish to access recreational marijuana products in the state one day get to do so legally.

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