Laws, regulations, and policy updates
127 articles
LegislationNebraska lawmakers unanimously advanced funding measures for the state's new Medical Cannabis Commission, including commissioner salaries and application fee authority, as the state moves to implement its voter-approved medical marijuana program.
LegislationMissouri House passes bill banning hemp-derived THC sales, mirroring federal restrictions from December spending package. Legislation now heads to Senate.
Rhode Island cannabis regulators are under pressure to finalize their lottery system for 20 new dispensary licenses by May, as applicants who've invested time and money demand clarity on the selection process.
LegislationMaryland's Senate Finance Committee heard legislation Thursday that would protect firefighters and rescue workers from workplace penalties for off-duty medical cannabis use, reviving a measure that stalled last year.
LegislationArizona senators passed bills criminalizing 'excessive' marijuana odor even for legal home use, drawing criticism that the measures undermine voter-approved legalization and create unequal treatment.
LegislationKentucky GOP congressman and agriculture commissioner are urging Sen. Mitch McConnell to back a two-year delay on federal hemp THC restrictions, warning immediate implementation could devastate the state's hemp industry.
LegislationDemocratic voters in Texas are weighing in on marijuana legalization through a non-binding ballot question during the state's March 3 primary election, though the outcome won't directly change state law.
LegislationNew York lawmakers introduced bills allowing liquor stores to obtain permits for selling low-THC cannabis beverages, potentially expanding distribution but raising questions about market equity.
LegislationMissouri House passes legislation banning hemp-derived THC drinks and edibles from gas stations and smoke shops, with the prohibition set to begin in November if approved by the Senate.
LegislationNebraska's General Affairs Committee unanimously approved amendments to the Medical Cannabis Commission rules Tuesday, marking rare bipartisan consensus on cannabis policy in the conservative state.
LegislationMissouri's auditor found significant flaws in how the state scored 2019 medical marijuana license applications, leading to costly lawsuits. State regulators are disputing the findings.
LegislationHawaii lawmakers approved legislation letting medical cannabis patients access dispensaries immediately upon registration submission, eliminating the current wait for physical card delivery.
LegislationVirginia lawmakers advanced bills Tuesday to legalize marijuana sales, allow resentencing for past convictions, and permit medical cannabis in hospitals, moving the measures past a critical legislative deadline.
LegislationHawaii's Senate advanced two marijuana legalization bills with different approaches—one tied to federal reform, another excluding retail sales—while House leaders say reform won't happen in 2026.
LegislationWest Virginia refuses to spend medical marijuana tax revenue over federal law concerns, even as 20+ states allocate similar funds without issue. A state lawmaker is pushing to finally put the idle money to use.
LegislationVirginia's House and Senate passed competing marijuana sales bills Monday, setting up final votes and negotiations. A separate resentencing measure for past cannabis convictions also advanced.
LegislationSmart & Safe Florida has petitioned the state Supreme Court to restore 71,000 ballot signatures rejected by election officials, attempting to salvage its November legalization initiative as deadlines approach.
LegislationColorado regulators are weighing changes to marijuana testing protocols that would end manufacturer control of product sampling, following revelations that current $15,000 penalties do little to prevent fraud.
LegislationMissouri senators filibustered legislation to immediately adopt federal hemp THC limits, with critics warning of unintended harm to legitimate businesses as the state's regulated cannabis market pushes for restrictions.
LegislationHemp industry executive Mike Simpson argues Congress should establish regulations for THC and CBD products rather than rushing to ban them, warning against repeating prohibition-first policy mistakes.
LegislationMissouri Democrats blocked a Republican bill to ban intoxicating hemp products after a two-hour filibuster, highlighting tensions between the regulated cannabis market and hemp retailers.
LegislationAdministrative law judge rules Minnesota's cannabis regulator exceeded its authority by banning hemp retailers from shipping directly to consumers, restoring delivery access after four-month prohibition.
LegislationVirginia's Senate committee advanced a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales after removing criminal penalties, setting up negotiations with the House over competing versions of the legislation.
LegislationPresident Trump pardoned former Dallas Cowboys star Nate Newton for a 175-pound marijuana trafficking conviction from 2001, raising questions about broader cannabis clemency as federal rescheduling remains stalled.
