California’s two largest cities are hiking fees and taxes on licensed cannabis businesses, even as the state’s legal marijuana market faces steep revenue declines and growing competition from the illicit trade. In San Diego, legal cannabis sales have plunged nearly 50% in the latest fiscal year compared to 2021, according to NBC San Diego. Despite […]
A political action committee backed by major cannabis companies donated $1 million to a super PAC supporting former President Donald Trump, according to new filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The group, American Rights and Reform PAC—previously known as Legalize America—reported the seven-figure donation to MAGA Inc., Trump’s main super PAC, in the first […]
A prominent anti-marijuana organization has launched a six-figure ad campaign urging former President Donald Trump to oppose the federal rescheduling of cannabis—a reform that remains in limbo under the current administration. Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) Action unveiled three 30-second television ads on Thursday, warning that moving marijuana to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances […]
President Donald Trump has officially thrown his weight behind Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters (R) to chair the Republican National Committee (RNC), a move that could elevate marijuana legalization as a key issue within the GOP. In a lengthy social media post last Thursday, Trump called Gruters “a proven leader” and gave his “Complete and […]
House lawmakers have reignited controversy over cannabis policy in the nation’s capital, advancing a federal spending bill this week that continues to block Washington, D.C. from establishing a regulated marijuana market—despite local voters approving legalization over a decade ago. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) approved the bill on Monday, […]
After years of hesitation, major alcohol producers are reevaluating their stance on cannabis-infused beverages as consumer tastes shift and traditional booze sales continue to decline. A growing number of top alcohol brands—including Constellation Brands and Pernod Ricard—are quietly exploring entry into the booming market of hemp-derived THC drinks, a dozen industry insiders told Reuters. These […]
The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed President Donald Trump’s pick for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator, Terrance Cole, in a 50-47 vote on July 22. The decision places Cole at the helm of the stalled federal cannabis rescheduling process and ignites fresh debate over the agency’s future direction. Cole, a former Virginia public safety official, assumes […]
A newly published study has found that medical cannabis is an “effective treatment option” for individuals suffering from chronic pain, offering improved quality of life and reduced reliance on emergency healthcare services. The research, released last week in the journal Pharmacy, was conducted by researchers from George Mason University and Florida-based telehealth provider Leafwell. The […]
Federal authorities announced Tuesday that seven Chinese nationals have been charged in connection with a sprawling, multi-million dollar marijuana trafficking conspiracy operating out of Massachusetts and Maine. The Justice Department said the black-market operation, active since at least January 2020, trafficked kilogram quantities of marijuana and used residential properties across the Northeast as covert grow […]
Texas has officially become the 40th state to legalize medical cannabis, a milestone that advocates say marks a significant shift in the state’s traditionally conservative approach to drug policy. Governor Greg Abbott signed the long-awaited bill into law this week, expanding the state’s limited medical cannabis program to include a broader range of conditions. Under […]
