Apr 03 2025

New Massachusetts Bill Would Add Cannabis Beverages to Massachusetts Bottle Redemption Program

A new bill filed today in the Massachusetts Legislature would add cannabis-infused beverages to the state’s bottle redemption program.

Bottle redemption machines.

Filed by State Representative David LeBoeuf (D), House Bill 3982 has been referred to the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy. The proposal would amend current recycling laws to treat cannabis beverages like soda, water, and beer in terms of container redemption.

Specifically, the measure would update Section 321 of Chapter 94 of the General Laws to include cannabis-infused beverages in the definition of redeemable containers. These beverages are defined as those legally distributable under Massachusetts law that contain cannabinoids including CBD and THC.
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Apr 03 2025

Pennsylvania Lawmakers File Bill to Create Adult-Use Cannabis Farmer-Grower Program

A group of six Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced House Bill 1107 today, a measure that would establish a regulated adult-use cannabis farmer-grower program in anticipation of marijuana legalization.

Filed by State Representatives Melissa Shusterman, Ben Sanchez, Paul Probst, Danilo Burgos, Anna Cerrato and Dan Williams, all Democrats, HB 1107 would create the Adult-use Cannabis Program within the Department of Health. The legislation, which has been referred to the House Health Committee, lays the groundwork for a licensing system for small-scale growers—referred to as farmer-growers—who would be allowed to cultivate, process, and sell marijuana to licensed processors under strict regulations.

Farmer-growers would need to obtain a permit from the Department of Health, and would be limited to operating indoor facilities no larger than 10 acres. Each site must meet strict security, tracking, and reporting requirements. Permits would cost $2,500 annually, with the same amount charged for applications and renewals.
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Apr 03 2025

The Recreational Marijuana Tax Rate for Every Legal State

23 states have legalized the licensed distribution of cannabis, but how they approach taxes and regulations varies substantially.

Of these 23 states —21 of which have a currently operating adult-use market, with Delaware’s and Minnesota’s launching later this year— marijuana taxes range from just 6%, all the way to 37%. Below is a list of all 23 states that have legalized marijuana sales, from lowest to highest.
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Apr 03 2025

North Carolina Senate Leader Sees No Path for Recreational Marijuana This Session, But Says Medical Bill Possible

North Carolina Senate President Phil Berger says full legalization of marijuana is off the table this session, but medical marijuana legislation could still gain traction—if the House takes the lead.

In a recent interview with WXII 12 News, Berger said he sees no realistic chance of North Carolina passing a law to legalize marijuana for recreational use during the current legislation session. However, he acknowledged there is continued support for allowing marijuana for medical purposes.

“I don’t see that there is any chance of full legalization of recreational marijuana,” said Berger. “I do think there continues to be discussion about medical marijuana. The Senate has, on a couple of occasions, passed medical marijuana legislation. And I think there remain majorities within the Senate for legislation of that sort.”
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Apr 03 2025

Florida House Committee Unanimously Approves Bill to Make Medical Marijuana Cards Free for Veterans

In a unanimous 16 to 0 vote, Florida’s House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee today approved a bill that would make medical marijuana cards free for veterans and extend the validity of all cards from one year to two.

(Photo credit: GETTY Images).

House Bill 555 is designed to ease access to medical marijuana for veterans, and make the process more affordable for them. The proposal would waive the state’s fee for issuing, replacing, or renewing medical marijuana identification cards for honorably discharged veterans. Applicants would be required to submit a DD-214 form as proof of status.

HB 555 also proposes extending the validity of medical marijuana identification cards from one year to two years, reducing the frequency and cost of renewals for all qualified patients and caregivers (this would apply to all patients, not just veterans).
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Apr 03 2025

New York Launches Cannabis Responsible Workforce Training Program

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced the launch of the Responsible Workforce Training Program, a “critical initiative aimed at providing comprehensive safety education to workers in the cannabis industry.”

New York is the first state to require and develop Cannabis Product Safety and Responsibility and Cannabis Workforce Responsibility courses related to the health, safety, and employment standards for all cannabis workforce participants. These courses, in addition to training on implicit bias, cultural competency, and licensee specific trainings, represent a significant step toward building a workforce empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the New York cannabis industry.

New York State adult-use cannabis regulations require that all persons performing activities under a licensed cannabis business complete Responsible Workforce Training within 30 days of the employee’s start date.

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Apr 03 2025

Michigan: Over $750 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold So Far in 2025, Garnering $120 Million in Tax Revenue

Michigan marijuana sales reached $267.7 million in March, pushing the state’s total for 2025 past $750 million in just three months.

According to data released by the research firm Headset, the March total marks a 10% increase from February’s $242 million and an 8% rise from January’s $247 million. Adult-use marijuana continues to account for the vast majority of sales, with medical marijuana making up just 2% of the market.

In total, Michigan’s marijuana industry has generated $756 million in sales, resulting in around $120 million in tax revenue.
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Apr 03 2025

Minnesota Senate Committee Approves Omnibus Cannabis Policy Bill

Minnesota’s Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee gave approval today to the Omnibus Cannabis Policy Bill (Senate File 2370), a detailed proposal that would make several alterations to the state’s legal marijuana industry.

Introduced earlier this month by Senator David Dibble (D), this comprehensive legislation would address various aspects of the state’s evolving cannabis industry, with the recreational market expected to launch later this year​

Among its many provisions, the bill formalizes the Office of Cannabis Management as a recognized state agency for government-to-government relations with Tribal nations. This change allows the agency to directly engage with Tribal governments on matters involving marijuana and hemp, strengthening collaboration and ensuring regulatory alignment where appropriate.
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Apr 03 2025

President Trump’s Tariffs Expected to Increase Cannabis Prices

Tariffs imposed worldwide by President Donald Trump on Wednesday are likely to increase the cost of cannabis products in the U.S., as many firms rely on products from Asia for manufacturing.

The latest tariffs, which are immediate, stack up on any duties imposed earlier on countries like China, Canada, Mexico and the EU. Items such as tins, vape hardware and specialized glass remain difficult to source domestically, and companies remain largely dependent on Asia particularly China, analysts and executives said.

“Those relying on exports from nations with tariffs, such as China, will need to take a serious look at how they might absorb the extra costs or alter partnerships,” said Bryan Gerber, CEO of Hara Supply, the world’s largest manufacturer of cones and combustibles, according to a recent report by Reuters.
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Apr 03 2025

New Mexico Governor Has Until April 11 to Decide Fate of Medical Psilocybin Act

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has until April 11 to either sign or veto legislation that would legalize medical psilocybin, or allow it to become law without her signature.

The Medical Psilocybin Act, Senate Bill 219, cleared the House in a 56 to 8 vote after previously passing the Senate 33 to 4. Sponsored by Senator Jeff Steinborn (D), the measure has received strong bipartisan support—enough to override a potential veto if necessary. When asked for comment, Governor Grisham’s Communication Director Michael Coleman simply told us “We’re still considering this one”.

If enacted, the bill would allow psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with certain behavioral health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and end-of-life distress. It would also remove psilocybin from the state’s Controlled Substances Act, shielding patients, providers, and producers from criminal penalties.
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