Marijuana legalization in the United States began as a patient-rights movement, grew into a state-by-state challenge to federal prohibition, and eventually became one of the most successful policy reform efforts of the past three decades. In 1996, California became the first state in the nation to legalize medical marijuana. Today, medical cannabis is legal in …
Where Ohio Governor Candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton Stand on Marijuana Legalization
Ohio’s race for governor could have major implications for the state’s marijuana market, with Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton offering voters two notably different public records on cannabis policy. Ohio voters legalized adult-use marijuana in 2023 with 57% support for Issue 2, and recreational sales began in August 2024. But the market has …
Highly Purified CBD Shows Antipsychotic-Like Effects in Mice, Study Finds
A highly purified form of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrated antipsychotic-like effects in a new animal study published by the Journal of Psychopharmacology. The study compared highly purified CBD, known as hpCBD and sold as Epidiolex, with two newer non-dopamine-blocking psychosis medications: pimavanserin, approved for psychosis associated with Parkinson’s disease, and xanomeline, approved for schizophrenia psychosis when …
Cannabis Compounds CBD and CBG May Help Protect Skin Cells From UVA-Related Damage, Study Finds
A new study found that the cannabis compounds CBD and CBG may help protect skin cells from damage caused by ultraviolet A radiation, a major contributor to oxidative stress and a potential factor in melanoma development. The study, published by the journal Antioxidants, was conducted by researchers from the Medical University of Bialystok and the …
Low-THC, High-CBD Cannabis Extract May Reduce Cocaine Relapse by Disrupting Drug-Associated Memories, Study Finds
A new study found that low-THC, high-CBD cannabis extracts may reduce cocaine relapse by disrupting cocaine-associated memories, supporting further research into its potential role in treating cocaine use disorder. The study, titled Non-Psychoactive Cannabis Extract Disrupts Reinstatement and Reconsolidation in Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice, was conducted by researchers from the National University of …
California Marijuana Sales Reach $323 Million in June, Nearly $2 Billion Sold in First Half of 2026
California’s legal marijuana market brought in $323,143,771 in sales in June, bringing the state’s total for the first half of 2026 to nearly $1.95 billion. According to data from Seattle-based research firm Headset, June’s total was nearly identical to the roughly $322 million sold in June 2025, showing a stable year-over-year market despite ongoing challenges …
Researchers Develop Automated and Miniaturized Method to Detect Pesticides in Cannabis Flower
Researchers from the University of Messina have developed a fully automated and miniaturized method for detecting pesticide residues in cannabis flower, offering a faster and more environmentally friendly approach to laboratory testing. The study, published in Analytica Chimica Acta, focused on automating a commonly used pesticide-testing process known as QuEChERS, which stands for Quick, Easy, …
President Trump Urges Senate Majority Leader John Thune to Hold Vote on SAFE Banking Act
According to a senior advisor to President Trump who spoke with The Marijuana Herald, the president recently held a phone call with Senate Majority Leader John Thune in which he urged him to allow a full Senate vote on the SAFE Banking Act, the bipartisan marijuana banking legislation which was refiled recently in both the …
American Bankers Association Urges Congress to Pass SAFE Banking Act to Expand Banking Access for Marijuana Businesses
The American Bankers Association is urging congressional leaders to pass the SAFE Banking Act of 2026, arguing that the bipartisan proposal is needed to give banks legal clarity to serve state-licensed marijuana businesses and related service providers. In a July 1 letter sent to House and Senate leaders, ABA Chief Policy Officer Naomi Camper expressed …
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Seeks Public Feedback on Future Marijuana Regulations
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is seeking feedback from the public and stakeholders as it prepares regulations for the state’s upcoming retail marijuana market. The CCA launched a survey Monday, which is open through July 21 and gives consumers, business owners, community organizations, health advocates and others a chance to weigh in on how …
