Below is a breakdown of the top cannabis news stories for July 31, 2026, with each title linking to a full article. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. This, and future editions, can be found by clicking here.
CBD Reduced Inflammation and Fat Buildup in Human Immune Cells Exposed to Saturated Fat, Study Finds
CBD reduced inflammatory signaling and triglyceride accumulation in laboratory-grown human immune cells exposed to excess saturated fat. Researchers said the findings support further investigation into CBD as a potential regulator of metabolic inflammation, although additional studies involving animals and primary human cells are needed.
Bipartisan Federal Hemp THC Bill Gains New Cosponsors
The Lawful Hemp Protection Act gained two additional cosponsors, Reps. Tim Moore (R-NC) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), bringing its support to two Republicans and two Democrats. The bill would preserve access to certain hemp-derived THC products while establishing federal rules for their manufacture, labeling, taxation and sale.
Maryland Teen Marijuana Use Continues to Decline Following Recreational Legalization, State Survey Shows
Teen marijuana use in Maryland continued to decline during the first full school year following the launch of legal recreational sales, according to newly released state survey data. The findings extend a downward trend recorded before legalization and challenge predictions that regulated adult sales would inevitably increase use among minors. However, the survey does not establish that legalization caused the decline, with state officials also pointing to prevention and education efforts as contributing factors.
CBD Reduced Seizure Severity and Memory Problems in an Animal Model of Epilepsy, Study Finds
CBD reduced seizure severity and improved recognition memory in rats with epilepsy-like symptoms. The study also found that HCN1, a protein involved in regulating brain-cell activity, may play a role in CBD’s anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects.
Jushi Holdings Completes Redomicile From British Columbia to Nevada
Jushi Holdings completed its redomicile from British Columbia to Nevada following shareholder and court approval. The multistate marijuana company’s shares will continue trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange and OTCQX under the ticker symbol JUSH.
More Than 300 Ascend Wellness Workers Ratify First Union Contract, Ending Largest-Ever U.S. Cannabis Strike
More than 300 Ascend Wellness workers in Barry, Illinois, ratified their first union contract, ending a 30-day strike described by the Teamsters as the largest in the history of the legal U.S. marijuana industry. The agreement includes higher wages, reduced health care costs, improved paid time off and stronger workplace protections.
New York Appeals Court Strikes Down Local 1,000-Foot School Buffer for Marijuana Dispensaries
A New York appeals court ruled that municipalities cannot impose school-distance requirements on licensed marijuana dispensaries that are more restrictive than those established under state law. The court struck down Riverhead’s 1,000-foot buffer, finding it conflicted with the state’s 500-foot requirement and measurement standards.
North Carolina House Moves Hemp-Derived THC Restrictions Toward Final Vote
North Carolina legislation that would impose new restrictions on hemp-derived THC products, kratom and xylazine has moved closer to a final House vote. A House conference committee formally reported the negotiated version of House Bill 328 on July 30, sending it to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee. The proposal would adopt a total THC standard, restrict consumable hemp products to 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container beginning November 12 and prohibit synthetic or chemically converted cannabinoids. The House must approve the conference report before the bill can be sent to State Governor Josh Stein.
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