Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for August 20, 2026. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. You can find previous editions by clicking here.
Clinical Trial: THC/CBD Oil Significantly Reduced Use of Psychotropic Drugs in Patients With Severe Dementia
A randomized clinical trial found that THC/CBD oil significantly reduced the use of as-needed psychotropic medications among older patients with severe dementia. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse events attributed to the study medication.
Illinois Regulators Propose Allowing Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation for Craft Growers and Cultivation Centers
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is proposing rules that would allow licensed marijuana cultivation centers and craft growers to cultivate plants outdoors for the first time. Outdoor growing areas would face extensive fencing, visibility and tracking requirements, and marijuana harvested outdoors would be required to undergo extraction and be made into cannabis concentrate rather than sold as flower.
Missouri Receives Nearly 900 Applications for Final Marijuana Microbusiness Lottery Set for September 9
Missouri received nearly 900 applications for its final round of marijuana microbusiness licenses, with 77 applicants set to be selected through a September 9 lottery. The licenses will include dispensaries and wholesale facilities across the state’s eight congressional districts. Licenses are expected to be issued in December, completing the minimum number required under Missouri’s marijuana legalization amendment.
New York Names 10 Clinicians and Researchers to Second Medical Cannabis Advisory Council Cohort
New York regulators selected 10 clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals for the second cohort of the state’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Council. Members represent fields including oncology, toxicology, psychiatry, addiction medicine, pharmacy and public health, and will work on clinical education, practitioner tools, treatment protocols, research resources and patient education.
Oregon Senator Says She Will Introduce Bill in January to Cap THC in Marijuana Edibles, Expand Warning Labels
Oregon State Senator Lisa Reynolds says she plans to introduce legislation in January 2027 that would tighten marijuana regulations, including a 10-milligram THC cap for individual edible products and expanded mental health warning requirements. Reynolds pursued similar legislation earlier this year, but the proposal stalled in the House after passing the Senate.
TerrAscend Renews $10 Million Share Buyback Program, Citing Federal Marijuana Reform and U.S. Listing Prospects
TerrAscend renewed its share repurchase program, authorizing up to $10 million in common stock buybacks over the next 12 months. The company may repurchase as many as 10 million shares beginning August 24, with Executive Chairman Jason Wild pointing to federal marijuana reform and progress toward a major U.S. stock exchange listing as factors strengthening the company’s long-term outlook.
Texas Hemp Businesses Sue State Health Department Over THCA Enforcement, Fees and Market Restrictions
A group of Texas hemp businesses filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of State Health Services challenging enforcement policies involving THCA and other naturally occurring cannabinoids. The lawsuit also challenges annual fees of $10,000 for manufacturers and $5,000 for retailers, with plaintiffs seeking to block the disputed policies while the case proceeds.
Trulieve CEO Praises Trump’s FDA Pick Heidi Overton, Says She’s Been ‘Key’ to Marijuana Rescheduling
Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers praised President Trump’s nomination of Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the Food and Drug Administration, saying Overton has been “key” to advancing marijuana rescheduling. Overton has played a public role in the administration’s Schedule III efforts, previously describing the move as a way to expand marijuana research and provide better information to patients and healthcare providers.
