Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for August 24, 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.
Study Finds Medical Cannabis Associated With Improved Pain, Sleep and Urinary Symptoms in Parkinson’s Patients
Medical cannabis was associated with improvements in pain, sleep, quality of life and nighttime urinary symptoms among people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. The prospective study followed patients for three months, although researchers said randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings.
DEA Considers Applications to Import Flowering Marijuana and Manufacture Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabis for Research
The Drug Enforcement Administration is considering applications from California-based Biopharmaceutical Research Company to import flowering marijuana and cannabis derivatives and manufacture pharmaceutical-grade marijuana for research, including clinical trials. The applications were disclosed in Federal Register notices published August 24.
Gallup: U.S. Marijuana Smoking Ties Record High as Cigarette Use Remains at Record Low
Seventeen percent of U.S. adults say they smoke marijuana, tying the record high reported by Gallup in 2023 and more than doubling the 7% recorded in 2013. Meanwhile, cigarette smoking remains at a record low of 11%, while 15% of adults report consuming marijuana edibles.
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Opening Social Equity Program Applications September 1
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission will accept new applications for its Social Equity Program from September 1 through November 30. The free statewide program provides technical assistance and training to people disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement, with four virtual application clinics planned to assist prospective applicants.
Australia Bans Halloween: The Game Because Marijuana Gives Players a Gameplay Advantage
Australia has banned the upcoming video game Halloween: The Game because players can smoke marijuana to temporarily reveal the location of Michael Myers, providing a gameplay advantage. Australian classification rules prohibit games from rewarding illicit drug use, leading regulators to refuse the game classification despite its graphic violence.
Aurora Cannabis Pushes Back on Curaleaf Hostile Bid, Disputes Claims About International Business
Aurora Cannabis is disputing claims made by Curaleaf Holdings in support of its hostile takeover bid, arguing that Curaleaf has understated the strength of Aurora’s international medical marijuana business. Aurora highlighted 17% year-over-year growth in international revenue and again urged shareholders to take no action while its board reviews the offer.
Curaleaf Fires Back at Aurora Cannabis as Hostile Takeover Battle Escalates
Curaleaf Holdings has responded to Aurora Cannabis’ rejection of its hostile takeover bid, accusing the company of misleading shareholders and highlighting selective performance figures. “Aurora’s hollow protests and completely misleading statistics change nothing about reality,” Curaleaf said. The company defended its offer as providing a substantial premium and said it remains willing to meet with Aurora to discuss a potential agreement.
Ohio Marijuana Sales Reach $777 Million in 2026, Up 28% From Same Period Last Year
Ohio retailers sold approximately $777 million worth of legal marijuana between January 3 and August 21, a roughly 28% increase from the same period in 2025. All-time sales have surpassed $4.15 billion, including $1.75 billion from nonmedical marijuana and $2.40 billion from medical marijuana.
Study Finds CBDA May Reduce Neuroinflammation and Improve Brain Insulin Signaling
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) reduced several markers of brain inflammation and improved insulin signaling in rats fed a high-fat diet, according to a study published in Inflammopharmacology. Researchers also observed reduced expression of BACE1, increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and decreased amyloid-beta deposition in part of the brain.
Study Finds Hemp Seed Polysaccharides Improve Blood Deficiency Markers, Alter Gut Microbiota
Hemp seed polysaccharides improved red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit while reducing spleen damage in an animal model of blood deficiency syndrome, according to a study published in Food Research International. Polysaccharides extracted from stir-fried hemp seeds generally produced stronger effects and altered the composition of the gut microbiota.
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