Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for 8/28/2026. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. You can find previous editions by clicking here.
Rhode Island Now Accepting Applications for 24 New Recreational Marijuana Retail Licenses
Rhode Island is accepting applications through November 23 for 24 new recreational marijuana retail licenses. Four licenses will be available in each of six geographic zones, including licenses reserved for social equity applicants and workers’ cooperatives.
CBD and CBG Restored Memory in Animal Model of Iron-Related Brain Damage, Study Finds
CBD and CBG significantly improved recognition memory in rats exposed to excessive iron early in life, while also reducing inflammation and restoring expression of a protein associated with blood-brain barrier integrity, according to a new study published by Neurotoxicity Research.
Federal Bill to Delay New Hemp Restrictions to 2028 Gains Two Sponsors, Bringing Total to 41
The bipartisan Hemp Planting Predictability Act gained two additional House sponsors, bringing total support to 41 lawmakers. The bill would delay new federal restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoid products from late 2026 until November 2028.
CBD May Have Potential to Treat Psychosis in Schizophrenia, Review Finds
A scientific review published in Neurochemical Research found that CBD may have therapeutic potential for psychosis associated with schizophrenia, pointing to its interactions with cannabinoid, serotonin and other receptor systems.
Colorado Governor Issues New Pardons for People With Past Marijuana Convictions
Colorado Governor Jared Polis granted pardons to 29 people, including several with marijuana convictions dating back more than two decades. Polis has now issued more than 4,000 marijuana possession pardons since taking office.
Glass House Brands to Ring New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell Today
Glass House Brands is scheduled to ring the New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell today, nearly two months after its shares began trading on the exchange under the ticker GLAS. Trulieve held its own Closing Bell ceremony 10 days earlier.
Ascend Wellness Shareholders Approve Reverse Stock Split as Company Pursues Major U.S. Exchange Listing
Ascend Wellness shareholders approved a reverse stock split of between 1-for-10 and 1-for-50, giving the company’s board authority to implement the move as it pursues a potential listing on the NYSE American or Nasdaq.
California Legislature Unanimously Passes Bill Excluding CBN Isolate From Cannabis Concentrate Definition
California lawmakers unanimously approved AB 2250, which would exclude CBN isolate that is more than 99% pure and contains no THC or synthetic cannabinoids from the state’s definition of cannabis concentrate beginning January 1, 2028. The bill passed the Senate 38-0 and the Assembly 78-0 and is now headed toward Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.
Illinois Regulators Release Application Allowing Adult-Use Marijuana Dispensaries to Add Medical Sales Starting September 10
Illinois regulators released an application allowing licensed recreational marijuana dispensaries to seek authorization to also serve medical marijuana patients beginning September 10, potentially significantly expanding the number of medical dispensary locations statewide.
Maine Regulators Will Allow Outdoor-Only Medical Marijuana Caregivers to Keep Seedlings Through Winter Despite Gap in State Law
Maine regulators issued guidance allowing outdoor-only medical marijuana caregivers to maintain seedlings and immature plants during January and February 2027, despite language in the newly enacted law that technically does not authorize the practice.
Missouri Law Guaranteeing Collective Bargaining Rights for Cannabis Workers Takes Effect Today
A Missouri law guaranteeing collective bargaining protections for marijuana industry workers took effect today. Employees in cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distribution, retail and support operations now have explicit rights to organize and collectively negotiate with employers.
Oregon Begins Rulemaking Process That Could Lift Marijuana Wholesale License Moratorium for First Time Since 2022
Oregon regulators have begun a rulemaking process that could eventually reopen applications for marijuana wholesale licenses for the first time since 2022. The effort is focused specifically on wholesalers and does not immediately reopen licensing.
Rare Cannabinoid Company Launches Guide to Endocannabinoid System and Rare Cannabinoids
Rare Cannabinoid Company launched a free educational guide explaining the endocannabinoid system and how cannabinoids including CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV and CBDV interact with the body.
Study Finds Cannabis Use Not Linked to Added Brain White Matter Abnormalities in People With HIV, May Reduce Burden
A study of 296 adults found cannabis use did not add to brain white matter abnormalities among people living with HIV and may potentially be associated with a lower burden. Participants with HIV who used cannabis had levels similar to controls.
Study Finds Just 14% of Colorado Recreational Marijuana Products Fully Comply With State Labeling Rules
Researchers examining 480 recreational marijuana products from Colorado dispensaries found only 14.4% included all six labeling elements evaluated under state requirements. Just 2.2% of flower products were fully compliant, compared with 31% of concentrates.
Utah Adds Medical Marijuana Purchase Histories to State Controlled Substance Database
Utah regulators have added detailed medical marijuana purchase histories to the state’s Controlled Substance Database, allowing authorized health care providers and controlled substance dispensers to review patients’ purchase dates, quantities, product types and dispensing facilities.
