Below is a breakdown of the top cannabis news stories for August 4, 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.
New Mexico Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Set Monthly Record in July, Total 2026 Sales Reach $335 Million
New Mexico marijuana retailers reported nearly $50 million in sales in July, including a record $39.6 million in adult-use purchases. Combined medical and recreational marijuana sales have reached approximately $335 million in 2026 and more than $2.4 billion since the market launched.
Researchers Develop Microbial Process That Produces Spinnable Hemp Fiber in Seven Days
Researchers from Ege University in Türkiye developed a controlled microbial process that produces usable textile fiber from hemp in seven days, roughly half the time required by conventional water retting. The resulting fibers were blended with cotton and successfully spun into yarn.
U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Todd Blanche’s Attorney General Nomination
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to permanently lead the Department of Justice, sending it to the full Senate. Blanche signed an April order placing FDA-approved marijuana products and marijuana covered by qualifying state medical licenses in Schedule III.
Study: Cannabis Flower Extracts Inhibited Multiple Alzheimer’s-Related Enzymes and Protected Cells From Damage
Cannabis flower extracts inhibited three enzymes involved in biological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease while protecting neuron-like cells from oxidative and amyloid-related damage. Researchers cautioned that the laboratory findings do not demonstrate an effect in humans and require further study.
35 State Attorneys General Urge Congress to Reject Delay of Federal Hemp Restrictions
A bipartisan coalition of 35 state attorneys general is urging Congress to reject a proposal delaying implementation of the new federal hemp definition. The coalition argues that a delay would prolong the sale of largely unregulated intoxicating THC products and create additional legal and regulatory uncertainty.
Study: Cannabis Oral Spray and Cannabis Tea Improved Spasticity, Spasms and Pain in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
A study involving 63 multiple sclerosis patients found that both a THC-CBD oral spray and cannabis tea were associated with significant improvements in spasticity, muscle spasms and pain. Researchers said cannabis tea may provide an alternative for patients who discontinue the spray because of limited effectiveness or tolerability concerns.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas Launches Six New Online Cannabis Career Certificate Programs
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has launched six new online certificate programs covering cannabis cultivation, product development, retail, regulatory compliance, medical cannabis and entry-level industry knowledge. The first group of students will begin classes September 1.
North Carolina Governor Calls for Regulated Adult THC Market as House Considers Hemp Bill
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is urging lawmakers to establish a regulated adult THC market rather than approve legislation that would prohibit most intoxicating hemp products currently sold in the state. House Bill 328 would ban ingestible and inhalable hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container while imposing age restrictions on hemp and kratom products.
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