Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for September 18, 2026. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Previous editions are available here.
TerrAscend Moves to Dismiss Federal Lawsuit Seeking Return of $8.36 Million Marijuana Tax Refund
TerrAscend USA has asked a federal judge to dismiss a government lawsuit seeking repayment of an $8.36 million marijuana-related tax refund. In a 38-page motion, the company argues federal attorneys sued a nonexistent entity, filed in the wrong venue and made jurisdictional and service errors. The underlying dispute involves deductions previously barred under federal tax code Section 280E.
Alabama Health Officials Unanimously Withdraw Objection to Medical Marijuana Schedule III Change
The Alabama State Committee of Public Health voted unanimously to withdraw the state’s objection to a federal rule placing certain medical marijuana products in Schedule III, allowing the change to take effect under Alabama law. The action applies to certain federally approved and qualifying state-regulated medical products and is separate from the broader federal proceeding to reschedule marijuana generally.
Texas Supreme Court Dismisses Elgin Marijuana Decriminalization Case as Moot After City Repeals Ordinance
The Texas Supreme Court has dismissed a case involving Elgin’s voter-approved marijuana decriminalization ordinance as moot after the city repealed the policy. The court also vacated a lower-court judgment but declined to erase its written opinion. The decision ends the case without resolving the broader question of whether Texas cities can restrict enforcement of state marijuana possession laws.
Massachusetts Marijuana Sales Top $1.25 Billion in 2026, All-Time Sales Reach $11.66 Billion as Prices Hit Record Low
Massachusetts marijuana retailers have generated approximately $1.26 billion in combined recreational and medical sales through September 6, bringing all-time sales to roughly $11.66 billion. Updated Cannabis Control Commission data also shows average marijuana prices falling to a new record low of $3.81 per gram, equivalent to $108.01 per ounce.
Rhode Island Cannabis Commission Denies Proposal to Expand Marijuana Home Delivery Hours
Rhode Island marijuana regulators rejected a proposal to expand legal home delivery hours from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 7 a.m.–11 p.m., leaving the current window unchanged. Cannabis Control Commission Chairperson Kimberly Ahern indicated the issue could return, saying she supports additional study and working to “get it across the finish line as quickly as possible.”
Illinois Bill Would Create Direct Cash Payments for People Disproportionately Impacted by Marijuana Enforcement
A newly filed Illinois bill would create a state program providing direct cash payments to people disproportionately impacted by past marijuana enforcement. House Bill 5815, introduced by Representative La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago), would establish the Illinois Freedom Program within the existing R3 framework and create a dedicated fund without reducing marijuana tax revenue currently distributed to R3-funded organizations.
Texas Defends THCA-Based Hemp Testing Rules in New Appeals Court Filing
Texas is asking a state appeals court to uphold rules requiring hemp testing to account for THCA converting into delta-9 THC. In a 39-page filing, the state argues regulators acted within their authority and is seeking reversal of a lower court order, dismissal of the hemp businesses’ claims and removal of a temporary injunction.
New South Wales Parliament Passes Bill Protecting Medical Marijuana Patients From Automatic THC Driving Penalties
New South Wales lawmakers have passed legislation preventing registered medical marijuana patients from automatically losing their licenses or facing other penalties solely because THC is detected while driving. Eligible patients would register with transportation officials and complete a safety program. Roadside testing would continue, while impairment-related driving charges would remain available regardless of a patient’s registration status.
Minnesota to Require Medical Marijuana Retailers to Carry State-Designated ‘High Medical Need’ Products Starting January 1
Beginning January 1, Minnesota marijuana retailers with medical endorsements will be required to stock every product designated by the state as having a “high medical need.” The required list will include products such as pills, tinctures, water-soluble cannabinoids and orally dissolvable products. Regulators may take enforcement action if designated products are not made available within 24 hours of a patient request.
California Judge Tentatively Holds Property Owner Liable Over Unlicensed Marijuana Dispensary
A California judge has tentatively ruled that a property owner can be held liable under nuisance and local laws for allowing an unlicensed marijuana dispensary to operate on its property. The Los Angeles County Superior Court found the owner knew or should have known about the operation, while rejecting Compton’s attempt to establish liability under a separate state marijuana enforcement provision.
Boulder Repeals 100% Energy-Offset Requirement for Marijuana Cultivators as Industry Shrinks
The Boulder City Council voted to repeal a requirement that licensed marijuana cultivators offset 100% of their electricity use, ending a program adopted in 2013. City officials cited a sharp decline in cultivation businesses, from a peak of 44 to just nine as of June, along with falling program revenue and limited environmental benefits compared with administrative costs.
Bipartisan Bill Would Protect Federal Job Applicants From Penalties Over Past Marijuana Use
A newly introduced bipartisan House bill would prohibit federal agencies from denying someone a federal job or security clearance because of past marijuana use. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) introduced the Cannabis Users’ Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act with Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA) as a cosponsor. An earlier version advanced through a House committee in 2023 but did not become law.
