Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for September 29, 2026. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Previous editions can be found by clicking here.
Pennsylvania Senate Committee Unanimously Passes Ryan’s Law Allowing Medical Marijuana in Health Care Facilities
The Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee unanimously advanced Ryan’s Law, which would require certain health care facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana. Smoking and vaping would remain prohibited, and facilities could establish reasonable storage and use restrictions. Senate Bill 1035, sponsored by Senator John Kane (D), now heads to the full Senate.
Hawaii Has Registered Nearly 3,800 Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Patients in 2026, Up 15%
Hawaii registered 3,792 out-of-state medical marijuana patients through August, up about 15% from 3,305 during the same period in 2025. Florida was the most common home state among visiting patients in August. Hawaii also had 29,315 valid in-state medical marijuana patients as of August 31, compared with 29,258 a year earlier.
Study Identifies Nearly 110,000 Medical Marijuana Caregivers Nationwide and Over 35,000 Authorizing Clinicians
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine identified nearly 110,000 registered medical marijuana caregivers nationwide in 2024, roughly three times the number of clinicians authorized to approve patients. Researchers found the number of authorizing clinicians increased from about 29,500 in 2020 to more than 35,000 in 2024, while caregiver participation varied substantially between states.
Missouri Adopts Final Rules for Marijuana Research Facilities, Allowing Human, Animal and Genetics Studies
Missouri regulators finalized rules establishing a licensing framework for marijuana research facilities, including studies involving humans, animals, cultivation and genetics. Approved facilities will be able to cultivate and process marijuana and administer products under approved research protocols. Human studies require multiple layers of institutional review, while separate safeguards apply to animal research. The rules take effect 30 days after publication.
Placebo-Controlled Human Study Finds CBG Improves EEG Measures of Mood and Mental Clarity
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 18 adults found that 25 mg of cannabigerol (CBG) produced significant EEG-measured changes associated with improved mood, reduced sadness and greater mental clarity. The effects were measured through brain activity rather than self-reported mood, which did not differ significantly between CBG and placebo. Researchers noted the study’s small sample size.
Nearly 90% of Over 3,300 Public Comments to North Carolina Cannabis Council Support Some Form of Marijuana Legalization
An analysis presented to North Carolina’s Advisory Council on Cannabis found 88% of 3,372 public comments supported general marijuana legalization, a regulated adult-use market or comprehensive medical marijuana access. Just 4.3% supported prohibition. The council, established by Governor Josh Stein, is developing recommendations for a comprehensive state marijuana policy that are due by the end of 2026.
Study Finds CBG Enhances Adenosine Signaling at Human Receptor, Increasing Apparent Potency 138-Fold
A laboratory study published in Pharmacological Research found cannabigerol (CBG) increased adenosine’s apparent potency at the human A3 receptor by approximately 138-fold. CBG also increased the maximum measured response, while cannabidiol (CBD) produced a smaller enhancement. The research involved receptor-expressing cells rather than patients, and the 138-fold figure does not represent a corresponding increase in medical benefit.
Ohio Can Enforce Hemp Licensing Requirements Under New Federal Appeals Court Ruling
A federal appeals court has allowed Ohio to enforce key marijuana licensing requirements against hemp companies challenging the state’s new restrictions on intoxicating hemp products. The Sixth Circuit partially suspended a lower-court injunction, giving Ohio broader enforcement authority while the appeal proceeds. However, provisions that impose geographic restrictions on where products are sourced, manufactured or distributed remain blocked against the plaintiffs.
Study of 3,000 Cannabis Consumers Finds 90% More Likely to Buy From Licensed Dispensaries With State-Issued QR Codes
A study of 3,061 recent cannabis consumers across 33 legal U.S. jurisdictions found 90% said state-issued QR codes providing testing and compliance information would make them more likely to buy from licensed dispensaries. Another 89% said the system increased confidence in the legal market. Researchers cautioned that the survey measured stated intentions after viewing a demonstration rather than actual purchasing behavior.
Jamaica Opens Fee-Free Marijuana Cultivation Pathways for Traditional Growers
Jamaica is expanding programs designed to bring traditional marijuana growers into the regulated industry without government application or authorization fees. Individual farmers can receive a two-year transition period to meet full licensing requirements, while registered community groups can collectively cultivate up to 10 acres. Officials say the programs are intended to reduce financial and regulatory barriers facing longtime growers.
Study Finds Cannabinoid Replenishment Prevents Depression-Like Behaviors in Chronically Stressed Mice
A study published in BMC Medicine found that replenishing cannabinoid signaling protected chronically stressed mice from depression-like behaviors. Researchers found chronic stress disrupted endocannabinoid production and impaired the brain’s ability to reverse stress-induced changes in neural connections. Restoring cannabinoid signaling improved that adaptive process and prevented depression-like behaviors, identifying a potential mechanism for further research into stress and the endocannabinoid system.
Hawaii Launching New Medical Marijuana Patient Registry Portal September 30
Hawaii will launch a new medical marijuana patient registry portal September 30, replacing the system used by patients and providers to manage registrations and access state-issued 329 cards. Existing login credentials will remain valid, but patients will need to access the new portal to download new cards. The state processes roughly 1,500 medical marijuana cards each month.
Connecticut Ending THC-Based Marijuana Taxes and 70% Concentrate Cap October 1
Connecticut will make several significant marijuana policy changes October 1, eliminating its 70% THC cap on concentrates and replacing potency-based recreational marijuana taxes with a flat 10.75% statewide tax. Combined with the state’s general sales tax and municipal marijuana tax, purchases will face a 20.1% percentage-based tax. Connecticut will also begin recognizing out-of-state medical marijuana authorizations.
Missouri Dispensaries Face $500-Per-Violation Fine for Keeping Customer Data Without Written Consent
Missouri regulators issued new guidance stating that beginning November 12, marijuana dispensaries cannot create or retain identifying information about recreational consumers without written consent. Each violation carries a $500 fine, and businesses cannot deny service because a customer refuses to have their information recorded. Regulators specifically advised dispensaries to review practices involving delivery orders, rewards programs and existing customer records.
Study Finds Marijuana-Turmeric Extract Reduces Inflammatory Activity in Laboratory Model of Psoriasis
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found a marijuana-and-turmeric extract reduced several measures of inflammation in laboratory experiments relevant to psoriasis. At one concentration, the extract reduced nitric oxide production by about 49% and prostaglandin E2 production by approximately 91%. The experiments involved cells and isolated skin rather than patients, so clinical effectiveness remains unestablished.
