Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for October 1, 2026, sponsored by Trulieve. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Previous editions can be found by clicking here.
New York Marijuana Sales Hit Record $512.6 Million in Q3, Reach $1.41 Billion in 2026 and $4.1 Billion Program-to-Date
New York generated a record $512.6 million in marijuana sales during the third quarter of 2026, bringing year-to-date sales to $1.41 billion and program-to-date sales above $4.1 billion. Regulators also reported that the state has now licensed 1,039 adult-use retailers, including microbusinesses authorized to conduct retail sales.
Johns Hopkins Study Finds Cannabis Commonly Used to Manage Premenstrual Mood Symptoms, Especially Among Those With PMDD
A Johns Hopkins University study found cannabis was the most commonly reported substance used to manage premenstrual mood symptoms, with 30% of participants reporting its use. Among those diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, that figure rose to 51.5%. Researchers said the findings highlight the need for clinical studies examining cannabis’ effectiveness and risks for premenstrual and perimenopausal symptoms.
CDC Moves to Change 2027 National Youth Survey’s Marijuana Definition, Drop Hemp Exclusion and Track How Teens Consume It
The CDC is proposing notable changes to its 2027 national survey of high school students, including removing instructions telling teens not to count hemp products when reporting marijuana use. The proposed survey would continue excluding CBD-only products and add a question tracking whether students usually consume marijuana by smoking, eating, drinking, vaping, dabbing or another method.
California Governor Signs Bill Requiring Free Measuring Devices for Multi-Serving Marijuana Beverages
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation requiring marijuana retailers to provide free measuring devices to customers purchasing multi-serving marijuana beverages. Beginning July 1, 2027, Assembly Bill 2532 will also require clearer serving-size markings and labeling, add the Poison Help number to edible and beverage packaging and restrict marketing that encourages consuming multiple servings at once.
Marijuana and the 2026 Election: What Voters Will Decide on November 3
Marijuana policy will be on the ballot across the U.S. on November 3, including major statewide questions in Massachusetts and Idaho and local measures involving marijuana enforcement, businesses and taxes. Governor’s races in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Kansas, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida and Texas could also significantly shape marijuana policy beginning in 2027.
Minnesota Report Finds Medical Marijuana Patients With Autism Had Sustained Reductions in Anxiety, Depression and Sleep Problems
A new Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management report examining 1,811 medical marijuana patients with autism found sustained improvements in several symptoms. Among those with moderate-to-severe anxiety, 57% reported at least a 30% reduction within four months, while 63.4% of patients with moderate-to-severe depression reached the same threshold. Sustained improvements were also reported for sleep problems and fatigue.
Bipartisan Hemp Regulation Bill Expected to Be Introduced Soon in U.S. Senate
Senators Tim Sheehy and Amy Klobuchar are expected to soon introduce bipartisan legislation designed to keep hemp-derived cannabinoid products federally legal while establishing nationwide regulations. The proposal is expected to serve as a Senate counterpart to the House’s Lawful Hemp Protection Act as Congress faces a December deadline for stricter federal hemp restrictions to take effect.
Missouri Regulators Propose Major Marijuana Rule Changes for Business Ownership, Public Companies and Microbusiness Transfers
Missouri regulators have proposed major changes to marijuana business rules, including eliminating preapproval for certain ownership changes and establishing procedures for publicly traded companies to hold interests in licensed facilities. The proposal would also create a process for transferring microbusiness licenses to eligible family members. Public comments will be accepted from November 2 through December 2.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Launches Statewide Medical Marijuana Patient Survey to Guide Program Changes
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority has launched a statewide survey asking medical marijuana patients to provide feedback that could guide future program changes. The survey, open through October 16, asks about patients’ experiences with certifications, purchasing products and overall satisfaction. More than 114,000 unique patients purchased medical marijuana in Virginia during 2025.
SEC Charges Mississippi Medical Marijuana Business Owner With Misappropriating $1.94 Million From Investors
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has charged the majority owner of Mississippi Green Oil, a medical marijuana company, with allegedly misappropriating about $1.94 million from investors. Regulators say Thomas J. Moore III raised roughly $4.94 million from about 20 investors, then used part of the money for personal expenses including jewelry and travel.
Human Study Finds Topical CBD Oil Associated With 41% Reduction in Myofascial Pain After Two Weeks
A human study involving 192 people with myofascial pain found that applying 1% topical CBD oil twice daily was associated with progressively lower pain levels, reaching an average reduction of about 41% after two weeks. Researchers reported statistically significant reductions at every measured point, with no participants developing clinically significant skin reactions.
Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate Proposes Cutting Marijuana Tax to 0.25%, Launching Cannabis Cafes Before 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles mayoral candidate and City Councilmember Nithya Raman has proposed replacing the city’s 10% marijuana business tax with a temporary tiered system ranging from 0.25% to 6%. Her plan also calls for stronger enforcement against unlicensed businesses, licensing reforms and a pilot program for cannabis cafes before Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympics.
Hawaii Police Used Medical Marijuana Status to Deny 766 Gun Permit Applications in Five Years Despite State Guidance Limiting Registry Searches
Hawaii police departments used applicants’ medical marijuana status to deny 766 gun permit applications from 2021 through 2025, according to state data. The denials came even as Hawaii health officials have said medical marijuana registry searches should not be used for non-criminal law enforcement purposes, raising questions about how patient information is being accessed and applied.
New York Cannabis Board Extends Provisional Marijuana Dispensary License Deadline Through 2028
The New York Cannabis Control Board has approved an extension giving provisional retail dispensary licensees until December 31, 2028, to complete requirements for final approval. The previous deadline was December 31, 2026. The extension covers Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary and general adult-use retail dispensary licensees, including qualifying provisional licenses issued through the end of 2027.
Controlled Human Study Finds Hemp Seed Oil Produced Measurable Urinary THC Metabolites in 93.5% of Samples
A controlled human study found that repeated oral consumption of hemp seed oil produced measurable THC metabolites in 93.5% of urine samples collected from participants receiving the oil. Researchers said concentrations remained relatively low but warned the findings could be important when interpreting low-level positive THC results in forensic and drug-testing settings.
