Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for October 13, 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.
Pennsylvania Senate Schedules October 19 Vote on Bill Allowing Terminally Ill Patients to Use Medical Marijuana in Health Care Facilities
Pennsylvania’s Senate has scheduled consideration of Ryan’s Law for October 19, following its unanimous approval by the Senate Law and Justice Committee. The legislation would require hospitals, hospices and other qualifying health care facilities to accommodate medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients, subject to restrictions. Smoking and vaping would remain prohibited, and facilities would have to establish procedures governing patient eligibility, storage and administration.
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Lifetime Gun Ban Stemming From Nonviolent Marijuana Cultivation Conviction
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a constitutional challenge involving a man permanently prohibited from possessing firearms because of a nonviolent marijuana cultivation conviction. Joseph Frederick Johnson argued that his 2015 conviction, which resulted in probation rather than imprisonment, should not permanently eliminate his Second Amendment rights. The decision leaves standing a federal appeals court ruling upholding his subsequent firearm convictions.
Study Finds Single Ultra-Low Dose of THC Reduces Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice Three Weeks After Treatment
A study published in the Journal of Molecular Neuroscience found that a single extremely low dose of THC significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior in chronically stressed mice, with improvements still measurable three weeks after treatment. Researchers at Tel Aviv University administered just 0.002 milligrams of THC per kilogram of body weight. The treatment also produced changes in brain gene expression associated with stress regulation and neuronal signaling.
Study Finds Marijuana and Psilocybin Users Report Lower Stress and Better Mental Well-Being Than Marijuana-Only Users
A study published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction found that adults who use both marijuana and psilocybin reported significantly lower perceived stress and better psychological well-being than marijuana-only consumers. Researchers at Oregon State University examined 725 adults, including 246 who reported using both substances. The associations remained after adjusting for demographic factors and other substance use, although the observational findings do not establish causation.
U.S. Legal Marijuana Sales Reach $2.52 Billion in September, Bringing 2026 Total to $21.6 Billion
Legal marijuana sales across the United States reached approximately $2.52 billion in September, bringing the estimated year-to-date total to $21.6 billion, according to an analysis by The Marijuana Herald. September sales were roughly 8% higher than the same month in 2025, despite a slight decline from August. The analysis covers 29 states and incorporates regulatory reports, industry tracking data and estimates where finalized figures were unavailable.
CBG Improved Grip Strength and Muscle Performance in Mice With Steroid-Induced Muscle Atrophy
A study published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science found that cannabigerol (CBG) improved muscle performance in mice with steroid-induced muscle atrophy. When combined with resistance training, CBG increased peak grip strength by approximately 10% and ladder-climbing power output by up to 87% compared to exercise alone. Researchers found that CBG enhanced physical performance despite producing only modest increases in muscle fiber size.
Tilray Receives Regulatory Approval to Conduct In-House Medical Marijuana Testing at Portugal Facility
Tilray Medical announced that Portuguese regulators have authorized its Cantanhede facility to conduct microbiological and chemical and physical quality testing in-house. The approval from INFARMED allows the company to perform essential product testing without relying on outside laboratories. Tilray says the change will reduce expenses and accelerate medical marijuana product releases across international markets, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland and Italy.
Illinois Marijuana Businesses Face November 1 Deadline for New THC and Cannabinoid Labeling Requirements
Illinois marijuana businesses have until November 1 to comply with updated product labeling requirements issued by the Department of Agriculture. The rules require labels to display total THC content, calculated using THC and THCA concentrations, along with additional cannabinoids exceeding specified thresholds. Products containing hemp-derived ingredients must also disclose their presence. The changes follow regulatory amendments approved earlier this year.
15 Major Marijuana Companies Report Over $2.8 Billion in Disputed Tax Liabilities
An investigation by The Marijuana Herald found that 15 publicly traded marijuana companies reported approximately $2.82 billion in combined uncertain tax liabilities as of June 30, an increase of $47.3 million since the beginning of 2026. Twelve companies reported increases, while two reported decreases and one remained unchanged. The investigation also identified additional proposed IRS penalties, federal tax liens and ongoing litigation involving major marijuana operators.
Study Estimates Federal Hemp THC Beverage Restrictions Could Cost Consumers Up to $146 Million Annually
A study published in the Journal of Wine Economics estimates that federal restrictions on hemp-derived THC beverages could reduce consumer welfare by $112 million to $146 million annually. Researchers analyzed purchasing preferences from 2,010 U.S. adults and calculated an average economic loss of $3.32 per purchasing occasion if THC beverages become unavailable. The findings come ahead of major federal restrictions scheduled to take effect in December.
Minnesota Releases Detailed List of Medical Marijuana Products Dispensaries Must Stock Starting January 1
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management has released a list of medical marijuana products qualifying dispensaries must carry beginning January 1, 2027. The requirements include CBD-only products, high-CBD formulations, balanced THC-CBD products and formulations containing at least 20 milligrams of THC per serving. Businesses with medical endorsements must maintain access to the designated products, with enforcement action possible for failing to fulfill qualifying patient requests.
