Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for October 2, 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.
IRS and Department of Treasury Make Section 280E Marijuana Tax Guidance an Official Federal Priority for 2026–27
The Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Department of the Treasury have formally made Section 280E marijuana tax guidance a priority for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The newly released Priority Guidance Plan lists “Guidance under §280E” among 121 projects that will be the focus of agency efforts through September 30, 2027.
Survey: Marijuana Investors Put 65% Odds on Federal Rescheduling Within Six Months, 47% More Bullish Than Six Months Ago
A new investor survey found respondents assigned a 65% probability to federal marijuana rescheduling within six months and a 67% probability to broader major-exchange listings. Nearly half, 47.1%, said they were more bullish on U.S. multistate marijuana operators than six months earlier, while none reported becoming more bearish.
New York Approves Research License for First U.S. Human Trial of Cannabis-Based VER-01 for Chronic Pain
New York regulators approved a research license allowing a Williamsville laboratory to participate in the first U.S. human clinical trial of VER-01, an oral THC-containing cannabis medicine for chronic pain. Researchers will compare VER-01 with placebo in patients with painful lumbosacral radiculopathy, commonly known as sciatica.
Study: CBD Use Among Adults 65 and Older Associated With Less Pain and Depression, Better Quality of Life and Fewer Hospital Admissions
A study of 157 adults aged 65 and older found CBD users reported significantly less pain and depression, better physical, psychological and social quality of life and fewer recent hospital admissions than nonusers. Researchers also observed reductions in anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance among CBD users followed over time.
Connecticut Now Requires Certain Marijuana Products to Be Reserved for Medical Patients for 14 Days Before Adult-Use Sale
Connecticut marijuana businesses must now reserve certain concentrates, tinctures, topicals, capsules, rosin and other products exclusively for medical patients for 14 days before offering them to recreational consumers. State regulators clarified that the requirement applies to every new shipment, not just when a product is first introduced.
Florida: Two New Marijuana Legalization Initiatives Filed for 2028
Two new proposed constitutional amendments seeking to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida have been filed for the 2028 election. Both would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana, including five grams of concentrate, while establishing frameworks for licensed recreational marijuana businesses.
Maryland Launches Five-Lab Marijuana Testing Pilot to Measure THC Accuracy and ‘Weed Out’ Lab Shopping
The Maryland Cannabis Administration is launching a five-laboratory pilot to compare marijuana potency results and identify possible testing inconsistencies, manipulation or “lab shopping.” Identical marijuana flower samples will be tested across four independent laboratories and the state’s reference laboratory, with regulators expecting to release results publicly in December.
FDA Awards $2.51 Million Contract That Includes Cannabis Public Health Messaging Campaign
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has awarded a $2.51 million contract that includes its planned Cannabis Public Health Message Testing project. The broader contract covers 16 projects, while the marijuana component will involve stakeholder engagement and testing messages addressing product formulations, potency, manufacturing and health effects.
California Opens $15 Million Marijuana Equity Grant Round for Cities and Counties
California’s Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has launched a new $15 million marijuana equity grant round for cities and counties. Funding can support creation of local equity programs as well as grants, loans, technical assistance, licensing support and other services for businesses and communities disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition.
Curaleaf’s Liquid Medical Marijuana Inhaler Becomes First of Its Kind Registered in Australia
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration has registered Curaleaf’s Que Medical Inhalation Device, making it the first device specifically intended to deliver liquid Cannabis sativa extracts through inhalation to receive regulatory approval in the country. The reusable device works with compatible cartridges and is designed to provide standardized, consistent dosing.
IRS Whistleblower Office Reviewing Claim Over $10 Million Florida Money Trail Tied to Anti-Marijuana Campaign
The IRS Whistleblower Office is reviewing a claim involving $10 million in Florida Medicaid settlement money that ultimately directed millions of dollars toward opposing the state’s 2024 marijuana legalization initiative. A grand jury previously concluded the money had been misappropriated as part of a scheme to fund political activities.
