Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for October 21, 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.
Study Finds CBD Reduces Inflammation, Organ Damage and Bacterial Burden in Animal Model of Sepsis
A study published this week in Pharmaceuticals found that CBD significantly reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, bacterial burden and organ damage in an animal model of sepsis. At the highest dose, three major inflammatory markers declined by approximately 79% to 80%, while researchers documented improvements in liver and kidney function, reduced bacterial concentrations and less tissue damage across multiple organs.
DEA Urges Judge to Reject Effort to Reopen Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing, Calls Discovery Request a “Fishing Expedition”
The Drug Enforcement Administration filed a 10-page response October 20 urging a federal administrative law judge to reject opponents’ efforts to reopen the marijuana rescheduling hearing. DEA called the request for additional documents and testimony an “obvious fishing expedition,” arguing that a recent Government Accountability Office report does not establish misconduct or justify further proceedings.
Study Finds Recreational Marijuana Sales in Ohio Linked to Lower Property Crime, No Increase in Violent Crime
A study published October 20 in the Journal of Criminal Justice found that recreational marijuana sales in Ohio were associated with significant reductions in property crime and overall serious crime, without a statistically significant increase in violent crime. Researchers compared 92 dispensary neighborhoods with 1,386 control areas, finding approximately 2.8 fewer property crimes per 10,000 residents monthly in one statistical model.
UPS to Require New THC Testing Documentation for Hemp Shipments Starting December 11
UPS will introduce new documentation requirements for raw hemp shipments beginning December 11, requiring laboratory results verifying compliance with the federal government’s revised THC definition. Shipments must demonstrate no more than 0.3% total THC by dry weight, including THCA. The change specifically applies to hemp in plant form and coincides with broader federal restrictions on hemp-derived products.
Study Finds Hemp Seed Waste Can Be Turned Into Stronger, Biodegradable Plastic, Boosting Strength by 86%
Researchers have developed biodegradable plastic using proteins recovered from leftover hemp seed oil production. The study, published in Industrial Crops and Products, found that chemically modified hemp protein films demonstrated 86% greater tensile strength, approximately 38% lower water vapor permeability and improved heat resistance. More than 60% of the films disintegrated during a 40-day soil burial experiment, highlighting their potential for sustainable packaging.
Massachusetts Marijuana Sales Top $1.45 Billion in 2026, Reach Nearly $12 Billion All-Time, New State Data Shows
Massachusetts has generated more than $1.45 billion in recreational and medical marijuana sales through October 18, according to new data released today by the Cannabis Control Commission. All-time sales have reached approximately $11.86 billion. The figures come ahead of the November 3 vote on Question 8, which would repeal recreational marijuana sales despite recent polling showing 71% opposition.
Study Finds THC May Reduce Inflammation and Help Preserve Lung Tissue Against Parasitic Infection
A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that THC reduced several inflammatory responses and helped preserve lung tissue structure in mice infected with a parasitic worm. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside observed reduced inflammatory immune cell activity, lower levels of inflammatory signaling molecules and better preservation of collagen VI, a protein important for maintaining lung tissue structure.
Los Angeles County Holds Hearing Today on Proposal to Allow Up to 90 Marijuana Business Licenses in Unincorporated Areas
Los Angeles County’s Regional Planning Commission is considering a proposal that would establish a regulated marijuana market in unincorporated communities where commercial operations are currently prohibited. The framework would authorize up to 90 business licenses, including 25 storefront retailers, 25 delivery services and 40 licenses covering cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and testing. Final implementation would require approval from county supervisors.
Study Finds 72% of Veterinarians in Portugal Have Prescribed or Recommended Cannabinoid Products for Animals
A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that nearly 72% of surveyed veterinarians in Portugal have prescribed or recommended cannabinoid products for animals. More than 91% identified pain management as a potential benefit, while 82.2% cited anxiety. Despite widespread interest, only 21.5% felt adequately trained to prescribe cannabinoids, and 94.1% wanted additional education.
Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization and Repeal Campaigns Raise $5 Million, Spend $4.8 Million in 2026 Including $2.5 Million in October
The two main campaigns fighting over Massachusetts Question 8 have raised more than $5 million and spent approximately $4.82 million in 2026. Opponents of repealing recreational marijuana sales have raised $2.79 million, compared with $2.23 million for supporters. Both campaigns spent a combined $2.52 million between October 2 and October 15 ahead of the November 3 election.
America’s Credit Unions Reports Continued Federal Lobbying on Marijuana Banking in New Disclosure
America’s Credit Unions continued lobbying Congress on marijuana banking reform during the third quarter of 2026, according to a newly filed federal disclosure. The association’s lobbying firm received $50,000 for work covering marijuana banking and other financial issues. The organization has also urged federal officials to reduce suspicious activity reporting requirements imposed on financial institutions serving state-legal marijuana businesses.
Oregon Marijuana Regulators Seek 75% Fee Increase, Warn of $17.25 Million Shortfall and 53 Potential Position Cuts
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission is proposing a 75% increase in marijuana licensing and application fees to address a projected $17.25 million budget shortfall. Without additional revenue, regulators warn they could eliminate 53 positions across licensing, compliance and hemp oversight. The proposed increase would take effect July 1, 2027, subject to the state’s budget approval process.
Massachusetts House Advances Bill Allowing Veterans to Obtain Medical Marijuana Cards Without Doctor Certification
The Massachusetts House has advanced legislation allowing qualifying military veterans to obtain medical marijuana registration cards using federal Veterans Affairs medical documentation instead of securing a separate doctor’s certification. House Bill 5699 would also explicitly recognize post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and opioid use disorder as qualifying conditions. The measure has received its second reading and awaits further House consideration.
