Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for October 5, 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.
USDA Report Finds U.S. Hemp Fiber Production More Than Tripled Since 2022, Reaching 65 Million Pounds
U.S. hemp fiber production reached an estimated 65 million pounds in 2025, more than triple the roughly 20 million pounds produced in 2022, according to a new U.S. Department of Agriculture report. Harvested acreage grew from fewer than 7,000 acres to nearly 22,000 during the same period, with Kansas accounting for roughly 30% of 2025 production.
Marijuana Sales Increased Year Over Year in 13 of 15 Adult-Use States Tracked by Headset in September
Marijuana sales increased year over year in 13 of the 15 adult-use states tracked by Headset in September. Ohio posted the largest increase at 33.2%, followed by Illinois at 10.8% and New York at 10%. Michigan and Nevada were the only states to record declines, while the 15 markets combined for approximately $1.88 billion in sales.
Study: Pancreatic Cancer Patients Taking at Least 10 MG of THC Daily Saw Broader Symptom Improvements Than Those Taking Less
Pancreatic cancer patients consuming at least 10 milligrams of THC per day experienced improvement in an average of four symptoms, compared with 2.1 symptoms among those taking less, according to a study published in The Oncologist. Higher daily THC intake was also significantly associated with greater improvements in anxiety and insomnia.
Minnesota Has Issued Nearly 400 Marijuana Business Licenses, With 223 Adult-Use Retail Sites Now Licensed
Minnesota has issued 392 marijuana business licenses and now has 223 licensed adult-use retail sites, according to newly updated state data. Microbusinesses account for 280 of the licenses, while 172 licenses overall have gone to social equity applicants. The state also reports 168 cultivation sites, 57 manufacturing sites and 48 medical marijuana retail sites.
U.S. Supreme Court Begins New Term With Marijuana Commerce, Gun Rights and Expungement Cases Pending
The U.S. Supreme Court began its 2026-27 term with three marijuana-related petitions awaiting action, involving state residency requirements for marijuana businesses, firearm rights and the federal treatment of convictions expunged under state legalization laws. None is currently scheduled for oral argument, meaning the justices must first decide whether to hear the cases.
FDA Says CBD-THC Drug for Bone Cancer Pain in Dogs Can Pursue Conditional Approval Pathway
The FDA has determined that CannEpil, an investigational oral solution containing CBD and THC for bone cancer pain in dogs, qualifies for a regulatory pathway that could allow it to reach the market before full approval. The treatment may now pursue conditional approval, although it has not yet been approved or conditionally approved by the agency.
CBD-Loaded Sponge Reduces Brain Swelling and Neuroinflammation After Traumatic Brain Injury, Study Finds
A biodegradable sponge loaded with CBD and placed directly at the site of traumatic brain injury reduced brain swelling, neuroinflammation and neurological deficits in rats, according to a newly accepted study. Researchers also observed greater neuronal survival, reduced blood-brain barrier leakage and less neuronal damage compared with untreated animals.
Illinois Marijuana Retailers Sold to Minors in Just 6 of 1,452 State Compliance Checks
Licensed marijuana stores in Illinois sold cannabis to minors in just six of 1,452 attempted purchases conducted by state authorities during fiscal year 2026, a compliance rate of approximately 99.6%. The number of checks increased about 27% from the previous fiscal year, while the compliance rate remained above 99.5%.
New York Sets November 5 Opening for Marijuana Nursery Licenses, With Applications Capped at 50
New York will begin accepting applications for adult-use marijuana nursery licenses on November 5, with the application period ending once the state receives 50 submissions. Nursery licensees will be allowed to produce and distribute clones, immature plants, seeds and other plant material to licensed marijuana businesses, with separate categories for outdoor, indoor and mixed-light operations.
National Institutes of Health Funds Research Seeking First Molecular Framework for Marijuana’s “Entourage Effect”
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $126,003 to a University of California, San Diego researcher for a project seeking what NIH describes as the first molecular framework for marijuana’s proposed “entourage effect.” The research will focus heavily on understudied minor cannabinoids, particularly cannabichromene, while examining how multiple cannabinoids interact with proteins in the brain.
Washington Cannabis Board to Vote on Medical Marijuana Verification Certificates for Federal Registration, Banking and Research
Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a proposal to create state-issued certificates verifying marijuana businesses’ participation in the medical cannabis system. The documentation could help licensees establish their medical status for federal DEA registration, banking, research, insurance and other purposes under the state’s integrated medical and recreational licensing system.
Gun-Rights Groups Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Lifetime Firearm Ban Stemming From Marijuana Cultivation Conviction
The National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition and Second Amendment Foundation are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to the lifetime firearm ban imposed on a man whose sole predicate felony was a nonviolent 2015 marijuana cultivation conviction. The groups argue that historical firearm laws do not support permanently disarming people solely for nonviolent crimes.
Study: CBG and Terpenes Suppress Reflux-Related DNA Damage and Mutagenicity in Human Esophageal Cells
CBG combined with certain terpenes significantly reduced DNA damage, oxidative stress and genomic instability caused by components of gastric reflux in human esophageal cells, according to a peer-reviewed study. A CBG-phytol combination was particularly effective, reducing reactive oxygen species, DNA alterations and the proliferation of damaged cells exposed to a bile acid associated with reflux.
Curaleaf Raises Aurora Cannabis Takeover Bid 25% to $5 Per Share
Curaleaf Holdings has increased its takeover offer for Aurora Cannabis by 25%, raising the implied consideration to US$5 per Aurora share. The revised proposal would provide shareholders with 0.4013 Curaleaf shares plus US$1 in cash for each Aurora share, which Curaleaf says represents an 86% premium to Aurora’s unaffected share price.
Washington Says 80% of Marijuana Licensees Use Third-Party Traceability Integrators the State Does Not License
About 80% of Washington’s licensed marijuana businesses use third-party companies to submit state-required traceability data, even though those companies are not licensed by the Liquor and Cannabis Board. The disclosure comes as regulators prepare to consider a petition seeking new accountability requirements for vendors that interact with the state’s Cannabis Central Reporting System.
