Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for November 9, 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 Enhances Cancer-Cell-Killing Effects of Experimental Drug While Reducing Toxicity in Kidney-Derived Cells
A new study published in Molecules found that cannabidiol (CBD) increased the cancer-cell-killing effects of salinomycin, an experimental anticancer compound, while reducing its toxicity in kidney-derived cells. Researchers from Poland tested the combination in human liver cancer, neuroblastoma and kidney-derived cell lines, finding that CBD increased cellular damage in the cancer-derived cells while protecting the kidney-derived cells from certain harmful effects.
Massachusetts Marijuana Sales Surpass $1.51 Billion in 2026, All-Time Total Reaches Nearly $12 Billion
Massachusetts marijuana retailers generated more than $1.51 billion in combined recreational and medical sales through October 2026, approximately $8 million more than during the same period in 2025, according to newly updated figures from the Cannabis Control Commission. Recreational sales reached approximately $1.395 billion, while medical purchases contributed $117.9 million. October generated another $154.7 million in combined sales, bringing the state’s all-time legal marijuana sales total to approximately $11.92 billion since recreational retail sales began in November 2018.
DEA Proposes 2027 Marijuana Production Quotas, Confirms Separate Schedule III Limits Are Being Developed
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has proposed maintaining existing Schedule I marijuana production quotas for 2027 while confirming that it is developing separate quotas for marijuana products classified under Schedule III. The proposal would authorize 6,675 kilograms of Schedule I marijuana and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana extract, unchanged from 2026. DEA says a separate Federal Register notice will establish proposed production limits for Schedule III marijuana, including products covered by the federal rescheduling order issued earlier this year.
Missouri’s New Marijuana Research Rules Take Effect November 30, Allowing Human and Animal Studies, Cultivation and Genetic Development
Missouri’s new marijuana research regulations will take effect November 30, establishing a licensing framework that allows approved facilities to conduct human and animal studies, cultivate marijuana for research and develop new marijuana genetics. The rules also allow researchers to administer marijuana to qualifying participants and transfer newly developed seeds and clones to licensed cultivators. State officials anticipate implementing the research licensing program in early 2027.
Vireo Growth Completes FLUENT Acquisition, Expands National Footprint to 210 Marijuana Dispensaries Across 10 States
Vireo Growth announced today that it has completed its acquisition of FLUENT Corp., bringing its nationwide retail footprint to approximately 210 marijuana dispensaries across 10 states. The all-stock transaction adds 33 dispensaries and approximately 117,000 square feet of cultivation and production capacity, expanding Vireo’s Florida operations to approximately 74 dispensaries. The acquisition follows FLUENT’s conversion of approximately $35.7 million in outstanding debt into equity.
Study Finds Medical Marijuana Users With Inherited Bleeding Disorders Report Significant Sleep, Anxiety and Pain Relief
A study published in Haemophilia found that people with inherited bleeding disorders who use medical marijuana report substantial benefits for sleep, anxiety and pain. Among 88 participants, 25 reported consuming marijuana to manage symptoms, giving it average effectiveness ratings of 8.35 out of 10 for sleep, 7.06 for anxiety and 6.36 for pain. Researchers from Liberty University, the University of Miami and the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation conducted the study.
Florida Proposes Permanent Rules Allowing Marijuana Companies to Buy From Competitors Following Crop Failures
Florida regulators have proposed permanent rules allowing medical marijuana companies to purchase cannabis from competing operators following significant crop failures. Under the proposal, companies that lose at least 50% of a particular harvest because of qualifying circumstances, including natural disasters, equipment failures or plant diseases, could request state authorization to purchase replacement marijuana from another licensed operator. The Department of Health is accepting public comments through November 27.
Total Wine & More CEO Warns Illinois THC Beverage Restrictions Threaten $50 Million Market, Calls for Regulation Instead of Prohibition
Total Wine & More CEO Ryan Ross is criticizing Illinois’ upcoming restrictions on hemp-derived THC beverages, warning that the November 12 changes threaten a market generating more than $50 million in annual sales. The restrictions will generally limit beverages containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container to licensed marijuana dispensaries, preventing liquor stores and other traditional retailers from selling most THC-infused drinks. Ross is calling for age restrictions, mandatory testing and potency limits instead of prohibiting sales through established retailers.
Aurora Cannabis Sets December 23 Shareholder Vote on C$561 Million Organigram Acquisition, New SEC Filing Confirms
Aurora Cannabis has scheduled a virtual shareholder meeting for December 23 to vote on its proposed C$561 million acquisition by Organigram Global, according to a new SEC filing. November 18 has been established as the record date for voting eligibility. The agreement, valued at C$7.80 per Aurora share, has received unanimous approval from both companies’ boards but still requires shareholder and regulatory approvals. The transaction faces competition from Curaleaf’s outstanding takeover offer, which Aurora’s board has rejected. If approved, Organigram and Aurora expect to complete the acquisition in January 2027.
New York Receives All 50 Marijuana Nursery License Applications in Just Eight Minutes, Closes Application Window
New York’s first application window for adult-use marijuana nursery licenses closed just eight minutes after opening, with regulators receiving the maximum 50 applications allowed during the initial round. The application period opened November 5 at 10 a.m. and closed at 10:08 a.m. Licensed nurseries will be allowed to produce and distribute marijuana seeds, clones, immature plants and other cultivation materials to authorized businesses. Regulators will now review the applications before presenting them for licensing decisions.
Federal Judge Rules ICE Detention Over Marijuana Conviction Violates Constitutional Rights, Orders Bond Hearing or Release
A federal judge in Michigan has ruled that immigration authorities violated a man’s Fifth Amendment rights by detaining him for nearly 10 months without a bond hearing following a marijuana conviction. The November 6 ruling orders Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide the man, a Cuban national convicted of marijuana possession with intent to distribute in 2017, with an individualized bond hearing within five business days or immediately release him. The decision does not overturn his conviction or resolve his pending immigration case.
