Below is a breakdown of the top cannabis news stories for July 23, 2026, with each title linking to a full article. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. This, and future editions, can be found by clicking here.
Georgia Medical Cannabis Program Surpasses 41,500 Active Patients, Up 22% Since June
Georgia’s medical cannabis program has surpassed 41,500 active patients, a 22% increase since the beginning of June. Nearly 5,000 patients have registered since an expansion law took effect July 1, broadening qualifying conditions and allowing certain vaporized medical cannabis products.
Michigan Supreme Court Rules Marijuana Smell and Suspected Civil Possession Do Not Justify Warrantless Vehicle Search
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled 5 to 2 that police cannot conduct a warrantless vehicle search based solely on probable cause that someone committed a civil marijuana violation. “The smell of marijuana is not enough,” Justice Kimberly Thomas wrote for the majority. The court found that officers must have reason to believe a vehicle contains evidence of a crime, such as a criminal quantity of marijuana, and reversed a lower court ruling that allowed evidence found during the search.
Canada Sold CA$485 Million in Legal Marijuana in May, Bringing 2026 Total to CA$2.35 Billion
Licensed marijuana retailers in Canada sold approximately CA$485 million worth of products in May, bringing sales during the first five months of 2026 to CA$2.353 billion. The five-month total was up 5.2% from the same period in 2025 and is estimated to have generated approximately CA$274.6 million in retail sales taxes.
California State Treasurer to Hold Hearing on Cannabis Banking Access
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma will hold a public hearing July 29 to examine the banking challenges facing the state’s legal marijuana industry. The hearing will bring together government officials, financial institutions, regulators and industry representatives to discuss barriers caused by the conflict between state and federal marijuana laws.
Study Details How Temperature and Catalyst Determine CBD’s Conversion Into Different Forms of THC
A new study provides a more detailed explanation of how temperature and catalyst type determine whether converting CBD under acidic conditions produces primarily delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC or iso-delta-8 THC. Researchers found that lower temperatures favored delta-9 THC, while higher temperatures produced different outcomes depending on the catalyst used.
Health Canada Extends Cannabis Import Permits, Eases Odour Documentation Requirements
Health Canada has extended cannabis import permits from a maximum of six months to as long as 12 months while reducing the documentation required for odour-control systems during the licensing process. The changes are part of a broader federal effort to streamline cannabis and industrial hemp regulations.
Study Finds Teen Marijuana Use Fell More Than 60% From 2013 to 2025 Despite Legalization
Marijuana use among Minnesota ninth- and 11th-grade students fell from 12.7% in 2013 to 5% in 2025, a decline of more than 60%, according to a new study published in Social Science & Medicine. The decrease occurred across every demographic group examined, even as Minnesota legalized medical marijuana, hemp-derived THC products and recreational marijuana during the 12-year period.
FLUENT Reaches Agreement to Sell New York Cannabis License and Operations
FLUENT Corp. has reached an agreement to sell its New York cannabis license and certain operating assets to an undisclosed third-party operator. The proposed transaction includes the company’s Etain subsidiary and remains subject to approval from the New York State Cannabis Control Board.
Tilray Launches ZONNA THC Pouches Across Canada
Tilray Brands has launched ZONNA, a new line of fast-acting THC pouches available through licensed marijuana retailers across Canada. Each pouch contains 10 milligrams of THC and is designed to offer consumers a discreet, odor-free and smoke-free consumption option.
Federal Judge Says Rhode Island Cannabis Injunction Should Be Dissolved Following Changes to State Law
A federal judge says a preliminary injunction blocking portions of Rhode Island’s cannabis licensing law should be dissolved after lawmakers removed language found to violate the U.S. Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause. The First Circuit must decide whether to return the cases to the district court so the injunction can formally be dissolved.
D.C. Council Approves Medical Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Bill, Sends It to Mayor
The D.C. Council voted unanimously to approve emergency legislation extending conditional medical marijuana licenses and strengthening enforcement against businesses selling marijuana or other controlled substances without authorization. The measure was transmitted to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has until August 6 to respond.
The bill would extend certain conditional licenses from two years to as long as three years, revise zoning and location requirements and allow regulators to close and padlock unlicensed establishments that present an imminent danger to public health or safety.
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