Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for October 16, 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 Brain’s Natural Cannabinoid System Declines With Age, While Low-Dose THC May Help Counter Memory Loss
A scientific review published October 16 in Nature Reviews Neuroscience finds that the brain’s natural cannabinoid system becomes less active with age, potentially contributing to memory loss, inflammation and declining cognitive function. The review, conducted by University of Bonn researchers, highlights animal studies showing that sustained low-dose THC treatment can reverse certain age-related changes in learning and memory.
New Poll Finds 63% of North Carolinians Support Recreational Marijuana Legalization, Including Majority of Republicans
A new SurveyUSA poll finds 63% of North Carolina adults support recreational marijuana legalization, compared with 26% opposed. Support includes 52% of Republicans, 73% of Democrats and 65% of independents. Medical marijuana legalization received 74% support. The survey of 900 adults was conducted October 7 through October 11 and released Friday.
Illinois State Police Expanding Pilot Program Allowing Troopers to Draw Blood During Marijuana DUI Investigations, With Statewide Expansion Possible
Illinois State Police are expanding a pilot program allowing specially trained troopers to collect blood samples during marijuana DUI investigations. Launched in December 2025, the program has certified seven troopers who have completed nine blood draws without reported complications. Additional training is planned as officials consider statewide expansion, addressing delays caused when hospitals refuse or postpone collecting evidentiary samples.
FDA Records Reveal Confidential Cannabinoid Information-Sharing Agreements With State Marijuana Regulators, Eight Expiring October 31
The Food and Drug Administration maintains 20 agreements allowing it to share confidential information about hemp-derived cannabinoid products with state and territorial regulators, including agencies overseeing recreational and medical marijuana markets. Eight agreements are scheduled to expire October 31, including those involving California, Nevada, Ohio and Oregon. The arrangements cover nonpublic regulatory records, commercial information and certain enforcement materials.
Study Finds CBD Reduces Methamphetamine-Related Brain Damage and Drug-Associated Behavior
A study published in Folia Neuropathologica found that CBD reduced neurological damage and drug-associated behavior in mice exposed to methamphetamine. Researchers observed reduced iron accumulation, oxidative stress and brain-cell injury in treated animals. The study also examined human brain tissue, identifying damage associated with chronic methamphetamine use and suggesting CBD could warrant further investigation for its protective effects.
Study Finds Cannabis Oil May Help Dogs With Skin Allergies Maintain Symptom Control With 50% Less Medication
A study published in Frontiers in Allergy found that dogs with chronic allergic skin disease experienced reduced itching when given cannabis oil alongside conventional medication. Researchers found that improvements were maintained even after the medication dosage was reduced by 50%. The 90-day study involved 16 dogs and used full-spectrum cannabis oil containing primarily CBD, suggesting potential benefits as a supplemental treatment for canine skin allergies.
California Marijuana Water Regulators Propose 28% Fee Increase as 500 Growers Face Loss of Enrollment
California marijuana water-quality regulators are proposing a 28% fee increase as persistent funding shortages leave just 10 of 31 authorized positions filled. Officials anticipate terminating another 500 cultivation enrollments in December over unpaid fees. A state report also identifies 147 licensed cultivation properties suspected of unauthorized water diversions, highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges affecting California’s legal marijuana industry.
CEO of Oregon Marijuana Company La Mota Indicted on Federal Charges Over $1.54 Million in Unpaid Payroll Taxes
Federal prosecutors have charged La Mota CEO Rosa Cazares with eight criminal counts involving more than $1.54 million in allegedly unpaid payroll taxes. The indictment covers eight consecutive quarters between 2020 and 2021 and involves La Mota LLC and 503 Staffing LLC. Prosecutors allege Cazares failed to properly collect, account for or remit federal employment taxes.
Colorado Lawmakers to Review Statewide Marijuana Consumer Safety Audit at October 19 Hearing
Colorado lawmakers will review a new statewide marijuana consumer safety audit on Monday, October 19, examining the Marijuana Enforcement Division and Colorado State Public Health Laboratory. The review follows a 2023 audit that identified significant regulatory oversight failures, including missed inspections and unaddressed public safety violations. The new audit’s findings and recommendations are expected to be presented during the hearing.
Kentucky Hemp Industry Warns Federal THC Restrictions Threaten $300 Million Market and 3,000 Jobs, Seeks State Protections
The Kentucky Hemp Association is urging lawmakers to protect the state’s hemp-derived cannabinoid industry ahead of federal THC restrictions scheduled for December 11. The association says Kentucky’s hemp economy exceeds $300 million and supports more than 3,000 jobs, with THC products accounting for approximately 95% of consumer demand. Its recommendations include protections for hemp businesses, financial services access and revised regulatory oversight.
Seven Nevada Marijuana Testing Labs Warn Proposed Rules Could Allow Contaminated Products to Pass Testing
Seven Nevada marijuana testing laboratories are warning regulators that proposed sampling procedures for 15-pound flower batches could allow contaminated products to pass testing. The laboratories want 60-gram composite samples fully homogenized before division, arguing that smaller testing portions may fail to detect unevenly distributed contaminants. Their submission includes an analysis suggesting certain Aspergillus contamination could go undetected 91% of the time.
Study Identifies Marijuana Plant Compounds With Potential to Target Protein Linked to Lung Cancer
Researchers have identified several marijuana plant compounds that may inhibit EGFR, a protein involved in certain lung cancers. Computer simulations identified luteolin-7-O-glucoside, grossamide and quercetin as promising candidates, with grossamide producing particularly strong predicted binding results. The October 13 preprint, which has not undergone peer review, provides a basis for future laboratory investigations into potential cancer treatments.
Missouri Launches New Age-Verification System for Marijuana Retailers to Flag Fake and Expired IDs
Missouri has launched a digital age-verification system designed to help marijuana dispensaries and other retailers identify fraudulent or expired identification cards. Called Show Me Your Age, the application scans driver’s license barcodes, generates caution alerts for questionable identification and tracks verification activity. State agencies developed the system to strengthen age compliance across marijuana, alcohol, tobacco and other regulated retail industries.
Washington, D.C. Medical Marijuana Sales Reach $88.1 Million Through September, With Monthly Sales Up 31%
Washington, D.C.’s medical marijuana market generated $10.25 million in September sales, a 31% increase compared with September 2025. The latest figures bring total 2026 sales through September to $88.06 million. Registered D.C. patients increased to 149,199, while licensed retailers reached 67. Flower remained the leading retail category, generating approximately $3.18 million in September.
New Jersey Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Whoopi Goldberg’s Marijuana Company, Allows Fraud Claim Against Former Mayor’s Nonprofit to Proceed
A New Jersey judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking unpaid rent from Whoopi Goldberg’s marijuana company, WhoopFam, while allowing its fraud claim involving former Paterson Mayor Joey Torres and his nonprofit to proceed. The dispute concerns a proposed dispensary that never obtained municipal approval. The nonprofit sought $52,514 in unpaid rent, while WhoopFam is pursuing approximately $167,681 in damages.
Kentucky Now Has Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Operating in All 11 Licensing Regions, With 26 Open Statewide, Governor Announces
Kentucky now has operating medical marijuana dispensaries in all 11 licensing regions following the October 12 opening of Sunnyside Dispensary in Prestonsburg. Governor Andy Beshear announced that 26 dispensaries are operating statewide, alongside 46 medical marijuana businesses overall. More than 28,000 residents have been approved for medical marijuana cards, and over 500 practitioners are registered with the program.
New Purdue University Research Suggests Genetics May Influence How the Body Processes CBD
Research from Purdue University and Indiana University School of Medicine suggests genetic differences may influence how the body absorbs and processes CBD. Scientists analyzed 540 blood concentration measurements from 30 healthy adults and identified preliminary evidence that CYP2C19 metabolizer status affects CBD metabolism. The findings could help explain differences in CBD exposure among people receiving similar doses.
Minnesota to Begin Issuing Annual, Renewable Marijuana Event Organizer Licenses January 1
Minnesota will begin issuing annual, renewable marijuana event organizer licenses January 1, 2027, replacing its temporary, event-specific licensing structure. Organizers will be able to host multiple events without repeating the full licensing process, although individual event approvals will remain necessary. Licensed events may include marijuana sales, product sampling and designated consumption areas, subject to regulatory and local requirements.
New Study Achieves Up to 100% Gene Transformation Efficiency in High-THC Marijuana Plants
Researchers from York University and Virginia Tech have developed genetic techniques achieving up to 100% transformation efficiency in high-THC marijuana leaf tissue and 81% to 100% in seedlings. Published in Biotechnology Journal, the research introduces methods for studying gene activity in marijuana plants, potentially improving scientists’ ability to investigate cannabinoid production and other plant characteristics.
Baltimore Mayor Signs Law Allowing Police to Shut Down Smoke Shops Selling Illegal Marijuana
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has signed legislation expanding the city’s authority to close smoke shops repeatedly selling marijuana without authorization. The measure updates public nuisance laws to address illegal marijuana distribution and manufacturing, allowing properties to be padlocked for up to one year following enforcement proceedings. The legislation targets unauthorized sellers operating outside Maryland’s regulated marijuana market.
