The federal prohibition of cannabis may soon face its most significant challenge since its inception. On May 27, 2025, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a lawsuit by Massachusetts-based cannabis businesses seeking to overturn the federal ban on marijuana. The plaintiffs argued that the federal prohibition is outdated, citing Congress’s evolving stance and …
Category: News
Latest cannabis news covering legalization, legislation, court rulings, business developments, research, sales data, regulatory updates and policy changes across the U.S.
Minnesota Reaches Settlement With Social Equity Applicants Over Canceled Marijuana Lottery
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has reached a settlement with a group of social equity marijuana license applicants, resolving a legal dispute over a canceled lottery that could have delayed the state’s adult-use licensing process. The agreement, revealed Friday during a Ramsey County District Court hearing, comes just days before the OCM is …
Louisiana Legislature Approves Bill to Ban Kratom, Sending it to Governor Landry
The Louisiana Legislature has passed a bill that would outlaw kratom statewide, sending it to Governor Jeff Landry for final consideration. Senate Bill 154 received final legislative approval this week, passing the House of Representatives in an 89 to 5 vote and the Senate 26 to 11. The measure would ban the possession, manufacture, and …
U.S. Congress: Legislation to End Federal Marijuana Prohibition in Legal States Gains New Sponsor
Congressmember Gregory Steube, a Republican from Florida, has signed on as the fourth sponsor of the STATES 2.0 Act, a federal proposal to end marijuana prohibition in states that have legalized it. The legislation, officially reintroduced last month by Congressmembers Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Dina Titus (D-NV), would amend the Controlled Substances …
Vermont Legislature Passes Bill to Expand Criminal Record Sealing, Sends it to Governor
The Vermont Legislature has approved a bill that would significantly broaden eligibility for sealing certain criminal history records, sending the measure to Governor Phil Scott for consideration. Senate Bill 12, introduced in January by State Senator Nader Hashim (D), has now cleared both the Senate and House. The legislation replaces Vermont’s current dual system of …
New Jersey Assembly Overwhelmingly Approves Bill Adding Sickle Cell Anemia to Medical Marijuana Program
The New Jersey Assembly has voted 71 to 2 to approve legislation that would add sickle cell anemia as a qualifying condition for the state’s medical marijuana program. The proposal, Assembly Bill 913, now heads to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee for further consideration. The measure would explicitly authorize the use …
Kentucky Launches Medical Cannabis Dispensary Map, Governor Signs Order Waiving Renewal Fee for 2025 Cardholders
Governor Andy Beshear today signed an executive order waiving the 2026 renewal fee for medical marijuana cardholders who received their cards in 2025. The move comes as Team Kentucky confirms locations for 39 of the 48 planned dispensaries across the state. To help patients locate nearby access points, the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis has …
Study: CBD Reduces Seizures and Brain Damage in Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Model
A new study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology finds that cannabidiol (CBD) may offer protective and anticonvulsant effects in cases of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). Researchers from Hunan University of Medicine and Ningxia Medical University in China conducted the study using a rat model of PTE triggered by ferric chloride (FeCl₃), including genetically modified rats …
Massachusetts Committee Advances Bipartisan Bill to Overhaul State Cannabis Laws
A comprehensive cannabis reform bill backed by 15 bipartisan lawmakers was officially introduced today in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and has been reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy. The bill, House Bill 4160, titled An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws, has now been referred to the powerful House Ways and …
New York Senate Bill Would Establish New Rules for Marijuana Store Locations and Proximity Waivers
A bill introduced today in the New York Senate would establish stricter regulations around where licensed marijuana stores can operate and how exemptions to proximity restrictions are granted. Filed by State Senator Jeremy Cooney (D), Senate Bill 8278 has been referred to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations. The legislation would amend Section 85 …
