Nevada Resolution Urging Federal Action on Psychedelic Research and Rescheduling Filed by 27 Lawmakers

A bicameral coalition of 27 Nevada lawmakers has introduced a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to take action on the therapeutic use of psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, ibogaine, mescaline, and MDMA.

Nevada State Capitol.

Filed yesterday with 27 bicameral sponsors, Senate Joint Resolution 10 was referred to the Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections for further consideration.

SJR10 highlights the growing body of research supporting the use of psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline for treating conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), treatment-resistant depression, and substance use disorders. The resolution points to clinical trials demonstrating significant improvements in mental health outcomes for veterans, first responders, and others suffering from these conditions.
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Report: Nearly 15,000 Marijuana Dispensaries Now Operating in the U.S., Cannabis Industry Supports 440,000 Full-Time Jobs

A newly released report from Flowhub highlights the rapid growth of marijuana dispensaries and retail outlets across the United States, revealing that nearly 15,000 are now in operation nationwide.

The 2025 Marijuana Industry Statistics & Data Insights report underscores the significant expansion of the legal cannabis market, with dispensaries becoming more accessible than ever to consumers.

According to the report, 79% of Americans now live in a county with at least one marijuana dispensary, demonstrating the increasing presence of legal cannabis retailers. California leads the nation with 3,659 dispensaries, accounting for nearly a quarter of all licensed marijuana stores in the U.S. Los Angeles County alone is home to 1,481 dispensaries, a figure that surpasses the total number of dispensaries in any individual state aside from California itself.

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High Times’ Intellectual Property Once Again Up for Sale

The intellectual property of the cannabis brand High Times, including its magazine, Cannabis Cup events, and trademarks, is back on the market.

The assets, which also include domain names such as 420.com, photographs, books, calendars, and other media-related materials, are being sold through a court-ordered receivership managed by Green Life Business Group. Bids are open until March 4, according to a report by MJBizDaily.

This is at least the third attempt to sell High Times’ intellectual property since September 2023, when Canada-based Lucy Scientific Discovery announced plans to acquire it in an all-stock deal. That acquisition never closed, and the assets returned to the market months later under new management.

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North Dakota House Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

The North Dakota House of Representatives has approved House Bill 1596, a bill to decriminalize marijuana possession, by a vote of 76 to 17.

Under current law, possession of up to half an ounce of cannabis does not come with the possibility of jailtime due to a 2019 law, but it does remain a criminal infraction punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. HB 1596 would make the possession of up to half an ounce of cannabis a noncriminal citation, rather than a criminal infraction, with a max fine of $150.

Additionally, the legislation lowers penalties for larger amounts, with possession of up to 100 grams being classified as an infraction instead of a misdemeanor. The bill also amends penalties related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and drug paraphernalia, ensuring that first-time low-level offenses carry civil penalties rather than criminal charges.

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Maryland House Votes 110 to 23 to Approve Bill Expanding Cannabis Tax Exemption

Maryland’s full House of Representatives has given overwhelming approval to legislation that would exempt certain cannabis transactions from the state’s sales and use tax.

House Bill 619, passed by the House today by a vote of 110 to 23, would expand an existing tax exemption to include sales between licensed cannabis businesses and registered cannabis nurseries. The proposal now moves to the state’s Senate, with approval in that chamber putting the measure on the desk of Governor Wes Moore.

Currently Maryland’s tax code exempts medical marijuana and sales between licensed cannabis businesses from the state’s sales and use tax. House Bill 619 would add an additional exemption for transactions between licensed cannabis businesses and registered cannabis nurseries. If enacted, the tax exemption would take effect on July 1, 2025.
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These States Are Most Likely to Legalize Cannabis in 2026

Recently we published an article titled States Most Likely to Legalize Cannabis in 2025. In this article, we’ll cover the states most likely to legalize cannabis next year.

Currently 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, with at least three states on track to become the 25th this year. Based on the current political environment, below are the states most likely to legalize marijuana in 2026.
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Florida Court Rules Employers Must Accommodate Off-Duty Medical Marijuana Use

In a landmark decision, a Florida state court has ruled that employers must accommodate off-the-job medical marijuana use.

The case involved Angelo Giambrone, an emergency medical technician for Hillsborough County Fire Department, who was placed on unpaid administrative leave after testing positive for marijuana during a random drug screening. Despite presenting a valid medical marijuana card, the county refused to accommodate his off-duty use.

Giambrone, who uses medical marijuana to manage anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia, filed a lawsuit alleging disability discrimination under the Florida Civil Rights Act. He argued that the county’s refusal to accept his state-issued medical marijuana card as justification for the test result violated his rights. The court sided with Giambrone, granting summary judgment in his favor and affirming that Florida law requires employers to accommodate medical marijuana use outside of work hours.
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New Jersey Governor Proposes 500% Increase to Marijuana Social Equity Tax

Governor Phil Murphy has proposed a steep increase in New Jersey’s social equity excise fee on marijuana, raising it from $2.50 to $15 per ounce.

The additional revenue, estimated at $70 million, would be directed toward social service programs and violence intervention efforts.

The proposal follows a recent tax hike in December, when the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission increased the fee from $1.24 to $2.50 per ounce. The tax is paid by cannabis cultivators.
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Rhode Island Bill to Allow Terminally Ill Patients to Use Medical Marijuana in Healthcare Facilities Filed With 10 Sponsors

Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced House Bill 5630, also known as the Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act, which would allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in certain healthcare facilities.

Cannabis tincture.

The bill, introduced today with ten sponsors led by State Representative Susan Donovan, has been referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee for consideration.

Under the proposed legislation, healthcare facilities would be required to permit medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients while maintaining specific restrictions. The bill prohibits smoking or vaping as a method of consumption, mandates that patients provide identification and medical marijuana documentation, and requires that cannabis be stored securely. Facilities must also establish written guidelines to regulate its use within their premises.
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Florida Bill Filed to Legalize Recreational Marijuana, Establish Statewide Regulatory System

Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) introduced legislation today that would legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana statewide.

This legislation would establish a comprehensive framework overseeing the cultivation, processing, and retail distribution of marijuana to individuals aged 21 and older.

Key provisions of SB 1390 include the implementation of a licensing system for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs), mandating separate licenses for cultivation, processing, and retail operations. The bill also proposes that sales tax exemptions for marijuana and related devices be limited exclusively to purchases by qualified medical patients and their caregivers.
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