Mar 15 2025

South Africa Bans Cannabis-Infused Foods, Including Hemp Oil, Sparking Industry Backlash

South Africa’s cannabis industry is reeling after Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi quietly enacted regulations banning the sale, production, and importation of cannabis-infused food products.

The new rules, published by the government on March 7, 2025, have blindsided businesses and consumers alike, effectively outlawing hemp seed oil, hemp flour, and THC-infused edibles. The move comes just months after President Cyril Ramaphosa touted the economic potential of cannabis and hemp, raising concerns over contradictory government policies.

The ban, implemented under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972, applies to all food products containing Cannabis sativa L., including widely used hemp-based items with negligible THC content. This sweeping restriction has sparked outrage among industry stakeholders, who argue it stifles a growing market and undermines South Africa’s position as a potential cannabis leader.
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Mar 15 2025

Texas Senator Files Bill to Mandate Study of MDMA, Psilocybin and Ketamine for Treating PTSD and Depression, Companion Measure Already Filed in House

Legislation has been introduced in the Texas Senate to require state health officials to study the use of MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine as treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Dried psilocybin (left), MDMA (middle), and ketamine (right).

Senate Bill 3005 was filed yesterday with the exact language as House Bill 4014, which was introduced by State Representative John Bucy (R) last week.

The measure would direct the Department of State Health Services to conduct a comprehensive study on psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, depression, and other related conditions. The research would be carried out in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine and the Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.
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Mar 14 2025

Michigan: $242 Million in February Marijuana Sales, Price Per Ounce Drops to All-Time Low of $65

There was over $240 million worth of marijuana sold legally in Michigan in February, as prices dropped to a new all-time low.

In February, according to data released today by the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), there was $241,295,133.97 worth of adult-use marijuana and marijuana products sold, in addition to $631,498.46  worth of medical marijuana. The combined $241,926,632 marks a slight dip from the $247 million sold in January.

In February, the average price for an ounce of cannabis again reached a new low, dropping from $66.50 in January to $65.21 in February.
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Mar 14 2025

Washington Senate Passes Bill Expanding Marijuana Retail Signage

The Washington Senate has passed Senate Bill 5206 in a 39 to 9 vote, advancing the measure to the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee for further consideration.

Sponsored by Senators Drew MacEwen (R), Chris Gildon (R), and Derek Stanford (D), the legislation would modify the state’s marijuana advertising regulations by allowing licensed retailers to display up to four exterior signs, an increase from the current limit of two. These signs must be attached to the building or placed in windows, with each restricted to 1,600 square inches. Smaller, non-branded signs under 512 square inches—such as those indicating store hours or ATM availability—would be exempt from advertising regulations.

The bill maintains strict prohibitions on marijuana advertising near schools, parks, playgrounds, and similar locations. It also bans advertisements featuring alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles, and transit ads placed in or around public transportation facilities. Additionally, it prohibits marketing aimed at minors, including the use of mascots or cartoon imagery.
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Mar 14 2025

Maryland Senate Committee Approves Bill to Protect Fire and Rescue Workers From Employment Penalties for Medical Marijuana

The Maryland Senate Finance Committee has passed legislation to protect fire and rescue workers from employment penalties for medical marijuana use.

Filed by Senator Carl Jackson (D), Senate Bill 1023 would prohibit employers from taking adverse actions against fire and rescue public safety employees who are certified medical marijuana patients.

If enacted, SB 1023 would safeguard firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and other fire and rescue personnel from discrimination based on their legal medical marijuana use. The bill prevents employers from disciplining, discharging, or penalizing employees solely for possessing a valid medical marijuana certification or testing positive for marijuana components or metabolites. However, it does not allow employees to work while impaired or use marijuana within 12 hours of a work shift.
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Mar 14 2025

Texas Lawmaker Files Bill to Legalize Adult-Use Marijuana, Including Home Grow and Licensed Stores

State Representative James Talarico (D) has introduced House Bill 5307, a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana in Texas, allowing adults 21 and older to purchase, possess, and cultivate cannabis for personal use.

The bill, filed today, would establish a regulated market for marijuana, setting up licensing for growers, distributors, and retailers. Under the proposal, adults could legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of cannabis concentrate. Home cultivation would also be allowed, with individuals allowed to grow up to six plants, and a maximum of 12 per household.

HB 5307 also includes provisions for expunging past marijuana-related convictions, along with taxation measures directing revenue to public education, substance abuse treatment, and local governments. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation would oversee the program.
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Mar 13 2025

West Virginia Bill Banning Multiple Artificial Food Dyes and Additives Sent to Governor

West Virginia’s House of Representatives and Senate have both voted to approve the same version of House Bill 2354, officially clearing the way for it to be sent to Governor Patrick Morrisey.

The measure, which would ban the sale of foods containing certain artificial dyes as well as the food additives butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben, received a concurrence vote in both chambers today, with lawmakers agreeing on the same language. It would also prohibit these substances from being used in school nutrition programs, with that provision set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

The House initially passed the bill in a 93 to 5 vote, and the Senate later approved it by a wide 31 to 2 margin. However, given it was amended slightly in the Senate, it needed to go back to the House.
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Mar 13 2025

Texas Senate Committee Unanimously Approves Bill to Expand Medical Cannabis Compassionate-Use Program

A Texas bill to expand the state’s Compassionate-Use Program for low-THC medical marijuana products has passed the Senate State Affairs Committee in a 8 to 0 vote.

Sponsored by State Senator Charles Perry (R), SB 1505 would allow licensed dispensaries to operate satellite storage locations, a move advocates say would improve access for patients. The bill also sets a statewide cap of six dispensing organization licenses, up from the current three, and requires licensed entities to begin dispensing low-THC cannabis within 24 months of approval.

Additionally, the measure imposes a 300-milligram limit on individual packages of low-THC cannabis products, replacing the existing regulation that caps THC concentration at 1% by weight. It would also prevent local governments from banning the cultivation, production, storage, or dispensing of low-THC cannabis within their jurisdictions.
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Mar 13 2025

Washington House Passes Bill to Establish Collective Bargaining Rights for Cannabis Growers

Legislation that would establish collective bargaining rights for some marijuana workers has been passed by Washington’s full House of Representatives, sending it to the Senate for consideration.

Introduced by State Representatives Lillian Ortiz-Self and Mary Fossee in, House Bill 1141 was passed this week by the House by a vote of 55 to 40. The proposal would grant workers in marijuana cultivation and processing the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. Proponents of the bill say that its a stepping stone to eventually allowing collective bargaining for all cannabis employees.

The measure includes provisions for organizing labor unions, resolving disputes, and protecting employees’ rights to negotiate with employers. It specifies that workers involved in growing, harvesting, drying, and trimming marijuana on licensed farms are covered under the bill, while excluding managers and supervisors with decision-making authority.
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Mar 13 2025

New Jersey Reports $294 Million in Legal Marijuana Sales in Q4 2024, Highest Quarter So Far

New Jersey’s legal marijuana market reached a new milestone in the fourth quarter of 2024, reporting a record $294.1 million in total sales according to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

This marks the highest single quarter since the launch of legal sales in the state, driven largely by the continued growth of the recreational market.

The Q4 total includes $277.2 million in recreational sales and $17 million from medical marijuana purchases. This follows a steady increase throughout the year, with total marijuana sales in 2024 reaching $1.08 billion. The state’s recreational market alone accounted for just over $1 billion in sales, while medical sales continued to decline as more consumers shifted to adult-use purchases.
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