Feb 26 2025

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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Feb 26 2025

Iowa Republican Lawmaker Files Bill to Legalize Psilocybin for PTSD

A new bill introduced in the Iowa House today would legalize psilocybin for individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dried psilocybin.

House File 620, sponsored by Representative John Wills (R), proposes creating a regulated system for the production and administration of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms”.

If passed, the legislation would allow psilocybin to be administered under professional supervision to patients with PTSD. The bill also includes provisions outlining penalties for unauthorized production or use of psilocybin. Supporters argue the measure could offer a breakthrough treatment option for individuals struggling with PTSD, pointing to research suggesting psilocybin can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Feb 26 2025

New York Senate Bill Introduced to Restrict Cannabis Retail Outlets Near Opt-Out Municipalities

New York State Senator Jack Martins introduced Senate Bill 5637 today, which has been referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee.

The legislation would amend the state’s cannabis law to prohibit cannabis retail storefronts and on-site consumption venues from operating within a quarter mile of municipalities that have opted out of allowing such businesses.

The bill would modify Section 72 and Section 77 of the cannabis law by adding provisions preventing cannabis retail licensees from operating within a quarter mile of any town, city, or village that has enacted local laws requesting the Cannabis Control Board to prohibit retail dispensary and on-site consumption licenses within their jurisdiction. If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately.
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Feb 26 2025

States Most Likely to Legalize Medical Cannabis in 2025

39 states have legalized medical cannabis. Here’s a look at the states most likely to become the 40th in 2025.

Although efforts to legalize medical marijuana are ongoing in most of the 11 states without medical marijuana, the below five states are the most likely to do so this year.

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Feb 26 2025

Tennessee Bill to Restrict THCp and THCa in Hemp Products Approved by House Subcommittee

A Tennessee House subcommittee has voted to advance House Bill 1148, which would restrict the sale of hemp-derived products containing tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCp) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa).

The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee has advanced HB 1148 with a 7 to 2 vote, recommending its passage with amendments and referring it to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The bill, sponsored by Representative Ed Butler and 25 Republican cosponsors, aims to strengthen oversight of hemp-derived cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCp) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa).

If enacted, HB 1148 would redefine hemp regulations in Tennessee by requiring total THC content to be measured using decarboxylation, a process that converts THCa into its active THC form. This adjustment is designed to prevent manufacturers from exploiting legal loopholes that allow high-THCa hemp products to be sold under the state’s existing hemp laws. Additionally, the bill explicitly authorizes law enforcement to seize and forfeit any product containing THCp or THCa that exceeds the state’s legal THC threshold.
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Feb 26 2025

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Releases Industry Report Assessing Adult- and Medical-Use Cannabis Markets

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) this week published the “Review and Assessment of the Massachusetts Adult- and Medical-use Cannabis Industries” report, a comprehensive review of the Commonwealth’s adult- and medical-use cannabis landscape based on more than six years of data.

The Industry Report, drafted and published to satisfy the Commission’s statutory research mandate, covers topics from product sales trends and testing data to demographic information for license owners and employees working in the regulated industry. The Commission’s Research Department, led by Chief of Research Dr. Julie Johnson, presented the report using datasets beginning with the inception and implementation of Massachusetts’ adult-use marijuana retailers in November 2018 up to April 2024. 

The Industry Report, which was presented to Commissioners and the public at the agency’s Feb. 25 public meeting, also includes the first release of data on the medical market and patients, as well as cannabis product testing. The report was released prior to the Commission’s public listening session on the Medical Use of Marijuana Program on Feb.27, where the agency will hear from patients and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs) about the program and patient experience, as well as potential policy changes that could increase access to the program.
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Feb 26 2025

Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Reduce Marijuana Grow Count, Limit THC Content in Concentrates, Place a Cap on Marijuana Stores

The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would impose significant restrictions on the state’s recreational marijuana law, despite widespread opposition from advocates and industry stakeholders.

Senate Bill 56, which cleared the full Senate today, would reduce the number of marijuana plants adults can cultivate at home from 12 to six, and it would lower the maximum THC concentration allowed in concentrates from 90% to 70%. The bill would also cap the number of licensed marijuana retailers at 350, a move critics argue is arbitrary given the thousands of active liquor licenses in the state.

Additionally, the legislation would eliminate social equity licenses and strip the Division of Cannabis Control of its ability to establish regulations for marijuana delivery services and online sales.
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Feb 26 2025

Trulieve Launches Onward: A Premium THC Beverage Available in 36 States

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. has announced the launch of Onward, a premium, non-alcoholic THC beverage offering “a modern alternative for social occasions.”

These beverages are compliant with the federal farm bill that legalized hemp, making them legal nationwide. They are available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations.

“Drawing on our vast experience in cannabis product development, Onward beverages powered by Trulieve are expertly crafted to align with evolving consumer preferences,” said Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers. “We are excited to introduce this innovative and federally compliant beverage line to those seeking a new and alternative form of refreshment.”
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Feb 26 2025

Ohio Senate Committee Approves Bill to Roll Back Voter-Approved Recreational Marijuana Law

Ohio’s Senate General Government Committee has given approval to legislation that would make significant changes to the state’s voter-approved recreational marijuana law.

The committee voted 5 to 2 today to approve Senate Bill 56, which would roll back some of the state’s recreational marijuana law, which was approved by voters in 2023. The committee approved the measure despite over 40 people testifying in opposition to the bill during public hearing, compared to just one in support.

If enacted into law, SB 56 would reduce the number of plants adults can grow at home from 12 to six and lower the THC cap for concentrates from 90% to 70%. The measure would also place a limit of 350 on the number of licensed retailers allowed (Tim Johnson, a retired law enforcement officer and Air Force Veteran, pointed out during the hearing how this cap makes no sense given the state has thousands of active liquor licenses).
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Feb 26 2025

Study: CBD, THC, and the Terpene Humulene Show Synergistic Anticancer Effects in Breast Cancer Models

A study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that cannabinoids can suppress cancer growth and inflammation, as shown through lab tests, animal studies, and computer modeling.

Researchers examined the ethanol extract of female cannabis, which contained cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and humulene, as identified through GC-MS analysis. In vitro testing on cancer cells showed that the extract significantly slowed their growth, killing 51%–77.6% of them. Further analysis found that CBD, THC, and humulene interacted with key proteins linked to cancer progression, including PD-1/PD-L1, TNF-α, and MMP-9.

In vivo, researchers induced breast cancer in female rats using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and treated them with cannabinoids either individually or in combination. Results showed that the simultaneous use of all three cannabinoids produced the most substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, leading to significant tumor reduction. The treated groups exhibited decreased serum biomarkers associated with inflammation and tumor progression, highlighting the potential of cannabinoids in breast cancer therapy.
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