The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has led the psychedelic movement since 1986, has released a template comment letter to assist organizations and individuals in submitting public comments on the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s (USSC) proposed amendments to federal drug sentencing guidelines.

The USSC is currently accepting public comments through March 3, providing a critical opportunity for advocates to voice their support for fairer, evidence-based responses to drug offenses.

The USSC is an independent agency in the judicial branch that establishes federal sentencing guidelines and advises Congress on crime policy. It is comprised of seven bipartisan commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The proposed amendments include lowering the maximum recommended sentences and considering mitigating factors that could lead to shorter prison terms.
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Submissions for the fourth annual California Cannabis Awards at the California State Fair, with more than 150 medals up for grabs, will open on Saturday, March 1st.

The 2025 competition will provide an even more comprehensive look at the state’s best cannabis products, with new award categories and medals to win, according to  press release sent today. The competition “provides an unparalleled opportunity for California’s cannabis brands to showcase their products, receive recognition, and connect with a mainstream, canna-curious audience.”

For the second year in a row, California cannabis retailer Embarc will bring integrated on-site sales and consumption to the California State Fair. The 2025 medal winners will be announced at the start of the Fair and considered for on-site sales throughout the 17-day fair, offering interested fairgoers the chance to learn about, purchase, and experience California’s best cannabis firsthand. Golden Bear award winners will be sold at select Embarc stores after the fair, bringing widespread recognition to the trophy winners.
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A key Oklahoma Senate committee has approved a bill to triple the distance medical cannabis businesses must be from school entrances.

The Senate Business and Insurance Committee today approved Senate Bill 640, which would significantly increase the required distance between medical marijuana businesses and schools.

Filed earlier this month by State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R), SB 640 would expand the current setback requirement for medical marijuana dispensaries and commercial growers. Under existing law, these facilities must be located at least 1,000 feet from any school entrance. If enacted, the bill would extend that minimum distance to 3,000 feet. The change would apply to both new and existing marijuana businesses, though locations already licensed before a school is established nearby would be grandfathered in.
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A new bipartisan measure introduced today in the Minnesota House of Representatives would authorize liquor wholesalers to purchase and sell lower-potency hemp edibles.

Hemp gummies.

House File 1735, sponsored by Representatives Zack Stephenson (D) and Nolan West (R), was referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee for consideration.

The bill would allow licensed liquor wholesalers in Minnesota to distribute lower-potency hemp edibles, a category of cannabis-infused products containing limited amounts of THC. Under the proposal, wholesalers must register with state regulators by April 1, 2025, to engage in these transactions. Registered wholesalers would be permitted to purchase these products from cannabis microbusinesses, mezzobusinesses, cultivators, manufacturers, and lower-potency hemp edible producers. They could then sell them to licensed retailers, cannabis businesses with retail endorsements, and medical cannabis combination businesses.

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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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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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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’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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