From Our Writers

Governor Kathy Hochul labeled New York’s adult-use cannabis industry roll-out a “disaster,” critiquing the slow launch that benefited unregulated retailers, amidst a backdrop of legal challenges against its licensing process.

Despite local moratoriums and market saturation challenges, cannabis sales in Michigan reached a record $3 billion last year, with the majority coming from adult-use transactions.

Ohio has released draft rules for its newly approved adult-use cannabis industry, seeking public feedback on regulations including application costs, a lottery-based licensing system, and specific provisions for medical cannabis retailers and vertically integrated companies.

A Virginia Senate committee advanced a bill to create an adult-use cannabis marketplace, aiming for sales by 2025, despite uncertainty about its reception by Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has expressed disinterest in facilitating adult-use cannabis sales.

Connecticut liquor stores are exploiting a legal loophole to sell THC-infused seltzers, circumventing state cannabis laws by adjusting serving sizes to meet THC content limits for non-licensed sales.

Delaware’s House of Representatives passed a bill to expand medical cannabis access, allowing self-certification for those 65 or older and removing condition-based eligibility. The bill now moves to the state Senate.

According to recent CDC data and analysis by NORML, teenage cannabis use in Seattle, Washington has significantly declined since 2008, with the state’s 2012 cannabis legalization potentially impacting the availability and use of cannabis among high school students.

The Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon is urging lawmakers to extend a moratorium on new cannabis company licenses, initially set to expire in April, to address the oversupply and market competition issues in Oregon’s cannabis industry.

Maine lawmakers are considering a bill to legalize cannabis social clubs and on-site consumption at dispensaries. Those arguing against the bill have cited concerns about “poor air quality” in cannabis clubs and increased risk of impaired drivers.

According to a recent report, plans for Germany’s adult-use cannabis legalization proposal are reportedly set to be submitted for a parliamentary vote in February, with the aim of it becoming effective in April. Industry experts predict that legalization in Germany will help expedite reform across Europe.

New York cannabis regulators are considering new regulations for adults to grow cannabis at home and for licensed retailers to sell starter plants, allowing up to 12 plants per residence and increasing personal possession limits.

Recent research indicates that regular cannabis users may have enhanced empathic abilities, showing increased emotional comprehension and greater brain connectivity in areas related to empathy.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis predicts that despite legal challenges, the state Supreme Court will allow a cannabis legalization initiative on the ballot, which will require 60% voter approval to pass.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s FY2025 budget proposal for New York seeks to replace the current cannabis potency tax with a weight-based excise tax, simplifying tax obligations for the industry and strengthening regulatory enforcement.

Oregon lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties have recently begun exploring different ways to roll back drug decriminalization in the state, amid criticism from advocacy groups.

New Jersey has authorized the establishment of cannabis consumption lounges at dispensaries, allowing on-site use with specific regulations and licensing fees, joining numerous other states in this progressive move.