Ohio Bill Would Make Changes to Adult-Use Cannabis Law

2/03/2025

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A bill proposed in Ohio seeks to change the state’s voter-approved adult-use cannabis law by reducing the amount of cannabis that can be grown at home, lowering THC levels, increasing the tax, and redirecting tax revenues derived from the industry, Ohio Capital Journal reports. State Sen. Steve Huffman (R), the bill’s primary sponsor, said during testimony last week that the measure “is about government efficiency, consumer and child safety, and maintaining access to voter-approved adult-use marijuana.”

The bill would lower THC levels in concentrates available in the adult-use market from a maximum of 90% to 70%, reduce the number of plants allowed to be cultivated in homes from 12 to six, raise the tax on adult-use products from 10% to 15%, cap the number of active dispensaries at 350, require cannabis to be transported only in the trunk of a vehicle, merge the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis programs under the Division of Cannabis Control, and send all of the revenues generated from adult-use sales to the state’s general fund. 

The proposal would also allow cannabis use only in private residences. 

Huffman said the bill corrects “some of the societal needs” associated with adult-use cannabis legalization.    

“I don’t want to sit at the ball game and the guy next to my nine-year-old kid is smoking marijuana. I think that’s wrong. That’s what the voters voted for. …  I wouldn’t say we’re gutting everything. We’re trying to improve it.” — Huffman via the Capital Journal 

During Huffman’s testimony, state Sen. Bill DeMora (D) said the proposal basically tells voters “’screw you.’”   

“’You don’t know what you’re talking about,”’ DeMora said. “’You passed it with an overwhelming majority of the state, but we know better.’” 

A similar bill was introduced during Ohio’s previous General Assembly and was passed by the Senate but died in the House. Huffman’s version is currently in the Senate General Government Committee. 

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Missouri Counties Expunged More Than 140k Cannabis Criminal Cases Due to Legalization Amendment

2/03/2025

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Missouri courts have expunged more than 140,000 cannabis criminal cases since the passage of the constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis was approved by voters in 2022, the Missouri Independent reports. Under the amendment, courts were mandated to review court files for eligible cannabis-related charges and remove convictions from criminal records. 

Bryan Feemster, Greene County Circuit Clerk, told the Independent that the county “may be nearing completion midway this year” but officials “can’t be sure how many are left.”  

Scott Lauck, spokesman for 16th Judicial Circuit in Jackson County, said the clerks there completed their review of cases in December 2023. Cases in Jackson County dated back to 1989, he said. 

John O’Sullivan, spokesman for the St. Louis County Court, said clerks are in the “review and redetermination phase, to determine what review of our next group of cases will look like.”  

The Missouri Supreme Court estimates that about 307,000 cases have been reviewed – which would mean counties have expunged 46% of the cases they reviewed – but that estimate doesn’t include paper records. 

According to expungement data tabulated by the Independent, many counties are deeming more cases ineligible for expungement than eligible – in some cases by the thousands. For example, in Jefferson County, 8,259 cases have been reviewed with just 808 expunged so far and 7,451 deemed ineligible. Only seven counties – Atchison, Callaway, Clark, Holt, Monroe Nodaway, and Randolph – have expunged all of the cases they have reviewed.

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Tacoma, Washington Makes Entheogenic Psychedelic Prosecution Lowest Priority for Law Enforcement

2/03/2025

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The Tacoma, Washington City Council last week unanimously passed a resolution to make prosecutions for entheogenic psychedelics the lowest priority for law enforcement, Tacoma Weekly reports. The resolution does not decriminalize entheogen-related activities but makes the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of anyone engaging in activities related to entheogenic psychedelics among Tacoma’s lowest law enforcement priorities.

The resolution also includes language stating that the city council supports decriminalization of the psychedelics to help facilitate mental health treatment research in the use of entheogens. 

Council member Joe Bushnell, the resolution’s lead sponsor and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, told Tacoma Weekly that the “resolution is a testament” to the board’s “commitment in exploring innovative and compassionate approaches to mental health.”   

“In the United States, there are 22 veterans a day who commit suicide. As a veteran who lives with (post-traumatic stress disorder), I’m acutely aware of the challenges faced by those struggling with mental health conditions. The promising research on the therapeutic potential of entheogens, particularly psilocybin, offers a beacon of hope. By declaring our support for decriminalizing these substances, we can advocate for further research and potentially life-changing treatments.” — Bushnell via Tacoma Weekly 

Cole Schrim, a licensed therapist and founder of the Tacoma Psychedelic Society, said she was unsure whether the vote would be unanimous due to the ambivalence of a few of the council members.  

“We brought an authentic voice,” she told Tacoma Weekly. “We had the collective voice of different stories of people wanting to live again because they found healing through psychedelics.” 

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Trump Health Sec. Nominee RFK Jr. Says He’ll ‘Defer’ to DEA on Cannabis Policy

2/03/2025

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told a group of senators last week that if confirmed, he would defer to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the issue of cannabis rescheduling, Marijuana Moment reports.

Previously, as a presidential candidate, Kennedy said multiple times that he supported federally legalizing cannabis. But during an appearance before the Senate Finance Committee last week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) asked Kennedy whether he would “commit to working with the DOJ and DEA to swiftly resume proceedings on the scheduling of marijuana” — he said he would defer to the federal agencies overseeing the hearings.

“I defer to the DOJ and DEA on the allocation of their resources and the development of their priorities. Consistent with all applicable laws, I will ensure that HHS’s expertise is available to assist those agencies as needed.” — Kennedy, in his response

First initiated last year under the Joe Biden administration, the hearings were postponed in January amidst legal challenges claiming the DEA is unfit to oversee the hearings due to its longstanding bias against the reforms.

Kennedy also said that in regard to policies resulting in the release of cannabis prisoners, “I defer to the Department of Justice and state and local authorities for the enforcement of criminal justice.”

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Oregon Cannabis Prices Hit All-Time Low

2/03/2025

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Adult-use cannabis prices in Oregon fell to an all-time low last year even as the state saw its largest-ever cannabis harvest, OregonLive reports.

Cannabis prices have been under $4 per gram for almost two years, reaching a record low of $3.51 in December 2024. The low prices are the result of an oversaturated market that “continues to strain marijuana businesses,” according to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, which said the state’s cannabis supply is nearly double its consumer demand for the products. The issue compounds when cultivators bring in bigger and bigger harvests each year — licensed growers produced 12.3 million pounds of cannabis last year, 28% more than the previous year.

“The 2024 harvest indicates there will be larger inventory stockpiles in the system going forward, putting more downward pressure on prices and delaying revenue for marijuana businesses.” — OLCC statement, in the report

Oregon lawmakers have set licensing moratoriums on cannabis growers and retailers in the state but the pause on new licenses did little to address the market’s burdens.

The OLCC said the path to real progress will require a shift in federal policy: “Until the federal government creates pathways to interstate commerce, the Oregon recreational marijuana market will be characterized by variations on the same theme: a competitive marketplace that features low prices for consumers but low margins for businesses,” the agency said in the report.

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Kentucky Issues First Medical Cannabis Patient IDs

1/31/2025

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Kentucky officials have awarded the state’s first two medical cannabis cards and the governor announced about 2,200 more patient applications have also been approved, LEX 18 reports.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D) and Sam Flynn, the executive director of the Office of Medical Cannabis, awarded the first two medical cards during the governor’s Team Kentucky Update on Thursday to Ryan Grell, an anesthesiologist and the medical director and owner of Kentucky Medical Marijuana Center, and Merissa Khumalo, a former teacher at Rise STEM Academy for Girls.

The governor said the state had received nearly 4,000 medical cannabis applications. As of Thursday, “only 66 applications have been denied, 51 of which are due to technical issues, and they can reapply, 15 applications have been denied due to a disqualifying felony offense,” Beshear said.

The governor also called for state lawmakers to protect the Second Amendment rights of Kentucky medical cannabis patients:

“No law-abiding Kentuckian, or American for that matter, should have to choose between a constitutional right like the Second Amendment and getting the medication that they need,” he said. “That’s why I’m urging the congressional delegation to introduce legislation to address this issue and to protect the constitutional rights of Kentuckians and of all Americans. There should not be a loss of a right within our Bill of Rights simply for choosing a legalized system of medication that’s best for you.”

The Kentucky medical cannabis program officially launched on January 1, 2025.

To qualify for the program, patients must be approved by a registered physician. Qualifying conditions for the program include cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic nausea, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Maine Bill Would Add Medical Cannabis Testing Rules

1/31/2025

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A new bill in Maine would require medical cannabis products to be tested similarly to adult-use products, according to a WGME report.

Under Maine’s adult-use cannabis regulations, all products sold by licensed retailers must be tested for potency and contaminants, but the state’s medical cannabis program has no such requirement. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Marc Malon (D) and supported by Gov. Janet Mills (D), would require medical cannabis products to be tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and potency.

“At the end of the day, we need to make sure that products being sold to consumers are clean,” Malon said.

Meanwhile, the medical cannabis trade association Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine (MMCM) released an op-ed on Wednesday calling the proposal a “misguided approach that will harm small businesses while failing to address real concerns.”

The MMCM said rather than mandatory potency and heavy metal testing, the state should prioritize investigating and preventing illicit grows, setting consistent standards for testing labs, preventing dangerous pesticide use, and researching safety standards for the industry.

“Mandatory testing won’t stop the illicit market—it will kill small businesses and reduce patient access to safe, high-quality cannabis. Governor Mills needs to stop ignoring industry stakeholders and start working with them to craft sensible, science-based policies.” — MMCM leadership, in the op-ed

The Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) issued product recalls last October for several batches of adult-use cannabis products due to mold and bacteria contamination.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Propose Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis

1/30/2025

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Senior state lawmakers in Hawaii last week proposed legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis, regulate the plant’s production and distribution, and establish a new agency to oversee the state’s adult-use, medical cannabis, and hemp industries, Marijuana Moment reports.

House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Chair David Tarnas (D) and Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Joy San Buenaventura (D) sponsored the legislation in the House and Senate, respectively. The proposal would allow adults aged 21+ to possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower and up to five grams of concentrate. The proposal would also legalize small-scale cannabis home grows, allowing adults to grow up to six plants for personal use with a maximum of 10 plants — and two pounds of homegrown cannabis — per household, the report said.

The proposal would also establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office, which would be tasked with overseeing the state’s adult-use, medical cannabis, and hemp industries.

The Hawaii Senate successfully passed cannabis legalization reforms last year but the proposal failed to advance through the House of Representatives. Advocates believe the issue stands a better chance this year, however, partly because the new Speaker of the House, Rep. Nadine Nakamura (D), supports the reforms, the report said.

Meanwhile, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) — who supports legalizing adult-use cannabis in the state — recently signed an executive order providing stopgap protections for medical cannabis caregivers after some provisions of the state’s medical cannabis program expired.

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New Mexico Regulators Push for Task Force to Counter Illicit Cannabis

1/30/2025

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Cannabis regulators in New Mexico are pressuring elected officials to pass legislation to create a task force dedicated to stamping out illicit cannabis operations in the state, KRQE reports.

Lawmakers first discussed giving “police power” to the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) last November. Now, the agency is supporting House Bill 10, which would task six law enforcement officials with investigating and stopping individuals caught doing illegal cannabis business. The bill would also authorize CCD officials to seize and put administrative holds on cannabis products, the report said.

Currently, regulators who encounter illegal activity in the cannabis industry can only report what they discover to law enforcement — officials say the task force would help unburden police and expedite the investigations, which they say would benefit the industry.

“Currently, we only have administrative powers, so we can fine, suspend, revoke licenses. But if we stumble across products or illicit activity, we then are limited in that power…. [The task force] would allow us to continue down that path while following due process, going to courts, getting search warrants or injunctions, and then being able to act on those with the orders from those courts.” — Todd Stevens, CCD Director, via KRQE

“These illicit, illegal, gray market products, producers, dispensaries, they burden our regulated, good faith, good operators, and it makes them very difficult to operate in a legal space,” Stevens said.

The New Mexico adult-use cannabis law took effect in July 2021, and the state’s first regulated sale took place in July 2022.

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Blue Dream Marijuana by DNA Genetics

The Role of Terpenes in Blue Dream and Green Crack: What You Need to Know

1/29/2025

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For cultivators and consumers alike, understanding terpenes is essential to appreciating the true potential of cannabis. These compounds do more than just make cannabis smell good—they play a key role in shaping the overall experience, from how the strain tastes to the effects they deliver.

We’ll take a closer look at the terpene profiles of two iconic strains: Blue Dream and Green Crack. Blue Dream is celebrated for its smooth, calming effects, while Green Crack is known for its energizing and focus-enhancing qualities. Both strains owe much of their appeal to the terpenes they contain, making them standout choices for growers and consumers seeking distinct cannabis experiences.

Join us as we look at what makes Blue Dream and Green Crack truly unique. We’ll find out how terpenes contribute to their aroma, flavor, and effects, and why these strains should be on your radar.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. These compounds are what give fruits, flowers, and herbs their distinct scents—think of the citrusy aroma of an orange peel or the piney fragrance of a forest. In cannabis, terpenes play an even bigger role, not only defining the plant’s aroma and flavor but also influencing its effects.

So, how do terpenes work in cannabis?

Cannabis terpenes are produced in the same trichomes responsible for cannabinoids like THC and CBD. While cannabinoids are often the focus of a strain’s potency, terpenes work alongside them in a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect”. This synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids can amplify or modify the effects of cannabis, making two strains with similar THC levels feel entirely different.

Some good examples include:

  • Myrcene, one of the most common terpenes, is known for its earthy aroma and calming effects. They also increase the sedative qualities of certain strains.
  • Limonene, with its citrusy scent, is often associated with uplifting and stress-relieving properties.
  • Pinene, as its name suggests, has a pine-like aroma and may help improve focus and memory.

With over 150 identified terpenes in cannabis, each strain offers a unique combination that contributes to its sensory and therapeutic qualities. Whatever effects you’re after, terpenes help to shape your experience.

Terpenes in Blue Dream: A Closer Look

Few cannabis strains are as beloved and widely recognized as Blue Dream. This sativa-dominant hybrid offers a perfect balance of relaxation and mental clarity. Originating from California, it blends the sweet, fruity notes of its Blueberry parent with the uplifting, cerebral effects of Haze.

Blue Dream Cannabis Plant by DNA Genetics

What truly sets Blue Dream apart is its unique terpene profile:

  • The most dominant terpene in Blue Dream, myrcene is known for its calming and sedative effects. It’s what gives the strain its smooth, relaxing high that helps to ease stress and anxiety. This terpene also contributes to the earthy and slightly musky undertones in the strain’s flavor profile.
  • Pinene is responsible for the cultivar’s subtle pine-like aroma and its clear-headed effects. This terpene is known for improving focus and memory, making Blue Dream an ideal choice for consumers who want relaxation without feeling sluggish.
  • Caryophyllene adds a spicy, peppery note to Blue Dream’s aroma. Uniquely, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body, which may improve its potential for reducing inflammation and stress.

Blue Dream’s terpene blend creates a sensory experience that’s hard to match. Sweet berry notes dominate the aroma, balanced by hints of pine and spice. On the palate, it delivers a smooth, fruity flavor with a touch of earthiness. This makes it a favorite among those who appreciate both taste and therapeutic effects.

The synergy of myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene results in its iconic balanced high. Consumers often describe it as both relaxing and mentally stimulating. The strain helps to ease tension while sparking creativity and focus.

With this combination of effects, it’s easy to see why it’s a top choice for recreational and therapeutic consumers alike.

The Unique Terpenes Behind Green Crack’s Popularity

If there’s one cannabis strain synonymous with energy and focus, it’s Green Crack. Originally called “Cush”, this sativa-dominant hybrid earned its bold nickname from Snoop Dogg. It’s known for delivering a sharp, cerebral high and is a daytime favorite for those who want a productivity boost.

Green Crack Weed Plant by DNA Genetics

Its unique terpene profile plays a significant role in shaping its effects and sensory appeal.

  • Limonene, one of the dominant terpenes, is responsible for its bright citrus aroma. This terpene is known for its mood-improving and stress-relieving properties, making Green Crack an uplifting choice for daytime use.
  • Adding sweet and floral notes to its aroma, terpinolene boosts its energizing effects. This terpene is often associated with creativity and mental clarity.
  • While present in smaller amounts, myrcene contributes to a subtle calming effect. It balances the energizing properties of limonene and terpinolene.

Green Crack’s terpene blend gives it a fresh and invigorating scent, with dominant citrus notes balanced by hints of earthiness and sweetness. On the palate, you’ll notice sharp citrus flavors complemented by subtle tropical undertones. This combination makes Green Crack a sensory delight for cannabis enthusiasts.

The strain’s terpene profile creates an energizing and motivating high, perfect for daytime activities. The uplifting properties of limonene, combined with the focus-boosting qualities of terpinolene. This makes it a top choice for tasks that need mental clarity and creativity.

Comparing the Terpene Profiles of Blue Dream and Green Crack

When it comes to cannabis strains, both Blue Dream and Green Crack stand out for their unique terpene profiles. While they share some overlapping compounds, their distinct combinations lead to dramatically different effects, aromas, and flavors.

Some key differences are:

Distinctions Blue Dream Green Crack
Terpene Composition Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene. Limonene, terpinolene, myrcene.
Flavor and aroma Sweet, berry-like with earthy undertones, offering a rich, smooth experience. Zesty citrus with tropical hints, complemented by sweet and earthy undertones for a refreshing profile.
Effects Ideal for relaxation and mental clarity, providing a balanced high for stress and pain management. Energizing and focus-enhancing, perfect for daytime activities or creative projects.

As we can see, both strains contain myrcene, but its role varies. In Blue Dream, myrcene emphasizes relaxation and works synergistically with caryophyllene to provide therapeutic effects. In Green Crack, smaller amounts of myrcene act as a subtle grounding agent, balancing the stimulating effects of limonene.

The Importance of Terpenes in Cannabis Cultivation

Terpenes do far more than define the scent and flavor of cannabis—they play a crucial role in shaping a strain’s therapeutic and recreational value. For cultivators, preserving and boosting terpene profiles is essential to delivering high-quality cannabis.

Why does preserving terpenes matter? They’re responsible for the distinct characteristics that make each cannabis strain unique.

DNA Genetics understands that the integrity of terpene profiles means providing consumers with consistent effects, aromas, and flavors they can trust. This reliability is especially important for medical cannabis consumers who rely on specific strains for therapeutic purposes.

We take terpene preservation a step further by focusing on genetic stability. Through meticulous breeding practices and rigorous quality control, we ensure that each batch of seeds produces plants with consistent terpene profiles. This ensures that cultivators experience the same reliable effects and characteristics with every strain.

Cultivation methods significantly affect terpene production. Factors like:

  • Soil vs hydroponics: Soil-grown cannabis often has a richer terpene profile due to the plant’s access to a broader range of nutrients, while hydroponics offer precision control.
  • Temperature and humidity: High temperatures can degrade terpenes, while optimal humidity levels preserve their potency.
  • Light exposure: Proper lighting improves terpene production, especially during the flowering stage.

Growers who fine-tune these factors can maximize the terpene content in their plants, ensuring strains reach their full potential.

How Terpenes Enhance the Overall Cannabis Experience

Terpenes are the key to a well-rounded, personalized experience that differs from strain to strain. In Blue Dream, the sweet berry-like aroma is complemented by earthy and spicy undertones. This makes it a smooth and relaxing choice for consumers who appreciate rich, fruity flavors. Green Crack, on the other hand, has sharp citrus notes and tropical hints, providing a bright and refreshing aroma that energizes and invigorates the senses.

The terpene profile in each strain also shapes the effects of cannabis strains by interacting with cannabinoids to produce the entourage effect. This synergy boosts the therapeutic potential of cannabis, offering benefits, like:

  • Pain relief: Terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene in Blue Dream improves its ability to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
  • Mood improvement: Limonene in Green Crack lifts spirits and reduces stress, making it ideal for daytime use.
  • Relaxation: Blue Dream’s terpene blend promotes calmness, perfect for unwinding or improving sleep quality.

These distinctive profiles help consumers choose strains that suit their preferences.

Blue Dream, Green Crack, and the Power of Terpenes

Terpenes are at the heart of what makes cannabis unique, shaping not only the flavors and aromas of each strain but also their effects and therapeutic potential. In the cases of Blue Dream and Green Crack, terpenes play a pivotal role in defining their contrasting experiences.

For cultivators and enthusiasts alike, understanding terpenes opens up a deeper appreciation of cannabis. Whichever traits you’re drawn to, Blue Dream and Green Crack showcase how terpenes can transform cannabis into a truly tailored experience.

Are you ready to take your cannabis cultivation to the next level or to find out more about the benefits of iconic strains? Visit the DNA Genetics store to find premium cannabis seeds. With our commitment to preserving terpene profiles, you can trust that every plant delivers the distinct characteristics and effects you’re looking for.

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Indiana House Votes Down Bill to Remove Cannabis as Schedule 1 Drug

1/28/2025

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Indiana House Republicans on Monday voted down a proposal to reclassify cannabis in the state 21 Alive News reports. The measure, introduced by state Rep. Kyle Miller (D) would have removed cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug under state law.

“Throughout the country, legislative bodies are having conversations about the economic and health benefits legalizing marijuana can have. I’m disappointed that Indiana Republicans are so willing to be left behind as other states reap the benefits while we won’t even kick off the conversation be striking it as a Schedule 1 drug.” — Miller to 21 Alive News

Miller added that the proposal “was an opportunity to start the conversation about the possibility of legalizing marijuana in our state. House Republicans have signaled they aren’t interested in bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to Indiana.”

“If they don’t want to have this discussion, I think they owe it to Hoosiers to explain why they don’t want to grow our economy, like 24 states have done using marijuana,” Miller told 21 Alive News. “They also own an explanation to chronically ill Hoosiers who could benefit from a medicinal marijuana program, which 38 states in the country have, why they are so inclined to limit their access to drugs that could alleviate some of their suffering.”

A Republican-backed bill to legalize cannabis for adult use in the state was introduced this month. A poll published last November found that 70% of Indiana voters – a supermajority – back the reforms.

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Lawsuit in Illinois Alleges Cannabis Companies Mislabeled Products to Get Around THC Limits

1/28/2025

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A class action lawsuit filed against several Illinois-based cannabis companies claims the firms labeled cannabis-infused products as concentrates in order to exceed state limits on THC, Forbes reports. The lawsuit was filed by Chad Alsip, a cannabis consumer, against Wellness Group Pharms and its affiliates, and several entities under Acreage Holdings.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege that the defendants mislabeled their vape oils as cannabis concentrates which are not subject to the same THC limits as cannabis infused products which allowed consumers to purchase more THC than allowed under state law.

For example, instead of being limited to 500 milligrams of THC in cannabis-infused products, a customer could buy a total of 5 grams of vape oils – 11 times the legal limit – and then be able to purchase another 500 milligrams of cannabis-infused products.

“In doing so, Defendants unlawfully promoted the unregulated overconsumption of cannabis by marketing, promoting, and selling improperly labeled and packaged cannabis products that fail to feature or conform to the safeguards against overconsumption imposed by the Illinois Cannabis Acts. Specifically, safety labels, serving size limits, serving size identification, and legal quantity limits.” — Excerpt from the lawsuit, via Forbes

The lawsuit claims the “conduct is misleading in a material way in that it induced Plaintiffs and the Class Members to purchase Defendants’ Vapable Oils when they otherwise would not have.”

“Defendants,” the lawsuit claims, “made their untrue and/or misleading statements and representations willfully, wantonly, and with a reckless disregard for the truth.”

The lawsuit seeks compensation for statutory violations, fraud, unjust enrichment, and other claims.

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Iowa Bill Seeks to Allow ‘Vaporizable’ Cannabis to State-Approved Products List

1/28/2025

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A bill to allow vaporized cannabis methods under Iowa’s medical cannabis program advanced out of a House subcommittee on Monday, the Des Moines Register reports. If passed, “vaporizable dried raw cannabis” would be added to the products available to the state’s medical cannabis patients.

Following the subcommittee meeting, Rep. Hans Wilz (R), the bill sponsor, told the Register that he wants to keep the proposal “as narrow in scope as possible” noting that “alternative things” discussed by the subcommittee “sit in a different place in legislation.”

Iowa’s medical cannabis program is among the most limited in the country and currently only allows tablets, capsules, liquids, tinctures, topicals like gels, ointments, creams, lotions, patches, and nebulizable and inhaled or vaporizable products, and suppositories.

Lucas Nelson, president of MedPharm Iowa, which owns and operates Bud & Mary’s Cannabis in the state – one of just two state-licensed medical cannabis manufacturers in Iowa – said that if the bill passes the company would commit to lowering costs for patients up to an estimated 50%.

“This lowering of the costs obviously matters for people. There’s a patient who visits us from just outside of Ottumwa. She suffers from chronic pain, like you mentioned, she can’t use insurance because insurance doesn’t cover medical cannabis, and hers, specifically, she uses these products to be present for her grandkids.” — Nelson via the Register

The number of medical cannabis patients fell slightly from 18,230 in 2023 to under 18,000 by the end of last year, according to the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Advisory Board’s 2024 report.

Another piece of legislation – Senate File 46 –  passed a subcommittee last week. That bill aims to increase the number of dispensary licenses from five to 10.

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Sen. Warren Sends Letter to DOGE Chair Musk Calling for Federal Law Enforcement Reforms

1/27/2025

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In a letter to Elon Musk, in his role as chairman of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called for an end to raids by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) on cannabis businesses.  

“These arrests and seizures unnecessarily drain federal resources. DOGE should recommend that (Department of Justice) and (Department of Homeland Security) conserve resources by deprioritizing costly arrests and other enforcement actions targeting marijuana activity, at least where the activity is legal in the jurisdiction where it occurred.” — Warren, in the letter, 1/23/25  

In the letter, Warren says the U.S. government could save “hundreds of millions of dollars each year by reducing wasteful spending on unnecessary federal enforcement actions and detention,” and notes that “almost half of states have legalized recreational marijuana, yet federal arrests for marijuana possession account for roughly a quarter of all drug possession arrests, even though federal sentences for marijuana possession are rare.”

Warren also calls for federal prison reforms in the letter, including “compassionate release for elderly and terminally ill individuals in federal prisons.”  

“These individuals pose minimal risk to public safety; for example, 93 percent of incarcerated individuals over age 65 are classified as presenting a minimum or low risk of recidivism,” Warren writes, “and those eligible for compassionate release must be found to not be a danger to the safety of any person or the community.” 

Warren also suggested that DOGE “recommend steps to phase out the costly practice of incarcerating people for technical violations of probation and parole,” pointing out that about 27% of admissions to state and federal prisons stem from technical violations of probation and parole.   

“Reincarcerating individuals for these minor violations poses an unnecessary burden on taxpayers,” Warren said in the letter. “For example, a 2019 report found that states spent a whopping $2.8 billion to incarcerate individuals for technical violations of their terms of supervision.” 

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U.S. Court of Appeals Upholds Virginia Total THC Hemp Law

1/27/2025

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit this month upheld a Virginia law that regulates the sale of hemp products based on their total THC concentration regardless of whether the THC is delta-9, delta-8, or any other form of THC. The law, which was passed in 2023, set the maximum THC concentrations for hemp products sold in the state at 0.3%. 

Plaintiffs in the case, Northern Virginia Hemp and Agriculture LLC (“NOVA Hemp”), Franny’s Operations, Inc. (“Franny’s Farmacy”), and Virginia resident Rose Lane, argued that portions of the law imposed a stricter standard on hemp products than the 2018 federal Farm Bill and that federal law preempted those portions of the Virginia statutes. The plaintiffs also claimed the law violated the Dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.  

The court rejected the preemption claim on the grounds that federal law “says nothing about the ability of states to regulate the sale of hemp products within their borders” and that the Farm Bill carved out a role for state-by-state regulations. The court also rejected the commerce clause claim, finding that there was no discrimination between in and out-of-state economic interests and that it did not unjustifiability burden the flow of interstate commerce. 

The decision upholds the previous district court decision, which upheld the law. 

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Explosion at PharmaCann Extraction Facility in Maryland Injures 2; Cause Still Under Investigation

1/27/2025

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Two workers were injured during an explosion and fire last week at a PharmaCann facility in Stevensville, Maryland. The accident occurred at an extraction booth where propane and butane are used. 

Sprinklers contained the damages, the Office of the State Fire Marshal said in a press release, adding that one person’s injuries were severe but not life-threatening. Four nearby properties were evacuated and temporarily closed due to damage to the PharmaCann building and fire sprinkler system, the Fire Marshal’s Office said. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. In a Facebook post, the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department said the explosion and subsequent fire resulted while employees were “conducting the extraction.” 

Investigators credited emergency response systems, including alarms and ventilation which functioned as designed, for minimizing damage and injuries. Shore News Beacon, in an update posted to Facebook, noted that the first crew on the scene noticed no “evident” damage on the exterior of the building but described “heavy damage” inside. 

The Office of the Fire Marshal estimates that damages exceed $250,000 but the exact cost has not yet been determined.  

PharmaCann has been operating at the facility for four years, according to its website.

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Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Sets $1.64B Annual Sales Record In 2024

1/27/2025

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The Massachusetts cannabis industry set a new annual sales record in 2024 of $1.64 billion, according to sales data from the state’s seed-to-sale tracker Metrc cited by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).

The annual sales record was propelled by three record-setting months of sales with July ($142.8 million) setting the new monthly sales record in the summer, which was surpassed in August ($147 million) ahead of Labor Day weekend. Additionally, December 2024 “narrowly eclipsed” December 2023 as the industry’s third-highest sales month on record, the agency said.

“The cannabis industry in Massachusetts continued to mature in 2024 as the Commission approved the 700th—and counting—notice to commence operations. The clear growth of the industry is the result of ongoing collaboration between Commissioners and agency staff, business owners, host communities, an engaged consumer base, and the medical community. We’re looking ahead to continued growth in 2025 and beyond as we seek to expand the industry with new social consumption licenses.” — CCC Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins, in a statement

Meanwhile, the CCC reported last month that state-licensed retailers have surpassed $7 billion in total sales since the adult-use cannabis industry launched in 2018.

The CCC also released for the first time county-specific data on gross adult-use and medical cannabis sales totals, noting that adult-use and medical cannabis retailers in Worcester County — currently tied with Middlesex County in hosting the most cannabis industry licensees, 86 as of January 2025 — have generated a combined $1.4 billion in sales since 2018.

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Virginia Senate Committee Advances Bill to Fund Psychedelic Studies for Veterans’ Mental Health

1/27/2025

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Lawmakers in the Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee last week advanced a bill to fund clinical trials investigating the benefits of federally recognized “breakthrough therapies” for veterans’ mental health-related issues, which include psychedelic substances like psilocybin and MDMA, Marijuana Moment reports.

Introduced by state Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi (D), SB 1101, or the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, does not name psychedelics specifically. Instead, the legislation carves out funding to study “breakthrough therapies” as designated by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has previously designated MDMA and psilocybin as breakthrough therapies for PTSD and depression, respectively. Those designations were assigned after studies found the Schedule I substances showed significant potential against otherwise treatment-resistant conditions, but federal law — which considers Schedule I substances to be void of medicinal benefits — hampered further research.

“What we are hoping to do with this legislation is to establish a dedicated fund for breakthrough therapies for veteran suicide prevention that would support clinical trials, patient access, as well as training for healthcare professionals.” — Hashmi, to members of the Senate Committee on Education and Health’s Subcommittee on Health, via Marijuana Moment

During the federal lame-duck legislation session last year,  U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced a bipartisan proposal seeking to reschedule psychedelic substances with a “breakthrough therapy” designation from the FDA.

 

 

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Aurora Launches Germany-Based Medical Cannabis Brand

1/24/2025

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Canada-based Aurora Cannabis Inc., an international and publicly traded cannabis company, announced this week the January 27 launch of the company’s first line of German-domestic medical cannabis products. Manufactured in Leuna, Germany, products from Aurora’s IndiMed brand will be the company’s first to use cannabis produced in Germany.

“Aurora is proud to deliver to the rapidly growing German market our first domestically produced medical cannabis product – a significant step forward since Germany’s move to decriminalize cannabis earlier this year. As one of three facilities licensed to cultivate in Germany, we are uniquely positioned to offer domestic product from our EU-GMP facility in Leuna, Germany, which operates within Aurora’s global manufacturing network. It is through our expertise in cultivation and deep commitment to science and innovation that we introduce IndiMed to the German patients.” — Michael Simon, Interim President of Aurora Europe, in a press release

IndiMed is not the first medical cannabis brand tied to an international, Canada-based firm to launch in Germany, however — last November, Aphria RX, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, launched its first commercial medical cannabis products grown in a facility in Neumünster, Germany, MJBizDaily reported.

Meanwhile, Germany enacted last year the European Union’s most recent round of significant cannabis reforms, legalizing the use and possession of cannabis by adults aged 18 and older. Additionally, a poll last month found that 59% of German citizens support fully legalizing and regulating the plant.

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Nebraska Bills Aim to Help Implement Voter-Approved Medical Cannabis Program

1/24/2025

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Nebraska lawmakers this week proposed bills containing regulations to help implement and operate the state’s new medical cannabis program, which was approved last year by voters, the Nebraska Examiner reports.

Three state senate proposals seek to expedite the program. Without legislative action, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission is tasked under the voter-approved ballot initiative to create regulations for licensing medical cannabis establishments by July 1, and the state could award cannabis industry licenses by October 1, the report said.

The three bills — introduced separately by state Sens. Danielle Conrad (D), Ben Hansen (R), and Terrell McKinney (D) — seek to let Nebraskans with a doctor’s recommendation apply for a medical cannabis registry card, although they differ slightly in their regulatory approach. Each of the three bills, however, would delay the state’s medical cannabis business licensing period until January 1, 2026.

“I think we’re in a little bit of a unique position, where a lot of other states have already gone this direction. We have the ability to see what has worked well for others and what hasn’t.” — Sen. Hansen, via the Examiner

Meanwhile, a fourth proposal by state Sen. Jared Storm (R) would set a 300-milligram THC cap on medical cannabis products, the report said, and would limit the “permissible” forms of cannabis in the state to just pills or tinctures, directly contradicting the ballot initiative approved by 71% of voters last month.

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Former Verano Executive Charged with Securities Fraud for Alleged Insider Trading

1/22/2025

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A former executive vice president at Chicago-based cannabis company Verano was indicted in federal court for insider trading, the Justice Department announced on Tuesday. Anthony Marsico, 39, is alleged to have used non-public information about Verano’s agreement to purchase a competing cannabis firm to purchase more than 900,000 shares of the rival company’s stock and sharing the information with a friend, who in turn shared the information with two others. 

Arthur Pizzello, 61, Robert Quattrocchi, 63, and Timothy Carey, 57, are also named in the indictment, which describes the defendants as “social friends” who played golf together at a private country club.  

Marsico is accused in the indictment of illegally profiting from the scheme in excess of $607,000. Marsico is accused of tipping off Pizzello about the non-public takeover deal, who in turn shared the information with Quattrocchi and Carey. According to the indictment, the charges concern a deal between Verano and an unnamed company from January 2022.  

The indictment was returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago and charges all four with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Marsico is also charged with six individual counts of securities fraud. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled. 

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Class Action Lawsuit Attorneys Investigating Stiiizy Data Breach

1/22/2025

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Class action attorneys are investigating the data breach that affected cannabis brand Stiiizy and impacted customer data from four of the company’s dispensaries. Console Associates, P.C. indicated they are “investigating the data breach that was reported after the company discovered unauthorized access to sensitive consumer information.”

“STIIIZY reported a data breach after identifying unauthorized access to consumer data in their systems. While the exact nature of the incident remains under investigation, the breach could have resulted from either a direct compromise of STIIIZY’s network or a security incident affecting one of their third-party vendors.” — Console Associates, P.C., update, 1/15/25

Stiiizy filed the Notice of Data Breach with the California Office of the Attorney General on January 8, noting that they were notified of an initial ransomware attack on November 20, 2024. According to Cybernews’ ‘Ransomlooker’ tool, the brand was compromised by ransomware Everest in November and December of last year.

The law firm said Stiiizy also filed breach notices with the Texas Attorney General and the Attorney General of Maine on December 23, 2024 and January 8, 2025, respectively.

The impacted information includes customer names, addresses, birth dates, driver’s license and passport ID numbers, photographs, signatures that appear on government-issued IDs, medical cannabis card information, and transaction histories. According to cybersecurity firm Halcyon AI, the personal information of more than 420,000 Stiiizy customers was breached in the ransomware attack.

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Four Minnesota Shops Fined for Illegal Cannabis Sales

1/22/2025

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Four Minnesota businesses were fined $10,000 each in civil penalties last year related to illegal cannabis. According to a 2025 state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) report to the state legislature, the agency found more than 199 pounds of illicit cannabis flower at 134 sites from January to October of 2024. 

Adult-use cannabis is legal in Minnesota but permitted sales have yet to commence. 

“Additional challenges encountered by the office related to the illicit cannabis market include: the practice of businesses ‘gifting’ cannabis along with other purchases, online cannabis sales and mobile cannabis delivery services, peddler stands selling product at family friendly events like the Minnesota State Fair, and other large public cannabis events.” — OCM report 

OCM said around $607,000 worth of flower was voluntarily destroyed by businesses upon inspection. The report adds that “Given the illicit nature of illegal sales of cannabis, the size of such a market is not able to be determined with complete accuracy or consistency.”  

OCM notes that it is preparing to issue adult-use cannabis licenses “in the coming months”; however, the agency is in flux. Earlier this month the director, Charline Briner, resigned and General Counsel Eric Taubel was tabbed to serve as the agency’s interim director. The agency also abandoned its social equity licensing plan amid lawsuits, opting instead for general licensing.

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Kentucky Cannabis Proposals Set Sights on Adult-Use Legalization

1/22/2025

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Kentucky Democrats in the state House and Senate are looking to adopt adult-use cannabis reforms with the introduction of two similar proposals, Senate Bill 36 and House Bill 105, which seek to put the legalization question to voters on the next general election ballot in 2026, the Louisville Courier-Journal reports.

If approved by voters, the ballot initiative would legalize the use and possession of up to one ounce of cannabis and establish a regulated marketplace for cannabis products. Additionally, cannabis homegrows of up to five plants would be allowed for personal use. The bills were filed during the first week of the state’s legislative session, shortly after the legalization of medical cannabis took effect in the state on January 1.

The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. David Yates (D), supports legalizing adult-use cannabis as he believes regulation would be safer and would provide more public benefits from a tax perspective. However, he sees the ballot initiative as something that could be more palatable for some of their fellow lawmakers.

“It also gives some of those politicians cover if they need it. They get to say that they’re not going to make a decision on [the bills], but they’re going to let their constituents vote, and I think that may be a faster way to be able to move forward.” — Yates, via the Courier-Journal

Last November, Kentucky voters in over 100 cities and counties considered ballot initiatives to allow local medical cannabis operations. In each case, voters passed the initiatives with overwhelming support.

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