Government

Our top five cannabis and hemp news this week: the New York OCM; SCOTUS, cannabis, and Second Amendment rights; research on THC and driving performance; and pupil measurement after cannabis inhalation.

This article explores New York’s cannabis updates throughout the month of October which include $5M in grants, a major statewide recall for licensing fraud, and CCB asserts state law over local rules.

New York OCM officially begins community reinvestment with $5 million in grants going to 50 organizations that have been affected by past drug policies.

The Supreme Court will rule in 2026, whether cannabis consumers can legally possess and purchase guns, which will challenge the federal ban.

Our top five cannabis and hemp news this week: Ohio hemp regulation, NY dispensary laws, updates from Florida, and medical cannabis research.

Florida's court rules police can no longer use the smell of cannabis alone as probable cause for warrantless vehicle searches.

Governor DeWine issues a 90-day emergency ban on intoxicating hemp products in Ohio to protect minors and public health.

New York CCB deemed Long Island cannabis ordinances "unreasonably impracticable” and shares other state market updates.

Texas DSHS enacts emergency rules banning consumable hemp sales to anyone under 21.

OMC provided clarification on county-based license assignments and outlined specific criteria for reassignment flexibility.

Trump highlights hemp-derived CBD for senior healthcare, sparking discussion on cannabis reform, Medicare coverage, and the endocannabinoid system.

New statewide testing is coming to Colorado's regulated cannabis market. MED will sample products for contamination & verify potency claims.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 564, lowering CA's cannabis excise tax from 25% to 15% to help the legal market compete.

The 1906 cannabis brands and co-founder must pay $400,000 to Colorado and cease operations after failing to disclose health risks of "Midnight Drops."

Green Thumb Industries' RISE Dispensaries celebrates the launch of adult-use cannabis in Minnesota with new products and donations.

Our top five cannabis and hemp news this week: OCM fines NY lab, Congress halts rescheduling funding, Texas issues hemp order, NJ supports businesses with $15M in funding, and our latest podcast episode.

Governor Tim Walz signs new cannabis compact with Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, a move to regulate the market and support the start of Minnesota adult-use sales.

New Jersey’s new NJ LEAF program provides up to $1.5M in flexible funding to help cannabis businesses overcome capital access gaps.

New York's cannabis industry has grown to over $2 billion. The OCM's update shows market rebound and new support for equity applicants.

The FY26 CJS Appropriations Act includes Section 607, barring cannabis rescheduling. Advocates warn the Act threatens medical cannabis protections.

The OCM is taking action against Lexachrom Laboratory for regulatory failures and significant violations, jeopardizing consumer safety and market integrity.

The Texas Cannabis Policy Center and Texas Hemp Business Council both support Governor Abbott’s executive order on hemp regulations.

Our top five cannabis and hemp news this week: Nebraska’s medical cannabis battle, rescheduling debate, Thailand policy shifts, new medical cannabis research, and pricing trends.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issues an executive order to regulate product sales, requiring ID checks and testing.

New York's legal cannabis sales top $2 billion, with 46 new licenses approved. The state is prioritizing social equity and new education panels.