Best of the Week: August 29 – September 4, 2025

Here are the top cannabis and hemp industry news stories this week, covering legalization updates, hemp compliance, research, and state market trends. Summaries of each article are listed below.

1. The Hemp Ban That Wasn’t (Yet): Why Federal Gridlock Makes Compliance More Important Than Ever

What does the latest Stuck on Compliance blog say about the effects from the potential hemp ban at the federal level? In late July, the Senate Appropriations Committee’s agriculture subcommittee quietly removed a controversial provision from the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill. That provision would have effectively banned intoxicating hemp products at the federal level by redefining hemp.

For hemp operators, the message is mixed: this time the ban didn’t stick, but the issue is far from resolved. While Washington debates, states like Colorado have already taken action-either setting the standard for regulating intoxicating hemp themselves or banning it outright. For businesses, the message couldn’t be clearer: compliance isn’t optional, it’s survival. Author Kim Anzarut, CQA, CP-FS CEO of Allay Consulting, explains how hemp businesses that proactively adopt cGMP certification and rigorous documentation today will be better prepared when federal oversight eventually becomes unavoidable.

2. About the Cannabis Research Institute: An Interview with Reginald Gaudino, PhD

In this interview clip from our Higher Education: Research Initiatives That Deepen Our Understanding of Cannabis supplement, Reginald Gaudino, PhD explains The Cannabis Research Institute and its studies on cannabis and hemp's societal impacts, informing policy and promoting equity and research in Illinois.

Explore our interactive cannabis research supplement for more in-depth interviews!

3. The Reintroduced MORE Act: Is Federal Cannabis Legalization Finally on the Horizon?

Congressman Jerrold Nadler announced that the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act was reintroduced again in the US Congress. With Congressman Nadler, Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs, Dina Titus and Ilhan Omar, as well as House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez, joined in on moving the comprehensive cannabis reform legislation forward. This bill would federally deschedule cannabis and remove the plant from the federal Controlled Substances Act. With its new position, states would have the option to legalize cannabis and regulate the markets in their states without the federal government. Additionally, the MORE Act would expunge records of individuals with prior convictions.

4. Despite Vetoed Zoning Bill, Delaware Cannabis Sales Reach More Than $7 Million in First Month

Last week Delaware Governor Matt Meyer vetoed two bills, one involving wage enforcement in construction and the other was Senate Bill 75 (with SA 1 & 2) (SB 75). This piece of legislation would have loosened local zoning restrictions limiting for cannabis operators.

Additionally, Delaware’s recreational cannabis market launch generated over $7 million in sales in its first month, highlighting strong consumer demand. During the first month (August), total retail cannabis sales were reported as more than $7 million, with 109,412 cannabis plants cultivated. During their inaugural weekend, their cannabis sales brought in more than $903,000, which includes both recreational and medical cannabis transactions.

5. SABER Backs State Bans on Synthetic Hemp Cannabinoids Like Delta-8 THC, Urges Science-Based Regulation

The nonprofit Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) voiced its support of Texas and other states restricting synthetic hemp cannabinoids, urging science-based regulation to protect consumers, businesses, and public safety.

The organization argued the products containing the synthetic cannabinoids pose risks to public safety, noting the possible presence of harmful residual solvents and undisclosed compounds. It highlighted Texas as a significant factor in the hemp economy, stating that recent legislation in the state demonstrates the need for regulations protecting legitimate businesses in the industry.