Best of the Week: July 11 – July 17, 2025

Let’s dive into the top stories shaping the conversation this week. Summaries of each article are listed below.

1. House Budget Bill Amendment Could End Veterans Affairs Medical Cannabis Ban

The “Big, Beautiful Bill” signed recently into law by President Donald Trump, includes an amendment that may end the medical cannabis ban in the VA which has prevented doctors from recommending the plant to their patients. If approved, the amendement could entitle doctors working in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system to be able to recommend medical cannabis to their patients if the medicinal plant is legal in those states.

Norml has reported that “Under federal law, VA-affiliated doctors are forbidden from authorizing veterans to use medical cannabis, even if they live in jurisdictions where the substance is legal.”

2. Adult-Use and Medical Cannabis Legalized by Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska made history by becoming the first fully legal and regulated cannabis system in the state for both recreational and medical cannabis. Tribal Council members voted unanimously and adopted Title 51 – Cannabis Regulatory Code. Once passed, the code was implemented immediately. The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska contains around 6,000 members that live on the Omaha reservation.

A part of the regulation is that a Cannabis Regulatory Commission be created, and they will be providing rules in relation to the sale of cannabis products to Tribal members and visitors, retail production, and testing. These new rules are expected to be formed and made final later in 2025.

3. Children with Rett Syndrome Experience Symptom Improvement Using Low THC Cannabis Extracts

According to a recent study, low THC cannabis extracts could be a potential tool for children diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Published in the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, “Full-Spectrum Medicinal Cannabis Plant Extract 0.08% THC (NTI164) Improves Symptoms of Rett Syndrome: An Open-Label Study,” investigated the safety and efficacy of cannabis extracts with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its use with children suffering from Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare genetic disorder that may be connected to loss of speech and motor coordination, seizures, involuntary/repetitive movements, and developmental delays.

“Oral administration of [cannabis extracts] for 12 weeks was associated with significant improvements in core RTT symptoms, including mental alertness, communication skills, socialization/eye contact, attentiveness, and anxiety,” study researchers found. “[Cannabis] administration also demonstrated improvements in key secondary outcomes, such as overall clinical severity, quality of life, and a reduction in caregiver burden.”

4. Southern California ICE Raids Targeting Cannabis Nurseries Trigger Protests

On July 10, 2025, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided state-licensed cannabis nurseries in Southern California, sparking protests from migrant-rights activists. Upon arriving, ICE federal agents and accompanying National Guard troops were met by protestors.

ICE federal agents showed up at two locations, one in Carpinteria, California and Camarillo, California, both locations are operated by Glass House Farms. The cannabis nurseries were reportedly visited by ICE in June 2025, according to an attorney that is representing individuals working at Glass House Farms.

5. Noid Factoid from Episode 27

Hear a Noid Factoid from Anna Schwabe, PhD, Chief Operating Officer, Cannagen! In the newest installment of our Noid Knowledge podcast, we are joined by Daniela Vergara, PhD, Hemp Specialist at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Anna Schwabe, PhD, Associate Lecture Professor at the University of Colorado.

In our latest Noid Factoid, Dr. Schwabe shares an insight into cannabis cultivation.