Best of the Week: September 26 – October 2, 2025

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

1. New York Cannabis Dispensaries Win Big: Supreme Court Halts OCM Relocation Order for 150+ Stores

The Supreme Court of New York announced that they have granted “a preliminary injunction that protects more than 150 licensed dispensaries from forced relocation or closure while the case proceeds against the state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM),”. With the injunction, it highlights that the plaintiff’s case was “issued without prejudice” and also that it can be renewed after six months.

The preliminary injunction order was signed by Judge Savona, AJSC, and mandates the OCM to roll back their established method of how they calculate distances between schools and dispensaries that was documented in their March 11, 2024 “Guidance for Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries,”. The Supreme Court of New York’s injunction will hold into effect until February 15, 2026. During this period, new applications that are submitted by applicants, existing licensees, provisional licensees, and other applicants, as well as license renewal applications that expire before or on that date, will be covered.

2. How Does Cannabis Help Skin Conditions?

CBD interacts with the skin's endocannabinoid system, offering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects beneficial for various skin conditions.

Cannabinoids like CBG and CBC show potential in managing atopic dermatitis symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Topical and oral cannabinoid applications are being explored for therapeutic benefits in conditions like acne, eczema, and wound healing.

Evidence supports the efficacy of cannabinoids in inhibiting CB2 receptors, reducing sebum production, and alleviating acne symptoms.

3. SAM Poll Reveals Voter Concerns on Cannabis Rescheduling, Foreign Cartels, and Youth Marketing

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) recently published a new poll on Americans’ perspectives on the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III classification. The organization states that its mission is to promote a health-first and science-based approach to cannabis policy.

The poll had been commissioned by SAM and was administered Wes Anderson and his firm On Message Inc. It was conducted from September 9–12, 2025 among 1000 nationally representative likely voters with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points and a 95% confidence level, the press release added. The mode of the poll was online, phone, and mixed.

4. Cannabis in Healthcare: Trump, Hemp-Derived CBD, and Benefits for Older Adults

The potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for the endocannabinoid system, older adults’ wellbeing, and cannabis in healthcare is seeing increased attention recently, after President Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social that explained the potential benefits of hemp-derived CBD for supporting older adult health for several conditions. In August, Trump had stated interest in the reclassification of cannabis. “I've heard great things having to do with medical and I've had bad things having to do with just about everything else but medical, and you know, for pain and various things I've heard some pretty good things,” Trump had stated in a press conference.

5. New Study: Cannabis Not Independently Linked to Head and Neck Cancers

A recent study published in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, investigated whether there was an increased risk of head and neck cancers through cannabis use.

Data showed that cannabis use is not “independently associated with an elevated risk of head and neck cancers.” Researchers with the study were connected with the University of Florida at Gainesville (Gainesville, Florida). No association was discovered once researchers considered alcohol and tobacco use with participants. When looking at these variables, investigators became aware that there was a link with them and an increased risk of cancer.