President Trump commuted marijuana convictions while Congress debates hemp regulations, New Hampshire pushes legalization, Texas Democrats rally for reform, and Nebraska’s Supreme Court upholds medical cannabis after GOP challenges.
Federal Action
Trump’s clemency cleared multiple non‑violent offenders as his administration reviews federal cannabis scheduling. The FDA issued a formal request for information on developing botanical drug products. Rep. Pete Sessions (R‑TX) argued for recriminalizing hemp‑derived THC, while independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn tweeted that the Nebraska Supreme Court’s decision confirmed voters’ will on medical marijuana.
State Moves
Republican lawmakers told Marijuana Moment they support regulating hemp THC products now that a scheduled ban is delayed by one month. New Hampshire gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington urged full legalization and an end to sending tax revenue to neighboring states with reform. Texas lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin hosted a “Legalize It” rally, criticized Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for a hemp THC ban, and promoted a Houston ballot measure to deprioritize marijuana arrests. The Nebraska Supreme Court unanimously upheld voter‑approved medical cannabis initiatives, rejecting litigation from Republican officials. North Carolina health director said he is “not convinced we are definitely moving to a marijuana‑legal state” but added it “could happen.” Mike Simpson of Lovewell Farms urged Rhode Island AG candidates to clarify their stance on hemp regulation amid federal uncertainty.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a bill banning synthetic kratom and restricting sales to adults 21+. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted $8.4 billion in tax revenue from legal cannabis, earmarked for childcare, substance‑abuse prevention, research and environmental recovery. Rhode Island Democratic AG candidates clashed over a contender’s tenure as Cannabis Control Commission chair. Montana regulators updated security and correspondence rules for marijuana businesses. Florida officials proposed stricter marketing standards for medical cannabis. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission convenes Wednesday; New York’s Cannabis Advisory Board meets Thursday.
International & Science
The UK Food Standards Agency is preparing to recommend CBD oil, edibles, drinks and supplements for approval. New Zealand granted two psychiatrists permission to prescribe MDMA for PTSD treatment. A review found cannabinoids display biologically plausible antitumor activity across cancer hallmarks, suggesting combination therapeutic potential. Another review labeled ayahuasca a promising intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Advocacy, Opinion & Business
The Florida Democratic Party chair tweeted that 72% of Floridians support medical cannabis access, condemning Governor DeSantis for undermining the program. The Miami Herald editorial board called for a voter “do‑over” on a narrowly defeated legalization measure after officials used Medicaid funds to oppose it. Americans for Safe Access released a guide outlining medical cannabis patients’ rights under federal rescheduling. The University of Maryland sent a cease‑and‑desist to Terps USA over alleged trademark infringement. Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka paused a U.S. Open match after detecting marijuana odor.
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