Efforts to reclassify marijuana at the federal level have hit a significant obstacle, as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) appears hesitant to proceed with the proposed changes. Despite the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommending last year that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III—acknowledging its medical value and lower potential … [Read more...] about Federal Marijuana Rescheduling Faces Unexpected Hurdle at DEA
Federal
Federal Legislation Threatens National Access to Marijuana Edibles
A proposed federal bill could significantly alter the landscape of cannabis consumption across the United States, with serious implications for marijuana edibles. The legislation—buried deep within a broader reauthorization package for the Farm Bill—seeks to tighten definitions around hemp and cannabis-derived products, potentially outlawing intoxicating edibles derived from … [Read more...] about Federal Legislation Threatens National Access to Marijuana Edibles
U.S. States Escalate Restrictions on Hemp-Derived THC Products
A wave of state legislative activity is sweeping the nation as several states enact strict controls—or outright bans—on intoxicating hemp products derived from low‑THC hemp. These efforts follow growing concerns about unregulated, psychoactive cannabinoid products on the market. Texas Advances Sweeping Hemp-THC BanIn Texas, Senate Bill 3 aims to prohibit all consumable hemp … [Read more...] about U.S. States Escalate Restrictions on Hemp-Derived THC Products
Federal Cannabis Reform: Rescheduling Efforts Face Political Hurdles and Industry Uncertainty
In 2024, the U.S. cannabis industry witnessed significant developments, including the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) decision to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This move marked a major step towards federal legalization, allowing state-licensed cannabis businesses to take federal tax deductions and removing … [Read more...] about Federal Cannabis Reform: Rescheduling Efforts Face Political Hurdles and Industry Uncertainty
The Most Notable Federal Marijuana Actions of 2024
The year 2024 saw a hodgepodge of federal and congressional marijuana policy developments—with major news related to the Biden administration’s rescheduling push, modest reform proposals advancing on Capitol Hill and various actions from federal agencies. Ultimately, things didn’t pan out the way advocates and industry stakeholders had hoped. Bipartisan cannabis banking … [Read more...] about The Most Notable Federal Marijuana Actions of 2024
Federal farm bill changes could impact CT’s plans for THC seltzers, hemp farms
The Connecticut attorney general has asked Congress to reconsider the law that made hemp legal, which advocates and state lawmakers say could upend both the legislature’s plans for THC seltzers and Connecticut’s hemp and CBD industry.A March 20 letter to federal legislators signed by state Attorney General William Tong along with 18 other attorneys general said the good … [Read more...] about Federal farm bill changes could impact CT’s plans for THC seltzers, hemp farms
Congressional Report Predicts DEA ‘Likely’ To Approve Marijuana Reclassification
The Drug Enforcement Administration is “likely” to approve a recommendation from the Biden administration to reclassify marijuana under the nation’s drug laws, according to a report issued by congressional researchers this week. The report, which was released by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on Wednesday, comes after a recommendation from the Department of Health and … [Read more...] about Congressional Report Predicts DEA ‘Likely’ To Approve Marijuana Reclassification
Congressman Introduces Bill To Withhold Federal Funding From States With Legal Weed
Rep. Chuck Edwards, who represents a district in western North Carolina, unveiled the “Stop Pot Act” on Friday, saying that the bill “will withhold 10 percent of federal highway funds for governments that violate federal law under the Controlled Substances Act, which prohibits recreational marijuana and classifies it as a Schedule I drug.” The legislation “does not apply to … [Read more...] about Congressman Introduces Bill To Withhold Federal Funding From States With Legal Weed
U.S. health officials want to loosen marijuana restrictions. Here’s what it means
A worker sets up Florist Farms cannabis products on the first day of legal recreational marijuana sales at the Housing Works Cannabis Co. in New York, on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. This week, the Department of Health and Human Services asked the Drug Enforcement Agency to consider easing restrictions on marijuana upon a review of its classification under the Controlled … [Read more...] about U.S. health officials want to loosen marijuana restrictions. Here’s what it means
Proposal Would Allow Cannabis Users to Attain Federal Jobs, Security Clearance
Federal employers could significantly boost the pool of available talent if prohibitions against marijuana use were removed, according to a trio of bipartisan lawmakers. Reps. Jamie Raskin, D-Md.; Nancy Mace, R-S.C.; and Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., introduced the Cannabis Users Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act, which would prevent prior or current marijuana use from becoming … [Read more...] about Proposal Would Allow Cannabis Users to Attain Federal Jobs, Security Clearance