[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-2---":3,"news-meta":958},{"data":4,"pagination":953},[5,62,106,163,206,261,336,379,425,472,531,573,615,672,719,778,854,903],{"_id":6,"slug":7,"articleType":8,"body":9,"createdAt":16,"dek":17,"entities":18,"headline":27,"imageAlt":28,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":30,"language":47,"publishedAt":48,"seo":49,"sources":52,"summary":60,"updatedAt":61},"6aa171605457399f4e5dcfad","cannabis-safety-awards-launch-to-reframe-safety-as-a-legalization-strength-44724cb1","other",[10,11,12,13,14,15],"Americans for Safe Access (ASA) has launched the first Cannabis Safety Awards, an initiative designed to spotlight people, programs, products, and innovations that address legitimate cannabis safety concerns. Nominations are open through September 10, 2026, across 18 categories, according to the organization.","The awards arrive amid what ASA founder Steph Sherer describes as an organized political backlash against cannabis access. Opposition campaigns are increasingly using public anxiety around impaired driving, contaminated products, emergency visits, and accidental exposures to argue for broader restrictions or a return to prohibition.","Sherer argues that the cannabis movement has historically advanced by addressing public concerns, citing product-safety standards, improved patient education, and successful efforts to force the Drug Enforcement Administration to remove unsupported assertions from its materials. She contends that acknowledging problems like confusing labels, contaminants, and youth access is not a concession to prohibition but a way to protect the future of cannabis access.","The op-ed points to the 2024 National Academies report, Cannabis Policy Impacts Public Health and Health Equity, which documented mounting concerns including accidental ingestion, impaired-driving crashes, secondhand smoke, and environmental impacts. Sherer says these concerns are no longer a fringe messaging problem but the foundation of a well-funded opposition movement.","The Cannabis Safety Awards are intended to make visible the work of researchers expanding the evidence base, patient advocates identifying policy failures, and companies developing safer storage, better dosing, clearer labeling, and tools for responding to THC overconsumption. ASA says recognition can help good ideas travel, encourage companies to compete on safety, and show policymakers that the cannabis community can confront difficult issues.","Sherer frames safety as a competitive advantage for the next stage of cannabis market development, arguing that companies investing in transparency, testing, quality, and consumer education are building the infrastructure a mature marketplace and healthcare integration will require.","2026-09-09T14:46:56.812Z","Americans for Safe Access opens nominations for the first Cannabis Safety Awards, arguing that confronting product and public health concerns is essential to protecting legal access.",{"brands":19,"products":20,"markets":21,"organizations":23},[],[],[22],"US",[24,25,26],"Americans for Safe Access","Drug Enforcement Administration","National Academies","Cannabis Safety Awards Launch to Reframe Safety as a Legalization Strength","Americans for Safe Access founder Steph Sherer announces the first Cannabis Safety Awards to highlight solutions to cannabis safety concerns.","",[31,35,38,41,44],{"claim":32,"sourceUrl":33,"_id":34},"Americans for Safe Access created the first Cannabis Safety Awards, with nominations open through September 10, 2026, across 18 categories.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Faddressing-cannabis-safety-issues-is-a-strength-not-a-weakness-for-the-legalization-movement-op-ed\u002F","6aa17160723e26a876e0b223",{"claim":36,"sourceUrl":33,"_id":37},"Steph Sherer is the founder of Americans for Safe Access and authored the op-ed announcing the awards.","6aa17160723e26a876e0b224",{"claim":39,"sourceUrl":33,"_id":40},"The 2024 National Academies report Cannabis Policy Impacts Public Health and Health Equity documented concerns including accidental ingestion, impaired-driving crashes, secondhand smoke, and environmental impacts.","6aa17160723e26a876e0b225",{"claim":42,"sourceUrl":33,"_id":43},"Opposition campaigns are using public anxiety around impaired driving, contaminated products, emergency visits, and accidental exposures to argue for broader restrictions or a return to prohibition.","6aa17160723e26a876e0b226",{"claim":45,"sourceUrl":33,"_id":46},"The awards aim to highlight solutions including safer storage, better dosing and measurement, clearer testing and labeling information, and tools for responding to THC overconsumption.","6aa17160723e26a876e0b227","en","2026-09-09T14:46:58.308Z",{"title":50,"description":51},"Cannabis Safety Awards Launch to Reframe Legalization Debate","Americans for Safe Access opens nominations for the first Cannabis Safety Awards, highlighting solutions to contamination, dosing, and impaired driving concerns.",[53,57],{"name":54,"url":33,"trustTier":55,"_id":56},"Marijuana Moment","trade","6aa17160723e26a876e0b222",{"name":24,"url":58,"trustTier":59},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.safeaccessnow.org\u002Fnominations_close_september_10_for_2026_cannabis_safety_awards","official","Americans for Safe Access has created the first Cannabis Safety Awards, with nominations open through September 10, 2026. The initiative aims to highlight researchers, companies, and advocates who are solving cannabis safety problems such as contamination, inconsistent dosing, and impaired driving, positioning safety as a competitive advantage rather than a concession to prohibition.","2026-09-09T15:41:02.993Z",{"_id":63,"slug":64,"articleType":65,"body":66,"createdAt":70,"dek":71,"entities":72,"headline":81,"imageAlt":82,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":83,"language":47,"publishedAt":97,"seo":98,"sources":101,"summary":104,"updatedAt":105},"6aa15bff5457399f4e5dcfa7","team-winston-launches-ai-back-office-tool-for-retail-cannabis-operators-dc0782a7","product_launch",[67,68,69],"Team Winston has announced that exclusive access is now live for its AI teammate aimed at retail cannabis back-office operations, according to a sponsored post on MJBizDaily. The company describes the product as a back-office intelligence layer that sits between a business's existing systems.","The platform is designed to deliver value from the first day of use and to become more effective as it learns the specifics of each operation. Team Winston is offering a free trial for interested retail cannabis operators.","The announcement was published as sponsored content on MJBizDaily, a trade publication covering financial, legal, and business news for cannabis entrepreneurs.","2026-09-09T13:15:43.270Z","The new platform is positioned as an intelligence layer that connects existing systems and learns from each operation.",{"brands":73,"products":75,"markets":77,"organizations":79},[74],"Team Winston",[76],"Team Winston AI back-office tool",[78],"retail cannabis",[80],"MJBizDaily","Team Winston Launches AI Back-Office Tool for Retail Cannabis Operators","Team Winston AI back-office tool interface for retail cannabis operations",[84,88,91,94],{"claim":85,"sourceUrl":86,"_id":87},"Exclusive access is now live for Team Winston, an AI tool for retail cannabis back-office operations.","https:\u002F\u002Fmjbizdaily.com\u002Fsponsored\u002Fexclusive-access-is-live-for-team-winston-the-ai-teammate-for-retail-cannabis-back-office-operations\u002F617465\u002F","6aa15bff723e26a876e0a7f4",{"claim":89,"sourceUrl":86,"_id":90},"Team Winston is described as a back-office intelligence layer between a business's existing systems.","6aa15bff723e26a876e0a7f5",{"claim":92,"sourceUrl":86,"_id":93},"The company states the platform delivers value on day one and gets sharper as it learns the operation.","6aa15bff723e26a876e0a7f6",{"claim":95,"sourceUrl":86,"_id":96},"Team Winston is offering a free trial.","6aa15bff723e26a876e0a7f7","2026-09-09T13:15:44.638Z",{"title":99,"description":100},"Team Winston Launches AI Back-Office Tool for Cannabis","Team Winston opens exclusive access to an AI back-office tool for retail cannabis operators, positioned as an intelligence layer between existing systems.",[102],{"name":80,"url":86,"trustTier":55,"_id":103},"6aa15bff723e26a876e0a7f3","Team Winston has opened exclusive access to an AI-powered back-office tool designed for retail cannabis businesses. The platform acts as an intelligence layer between existing systems, with the company stating it delivers value immediately and improves as it learns a specific operation.","2026-09-09T13:15:44.641Z",{"_id":107,"slug":108,"articleType":109,"body":110,"createdAt":116,"dek":117,"entities":118,"headline":135,"imageAlt":136,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":137,"language":47,"publishedAt":154,"seo":155,"sources":158,"summary":161,"updatedAt":162},"6aa15b9b5457399f4e5dcfa5","state-department-warns-americans-against-traveling-internationally-with-marijuana-or-cbd-products-568080eb","regulation",[111,112,113,114,115],"The U.S. State Department is warning Americans against traveling internationally with marijuana or CBD products, emphasizing that local laws apply regardless of legality in their home state. The Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the warning in a social media post on Tuesday, stating, \"U.S. citizens are subject to local laws. Just because a cannabis, THC, or CBD product is legal in your home state does not mean you can take it abroad. This includes prescribed medical marijuana.\"","The agency highlighted that many countries impose severe criminal penalties for cannabis and directed travelers to a federal website to review local laws and prohibited items. Even if cannabis is legal or decriminalized in the destination country, bringing it or any cannabis-derived products across an international border can result in arrest or other criminal penalties.","The State Department explicitly advised against traveling with cannabis or cannabis-derived products, including marijuana, THC, CBD, edibles, vape cartridges, oils, concentrates, or other cannabis products. It also reminded travelers to pack from a completely empty bag to avoid accidentally bringing forgotten marijuana, noting that Americans have been arrested after unintentionally bringing cannabis products into another country.","High-profile cases include basketball player Brittney Griner, jailed in Russia for about 10 months after being caught with cannabis vapes she said were for medical use under Arizona law, and Marc Fogel, jailed in Russia for possessing marijuana he used legally under Pennsylvania law. Both were freed in prisoner swaps.","The warning comes as the Transportation Security Administration clarified that its policy on medical marijuana has not changed, and despite state legalization, cannabis remains largely illegal at the federal level, though the Trump administration is taking steps to reclassify it.","2026-09-09T13:14:03.263Z","The Bureau of Consular Affairs cautions that even legal state cannabis can lead to arrest abroad.",{"brands":119,"products":120,"markets":128,"organizations":130},[],[121,122,123,124,125,126,127],"marijuana","CBD","THC","edibles","vape cartridges","oils","concentrates",[129],"United States",[131,132,133,134],"U.S. State Department","Bureau of Consular Affairs","Transportation Security Administration (TSA)","Food and Drug Administration (FDA)","State Department Warns Americans Against Traveling Internationally With Marijuana or CBD Products","U.S. State Department warning about international travel with cannabis products",[138,142,145,148,151],{"claim":139,"sourceUrl":140,"_id":141},"The U.S. State Department warns U.S. citizens against traveling internationally with marijuana or CBD products.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Fstate-department-warns-americans-against-traveling-internationally-with-marijuana-or-cbd-products\u002F","6aa15b9b723e26a876e0a790",{"claim":143,"sourceUrl":140,"_id":144},"U.S. citizens are subject to local laws, and just because a cannabis, THC, or CBD product is legal in your home state does not mean you can take it abroad, including prescribed medical marijuana.","6aa15b9b723e26a876e0a791",{"claim":146,"sourceUrl":140,"_id":147},"Many countries impose severe criminal penalties for cannabis, and bringing cannabis or cannabis-derived products across an international border can result in arrest or other criminal penalties.","6aa15b9b723e26a876e0a792",{"claim":149,"sourceUrl":140,"_id":150},"The State Department advises not to travel internationally with cannabis or cannabis-derived products, including marijuana, THC, CBD, edibles, vape cartridges, oils, concentrates, or other cannabis products.","6aa15b9b723e26a876e0a793",{"claim":152,"sourceUrl":140,"_id":153},"Americans have been arrested after unintentionally bringing cannabis products into another country, including edibles, vape cartridges, oils, and concentrates.","6aa15b9b723e26a876e0a794","2026-09-09T13:14:05.151Z",{"title":156,"description":157},"State Department Warns Against Traveling With Cannabis","The U.S. State Department warns Americans not to travel internationally with marijuana or CBD products, citing severe penalties and arrest risks abroad.",[159],{"name":54,"url":140,"trustTier":55,"_id":160},"6aa15b9b723e26a876e0a78f","The U.S. State Department is warning citizens not to travel internationally with cannabis or CBD products, citing severe penalties abroad and the risk of arrest even in countries where cannabis is legal.","2026-09-09T13:14:05.153Z",{"_id":164,"slug":165,"articleType":166,"body":167,"createdAt":172,"dek":173,"entities":174,"headline":180,"imageAlt":181,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":182,"language":47,"publishedAt":193,"seo":194,"sources":197,"summary":204,"updatedAt":205},"6aa064fb5457399f4e5dcf98","delaware-cannabis-sales-set-july-record-but-fall-short-of-state-projections-b8a797f9","market",[168,169,170,171],"Delaware's legal cannabis market reached a new monthly sales high in July, but the figure still came in below what state officials had forecast, according to MJBizDaily. The shortfall highlights persistent friction in a young market that has struggled to convert demand into in-state purchases.","A key factor is the delayed rollout of retail-only cannabis stores. Licensing holdups have prevented these standalone shops from opening, limiting the number of legal points of sale and leaving consumers with fewer convenient options.","At the same time, high prices and limited product variety are driving shoppers to neighboring states. Those cross-border trips represent lost revenue for Delaware operators and tax collectors.","The record July performance suggests underlying consumer demand remains strong. However, until licensing bottlenecks ease and pricing becomes more competitive, Delaware's market may keep trailing the trajectory that regulators originally projected.","2026-09-08T19:41:47.700Z","Licensing delays stall retail-only store launches, while high prices and limited product options push consumers toward neighboring states.",{"brands":175,"products":176,"markets":177,"organizations":179},[],[],[178],"Delaware",[],"Delaware Cannabis Sales Set July Record but Fall Short of State Projections","A Delaware cannabis retail storefront with a closed sign, illustrating licensing delays that have stalled retail-only store openings.",[183,187,190],{"claim":184,"sourceUrl":185,"_id":186},"Delaware cannabis sales hit a record in July but trailed state projections.","https:\u002F\u002Fmjbizdaily.com\u002Fnews\u002Fdelaware-cannabis-sales-hit-record-in-july-trail-projections\u002F617960\u002F","6aa064fb723e26a876dff9cb",{"claim":188,"sourceUrl":185,"_id":189},"Licensing delays have stalled the launch of retail-only cannabis stores in Delaware.","6aa064fb723e26a876dff9cc",{"claim":191,"sourceUrl":185,"_id":192},"High prices and limited product options are driving Delaware cannabis buyers to neighboring states.","6aa064fb723e26a876dff9cd","2026-09-08T19:41:49.436Z",{"title":195,"description":196},"Delaware Cannabis Sales Hit July Record, Trail Projections","Delaware cannabis sales set a July record but missed state projections as licensing delays and high prices push buyers to neighboring states.",[198,200],{"name":80,"url":185,"trustTier":55,"_id":199},"6aa064fb723e26a876dff9ca",{"name":201,"url":202,"trustTier":203},"WHYY","https:\u002F\u002Fwhyy.org\u002Farticles\u002Fdelaware-retail-cannabis-sales-fall-slow\u002F","secondary","Delaware's regulated cannabis market posted record sales in July, yet the total trailed official projections. Industry observers point to stalled licensing for retail-only stores, elevated prices, and a narrow product selection that continues to send buyers across state lines.","2026-09-08T21:24:15.873Z",{"_id":207,"slug":208,"articleType":109,"body":209,"createdAt":220,"dek":221,"entities":222,"headline":230,"imageAlt":231,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":232,"language":47,"publishedAt":252,"seo":253,"sources":256,"summary":259,"updatedAt":260},"6aa014a25457399f4e5dcf90","federal-report-confirms-ongoing-banking-barriers-for-marijuana-businesses-3fc3f6f8",[210,211,212,213,214,215,216,217,218,219],"Many banks and credit unions remain reluctant to serve state-licensed marijuana businesses, according to a new Government Accountability Office report based on focus groups and interviews with industry operators, financial institutions, advocacy groups, and federal agencies.","GAO concluded that although there is no indication any financial institution has ever been penalized solely for working with the cannabis industry, perceptions of regulatory risk mean obtaining and maintaining financial services remain difficult for cannabis-related businesses, or CRBs.","FinCEN data shows the number of financial institutions filing reports that indicate they work with marijuana businesses rose between 2015 and 2024, reaching about 1,000 banks and credit unions in 2024. The agency noted that figure remained relatively small compared to the total nationwide.","Most cannabis industry participants GAO spoke to did have bank accounts, but they reported problems including closures with little warning and high fees. Two focus group participants said they paid $100,000 or more per year, and all focus groups with institutions serving CRBs said those institutions charge higher fees than for other customers.","CRB owners and managers also described lengthy account-opening processes, sometimes waiting weeks or months, and some said they engaged with multiple financial institutions before successfully opening an account.","Beyond basic bank accounts, participants reported difficulties with loans, investments, payroll services, credit cards, and electronic payments. GAO said customer payments are hard largely because two major credit card companies prohibit cannabis purchases.","The banking friction extends to individual marijuana industry workers, according to cannabis industry associations. Challenges include maintaining bank accounts and obtaining car loans, mortgages, or life insurance, though treatment may vary by an individual's role within the business.","Financial institutions cited fears of adverse supervisory actions from federal banking regulators, but GAO found no evidence of civil or criminal penalties solely for providing services to CRBs. DOJ officials said their data systems do not easily identify cases involving financial institutions that serve CRBs.","Banks also cited operational workload and compliance burden tied to FinCEN's 2014 guidance, which requires regular suspicious activity reports on cannabis customers.","GAO conducted the review after a request from Senators Raphael Warnock, Elizabeth Warren, Tina Smith, and John Fetterman. If a safe harbor law were enacted, some institutions might serve cannabis businesses while others would wait for broader reforms such as federal legalization.","2026-09-08T13:58:58.030Z","GAO finds no penalties solely for cannabis banking, but high fees and account closures persist.",{"brands":223,"products":224,"markets":225,"organizations":226},[],[],[22],[227,228,229],"GAO","FinCEN","DOJ","Federal Report Confirms Ongoing Banking Barriers for Marijuana Businesses","A bank building with a sign reading No cannabis services at the entrance, representing ongoing access barriers for marijuana businesses.",[233,237,240,243,246,249],{"claim":234,"sourceUrl":235,"_id":236},"About 1,000 banks and credit unions filed reports indicating they work with marijuana businesses in 2024, a number GAO called relatively small compared to the total nationwide.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Fmany-banks-still-wont-work-with-marijuana-businesses-federal-report-shows\u002F","6aa014a2723e26a876dfabd5",{"claim":238,"sourceUrl":235,"_id":239},"GAO found no indication that financial institutions have been subject to civil or criminal penalties solely for providing services to cannabis-related businesses.","6aa014a2723e26a876dfabd6",{"claim":241,"sourceUrl":235,"_id":242},"GAO found that obtaining and maintaining financial services remain difficult for cannabis-related businesses, according to owners and managers.","6aa014a2723e26a876dfabd7",{"claim":244,"sourceUrl":235,"_id":245},"Two focus group participants reported paying $100,000 or more per year for cannabis business banking accounts.","6aa014a2723e26a876dfabd8",{"claim":247,"sourceUrl":235,"_id":248},"Representatives from two cannabis industry associations said individuals working in the industry can face challenges maintaining bank accounts and obtaining car loans, mortgages, or life insurance.","6aa014a2723e26a876dfabd9",{"claim":250,"sourceUrl":235,"_id":251},"GAO conducted its review after a request from Senators Raphael Warnock, Elizabeth Warren, Tina Smith, and John Fetterman.","6aa014a2723e26a876dfabda","2026-09-08T13:58:59.612Z",{"title":254,"description":255},"Banks Still Avoid Marijuana Businesses, GAO Finds","A federal report finds many banks remain reluctant to serve marijuana companies even without a history of penalties.",[257],{"name":54,"url":235,"trustTier":55,"_id":258},"6aa014a2723e26a876dfabd4","A new Government Accountability Office report shows state-licensed marijuana businesses still struggle to obtain and keep banking services. While about 1,000 banks and credit unions filed cannabis-related reports in 2024, many operators face high fees, sudden account closures, and limited access to loans and credit cards. GAO found no evidence of penalties imposed solely for serving cannabis businesses.","2026-09-08T13:58:59.613Z",{"_id":262,"slug":263,"articleType":264,"body":265,"createdAt":273,"dek":274,"entities":275,"headline":294,"imageAlt":295,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":296,"language":47,"publishedAt":323,"seo":324,"sources":327,"summary":334,"updatedAt":335},"6a9fe50c5457399f4e5dcf8a","curaleaf-and-aurora-s-hostile-takeover-battle-escalates-over-valuations-and-control-287e0310","m_and_a",[266,267,268,269,270,271,272],"Curaleaf Holdings' takeover bid for Canadian rival Aurora Cannabis has escalated into a public dispute over financial projections, control of the combined entity, and whether the bid can legally close. Aurora's board reached its unanimous rejection decision on September 1. Aurora publicly announced that decision on September 2, and Curaleaf responded that day.","The process began with a virtual meeting between Aurora CEO Miguel Martin and Curaleaf CEO Boris Jordan on June 22. Curaleaf followed with an unpriced exclusivity request, then a non-binding proposal of approximately US$4.00 per share with a five-day ultimatum. Aurora rejected both, and Curaleaf went public with its intention on August 11, adding a US$5.00 cap.","Aurora's financial advisor, Fort Capital, concluded the offer was underpriced. Aurora's own analysis argues the bid sits 63% below its Canadian licensed-producer peer group on 2026 estimated revenue and 23% below on estimated EBITDA, after applying a 35% change-of-control premium. Aurora estimates a fair value of US$7.03 per share, 76% above the bid's base.","The dispute has also focused on shareholder control. Boris Jordan holds an 18% economic interest in Curaleaf but controls 69% of votes through multi-voting shares. Aurora argues its shareholders would hold only 7.7% of the combined company's equity and 3.2% of its votes if the deal proceeds.","Aurora's circular also lists structural defects in the bid. It claims Curaleaf's stated expiry of December 1 falls short of the 105-day minimum under Canadian securities law, that no French-language notice was published as required in Quebec, and that shareholders in 29 US states would receive only cash proceeds from a forced sale rather than Curaleaf shares.","The takeover is widely seen as a play for European dominance. Aurora's European medical revenue grew from C$41.0 million in fiscal 2024 to C$131.8 million in fiscal 2026, and it operates four EU-GMP-certified cultivation facilities. Curaleaf has said only about 20% of its international supply comes from its own facilities, and acquiring Aurora would help it reach its target of 50% to 75% internal supply.","Curaleaf's bid remains open until at least December 1, 2026, and Aurora is reportedly exploring alternative offers from unnamed third parties.","2026-09-08T10:35:56.886Z","Aurora's board unanimously rejected Curaleaf's unsolicited bid, triggering a public dispute over financial projections, shareholder control, and legal compliance.",{"brands":276,"products":279,"markets":280,"organizations":285},[277,278],"Curaleaf","Aurora Cannabis",[],[281,282,283,284],"Canada","Europe","UK","Germany",[286,278,287,288,289,290,291,292,293],"Curaleaf Holdings","Fort Capital","Torys LLP","TD Cowen","Internode Pharma","HAP Pharma","Cannara Biotech","Village Farms","Curaleaf and Aurora's Hostile Takeover Battle Escalates Over Valuations and Control","Curaleaf and Aurora Cannabis logos side by side with a gavel and financial charts in the background, symbolizing the hostile takeover battle.",[297,301,305,308,311,314,317,320],{"claim":298,"sourceUrl":299,"_id":300},"Aurora's board reached its unanimous rejection decision on September 1, 2026, and announced it publicly on September 2.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.protectaurora.com\u002F_files\u002Fugd\u002Fbd7041_217835cfb0644fae951f3752b2cfe098.pdf","6a9fe50c723e26a876df833d",{"claim":302,"sourceUrl":303,"_id":304},"Aurora's analysis argues the bid sits 63% below its Canadian licensed-producer peer group on 2026 estimated revenue and 23% below on 2026 estimated EBITDA, after applying a 35% change-of-control premium.","https:\u002F\u002Fbusinessofcannabis.com\u002Fcuraleaf-auroras-takeover-battle-votes-valuations-and-vitriol\u002F","6a9fe50c723e26a876df833e",{"claim":306,"sourceUrl":303,"_id":307},"Aurora estimates a fair value of US$7.03 per share, 76% above the bid's US$4.00 base and 41% above its US$5.00 cap.","6a9fe50c723e26a876df833f",{"claim":309,"sourceUrl":303,"_id":310},"Boris Jordan holds an 18% economic interest in Curaleaf but controls 69% of its votes through multi-voting shares.","6a9fe50c723e26a876df8340",{"claim":312,"sourceUrl":303,"_id":313},"Aurora shareholders would hold approximately 7.7% of the combined company's equity but only 3.2% of its votes.","6a9fe50c723e26a876df8341",{"claim":315,"sourceUrl":303,"_id":316},"Aurora alleges Curaleaf's stated expiry of December 1 falls short of the 105-day minimum under Canadian securities law, and that no French-language notice was published as required in Quebec.","6a9fe50c723e26a876df8342",{"claim":318,"sourceUrl":303,"_id":319},"Aurora's European medical revenue grew from C$41.0 million in fiscal 2024 to C$131.8 million in fiscal 2026, an 80% compound annual rate.","6a9fe50c723e26a876df8343",{"claim":321,"sourceUrl":303,"_id":322},"Curaleaf's management said only about 20% of its international supply comes from its own facilities, and it aims to increase this to 50% to 75% within six to 12 months.","6a9fe50c723e26a876df8344","2026-09-08T10:35:58.929Z",{"title":325,"description":326},"Curaleaf-Aurora Takeover Battle: Votes, Valuations, Vitriol","Aurora's board rejected Curaleaf's hostile bid, sparking a public fight over valuations, control, and legal compliance in the cannabis sector.",[328,331],{"name":329,"url":303,"trustTier":55,"_id":330},"Business of Cannabis","6a9fe50c723e26a876df833c",{"name":332,"url":299,"trustTier":333},"Aurora Cannabis Directors Circular, September 1, 2026","company","Curaleaf Holdings' unsolicited takeover bid for Aurora Cannabis has turned into a public fight over valuation, control, and legal process. Aurora's board rejected the offer on September 2, arguing it undervalues the company by up to 76%. Both sides have traded accusations on social media and in shareholder circulars, while Aurora also claims the bid fails to meet Canadian securities law requirements.","2026-09-08T21:24:15.860Z",{"_id":337,"slug":338,"articleType":109,"body":339,"createdAt":343,"dek":344,"entities":345,"headline":353,"imageAlt":354,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":355,"language":47,"publishedAt":369,"seo":370,"sources":373,"summary":377,"updatedAt":378},"6a9fcba05457399f4e5dcf87","new-hampshire-rep-maggie-goodlander-backs-federal-cannabis-legalization-in-primary-debate-d0d368bd",[340,341,342],"Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) said during a WMUR debate that she would back federal cannabis legalization, stating that law enforcement resources should be directed toward the most pressing community challenges. She noted that for too long the focus has been on the wrong offenders, and highlighted the opioid crisis as a top killer in communities.","Her primary challenger, state Rep. Paige Beauchemin, agreed on federal legalization but emphasized that a national retail market should be implemented in a way that focuses on small businesses. Beauchemin said it is silly to allow alcohol but not cannabis, and argued that those previously punished under prohibition should have the opportunity to run cannabis businesses rather than large corporations taking over.","The state's primary elections were underway at the time of the report. A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll gave Goodlander the edge with 59% support compared to Beauchemin's 19%.","2026-09-08T08:47:28.322Z","During a WMUR debate, Rep. Maggie Goodlander and challenger Paige Beauchemin both voiced support for ending federal prohibition, with Beauchemin emphasizing small business equity.",{"brands":346,"products":347,"markets":348,"organizations":350},[],[],[22,349],"New Hampshire",[351,352],"WMUR","University of New Hampshire Survey Center","New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander Backs Federal Cannabis Legalization in Primary Debate","Rep. Maggie Goodlander speaking during a debate, with a graphic indicating support for federal cannabis legalization.",[356,360,363,366],{"claim":357,"sourceUrl":358,"_id":359},"Rep. Maggie Goodlander said she would back federal cannabis legalization during a WMUR debate.","https:\u002F\u002Fganjapreneur.com\u002Fnew-hampshire-rep-says-during-primary-debate-she-would-back-federal-cannabis-legalization\u002F","6a9fcba0723e26a876df7080",{"claim":361,"sourceUrl":358,"_id":362},"Goodlander stated that law enforcement resources should be focused on the most pressing community challenges, including the opioid crisis.","6a9fcba0723e26a876df7081",{"claim":364,"sourceUrl":358,"_id":365},"Challenger Paige Beauchemin also backed federal legalization but stressed implementation should prioritize small businesses and those harmed by prohibition.","6a9fcba0723e26a876df7082",{"claim":367,"sourceUrl":358,"_id":368},"A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll showed Goodlander with 59% support and Beauchemin with 19%.","6a9fcba0723e26a876df7083","2026-09-08T08:47:30.444Z",{"title":371,"description":372},"NH Rep. Backs Federal Cannabis Legalization in Debate","Rep. Maggie Goodlander and challenger Paige Beauchemin both support federal cannabis legalization, with Beauchemin emphasizing small business equity.",[374],{"name":375,"url":358,"trustTier":55,"_id":376},"Ganjapreneur","6a9fcba0723e26a876df707f","In a New Hampshire Democratic primary debate, incumbent Rep. Maggie Goodlander said she would support federal cannabis legalization, arguing law enforcement should focus on pressing community issues like the opioid crisis. Her opponent, state Rep. Paige Beauchemin, also backed legalization but stressed implementation should prioritize small businesses and those harmed by prohibition.","2026-09-08T08:47:30.445Z",{"_id":380,"slug":381,"articleType":382,"body":383,"createdAt":389,"dek":390,"entities":391,"headline":400,"imageAlt":401,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":402,"language":47,"publishedAt":416,"seo":417,"sources":420,"summary":423,"updatedAt":424},"6a9fcb875457399f4e5dcf86","cannabis-arrests-in-northwest-indiana-fall-despite-legalization-in-neighboring-states-11e38f64","enforcement",[384,385,386,387,388],"Cannabis arrests in Northwest Indiana counties that border Michigan and Illinois fell between 2021 and 2025, according to an analysis cited by Ganjapreneur. In Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties, misdemeanor and felony cannabis charges totaled 1,272 in the first quarter of 2021 but dropped to 734 by the fourth quarter of 2025.","The trend was not linear. Arrests spiked to 1,742 during the second quarter of 2022, the highest level recorded during the period, before falling below 1,000 the following quarter. Arrests rose again over the next two quarters, then declined below 1,000 for two consecutive quarters.","The lowest point came in the third quarter of 2024, when the three counties recorded 468 cannabis arrests. That was followed by three straight quarterly increases to 734, 826, and 1,192, before the count decreased to 842 and then again to 734.","Illinois began adult-use cannabis sales on January 1, 2020, while Michigan launched its program in 2018. Despite legal access across state lines, local police departments in the Indiana counties accounted for the majority of arrests, with 12,162 during the analysis period. County sheriff's departments recorded 7,736 arrests, and state police recorded 1,466.","Most of those arrested were Indiana residents, totaling 11,872 people. Another 3,690 arrestees were from Illinois, and 4,582 were from other states.","2026-09-08T08:47:03.647Z","Quarterly data from Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties show a long-term decline in misdemeanor and felony cannabis arrests between 2021 and 2025.",{"brands":392,"products":393,"markets":394,"organizations":398},[],[],[395,396,397],"Indiana","Illinois","Michigan",[399],"NWI Times","Cannabis Arrests in Northwest Indiana Fall Despite Legalization in Neighboring States","Chart showing declining cannabis arrests in Northwest Indiana counties from 2021 to 2025.",[403,407,410,413],{"claim":404,"sourceUrl":405,"_id":406},"Cannabis arrests in Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties fell from 1,272 in the first quarter of 2021 to 734 by the fourth quarter of 2025.","https:\u002F\u002Fganjapreneur.com\u002Fcannabis-arrests-in-northwest-indiana-are-down-despite-legalization-in-neighboring-states\u002F","6a9fcb87723e26a876df705f",{"claim":408,"sourceUrl":405,"_id":409},"Cannabis arrests in the three counties peaked at 1,742 during the second quarter of 2022 and hit a low of 468 in the third quarter of 2024.","6a9fcb87723e26a876df7060",{"claim":411,"sourceUrl":405,"_id":412},"Local police departments made 12,162 cannabis arrests during the analysis period, compared with 7,736 by county sheriff's departments and 1,466 by state police.","6a9fcb87723e26a876df7061",{"claim":414,"sourceUrl":405,"_id":415},"Indiana residents accounted for 11,872 of those arrested, while 3,690 arrestees were from Illinois and 4,582 were from other states.","6a9fcb87723e26a876df7062","2026-09-08T08:47:05.478Z",{"title":418,"description":419},"Northwest Indiana Cannabis Arrests Decline","Cannabis arrests in Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties fell from 1,272 in early 2021 to 734 by late 2025 despite legal sales in Illinois and Michigan.",[421],{"name":375,"url":405,"trustTier":55,"_id":422},"6a9fcb87723e26a876df705e","Cannabis arrests in three Northwest Indiana counties bordering Illinois and Michigan declined from 1,272 in early 2021 to 734 by late 2025, even as neighboring states continued adult-use sales. Local police accounted for most arrests, and Indiana residents made up the largest share of those charged.","2026-09-08T08:47:05.479Z",{"_id":426,"slug":427,"articleType":382,"body":428,"createdAt":433,"dek":434,"entities":435,"headline":447,"imageAlt":448,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":449,"language":47,"publishedAt":463,"seo":464,"sources":467,"summary":470,"updatedAt":471},"6a9fcb755457399f4e5dcf84","california-regulators-report-99-compliance-in-hemp-and-kratom-retail-sweeps-6edd999f",[429,430,431,432],"California regulators are reporting near-full compliance among Alcoholic Beverage Control licensees following a statewide enforcement push targeting illegal hemp products. According to figures from Gov. Gavin Newsom's Office, 99.33% of 23,667 site visits to ABC-licensed businesses found no violations.","The enforcement effort recorded 158 violations and removed 7,403 hemp products from store shelves. Newsom said in a press release that if a product is sold in California, people should be able to trust that it follows the law, and that the state has made rules clear while holding accountable those who do not comply.","Separate checks focused on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, products logged 97.75% compliance across 8,038 site visits. Those inspections produced 181 violations and the removal of 7,888 products from stores.","California regulators issued a statewide consumer warning in October 2025 declaring that foods, dietary supplements, and medical drugs containing kratom or 7-OH are dangerous and illegal to sell or manufacture in the state. The Department of Public Health published the new hemp rules in September 2024.","2026-09-08T08:46:45.870Z","State enforcement visits to ABC-licensed businesses found near-total adherence to hemp rules, with thousands of illegal products pulled from shelves.",{"brands":436,"products":437,"markets":441,"organizations":443},[],[438,439,440],"hemp products","kratom","7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)",[442],"California",[444,445,446],"Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)","Department of Public Health","Gov. Gavin Newsom's Office","California Regulators Report 99% Compliance in Hemp and Kratom Retail Sweeps","California state regulators inspecting retail shelves for illegal hemp and kratom products",[450,454,457,460],{"claim":451,"sourceUrl":452,"_id":453},"California saw 99.33% compliance from 23,667 site visits to ABC-licensed businesses for hemp product rules.","https:\u002F\u002Fganjapreneur.com\u002Fcalifornia-regulators-find-near-full-compliance-among-retailers-for-hemp-and-kratom-product-sales\u002F","6a9fcb75723e26a876df7040",{"claim":455,"sourceUrl":452,"_id":456},"The hemp enforcement effort recorded 158 violations and removed 7,403 products from store shelves.","6a9fcb75723e26a876df7041",{"claim":458,"sourceUrl":452,"_id":459},"Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine product checks totaled 97.75% compliance over 8,038 site visits, with 181 violations and 7,888 products removed.","6a9fcb75723e26a876df7042",{"claim":461,"sourceUrl":452,"_id":462},"California regulators issued a statewide consumer warning in October 2025 declaring kratom and 7-OH products dangerous and illegal to sell or manufacture in the state.","6a9fcb75723e26a876df7043","2026-09-08T08:46:47.430Z",{"title":465,"description":466},"California Hemp and Kratom Retail Compliance Hits 99%","California regulators report 99.33% compliance among ABC licensees for hemp rules and 97.75% for kratom checks, removing thousands of illegal products.",[468],{"name":375,"url":452,"trustTier":55,"_id":469},"6a9fcb75723e26a876df703f","California officials say 99.33% of 23,667 site visits to Alcoholic Beverage Control licensees found compliance with hemp product rules, while kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine checks showed 97.75% compliance. The sweeps removed 7,403 hemp products and 7,888 kratom-related items.","2026-09-08T08:46:47.432Z",{"_id":473,"slug":474,"articleType":109,"body":475,"createdAt":487,"dek":488,"entities":489,"headline":503,"imageAlt":504,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":505,"language":47,"publishedAt":522,"seo":523,"sources":526,"summary":529,"updatedAt":530},"6a9ee3a05457399f4e5dcf7d","convenience-store-industry-urges-congress-to-regulate-hemp-thc-products-instead-of-banning-them-c1f5002a",[476,477,478,479,480,481,482,483,484,485,486],"Advocates for convenience stores are celebrating a recently enacted delay in the effective date of a federal ban on hemp THC products, saying the move provides an opportunity to create regulations as an alternative to prohibition.","Jon Taets, director of government relations for NACS, formerly the National Association of Convenience Stores, said the convenience retail channel is suited to selling hemp products to adults legally and responsibly because of its well-established age verification procedures.","NACS said it has actively encouraged Congress to delay the hemp ban, arguing that doing so provides more time to develop a regulatory framework that allows for legal, safe sales of products containing hemp-derived THC to adults.","The organization said hemp-derived THC products are an important category for convenience stores, which have experienced significant demand for THC beverages and other products from adult customers, and could offer significant sales and growth opportunities in states that have passed legislation to regulate these products.","Hemp derivatives with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, but late last year President Trump signed legislation redefining hemp so that only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container would remain legal after November 12.","Under provisions in a funding bill Trump signed last week, the effective date of the ban for most products is being pushed back to December 11 to give lawmakers more time to craft regulations for hemp derivatives, though synthetic cannabinoids that cannot be naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant will still be recriminalized on November 12.","Melissa VonderHaar, vice president of commercial strategy for iSee Store Innovations and chair of the C-Store Cannabis Board for CSP, called the delay very important but only step one, urging retailers to make noise and leverage loyalty apps to tell shoppers the ban is still coming and their voices matter.","Several Republican lawmakers have spoken about rules they would like to see enacted to keep hemp THC products legal, and a number of bills have been filed or are circulating to prevent the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC drinks and other products, though none have gained traction with congressional leaders.","The White House has repeatedly pressed Congress to delay, alter, or reverse the ban, with OMB Director Russell Vought saying the administration wants lawmakers to ensure fair treatment of hemp products and update the statutory definition of final hemp-derived cannabinoid products to allow access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products.","President Trump has also urged Congress to update the law to ensure Americans can continue to access full-spectrum CBD products, saying one in five adults used it in the past year and many say it improved their chronic pain enormously.","The National Restaurant Association has urged congressional leaders to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC beverages and replace it with a regulatory framework that ensures consumer safety while meeting growing market demand, and major retailer Target has moved to expand its sales of hemp THC drinks into more states.","2026-09-07T16:17:36.713Z","NACS and other advocates say a delayed federal ban creates a window to build a regulatory framework that protects children while preserving legal adult sales.",{"brands":490,"products":492,"markets":496,"organizations":497},[491],"Target",[493,494,495],"hemp THC products","THC beverages","full-spectrum CBD products",[22],[498,499,500,501,502],"NACS","CSP","National Restaurant Association","OMB","CMS","Convenience Store Industry Urges Congress to Regulate Hemp THC Products Instead of Banning Them","Convenience store shelves stocked with hemp THC beverages and CBD products, with a sign about age verification.",[506,510,513,516,519],{"claim":507,"sourceUrl":508,"_id":509},"NACS says the convenience retail channel, with its well-established age verification procedures, is suited to selling hemp products to adults legally and responsibly.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Fconvenience-store-industry-says-congress-should-regulate-hemp-thc-products-instead-of-banning-them\u002F","6a9ee3a0723e26a876de8e63",{"claim":511,"sourceUrl":508,"_id":512},"A funding bill signed by President Trump last week pushes the effective date of the federal hemp THC ban for most products to December 11.","6a9ee3a0723e26a876de8e64",{"claim":514,"sourceUrl":508,"_id":515},"Synthetic cannabinoids that are not capable of being naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant will still be recriminalized on November 12.","6a9ee3a0723e26a876de8e65",{"claim":517,"sourceUrl":508,"_id":518},"President Trump has called on Congress to update the law to ensure Americans can continue to access full-spectrum CBD products.","6a9ee3a0723e26a876de8e66",{"claim":520,"sourceUrl":508,"_id":521},"The National Restaurant Association has urged congressional leaders to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC beverages and replace it with a regulatory framework.","6a9ee3a0723e26a876de8e67","2026-09-07T16:17:38.213Z",{"title":524,"description":525},"Convenience Stores Push Congress to Regulate Hemp THC","NACS and other advocates say a delayed federal ban creates a window to build a regulatory framework for hemp THC products instead of prohibition.",[527],{"name":54,"url":508,"trustTier":55,"_id":528},"6a9ee3a0723e26a876de8e62","The convenience store industry is pushing Congress to regulate hemp-derived THC products rather than allow a federal ban to take effect, citing strong adult demand and the channel's age-verification systems. A recently enacted delay moves the ban's effective date to December 11, giving lawmakers time to craft rules.","2026-09-07T16:17:38.217Z",{"_id":532,"slug":533,"articleType":109,"body":534,"createdAt":541,"dek":542,"entities":543,"headline":551,"imageAlt":552,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":553,"language":47,"publishedAt":564,"seo":565,"sources":568,"summary":571,"updatedAt":572},"6a9ec8e15457399f4e5dcf7b","nebraska-supreme-court-upholds-voter-approved-medical-cannabis-laws-10726e07",[535,536,537,538,539,540],"The Nebraska Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the state's voter-approved medical cannabis laws, delivering a 7-0 ruling that ends a legal challenge to the 2024 ballot measures. The decision was issued last week, according to the Nebraska Examiner.","The appeal was brought by former Republican state Sen. John Kuehn, a longtime opponent of medical cannabis. Kuehn's lawsuit was also supported by Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who joined the effort to overturn the voter-approved measures.","The legal challenge alleged fraud and \"notorial malfeasance\" in the signature-gathering process. However, the state's highest court rejected those claims, affirming the validity of the ballot initiatives.","Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said in a statement: \"This was never about protecting Nebraska law. It was about whether a handful of elected officials could use the court to override the will of the people. Today, our state's highest court stated the obvious: they cannot.\"","Attorney General Mike Hilgers called the ruling a \"sad day for election integrity in Nebraska\" and repeated his unproven claims that the medical cannabis campaign used fraud to qualify for the ballot.","Nebraska voters approved two medical cannabis initiatives in 2024. One legalized medical cannabis use and possession by qualified individuals, while the other established a system of rules and regulations to implement a statewide program. Advocates had split the issue into two ballot initiatives after the state Supreme Court struck down a 2020 campaign for violating the state's single-issue clause.","2026-09-07T14:23:29.692Z","A unanimous 7-0 ruling ends a legal challenge that sought to overturn the state's 2024 medical cannabis ballot measures.",{"brands":544,"products":545,"markets":546,"organizations":548},[],[],[547],"Nebraska",[549,550],"Nebraska Supreme Court","Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana","Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds Voter-Approved Medical Cannabis Laws","Nebraska Supreme Court building with medical cannabis leaf symbol",[554,558,561],{"claim":555,"sourceUrl":556,"_id":557},"The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled 7-0 to uphold the state's voter-approved medical cannabis laws.","https:\u002F\u002Fganjapreneur.com\u002Fnebraska-supreme-court-upholds-voter-approved-medical-cannabis-laws\u002F","6a9ec8e1723e26a876de6cf8",{"claim":559,"sourceUrl":556,"_id":560},"The ruling ends the appeal process for a 2024 legal challenge by former Republican state Sen. John Kuehn.","6a9ec8e1723e26a876de6cf9",{"claim":562,"sourceUrl":556,"_id":563},"Nebraska voters approved two medical cannabis initiatives in 2024: one to legalize medical cannabis use and possession, and another to set up a regulatory system.","6a9ec8e1723e26a876de6cfa","2026-09-07T14:23:30.905Z",{"title":566,"description":567},"Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds Medical Cannabis Laws","The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled 7-0 to uphold the state's voter-approved medical cannabis laws, ending a legal challenge by former state Sen. John Kuehn.",[569],{"name":375,"url":556,"trustTier":55,"_id":570},"6a9ec8e1723e26a876de6cf7","The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled 7-0 to uphold the state's voter-approved medical cannabis laws, ending an appeal by former Republican state Sen. John Kuehn. The ruling affirms the 2024 ballot measures that legalized medical cannabis use and established a regulatory framework.","2026-09-07T14:23:30.906Z",{"_id":574,"slug":575,"articleType":166,"body":576,"createdAt":581,"dek":582,"entities":583,"headline":593,"imageAlt":594,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":595,"language":47,"publishedAt":606,"seo":607,"sources":610,"summary":613,"updatedAt":614},"6a9ec8d55457399f4e5dcf7a","houston-cannabis-possession-arrests-surge-nearly-1-200-under-mayor-whitmire-dc2b6624",[577,578,579,580],"Arrests for misdemeanor cannabis possession in Houston have spiked nearly 1,200% under Mayor John Whitmire, according to a Houston Public Media analysis of public records. Under Whitmire, Houston police have arrested an average of 440 people per year for low-level cannabis possession, compared with only about 35 misdemeanor cannabis arrests per year from 2021 to 2023.","The data emerges as Houston voters prepare to consider a local ballot initiative that would make cannabis possession the lowest possible enforcement priority for city police. The measure, submitted by the advocacy group Ground Game Texas, qualified for November's ballot with more than 40,000 signatures.","Catina Voellinger, executive director of Ground Game Texas, told Houston Public Media that the recent arrest spike \"just makes the case even stronger of why we need these policies.\" Mayor Whitmire said last month that enforcement of low-level cannabis possession is not a priority.","If voters approve the initiative, Houston would join several other Texas cities with local cannabis enforcement reforms, including Austin, Dallas, and Killeen.","2026-09-07T14:23:17.479Z","A public records analysis shows misdemeanor cannabis arrests in Houston jumped from about 35 per year to an average of 440 annually under the current mayor, as voters prepare to weigh a deprioritization ballot measure.",{"brands":584,"products":585,"markets":586,"organizations":589},[],[],[587,588],"Houston","Texas",[590,591,592],"Houston Police","Ground Game Texas","Houston Public Media","Houston Cannabis Possession Arrests Surge Nearly 1,200% Under Mayor Whitmire","Houston police car and cannabis leaf illustration representing rising misdemeanor possession arrests and a pending local enforcement reform ballot measure.",[596,600,603],{"claim":597,"sourceUrl":598,"_id":599},"Misdemeanor cannabis possession arrests in Houston have risen nearly 1,200% under Mayor John Whitmire, from about 35 per year from 2021-2023 to an average of 440 per year under Whitmire.","https:\u002F\u002Fganjapreneur.com\u002Freport-houston-cannabis-arrests-up-nearly-1200-under-current-mayor\u002F","6a9ec8d5723e26a876de6cd9",{"claim":601,"sourceUrl":598,"_id":602},"A Ground Game Texas initiative to make cannabis possession the lowest possible enforcement priority for Houston police qualified for November's ballot with over 40,000 signatures.","6a9ec8d5723e26a876de6cda",{"claim":604,"sourceUrl":598,"_id":605},"If approved, Houston would join Austin, Dallas, and Killeen as Texas cities with local cannabis enforcement reforms.","6a9ec8d5723e26a876de6cdb","2026-09-07T14:23:19.336Z",{"title":608,"description":609},"Houston Cannabis Arrests Up Nearly 1,200% Under Mayor","Misdemeanor cannabis possession arrests in Houston surged nearly 1,200% under Mayor Whitmire, as voters weigh a deprioritization ballot measure.",[611],{"name":375,"url":598,"trustTier":55,"_id":612},"6a9ec8d5723e26a876de6cd8","Misdemeanor cannabis possession arrests in Houston have risen nearly 1,200% under Mayor John Whitmire, according to data obtained by Houston Public Media. The increase comes as a Ground Game Texas initiative to make low-level cannabis enforcement the city's lowest police priority has qualified for the November ballot.","2026-09-07T14:23:19.338Z",{"_id":616,"slug":617,"articleType":109,"body":618,"createdAt":626,"dek":627,"entities":628,"headline":644,"imageAlt":645,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":646,"language":47,"publishedAt":663,"seo":664,"sources":667,"summary":670,"updatedAt":671},"6a9ec69b5457399f4e5dcf77","supreme-court-could-resolve-marijuana-business-licensing-disputes-congressional-report-says-def5071e",[619,620,621,622,623,624,625],"A new report from the Congressional Research Service says a split among federal appeals courts over state marijuana business licensing residency rules “likely increases the odds” that the U.S. Supreme Court will resolve the issue. The analysis, published Thursday, examines the Dormant Commerce Clause, which the Supreme Court has interpreted to bar protectionist state laws that unduly restrict interstate commerce even where Congress has not directly acted.","The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that a New York policy prioritizing cannabis licenses for people with state marijuana convictions, or relatives with such convictions, likely violates the Dormant Commerce Clause. The court acknowledged “the irony behind applying this objective to federally illegal marijuana markets” but said the Supreme Court’s Gonzales v. Raich decision made clear that marijuana’s illegal status “is of no constitutional import” for Commerce Clause purposes.","The First Circuit held that a Maine law requiring all officers and directors of a marijuana business to be state residents violates the Dormant Commerce Clause. State officials argued the clause only bars discrimination against interstate commerce, and no legal interstate market exists for federally illegal cannabis. The court disagreed, reasoning that Raich determined marijuana is “a fungible commodity for which there is an established, albeit illegal, interstate market.”","The Ninth Circuit declined to apply the Dormant Commerce Clause to residency requirements in Washington State and Sacramento, California. It cited Supreme Court guidance to “tread cautiously” and reasoned there is no “implied constitutional right to engage in illegal interstate commerce.” The Ninth Circuit said nothing in dormant Commerce Clause precedent requires indulging the “irony” of applying a doctrine implied from Congress’s power to preserve a national market that Congress does not want to exist.","CRS said the circuit split “likely increases the odds that the Court will review this issue at some point,” but noted that because all relevant state marijuana activities remained federally illegal when the cases were decided, the justices might wait to see how lower court analysis evolves after the Trump administration’s move to federally reschedule marijuana. Attorney General Todd Blanche in April issued an order reclassifying state-licensed medical cannabis and FDA-approved marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III, and a DEA hearing was held on broader rescheduling.","The report said Congress does not need to wait for courts. Lawmakers could pass legislation giving states “unmistakably clear” authorization to implement protectionist marijuana policies, or do the opposite and expressly bar states from favoring in-state residents. Congress could also establish a federal regulatory system for marijuana that fits more closely within existing Dormant Commerce Clause jurisprudence.","The Marijuana Policy Project said it expects stakeholders to sue states in multiple federal circuits seeking to force open state markets on constitutional grounds, arguing that rescheduling to Schedule III “almost certainly changes” the analysis for licensed medical operators. The group said interstate commerce in Schedule III drugs between DEA-approved entities is clearly covered by the Dormant Commerce Clause.","2026-09-07T14:13:47.594Z","A new Congressional Research Service analysis says a circuit split over state cannabis residency rules likely increases the odds of Supreme Court review.",{"brands":629,"products":630,"markets":631,"organizations":636},[],[],[632,633,634,635],"New York","Maine","Washington State","Sacramento, California",[637,638,639,640,641,642,25,643],"Congressional Research Service","U.S. Supreme Court","U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit","U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit","U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit","Marijuana Policy Project","Food and Drug Administration","Supreme Court Could Resolve Marijuana Business Licensing Disputes, Congressional Report Says","Gavel and cannabis leaf symbolizing Supreme Court review of state marijuana business licensing disputes.",[647,651,654,657,660],{"claim":648,"sourceUrl":649,"_id":650},"A Congressional Research Service report says a split among circuit courts about whether state marijuana business licensing systems can discriminate against out-of-state residents “likely increases the odds” that the Supreme Court will take up and resolve the issue.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Fsupreme-court-could-resolve-marijuana-business-licensing-disputes-congressional-report-says\u002F","6a9ec69b723e26a876de6ae9",{"claim":652,"sourceUrl":649,"_id":653},"The Second Circuit ruled that a New York policy prioritizing cannabis licenses for people with state marijuana convictions, or relatives with such convictions, likely violates the Dormant Commerce Clause.","6a9ec69b723e26a876de6aea",{"claim":655,"sourceUrl":649,"_id":656},"The First Circuit held that a Maine law requiring all officers and directors of a marijuana business to be state residents violates the Dormant Commerce Clause.","6a9ec69b723e26a876de6aeb",{"claim":658,"sourceUrl":649,"_id":659},"The Ninth Circuit declined to apply the Dormant Commerce Clause to marijuana business ownership residency requirements in Washington State and Sacramento, California.","6a9ec69b723e26a876de6aec",{"claim":661,"sourceUrl":649,"_id":662},"Attorney General Todd Blanche in April issued an order reclassifying state-licensed medical cannabis and FDA-approved marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III, and a DEA hearing was held on broader rescheduling.","6a9ec69b723e26a876de6aed","2026-09-07T14:13:49.322Z",{"title":665,"description":666},"Supreme Court Could Resolve Marijuana Licensing Disputes","A Congressional Research Service report says a circuit split over state cannabis residency rules likely increases the odds of Supreme Court review.",[668],{"name":54,"url":649,"trustTier":55,"_id":669},"6a9ec69b723e26a876de6ae8","A Congressional Research Service report finds that conflicting federal appeals court rulings on whether state marijuana licensing systems can favor in-state residents likely increase the chances the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the issue. The analysis examines Dormant Commerce Clause challenges in New York, Maine, Washington State, and Sacramento, and notes Congress could act on its own.","2026-09-07T14:13:49.324Z",{"_id":673,"slug":674,"articleType":166,"body":675,"createdAt":681,"dek":682,"entities":683,"headline":691,"imageAlt":692,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":693,"language":47,"publishedAt":710,"seo":711,"sources":714,"summary":717,"updatedAt":718},"6a9ea1a65457399f4e5dcf72","germany-s-cannabis-market-hits-1-15bn-in-2026-as-regulatory-uncertainty-mounts-aa6ce930",[676,677,678,679,680],"Germany's cannabis market reached €1.15 billion in 2026, according to Business of Cannabis and Prohibition Partners' European Cannabis Insights 2026, but the legal landscape remains far from the retail-style legalisation seen in Canada or US adult-use states. The April 2024 Cannabis Act decriminalised possession of up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home, along with home cultivation of up to three plants, yet commercial sale for adult use remains prohibited.","The non-commercial cannabis club system, legalised in July 2024, has fallen dramatically short of government projections. Berlin had targeted 1,000 clubs in the first year, but as of August 2026 only 455 clubs have been approved, with 896 applications still pending. Modelling suggests clubs would cover only 3.5% to 4.3% of estimated German cannabis demand, and actual club-sourced supply remains under 0.1% of consumption today.","Medical cannabis has driven the market's growth, with prescribing volumes increasing an estimated 3,000% between March 2024 and December 2025 after cannabis was removed from the Narcotics Act. Private prescriptions now account for roughly 75% of the market's value, while statutory health insurance coverage fell below 25% after cannabis flower lost GKV reimbursement eligibility from July 30, 2026.","Regulatory pressure is mounting on the medical sector. The federal Cabinet adopted draft amendments to the Medical Cannabis Act in October 2025, aiming to mandate in-person consultations for new prescriptions and ban mail-order flower delivery. The bill passed its first Bundestag reading in December 2025 and went through a Health Committee expert hearing in January 2026, but second and third readings have still not been scheduled.","For operators, Germany remains Europe's largest cannabis market by a significant margin, but the low-friction growth of 2024 and 2025 is facing continued pressure. Businesses built around telemedicine-driven volume growth, cheap imported flower, or GKV reimbursement now face a market recalibrating with no clear timeline or guidance on what will change and when.","2026-09-07T11:36:06.193Z","Decriminalisation has not produced a retail market, and operators now face stalled reforms, shrinking insurance coverage, and a club system that covers less than 0.1% of consumption.",{"brands":684,"products":685,"markets":687,"organizations":688},[],[686],"cannabis flower",[284],[329,689,690],"Prohibition Partners","Weed.de","Germany's Cannabis Market Hits €1.15bn in 2026 as Regulatory Uncertainty Mounts","Map of Germany showing 200-metre youth protection zones around schools, kindergartens, playgrounds and sports facilities in orange, illustrating public consumption restrictions.",[694,698,701,704,707],{"claim":695,"sourceUrl":696,"_id":697},"Germany's cannabis market reached €1.15bn in 2026, with private prescriptions accounting for roughly 75% of that value.","https:\u002F\u002Fbusinessofcannabis.com\u002Fis-cannabis-legal-in-germany-in-2026-the-law-the-market-and-what-it-means-for-operators\u002F","6a9ea1a6723e26a876de47ea",{"claim":699,"sourceUrl":696,"_id":700},"As of August 2026, 455 cannabis clubs have been approved in Germany, against 896 applications still pending, far below the government's year-one target of 1,000 clubs.","6a9ea1a6723e26a876de47eb",{"claim":702,"sourceUrl":696,"_id":703},"Medical cannabis prescribing volumes grew an estimated 3,000% between March 2024 and December 2025 after cannabis was removed from Germany's Narcotics Act.","6a9ea1a6723e26a876de47ec",{"claim":705,"sourceUrl":696,"_id":706},"Cannabis flower lost statutory health insurance (GKV) reimbursement eligibility in Germany from July 30, 2026.","6a9ea1a6723e26a876de47ed",{"claim":708,"sourceUrl":696,"_id":709},"Proposed amendments to Germany's Medical Cannabis Act, including a ban on mail-order flower delivery, passed a first Bundestag reading in December 2025 but second and third readings have not been scheduled as of September 2026.","6a9ea1a6723e26a876de47ee","2026-09-07T11:36:07.900Z",{"title":712,"description":713},"Germany Cannabis Market Hits €1.15bn in 2026","Germany's cannabis market reached €1.15bn in 2026, but regulatory uncertainty mounts as medical reforms stall and flower loses insurance coverage.",[715],{"name":329,"url":696,"trustTier":55,"_id":716},"6a9ea1a6723e26a876de47e9","Germany's cannabis market reached €1.15 billion in 2026, but the legal framework remains a patchwork of decriminalisation, tightly restricted cannabis clubs, and a booming self-paid medical sector. Operators face regulatory uncertainty as proposed medical cannabis amendments stall and flower loses statutory insurance reimbursement.","2026-09-07T11:36:07.902Z",{"_id":720,"slug":721,"articleType":109,"body":722,"createdAt":730,"dek":731,"entities":732,"headline":742,"imageAlt":743,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":744,"language":47,"publishedAt":762,"seo":763,"sources":766,"summary":776,"updatedAt":777},"6a9d70f15457399f4e5dcf6b","rhode-island-hemp-farmer-presses-attorney-general-candidates-on-federal-thc-limits-f00dc202",[723,724,725,726,727,728,729],"Mike Simpson, co-founder of Lovewell Farms, is asking Rhode Island attorney general candidates to explain whether they will defend the state's regulated hemp industry against a federal standard he says could eliminate non-intoxicating full-spectrum CBD products. Simpson outlined his concerns in an op-ed first published by Rhode Island Current and republished by Marijuana Moment. In the column, he describes Lovewell Farms as Rhode Island's only USDA-certified organic hemp farm.","The dispute centers on a new federal definition of hemp enacted in November 2025. Outgoing Attorney General Peter Neronha, a Democrat, signed a multistate letter in October 2025 urging Congress to change the federal definition, and on August 4 he signed another letter asking Congress to reject any delay or weakening of the restrictions. Simpson argues that Neronha's participation in the October letter provided justification for a congressional vote that now threatens farmers nationwide.","Simpson argues that the federal approach reaches beyond synthetic or highly intoxicating products. The 2025 statutory text describes an exclusion for final hemp-derived cannabinoid products above 0.4 milligrams per container, combining total THC, including THCA, with other cannabinoids determined by the HHS Secretary to have, or be marketed as having, THC-like effects. This is the text of the 2025 provision, not confirmation of its current implementation date. Simpson says the threshold threatens naturally extracted full-spectrum CBD products made on his farm.","Lovewell Farms supports strong regulation of hemp products, including testing, reasonable potency limits, child-resistant packaging, accurate labeling, and restrictions on sales to minors. However, Simpson rejects descriptions of Rhode Island's regulated hemp industry as harmful or unregulated. He notes that businesses like his operate under state licenses and are subject to the same testing, potency, labeling, packaging, and age restriction requirements as the state's medicinal cannabis program.","Because Neronha is term-limited, Rhode Island will elect a new attorney general this year. Simpson is calling on candidates to answer specific questions before the primary election: whether they support Rhode Island's existing regulated hemp industry, whether naturally occurring full-spectrum CBD products should remain legal, whether they support the federal 0.4-milligram-per-container standard even when it prohibits non-intoxicating products legal under state law, and whether they will consult Rhode Island regulators, farmers, and licensed businesses before signing national policy letters.","Simpson argues that when an attorney general signs such a letter, the signature carries the authority of the state and can influence federal policy. He says Rhode Island has already chosen to regulate hemp rather than prohibit it, and the next attorney general should explain whether they intend to defend that decision or abandon it.","Clarification — September 6, 2026: We have made the opinion-column attribution explicit and clarified the combined scope of the 2025 statutory threshold. Primary sources have been added. This report does not establish the current implementation date or the legality of any individual product.","2026-09-06T13:56:01.166Z","Lovewell Farms co-founder Mike Simpson calls on candidates to clarify whether they will defend the state's regulated hemp industry against a federal 0.4 mg THC per container standard.",{"brands":733,"products":735,"markets":737,"organizations":739},[734],"Lovewell Farms",[495,736],"hemp-derived cannabinoid products",[738],"Rhode Island",[54,740,741],"Rhode Island Current","USDA","Rhode Island Hemp Farmer Presses Attorney General Candidates on Federal THC Limits","Mike Simpson, co-founder of Lovewell Farms, stands in a hemp field in Rhode Island, discussing federal THC limits affecting full-spectrum CBD products.",[745,749,752,756,759],{"claim":746,"sourceUrl":747,"_id":748},"Mike Simpson, co-founder of Lovewell Farms, is urging Rhode Island attorney general candidates to state their positions on federal hemp policy before the primary election.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Frhode-island-hemp-farmer-wants-attorney-general-candidates-to-answer-these-questions-op-ed\u002F","6a9d70f1723e26a876dc2551",{"claim":750,"sourceUrl":747,"_id":751},"Outgoing Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha signed a multistate letter in October 2025 urging Congress to change the federal definition of hemp, and another letter on August 4 urging Congress to reject any delay or weakening of hemp restrictions.","6a9d70f1723e26a876dc2552",{"claim":753,"sourceUrl":754,"_id":755},"The 2025 statutory text specifies a combined 0.4 mg per-container threshold for final products, covering total THC, including THCA, and other THC-like cannabinoids as determined by HHS; this summary does not verify the current implementation date.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.govinfo.gov\u002Fcontent\u002Fpkg\u002FPLAW-119publ37\u002Fpdf\u002FPLAW-119publ37.pdf","6a9d79af8a57f6a79874266c",{"claim":757,"sourceUrl":747,"_id":758},"In his op-ed, Simpson describes Lovewell Farms as Rhode Island's only USDA-certified organic hemp farm and says it was founded in 2018.","6a9d70f1723e26a876dc2554",{"claim":760,"sourceUrl":747,"_id":761},"Simpson argues that Rhode Island's licensed hemp businesses face testing, potency, labeling, packaging and age requirements comparable to the state's medicinal cannabis program. This is his characterization, not an independently verified comparison of the two legal regimes.","6a9d70f1723e26a876dc2555","2026-09-06T13:56:02.715Z",{"title":764,"description":765},"RI Hemp Farmer Presses AG Candidates on THC Limits","Lovewell Farms co-founder Mike Simpson asks Rhode Island attorney general candidates to clarify their stance on a federal 0.4 mg THC per container standard.",[767,769,772],{"name":54,"url":747,"trustTier":55,"_id":768},"6a9d70f1723e26a876dc2550",{"name":770,"url":754,"trustTier":59,"_id":771},"Public Law 119-37 — 2025 statutory text, Section 781","6a9d79af8a57f6a798742668",{"name":773,"url":774,"trustTier":59,"_id":775},"August 4, 2026 multistate attorneys general letter","https:\u002F\u002Fnmdoj.gov\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002FFINAL-Letter-to-Congress-Hemp-2026.pdf","6a9d79af8a57f6a798742669","Lovewell Farms co-founder Mike Simpson is urging Rhode Island attorney general candidates to explain their positions on federal hemp policy. In an opinion column, he argues that federal restrictions threaten full-spectrum CBD businesses operating under Rhode Island's rules. His assessment of the industry's legal position is attributed to him, not presented as a VeedAtlas legal finding.","2026-09-06T14:33:19.342Z",{"_id":779,"slug":780,"articleType":109,"body":781,"createdAt":791,"dek":792,"entities":793,"headline":806,"imageAlt":807,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":808,"language":47,"publishedAt":839,"seo":840,"sources":843,"summary":852,"updatedAt":853},"6a9c1bb05457399f4e5dcf63","north-carolina-officials-weigh-marijuana-and-hemp-policies-as-federal-law-remains-in-flux-c62661ab",[782,783,784,785,786,787,788,789,790],"North Carolina lawmakers returning in November will again confront how to regulate intoxicating hemp products after the House and Senate deadlocked in July over House Bill 328. The proposed conference text would prohibit finished hemp-derived consumable products exceeding 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, rather than applying that quantity to all hemp. It would also restrict possession and sale of hemp-derived consumable products for people under 21. House members chose to wait until after the November midterm elections, wary of disrupting a $4 billion industry that employs 16,000 people in the state.","Federal policy is also shifting. The hemp industry received a one-month reprieve from a national ban on intoxicating hemp products as part of a short-term funding bill, with the U.S. House voting to delay the ban until December 11. At the same time, the Trump administration has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, the same class as Tylenol with codeine.","The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis, appointed in June 2025 by Gov. Josh Stein, has been meeting for months to develop a comprehensive approach to regulating cannabis sales and creating a safe legal market for adults that protects children. Nearly 40 states have enacted cannabis regulations, but no two are the same, according to Yasha Kahn, co-founder of MCR Labs, who presented to the council last week.","Kahn described the patchwork of state rules as 39 individual policy experiments with data available for analysis. He said cannabis has the potential to be a multi-billion-dollar industry for North Carolina, but policymakers will need to decide who handles testing and at what point products are tested, along with batch sizes, packaging, total THC definitions, and regulatory audits.","The advisory committee must also decide whether to use private labs or state labs to test cannabis purity and potency. Kahn recommended requiring all lab results to be made public and shared with state agencies. He cautioned that privatized testing carries fraud risks, including pressure on labs to inflate THC results, and said this deception becomes easier to trace when labs share data with the state and results are public.","Establishing an accredited lab from scratch could take around a year and a half, Kahn said, though existing hemp labs might be willing to expand into cannabis testing. In Colorado, THC potency inflation and failures to identify mold and other contaminants have led lawmakers to consider shifting testing to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and having regulators collect samples from dispensaries.","Despite the advisory council's work, Dr. Larry Greenblatt, state health director and co-chair of the council, said legalization is not a foregone conclusion. The group's final recommendations, including a detailed look at lab testing, will be included in a report to the governor at the end of this year. It would then be up to the legislature to decide whether to use the information as a foundation for a cannabis market in North Carolina.","Gov. Stein has said he supports legalization for adults, but Republican lawmakers are divided. Recent attempts to legalize medical marijuana have died in the state House despite backing from Senate leaders, and neither chamber has ever voted to legalize recreational use. Virginia's Cannabis Control Authority schedules retail sales for July 1, 2027. By February 1, 2027, it plans to open conversion applications for pharmaceutical processors and industrial hemp processors or growers, along with applications for some microbusiness licenses; that is not a general opening for every retail applicant.","Clarification — September 5, 2026: This story has been updated to specify the unit used in HB 328's proposed limit and the categories covered by Virginia's early application window. Links to the official documents have been added.","2026-09-05T13:40:00.400Z","A state advisory council is studying testing, oversight, and market design while lawmakers prepare to revisit intoxicating hemp rules and federal cannabis policy shifts loom.",{"brands":794,"products":795,"markets":796,"organizations":800},[],[],[797,798,799],"North Carolina","Colorado","Virginia",[801,802,803,804,805],"North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis","MCR Labs","U.S. House","U.S. Department of Justice","NC Newsline","North Carolina Officials Weigh Marijuana and Hemp Policies as Federal Law Remains in Flux","North Carolina state officials discuss cannabis and hemp policy during an advisory council meeting.",[809,813,817,820,823,826,829,832,835],{"claim":810,"sourceUrl":811,"_id":812},"North Carolina House and Senate members will decide how to regulate intoxicating hemp products when they reconvene in November.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Fnorth-carolina-officials-weigh-marijuana-and-hemp-policies-as-federal-law-remains-in-flux\u002F","6a9c1bb0723e26a876d98110",{"claim":814,"sourceUrl":815,"_id":816},"The proposed HB 328 conference text sets a 0.4 mg total-THC ceiling per container for finished hemp-derived consumable products and proposes under-21 restrictions.","https:\u002F\u002Fwebservices.ncleg.gov\u002FViewBillDocument\u002F2025\u002F10178\u002F0\u002FH328-PCCS30639-CE-1","6a9c27bbcb5f035145cd72fb",{"claim":818,"sourceUrl":811,"_id":819},"The U.S. House voted to delay a national ban on intoxicating hemp products until December 11 as part of a short-term funding bill.","6a9c1bb0723e26a876d98112",{"claim":821,"sourceUrl":811,"_id":822},"The Trump administration has called on the U.S. Department of Justice to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug.","6a9c1bb0723e26a876d98113",{"claim":824,"sourceUrl":811,"_id":825},"The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis was appointed in June 2025 by Gov. Josh Stein and has been meeting for months to develop a regulatory approach.","6a9c1bb0723e26a876d98114",{"claim":827,"sourceUrl":811,"_id":828},"Yasha Kahn of MCR Labs told the advisory council that each state has unique testing requirements with no real consensus and that cannabis could be a multi-billion-dollar industry for North Carolina.","6a9c1bb0723e26a876d98115",{"claim":830,"sourceUrl":811,"_id":831},"Dr. Larry Greenblatt, state health director and co-chair of the advisory council, said North Carolina is not definitely moving to become a marijuana-legal state.","6a9c1bb0723e26a876d98116",{"claim":833,"sourceUrl":811,"_id":834},"The advisory group's final recommendations will be included in a report to the governor at the end of this year.","6a9c1bb0723e26a876d98117",{"claim":836,"sourceUrl":837,"_id":838},"Virginia plans to open specified conversion and microbusiness applications by February 1, 2027, with retail marijuana sales scheduled for July 1, 2027.","https:\u002F\u002Fcca.virginia.gov\u002Fretailmarijuanamarket","6a9c27bbcb5f035145cd7302","2026-09-05T13:40:02.067Z",{"title":841,"description":842},"North Carolina Weighs Marijuana and Hemp Policies","North Carolina officials weigh hemp regulation and potential cannabis legalization as federal marijuana and hemp policies remain uncertain.",[844,846,849],{"name":54,"url":811,"trustTier":55,"_id":845},"6a9c1bb0723e26a876d9810f",{"name":847,"url":815,"trustTier":59,"_id":848},"North Carolina General Assembly — proposed HB 328 conference text","6a9c27bbcb5f035145cd72f8",{"name":850,"url":837,"trustTier":59,"_id":851},"Virginia Cannabis Control Authority — retail market timeline","6a9c27bbcb5f035145cd72f9","North Carolina officials are weighing how to regulate intoxicating hemp products and whether to prepare for a potential legal cannabis market, even as federal marijuana and hemp policies remain uncertain. The state's Advisory Council on Cannabis is examining lab testing, oversight, and lessons from other states, with final recommendations due to the governor by the end of the year.","2026-09-05T14:31:23.974Z",{"_id":855,"slug":856,"articleType":382,"body":857,"createdAt":864,"dek":865,"entities":866,"headline":875,"imageAlt":876,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":877,"language":47,"publishedAt":894,"seo":895,"sources":898,"summary":901,"updatedAt":902},"6a9b1d665457399f4e5dcf21","trump-commutes-sentences-of-two-federal-marijuana-prisoners-as-dea-weighs-rescheduling-cd893956",[858,859,860,861,862,863],"President Donald Trump on Thursday commuted the sentences of Jerry Haymon IV and Kevin Harden, two people serving federal time for marijuana distribution convictions, according to Marijuana Moment. The clemency grants effectively end their sentences and put them on a path to release.","Haymon had received a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for his role in a marijuana distribution conspiracy and was in home confinement with about a year remaining. He said the commutation felt like being \"reborn again,\" adding, \"I got my life back.\"","Harden was serving a 30-year sentence after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. His co-defendant, James Romans, received clemency from Trump in 2021. Harden has faced severe medical issues while incarcerated, including multiple open-heart surgeries, a seizure disorder, and blood-clotting.","The clemency applications were accompanied by a letter from boxer Mike Tyson, who urged Trump to free nonviolent marijuana offenders. \"Granting clemency to non-violent marijuana offenders would reunite families, restore lost opportunity, and write the final chapter of the federal war on marijuana,\" Tyson wrote.","The commutations come as the administration moves forward with rescheduling cannabis. Attorney General Todd Blanche in April issued an order reclassifying state-licensed medical cannabis and FDA-approved marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III. A separate DEA hearing is considering a broader move of marijuana to Schedule III.","Weldon Angelos, founder of The Weldon Project, called the grants \"about mercy, redemption, second chances and recognizing the humanity in people who have already paid an enormous price for their mistakes.\" Haymon thanked Trump, pardon czar Alice Johnson, and the Mission Green and Weldon Project teams for their advocacy.","2026-09-04T19:35:02.474Z","Jerry Haymon IV and Kevin Harden received clemency for nonviolent cannabis offenses, while the administration continues its push to move marijuana to Schedule III.",{"brands":867,"products":868,"markets":869,"organizations":870},[],[],[22],[871,872,873,874],"DEA","FDA","The Weldon Project","Mission Green Initiative","Trump Commutes Sentences of Two Federal Marijuana Prisoners as DEA Weighs Rescheduling","President Donald Trump signs clemency documents while a DEA rescheduling hearing proceeds, with portraits of Jerry Haymon IV and Kevin Harden shown in the background.",[878,882,885,888,891],{"claim":879,"sourceUrl":880,"_id":881},"President Donald Trump commuted the sentences of Jerry Haymon IV and Kevin Harden, two people serving federal time for marijuana distribution convictions.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Ftrump-releases-more-federal-marijuana-prisoners-as-dea-considers-rescheduling-cannabis\u002F","6a9b1d66723e26a876d82d83",{"claim":883,"sourceUrl":880,"_id":884},"Haymon had received a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for his participation in a marijuana distribution conspiracy and was in home confinement with about a year remaining.","6a9b1d66723e26a876d82d84",{"claim":886,"sourceUrl":880,"_id":887},"Harden was serving a 30-year sentence after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, and his co-defendant James Romans received clemency from Trump in 2021.","6a9b1d66723e26a876d82d85",{"claim":889,"sourceUrl":880,"_id":890},"Attorney General Todd Blanche in April issued an order that immediately reclassified state-licensed medical cannabis and FDA-approved marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III.","6a9b1d66723e26a876d82d86",{"claim":892,"sourceUrl":880,"_id":893},"A DEA hearing was held to consider more comprehensively moving marijuana to Schedule III, and an agency judge is currently considering a recommendation on the issue.","6a9b1d66723e26a876d82d87","2026-09-04T19:35:03.954Z",{"title":896,"description":897},"Trump Commutes Two Federal Marijuana Sentences","President Trump commuted sentences for Jerry Haymon IV and Kevin Harden, two federal marijuana prisoners, as the DEA weighs rescheduling cannabis.",[899],{"name":54,"url":880,"trustTier":55,"_id":900},"6a9b1d66723e26a876d82d82","President Donald Trump has commuted the sentences of Jerry Haymon IV and Kevin Harden, two men serving federal time for marijuana distribution convictions. The grants come as the DEA holds hearings on rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.","2026-09-04T19:35:03.957Z",{"_id":904,"slug":905,"articleType":109,"body":906,"createdAt":913,"dek":914,"entities":915,"headline":925,"imageAlt":926,"imageUrl":29,"keyFacts":927,"language":47,"publishedAt":944,"seo":945,"sources":948,"summary":951,"updatedAt":952},"6a9aea825457399f4e5dcf1d","texas-democratic-lt-gov-candidate-vikki-goodwin-launches-legalize-it-rally-against-hemp-thc-ban-e1fc512f",[907,908,909,910,911,912],"Democratic Texas state Rep. Vikki Goodwin is using a Houston 'Legalize It' rally to draw a sharp contrast with Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on cannabis policy, according to a campaign press release. The Saturday event will feature a performance from Grammy-winning musician Kam Franklin and an update from an attorney helping lead litigation against hemp THC product restrictions recently enacted by Texas officials.","Goodwin's campaign has accused Patrick of championing legislation to recriminalize many hemp products while receiving 'pharmaceutical and alcohol industry donations.' Although a bill Patrick favored was vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott, the governor subsequently issued an executive order and regulators enacted significant restrictions on hemp derivatives, the campaign noted.","The Houston rally is expected to be the first of several cannabis-focused events in major urban areas of Texas. Goodwin is also endorsing a local Houston ballot measure that would make misdemeanor marijuana possession the 'lowest possible enforcement priority' and ban no-knock warrants, arguing that public resources should not be wasted on low-level cannabis possession.","Goodwin's campaign website states that Delta-8, Delta-10, THCA and THCP are now Schedule I drugs in Texas, the same category as heroin, and that vape pens are a felony at any amount. The campaign claims thousands of Texas hemp manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers lost their business overnight, and that consumers who relied on tested, labeled products are now buying from an unregulated market.","The campaign has also cited a poll showing a strong bipartisan majority of Texans support legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana. Goodwin has said she favors treating THC like alcohol, including taxing it to fund healthcare, and accused Patrick of pushing the ban to benefit alcohol companies that are among his substantial campaign contributors.","Texas Democrats are increasingly using cannabis policy to attack Republicans ahead of the November elections. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico has similarly accused state Attorney General Ken Paxton of supporting the THC ban to aid political donors in the alcohol and tobacco industries, while the Texas Democratic Party criticized Paxton for appearing unable to answer a question about the state's THC ban.","2026-09-04T15:57:54.694Z","State Rep. Vikki Goodwin is campaigning on cannabis reform in Houston, contrasting her support for regulated THC products with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's push to recriminalize hemp derivatives.",{"brands":916,"products":917,"markets":922,"organizations":923},[],[918,919,920,921],"Delta-8","Delta-10","THCA","THCP",[588],[924,54],"Texas Democratic Party","Texas Democratic Lt. Gov. Candidate Vikki Goodwin Launches 'Legalize It' Rally Against Hemp THC Ban","Vikki Goodwin speaking at a 'Legalize It' rally in Houston with a crowd holding cannabis reform signs",[928,932,935,938,941],{"claim":929,"sourceUrl":930,"_id":931},"Vikki Goodwin, a Democratic state representative running for Texas lieutenant governor, is holding a 'Legalize It' rally in Houston featuring musician Kam Franklin and an attorney involved in litigation against hemp THC product restrictions.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marijuanamoment.net\u002Ftexas-democratic-lieutenant-governor-candidate-campaigns-on-support-for-marijuana-reform-at-legalize-it-rally\u002F","6a9aea82723e26a876d7fc10",{"claim":933,"sourceUrl":930,"_id":934},"Goodwin's campaign accuses Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of receiving pharmaceutical and alcohol industry donations while championing legislation to recriminalize many hemp products.","6a9aea82723e26a876d7fc11",{"claim":936,"sourceUrl":930,"_id":937},"Delta-8, Delta-10, THCA and THCP are now classified as Schedule I drugs in Texas, with possession treated as a felony carrying 180 days to two years in prison and fines up to $10,000.","6a9aea82723e26a876d7fc12",{"claim":939,"sourceUrl":930,"_id":940},"Goodwin is endorsing a Houston ballot measure to make misdemeanor marijuana possession the lowest possible enforcement priority and ban no-knock warrants.","6a9aea82723e26a876d7fc13",{"claim":942,"sourceUrl":930,"_id":943},"A judge last month declined hemp companies' request for a temporary restraining order on the THC crackdown while litigation is considered.","6a9aea82723e26a876d7fc14","2026-09-04T15:57:56.162Z",{"title":946,"description":947},"Texas Democrat Vikki Goodwin Rallies Against Hemp THC Ban","Vikki Goodwin's 'Legalize It' rally in Houston targets Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's hemp THC restrictions as Texas Democrats make cannabis a key election issue.",[949],{"name":54,"url":930,"trustTier":55,"_id":950},"6a9aea82723e26a876d7fc0f","Texas Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin is holding a 'Legalize It' rally in Houston to highlight her support for marijuana reform and opposition to recent state restrictions on hemp-derived THC products. The event features musician Kam Franklin and an attorney involved in litigation against the THC crackdown, while Goodwin's campaign accuses Republican incumbent Dan Patrick of advancing prohibition to benefit alcohol industry 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