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A Florida Republican senator has filed a bill to expand the state’s medical marijuana program, in part by increasing supply limits for patients and waiving registration fees for honorably discharged military veterans. The legislation from Sen. Alexis Calatayud (R), filed for the 2026 session on Tuesday, would also make it so medical cannabis registrations could last up to two years instead of the current 30 weeks. Another section of the bill stipulates that doctors could certify patients to receive up to 10 70-day supply limits of smokable medical marijuana, rather than three. They could also . . .

“The [2023] ballot initiative had absolutely zero effect on anything in the hemp industry. But it sounds like that’s the vast majority of what people want to overturn.” By Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal Ohioans for Cannabis Choice is mounting a referendum effort against a new law cracking down on intoxicating hemp and making several changes to Ohio’s voter-passed recreational marijuana law. If its signature gathering effort proves successful, Ohio voters will be asked whether to reject provisions of Ohio Senate Bill 56 next November. They’ll need to collect almost 250,000 signatures to put . . .

About one-third of underage shoppers participating in a University of Minnesota Cannabis Research Center study went uncarded when attempting to purchase hemp edibles or beverages in the Twin Cities area, Minn Post reports. The study found that participants were not asked to show ID and verify they were at least 21 years old about 34% of the time. Minnesota state law allows for the sale of hemp-derived THC products without stipulating licensing requirements, which means hemp products can appear in a variety of businesses, including coffee shops, bike shops, arcades, and hardware stores. The . . .

The San Diego Office of the Independent Budget Analyst (IPA) released a report showing that city officials likely overestimated the revenue potential of a cannabis business tax hike they implemented earlier this year. The report highlights diminished cannabis tax revenues as one of the largest negative variances in the city budget, projecting $19.7 million in cannabis business tax revenue – $1.5 million short of the city’s anticipated $21.3 million. The authors suggested that “increased competition from the illegal market and decreased wholesale prices caused by an oversupply of cannabis . . .

An agriculture-focused conservative nonprofit connected to a PAC linked to President Donald Trump is applauding his recent marijuana rescheduling order, arguing that it will “destroy” the illicit market and support seniors and military veterans who could benefit from cannabis. America First Agriculture Inc.-a group affiliated with a PAC of a similar name that previously urged Trump to follow through on a campaign pledge to reschedule marijuana-said in a new ad that the president “promised to put America first, and his word is as good as gold.” “Trump delivered a secure border, unleashed . . .

The top Pennsylvania House lawmaker says legalizing marijuana is one way to create a “very important” revenue source for the state, and it’s an achievable reform if only legislators could find “the will to do it.” In an interview with City & State that was published on Monday, House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D) was asked about the need to bolster revenue and what options might be on the table heading into the 2026 session. “It’s very important. When we talk about the needs for schools, for transit, for roads and bridges, we have to have a way to pay for everything-not just today, but in three . . .

As the U.S. cannabis industry moves into a new year, shifting market dynamics are already reshaping how businesses operate and compete. From licensing activity to pricing behavior, emerging patterns from 2025 offer a clearer picture of where the regulated market is stabilizing-and where pressures are still building. Three trends affecting the U.S. cannabis industry in 2026 is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs

Every January, people make resolutions. Some stick. Most don’t.

A Florida campaign seeking to put marijuana legalization on the state’s 2026 ballot has filed a new lawsuit against state officials, alleging that they improperly directed the invalidation of about 71,000 signatures as a turn-in deadline quickly approaches. Smart & Safe Florida has been fighting several legal battles this cycle to ensure that its initiative is able to qualify for ballot placement. The latest lawsuit, filed in the Leon County circuit court on Monday, claims Secretary of State Cord Byrd (R) directed county election officials to invalidate about 42,000 signatures from so-called . . .

“Colorado’s world-class marijuana industry drives out criminals and cartels and is supporting Colorado businesses and jobs while driving revenue for school construction.” By Elyse Apel, The Center Square In 2025, Coloradans spent upwards of $1 billion on legal marijuana. That generated almost $200 million in tax and fee revenue for the state, according to monthly data published by the Colorado Department of Revenue. By the end of the year, the department anticipates Colorado will surpass $1 billion in tax and fee revenue on marijuana sales. “Colorado’s world-class marijuana industry drives . . .

Laws aimed at preventing marijuana-impaired driving in almost 20 states are causing innocent people who show no signs of impairment to be criminalized and imprisoned for allegedly operating vehicles while under the influence, a new government-funded study shows. Lawmakers and regulators aiming to reduce drug-impaired driving have long sought to apply a familiar strategy from alcohol enforcement: setting a numerical limit of THC in the bloodstream beyond which a driver is presumed to be impaired, commonly referred to as a “per se” amount. But the new study suggests that approach may be badly . . .

California officials have awarded nearly $30 million in grants for marijuana-focused academic research projects. The government-funded studies will focus on issues such as cannabis use by older people, the effects of THC beverages, the therapeutic potential of novel cannabinoids, how compounds like terpenes affect product flavoring, tribal participation in the legal market and the environmental impact of marijuana licensing programs. This marks the third round of grants delivered through the program-which is funded by marijuana tax revenue-raising the total distributions to about $80 million. . . .

Part one of a three-part series on Washington State cannabis management agreements. Washington cannabis companies are drowning. Perhaps not if you ask the average local, but those with industry knowledge know better. The media reported endlessly on a “Green Rush,” but few have struck gold. Those passing through dispensary-zoned areas have likely seen one store advertising 50 percent off of all merchandise while another down the road displays signage indicating they will match prices. These doorbuster deal advertisements remain up year-round. However, if discounts happen every day in . . .

As 2025 comes to a close, the cannabis world is reflecting on the sometimes dizzying series of political, legal and cultural shifts that took place this year-and looking ahead to further developments that advocates and industry stakeholders will be navigating in the new year. Top of mind, of course, is President Donald Trump’s executive order this month directing the attorney general to complete the process of moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marking perhaps the most significant administrative cannabis action in U.S. history. But from . . .

Heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson and “Nature Boy” wrestling magnate Ric Flair are taking former marijuana business associates to court over an alleged embezzlement scheme. The famous duo are seeking US$50 million in damages. Attorneys hired by Tyson and the former WWE champion filed a 76-page lawsuit at a United States District Court in Illinois in mid-December. These legal representatives work at New York-based law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. Past Carma HoldCo Inc. executives Chad Bronstein, Adam Wilks and Nicole Cosby are the targets of the suit. Attorneys of the two celebrities . . .

Ohio activists announced on Monday that they’ve met an initial signature requirement to launch a campaign aimed at repealing key components of a bill the governor recently signed to scale back the state’s voter-approved marijuana law and ban the sale of consumable hemp products outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries. Ohioans for Cannabis Choice said they’ve submitted a batch of 1,000 signatures to get the referendum process started. If the signatures are certified by the secretary of state, the campaign will then need to submit a total of about 250,000 signatures to make the ballot. The . . .

James, an entrepreneur, veteran and social justice advocate, is running for Congress with a clear mission: to bring federal cannabis legalization to the forefront. Can the cannabis industry send one of its own to Congress? is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs

James, an entrepreneur, veteran and social justice advocate, is running for Congress with a clear mission: to bring federal cannabis legalization to the forefront. Can the cannabis industry send one of its own to Congress? is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs

New requirements for physicians looking to participate in Oklahoma’s medical cannabis program take effect January 1, KJRH reports. The new rules require doctors to complete an initial education course to register with the state Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) before they can recommend medical cannabis to patients. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) in May. Previously, the state’s rules only required physicians to be in good standing with their professional boards and consider “accepted standards a reasonable and prudent physician would follow” before making a patient . . .

A study published last month in the Journal of Medicinally Active Plants suggests that the type of soil hemp is cultivated in can significantly alter cannabinoid concentration. The researchers, from the Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State plant biology program, and Keystone State Testing Laboratory, compared hemp grown in conventionally tilled fields to hemp grown using no-till cover crop methods and found that the hemp grown in conventional soil produced THC levels up to six times higher than plants grown in cover crop fields. “Poor soil quality appears to result in higher levels . . .

About 14,000 certified medical cannabis patients in New Jersey allowed their registration to lapse in 2025, according to Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) data outlined by the New Jersey Monitor. As of mid-December, the state counted 51,776 registered medical cannabis patients, which is down from the nearly 130,000 counted in June 2022. New Jersey’s medical cannabis market launched in April 2022, and a drop in patient counts commonly follows the rollout of adult-use cannabis sales. In New Jersey, dispensaries hold patient-only hours, have special parking for patients, and patients are . . .

Mercanto Holdings posts higher Q1 2026 revenue but wider net loss as gross margins compress from product mix, excise shifts, and Quebec policy changes impacting… The post Mercanto Holdings sees revenue increase, net loss widen in Q1 2026 appeared first on StratCann.

In an industry where many come and go, some names become synonymous with integrity and staying powerful. Aaron Justis is one of them. For over 15 years, he’s been at the helm of Buds & Roses, a Los Angeles dispensary renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and community. As a pioneer in “veganic” cultivation and a tireless advocate for industry reform, he has faced down a host of challenges, from the persistent illegal market to the complexities of legalization. But for a true entrepreneur, the journey never stops. Now, Justis is branching out with a new venture, Seeds and Clones, . . .

A bipartisan majority of American voters across nearly all major demographics-age, race, gender and political affiliation-support legalizing marijuana, according to a new poll released just days after President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing agencies to enact the more incremental reform of cannabis rescheduling. The survey, conducted by JL Partners and commissioned by The Daily Mail, showed that 53 percent of registered U.S. voters back legalization. That includes 62 percent of Democrats and 51 percent of Republicans. The poll asked simply: “Would you support or oppose . . .

Trump’s cannabis executive order nudges rescheduling to Schedule offers political cover while delivering limited concrete change for the cannabis industry. The post A masterful misdirection: Analyzing Trump’s cannabis executive order appeared first on StratCann.