Author: thcscout

Cannabis reform is at a pivotal moment across the U.S. This episode covers key developments: states like Minnesota and Maryland advancing access and fairness, while others like Indiana and Virginia pull back. We also dig into high-stakes tax battles in Ohio and California, zoning tensions in Delaware, and tightening regulations in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a policymaker, advocate, or investor, this breakdown connects the dots on the evolving legal landscape.

Cannabis News for the week of 22-28 Mar :

MINNESOTA

Minnesota is one step closer to launching its adult-use cannabis market. The Office of Cannabis Management says it has received over 3,500 business license applications, including hundreds from social equity applicants. Licenses could be issued later this spring, and lotteries are planned for May and June. New regulations are also under review, and some experts warn the Twin Cities may see an oversupply of dispensaries when the market opens.

NEW JERSEY

In New Jersey, candidates running to be the state’s next governor are signaling strong support for legalizing home cannabis cultivation. Although recreational marijuana has been legal since 2022, residents are still not allowed to grow their own plants. Now, a majority of Democratic and Republican contenders say that should change. With cannabis prices among the highest in the country, home grow could offer relief to medical patients and everyday users alike. The outcome of the June 10 primaries may shape the next phase of New Jersey’s marijuana laws

OHIO

Ohio’s 2023 legalization of recreational cannabis led cities to expect substantial tax revenues, but Governor Mike DeWine’s new budget proposal would divert that money to statewide programs such as police training and behavioral health services. With more than $390 million in cannabis sales and $30 million in tax revenue already collected, cities argue the state is violating expectations and withholding funds. The outcome of this budget debate could have major implications for Ohio’s cannabis industry, municipal planning, and public trust in voter-approved initiatives.

CALIFORNIA

In California, a new bill could give the legal cannabis industry a much-needed break. Assembly member Matt Haney has introduced AB 5 64, a proposal that would block a 25% tax increase on cannabis set to take effect in July. Haney says the tax hike could devastate small businesses and drive more people to the illegal market. The bill comes as California’s legal marijuana industry faces high taxes, falling sales, and growing competition from other states with more business-friendly policies. The legislation will be considered in April.

INDIANA

This week, Indiana lawmakers advanced two major cannabis-related bills — one targeting advertising, the other regulating hemp products.

First, the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee approved an amendment to House Bill 13 90 to ban marijuana-related billboard ads statewide. Rep. Jim Pressel says cannabis ads from legal states like Michigan confuse Hoosiers and send the wrong message, especially near public areas. Opponents, including advertising companies, argue it’s an unfair restriction that doesn’t apply to digital or print media and pushes limits on commercial free speech.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 4 78, would regulate hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC with rules on potency, testing, labeling, and licensing. The bill caps edibles at 100mg per serving, beverages at 25mg, and bans smokable hemp. While supporters say it’s about consumer safety, critics warn it could allow stronger THC products and create costly testing challenges due to limited in-state lab capacity.

Together, these bills reflect Indiana’s tough stance on cannabis — rejecting legalization while tightening control over advertising and the fast-growing hemp market.

VIRGINIA

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has vetoed legislation that would have allowed the retail sale of recreational cannabis. The bill, supported by Democrats and polling at over 60% approval statewide, aimed to regulate a market that’s already legal for possession and home growing. Critics say the veto protects a thriving illicit market and blocks potential tax revenue and safety controls. The governor also weakened a bill expanding medical cannabis access and rejected cannabis-related criminal justice reforms. A new legislative commission will now revisit cannabis policy for 2026.

ALABAMA

In Alabama, a bill to regulate hemp-derived drinks and other consumable products failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee after a 4–4 vote. SB 237 would have imposed licensing rules, a 10% excise tax, and restricted sales to those 21 and older. Supporters said it was about protecting children, but critics warned the bill would hurt small businesses and lacked real protections. A similar measure is still pending in the House, so the deba…

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