Florida GOP leaders don’t care about cannabis bills, sponsor says (Newsletter: February 26, 2025)
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NY gov wants to let police search on marijuana odor; WI medical cannabis momentum; Sinema backs AZ ibogaine bill; CA psychedelics; ID marijuana fines
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A budget provision from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to allow police to use the smell of marijuana to order drivers to take a drug test is drawing pushback not just from legalization advocates but from the governor-appointed head of the Office of Cannabis Management and top lawmakers.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) signed a bill to set a mandatory minimum $300 fine for possession of three ounces or less of cannabis, which the sponsor has argued is necessary because “we do not want this to become a marijuana state.”
Top Wisconsin Republican and Democratic lawmakers are in agreement that a bill to legalize medical cannabis could pass this session, with the Assembly majority leader saying “we need to come to an answer on this.”
Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) testified in support of an Arizona state bill to set aside money for clinical trials on ibogaine—and pledged that she would personally raise $5 million in matching funds to support the psychedelic research.
A Florida GOP senator who is sponsoring a bill to legalize medical cannabis home cultivation is sour on its prospects for passage, saying “there’s not a lot of interest in my Republican colleagues to move anything related to marijuana whatsoever.”
Bipartisan California lawmakers filed a bill to create a psilocybin-focused Veterans and First Responders Research Pilot Program to carry out research and development of psychedelic services for target populations with PTSD, end-of-life distress and other conditions.
Woody Harrelson said he wishes he could invite Bob Marley to the marijuana dispensary he co-owns with Bill Maher—but said he’s worried the reggae legend could out-smoke him.
The push to legalize marijuana is gaining momentum in Pennsylvania, but disagreements among lawmakers about whether to put cannabis sales in state-run stores or instead license private businesses could prevent a deal from being reached.
Tennessee lawmakers are taking differing approaches to cannabis, with some pushing to ban intoxicating hemp products and others supporting broader marijuana legalization.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted about meeting with officials at the University of Nevada’s Cannabis Policy Institute, saying she’s “grateful to have @CPIatUNLV’s cannabis expertise.”
/ STATES
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) tweeted, “Legalizing adult-use cannabis will make Pennsylvania more competitive, bring in more money to help our communities, and create real opportunity for small businesses all across our Commonwealth.”
The Missouri House Veterans and Armed Forces Committee held a hearing on a bill to legalize psilocybin therapy for military veterans.
Kansas lawmakers discussed the prospects for medical cannabis legislation.
California regulators announced a recall of cannabis products due to incomplete regulatory compliance testing.
Leaders of Connecticut’s Social Equity Council spoke about plans to use legal marijuana revenue to benefit communities most impacted by the war on drugs.
Michigan regulators updated a best practices document for marijuana businesses.
Washington, D.C. is experiencing a shortage of school crossing guards that’s largely driven by positive drug tests for marijuana.
Colorado regulators are accepting applications to participate in a Cannabis Business Pitch Competition.
Vermont regulators will consider recommendations for cannabis business licensure on Wednesday.
—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—
/ LOCAL
Paramus, New Jersey’s mayor criticized pending state legislation to let regulators license marijuana businesses without local approval.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian officials published a report comparing legal and illegal dried cannabis products.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of military veterans found that “descriptive analysis showed that the majority of those who used cannabis reported that it benefited their mental health.”
A study found that “cannabidiol alleviates the inflammatory response in rats with traumatic brain injury.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Cannabis Industry Association has a new board chair.
/ BUSINESS
High Tide Inc. is pausing its previously announced plan to acquire Purecan GmbH.
/ CULTURE
Justin Theroux and Jimmy Kimmel spoke about the time they went golfing on marijuana gummies.
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