Feds put cannabis on controversial topic list for cancer researchers (Newsletter: March 11, 2025)

NM medical marijuana worker protections; CT psilocybin; PA legalization; Cannabis company lawsuit against GOP dismissed; Study: Marijuana for pain

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The National Cancer Institute issued a memo directing staff of the federal agency not to publish any manuscripts, presentations or other communications about marijuana or certain other “controversial, high profile, or sensitive” topics without special approval.

The New Mexico House Judiciary Committee and Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee both approved companion bills to strengthen employment protections for medical marijuana patients by specifying that “random drug testing of an employee shall not include testing for cannabis.”

The Connecticut legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a bill to decriminalize psilocybin—making possession of up to one-half an ounce of the psychedelic punishable by a $150 fine, without the threat of jail time.

A Pennsylvania Republican senator said legalization is “the most conservative” approach to marijuana because it allows for “taxing it and putting it in a clean, safe environment that is regulated.”

A Florida judge dismissed Trulieve’s lawsuit against the state Republican Party that had claimed it waged an “intentionally deceptive” campaign using “demonstrably false” claims “to fool Florida voters” into opposing a marijuana legalization measure on last November’s ballot.

A new scientific review concludes that “cannabis and its bioactive compounds show potential in the reduction of chronic pain,” suggesting it could “lead pain reduction to the point of minimizing other pharmacological treatments.”

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals ended a temporary restraining order that has prevented regulators from carrying out the medical cannabis business licensing process.

Ohio senators filed a bill to restrict sales of intoxicating hemp products to marijuana dispensaries only, removing them from convenience stores, smoke shops and gas stations.

/ FEDERAL

National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said new tariffs are part of “a drug war, not a trade war.”

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) ignored a question about marijuana banking legislation.

/ STATES

The Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee approved a House-passed resolution to prevent voters from legalizing marijuana or other drugs via ballot initiatives.

California regulators are moving to readopt emergency hemp rules. Separately, regulators published a consumer education brochure that marijuana businesses must display and distribute.

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday.

The Colorado Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee will meet on Monday.

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/ LOCAL

Denver, Colorado’s mayor signed legislation on licensing of psychedelics businesses.

St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana is being sued by a medical cannabis company whose permit was denied.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Canadian regulators published a report showing that “government earnings from cannabis rise as those from alcohol fall.”

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte denied claims that he committed crimes against humanity during the country’s bloody “war on drugs.” He also said he is ready to be potentially arrested amid an ongoing International Criminal Court probe.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study concluded that “the perceived therapeutic benefit of cannabis during the COVID-19 pandemic is evident by the high prevalence of adults who reported using cannabis for medicinal reasons despite no recommendation from their health provider.”

A study found that “chronic exposure to a synthetic cannabinoid improves cognition and increases locomotor activity in Tg4-42 Alzheimer’s disease mice.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

A Governors Highway Safety Association official spoke about the need to develop better technologies to detect marijuana-impaired driving.

/ BUSINESS

The owner of Herbal Alternatives II, LLC is facing charges of failing to pay federal income taxes and employment taxes.

Curaleaf is being sued by employees for allegedly wrongfully distributing tips to people within managerial positions.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.