Cannabis reform left off DEA priority list, despite pledge from Trump’s pick (Newsletter: July 29, 2025)

Trump’s pro-marijuana RNC endorsement; NC gov’s cannabis council meeting; Fed court’s safe drug consumption ruling; TX hemp ban

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Marijuana rescheduling is nowhere to be seen in a new list of “strategic priorities” from the Drug Enforcement Administration as Terrance Cole takes over as administrator—despite his pledge to senators it would be “one of my first priorities” after taking office.

President Donald Trump said the next chair of the Republican National Committee should be Florida Sen. Joe Gruters (R), who campaigned for a marijuana legalization ballot initiative and sponsored several cannabis reform bills.

The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis that was created by Gov. Josh Stein (D) is accepting public comments on marijuana policy issues “that are important to you and your community” ahead of its first meeting on Tuesday.

The chair of the Texas House Public Health Committee filed a companion version of Senate legislation to ban consumable hemp products with any amount of THC, as Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is continuing to call for regulations over broad prohibition.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit sided with a nonprofit attempting to open a safe consumption site for illegal drugs in Philadelphia—ruling it can argue in a lower court that religious freedom and free exercise protections allow it to proceed despite federal prohibition.

/ FEDERAL

The Drug Enforcement Administration Museum posted a video of an event it hosted where two former special agents discussed interdicting drug trafficking during the Vietnam War.

The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted an op-ed by a clinical social worker who says he once “believed cannabis was relatively harmless” but now says he “was wrong.”

Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) said she hasn’t had any “specific” discussions about marijuana banking legislation this Congress.

The House bill to designate psychedelic innovative therapies centers of excellence got one new cosponsor for a total of 11.

/ STATES

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed a new deputy director of public affairs at the Department of Cannabis Control.

Connecticut’s attorney general filed a lawsuit over an alleged fraudulent cannabis license-for-sale scheme.

Pennsylvania’s top House Appropriations Committee Republican said he doesn’t think marijuana legalization will be included in budget legislation.

A Texas representative tweeted, “I filed House Bill 195, which aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis and cannabis products in Texas. As an alternative to SB5, HB195 is a bill crafted to help our veterans and neighbors live their lives.”

The New York comptroller published guidance on local marijuana taxes and revenue distribution.

Massachusetts regulators are considering rules for marijuana social use businesses this week.

Minnesota regulators published an updated cannabis guide for local governments.

Delaware regulators sent a warning about medical cannabis recommendation scams.

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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.

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/ LOCAL

Seattle, Washington State city attorney candidates are clashing over drug prosecution issues.

/ INTERNATIONAL

A Thai lawmaker is pushing the government to crack down on cannabis.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “cannabis shows promise as an adjunctive therapy in fibromyalgia, especially for patients unresponsive to standard treatments.”

A study found that “treatment with Cannabis sativa extract did not result in any significant changes in fertility or pregnancy feasibility in either male or female rats.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

Oaksterdam University founder Richard Lee passed away.

An Ohio Municipal League official accused state lawmakers of “trying to play games” with marijuana revenue for localities.

/ BUSINESS

Grön is acquiring a New York cannabis processing license.

Canadian retailers sold C$485.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in May.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.