420 with CNW — UCLA Gets $7.3M in State Grants to Study Marijuana

$7.3 million from the California Cannabis Control Department (DCC). The funding will support studies that examine medical applications of cannabinoids, potential heart-related risks linked to marijuana consumption, and ways to better understand and respond to California’s illegal cannabis market.

Faculty members from multiple UCLA divisions will participate, including researchers from the Fielding School of Public Health, the David Geffen School of Medicine, and the College of Letters and Science.

UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids director Ziva Cooper noted that the awards highlight the university’s growing role in marijuana research. She added that UCLA scientists are studying everything from molecular compounds created in the lab to consumer behavior in real-world markets to produce evidence that supports health-focused policy decisions.

The grants account for roughly one-quarter of the $30 million recently distributed by the DCC to nine institutions across the state. The broader initiative is designed to expand scientific knowledge about marijuana and help inform lawmakers and regulators overseeing California’s legal marketplace.

One of the funded projects will focus on synthetic cannabinoids. Granted $2 million, the study will involve creating rare and newly designed cannabinoid compounds in laboratory settings. Researchers will assess their potential medical value, potency, and possible adverse effects. The work is intended to lay the groundwork for future treatments that may be safer or more effective than existing options.

Another $2 million award supports a study of California’s unlicensed marijuana market, which continues to operate years after legalization. Researchers will investigate why many consumers still buy products outside the regulated system. The study will combine fieldwork, surveys, and laboratory testing to identify contaminants and other risks associated with illicit products. Findings are expected to help policymakers develop strategies to reduce harm linked to illegal sales.

A third study will examine how cannabis affects the heart. With $2.1 million in funding, researchers will conduct controlled clinical trials to measure both short-term and longer-lasting cardiovascular effects from smoked and edible marijuana. The results are intended to inform doctors, public health officials, and consumers.

The final project, funded at $1.2 million, centers on marijuana flavoring compounds known as terpenes. Researchers will create a scientific reference library of these substances to help regulators set standards for their use in commercial products. The work aims to reduce health risks and limit marketing practices that could appeal to children.

All four studies are scheduled to launch in early 2026.Their findings could provide insights to marijuana firms in and outside California, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), in their bid to serve customers better while furthering their business interests.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Survey Finds Americans More Likely to Quit Tobacco, Alcohol Than Cannabis

As the new year begins, many Americans are once again setting personal goals, but a new survey suggests cutting back on cannabis is low on the list compared with other habits. According to recent polling, people are more likely to resolve to drink less alcohol, stop using tobacco, or even spend less time on social media than to scale back cannabis use.

The poll questioned 1,003 adults across the United States about the commitments they plan to make for 2026. Participants were presented with 15 possible resolution categories, ranging from health and fitness to lifestyle habits. Reducing cannabis use emerged as the least popular choice among those options.

Only 8% of respondents said they intended to either stop using cannabis or use it less in 2026. By comparison, 10% reported an intention to reduce alcohol intake, while 12% said they hoped to limit tobacco use. A larger share, 16%, said they planned to rein in their social media habits. The most frequently selected resolution overall was improving physical health at 35%.

Younger adults were somewhat more open to reconsidering their cannabis habits than older age groups. Among people between 21 and 24 years old, 13% said they planned to reduce or quit cannabis use. That share dipped slightly to 12% among those aged 25 to 34 and fell more sharply among older respondents. Just 5% of adults between 45 and 54, and 4% of those 55 and older, expressed the same intention.

Men were twice as likely as women to give up or reduce cannabis use, at 12% versus 6%. Four in 10 respondents who plan to limit cannabis use said they had tried to do so before and were unsuccessful.

When asked why they wanted to reduce their marijuana consumption, more than half said they believed it would increase their flexibility and sense of independence. Around 47% felt it would help them feel more productive or accomplished, while 40% said they expected improvements in mental health, emotional balance, and overall activity levels.

The relatively low interest in quitting marijuana compared with tobacco and alcohol may reflect broader shifts in public perception. While 50% of Americans report having tried cannabis at least once, tobacco and alcohol remain more widely used.

Decades of public health campaigns have also emphasized the risks of drinking and smoking, particularly among younger people. Cannabis, by contrast, remains illegal at the federal level, and nationwide education efforts have been less consistent.

At the same time, recent research indicates shifting consumption patterns. Several surveys suggest that younger adults are increasingly turning to marijuana-infused beverages instead of alcohol, including at social events such as after-work gatherings. Other studies suggest most Americans view cannabis as a less harmful alternative to alcohol and expect nationwide legalization within the next few years.

Entities like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) are likely to analyze the findings of this survey in greater detail in order to glean insights that could inform the firms about the future trajectory of marijuana consumption trends in the country.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Trends Impacting the US Marijuana Industry in 2026

As the legal marijuana sector enters another year of adjustment, new data points show an industry still working to find its footing. While some long-standing challenges remain unresolved, recent developments suggest parts of the market may finally be moving toward a more sustainable balance.

Tax policy remains one of the most consequential issues for cannabis retailers. For years, Section 280E of the federal tax code has prevented marijuana businesses from deducting ordinary operating expenses, including rent, wages, and compliance costs. This framework has routinely pushed otherwise viable stores into the red.

In many established cannabis markets, the tax burden created by 280E has exceeded total net income, effectively eliminating profits altogether. In some cases, the typical dispensary is already losing money before considering expansion or long-term investment.

Analysis from Headset estimates that the rule has added between $400,000 and $800,000 or more in annual tax obligations per dispensary, leaving fewer resources for hiring, infrastructure upgrades, or financial cushions during slow periods. These effects are most pronounced in mature states where competition is fierce and wholesale prices are already compressed.

The situation could soon change following President Donald Trump’s executive order that aims to move marijuana to a new federal classification, opening the door to relief from the 280E restrictions.

Licensing trends tell a different story depending on the segment of the supply chain. Nationwide, the number of active marijuana licenses slipped to 37,555 in 2025’s quarter four, a decline of 1% from Q3. That drop continues a contraction that began in late 2022. Compared with two years ago, total licenses across the country are down 13%.

Most of that reduction has occurred among growers. Since 2023’s Q3, cultivation permits have fallen by 24%, representing a loss of more than 5,000 licenses. Retail permits, by contrast, have been relatively stable, declining by just over 300 during the same time.

Some analysts view the pullback in cultivation as a healthy correction after years of oversupply. At the close of 2025’s Q3, there were approximately 16,000 cultivation licenses and about 11,600 dispensary licenses in the U.S. Canada offers a sharp contrast, with far more storefronts than grow operations.

At the consumer level, discounting remains a dominant strategy. Retailers leaned heavily on promotions throughout 2025 to maintain traffic and move inventory, especially in crowded markets.

In most states, average monthly markdowns on marijuana flower climbed over the course of the year. Washington posted the highest average discount rate at 39%, a figure that may be influenced by its steep 37% retail tax. Arizona followed closely, averaging 35% and briefly peaking near 37% in the spring.

Industry observers expect aggressive promotions to remain common into 2026, as many operators prioritize customer retention and sales volume over margin recovery in an intensely competitive landscape.

Many foreign-based cannabis firms, such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be hoping that conditions improve meaningfully for all licensed firms within the U.S. so that they can not only survive but thrive as well.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Government-Funded Research Says Cannabis Users are Being Wrongfully Jailed for DUI

Government-funded research is raising serious concerns about how cannabis driving laws are being enforced in the United States. According to a new scientific study, many cannabis users are being arrested, charged, and even jailed for driving under the influence despite showing no real signs of being impaired. The research suggests that current DUI laws related to marijuana are not based on sound science and are unfairly punishing innocent people.

In almost 20 U.S. states, lawmakers use what are known as per se or zero-tolerance THC laws. These laws set a fixed amount of THC in the blood that automatically labels a driver as impaired. This system was copied from alcohol laws, where blood alcohol levels are a reliable way to measure intoxication. However, the study shows that cannabis does not work the same way as alcohol in the human body.

THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, behaves very differently from alcohol. Alcohol usually leaves the body within one or two days. THC, on the other hand, can stay in the bloodstream for days or even weeks, especially in regular users. This means a person can test positive for THC long after the effects of cannabis have completely worn off.

To understand this better, researchers studied 190 heavy cannabis users. The participants were asked to stop using cannabis for 48 hours. After this period, their blood THC levels were tested, and they were also observed using a driving simulator. The results showed that many participants still had THC levels above legal limits even though they showed no signs of poor driving or impairment.

The study found no clear link between the amount of THC in a person’s blood and their ability to drive safely. This matches earlier research that also showed weak or inconsistent connections between THC levels and crash risk. While cannabis use may slightly increase the risk of accidents, that risk is much lower than the risk linked to alcohol use.

Medical and laboratory experts have criticized current cannabis DUI laws, saying they lack scientific credibility. They warn that relying only on blood THC levels can lead to innocent people being jailed even when they are sober and driving safely.

The researchers conclude that better methods are needed to identify truly impaired drivers. Instead of depending only on blood tests, they recommend combining roadside observations with toxicology testing. Overall, the National Institutes of Health-funded study highlights a serious flaw in existing cannabis DUI laws and calls for reforms that protect public safety without criminalizing people unfairly.

As drug laws around the country evolve, a bigger task will be to roll back many of the prohibitionist perceptions that show up in different aspects, such as laws that regard traces of THC in blood as proof of intoxication. When these vestiges of prohibition are identified and addressed, the industry and its ecosystem players like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) will move a step closer to truly thriving.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Some Changes Resulting from Marijuana Rescheduling Could Take Time

President Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to loosen restrictions on marijuana is being welcomed by cannabis businesses and researchers, but experts caution that the practical effects will unfold slowly and unevenly. While the move signals a shift in federal posture, it does not immediately dismantle decades of drug policy.

The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to move marijuana toward Schedule III under federal law, a lower-risk category than its current classification. However, executive action alone does not rewrite the Controlled Substances Act, which has governed drug scheduling since 1970.

According to Gillian Schauer, executive director of the Cannabis Regulators Association, rescheduling typically requires a formal rulemaking process or congressional involvement, neither of which happens overnight.

How quickly the change takes effect depends largely on the path the Justice Department chooses. Bondi could revive a proposal initiated under the previous administration or use a less common provision of federal law that allows faster action. Schauer notes that the accelerated option limits procedural steps but may expose the administration to legal challenges, particularly from groups opposed to loosening marijuana laws.

Public participation could also affect the timeline. A traditional notice-and-comment period would slow the process, while bypassing it could speed implementation. When federal agencies previously floated rescheduling, tens of thousands of public comments poured in, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding the issue.

For cannabis companies, the most immediate impact could come through taxes. Businesses that sell marijuana currently face higher tax burdens because they are barred from claiming standard deductions. Sam Brill, chief executive of multistate operator Ascend Wellness Holdings, says moving marijuana out of its most restrictive category would eliminate those penalties, easing cash flow and reducing the need to set aside large reserves for potential tax disputes.

Other restrictions are less certain. Even with rescheduling, marijuana would remain illegal to transport across state lines, and access to banking services would likely stay limited. Many financial institutions still avoid the industry, forcing dispensaries to operate largely in cash. Patrick Sims, who owns a dispensary in New York, says the inability to accept credit cards remains one of the biggest barriers for both businesses and customers.

Medical research stands to benefit, though gains may be modest at first. Scientists would no longer need the most restrictive licenses to study marijuana, and laboratory rules would become less burdensome. Neuroscientist Staci Gruber, who studies cannabis at a Harvard-affiliated hospital, has said regulatory requirements have long discouraged researchers from entering the field.

Even so, sourcing marijuana for studies remains tightly controlled by federal agencies, a limitation unaffected by rescheduling. Schauer notes that unless those policies change as well, research will continue to face bottlenecks. Taken together, the executive order marks progress, rather than a clean break from the past. The direction is clear but the pace will depend on legal choices, agency follow-through, and whether broader policy reforms follow.

The entire marijuana industry, including leading companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be hoping that meaningful changes come sooner rather than later so that the regulatory environment is characterized by fewer onerous bottlenecks to businesses.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — UW Scientists Study Health Hazards of Marijuana in Workplaces

Researchers at the University of Washington are taking a close look at the potential health risks for marijuana production workers. A new study from the university’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences is examining whether people employed in cannabis cultivation and processing face health risks on the job, particularly those affecting the lungs.

Since recreational and medical marijuana laws began to change across the U.S., cannabis businesses have hired thousands of workers. However, scientists say there is still limited information about the hazards these employees may encounter.

Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, formal research into working conditions has lagged behind the industry’s growth. Early warning signs now suggest that airborne particles and other exposures could pose respiratory dangers for some workers.

The study was partly motivated by two deaths in the cannabis sector that investigators linked to job-related asthma. One case occurred in Massachusetts and the other in California.

According to Callan Krevanko, a doctoral student at UW who is coordinating on-site research, cannabis workplaces have not received the same level of scientific scrutiny as more established industries. He noted that the legal status of marijuana discouraged earlier investigation and added that the current effort is among the first to examine these environments in detail.

The research team plans to visit at least ten marijuana operations throughout Washington State, including processing and growing sites, ranging from small businesses to large operations. In total, the researchers expect to collect data from over 100 marijuana production workers.

One of the participating companies is Ferndale-based Subdued Excitement, also known as SubX. Co-founder Nick Cihlar said his company was licensed shortly after Washington voters approved recreational cannabis in 2012, placing it among the early entrants into the legal market.

Cihlar welcomed the study, saying it is reasonable to expect that issues may surface. He suggested that some workers may not consistently use protective gear and that air filtration systems could be inadequate in certain settings. While he stressed that this view is not based on formal evidence, he said the research is necessary to move beyond speculation.

When UW researchers visited SubX in November, they spent a full week inside the facility. Their work included measuring particles in the air, collecting samples from workers’ breathing zones, and conducting health assessments to identify possible symptoms linked to workplace exposure.

Although cannabis businesses fall under oversight from state and federal safety agencies, Cihlar said existing rules are mostly general and not tailored to cannabis production. Tasks such as trimming dried plants can release fine particles into the air, something he believes could affect lung health over time.

Researchers expect to complete their fieldwork this winter. Once the results are analyzed, they plan to offer practical guidance aimed at reducing risk, including improved ventilation strategies and protective equipment that businesses can realistically afford.

The findings could offer some insights to cannabis industry participants like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) that employ lots of people across their operations.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — GOP Congressmen are Fuming at Trump for Embracing Marijuana

President Donald Trump has opened a rare rift within his party, and the issue driving it is marijuana policy. Last month, Trump announced plans to ease federal rules that govern cannabis, arguing that existing regulations have driven up taxes on marijuana businesses and hindered scientific research into potential medical benefits.

The proposal immediately put him at odds with Republican leadership on Capitol Hill, including the House speaker and several senior Senate Republicans.

Just weeks earlier, congressional Republicans had advanced legislation as part of a government funding package that tightened rules on certain cannabis-related products. That vote followed the party’s long-standing skepticism toward marijuana, even as public opinion has shifted.

Republicans have largely remained united behind Trump on many contentious decisions. The visible split over cannabis policy, however, has highlighted an unusual break.

Trump has framed his decision as a response to public opinion rather than party pressure. At the time of the announcement, he pointed to polling that shows broad support for medical cannabis, saying many Americans had urged him to act.

At the center of the proposal is an effort to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under federal drug law. Substances in Schedule 1 are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high risk of abuse. In contrast, Schedule 3 substances are considered less dangerous and may be prescribed under certain conditions.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, backed the shift, reinforcing Trump’s willingness to break with the party’s traditional law-and-order wing. Kennedy, a former Democrat who joined Trump’s coalition during the last election, has made alternative health approaches a core part of his reform.

Republican leaders in Congress have voiced their objections. Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly urged Trump to delay the move, while 22 Senate Republicans sent a letter warning of health risks, addiction concerns, and potential economic harm. The letter argued that expanding the cannabis industry runs counter to promoting healthy lifestyles.

A similar message came from two dozen House Republicans, who cautioned that reclassification could endanger public safety, empower criminal organizations, and normalize drug use among children.

Trump’s announcement does not immediately change marijuana’s legal status. Any rescheduling would still require action by the DEA, a process that stalled after President Joe Biden proposed a similar idea in 2024 but left office before it was completed.

Beyond rescheduling, Trump unveiled additional steps, including a pilot program that would allow Medicare to cover certain CBD-based products. He also called on Congress to revisit recent limits on hemp-derived substances, arguing that consumers should retain access to non-intoxicating CBD.

The hemp provision has already divided Republicans. Supporters, including Senator Mitch McConnell, argue that earlier hemp legalization led to unregulated psychoactive products reaching minors. Opponents, such as Senator Rand Paul, say the new language would devastate hemp farmers and manufacturers. Trump has now aligned himself with Paul on the issue, despite past clashes between the two.

This ongoing debate and clash of opinions within the GOP ranks in Congress is likely to be of great interest to many licensed marijuana companies such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) that have for long wished to see federal policy evolve with regard to marijuana.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Officials in New York Tout Successes Recorded in Legal Marijuana Program

New York regulators have published a series of year-end reports outlining how the state’s legal cannabis industry has developed, highlighting strong sales, growing tax revenue, progress on equity goals, and expanded access for medical patients.

According to the reports, total legal marijuana sales in the state have now passed $2.5 billion since recreational use was approved. Of that amount, roughly $1.6 billion came in during the most recent year, through November. The number of licensed retail outlets has also grown from 261 stores in 2024 to 556 by 2025, nearly doubling in just one year.

The Office of Cannabis Management noted that New York continues to surpass its social equity targets. About 55% of recreational cannabis licenses are held by social and economic equity entities. Within that group, 50% are owned by people from minority communities, and 47% are run by women.

State officials also detailed enforcement efforts aimed at limiting illegal cannabis sales. In 2025, regulators carried out more than 2,000 enforcement actions, seizing more than $20 million worth of unlicensed marijuana products.

The reports also note changes to the state’s medical marijuana program signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The updates expand access by simplifying patient certification, allowing reciprocity for visitors from other states, and permitting adults aged 18 and older to grow marijuana plants for therapeutic purposes. Officials said the changes are intended to modernize the program and better serve patients across New York.

Tax revenue remains a major outcome of legalization. From April 2023 through the end of November 2025, the state collected approximately $341 million in cannabis-related taxes from recreational and medical sales. However, officials acknowledged that sales are concentrated among a relatively small group of retailers. As of late November, the top 10 cannabis stores accounted for nearly 30% of all sales, while the top 50% of operating locations generated about 80% of total revenue.

The data also suggest that legalization has not led to increased youth use. Surveys show that the share of adolescents reporting recent marijuana use declined from 20% in 2013 to 12.5% in 2023.

Regulators also announced an extension for conditional recreational cannabis licenses, pushing the renewal deadline to the end of the year. The move is intended to give license holders more time to secure compliant locations, particularly amid zoning concerns affecting more than 100 businesses located near schools or religious institutions.

Separately, lawmakers passed a measure that would give marijuana distributors and manufacturers additional time to file quarterly tax returns. If approved, the filing window would expand from 20 days to 50 days after each reporting period ends.

This positive information coming after the hiccups that threatened to derail the program in its initial stages after the launch of legal sales comes as a welcome relief to industry players like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) that are happy to see new markets succeed at giving adults access to products from licensed outlets in states with enabling regulations.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — US Supreme Court Sets Dates to Hear Marijuana Users’ Gun Rights Case

The United States Supreme Court has set a date to hear arguments in a closely watched case that could determine whether federal restrictions on gun ownership for people who use cannabis are constitutional.

The justices scheduled oral arguments for March 2, roughly two months after agreeing to review the dispute. The case pits the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Ali Danial Hemani, who was prosecuted under a federal statute that bars individuals who use illegal drugs from purchasing or possessing firearms. Hemani argues that the law violates the Second Amendment.

At issue is a provision of federal law, codified as 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which has been under increasing scrutiny in lower courts. In Hemani’s case, a federal appeals court ruled that applying the ban to people who use cannabis infringes on constitutional gun rights. That decision created further division among federal courts, prompting the Supreme Court to step in.

Support for the government’s position has come from a broad group of state officials. Attorneys general from 19 states, along with Washington, D.C., filed a brief urging the justices to preserve the statute. They argue that the law plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and aligns with historical limitations on firearm possession.

Groups that support tighter gun regulations, including the Brady Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords Law Center, and others, have asked the court to reverse the lower court’s ruling. A separate filing from a coalition of legal and history scholars contends that restrictions on armed individuals viewed as dangerous have longstanding roots in American law.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana and more than 20 similar groups urged the court to uphold the federal ban, arguing that cannabis consumption can be linked to impaired judgment, violence, and mental health risks.

In filings with the court, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that people who use illegal substances present a higher risk than those who consume alcohol.

In an earlier filing related to Hemani, the DOJ noted that federal appeals courts are deeply divided on the issue. Prosecutors also highlighted Hemani’s background as a dual U.S. and Pakistani citizen, alleging connections to Iranian-linked entities that had drawn the attention of federal investigators.

The case comes during a period of shifting federal cannabis policy. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order instructing AG Pam Bondi to complete a process that would move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act. Legal experts say it remains unclear whether that change would have any direct effect on gun cases tied to marijuana use.

The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could shape the outcome of several similar cases nationwide. If the justices uphold the statute, the government would likely prevail in other pending disputes. The court has already declined to hear appeals in some related cases, while others remain unresolved.

The marijuana industry, including entities like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), will be watching how the Supreme Court rules in this case and what precedent will be set by that decision.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Florida Could Again Vote on Recreational Marijuana in 2026 Polls

Florida’s debate over recreational cannabis is resurfacing after a failed ballot initiative and renewed public support, setting the stage for a possible return to voters in 2026.

During the 2024 election cycle, a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use marijuana earned backing from 56% of voters. While that represented a clear majority, it did not meet the state’s 60% threshold required to amend the constitution. As a result, recreational marijuana remained illegal despite growing public approval.

New polling suggests attitudes have continued to shift. A survey conducted by the University of North Florida in 2025 found that support for recreational cannabis had climbed to 66%, well above the level needed to pass if voters were asked again. Advocates argue that the earlier defeat reflected concerns about the details of the proposal rather than outright opposition to legalization.

Governor Ron DeSantis was a vocal critic of the 2024 measure and played a prominent role in the public debate. At the time, he warned that legalization would lead to widespread use and change the character of public spaces, arguing the amendment went far beyond easing penalties.

The earlier proposal allowed adults to purchase cannabis only from state-approved retailers and did not permit people to grow plants at home. Critics raised alarms about potential advertising aimed at minors, while some supporters felt the plan was too restrictive and favored personal cultivation rights.

The revised version explicitly allows limited home cultivation, prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis in public areas, and bans any form of marketing directed at children.

Florida’s GOP chair Joe Gruters, a supporter of legalization, said allowing residents to grow their own marijuana does not undermine the regulated market. He noted that in states where recreational use is legal, personal cultivation tends to exist alongside licensed dispensaries rather than replace them.

Throughout 2025, sponsors have focused on gathering signatures to move the proposal forward. To qualify for review, they must submit over 880,000 valid signatures by February 1. The campaign had turned in over 675,000 by December 2025. However, roughly 200,000 were rejected because they did not include the full text of the amendment, forcing organizers to continue collecting petitions.

If the campaign reaches the required number and the Florida Supreme Court signs off on the language, the measure could appear on the 2026 ballot. Voter approval would significantly reshape Florida’s marijuana laws, with implications for consumers, businesses, law enforcement, and the use of public spaces across the state.

The reform movement, as well as notable industry firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be hoping that the outcome of the ballot measure reflects the true will of the state residents.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com