Feds Defend Decision To Block Companies That Work With Marijuana Industry From Participating In Loan Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is defending its decision to adopt a rule adding restrictions on companies that provide services to marijuana businesses, making it so participants in a particular government loan guarantee program are prohibited from receiving income from cannabis operations. After posting the finalized rule in October 2024—amending a guaranteed loan program […]
Rhode Island’s US Senators Defend Vote To Ban Hemp Despite Concerns It Will Kill A Growing State Industry
“At the urging of the vast majority of the state attorneys general, they voted to table an amendment to strip this provision.” By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Current Mike Simpson is one of Rhode Island’s biggest cheerleaders for hemp cultivation and the plant’s derivative products—remedies, he believes, that may help where pharmaceutical medicines cannot. It’s […]
Michigan Officials Defend New Marijuana Tax From Industry Lawsuit
“When the Legislature exercised its constitutional authority to impose a tax on the wholesale sale of marijuana, it did not place an ‘undue burden’ on the voters’ exercise of direct-democracy rights.” By Jordyn Hermani, Bridge Michigan This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from […]


