GOP lawmakers push to save hemp from impending federal ban (Newsletter: June 1, 2026)
LA gov signs marijuana penalty bill; HI gun denials for cannabis; Study: Cannabinoids for cancer treatment; States want federal rescheduling guidance Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… Free […]
State Marijuana Officials Call Out ‘Frustrating’ Lack Of Federal Guidance On What Trump’s Rescheduling Move Means For Businesses
“None of us really can effectively advise our licensees, which is just incredibly frustrating, especially with a ticking clock.” By Amanda Watford, Stateline The U.S. Department of Justice’s recent decision to downgrade the drug classification for medical cannabis will help medical marijuana businesses. Companies will be able to claim some federal tax benefits. New research […]
GOP Lawmakers File Amendments To Prevent Federal Recriminalization Of Hemp THC Products This Year
Three Republican members of Congress have filed separate amendments to large-scale agriculture legislation that would prevent a scheduled federal ban on hemp THC products from taking effect in November. One proposal, from Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), would keep many hemp products legal that are currently set to be recriminalized this year, add labeling requirements and […]
It’ll Be An ‘Uphill Path’ To Stop A Federal Ban On Hemp THC Products This Year, Ted Cruz Says
Hemp farmers and industry advocates will have a challenging time stopping the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that’s scheduled to take effect later this year, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) says. But, he added, it will be easier to pass legislation on the issue next year when Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who led the […]
Congress Is Unlikely To Prevent A New Federal Ban On Hemp THC Products This Year, Top Marijuana Reform Group Says
“There may be some fiddling around the edges with THC limits and maybe with beverages.” By Phillip Smith, The American Hemp Monitor Congress is unlikely to do anything to undo the hemp ban it passed last year, and that will have devastating consequences for the hemp cannabinoid industry, leaders of the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) […]
Federal Drug Testing Rule Will Require ‘Directly Observed’ Urine Collection From Truck Drivers
“Every month that passes without certified oral fluid testing is another month when federal workers with paruresis face anxiety, discrimination, and career barriers.” By Kastalia Medrano, Filter The Department of Transportation will require “directly observed” urine drug testing in federal workplace situations where saliva testing has been called for, but is not possible. The clarification […]
Democratic Lawmakers Push Trump To Release Federal Marijuana Prisoners As A Follow-Up To Rescheduling
A coalition of Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are pushing President Donald Trump to commute the sentences of people who are still serving time in federal prison for marijuana. The move, they say, is a logical next step now that his administration is moving to reschedule cannabis. “The inclusion of […]
Alabama Officials Move To Delay Automatic Rescheduling Of Marijuana Under State Law Following Trump’s Federal Move
“We’re not saying Alabama’s not going to do this. We certainly are going to do this, but if you receive it without objection, it’s scheduled immediately.” By Anna Barrett, Alabama Reflector The governing body of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Thursday voted to object to a federal rescheduling of marijuana after state health […]
Federal Judge Dismisses Anti-Marijuana Groups’ Lawsuit Challenging Medicare Hemp Coverage Program
A federal judge has granted the government’s motion to dismiss marijuana legalization opponents’ lawsuit challenging a new Trump administration initiative to cover up to $500 worth of hemp-derived products each year for eligible Medicare patients. The program being implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses largely on CBD but also allows a certain […]
USDA’s Federal Data Gap, Explained
A 501c3 commissioned accredited private labs to test whole hemp biomass. The results are preliminary. They also answer a question that USDA’s food-data infrastructure has spent seven years not asking. Hemp has been federal food in the United States since 2018. Seven years later, USDA’s main nutritional database still has no entry for the whole […]