August 2025
OFW’s Cannabis Team regularly monitors cannabis news, legislation, regulation, and policy so our clients stay up-to-date on the latest developments impacting their business.
If you have any questions or would like more information about any of the items below, please contact us.
We also track cannabis-related legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress. If you would like to learn more about our Congressional Bill Tracker, please reach out to Ben Dash.
Cannabis Rescheduling
- Trump Weighs Reclassifying Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug – President told donors earlier this month he was interested in reclassifying the drug (WSJ) (The Guardian) (CNN) (Fox).
- President Trump on marijuana: “We’re looking at reclassification and we’ll make a determination over the next few weeks.”Bipartisan Congressional Lawmakers Push Trump To Reschedule Marijuana. Cannabis stocks rally after Trump says he is weighing drug reclassification. America First Agriculture Action Inc., a PAC that describes itself as “committed to establishing a clear, equitable, and unified legal framework for all Cannabis sativa L” advocates for Trump to reschedule marijuana in a new ad.
- Should marijuana be rescheduled? (The Hill – Opinion)
- Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said the “game is over for Democrats at the ballot box” if Trump moves forward on marijuana rescheduling. Recriminalize, don’t decriminalize marijuana (Washington Examiner). Trump will not legalize marijuana, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says.EDITORIAL: Heed Colorado’s woes — do not reclassify pot.
Executive Branch/Enforcement
- The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a case on the federal government’s ban on users of marijuana and other illegal drugs from owning firearms and uphold the prohibition, saying it is consistent with the 2nd Amendment.
- Will DEA Cole Dismantle Marijuana Research Blockade – MMJ Biopharma Will Be His First Test Case.
U.S. Congress
- Hemp interests celebrated after the latest Republican-led effort to dismantle federal protections for hemp-derived THC products unraveled in the U.S. Senate. US Hemp Roundtable Applauds Senate for Passing Bill Without Harmful Hemp Ban – Sen. Rand Paul championed the removal of language threatening American farmers. Hemp industry remains in the weeds even after the Senate takes loophole closure out of the bill. Hemp: Prohibition will not protect kids from THC, but regulation will | Opinion.
- Rand Paul Is Working To ‘Reach A Compromise’ On Hemp THC Product Laws With McConnell And House Lawmakers.
- CRS: Fentanyl Bill Signed By Trump Would Also ‘Streamline Research’ On Schedule I Drugs Like Marijuana.
- Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, Congratulating HempWood on the grand opening of their second facility. He mentioned he is “…proud to support Kentucky’s hemp industry!”
- These Alcohol, Pharmaceutical, And Food Companies Lobbied Congress On Marijuana And Psychedelics, New Records Show.
The States
- The Rockefeller Institute has created a data visualization to track the implementation timeline for states from when they legalize adult-use cannabis—either by ballot measure or by legislation—to when the first legal dispensary in their state opens.
- Alabama: Montgomery judge dismisses parents’ lawsuit over AL medical cannabis delays; AL’s new CBD ban devastates local business, opinion.
- California: The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is issuing this notice of voluntary recall for multiple Iced infused flower and infused pre-roll products due to the presence of Aspergillus spp.
- Colorado: Report shows success of new Hands-Free law but alarming trends on impairment and speeding.
- Georgia: GA lawmakers prioritize medical cannabis and hemp laws for 2026 session
- Iowa: Medical Cannabis For Manufacturers and Dispensaries.
- Kentucky: KY’s first medical marijuana dispensary approved for operation.
- Louisiana: Found here is the Medical Marijuana Notice of Intent that was published in the May 2025 LA Register.
- Maryland: MD Psychedelics Task Force Releases Interim Report—But It Wants More Input From Legalization Opponents.
- Michigan: Cannabis Regulatory Agency Follow-Up Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
- Minnesota: Packaging and Labeling Guide for Cannabis and Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Products; These 13 MN cities are considering municipal cannabis stores; A Guide for Local Governments on Adult-Use Cannabis and Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Licenses.
- Mississippi: MS Must Allow Veterans To Heal With Ibogaine, Key GOP Lawmaker Says (Op-Ed).
- Missouri: St. Louis County will revisit the bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products in September; DHSS publishes draft rule and rule revisions regarding cannabis licenses; The MO Division of Cannabis Regulation released the draft of cannabis rules that would give it more authority to keep non-compliant owners from obtaining other licenses.
- Nebraska: Omaha Tribe of Nebraska ‘making great progress’ on rollout of medical marijuana; Medical Cannabis, Liquor Control Commissions seek to combine resources as frustrations flare.
- New Jersey: The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) announced they are investigating fishy THCA inflation and mold numbers and updated the public on the market at their August meeting; NJCRC Fines MSO Curaleaf $610,000 for Labor Violations Among Others.
- New York: Chris Alexander, OCM’s former executive director who left the agency more than a year ago after the governor removed him from office, said Hochul has unfairly blamed him for the fallout of her administration’s decision to change the state’s interpretation of cannabis law in measuring the required 500 feet between a dispensary and schools or houses of worship; A federal appeals court said that it appeared to be unconstitutional for NY to give some of its own residents priority for licenses to open cannabis businesses.
- Ohio: OH Department of Commerce Medical Marijuana Control Program Quick Reference Guide.
- Oklahoma: OK Medical Marijuana Authority launches new ‘managing owner’ requirement for license holders; Oklahoma Marijuana Activists Launch Map Of Hundreds Of Businesses Where Voters Can Sign Legalization Initiative For 2026 Ballot.
- Rhode Island: RI Cannabis Sales Reach Over $41 Million in 2025’s Second Quarter; The Commission tracked 30 bills with potential impact on the cannabis and/or hemp industries in RI.
- Texas: Four In Five TX Voters Want Hemp Products To Be Regulated, Not Banned, Poll Shows As THC Prohibition Bill Stalls; TX Officials Take Key Step To Expand Medical Marijuana Program As Hemp Ban Bill Stalls; Rick Perry, the former TX governor and Trump energy secretary, has now dedicated his life to promoting the powerful psychedelic ibogaine.
- Vermont: VT poised to open first state-run cannabis testing lab; The CCB has released updated guidance outlining the conditions under which certain disposable cannabis vaping devices may be registered and sold in Vermont.
Cannabis Abroad
- Mexico: Three major cannabis consumption areas in central Mexico City plazas were relocated this week to new government-designated “420 zones,” igniting a fresh wave of debate, protests, and finger-pointing as the capital moves to ready its streets for the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup.
- Canada: Canadian medical cannabis exports to Germany continue to grow as the government considers restricting access.
Customs and Trade
- Canada Border Services Agency officers seized 29 kg of cannabis from a traveler’s suitcases destined for Amsterdam.
Business, Banking, Insurance
- Inflation? Not in the cannabis market. Here’s why weed is so cheap.
- The U.S. Hemp Roundtable announced the launch of a Farmer Advisory Council.
- CBD Pouches Market to Hit Valuation of US$535.62 Million By 2033.
- With hemp-derived cannabis sales, c-stores must navigate complex state regulations. Here’s where convenience retailers stand in the fast-growing THC segment. Experts urge c-stores to lobby for access before opportunities are legislated away.
- The creator of cold-pressed hemp drinks aims to disrupt the CBD category – The founder of a UK-based cold-pressed hemp drinks brand says the moment is ripe to enter the thriving functional drinks market.
- Aurora Cannabis Inc. has voted in a new board of directors
- Canopy Growth Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Results; Cannabis Revenue Increased 24% Year-Over-Year.
Research
- Research reveals vaping cannabinoid mixtures produces a chemical that destroys human tissue.
- Study: Using cannabis and psilocybin together may increase dependence.
- Study: cannabis users display brain network characteristics typically associated with younger brains, along with enhanced cognitive abilities, highlighting a potential modulatory role for cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in neurodegenerative processes, as explained through neural dedifferentiation and compensation theories.
- Study: Hemp seed oil has the potential to prevent ulcerative colitis and promote SCFAs-producing gut microbiota and SCFAs production.
- Study: There is a potential application of Cannabis sativa flower (TCF) as a natural whitening agent in the cosmetics industry.
- Study: Daily associations between posttraumatic stress disorder, cannabis use, and negative affect among veterans.
Other Noteworthy Updates
- Cannabis Poisonings Are Rising, Mostly Among Kids – As products like weed gummies proliferate, more children and teens are suffering symptoms including seizures and life-threatening breathing problems (New York Times).
- Effects of Recreational Marijuana Legalization on Agricultural Employment and Wage
- Federal Survey: No Changes in Marijuana Use by Adolescents, Young Adults.
- Get Smart About Drugs: Weed Addiction Has Almost Doubled Among Kids, Says National Drug Survey.
- Cultivating Change the Story of Hemp Farms in America.
- These are the medical benefits of CBD: What you need to know about gummies and why they’re so popular – Explore CBD’s potential for seizures, Parkinson’s, and pain relief—plus a guide to top-rated, lab-tested CBD gummies for safe, informed choices.
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If you are interested in exploring commercial opportunities in the cannabis space, we would be happy to assist you in any of your cannabis law questions, comments, or concerns. Please contact Tish Pahl (tpahl@ofwlaw.com), Kyla Kaplan (kkaplan@ofwlaw.com), Denise Calle (dcalle@ofwlaw.com), and Ben Dash (bdash@ofwlaw.com) for assistance.