May 2025 - CannabisNewsWire

WednesdayMay 14, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Governor Hochul Signs Budget, Lawmakers Exclude Marijuana Smell as Authorization for Police Searches

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the state’s latest budget into law on Friday, but one key proposal that had stirred significant backlash didn’t make it into the final version. Earlier this year, Hochul had proposed allowing police to use the smell of cannabis as a reason to suspect a driver of being under the influence and require them to undergo a drug test. Lawmakers removed the clause after strong opposition from dozens of advocacy groups. In a letter sent to Hochul and state leaders, over 60 reform organizations warned that such a policy would revive harmful tactics from the…

TuesdayMay 13, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Trump Announces Withdrawal of Controversial Prohibitionist Nominee for Washington Attorney

President Donald Trump has announced that he’s pulling his nomination for Ed Martin, who was set to become the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. This follows controversy surrounding Martin’s recent actions against a local medical cannabis dispensary that operates legally under D.C. regulations. Despite the dispensary’s compliance with local laws, Martin warned the business about violating federal marijuana laws and hinted at possible prosecution. While Trump didn’t directly link his decision to Martin’s stance on cannabis, many advocates in the District see the move as a positive sign that may ease concerns over federal interference in the city’s marijuana policies.…

MondayMay 12, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Pennsylvania House Committee Passes Adult-Use Marijuana Bill

A measure now moving through Pennsylvania’s State House could make cannabis available in stores overseen by the state. On Monday, House Democrats narrowly approved the measure in the Health Committee with a 14-12 vote. Representative Rick Krajewski, who introduced the bill, clarified that cannabis would be sold in a network of state-regulated shops, separate from those selling alcohol. However, the proposed legislation—HB1200—takes a different approach than the one Governor Josh Shapiro laid out in his budget for 2025/26. There are two major differences between the bill and the governor’s earlier plan. First, this version would place the adult-use marijuana program…

FridayMay 09, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Study Finds Cannabis Dangerous to Developing Fetuses

New research shows that using cannabis while pregnant can put both the mother and baby at serious risk. A large-scale review of past studies found links between prenatal cannabis use and problems like low birth weight, premature birth, and even infant death. Dr. Jamie Lo, a specialist in obstetrics at Oregon Health and Science University, emphasized that one of the most alarming discoveries was a higher chance of losing the baby either during pregnancy or soon after birth. Her past work also revealed that marijuana can interfere with the baby’s lung development and reduce oxygen and blood supply through the…

ThursdayMay 08, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Study Says Stress Drives Riskier Marijuana Use in Youth

A recent Canadian study focused on marijuana use among young adults offers insights into which behaviors and personal characteristics are linked to higher risks of marijuana-related problems. While not all marijuana use results in negative outcomes, around 5% of young users in Canada may experience addiction or other harmful effects. What separates those who face issues from those who do not often comes down to how and why marijuana is used. The study found that certain habits were linked to a higher risk of problems. These included using marijuana when alone, using it frequently throughout the week, consuming large amounts…

WednesdayMay 07, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — How Firms Can Manage the Challenges Arising from Marijuana Ad Restrictions

Running advertisements in the cannabis industry isn’t as straightforward as it is for other sectors. Business owners face a maze of regulations that make promoting their products difficult. These rules are often seen as restrictions on free speech because they limit what companies can say about their products, even when the information is accurate and meant for adults. Many states with legal cannabis have strict advertising rules based on public health concerns. Authorities worry that ads could mislead or confuse people. To minimize this risk, they place limits on the language and visuals used in marketing. Any claims made—whether by…

TuesdayMay 06, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Trump’s US Attorney Targets Medical Marijuana Firm in Washington

Washington, D.C. has taken several hits since Donald Trump returned to office— massive job losses, seeing its budget shrink by billions, and even facing a downgrade to its bond rating. Now a recent federal move is raising alarms over the city’s handling of cannabis laws. Ed Martin, the interim U.S. Attorney appointed by Trump, is putting pressure on D.C.’s marijuana industry, challenging an unspoken understanding that federal prosecutors would stay out of local cannabis matters. His warning came in a letter to a medical dispensary, claiming that its operations violate federal law, even though they comply with city regulations. Martin,…

MondayMay 05, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Why Lawmakers Are Wrong to Focus on THC Potency in Marijuana

Getting too high can be a pretty terrible experience. What starts off as a calm, relaxing buzz can quickly spiral into paranoia and anxiety. One minute you’re chilling, the next your mind is racing with worst-case scenarios, and everything feels like it’s falling apart. No one enjoys that kind of high. Since recreational marijuana became legal in more places, the conversation around THC levels has picked up. People are more concerned about how strong today’s weed is—especially since dispensaries are pushing super-potent strains. A famous example of overconsumption happened in 2014, when journalist Maureen Dowd had a panic episode after…

FridayMay 02, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Florida House Unanimously Passes Bill Making MMJ Cards Free for Veterans

Florida House legislators have come together in full agreement to pass a measure that will benefit military veterans by removing state fees tied to obtaining medical cannabis cards. Under the new legislation, veterans will no longer need to pay registration or renewal fees for their medical cannabis certifications, effectively making the process free for them. The measure, House Bill 555, introduced by Republican Representative Alex Andrade, cleared the House with a unanimous 110-0 vote after moving through earlier committee stages. Initially, the proposal aimed to make broader updates to Florida’s medical cannabis system, such as allowing patients to grow cannabis…

ThursdayMay 01, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Mexico Court Makes Ruling on Insurance Coverage for Medical Cannabis Costs

A federal judge has ruled that health insurance providers in New Mexico aren’t legally required to pay for medical cannabis, even though some state laws suggest they should. This decision underscores the ongoing clash between state-level cannabis initiatives and overarching federal drug policies. The lawsuit originated from a group of plaintiffs that included individuals enrolled in Medicaid or private insurance plans, along with a licensed cannabis dispensary. They claimed that marijuana used to treat mental and behavioral health conditions should be reimbursed under several New Mexico statutes, including the Behavioral Health Services Act and regulations on insurance practices. Their argument…