420 with CNW Archives - CannabisNewsWire

FridayMay 08, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Medical Marijuana Could Expand as Feds Reschedule the Drug

A recent federal decision to reclassify medical cannabis is reshaping the outlook for licensed operators, prompting renewed attention from businesses and regulators across the country. The change, introduced under an order signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, moves state-approved medical cannabis to Schedule III of the CSA. That adjustment carries significant financial implications, particularly when it comes to taxation. Beginning in the first quarter of 2026, companies operating in the medical marijuana space will be allowed to deduct ordinary business expenses. This marks a sharp departure from previous restrictions that fell under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, which has long prevented cannabis businesses from claiming such deductions. According to…

WednesdayMay 06, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Looming Federal Ban Causes Colorado Bill Regulating Hemp THC to Fail

Efforts to expand where hemp-derived THC beverages can be sold in Colorado stalled this week as lawmakers were unable to gather enough support to move the proposal forward. SB 164 sought to open the door for these drinks to be offered in restaurants and bars, rather than limiting sales to licensed marijuana dispensaries. However, the measure was withdrawn by its lead sponsor after it became clear that it would not secure the votes needed to pass. Opposition from segments of the state’s cannabis industry played a significant role in the outcome, according to reporting by The Denver Gazette. Backers of the bill argued that the legislation…

TuesdayMay 05, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Experts Say Partial Marijuana Rescheduling is Causing Confusion

While the Trump administration has taken a partial step toward rescheduling marijuana, the move has left many in the industry uncertain about what comes next. Acting AG Todd Blanche recently signed an order moving certain cannabis-related products out of the most restrictive federal category. Specifically, products sold through state-licensed medical cannabis programs, along with those approved by the FDA, will move from Schedule I to Schedule III. Despite the shift, policy experts caution that the change is limited in scope. Cat Packer, who oversees drug markets and legal regulation at the Drug Policy Alliance, said it would be misleading to describe the decision as a broad reclassification of…

MondayMay 04, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — GOP Congressmen Advance Legislation to Block Marijuana Rescheduling

Republican lawmakers on a key House committee are pushing forward a spending proposal that could halt federal efforts to reschedule cannabis. The move comes shortly after the Trump administration signaled plans to proceed with reclassifying the drug. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science & Related Agencies released draft legislation that includes language designed to block any funding from being used to alter marijuana’s current status under the CSA. The provision states that no funds provided through the bill could be used to change marijuana’s classification or take it off the federal schedule altogether. This is not the first time members of the committee have attempted to include such restrictions in federal spending bills. Similar provisions have been…

FridayMay 01, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — DEA Opens Portal to Register Medical Marijuana Operators

Businesses interested in operating as medical cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. can begin submitting applications starting Wednesday, April 29, following a directive from President Donald Trump to change how marijuana is classified under federal law. The update was announced through a notice published on the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to the agency, its online system for medical marijuana registration will open at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. The rollout comes just days after the Justice Department revealed plans to ease certain federal limits on cannabis-related products and accelerate efforts to place marijuana in a less restrictive category. Companies applying for approval will need to meet several requirements. The DEA has set an…

ThursdayApr 30, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Sales Record Major Spike on 4/20

Cannabis retailers across the U.S. recorded a notable surge in sales on April 20 (4/20) this year, with particularly strong gains in states that have recently approved legal use. Data released by online ordering company Jane Technologies shows that total sales on April 20 climbed by 46.9% compared to the same date last year. The number of transactions also rose sharply, increasing by 46.6%. The figures reflect activity from stores that were operating in both 2025 and 2026, a method the company used to avoid overstating growth due to newly opened locations. Socrates Rosenfeld, co-founder and chief executive of Jane Technologies, said the yearly spike offers insight…

WednesdayApr 29, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Trucking Industry in Grey Area as Marijuana is Reclassified Federally

A directive signed by Acting AG Todd Blanche on April 22 and put into force the next day shifts two categories of cannabis from Schedule I of the CSA to Schedule III. One includes marijuana-based medications approved by the FDA. The other applies to cannabis produced, distributed, or sold under state-issued medical licenses. The second group carries particular relevance for trucking. It covers legally sanctioned dispensaries where drivers with valid medical authorization can purchase cannabis in most states. However, beyond these categories, little else has shifted. Recreational use remains in Schedule 1. Cannabis outside federal approval or state medical frameworks is still treated the same as before. For drivers, this means recent positive drug tests still…

FridayApr 24, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — How Top Brands, Politicians Celebrated Marijuana’s 4/20 Holiday

April 20, widely known as 4/20, has become an informal holiday associated with cannabis use. As public attitudes continue to shift and legalization spreads across the U.S., more public officials and companies are openly acknowledging the day. This year, messages shared online reflected a mix of celebration, policy advocacy, and public safety reminders. Lawmakers used the occasion to highlight economic and legislative arguments tied to marijuana policy. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro pointed to the financial impact of prohibition in his state, noting that residents are traveling elsewhere to purchase cannabis, taking significant tax revenue with them. He urged lawmakers to act and move legalization legislation forward. California Governor Gavin…

ThursdayApr 23, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — How Federal Reclassification Could Reshape Marijuana Taxes

Last December, President Trump signed Executive Order 14067, titled “Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research.” The directive calls for marijuana to be reclassified from Schedule 1 to 3 under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), a move that could reshape the financial landscape for cannabis businesses. The proposal is not yet in effect. It must pass through a federal rulemaking process and may face legal challenges along the way. Even so, industry participants are already evaluating what a lower tax burden could mean for their operations, long-term planning, and expansion strategies. A key issue is Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently blocks companies involved…

WednesdayApr 22, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — CNN Documentary Explores How Medical Marijuana is Helping Women

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, his long-running documentary series “Weed” has grown far beyond its original scope, evolving into an ongoing examination of cannabis, medicine, and patient experience. When filming began in 2012, the intention was to produce a single documentary exploring a controversial plant and its possible medical uses. Instead, the project became a continuing series, with each installment revisiting the topic as new evidence and personal stories emerged. The latest chapter, titled “Weed 8,” turns its attention to women and their increasing reliance on cannabis for health concerns. Across months of reporting and travel, a consistent theme emerged. Many women are turning to cannabis after exhausting…