Uncategorized Archives - CannabisNewsWire

TuesdayJun 09, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Kentucky Governor Broadens List of MMJ Qualifying Conditions

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has moved to broaden access to the state’s medical cannabis program, signing an executive order that expands the range of medical conditions eligible for treatment and renewing his call for wider marijuana reform. Speaking at a news conference last week, Beshear said the action is intended to provide greater clarity around Kentucky’s existing medical cannabis law. According to the governor, the current statute already allows marijuana to be recommended for symptoms such as nausea and chronic pain. His order makes it clear that patients diagnosed with illnesses commonly associated with those symptoms may also qualify for…

MondayJun 01, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — DEA Prepares for Hearings on Federal Marijuana Rescheduling

Federal regulators are moving closer to a key decision on cannabis policy as the DEA prepares to hold a hearing in June on the reclassification of marijuana under national law. The proceedings have already attracted interest from groups on both sides of the legalization debate, highlighting the continuing divide over cannabis reform in the U.S. Advocacy organizations supporting legalization, including NORML, have officially signaled plans to join the hearing. At the same time, anti-legalization voices such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana are also expected to take part. The event represents another important stage in the long-running effort to reconsider marijuana’s…

FridayMay 29, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Missouri Regulators Prepare Final Marijuana License Lottery

Missouri cannabis regulators are preparing for a statewide outreach effort ahead of the final lottery that will distribute 77 microbusiness marijuana permits, with officials hoping recent policy changes will strengthen oversight and reduce problems that have troubled earlier rounds. Throughout June, Missouri’s marijuana regulatory division chief equity officer Lesley Turek plans to host informational sessions in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City along with five virtual events. The meetings are intended to guide prospective applicants through the process, explain eligibility standards and answer questions before submissions begin later this summer. A key focus of the presentations will be new regulations scheduled to take effect at…

FridayMay 15, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Study Suggests Marijuana Could Boost Weight Loss, Support Metabolic Health

A new preclinical investigation from the University of California, Riverside, is offering fresh insight into a puzzling trend researchers have observed for years: people who regularly use cannabis often show lower body weight and a smaller likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, even though marijuana is widely known to stimulate hunger. Led by Professor Nicholas V. DiPatrizio of the UCR School of Medicine, the research explored why long-term marijuana users frequently show healthier metabolic patterns than non-users, despite the drug’s reputation for triggering cravings and overeating. The study focused on how different cannabis compounds influence body weight and blood sugar…

ThursdayMay 07, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Reclassification Eases Some Industry Hurdles

Cannabis rescheduling in the U.S. could reshape scientific research and parts of the industry, though key questions remain about how the change will be carried out. Under a final rule issued by the Office of the Attorney General, federally approved drug products containing marijuana would be placed in Schedule III of the CSA. This represents a significant change from the current Schedule I status, a category reserved for substances considered highly dangerous and lacking accepted medical use. Moving cannabis into Schedule III places it alongside drugs such as ketamine and codeine, signaling recognition of its therapeutic potential. Researchers say the adjustment could ease some of the strict requirements that have long complicated cannabis studies. Daniele Piomelli, a professor of anatomy and…

TuesdayApr 28, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — US DOJ Moves Some Marijuana Products to Schedule III

The Justice Department (DOJ) has rescheduled certain marijuana products, signaling a notable policy shift after decades of strict federal control. Acting AG Todd Blanche announced that cannabis products approved by the FDA or authorized under state medical cannabis programs will be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III. This adjustment places them alongside medications such as codeine-based pain relievers, reflecting a lower perceived risk and recognized medical use. Blanche also directed officials to begin a formal review that could lead to broader changes, including the possible reclassification of cannabis in its entirety. A public hearing has been scheduled for June…

MondayApr 27, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Illinois Disburses $32M to Cannabis Social Equity Firms

Illinois has taken another step in its effort to promote fairness in the legal cannabis market, issuing $31.8 million in loans to businesses identified under its social equity program. State officials confirmed that 95 companies received funding in this latest round, with individual loan amounts between $50,000 and $750,000. The loans come with favorable terms. Borrowers will not pay interest for the first 18 months, and no payments are required during that period. In addition, companies may be eligible to have the full amount forgiven if they meet certain conditions tied to how the funds are used. Lieutenant Governor Juliana…

FridayApr 10, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Pennsylvania is Handing Revenue to Neighboring States as Marijuana Legalization Stalls

On a cold Friday afternoon near the New York–Pennsylvania border, cars begin to line up outside Organic Blooms, a recreational cannabis shop that has quickly become a regional draw. Vehicles with New York plates share space with those from Pennsylvania, a sign of a growing cross-border market fueled by differing state laws. Organic Blooms opened in September 2025, and nearly half its business comes from customers crossing state lines, particularly from Ohio and Pennsylvania. While Ohio legalized recreational cannabis following a 2023 ballot vote and launched retail sales the following year, Pennsylvania remains one of the few states in the region without a similar law. Advocates for legalization argue that this…

ThursdayApr 02, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — How Educational Institutions Are Embracing Legal Marijuana

As the cannabis sector continues to expand, universities and colleges across the U.S. are adjusting their academic offerings to keep pace with a growing need for trained professionals. The industry currently supports an estimated 425,000 full-time positions nationwide. This has prompted higher education institutions to introduce targeted programs that prepare graduates for roles in medical use, product innovation, regulatory compliance, cultivation, and retail operations. Cannabis-focused education is no longer limited to a handful of schools. Instead, a wide network of institutions now offers courses and certifications designed to align with the demands of this evolving field. A major contributor to…

ThursdayMar 26, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — How US Marijuana Breeders Could Protect Their IP Prior to Legalization

Veteran marijuana breeder James Loud is setting his sights on a niche that continues to grow: pre-rolls and ready-to-use joints. Over the next few years, he plans to develop plant varieties tailored for these products, with a focus on durability and consistency during storage and transport. For manufacturers, longer-lasting marijuana that holds its quality in prepackaged form could offer a clear advantage. But for breeders like Loud, the challenge goes beyond cultivation. Safeguarding original work remains a persistent concern, particularly in a market where federal prohibition still complicates intellectual property protections. Loud, founder of James Loud Genetics, relies on sophisticated breeding methods and tissue culture to create new…