NewsRoom Articles - CannabisNewsWire

MondayJul 06, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Virginia Retailers, Farmers Worry as State and Federal Marijuana Laws Shift

Virginia’s recreational cannabis market is expected to launch next summer if lawmakers approve the final state budget, but uncertainty surrounding state and federal rules is already affecting businesses tied to the hemp industry. Barbara Biddle, owner of District Hemp Botanicals in Manassas, recently informed her landlord that she will close one of her two retail locations. Her stores offer hemp-derived products such as lotions, bath products, gummies, and beverages containing CBD and THC, compounds naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants. Both CBD and THC are often promoted for potential benefits that include easing pain, reducing stress, and helping with anxiety. THC-infused beverages have also gained…

ThursdayJul 02, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Virginia Governor Leaves Marijuana Provisions in State Budget Untouched

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed a series of amendments to the state budget approved by lawmakers last week, but her recommendations leave intact provisions tied to recreational cannabis sales and a controversial increase in penalties for public marijuana use. The governor’s changes do not alter language that would establish a legal market for recreational cannabis. They also do not address criticism from advocacy organizations that have urged state leaders to remove a section raising the civil fine for consuming marijuana in public from $25 to $250. Opponents argue the increase would place a heavier burden on low-income residents while worsening racial disparities in enforcement. Spanberger submitted her proposed revisions on…

WednesdayJul 01, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Louisiana Withdraws from Taking Part in DEA Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing

Louisiana has stepped back from its formal opposition to the federal government’s plan to reclassify marijuana under U.S. drug laws and will no longer take part in ongoing hearings before the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to newly released court records. The state had been one of four given “interested party” status, allowing it to challenge the federal proposal to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Among those four, Louisiana was the only state where patients already have legal access to medical marijuana. Last week, however, officials filed a request to withdraw…

TuesdayJun 30, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Medical Marijuana Sales in Michigan Dwindle to Less Than $500,000

Michigan’s once-thriving medical cannabis market has dwindled to a fraction of its former size, recording only $322,350 in sales in May, according to figures released by the state Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Despite that decline, an ongoing federal dispute over marijuana policy could have major financial implications for cannabis operators across Michigan and neighboring Ohio. The discussion gained momentum this week after the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) urged the DEA to revisit its decision regarding participants in an upcoming federal hearing on marijuana classification. The organization argues that consumers, patients, industry representatives, and reform advocates have been left out of…

MondayJun 29, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Nebraska Allows Grower to Start Medical Cannabis Cultivation

Nebraska cannabis regulators have approved the first licensed cultivation company to begin growing cannabis nearly 19 months after state voters endorsed legalization for medical use. During a meeting on Monday, members of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission unanimously confirmed that MahaMota Cultivation Company had successfully completed its inspection process, clearing the way for the company to grow the state’s first legal medical cannabis crop. The commission has spent much of the past year developing rules and oversight procedures after holding its initial meetings in June of last year. While officials have suggested the first crop could be harvested by autumn, they have not changed their projected timeline that places the first retail sales…

FridayJun 26, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Missouri to Start Receiving Cannabis Microbusiness Applications in July

Missouri’s applications for 77 available cannabis licenses will be accepted from July 13 through July 27, with a random drawing set for September 9. Officials expect successful applicants to receive their licenses in December. According to the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, the microbusiness initiative was created to expand access to the legal cannabis market for individuals and groups that have historically faced barriers to participation. The program was established after voters approved recreational marijuana legalization through a constitutional amendment in 2022. As preparations begin for the upcoming application period, the division’s chief equity officer, Lesley Turek, has spent recent weeks traveling across Missouri to explain the process…

ThursdayJun 25, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Features Only Prohibitionists, Triggering Concern

A forthcoming federal hearing on cannabis policy is facing criticism after the DEA approved participation exclusively from individuals and organizations that have voiced skepticism about marijuana legalization, leaving reform advocates and industry representatives out of the discussion. The hearing, set for June 29 in Virginia, will focus on issues tied to the federal classification of marijuana. The proceedings could influence future decisions affecting cannabis businesses, taxation rules, banking access, and broader regulatory policy across the country. Documents released by the DEA show that seven participants were selected to take part. Each of those approved has previously expressed concerns about legalization or the expansion…

WednesdayJun 24, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Supreme Court Rules That Marijuana Users Can Own Guns

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a broad federal restriction that prevented cannabis users from possessing firearms, marking another significant ruling in the court’s recent series of Second Amendment decisions. In a unanimous judgment, the justices sided with Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas resident who challenged a federal statute that bars people who regularly use illegal drugs from owning guns. Hemani argued that the measure violated constitutional protections for firearm ownership. Writing for the court, Justice Neil Gorsuch said the government cannot automatically treat all cannabis users as dangerous individuals. He noted that Hemani had not been accused of…

TuesdayJun 23, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Virginia to Start Retail Cannabis Sales in July 2027

Virginia leaders have reached an agreement on legislation aimed at establishing a regulated recreational cannabis market across the Commonwealth, a watershed moment in the state’s long-running debate over legal cannabis sales. Under the deal, licensed recreational cannabis sales would begin on July 1 next year. A statewide tax of 6% would take effect when the market launches, increasing to 8% two years later. Cities and counties would also have the option to impose an additional local tax ranging from 1% to 3.5%. Governor Abigail Spanberger said the proposal is designed to reduce illegal cannabis activity while creating opportunities for farmers and small business owners through a regulated and competitive system. …

MondayJun 22, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Massachusetts Marijuana Prohibitionists Survive Lawsuit, Petition Remains

A legal effort to overturn Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis framework cleared a significant hurdle after the state’s highest court upheld the petition process, keeping it on track for a possible appearance on the November 2026 ballot. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court determined on June 12 that state AG Joy Campbell acted within her authority when she certified, in September 2025, a ballot proposal that seeks to dismantle the state’s recreational marijuana system, a market valued at about $1.6 billion and approved by voters in 2016 with 54% support. The campaign, led by the Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts, cleared the first signature-gathering stage after submitting 74,574 verified signatures in December. Organizers must now collect an additional 12,429…