NewsRoom Articles - CannabisNewsWire

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…

ThursdayJun 18, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Study Shows Marijuana Extracts Notably Improve Symptoms of Cancer Patients

A new clinical study indicates that cannabis-derived medicinal extracts may help reduce several symptoms associated with cancer, including difficulty sleeping and anxiety, though patient responses varied considerably depending on which cannabinoid profile worked best for each individual. The study team evaluated oil-based formulations with different proportions of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using a randomized, placebo-controlled trial that was triple-blinded to reduce bias. Overall results suggest that cannabis oil treatments produced meaningful relief in about half of participants, with improvements most often reported in sleep-related issues and closely connected symptoms. When outcomes were averaged across the study population, no single formulation consistently showed superior performance compared with the others. Among the 89 participants who had…

WednesdayJun 17, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Illinois Governor Signs Law Restricting Sales of Intoxicating Hemp Products

Illinois has enacted new restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, bringing them under rules similar to those governing recreational cannabis sales across the state. Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3222 into law on Friday, establishing a minimum purchase age of 21 for products containing intoxicating hemp compounds. The measure targets products such as HHC, Delta-8 THC, THC-P, and Delta-9 THC, which have largely been sold outside Illinois’ regulated cannabis marketplace. Under the new law, these hemp-derived products will now face many of the same requirements imposed on recreational marijuana, which is already legal for adults aged 21 and older in Illinois. The legislation takes effect immediately, preventing retailers from selling intoxicating hemp products to anyone…

TuesdayJun 16, 2026 4:40 pm

420 with CNW — Missouri’s May Cannabis Sales Notch Record-Setting $135.1m

Missouri’s legal cannabis industry reached a new high in May, recording $135.07 million in sales and reinforcing its position as one of the stronger marijuana markets in the U.S. at a time when growth has stalled in several other states. Figures released by the state’s Missouri Health and Senior Services Department show that recreational cannabis generated $124.24 million during the month, while medical cannabis contributed $10.83 million. The combined total marked the highest monthly revenue ever reported in the state, setting records for overall sales, adult-use purchases, and average daily revenue. Industry data indicates that consumers are paying slightly less…

MondayJun 15, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Federal Cannabis Trafficking Cases Dwindle Amid State-Level Legalization

Federal prosecutions tied to marijuana trafficking have dropped to their lowest level on record, reflecting a 95% decline that has unfolded over more than a decade, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Sentencing Commission. The commission’s data shows that fewer than 400 individuals faced federal marijuana trafficking charges in 2025. That marks the smallest annual total ever recorded and highlights the changing landscape of cannabis enforcement across the country. Marijuana-related cases accounted for just 2% of all federal drug trafficking prosecutions during the year. The contrast with earlier years is striking. In 2012, federal courts sentenced close to 7,000 people for offenses involving marijuana trafficking.…

FridayJun 12, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Study Documents Marijuana’s Protective Effects Against Diabetes

New research from the University of California, Riverside, has shed light on a long-standing question surrounding cannabis use and metabolic health. While marijuana is widely known for stimulating appetite, regular users have frequently been found to have lower body weight and a reduced likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared with non-users. For years, population-based studies have suggested that people who use cannabis regularly often display more favorable metabolic indicators than those who do not. This observation has puzzled scientists because cannabis is commonly associated with increased food consumption, often referred to as the “munchies.” The new study examined whether substances naturally present…

ThursdayJun 11, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Medical Marijuana Firms Face Tough Choice as DEA Opens Registration

Operators holding state medical cannabis licenses face a June 22 deadline to register with the DEA to be considered under a new federal Schedule III structure that followed an April 23 rescheduling decision. The agency has urged cultivators, processors, distributors, wholesalers, transporters, and retail operators to file applications. Submitting within the window offers a temporary safe harbor while regulators review each case. Those that fail to register could be exposed to federal enforcement actions. Still, registration should not be treated as an automatic win. The main advantage is the interim protection during review. Any wider benefits, such as better tax treatment, easier access to banking services, or improved…

WednesdayJun 10, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Virginia Governor, Lawmakers Meet over Marijuana Sales Impasse

Virginia officials and lawmakers are moving closer to an agreement that could revive plans for legal recreational cannabis sales after Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed legalization legislation earlier this year. Recent discussions between the governor’s administration and legislative sponsors of the measure have focused on incorporating key provisions into the state budget, which lawmakers must approve before July 1. According to multiple people familiar with the talks, negotiations have made significant progress, and both sides appear interested in finding common ground. Delegate Paul Krizek, who led the House effort on the proposal, described conversations with the governor’s office as productive. He noted that recent exchanges have resulted in substantial movement…

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…