Legalizing Marijuana Reduces Personal Bankruptcy Rates As Arrests Decline, Study Shows
U.S. states that legalize recreational marijuana see personal bankruptcy rates decline—an effect that seems to be associated with reduced arrests that can create compounding financial problems, according to a new study. Researchers looked at data on personal bankruptcy cases, state cannabis laws and FBI crime data from 2001 to 2024, determining that ending cannabis criminalization […]
Kansas Democratic Candidates For Governor Campaign On Marijuana Legalization Support
“We should allow adults who choose to buy cannabis to do it in Kansas, and use it safely and responsibly.” Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson on Tuesday both called for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Kansas, separating themselves from other gubernatorial candidates who only support using the drug for medicinal use or oppose legalizing […]
A Major Step for Georgia’s Medical Cannabis Program
NORML Summer ‘26 Intern Ben Bailey On July 1st, Senate Bill 220, the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” became law, making Georgia the 41st medical cannabis state. I personally advocated for this bill during the legislative session, and what ultimately made it bipartisan was the compelling testimony of patients emphasizing the healing aspects of marijuana. […]
Feds issue report on cannabis scales to help state officials set rules (Newsletter: July 8, 2026)
VA marijuana implementation survey; IL cannabis guidance for dispensaries; Poll: THC drinks as alcohol alternative; OR psilocybin fee increase Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… Free to read […]
Where Shapiro and Garrity stand on Pennsylvania marijuana • Spotlight PA
HARRISBURG — Voters who have strong opinions about whether Pennsylvania should legalize adult-use marijuana will find a clear divide between the major gubernatorial candidates this year. Since taking office in 2023, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has asked the General Assembly to create a recreational marijuana program run by the state Department of Agriculture in each […]
Belgium Beat the U.S. on the Pitch But What About Legal Cannabis
Belgium advanced in FIFA competition, but when it comes to cannabis laws, the United States holds a commanding lead. Belgium celebrated a major victory over the United States on the soccer field, advancing after an impressive FIFA World Cup performance ending the Americans’ tournament run. But away from the stadium, Belgium beat the U.S. on […]
Virginia might’ve accidentally legalized weed sales, prosecutor says – The Virginian-Pilot
Could weed distribution in Virginia already be legal? According to the top prosecutor in Williamsburg and James City County, marijuana distribution in Virginia might now be legal — a year earlier than planned — based on what he says is an apparent mistake in the recently passed state budget. But the Virginia Division of Legislative […]
2 Kansas Democrats running for governor embrace recreational marijuana • Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson on Tuesday both called for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Kansas, separating themselves from other gubernatorial candidates who only support using the drug for medicinal use or oppose legalizing it altogether. The two state senators are seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in the Aug. 4 primary, […]
Illinois Officials Update Marijuana Dispensaries On Increased Possession Limits And Ability To Add Drive-Thru Windows
Illinois officials have published guidance for marijuana businesses about a new law that doubles the amount of marijuana that adults can legally possess, allows drive-thrus and curbside pickups at dispensaries and lets them stay open for longer hours of operation, among other changes. The reforms are part of a large-scale cannabis omnibus bill that Gov. […]
Banking group pushes Congress to pass cannabis bill (Newsletter: July 7, 2026)
AMA’s new marijuana stances; Congressional psychedelics bill; NH gov candidates clash on cannabis; MO marijuana workers unionize Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… Hold on, just one second […]
Virginia Officials Launch Marijuana Survey To Inform Drafting Of Rules For Newly Legalized Market
Marijuana regulators in Virginia are conducting a survey to gather input from the public and stakeholders as they work to implement the state’s newly enacted law legalizing recreational cannabis sales. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA), which currently oversees medical cannabis and under the new law will also regulate adult-use marijuana and hemp, said the […]
What’s Stopping North Carolina Lawmakers From Regulating Hemp
This is part 3 of “Barely Legal,” The Assembly’s investigation into North Carolina hemp. Learn more here. With time running out on the General Assembly’s legislative session, North Carolina’s $3.2 billion hemp industry was hanging on by a thread. Businesses had already been bracing for the federal ban on intoxicating hemp that Congress passed last […]