Hawaii Senate Votes To Ask Congress To Federally Legalize Marijuana

The Hawaii Senate has passed a pair of resolutions calling on Congress to federally legalize marijuana, support state efforts to clear people’s conviction records and take steps to facilitate access to banking services for companies in the cannabis industry. “Even though states have made significant policy changes with respect to cannabis, the federal Controlled Substances […]
The Hemp Industry Didn’t Get Killed By Regulators, It Killed Itself (Op-Ed)

“No outside force killed the hemp industry. The hemp industry killed itself—and dragged the legitimate full-spectrum wellness market down with it on the way out.” By Max Jackson, Cannabis Wise Guys Open any cannabis news site this week and the contradiction stares back at you from the same screen: Missouri’s Senate passes a bill to […]
Texas Judge Pauses New Rules Banning Hemp Products Like Smokable THCA Flower Amid Legal Challenge From Industry

A Texas judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the enforcement of new state rules restricting access to hemp-derived products such as smokable THCA flower. The ruling on Friday comes in a lawsuit brought by a coalition of hemp industry leaders and advocacy organizations that claim the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and […]
NJEDA Launches New Cannabis Loan Program with Open Applications for Entrepreneurs

TRENTON, N.J. (April 9, 2026) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is set to open applications for the New Jersey Lending for Equity, Access, and Financing (NJ LEAF) Program on Monday, April 20, 2026. This $15 million loan initiative aims to provide low-cost financing of up to $1.5 million to eligible cannabis manufacturers, […]
First Alabama Medical Cannabis Dispensary Set to Open Next Month

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission announced during their April meeting that Alabama’s first-ever dispensary is expected to serve its inaugural patient on May 4. Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery will be the first location to open its doors. Prior to the meeting, some commission members toured Callie’s Apothecary. AMCC Chairman Dr. Sam Blakemore […]
Massachusetts Legislature Passes Landmark Cannabis Reform Bill: Key Changes Ahead

Massachusetts lawmakers have passed “An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws,” a bill aimed at reforming the regulation of marijuana in the state. This legislation introduces significant changes to the Cannabis Control Commission, modifies licensing rules for business owners, and increases the amount of cannabis an adult can legally purchase or possess. Cannabis Control Commission […]
Massachusetts Lawmakers Approve Bill to Modernize Cannabis Program, Now Awaiting Governor’s Signature

Massachusetts legislation to modernize the state’s cannabis laws has gained uncontested support among lawmakers and is now heading to Gov. Maura Healey’s desk. Upon receiving the governor’s signature, the measure will introduce significant updates to the Commonwealth’s cannabis framework established over the past decade. Key Updates in Cannabis Regulation The legislation, titled “An Act Modernizing […]
Cannabis Use Linked to Rising Rates of Breast and Testicular Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults

The rising incidence of breast, testis, and other cancers among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15 to 39 continues to be a pressing concern, with reported increases of 30% over the past four decades. Factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, chest radiation, alcohol consumption, and hereditary predisposition have been proposed as potential culprits. However, […]
Can the $28 billion hemp industry be saved?

This is part of a regular series of MJBizDaily interviews with major THC industry players. To be considered for an interview, contact editorial@mjbizdaily.com. Christopher Lackner is on a mission to save the $28 billion U.S. hemp industry. With a federal redefinition of hemp set to take effect in November that criminalizes most hemp-derived products, the founder and […]
Is pot legal in North Carolina? Council pushes marijuana legalization

Updated April 9, 2026, 8:30 p.m. ET An advisory council in North Carolina recommended lawmakers create a system that allow adults to use marijuana in hopes of regulating a multibillion dollar, “wild west” marketplace. North Carolina is one of only 10 states and three U.S. territories that does not have a regulated adult-use marijuana market […]
Virginia Governor Should Sign Marijuana Bill Without Delaying Launch Of Legal Sales (Op-Ed)

“Any delay in implementation continues to drive consumers to the illicit market, jeopardizes public safety and delays the tools needed by law enforcement and regulators to address these concerns.” By JM Pedini, NORML Virginia lawmakers did their part by passing a bill this session to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis sales. Now, it is up […]
Nebraska Medical Cannabis Access in Jeopardy as Key Bill Stalls in Legislature

More than a year after voters in Nebraska overwhelmingly approved medical cannabis, the state remains far from establishing a functional program. Lawmakers and cannabis advocates are disheartened following the recent setback on Tuesday night, when a bill intended to protect healthcare practitioners recommending medical cannabis failed on the legislative floor. “If there are no practitioners, […]