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US Senator, Congresswoman Call on Trump to End ‘Costly Marijuana Arrests’

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A pair of Democrats on Capitol Hill called B.S. on Elon Musk’s promised federal spending cuts and instead offered another plan to President Donald Trump on June 11 that includes cannabis reform.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., in a letter to Trump, said unnecessary federal arrests and detention programs are costing taxpayers billions of dollars and suggested decriminalizing cannabis. The congresswomen highlighted six recommendations to eliminate more than $2 trillion in “wasteful government spending” over the next decade.

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Warren and Stansbury pointed out that the federal cannabis prohibition remains despite 24 states legalizing the plant for those 21 years and older. They also told Trump that imprisoning elderly and terminally ill patients who “pose little risk to public safety” or those with minor technical violations of probation and parole makes no sense.

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“By ending these practices, the government could save billions of dollars,” they wrote in the seven-page letter, detailing their plan to also crack down on health care profiteering to save roughly $1.5 trillion and to target waste and abuse in the federal tax code to save more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years—among other measures.

In 2023, law enforcement officials made more than 217,000 cannabis-related arrests, 84% of which were for possession charges only, according to crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

In comparison, Warren and Stansbury said the White House’s tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, such as businessmen like Musk, will cost U.S. taxpayers $4 trillion over the next decade.

The letter comes in the aftermath of Trump and Musk’s fallout, where the leader of the free world and the richest man on the planet showcased their feud earlier this month on social media.

As Musk leaves his post as Trump’s “special government employee” at the helm of the administration’s made-up Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and returns to the private sector, Warren and Stansbury cited a May 30 Wall Street Journal report that indicated the president recently asked his advisers, “Was it all bullshit?” The question was about Musk’s promises to slash $1 trillion in government spending—a figure that was halved from an original promise to cut $2 trillion.

“The answer is obvious: it was,” Warren and Stansbury wrote. “Mr. Musk’s efforts at DOGE were never truly about cutting waste. Under the guise of streamlining government spending, DOGE pushed reckless policies that gutted essential services and ousted experienced civil servants, all while reducing oversight and increasing profits for Mr. Musk’s companies.”

The congresswomen cited a 44-page memorandum released in April by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI). The memo calculated the risk of Trump providing the world’s richest man unprecedented control over the federal government and estimated the legal liability Musk may have avoided through his unelected government takeover.

According to the PSI memo, Musk and his companies faced at least $2.37 billion in potential liability as of January 2025, including $1.2 billion in potential liability as a result of Tesla’s allegedly false or misleading statements about its autopilot and full self-driving features.

“While the $2.37 billion figure represents a credible, conservative estimate, it drastically understates the true benefit Mr. Musk may gain from legal risk avoidance alone as a result of his position in government,” according to the PSI memo, which only tracked potential financial liabilities for 40 of 65 actions Musk and his companies were subject to by 11 federal agencies. Those agencies were targets of funding cuts under DOGE.

Warren and Stansbury claimed in their letter to Trump that DOGE “failed” to identify and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. Instead, they wrote, DOGE’s actions are now increasing costs and suffering for Americans.

The June 11 letter is similar to a 21-page letter that Warren sent to Musk three days after Trump’s inauguration in late January, providing the DOGE leader with 30 proposals that would cut at least $2 trillion of “wasteful government spending” over the next decade.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Patrol continue to raid marijuana businesses and seize marijuana plants, including in states where marijuana is legal,” Warren wrote in January. “These arrests and seizures unnecessarily drain federal resources. DOGE should recommend that [the Department of Justice] and [Department of Homeland Security] conserve resources by deprioritizing costly arrests and other enforcement actions targeting marijuana activity, at least where the activity is legal in the jurisdiction where it occurred.”

The latest letter comes at a time when support for cannabis legalization is at an all-time high, with 70% of U.S. adults favoring federal reform, according to Gallup pollsters.

It also comes as the DOJ’s proposed rule to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act is now more than a year old: The current process has remained dormant since the DEA’s chief administrative law judge granted an interlocutory appeal five months ago.

Trump signaled support for rescheduling during his 2024 campaign, and his nominee to lead the DEA, Terry Cole, said during his April 30 confirmation hearing that picking up the rescheduling process that was initiated under President Joe Biden would be “one of my first priorities.” However, Cole refrained from saying where he stands on the DOJ’s proposal.

For many cannabis business leaders, rescheduling represents the difference between losses and profitability in the form of deducting ordinary business expenses from their federal taxes. Under a Schedule I listing, Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code prevents them from doing so.

As the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, Warren has long backed banking reform for the cannabis industry as well as aligning federal cannabis laws with state reform.

“You should learn from Elon Musk and DOGE’s mistakes, end your attacks on critical federal programs, and instead act on these recommendations,” Warren and Stansbury wrote to Trump.



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5 Ways Microdosing Cannabis Can Boost Work Performance

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The hot months seem at odds with work – the soaring temperatures, the sun, and the lure of fun activities all compete with the job focus. It is one of the reasons it is the time of year when people take all or part of their vacation.  To help you at the job, here are 5 ways microdosing cannabis can boost work performance.  Microdosing is taking very small, controlled amounts of THC or CBD—has become a popular wellness trend for those seeking the benefits of cannabis without the high. Whether you’re looking to enhance focus, reduce stress, or improve your overall mood, microdosing may offer a subtle yet powerful boost to your weekly routine. Here are five ways microdosing cannabis can positively impact your week.

RELATED: How To Be Discreet When Using Weed

Contrary to the stereotype that cannabis impairs concentration, many users report improved focus when taking microdoses. A small amount of THC or a THC-CBD blend can stimulate the brain just enough to enhance clarity and engagement, particularly during creative or repetitive tasks. This makes microdosing a potential tool for boosting productivity at work or while tackling household projects.

5 Ways Microdosing Cannabis Can Boost Work Performance

In general, we consider our days off as our own time giving us control over sleeping, eating and activities. If possible, people try to sleep more and relax.  While this sounds great, it disrupts the week’s sleep pattern, making Sunday night’s “bed routine” a bit harder. Also, must people only set their alarm for the weekend when they have something they planned and want to do, as opposed to the alarm on Monday morning.

Microdosing may help calm your nervous system without the sedative effects often associated with higher doses of cannabis. Studies suggest that cannabinoids can regulate the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in managing stress and mood. When taken in tiny amounts, cannabis can promote a sense of calm and emotional balance, helping you stay centered throughout the week.

Mood swings or low-grade irritability can make even the best weeks feel overwhelming. Microdosing cannabis may help level out emotional fluctuations and enhance your overall sense of well-being. Users often report feeling more patient, tolerant, and present in their interactions when microdosing regularly.

RELATED: TSA And Cannabis: What You Need To Know

Microdosing cannabis isn’t about getting high—it’s about tuning in. When used mindfully, microdosing can be a gentle, consistent way to enhance your daily life. As always, consult a healthcare professional before starting any cannabis regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.



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Curaleaf Appoints New President, Bolsters Marketing Leadership Team

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Rahul Pinto, President, CuraleafRahul Pinto, President, CuraleafCuraleaf[PRESS RELEASE] – STAMFORD, Conn., June 16, 2025 – Curaleaf Holdings Inc., a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, announced the appointment of Rahul Pinto to the newly created role of president. Effective immediately, Pinto will join Curaleaf’s leadership team and support Chairman and CEO Boris Jordan in executing Curaleaf’s strategy. Together, they will shepherd the business through its next phase of growth and evolution. Furthermore, the company has hired key leadership across retail, marketing, digital and brand to strengthen its executive team with subject-matter and commercial expertise.

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Pinto brings more than 20 years of U.S. and international executive leadership in global consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail, and has led major business transformations at food and beverage industry giants including Albertsons, PepsiCo, and Bacardi. Most recently, he spearheaded Albertsons’ evolution into a tech-enabled, loyalty-driven retailer, overseeing strategic planning for Kroger’s acquisition attempt.

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With a foundation in engineering and an MBA from The Wharton School, Pinto brings a rigorous, analytical mindset and has shaped global brands through transformative change. His experience as a world-class operator and leader in strategic global growth, paired with his strategic expertise in CPG and retail verticals, positions him as an ideal leader to move the company forward in its continued focus on remaining the global cannabis leader.

“I am thrilled to join Curaleaf as president,” Pinto said. “Curaleaf has set a standard of excellence across the U.S. and international cannabis market that I am eager to uphold and continue to build upon. I look forward to bringing my expertise from CPG and retail to my role, to create lasting value as we continue to strengthen our position as the world’s leading cannabis company. With a powerful footprint and a strong portfolio spanning cannabis, hemp and retail, I’m excited to work with our team members, leadership, communities and partners around the world to chart new territory and to push the frontiers of innovation.”

This announcement is bolstered by several additional key leadership hires, including Helen Chen, senior vice president (SVP) of Digital; Scott Crawford, SVP of Retail Merchandising and Marketing; and Justin Miller, SVP of Brand Marketing.

Chen joins the company with deep expertise in e-commerce and digital transformation from McKinsey, PepsiCo, and, most recently, Pernod Ricard USA. Crawford has more than 20 years of experience from Baldor Foods, FreshDirect and Whole Foods. And Miller brings two decades of experience in building and growing iconic spirits brands at companies including Diageo, William Grant & Sons, and Proximo. All three leaders will jointly report to Jordan and Pinto, and they are based in Stamford, Conn.

“We are proud to welcome Rahul Pinto, Helen Chen, Scott Crawford and Justin Miller to the Curaleaf organization,” Jordan said. “Pinto is a distinguished leader with a track record of delivering continuous improvement and building competitive advantage for some of the world’s leading retailers and CPG brands. With the addition of our new digital, brand marketing and retail merchandising leadership, we are bringing in a wealth of talent that further positions us for continued success in today’s dynamic environment. In partnership with our seasoned cannabis experts, these distinguished leaders from the world’s top consumer brands will drive forward a new era of brand-building across our premier products, nationally recognized brands, and industry-leading retail destinations.”



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Missouri Cannabis Stakeholders Prepare 2026 Ballot Initiative To Create ‘Unified’ Marijuana And Hemp Regulations

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Missouri cannabis activists and industry stakeholders are gearing up for a push to put an initiative on the state’s 2026 ballot that’s meant to consolidate regulations and create parity between the hemp and marijuana sectors.

The marijuana legalization law that voters approved in 2022 enshrined regulations in the state Constitution, removing lawmakers’ ability to make certain adjustments. The industry coalition behind the forthcoming initiative is aiming to strike much of that language and instead give a constitutional mandate for the legislature to develop statutory rules themselves.

“In our American tradition, the purpose of a constitution is to define and restrain the power of governments—not the private sector or the individual,” Eapen Thampy, a lobbyist for American Shaman, told Marijuana Moment on Monday. “It’s the job of statutory law to handle regulation of the private sector.”

“I think this solves a lot of issues for a lot of people,” he said. “The marijuana guys have this insane regulatory burden created by regulations that they can’t change, despite the millions of dollars they spent supporting campaigns for office in the last election cycle.”

The text of the proposal is currently being drafted by an unnamed law firm, Thampy said during a virtual briefing with stakeholders and advocates on Monday. The plan is to get the measure filed by August to make the November 2026 ballot.

The effort is being organized under a new political committee called Missourians for a Single Market, which was formed this monrh.

In theory, the initiative would create a more leveled playing field for the marijuana and hemp industries, which currently abide by a discordant set of regulations. What stakeholders want to see is both industries treated more equitably, with policies that more closely resemble how the state deals with the alcohol and tobacco markets.

“We’ve got this artificial legal construct called ‘marijuana’ and this artificial legal construct called ‘hemp,’ and these two legal creations represent one plant,” Thampy said. “And so the idea here is, it’s one plant. There should be one unified market. There should be one unified set of regulations.”

“We have an opportunity in Missouri to pioneer a first-in-the-nation approach,” he said.

Steve DeAngelo, a well-known marijuana advocate and entrepreneur who has been involved in multiple successful legalization campaigns in the past and founded the Harborside dispensary in Oakland, California, also joined Monday’s video conference and voiced his support for the proposal.

He described the three “pillars” of the industry that he feels should be unified under a single regulatory model: marijuana, hemp and “legacy” operators that were in the space before legalization.

“When you bring down the barriers to entry, all of the legacy folks who are right now out of the legal system would be able to come in,” he said. “So you create one single, unified market for cannabis across all sectors. That’s the proposal that I have to advance now.”


Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.


Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

Meanwhile, Missouri’s hemp market has been facing increased pressure from the state as officials attempt to crack down on businesses selling intoxicating cannabis products such as THCA outside of the marijuana program. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R) sent over a dozen cease-and-desist orders to such businesses this month, threatening potential legal action for non-compliant businesses.

Lawmakers are contemplating multiple approaches, with different details on what kinds of products would be allowed and what limits would be set on THC levels in the products.

In February, legislation allowing low-dose intoxicating hemp beverages to continue to be sold in grocery and liquor stores was reported favorably by committees in both the House and Senate but was not enacted into law.

D.C. Hemp Company Sues Feds Over ‘Unworkable Standard’ Created By Marijuana Budget Rider

Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Become a patron at Patreon!





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