Global Regulatory Reaction to U.S. Federal Policy Shift In an unprecedented move that may reshape international cannabis policy, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) — the United Nations body responsible for monitoring compliance with global drug control conventions — has formally acknowledged the recent executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump to reclassify cannabis underContinue reading “United Nations Weighs In on U.S. Cannabis Rescheduling Order, Highlighting Global Regulatory Implications”
Category Archives: Laws & Legalization
Follow cannabis laws & legalization updates, including policy changes, regulatory guidance, and court decisions. This category keeps readers informed on the legal landscape for cannabis business and personal use.
France Nears Medical Cannabis Legal Framework Approval After Prolonged Budget Delays
Political Gridlock Ends, Regulatory Progress Emerges France’s long-awaited medical cannabis legal framework appears closer to becoming reality after the government successfully passed the 2026 national budget — a hurdle that had stalled final approval and publication of the regulatory texts governing medical cannabis distribution and patient access. For months, political instability made lawmakers and industryContinue reading “France Nears Medical Cannabis Legal Framework Approval After Prolonged Budget Delays”
How Proposed Federal THC Restrictions Could Reshape the U.S. Cannabis Market in 2026
Understanding the Federal THC Restriction Debate As the 2026 cannabis policy landscape continues to evolve, discussions around federal THC restrictions have taken center stage — involving lawmakers, industry advocates, and consumers alike. While some legislators have pushed back against the inclusion of intoxicating hemp products in federal prohibitions, others are advocating for clearer regulatory frameworksContinue reading “How Proposed Federal THC Restrictions Could Reshape the U.S. Cannabis Market in 2026”
New Jersey Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Legalize Home Cannabis Cultivation
State Lawmakers File Bills to Expand Cannabis Growing Rights New Jersey legislators have introduced two companion bills that would legalize home cultivation of cannabis for both medical patients and adult recreational users — a shift that would significantly broaden cultivation rights in the state if passed ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Under current NewContinue reading “New Jersey Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Legalize Home Cannabis Cultivation”
Czech Republic Legalizes Personal Cannabis Possession and Home Cultivation in 2026
Historic Cannabis Law Takes Effect in the Czech Republic As of January 1, 2026, the Czech Republic has taken a major step forward in cannabis policy by implementing a national adult-use cannabis law that allows adults aged 21 and over to legally possess and cultivate cannabis for personal use. Under the new legal framework, adultsContinue reading “Czech Republic Legalizes Personal Cannabis Possession and Home Cultivation in 2026”
Massachusetts Ballot Initiative Could Repeal Recreational Cannabis Market
Controversial Ballot Initiative Advances A campaign seeking to repeal adult-use recreational cannabis legalization in Massachusetts has taken a significant step toward placement on the 2026 ballot. On December 18, 2025, state officials confirmed that organizers of the petition collected enough certified signatures to move the initiative forward, a development that has caught the attention ofContinue reading “Massachusetts Ballot Initiative Could Repeal Recreational Cannabis Market”
U.S. Senators Push Legislation to Protect Hemp and CBD Products from Federal Ban
Hemp Industry Faces Federal Threat, Lawmakers Respond The American hemp and CBD market — valued at billions and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs — is facing an unprecedented regulatory threat after Congress included language in a recent spending bill that effectively bans most hemp-derived products under federal law. In response, U.S. Senators Ron WydenContinue reading “U.S. Senators Push Legislation to Protect Hemp and CBD Products from Federal Ban”
Thailand Moves to Tighten Cannabis Rules After Rapid Legalization
Thailand Signals Major Shift as Government Moves to Re-Regulate Cannabis Industry Thailand’s cannabis industry may be heading for a significant reset as government officials move to tighten regulations following the country’s rapid and largely unstructured legalization. Once hailed as a trailblazer in Asia, Thailand is now reassessing its cannabis framework amid mounting political pressure, publicContinue reading “Thailand Moves to Tighten Cannabis Rules After Rapid Legalization”
Germany Expands Cannabis Social Clubs as Legal Market Takes Shape
Europe’s Largest Economy Moves Deeper Into Regulated Cannabis Germany is accelerating the rollout of its legalized cannabis framework, marking a significant milestone for the global cannabis industry. Under the country’s phased legalization plan, cannabis social clubs are now beginning to operate nationwide, allowing registered members to collectively grow and distribute limited amounts of cannabis forContinue reading “Germany Expands Cannabis Social Clubs as Legal Market Takes Shape”
DEA Reportedly Urged Congress To Block Funding For State Marijuana Pardon Programs
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reportedly asked members of Congress to block federal funding for state-level marijuana pardon and expungement programs, according to newly surfaced reporting. The request has raised alarm across the cannabis industry and among criminal justice reform advocates, who argue that such a move could slow or reverse progress aimed atContinue reading “DEA Reportedly Urged Congress To Block Funding For State Marijuana Pardon Programs”
Trump Set to Sign Historic Cannabis Rescheduling Order
President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to sign an executive order that would direct federal agencies to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act — a change that could represent the most significant shift in U.S. cannabis policy in over 50 years. Under current law, marijuanaContinue reading “Trump Set to Sign Historic Cannabis Rescheduling Order”
California Moves to Permanently Ban Hemp-Derived THC Products
California is advancing a proposal to permanently ban hemp-derived THC products, including drinks, vapes, and edibles. Spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, this measure seeks to replace the current emergency ban, which expires in September, with a long-term regulatory framework aimed at protecting youth and public health. Why ItContinue reading “California Moves to Permanently Ban Hemp-Derived THC Products”
Judge Overturns Oregon’s Cannabis Labor Law
In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Michael Simon has ruled Oregon’s Measure 119 unconstitutional, effectively nullifying the voter-approved law that mandated cannabis businesses to enter into labor peace agreements as a condition for obtaining or renewing licenses. What Is Measure 119? Measure 119, passed in November 2024 with 57% voter approval, required cannabisContinue reading “Judge Overturns Oregon’s Cannabis Labor Law”
Texas Senate Scales Back Medical Marijuana Expansion Amid THC Ban
In a significant policy shift, the Texas Senate has moved to substantially limit the expansion of the state’s medical marijuana program by revising House Bill 46. This development comes shortly after the Senate agreed to ban recreational THC products, signaling a more restrictive approach to cannabis regulation in the state. The revised bill reduces theContinue reading “Texas Senate Scales Back Medical Marijuana Expansion Amid THC Ban”
U.S. Tourist Faces Execution in Indonesia Over Cannabis Gummies
In a case that underscores the stark contrast in global cannabis laws, former U.S. college basketball standout Jarred Dwayne Shaw is confronting severe legal repercussions in Indonesia, including the potential for capital punishment, following allegations of drug smuggling. Shaw, who previously played for Oklahoma State and Utah State, was apprehended on May 7, 2025, atContinue reading “U.S. Tourist Faces Execution in Indonesia Over Cannabis Gummies”
Marijuana sales are coming to Ohio. Will growing pains derail program?
Marijuana sales are coming to Ohio. Will growing pains derail program? As Ohio gets ready to launch recreational cannabis, concerns are rising about the challenges. President Joe Biden has made big strides in federal cannabis reform, but states need time to adjust. Ohio’s legal cannabis program will need to learn from its medical program. OhioContinue reading “Marijuana sales are coming to Ohio. Will growing pains derail program?”
‘Sovereign flex’: How a tribe defied officials through cannabis
Sovereign Defiance: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Their Cannabis Dispensary The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribe in North Carolina opened the Great Smoky Cannabis Company, a dispensary selling medical marijuana. This defies state law but asserts the tribe’s inherent sovereignty, allowing them to self-govern on their land. First for Everything Tribe memberContinue reading “‘Sovereign flex’: How a tribe defied officials through cannabis”
Medical Marijuana Is The Leading Cause Of Rejected Gun Permits In Hawaii, New Report From AG’s Office Shows
New Report Reveals Medical Marijuana’s Role in Hawaiian Gun Permit Rejections A recent report from Hawaii’s AG reveals that medical cannabis usage is the leading cause of Hawaii gun permits rejections in the state. In 2023, over 40% of the 500 denied applications were due to applicants linked with medical cannabis. Cannabis Mental health issuesContinue reading “Medical Marijuana Is The Leading Cause Of Rejected Gun Permits In Hawaii, New Report From AG’s Office Shows”
White House Drug Czar Condemns ‘Failed Policies’ Of Marijuana Prohibition And Says Rescheduling Will Speed Up Legal Drug Development
Exploring the Role and Impact of the Drug Czar in U.S. Drug Policy In a recent interview, Rahul Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), strongly criticized the failed policies of cannabis prohibition pushed by the U.S. Drug Czar. He highlighted the impacts these policies have had on communities, stating thatContinue reading “White House Drug Czar Condemns ‘Failed Policies’ Of Marijuana Prohibition And Says Rescheduling Will Speed Up Legal Drug Development”
North Carolina tribe could launch adult-use marijuana sales in 30-75 days
North Carolina Tribe Set to Open Recreational Marijuana Sales on Tribal Land Within 30-75 Days Progress on Tribal Lands The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), a Native American tribe in North Carolina, is moving towards launching recreational marijuana sales in the next 30 to 75 days. This follows their recent entry into the medicalContinue reading “North Carolina tribe could launch adult-use marijuana sales in 30-75 days”
These 56 Ohio towns will ban the sale of recreational marijuana despite its legalization
Recreational cannabis Legalized in Ohio, But 56 Towns Will Ban Sales Ohio’s voters legalized recreational cannabis, allowing adults 21 and older to possess, grow, and purchase cannabis. However, despite this change, 56 towns in the state have passed bans on selling recreational cannabis. According to Ohio State Uni Moritz College of Law, these bans willContinue reading “These 56 Ohio towns will ban the sale of recreational marijuana despite its legalization”
House GOP strips language aimed at protecting banks from cannabis crackdowns
House Republicans Drop Banking Protections for Cannabis Businesses Amid Internal GOP Opposition House Republicans recently removed a provision designed to protect banks from cannabis-related crackdowns from a government funding bill after opposition from GOP lawmakers. The original measure, part of an annual financial service and general government bill, aimed to prevent penalties for banks providingContinue reading “House GOP strips language aimed at protecting banks from cannabis crackdowns”