Trump admin ditches alcohol limit guidance as marijuana stays illegal; FL legalization bill; KY medical cannabis launch; MA sales total; TX hemp rules

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Before you dig into today’s cannabis news, I wanted you to know you can keep this resource free and published daily by subscribing to Marijuana Moment on Patreon. We’re a small independent publication diving deep into the cannabis world and rely on readers like you to keep going. Join us at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment/ TOP THINGS TO KNOWThe U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services issued new dietary guidelines backing away from a prior federal recommendation to limit alcohol consumption to specific amounts—even as marijuana remains federally criminalized and more Americans are choosing cannabis for their personal health.Congressional Cannabis Caucus Co- chair Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) told Marijuana Moment he’s not concerned the Department of Justice will delay or ignore President Donald Trump’s rescheduling order—saying the president made it “very clear” his administration should move forward with the reform.

• “The attorney general is certainly competent.”

A Florida senator filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana and break up what he calls “monopolies” in the state’s current medical cannabis program by revising the business licensing structure.Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said he’s “not satisfied” with the pace of his state’s medical cannabis program rollout—but added that the recent approval of the first processor business will help things “pick up significantly.”The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission reported that retailers have sold more than $10 billion worth of recreational and medical marijuana products since 2018—and the agency’s executive director said the addition of consumption lounges will further boost the market in 2026.Harrison Bard of Custom Cones USA and DaySavers argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that pre-rolled joints are a “key component of any smart cannabis retail strategy”—detailing data on their market share and saying they are “popular, easy to merchandise and serve as consumer entry points for new brands and formats.”The Texas Department of State Health Services held a hearing on proposed hemp rules—with industry advocates testifying that a provision to increase licensing fees by as much as 13,000 percent will force businesses to close.The Wisconsin Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue held a hearing on a bill to regulate hemp THC products—including with age restrictions, potency limits and testing and labeling requirements./ FEDERALPresident Donald Trump said the U.S. is going to pursue land strikes against drug cartels.The Drug Enforcement Administration is promoting resources on how staying drug-free can help people land “cool” jobs./ STATESVirginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) appointed a new member to the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council.A Kentucky representative filed marijuana legalization and expungement legislation.California regulators issued a recall of marijuana products due to the company operating as a distributor without a distribution license.Colorado regulators issued health and safety bulletins about marijuana products with contaminants above acceptable limits.Oklahoma regulators issued an emergency order to suspend operations of a medical cannabis business over alleged violations.The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners is accepting applications from physicians who want to be able  to recommend medical cannabis.Massachusetts’s top marijuana regulator questioned a study purporting to link cannabis use to mental health issues for young people.Oregon regulators published updated cannabis market data.New York regulators took enforcement action against an unlicensed marijuana store.The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Tuesday.
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/ LOCALThe Humboldt County, California Board of Supervisors voted to ease restrictions on cannabis farms./ INTERNATIONALThe Israeli Special Committee for Combating Drug and Alcohol Abuse heard testimony on military service members’ use of cannabis to treat PTSD./ SCIENCE & HEALTHA study suggested that “CBD exhibits neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and cholinergic dysregulation, thereby offering a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating pollutant-induced neurotoxicity and potentially treating neurodegenerative disorders.”A review concluded that “psilocybin has an outstanding capacity to reduce the symptoms of anxiety/[major depressive disorder] and mood disorders” and that “sustained improvements are frequently observed after a single therapy session.”/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSISASTM International’s Committee D37 on Cannabis has a new chair and vice chair./ BUSINESSA JPMorgan memo reportedly suggested it won’t reconsider its position on banking cannabis companies until marijuana is officially rescheduled.Tilray Brands, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $217.5 million and a net loss of $43.5 million.SNDL Inc. completed the acquisition of five cannabis retail stores in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada from 1CM./ CULTUREFormer football player Calvin Johnson said he used to smoke marijuana before games.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.