Sponsors Of Virginia Marijuana Sales Legalization Bill Ask Colleagues To Reject Governor’s Amendments, Risking A Veto
Rhode Island Marijuana Regulators Discuss Stalled Licensing Process Following Federal Court Ruling
New GOP Bill Would Require Feds To Study Hospital Costs Caused By Marijuana Use
Congress Has The Votes To Pass Federal Marijuana Reform, Top House Democrat Says
American Farmers Grew $739 Million Worth Of Legal Hemp Last Year, New USDA Report Shows
Teen Marijuana Use Is Lower Now Than Before Legalization, Government Study From Minnesota Officials Shows
Medical Marijuana Helps People Stop Using Opioids, Sleeping Aids And Other Prescription Drugs, Study Shows
Vaporizing Marijuana Reduces Harmful Inhaled Byproducts By 99% Compared To Joint Smoking, New Study Shows
Federally Funded Study Reveals Marijuana Breathalyzer Breakthrough With 3-D Printed Roadside Tool Able To Detect THC
Alcohol And Tobacco Are More Damaging To Users And Society Than Marijuana Is, Government-Funded Study Concludes
Politicians And Major Brands Celebrate Cannabis Culture On 4/20
Woody Harrelson And Bill Maher Complain That Marijuana Taxes Are Too High While Smoking Joints At The Dispensary They Own Together
WNBA Offers To End Marijuana Testing For Women’s Basketball Players As Part Of Reported Deal With Union
DEA Promotes Anti-Marijuana PSA Contest Inviting Students To Warn Peers About THC Dangers On 4/20
Largest Entertainment Arena In US Partners With Cannabis Businesses To Sell THC Drinks At Concerts And Live Events
Target Expands Involvement In Hemp THC Drinks Market With 72 New Licenses In Minnesota
Marijuana Sales Are Rising And Alcohol Is On The Decline As Consumer Preferences Evolve, Government Data In Canada Shows
Feds Deny Snoop Dogg Request To Trademark ‘Smoke Weed Everyday’ Because Marijuana Is Illegal And Song Lyric Is Too Popular
Marijuana Kiosks For Seniors Are Coming To Independent Living Communities Across Arizona
Montana Retailers Have Sold More Than $1 Billion Worth Of Recreational Marijuana Since Legalization Took Effect
Federal cannabis reform has “the votes,” top Dem says (Newsletter: April 22, 2026)
Congress wants federal study of state cannabis laws (Newsletter: April 21, 2026)
Cannabis is safer than McDonald’s, senator says (Newsletter: April 20, 2026)
Trump is planning a psychedelics executive order (Newsletter: April 17, 2026)
IRS addresses cannabis industry worker tips (Newsletter: April 16, 2026)
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VA lawmakers: Reject gov’s marijuana amendments; GOP bill links cannabis & health costs; USDA hemp report; Study: Youth use down after legalization
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said “the votes do exist to act legislatively” on federal marijuana reform and “we’re going to find a way to do so, hopefully in this Congress, and we certainly will be in a position to do something about it in the next Congress” if Democrats retake the majority.
Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) filed a bill to require the federal government to track the cost of hospitalization due to marijuana use—with the sponsor claiming cannabis causes “increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, psychotic disorders and further addictions.”
The sponsors of Virginia legislation to legalize recreational cannabis sales told Marijuana Moment they want colleagues to reject Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) proposed amendments on Wednesday—even if it means risking her vetoing the original measure.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture published an annual report showing that American farmers grew $739 million worth of hemp crops in 2025—a 64 percent increase from the prior year, a rise that comes amid the pending federal recriminalization of hemp THC products in November that advocates say will devastate the industry.
A new Minnesota Department of Health study shows that “there continues to be a steady decline in youth cannabis use” following the legalization of marijuana for adults—despite fears of opponents who claimed it would lead to skyrocketing teen consumption.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission discussed a federal court ruling temporarily blocking the state’s marijuana business licensing process over a legal challenge to residency requirements.
/ FEDERAL
The White House published a compilation of supportive reactions to President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health announced research teams for its Evidence-Based Validation & Innovation for Rapid Therapeutics in Behavioral Health initiative, including several focused on psychedelic therapy.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted that President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order is “a major step forward in confronting the mental health crisis devastating our nation.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a press release about a new hemp bill she is cosponsoring and tweeted, “I’ve heard loud and clear from brewers, farmers, & small businesses in Minnesota — a federal ban on hemp products would be devastating. Today, Senator Paul & I are announcing a new bipartisan bill that protects Minnesota’s small businesses & farmers producing safe hemp products.”
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “Washington is trying to ban hemp, a winning cash crop for Kentucky farmers. I’m working with Sen. Klobuchar on a bill that lets states set their own hemp rules. Call your senator and tell them to support it: (202) 224-3121.”
The House bill to designate psychedelic therapy centers of excellence got one new cosponsor for a total of 27.
/ STATES
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) tweeted, “We made a promise to deliver safe medical cannabis to Kentuckians, and that’s a promise we’ve kept. We cut the ribbon on two new cultivators, including Best State LLC in Stanford. We’ve made a lot of progress in just a year. Congrats, everyone!”
Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, currently the state auditor, discussed his support for legalizing marijuana.
Florida’s lieutenant governor, who is running for governor, criticized rival Rep. Byron Donalds’s (R-FL) conviction for selling marijuana.
Texas’s attorney general is suing online kratom retailers for allegedly deceptive and illegal marketing of synthetic kratom products that exceed the limit for 7-OH.
Delaware’s top marijuana regulator spoke about denying marijuana social equity business conditional licenses over “predatory” consulting contracts.
New York’s top marijuana regulator authored an op-ed about the state’s first five years of cannabis legalization.
Illinois officials announced recipients of $31.8 million in loans through the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program.
Vermont regulators published guidance on cannabis business ownership changes and inhalable additives.
Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions taken against marijuana businesses.
California regulators are extending the public comment period on proposed changes to cannabis pesticide testing rules.
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Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.
Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 25-year veteran in the cannabis and drug law reform movement, he covers the policy, politics, science and culture of marijuana, psychedelics and other substances. He previously reported for Forbes, Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and was given the Hunter S. Thompson Media Award by NORML and has been named Journalist of the Year by Americans for Safe Access. As an activist, Tom founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority and handled media relations, campaigns and lobbying for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.
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