Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) joined Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and other Democrats in introducing legislation to legalize and tax cannabis nationally, with provisions funding programs for those harmed by past criminalization. The measure would also halt a scheduled November recriminalization of hemp-derived THC products.
Meanwhile, groups and firms suing to stop the Trump administration's rescheduling plan are urging a court to bar medical marijuana companies from joining the case, arguing the businesses "have not shown that the government will not adequately represent their interests."
Delaware's cannabis commissioner is praising legislative changes to state marijuana policy this session, saying they will strengthen regulation, even though one law passed over the governor's veto. Separately, Veterans Action Council's Mary Lynn Mathre wrote an op-ed explaining how a cannabis question on a VA dental form can influence veterans' medical records.
Federally, Vice President JD Vance joked Joe Rogan might need psychedelics after Rogan cited claims the Iran conflict aims to trigger biblical end times. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced an HHS-VA partnership with Secretary Doug Collins to research psychedelic therapy for veterans with PTSD, depression and addiction. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) tweeted opposition to "special tax carveouts" for cannabis firms, saying Congress should debate legalization "openly."
State news: California's Gov. Newsom touted a kratom/7-OH crackdown; Nebraska Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz criticized efforts to undermine medical cannabis ballot measures; a former Pennsylvania judge urged against legalization; Missouri hemp businesses sued over HB 2641 restrictions; Michigan recalled products exceeding THC limits; Maine proposed technical rule changes; Rhode Island issued packaging guidance; Ohio published packaging seal rules; Massachusetts is tracking local delivery bans; Washington's reporting system had outages; Maryland's advisory council met, with Oklahoma's and Colorado's panels meeting Friday and Monday respectively.
Research: a study found cannabis vaping alone wasn't linked to respiratory symptoms, unlike smoking or dual use. A review called psilocybin therapy potentially transformative for major depressive disorder. The Albany Times Union editorial board urged New York to curb underage cannabis use. In business, Eli Lilly is acquiring AtaiBeckley Inc.; Organic Remedies is converting to an employee stock ownership plan; Glass House Brands updated its market distribution program after its NYSE listing. Seth Rogen again discussed smoking marijuana with Paul McCartney and Paul Rudd.