DEA Wraps Up Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing as Cannabis Firms Give Millions to Politically Connected PAC

A multi-day Drug Enforcement Administration hearing on the Trump administration's marijuana rescheduling proposal has concluded, with an agency judge setting a schedule for post-hearing briefs. New FEC filings show major marijuana companies donated a combined $11.5 million last month to an agriculture-focused political committee sharing a treasurer with Trump's super PAC. The drug testing industry and a pharmaceutical company are asking a federal court to block rescheduling, claiming it will "increase marijuana abuse" and denying they have "pocketbook interests" in opposing it. A government-funded study found combining music and marijuana "typically helps reduce fear and anger while enhancing feelings of happiness, liveliness, relaxation, and nostalgia," with participants substituting cannabis for prescription pain, anxiety and sleep drugs. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Ohio from enforcing hemp THC restrictions against 10 named companies during litigation. Missouri hemp businesses sued over a state THC ban taking effect later this year, and Florida hemp operators worry about the coming federal hemp THC recriminalization, hoping the Trump administration can persuade Congress to reverse it. Several states advanced bills this year letting first responders use medical marijuana or psychedelics to treat PTSD. ONDCP Director Sara Carter said ending the drug war would be a "disaster" and "the beginning of the end of the American people." The FDA touted a new memorandum of understanding with the Department of Veterans Affairs on psychedelic drug development for veterans with PTSD. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), running for U.S. Senate, voiced support for legalization. Kansas gubernatorial candidates debated marijuana policy, Pennsylvania's House Majority Policy Committee urged Senate Republicans to advance legalization, and a California judge tentatively upheld new marijuana tax-revenue rules. Colorado regulators proposed rule changes, New Jersey named a Cannabis Regulatory Commission member, and Michigan reached a consent order forcing a company to surrender its license over alleged violations. Oregon extended its deadline for a marijuana-testing advisory committee; Virginia's and Guam's cannabis boards meet Wednesday; Kalamazoo, Michigan's city commission weighs social-equity changes Monday; and Germany approved four marijuana research projects. Research reviews found CBD eases anxiety- and depression-like behavior and boosts cognition in preclinical models, while psychedelics showed strong promise for treatment-resistant depression. The SEC won a fraud judgment against American Patriot Brands and its executives. Green Thumb Industries workers in New Jersey voted out United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360 officials. Arkansas dispensaries sold $140.3 million in medical marijuana over the first half of the year.