Congressional Report Weighs Fixes to Marijuana Gun Ban (Newsletter: July 15, 2026)

Idaho's Secretary of State's Office said a medical marijuana campaign failed to gather enough valid signatures for the November ballot. HHS and the VA launched a partnership to advance psychedelic medicine research, as other federal agencies backed further study of ibogaine's therapeutic potential. A Congressional Research Service report outlined options for Congress to revise the federal gun ban on marijuana and other drug users following a Supreme Court ruling on cannabis users' Second Amendment rights, including narrowing it to cover only users who pose a danger to themselves or others. California data show 97 percent of marijuana seized in the state's unincorporated areas came from counties that ban licensed growers, which an official said lets "the illicit market and organized crime benefit, while public health and safety is harmed." A new study found marijuana-infused tea produced a "statistically significant increase in happiness levels" and better sleep, with no adverse effects. Maryland's social equity cannabis dispensaries are opening more this year after early delays for entrepreneurs from communities hit hardest by the drug war. Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) introduced a bill banning retail and online nitrous oxide sales to consumers. A federal marijuana legalization bill, H.R. 5068, gained a cosponsor for 74 total; a cannabis scholarship bill, H.R. 9344, added two, reaching three. Ohio Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Don Kissick backed lower cannabis taxes; Oklahoma's attorney general touted dispensary raids; and a Pennsylvania lawmaker praised excluding legalization from the budget over Medicaid and mental health cost concerns. New York issued track-and-trace brand guidance, D.C. upheld denial of a retailer's license, Maine warned of impersonation scam calls, Virginia detailed its Public Health Advisory Council, California issued updates, and New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission meets Thursday. Thailand's deputy interior minister launched a 90-day crackdown on illegal marijuana sales; Namibia's High Court rejected a bid to overturn cannabis prohibition. Separate research found cannabis-based medicines improved quality of life, anxiety and sleep for autistic patients over 18 months, and cannabidiol helped treat drug-resistant paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity after severe traumatic brain injury in a case report. High Times publisher Josh Kesselman launched a foundation with a $2.2 million endowment for cannabis reform and other causes. Gold Flora's founder faces federal charges over allegedly fraudulent pandemic-era loans. The Third Circuit revived former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's lawsuit against Meta Platforms over CBD ads misusing his likeness. Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, as Ali G, staged a mock marijuana sale at Wimbledon.