The Food and Drug Administration released final guidance addressing the distinct hurdles facing psychedelic medicine research and set a public hearing on therapeutic applications for September.
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health advanced a bill requiring federal health officials to examine how often hospital emergency rooms test patients for marijuana, fentanyl and other drugs.
Massachusetts' House approved an economic development package with a five-year pilot program allowing psychedelic-assisted treatment for mental health conditions.
In Pennsylvania, lawmakers introduced a bill reserving medical marijuana licenses for small, diverse and disadvantaged businesses; the sponsor said the diversity goal "has not been met due to multistate corporations dominating the Commonwealth's medical cannabis industry."
Morgan Tweet of IND HEMP wrote in an op-ed that cannabis operators should support the proposed Goodness of Hemp Act, which she said addresses regulated operators' concerns "while creating a framework that prioritizes consumer protection, market accountability and long-term industry stability."
The U.S. Embassy in Thailand issued an alert on cannabis-related customs rules, and former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) recalled that the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told him, "Sorry, Cory. I can't help Colorado solve its marijuana problem. While y'all got potheads, I got Baptists."
State roundup: Nebraska's attorney general discussed approval of medical cannabis rules; a Pennsylvania senator said he lacks votes to advance his legalization bill through his own committee; and Puerto Rico's Senate Health Committee began on-site dispensary inspections this week. A federal judge denied hemp farmers more time to appeal dismissal of their suit against Maryland product restrictions. Montana regulators updated marijuana recall rules, New York regulators launched youth-cannabis conversation resources, Missouri regulators released a new podcast episode, and Oregon regulators meet Thursday on a business settlement agreement.
Internationally, an Irish senator wrote in favor of drug decriminalization, while Ghana's government is weighing industrial hemp legalization.
One study found cannabidiol may help ease orofacial pain from temporomandibular disorders; another review concluded CBD benefits patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. A Concerned Women for America official argued marijuana should stay in Schedule I.
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. is seeking shareholder approval for a reverse stock split tied to a planned major U.S. exchange uplisting. Tilray Brands, Inc. is launching medical cannabis sales in Panama, and Quest Diagnostics' annual report shows marijuana-related positive hair-test rates among U.S. workers rising over the past five years.
Wrestler Rob Van Dam said marijuana is a "gateway out" of heroin addiction.