Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a possible 2028 presidential contender, said medical cannabis has "certainly made a difference to people I've served with [in the military], to people in my extended family," adding that "the American majority recognizes that people should have access to this."
Georgia's Department of Public Health reports that a law expanding medical marijuana access, in effect this month, has sharply boosted patient registrations.
A new study found hemp added to dog food "altered microbial composition by promoting certain beneficial bacteria, supporting canine gut health in a formulation-dependent manner," offering "evidence for their safe inclusion as functional ingredients in dog food."
GreenhouseRVA's Jeremy Tillem argues in an op-ed that Virginia officials should launch an emergency regulatory review acknowledging medical cannabis's federal legality and reverse a new state policy pushing patients out of recovery housing.
Iowa Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Dave Muhlbauer defended gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand's legalization plan against a drug rehab facility director's concerns.
A federal judge signaled she will soon lift an injunction blocking Rhode Island regulators from issuing new marijuana business licenses, after residency requirements challenged in the suit were revised.
Federal: The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy released a wastewater-based drug testing report. A House bill delaying federal recriminalization of hemp THC products gained one cosponsor, reaching 38 total.
States: Kansas gubernatorial candidates discussed marijuana policy. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that possessing a small, even illegal, amount of marijuana no longer justifies a warrantless vehicle search. An Indiana grand jury heard testimony on alleged unlawful, falsely reported cannabis lobbying at the statehouse. Montana regulators proposed marijuana business security rule changes. Illinois issued cannabis waste guidance and reported $13 million in June medical cannabis sales. Ohio launched a campaign discouraging marijuana use during pregnancy. Washington State regulators issued a newsletter update. The Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board met. California regulators hold a Tuesday hearing on proposed rules for group tagging of cannabis plants. The Alaska Marijuana Control Board meets Tuesday.
International: Himachal Pradesh, India, adopted rules permitting cannabis cultivation for medical and scientific purposes.
Science: A study of fibromyalgia patients found topical CBD "feasible" and linked to improved localized pain and function. Research found cannabis sativa seed oil improved wound healing in rats, including better closure and tissue outcomes.
Business: Parallel is cutting more than 200 jobs in Florida.
Culture: Bill Maher said the biggest misconception about him is that "I smoke too much pot."
Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.