Cannabis company donations to Trump inauguration committee revealed (Newsletter: April 22, 2025)

Doctors drop marijuana rescheduling lawsuit against DEA; USDA hemp report; CO & NV psychedelics; TX cannabis decrim ruling

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The marijuana company Trulieve donated $750,000 to President Donald Trump’s inaugural committee, newly released federal records show. That’s in addition to a previously disclosed $250,000 contribution from cannabis company Curaleaf.

The cannabis industry-backed American Rights and Reform PAC launched a new ad claiming that “Joe Biden’s DEA deep state kept cannabis illegal”—without mentioning that the former president initiated the rescheduling process it wants to see completed under President Donald Trump, to whom the ad seeks to appeal.

Doctors for Drug Policy Reform withdrew its lawsuit alleging the Drug Enforcement Administration engaged in improper witness selection and communications during the ongoing marijuana rescheduling process, saying they wanted to avoid “more delay” to reform.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual hemp survey shows that the industry saw significant growth in 2024, with large increases in both acreage and value.

The Nevada Senate passed a resolution calling on the federal government to “reschedule psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, ibogaine, mescaline and MDMA to a schedule that better reflects the therapeutic value, low potential for abuse and safety.”

Colorado lawmakers filed a bill to empower the governor to grant pardons to people who’ve been convicted of psychedelics-related offenses, and to revise rules for legal psychedelic products and healing centers.

The Texas Fifteenth Court of Appeals ruled that San Marcos’s voter-approved local marijuana decriminalization policy is preempted by state law, upholding a challenge brought by Attorney General Ken Paxton (R).

/ FEDERAL

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) tweeted, “It’s past time we legalize marijuana federally, expunge records, & end the War on Drugs. On 4/20 & every day, let’s remember that cannabis justice is racial, economic, & restorative justice.”

Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted, “Happy #420. It’s time we pass legislation that protects our marijuana businesses.”

/ STATES

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said he is hoping that medical cannabis products will become available in late summer or early fall.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’s (D) chief of staff is being accused in a lawsuit of improperly intervening to help a Trulieve subsidiary win a marijuana business license.

North Dakota’s attorney general reached a settlement with a company to resolve claims that it sold and shipped illegal hemp vaping products.

Indiana’s House speaker said “everything is on the table” for the budget but that “we’re not going to legalize marijuana in the budget,” and also discussed ongoing efforts to negotiate legislation to regulate hemp products.

A Connecticut representative spoke at a cannabis forum held inside the state legislative office building.

A South Carolina senator said a pending medical cannabis bill “remains a priority for veterans and those suffering from chronic pain.”

A Florida Democratic senator criticized Republicans for ignoring her bills to protect employment and parental rights of medical cannabis patients.

Illinois regulators are launching a new medical cannabis online registration portal this month.

Utah regulators sent updates about changes to the medical cannabis electronic verification system and patient recommendation limits for medical professionals.

The New York Cannabis Control Board will meet on Thursday.

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Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

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/ LOCAL

New York City’s comptroller, currently a mayoral candidate, posted a video about cannabis policy for 4/20.

The Minneapolis, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners Administration & Finance Committee approved a proposal to ban smoking cannabis in city parks.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Kazakhstan’s vice minister of internal affairs said the government has started issuing hemp cultivation licenses.

Belfast, Northern Ireland’s mayor said the country should legalize marijuana and consider opening safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study suggested “benefits of CBD treatment among [long-term care] and group home residents with epilepsy.”

A review concluded that “psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy may encourage beneficial changes to eating behaviour, in those with maladaptive eating habits.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Democratic National Committee tweeted, “No one should go to jail for smoking weed.”

/ BUSINESS

Village Farms International, Inc. was given a 180-day extension to regain compliance with Nasdaq minimum closing bid price requirements.

/ CULTURE

Bill Maher and Charlie Kirk discussed cannabis use and policy.

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