New Pennsylvania cannabis legalization plan (Newsletter: April 17, 2025)

NH marijuana bills rejected; Poll: Cannabis key in Canada’s economy; FL psilocybin spore ban; Studies: CBD & cannabis for pain & cancer; IN hemp regs

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Bipartisan Pennsylvania representatives announced a new marijuana legalization effort, saying their soon-to-be introduced bill will create a “stable, well-regulated market that prioritizes public safety and public health, protects children from exposure, promotes social justice, and fosters economic opportunity.”

The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee rejected House-passed bills to legalize marijuana, increase medical cannabis possession limits and let harm reduction organizations legally use drug testing strips to check substances for contaminants.

The Florida Senate passed an agricultural bill that includes provisions to ban sales of spores or mycelium that can produce mushrooms containing the psychedelic compounds psilocybin or psilocyn—and companion legislation also advanced through another House committee.

A new poll shows that 57 percent of Canadian adults see marijuana as an important part of the country’s economy, 62 percent believe it could play an even more significant role in the future and 64 percent want the federal government to take steps to support the cannabis sector’s growth.

Researchers who did the “largest meta-analysis ever conducted” on medical marijuana for treating cancer-related symptoms found a “strong consensus” on its therapeutic benefits, suggesting a “substantial scientific basis for re-evaluating cannabis’ legal status and its classification as a Schedule I substance.”

• “Cannabis has a well-established role in managing symptoms related to cancer and may have both direct and indirect anticancer properties.”

A study found that CBD relieved chronic pain in more than 98 percent of patients, suggesting that the marijuana component “may serve as a promising alternative to conventional pain management strategies.”

The Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill to require the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to regulate hemp products with rules on advertising, age-limits, licensing, packaging, testing and other issues.

/ FEDERAL

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality published a review concluding that “extracted, comparable THC to CBD ratio oral spray is probably associated with small improvements in pain severity and overall function versus placebo,” “synthetic and purified THC (high THC to CBD) may be associated with small improvement in pain severity” and that “low THC to CBD ratio oral products  may not be associated with improved pain and function versus placebo.”

/ STATES

Washington State Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) signed a bill to allow regulators to verify excise tax exemptions through the medical cannabis authorization database.

The Delaware Senate passed a bill to force counties to lessen marijuana business zoning restrictions.

The Florida House Budget Committee approved legislation to regulate and tax consumable hemp products.

An Indiana senator suggested that some counties might be interested in leaving the state to join neighbors that have legalized marijuana.

A North Carolina representative spoke about his bill to legalize marijuana.

California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus.

New York regulators are being sued over the state’s labor peace agreement requirements for marijuana businesses.

Vermont regulators sent a reminder about rules for 4/20 events.

Minnesota regulators began notifying accepted marijuana business license applicants.

The Connecticut Alcohol & Drug Policy Council discussed cannabis issues.

Kentucky regulators posted a video about medical cannabis packaging requirements.

Oregon regulators will consider hemp product registry rules on Thursday.

—
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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—

/ INTERNATIONAL

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan officials are moving to legalize cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medical use.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “CBD-THC hydrogels showed anti-inflammatory properties.”

A study found that “one-quarter of women and one-eighth of men reported heightened same-sex attraction following psychedelic use, and one-third of those with other gender identities reported changes in sexual attraction.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The American Association for Justice launched a new Cannabis Injury Litigation Group.

/ BUSINESS

Story workers in Mechanicsville, Maryland rejected a contract offer and voted to authorize a strike.

Arizona retailers sold $1.3 billion worth of legal marijuana products in 2024.

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