Pennsylvania & Wisconsin cannabis legalization developments (Newsletter: February 20, 2025)

SCOTUS asked to take marijuana case; OR cannabis cafes ballot measure; VA psychedelics bill killed; Study: CBD can treat vaginal infections

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) included marijuana legalization in his budget request, along with provisions to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8 and delta-10 THC.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing in on the prospects of legalizing marijuana this year, with the Republican Senate Appropriations Committee chair saying he doesn’t “see any path whatsoever” and the Democratic House Appropriations Committee chair saying the state needs to catch up with neighbors that have enacted legalization.

The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to settle differing interpretations of a congressionally approved policy preventing federal interference in state medical cannabis laws that courts of appeals have adopted.

Oregon activists filed a proposed initiative to legalize cannabis cafes that they hope to qualify for the state’s 2026 ballot.

The Virginia House Rules Committee voted to kill a bill that would have paved the way for psychedelic-assisted therapy for military veterans that had already been approved by the Senate.

A new study indicates that CBD could be a promising treatment for a common type of vaginal infection, concluding that the marijuana component “exhibits antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against G. vaginalis clinical isolates and is thus a potential drug for the treatment of vaginosis caused by this bacterium.”

Idaho lawmakers sent Gov. Brad Little (R) a bill to set a mandatory minimum $300 fine for possession of three ounces or less of marijuana.

/ FEDERAL

The Central Intelligence Agency is expanding secret drone flights over Mexico to search for fentanyl labs.

Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) published a blog post about his newly refiled veterans medical cannabis bill.

/ STATES

The Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at improving detection of marijuana-impaired driving.

The Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee approved a bill to remove a requirement that cannabis in vehicles be contained in odor-proof containers and to prohibit police from searching a vehicle based solely on the smell of burnt or raw marijuana.

Kentucky regulators published guidance on medical cannabis product ingredients, measurement uncertainty in testing and required location changes for dispensaries.

Minnesota’s top marijuana regulator discussed the launch of applications for business licenses.

Alabama regulators will begin accepting medical cannabis testing laboratory license applications next month.

Oregon regulators are accepting applications to serve on the Hemp Product Registry Rules Advisory Committee.

Oklahoma officials will host an event titled “The State of Marijuana in Oklahoma 2025” in April.

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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.

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

The Denver, Colorado City Council will consider a psychedelics business licensing bill on Monday.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Australia’s minister for health and aged care responded to a petition about the cost of medical cannabis.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “considering operational dispensary as [recreational cannabis law] implementation, RCLs were associated with a decrease of 0.95 percentage point in current drinking and a decrease of 0.48 percentage point in current cigarette use.”

A study found that “perceptions of health outcomes following psychedelic use were broadly positive, and psilocybin was reported to be the most effective substance for both physical and mental health symptoms.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Cannabis Marketing Association is shutting down.

/ BUSINESS

Jushi Holdings Inc. received approximately $5.1 million in proceeds connected to the factoring of certain employee retention credits refund claims and separately received binding subscriptions to sell additional second lien notes for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $4.6 million.

The owner of Quantum Business Solutions and Endeavor Financial Insights pleaded guilty to defrauding marijuana businesses.

/ CULTURE

Cheech & Chong released a trailer for what is being called their “last movie.”

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