Cannabis news is trending nationwide. Many states are advancing reform. Others are tightening restrictions. This news covers several key developments.
Texas Voters Consider Cannabis Legalization
Texas is placing cannabis legalization on the primary election ballot. This is a significant step. It tests voter appetite in a conservative state. Texas currently maintains strict cannabis laws. However, many Texans support reform. Polls show a majority favor legalization. The ballot measure could reshape policy. It comes as the state also moves to ban hemp products. This creates a policy conflict.
Hawaii Senate Approves Limited Marijuana Bill
Hawaii’s Senate has approved a new bill. It would legalize low-dose marijuana. The bill is SB 3275. It allows adults 21 and older to possess cannabis. Products would be limited to 5 milligrams of THC per serving. Liquid products can have 5mg THC per 12 ounces. However, the House has not advanced similar reform. This means statewide legalization is stalled. Previous attempts also failed in the House. The bill does not include commercial sales licenses. It focuses on personal use limits.
New York Considers THC Beverage Sales
New York lawmakers are proposing new legislation. It would allow liquor stores to sell THC beverages. This requires a special permit. The bill aims to expand legal cannabis access. It targets low-potency drinks. These beverages would contain no more than 5mg THC. Stores would need a new retail license endorsement. Age restrictions would mirror existing cannabis laws. Sales would be restricted to individuals over 21. A new tax structure is also included. Distributors face a 9% tax. Consumers would pay a 13% retail tax. This aims to integrate beverages into the legal market.
Missouri Moves to Ban Hemp THC Products
Missouri’s House of Representatives passed a bill. It aims to ban intoxicating hemp THC products. This aligns with upcoming federal restrictions. The bill, HB 2641, sets strict THC limits. Hemp products can have only 0.4mg THC per container. They must also contain under 0.3% total THC. This would significantly curb current sales. Many unregulated products are currently available. These are often found in smoke shops. The bill seeks to regulate these items. It aims to prevent unsafe products. However, a Senate filibuster caused delays. The goal is to align state law with federal action.
Costa Rica Streamlines Cannabis Authorizations
Costa Rica has launched a new online platform. This system centralizes cannabis and hemp permits. The Ministry of Health created the platform. It simplifies applications for authorizations. These include production and marketing permits. It covers both medical cannabis and hemp. The goal is to eliminate in-person procedures. This digital tool makes processes more efficient. Costa Rica’s medical market opened in June 2025. It allows for regulated sales via pharmacies. This platform supports industry growth.
Federal Gun Laws and Marijuana Users
The U.S. Department of Justice continues its defense. It upholds the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana users. DOJ argues this aligns with historical precedent. This stance applies even to medical marijuana users. Several court cases are challenging this prohibition. The department insists these individuals pose a risk. Legal challenges argue this violates Second Amendment rights. The debate over federal restrictions remains active.
A Trending Cannabis Landscape
The cannabis news cycle shows varied progress. States are exploring different regulatory paths. Some focus on adult-use markets. Others permit specific product categories. Many are grappling with hemp product regulations. The federal government’s stance continues to influence state actions. These ongoing developments highlight a trending shift. The cannabis industry is evolving rapidly.
