Veterans push Congress on cannabis & psychedelics access (Newsletter: March 9, 2026)

VA marijuana resentencing; OR & CO medical cannabis in healthcare facilities; UT psychedelics; MD firefighter marijuana protections

Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.

Email address:

Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…

Your good deed for the day: donate to an independent publisher like Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there. Support our work at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW The House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees heard testimony from military veterans advocates about marijuana and psychedelics as alternative treatment options—including from one who discussed attending President Donald Trump’s cannabis rescheduling executive order signing ceremony. Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) legislation to provide resentencing relief for people with prior marijuana convictions, as bills to legalize recreational cannabis sales are also nearing the finish line. Oregon lawmakers sent Gov. Tina Kotek (D) a bill to allow patients to use medical cannabis in hospices and other healthcare facilities. Utah lawmakers sent Gov. Spencer Cox (R) a bill to support clinical trials into the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for military veterans with serious mental health conditions. The Maryland Senate passed a bill to protect firefighters and rescue workers from being penalized for off-duty use of medical cannabis, with the sponsor saying marijuana is a safer, viable alternative” to opioids. The Colorado House Health & Human Services Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, but advocates said recent changes undermine the intent. The Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill to allow patients to immediately purchase medical cannabis after their registration is submitted instead of having to wait until their card is delivered. The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill to allocate tens of millions of dollars in unspent medical cannabis revenue—with an amendment directing some of the funds to support research on the psychedelic ibogaine. An Oregon bill to ban marijuana edibles containing more than 10 milligrams of THC will not advance in the House of Representatives after being passed by the Senate. The South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services committee rejected a House-passed bill to eliminate the Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee, though it could potentially be revived by the full Senate. / FEDERAL The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that medical cannabis can’t be reimbursed under federal workers’ compensation laws. The Congressional Research Service noted federal circuit court splits on challenges to residency requirements for marijuana business licenses. / STATES Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the state now has 19 operational licensed medical cannabis businesses. Maryland’s  first lady testified in support of state legislation to address sales of kratom, 7-OH and other psychoactive substances Missouri’s state auditor published a report on marijuana taxes. The Georgia House of Representatives rejected a bill to tighten regulations for clinics that administer ketamine and other drugs used for psychedelic therapy. A former Kansas representative authored an op-ed calling on lawmakers to reform marijuana laws. California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus. New York regulators approved additional marijuana business licenses and changes to medical cannabis rules. Massachusetts regulators extended for another three years the exclusivity period on marijuana delivery licenses for social equity and economic empowerment businesses. Washington State regulators are proposing changes to cannabis advertising rules. Michigan regulators are warning marijuana retailers to stop using the term “dispensary.” Ohio regulators posted updated marijuana business and sales data. — 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. —

/ LOCAL The Covington, Georgia City Council rejected a marijuana decriminalization proposal. / INTERNATIONAL Grenada’s governor-general assented to the country’s cannabis reforms. The Isle of Man’s lieutenant governor visited a medical cannabis clinic. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A review concluded that “CBD and THC exert potent and multi-level anti-tumor effects in ovarian cancer models, driven by oxidative stress–mediated apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest.” A study found that “traditional Thai cannabis-based multi-herbal formulation demonstrated non-inferior efficacy to lorazepam and was well tolerated, supporting its use as a short-term alternative for chronic insomnia.” / BUSINESS AtaiBeckley Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $1.1 million and a net loss of $544.8 million. The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. announced that an ad hoc group of noteholders of its senior secured notes and senior secured convertible notes agreed to a further extension and to forbear from exercising any of their rights and remedies governing the notes until March 17. / CULTURE Basketball player Dillon Brooks was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence after police said his car “smells like a dispensary.”

Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.

Email address:

Photo courtesy of Max Jackson.