Virginia cannabis sales legalization bill heads to governor (Newsletter: March 16, 2026)

MA marijuana report; Federal rescheduling analysis; NH legalization & psychedelics bills blocked; DE medical cannabis in hospitals

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Hold on, just one second before you read today’s news. Have you thought about giving some financial support to Marijuana Moment? If so, today would be a great day to contribute. We’re planning our reporting for the coming months and it would really help to know what kind of support we can count on. Check us out on Patreon and sign up to give $25/month today: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales—with the market scheduled for launch on January 1, 2027. Reps. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) filed a bill to repeal a law that allows housing discrimination against people who have been convicted of manufacturing or distributing marijuana or other illegal drugs. The Delaware Senate unanimously passed a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals, including with an amendment to clarify its scope crafted with help from the Medical Society of Delaware and Delaware Healthcare Association. The New Hampshire House of Representatives allowed key drug policy reform bills to die without floor votes—including measures to put marijuana legalization on the ballot and allow the therapeutic use of psilocybin. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission published a new report showing that marijuana consumers are “overwhelmingly turning away from unregulated sources”—a finding that comes as an initiative to roll back legalization approaches the November ballot. A new academic analysis says that rescheduling marijuana would be a “transitional” step that should be followed by broader “banking, interstate commerce, and durable criminal justice and equity reforms.” The Georgia House of Representatives passed a bill to expand medical cannabis access by allowing vaping, adding new qualifying conditions and increasing THC potency limits. The Oklahoma House of Representatives rejected a bill that would have given employers more leeway to fire workers for medical cannabis use that is legal under state law. Texas officials could launch increased raids against hemp businesses under new state rules, industry advocates fear. Alabama medical cannabis dispensaries are preparing to finally launch sales to patients following years of delays stemming from contentious litigation over regulators’ licensing processes. / FEDERAL The Congressional Research Service noted Congress’s interference in Washington, D.C. marijuana laws in a report. The House bill to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products got two new cosponsors for a total of 32. / STATES California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) authored an op-ed criticizing the Trump administration’s approach to drug policy, including its efforts to roll back support for harm reduction. An Ohio senator defended the legislature’s move to pass a bill restricting marijuana and hemp products. A Washington, D.C. councilmember tweeted, “VA and MD moving forward on smart cannabis regulation. Meanwhile, DC still has a legacy congressional appropriations rider preventing us from doing the same.” Michigan regulators published updated guidance on cannabis company compliance best practices. Virginia regulators launched an ad campaign about the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving. Colorado officials are accepting applications to serve on the Hemp Advisory Committee.

Missouri regulators posted the latest episode of their marijuana podcast. — 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 Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday. / INTERNATIONAL UNAIDS and the United Nations Development Programme published guidance on decriminalizing drug use in the context of HIV. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study of rats found that “CBD effectively attenuates both acute and inflammatory pain,” highlighting its “potential as a non-opioid supplementary therapy for managing pain in individuals with opioid dependence.” A study found that “cannabigerol-dominant C. sativa effectively mitigates obesity by suppressing adipogenesis and lipogenesis while concurrently stimulating lipolysis and white adipose tissue browning.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS The South Carolina Republican Party issued a statement opposing efforts to allow THC-infused drinks and other products. / BUSINESS TerrAscend Corp. reported quarterly net revenue of $66.1 million and a net from continuing operations of $0.5 million. WM Technology, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $43.1 million and a net loss of $5 million. Verano Holdings Corp. closed a $195 million senior secured term loan. / CULTURE Carl’s Jr. tweeted, “‘you need to touch grass.’ no, i need to smoke grass and then mobile order.”

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.