Army adopts new cannabis policy to boost recruitment (Newsletter: March 26, 2026)
- The U.S. Army updated its policy to allow recruits with a single marijuana possession conviction to enlist without a waiver, effective on 4/20.
- Rep. Jamie Raskin warned that a federal bill aimed at expediting deportation could label casual marijuana-using youths as gang members, even where cannabis is legal.
- Several states advanced cannabis-related legislation, including Arizona's criminalization of excessive marijuana odor, Delaware allowing medical cannabis use in hospitals, and Washington prioritizing reduced enforcement of psychedelic possession.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged the state's marijuana legalization while noting his limited personal experience with cannabis, and other developments span policy, business, science, and cultural shifts in the cannabis and psychedelics landscape.
Federal bill could peg marijuana users as gang members; CA gov on legalization; AZ cannabis odor vote; DE medical use in hospitals; WA psychedelics
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*Rattling the tip jar* Got a few dollars you can spare to help Marijuana Moment pay our writers, keep our website running and grow into the kind of robust news organization the fast-paced world of drug policy deserves? Join us for $25/month and be a part of our work: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW The U.S. Army adopted a new policy allowing recruits who have a single conviction for marijuana possession or drug paraphernalia to enlist without needing a waiver—effective on the cannabis holiday 4/20. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) warned in a report on a bill to expedite deportation of non-citizens without a court hearing if the homeland security secretary designates them as terrorists or gang members that “a group [of] high school kids who regularly gather to smoke marijuana, even in a state where it is lawful, could be deemed a ‘criminal gang'” under the legislation. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) took credit for legalizing marijuana in the state but said there’s “irony” in the fact that he has limited personal experience with cannabis—except for one “complicated” trip to the Grand Canyon. The Arizona House Judiciary Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to punish “excessive” marijuana smoke or odor—including with up to four months in jail if it’s “intentional or the person knowingly and substantially interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property.” The Delaware House Health & Human Development Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to allow medical cannabis use in hospitals for terminally ill patients. The Metropolitan King County Council in Washington State passed a resolution calling on police to make enforcement of laws against possession and personal cultivation of psychedelics among the “lowest” priorities and requesting they not arrest or prosecute people for using substances like psilocybin, ayahuasca, mescaline and ibogaine. / FEDERAL The Drug Enforcement Administration Museum posted a video about photos related to “The French Connection” that are in its collection. Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) tweeted, “I hosted my 5th annual #CrawfishAndCannabis Reform event to talk about the urgent need for cannabis reform and equity in the industry. I also shared more about the #CLIMBAct, which I introduced this week to bring equal opportunity to our nation’s growing cannabis industry and help communities long harmed by the criminalization of marijuana become business leaders.” / STATES Minnesota lawmakers sent Gov. Tim Walz (D) a bill to allow hemp businesses to continue testing low-THC beverages and edibles out of state. A Virginia delegate discussed the benefits of legalizing recreational marijuana sales. An Indiana representative spoke about the economic impact of legalizing marijuana. Louisiana regulators filed proposed changes to medical cannabis rules. Colorado regulators published guidance on dual-chamber cannabis vaping devices. Ohio regulators published guidance on marijuana retailer point-of-sale system requirements. Michigan regulators reached a settlement with a marijuana business accused of violations. Washington State regulators sent a newsletter with updates on various cannabis issues. The Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board will meet on Friday. — 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 Jamaican regulators filed changes to medical cannabis laws. A Western Australia lawmaker introduced a marijuana legalization bill. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found that “CBD is perceived as a highly acceptable treatment among [people at clinical high risk for psychosis].” Findings of a study on rats “support a role for psilocybin and ibogaine in facilitating extinction learning and suggest possible protective effects against [cocaine] relapse, warranting further research into their antiaddictive efficacy.” / BUSINESS Glass House Brands Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $38.9 million and a net loss of $15.5 million. Jushi Holdings Inc. subsidiaries settled litigation with Revelry Supply, Inc. over sales of hemp products in Pennsylvania. PharmaCann is closing a cultivation, processing and production facility in Pennsylvania. Cornbread Hemp announced that it reached an agreement with Alliant Purchasing to be an exclusive supplier of hemp-derived CBD products to Medicare beneficiaries within that network. / CULTURE Melissa Etheridge said she’s “given up on the cannabis business” after having incorrectly thought it was “going to be legalized in the next couple of years” at the federal level—adding that she now focuses her “energy on my foundation, which funds research into plant medicine for trauma and addiction,” including with cannabis and psychedelics.
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