Daily Cannabis News Brief for 7/31/2026

CBD reduced inflammatory signaling and triglyceride accumulation in laboratory-grown human immune cells exposed to excess saturated fat. Researchers said the findings support further investigation into CBD as a potential regulator of metabolic inflammation, although additional studies involving animals and primary human cells are needed.

The Lawful Hemp Protection Act gained two additional cosponsors, Reps. Tim Moore (R-NC) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), bringing its support to two Republicans and two Democrats. The bill would preserve access to certain hemp-derived THC products while establishing federal rules for their manufacture, labeling, taxation and sale.

Teen marijuana use in Maryland continued to decline during the first full school year following the launch of legal recreational sales, according to newly released state survey data. The findings extend a downward trend recorded before legalization and challenge predictions that regulated adult sales would inevitably increase use among minors. However, the survey does not establish that legalization caused the decline, with state officials also pointing to prevention and education efforts as contributing factors.

CBD reduced seizure severity and improved recognition memory in rats with epilepsy-like symptoms. The study also found that HCN1, a protein involved in regulating brain-cell activity, may play a role in CBD’s anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects.

Jushi Holdings completed its redomicile from British Columbia to Nevada following shareholder and court approval. The multistate marijuana company’s shares will continue trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange and OTCQX under the ticker symbol JUSH.

More than 300 Ascend Wellness workers in Barry, Illinois, ratified their first union contract, ending a 30-day strike described by the Teamsters as the largest in the history of the legal U.S. marijuana industry. The agreement includes higher wages, reduced health care costs, improved paid time off and stronger workplace protections.

A New York appeals court ruled that municipalities cannot impose school-distance requirements on licensed marijuana dispensaries that are more restrictive than those established under state law. The court struck down Riverhead’s 1,000-foot buffer, finding it conflicted with the state’s 500-foot requirement and measurement standards.

North Carolina legislation that would impose new restrictions on hemp-derived THC products, kratom and xylazine has moved closer to a final House vote. A House conference committee formally reported the negotiated version of House Bill 328 on July 30, sending it to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee. The proposal would adopt a total THC standard, restrict consumable hemp products to 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container beginning November 12 and prohibit synthetic or chemically converted cannabinoids. The House must approve the conference report before the bill can be sent to State Governor Josh Stein.