Daily Cannabis News Brief for 8/21/2026

The SAFE Banking Act has gained two new cosponsors in the U.S. House, bringing combined support for the House and Senate versions of the marijuana banking legislation to 18 lawmakers. Representatives Troy Carter (D-LA) and Mike Rogers (R-AL) joined the House bill August 20, giving that version an even split of five Democrats and five Republicans when sponsor Rep. David Joyce (R-OH) is included.

Iowa health officials are proposing rules that would allow qualified out-of-state residents to participate in the state’s medical cannabidiol program, implementing House File 990, which was approved earlier this year. The proposal would remove Iowa’s residency requirement and restore a reduced $25 registration fee for military veterans. A public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled for September 8 at 10 a.m.

California legislation establishing new restrictions on marijuana packaging, labeling and advertising has passed the full legislature and is headed to State Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 2249 received final approval when the Assembly voted 69-1 to concur with Senate amendments, following a 38-0 Senate vote. The measure would establish a more detailed definition of marijuana marketing considered attractive to children, with the new provisions taking effect January 1, 2028.

Drug Enforcement Administration Chief Administrative Law Judge Derek C. Julius has ordered a lengthy series of corrections to the official transcript from the federal marijuana rescheduling hearing. The corrections cover all 11 hearing days and include mistranscribed statements, incorrect speaker identifications and technical errors, some of which substantially change how statements read. An updated public version of the transcript is scheduled to be posted by August 26.

Michigan Republican gubernatorial nominee John James says he will seek to repeal or sharply reduce the state’s 24% marijuana wholesale tax if elected governor. His plan also calls for increased enforcement against unlicensed operators and intoxicating hemp products sold outside the regulated market, while reducing regulations on licensed marijuana businesses.

Former Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien has filed a lawsuit against State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, the Commonwealth and the commission, alleging she was retaliated against after raising concerns about regulatory failures and possible misconduct within the state’s marijuana industry. The complaint includes allegations involving enforcement, product testing, licensing and management issues and seeks compensatory damages, lost wages and benefits, injunctive relief and other damages.

Medical cannabis was associated with significant reductions in pain, insomnia and mood or behavioral symptoms among older adults, according to research posted as a preprint on Research Square. Among 42 evaluable patients, 38, or 90.5%, experienced improvement in their primary symptom. Researchers reported no treatment-related serious adverse events, falls or hospitalizations, while calling for larger prospective studies.

The bipartisan Lawful Hemp Protection Act has gained two new cosponsors in the U.S. House, bringing the total number of lawmakers backing the proposal to six. Representatives Gabe Evans (R-CO) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) joined H.R. 9830, giving the measure support from three Republicans and three Democrats. The bill would establish a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumer products while replacing broad restrictions scheduled to take effect later this year.