Daily Cannabis News Brief for 8/28/2026

Rhode Island is accepting applications through November 23 for 24 new recreational marijuana retail licenses. Four licenses will be available in each of six geographic zones, including licenses reserved for social equity applicants and workers’ cooperatives.

CBD and CBG significantly improved recognition memory in rats exposed to excessive iron early in life, while also reducing inflammation and restoring expression of a protein associated with blood-brain barrier integrity, according to a new study published by Neurotoxicity Research.

The bipartisan Hemp Planting Predictability Act gained two additional House sponsors, bringing total support to 41 lawmakers. The bill would delay new federal restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoid products from late 2026 until November 2028.

A scientific review published in Neurochemical Research found that CBD may have therapeutic potential for psychosis associated with schizophrenia, pointing to its interactions with cannabinoid, serotonin and other receptor systems.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis granted pardons to 29 people, including several with marijuana convictions dating back more than two decades. Polis has now issued more than 4,000 marijuana possession pardons since taking office.

Glass House Brands is scheduled to ring the New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell today, nearly two months after its shares began trading on the exchange under the ticker GLAS. Trulieve held its own Closing Bell ceremony 10 days earlier.

Ascend Wellness shareholders approved a reverse stock split of between 1-for-10 and 1-for-50, giving the company’s board authority to implement the move as it pursues a potential listing on the NYSE American or Nasdaq.

California lawmakers unanimously approved AB 2250, which would exclude CBN isolate that is more than 99% pure and contains no THC or synthetic cannabinoids from the state’s definition of cannabis concentrate beginning January 1, 2028. The bill passed the Senate 38-0 and the Assembly 78-0 and is now headed toward Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.

Illinois regulators released an application allowing licensed recreational marijuana dispensaries to seek authorization to also serve medical marijuana patients beginning September 10, potentially significantly expanding the number of medical dispensary locations statewide.

Maine regulators issued guidance allowing outdoor-only medical marijuana caregivers to maintain seedlings and immature plants during January and February 2027, despite language in the newly enacted law that technically does not authorize the practice.

A Missouri law guaranteeing collective bargaining protections for marijuana industry workers took effect today. Employees in cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distribution, retail and support operations now have explicit rights to organize and collectively negotiate with employers.

Oregon regulators have begun a rulemaking process that could eventually reopen applications for marijuana wholesale licenses for the first time since 2022. The effort is focused specifically on wholesalers and does not immediately reopen licensing.

Rare Cannabinoid Company launched a free educational guide explaining the endocannabinoid system and how cannabinoids including CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV and CBDV interact with the body.

A study of 296 adults found cannabis use did not add to brain white matter abnormalities among people living with HIV and may potentially be associated with a lower burden. Participants with HIV who used cannabis had levels similar to controls.

Researchers examining 480 recreational marijuana products from Colorado dispensaries found only 14.4% included all six labeling elements evaluated under state requirements. Just 2.2% of flower products were fully compliant, compared with 31% of concentrates.

Utah regulators have added detailed medical marijuana purchase histories to the state’s Controlled Substance Database, allowing authorized health care providers and controlled substance dispensers to review patients’ purchase dates, quantities, product types and dispensing facilities.