Daily Cannabis News Brief for 9/1/2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has revised federal crop insurance rules for hemp under its Whole-Farm Revenue Protection program, removing references to “industrial hemp” and “delta-9” THC beginning with the 2027 crop year. The agency did not specify whether removing the delta-9 language will change how THC compliance is evaluated, while hemp remains eligible for coverage under existing requirements.

Palomar Excess & Surplus Insurance Company has sued Cresco Labs in federal court, seeking a ruling that it has no obligation to defend or indemnify the company in two class actions alleging misleading claims about marijuana’s health and therapeutic effects. The underlying lawsuits involve consumers across six states and also name Green Thumb Industries, Verano Holdings and related companies.

Portugal exported 66.3 metric tons of medical cannabis during the first half of 2026, already equal to about 83% of the 79.9 metric tons exported during all of 2025. Germany remained the largest destination, receiving more than 37 metric tons. If the first-half pace continued, annual exports would exceed 132 metric tons, though that remains an annualized projection.

A peer-reviewed study using three-dimensional tumor models derived from human patients and mice found that brief exposure to low-dose THC pushed breast cancer cells toward a less aggressive state, reducing invasiveness, self-renewal and tumor-initiating ability while increasing sensitivity to tamoxifen. The effects persisted after THC was removed and remained detectable for more than 100 days in an animal model.

A federally funded study of 65 adult cancer patients found that those using marijuana or cannabinoids therapeutically commonly reported pain relief, improved sleep, physical relaxation, better emotional regulation and reduced use of other medications. Cost and stigma were among the most frequently reported barriers, with researchers saying the findings highlight the need for insurance coverage and improved access to cannabinoid-based care.

Maine’s Office of Cannabis Policy will distribute 12,000 free lockable marijuana storage bags through more than 140 medical and recreational retailers and public health advocates this fall. Consumers and patients can receive a bag without making a purchase. The effort substantially expands a 2024 pilot program that distributed 5,000 bags and is intended to reduce accidental marijuana exposure.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2249, establishing more detailed restrictions on marijuana packaging, labeling and advertising considered attractive to children. Beginning January 1, 2028, prohibited material can include cartoons, fantasy characters, child-oriented celebrities, candy imagery and certain stylized typography, while marijuana packaging also cannot closely imitate non-marijuana products primarily marketed to children.

A study examining a German online medical marijuana dispensary found median flower prices fell 31% in one year, from €8.64 to €5.95 per gram. About 85% of available products contained at least 20% THC, while flower containing 20% to 29.9% THC accounted for more than two-thirds of estimated demand. Higher THC concentrations and lower prices independently predicted stronger demand.

A study involving 1,940 medical marijuana patients found seizure frequency improved in 67.6% during a study period spanning July 2015 through December 2023. Most patients received products containing both CBD and THC, with 86.8% dispensed products containing both cannabinoids. Participants generally considered medical marijuana beneficial, although affordability remained a significant concern.

Costa Rica has opened its first facility dedicated to manufacturing finished medical marijuana products, allowing locally grown cannabis to be processed into concentrates, oils, syrups and tablets inside the country. Operated by Vantage Point Global under its Hybrida Farms business, the facility will serve domestic and international markets, with the company saying its Costa Rican workforce could eventually grow to approximately 420 employees.

The American Council of Cannabis Medicine has launched a legislative toolkit for federal, state and local policymakers addressing medical marijuana issues including patient access, physician participation, whole-plant and flower protections, insurance integration, research and small-business protections. The group is also offering lawmakers access to a Legislative Response Team that can review proposals, provide briefings and connect officials with medical marijuana experts.

A study involving 91,002 adults found marijuana use was associated with a 6% lower risk of developing metabolic disease overall, a 7% lower risk of hypertension and an 18% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Heavy users had a 43% lower adjusted risk of obesity, although some risks increased among participants with higher BMIs. Researchers emphasized that the observational findings do not establish causation.

Montana has implemented updated marijuana labeling, inventory tracking and product recall requirements. New rules require child-resistant, opaque exit packaging with state warnings and a substance-use resource QR code, while expanded Metrc requirements govern plant and product tracking. Businesses must also maintain written recall plans, with affected companies required to activate those plans within 24 hours and provide public notification within 48 hours.

The U.S. House voted 370-48 to pass H.R. 6500, delaying new federal restrictions on hemp-derived THC products from November 12 until December 11. The Senate previously approved the spending measure 90-6, meaning it now heads to President Donald Trump. The White House has endorsed the legislation, and Trump is expected to quickly sign it into law.