Daily Cannabis News Brief for 9/8/2026

A federal report found marijuana businesses continue to face costly and unstable access to banking, loans and payment services. About 1,000 banks and credit unions reported marijuana-related activity in 2024, representing roughly 11% of federally insured institutions. Business participants reported sudden account closures, substantial fees and loan interest rates exceeding 15%.

Delaware regulators are proposing rules allowing licensed marijuana growers to manufacture pre-rolls from their own flower and sell them wholesale to retailers. Growers could use their own branding but could not manufacture products for other companies, purchase outside flower for production or make pre-rolls containing concentrates or kief. Public comments are accepted through October 1.

California’s Cannabis Advisory Committee will meet September 15 to discuss federal marijuana rescheduling and payment problems within the state’s licensed supply chain. The Department of Cannabis Control will provide any available federal rescheduling updates, while licensed distributors and retailers will discuss industry payment issues. The public meeting begins at 10 a.m. and will be livestreamed.

CBD reduced atherosclerotic plaque by roughly 50% in male mice genetically predisposed to the condition, according to research published in the Journal of Lipid Research. CBD also reduced biological pathways associated with oxidative stress and inflammation without changing cholesterol levels. The same plaque reduction was not observed in female mice, indicating a significant sex-dependent effect.

A yearlong study involving 103 children with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy found CBD was associated with sustained reductions in seizures, epilepsy severity, medication use and hospital visits. Among children remaining on CBD for 12 months, 77% showed some overall improvement and 40% were rated at least “much improved.” Researchers cautioned that the study lacked a placebo group.

New York marijuana sales reached an estimated $165.76 million in August, bringing 2026 sales to approximately $1.22 billion through eight months. The year-to-date total is about 17% higher than during the same period in 2025. August unit sales increased 16.5% year over year even as average product prices fell from $31.80 to $29.05.

Oregon regulators will hold a September 15 meeting to develop rules implementing legislation expanding medical marijuana eligibility to people receiving hospice, palliative, comfort and comprehensive pain care. The law also requires certain residential and care facilities to accommodate eligible medical marijuana patients and establish policies governing procurement, storage, administration and disposal. Major provisions become operative January 1.

Researchers analyzing 271 cannabis accessions from China identified nearly 2.7 million genetic variants, creating what they describe as the largest genetic resource for Chinese cannabis to date. The study identified a particularly strong association between CBD levels and CBDAS, the gene encoding an enzyme central to CBD production. The findings could eventually assist marijuana and hemp breeding.

A new economic report estimates forthcoming federal restrictions on hemp-derived THC products could force 68.1% of U.S. hemp businesses to close and displace as many as 225,861 workers. Whitney Economics projects annual industry revenue losses of $35.1 billion to $41.3 billion, along with up to $1.5 billion in lost state tax revenue.

National Institutes of Health researchers reported that topical CBD oil was associated with near-complete flattening of severe, treatment-resistant keloids and restored function in a patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease. The patient applied CBD for 24 months and reported no side effects. Researchers cautioned that the single case cannot establish CBD alone caused the improvement.

Washington’s Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is proposing to exempt certain marijuana packaging, grinding, blending and storage activities from air-quality construction approval requirements when no organic solvents are used. Agency staff said simple packaging and storage do not generate emissions warranting construction review. Public hearings are scheduled for September 24, with written comments accepted through September 25.

A CDC analysis of 209,166 overdose deaths from January 2021 through June 2025 found cannabis was the sole drug determined to be involved in just nine cases, or 0.004%. Although cannabis was detected in 43,880 deaths, most also involved other substances, including illegally manufactured fentanyl, cocaine or methamphetamine. The CDC notes cannabis alone rarely causes fatal overdoses.

A scientific review from Rutgers University concludes that phytocannabinoids may benefit bone health by promoting fracture healing, reducing bone loss and decreasing fracture-related pain. CBD was the most extensively studied cannabinoid, with laboratory and animal research finding effects on cells responsible for forming and breaking down bone. Researchers said human evidence remains limited and further clinical studies are needed.

University of Michigan researchers have received federal funding for a study testing personalized marijuana coaching for adults with chronic lower back pain. The 12-month feasibility trial will involve 80 adults in Michigan and California. Coaches will help participants develop individualized marijuana-use plans while researchers evaluate whether the approach warrants a larger trial examining pain and other health outcomes.