Here is today's cannabis news in 60 seconds. Federal rescheduling became real over the weekend, and Massachusetts votes tomorrow.
Federal
The DEA issued its first federal registrations to more than 900 medical cannabis dispensaries in seven states. Nearly 7,000 businesses applied. There are big exceptions: businesses in states with dual medical and adult-use licensing were refused, and Minnesota operators are shut out. The DEA also warned registrants to source products only from federally registered companies. Trulieve announced it has received registrations for its medical operations.
Taxes
Operators are watching whether registration brings relief from 280E. Separately, Michigan lawmakers want to pause the 24% wholesale tax, and Nevada is studying a shift from wholesale to retail taxation.
Ballots
Massachusetts votes on Question 8, the repeal of adult-use sales, tomorrow. Reason reports that polling suggests repeal is unlikely, and Cresco has joined the "vote no" side.
Hemp
The federal hemp redefinition takes effect Dec 11. A New Orleans THC seltzer maker is pausing production, and Willie Nelson is urging Congress to reconsider as his THC drink reaches a $240M run rate. A new bill would add tariffs and testing for hemp imports. Oklahoma's new edible and packaging rules took effect Nov 1.
Companies
Tilray is consolidating its Canadian cannabis operations and raised its FY2027 EBITDA guidance. Curaleaf expanded to four New Jersey dispensaries with Boone Town Provisions.
Research
American Heart Association research links cannabis use to higher cardiovascular risk, especially stroke. Another study finds veterans with chronic pain use fewer opioids after legalization.
The takeaway: federal registration is opening a two-tier market, with registered medical operators on one side and everyone else waiting.
Is your state's licensing model on the right side of the DEA's line?
Sources
- 900 DEA registrations
- Dual-license states refused
- Trulieve registrations
- Question 8 polling
- Tilray consolidation
- AHA research
#cannabis #cannabisindustry #rescheduling #hemp #cannabispolicy
