Here is today's cannabis news in 60 seconds. The midterms are four days away, and the hemp-THC shakeup is already showing up in the numbers.
Hemp
State hemp-THC bans are already boosting marijuana MSO revenue. Ohio's cannabis sales are up 25% since its hemp-THC ban took effect. Federal control of synthetic cannabinoids like THC-O starts Nov 12, and the wider federal hemp change follows on Dec 11. In Texas, a court will hear the hemp industry's lawsuit against the state health department on Nov 2.
Federal
A new bill in Congress would legalize cannabis and rewrite how the Controlled Substances Act classifies drugs. The DEA says a watchdog report that found "gaps" in its process does not weaken rescheduling. Meanwhile, Missouri operators are still waiting on IRS guidance on 280E tax relief.
Ballots
Supporters and opponents of Massachusetts Question 8 have spent nearly $6.5M, and Curaleaf has publicly opposed the repeal. A marijuana constitutional amendment is also on Idaho's ballot.
Workplace
A New York state trooper who was fired for off-duty cannabis use is suing to get his job back. Utica firefighters have filed a similar lawsuit over suspensions for medical marijuana.
Market
New research finds cannabis flower prices fell 26%, while demand grew even faster. Michigan lawmakers have proposed freezing the wholesale cannabis tax as revenue falls short. A New York appeals court upheld state financing for social-equity dispensaries, and Alabama's first dispensaries are expected to open next week.
Research
A 35-year study challenges the common belief that marijuana helps with sleep.
The takeaway: hemp restrictions are moving customers into licensed stores. For operators, the next six weeks matter more than the next six months.
How is the hemp-THC deadline changing your plans?
Sources
- Hemp bans boost MSO revenue
- New federal legalization bill
- MA Question 8 spending
- Trooper lawsuit
- Flower prices vs demand
- Sleep study
#cannabis #cannabisindustry #hemp #cannabispolicy #midterms2026
