Congress Urges DEA and FDA to Crack Down on Unregulated Cannabis Products

Federal lawmakers are intensifying their focus on unregulated cannabis products, with the House Appropriations Committee releasing a draft report that calls on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address what they describe as a proliferation of ingestible, inhalable, and topical items containing intoxicating cannabinoids. According to Marijuana Moment, the committee expressed concern that these unregulated products pose risks to consumer safety and urged the agencies to take immediate action

The push for increased oversight comes as cannabis policy continues to evolve at both state and federal levels. The House Rules Committee is advancing an amendment that would allow military veterans to obtain medical cannabis recommendations from VA doctors, signaling growing support for expanded access. Meanwhile, states like Georgia and Iowa are moving forward with medical cannabis reforms—Georgia recently expanded qualifying conditions and permitted vaping, while Iowa lawmakers passed a bill to double dispensary licenses and allow out-of-state patients with valid certifications

State legislatures are also exploring new approaches to cannabis retail and access. The California Assembly passed a bill to permit drive-thru service at marijuana dispensaries, pending local approval. In Ohio, sentiments around cannabis use are shifting, with a recent poll revealing that 53 percent of adults believe their communities would benefit if more adults used marijuana regularly. At the same time, Ohio officials have launched a public education campaign aimed at countering these attitudes

Federal agencies and state regulators are not the only entities taking action. Outgoing FDA Commissioner Marty Makary highlighted his work to advance psychedelic policy, and the DEA issued a public safety advisory on fentanyl mixed with synthetic drugs. In another development, the Indiana Board of Pharmacy discussed the potential impact of federal marijuana rescheduling, noting their authority to challenge automatic state-level changes. "I wrote new guidance to advance psychedelics," said Makary in a message to President Donald Trump upon stepping down from the FDA

On the business front, the cannabis industry continues to see significant financial movement. Companies like Vireo Growth Inc., Jushi Holdings Inc., and Village Farms International reported substantial quarterly revenues, despite some posting net losses. Meanwhile, wrestler Rob Van Dam has launched his own line of cannabis products, reflecting the growing integration of cannabis into mainstream culture. These developments underscore the sector's rapid evolution, even as regulatory uncertainty persists

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, Congress's call for a crackdown on unregulated cannabis products marks a pivotal moment for industry oversight and consumer safety. As both federal and state authorities grapple with shifting cannabis landscapes, the outcome of these regulatory efforts will likely shape future market opportunities and compliance requirements. This is a critical juncture for stakeholders to monitor, as tighter scrutiny could redefine the boundaries between regulated and unregulated cannabis commerce