Cannabis News

Matt Zorn’s Legal Advocacy Spurs Major Shift in U.S. Drug Policy Reform

Matt Zorn’s transition from legal challenger to federal policymaker has helped drive historic changes in U.S. cannabis and psychedelics policy, signaling a new era for drug law reform

• •Matt Zorn, a longtime litigator, has become Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Health and Human Services
• •Zorn played a central role in drafting President Trump's Executive Order on psychedelics and advancing cannabis rescheduling
• •His legal advocacy exposed inconsistencies in federal drug policy and helped force greater transparency
• •High Times likens Zorn’s trajectory to that of Thurgood Marshall, highlighting the power of legal strategy in social reform

by Matt Zorn and the Next Phase of America’s Drug Policy Revolution

Sri Lankan Authorities Arrest 22 Buddhist Monks at Airport for Smuggling 110 Kilograms of Cannabis

Sri Lankan authorities detained 22 Buddhist monks at Colombo airport after finding 110 kilograms of Kush cannabis hidden in their luggage following a trip to Thailand

• •Sri Lankan customs arrested 22 Buddhist monks at Colombo airport for smuggling 110 kilograms of cannabis
• •The monks had returned from a four-day, anonymously sponsored trip to Thailand
• •Each monk carried approximately 5 kilograms of Kush cannabis hidden among personal items

by ศรีลังกาจับพระ 22 รูป คาสนามบิน ฐานซุกกัญชา 110 กก.

TAT and Dida Holdings Launch Digital Initiative to Boost Chinese Tourism to Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Dida Holdings have launched a digital partnership to attract Chinese tourists, aiming to boost demand and promote Thailand as a safe, high-quality destination

• •TAT signed a partnership agreement with Dida Holdings to enhance digital cooperation in the Chinese tourism market
• •The collaboration supports the Trusted Thailand initiative, focusing on safety, authenticity, and restorative travel experiences
• •Dida will invest at least RMB 2.5 million over 90 days for demand generation and content development targeting Chinese travelers

by TAT Newsroom

Indiana Governor Initiates State Agency Meetings with Medical Marijuana Advocates Following Federal Rescheduling

Indiana state agencies met with medical marijuana advocates at Governor Mike Braun's direction, following federal cannabis rescheduling, signaling a potential shift in

• •Governor Mike Braun directed state agencies to meet with medical marijuana advocates after federal rescheduling
• •Meetings included the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health, Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis, and Indiana NORML
• •Public support for cannabis legalization in Indiana has reached 84 percent for at least medical use, according to a recent survey
• •Top Republican legislative leaders remain opposed to cannabis reform despite changing federal and regional dynamics

by Tom Angell

Stand-up Comedy Night with Eduard Matsaberidze on Koh Samui

Eduard Matsaberidze brings his stand-up comedy show to Koh Samui on May 2nd at Rooftop by Grand Cafe

• •Stand-up comedy event with Eduard Matsaberidze on May 2 at Rooftop by Grand Cafe
• •Show starts at 7 PM, guests welcome from 6:30 PM, event is 18+
• •Eduard is known from TV shows like "Orel i Reshka" and TikTok
• •Tickets available online through Fienta

Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Unite to Push for Marijuana Legalization

Top Wisconsin Democratic candidates for governor have publicly endorsed marijuana legalization, citing economic opportunities and social justice as key reasons for reform

• •Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial contenders called for marijuana legalization on April 20
• •Mandela Barnes highlighted $36 million in tax revenue lost to Illinois from Wisconsinites purchasing legal cannabis

by Marijuana Moment

Congressional Committee Orders Federal Review of State Marijuana Laws and Diversion Risks

The House Appropriations Committee has directed federal agencies to review state marijuana regulations and assess strategies to prevent diversion into prohibition

• •The House Appropriations Committee approved a directive for federal agencies to assess state marijuana regulatory frameworks
• •Federal agencies are instructed to identify methods to prevent diversion of legal cannabis into states where it remains prohibited
• •The directive calls for improved data sharing and coordination between state and federal authorities
• •The underlying bill maintains a provision blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales

by Tom Angell

Virginia Lawmakers Reject Governor Spanberger’s Amendments to Cannabis Sales Bill, Setting Up Possible Veto

Virginia lawmakers have rejected Governor Spanberger’s amendments to the cannabis sales legalization bill, returning the original proposal to her desk and raising the possibility of a veto that could delay legal sales until 2027

• •The Virginia House and Senate both rejected Governor Spanberger’s proposed amendments to the cannabis sales legalization bill
• •Spanberger’s amendments sought to delay sales, increase taxes, and add new criminal penalties, drawing criticism from bill sponsors and advocates
• •If Spanberger vetoes the bill, lawmakers cannot revisit legalization until the 2027 legislative session
• •Lawmakers also rejected amendments to a resentencing relief bill, insisting on automatic hearings for those with past marijuana convictions

by Tom Angell

Alabama Medical Cannabis Sales to Commence in May After Five-Year Delay

Alabama will begin medical cannabis sales in early May, offering non-smokable products after years of legal delays and regulatory hurdles, with dispensaries preparing to serve qualified patients statewide

• •Alabama will begin medical cannabis sales in early May, five years after legalization approval
• •Only non-smokable forms such as tablets, tinctures, oils, patches, and peach gummies are permitted
• •Litigation and regulatory delays have slowed the rollout, but the first products are now being processed and tested

by Marijuana Moment

Virginia Cannabis Bill Sponsors Urge Rejection of Governor’s Amendments, Risking Veto

Virginia lawmakers face a key decision as cannabis bill sponsors urge rejection of Governor Spanberger’s amendments, risking a veto and potential delay of legal retail marijuana sales until 2027

• •Virginia bill sponsors are urging colleagues to reject Governor Spanberger’s proposed amendments to cannabis sales legalization legislation
• •Governor Spanberger’s amendments include delaying legal sales, increasing taxes, and adding new criminal penalties for cannabis consumers
• •Sen. Lashrecse Aird and Del. Paul Krizek argue the amendments undermine years of bipartisan work and threaten the intent of legalization

by Tom Angell

Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Stalled by Federal Court Injunction Amid Residency Dispute

Rhode Island's cannabis retail licensing process has been halted by a federal court injunction over residency rules, leaving nearly 100 applicants awaiting clarity as the state prepares its legal appeal

• •Rhode Island's Cannabis Control Commission halted retail licensing after a federal court injunction
• •The injunction stems from lawsuits challenging the state's in-state residency requirement for cannabis business ownership
• •Nearly 100 applicants are affected by the pause in licensing

by Marijuana Moment

Cannabis Activist Dana Beal Remains in Idaho Prison Due to Mandatory Marijuana Treatment

Dana Beal, a 79-year-old cannabis activist, faces extended incarceration in Idaho due to mandatory marijuana addiction treatment, raising concerns about his health and the state’s approach to cannabis

• •Dana Beal is being held in an Idaho prison beyond his original sentence due to a required marijuana addiction treatment program
• •Beal, 79, has a history of severe cardiovascular disease, increasing concerns about his health during extended incarceration

by He Spent 50 Years Fighting for Cannabis Freedom. Now He’s in an Idaho Prison Being Held for Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Congress Directs Federal Agencies to Review State Marijuana Laws and Diversion Prevention

The House Appropriations Committee is set to require federal agencies to assess state marijuana laws and anti-diversion strategies, potentially influencing future cannabis regulation and enforcement

• •The House Appropriations Committee will direct federal agencies to study state marijuana regulations and diversion prevention
• •The Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) will coordinate the assessment with other agencies

by Tom Angell

Ohio Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order Allowing Two Smoke Shops to Sell Hemp Products

A Franklin County judge has temporarily allowed two Ohio smoke shops to sell existing hemp products despite a new state ban, offering them a brief window to offload inventory before further legal proceedings

• •A Franklin County judge issued a temporary restraining order allowing two smoke shops to sell existing hemp products
• •Ohio Senate Bill 56, effective March 20, restricts THC levels and bans certain hemp products

by Marijuana Moment

Join Saturday Morning Streetball Games at Chaweng Lake

Every Saturday morning, join free streetball games at Chaweng Lake's central sports court for a fun, active start to your weekend

• •Streetball games are held every Saturday from 8:45 to 10:15 near Chaweng Lake
• •The games are free and played at a good amateur level
• •Players can confirm participation by contacting @sagdiv on Telegram
• •The central sports court location is easy to access and popular among locals and expats

Senator Cory Booker Jokes McDonald’s Fries Are More Addictive Than Marijuana, Renews Push for Cannabis Reform

Senator Cory Booker used humor to highlight cannabis policy reform, comparing McDonald’s fries to marijuana and urging further legislative action as federal rescheduling efforts remain uncertain

• •Sen. Cory Booker joked that McDonald’s french fries are more addictive than marijuana and should be scheduled by the federal government
• •Booker recounted a personal story to illustrate his point about the inconsistencies in substance regulation

by Tom Angell

Senate Bill Would Let States Bypass Federal Hemp THC Product Ban

A new bipartisan Senate bill would allow states and tribes to opt out of a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products, potentially safeguarding local industries and consumer access

• •The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act would let states and tribes bypass a federal ban on most hemp THC products
• •The bill requires local governments to set minimum age limits for hemp-derived product purchases

by Tom Angell

Alabama Opens First Medical Cannabis Dispensary After Five-Year Wait Amid Audit Scrutiny

Alabama will open its first medical cannabis dispensary on May 4 after a five-year delay, as the state faces scrutiny over regulatory and operational issues revealed by a recent audit

• •Alabama's first medical cannabis dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary, opens in Montgomery on May 4
• •The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission announced the opening amid findings of a critical state audit
• •Over 40 physicians are authorized to prescribe, and 66 patient cards have been issued as of April
• •A state audit revealed compliance and financial issues within the commission, leading to program delays

by Alabama Took Five Years to Open Its First Cannabis Dispensary. It’s Finally Happening.

Zurich Extends Regulated Cannabis Pilot Program Through 2028 After Positive Results

Zurich has extended its regulated cannabis pilot program through October 2028, citing robust data and ongoing efforts to inform potential national legalization in

• •Zurich extended its regulated cannabis pilot program for two more years, now running through October 2028
• •The program involves 2,456 registered users and 21 access points, with 110,500 sales and 940 kg of cannabis distributed

by Zurich’s Weed Trial Is Working So Well Switzerland Just Extended It Again

Studio 54 Night Brings Disco Glam to Koh Samui on April 24

LEVING brings a dazzling Studio 54 themed disco night to Koh Samui on April 24 with DJs, shows, art, and a bold dress code

• •Event Date and Location: April 24 at El Forest, Koh Samui, starting at 8 PM
• •Special Occasion: Celebrating J Levi’s birthday with a vibrant party atmosphere

NORML Launches Cannabis Freedom Survey to Gauge Real-World Consumer Experiences

NORML has launched its 2026 Cannabis Freedom Survey to collect firsthand accounts from cannabis consumers about their real-world experiences, with results intended to

• •NORML launched the 2026 Cannabis Freedom Survey to assess how free cannabis consumers feel in reality
• •The survey asks about legal access, concerns over consequences, and desired reforms
• •Results will be used to inform policymakers, media, and the public ahead of 4/20
• •The survey highlights the gap between legal status and day-to-day experience for cannabis users

by How Free Do You Actually Feel as a Cannabis Consumer? NORML Wants to Know