🇺🇸 Congress Approves Delay of Federal Hemp THC Ban, Sending Measure to President Trump

The U.S. House has passed a government funding bill that delays the planned federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products from November 12 to December 11, 2026, sending the measure to President Trump for his signature. Supporters say the extra month will give Congress time to develop a regulatory framework for hemp THC products rather than allowing a broad prohibition to take effect. The delay applies to most hemp-derived THC products, though restrictions on certain synthetic cannabinoids are still scheduled to begin in November. Industry groups have welcomed the move, arguing that an outright ban could severely disrupt a multibillion-dollar hemp market while lawmakers continue debating long-term regulations. (Marijuana Moment)

🚗 Study Finds Edible Cannabis Can Impair Driving Even When THC Blood Levels Remain Below Legal Limits

A commentary in JAMA Network Open highlights findings from a clinical trial showing that THC-infused cannabis edibles can cause dose-dependent driving impairment, even when blood THC concentrations remain at or below commonly used legal thresholds. Researchers found that participants experienced measurable declines in simulated driving performance despite blood THC levels that might not trigger impairment laws in some jurisdictions. The findings raise questions about the reliability of using blood THC concentrations alone to determine cannabis-related driving impairment, particularly for edible products, which are absorbed and metabolized differently than inhaled cannabis. The authors suggest policymakers may need to consider alternative approaches for evaluating impairment as edible cannabis use becomes more common.  (Jamanetwork)

📊 Analysis Suggests U.S. Cannabis Industry Is Falling Behind in the Global Market

A new analysis argues that while the United States has one of the world's largest cannabis markets, it remains largely absent from the rapidly growing international medical cannabis trade. Countries such as Canada, Portugal, Denmark and Thailand have established export relationships with major importing markets like Germany and Australia, while U.S. cannabis products have played little to no role in those supply chains. The article notes that federal rescheduling could eventually create new opportunities for American medical cannabis companies, but U.S. operators would still face significant challenges related to compliance, pharmaceutical standards and international competition. As global cannabis trade continues to expand, the analysis suggests the United States will need to move quickly if it hopes to become a meaningful participant in the international market. 

👉 Read The Full Study Here

🩹 Study Finds Significant Rates of Cannabis and Other Substance Use Among Teens With Chronic Pain

Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital found that adolescents living with chronic pain report notable rates of cannabis, alcohol and non-prescribed opioid use, often alongside higher levels of depression, anxiety and pain-related impairment. About one in four teens with chronic pain reported using cannabis, and more than 75% of those users said they were using it primarily to manage symptoms such as pain, sleep problems and anxiety rather than for recreation. The study also found that teens who used substances tended to experience greater psychosocial challenges, including higher levels of stress, fatigue and emotional distress. The authors say the findings highlight the need for better pain management options and more targeted screening and support for substance use among adolescents with chronic pain. (Open Access Government)

🗓️ Continued Cannabis News & Events

• Cannabis consumers are no longer stoner stereotypes. Not all brands are marketing accordingly

• A Wainfleet greenhouse was approved for 1,750 cannabis plants; police seized almost 4,100 plants

• Regulators Knew This Marijuana Product Was Harming People. It Stayed on Shelves for More Than a Year.

• N.S. authorities investigating after report of fentanyl in cannabis