Category: Cannabis Info

More than four years after Alabama legalized medical cannabis, the product remains unavailable, but an administrative hearing process may finally clear the way for licenses to be awarded.

WHNT reported that the long-running disputes over medical cannabis facility licenses could soon be addressed through a formal process led by former Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Bernard Harwood.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) has faced criticism for its repeated and contested license awards, with the commission voting on the matter three different times and rejected applicants arguing the process was flawed and unlawful.

RELATED: Alabama Court of Civil Appeals lifts injunction, paving way for medical cannabis industry

Earlier this year, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals ruled that license disputes must follow the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act (APA). That law requires a hearing officer and allows applicants to formally present and challenge evidence in what’s known as a contested case hearing.

The AMCC issues licenses for specific parts of the medical cannabis industry: testing, dispensing, transportation, processing, and cultivation. The state also offers integrated facility licenses, which cover every step from cultivation to dispensing — except for testing, which remains separate.

WHNT spoke with the AMCC, which confirmed that investigative hearings are the next step.

“Alabama’s medical cannabis statute and administrative rules provide that any applicant preliminarily denied a license award by the Commission may request an investigative hearing,” the group said. “Over the last 2-plus years, the Commission has consistently argued in the courts that the investigative hearing process is an adequate administrative remedy that must be exhausted.”

“The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals agreed that the next step in the administrative process is the investigative hearings, which must be conducted with all the processes and procedures available in a contested case under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act. A number of applicants have requested an investigative hearing. The Commission is anxious for applicants to have the opportunity to establish their suitability for a license in a contested case investigative hearing.”

RELATED: Families sue Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission over failure to launch patient registry

One of the applicants, Alabama Always, is seeking an integrated facilities license and was among the groups that filed suit to force the AMCC to comply with the APA.

“We’ve been in court since December 2023, asking the Commission to refer these licensing matters to an Administrative Law Judge for a hearing,” Alabama Always board member Ben McNeil told WHNT. “We are confident Justice Harwood will oversee the hearing process with fairness, integrity, transparency, and a dedication to upholding the law. A schedule for the hearings has not yet been set.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].

Marijuana rescheduling block advances in Congress; Psychedelics amendment stalls; KY medical cannabis plants growing; Study: Marijuana for pain

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The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies approved a bill to block marijuana rescheduling from taking effect—while also continuing a separate rider protecting state medical cannabis programs from federal interference.

The House Rules Committee blocked an amendment to shift $10 million in funding to support psychedelic medical clinical trials at the Department of Defense from getting a floor vote.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the first legal medical cannabis plants are now being grown in the state, which he called a “milestone” that gets patients closer to “safe, affordable access” to marijuana medicine.

A Texas representative filed a bill to protect consumers from criminal charges for possessing what they think is legal hemp but turns out to be illegal marijuana if its label says it contains “a consumable hemp product that is authorized under state or federal law” and was purchased “from a retailer the person reasonably believed was authorized to sell a consumable hemp product.”

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved the state’s first marijuana consumption lounge endorsements, with the chair saying the move is “a long time coming.”

The Marijuana Policy Project has a new executive director, bringing on longtime drug policy activist Adam Smith to lead the organization at a key time for the cannabis reform movement.

A new study found that medical marijuana “is likely an effective treatment option for patients with chronic pain” and is tied to “reduced healthcare utilization and improved self-reported [quality of life].”

• “Medical cannabis exposure is associated with lower risk of urgent care and [emergency department] visits.”

A new study from Clever Real Estate shows that homes in states where marijuana has been legalized are worth more and grow in value faster than houses in jurisdictions that continue to criminalize cannabis.

St. Louis, Missouri lawmakers are considering legislation to prohibit hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles from being sold outside of marijuana dispensaries.

/ FEDERAL

The Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to companies that are allegedly illegally marketing 7-OH products.

/ STATES

Former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), currently the U.S. homeland security secretary, is asking a federal court to rule against a challenge to the state’s hemp product ban.

New York regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to concerns about unreliable testing by a now-unpermitted laboratory.

Ohio regulators filed changes to medical cannabis rules.

Louisiana regulators adopted changes to consumable hemp product rules.

An Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority advisory council is pushing for officials to take action against intoxicating hemp products.

California regulators sent a reminder that cannabis businesses affected by wildfires are eligible for disaster relief resources.

Oregon regulators will consider rulemaking to implement recently enacted marijuana bills on Thursday.

Rhode Island regulators will host a cannabis social equity workshop on Thursday.

—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—

/ LOCAL

Colorado Springs, Colorado’s mayor vetoed legislation to create a process for allocating marijuana tax revenue.

The Reading, Pennsylvania City Council passed a resolution calling on state lawmakers to legalize marijuana and is considering a separate measure to decriminalize cannabis locally.

The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Germany’s health minister is proposing to restrict the medical cannabis prescription process.

Veterans Affairs Canada issued reimbursements for more than 30,000 kilograms of cannabis, worth nearly C$245 million, in 2024-2025.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “consumption of cannabis and CBD oil was perceived as beneficial for relieving [inflammatory bowel disease], with many reporting significant symptom relief from using these substances.”

A study “provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the potential role of psilocybin in suicide prevention, offering a novel basis for further research.”

/ BUSINESS

Verano Holdings Corp. has a new chief strategy and compliance officer.

/ CULTURE

Basketball player Kevin Durant was spotted appearing to smoke marijuana at a music festival in London.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has issued another recall affecting cannabis consumers statewide—this time involving products from East End Flower Farm LTD.

The recall, announced Monday, applies to three lots of adult-use cannabis products distributed to licensed dispensaries across New York. While no adverse health effects have been reported, the OCM is urging consumers to report any issues through its online incident reporting form at cannabis.ny.gov/report-an-incident.

According to the OCM, the products were initially quarantined after concerns surfaced about testing conducted by Lexachrom Analytical Laboratory. The lab, which has since lost its authorization to test cannabis products in New York, was found to have conducted unreliable testing.

East End Flower Farm retested one of the three affected product lots, and it failed for pesticide levels exceeding the state’s allowable limits. The remaining two lots were not retested, prompting the OCM to recall all three as a precaution.

This marks the latest in a series of product recalls as New York’s cannabis oversight agency continues to tighten its scrutiny of the adult-use marijuana market.  Late last month, the State Office of Cannabis Management expanded a product recall involving cannabis items made by IndoGro LLC. The recall, which began June 11, now includes 28 additional product lots.

State regulators say the recall is a precaution. So far, no health issues have been reported, but testing revealed some products contained illegal pesticide levels. Others were made with material from an unlicensed out-of-state supplier, violating state cannabis laws and raising public health concerns.

A full list of recalled products and affected lot numbers is available at cannabis.ny.gov/recalls. 

Consumers in possession of recalled products are advised to return them to the dispensary where they were purchased.

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Very soon, some Nebraskans will be able to buy marijuana in Nebraska. But there’s a catch: it will only be sold by the Omaha Tribe, and only on Native land.

The Omaha Tribal Council adopted Title 51 on Tuesday, creating a Tribal Cannabis Regulatory Commission and legalizing the sale of medical cannabis.

It will also make it legal for adults 21 and older to purchase and use recreational marijuana — but only while on reservation land. Prior tribal cannabis offenses will also be expunged.

Attorney General of the tribe, John Cartier, says legalizing cannabis has been a priority of the tribe for nearly ten years.

“There’s a void left intentionally by the Nebraska state in their slow rollout, really dragging their heels with their own Nebraska Cannabis Commission,” said Cartier.

They say legalization was necessary to increase revenue after the reconciliation bill was passed.

“We’re going to be facing drastic budget cuts, due to some massive changes with our budget bill that passed recently. So now more than ever, it’s imperative for the tribe to go out, identify these opportunities, and capitalize it,” said Cartier.

He says the state of Nebraska won’t be able to interfere with the sale of marijuana.

“We can do our own licensing. We can set up our own businesses. And there’s not much that obstructionists can do to stop it,” said Cartier.

His belief is that the tribe will be able to start selling cannabis as early as the first quarter of 2026.

In a statement from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, executive director Crista Eggers said in part, “We commend the Omaha Tribe for making a bold and compassionate move to legalize the sale of medical cannabis on tribal land.”

Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who has pushed against the sale of THC-containing products, declined to comment on the matter.

“It would be naive to think that doesn’t put a target on someone’s back to do this, but to that, I’ll say, you know, Native Americans across this country are no stranger to having a target on their back,” said Cartier.

Despite the target, the tribe is seeing this as a win for Nebraskans who have been fighting for cannabis legalization.

“At the end of the day, I think this is a social justice issue more than economic. And we’re just really proud to lead on that,” said Cartier.

Image | adobe.stock/24K-Production

A recent study investigated the safety and efficacy of cannabis extracts with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its use with children suffering from Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare genetic disorder that may be connected to loss of speech and motor coordination, seizures, involuntary/repetitive movements, and developmental delays (1,2).

The open-label clinical trial data was published in the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health (2). NORML (1), reported that “Australian investigators assessed the twice-daily use of cannabis extracts containing CBD and THC in a cohort of 11 girls with RTT.” Participants in the study were then measured using “the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) Scale, with secondary outcomes measured using the CGI-Severity (CGI-S), RTT Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ), RTT-Symptom Index Score (RTT-SIS), RTT-Domain-Specific Concerns-Visual-Analog Scale (RTT-DSC-VAS), Impact of Childhood Neurological Disability/Quality of Life (ICND+QoL), and RTT-Caregiver Burden Inventory (RTT-CBI),” (2). Researchers gathered data from 11 female participants between the ages of 5 to 16 years old from the Rett Syndrome Multidisciplinary Management Clinic at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia (2) and had data collected at the beginning of the study and at 12 weeks. Study authors mentioned that all participants were six months post-regression when they were screened in the beginning.

“Oral administration of [cannabis extracts] for 12 weeks was associated with significant improvements in core RTT symptoms, including mental alertness, communication skills, socialization/eye contact, attentiveness, and anxiety,” study researchers found (1). “[Cannabis] administration also demonstrated improvements in key secondary outcomes, such as overall clinical severity, quality of life, and a reduction in caregiver burden.”

Research data collected showed that participants experienced improvement in mood, teeth grinding, and breathing (1,2).

In conclusion, researchers said (1), “The study’s authors concluded: “RTT is associated with a range of complex clinical manifestations. … This Phase I/II study of [plant-derived cannabis extracts] in RTT provides an encouraging foundation for further studies in this population. The improvements observed in clinical outcomes and caregiver burden justify ongoing research and confirm [that cannabis extracts are] a potential adjunct therapy for RTT.”

References

1. Norml. Cannabis extracts improve symptoms in children with Rett syndrome https://norml.org/news/2025/07/10/study-low-thc-cannabis-extracts-improve-symptoms-in-children-with-rett-syndrome/ (accessed Jul 15, 2025).
2. Keating BA, Ogru Y, Duthy TG, et al. Full-Spectrum Medicinal Cannabis Plant Extract 0.08% THC (NTI164) Improves Symptoms of Rett Syndrome: An Open-Label Study. J Paediatr Child Health. Published online June 26, 2025. doi:10.1111/jpc.70122

California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) philosophy and mathematics professor Jonathan Anthony Caravello was released on a $15,000 bond at the Central District of California United States District Court in Los Angeles on Monday, several days after being arrested for allegedly attacking ICE agents at a cannabis farm raid in Ventura County.

The charges date back to Thursday, where Caravello was among several protesters outside the Glass House cannabis farm in Camarillo during an immigration raid. Around 361 illegal immigrants were arrested during the raid, 14 of whom were children.

“At the California marijuana facilities, ICE and CBP law enforcement rescued at least 14 migrant children from what looks like exploitation, forced child labor, and potentially human trafficking or smuggling while facing assault and even gunfire. Our brave agents also arrested at least 361 illegal aliens—including criminals with convictions for rape, serial burglary, hit and run and DUIs” explained DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “As Secretary Noem stated, this is quickly becoming one of the largest operations since President Trump took office.”

“Workers were detained and we are assisting to provide them legal representation,” said the farm in a statement. “Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors.”

“The UFW can confirm farm workers were critically injured yesterday during chaotic raids in Ventura County, California,” added the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. “Others, including US citizens remain totally unaccounted for. Farm workers are excluded from basic child labor laws and it is unfortunately not uncommon for teenagers to work in the fields. To be clear: detaining and deporting children is not a solution for child labor.”

However, the large numbers of protesters, mixed with reports of a gun being fired, led the ICE and Border Patrol agents there to take greater precautions, including tear gas. Protesters then began throwing rocks. According to the affidavit, Caravello, who had been using a megaphone loudly playing a siren, attempted to kick a tear gas cannister towards agents, but missed. This caused him to take greater action.

“Caravello turned around, ran towards the canister, picked it up, and threw the canister overhand back at BP agents,” said the report. “A BP Agent reported that the canister was thrown at law enforcement and recalls that the canister came within approximately several feet above law enforcement’s heads.”

Caravello then left the scene, but returned two hours later after changing clothing.

“After determining he was the individual who threw the canister, two border patrol agents attempted to arrest him just before 6 p.m. As BP agents arrested Caravello, they placed him on his stomach on the ground,” added the complaint. “BP Agent R.C. gave Caravello verbal commands to give law enforcement officers his arms but Caravello would not comply and attempted to grab a BP Agent’s leg. As BP Agent R.C. and other BP agents attempted to detain Caravello, Caravello continuously kicked his legs and refused to give the BP agents his arms.”

CSUCI professor arrested

Caravello was then arrested. However, the California Faculty Association (CFA) then claimed in an Instagram post that Caravello wasn’t arrested, but was kidnapped by ICE agents, despite the arrest being recorded on Border Patrol agent body cameras.

“Jonathan Anthony Caravello. DOB: 02/16/1988. Professor at CSU Channel Islands,” read the CFA post. “Kidnapped by unidentified ICE agents at 2:33pm, Thursday July 10th at Las Posas Rd/Laguna Rd community ICE defense protest. 4 masked agents dragged Jonathan away into an unmarked reason without identifying themselves, without giving the reason for arrest, and without disclosing where they are taking him. It has been over 24 hours since Jonathan’s disappearance and he does not have his medication with him.”

On Friday, CSUCI gave a statement on X, claiming that he was peacefully protesting.

“California State University Channel Islands is aware of reports that Professor Jonathan Anthony Caravello of CSU Channel Islands, a legal U.S. citizen, was taken into federal custody during a protest at Glass House Farms in Camarillo. At this time, it is our understanding that Professor Caravello was peacefully participating in a protest—an act protected under the First Amendment and a right guaranteed to all Americans,” said CSUCI. “If confirmed, we stand with elected officials and community leaders calling for his immediate release.”

As a result, federal agencies swiftly responded that he was arrested for the tear gas incident, and was not “abducted.” Instead, the timing of his arrest right before the weekend led to him being held for a few days longer than usual.

“Professor Jonathan Caravello was not “kidnapped” by federal agents,” U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli clarified on X. “He was arrested for throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement. He is charged with a violation of 18 USC 111 and will have a court appearance tomorrow.”

All of this led to Caravello’s hearing on Monday where Magistrate Judge Maria A. Audero ordered his release on a $15,000 bond and set his arraignment for August 1st. Later on Monday, he was seen leaving the courthouse with an ankle monitor on his leg.

It is currently unknown what kind of punishment Caravello faces as he has not been arraigned yet, nor is it known if CSUCI will fire him over the incident. However, the affidavit made it clear that Caravello was arrested, silencing many groups who earlier claimed that he was abducted.

It’s easy to find a bar in Atlantic City — spots to grab a drink, hear live music, and hang with friends are everywhere. In a few short weeks, cannabis lounges will offer a similar vibe, but for weed.

On Tuesday, July 15, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission voted to approve the state’s first cannabis consumption lounges. The four lounges — which include two in Atlantic City — can open as soon as they pass site inspections. Most are already through that stage.

“This is a long time coming. I know a lot of people were eager to see cannabis consumption areas open up here in New Jersey,” said Commission Chair Dianna Houenou before announcing the endorsement of four cannabis lounges.

High Rollers and SunnyTien in Atlantic City, along with Gynsyng Dispensary in Merchantville — about 10 miles from Center City — are among the first cannabis lounges approved to open in New Jersey. All three expect to open by the end of July. Newark’s URB’N Dispensary also received approval and can open once it clears final inspections.

The Atlantic City lounges aim to deliver elevated cannabis experiences similar to upscale bars, while Gynsyng offers a more laid-back vibe — “like your best friend’s finished basement,” said manager Sam Quinlan. Each lounge will serve a wide menu of cannabis products for smoking, vaping, or eating.

“This is a huge weight off of all of our shoulders. We’ve had the construction on our lounge done for almost two years now,” SunnyTien manager Spencer Belz said. “Now, it’s 100 miles an hour, full pedal to the metal, until we get the doors open.”

Once open, the lounges will function more like bars than dispensaries. Adults 21 and older can enter, typically with a small cover charge and a purchase from the lounge. Outside cannabis isn’t allowed, except for registered medical patients with properly labeled New Jersey products.

“The minute we get the license, we’ll open,” Belz said. “Now, when will our grand opening party be? Probably a month down the road.”

Each lounge will provide access to cannabis accessories, from rolling trays and grinders to high-end gadgets like the $500 Volcano vaporizer or $600 Stündenglass Gravity Infuser.

“When you sit down, one of our lounge budtenders is going to come over and they’re going to figure out what accessory would be the best fit for what you’re looking for,” Belz said. “So, if someone comes into the lounge and they buy an eighth of flower, they’ll be asked, ‘Would you like a rolling tray with papers and grinder? Would you like a hand pipe, a water pipe, or a bong?’ Or we will have some higher-end products available for rent.”

For lounge owners, this is more than just an access point. Public cannabis use is still illegal in New Jersey, so these lounges are also intended to serve as welcoming community spaces — a place to learn about products, gather with friends, and unwind.

Belz hopes the space will become a regular hangout, complete with live music, comedy nights, and yes, Mario Kart tournaments.

“We all love sitting on the couch, getting high, playing Mario Kart. And on our 120-inch TV screen in here, we’re going to have a full Mario Kart tournament for people to come in, play the game, and compete — all getting high while they’re doing so.”

ALBANY, N.Y. — The NYS Office of Cannabis (NYSOCM) has issued a recall on three cannabis products produced by East End Flower Farms. The affected products have been recalled due to pesticide levels above the OCM’s allowable limits. 

The affected products are from the farm’s “Harvest” line of 3.5-gram cannabis flower, and are titled “Secret #9,” “Lemon Haze,” and “Pure Michigan.” 

While only one of the products tested positive for high pesticide levels, the OCM is recalling all three as a precaution.

The OCM has not received any reports of negative effects caused by consuming these products, but the department is reminding consumers to report any incidents related to these or any other cannabis products by completing an incident report at: https://cannabis.ny.gov/report-an-incident

The department has also stated that consumers who have purchased the recalled products and wish to return them can contact the retail dispensary where the product was purchased. These products can be returned even if they have already been opened.