Week of 8 Mar, 2025
U.S. Alaska moves to protect past cannabis convictions, California invests millions in equity grants, Georgia ramps up THC limits for medical marijuana but cracks down on hemp products. Idaho lawmakers push to block voter-led legalization efforts, and Maine reveals dangerous contamination in its medical cannabis market. Nebraska faces resistance despite strong voter support for medical marijuana. Meanwhile, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas all navigate their own battles over cannabis and hemp regulations. Tune in for the latest updates on cannabis laws, bans, and policy changes!
Covered states: AK, CA, GA, ID, ME, NE, NH, OH, TN, TX
ALASKA
In Alaska, the Legislature is considering House Bill 81, which would prohibit state agencies from publicly releasing records of past low-level cannabis possession convictions. While the bill would not erase records completely, it would prevent state agencies from publicly disclosing them. If passed, the law would help remove barriers to employment and housing for thousands of Alaskans previously convicted of an offense that is no longer illegal.
CALIFORNIA
California continues its efforts to create an equitable cannabis market with a fresh infusion of funding. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has announced $18.4 million in grants to 18 cities and counties, supporting individuals historically affected by cannabis prohibition. The funds will provide financial assistance, waived fees, and technical support, making it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the legal industry. This latest round of funding brings the total cannabis equity grant disbursements to over 123 million dollars, helping over 14 hundred license holders so far.
GEORGIA
The Georgia Senate approved three bills that reshape the state's cannabis and hemp landscape. Senate Bill 220 increases the THC limit for medical cannabis from 5% to 50% and expands patient eligibility. Meanwhile, Senate Bills 33 and 254 impose strict regulations on hemp-derived products, including a complete ban on THC-infused beverages and new limits on delta 8 and delta 10 THC. These measures now move to the House for further debate.
IDAHO
Idaho lawmakers have passed House Joint Resolution 4, a resolution aimed at removing voters' ability to legalize marijuana through ballot initiatives. The measure, which now moves to the Senate, would amend the Idaho Constitution to grant exclusive authority over cannabis regulation to the legislature. If approved, this could halt future marijuana legalization efforts despite growing public support for medical cannabis reform.
MAINE
Maine lawmakers have introduced two bills to mandate testing and THC potency limits in the state’s medical cannabis market, aligning regulations with recreational cannabis standards. Supporters cite patient safety concerns, following a recent Office of Cannabis Policy report revealing contamination in 42% of tested medical cannabis samples.
The audit found yeast, mold, pesticides, and heavy metals, with some pesticide levels exceeding safe limits by 293 times. The OCP Director warned that lack of testing puts 106 THOUSAND medical cannabis patients at risk and called for urgent reforms, including better oversight and tracking systems.
NEBRASKA
Nebraska’s medical cannabis program, approved by over 70% of voters, is facing significant opposition from state officials. Lawmakers are debating multiple bills to regulate access, but Attorney General Mike Hilgers has threatened lawsuits against licensing, while former Governor Pete Ricketts continues to oppose legalization. Advocates rallied at the state capitol, demanding lawmakers respect the voter mandate. However, with pending legal battles and no immediate legislative action, the future of medical marijuana in Nebraska remains uncertain.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
In New Hampshire, marijuana reform is gaining traction, but with some roadblocks ahead. On Wednesday, state lawmakers advanced bills to legalize small-scale possession for adults and increase medical cannabis possession limits, bringing relief to patients and advocates. However, efforts to regulate a commercial marijuana market were put on hold, as legislators look to refine the proposal. With strong public support but opposition from the Governor, the future of legalization in New Hampshire remains uncertain
OHIO
Ohio's legislature is debating two competing bills to amend the state's marijuana laws. The House bill 160 seeks to maintain the voter-approved 12-plant home-grow limit and restrict the sale of intoxicating hemp products to licensed dispensaries. Meanwhile, the Senate's SB 56 proposes stricter measures, including cutting home cultivation in half and capping THC potency in extracts and edible
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