Cannabis News Roundup: Week 2025-11: THC Limits, Lawsuits & Expungements: This Week’s Biggest Cannabis Updates

Week of 15 Mar 2025

This week in cannabis news: Colorado lawmakers drop a controversial THC cap bill, while a local cannabis company sues regulators over contaminated products. Kentucky and Ohio push new restrictions on hemp-derived THC, sparking industry backlash. Meanwhile, Maryland moves to protect first responders using medical cannabis, and Minnesota advances a bill expanding expungements for past marijuana convictions. In New York, a new measure aims to protect medical marijuana patients from eviction, while Oregon withdraws a scandal-ridden cannabis audit. Nationally, cannabis research faces new hurdles, and in Australia, a fresh push for legalization stirs political debate.

 

Mentioned states: CO, KY, MD, MN, NY, OH, OR, and more.

 

 

 

1 COLORADO 

 

This week in Colorado, tensions over cannabis regulation have intensified as lawmakers withdrew a controversial bill restricting THC potency, while a local cannabis company launched a legal battle against state regulators.

Senate Bill 76, which aimed to cap THC levels in cannabis products and ban certain psilocybin edibles, was pulled after facing significant pushback from the industry and public advocates. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Judy Amabile, cited concerns about marijuana’s mental health effects, but acknowledged the measure lacked legislative support..

Meanwhile, Mammoth Farms, a Colorado-based cannabis company, has filed a lawsuit against the state's Marijuana Enforcement Division, accusing regulators of failing to properly oversee product safety. The lawsuit claims that contaminated cannabis, including products containing methylene chloride, has entered the legal market due to lax testing standards. Mammoth Farms argues that the state's oversight failures endanger consumers and undermine legitimate businesses. If successful, the lawsuit could lead to a major overhaul of Colorado’s cannabis regulatory system.

2 KENTUCKY 

 

Kentucky’s House has approved new restrictions on hemp-derived THC beverages, advancing Senate Bill 202 with a 77 to 17 vote. The legislation caps THC content at 5 milligram per 12-ounce serving, moves regulatory oversight to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control agency, and requires retailers to obtain liquor licenses. Supporters argue these measures are needed to regulate intoxicating hemp drinks and keep them out of the hands of minors. However, the hemp industry warns the bill could harm Kentucky’s $330 million market and force businesses to close. A separate bill, House Bill 775, also proposes increasing taxes on hemp beverages, further fueling industry concerns. Both bills now await Senate approval and possible gubernatorial review.

3 MARYLAND 

 

Maryland lawmakers are advancing a bill to protect firefighters and rescue workers from employment discrimination related to off-duty medical cannabis use. Senate Bill 1023, passed the Senate Finance Committee and now moves forward in the legislative process. The bill ensures first responders with valid medical cannabis certifications cannot be penalized solely for testing positive for THC metabolites, provided they are not impaired while on duty. If enacted, the law could impact workplace cannabis policies and medical cannabis access across Maryland.

4 MINNESOTA 

 

Minnesota lawmakers are moving forward with legislation to expand expungement eligibility for marijuana-related convictions. Senate Bill 204, which received unanimous approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee, aims to ensure individuals with past cannabis offenses can seek record relief—provided their convictions did not involve weapons or violent acts. The measure also clarifies the role of the state’s Cannabis Expungement Board, which has faced challenges in reviewing certain cases due to legislative oversights. If passed, the bill could take effect later this