Cannabis Legalization News Podcast

Cannabis Legalization News
  • 4.3 (58)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Cannabis Legalization News explains what changed in cannabis—and what comes next.Each week, cannabis attorney and dispensary owner Thomas Howard and activist Miguel “Miggy” Santiago connect the laws, court decisions, policy shifts, rights issues, hemp developments and regulated-market realities that matter.Each episode connects consequential cannabis developments and explains what they mean. Ask Thomas is a forthcoming pilot and will not be represented as an active series until it launches.CLN publishes news, analysis, commentary and education—not legal advice. Sponsored work and related-party relationships are disclosed; coverage is not for sale.Watch, read the sources and find current episodes at cannabislegalizationnews.com.

  1. 2d ago ·  Video

    Legal Loopholes: How a $32 Million Cannabis Contract Dispute Was Dismissed

    Send us Fan Mail Curaleaf’s $31.8M Contract Verdict Tossed, Schedule III Can’t Be Enjoined, and Regulators Crack Down The hosts discuss cannabis legalization and business news, arguing that federal marijuana rescheduling to Schedule III is inevitable and noting a court denial of injunctive relief seeking to block it, with briefing planning due by October 9 and an amicus request granted. They cover a roughly $31.8 million marijuana contract verdict tied to an output contract dispute that was moved to federal court and dismissed on federal illegality grounds, warning that federal courts remain effectively closed to marijuana contract enforcement even after rescheduling, including for medical contracts. Additional topics include Washington State banning strain names that mimic children’s candy (e.g., “Runts,” “Skittles,” “Gushers”), Colorado regulators’ handling of a harmful edible product, limited cannabis banking participation per GAO data, dormant Commerce Clause splits, CDC overdose-death cannabis detection context, Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws upheld, and the hosts’ dispensary operations, local medical sales and lounge efforts, and business-building plans. Support the show Get our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

    Legal Loopholes: How a $32 Million Cannabis Contract Dispute Was Dismissed

  2. Sep 6 ·  Video

    HR6500 Hemp Extension, DEA Questionnaires, and Ongoing Patchwork Cannabis Policy

    Send us Fan Mail The hosts discuss cannabis still not being federally legalized and preview 10 news stories, led by Trump signing HR6500, a one-month hemp deadline extension that they argue punts major decisions until after the election. They say synthetics like THCO and HHC will remain illegal, while CBD-derived delta-8/delta-9 products may continue until December 11, and they anticipate a likely per-serving THC limit and clearer FDA definitions such as “container,” especially for beverages. They describe ongoing compliance burdens for dispensaries, including social-media ad suspensions, state police oversight, and a new 26-question DEA Diversion Control business questionnaire requiring extensive leadership, employee, product, supplier, and shipping details. Other topics include a three-ton cannabis seizure in Illinois highlighting diversion, safety-driven regulation after an Oklahoma extraction explosion, California packaging restrictions signed by Newsom, Trump freeing cannabis prisoners, a DeSantis hemp-money scandal, Nebraska cannabis progress, and a Colorado product linked to liver harm that stayed on shelves over a year. Support the show Get our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

  3. Aug 30 ·  Video

    The DEA Transcript is OUT—But the Arrests Never Stopped

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Cannabis Legalization News: The hosts recap cannabis legalization news for the week ending Aug. 30, 2026, highlighting the DEA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and release of 11 days/2,533 pages of rescheduling hearing transcripts after ALJ Derek Julius ordered technical corrections. They quote DEA attorney James Schwartz arguing marijuana has currently accepted medical use and therefore cannot remain in Schedule I, while discussing how Schedule III would still leave major regulatory gaps and create “arbitrary and capricious” tax and compliance problems as the same inventory is treated as Schedule I or III depending on the transaction. They note FBI data showing cannabis arrests rising to about 201,000 with 92% for possession and one in four drug arrests involving marijuana. Other topics include Michigan dispensary closures tied to a 24% tax, Missouri collective bargaining rights for cannabis workers, Illinois adding sickle cell and polycystic ovarian syndrome with chronic pain as qualifying conditions, a Fourth Circuit decision rejecting “suspicion by geography,” delayed FDA hemp guidance, and Illinois’ move to issue new hybrid dispensary approvals around Sept. 10, alongside updates on their store, concerts, and a “Name That Strain” segment. 00:00 Welcome and Weekly Rundown 01:04 Dispensary Concert Highlights 01:43 Channel Growth and Store Life 02:53 DEA Transcript Rescheduling Bombshells 04:20 Schedule III Hybrids and Tax Chaos 08:26 Corruption Rants and AI Brain Rot 09:58 Rescheduling Misconceptions and Chevron 17:29 Arrests Data and Why It Matters 22:59 Texas Hemp Lobbying and Media Money 26:54 Illinois Social Equity Loan Fight 30:49 YouTube Analytics Hacks 31:49 Michigan Tax Crunch 33:40 Legalization Lost Magic 35:35 Texas Medical Bottlenecks 38:00 Hemp Bill And Schedule III 41:05 Missouri Union Rights 42:56 Name That Strain 45:58 Illinois Medical Expands 47:05 Fourth Amendment Win 49:29 Hybrid Licenses And Costs 53:32 Pekin Plans And Growth 56:45 Wrap Up And Subscribe Support the show Get our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

    The DEA Transcript is OUT—But the Arrests Never Stopped

  4. Aug 23 ·  Video

    DEA Rescheduling Briefs, Hemp Loopholes, and the Push for Federal THC Rules

    Send us Fan Mail The hosts discuss developments in the DEA marijuana rescheduling process, noting final briefs were due Monday and the DEA is now arguing marijuana should not remain in Schedule I, acknowledging accepted medical use for pain, anorexia, and chemotherapy-related nausea, and disputing two Schedule I prongs including safety under medical supervision. They describe a waiting period after transcript-verbatim corrections and predict movement before the midterms, arguing HHS scientific findings are binding and appeals by groups like SAM and NASTA are unlikely to succeed.  They emphasize rescheduling is not legalization and call for federal standards, including a “full spectrum CBD” definition and consistent THC regulation across hemp and cannabis to end “scheduled twice” confusion and address interstate-commerce limits. Other topics include lawmakers pressing the Trump administration on rollout, Georgia regulators’ limits on directing carriers, hemp farmers facing possible THC bans, market chatter on THC beverages, a dementia THC-oil trial, and a Massachusetts whistleblower lawsuit. Support the show Get our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

    DEA Rescheduling Briefs, Hemp Loopholes, and the Push for Federal THC Rules

  5. Aug 16 ·  Video

    Hybrid Dispensaries, Schedule III Rescheduling, and the Fight Over THC Hemp Drinks (Week Ending Aug 16, 2026)

    Send us Fan Mail Hosts Tom and a co-host discuss cannabis legalization news for the week ending August 16, 2026, focusing on how legalization may unfold over the next 18–60 months and why “hybrid” dispensaries (serving medical and adult-use) could shape tax and regulatory outcomes, including arguments around IRC 280E. They review Illinois’ SB322 process and IDPFR forms to convert to hybrid status, speculate on federal Schedule III rescheduling timelines and upcoming briefing deadlines, and note Treasury/IRS awaiting rescheduling for 280E guidance while FDA is late on intoxicating cannabinoid packaging rules. They criticize politicization, lobbying, and hemp-derived THC beverage bills, citing Virginia’s 2mg cap taking effect. Other items include Illinois rulemaking to allow outdoor cultivation, New York’s Gotham Buds “sole control” ruling risks for investors, Massachusetts shelf audits finding mislabeled potency, and a “Name That Strain” reveal: Revolution’s Peach Crescendo. Support the show Get our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

    Hybrid Dispensaries, Schedule III Rescheduling, and the Fight Over THC Hemp Drinks (Week Ending Aug 16, 2026)

  6. Aug 10 ·  Video

    Senate Votes 61–32 to Keep Hemp Delay in Funding Bill

    Send us Fan Mail The Senate voted 61–32 at 2:36 a.m. to preserve a proposed 29-day hemp delay in its pending federal funding bill. That delay is not law: November 12 remains operative unless the House concurs and the President signs. If enacted, the Senate text would move the date for most hemp products to December 11. Converted and synthetic cannabinoids would remain on the November 12 track. Thomas Howard and Miggy break down the vote, the scrambled coalition, the state-law consequences, and the payment processor that may close hemp stores before Congress acts. GUESTS: Freedom Grow and Bill from Bill Bros join us in the second half. Free CLN newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu THIS WEEK • Senate votes 61–32 to preserve proposed hemp-delay language • Dr. Oz asks senators to protect Medicare-related CBD flexibility • 35 attorneys general oppose any delay • Square plans to cut off CBD and hemp merchants October 15 • Verano challenges New Jersey labor-peace requirements • Texas Rep. James Talarico attacks the proposed THC ban • CDC tracks cannabis hyperemesis emergency visits • Wisconsin police use Flock-camera data in a marijuana investigation • New York changes cannabis showcase rules for microbusinesses • The VA launches a Phase 3 psilocybin trial for veterans FULL WRITE-UPS Senate vote and proposed hemp delay: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... Dr. Oz Medicare hemp letter: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... 35 attorneys general letter: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... Square CBD/hemp cutoff: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... Verano v. New Jersey CRC: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... Talarico and the Texas THC ban: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... CDC cannabis hyperemesis data: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... Flock cameras and marijuana searches: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... New York microbusiness showcase fix: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... VA psilocybin trial: https://cannabislegalizationnews.com/... PRIMARY SOURCES Senate Roll Call 227 — motion to table S.Amdt. 6747 (2:36 a.m.): https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LI... Senate Roll Call 228 — passage of amended H.R. 6500: https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LI... S.Amdt. 6747: https://www.congress.gov/amendment/11... H.R. 6500: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-c... House Roll Call 272 — separate H.R. 9770: https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026272 Chapters will be added after the live stream so every timestamp is exact. Cannabis Legalization News is hosted by Thomas Howard, a cannabis and business attorney, and Miggy. New episodes every Sunday. Legal help for a cannabis license, deal, or dispute: https://cannabisindustrylawyer.com DISCLAIMER: This program is for information and entertainment. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Cannabis remains federally controlled. Laws change quickly; consult a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction before acting. #cannabisnews #hemp #cannabislaw #cannabisindustry Support the show Get our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

  7. Jul 27 ·  Video

    NEW HEMP RESCUE BILL JUST DROPPED — Can It Stop the November 12 Ban? 😳

    Send us Fan Mail Cannabis Legalization News: Hemp Crackdowns, Schedule III Rescheduling, and New Insurance Protections The hosts of a cannabis policy, law, and business podcast discuss a week of mostly positive legalization news while warning that a refiled “Hemp Rescue” bill could effectively gut hemp by restricting it to non-intoxicating products, with Congress unlikely to pass anything controversial before the election and a key federal deadline around November 12. They argue hemp loophole products (delta-8/THCA and gas-station intoxicants) harmed broader legalization efforts and prompted overreaction that could cost access to seeds, while rescheduling to Schedule III is framed as the real path forward. They cover Todd Blanche’s position on rescheduling and the legal inconsistency of treating medical cannabis differently from adult-use, plus broader federalism and commerce-clause issues. Other topics include cannabis companies donating $11.5M to a Trump-linked PAC, high regulatory burdens for small dispensaries, a proposed CLAIM Act to reduce cannabis insurance barriers, and a federal marijuana indictment where “it’s hemp” defenses fail under DEA testing. Support the show Get our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

    NEW HEMP RESCUE BILL JUST DROPPED — Can It Stop the November 12 Ban? 😳

  8. Jul 19 ·  Video

    DEA Rescheduling Hearing Wraps, 280E Refund Fight, and Cannabis Legalization News Roundup

    Send us Fan Mail The hosts introduce a weekly cannabis law and policy podcast, promote membership and an emailed news report via QR code, and discuss building AI software to run their dispensary using an MCP server connected to Dutchie’s API.  The main story is that the DEA’s administrative rescheduling hearing has wrapped without an interlocutory appeal, with 50-page post-hearing briefs due August 17; they outline the ALJ recommendation process, potential Schedule III timing, and expected judicial review lawsuits by SAM and drug-testing interests.  Other topics include criticism of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act as election-year grandstanding, a TerrAscend dispute where the IRS seeks repayment of an $8.37M 280E-related refund, declining pre-employment marijuana testing, a Michigan Supreme Court ruling limiting probation bans on legal cannabis, California regulators linking local bans to illicit markets, stalled Pennsylvania legalization, a Kenyan court rejecting a Rastafari legalization case, and mention of online clone sales under hemp claims. 00:00 Welcome and Subscribe 00:19 Dispensary Updates and Weekly Report 01:28 AI POS and MCP Explained 03:29 DEA Hearing Wraps Up 08:34 Schedule III Timeline and Process 13:30 Single Convention and Break 14:28 COCA Bill Returns 17:38 Hemp Backlash and Seed Panic 19:38 Military Testing and Legal Use 23:37 280E Refund Fight 28:52 Advertising Rules and Classes 30:16 Rolling Class and Loans 30:45 Workplace Testing Debate 33:09 Military Drug Test Story 35:23 Michigan Probation Win 36:47 Why Weed Costs More 38:39 Jimothy and Name Game 43:07 Local Bans Fuel Illicit 48:05 Pennsylvania Politics 50:48 Kenya Rastafari Ruling 54:16 Clones and Hemp Hustle 55:49 Wrap Up and Disclaimer Support the show Get our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

    DEA Rescheduling Hearing Wraps, 280E Refund Fight, and Cannabis Legalization News Roundup
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4.3
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About

Cannabis Legalization News explains what changed in cannabis—and what comes next.Each week, cannabis attorney and dispensary owner Thomas Howard and activist Miguel “Miggy” Santiago connect the laws, court decisions, policy shifts, rights issues, hemp developments and regulated-market realities that matter.Each episode connects consequential cannabis developments and explains what they mean. Ask Thomas is a forthcoming pilot and will not be represented as an active series until it launches.CLN publishes news, analysis, commentary and education—not legal advice. Sponsored work and related-party relationships are disclosed; coverage is not for sale.Watch, read the sources and find current episodes at cannabislegalizationnews.com.

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