Massachusetts’ prohibition push 👎

“Whether it’s lowering prescription drug costs, protecting health care, or bringing our nation’s cannabis laws into the 21st century, Donald Trump’s presidency is one big broken promise,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (D). 

“I’ll continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to press the administration to get with the program and meet the overwhelming majority of American voters where they are on this issue.”

Wyden was discussing Trump’s reluctance, so far, to move on federal cannabis reform.

Cannabis prohibition on track for Massachusetts 2026 ballot ☑️

The campaign to put cannabis prohibition on the ballot in Massachusetts is on track to exceed its signature requirements, according to representatives of the campaign to end legalization in the Bay State. On the other hand, Chris Faraone, editor of Talking Joints Memo and a leading authority on Massachusetts cannabis policy reported that the ballot campaign is deceptively encouraging pro-cannabis individuals to sign onto the measure with sneaky language. The campaign needs about 74,000 signatures by Dec. 3, but they plan to have over 100,000 to submit, according to a campaign representative who spoke to Cannabis Business Times. 

Legendary SF cannabis activist passed away 💪

Terrance Alan, former owner of Cafe Flore, past member of the "gay weed mafia" and co-founder of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission passed away at 72. Alan was part of the coalition that helped push the legalization of medical cannabis in California in 1996. Given the current involvement of investors and the big business nature of cannabis, it can be easy to forget that the roots of legalization in America have a solid foundation in the AIDS crisis and San Francisco. Alan was an important part of that movement. 

California seizes over $222 million in Q3 👮

California's Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force reported the seizure of over $222 million in illicit cannabis over the last three months. The raids, which took place between July and September, yielded 133,372 pounds of illicit cannabis destroyed, 18 arrests and 234,198 plants eradicated. 

Omaha Tribe plans inaugural Cannabis Commission meeting ahead of Nebraska 🚀

While Nebraska continues to belabor its implementation of medical cannabis regulations, the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska announced plans for the inaugural meeting of its own Cannabis Commission on Oct. 27. The Tribe appears to be the latest sovereign territory to legalize cannabis amid ongoing reform efforts in surrounding U.S. states. 

Wisconsin lawmakers introduce medical legalization bill 🌿

Wisconsin Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R) filed a bill to legalize medical cannabis in the state along with two Republican lawmakers. “Someone who suffers from a serious health condition should not have to make the choice to travel to another state or break the law so they can try an alternative medicine for relief,” Felzkowski said. 

Rhode Island's top cannabis regulator steps down

Kimberly Ahern announced on Oct. 21 that she was resigning from her position as chair of the state's Cannabis Control Commission. The announcement comes just one day after she led the Commission in approving a Dec. 29 deadline for dispensary license submissions.

And more:

Giving Tree dispensary founder Lilach Mazor Power said on LinkedIn she sold the business and is exiting the cannabis industry.

Jews in Weed: Building Community, One Bagel at a Time | High Times

Upcoming election could influence passage of recreational cannabis sales in Virginia | The Virginia-Pilot

Alcohol Industry Steps Up Lobbying On Hemp Drinks As Congress Debates THC Ban | Marijuana Moment

There's a new kind of drink on the market in CT. Why a renowned restaurant wants to serve it | Hartford Courant