Cannabis Legalization News • October 12, 2025
Ohio Intoxicating Hemp Ban: What DeWine’s Executive Order Really Does
Ohio’s order halts retail sales of “intoxicating hemp” and places a 60-day quarantine on existing inventory—framed as a youth-safety measure, criticized as a panic ban by retailers and processors.
Trump’s Drug Czar Nominee Ducks Cannabis Questions
Sara Carter, nominated to lead ONDCP, sidestepped positions on marijuana rescheduling in Senate follow-ups—more process, fewer answers while DEA deliberations continue.
D.C. Hemp Retailer Loses Challenge to City Cannabis Rules
A federal judge upheld the District’s crackdown on gray-market cannabis—holding that Farm Bill status doesn’t preempt local police powers to regulate intoxicating products.
MORE Act Gains 56 Congressional Sponsors
The descheduling bill returns with momentum—five times the backers of the leading anti-cannabis measure—reviving expungements and SBA access in the debate.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) Floats “Opt-In” Legalization With Federal Excise Tax
Tillis says prohibition lost and it’s time for a federal framework with an excise tax that lets states opt in. His critique of cross-border advertising from tribal markets drew a sharp response from EBCI leadership.
Wisconsin Bill Targets Hemp-Derived THC
Lawmakers proposed a ban on delta-8, THCA and similar intoxicants. Producers warn it will wreck compliant supply chains and fuel the gray market; sponsors call it a public-safety fix.
Target Starts Selling THC Drinks in Minnesota
The retail giant quietly launched hemp-derived THC beverages in select Minnesota stores—evidence that mainstream distribution is moving from theory to reality.
Spain Officially Legalizes Medical Cannabis
After years of delay, Spain approved a medical cannabis framework. Patients with chronic pain, MS, chemo nausea, and certain epilepsies will access regulated products via pharmacies under AEMPS.
Michigan Cannabis Industry Sues to Block New 24% Tax
The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association argues the new wholesale excise tax violates the voter-approved law’s supermajority protections. The state says it’s a separate levy.
FAQ: Congress, Target’s THC Drinks & the Ohio Intoxicating Hemp Ban
What does the Ohio Intoxicating Hemp Ban cover?
It halts sales of hemp-derived intoxicants and places affected inventory under a 60-day quarantine while the state sets testing and enforcement protocols.
Does the Ohio Intoxicating Hemp Ban affect federally legal hemp?
Yes. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, states retain police powers to regulate intoxicating hemp products for public health and safety.
Why is Congress revisiting cannabis legalization now?
With most states adopting medical or adult-use programs, bills like the MORE Act and new “opt-in” frameworks have renewed momentum to align federal law with state realities.
Is Target really selling THC drinks?
Target piloted hemp-derived THC beverages in select Minnesota stores, one of the first major national retailers to test mainstream distribution of THC products.
Support the Work
Collateral Base — cannabis business law, licensing, compliance: Visit Collateral Base
Howard Law Group — cannabis industry attorneys in IL, MO, NY, OH & MI: Get Legal Help
More briefings: CLN News Archives
Final Thought
This isn’t chaos; it’s policy catching up to reality. Every ban, lawsuit, and emergency order is the old system trying to keep pace with a market—and a public—that moved on years ago. Watch, share, and keep the pressure on.
Watch the episode: Congress is reviving legalization & Target is now selling THC drinks
