This Week in Cannabis: Key Developments Across the Industry
Alabama’s New Hemp Restrictions Stir Controversy
Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey has enacted a contentious bill, HB 445, reshaping the state’s hemp landscape. The legislation imposes stringent new standards for hemp product testing and labeling, bans smokable THC items, and limits THC content in edibles to 10 mg per piece and 40 mg per package. Furthermore, a 10% excise tax has been introduced on consumable hemp products, with the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board overseeing hemp company licensing. Purchases of consumable hemp will now be exclusively from licensed vendors, raising alarms within the hemp community about increased operational hurdles.
Minnesota’s Cannabis Study Highlights Sleep Apnea Benefits
In May 2025, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management released poignant insights into medical cannabis’ impact on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The comprehensive report, “Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program,” revealed that 60.8% of patients with significant sleep disturbances experienced a ≥30% improvement within four months, underscoring the therapeutic potential of cannabis for sleep-related conditions. The findings align with rising interest in cannabis as a holistic remedy for OSA and other sleep disorders.
Texas Legislation Threatens Hemp-Derived THC Market
The Texas House of Representatives recently approved Senate Bill 3, potentially signaling a restrictive shift in the state’s hemp industry by banning all cannabinoids apart from CBD and CBG in hemp products. If the measure becomes law in September 2025, new guidelines will necessitate microbial testing and cannabinoid content disclosure, severely constraining product diversity. The Texas Hemp Business Council expressed serious concerns over the bill’s implications for farmers, small enterprises, and consumers reliant on hemp-derived products.
FDA Commissioner Advocates for Psychedelics Research
US FDA Commissioner Marty Makary is spotlighting psychedelics, aligning them with ongoing cannabis legalization challenges by targeting regulatory red tape obstructing research and therapeutic applications. Makary’s initiative prioritizes swift, independent assessments of psychedelics, recognizing their potential for treating PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions. This evolving regulatory stance may open doors for expanded research and acceptance of alternative therapies, paralleling the journey of medical cannabis.
Cannabis Use and Sperm Quality: New Study Findings
Researchers have delved into the effects of cannabis on sperm quality, publishing their findings in Andrology. The study, part of the North American PRESTO cohort, involved 921 participants, with 23% reporting recent cannabis use. Contrary to some expectations, results indicated no significant differences in sperm count or quality between users and non-users, challenging preconceived notions about cannabis and reproductive health.
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