Cannabis Regulatory Overhaul Takes Shape in North Carolina
North Carolina is making significant strides towards regulating its cannabis sector under the guidance of Governor Josh Stein. Recently, Stein announced the formation of the State Advisory Council on Cannabis, highlighting the urgent need to protect young individuals from the unregulated market. “Our state’s cannabis market is like the wild west, lacking order and safety,” Governor Stein emphasized. He pointed out the alarming accessibility of unregulated THC products without age restrictions, which jeopardizes public health and safety. The Advisory Council’s primary goal is to establish a regulated, legal cannabis market focused on adult safety and youth protection, marking a pivotal shift in North Carolina’s cannabis policy landscape.
Minnesota’s Licensing Blunder Creates Industry Stir
In Minnesota, a misstep by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has created waves in the state’s budding cannabis industry. Following the inaugural cannabis license lottery on June 5, 2025, confusion ensued as winning entrepreneurs unexpectedly received denial notices just days later. The erroneous email, attributed to a staff oversight, incorrectly informed all 249 lottery winners they did not receive a license. Jim Walker, OCM’s public information officer, clarified the error was promptly corrected within an hour. This incident highlights the challenges and learning curves faced by new cannabis markets as they strive for operational precision and reliability.
Hemp Industry Faces Federal Regulation Challenges
The hemp industry is currently navigating potential regulatory hurdles as articulated by the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). Recently, WSWA voiced their concerns about language in the proposed FY2026 Agriculture–FDA appropriations bill potentially banning naturally-derived hemp products. While supportive of eliminating synthetic cannabinoids, WSWA urges Congress to reconsider the broad implications of Section 759, which could inadvertently affect state-regulated Delta-9 THC products. As this legislative debate unfolds, stakeholders within the cannabis community remain vigilant about potential changes impacting the industry.
California Lawmakers Reject Steep Cannabis Tax Increase
California’s legal cannabis industry recently dodged a significant financial blow thanks to decisive action from the State Assembly. On June 2, 2025, lawmakers unanimously voted against a proposed 25% tax hike set for implementation on July 1. Assemblymember Matt Haney warned that additional taxes and fees could diminish the state’s vibrant cannabis culture and further threaten small cannabis businesses already grappling with financial pressures. This decision reflects ongoing legislative sensitivity to the economic realities facing the state’s cannabis operators and their cultural significance.
Cannabinoids Demonstrate Promising Antifungal Properties
Recent scientific research has illuminated the potential antifungal benefits of cannabinoids, positioning them as promising agents in medical science. A study focusing on Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidivarin (CBDV) revealed their efficiency against various fungal pathogens, including the critical Cryptococcus neoformans. Published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, this study underscores the global rise in antifungal resistance and explores cannabinoids as viable therapeutic avenues. Both CBD and CBDV demonstrated notable antifungal activity, suggesting a new frontier for cannabinoid applications in combating drug-resistant infections.
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