Latest Cannabis News: December 31, 2025
Latest Cannabis News: December 31, 2025
Stay up to date with the latest legalization and cannabis news with the C.B. Advisors. Every week, we will release a snippet of what’s happening with each state in the cannabis industry. Did you miss last week? No worries – click here for last week’s cannabis news.
Federal
A Democratic senator has filed a bill aimed at laying the groundwork for federal marijuana legalization. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the legislation—titled the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment Act (PREPARE) Act—on Thursday. The measure would direct the attorney general to create a commission, within 30 days of the bill’s enactment, to recommend a regulatory system for cannabis that models the current system for alcohol. Among other things, the commission’s report must look at the impact of marijuana criminalization, particularly as it concerns minority, low-income and veteran communities.
No Legalization
Idaho: While a citizen-led initiative could legalize medical marijuana in Idaho, a proposed constitutional amendment from the statehouse could make voters’ choices irrelevant. The Legislature and the people of Idaho are battling over legalizing medical marijuana. The Republican-dominated legislature has always opposed any legalization of marijuana. However, GOP chair Dorothy Moon seems less opposed when it comes to medical marijuana. Even if HJR4 fails and voters approve medical marijuana, the legislature still has the power to overturn the people’s vote.
Medical
Texas: Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 46 during the regular session, which increased the number of licenses for dispensing organizations by 12, expanded eligibility for the program to include chronic pain conditions, and allows dispensaries to store their product in satellite locations to cut down wait times for patients. Medical cannabis businesses will have to evolve with increase in demand. Texas Department of Public Safety data shows the number of patients on the Compassionate Use Registry has grown by nearly 15,000 people since the legislature passed that bill in June. DPS is also in the process of vetting nine companies for new licenses to grow and sell medicinal marijuana.
Recreational
Arizona: Sean Noble has filed paperwork to put the whole question of recreational marijuana on the 2026 ballot. He contends that the measure hasn’t lived up to its promise. He will need 255,949 valid signatures on petitions by July 2. Given the number that are usually disqualified, that makes the real goal in the 300,000 range. The initiative also comes as state Rep. Selina Bliss wants to amend existing medical marijuana laws to give terminally ill patients a legal alternative to opioids or other pain killers. The Prescott Republican, who is a nurse, said that drugs in many circumstances can be a far better alternative than what is being used legally now. Her HB 2081 is modeled after what’s become known as Ryan’s Law in California.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts voters in 2026 could have the chance to repeal adult-use recreational marijuana. The state Elections Division announced last week that it certified 78,301 signatures backing a petition called “An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy.” The measure aims to roll back recreational cannabis use, but would preserve medical use. The measure is one of five that have been officially certified by the secretary of state’s office to move forward in a long process. Petitions need 74,574 certified signatures to proceed in the process.
Michigan: In just a few days, a 24% wholesale tax on marijuana will go into effect in Michigan. The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MiCIA) is asking for a court to stop the tax from going into effect. The MiCIA filed a lawsuit challenging the wholesale tax that was passed with the state’s budget in November. The wholesale tax, known as the Comprehensive Road Funding Tax Act (CRFTA), is estimated to generate more than $400 million in revenue to help rebuild Michigan roads.
Ohio: After Gov. Mike DeWine signed sweeping marijuana and hemp regulations into law last week, opponents are launching a campaign to stop the measure by putting it to statewide vote. But it will be no easy feat. The coalition Ohioans for Cannabis Choice announced plans Friday to pursue a citizen referendum challenging Senate Bill 56, which DeWine signed into law that same day. It will take effect in 90 days—the same deadline petitioners have to submit roughly a quarter of a million signatures from across the state to place a referendum on the ballot. If the referendum is approved, SB 56 will not take effect until a statewide vote on the legislation can be held. The referendum would appear on the next general election ballot, with a majority vote needed to block the law.
Virginia: The Democratic governor-elect of Virginia is laying out what “needs to be” included in a marijuana sales legalization bill in order for her to sign it into law—such as “strong labeling” requirements and allocating tax revenue toward education.
The Cannabis Business Advisors have more than thirty years of combined industry experience, spanning across the U.S. and around the globe. C.B. Advisors offers a comprehensive suite of services, including application and licensing preparation, operational analysis, merger and acquisition support, policy and procedures, exit strategy guidance, and business development planning. Stay up to date on the latest cannabis news with The CB Advisors!
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