Cannabis News

Critical updates for cannabis taxpayers as the 2025 filing deadline approaches

Published

11 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

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With the April 2025 tax return filing deadline fast approaching, cannabis companies must once again face the burden of Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 280E”). Despite significant developments over the past year — including a major executive order from President Trump and the IRS, for the first time, disclosing legal reasoning funds to keep state cannabis “within the meaning” of Section 280E — taxpayer scrutiny remains the same.

However, whether substantively or psychologically, these recent developments weigh on how taxpayers should deal with Section 280E. Below, we summarize the key developments that cannabis taxpayers should be aware of as they prepare their 2025 returns.

As discussed in previous publications, Section 280E provides: “(e) no deduction or credit shall be allowed for any amount paid or incurred in the course of any trade or business during the taxable year, if such trade or business (or the activities constituting such trade or business) is trafficking in controlled substances (controlled substance classes I and II prohibited by State or Federal law).

Because cannabis is now listed as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the IRS has consistently maintained that Section 280E applies to state-licensed cannabis businesses, significantly increasing their effective tax rates.

Cannabis News

Louisiana Senators Approve Bill To Allow Medical Marijuana Use In Hospitals For Terminally Ill Patients

Published

20 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

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A Louisiana Senate panel has advanced a bill to allow patients with terminal and irreversible conditions to use medical marijuana in hospitals.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the legislation, SB 270 (D) by Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, with amendments, on a voice vote Wednesday.

“This bill was introduced at the request of voters who believe that therapeutic medical marijuana, which is already legal in this state, should be offered in hospitals when the terminally ill or otherwise need the comfort of this medicine,” Jackson-Andrews said before the vote.

Under the proposal, hospitals would have to create written policies to allow covered patients to consume medical cannabis in forms other than smoking or vaporizing it.

Under an amendment approved by the panel, emergency or outpatient departments would be exempt from the policy. The revised legislation also clarifies that patients and primary caregivers are responsible for obtaining and administering medical marijuana, which “must be securely stored at all times in a sealed container provided by the patient.”

Health care professionals and staff would be prohibited from “administering, storing, retrieving, or assisting a patient with medical marijuana.” the text he says

The amendment, which the proponent worked out with the help of the Louisiana Hospital Association, also allows hospitals to opt out of the policy if federal officials take action against any health care facility in the state regarding the use of medical cannabis, instead of allowing those specifically targeted to stop serving.

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Meanwhile, in Louisiana, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed a bill last week create a pilot psychedelic-assisted therapy program using opioid settlement dollars to fund clinical trials to develop alternative treatments such as psilocybin and ibogaine.

Lawmakers are also considering a bill creating a pilot program to legalize marijuana for adults in the state, in the end, to determine whether the reform should be expanded and permanently codified.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Cannabis News

Cresco Labs gets Texas license

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

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Cresco Labs has obtained a Texas Compassionate Use Program License. It is a vertically integrated license that allows Cresco Labs to cultivate, process and distribute medical cannabis.

“Texas patients deserve access to consistent, quality medicine, and we’re excited. Our track record in medical markets reflects our ability to build strong programs that put patients and communities first,” said Charlie Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs. “Winning a license in Texas through a merit-based application demonstrates Cresco Labs’ deep regulatory expertise and thoughtful approach to meaningful local engagement. Organic licenses enable capital-efficient market entry, and our cash flow and balance sheet give us the financial flexibility to invest in and grow our scaled platform for the long term.”

This license advances Cresco Labs’ state-by-state growth strategy and ensures access to one of the largest patient populations in the United States. Texas is the nation’s second most populous state, approaching 30 million people, and continues to see ongoing legislative efforts to improve patient access and expand eligibility.

Cannabis News

Missouri Lawmakers Pass Bill To Ban Intoxicating Hemp THC Products, Sending It To Governor

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

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The legislation also includes provisions to protect the privacy of marijuana users and the right of cannabis workers to unionize.

By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent

It would be a bill headed to the desk of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R). remove all intoxicating hemp products from the shelves as of Nov. 12 — including THC seltzers currently sold in bars and grocery stores — in line with the state’s upcoming federal ban.

If Congress were to reverse course and decide to allow the sale of these products, Missouri would allow the sale of marijuana only in licensed dispensaries. And if Congress decides to delay the ban for a couple of years, Missouri would ban all products except liquor sales at dispensaries.

The House passed the bill sponsored by state Rep. Dave Hinman, R-O’Fallon, by a vote of 126 to 23. It passed the Senate Tuesday night and now goes to the governor for his signature or veto.

The bill also includes provisions to protect the privacy of marijuana users and the right of cannabis workers to organize, amendments that state senators added late Tuesday.

Hinman’s legislation was one of the first bills to pass the House this year. He previously told The Independent that the legislation was a priority for state leadership, including the governor, attorney general and House speaker.

Intoxicating hemp products containing as much as 1,000 mg of THC are being sold in smoke shops—outside of licensed marijuana dispensaries in Missouri—and are not regulated by any government agency. Missouri lawmakers have not passed legislation regulating these products since 2023.

The bill comes amid uncertainty about where the federal government will take regulation of these products.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in December directing his administration to work with Congress to develop a framework that allows full-spectrum CBD products that contain some amount of THC.

On Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services unveiled an initiative that could $500 cover per year per 3mg hemp-derived THC and CBD product. for eligible users. Products under this program would be illegal in Missouri under the bill passed Thursday.

This story was first published by the Missouri Independent.

Marihuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.