Cannabis News
Congresswoman Pushes Trump’s New Drug Czar To Back Full Marijuana Legalization And Follow ‘Science, Not Stigma’
A Democratic congressman is pleading President Donald Trump has just been confirmed in the Senate as the White House drug czar following the science and proactively advocating for the full legalization of marijuana, beyond the additional cannabis rescheduling the president recently signed.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, shared a link to a Marihuana Moment article on Tuesday about Sara Carter Bailey’s Senate confirmation vote as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
Titus said Carter “must commit to common sense and evidence-based cannabis policy.”
“This includes descheduling marijuana and fully implementing my Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act so that federal decisions are guided by science, not stigma,” he said.
Titus and Cannabis Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) announced in April that they had introduced the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act, aiming to remove the legal restriction that prevents the drug czar from supporting the legalization of marijuana or other Schedule I drugs. The legislation has yet to advance in the GOP-controlled Congress, however.
Here is the text of the current law that would be repealed under the proposal:
“The Director . . . shall ensure that federal funds appropriated to the Office of National Drug Control Policy shall not be expended for any study or contract related to the legalization (for medical use or any other use) of a substance listed in section I of section 812 of this title and shall take such measures as may be necessary to oppose any attempt to legalize the use (in any form) of a substance not listed in subparagraph (I)(B) of section 8 of section (I). The purpose of the Food and Drug Administration approved for medical use.
Carter, for his part, has previously spoken out in favor of access to medical marijuana, saying he has “no problem” with legalization, even though he may not personally agree with the policy.
A former journalist known for his coverage of drug cartels, the ONDCP director had previously informed senators that the administration. keeping “all options” on the table as he considered a proposal to reorganize marijuanawhile describing cannabis reform as a “bipartisan issue.”
Despite his personal ambivalence about the redistricting issue, Trump last month signed an executive order directing the attorney general to quickly complete the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Given the ONDCP director’s role in setting and carrying out the administration’s agenda on drug policy issues, Carter’s enthusiastic endorsement of medical cannabis in the past is welcome to advocates.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) raised the issue of cannabis reform with the then-candidate in September, saying the additional reform would be a “step in the right direction.”
“It would open the door to more scientific research, so if you were to be confirmed, how would you advise the American president on the reprogramming process going on?” he asked.
Carter said he shares Booker’s passion for the issue, which he described as “bipartisan.”
“If confirmed as director, I will comply with all federal laws and meet all legal responsibilities of ONDCP,” he said. “However, we will continue to work in depth with research and data. We will continue to do so and explore all options.”
Tuesday’s vote on confirmation was largely along party lines, with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) joining all Democrats in opposition, and all other Republicans in support.
While Carter has spoken often on a variety of marijuana policy issues (focusing on illegal trafficking and illegal growing operations on US soil, for example), his public comments have been limited about how he personally feels about the issue. In a 2024 episode of her podcast The Sara Carter Show, she noted that she makes a distinction between legally regulated and illegally supplied marijuana.
“I don’t have a problem if it’s legalized and controlled,” he said. “I mean, maybe I have my own issues with how I feel about it, but I think it’s a wonderful way to handle cannabis for medicine and medical reasons — especially for people with cancer and other diseases, you know — to manage the disease and the side effects of those drugs and diseases. So I’m not saying we should make it illegal.”
Last month, a Democratic senator temporarily he resisted the Republican majority’s attempt to advance Carter’s confirmationsaying he is among many “unqualified” candidates who threaten to “undermine the rule of law and our national security.”
Carter will be the second White House drug czar in a row to voice his support for medical marijuana Former President Joe Biden’s ONDCP Director Rahul Guptaworked as a consultant to cannabis businesses and oversaw the implementation of West Virginia’s medical marijuana program.
On his social media, Carter has previously shared links (without comment) to news on various marijuana-related topics. In addition to his increased focus on illegal billboards, he has also published on congressional and state legalization votes, Biden administration staffers fired for cannabis use, Democratic presidential candidates’ support for legalization, progress on cannabis banking legislation in Congress, and state policy developments such as the legalization of cannabis cafes in Alaska.
Carter has separately sounded the alarm about the dangers of pesticides and other contaminants in the marijuana grown and sold by Chinese cartels…last year a House committee took up the matter.
Also last year, the ONDCP director discussed the issue with Derek Maltz, a then-retired Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) official who served as the agency’s interim administrator before being confirmed. Trump’s perennial pick, Terrance Cole.
In an X post about his interview with Maltz, Carter said how “Chinese marijuana growing operations are using dangerous chemicals as pesticides.”
—
It’s Marijuana Moment tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
—
In 2022, U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) praised Carter, who worked with his office to draw attention to illegal grow operations in his district, leading to an investigation by local law enforcement.
Carter credited Congress, saying, “Your work to take down illegal marijuana seeds has prevented the cartels from exploiting your community, the people forced to work in it, and the (money).
In a 2021 interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, he also talked about his work with Garcia, including accompanying him on a helicopter, “a lot of sophisticated illegal farms worth billions of dollars.”
The posters “have become much bolder. They are not afraid to hide,” he said. “They don’t hide it because they don’t feel like they’ll ever be held accountable for it.”
In a sense, Carter seems to be implicitly suggesting that he supports regulated access to cannabis as a means to promote public safety and health. Whether and how this implied position will affect federal policy, now that it has been confirmed, remains to be seen.
On his social media, he has previously shared links (without comment) to news on various marijuana-related topics. In addition to his increased focus on illegal billboards, he has also published on congressional and state legalization votes, Biden administration staffers fired for cannabis use, Democratic presidential candidates’ support for legalization, progress on cannabis banking legislation in Congress, and state policy developments such as the legalization of cannabis cafes in Alaska.
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.
Curaleaf Holdings has closed a $500 million private debt financing, refinancing existing obligations and extending the maturity of the debt by more than two years.
The company issued senior secured notes with an interest rate of 11.5%, due in February 2029. At the same time, Curaleaf repaid $475 million in prepayments due in December 2026. According to the company, the transaction is non-dilutive and was completed at par.
The refinancing effectively pushes Curaleaf’s near-term debt obligations further down the road, giving the company additional runway as it continues to operate in multiple international cannabis markets. The net proceeds from the offering will be used to support global growth initiatives, as well as to cover transaction-related costs.
© Curaleaf
“This financing strengthens our balance sheet and gives us greater flexibility to execute our long-term strategy,” said Boris Jordan, President and CEO of Curaleaf. He described the deal as the largest bond offering completed in the cannabis sector to date, and pointed to renewed interest from institutional investors as a sign of increased confidence in the industry.
The notes pay interest annually and are secured against the company’s assets. The financing structure also allows for debt issuance under certain leverage conditions, along with $100 million in senior bank financing.
The private placement was conducted under existing securities law exemptions in Canada and the United States and was led by Seaport Global Securities, with ATB Cormark Capital Markets acting as placement agent.
For more information:
Curaleaf
(email protected)
curaleaf.com
Cannabis News
GOP Congressman And Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Urge McConnell To Support Delaying Hemp THC Ban
A GOP congressman and Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner are pleading with a key Republican senator who initially helped lead the push to legalize hemp before approving the recriminalization of THC products to back a proposed two-year delay. industry players to implement a policy that would revolutionize the market.
As prohibitionists mount a lobbying campaign for the recriminalization of most hemp-derived cannabinoid products, Rep. James Comer (R-KY) and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell are urging Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to join them in the fight to give hemp companies more time to navigate the critical policy change that takes effect in November.
“Kentucky has long been a national leader in hemp research, production and innovation — leadership made possible in large part by your historic efforts to legalize industrial hemp at the federal level,” Comer — who also previously served as Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner — and Shell said in a letter to McConnell on Thursday. “Because of that leadership, Kentucky farmers invested responsibly in this emerging crop, built infrastructure, created jobs and contributed to rural economic development across the Commonwealth.”
But that progress is being jeopardized by appropriations legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump last year, with provisions that would redefine what constitutes legal hemp by imposing tough restrictions on THC content that would eliminate the edible cannabinoid product.
“The provision (continuing resolution) received in November has introduced a great deal of uncertainty into the market at a critical time,” the congressman and commissioner wrote. “Hemp is an annual crop, and farmers are now making decisions about seed, labor contracts, financing and the next growing season. Without additional time and clarity, many Kentucky growers risk making planting decisions that could jeopardize the long-term viability of their farms.”
Both urged McConnell to throw his support behind an independent bill sponsored by Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN) and 24 bipartisan co-sponsors. give the hemp industry two more years before the federal ban on THC products goes into effectin the hope that it will better position stakeholders to negotiate a broader compromise with parliamentarians.
Baird’s bill “will not resolve the broader policy questions surrounding hemp, but it would give farmers, processors and regulators the certainty needed to plan responsibly while Congress considers a sustainable and well-informed way forward,” Comer and Shell wrote. “This additional time is essential to avoid unintended consequences for family farms and rural communities that have acted in good faith under existing federal and state law.”
“We respectfully ask that you allow time for this extension to move forward and help ensure that Kentucky farmers are not put at a disadvantage through abrupt policy changes,” they said. “Doing so would reaffirm Kentucky’s leadership in agriculture and honor its commitment to growers who have answered the call to grow this crop.”
It is not yet clear whether McConnell will follow through on the officials’ request. Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill in his first term while championing the legalization of hemp, The former Senate Majority Leader has advocated for clearing the hemp THC market that he has described as an unintended consequence of wider agricultural legislation.
However, the hemp industry is fueled by proactive advocacy by Kentucky officials.
“This letter adds two important and influential voices to the growing chorus of Kentucky agriculture leaders calling on Senator McConnell to reconsider his efforts to destroy hemp as a viable crop for Kentucky farmers,” said Jim Higdon, co-founder and communications director of the Kentucky-based Cornbread Mompment. “By establishing a two-year extension, stakeholders can work with Congress to find meaningful solutions to Senator McConnell’s legitimate concerns without destroying the entire industry.”
Meanwhile, anti-cannabis interests are calling on their supporters to keep up the pressure on Congress to maintain the THC ban without delay.
“Congress took an important step to protect youth when it enacted new restrictions on intoxicating cannabis products last year, but it’s critical to implement these new rules without delay,” the Partnership to End Addiction (formerly the Association for a Drug-Free America) said in a recent action alert.
“Some members of the industry and Congress are pushing to delay the implementation of this law, claiming that more time is needed to develop regulations,” the group said, and that “an extension of the implementation deadline could be included as Congress works to reauthorize the Farm Bill.”
To that end, the House Agriculture Committee will mark up the final Farm Bill in a hearing on Monday.
“But the one-year implementation period is reasonable, giving manufacturers and retailers time to adapt and regulators to prepare for enforcement,” the Partnership said. he said. “A delay would further entrench the market and allow the continued availability of dangerous products, leading to further exposure of young people and negative health consequences.”
“Send a letter asking your members of Congress to oppose efforts to delay the implementation of the new definition of hemp and to keep the law’s effective date to minimize the harm these intoxicating products can cause, especially to young people,” he said, offering a form to send a pre-written letter to congressional representatives.
—
It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25 a month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
—
Meanwhile, last month, major alcohol retailers joined forces to push Congress to delay the enactment of the law signed by Trump which will re-criminalize THC drinks and other products derived from hemp.
The coalition says it wants to apply the same regulatory structure that governs alcoholic beverages, distributors and retailers to hemp beverages to “ensure safe and transparent access.”
Other alcohol industry groups such as The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America has also supported the regulation of hemp products instead of banning
read it the letter Comer and Shell discuss delaying the federal hemp THC ban below:
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
Screens show the greatest potential to steer greenhouse industry towards climate neutrality
The closing ceremony of the Interreg Flanders–Netherlands Energlik project took place in Hoogstraten, Belgium, where researchers and industry stakeholders gathered to present and discuss the project’s results. The study day was organized by the Energlik consortium under the coordination of Proefcentrum Hoogstraten.
As part of the Energlik project, eleven partners from Flanders and the Netherlands joined forces to reduce greenhouse CO₂ emissions by 2030 and take concrete steps to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The project focused on the development of four innovative technologies aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions in greenhouse production. In addition to the practical tests, additional studies were carried out to assess the economic viability and environmental impact of the innovations.
Interreg’s Bram De Kort highlighted the importance of the initiative at the closing ceremony: “Interreg stimulates cross-border cooperation and supports strong projects that create added value for people, the economy and the planet. Energli is a great example of this.”
© Hoogstraten Test Center
Four innovations for less CO₂ emissions
One of the technologies developed as part of the project is a CO₂ capture system that collects, purifies and stores CO₂ from the heating plant, then reuses it in the crop. This allows producers to decouple heat demand from CO₂ supply. The system is based on Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). Thomas More’s Jan Creylman explained: “PSA is a low-tech method of concentrating CO₂ from flue gases. It can be easily combined with a CHP plant and is cost-effective, safe and scalable.”
© Hoogstraten Test Center
A second innovation focused on the development of new screen materials to improve greenhouse insulation and reduce heat loss, thus reducing CO₂ emissions. Emphasis was placed on the properties of screens.
“It has been scientifically confirmed that the growers were right in assuming that dehumidification through the screen is very effective,” said Filip Bronchart of the University of Ghent.
The third innovation focused on energy-efficient active dehumidification systems. These systems remove moisture from the greenhouse without opening the vents, preventing energy losses.
“Within Energlik, we explored the possibilities of energy-efficient dehumidification of greenhouse air, based on proven techniques from other sectors,” added Bronchart.
© Hoogstraten Test Center
Finally, the members of the project have developed sensors capable of detecting fungal spores. Energy-efficient cultivation often needs to be airtight for longer periods of time, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
“We have previously successfully used biosensors to detect bacteria and molecules, but fungal spores were more challenging. With surface printing and electropolymerization, we have identified two ways to detect fungal spores,” explains Bart van Grinsven.
These sensors may enable more accurate monitoring of fungal pressure in the future, allowing growers to intervene earlier.
© Hoogstraten Test Center
Innovations tested in practice
Many innovations were tested in practice. New screen materials were developed, measured and selected based on insulation performance. The best performing screens were then used in crop trials with tomato, sweet pepper and cucumber, combining three screens for each crop.
© Hoogstraten Test Center
Different types of dehumidification systems were also designed, built and installed. These included heat recovery systems and systems equipped with heat pumps. Combined with climate and screen control strategies, these measures resulted in significant energy savings across all crops, with no loss of production.
© Hoogstraten Test Center
In addition, a trial in a commercial tomato greenhouse demonstrated that more intensive use of multiple screens, day and night, significantly reduces energy consumption.
Tomato producer Jelle De Ryck from Tomerel he reflected on his experience: “In 2025, we did not have to turn on our gas boiler, while in 2024 – despite the warmer spring – this was still necessary. This was possible with the double energy screen and the more intensive use of the screen.
© EnergyJelle De Ryck from Tomerel shared her experiences as a demo member of the Energlik project on October 2, 2025 during a visit to the Vegetable Research Station in Sint-Katelijne-Waver.
Screens show the greatest potential
Economic and environmental assessments indicate that energy screens currently offer the greatest potential to move the greenhouse industry towards climate neutrality. They require a relatively limited investment and provide significant heat savings, especially in crops without light. Combined with energy-efficient dehumidification systems, CO₂ emissions can be further reduced.
“Dehumidification systems reduce the environmental impact, but high efficiency is essential,” explained ILVO’s Luis Corbala Robles. Their economic viability depends largely on investment costs.
For other innovations, the added economic and environmental value is less clear at this stage, partly due to the high investment costs and the need for further research. These factors will influence which technologies are adopted in commercial practice in the future.
The project also emphasized that energy-efficient cultivation strategies (such as accepting higher relative humidity levels and increasing screen hours) can lead to significant savings without requiring additional investment from growers.
Silke Hemming from Wageningen University & Research emphasizes this point: “Accepting a higher relative humidity, using a heat pump for dehumidification and installing more and better energy screens make the most important contribution to saving energy in fruit and vegetable crops.”
Source: Hoogstraten Test Center / energy
Cake Crasher Marijuana Monday
Biden Pardons More Non Violent Cannabis Offenders; More Violence Against Oregon Dispensaries
We Just Went To The Biggest MJ Event In The WORLD!
CANNABIS JOBS REPORT | BRUCE BARCOTT
Marijuana Retail Report
Canadian Cannabis Sales Bounced to a New Record Level in December – New Cannabis Ventures
Curaleaf secures $500M financing, extends debt maturity to 2029
GOP Congressman And Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Urge McConnell To Support Delaying Hemp THC Ban
AAA Canadian Hash Wednesday
Federal Cannabis Reform Update with NCIA Executive Director Aaron Smith, 1v1 with Jimmy Young PCMTV
“Our system can manage equipment across 10,000+ m² using just a few wires”
Florida Workshop to Discuss What Constitutes a ‘Cartoon’ in Hemp Packaging
Mazar-i-Sharif Hash Wednesday
Your Cannabis Business: Consistent Filings Are Critical
Re-release of the full show of Cannabis Coast to Coast news. Republican Texas DA Fires Up vs. laws;
DEA’s Cole Reverses His “priorities” ; Prohibitionists Dig In; Dead & Co Celebrates 60 years in SF
Texas DA Partakes on Tik Tok to prove a point; Boston Sheriff arrested for Extortion of $ w/ Ascend
Weak Michigan Cannabis Sales Again in July – New Cannabis Ventures
From Finance to Wellness: Brad Zerman’s Impactful Pivot
German Retail Acquisition Pending for High Tide – New Cannabis Ventures
-
Cannabis News6 months ago“Our system can manage equipment across 10,000+ m² using just a few wires”
-
Florida6 months agoFlorida Workshop to Discuss What Constitutes a ‘Cartoon’ in Hemp Packaging
-
Video5 months agoMazar-i-Sharif Hash Wednesday
-
Best Practices6 months agoYour Cannabis Business: Consistent Filings Are Critical
-
Video6 months agoRe-release of the full show of Cannabis Coast to Coast news. Republican Texas DA Fires Up vs. laws;
-
Video6 months agoDEA’s Cole Reverses His “priorities” ; Prohibitionists Dig In; Dead & Co Celebrates 60 years in SF
-
Video6 months agoTexas DA Partakes on Tik Tok to prove a point; Boston Sheriff arrested for Extortion of $ w/ Ascend
-
aawh6 months agoWeak Michigan Cannabis Sales Again in July – New Cannabis Ventures