Marijuana

• The Department of Justice announced last week it loosened legal restrictions on medical marijuana, aiming to expand research and treatment options across the US. • This policy shift is expected to facilitate more clinical studies and access for patients in states with medical programs. • The change addresses longstanding barriers to federally approved marijuana research, potentially accelerating therapeutic developments.

Marijuana had same classification as heroin, LSD and others before Trump signed an order to move it to schedule IIISign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe Trump administration has moved to reclassify marijuana, more than four months after Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to move it from schedule I to schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.The schedule I classification meant marijuana was alongside heroin, LSD, MDMA and synthetic opioids, whereas a schedule III classification put it in the same category as ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone. Continue reading...

Change raises age limit from 35 and removes barrier for entry for recruits who have a legal conviction for cannabisSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe US army has raised the maximum enlistment age to 42 years old and scrapped a barrier for potential recruits who have a legal conviction for marijuana or drug paraphernalia possession.People aged up to 42 can now enlist in the army, the army national guard and the army reserves, according to the new US army regulation, lifting the previous ceiling of 35 years old. Continue reading...

• Virginia lawmakers passed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis sales for adults 21+ from January 1, 2027, authorizing up to 350 retail stores by 2028. • The framework prioritizes licenses for residents from disproportionately policed areas, veterans, and distressed farmers, with a 6% state tax plus local add-ons up to 3.5%. • This aligns Virginia with eastern states' tax models, potentially generating revenue while promoting equity in licensing.