The federal marijuana rescheduling process has been temporarily paused after DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge Derek Julius agreed to consider a newly released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that identified gaps in how federal agencies evaluate and schedule controlled substances. Opponents of moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III asked that the report be added to the official hearing record, arguing its findings could affect the legitimacy of the rescheduling review. The hearing itself concluded in July and was awaiting a recommendation from the judge, but the stay delays that next step while the government responds to the motion and the judge determines whether additional briefing is warranted. The pause does not decide the outcome of marijuana rescheduling, but it creates another delay in a process that many cannabis businesses and investors have been closely watching. (Seeking Alpha)

A new study highlighted by Gizmodo found that people with cannabis use disorder were significantly more likely to experience seizures than those without the condition, raising concerns about the neurological effects of heavy, long-term cannabis use. Researchers analyzed health records from millions of patients and found an elevated risk of seizure-related diagnoses even after accounting for several other health factors. While the study does not prove that cannabis directly causes seizures, the findings add to growing evidence that frequent cannabis use may carry risks that are often overlooked in public discussions about the drug. The authors say additional research is needed to better understand the biological mechanisms behind the association and identify who may be most vulnerable. (Gizmodo)

A federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products is set to take effect on December 11, 2026, threatening a multibillion-dollar industry that emerged after the 2018 Farm Bill created a legal pathway for hemp products containing low levels of delta-9 THC. Industry advocates, farmers and some lawmakers are pushing Congress to replace the ban with regulations such as age limits, testing requirements and labeling standards, arguing that prohibition could eliminate thousands of businesses and jobs. The dispute centers on products like THC gummies, beverages and THCA flower, which critics say exploited a legal loophole while supporters view them as legitimate hemp products. With only weeks remaining before the deadline, businesses across the country are facing significant uncertainty as policymakers debate whether regulation or prohibition is the better path forward.

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A new national analysis found that the number of Americans registered in state medical cannabis programs grew from about 747,000 in 2016 to 3.9 million in 2024, an increase of more than 420% over the study period. Researchers found that enrollment often leveled off or declined after states legalized recreational marijuana, suggesting some patients may be obtaining cannabis outside medical programs. Chronic pain remained the most common reason for participation, but registrations for conditions such as PTSD and anxiety increased substantially despite more limited evidence supporting cannabis use for those disorders. The authors concluded that medical cannabis use has expanded dramatically in the U.S., highlighting the need for additional research into its long-term benefits and risks. (Medical Xpress)