2023 Cannabis Legalization Roadmap: What, When and Where

A recent timeline of states that have legalized, those on the verge of legalization, and what’s ahead for the U.S. cannabis industry in 2023.

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December 31, 2022

Editor's Note: This story was last updated Jan. 6.

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US Lawmakers Advance Bill to Ban Hemp Products With THC

Pennsylvania Could Be 25th State to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis Under New Bill

Texas Governor Calls Hemp Products ‘Lawful Agricultural Commodity’ in Special Session Notice

DEA Provides No Cannabis Rescheduling Update After 180 Days

US Lawmakers Advance Bill to Ban Hemp Products With THC

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation to redefine hemp in an attempt to close a ‘loophole’ from the 2018 Farm Bill.

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Pennsylvania Could Be 25th State to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis Under New Bill

State Sens. Dan Laughlin and Sharif Street introduced the bipartisan proposal to reform the commonwealth’s laws for those 21 and older.

Pennsylvania state Sens. Sharif Street (left) and Dan Laughlin.

Texas Governor Calls Hemp Products ‘Lawful Agricultural Commodity’ in Special Session Notice

Greg Abbott set the agenda to regulate hemp in the upcoming legislative session after vetoing a ban, setting up a showdown with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

DEA Provides No Cannabis Rescheduling Update After 180 Days

The Drug Enforcement Administration still has yet to fix a briefing schedule for an interlocutory appeal as Trump’s nominee awaits Senate confirmation.

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4 Pitfalls to Avoid When Seeking a Cannabis Trademark (and Tips to Avoid Them)

Trademark protection in the cannabis industry is complex and still evolving, but building a strong legal foundation now will give your brand staying power.

Frantz Ward Top Story Image Trademark Protection

Nebraska Governor Approves Emergency Regulations for Medical Cannabis Market

State regulators plan to prohibit smoking, combustion and vaping, but a formal rulemaking process is underway before an October licensing deadline.

Adobe Stock | goodmanphoto

10 Alabama CBD Stores, Vape Shops Raided; 4 Hemp Businesses Sue State

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and other agencies executed search warrants as a new law banning certain hemp products is set to take effect July 1.

Alabama State Bureau of Investigation Major Crimes Chief Shawn Loughridge (center) talks about a multiagency operation that executed a series of warrants and seizures on June 23 at 10 CBD stores and vape shops in five cities.

California Cannabis Excise Tax Hike Takes Effect as Consumers Face Mounting Cost-of-Living Crisis

The excise tax increase will drive more Californians to the unlicensed market; Assembly Bill 564 offers a path to roll back the policy.

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Thailand Takes U-Turn on Cannabis Decriminalization, Reinstalls Drug Penalties

The Southeast Asia nation is tightening up its cannabis laws by recriminalizing non-medical sales three years after pioneering reform.

Two female tourists shopping for marijuana at a legal cannabis shop in Pattaya, Thailand, and smelling product.

US Lawmaker Who Lost Limbs in War Convinces House to Allow Veteran Access to Cannabis

The U.S. House voted to attach Rep. Brian Mast’s amendment—to allow Veterans Affairs to prescribe medical cannabis—to a military funding bill.

U.S. House Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., discusses the lack of veteran access to medical cannabis on June 25 on the chamber's floor.

US House’s Intoxicating Hemp Ban, Texas Gubernatorial Clash Lead CBT’s Most Popular Stories in June

Legislation to close a 2018 Farm Bill ‘loophole’ is being prepared for the House floor, while Texas will decide whether to ban or regulate hemp in a special session.

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Circuit Court Ruling for Arkansas Renders Texas Governor’s Hemp Veto Argument Moot

The Eighth Circuit Court ruled that the 2018 Farm Bill does not preempt a state’s ability to regulate hemp after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a bill to ban it.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (left) and Gov. Greg Abbott could lock horns over whether to ban or regulate intoxicating hemp products in an upcoming special session after a key federal court ruling was issued June 24 in Arkansas.

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