OG article by Kyle Cooper Zsana Hoskins January 13, 2026 DC’s closure of 100th illegal marijuana operation marks milestone for city’s crackdown. The District of Columbia has achieved a key enforcement milestone by shutting down its 100th illegal cannabis business since the crackdown began in September 2024. On January 1, 2026, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) closed an operation at a B Street SE residence, arr

OG article by Chris Roberts January 13, 2026 Mike Tyson, Ric Flair claim fraud in celebrity cannabis brand efforts. Boxing legend Mike Tyson and wrestling icon Ric Flair filed a federal lawsuit in Illinois accusing former Carma executives and shareholders of fraud in celebrity cannabis branding deals. The 76-page complaint alleges wire fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and a "brazen conspiracy" where defendants treated Carma as a personal fund, made unauthorized side de

OG article by Marijuana Moment January 13, 2026 Maine Secretary Of State Notes Complaints About Anti-Marijuana Ballot Petitioners’ Tactics. Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has received multiple complaints about signature gatherers for a citizen-initiated referendum to repeal recreational marijuana legalization, who allegedly misrepresent the petition's intent. Petitioners reportedly framed it as focused on cannabis testing rather than its true aim: ending commercia

OG article by Shore News Network January 13, 2026 New Jersey moves forward on $6.6 million psychedelic magic mushroom legalization bill. New Jersey's “Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act” advances to legalize and regulate psilocybin-assisted therapy for adults 21+, expunging prior related offenses. The bill allocates $6.6 million to the Department of Health for program setup, creating an 18-member advisory board of experts to develop safety standards, protoc

OG article by Anthony Martinelli January 13, 2026 Study: Marijuana Appears in 37% of U.S. Hip-Hop Music Videos. Researchers from the Institute for Therapy and Health Research analyzed 1,160 top YouTube music videos from 2024, finding marijuana imagery in over 37% of U.S. hip-hop and rap videos—far higher than in other genres or German hip-hop (under 10%). Overall, 41% of videos showed cannabis or nicotine, but U.S. hip-hop dominated cannabis depictions, leading to thousands

OG article by JAMM AQUINO January 13, 2026 Hawaii lawmaker wants to put legalizing cannabis on state ballot. Hawaii State Rep. David Tarnas (D) plans to introduce legislation for a constitutional amendment placing recreational marijuana legalization before voters on the November ballot. As Judiciary Committee chair, Tarnas seeks to protect public safety, ensure product safety, and promote responsible use education, drawing from other states' experiences. A prior 2024 Senate

OG article by Anthony Martinelli January 12, 2026 Vermont’s House Bill 633, introduced by Rep. Edward Waszazak (D), mandates that municipalities without prior formal votes on marijuana retailers place a binding yes/no question on the 2026 general election ballot. It applies to cities, towns, and villages not affirmatively addressing licensed establishments by July 1, 2026. Current law allows local opt-in/opt-out votes, but many communities remain undecided, creating regulato

OG article by MJBizDaily Staff January 12, 2026 Major U.S. banks continue denying services to the $32 billion legal cannabis industry despite President Trump’s December 18, 2025, executive order directing marijuana rescheduling to Schedule III. A JP Morgan Chase executive confirmed no policy change without finalized reclassification, which remains pending with Attorney General Pam Bondi. The order targets medical cannabis, leaving adult-use concerns and federal risks like Se

OG article by Gillian Jalimnson January 12, 2026 UCLA researchers secured four grants totaling $7.3 million from California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) for cannabis studies starting in 2026. A $2 million project evaluates rare cannabinoids for therapeutic benefits and side effects to inform safer medicines. Another $2 million grant analyzes California’s persistent illegal market post-legalization, exploring consumer preferences for unregulated sources and testing

OG article by Kyle Jaeger January 12, 2026 The Trump administration updated federal dietary guidelines, removing specific alcohol limits (two drinks daily for men, one for women) and warnings about cancer, heart disease, and mortality risks. It now advises "consume less alcohol for better overall health" and lists groups to avoid it entirely, like pregnant people or those with alcohol disorders. Alcohol industry groups praised the balanced shift, while critics note inconsist

OG article by Katie Castellani and Ella Adams January 12, 2026 Opponents of a 2026 ballot initiative to repeal Massachusetts' adult-use recreational marijuana law have filed objections alleging fraud in signature collection. Submitted January 2 to Secretary of State William Galvin, the challenge claims paid gatherers misled voters at sites like Trader Joe’s, Market Basket, Whole Foods, and Gillette Stadium lots. Alleged misrepresentations included claims the petition would r

OG article by Adam Tschorn January 12, 2026 A legal complaint filed December 31, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court by MMIRF, LLC claims over $1 billion in damages from the collapse of MedMen, once a prominent cannabis chain. The suit targets Tilray Brands, Serruya Private Equity, Superhero entities, and individuals including Tilray CEO Irwin Simon and former MedMen chairman Michael Serruya. Allegations include breach of fiduciary duty, aiding breaches, and civil co