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Insight

October 30, 2026
Cannabis and Psychedelics Monthly Newsletter

the buzz: Cannabis News & Policy Update | October 2026

By Rachel Gillette and Jennifer Benda

Welcome back to the buzz, our monthly cannabis news and policy update. Your at-a-glance source for regulatory developments, agency announcements, and trends impacting the cannabis industry. 
 
In this edition of the buzz partner Rachel Gillette and Jennifer Benda highlight: 

  • Rescheduling paused—again: DEA's chief judge stays the adult-use rescheduling proceedings while weighing whether to add a GAO report flagging "gaps" in federal drug-scheduling procedures to the record.
     
  • 280E on two fronts: Treasury and the IRS put 280E guidance on their 2026–2027 priority list, while the agency defends its hardline stance in the Ninth Circuit's Mission Organic Center case—arguing disallowed expenses don't count when gauging a dispensary's ability to pay.
     
  • SCOTUS petition on licensing: Washington applicants ask the Supreme Court to resolve a circuit split over whether the dormant Commerce Clause reaches state cannabis licensing—a ruling that could upend residency requirements nationwide.
     
  • New markets in motion: FL sees dueling 2028 legalization amendments; VA maps a path to July 2027 retail sales; NC's advisory council eyes a state-run model; NE's licensing timeline slips to 2027.
     
  • State policy roundup: CA tightens edible and beverage labeling; Los Angeles clears license renewals for tax-delinquent, amnesty-eligible operators; CO adopts permanent rules and issues a cultivation-equipment tax-exemption ruling; GA clears medical cannabis for mail delivery; OH caps package sizes.
     
  • Hemp deadline looms: RI orders high-THC hemp products off shelves ahead of the December 11 federal limit; NJ moves to extend hemp beverage sales to match the new federal deadline.

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This publication is designed to provide general information on pertinent legal topics. The statements made are provided for educational purposes only. They do not constitute legal or financial advice nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Holland & Hart LLP or any of its attorneys other than the author(s). This publication is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship between you and Holland & Hart LLP. Substantive changes in the law subsequent to the date of this publication might affect the analysis or commentary. Similarly, the analysis may differ depending on the jurisdiction or circumstances. If you have specific questions as to the application of the law to your activities, you should seek the advice of your legal counsel.

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