AHAA Weekly Policy Report: December 17th, 2025
Executive Summary: Major Shifts in Cannabis & Hemp Regulation Across Multiple States
This week's policy landscape reveals significant momentum in cannabis legalization efforts, hemp product regulation, and medical marijuana program expansion. AHAA tracked 41 bills across 15 jurisdictions, with lawmakers actively addressing recreational cannabis frameworks, hemp-derived cannabinoid safety standards, and medical marijuana access.
Key Highlights:
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Hawaii advances comprehensive cannabis legalization with social equity provisions
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Multiple states introduce strict regulations for hemp-derived products and age restrictions
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Medical marijuana programs expand eligibility and streamline access
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Michigan and Wisconsin lead hemp industry regulatory reforms
Hemp Industry Regulation & Safety Standards
Wisconsin Hemp Product Safety Initiative
Bills: WI AB 680 | WI AB 747 | WI SB 682
Wisconsin introduces comprehensive hemp-derived cannabinoid regulations requiring mandatory independent laboratory testing, certificates of analysis via QR codes, and child-resistant packaging. The bills prohibit sales to individuals under 21, establish THC limits (10mg per serving for beverages), and authorize unannounced department inspections. AB 747 shows 95% floor vote likelihood with 33% Assembly passage and 51% Senate passage rates.
Read WI AB 680 | Read WI AB 747 | Read WI SB 682
Michigan's Industrial Hemp Licensing Overhaul
Bills: MI SB 599 | MI SB 600 | MI SB 601 | MI SB 602
Michigan restructures industrial hemp regulations with new licensing categories for processors, brokers, and wholesalers. The framework requires a $1,350 state license fee plus $50 for site modifications, mandates pre-sale testing at licensed facilities, and integrates with existing marijuana regulatory infrastructure. All four tied bills show 95% floor vote probability but lower passage rates (28-38%).
Read MI SB 599 | Read MI SB 600 | Read MI SB 601 | Read MI SB 602
Hawaii's Hemp Program Expansion
Bills: HI SB 1633 | HI SB 1655 | HI SB 620 | HI SB 1427 | HI SB 1428 | HI SB 1430
Hawaii introduces multiple hemp-related bills including a 30% tax credit for construction using 30%+ Hawaii-grown hemp (SB 1633), age 21+ sales restrictions with ID verification requirements (SB 1428), and a registration system for distributors with $50 application and annual renewal fees (SB 1430). SB 1633 also permits hemp processors to sell edibles with 2.5mg THC per serving and establishes a dedicated hemp program.
Major Cannabis Legalization Initiatives
Hawaii's Comprehensive Cannabis Framework
Bills: HI HB 1246 | HI SB 1613
Hawaii's two mirror bills propose adult-use cannabis legalization effective January 1, 2026. The legislation establishes a Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office, implements a social equity grant program for communities impacted by prohibition, and creates a 14% tax on retail sales (4% on medical). Notable provisions include craft cannabis dispensary licenses for legacy growers and public safety grant programs. Both bills show strong passage likelihood with 95% chamber passage rates.
Read HI HB 1246 | Read HI SB 1613
Medical Marijuana Program Updates
Florida Expands Opioid Alternative Pathways
Bill: FL HB 719
Florida's bill expands medical marijuana access for patients prescribed opioid medications, shifts renewal cycles from annual to biennial, and waives fees for honorably discharged veterans. The legislation permits telehealth evaluations without initial in-person visits and allows physicians to certify specific supply amounts. Forecast shows 41% floor vote likelihood in both chambers.
Massachusetts Expands Qualifying Conditions
Bill: MA H 176
Massachusetts proposes adding opioid use disorder to qualifying medical cannabis conditions and enhances access for veterans receiving care at federal facilities. The expansion retains existing conditions including cancer, PTSD, ALS, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Forecast shows 60% House floor vote probability with 20% passage rate.
New Jersey Adds Sickle Cell Anemia
Bill: NJ A 913
New Jersey authorizes medical cannabis for sickle cell anemia treatment, expanding the patient eligibility pool and creating academic research opportunities. The bill shows strong passage likelihood with 95% floor vote in both chambers (67% Assembly, 83% Senate passage rates).
State-Specific Developments
Virginia Medical Cannabis Program Adjustments
Regulations: 3VAC10-30, 3VAC10-40, 3VAC10-50, 3VAC10-70
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority finalizes regulations effective January 14, 2026, in response to a circuit court order. Changes include marketing restrictions preventing minor appeal, universal packaging symbols, enhanced delivery protocols with GPS tracking, and stricter transportation time limits. Public comments accepted until February 14, 2026.
Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board Establishment
Bill: PA SB 49
Pennsylvania proposes creating an independent Cannabis Control Board to oversee medical marijuana with a Cannabis Regulation Fund for operations. The board will manage permits for warehousing, distribution, and transportation while implementing civil penalties and patient cost assistance. Exceptionally high passage likelihood: 95% floor vote, 83% House and 74% Senate passage rates.
Ohio's Comprehensive Marijuana Reform
Bill: OH SB 56 (Sent to Governor)
Ohio's legislation establishes a Division of Cannabis Control, creates licensing framework for cultivators/processors/retailers, implements excise taxes supporting community funds, includes criminal record expungement process, and grants local government authority to regulate business numbers. Awaiting governor's signature.
Alabama Restricts Consumable Hemp Products
Bill: AL SB 1
Alabama proposes restricting consumable hemp sales to licensed pharmacies only, requiring annual pharmacy certification and laboratory testing, implementing seed-to-sale tracking, and classifying psychoactive hemp derivatives as Schedule I drugs. Effective July 1, 2026. Low passage probability (29-30% floor vote likelihood).
District of Columbia Medical Cannabis Clarification
Bill: DC B 26-0300 (Enacted - Law L26-0058)
D.C. extends Streatery Program endorsements through December 31, 2025, and prohibits marijuana retailers within 400 feet of educational/recreational facilities (300 feet for pre-2024 applicants). Effective December 11, 2025, expires July 24, 2026.
New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Reform
Bill: NJ S 4847
New Jersey reforms the Cannabis Regulatory Commission with a five-member structure appointed by state leaders. The bill prioritizes microbusiness and impact zone licensing, establishes ownership limits for Class 5 retailers, and creates financial assistance provisions for minority, women's, and disabled-veterans' businesses. Strong passage forecast: 75% Senate floor vote with 85% passage rate.
Agricultural Support
Hawaii & Wisconsin Agricultural Support Programs
Hawaii establishes a transportation cost reimbursement program for geographically disadvantaged farmers under the Hawaii Agricultural Transportation Assistance Program. Wisconsin allocates $30 million for fiscal year 2025-26 to provide grants for purchasing Wisconsin-grown food products through nonprofit food banks and local distributors.
Read HI HB 776 | Read WI SB 408
Key Compliance Considerations
Testing & Laboratory Requirements: New hemp regulations require independent laboratory testing with certificates of analysis. Businesses should identify accredited labs and budget $100-500 per batch for testing.
Packaging Standards: Multiple states mandate child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging with QR codes for product information. Estimated additional costs: $0.20-0.70 per unit.
Licensing Fees:
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Michigan: $1,350 state license + $50 site modifications
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Hawaii: $50 application + $50 annual renewal
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Pennsylvania: Specific fees TBD by Cannabis Control Board
Age Verification: All hemp product retailers must implement age 21+ verification systems with ID scanning or manual verification protocols.
Policy Trends & Future Outlook
December 31, 2025: D.C. Streatery Program endorsements expire
January 1, 2026: Hawaii registration system effective (HI SB 1430) | Hawaii cannabis legalization target date
January 14, 2026: Virginia medical cannabis regulations effective
February 14, 2026: Virginia public comment period closes
July 1, 2026: Alabama hemp restrictions effective | Michigan education materials required
AHAA Action Items
For Cannabis & Hemp Businesses:
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Review state-specific testing requirements and identify accredited laboratories
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Audit packaging for child-resistance and tamper-evidence compliance
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Budget for licensing fees and ongoing compliance costs
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Implement age verification systems for retail operations
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Evaluate social equity program eligibility and application requirements
For Healthcare Providers:
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Review expanded qualifying conditions in your jurisdiction
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Update telehealth policies and documentation procedures
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Understand new certification requirements and timelines
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Educate patients on program changes and access improvements
For Patients & Consumers:
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Check for expanded qualifying conditions in your state
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Understand renewal cycle changes (annual vs. biennial)
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Explore fee waiver eligibility (veterans, financial hardship)
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Look for QR codes and certificates of analysis on products
Conclusion
December 2025 marks a significant inflection point in cannabis and hemp regulation. Hawaii's social equity-focused legalization framework, Wisconsin and Michigan's detailed hemp safety standards, and medical marijuana program expansions across multiple states demonstrate growing policy sophistication. The regulatory landscape is becoming more safety-focused and equity-conscious as states continue advancing independently while anticipating potential federal policy shifts.
AHAA remains committed to tracking these developments and advocating for sensible, evidence-based cannabis and hemp policies that prioritize consumer safety, industry accountability, and equitable access.
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This report was compiled by the American Health Alternatives Association (AHAA) team. For questions or additional information, contact us through our website.
