Hey there, Benzinga Cannabis family, Maureen Meehan here to break down the day’s freshest headlines. Today’s roundup has a little something for everyone: THC politics heating up in Texas, a new federal research center that could rewrite the rules of cannabis science, a groundbreaking hemp-based building solution born out of fatherly love and why your grandma might be more into edibles than you are.

Let’s dig in.👇

In today's issue:

• 🏛️ Policy & Politics

• 🧪 Research & Innovation

• 👵 Changing Demographics

• 🌿 Wellness & CBD

🚨 THC Crackdown Advances In Texas Legislature, Stirring Debate Over Public Safety, Business Impact

Texas is coming in hot with Senate Bill 3, a sweeping proposal that would ban all forms of THC—including Delta-8 and Delta-9—from store shelves. Backed hard by GOP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the bill seeks to tighten licensing, testing, and even criminal penalties. And it doesn’t stop there: it blocks local ballot initiatives that aim to loosen cannabis enforcement. Retailers? Advocates? They're already sounding the alarm on what this could mean for public access and small business survival.

🗳️ NYC Mayor Eric Adams Campaigns At Legal Weed Shop With Troubled History

Mayor Eric Adams is doubling down on his cannabis-friendly stance—swinging by Sweetlife, a legal dispensary run by longtime allies, for some campaign cash and good vibes. What didn’t make it into his speech? The dispensary’s murky past, including its pre-license days slinging infused brownies from a bakery that the city shut down. Cannabis and politics: always a heady mix.

👮 NYPD Officer Says Weed Testing Unfairly Targets Those With Dark Hair

Frankie Palaguachi, a veteran NYPD officer, has filed a federal complaint after being demoted due to a positive hair drug test he says is faulty—and biased. He’s arguing that darker hair absorbs more THC residue, which could mean racially skewed results. With nearly 20 years on the force and a clean record, Palaguachi is now spotlighting a major issue in how we test—and who we penalize.

🧬 New Federally Backed Marijuana Research Center Launches

We’ve got a new player in the cannabis science game: the NIH’s Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR) is officially launching out of the University of Mississippi. In partnership with Washington State University and the U.S. Pharmacopeia, this center will dig into cannabinoid data, host conferences, and help standardize research across the board. Ole Miss will handle regulatory guidance while WSU and USP dive into support and standards.

🧱 ‘It’s More Than A Plant That Will Get You High’: The Crossroad Of Cannabis And Construction

Cannabis isn’t just for lighting up—it could literally build your next house. At UW-Madison’s EarthFest, Zach Popp, founder of Sativa Building Systems, shared how a mold issue in his home led him to hempcrete, an eco-friendly building material made from industrial hemp. “Hempcrete is mold resistant, fire resistant, pest resistant and rot resistant,” Popp explained. A greener home—and maybe a healthier one, too.

👴 Senior Weed Use In The U.S. Is Hitting New Highs

Turns out, boomers are booming with bud. Cannabis use among Americans 65+ has soared from 0.4% in 2007 to nearly 8%. Meet Gail Zanchelli, 64, who swears by her nightly THC gummies for pain and sleep. “When I wake up, I’m fine,” she says. With legal dispensaries thriving in New York, many seniors are rediscovering (or discovering for the first time) how weed can heal—without the hangover.

🎖️ Areas With Higher Veteran Populations Have More Medical Marijuana Doctors, Federally Funded Study Shows

A new study in JAMA Network Open shows a strong correlation between counties with large veteran populations and access to medical marijuana doctors. Researchers think it’s because vets are pushing to expand access—especially those coping with pain and PTSD. The research was funded in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and highlights just how much demand can shape access.

💚 CBD For Inflammation: Does It Work?

The verdict? Promising, but not yet conclusive. Early research—and some real-world use—shows that CBD might help reduce chronic inflammation tied to everything from heart disease to IBS. “There is clear interest and investment in exploring CBD-containing products for inflammatory conditions,” says Staci Gruber, Ph.D., of McLean Hospital’s MIND program. But yes, more clinical data is still needed.

🌛 Nightly CBD Linked To Better Morning Mood But No Changes In Cognitive Function

A new study out of Psychopharmacology found that folks with insomnia who took CBD nightly felt calmer and more clear-headed in the morning—but didn’t test any differently on memory or reaction-time tests. Translation: your morning mood might improve, but don’t count on turning into Einstein.

That's a wrap for today’s Cannabis Daily, folks. Thanks for hanging out with me, and I’ll catch you tomorrow with more headlines, research insights, and maybe a few surprises from the world of weed. Stay elevated!

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