Office of Cannabis Regulation Executive Director Joanne Moorehead told lawmakers that licensed cannabis cultivation could begin in the Virgin Islands within weeks. She stated that at least two dispensaries may be ready to open before the end of 2026. Commercial sales, however, cannot begin until a product-testing laboratory is operational, with stakeholders advising OCR that the facility could be ready “by October.”
The update came during OCR’s fiscal year 2027 budget hearing before the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance. Sen. Novelle Francis Jr. questioned when residents would see tangible results from the enacted legislation.
Moorehead replied, “The OCR is working very hard, and we think that there should be some licensed businesses open before the end of this year.” Currently, OCR has 15 conditionally approved cultivation licenses, 10 dispensary licenses, 10 manufacturing licenses, and two research and development licenses.
Four hemp retailers filed a lawsuit in the 459th Judicial District Court of Travis County against the Texas Department of State Health Services. They allege the agency engaged in executive overreach by classifying hemp-derived substances as illegal, violating the 2018 Farm Bill. David Sergi, lead counsel, said, “DSHS does not have the constitutional authority to rewrite statutes or destroy an industry simply because it disagrees with legislative policy.”
The complaint states the hemp industry has suffered “catastrophic” harm, with over 36,000 jobs lost and retail sales dropping by more than 50 percent. Plaintiffs are moving for a temporary restraining order to remove the ban. Sergi added, “We are asking the Court to uphold the Texas Constitution, protect thousands of Texas jobs, and keep policy decisions where they belong with the elected representatives of the people.” This follows earlier suits alleging the ban violates commerce protections and preempts federal law.
Canada’s health ministry announced a $24 million investment to establish the Canadian Cannabis and Brain Health Consortium. Funded through the CIHR, the initiative will support research into how cannabis affects brain health.
This national effort responds to increased cannabis use since its 2018 legalization.
The consortium involves ten multidisciplinary teams investigating impacts on youth, pregnant people, and frequent users. It will also examine therapeutic potential for conditions like PTSD and epilepsy.
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