Tom Angell writes about a NORML analysis of FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data showing that ten states **Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Indiana, Louisiana, and Alabama** accounted for roughly 60 percent of the 200,960 marijuana possession arrests nationwide in 2025, with Texas alone responsible for nearly 29,000. The data reveals that 92 percent of all cannabis incidents stem from possession, and marijuana arrests now constitute a quarter of all drug arrests, making it the most-enforced single substance.
- Louisiana had the highest share of total drug arrests from cannabis possession at 62 percent, and its governor recently signed a law jailing people up to one year for smoking within 2,000 feet of school property
- About 13 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies did not contribute data for 2025
- The FBI report contains internal inconsistencies, presenting three different totals for "Drug/Narcotic Offenses" (1,492,005; 1,656,774; and 1,958,377)
- Even in legalized jurisdictions arrests persist: Illinois reported 5,731 possession arrests and Washington, D.C. reported 1,336
- NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano noted that in nearly half the states, low-level marijuana arrests have "fallen nearly to zero"
- Louisiana had the highest share of total drug arrests from cannabis possession at 62 percent, and its governor recently signed a law jailing people up to one year for smoking within 2,000 feet of school property
- About 13 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies did not contribute data for 2025
- The FBI report contains internal inconsistencies, presenting three different totals for "Drug/Narcotic Offenses" (1,492,005; 1,656,774; and 1,958,377)
- Even in legalized jurisdictions arrests persist: Illinois reported 5,731 possession arrests and Washington, D.C. reported 1,336
- NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano noted that in nearly half the states, low-level marijuana arrests have "fallen nearly to zero"
A recent study published in Age and Ageing indicates that older adults with a history of cannabis use demonstrate superior cognitive performance – specifically in areas like attention, executive function, processing speed, and memory – compared to those who have never used cannabis. Interestingly, the benefits were most pronounced in former users, with current users showing less consistent, though still present, cognitive advantages. Researchers suggest these findings challenge common assumptions about cognitive decline in older cannabis users and could encourage more open conversations between clinicians and patients regarding therapeutic cannabis use, while also reducing stigma. Similar longitudinal studies have also shown less cognitive decline in older adults with a history of cannabis use.
The DEA is promoting a contest run by Johnny’s Ambassadors, recruiting students to create videos warning about marijuana use for ‘Anti-420 Day’ and ‘flood’ Instagram with them. Students can earn Amazon gift cards for their submissions.
Two scientists, Dr. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk, are leveraging TikTok and Instagram to educate the public on cannabis pharmacology, gathering data from thousands of respondents on their experiences with cannabis.
Larvicidal Activity of Hemp Extracts and Cannabidiol against the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegyptiThe study examines the larvicidal activity of hemp leaf extracts and cannabidiol against pyrethroid-susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant strains of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, identifying cannabidiol as the primary active ingredient.
Newly released recordings from President Richard Nixon’s Oval Office capture his views on marijuana, Black Power and the Vietnam War.
- DEA to move cannabis to Schedule III, recognizing its medical use and low potential for abuse.
- No change in federal illegality of marijuana products sold within state programs or interstate commerce.
- DOJ may reissue enforcement memo to not enforce federal law against compliant state-legal marijuana businesses.
- DEA's final rule based on HHS analysis, comments, and administrative hearing record.
- Effective 30 days after publication in Federal Register, with court order potentially delaying it.
- No change in federal illegality of marijuana products sold within state programs or interstate commerce.
- DOJ may reissue enforcement memo to not enforce federal law against compliant state-legal marijuana businesses.
- DEA's final rule based on HHS analysis, comments, and administrative hearing record.
- Effective 30 days after publication in Federal Register, with court order potentially delaying it.
