Good evening. Here's what's moving in the world of medical cannabis today.
Federal marijuana trafficking prosecutions in US fall to historic low
New data from the United States shows that federal law enforcement officials charged fewer than 400 people with marijuana trafficking in 2025 — the lowest total ever recorded. The analysis, published by the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), attributes the sharp decline to the continued adoption of state-level cannabis legalisation laws across the country.
The figure represents a dramatic reduction from previous decades, when federal trafficking prosecutions numbered in the thousands annually. Researchers note that as more states move to regulate cannabis for medical and adult use, federal resources have been increasingly diverted away from low-level marijuana enforcement.
Measles outbreak in US raises questions about public health preparedness
The United States has recorded more than 2,000 confirmed measles cases so far this year, approaching the total of 2,228 seen in all of 2025, according to a report in The Guardian. The outbreak, driven by falling vaccination rates and misinformation, is on track to become the worst year for measles in decades. Federal public health cuts have hampered state-level responses to the crisis.
While not directly related to cannabis policy, the outbreak underscores the broader public health landscape in which medical cannabis operates. Access to reliable healthcare infrastructure and accurate health information are factors that affect patient outcomes across all therapeutic areas, including those using cannabis-based medicines.
Study warns extreme heat will double US hospitalisations by 2040
A new study published this week projects that extreme heat will double hospitalisations in the United States by 2040, driving annual healthcare costs for heat-related conditions above $1bn. The research, reported by The Guardian, highlights the growing burden of climate change on health systems.
The findings are relevant for medical cannabis patients, many of whom manage chronic conditions that can be exacerbated by extreme temperatures. Heatwaves may also affect the stability and storage of cannabis-based medicines, particularly for patients who rely on oils or other temperature-sensitive formulations.
UK universities and NHS trusts collaborate on health innovation
Universities in northern England, including Huddersfield and Manchester, are forging closer links with NHS trusts to drive health research and innovation. Backed by a mix of private and public finance, these collaborations aim to create jobs and economic growth while improving patient care, as reported by The Guardian.
The partnerships may have implications for medical cannabis research in the UK, where academic institutions are increasingly involved in clinical trials exploring cannabinoid therapies. The NHS has a limited but growing role in prescribing cannabis-based products, and closer ties between universities and health trusts could accelerate evidence generation in this area.
