Best of the Week: September 13 – September 18, 2025

Let’s dive into the top stories shaping the conversation this week. Summaries of each article are listed below.

1. New York State Cracks Down on Cannabis Lab with Stiff Penalties and Accountability

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is taking action against Lexachrom Laboratory for regulatory failures and significant violations, jeopardizing consumer safety and market integrity.

Following an extensive investigation which unveiled significant regulatory violations, that the organization would be serving a Notice of Pleading (Pleading) to the Long Island-based facility.

As mentioned in the press release, OCM has proposed penalties that include:

• To ban the lab from industry participation for up to three years
• Financial penalties totaling between $890,000 and more than $2 million
• A formal written closure plan to resolve outstanding issues.

2. House Appropriations Committee Advances FY26 Spending Bill Blocking Cannabis Rescheduling

On September 10, 2025, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The 154-page legislation includes Section 607: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to reschedule marijuana (as such term is defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)) or to remove marijuana from the schedules established under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812).

“House Republicans are out of touch—even with President Trump,” stated Steph Sherer, founder of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), in a September 10 press release. “The Administration is moving forward with rescheduling through the established federal process, while these appropriations riders would roll back patient protections and stop progress.”

3. THBC and TCPC Applauds Governor Abbott's Executive Order on Hemp Sales to Minors

Governor Greg Abbott's recently signed Executive Order GA 56 mandates ID verification and bans hemp sales to minors, enhancing consumer safety in Texas.

“The Texas Hemp Business Council recognizes Governor Abbott’s executive order, emphasizing that existing Texas hemp laws already regulate the industry, while supporting protections for minors and practical enforcement for hemp businesses,” Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) stated. “By avoiding a ban on hemp products, GA 56 preserves lawful adult access, promotes responsible commerce and discourages the growth of illicit markets.”

“This executive order is an important step toward a responsible hemp market in Texas,” said Heather Fazio, Director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center (TCPC). “By keeping these products away from kids and holding businesses accountable through clear rules and enforcement, the Governor is advancing both public safety and personal freedom.”

4. NJEDA's $15M NJ LEAF Program: A New Financial Lifeline for NJ Cannabis Businesses

The new funding program is called the New Jersey Lending for Equity, Access, and Financing (NJ LEAF) program. It will offer eligible cannabis companies, an option for low-cost financing of up to $1.5 million. This incentive will increase NJEDA’s financial tool offerings that will assist small businesses and strengthen the Garden State’s equitable economic development.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board explained in a press release that they department had approved $15 million for a new pilot program that will help address capital access gaps for recreational cannabis testing laboratories, cultivators, and manufacturers.

5. Ep. 28: Exploring Volatile Sulfur Compounds in Cannabis

Our newest Noid Knowledge podcast episode is live!

In this latest installment, Jason Wilson from the Curious About Cannabis podcast discusses with our host Evan Friedmann and guests TJ Martin, Ian Oswald, and Kyle Boyar, their experiences at the American Chemical Society (ACS) conference in San Diego. Wilson shares insights from a conversation with colleagues about their research on volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in cannabis, which contribute to its aroma. They also discussed the importance of proper packaging, noting that mylar bags can effectively retain these compounds. The conversation highlights the need for better analytical methods and open-access research to advance the cannabis industry.