Hemp Policy Shake-Up: A bipartisan bill would regulate hemp THC drinks like alcohol, setting a 5mg THC limit for adults 21+ and creating a federal-style distribution and tax framework as a looming federal hemp THC ban approaches. Regulatory Back-and-Forth: Rhode Island reopened its cannabis retail licensing application after residency rules were struck down, with applications accepted through Nov. 23 and social equity certification required first. Industry Operations: Mississippi’s two required cannabis testing labs, Steep Hill Mississippi and Alchemy Analytics, are merging back-office functions under Southern Precision Analytics to protect testing continuity. Clinical & Product Pipeline: Artelo Biosciences enrolled its first patient in a Phase 2 glaucoma study of ART27.13, a peripherally selective cannabinoid receptor agonist aimed at lowering eye pressure without central side effects. Market/Company News: Jazz Pharmaceuticals agreed to buy Actio Biosciences for $820M to expand its epilepsy pipeline, targeting KCNT1-related epilepsy with no FDA-approved therapies. Consumer Health Signal: A CDC-linked report says ER diagnoses for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome rose 16% from Oct. 2025 to May 2026, with cases showing up earlier in use. Local Licensing Fight: Maine’s Ellsworth is facing a court challenge from a medical cannabis chain after license denials.