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Hi, Sending everyone best wishes for a happy, safe and prosperous 4/20. In the newsletter: Vireo: California’s new MSO Read up, Alex Send tips, press releases, concerns, feedback and criticism to hello@weedweek.com. Sensitive material to share? Contact Alex on Signal. FROM WEEDWEEK Vireo: California’s new MSO Before the pandemic, major MSOs including Green Thumb Industries, Trulieve, Curaleaf and Cresco Labs tried to establish beachheads in California’s massive market. None still has a significant presence here. Now much smaller Vireo Growth has a plan to succeed where the industry’s leading . . .

During the go-go years before the pandemic, major MSOs including Green Thumb Industries, Trulieve, Curaleaf and Cresco Labs tried to establish beachheads in California’s massive market. None still has a significant presence here. The competition, taxes and complexity outweighed the benefits of doing business in what’s still generally considered the world’s largest legal weed market. Their struggles have generally served as a warning to outsiders trying to take on the Golden State. But in recent months, the much smaller, Minnesota-based MSO Vireo Growth has quickly, and . . . Log in or become . . .

A Republican senator said he expects bipartisan legislation to be introduced in Congress this week to avert what he called the “disaster” of the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that is set to be enacted later this year. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said in an online town hall meeting he hosted on Tuesday that hemp has “become a multi-billion-dollar industry” since products with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a drug-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill that President Donald Trump signed during his first term in office. But late last year, Trump signed . . .

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to issue an executive order as soon as this week signaling the administration’s willingness to explore the therapeutic benefits and safety of the psychedelic substance ibogaine. CBS News reported on Thursday that while the administration doesn’t plan to reschedule the psychedelic out of Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) at this time, the move is “meant to open the door to federal funding for further research on its effectiveness with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, especially among veterans.” The outlet said that while officials . . .

“If the loophole persists, that trust erodes. Not because the hemp farmers are bad people. But because a system that applies rigorous standards to one channel and none to another will eventually produce a failure that damages everyone.” By Jason Leisey, Emerald Tea Supply Co. I spent years in institutional finance trading macro derivatives before I built a licensed cannabis dispensary in New Jersey. I understand how regulatory arbitrage works-how a legal category distinction, rather than any meaningful difference in the underlying asset, can create a two-tier market where one side bears all . . .

“It would effectively eliminate an entire industry in Missouri-the hemp industry-regardless of any federal change in legislation.” By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independenta Gov. Mike Kehoe’s (R) office received 10,000 handwritten letters Tuesday asking him to veto a Missouri bill that would impose a statewide ban on intoxicating hemp products. The letters, gathered in just 10 days, came from small-business owners, farmers and customers across Missouri who say the legislation could wipe out the state’s hemp industry-even if Congress ultimately pulls back from its own ban set to go into effect on . . .

As the unofficial marijuana holiday know as 4/20 approaches, a leading pro-legalization organization is asking people to share their personal stories about being arrested for cannabis, saying that doing so can help shine a spotlight on “the true impact of the ongoing scourge of prohibition.” The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) said in an email alert to its supporters that the organization is preparing to release a new report on cannabis arrests and that it is “vitally important” that the document not just compile raw data on enforcement but also “include the real human stories that illustrate . . .

The governor of Virginia is responding to criticism of amendments she is proposing a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales by saying the suggested changed came after she spoke to the leaders of other states that have already implemented adult-use cannabis markets. Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) told local news outlets on Tuesday that the message she got from governors of other states is that “across the board, the top priority that people continue to put forth is do it methodically-because you have to do it right the first time.” “I’ve spent a lot of time talking to governors and folks . . .

You’re reading this week’s edition of the New Cannabis Ventures weekly newsletter, which we have been publishing since October 2015. The newsletter includes unique insight to help our readers stay ahead of the curve as well as links to the week’s most important news. We no longer send these by email as we did in [ . . . ]

An Ohio judge has blocked the state’s ban on intoxicating hemp beverages from taking effect, Cleveland.com reports. In the limited ruling, Judge Jeremiah S. Ray called the ban “inherently discriminatory” because it treats similar products differently based on who is selling them. The lawsuit was filed by Seattle, Washington-based company North Fork Distribution, which operates Cycling Frog, who asked the judge to prohibit Fremont police from enforcing the law. The judge’s order blocks law enforcement officers and anyone working with them from taking action under the law, and protects North . . .

Maine lawmakers have rejected a bill to require medical cannabis products sold in the state to be tracked and tested, News Center Maine reports. The bill failed in the House on Monday, 74-71, with five lawmakers absent. The proposal by Rep. Anne Graham (D), who is also a nurse practitioner, included provisions to provide state assistance to medical cannabis producers who make less than $125,000 annually to help cover the testing costs. Shanna Souza, owner of Homegrown of Augusta, said that the state would “lose a good 200-300″ medical cannabis caregivers if the bill were to become law. . . .

The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) on Tuesday filed an appeal challenging the preliminary injunction imposed by a judge last week that blocks new retail cannabis licenses as a lawsuit against the state’s cannabis licensing residency rules makes its way through court, the Rhode Island Current reports. The CCC’s chief legal counsel, Mariana Ormonde, told the Current that the agency has “been litigating these cases for years” and “actually got the cases dismissed at one point.” “Now they’re back,” she said. Commissioner Robert Jacquard told the Current that the CCC discusses . . .

Youth advocates have sued the state alleging that California’s cannabis market alleging it has failed to live up to its promise to support youth programs, protect children and operate responsibly, according to an opinion piece published in Capitol Weekly by the executive director of Sacramento-based non-profit Youth Forward. Crucially, Jim Keddy argues, the state program has broken promises to support children and prevention programs and be strictly . . . Log in or become a WeedWeek Member to read this article. The post Newsbrief: Non-profits sue Calif. over pot tax shortfall, report appeared . . .

From gummies, sips, and fast-acting shooters, we’ve rounded up great deals, limited drops, bundles, and standout products to help you celebrate the big day. The post CBD, delta-9, and hemp THCA 420 deals to make the most of the big day appeared first on Leafly.

If you are someone who uses cannabis for wellness purposes, you have probably noticed how overwhelming the world of CBD can get. There are hundreds of products, dozens of brands, and a flood of confusing labels. Knowing what to look for and how to choose wisely can make a genuine difference in your experience. This guide breaks it all down in plain language so you can shop smarter and feel more confident. What Makes a CBD Product Worth Your Attention Not all CBD is created equal. The hemp plant absorbs everything from its environment, including pesticides, heavy metals, and other unwanted . . .

THC and THCa come from the same plant but act differently when heated and consumed. For buyers, deciding which one “better” depends on what they value most: effects, access, legal rules, and how they prefer to purchase. This guide will help you understand how each cannabinoid compound works so you can compare dispensary cannabis with [ . . . ] Source: THC vs THCa: Which One Is Better? A Practical Comparison for Buyers from Heady NJ

With 4/20 landing on a Monday this year, most events are occurring on the 18-19 weekend. Check out our list of more than 60 events nationwide.

“These products have the potential to reshape how Americans approach wellness by offering accessible, plant-based alternatives that complement traditional care, but realizing that potential will require more than enforcement discretion.” By Thomas Winstanley, Edibles.com For years, the hemp-derived CBD market has operated in a paradox: federally legal, widely available and increasingly normalized-yet lacking a clear regulatory framework that gives consumers confidence and businesses stability. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) latest move to exercise enforcement discretion for certain . . .

Organigram Closes Previously Announced Acquisition of Sanity Group, Private Placement Financing with BAT and ATB Senior Secured Credit Facilities TORONTO & BERLIN – April 15, 2026 – (Business Wire) – Organigram Global Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) (TSX: OGI), (the “Company” or “Organigram”) and Sanity Group GmbH (“Sanity” or “Sanity Group”) jointly announced the successful closing of [ . . . ]

Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives has passed budget legislation proposed by the governor that relies on revenue that would be generated from recreational marijuana sales, which have not yet been legalized in the state. The Democratic-controlled House voted 107-94 on Tuesday to approve the spending plan from Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) who earlier this year included cannabis legalization and the resulting expected revenue in his budget request. The vote was largely along party lines, though five GOP lawmakers joined Democrats in supporting the bill. The $53.2 billion budget legislation, which . . .

“Massachusetts voters and politicians prefer legalization and regulation over a return to the failed policy of marijuana prohibition.” The post Massachusetts: Legislation Doubling Marijuana Possession Limits Sent to Governor appeared first on NORML.

“Cannabis law is constantly evolving-we’re just doing our best going forward with the Cannabis Act that we’ve been provided that we need to follow.” By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Currant The two-person Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission and staff met behind closed doors for around an hour Tuesday morning to discuss last week’s federal court order halting the process that was set to award 20 new retail licenses as soon as May. Three and half hours later, the commission filed an appeal against the April 8 ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa Dubose involving three federal . . .

BOCA RATON, FL – Springbig (OTCQX: SBIG), the AI-powered marketing and customer engagement platform serving regulated retailers and brands, today announced the launch of AI Audience Builder, a breakthrough capability that enables retailers to create precisely targeted customer segments using plain, natural language powered by artificial intelligence. No filters. No manual logic. No data expertise required. The launch positions Springbig at the forefront of AI-driven retail marketing, delivering a tangible productivity and revenue advantage to dispensary operators competing in an increasingly . . .

A Virginia lawmaker who sponsored a bill to provide resentencing relief for people with past marijuana convictions that the governor is proposing to significantly scale back says he will accept those changes, even if he is not happy about them. As approved by lawmakers, HB 26 from Rozia Henson, Jr. (D), along with companion bill SB 62 from Senate President Pro Tem Louise Lucas (D), would create a process by which people who are incarcerated or on community supervision for certain felony offenses involving the possession, manufacture, selling or distribution of marijuana could receive an . . .

If you’ve been stonestrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen videos of these two figures dressed in contrasting polka dots and strange masks, playing a weird blend of punk, jazz and rock. This enigmatic two-piece, in their papier-m’ché masks, didn’t escape from some Lynchian “Black Lodge”, but instead, hails from Quebec, Canada. Their recent KEXP performance has gone viral and solidified a rapidly expanding fanbase, resulting in instantly sold-out shows for their limited upcoming US tour dates. The band’s name is a reference to angina pectoris, a condition that . . .