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Alabama Court Ruling Voids Medical Cannabis Licenses

4/23/2025

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An Alabama court ruling on Monday overturned the December 2023 issuing of medical cannabis licenses by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC), CBS 42 reports.

The ruling is the latest setback for Alabama’s medical cannabis licensing process, which officials have attempted multiple times, but legal challenges have repeatedly hindered the process. The process may need to start again now, even though some operators have existed for over a year believing they had secured a license.

In its ruling, the Circuit Court of Montgomery County invalidated the AMCC’s decision to use an “emergency rule” to continue with the licensing process after two previous attempts were thwarted.

John McMillan, AMCC director, expressed his frustration with the situation in a WSFA report.

“Just continued high level of frustration with the way this has evolved, has become pretty obvious that there’s some powerful forces in Alabama that are intent on keeping this program from getting going unless they have their way, whatever that way seems to be. They’re coming at every angle.” — McMillan, in the report

McMillan said the agency is considering its options and has not ruled out appealing the court’s decision to invalidate the licenses.

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Barney’s Farm Partners with Backpackboyz on Groundbreaking Cannabis Genetics Project

4/22/2025

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An exciting collaboration has emerged in the cannabis breeding sector: globally-established Barney’s Farm is excited to announce that they have joined forces with American cannabis innovator Backpackboyz. This cross-continental alliance aims to revolutionize cannabis genetics by combining complementary expertise and genetic resources from both organizations.

Long recognized as a pioneer in cannabis genetics, Barney’s Farm is leveraging strategic partnerships to establish a wider presence in the United States. This venture is just the first step in its ambitious U.S. strategy: the company is pursuing ongoing negotiations with American cultivators and breeders, signalling plans to penetrate diverse market segments.

A New Chapter of in the World of Cannabis Genetics

“We’re witnessing the globalization of cannabis breeding in real time,” a representative explained. “These partnerships bring together genetic material that would have remained isolated just a few years ago, creating novel expressions that benefit from diverse breeding philosophies.”

Collaboration Release No 1 – Barneys Farm x Backpack Boyz – Black Cherry Gushers

The development of the Black Cherry Gushers strain demonstrates how such complementary approaches can enhance genetic outcomes: Barney’s Farm contributes decades of breeding expertise and a vast genetic library developed across multiple continents, and meanwhile, Backpackboyz offers a cutting-edge understanding of American consumer preferences and cultivation techniques optimized for specific regional environments.

Black Cherry Gushers, a novel cultivar representing the biological intersection of both companies’ genetic libraries.

Backpackboyz brings not only its technical breeding capabilities but also its well-established connection with cannabis enthusiasts and deep understanding of cannabis consumer preferences.

The collaboration between Barneys Farm and Backpackboyz emerged during a period of significant regulatory evolution across the United States. As individual states continue adopting or expanding cannabis programs, the infrastructure for international collaboration has strengthened considerably.

Collaboration Release No 2 – Barneys Farm x Backpack Boyz – Lemon Cherry Gelato

The emergence of Lemon Cherry Gelato represents another significant advancement in cannabis cultivation through strategic genetic collaboration. Lemon Cherry Gelato is a distinctive phenotype showcasing the harmonious genetic integration of multiple premium lineages. The strain embodies a careful balance of citrus sharpness and cherry sweetness, underpinned by the creamy foundation of its Gelato heritage. This plant gained prominence during California’s transition to regulated adult-use markets, where consumer sophistication drove demand for more refined sensory experiences. The timing aligned with broader industry shifts toward emphasizing terpene profiles and entourage effects rather than focusing exclusively on THC potency.

Collaboration Release No 3 – Barneys Farm x Backpack Boyz – Bubblegum Gelato

Bubblegum Gelato is an exceptional hybrid strain born from the groundbreaking collaboration between Barney’s Farm and Backpackboyz, a masterful cross of Gelato 45 and Indiana Bubble Gum. The flavor profile mirrors its enticing scent, delivering a rich, dessert-like experience that enchants the palate with its sweet and fruity complexity. Bubblegum Gelato stands as a premium choice for those seeking a memorable sensory journey defined by playful sweetness and refined sophistication.

Exciting Future Prospects

Barney’s Farm believes the fusion of European breeding methodologies with American market insights represents a broader trend within the maturing cannabis industry. Rather than competing directly, established companies increasingly find value in combining specialized expertise to develop products that appeal to a sophisticated consumer base.

For more information, visit the Barney’s Farm USA website today.

Barney’s Farm is also offering customers 20% off their first order by signing up to their newsletter here: https://www.barneysfarm.us/subscribe

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Nebraska Committee Rejects Bill to Implement Voter-Approved Medical Cannabis Program

4/22/2025

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The Nebraska legislature’s General Affairs Committee earlier this month voted 5-3 against advancing a bill to implement and regulate medical cannabis in the state, the Nebraska Examiner reports. The disapproval by the committee leaves the state’s patients in limbo, despite the reforms being approved by 67% of voters last November.

State Sen. Ben Hansen (R), who introduced the legislation, told the Independent that the legislation is “a must” for the 2025 session to prevent the “Wild West.” Without a regulatory bill, the commission created by voters to regulate medical cannabis has no power or funding.

“I don’t want to shut all the doors right now, but some doors are closing, and they’re closing fast, and so we have to act.” — Hansen to the Independent

The committee had tried to negotiate an amendment with Hansen that would have regulated cannabis through the state’s prescription drug monitoring system in addition to seed-to-sale tracking systems, and would have limited the medical cannabis qualifying conditions list to just 15 ailments. The amendment was not agreed to.

Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, told the Independent that the rejection “will not be the end” and that advocates “have every intention to keep fighting.”

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Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Filed by ColdFire Extracts Against Flavorade

4/22/2025

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A federal judge last week dismissed the lawsuit against Flavorade Extracts founder Nick Coburn, filed by his former company, that accuses Coburn and his partners of misappropriating trade secrets and interfering with business relationships, among other claims. The lawsuit by Greenmount LLC, which does business as ColdFire Extracts, was dismissed with prejudice and cannot be refiled.

In the ruling, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani found Greenmount’s claims “without merit,” noting that “in the 15 months that this action has been pending, Plaintiff has not served a single discovery request, subpoena, or deposition notice.”

In a statement, Coburn said the ruling “validates” what he’s “maintained from day one.”

“After months of defending against baseless accusations, I can finally focus on my counterclaims and building Flavorade’s future. Greenmount tried to silence me about my role in creating a successful cannabis brand, but the court has now dismissed every one of Greenmount’s claims.” — Coburn in a press release

Coburn split with Greenmount in August 2023 and launched the Flavorade brand with Cleanline Management. Greenmount filed the lawsuit against Coburn and Cleanline in December 2024, accusing Coburn and Cleanline of misappropriating trade secrets, interfering with business relationships, unfair competition, trade libel, and computer fraud.

Almadani’s decision does not end Coburn’s counterclaim lawsuit against Greenmount. At issue in the lawsuit is Coburn’s assertion of a 25% equity stake in Greenmount.

“This case has always been about honoring agreements,” Coburn said in a statement. “I’m grateful the court has dismissed the claims against me, and I look forward to the court’s consideration of my counterclaims regarding my ownership interest in Greenmount.”

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New Study Finds Medical Cannabis Has Potential to Treat Cancer

4/21/2025

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A recent meta-analysis published last week in Frontiers of Oncology found that medical cannabis has the potential to help treat symptoms of cancer. The study, which pulled from prior cannabis research, was the largest-ever analysis to investigate the interplay of cannabis and cancer, and researchers found a “significant majority” of the relevant studies fell predominantly in favor of medical cannabis use, The Guardian reports.

Funded by the group Cancer Playbook, researchers utilized an AI-powered processing technique called “sentiment analysis” to conduct the meta-analysis, which surveyed over 10,000 studies into medical cannabis and cancer.

Ryan Castle, research director at Whole Health Oncology Institute and the study’s lead author, said the goal was to push for a consensus on medical cannabis as a potential cancer treatment.

“Our goal was to determine the scientific consensus on the topic of medical cannabis, a field that has long been dominated by a war between cherrypicked studies.” — Castle, via The Guardian

Castle said the team was expecting “a moderate consensus” about the potential of cannabis as a cancer treatment, but that the actual results were closer to three-to-one in favor of cannabis as an effective medical treatment for cancer-related inflammation, appetite loss, and nausea, according to the report.

“That’s a shocking degree of consensus in public health research, and certainly more than we were anticipating for a topic as controversial as medical cannabis,” Castle said.

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Tennessee Legislature Passes Hemp Industry Restrictions

4/21/2025

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Lawmakers in the Tennessee Senate voted last Thursday to approve legislation banning the sale of hemp-derived intoxicating products, The Tennessean reports.

The bill, which passed the House earlier in the week, restricts the amount of total and potential THC in consumable hemp products, a move that’s expected to upend the state’s hemp consumables industry. Sponsored by state Sen. Richard Briggs (R), the bill was opposed by Democrats and some Republicans, but lawmakers ultimately approved the proposal, sending it to Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his consideration.

Briggs called the hemp industry in Tennessee “essentially dealing with unregulated recreational marijuana,” saying “It’s the wild west out there.”

Republican state Sen. Kerry Roberts, however, argued that because the proposal restricts hemp derivatives even more than federal law, it could confuse and create legal troubles for hemp farmers and entrepreneurs.

“I’ve got farmers that have come to me and said ‘this is going to hurt us.’ We’ve got retailers that have come to us and said ‘this is going to hurt us.’ Everybody keeps coming back to the same thing: if they would just make it so that it’s defined with what the federal code says, then they can live with it.” — Roberts, via The Tennessean

It’s not clear whether the governor will sign the proposal into law. Gov. Lee, however, has never vetoed a bill, according to the report.

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Bipartisan Proposal Would Federally Legalize Cannabis In Adult-Use States

4/18/2025

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A bipartisan proposal filed Thursday by U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Dina Titus (D-NV) seeks to federally legalize cannabis in states, territories, and tribal nations that have already passed adult-use reforms.

The bill, named the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act, would protect people who are in compliance with local cannabis reforms from federal prosecution. Additionally, the legislation would legalize interstate commerce of cannabis products and reform the industry’s tax structure so state-legal businesses would no longer run afoul of the IRS’s Section 280E tax code.

“Whether a state is pro-legalization or anti-legalization, we can all agree that the current federal approach to cannabis policy is not working,” Rep. Joyce, a co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, said in a press release.

“The STATES 2.0 Act ensures the federal government does not interfere with states or tribes that have chosen to legalize cannabis. This common-sense proposal is exactly the type of legislation I hope to advance as Co-Chair of the Cannabis Caucus. It’s time for national policy to catch up with the states or at least get out of the way.” — Rep. Titus, in a statement

Meanwhile, Rep. Miller said the STATES 2.0 Act would “establish commonsense guardrails that protect children, promote public safety, support scientific research, address addiction and mental health concerns, and uphold the rights of communities that choose to opt out of cannabis use.”

“This legislation empowers each state to adopt policies that reflect the needs and values of their residents without fear of federal interference,” Miller said.

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Kentucky Auditor Investigating the State’s Medical Cannabis Program

4/18/2025

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The Kentucky medical cannabis program is being investigated by state Auditor Allison Ball, the Associated Press reports.

Ball said will be looking specifically into the medical cannabis business license lotteries held by the Office of Medical Cannabis after several companies that were not selected for licenses lodged complaints against the licensing process.

“My office has continued to receive complaints about how the Office of Medical Cannabis administered the lottery process for awarding medical cannabis business licenses. Kentuckians should have confidence that state offices operate with transparency and integrity, and my office is committed to ensuring those standards.” — Ball, in a statement, via the AP

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) signed the state’s medical cannabis program into law in 2023, and officials awarded the program’s first cannabis business licenses throughout a series of lotteries in late 2024. Nearly 5,000 applicants applied for licenses but in the end, only several dozen were selected.

The governor had touted the lotteries as a fair licensing method for the program. However, according to a Kentucky Public Radio report, the lotteries were flooded with applications from out-of-state companies, and many of the medical cannabis licenses were ultimately awarded to out-of-state applicants. Several Kentucky-based hemp farmers and entrepreneurs have since filed complaints against the process.

Crystal Staley, a spokesperson for Gov. Beshear, told the AP “the individuals who have come forward to express ‘concerns’ went through the full [licensing] process and did not complain until after not being selected in the lottery.”

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Cannabis Dispensary Sues State Over Labor Peace Agreement Rules in Adult-Use Law

4/17/2025

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A New York City-based cannabis company is suing the state in federal court over the constitutionality of a requirement in New York’s adult cannabis use law requiring all industry licensees to have labor peace agreements, the Times Union reports. The lawsuit was filed this week in U.S. District Court in Manhattan by Hybrid NYC, a limited liability company that operates a dispensary in Brooklyn under the name Gotham.

Under the legalization law, labor peace agreements are designed to protect “the state’s proprietary interests by prohibiting labor organizations and members from engaging in picketing, work stoppages, boycotts, and any other economic interference with the entity.” In the lawsuit, Hybrid contends that the “proprietary interests” provision makes the state an industry stakeholder which would violate federal law. Additionally, the lawsuit argues the agreements requirement violate the National Labor Relations Act, which “entrusts the federal government with exclusive and preemptive authority over labor relations in general and over the organizing process for all private sector employers in particular.”

In the lawsuit, Hybrid argues that the labor peace agreement provision has led to a monopoly by Local 338, which represents grocery, pharmaceutical, health care, transportation, and cannabis workers. The lawsuit claims the union has become “one of the only – if not the only – labor union” that meets law’s standards, which is “further limiting the ability of cannabis license holders to meaningfully negotiate the terms of their (labor peace agreements).”

The lawsuit is the first in the state challenging the labor peace agreements provisions.

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Survey Finds Majority of Canadians View Cannabis as Important to Country’s Economy

4/17/2025

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A majority (57%) of Canadians view cannabis as important to the country’s economy, and another 62% believe it could play a more significant role in the future economy, according to a survey conducted by Abacus Data commissioned by Organigram Global. The highest levels of support for cannabis as part of the national economy were found in regions with deep cannabis industry ties, including Atlantic Canada (65%), the Prairies (64%), Ontario (62%), and British Columbia (61%).

In a statement, Beena Goldenberg, CEO of Organigram, said “Canadians want their country to thrive through innovative, homegrown industries – and cannabis is firmly on that list.”

“The message from Canadians is clear: Canada’s next Prime Minister must remove barriers and support sectors that deliver jobs, growth, and economic resilience.” — Goldenberg in a press release

The survey found that nearly two-thirds of Canadians surveyed – 64% – indicated they are open to the federal government doing more to help the legal cannabis sector grow.

According to a 2021 report from Deloitte, the Canadian cannabis industry has contributed more than $43 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product and supports over 80,000 jobs across the country. In 2024, according to data from Statistics Canada, the sector added $7.4 billion to Canada’s GDP.

The survey was conducted between April 3-8 among 1,915 adults living in Canada.

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Missouri Adds 6k Products to 2023 Product Recall

4/17/2025

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Cannabis regulators in Missouri last week identified another 6,000 products that should have been included in the state’s 2023 recall of nearly 63,000 products, the Missouri Independent reports. The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation indicated the products should have been part of the initial recall because they were made with the ingredient at the heart of the 2023 recall.

Amy Moore, the division’s director, in an email to The Independent, said “the department recalled these products for the same reason it issued the original, related recall: It identified a potential threat to health and safety.”

“The initial recall was a large and complex endeavor requiring expert application of system functionality and program processes. The department has made improvements in both areas since that time and continues to improve in ways that ensure future recalls can better identify all relevant product at initial issuance.” — Moore in an email to The Independent

The ingredient at the center of the 2023 recall was THC-A sourced from outside the state and then converted to THC by Delta Extraction. In November 2023, state regulators revoked the company’s license.

The state did ultimately reinstate about 15,000 products from the recall list; however, more than 48,500 remain affected by the recall.

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Researchers Say LSD Analog Has Potential to Treat Schizophrenia

4/16/2025

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University of California, Davis researchers say they have developed a drug from LSD that promotes neuroplasticity and could be an effective schizophrenia treatment.

The researchers created the drug, called JRT, by switching two atoms in the molecular structure of LSD — essentially “a tire rotation,” according to co-author David E. Olson, director of the Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics and a professor of chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular medicine at UC Davis.

“By just transposing two atoms in LSD, we significantly improved JRT’s selectivity profile and reduced its hallucinogenic potential,” Olson said in a UC Davis report. The result was a drug that encourages neural plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt through life experience, without any of the psychedelic side effects associated with LSD.

Crucially, the researchers found JRT did not promote gene expression commonly associated with schizophrenia, which can be amplified by the use of LSD.

“No one really wants to give a hallucinogenic molecule like LSD to a patient with schizophrenia. The development of JRT emphasizes that we can use psychedelics like LSD as starting points to make better medicines. We may be able to create medications that can be used in patient populations where psychedelic use is precluded.” — Olson, in the report

The researchers also noted that JRT is an effective antidepressant that is about a hundred times more potent than ketamine.

The research was funded by grants from the National Institutes of health, the UC Davis Provost’s Undergraduate Fellowship, the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, the Dr. Mohsen Najafi Research Award in Medicinal Chemistry, the Boone Family Foundation, Hope for Depression Research Foundation, the Pritzker Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Consortium, the L.I.F.E. Foundation, the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative Imaging Scientist Award, and a National Science Foundation NeuroNex Award.

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Tennessee House Passes Ban on Hemp Flower and THCA

4/16/2025

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Tennessee House Republicans have passed a bill to effectively ban the sale of intoxicating hemp products in the state, according to a WBIR 10 News report.

Sponsored by Rep. William Lamberth (R), HB 1376 would limit the total THC allowed in consumable hemp products to 0.3%. Lamberth said the hemp products currently available in Tennessee are “extremely intoxicating,” and said “what we do with these products can change lives for better or worse.”

“They should be regulated and sold just like wine, liquor and beer are, with the same type of restraints on them, recognizing that there is great danger in these products.” — Lamberth, via WBIR 10 News

The proposal would also move regulatory control over consumable hemp products from the Department of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Business owners, however, say the legislation would devastate the state’s hemp industry, drive away taxable revenue, and spell ruin for many farmers and entrepreneurs.

“Not only small businesses, but hundreds of farmers are gonna go out of business that rely on hemp,” BLOM Shop owner Travis McKinney told WBIR 10 News. “When it became legal, I saw how many people it’s helped, whether it’s people that are close to you or just a stranger.”

The proposal’s companion bill in the Senate, SB 1413, has advanced through several committees and is scheduled for consideration on the Senate floor later this week.

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Ganja.com Launches Free Listings and Ganja Rewards Coupon System

4/15/2025

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ANN ARBOR, MI, April 5, 2025 – At High Noon today, in honor of Ann Arbor’s legendary Hash Bash, Maps.ganja.com officially launches as a groundbreaking online platform designed to simplify and enhance the ganja experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Developed by a passionate team of industry insiders, Maps.ganja.com offers a free interactive map-based guide to discovering free coupons, dispensaries, strains, and ganja-related businesses, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs across the United States and beyond.

Unlike traditional directories, Maps.ganja.com combines free coupon creation and requested location data with user-friendly features, allowing visitors to explore nearby discounted ganja options, read reviews, and stay updated on the latest strains and services. Whether searching for a local dispensary in Ann Arbor or planning a ganja-friendly trip, users can navigate the green scene with ease. The platform also invites businesses, hobbyists, and budding entrepreneurs to add free listings and print free coupons, fostering a vibrant community of creators and consumers.

“We wanted to create a free tool that saves people money while making them happy” said Charles Watts, Managing Director at Maps.ganja.com. “Launching on Hash Bash weekend is our way of celebrating Ann Arbor’s rich ganja heritage while giving everyone—from businesses to hobbyists—free listings, local connections, and a free coupon system.”

Key features include:

Interactive maps pinpointing dispensaries, delivery services, and more
Free coupons, curated strain information, and user reviews
A free listing option for ganja-related businesses, hobbyists, and budding entrepreneurs
Free coupon system for ganja-related business stickyness

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, Maps.ganja.com debuts with a bold vision for the future. The team is actively seeking investors to develop the Ganja brand, expanding into premium ganja products and lifestyle gear that celebrate ganja culture. “We’re excited to build a world-wide brand,” added Scott, “not only in the USA but throughout the globe, including Jamaica, Thailand, Spain, Canada, Mexico, and the rest of the ganja-loving countries.” This ambitious growth aims to position Ganja as a household name in both the recreational and lifestyle markets.

For more information, visit Maps.ganja.com or contact Charles Watts at maps@ganja.com

About Maps.Ganja.com:

Maps.ganja.com is your ultimate guide to exploring the world of ganja. With interactive maps and expert insights, the platform helps users discover dispensaries, strains, and local connections effortlessly. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Maps.ganja.com is dedicated to connecting the ganja community while building the Ganja brand into a leader in products and lifestyle gear.

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Survey Finds Majority of Americans Believe Store-Bought Cannabis Contains Pesticides

4/14/2025

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A majority – 54% – of Americans believe store-bought cannabis contains pesticides with 62% saying they are concerned about not knowing exactly what is in the cannabis products they consume, according to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Royal Queen Seeds.

The survey found strong interest by consumers for growing their own cannabis, with 62% saying they would rather cultivate it themselves than buy it, and 76% saying home growing would save them money.

In a statement, Shai Ramsahai, president of Royal Queen Seeds, said the company is “seeing a groundswell of support for home cultivation across demographics, driven not just by cost, but by trust.”

“People want to know what they’re putting in their bodies. For many, growing cannabis is about wellness, empowerment and transparency.” — Ramsahai in a press release

The poll found a 4% increase in the number of respondents who grow cannabis at home from 11% in 2024 to 15% this year. Nearly half of those surveyed who successfully grow cannabis at home said they do so because it’s fun (46%) and they enjoy growing other plants (46%). Forty percent said home-grown cannabis is cheaper than buying at the store, and 38% said it feels safer consuming home-grown flower than store-bought.

Forty-one percent of respondents who have successfully grown cannabis at home also said they enjoy growing other plants, with 28% also growing their own food.

Despite cannabis possession and consumption being legal for a majority of adults in the U.S., 58% of those surveyed agreed that they were concerned about the potential legal risks of growing cannabis at home, even where it is legal.

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. from March 13-17, 2025, among 2,011 adults ages 21 and older, with 782 self-identifying as cannabis consumers.

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Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Transfers Cannabis Investment Arm to ‘Strategic Partner’

4/14/2025

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Scotts Miracle-Gro Company last week announced it is transferring The Hawthorne Collective, Inc. – which holds investments in Fluent, a vertically integrated cannabis company with licenses and operations in Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas and New York – to an unnamed “independent strategic partner” in exchange for an interest-bearing promissory note.

Hawthorne Collective was created in 2021 as a vehicle to invest in areas of the cannabis industry that Scotts’s Hawthorne Gardening Company subsidiary does not pursue.

In a statement, Jim Hagedorn, chairman and CEO of ScottsMiracle-Gro, called the move an “initial step” in the company’s plan to move its “cannabis-adjacent subsidiaries into a separate and independent company” as Scotts furthers its focus on its core lawn and garden business.

“For our shareholders, this will reduce the impact of the cannabis sector’s volatility on our Company’s stock and provide opportunities to drive meaningful and immediate value creation through increased investments in our consumer business. As we further advance this plan, we next will look to separate The Hawthorne Gardening Company from ScottsMiracle-Gro by the close of fiscal 2025.” — Hagedorn, in a press release

Hagedorn added that the Hawthorne companies “were intended to capitalize on the legal cannabis sector, but the ability to achieve sustained growth within this industry has been challenged by four years of unkept promises resulting in total inaction at the federal level on cannabis-related issues.”

“President Trump has supported a range of much-needed reforms, from rescheduling cannabis to adoption of the SAFER Banking Act. The actions he has endorsed would accelerate industry growth and increase the value of these investments,” Hagedorn said in the statement. “Until they become a reality, we believe the Hawthorne companies can be a greater asset within an independent cannabis-dedicated entity, specifically one in which our cultivation supply business can partner with a multi-state operator or leading cannabis brands.”

Under the terms of the deal, Scotts retains an option to reacquire Hawthorne Collective or its assets should cannabis legalization and other measures to positively impact the industry be approved at the federal level.

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Massachusetts Lawmakers Considering Bills to Raise Cannabis Industry Ownership Caps

4/14/2025

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Massachusetts lawmakers are considering eight bills that would increase the cap on cannabis dispensary ownership in the state, the Commonwealth Beacon reports. The bills seek to raise the cap from three licenses to either six or nine.

One proposal, currently in the House Cannabis Policy Committee, would allow businesses that have reached the three-license limit to increase the ownership stake they can have in four additional social equity businesses.

During a hearing last week on raising the cap, Kimberly Roy, a commissioner on the Cannabis Control Commission, submitted written testimony saying the current license limits “help to create a Massachusetts cannabis industry that encourages full participation, competition, locally owned and operated entrepreneurship … while fostering a diverse marketplace” and that proposals to change the cap “threaten to undermine these goals, harm those we are mandated to help and as a by-product may create a ‘Walmart effect’ supply chain where market consolidation, buying power and price manipulation can be controlled by the wealthy few.” 

According to state data, as of March, there were 393 active adult-use cannabis dispensaries in the commonwealth, up from 356 in April 2024. Another 211 retail dispensary permits are in the approval process, which would make a possible total of 606 dispensaries statewide.

More than 70 cannabis-linked businesses in the state have signed a letter urging lawmakers to retain the caps. In that letter, opponents of raising the caps said the limits “are critical to fostering a competitive, diverse, and inclusive industry.”

“Protecting these limits,” the letter states, “ensures the Commonwealth remains a leader in equitable cannabis policy.”

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Rhode Island Cannabis Regulators Approve Final Industry Rules

4/14/2025

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The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) voted on Friday to approve final regulations for the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis industries. Officials must submit the regulations next to the Secretary of State’s Office, and the rules will take effect on May 1, 2025. Under the new rules, the CCC will have full regulatory control over both medical and adult-use cannabis in Rhode Island.

Currently, the medical program is overseen by the Department of Business Regulation’s Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR). That agency, however, will be converted into the new Cannabis Office, which will “oversee the day-to-day operations of the cannabis industry in Rhode Island,” according to a CCC press release.

Officials said feedback from 381 public comments helped inform their choices for the final regulations, which cover everything cannabis industry-related, including:

Licensing
Cultivation, including for medical and personal purposes
Business operations
Social equity provisions
Enforcement

“These finalized regulations reflect my administration’s commitment to ensuring that cannabis oversight in Rhode Island is fair, transparent and rooted in safety. I’m grateful to the commission members, stakeholders and industry leaders whose collaboration helped shape a strong, thoughtful regulatory framework for our state.” — Gov. Dan McKee, in a statement

CCC Chair Kim Ahern said the new rules “represent our collective commitment to regulate our growing cannabis industry in a way that is safe, transparent, and equitable.

“Through extensive public feedback, we’ve ensured that these regulations prioritize safety, industry compliance and the voices of communities that have been historically harmed by cannabis prohibition.”

Rhode Island’s adult-use cannabis industry launched in late 2022, and during the first year of legal sales, licensed operators in the state sold over $100 million worth of cannabis.

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California Officials Say Over $316M of Illicit Cannabis Seized Since January

4/14/2025

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The office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced last week that since January, the governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) have collectively seized over $316 million in illicit cannabis products.

“This task force continues to make impressive progress disrupting illegal cannabis operators and their supply chain. UCETF’s accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of all agencies involved in the taskforce.” — Nathaniel Arnold, DFW Law Enforcement Division Chief, in a press release

The first-quarter cannabis seizures from this year suggest that California’s enforcement actions will outpace last year’s results after task force agents reported confiscating $534 million throughout the whole year.

The estimated first-quarter cannabis seizures this year in California included:

212,681 eradicated cannabis plants
120,307 pounds of unlicensed cannabis seized
35 firearms seized
$474,462 seized

Officials also served 99 warrants related to illicit cannabis activity during the same time frame, and 29 arrests were made.

Beyond the representatives from DFW and DCC, other agencies looped into the governor’s cannabis enforcement actions under UCETF have included the California State Parks, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California Air National Guard, and various local police agencies.

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Lawsuit Accuses Metrc of Conspiring With Regulators to Ignore Product Diversion

4/11/2025

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A new federal lawsuit is rocking the US legal cannabis industry with allegations that California state regulators and their exclusive track-and-trace software partner, Metrc, knowingly enabled the illicit market to thrive—while continuing to collect taxes from diverted product. The suit was first reported by Maine Wire.

Filed in Oregon by former Metrc executive Marcus Estes, the whistleblower complaint accuses the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) of conspiring with Metrc to overlook illegal sales, including interstate commerce, through licensed “burner distributors.” Estes claims Metrc ignored irregularities in its data and failed to fulfill its contractual obligation to flag suspicious activity—actions that allegedly allowed a “vast illegal marketplace” to flourish under the DCC’s watch.

Metrc, which holds exclusive cannabis tracking contracts in over 20 states, renewed its agreement with California last year for up to $28.3 million annually. In a statement to MJBizDaily, a Metrc spokesperson called the claims “baseless” and attributed the suit to retaliation from a disgruntled former employee who was terminated for performance issues. “This lawsuit is just a continuation of this former employee’s campaign of retaliation, and the falseness of these claims will be proven in court,” the statement read.

The suit lands amid broader scrutiny of the DCC’s leadership and oversight practices. Director Nicole Elliott, a longtime ally of Governor Gavin Newsom, has also come under fire for the agency’s response to California’s pesticide contamination crisis.

Estes’ claims echo long-running frustrations from licensed operators who argue that state regulators have allowed large-scale diversion to persist while burdening compliant businesses. Retail chain Catalyst Cannabis, which previously sued the DCC and rival Glass House Brands over alleged burner distro schemes, has its own legal battle scheduled for trial in October. Catalyst’s suit was reinstated last year when judges found that the DCC’s contract performance with Metrc was “openly in dispute.”

While Estes seeks reinstatement and damages, the lawsuit raises new questions about the integrity of California’s cannabis oversight and the accountability of the software providers trusted to enforce compliance in state-legal markets.

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600 Pounds of Cannabis Stolen from Colorado State Patrol Lockup

4/11/2025

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The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said that approximately 600 pounds of cannabis went missing early this month from a secured evidence trailer in Arapahoe County.

CSP said an evidence technician doing a property walkthrough on April 4 identified damage to one of the evidence parking lot’s locked gates, and that someone had broken into one of the trailers and stolen some 600 pounds of cannabis still stored inside of it. The trailer, along with its contents, had been seized during a recent “highway drug investigation,” officials said. The cannabis had been scheduled for destruction, but the haul was not associated with any current court cases.

Officials said in a press release that they filed a report with the Englewood Police Department, and that further investigation revealed “that the suspects first came to the site after dark on the evening of April 1 and used a power tool to remove a lock on the gate and a lock on the secured trailer.”

“Since this incident, the Colorado State Patrol completed an initial review that identified gaps in the evidence facility’s security processes. Security camera system checks and exterior property walkthroughs have been increased to identify security issues faster and ensure evidence integrity. A comprehensive internal investigation is now underway to determine if established protocols were violated.” — CSP statement, in a press release

CSP also requested information from the public on two vehicles believed to have been involved in the burglary: a light-colored 1999-2005 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab truck and a white 2007 Honda CR-V.

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Florida Senate Votes Unanimously to Restrict Hemp-Derived THC

4/11/2025

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Lawmakers in the Florida Senate this week voted unanimously to approve a bill seeking to ban hemp-derived delta-8 THC products and heavily restrict delta-9 THC products, the Florida Phoenix reports.

SB 438 would limit the amount of delta-9 THC allowed in hemp-derived edible products to five milligrams per serving and 50 milligrams per container. THC-infused hemp beverages, however, would be capped at five milligrams per container and would only be allowed in retail locations that hold a liquor license.

The proposal also requires third-party testing of all THC-infused hemp products in the state, and the bill would ban public advertisements for hemp THC products and implement more substantial marketing restrictions in the name of protecting children from potential THC exposure.

State lawmakers approved a similar bill last year — also with unanimous Senate support — but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the proposal. The veto was a strategic choice by the governor, however, as many hemp industry stakeholders subsequently joined his fight against the cannabis legalization amendment, which failed to pass with just 56% voter support.

Florida state Sen. Tracie Davis (D), a co-sponsor for SB 438, acknowledged in her closing statements the bill’s similarity to last year’s proposal. “This was a bill that was voted,” she said, adding, “there’s not that much that’s different from last year’s bill,” according to the report.

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Michigan Cannabis Regulators Considering Vape Recycling Program

4/09/2025

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Cannabis regulators in Michigan are proposing allowing the state’s cannabis businesses to collect and recycle used vape products, the Detroit Metro Times reports. Under the state Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) proposal, state-licensed cannabis businesses could accept used vape cartridges for recycling as long as any “perceptible” concentrate is disposed of first.

“A licensee may receive used vape cartridges and recycle the cartridges if the licensee disposes of perceptible marihuana waste inside the cartridges before recycling the cartridges.” — CRA proposal via the Metro Times

CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna told the Metro Times that “The industry brought up protecting the planet and the viability of recycling” vape materials during the two years in which was constructing new rules.

In February alone, more than $45 million in vape products were sold through Michigan’s adult-use cannabis market, many of which were disposable pens, the report says.

The CRA is accepting comments on the proposal during a public hearing next month.

Options for recycling vape products nationwide are slim. Some companies, such as Sauce and Fernway, have enacted recycling programs at their stores. In 2020, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced that it would accept vape devices and cartridges for recycling during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – as long as they do not contain lithium-ion batteries.

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A New Chapter of in the World of Cannabis Genetics

Collaboration Release No 1 – Barneys Farm x Backpack Boyz – Black Cherry Gushers

Collaboration Release No 2 – Barneys Farm x Backpack Boyz – Lemon Cherry Gelato

Collaboration Release No 3 – Barneys Farm x Backpack Boyz – Bubblegum Gelato

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