Cannabis industry news covering legalization, dispensaries, MSOs, regulation, and cannabis business finance.
Germany has officially established itself as the largest regulated cannabis market in Europe. Detailed information regarding the specific regulations and market size remains inaccessible due to the article being behind a financial news paywall.
The New York Post argues that the state's Cannabis Honestly campaign violates advertising laws by targeting minors and misleadingly frames marijuana as a safe medication. Citing medical studies, the author contends the taxpayer-funded initiative normalizes drug use among youth while ignoring evidence of cannabis's ineffectiveness for treating anxiety or depression.
The author argues that the 2018 hemp legalization loophole has created an unregulated national market for intoxicating products. Contrasting Texas's regulatory delay with Arkansas's successful enforcement, the piece contends that states retain authority to restrict these goods and urges immediate legislative action to prevent industry entrenchment.
Beyond/Hello is expanding its Manassas cultivation facility to prepare for Virginia's recreational marijuana market launching July 1, 2027. Jushi Holdings executive Trent Woloveck noted companies must plan six to twelve months ahead to meet expected demand as the state shifts from medical-only sales.
Cannabis operator Verano filed a federal lawsuit in New Jersey challenging the state's requirement that businesses sign labor peace agreements. The company argues these rules violate federal authority over union bargaining, citing a recent ruling in Curaleaf's case that allowed similar challenges to proceed.
Four Texas hemp retailers filed a second major lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the Texas Department of State Health Services, alleging executive overreach and violations of the 2018 Farm Bill. The plaintiffs claim the state's ban on hemp-derived THC caused catastrophic harm, including the loss of over 36,000 jobs and a drop in retail sales exceeding 50%.
The Missouri Lottery will conduct its third and final microbusiness license draw on September 9, selecting 77 winners from nearly 900 applications. This round aims to meet the state's constitutional requirement of 144 total licenses under stricter rules introduced in May to prevent predatory contracts.