Cannabis News

TribeTokes is a female-owned, luxury vegan cannabis brand founded in 2017 by Degelis Pilla and Kymberly Byrnes to provide precisely dosed, plant-based alternatives to smoking. Their product line includes vapes and tinctures, but their standout offerings are five unique gummies—Buzzed Pineapple, Libido Lift Cherry, Sleep Mixed Berry, Solventless Watermelon, and CBD-Boosted Mango—each carefully formulated with specific cannabinoid profiles and natural ingredients for targeted effects ranging from sleep support to creative work and intimacy.

The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) published new cannabis marketing regulations that immediately modernize packaging rules and improve marketing flexibility, including allowing customer loyalty programs, while reaffirming the prohibition of billboard advertising. Packaging-related provisions will take effect in six months, and OCM Acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid also resigned last week at the request of the governor.

Cannabis Rescheduling FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Cannabis rescheduling involves moving the substance from Schedule I to Schedule III, recognizing its accepted medical use and eliminating IRS Code Section 280E, which would allow cannabis businesses to take standard tax deductions. This change is governed by a multi-step federal process and would not result in federal legalization or override existing state laws.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Expedite Cannabis Rescheduling to Schedule III from Schedule I

New Jersey legislators are moving forward with a bill that would allow hemp THC beverages to be sold in liquor stores, a measure that could reshape the state's market for hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Lawmakers, State Officials, Advocates And Industry React To Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order

Trump Dismisses GOP Lawmakers’ Opposition To His Marijuana Rescheduling Action, Pointing To Polling And Medical Benefits

President Trump Signs Order Directing Federal Government to Move Cannabis to Schedule III today at the White House surrounded by industry VIP's

D.C. authorities closed five unlicensed cannabis shops and increased regulatory pressure on hemp retailers, while Virginia saw a partial injunction against its "Vape Ban" and is debating rules ahead of its retail cannabis market launch. Separately, Maryland fined Green Leaf Medical $33,000 for sampling and recordkeeping violations.

Virginia small vape businesses are challenging the 2024 "Vape Ban," claiming it favors Big Tobacco and blocks smaller competitors. A federal court partially granted a preliminary injunction, halting some enforcement while federal preemption and constitutional violation claims proceed.

President Trump Signs Executive Order on Cannabis Rescheduling moving it to Schedule III.

President Trump reschedules marijuana, moves for Medicare to cover CBD

Trump Signs Executive Order To Reclassify Marijuana By Removing It From Schedule I and making it Schedule III

The Maryland Cannabis Administration fined Green Leaf Medical, LLC, d/b/a The Cannabist Company $33,000 for cannabis sampling and recordkeeping violations, including improper METRC tracking and providing samples to non-registered attendees, resulting in a consent order that mandates staff training, updated procedures, and a one-year ban on sampling events.

Trump’s Marijuana Executive Order Details Leaked Ahead Of Announcement, Including CBD And Hemp Provisions

GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump Not To Reschedule Marijuana In Last-Ditch Effort To Block Historic Reform

Virginia's Senate president pro tempore, Sen. Louise Lucas (D), filed a bill to mandate automatic resentencing hearings and punishment adjustments for people convicted of specific past cannabis crimes that occurred prior to July 1, 2021. This measure, which was previously vetoed by Gov. Youngkin, is now expected to move forward under the incoming administration of Gov.-elect Spanberger (D) and is seen by advocates as critical for securing justice as the state plans to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana sales.

Minnesota signed a new cannabis compact with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, allowing state-licensed businesses to work with the tribal cannabis operation to increase the state's supply of legal cannabis. The Red Lake Nation's NativeCare dispensary hosted the first legal sales under Minnesota's adult-use reforms, and this agreement marks the sixth tribal-state cannabis compact for the state.

PharmaCann Inc. agreed to sell a package of Colorado retail cannabis assets, including the LivWell brand, to Vireo Growth Inc. for about $49 million in newly issued Vireo shares. The acquisition is intended to deepen Vireo's presence in the Colorado market and is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) filed an amendment that would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to track Federal and State expenditures under the Medicaid program for hospital services and emergency room visits related to marijuana use. This data would then be submitted to Congress in a report within one year, along with appropriate legislative and administrative recommendations.

The Jackson, Michigan City Council passed a resolution (4-2) to deprioritize the enforcement of laws against psychedelic plants and fungi like psilocybin and ayahuasca, with proponents citing success stories like the treatment of postpartum depression. Jackson is the sixth municipality in Michigan to pass such a measure, and advocates hope this local momentum will eventually lead to successful statewide reform despite previous funding difficulties for ballot initiatives.

District officials shut down five unlicensed cannabis retailers and arrested four people during a coordinated enforcement operation between Dec. 10 and Dec. 15, seizing large quantities of marijuana and THC products under powers granted by a 2024 emergency law.

The number of active cannabis cultivation permits in the U.S. has dropped by 24% since 2023, a significant decline reported by MJBizDaily that is attributed to licensing contraction.

The number of active cannabis cultivation permits in the U.S. has dropped by 24% since 2023. This massive drop is behind a licensing contraction according to MJBizDaily.

The president issued an executive order on December 18th directing the Attorney General to reclassify cannabis to a lower schedule.

- The cannabis market is shifting from recreational use to wellness, with 64 percent of consumers citing relaxation as their primary motivation.
- The new consumer is more informed, female, digitally savvy, and prefers discreet formats like edibles and infused beverages over flower.
- To thrive in 2026, brands must overhaul their strategy to lead with wellness positioning, invest heavily in personalization and data, embrace science-backed education, and optimize for digital-first discovery and shopping.

Returning to classic strains is necessary for building a scalable cannabis market, according to the MJBizDaily post "Blue Dream’s revenge: Why the market needs old-school cannabis genetics."

Cannabis MSO PharmaCann is selling certain Colorado retail assets to Vireo Growth Inc. for $49 million in newly issued Vireo shares.

White House Confirms Trump Will ‘Address Marijuana Rescheduling’ Thursday, But Reported Details On Final Decision Are ‘Speculation’

Marijuana rescheduling would benefit plant-touching cannabis companies but is only one step on a longer path toward full reform, according to a post from MJBizDaily.

High Times and Hoodie Analytics formed a partnership to increase visibility for cannabis retailers and brands on High Times' digital platform, and MJBizDaily reports that cannabis e-commerce is contributing to the normalization of the industry.

PharmaCann is selling some of its Colorado retail assets to Vireo Growth Inc. for $49 million, which will be paid using newly issued Vireo shares.

The 2025 Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards, held November 14-16 and organized by AudioKush, celebrated the city’s longstanding cannabis culture, which began as a 1970s harm-reduction strategy. The awards were determined by public vote (Consumer Choice) and blind tastings by 25 industry professionals (Industry Awards), with Barney’s Coffeeshop winning Coffeeshop of the Year for the second consecutive time.

Most Americans Back Legalizing Marijuana, But Trump Voters Not On Board, Conservative Group’s Poll Shows Amid Rescheduling Rumors

Former NBA star Al Harrington founded Viola Brands, the largest Black-owned cannabis brand, inspired by the medicinal success his grandmother Viola experienced with cannabis. Committed to industry equity, Viola is expanding through major collaborations, including a national rollout of the IVERSON THC beverage line with Allen Iverson and Circle K, with future goals including expansion into major convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Target, despite ongoing challenges in the cannabis industry.

Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced the “Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act” to protect tenants in public or Section 8 housing from eviction or denial of residency for using cannabis in compliance with state medical or recreational laws. This bill aims to change current federal policy, which currently prohibits controlled substance use regardless of state law, and would require HUD to regulate marijuana smoking similarly to tobacco use on these properties.

Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Could Include Industry Banking And CBD Medicare Coverage Provisions, Sources Say

A Republican gubernatorial candidate in Maine, David Jones, is urging voters not to sign a petition for a "really dumb" initiative that would repeal the state's adult-use marijuana legalization law, arguing it would cost jobs and revenue in an industry that generates over half a billion dollars annually. If approved, the measure would eliminate recreational marijuana sales and adult-use home cultivation, while revising the medical cannabis program to impose mandatory product testing and a seed-to-sale tracking system.

Kentucky’s first licensed medical cannabis dispensary, The Post Dispensary in Beaver Dam, has officially opened, selling products produced by Farmtucky, the state’s first licensed cultivator, providing registered patients with safe access to the medicine they need.

Canopy Growth is acquiring Quebec-based MTL Cannabis for roughly $125 million CAD to reinforce its position in Canada's medical marijuana market and support growing international demand. Canopy anticipates the deal will result in about $10 million CAD in annual savings and will combine MTL’s craft cultivation expertise with its national distribution network.

The transition will expand Vireo’s leadership position in Colorado’s cannabis retail market, bringing the total number of storefronts to 41.

The company plans to use the net proceeds for capital expenditures and general corporate purposes.

GOP Congressman Says Trump ‘Technically’ Can’t Reschedule Marijuana On His Own, But Reversing It In Congress Would Be A ‘Heavy Lift’

High Times partnered with Hoodie Analytics to give retailers and brands increased visibility on its digital platform, and MJBizDaily reported that cannabis e-commerce options are bringing the industry closer to normal.

Key developments include the Senate debating financial access issues for cannabis businesses and the House approving a bill targeting online marijuana ads. Sen. Rand Paul is working to reverse federal recriminalization of hemp THC products, while prohibitionist groups asked the Supreme Court to uphold the ban on gun possession for cannabis users. Additionally, studies showed positive findings on CBD's use among athletes and its therapeutic potential for various health conditions, and Michigan reported high monthly marijuana sales.

Cannabis operators need new PR and marketing strategies that focus on earning trust and driving measurable business outcomes in a highly regulated market. Key recommendations from industry agencies include: - Building credibility through authentic actions before pursuing visibility.
- Creating a flexible 30-60-90-day communications roadmap to handle shifting regulations.
- Sharing internal data and customer insights with agency partners to optimize results.
- Consistently talking to customers to gain a competitive advantage in messaging and positioning.
- Wiring campaigns for attribution by connecting marketing efforts to CRM and point-of-sale systems to track actual revenue and retention impact.

A ballot initiative that aims to end the Maine adult-use cannabis industry has been cleared to begin collecting signatures.

A ballot initiative seeking to end the Maine adult-use cannabis industry has been cleared to begin collecting signatures.

Cannabis prices are dropping in Connecticut, but sales are also decreasing, even though prices remain nearly double those found in Massachusetts.

Cannabis prices are falling in Connecticut, but they remain nearly double the prices in Massachusetts, and sales are also decreasing.

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) previewed legislation to counter a forthcoming federal ban on consumable hemp products, which he warns could devastate the $25 billion industry; his proposed bill would allow state-level regulation with basic safeguards to supersede the new federal restrictions.

Missouri cannabis regulators are filing proposed rules to halt the frequent revocation of microbusiness licenses—intended for social equity applicants—caused by what they characterize as "predatory" contracts that limit the eligible applicants' control and profit. The proposed changes will require the state to review all agreements affecting ownership before issuing licenses, redefine "majority owned and operated" to require genuine operational control, and mandate that the designated contact be a majority owner.

The chamber moved for cloture on Sara Bailey’s confirmation while the president corroborated reports about considering a Schedule III order.

- The NZMCC Industry Day focused on connection and collaboration among patients, clinicians, cultivators, and policymakers in the medicinal cannabis sector.
- The program featured a Leaders’ Roundtable and regulatory briefings, followed by specialized afternoon pathways addressing clinical practice (terpene tailoring, prescribing challenges) and industry topics (cultivation innovation, export readiness, and sustainability).
- NZMCC plans to establish working groups in 2026 focused on priority areas including export markets and patient access.

A coalition of anti-marijuana groups urged the Supreme Court in an amicus brief for U.S. v. Hemani to uphold the federal ban on gun ownership for cannabis users, arguing that modern, potent marijuana is strongly linked to violence and severe mental illness, posing a greater danger than alcohol. This case addresses a growing conflict among lower federal courts, many of which have recently ruled the federal prohibition (922(g)(3)) unconstitutional based on Second Amendment rights and a lack of historical precedent.

Jushi Holdings Inc. amended CEO Jim Cacioppo’s employment agreement to help manage working capital, replacing his $1.05-million annual cash bonus and stock options with a $300,000 cash payment and 3 million restricted subordinate voting shares that vest in 2026. The company deemed this a related-party transaction but utilized exemptions under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 because the consideration was less than 25 percent of its market capitalization.

A study on elite Canadian athletes found that 38% use CBD for recovery, pain relief, and improved sleep, but many worry about inadvertent anti-doping violations because trace amounts of prohibited cannabinoids like THC are often present in commercial CBD products, creating a "fine line" for competitors.

The amendment lowers a $1-million-plus annual cash bonus.

The president's remarks follow reports that he indicated in an Oval Office meeting he would issue an executive order.

A congressional committee advanced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which aims to protect minors by prohibiting online platforms from knowingly advertising cannabis, alcohol, and other regulated substances to them, but critics argue the bill’s vague requirements could block wide swaths of legal advertising and are likely unconstitutional. The bill's progression is complicated by concerns over its potential impact on legal businesses and its constitutional validity, despite its goal of keeping kids safe online.

An Ohio-based cannabis company opened The Garden retail facilities in Sycamore Township and Mansfield.

The company’s product line disrupts wasteful practices to support a circular economy in the cannabis industry.

The company’s patented valve technology offers businesses worldwide guaranteed savings and enhanced sustainability by eliminating air-in-water billing.

Laboratory experiments show that CBD and THC have anti-cancer activity against ovarian cancer cells, with the most pronounced effects observed when the compounds are combined in a roughly 1:1 ratio, suggesting they slow tumor growth and reduce metastasis by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. These preliminary in vitro findings indicate potential usefulness for future therapies, but further human testing is required due to existing regulatory barriers.

The US Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging federal marijuana laws brought by four licensed cannabis companies.

Kentucky's first medical marijuana dispensary launched sales nearly a year after the first patients received recommendations.

OP6 CBD, founded by medical cannabis grower Craig Zaffe and retired NFL player Reggie Grant, produces high-potency CBD topicals, including warming and cooling sports creams, focused on athletic recovery and pain management. The company's vision is centered on educating people about cannabis as a beneficial plant and advocating for wellness to reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals, using products manufactured in an FDA-licensed, GMP-certified facility that are independently lab tested. The brand is the official wellness provider for the Retired NFL Players Congress.

Kentucky launched medical marijuana sales with the opening of its first dispensary nearly a year after the state legalized MMJ, drawing patients from across the state.

Only Six Percent Of Marijuana Consumers Approve Of Trump’s Reform Actions, But Most Would Shift Opinion If He Reschedules, Poll Finds

The US Supreme Court rejected a case challenging federal marijuana laws brought by four licensed cannabis companies.

YANA Wellness, a women-owned and operated cannabis brand led by CEO Ariana Fleishman, made history as the first hemp-derived THC beverage line sold in all Total Wine retail locations across Virginia. Fleishman established the brand to advocate for plant-based wellness alternatives over normalized alcohol and prescription drugs, developing a variety of compliant blends to navigate federal prohibition and expand nationwide access. YANA emphasizes social responsibility, research (collaborating with universities on the psychological effects of cannabis and mushrooms), and stimulating the local economy through strategic partnerships with family-owned Virginia businesses for manufacturing and distribution.

The Justice Department is urging the Supreme Court to uphold the federal ban on gun ownership by cannabis users (922(g)(3)), arguing that unlawful drug users "pose a greater danger" than alcohol users due to potential impairments and the propensity for crime. This position contrasts with a growing number of federal courts finding the restriction unconstitutional, a conflict the Supreme Court is addressing by taking up the case *U.S. v. Hemani*.

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows accepted an initiative petition aimed at abolishing regulated cultivation and dispensary operations for adults.

A preliminary in vitro study found that cannabis compounds CBD and THC, especially when combined in a 1:1 ratio, effectively inhibited the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells by restoring regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, suggesting a potentially less toxic future treatment option. Further in vivo research is necessary to confirm these anti-cancer effects before clinical application.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) unanimously voted to create three new license types for social cannabis consumption—supplemental, hospitality, and event organizer licenses—while also establishing rules and training requirements to prevent overconsumption and impaired driving. This action, which fulfills a 2016 voter initiative, only permits social use licenses in municipalities that opt in and was delayed due to the reinstatement of CCC Chair Shannon O’Brien.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission approved three new medical cannabis dispensary licenses to GP6 Wellness, RJK Holdings, and CCS of Alabama, marking a milestone that should allow the program to begin serving registered patients next year. This approval, five years after the state passed the Compassionate Use Act, was the final hurdle to launching the industry, which only allows non-smokable and non-vaporizable cannabis products.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the case *Canna Provisions v. Bondi*, which challenged the constitutionality of federal marijuana prohibition based on the Commerce Clause, despite one conservative justice, Clarence Thomas, having previously argued the issue needed resolution due to the federal government's inconsistent approach. This decision upholds prior rulings against state-legal cannabis companies who were seeking relief from federal oversight.

Leafly released a list of the top 100 US dispensaries for 2025, determined by data and customer ratings, to assist users in locating the best dispensaries across the United States.

A cannabis company uses a licensing agreement with Harvest Grows to operate a dispensary under the Trulieve brand.

The deal is anticipated to establish Canada's foremost medical cannabis business while increasing the company's capability to meet rising international demand.

A major drug testing organization, the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA), is opposing the rumored proposal to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, warning that without a "Safety Carve Out," it would create dangerous loopholes allowing transportation employees like pilots and truck drivers to use cannabis without mandatory testing. Proponents, including cannabis industry stakeholders, are hopeful for the reform, which would recognize marijuana's medical value and represent a significant change in federal policy, though a final decision has not yet been announced by the White House.

Plant-touching cannabis companies would benefit from marijuana rescheduling, but this is considered only one step on a longer road toward reform. The original post, sourced from MJBizDaily, asks what comes next after the rescheduling event.

- The text recounts the origin of Hanukkah, focusing on the miracle where a small amount of oil kept the Temple menorah lit for eight days.
- It then provides eight corresponding methods for making one gram of cannabis oil or concentrate last for eight "lit days."
- Tips include taking smaller dabs, strategically rolling or pressing shatter to maximize vapor, re-heating residual oil in the banger, and buying better quality oil for higher potency.
- Other suggestions are to follow up dabs with traditional cannabis bud and to press rosin from flowers.

A looming federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products threatens to halt the industry by next November, creating uncertainty for businesses nationwide. Virginia companies, however, feel they are in a "privileged" position to pivot toward the state's developing legal cannabis market, offering a potential lifeline for growers, processors, and retailers.

A major report titled "From Forest to Dust" finds that drug prohibition, particularly of the coca and cocaine production chain, is a key driver of the climate crisis through deforestation, significant chemical pollution, and financing other illegal extractive industries in the Amazon. The report advocates for drug policy reform and "ecological harm reduction," recommending a system of legal regulation that centers Indigenous communities, avoids corporate capture, and includes safeguards to protect the environment and workers.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission approved three dispensary licenses, marking a "monumental" step toward making medical cannabis available nearly five years after the program was established, despite previous litigation delays. Officials estimate that products will be available for purchase by Spring 2026 at the latest, providing relief for patients with qualifying conditions and generating tax revenue for the state.

Ohio Senate Bill 56, heading to the Governor's desk, bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products outside of licensed dispensaries, leading business owners to fear closure and job loss. The bill also revises Ohio's marijuana laws by lowering THC caps, prohibiting public smoking, and imposing stricter transportation and possession rules, drawing criticism from advocates who call it a "re-criminalization bill."

IM Cannabis Corp. appointed Asi Levi, CPA, as its new Chief Financial Officer, replacing Uri Birenberg. Levi has over 15 years of experience in finance and controlling roles, including serving as a CFO for other companies, and has expertise in fundraising, financial planning, and compliance with IFRS.

An interview with Snoop Dogg covered three key topics, including his favorite strain and two other essential hot takes from the legend.

After years of waiting, Alabama is finally moving forward with medical marijuana availability by awarding dispensary permits.

Wanda James, a Colorado dispensary owner and congressional candidate, welcomes the potential federal rescheduling of cannabis but insists that only full nationwide legalization will sufficiently address core issues of justice, equity, and economic opportunity. She has hired cannabis reform advocate Neal Levine as her campaign manager and pledges to introduce a full legalization bill on her first day in Congress if elected, arguing that the incumbent, Rep. Diana DeGette, has a relatively limited record as a champion of the issue.

The city's Board of Supervisors voted to suspend the local cannabis business tax until Dec. 31, 2035.

An Alaska campaign for the Alaska Natural Medicine Act, which seeks to legalize certain psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT, failed to collect the required signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot, but they are shifting their focus to the 2028 election cycle. The campaign collected over 10,000 signatures, which will carry over toward the roughly 35,000 needed, emphasizing that the proposal—which includes establishing a licensed industry and non-commercial use—has growing support in the state.

A new scientific analysis found that states that opened recreational marijuana dispensaries saw a modest yet statistically significant reduction in suicide rates among adults ages 45 and older, with the effect being strongest among men. The research suggests that actual access to cannabis through retail stores, rather than legalization alone, may help older adults manage chronic pain and underlying health issues that contribute to suicide risk.

A California judge ruled that the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is failing to prevent the diversion of state-licensed cannabis into the unregulated market, stemming from a 2021 lawsuit filed by Catalyst Cannabis Co. The ruling stated that the DCC's digital tracking database fails to comply with state law, and a follow-up hearing has been scheduled for February 6 to discuss achieving database compliance.

Returning to classic cannabis strains is necessary for building a scalable cannabis market, according to an MJBizDaily post on old-school cannabis genetics.

Optimizing solventless cannabis extraction for commercial scaling requires a holistic approach focused on material preparation, environmental control, efficient facility design, and refined processing techniques. Success depends on using fresh-frozen cannabis for optimal quality, controlling particle size and milling temperature, maintaining tight environmental standards (e.g., 60–70°F processing rooms), and utilizing automation and stainless steel equipment to ensure repeatability, purity, and high yields in a competitive market.

Massachusetts marijuana regulators unanimously approved rules for licensing and regulating cannabis social consumption lounges, creating three new license types for dispensaries, hospitality services, and event organizers. This move establishes Massachusetts as the first state in New England to allow on-site cannabis consumption and is viewed as a way to promote economic opportunities, but it occurs amidst an effort by anti-legalization activists to put an initiative on the ballot that would roll back the state's adult-use law.

Massachusetts law enforcement has noticed THC potency inflation, which has prompted criticism of cannabis regulators and promises of a resulting crackdown.