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Cannabis workers in Vineland ratified a contract with UFCW Local 152, nearly three years after organizing. < Back Cannabist Cultivation Workers Ratify 1st Union Contract in New Jersey Jul 2, 2025 staff Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The cannabis workers in Vineland voted to accept their contract with UFCW Local 152 after first deciding to organize nearly three years ago. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Valentine's Day is a time for love, but for cannabis users, it's also a chance to explore new products. This article debunks myths about rose petal cones and natural leaf products, highlighting safety concerns. Rose petals and other natural leaves can contain harmful contaminants, unlike tested and approved pre-rolls. DaySavers offers safe Valentine's Day cones. Choose quality over aesthetics for a safer experience. < Back Debunking Myths About Rose Petal Cones and Natural Leaf Products Jan 31, 2025 Harrison Bard Cannabis Now Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love, romance and indulgence. For cannabis enthusiasts, the holiday also presents a unique opportunity to enjoy elevated experiences with creative pre-rolls and smoking accessories. However, not all rolling products are created equal, and it’s essential to debunk some myths while exploring exciting new options. (Personally, we’re fans of DaySavers’ Valentine’s Day Cones.) Here’s what you need to know about rose petal cones, natural leaf products, and the cannabis market during this romantic season. *Debunking Myths* Natural leaf products like rose petal blunts, palm leaf wraps and banana leaf wraps have gained popularity due to their exotic appeal and perceived safety compared to traditional tobacco blunts. But while they may seem like a natural choice, they often fall short when it comes to safety and quality. *The Truth About Rose Petals* Roses are notoriously challenging to cultivate without the use of pesticides. While this might not be an issue for decorative use, inhaling pesticide residues can pose serious health risks. Furthermore, roses, like many other plants, absorb heavy metals from the soil, which can end up in the petals and, subsequently, in your lungs when smoked. Additionally, rose petals have a high moisture content, which makes them susceptible to microbial and fungal growth during production, shipping and storage. Unlike cannabis, which undergo rigorous testing for contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals and microbes, many rolling papers and natural leaf products, including rose petals, aren’t held to the same standards. Testing has revealed alarming levels of harmful substances such as *Aspergillus*, a dangerous fungus that can cause infections ranging from mild allergies to invasive aspergillosis, a potentially fatal condition, as well as pesticides like acephate, azoxystrobin and cyprodinil in some rose petal products. Despite their aesthetic appeal and enticing aroma, rose petal cones are *not* a safe option for cannabis consumption. At DaySavers, we’ve tested various rose petal blunts but found that none consistently met the rigorous safety standards required for cannabis products. As a result, we’ve chosen not to offer rose petal blunts on our site, instead recommending consumers keep roses in vases, where they belong. *Concerns with Palm Leaves and Banana Leaves* Other natural leaf products, such as palm leaves (Cordia and Tendu) and banana leaves, also fail to meet strict safety standards. These leaves often carry unsafe levels of contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides and microbes. - *Palm Leaves:* After extensive testing, natural palm leaf blunt products were found to frequently fail safety tests for heavy metals, pesticides and microbials. Due to their inability to consistently meet safety guidelines, many cannabis companies have removed these products from their inventory. - *Banana Leaves:* These wraps also lack consistent regulation and testing, making them a risky choice for consumers. If you’re looking for a safe and enjoyable smoking experience, it’s crucial to opt for pre-rolls and rolling products that are tested and approved by reputable brands. *DaySavers Valentine’s Day Cones* This Valentine’s Day, DaySavers is bringing the love with new Valentine’s Day Half-Gram 1 1/4 Pre-Rolled Cones. With 21 cones per pack, these pre-rolls are the perfect way to share a special moment with your significant other or celebrate self-love. Unlike unregulated natural leaf products, DaySavers ensures that their cones meet rigorous safety standards, providing peace of mind and a premium experience. Valentine’s Day Pre-Rolled Cones by DaySavers add a romantic touch for cannabis lovers without compromising on safety. PHOTO DaySavers *Why Choose Quality Over Aesthetic* The allure of natural leaf products like rose petals or banana leaves often lies in their aesthetic appeal. But as we’ve outlined, these products frequently harbor contaminants that can pose significant health risks. This Valentine’s Day, make informed choices about the cannabis products you use. While natural leaf wraps and rose petal cones may seem romantic, they often come with hidden risks. With the cannabis market’s growing focus on premium pre-rolls, there’s never been a better time to celebrate love with products that meet the highest standards. *About the Author: Harrison Bard is Co-Founder and CEO of Custom Cones USA, a leading ancillary company in the pre-roll space. His expertise in every facet of the pre-roll sector—from paper science, to pre-roll manufacturing technology and techniques, to a deep understanding of packaging and compliance regulations—has allowed Custom Cones USA to help create new products, scale brands and bring more consistency to the pre-roll sector of the industry.* The post Debunking Myths About Rose Petal Cones and Natural Leaf Products appeared first on Cannabis Now. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

A USDA-promoted study found that the often-underutilized roots of the industrial hemp plant contain four novel compounds called "neolignans" that showed moderate activity in killing pediatric cancer cells in a laboratory setting. This discovery offers a potential new revenue stream for hemp growers by adding value to the whole plant and opens new avenues for pediatric cancer research, though further validation studies are needed. < Back USDA Study Shows Untapped Potential Of Hemp Roots In Pediatric Cancer Treatment Jan 19, 2026 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is promoting a novel study suggesting that an often underutilized part of the hemp plant—its roots—may hold significant therapeutic potential, including in the treatment of pediatric cancer. Government scientists at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) “redefined the value of roots in industrial hemp, providing new opportunities for industrial hemp growers and opening new avenues for pediatric cancer research,” the agency said in a press release this week. The study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research last year, discovered that there’s a component of hemp roots with four distinct compounds known as “neolignans” that scientists until now have not realized exist in the cannabis crop. “We believe this new discovery offers industrial hemp growers a potential new revenue stream from a part of the plant that was previously overlooked,” Korey Brownstein, a research chemist at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, said. “Unlike crops such as corn or soybeans, which have multiple uses, hemp has been limited in scope,” they said. “But if we treat hemp as a multi-use crop, we can expand its applications and market—paper, grain, fiber, and now, potentially, pharmaceutical compounds from the roots. The discovery of these compounds adds value to this commodity.” While it’s well-known that hemp contains valuable properties as it relates to fibers and grains, as well as extracts like CBD, the roots of the crop “were not considered to hold significant value,” USDA said. After identifying the unique chemical compound in the roots, however, researchers carried out a three-year study to determine whether there could be previously untapped utility in hemp. And working alongside scientists at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, they found the neolignans could have potential for pediatric cancer treatment. Learn more about a groundbreaking study in which ARS scientists are redefining the value of roots in industrial hemp. Their research could provide new opportunities for industrial hemp growers and also open new avenues for pediatric cancer research. https://t.co/kQSlo5NsfU pic.twitter.com/ovbM3E5tzZ — Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) January 14, 2026 Specifically, the researchers “found that these molecules showed moderate activity in killing pediatric cancer cells (cytotoxic effect) in the laboratory setting.” “Refining and understanding the effect of this molecule on pediatric cancers will open new alternatives for children’s cancers that are unresponsive to current therapies,” USDA said, adding that this “marks the first time these specific neolignans have been isolated from hemp and linked to possessing cytotoxic effects on pediatric cancer cell lines.” Further studies need to be conducted to validate the therapeutic efficacy of the hemp root compound, but Brownstein stressed that this could expand “the possibilities for using the whole industrial hemp plant.” “By adding value to the roots, we’re giving farmers more stability and more reasons to invest in this emerging crop,” he said. The study found that, of the four novel compounds that were tested, one in particular (M4) caused significant inhibition of cell survival in all four cancer cell lines in comparison to the control.” “While our findings demonstrate the cytotoxic effects of hemp-derived compounds on multiple pediatric cancer cell lines, the underlying mechanisms driving these effects remain to be elucidated,” the researchers wrote. “Future studies will focus on detailed mechanistic investigations including cell cycle analysis, apoptosis and necrosis assays, and pathway-level interrogations to uncover the molecular basis of this cytotoxicity.” “Though industrial hemp is more well-known for its cannabinoid content, it contains hundreds of other phytochemicals that may have uses in the functional food and pharmaceutical industry,” the study concluded. “Furthermore, utilizing each part of the hemp plant, including the roots, will reduce agricultural waste and provide additional value to growers.” *— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.* *Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. —* Meanwhile, another scientific review recently found that CBD “holds substantial promise as an anti-tumor agent” in addition to its other anti-inflammatory properties. The study follows a series of encouraging discoveries related to the medical properties of cannabidiol. In 2025, for example, a paper published in the journal Pharmacology & Therapeutics, assessed a range of clinical and preclinical findings that the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs can be enhanced by medical marijuana. Also last year, a study found that “patients with cancer using cannabis report significant improvements in cancer-related symptoms.” *Photo courtesy of Max Jackson.* The post USDA Study Shows Untapped Potential Of Hemp Roots In Pediatric Cancer Treatment appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Former Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue is linked to North Carolina's hemp industry, appearing in an ad for Naternal, a CBD company founded by her son, Garrett Perdue. The article highlights the involvement of political figures like Perdue and former House Majority Leader John Bell in the state's hemp business, which could complicate an upcoming 2026 federal ban on most recreational hemp products that exceed a 0.4mg THC limit per container. Naternal's products, like their Lift gummies, are currently well above this threshold. Bev Perdue's interest in hemp began after a hemp extract helped her granddaughter's childhood insomnia. < Back Former North Carolina Governor Appears In Ad For Son’s Hemp Company Nov 19, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *“Sometimes the right solutions come from the most unexpected places.”* *By Brandon Kingdollar, NC Newsline* The hemp industry in North Carolina has a surprising new face: former Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue. Perdue is one of many political figures in the state connected to the state’s emerging hemp industry since its legalization through the 2018 Farm Bill. Across the aisle, state Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne), the powerful chairman of the House Rules committee and former House Majority Leader, became president of hemp company Asterra Labs in 2024. Bell has not responded to multiple requests for comment from NC Newsline. Naternal, a Morrisville-based company founded by Perdue’s son Garrett Perdue, sells hemp-derived CBD drops, gummies, seltzers and creams. He is the CEO of its parent company, Root Biosciences, which he co-founded just as hemp products became legal nationwide. A recent ad for the company’s $55 Lift gummies features Garrett Perdue and the former governor herself, smiling at her son’s side on their way to Cirque du Soleil. “My mom turns every errand into an adventure,” he wrote in the November 7 Facebook post. The video features photos of Bev Perdue taking the oath of office and standing beside former President Barack Obama. “If you were spending the day with her, you would eat a gummy,” Garrett Perdue says in the ad. “You want one, mom?” “No, thank you, it’s before my breakfast,” she replies, grinning. “I’ll have one at lunch.” Naternal did not respond to an inquiry about the former governor’s role in the company. The many political figures who have stakes in the future of the hemp industry in North Carolina and nationwide could complicate a new ban on most recreational hemp products in November 2026, a measure that was attached to the bipartisan agreement to fund the government that ended the federal shutdown. Opponents of hemp supplements say the products carry many of the same risks as marijuana. They point to a sharp rise in cannabis-related emergency room visits since the legalization of recreational CBD products, which are currently not age-restricted in North Carolina. Most of the products sold by Naternal are set to become illegal under the ban, which restricts the sale of any hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container. The Lift gummies in the ad contain roughly 90 milligrams per container, well above the new threshold. Only two of the company’s products are advertised as THC-free. The “Our Story” page of Naternal’s website credits Bev Perdue as “the compass we needed,” describing how Garrett Perdue first became interested in hemp supplements to help his daughter’s childhood insomnia. Though the former governor put him in touch with top researchers at UNC, Duke, and Harvard Medical School, none could solve her granddaughter’s sleep issues, the website claims. A hemp extract finally helped her get her to sleep again—a result that led Bev Perdue to ask her son to “send me everything you know about hemp,” according to the site. “Sometimes the right solutions come from the most unexpected places,” she says in a quote beside her official gubernatorial portrait on Naternal’s website. *This story was first published by NC Newsline.* The post Former North Carolina Governor Appears In Ad For Son’s Hemp Company appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

A key Senate committee has approved an amendment for the tenth consecutive year that would allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans in states where it is legal, though it has never been enacted into law. The amendment mirrors the standalone Veterans Equal Access Act. Additionally, a House committee approved a "progress report" on a psychedelic therapy pilot program for active duty military and veterans, and bipartisan lawmakers met with the VA Secretary to discuss increasing access to psychedelic medicine for conditions like PTSD. < Back Senators Pass Measure To Let VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Marijuana To Military Veteran Patients Jul 17, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A key Senate committee has adopted an amendment to a defense spending bill that would allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical marijuana to military veterans living in legal states. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said that this was the 10th year in a row the Senate Appropriations Committee cleared the amendment to the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs (MilConVA) spending bill. Despite the repeated approval, however, the measure has never been enacted into law. “Essentially [the amendment] says, in states where cannabis is legal, that veterans can talk to their doctors about its appropriate role in their health care regime,” Merkley said at the markup on Thursday. “To do otherwise is to restrict the free speech of doctors to do best by their patients, which is why this has been approved time and time again.” The amendment is meant to mirror standalone legislation titled the Veterans Equal Access Act. The text of the proposal adopted by the committee hasn’t been published yet, however, so it remains to be seen whether it is identical to what the House passed as part of its own MilConVA appropriations measure last month. “Here, on the 10th anniversary of its first introduction, I’d like to see us approve it again to support our veterans,” Merkley said on Thursday. “We were just talking about the stress they they face. Let them, in states where cannabis is legal, have a conversation with their doctor about whether there is a medicinal role that would be important and helpful to them.” On the House side, Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL) and Dave Joyce (R-OH)—who are both co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus—sponsored the adopted companion amendment, which would increase veterans’ access to state medical marijuana programs and eliminate a current VA directive barring the department’s doctors from issuing cannabis recommendations. Mast in February filed the standalone Veterans Equal Access Act—marking one of the latest attempt to enact the measure that’s enjoyed bipartisan support over recent sessions. In past years, both the House and Senate have included provisions in their respective MilConVA measures that would permit VA doctors to make the medical cannabis recommendations, but they have never been enacted into law. Meanwhile, a GOP-controlled House committee on Tuesday approved an amendment attached to a must-pass defense bill that would require a “progress report” on an ongoing psychedelic therapy pilot program for active duty military service members and veterans. *— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.* *Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. —* While Congress has been notably amenable to psychedelics research proposals in recent sessions, the House Rules Committee on Monday separately blocked a bipartisan amendment to a spending bill led by Luttrell that would have given DOD another $10 million to support clinical trials into the therapeutic potential of substances such as ibogaine and psilocybin. Meanwhile, bipartisan congressional lawmakers recently met with the head of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to discuss pathways to provide access to psychedelic medicine as an alternative treatment option for conditions such as PTSD. After requesting the meeting with VA Secretary Doug Collins in May, Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-MI)—founding co-chairs of the Congressional Psychedelic Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus—said the three had a productive conversations about advancing psychedelics therapy for the veteran community. Collins has stood out as a VA secretary who’s especially passionate about exploring the potential of substances such as ibogaine and MDMA to provide relief from serious mental health conditions, coordinating with other officials including U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who said recently that his aim is to free up plant-based medicine options within 12 months. Correa and Bergman separately introduced a bill in April to provide $30 million in funding annually to establish psychedelics-focused “centers for excellence” at VA facilities, where veterans could receive novel treatment involving substances like psilocybin, MDMA and ibogaine. The post Senators Pass Measure To Let VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Marijuana To Military Veteran Patients appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

A proposal from the Texas Department of State Health Services would dramatically increase hemp business license costs by over 13,000%—raising manufacturer fees from $250 to $25,000 and retailer fees from $150 to $20,000—which critics warn will force many small businesses out of the market. The proposed rules also establish a minimum purchasing age of 21 for hemp products. < Back Texas Hemp Rules Update Would Hike Licensing Fees 13,000% Jan 12, 2026 Graham Abbott Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A proposal from the Texas Department of State Health Services published last month would increase the cost of hemp business licenses by over 13,000%, the Texas Tribune reports. Under the proposed rules, the cost of a hemp product manufacturer license would increase from $250 to $25,000 per year per facility. The cost of a hemp product retailer license would increase from $150 to $20,000 per year per location. The rules would also establish a minimum purchasing age of 21 and set age verification and product recall requirements for the hemp products industry. The industry has been operating under emergency hemp rules issued last October after Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered the state in September to take action. Texas Cannabis Policy Center Heather Fazio said in a statement that if the rules are to be implemented as proposed, “Many small businesses simply cannot afford to absorb this level of cost and will be forced to shut down.” “Business licensing and registration fees should not be punitive. They should be structured to recover the reasonable costs of effective regulation — not to function as a revenue mechanism that drives compliant businesses out of the regulated market. The department’s own estimates show that the increased costs of administering these rules are minimal. In that context, it is unclear why such dramatic fee increases are necessary or justified.” — Fazio, in a statement In November, President Trump signed a federal spending bill containing a crackdown on the sale of hemp-derived THC set to take effect on November 12, 2026. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

D.C. has shut down Bouquet Labs, an unlicensed cannabis grower, imposing a $10K fine and ordering a license sale after a raid found 999 illegal plants. < Back D.C. closes third unlicensed psychedelic shop amid ongoing crackdown Jul 19, 2025 Editorial Staff Outlaw Report Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link D.C. shuts down Bouquet Labs, the first unlicensed cannabis grower to face enforcement, ordering a $10K fine and license sale after raid uncovers 999 illegal plants. Source < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission approved the first two medical cannabis cultivator license applications for Nancy Laughlin-Wagner and Patrick Thomas, allowing each to cultivate up to 1,250 flowering cannabis plants. These approvals are part of the state's new medical cannabis program, which permits a maximum of four licensed cultivators. Two other applications, including one from Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, were rejected. Denied applicants have until October 23 to appeal. The commission had previously missed its October 1 deadline for issuing licenses due to commissioner resignations. < Back Nebraska Regulators Approve State’s First Medical Cannabis Cultivators Oct 9, 2025 TG Branfalt Ganjapreneur Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission on Tuesday approved the state’s first two medical cannabis cultivator license applications, Nebraska Public Media reports. The approvals were given to Nancy Laughlin-Wagner, on behalf of Midwest Cultivators Group, and Patrick Thomas. The approval will allow each to receive an offer of licensure to cultivate up to 1,250 flowering cannabis plants for medical purposes. The limit was included as part of the emergency regulations signed by Gov. Jim Pillen (R) last month – the first step in setting up the state’s medical cannabis program. Those regulations only permit up to four licensed cultivators in the state. The approved applications were one of four randomly reviewed by the commission. The other two applications were rejected by the commission – including one submitted by Crista Eggers, the executive director for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, which led the successful ballot initiative that enacted the medical cannabis reforms. During the commission meeting, Eggers said that she hopes “the individuals that receive these licenses are good people that have every intention of providing good medicine to the people of this state that so desperately need it.” “I do hope that we see some transparency with a matrix and things,” she said during her remarks, “so that all applications, all licensed applicants, have that information to go forward, so that they know how they scored.” Denied applicants can appeal the commission’s decision until October 23. The commission had missed the statutory deadline of October 1 to begin issuing industry licenses after the resignation of two commissioners led to a slowdown of the process. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The American Council of Cannabis Medicine (ACCM) launched a national initiative to expand access to affordable, medically guided cannabis treatment. This multi-faceted program includes partnerships with insurers for comprehensive coverage, an "Elevated States" educational platform for members of associations and wellness organizations, and a Distinguished Physician Referral Network for healthcare systems to refer patients to vetted medical-cannabis programs while maintaining compliance. The "Next Frontier" platform unifies the process for a seamless, scalable, state-compliant patient experience. < Back ACCM Unveils Initiative to Expand Medical Cannabis Access Oct 21, 2025 Mg Magazine Newswire MG Magazine Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *WASHINGTON* — The American Council of Cannabis Medicine (ACCM) launched a national initiative developed with top insurers, health systems, associations, and wellness organizations. The multi-faceted program expands access to affordable, medically guided cannabis treatment for millions of Americans. Expanded Insurance Coverage Puts Cannabis Care Within Reach New partnerships with leading insurance providers deliver comprehensive medical cannabis benefits for individuals and companies of all sizes — from single policyholders to Fortune 500 employers. With several major carriers participating, the program offers broad coverage tailored to patient needs. Associations, Wellness Groups Introduce Members to Elevated States Over 400 associations and wellness organizations are engaging their members with ACCM’s Elevated States program — a unique educational and benefit platform that empowers individuals to explore safe, legal use of medical cannabis as part of their wellness journey. Healthcare Systems Gain Referral Resource ACCM’s Distinguished Physician Referral Network enables healthcare systems nationwide to refer patients to vetted medical-cannabis programs. This initiative protects Medicare and Medicaid compliance while expanding access to alternative care pathways. Tying It All Together Through ACCM’s Next Frontier platform, standards, and protocols, ACCM unifies the process to deliver a seamless patient experience mirroring the efficiencies of traditional pharma. Under the Next Frontier umbrella, ACCM combines technology and network partners to facilitate a scalable, state-compliant system—built for today’s framework and ready for national implementation alongside federal reform. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The company has authorized $75 million in cash for the third-quarter closing, reflecting a balanced approach to capital allocation. < Back Village Farms International’s Board Approves $10M Share Repurchase Authorization Sep 29, 2025 Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The authorization reflects the company’s balanced approach to capital allocation, with $75 million in cash for the third-quarter closing. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Ben Carson, who led President Donald Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during his first term, is speaking out against a marijuana rescheduling proposal that the current administration is actively considering. < Back Former Trump Cabinet Official Claims Marijuana Rescheduling Would ‘Worsen The Crisis’ Of Crime Sep 4, 2025 Kyle Jaeger Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Ben Carson, who led President Donald Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during his first term, is speaking out against a marijuana rescheduling proposal that the current administration is actively considering. In an op-ed published by Fox News on Thursday, the former HUD secretary suggested that reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) conflicts with the president’s efforts to end “the crime epidemic destroying American cities.” He said while “there are many factors contributing to high crime rates, we cannot ignore one that’s dominated the national debate in recent weeks: the prevalent use of marijuana, a trend which is growing in our urban centers.” “As the president starts cleaning up our streets, a cabal of Soros-funded activists are pushing for a dangerous Blue City-style policy that will worsen the crisis: rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III,” Carson claimed. “Even well-intentioned but misguided activists are now advocating to loosen marijuana restrictions through efforts to reschedule the drug.” A Schedule III designation would not federally legalize cannabis. It would, however, acknowledge that it has medical use and allow state-licensed marijuana businesses to take federal tax deductions they’ve been barred from under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E. It would also lift certain research barriers that apply to Schedule I drugs. “I urge caution when we consider such sweeping changes. The intent may be compassionate, but the consequences are certainly harmful,” the former Trump administration official wrote. “As someone who’s spent decades caring for the health and well-being of families across America, I have seen firsthand how substance abuse devastates lives and communities.” He also linked cannabis use with increased crime, and he argued that legalization is associated with “substance-use disorders” and “chronic homelessness.” “Negative consequences follow liberalized drug policies like night follows day. It makes sense that order and civil society suffer the more you give license for individuals to engage in antisocial behavior such as abusing drugs,” Carson said. “More and more locations are learning the hard way that easing drug prohibitions can have disastrous consequences.” “If one thing is clear from crime-controlled areas, it’s this: rampant drug use is fueling the fire. This truth is reflected across countless American cities,” he said. “As a former pediatric neurosurgeon who is deeply concerned for America’s future generations, I believe we must approach marijuana policy with caution and allow sound evidence to guide the debate.” “The health, safety and stability of our families depend on thoughtful, responsible leadership—not experimenting with policies that fuel more crime and suffering. Let’s instead focus on what truly makes our towns and cities places where every American can thrive.” The former Cabinet member’s comments come about eight years after he criticized the impact that criminal drug enforcement has on disadvantaged communities. Meanwhile, Trump’s former press secretary Sean Spicer and his long-time advisor Roger Stone recently traded diverging takes on the prospect of the administration moving forward on marijuana rescheduling. Stone separately made the case for reform in an op-ed for Marijuana Moment last week. Nine GOP congressional lawmakers have called on the U.S. attorney general to reject what they called a “corrupt and flawed” marijuana rescheduling proposal. In contrast to that letter from GOP lawmakers, a leading drug policy reform group recently launched a petition urging the president to go further than rescheduling by legalizing marijuana altogether. The post Former Trump Cabinet Official Claims Marijuana Rescheduling Would ‘Worsen The Crisis’ Of Crime appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Virginia’s proposed cannabis legislation attempts to prevent monopolization and promote restorative justice, but the author warns that current operational timelines and fees threaten to undermine these goals by favoring incumbent multi-state operators. The author recommends that Virginia abandon the arbitrary retail launch date and instead implement "Market Readiness" benchmarks, allowing sales to begin only when independent licensees have compliant product available, thus ensuring a competitive market start. < Back Virginia Rejected A Monopoly Model For Marijuana, But Lawmakers Need To Finish The Job (Op-Ed) Dec 10, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *“Legislators must ensure the launch mechanics don’t inadvertently hand the keys back to the incumbents before independent operators can even get in the door.”* *By Max Jackson, Cannabis Wise Guys* For years, the story of legal cannabis in America has been a rerun of the same bad movie: corporate lobbyists write the rules, “Big Weed” captures the market and independent farmers are regulated into bankruptcy. Last week, Virginia’s Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Retail Cannabis Market decided to change the channel. In October, I warned the Joint Commission in testimony that Virginia faced a choice between two economic models: “Path A,” a limited-license market dominated by incumbent multi-state operators (MSOs), or “Path B,” a competitive market built on independent Virginia businesses. The proposed legislative changes represent a genuine attempt to prevent the monopolization that has plagued legal cannabis markets across the country. The Commission has embraced restorative justice, killed the regulatory barriers that created “cannabis deserts” in other states and built a framework for independent operators to compete. The question is whether the operational timeline will deliver on that promise—or undermine it. *The $10 Million “Penalty” Is Actually A Discount* The proposal requires incumbent pharmaceutical processors to pay a $10 million fee to enter the adult-use market. To the average Virginian, that sounds like a hefty price tag. But let’s be honest about the math—and the history. Virginia’s medical program launched in 2020 as a limited-license, vertically-integrated market. Five pharmaceutical processors—most of them multi-state operators—were awarded exclusive territories with mandatory vertical integration, a structure designed to favor deep-pocketed incumbents over independent operators. Between July and August 2025 alone, that protected medical market recorded nearly $30 million in sales across more than 256,000 transactions. In 2024, The Cannabist Company sold its Eastern Virginia medical operation to Verano Holdings for $90 million. Just last week, The Cannabist sold its Central Virginia operation to Curaleaf for $110 million. Two territories, $200 million in total value. In exchange for this one-time $10 million conversion fee, these companies are being granted licenses that are larger and more powerful than any other tier available to new entrants. They retain their vertical integration—growing, processing and selling their own product—while new businesses are forced to specialize. They already have completed facilities, trained staff, established supply chains and consumer brand recognition. Against proven territory valuations of $90-110 million and a medical market generating $15 million per month, a $10 million conversion fee is not a penalty; it’s a discount on market dominance. *Killing The “Cannabis Desert”* The most significant victory for public safety is the removal of the local referendum option. The failure of the opt-out model is well-documented. In New Jersey, nearly 70 percent of municipalities initially opted out of allowing cannabis businesses, creating vast “cannabis deserts.” This didn’t stop consumption; it simply handed those markets directly to illicit operators who don’t check IDs or test their products. By striking the opt-out provision, the Commission has acknowledged a fundamental truth: you cannot regulate a market if you do not allow it to exist. However, access alone doesn’t guarantee competition. The proposal also establishes a one-mile minimum distance between retail dispensaries, intended to prevent the clustering seen in states like New Jersey, where zoning restrictions force retailers to open across the street from one another. In theory, this promotes geographic distribution. In practice, it transforms retail licensing into a real estate race—whoever secures a location first controls a one-mile radius, and well-capitalized operators with real estate teams will always move faster than independent applicants still assembling financing. Removing the opt-out provision helps by opening more geography to competition, but the mile-radius rule still advantages those who can play the property game at speed. *Restorative Justice Requires Resources* Equally important is the shift in how Virginia defines “impact.” The proposal to include prior felony distribution charges as a qualifier for impact status—rather than a disqualifier—is an absolute victory. It moves beyond performative equity and toward actual restorative justice, acknowledging that the expertise of legacy operators is a feature, not a bug. However, a license is only an opportunity if the resources exist to execute on it. The bill’s commitment to direct 50 percent of the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund into loan capital is a start, but impact licenses are only as helpful as the funding, technical assistance and affordable professional services available to support them. Virginia must ensure these operators can access not just capital, but the legal, accounting and compliance expertise necessary to survive the capital-intensive startup phase—services that incumbents already have in-house. *The 120-Day Trap* As an operational consultant, I must be direct: the timeline in this proposal threatens to undo everything the policy structure is trying to achieve. Here’s the math. Assuming the bill passes early in 2026, the Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) has until July 1 to stand up regulations and process the first round of licenses. Retail sales begin November 1. That gives a newly licensed independent operator exactly 120 days to go from “license in hand” to “product on shelves.” Let me explain what 120 days actually means in cannabis cultivation. A typical flowering cycle runs 60-65 days. Add 3-4 weeks of vegetation before that. Then, 10-14 days for drying and curing. Then testing, packaging and compliance. You’re looking at 100-120 days minimum from clone to compliant, sellable product—assuming everything goes perfectly, your facility is already built, your systems are dialed in and you started cultivation the moment your license arrived. For a new operator still finishing construction, installing equipment, and training staff? The math doesn’t work. They will have nothing to sell on November 1. The pharmaceutical processors, meanwhile, already have inventory. They have flower curing in their vaults right now. They’ll be ready to sell on day one. *Market Readiness, Not Calendar Dates* The solution is straightforward: tie market launch to actual competitive readiness, not arbitrary dates. Virginia should establish “Market Readiness” benchmarks where retail sales begin when a minimum threshold of independent licensees—impact operators, microbusinesses and small cultivators—have received licenses, completed buildout and have product ready for sale. When the independents and the incumbents cross the starting line together, consumers get competition, prices reflect a real market and the policy achieves its stated purpose. This isn’t about delaying the market indefinitely. It’s about aligning the incentives of all market participants so that pharmaceutical processors, independent operators and the state all benefit from a stable, competitive launch. One approach would be to make pharmaceutical processor conversion contingent on independent operator readiness—perhaps even on a regional basis—so that cooperation becomes more profitable than obstruction. When incumbents’ adult-use revenue depends on independents getting operational, the market dynamics shift dramatically. The ready-together framework prevents the first-mover revenue trap that has cemented MSO dominance in state after state. Arizona launched sales roughly 80 days after licensing—but only incumbents with existing inventory could participate, giving them a 6-12 month head start that new operators never recovered from. Virginia has built the right policy framework to avoid that outcome. Now it must build the right launch mechanics. The Commission should amend the current timeline provisions to establish clear market readiness criteria: retail sales commence when the Cannabis Control Authority certifies that licensed independent operators have compliant product available for distribution, ensuring market launch reflects genuine competition rather than incumbent inventory advantage. This preserves the urgency of launching a regulated market while ensuring the Commission’s equity and competition goals aren’t undermined by a calendar date that only pharmaceutical processors can meet. *“Operational” Must Mean Progress, Not Perfection* The proposal includes a 24-month “use it or lose it” rule to prevent license speculation. That’s good policy—if “operational” is defined correctly. In Virginia’s current construction environment, the electrical transformers required for a commercial cannabis facility can face lead times of 12-18 months. Add permitting delays, zoning appeals and on-site construction, and the 24-month window becomes dangerously tight. The standard for retaining a license must be “demonstrable progress”—breaking ground, passing inspections, installing equipment, securing financing—not “open for business.” Without this clarity, the 24-month rule becomes another tool that advantages incumbents with completed facilities while punishing independents for delays entirely outside their control. *Shell Company Scrutiny Needs Speed Limits* The proposal includes provisions requiring the Cannabis Control Authority to scrutinize ownership agreements, management contracts and financing arrangements to prevent MSOs from using shell companies to control nominally “independent” licensees. This is vital—without it, every anti-consolidation provision in the bill becomes meaningless. However, regulatory scrutiny without statutory time limits can be as dangerous as no scrutiny at all. If CCA takes six months to review a management agreement or a financing deal, that delay alone can kill a small business burning through cash while waiting for approval. Virginia must establish clear timelines—30 to 60 days for standard reviews, with defined criteria for what triggers extended review—so that legitimate operators aren’t inadvertently strangled by bureaucratic pace. *Virginia Can Lead—If It Finishes The Blueprint* Virginia has rejected the monopoly model that has failed consumers and small businesses in state after state. The Commission has embraced restorative justice by making felony distribution convictions a qualifier, not a disqualifier. It has eliminated the local opt-out provisions that created “cannabis deserts” in New Jersey and elsewhere. It has built a framework for microbusinesses, shared processing hubs, and impact licensees to compete on a level playing field. But a blueprint is not a building. By establishing clear market readiness criteria that tie launch to competitive preparedness, defining “operational readiness” to protect legitimate businesses from bureaucratic delays and establishing time limits for regulatory review, Virginia can deliver on the promise of a truly competitive market. The Commonwealth has drawn the blueprint for what legal cannabis could look like. Now legislators must ensure the launch mechanics don’t inadvertently hand the keys back to the incumbents before independent operators can even get in the door. *Max Jackson is the founder of Cannabis Wise Guys and specializes in translating between cannabis operations, investment, and public policy. He has provided expert testimony to the Virginia Legislature on preventing market consolidation in emerging cannabis markets.* *Photo courtesy of Max Jackson.* The post Virginia Rejected A Monopoly Model For Marijuana, But Lawmakers Need To Finish The Job (Op-Ed) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5