Welcome to the latest edition of “Last week in Weed,” catching you up on the latest breaking news and industry developments in the world of cannabis.
Here’s what you may have missed over the last week:
Georgia Faces Renewed Pressure to Expand Its Medical Cannabis Program
Georgia’s tightly constrained low-THC medical cannabis program returned to the spotlight last week as lawmakers and patient advocates renewed calls to expand access beyond oils and tinctures. The push comes as neighboring states continue to modernize their programs, leaving Georgia increasingly isolated in both product availability and patient reach. While sweeping reform remains unlikely in the near term, advocates see 2026 as a realistic window for incremental changes that could broaden qualifying conditions and delivery formats.
France Delays Broad Medical Cannabis Prescriptions Until at Least 2027
Expectations cooled in Europe after French officials confirmed that nationwide medical cannabis prescriptions are unlikely to begin this year, despite regulatory frameworks being largely complete. The country’s pilot program will continue, but insiders now point to 2027 as a more realistic timeline for general patient access. The delay tempers optimism among international operators who had viewed France as a potential cornerstone of European medical expansion.
Canadian Cannabis Companies Intensify Lobbying Efforts for 2026
New disclosures highlighted just how aggressively Canadian cannabis companies lobbied federal and provincial governments throughout 2025, with excise tax reform and illicit-market enforcement topping the agenda. The sustained effort reflects an industry increasingly focused on operational survivability rather than expansion, as margins remain thin and competition fierce. With 2026 shaping up as a pivotal policy year, lobbying is no longer a background activity but a core business strategy.
Curaleaf Posts Strong Preliminary Q4 Results as Investors Seek Stability
Curaleaf delivered one of the week’s few bright spots for public cannabis markets, releasing preliminary fourth-quarter results that signaled steady performance amid broader sector uncertainty. The numbers reinforced Curaleaf’s reputation as one of the more disciplined multistate operators, offering cautious reassurance to investors navigating continued regulatory and macroeconomic headwinds. Even so, analysts remain restrained, noting that sustained profitability across the sector remains uneven.
Montana Surpasses $1 Billion in Adult-Use Cannabis Sales
Montana quietly crossed a major milestone last week, exceeding $1 billion in adult-use cannabis sales just four years after legalization. The achievement underscores the durability of consumer demand in smaller, well-regulated markets and offers a counterpoint to narratives that only large population centers can sustain legal cannabis economies. For policymakers elsewhere, Montana’s trajectory continues to serve as a practical case study in steady, revenue-positive legalization.
