It’s nearly Thanksgiving and after a year like this, gratitude feels more important than ever. Whether you’re celebrating wins, weathering changes, or simply staying curious about the state of cannabis, we’re thankful to have you here.
This is “Last Week in Weed,” bringing you the biggest stories from the past seven days.
Colorado Pushes Back: State Moves to Protect Hemp Drinks
As the federal crackdown looms, Colorado lawmakers are already gearing up for a fight. State officials are drafting legislation that would roll back local restrictions on hemp-derived THC beverages, effectively carving out state level protections to keep the market alive. Colorado’s roughly 140 hemp farmers and the state’s booming drinkables segment have argued that without decisive action, the federal cap would devastate their revenue and hand advantage to states with laxer rules. Colorado’s counter-move sets up a potential clash between state and federal policy and could inspire similar resistance in other hemp friendly regions watching closely.
Brazil Greenlights Landmark Cannabis Research Program
On the international front, Brazil took a major step toward reshaping its cannabis landscape. Embrapa, the country’s powerful agricultural research agency, received authorization from national regulators to embark on a long term cannabis research project. The initiative includes development of advanced genetic strains, the creation of Brazil’s first cannabis seed bank, and expanded study of both medical cannabis and industrial hemp. Backed by public funding and structured as a multi-year program, Embrapa’s move signals a new era for cannabis science in Latin America. While Brazil has allowed medical cannabis in limited forms, large scale domestic cultivation has lagged behind, until now. The move puts Brazil on the launchpad as a future heavyweight in the global cannabis economy. A sleeping agricultural giant finally starting to stretch.
New York Cannabis Prices Plummet as Market Saturates
Back in the U.S., consumers in New York got some unexpected good news: cannabis prices have fallen sharply, dropping around 17% as the state’s legal market continues to expand. With more than 500 licensed dispensaries now open and wholesale prices falling, competition has pushed average product costs down from over $38 in 2023 to just above $32 in 2025. The trend marks a significant milestone for a state that once struggled to get its legal program off the ground. While Long Island remains pricier due to lingering municipal bans, statewide sales are booming and projected to hit $2 billion this year. The rapid price drop signals a maturing marketplace, one that may finally start pulling consumers away from the well entrenched illicit market.
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Market Moves: Cannabis Stocks in Flux
The past seven days in the cannabis sector have been marked by a curious blend of regulatory headwinds and tentative investor optimism. On one side, the looming federal crackdown on hemp-derived THC products has cast a shadow over the space. On the other, some names managed to post momentum gains despite the uncertainty. According to a recent report by Benzinga, four companies — Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY), Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON), Organigram Global Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) and SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) — all registered positive momentum rankings through the week.
