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:
Trump Endorses CBD for Seniors, Catalyzing Stock Surge
On September 29, President Donald Trump released a video promoting cannabidiol (CBD) calling it “the most important senior health initiative of the century,” and suggesting Medicare coverage. The video triggered a sharp rally in cannabis equities as firms like Canopy Growth, Tilray, Cronos, and Aurora saw gains in the double digits. While the rally showed how hungry markets are for catalysts, the lack of scientific consensus and regulatory follow-through means this could be more of a flash rather than a long-term shift.
Colorado Recall Shakes Consumer Trust
Colorado regulators ordered one of the state’s largest cannabis recalls over mold and yeast contamination, affecting products including flower and hash-based pre-rolls from 710 Labs across 172 retailers. Colorado’s regulatory body has historically not disclosed total volume recalled per year, but recent data shows the number of affected stores has increased sharply. This is a reminder that as cannabis markets mature, quality and safety become as critical as product development or branding. Recalls of this magnitude raise existential questions for producers with tight margins. Regulators and operators alike must double down on lab standards, traceability, and accountability.
New York Judge Grants Injunction Amid Buffer-Zone Licensing Dispute
A New York judge issued a preliminary injunction protecting about 152 licensed cannabis shops from being shut down after the state misapplied school buffer zone rules. The state Office of Cannabis Management had measured 500-foot buffer zones from schools door-to-door, rather than from property lines as required, rendering many existing licenses suddenly noncompliant. The injunction remains in force until February 15, 2026, giving time for the legislature or governor to adjust rules.
Wisconsin GOP Pushes Medical Cannabis Legalization
a group of Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin introduced bicameral legislation to legalize medical cannabis access through a regulated system of growers, processors, labs, and dispensaries. Cannabis Business Times Senate President Mary Felzkowski and Senate Pro Tem Patrick Testin, along with Rep. Patrick Snyder, led the initiative. If passed, Wisconsin would become the 41st state to permit medical cannabis. Keep your eyes on this one. It serves as proof the medical cannabis machine is still roaring down the highway, crashing through the roadblocks in states that swore they’d never let it roll in.
Betty’s Eddies Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
MariMed’s Betty’s Eddies is once again spotlighting breast cancer awareness with pink packaging for its Ache Away Eddies fruit chews, available across multiple states. The campaign promotes the Keep A Breast app, distributes limited-edition bracelets and t-shirts, and donates $5 from each shirt sold to the nonprofit.
Insa Rolls Out Fall Collection and Rewards Expansion
Massachusetts-based Insa is leaning into seasonal vibes with a fall product lineup that includes Caramel Apple Drops, Maple Cheesecake Bars, Pumpkin Spice Latte Bars, and Cranberry Orchard Vaporizers. Alongside the limited-edition flavors, the company announced significant price cuts of 25% or more for medical patients and expanded its MyInsa Rewards program (Massachusetts and Connecticut) to recreational customers.
Cannabis Stocks Ride Highs and Face Setbacks
Cannabis equities surged in late September, with Tilray climbing nearly 40%, Canopy Growth rallying close to 20%, and Aurora jumping 28% in a single session. Sector ETFs also posted double-digit gains as investors piled in. The upswing, though, was tempered by lingering volatility. Canopy remains weighed down by weak adult-use sales, while Tilray saw profit-taking after its spike. The rally underscored how quickly money moves into the sector, but also how fragile those gains remain against uneven fundamentals and persistent regulatory uncertainty.
