This week marked another busy one in weed, especially in markets like Ohio, Minnesota, New York, and Florida, with each highlighting the ongoing back-and-forth surrounding legalization. Meanwhile, officials in states like Missouri and Oklahoma are taking measures and voicing concerns over minor and hemp-derived cannabinoid-based products.
Get caught up on what happened in weed last week before the action picks up again.
Monday, July 29
- The Wall Street Journal reports that oral-fluid tests and training are helping officers address the long-running concerns surrounding driving while high.
- The South Dakota Searchlight delved into rising medical business costs in the state, with operators facing 70% annual fee increases.
- MSO Verano announced the acquisition of one of The Cannabist Co.’s Virginia licenses and associated operations and the brand’s Arizona operations for approximately $105 million in cash.
- Members of the Cannabis Impact Prevention Coalition (CIPC) and Cannabis Industry Victims Seeking Justice (CIVSJ) sued New York state, seeking a permanent injunction to licensing in the state.
Tuesday, July 30
- ABC News is the latest to report that New York City’s crackdowns are finally shuttering boof shops across the five boroughs.
- The Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association voiced their opposition to Florida’s adult use legalization efforts, which appear headed to the polls this November.
- While in Europe for the Olympics, Snoop Dogg announced that his S.W.E.D. pot cafe would open in Amsterdam, with the shop opening later that week.
- New Jersey officials recalled products produced by cultivator Green Joy, stating that products contained insects and human hair.
Wednesday, July 31
- The Democratic Party doubled down on their claims that President Biden ended the US’s failed cannabis approach despite rescheduling not yet taking place.
- New Zealand revised its medical cannabis laws to make exporting products easier for brands.
- Minnesota published draft rules for its upcoming adult use industry.
- Reports of Maine children ingesting cannabis have quadrupled in the past four years.
- Citing the 2018 Farm Bill as the turning point, Oklahoma law enforcement says synthetic marijuana has made a resurgence.
Thursday, August 1
- In a Thursday executive order, Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced a September 1 ban on Delta-8 THC and other unregulated CBD products.
- Minnesota’s Red Lake Nation announced it will open the first adult use dispensary in the state on August 1.
- In more Indigenous shop openings, the Eastern Band of Cherokee in North Carolina announced plans to open the first adult use store in the state on September 7.
- Numerous Ohio towns are following in the footsteps of many other towns across America and opting out of adult-use sales.
- While dealing with an uptick in youth consumption, Maine pondered allowing consumption lounges and other on-site endeavors to boost hospitality initiatives in the sector.
Friday, August 2
- Billionaire Ken Griffin donated $12 million to Florida’s effort to stop adult use marijuana legalization.
- While numerous towns opt out, Ohio is on track to open its rec marketplace next week.
- A former Minnesota Democrat, farmer, and Labor Party operative settled a lawsuit, paying $1.2 million to two South Dakota cannabis companies and investors over fraud claims.
That’s a bit of what happened in weed last week. Did we miss anything? Send us a message, and we’ll do our best to round up all the essentials next week.
