April 17 2025,
THE BIG IDEA
Hi all,
The lead up to 4/20 is often a slow newsweek so I’ve got a rather lighthearted one for you today. Happy 4/20 and Easter!
Alex
*
We now offer high-impact ad formats on our web site.
Book a call with with our partner Liqwid for details.
*
Send tips, press releases, concerns, feedback and criticism to hello@weedweek.com
*
Sensitive material to share? Contact Alex on Signal.
PRESS RELEASES
HOW UCSC LOST THE MOST STONED CAMPUS CROWN
Lookout Santa Cruz investigates how the University of California Santa Cruz lost its title of “Most stoned campus on Earth:”
In the 1970s, Santa Cruz County was a hub for cannabis distribution and smuggling. Chris Carr, an erstwhile smuggler turned chronicler of Central Coast cannabis history, writes that fishermen back then would unload “thousands of pounds of imported cannabis” from international barges idling in Monterey Bay.
The trafficking of cannabis through the Monterey Bay area meant that some of the seeds from abroad ended up in the hands of local growers, who bred renowned strains that this region became known for. In a sense, UCSC’s reputation for fostering cannabis culture was a reflection of regional trends in cultivation and smuggling at the time.
QUICK HITS
Federal:
- A new banking bill that would also eliminate industry hated tax rule 280E has been introduced with bipartisan support.
Green Market Report
Business:
- This 4/20 retailers and brands are focused on their return on investment, MJBiz reports.
- Green Market Report looks at three lawsuits involving leading compliance software provider Metrc.
- Tariffs on Chinese manufactured vape hardware come at a tough time for the industry, especially in Michigan.
Crain’s Detroit Business - Leading MSO Green Thumb Industries has a cheeky new 4/20 ad.
AdWeek - Brand portfolio Carma HoldCo Inc. named Mike Tyson CEO.
- A survey found most cannabis consumers appreciate 4/20 promotions from mainstream brands.
Marijuana Moment - Joe Hodas is stepping down as CEO of MSB Wana Brands.
- Prominent venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya posted against legalization in strident terms.
Benzinga
State and local:
- Denver has a growing cannabis lounge scene. It only took 13 years.
Westword - MSO Trulieve contributed $20M to a 2026 REC ballot push. Meanwhile Gov. DeSantis is under scrutiny over funding for his successful campaign to defeat Trulieve’s 2024 initiative.
WUSF, Miami Herald - Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders vetoed a MED expansion.
CBS - Minnesota’s REC market may not open until 2026.
KSTP - Missouri revoked another 25 licenses earmarked for equity businesses.
Missouri Independent - The first cannabis lounge to open in Vegas shut down, citing unworkable regulations. Las Vegas Weekly also announced the Las Vegas Cannabis Awards winners.
Las Vegas Weekly - Hawaii-based consultant Frencis P. posted on the poor quality of product available in the Aloha State’s MED market.
- A controversy has broken out over whether a federally funded project can be converted into a dispensary.
Middletown Press
Health and science:
- The largest ever study of MED to treat cancer found an “overwhelming scientific consensus,” that it is beneficial.
Marijuana Moment
Fun and interesting:
- Former WeedWeek California editor Donnell Alexander interviewed conservative lawyer John Yoo.
West Coast Sojourn - Comedian Reggie Watts shared his thoughts on Coachella.
@reggiewatts
CALIFORNIA HITS
Business:
- With 4/20 approaching, California businesses are struggling to operate.
- Non-profit Origins Council, says the DCC is proposing unrealistic on-farm sanitation standards.
- Hundreds of Stiiizy workers organized by the United Food and Commercial Workers union voted yes on a three-year contract.
- The DCC suspended the license at BelCosta, a well-known testing lab, for alleged infractions including potency inflation.
MJBiz - LEEF Brands began planting its new Santa Barbara County megafarm.
- Ball Family Farms has a new program called Rare Breeds to “scout, mentor and launch” the next generation of strain creators.
- Citations are low but on the rise for cannabis marketing that targets children.
North Bay Business Journal
Local:
- The Black LA Cannabis Council held an equity rally at City Hall. Catalyst CEO Elliot Lewis called for a tax strike against the city.
@blaccunity, @catalyst_ceo - SF shops geared up for “Weed Week.”
NBC - A New Hampshire senate panel voted against legal REC.
The Keene Sentinel - Sonoma County supes cut their pot tax.
The Press Democrat
Was this email forwarded to you?
SIGN UP
