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High Society is back at the bottom of today’s edition. Send pics from your events to hello@weedweek.com for future inclusion.

In the newsletter:

• Calif. cannabiz raises hemp concerns

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BREAKING: Calif. cannabiz report highlights hemp concerns

A new analysis of hemp-derived products available to Californians found that 95% contain chemically synthesized cannabinoids, which are illegal in California. The study, conducted by a group with ties to the state’s cannabis industry, alleges that the products pose a public health threat and deprive California…

Read the story FREE

Federal:

• Trump’s pick to lead the DEA, Terrance Cole, is a proud, anti-legalization hardliner.
  Marijuana Moment
• Two GOP senators introduced a bill that would make industry-hated tax rule 280E permanent, even if rescheduling happens.
  MJBiz
• Newly approved Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime legalization proponent, “committed to me that he would follow the science of the harms of marijuana,” Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) said. Even so, some in the industry expressed optimism about RFK Jr.
  Marijuana Moment, MJBiz
• Russia released U.S. citizen Marc Fogel who it had detained for years on a weed offense. In exchange America released a Russian national convicted of money laundering.
  AP

Business:

• Bloomberg reports on the $6B in debt the industry has coming due.
• Fintech Green Check announced a partnership with mainstream fintech Plaid.
• Lender Chicago Atlantic secured a $100M revolving credit facility.

State and local:

• Talking Joints Memo untangles the web of lawsuits weighing on the Massachusetts market and regulators.
• Massachusetts renewed its contract with track and trace software provider Metrc.
• A judge blocked Colorado Springs from adding a ballot measure that would repeal the rules approved by voters last year.
  NBC
• There have been recalls in Michigan for vapes containing MCT oil, a potentially dangerous additive.
  Detroit Free Press
• New York launched a cannabis banking directory.
  Rochester Business Journal
• A New Jersey bill would weaken local control.
• A Maryland bill would allow lounge visitors to take edibles but not smoke.
  Baltimore Biz Journal
• New York is the latest state hit by “familiar allegations” of testing lab fraud.
  MJBiz
• Two Oregon businesses are suing to stop a pro-labor ballot initiative which passed in November.
  MJBiz
• A naked Oregon man was wounded by an exploding weed pen, a lawsuit alleges.
  Oregonian
• Prominent Michigan operator Glorious Cannabis went into receivership as debts as lawsuits mount. Also, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) proposal for a pot tax hike has the state’s flailing industry on edge.
  Crain’s Detroit Business

Health and science:

• A study found cannabis ads are reaching kids via social media.
  CNN

Fun and interesting:

• “This garden gnome is made entirely of MDMA.“
  @technoandpsychedelia
• Celebrated breeder Sam the Skunkman’s ashes will be given to his friends to nourish their plants.
  @firstsmokeoftheday
• “Who is the chemist making ayahuasca gummies?” asks gonzo journalist Michelle Lhooq.
  @doubleblindmag

State:

• SFGate reports on the “existential event” that a possible tax hike could mean for the industry.
• In the same story: “The state’s Department of Cannabis Control, or DCC, is facing a $23 million budget deficit this year. The looming shortfall has left the agency considering raising licensing fees.”
• The DCC seized $254M in illegal weed last year, a tiny fraction of the illegal market’s size.
  North Bay Business Journal
• CA Norml is hosting a Citizen Lobby Day March 24 in Sacramento to avert the tax hike.

Business:

• “Controversial” California brand Stiiizy is the best-selling brand in the country according to data shop Hoodie Analytics.
  Greenstate
• Extractor Leef says it has the licenses in place to proceed with a major new cultivation site.

Local:

• SF dispensary The Vapor Room is at least temporarily closed as owner Martin Olive recovers from being shot multiple times.
  NBC
• Jackie Bryant looks into the state of weed in San Diego. And her podcast, “The Plant Lady” is back. In the first episode she interviews Catalyst CEO Elliot Lewis.
• Six years later, Chula Vista (San Diego Co.) is still refusing to follow court orders on licensing.
  San Diego Union-Tribune
• Cathedral City (Riverside Co.) is pausing industry growth due to odor issues.
  KESQ
• The Lake County Cannabis Task Force is preparing for challenges ahead.
  Record-Bee

Upcoming:

• Several lawyers are hosting a February 21 webinar on the new cannabis cafe law.

Sam Smith, Kesha, King Princess and Cole Escola in the front row at Christian Cowan‘s Fall/Winter 2025 show at New York Fashion Week. Dispensary The Travel Agency partnered with Cowan on the show.