Blog

Jun 01
Press Release: Norwegian Activists Challenge ECtHR’s Silence on Cannabis Prohibition

Norwegian Activists Challenge ECtHR’s Silence on Cannabis Prohibition For over 15 years, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has sidestepped a critical human rights question: Are criminal penalties for cannabis possession proportionate under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)? On June 23 and 24, 2025, Norwegian activists from the Alliance for Rights-Oriented Drug […]

Jun 01
US Hemp Roundtable : Updates in Seven States: Texas, Alaska, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Ohio

View this email in your browser Updates in Seven States: Texas, Alaska, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Ohio     Take Action Now: Use our State Action Center to contact lawmakers and protect the future of hemp in your state. A big thank you to all hemp supporters for taking action. Be sure to follow us across social […]

Jun 01
NY: Long Island police raid 26 illegal weed stores in a week, seizing 15K products: officials

NY Post Suffolk County cops caught 26 unlicensed pot shops in the act during dozens of raids over just one week –  seizing more than 15,000 illegal weed products, officials said Tuesday. The countywide crackdown just began May 20 but has already seen 44 smoke shops or convenience stores raided and resulted in seven arrests and five […]

May 31
Ascend Wellness Holdings Closes $50 Million Private Placement of Senior Secured Notes

NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. (“AWH”, “Ascend” or the “Company”) (CSE: AAWH-U.CN) (OTCQX: AAWH), a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator, is pleased to announce it has closed a private placement of $50 million of its 12.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”). The Notes form part of the same series of the $250 million aggregate principal […]

May 31
First Circuit Holds the Line Against Cannabis Businesses

In fall of 2023 I wrote about the lawsuit to end federal prohibition that wouldn’t really end federal prohibition. Last July, a federal district court ruled against Canna Provisions et al. in that case. On Wednesday, May 27th, the First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s ruling. The First Circuit decision means the feds are still […]

May 31
From Squeeze To Strategy: Reshaping The Future Of Cannabis Businesses

As Canada’s cannabis industry enters a new phase of maturity, business leaders are confronting some hard truths. Profitability is elusive, competition is intensifying, and traditional financing is drying up. Recent industry discussions have highlighted major trends reshaping the sector, from collapsing margins and outdated tax models to restructuring, consolidation, and cross-border uncertainty. This article offers […]

May 31
Two British ‘tourists’ arrested at airport in Spain with 33 kilos of marijuana hidden in suitcases

The Guardia Civil and Spain’s national tax agency have arrested two individuals – a British man and a woman – for carrying 33 kilograms of marijuana in vacuum-packed packages in their luggage. The operation, which was prompted by the odd behaviour of the passengers, was carried out at Valencia Airport. The detainees had arrived in […]

May 31
Notification of Multiple Voluntary Recalls May 30, 2025 

Notification of Multiple Voluntary Recalls May 30, 2025  N’Refused edible The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is issuing this notice of voluntary recall for multiple N’Refused edible products due to incomplete and incorrect regulatory compliance testing, and labeling that is attractive to children.   Spicy Mango Habanero packaging and product Sweet Strawberry packaging and product Tangy […]

May 31
Press Release: CDPH Assists with Oakland Illegal Marijuana Operation Investigation

OAKLAND – On May 23, 2025, the Oakland Police Department announced that its Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT), the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), and the California Department of Public Health Food and Drug Branch (CDPH) conducted a joint inspection of a smoke shop in the 3500 block of International Boulevard. The […]

May 31
As NY Effectively Cracks Down on Illicit Cannabis, California Plans Similar Move

Since California legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, licensed operators have faced stiff competition from the illicit market. Based on current estimates, only about 40% of California consumers purchase cannabis from legal sources. However, if new enforcement measures proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom come to pass, the tides may soon be turning in favor of the […]