Cannabis News – Latest Industry Updates

High TimesMar 9, 2026

Virginia Lawmakers Approve Cannabis Resentencing Bill and Send It to Governor

Virginia's legislature has passed a cannabis resentencing bill that could free individuals still incarcerated for old marijuana offenses, pending the governor's decision

•Virginia Senate approved a cannabis resentencing bill with a 21-19 vote on March 6, 2026
•The bill provides automatic hearings for people incarcerated or supervised for pre-2021 marijuana offenses
•Governor Abigail Spanberger has until April 13 to act on the measure

by Virginia Lawmakers Passed A Bill To Free Weed Prisoners. Now It’s Up To The Governor.

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High TimesMar 9, 2026

Vinícius Jr.-Owned Alverca Fined After Cannabis Smell Disrupts Portuguese Soccer Match

Portuguese soccer club Alverca has been fined €765 after cannabis odors from the stands disrupted a match, spotlighting shifting attitudes toward cannabis at sporting events

•Alverca soccer club fined €765 after cannabis smell disrupted a match against Santa Clara
•Portugal has decriminalized personal cannabis use, but sports federations enforce stricter conduct
•Other sports, such as German soccer and US tennis, are openly engaging with cannabis culture

by Superstar-Owned Soccer Club Fined… Because the Stadium Smelled Like Weed

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High TimesMar 9, 2026

Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez Runs for New Mexico Governor, Puts Cannabis Reform at Center Stage

Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez is running for New Mexico governor as a Republican, making cannabis reform a central issue and advocating for regulatory consistency

•Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez launches campaign for New Mexico governor with a focus on cannabis reform
•Rodriguez advocates for clear rules, honest labeling, and robust industry oversight to compete with the illicit market
•A growing number of conservatives, including Rodriguez, support cannabis reform as a practical governance issue

by A Republican Weed CEO Wants To Be Governor. Can Cannabis Be His Bridge Issue?

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High TimesMar 8, 2026

Rapper Highdro Transforms Snake Obsession Into Cannabis-Infused Music and Business Ventures

Rapper Highdro has turned his former fear of snakes into a thriving business and artistic movement, blending reptiles, cannabis, and music to challenge cultural stereotypes

•Highdro overcame his fear of snakes and now raises them professionally
•He draws parallels between cannabis genetics and snake breeding
•Rare snakes in his collection can be valued up to $100,000

by From Fear to Obsession: Meet Highdro, the Serpentine Prophet Who Blends Rap, Weed & Reptiles

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High TimesMar 7, 2026

Cannabis Use Linked to Changes in Sperm Quality and Fertility, Research Shows

New research reveals that cannabis may affect sperm quality and fertility, prompting experts to recommend moderation and abstinence for those seeking to conceive

•Cannabinoids like THC and CBD impact sperm by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors
•Chronic cannabis use is linked to lower sperm count, reduced motility, and poorer morphology
•Evidence is mixed, with some studies showing minimal impact at low doses

by Is Weed Messing With Your Sperm? Let’s Talk Science.

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High TimesMar 6, 2026

Rove Launches Triple-Infused Ice Packs Blunts With Up to 50% THC Potency

Rove has launched its triple-infused Ice Packs Blunts, boasting up to 50% THC and a reputation for delivering on product promises, in select U.S. markets

•Rove introduced 2-gram, triple-infused Ice Packs Blunts featuring flower, THCA diamonds, and solventless ice hash rosin
•Blunts can reach up to 50% THC potency and use a glass tip for a cooler, smoother draw
•The product is available in California, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Arizona

by Meet The Blunt for People Who Think Most Blunts Are Weak

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High TimesMar 6, 2026

National Data Shows Teen Cannabis Use Declines Despite Media Alarm Over Legalization

National studies confirm that teen cannabis use has declined in recent years, despite media claims linking legalization to increased adolescent consumption

•Teen cannabis use in the U.S. has declined since the 1990s, with recent drops among both 8th and 12th graders
•Recent studies found no evidence that legalization has increased adolescent marijuana use
•Media reports often conflate new vaping devices with a surge in teen cannabis use, ignoring data trends

by Teens Didn’t Just Discover Weed. So Why Is The Wall St. Journal Acting Like They Did?

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High TimesMar 6, 2026

Argentina’s Business Press Embraces Cannabis as Economic Sector Amid Regulatory Challenges

Argentina’s leading business media has begun treating cannabis as a legitimate economic sector, urging regulatory clarity to support the industry’s substantial growth and job creation

•Argentina’s finance media now frames cannabis as a mainstream economic sector
•Industry leaders call for government action to resolve regulatory bottlenecks
•Operators emphasize the need for clear rules to attract investment and scale

by The New York Times Calls It a ‘Marijuana Problem.’ ‘South America’s WSJ’ Calls It an Economy. That’s the Tell

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High TimesMar 6, 2026

Bronx Chef Marquis Hayes Opens First Licensed Dispensary in the Hamptons Amid Regulatory Hurdles

Bronx chef Marquis Hayes has opened Brown Budda, the Hamptons’ first licensed dispensary, overcoming regulatory delays and establishing a new model for social equity in New York cannabis

•Marquis Hayes opened Brown Budda, the first licensed dispensary in the Hamptons and only Black-owned dispensary on Long Island
•The dispensary faced 17 months of regulatory delays, costing $60,000 per month in expenses
•Local and state regulatory conflicts have led to lawsuits and uncertainty for cannabis operators

by How a Bronx Chef Built the First Licensed Dispensary in the Hamptons

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High TimesMar 6, 2026

Brazil Approves New Medicinal Cannabis Regulations, Marking Shift Toward Domestic Oversight

Brazil approved new medicinal cannabis regulations in 2026, authorizing domestic cultivation and recognizing patient associations, while maintaining strict controls and incremental policy expansion

•Brazil approved a new regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis in early 2026
•The framework authorizes domestic cultivation under strict oversight but does not legalize general adult use
•Patient associations gain formal recognition but face demanding qualification standards

by Brazil’s Cannabis Crossroads: New Rules, Old Truths, and the Road Ahead

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High TimesMar 5, 2026

Green Marketplace Pharmacy Medellín Launches Colombia's First Medical Cannabis Pharmacy

Green Marketplace Pharmacy Medellín has opened as Colombia's first specialized medical cannabis pharmacy, setting a new standard for patient access and regulatory oversight

•Green Marketplace Pharmacy Medellín is Colombia’s first specialized medical cannabis pharmacy
•The project emphasizes safe, transparent access and product traceability for patients
•SENA Antioquia supports the initiative as a model for workforce development in the cannabis sector

by Colombia’s First Specialized Medical Cannabis Pharmacy Opens In Medellín: Inside Green Marketplace

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High TimesMar 5, 2026

Beth Conway Strengthens New Jersey Cannabis Community Amid Market Growth and Price Pressures

Beth Conway has built a business-focused cannabis chamber in New Jersey, uniting operators and driving growth as the market expands and competition intensifies

•Beth Conway co-founded the New Jersey Cannabis Chamber of Commerce to foster real business connections
•New Jersey had over $1 billion in adult-use cannabis sales in 2024 and nearly 10,000 industry jobs
•60% of municipalities have opted out of cannabis businesses, complicating expansion strategies

by As New Jersey Cannabis Matures, Beth Conway Builds Community

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High TimesMar 5, 2026

Study Finds No Significant Driving Impairment in Frequent Cannabis Users 12–15 Hours After Use

Frequent cannabis users showed no significant driving impairment 12–15 hours after smoking, even with detectable THC, according to new research published in the Journal of Cannabis Research

•Frequent cannabis users did not show significant driving impairment 12–15 hours after use
•Blood and oral fluid THC levels did not correlate with simulator driving performance
•The findings challenge the use of per se THC thresholds as a universal impairment standard

by Can You Drive the Next Morning After Weed? Study Finds No Significant Impairment 12–15 Hours Later in Frequent Users

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High TimesMar 5, 2026

Virginia Legislature Unanimously Approves Medical Cannabis Delivery and Labeling Reform

Virginia lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill to improve medical cannabis labeling and formally allow home delivery, streamlining patient access across the state

•Virginia House and Senate both passed HB391 with unanimous votes
•Medical cannabis labels must now clearly state potency based on product type
•Licensed operators can deliver cannabis to patients’ homes, workplaces, or temporary residences

by Virginia’s 139–0 Vote Makes Medical Cannabis Easier to Get, Delivered, and Easier to Read

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High TimesMar 5, 2026

Cannabis Dispensaries Embrace Secret Shoppers to Elevate Customer Experience

Cannabis dispensaries are turning to secret shoppers to assess and improve customer service, blending retail strategies with industry-specific insights to enhance the consumer experience

•Secret shopper programs are gaining traction in cannabis dispensaries to improve customer service and compliance
•Dispensaries face unique challenges, including strict regulations and customer education needs
•Sara Gluck's Above Board specializes in cannabis-focused secret shopping, offering detailed in-store assessments

by I Followed a Secret Shopper Into Dispensaries. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to See.

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The ThaigerMar 5, 2026

Man in Chachoengsao Detained After Cannabis-Fueled Threats at Roadside Stalls

A man in Chachoengsao, reportedly high on cannabis, was restrained by locals after threatening people at roadside stalls and demanding cigarettes

•Police responded to reports of a man threatening locals while demanding cigarettes in Bang Pakong district
•The suspect, Prasert, admitted to being high on cannabis during the incident
•Youths restrained the man after he allegedly threatened violence with a screwdriver

by Man high on cannabis threatens and demands cigarettes, gets beaten

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High TimesMar 4, 2026

Hemp-Derived THC Beverages Face Growth and Regulatory Uncertainty Amid Federal Ban Threats

Hemp-derived THC beverages are expanding rapidly in mainstream venues, sparking regulatory battles and industry division as a federal ban looms in the United States

•Hemp-THC drinks are now sold at major venues like Chicago's United Center, offering alternatives to alcohol
•The 2018 Farm Bill enabled the growth of hemp-derived intoxicating products through legal loopholes
•A federal ban on hemp-THC products is set for November 12, with some states enacting their own restrictions

by Hemp THC Drinks Are Exploding. Here’s Why the Alcohol Lobby Is Panicking.

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High TimesMar 3, 2026

Runners High Chicago Expands 4/20 Run Tradition to Challenge Cannabis Stereotypes

Runners High Chicago is using its annual 420 Run and weekly wellness events to break down cannabis stereotypes and foster a thriving, inclusive community

•Runners High Chicago hosted its third annual 420 Run in April 2025, attracting over 150 participants
•The club was founded in 2022 to challenge cannabis stereotypes and promote wellness and restorative justice
•Weekly events include running, yoga, meditation, and mental health support to foster community and consistency

by Get Lit, Get Fit: Runners High Chicago Is Building a 4/20 Tradition With Purpose

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High TimesMar 3, 2026

Bob Weir’s Legacy Illuminates Grateful Dead’s Evolving Relationship With Cannabis and Psychedelics

Bob Weir’s passing marks the end of a Grateful Dead era, highlighting his complex relationship with cannabis and the band’s enduring influence on counterculture

•Bob Weir, legendary Grateful Dead frontman, passed away on January 10, 2025
•Weir’s early career involved cannabis use, but he later distanced himself from regular consumption
•Grateful Dead members and historians emphasize the band’s nuanced relationship with drugs, seeing them as creative tools

by Weir All on Weed: What Bob Weir Really Thought About Pot

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High TimesMar 2, 2026

Jetty Extracts Prioritizes Operational Stability and Compassion Over Rapid Expansion

Jetty Extracts has built a national presence by prioritizing stability, quality, and compassion, offering a model of sustainable growth in the turbulent cannabis industry

•Jetty Extracts focused exclusively on California for its first decade, refining operations before expanding
•The company now operates in California, Colorado, and New York, with a careful approach to market entry
•Jetty maintains strict internal manufacturing controls and avoids overreliance on co-manufacturers

by In a Boom-and-Bust Industry, Jetty Extracts Played the Long Game

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High TimesMar 2, 2026

Former Marijuana Inmate Weldon Angelos Drives Trump-Era Cannabis Reform Efforts

Weldon Angelos, once sentenced to 55 years for marijuana, now leads efforts to reform U.S. cannabis policy and influence federal rescheduling under Trump

•Weldon Angelos transformed from a federal marijuana inmate to a key advocate for cannabis reform
•He built a coalition of athletes and industry leaders to push Trump’s administration toward rescheduling cannabis
•Angelos’s case highlighted the harsh realities of federal drug sentencing and mandatory minimums

by He Was Sentenced to 55 Years for Weed. Now He’s the Connector Behind Trump’s Cannabis Push.

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Virginia Lawmakers Approve Cannabis Resentencing Bill and Send It to Governor

Vinícius Jr.-Owned Alverca Fined After Cannabis Smell Disrupts Portuguese Soccer Match

Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez Runs for New Mexico Governor, Puts Cannabis Reform at Center Stage

Rapper Highdro Transforms Snake Obsession Into Cannabis-Infused Music and Business Ventures

Cannabis Use Linked to Changes in Sperm Quality and Fertility, Research Shows

Rove Launches Triple-Infused Ice Packs Blunts With Up to 50% THC Potency

National Data Shows Teen Cannabis Use Declines Despite Media Alarm Over Legalization

Argentina’s Business Press Embraces Cannabis as Economic Sector Amid Regulatory Challenges

Bronx Chef Marquis Hayes Opens First Licensed Dispensary in the Hamptons Amid Regulatory Hurdles

Brazil Approves New Medicinal Cannabis Regulations, Marking Shift Toward Domestic Oversight

Green Marketplace Pharmacy Medellín Launches Colombia's First Medical Cannabis Pharmacy

Beth Conway Strengthens New Jersey Cannabis Community Amid Market Growth and Price Pressures

Study Finds No Significant Driving Impairment in Frequent Cannabis Users 12–15 Hours After Use

Virginia Legislature Unanimously Approves Medical Cannabis Delivery and Labeling Reform

Cannabis Dispensaries Embrace Secret Shoppers to Elevate Customer Experience

Man in Chachoengsao Detained After Cannabis-Fueled Threats at Roadside Stalls

Hemp-Derived THC Beverages Face Growth and Regulatory Uncertainty Amid Federal Ban Threats

Runners High Chicago Expands 4/20 Run Tradition to Challenge Cannabis Stereotypes

Bob Weir’s Legacy Illuminates Grateful Dead’s Evolving Relationship With Cannabis and Psychedelics

Jetty Extracts Prioritizes Operational Stability and Compassion Over Rapid Expansion

Former Marijuana Inmate Weldon Angelos Drives Trump-Era Cannabis Reform Efforts

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