Cannabis News – Latest Industry Updates

High TimesJan 17, 2026

NY Post Misrepresents Cannabis Study, Igniting Unfounded Concerns

A New York Post article misrepresents a cannabis study, stirring unfounded fears, while the study itself calls for more research into medical cannabis

•NY Post misrepresents cannabis study, sparking undue alarm
•The UCLA-led study calls for more research, not restriction
•Findings support cannabinoid use in specific medical contexts
•Media often misrepresents uncertainty as danger in cannabis research

by How The NY Post Found a Boring Cannabis Study and Turned It Into a Scare Story

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MJBizDailyJan 16, 2026

Florida Voter Support for Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Drops Amid Political Opposition

Support for adult-use cannabis legalization in Florida has dropped below the required threshold, as state officials intensify efforts to block the measure from the 2026 ballot

•A recent poll showed only 51% of Floridians support adult-use cannabis legalization, below the 60% needed
•Governor Ron DeSantis' administration is actively working to prevent the measure from reaching the 2026 ballot

by Florida adult-use marijuana legalization support dips amid DeSantis’ ‘political war’

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MJBizDailyJan 16, 2026

Ice-T’s New Jersey Cannabis Store Shuts Down Amid Lawsuit and Regulatory Hurdles

Ice-T’s Jersey City cannabis dispensary has closed less than a year after opening, with a lawsuit alleging unpaid rent and regulatory challenges cited as key factors in

•The Medicine Woman cannabis store in Jersey City, co-owned by Ice-T, closed less than a year after opening
•A lawsuit has been filed by the landlord alleging unpaid rent, $63,597 in bills, and a $51,392 mechanic's lien
•The company cited regulatory challenges in New Jersey as a primary reason for closure, despite significant investment

by Ice-T’s New Jersey marijuana store closes amid lawsuit, celebrity cannabis struggles

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High TimesJan 16, 2026

Cannabis Industry Faces Slow Progress in Washington Despite Reform Efforts

The cannabis industry remains in limbo as federal reform faces delays, requiring patience and strategic advocacy to influence Washington's slow-moving policy process

•Federal cannabis reform remains stalled despite state-level legalization
•Washington's slow process requires strategic planning and investment

by The Hard Truth About Washington and Cannabis Reform: Time, Money, and More Time

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MJBizDailyJan 16, 2026

Vic Mensa Calls for Cannabis Industry to Honor Cultural Roots in Corporate Spaces

Vic Mensa urged the cannabis industry to protect its cultural roots and ensure community representation as legalization and commercialization accelerate across the United States

•Vic Mensa emphasized the importance of preserving cannabis culture within the corporate boardroom
•He described the deep ties between cannabis, hip hop, and marginalized communities, particularly in Chicago
•Mensa called for greater ownership and leadership opportunities for those who built cannabis culture
•He warned that prioritizing profit over community risks erasing the culture that made the industry possible

by Vic Mensa: How to keep cannabis culture alive in the boardroom

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High TimesJan 16, 2026

NFL Players Discuss Psychedelic Use for Healing Beyond the Field

NFL players share insights on using psychedelics for healing at Denver's Psychedelic Science conference, highlighting a cultural shift in addressing mental health

•NFL players discuss psychedelic use for mental health at Denver conference
•NFL sees 692 concussions from 2019-2023, highlighting injury prevalence

by Heavy Hangs the Head that Wears the Helmet: NFL Players Open Up About Psychedelic Use

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High TimesJan 16, 2026

East Forest Releases Free Documentary 'Music for Mushrooms' to Explore Psychedelic Healing

East Forest's documentary 'Music for Mushrooms' explores the intersection of music, psychedelics, and healing, now available for free on YouTube

•East Forest releases 'Music for Mushrooms' documentary for free on YouTube
•The film explores music's role in psychedelic experiences and mental health
•East Forest emphasizes personal transformation and interconnectedness

by Music for Mushrooms Isn’t What You Think It Is

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High TimesJan 16, 2026

Cannabis Beverages Drive Down Alcohol Sales, Prompt Industry Concerns

Cannabis beverages are gaining popularity, leading to decreased alcohol consumption and prompting concern from the alcohol industry about market competition

•Cannabis beverages are associated with reduced alcohol consumption
•High Times publisher calls out alcohol industry's reaction as financially driven
•Research shows cannabis beverages may replace alcohol for some consumers

by Big Alcohol’s Weed Panic Isn’t Random. The Data Explains It

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MJBizDailyJan 15, 2026

Georgia Lawmakers Face Mounting Pressure to Broaden Medical Cannabis Access by 2026

Georgia lawmakers are under increasing pressure to expand the state's low-THC medical cannabis program in 2026 as stagnating patient growth and a looming federal hemp THC ban push advocates to demand

•Georgia's medical cannabis program currently allows only low-THC oil and has seen stagnant patient growth
•Senate Bill 220, which would legalize vaporizable flower and raise THC limits, remains under consideration after stalling last session

by Georgia under pressure to expand low-THC medical cannabis in 2026

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Weedmaps NewsJan 15, 2026

Ten Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses Expand Equity and Innovation Across the U.S

Ten Black-owned cannabis businesses across the U.S. are advancing equity, innovation, and community engagement through premium products, advocacy, and sustainable practices

•Silly Nice and Ball Family Farms have quickly risen as premium brands through sustainable practices and mentorship programs
•B NOBLE donates 10% of proceeds to organizations fighting cannabis criminalization and recently expanded into Europe
•Simply Pure became the first Black-owned dispensary in Colorado and New Jersey, promoting advocacy and inclusion

by Weedmaps Editors

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MJBizDailyJan 15, 2026

Montana Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Reach Record $327 Million Despite Price Declines

Montana set a new record with $327 million in adult-use cannabis sales in 2025, as recreational purchases now account for the vast majority of the state’s market

•Montana adult-use cannabis sales reached $327 million in 2025, a new state record
•Adult-use products now comprise 90% of all cannabis sales in Montana

by Montana adult-use cannabis sales hit record $327 million

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High TimesJan 15, 2026

Costa Rica's Presidential Candidates Face Cannabis Legalization Debate

Costa Rica's presidential candidates are addressing cannabis legalization, a key issue ahead of the 2026 election, with varying proposals for regulation and societal

•Costa Rica's 2026 elections highlight cannabis legalization debate
•Current law permits medicinal use; recreational remains illegal
•Candidates propose varied approaches to cannabis regulation
•Cannabis issue could influence voter engagement and election outcomes

by Costa Rica’s Election Draws Near: What Are the Candidates’ Positions on Weed?

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High TimesJan 15, 2026

Skyworld Partners with Last Prisoner Project to Advocate for Cannabis Justice

Skyworld collaborates with Last Prisoner Project to support cannabis justice and reform, highlighting the ongoing impact of the War on Drugs

•Skyworld partners with Last Prisoner Project for cannabis justice
•The initiative includes the Roll It Up for Justice donation program
•White Apple Runtz strain highlights the campaign's focus on reform
•The partnership emphasizes the need for addressing past injustices

by Skyworld Partners With Last Prisoner Project for Cannabis Justice

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MJBizDailyJan 14, 2026

Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Sparks Surge in Cannabis M&A Activity

President Trump’s executive order to reschedule marijuana has ignited a surge in cannabis industry mergers and acquisitions, setting the stage for further dealmaking as federal reforms progress

•President Trump’s December 18 executive order to reschedule marijuana spurred immediate M&A activity in the cannabis sector
•Notable deals included Vireo Growth’s acquisition of Eaze, Wyld’s purchase of Grön, and KEY Investment Partners’ acquisition of BellRock Brands

by Flurry of cannabis M&A that followed Trump marijuana rescheduling a sign of things to come

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MJBizDailyJan 14, 2026

Connecticut Cannabis Retailers Achieve Record Item Sales Despite Market Price Drop

Connecticut cannabis retailers sold a record 8.6 million items in 2025 despite a decline in total sales revenue and ongoing shifts from medical to recreational use

•Connecticut cannabis retailers sold a record 8.6 million items in 2025
•Total sales revenue dipped to $290 million, down from $293 million in 2024

by Connecticut cannabis retailers sell record number of items amid price drop

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High TimesJan 14, 2026

Bipartisan Bill Proposes Delay of Federal Hemp THC Ban Until 2028

A bipartisan bill proposes delaying the federal hemp THC ban to 2028, allowing more time for industry transition from prohibition to regulation

•Bipartisan bill seeks to delay hemp THC ban to 2028
•The bill allows more time for industry transition to regulation
•It addresses concerns from farmers and trade groups about current timelines
•The proposal has garnered support from both parties in Congress

by Hemp’s Death Sentence Gets a Stay of Execution

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High TimesJan 14, 2026

Thailand's Grandma Jazz Dispensary Pioneers Plastic-Free Cannabis Retail

Grandma Jazz in Phuket, Thailand, sets a precedent as the world's first plastic-free cannabis dispensary, promoting sustainability and community support

•Grandma Jazz is the world's first plastic-free cannabis dispensary
•Located in Kamala, Phuket, it promotes sustainability and local support
•The dispensary uses glass, ceramic, and metal instead of plastic
•Grandma Jazz collaborates with the GreenFlow Movement to reduce waste

by Inside the World’s First Plastic-Free Dispensary

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High TimesJan 14, 2026

California Teen's Overdose Highlights Risks of AI Drug Advice

A California teen's overdose after consulting an AI chatbot underscores the risks of seeking drug advice from artificial intelligence

•Teenager in California dies after seeking drug advice from AI chatbot
•Sam Nelson's case highlights the dangers of relying on AI for sensitive guidance

by Teen Dies After Seeking AI Drug Advice: The Risks of Turning to a Chatbot for Comfort

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MatichonJan 14, 2026

Thai Political Debate Highlights Conservative Cannabis Policy and Vaping Crackdown

Thai political candidates at a major youth debate in Bangkok reaffirmed medical-only cannabis policies and strict e-cigarette enforcement, signaling a conservative direction for future drug regulation

•Bhumjaithai Party candidate Lori called for cannabis use to be restricted to medical purposes only
•Lori opposed full cannabis liberalization and instead advocated for clean energy liberalization

by ลอรี่ ลั่นเอาแบบอนุรักษนิยมเท่ๆ เสรีไปไม่ดี กัญชาใช้แค่การแพทย์ เจนใหม่พท.ยันปราบบุหรี่ไฟฟ้า 14.01.26 | 18:00 น.

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High TimesJan 13, 2026

Proper Smoke League's Semifinals Intensify with $120,000 Prize at Stake

The Proper Smoke League semifinals heat up as contenders vie for a $120,000 prize, with Preferred Gardens and Up The Hill leading intense matchups

•Proper Smoke League's semifinals feature a $120,000 prize
•Preferred Gardens faces B-Eazy in a highly anticipated rematch
•Up The Hill's undefeated Revenge of the Zith challenges Ball Family Farms
•The competition emphasizes strategy and precision in every detail

by This Is What A $120,000 Cannabis Bracket Looks Like

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MJBizDailyJan 13, 2026

Massachusetts Ballot Initiative to Recriminalize Cannabis Moves Forward Despite Fraud Allegations

A campaign to end Massachusetts' $1.65 billion adult-use cannabis market is advancing to the November ballot despite fraud allegations, with state officials confirming enough signatures for the

•The Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts is advancing a ballot initiative to end adult-use cannabis sales in Massachusetts
•Fraud allegations were filed, claiming petition circulators misled voters about the initiative's purpose

by Despite fraud allegations, campaign to end $1.6 billion Massachusetts marijuana industry likely to proceed

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NY Post Misrepresents Cannabis Study, Igniting Unfounded Concerns

Florida Voter Support for Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Drops Amid Political Opposition

Ice-T’s New Jersey Cannabis Store Shuts Down Amid Lawsuit and Regulatory Hurdles

Cannabis Industry Faces Slow Progress in Washington Despite Reform Efforts

Vic Mensa Calls for Cannabis Industry to Honor Cultural Roots in Corporate Spaces

NFL Players Discuss Psychedelic Use for Healing Beyond the Field

East Forest Releases Free Documentary 'Music for Mushrooms' to Explore Psychedelic Healing

Cannabis Beverages Drive Down Alcohol Sales, Prompt Industry Concerns

Georgia Lawmakers Face Mounting Pressure to Broaden Medical Cannabis Access by 2026

Ten Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses Expand Equity and Innovation Across the U.S

Montana Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Reach Record $327 Million Despite Price Declines

Costa Rica's Presidential Candidates Face Cannabis Legalization Debate

Skyworld Partners with Last Prisoner Project to Advocate for Cannabis Justice

Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order Sparks Surge in Cannabis M&A Activity

Connecticut Cannabis Retailers Achieve Record Item Sales Despite Market Price Drop

Bipartisan Bill Proposes Delay of Federal Hemp THC Ban Until 2028

Thailand's Grandma Jazz Dispensary Pioneers Plastic-Free Cannabis Retail

California Teen's Overdose Highlights Risks of AI Drug Advice

Thai Political Debate Highlights Conservative Cannabis Policy and Vaping Crackdown

Proper Smoke League's Semifinals Intensify with $120,000 Prize at Stake

Massachusetts Ballot Initiative to Recriminalize Cannabis Moves Forward Despite Fraud Allegations

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