Cannabis News – Latest Industry Updates

MJBizDailyJan 13, 2026

Texas Proposes Stricter Hemp THC Regulations Threatening $5.5 Billion Market

Texas regulators have proposed new rules that could restrict popular hemp THC products and dramatically increase business fees, placing the state’s $5.

•Texas DSHS proposed new regulations that would count THCA toward hemp THC limits, threatening many hemp-derived products
•Annual licensing fees for manufacturers could rise from $250 to $25,000, and retail fees from $150 to $20,000 per location
•The rules mandate stricter packaging, expanded testing, and recall procedures for hemp products sold in Texas

by Proposed Texas hemp THC regulations threaten $5.5 billion market

Read full

High TimesJan 13, 2026

Study Reveals Cannabis in 37% of U.S. Hip-Hop Videos, Highlighting Cultural Influence

A study finds cannabis appears in over 37% of U.S. hip-hop videos, highlighting its cultural significance and influence on mainstream media

•37% of U.S. hip-hop videos feature cannabis imagery
•Study analyzed 1,160 music videos from YouTube's Top 100 charts
•Cannabis plays a significant cultural role in hip-hop
•German hip-hop videos show more nicotine than cannabis

by 37% of U.S. Hip-Hop and Rap Videos Show Weed, Study Finds

Read full

High TimesJan 13, 2026

Germany's Medical Cannabis Prescriptions Surge as Prices Drop and Access Simplifies

Germany's medical cannabis prescriptions have soared by over 3,300% since its reclassification, while prices have dropped, sparking discussions about potential policy

•Germany's medical cannabis prescriptions increased by over 3,300% from March 2024 to December 2025
•The reclassification of cannabis simplified access and expanded telemedical care options
•Concerns about misuse have led to discussions on policy restrictions, despite evidence to the contrary
•Bloomwell Group's report argues that current access levels should be maintained to prevent a shift back to unregulated markets

by Germany’s Medical Cannabis ‘Problem’ Is That It Worked. Prices Fell. Prescriptions Exploded

Read full

High TimesJan 13, 2026

South Africa's Cannabis Legalization Struggles Amid Police Corruption

South Africa's cannabis legalization efforts are hindered by conflicting laws and police corruption, leaving local growers marginalized and crimes unresolved

•South Africa's cannabis legalization faces legal and regulatory challenges
•Activists Myrtle Clarke and Julian Stobbs fought for cannabis decriminalization
•Julian Stobbs' murder remains unsolved due to police corruption
•The Madlanga Commission investigates systemic police corruption in South Africa

by Legal Weed Didn’t Fix South Africa’s Cannabis Problem

Read full

MatichonJan 13, 2026

Thai Experts Urge Political Clarity on Cannabis Policy Ahead of 2026 Election

Thai health experts and advocacy groups called for political parties to clarify their cannabis policy positions ahead of the 2026 election, citing increased health

•A public forum in Bangkok highlighted rising health risks following Thailand's cannabis decriminalization in 2022
•Experts reported a 3.5-fold increase in cannabis poisoning and a 6.5-fold increase in both dependence and psychosis cases since legalization
•International comparisons showed Thailand liberalized cannabis more rapidly and with lower baseline usage than Canada or Germany
•Speakers urged political parties to clearly state their cannabis policy positions before the 2026 general election

by เสวนาผลกระทบ ‘กัญชา’ หลังปลดล็อก 3 ปี แนะพรรคการเมืองแสดงจุดยืน ให้ปชช.ตัดสินในการเลือกตั้ง 13.01.26 | 16:33 น.

Read full

High TimesJan 12, 2026

Leadville Dispensary Fire Sparks Cultural Reflex, Highlights Cannabis Perceptions

A fire at a Leadville cannabis dispensary revealed enduring cultural stereotypes, highlighting the need for precise media coverage as cannabis becomes mainstream

•A cannabis dispensary fire in Leadville, Colorado, prompted widespread emergency response
•Media coverage focused on cannabis, leading to jokes about intoxication

by A Dispensary Burned. If This Was a Pharmacy Fire, Nobody Would Be Joking

Read full

MJBizDailyJan 12, 2026

Ohio Cannabis Sales Surpass $1 Billion in First Full Year of Adult-Use Market

Ohio's cannabis market surpassed $1 billion in combined medical and adult-use sales in its first full year, as new regulations and local restrictions reshape the state's rapidly growing industry

•Ohio cannabis sales reached $1.09 billion in the first full year of adult-use retail
•Retailers recorded over $836 million in nonmedical sales and $233 million in medical sales in 2025
•Average cannabis product prices dropped as the market matured, with flower prices falling to $6.41 per gram
•More than 130 Ohio cities and townships have enacted moratoriums banning adult-use sales

by Ohio cannabis sales top $1 billion in first full year of adult-use

Read full

High TimesJan 12, 2026

Libertarian Party Maintains Decades-Long Advocacy for Cannabis Legalization

The Libertarian Party has consistently advocated for cannabis legalization for over 50 years, emphasizing personal freedom and challenging federal drug policies

•The Libertarian Party has advocated for cannabis legalization since 1971
•Libertarian candidates have consistently included marijuana reform in their platforms
•The party's stance contrasts with major parties, especially during Nixon and Reagan eras
•Libertarian activists played key roles in medical marijuana legalization efforts

by Libertarians and the Long Road to Cannabis Freedom

Read full

High TimesJan 12, 2026

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair File $50 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Cannabis Licensing Fraud

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair are suing former partners for over $50 million, alleging fraud in a cannabis branding deal

•Mike Tyson and Ric Flair allege fraud in cannabis branding deal
•Lawsuit seeks over $50 million in damages and legal fees
•Complaint details misuse of celebrity likenesses by former partners

by Tyson and Ric Flair Say Former Partners Ripped Them Off — Now They’re in Court

Read full

High TimesJan 11, 2026

Coss Marte Transforms Past into Cannabis and Fitness Empire in NYC

Coss Marte transforms his past into a thriving cannabis and fitness business in NYC, inspiring others with his unique entrepreneurial journey

•Coss Marte founded ConBud dispensaries and ConBody gym in NYC
•Marte's businesses combine fitness and cannabis for community impact
•He plans to launch ConMission to support formerly incarcerated individuals

by From Prison to Pot Shop: Inside Coss Marte’s Con Empire

Read full

High TimesJan 11, 2026

Bob Weir's Legacy Lives On Through Music and Psychedelic Exploration

Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder, leaves a legacy of musical innovation and exploration of consciousness, highlighted by his interest in medicinal mushrooms

•Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead passed away at 78, leaving a lasting legacy
•Weir was known for his curiosity about consciousness and human connection
•He explored medicinal mushrooms for cognitive health benefits

by What It Was Like Doing Mushrooms With Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir

Read full

High TimesJan 10, 2026

Rethinking Drug Policies: Embracing Pleasure to Reduce Harm

New approaches to drug policy emphasize pleasure management to reduce harm and improve public health outcomes

•Traditional drug policies focus on costs, overlooking pleasure as a motivator
•Pleasure management proposes starting drug policy discussions with users' motivations
•Research highlights diverse motivations for drug use, including pleasure and connection

by The War on Drugs Failed Because It Never Understood Why People Use Drugs

Read full

MJBizDailyJan 9, 2026

Cannabis Businesses Face Increased HR Compliance Demands in 2026 Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Cannabis businesses in 2026 must overhaul HR compliance strategies as regulators intensify enforcement, focusing on employee classification, payroll accuracy, and workplace safety standards

•Regulators are increasing HR compliance enforcement for cannabis businesses in 2026
•Proper employee classification and updated HR systems are critical to avoid costly fines
•Wage and hour litigation risks are rising, especially with state minimum wage increases

by The HR compliance checklist every cannabis business needs in 2026

Read full

MJBizDailyJan 9, 2026

Major U.S. Banks Maintain Cannabis Ban Despite Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order

Major U.S. banks continue to deny services to the cannabis industry despite President Trump’s marijuana rescheduling order, citing regulatory uncertainty and incomplete legislative protections

•U.S. banks remain unwilling to serve the cannabis industry despite a federal rescheduling order
•Formal reclassification of marijuana as a Schedule 3 drug is still pending

by Big banks still refusing cannabis despite Trump marijuana rescheduling

Read full

High TimesJan 9, 2026

U.S. Government Acknowledges Medical Value of Cannabis, Paving Way for Rescheduling

The U.S. government's recognition of cannabis's medical value marks a pivotal policy shift, initiating its reclassification from Schedule I to Schedule III

•U.S. government acknowledges cannabis's medical value, initiating rescheduling to Schedule III
•Rescheduling could alleviate tax burdens on cannabis businesses under IRS code section 280E
•Cannabis research opportunities may expand with fewer regulatory barriers under Schedule III
•The reclassification may influence international cannabis regulations, particularly in Latin America and Europe

by The Government Admits Cannabis Has Medical Value. Now Comes the Fine Print

Read full

High TimesJan 9, 2026

Maine's Sun-Grown Cannabis Offers Alternative to Corporate Cultivation

A Maine documentary showcases a sustainable cannabis cultivation model that emphasizes local adaptation over corporate expansion

•Documentary "King’s Field" explores Maine's sun-grown cannabis model
•King Bishop partners with Northern Sol to meet demand sustainably

by [Video] Corporate Weed Has a Problem. This Maine Field Might Be the Answer

Read full

MJBizDailyJan 9, 2026

Massachusetts Cannabis Sales Break $1.65 Billion Record in 2025 Despite Price Declines

Massachusetts cannabis sales reached a record $1.65 billion in 2025 as lower prices drove higher transaction volumes and the industry prepared for regulatory changes

•Massachusetts cannabis sales hit a record $1.65 billion in 2025, surpassing the previous year by $3 million
•Retailers saw 46.3 million transactions, up by 3.4 million from 2024

by Massachusetts cannabis sales hit record $1.65 billion despite falling prices

Read full

High TimesJan 9, 2026

Award-Winning Short Film 'Stoned for Christmas' Celebrates Cannabis and Animation

'Stoned for Christmas,' an animated short by Morgan Young, blends cannabis culture with diverse animation styles, offering a unique holiday experience

•'Stoned for Christmas' is an animated short film by Morgan Young
•The film features diverse animation styles and cannabis culture

by ICYMI: Watch the Award-Winning Animated Short Stoned for Christmas

Read full

High TimesJan 9, 2026

Peter Tosh's Legacy of Resistance and the Tragic End that Echoes Through Time

Peter Tosh's legacy as a reggae icon and social activist endures, highlighting his role in advocating for justice and the tragic circumstances of his death

•Peter Tosh was a reggae musician and activist known for his militant stance
•Tosh faced numerous challenges and confrontations with authorities

by Peter Tosh and the Price of Speaking Too Loud

Read full

MJBizDailyJan 9, 2026

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair File $50 Million Fraud Lawsuit Over Cannabis Brand Disputes

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair have filed a $50 million federal lawsuit alleging fraud, embezzlement, and misuse of their likenesses by former partners in their cannabis brands

•Mike Tyson and Ric Flair accuse former Carma executives of fraud and embezzlement in a federal lawsuit
•The lawsuit seeks over $50 million in damages and alleges 21 counts of misconduct, including unauthorized deals using celebrity likenesses
•Defendants deny the allegations, calling the lawsuit "pure fiction" and a "shakedown."

by Mike Tyson, Ric Flair claim fraud in celebrity cannabis branding efforts

Read full

MJBizDailyJan 8, 2026

Oregon Cannabis Prices Reach Record Lows as Market Oversupply Persists

Oregon cannabis prices have plunged to historic lows amid record harvests, but consumer demand remains solid even as annual sales continue to decline slightly

•Oregon cannabis sales fell 3.5% in 2025 to $925.5 million, extending a post-pandemic decline
•Median retail price per gram dropped to $3.33, the lowest on record for the state
•Record harvests in 2025 led to oversupply and intense price compression across the supply chain

by Oregon cannabis prices fall to record low but consumer demand steady

Read full

Texas Proposes Stricter Hemp THC Regulations Threatening $5.5 Billion Market

Study Reveals Cannabis in 37% of U.S. Hip-Hop Videos, Highlighting Cultural Influence

Germany's Medical Cannabis Prescriptions Surge as Prices Drop and Access Simplifies

South Africa's Cannabis Legalization Struggles Amid Police Corruption

Thai Experts Urge Political Clarity on Cannabis Policy Ahead of 2026 Election

Leadville Dispensary Fire Sparks Cultural Reflex, Highlights Cannabis Perceptions

Ohio Cannabis Sales Surpass $1 Billion in First Full Year of Adult-Use Market

Libertarian Party Maintains Decades-Long Advocacy for Cannabis Legalization

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair File $50 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Cannabis Licensing Fraud

Coss Marte Transforms Past into Cannabis and Fitness Empire in NYC

Bob Weir's Legacy Lives On Through Music and Psychedelic Exploration

Rethinking Drug Policies: Embracing Pleasure to Reduce Harm

Cannabis Businesses Face Increased HR Compliance Demands in 2026 Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Major U.S. Banks Maintain Cannabis Ban Despite Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Order

U.S. Government Acknowledges Medical Value of Cannabis, Paving Way for Rescheduling

Maine's Sun-Grown Cannabis Offers Alternative to Corporate Cultivation

Massachusetts Cannabis Sales Break $1.65 Billion Record in 2025 Despite Price Declines

Award-Winning Short Film 'Stoned for Christmas' Celebrates Cannabis and Animation

Peter Tosh's Legacy of Resistance and the Tragic End that Echoes Through Time

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair File $50 Million Fraud Lawsuit Over Cannabis Brand Disputes

Oregon Cannabis Prices Reach Record Lows as Market Oversupply Persists

Want more?