Cannabis News – Latest Industry Updates

High TimesMar 21, 2026

New York Cannabis Industry Overcomes Early Turmoil and Sees Signs of Progress After Five Years

Five years after New York launched its legal cannabis market, the industry is stabilizing with improved regulation and communication despite ongoing challenges for equity businesses

•New York’s cannabis industry faced major challenges in its first five years, including regulatory confusion and unlicensed competition
•Operators like Housing Works Cannabis Co. navigated rushed openings and unclear rules, straining resources for social equity businesses
•Despite $2.5 billion in sales and over 582 dispensaries, profit margins remain slim and support for local operators has lagged
•Recent improvements include better regulatory communication, more sophisticated brands, and visible enforcement against unlicensed sellers

by Five Years In: What New York Cannabis Got Wrong—and What’s Finally Going Right

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High TimesMar 20, 2026

San Francisco Revives Cannabis Culture With SF Space Walk Festival and Citywide Events

San Francisco will host SF Space Walk from April 14-20, 2026, reviving citywide cannabis culture with drop parties, art exhibitions, and community events across multiple neighborhoods

•SF Space Walk returns to San Francisco April 14-20, 2026 with citywide cannabis events
•The festival features nightly drop parties, art exhibitions, and community initiatives
•Prominent cultivators and lounges will participate, highlighting local cannabis culture
•The event aims to reconnect legal cannabis with community, art, and neighborhood identity

by San Francisco’s Weed Week Is Back: SF Space Walk Returns This April

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High TimesMar 20, 2026

National Data Shows Teen Cannabis Use Declines Despite Ongoing Media Concerns

National survey data and recent studies confirm that teen cannabis use has declined even as media coverage continues to link legalization to youth access concerns

•Teen cannabis use has declined according to national surveys and the DEA's own materials
•Recent media reports have linked legalization to increased youth access, but data does not support this claim

by Even the DEA Says Teen Weed Use Is Down. WSJ Still Ties Teen Access to Legalization. Why Ignore the Data?

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High TimesMar 20, 2026

EU Wastewater Study Reveals Rising Cocaine and Ketamine Use Across Europe

A major wastewater study across 115 European cities has shown increased cocaine and ketamine use while MDMA levels drop, highlighting changing drug trends

•Wastewater from 115 cities in 25 European countries was analyzed for drug biomarkers
•Cocaine and ketamine use spiked on weekends, while MDMA levels declined overall

by Less MDMA, More Cocaine and Ketamine: Wastewater Data Reveals Shifts in Drug Use in Europe

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High TimesMar 20, 2026

Saul Modiano Revolutionized Rolling Papers and Playing Cards Across Europe

Saul Modiano, a Sephardic Jewish entrepreneur, built a pioneering rolling paper and playing card empire, introducing innovations that still influence European smoking and gaming culture today

•Saul Modiano founded a rolling paper and playing card empire spanning Europe and the Mediterranean
•He introduced the pop-up interleaved rolling paper booklet before Zig-Zag's famed patent
•Modiano's company expanded into lithography, design, glassmaking, and more, employing over 1,000 workers

by The Rolling Paper King You’ve Never Heard Of Beat Zig-Zag to the Pop-Up Booklet

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High TimesMar 20, 2026

Little Beach Harvest Establishes Shinnecock Cannabis Leadership on Long Island

Little Beach Harvest, owned by the Shinnecock Nation, is redefining cannabis retail on Long Island by focusing on tribal sovereignty, community, and inter-tribal collaboration

•Little Beach Harvest is a tribally owned dispensary in Southampton, New York, operated by the Shinnecock Nation
•The dispensary overcame regulatory and supply challenges by building internal capacity and partnering with other Indigenous operators
•Store manager Jay Randolph Wright emphasizes consensus-driven decision-making and community engagement as core values
•Little Beach Harvest offers unique community spaces and events to break cannabis stigma and foster inclusion

by How Little Beach Harvest Is Building Tribal Cannabis Power on Long Island

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EuronewsMar 18, 2026

European Lawmakers Debate Balancing Public Health and Pharma Industry Interests

European lawmakers at the Euronews Health Summit debated how to balance public health priorities with the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry across the EU

•MEPs debated healthcare priorities versus industry interests at the Euronews Health Summit in Brussels
•Tilly Metz warned that private sector motives may not serve public health needs

by Europe’s healthcare - A right or a business? MEPs debate in The Ring

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High TimesMar 18, 2026

AEW’s Marina Shafir Credits Cannabis for Balance in Family and Wrestling Career

AEW star Marina Shafir shares how cannabis has helped her balance family life, career demands, and personal loss, challenging stigmas about athletes and cannabis use

•Marina Shafir credits cannabis for helping her manage the stresses of professional wrestling and personal loss
•Shafir balances her AEW career with family life, prioritizing time with her husband and son
•She describes her wrestling persona as an authentic extension of herself, rooted in years of martial arts discipline
•Cannabis played a key role in her decision to quit drinking and aided in her emotional recovery after her father's death

by AEW’s Marina Shafir Hits Hard, Smokes Weed, and Would Rather Talk About Family

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High TimesMar 18, 2026

White House Prioritizes Fentanyl and Trafficking Over Marijuana Reform

The White House is making fentanyl, addiction, and trafficking—not marijuana reform—the centerpiece of its current drug policy agenda, impacting the pace of cannabis progress

•Sara Carter, the new drug czar, is prioritizing fentanyl and trafficking over marijuana reform
•Federal cannabis policy may still move forward, but it is not the White House's main focus
•Recent executive orders and agency actions on marijuana have been overshadowed by opioid-related concerns
•OG Lab analysis: The cannabis sector should temper expectations for major White House-led reform in the near term

by Marijuana Reform Isn’t This White House’s Drug Policy Priority

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High TimesMar 18, 2026

Non-Citizens in the U.S. Face Visa and Deportation Risks Over Cannabis Use

Non-citizens in the U.S. continue to face severe immigration risks, including visa denial and deportation, for any involvement with cannabis, regardless of state legalization

•Federal law continues to treat marijuana as a controlled substance, overriding state legalization for immigration purposes
•Over 47,000 people were deported for marijuana-related offenses between 2002 and 2020, making cannabis a leading cause of drug-related deportations

by Cannabis Can Cost You Your Visa: Immigration Risks for Non-Citizens in the United States

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Global NewsMar 18, 2026

Nova Scotia RCMP Issue Cannabis Tickets Amid First Nations Enforcement Dispute

Nova Scotia RCMP have issued new cannabis tickets and seized products from First Nations stores, intensifying a legal dispute over Indigenous rights and provincial enforcement

•RCMP issued tickets and seized cannabis products at stores in Whycocomagh and Eskasoni First Nations
•Inspections found cannabis disguised as snacks, raising safety concerns for children
•Membertou First Nation passed a resolution rejecting provincial enforcement on its lands, citing treaty rights

by N.S. RCMP issues more cannabis tickets as crackdown on First Nations stores continues Police allege hundreds of cannabis items had been packaged to resemble 'ordinary' products, such as candy, potato chips, cookies, chocolate bars and cereal. Crime 12 mins

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High TimesMar 17, 2026

Pew Research Survey Finds Global Cannabis Stigma Exceeds Abortion and Homosexuality

A new Pew Research global survey finds that cannabis use is still widely viewed as morally unacceptable, surpassing abortion and homosexuality in overall disapproval

•Pew Research surveyed 25 countries on moral acceptability of behaviors including cannabis, abortion, and homosexuality
•52% of respondents globally consider marijuana use morally unacceptable, higher than for abortion or homosexuality

by Is Weed ‘More Immoral’ than Abortion? Global Survey Ranks ‘Acceptable’ Behaviors

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High TimesMar 17, 2026

FDA Submits CBD Enforcement Policy for White House Review, Signaling End to Regulatory Limbo

The FDA has submitted a CBD compliance and enforcement policy to the White House, signaling a shift toward federal oversight and the likely end of regulatory ambiguity

•FDA submitted a CBD compliance and enforcement policy to the White House for review on March 13, 2026
•The move ends years of regulatory uncertainty and signals intent for structured federal oversight
•Industry experts warn that new standards may bring both benefits and increased compliance burdens

by The FDA Is Done Ignoring CBD. Its Free Ride May Be Over

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High TimesMar 17, 2026

Sisters of the Valley Inspire Oscar-Winning Film and Gain Global Recognition

The Sisters of the Valley inspired Oscar-winning film 'One Battle After Another,' gaining global visibility for their cannabis activism and spiritual mission

•Sisters of the Valley inspired Paul Thomas Anderson's Oscar-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio
•The Sisters participated on set, influencing the depiction of cannabis culture and spirituality
•Their practices focus on women's sovereignty, spirituality, and reverence for the cannabis plant

by How Weed Nuns Helped Shape Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-Winning DiCaprio Epic

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High TimesMar 17, 2026

Chile’s Rightward Shift Under Kast Stalls Cannabis Reform and Fuels Uncertainty

President Kast’s new administration in Chile deprioritizes cannabis reform, leaving activists facing greater legal uncertainty and mounting challenges to advance policy change

•President Kast’s administration shifts focus to security, sidelining cannabis reform
•Conflicting statements from Kast create legal ambiguity for patients and users
•Key cannabis decriminalization bill remains stalled in legislative committee
•Activists and journalists warn of increased criminalization and urge community organization

by Chile Under Kast: What the Hard Right Means for Cannabis

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High TimesMar 17, 2026

Preserving Cannabis Seed Genetics Drives Breeding Innovation and Market Identity

Industry leaders are focusing on preserving cannabis seed genetics, recognizing their vital role in breeding innovation, brand identity, and the future of the market

•Preserving cannabis seed genetics is crucial for breeding and cultural heritage
•Legendary strains like OG Kush and Sour Diesel earned reputations through consistency and adaptability
•Pheno-hunting enables breeders to develop proprietary cultivars that stand out in the market
•Iconic genetics drive brand identity and commercial ecosystems in the cannabis industry

by The Future of Cannabis Seeds: A Journey Back to the Roots

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High TimesMar 16, 2026

Oscars Nominees Receive $350K Gift Bags Featuring Luxury Cannabis Brands

Oscar nominees at the 98th Academy Awards received $350,000 gift bags featuring luxury cannabis brands, reflecting the plant’s growing acceptance among Hollywood elites

•Oscar nominees received gift bags valued at $350,000 each at the 98th Academy Awards
•Gift bags included luxury cannabis products from brands like Beboe, Cann Social Tonics, and Dogwalkers

by Weed at the Oscars: Luxury Cannabis, Cosmetic Surgeries and Prenups Inside the Nominees’ $350K Goodie Bags

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High TimesMar 16, 2026

South Africa Faces Deep Cannabis Divide as Traditional Growers Remain Excluded From Legal Market

South Africa’s cannabis industry remains divided as rural heritage growers face criminalization while licensed facilities struggle to export, deepening economic and cultural disparities

•Rural South African cannabis growers continue to face criminalization despite generational cultivation experience
•Licensed, export-focused cannabis facilities operate under strict government regulation, often failing to connect with local communities
•The introduction of 'hemp' licensing has added bureaucratic hurdles, requiring police oversight for non-intoxicating crops

by Two Economies, One Plant: South Africa’s Cannabis Divide

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EuronewsMar 16, 2026

AI Integration Accelerates Healthcare Progress While Raising Urgent Ethical Concerns in Europe

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare in Europe, but experts warn that ethical oversight and robust data protections are urgently needed to ensure

•AI is driving advances in diagnostics, training, and disease detection across Europe
•Experts stress that AI must complement, not replace, healthcare workers
•Data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and regulatory gaps are major concerns

by How AI is reshaping healthcare and raising ethical questions

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High TimesMar 15, 2026

New York Cannabis Market Growth Counters SAM Report’s Claims of Failure

New York’s legal cannabis industry is showing marked growth and declining disparities, challenging claims of failure highlighted in a recent SAM report

•SAM’s report criticizes New York’s cannabis legalization but relies on selective short-term data
•Long-term analysis shows youth cannabis use has not surged post-legalization and may be declining
•Racial disparities in cannabis enforcement have decreased since legalization, contrary to SAM’s claims

by Anti-Cannabis Group SAM Says New York Weed Is Failing. The Data Says Otherwise.

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The ThaigerMar 15, 2026

Israeli Man Arrested in Krabi for Operating Illegal Cannabis Extract Facility

Thai authorities arrested an Israeli man in Krabi after raiding an illegal cannabis extract facility, seizing over 29 kilograms of product and assets worth 3 million baht

•Police raided a cannabis extract facility in Krabi, Thailand, detaining an Israeli national
•Over 29 kilograms of cannabis extract and assets worth more than 3 million baht were confiscated

by Israeli man arrested in Krabi cannabis extract factory raid

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New York Cannabis Industry Overcomes Early Turmoil and Sees Signs of Progress After Five Years

San Francisco Revives Cannabis Culture With SF Space Walk Festival and Citywide Events

National Data Shows Teen Cannabis Use Declines Despite Ongoing Media Concerns

EU Wastewater Study Reveals Rising Cocaine and Ketamine Use Across Europe

Saul Modiano Revolutionized Rolling Papers and Playing Cards Across Europe

Little Beach Harvest Establishes Shinnecock Cannabis Leadership on Long Island

European Lawmakers Debate Balancing Public Health and Pharma Industry Interests

AEW’s Marina Shafir Credits Cannabis for Balance in Family and Wrestling Career

White House Prioritizes Fentanyl and Trafficking Over Marijuana Reform

Non-Citizens in the U.S. Face Visa and Deportation Risks Over Cannabis Use

Nova Scotia RCMP Issue Cannabis Tickets Amid First Nations Enforcement Dispute

Pew Research Survey Finds Global Cannabis Stigma Exceeds Abortion and Homosexuality

FDA Submits CBD Enforcement Policy for White House Review, Signaling End to Regulatory Limbo

Sisters of the Valley Inspire Oscar-Winning Film and Gain Global Recognition

Chile’s Rightward Shift Under Kast Stalls Cannabis Reform and Fuels Uncertainty

Preserving Cannabis Seed Genetics Drives Breeding Innovation and Market Identity

Oscars Nominees Receive $350K Gift Bags Featuring Luxury Cannabis Brands

South Africa Faces Deep Cannabis Divide as Traditional Growers Remain Excluded From Legal Market

AI Integration Accelerates Healthcare Progress While Raising Urgent Ethical Concerns in Europe

New York Cannabis Market Growth Counters SAM Report’s Claims of Failure

Israeli Man Arrested in Krabi for Operating Illegal Cannabis Extract Facility

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