420 with CNW — Officials in New York Tout Successes Recorded in Legal Marijuana Program

New York regulators have published a series of year-end reports outlining how the state’s legal cannabis industry has developed, highlighting strong sales, growing tax revenue, progress on equity goals, and expanded access for medical patients.

According to the reports, total legal marijuana sales in the state have now passed $2.5 billion since recreational use was approved. Of that amount, roughly $1.6 billion came in during the most recent year, through November. The number of licensed retail outlets has also grown from 261 stores in 2024 to 556 by 2025, nearly doubling in just one year.

The Office of Cannabis Management noted that New York continues to surpass its social equity targets. About 55% of recreational cannabis licenses are held by social and economic equity entities. Within that group, 50% are owned by people from minority communities, and 47% are run by women.

State officials also detailed enforcement efforts aimed at limiting illegal cannabis sales. In 2025, regulators carried out more than 2,000 enforcement actions, seizing more than $20 million worth of unlicensed marijuana products.

The reports also note changes to the state’s medical marijuana program signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The updates expand access by simplifying patient certification, allowing reciprocity for visitors from other states, and permitting adults aged 18 and older to grow marijuana plants for therapeutic purposes. Officials said the changes are intended to modernize the program and better serve patients across New York.

Tax revenue remains a major outcome of legalization. From April 2023 through the end of November 2025, the state collected approximately $341 million in cannabis-related taxes from recreational and medical sales. However, officials acknowledged that sales are concentrated among a relatively small group of retailers. As of late November, the top 10 cannabis stores accounted for nearly 30% of all sales, while the top 50% of operating locations generated about 80% of total revenue.

The data also suggest that legalization has not led to increased youth use. Surveys show that the share of adolescents reporting recent marijuana use declined from 20% in 2013 to 12.5% in 2023.

Regulators also announced an extension for conditional recreational cannabis licenses, pushing the renewal deadline to the end of the year. The move is intended to give license holders more time to secure compliant locations, particularly amid zoning concerns affecting more than 100 businesses located near schools or religious institutions.

Separately, lawmakers passed a measure that would give marijuana distributors and manufacturers additional time to file quarterly tax returns. If approved, the filing window would expand from 20 days to 50 days after each reporting period ends.

This positive information coming after the hiccups that threatened to derail the program in its initial stages after the launch of legal sales comes as a welcome relief to industry players like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) that are happy to see new markets succeed at giving adults access to products from licensed outlets in states with enabling regulations.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — US Supreme Court Sets Dates to Hear Marijuana Users’ Gun Rights Case

The United States Supreme Court has set a date to hear arguments in a closely watched case that could determine whether federal restrictions on gun ownership for people who use cannabis are constitutional.

The justices scheduled oral arguments for March 2, roughly two months after agreeing to review the dispute. The case pits the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Ali Danial Hemani, who was prosecuted under a federal statute that bars individuals who use illegal drugs from purchasing or possessing firearms. Hemani argues that the law violates the Second Amendment.

At issue is a provision of federal law, codified as 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which has been under increasing scrutiny in lower courts. In Hemani’s case, a federal appeals court ruled that applying the ban to people who use cannabis infringes on constitutional gun rights. That decision created further division among federal courts, prompting the Supreme Court to step in.

Support for the government’s position has come from a broad group of state officials. Attorneys general from 19 states, along with Washington, D.C., filed a brief urging the justices to preserve the statute. They argue that the law plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and aligns with historical limitations on firearm possession.

Groups that support tighter gun regulations, including the Brady Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords Law Center, and others, have asked the court to reverse the lower court’s ruling. A separate filing from a coalition of legal and history scholars contends that restrictions on armed individuals viewed as dangerous have longstanding roots in American law.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana and more than 20 similar groups urged the court to uphold the federal ban, arguing that cannabis consumption can be linked to impaired judgment, violence, and mental health risks.

In filings with the court, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that people who use illegal substances present a higher risk than those who consume alcohol.

In an earlier filing related to Hemani, the DOJ noted that federal appeals courts are deeply divided on the issue. Prosecutors also highlighted Hemani’s background as a dual U.S. and Pakistani citizen, alleging connections to Iranian-linked entities that had drawn the attention of federal investigators.

The case comes during a period of shifting federal cannabis policy. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order instructing AG Pam Bondi to complete a process that would move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act. Legal experts say it remains unclear whether that change would have any direct effect on gun cases tied to marijuana use.

The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could shape the outcome of several similar cases nationwide. If the justices uphold the statute, the government would likely prevail in other pending disputes. The court has already declined to hear appeals in some related cases, while others remain unresolved.

The marijuana industry, including entities like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), will be watching how the Supreme Court rules in this case and what precedent will be set by that decision.

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420 with CNW — Florida Could Again Vote on Recreational Marijuana in 2026 Polls

Florida’s debate over recreational cannabis is resurfacing after a failed ballot initiative and renewed public support, setting the stage for a possible return to voters in 2026.

During the 2024 election cycle, a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use marijuana earned backing from 56% of voters. While that represented a clear majority, it did not meet the state’s 60% threshold required to amend the constitution. As a result, recreational marijuana remained illegal despite growing public approval.

New polling suggests attitudes have continued to shift. A survey conducted by the University of North Florida in 2025 found that support for recreational cannabis had climbed to 66%, well above the level needed to pass if voters were asked again. Advocates argue that the earlier defeat reflected concerns about the details of the proposal rather than outright opposition to legalization.

Governor Ron DeSantis was a vocal critic of the 2024 measure and played a prominent role in the public debate. At the time, he warned that legalization would lead to widespread use and change the character of public spaces, arguing the amendment went far beyond easing penalties.

The earlier proposal allowed adults to purchase cannabis only from state-approved retailers and did not permit people to grow plants at home. Critics raised alarms about potential advertising aimed at minors, while some supporters felt the plan was too restrictive and favored personal cultivation rights.

The revised version explicitly allows limited home cultivation, prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis in public areas, and bans any form of marketing directed at children.

Florida’s GOP chair Joe Gruters, a supporter of legalization, said allowing residents to grow their own marijuana does not undermine the regulated market. He noted that in states where recreational use is legal, personal cultivation tends to exist alongside licensed dispensaries rather than replace them.

Throughout 2025, sponsors have focused on gathering signatures to move the proposal forward. To qualify for review, they must submit over 880,000 valid signatures by February 1. The campaign had turned in over 675,000 by December 2025. However, roughly 200,000 were rejected because they did not include the full text of the amendment, forcing organizers to continue collecting petitions.

If the campaign reaches the required number and the Florida Supreme Court signs off on the language, the measure could appear on the 2026 ballot. Voter approval would significantly reshape Florida’s marijuana laws, with implications for consumers, businesses, law enforcement, and the use of public spaces across the state.

The reform movement, as well as notable industry firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be hoping that the outcome of the ballot measure reflects the true will of the state residents.

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420 with CNW — Ohio Campaigners Start Effort to Undo Recent Changes to State Marijuana Laws

A new campaign is underway to challenge recent changes to Ohio’s cannabis laws, setting the stage for another statewide vote on cannabis policy. Ohioans for Cannabis Choice has launched a referendum effort aimed at overturning parts of Senate Bill 56, legislation that tightens rules around intoxicating hemp products and revises the recreational cannabis framework approved by voters in 2023.

If the effort succeeds, the question of whether to repeal portions of the law would appear on the statewide ballot next November. To reach the ballot, organizers must gather close to 250,000 valid signatures, a process that is already moving forward.

Supporters say the new law undermines what voters endorsed when they approved adult-use marijuana. Since that election, lawmakers have repeatedly revisited the cannabis statute, arguing that technical fixes and public safety concerns made revisions necessary. Critics counter that the legislature went far beyond clarification.

SB 56 establishes limits on cannabis potency, restricts smoking in many public areas, and creates penalties for consuming cannabis inside vehicles, whether someone is driving or riding along. It also bars residents from bringing legally purchased cannabis into Ohio from other states and sets criminal consequences for exceeding limits on home cultivation. Provisions protecting cannabis users from discrimination in housing, employment, and organ donation were also removed.

Under the new rules, hemp-derived products that cause intoxication would be allowed only within licensed marijuana dispensaries. Supporters of the change say it aligns Ohio law with updated federal standards.

Governor Mike DeWine has repeatedly criticized the spread of hemp-based edibles and beverages, especially products packaged to resemble familiar candy or snack brands. With his signature on SB 56, most of these products will be illegal come March.

While lawmakers initially included language allowing low-dose THC beverages to remain legal until federal rules change in 2026, DeWine removed that provision through a line-item veto, effectively ending their sale at the same time.

The referendum campaign began immediately after the bill became law, with initial paperwork and signatures filed within days. State officials now have limited time to verify signatures and review the petition language. If approved, organizers will have 90 days to gather the remaining signatures, including minimum thresholds in at least half of Ohio’s counties.

State Senator Steve Huffman, the bill’s sponsor, acknowledged frustration from some voters but said the legislation mainly clarified ambiguities. He cited homegrow limits as an example, arguing that lawmakers aligned the statute with what voters intended. Huffman also said lawmakers improved expungement procedures and worked to simplify licensing for businesses.

He questioned whether the referendum truly reflects voter concerns, suggesting opposition is largely driven by hemp industry interests. DeWine’s office echoed that view, saying the 2023 ballot measure did not guarantee the right to sell THC products in bars or convenience stores. While affirming the public’s right to pursue a referendum, administration officials argue the campaign’s claims do not fully match the language voters approved.

The broader marijuana industry, including established entities like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be keeping an eye on how the debate plays out and any regulatory changes that emerge in the state.

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420 with CNW — Trump’s Cannabis Order Injects New Life into Hemp Industry

President Trump has offered a boost to the struggling hemp sector with his executive order that directs federal agencies to accelerate the reclassification of cannabis and explore Medicare coverage for CBD products. The move arrives as the industry prepares for a major policy fight in Congress over rules that could sharply restrict hemp-derived goods.

The sector has faced mounting pressure since November, when lawmakers inserted new language into a government funding package aimed at tightening oversight of hemp-derived products. The provision was designed to close a regulatory gap that allowed hemp products to be sold widely with limited federal scrutiny. Industry representatives argue the change goes too far and could effectively wipe out much of the consumer CBD market.

The executive order, signed last week, signals a shift in tone at the federal level. It followed sustained lobbying by cannabis advocates, including some with longstanding ties to the president. While the order does not alter the law, it calls on administration officials to collaborate with Congress to revise existing statutes, allowing certain CBD products to remain available while addressing those that pose legitimate health concerns.

Hemp-derived CBD remains legal, and hemp is not classified as a controlled substance. Still, industry leaders say the president’s directive gives them political momentum. U.S. Hemp Roundtable general counsel Jonathan Miller described the order as a clear rejection of the restrictive language adopted in the funding bill. He added that it strengthens the industry’s position as lawmakers revisit the issue over the coming months.

Hemp was legalized through the 2018 Farm Bill, originally envisioned for uses such as farming and manufacturing. However, broad statutory definitions and limited oversight allowed some producers to concentrate or chemically alter THC derived from hemp, resulting in products that critics say can be just as potent as marijuana.

The funding bill includes a one-year delay before the new limits take effect, giving companies time to press for changes. Thomas Winstanley, an executive at Edibles.com, said businesses are seeking at least an additional six months ahead of the January 30 funding deadline, hoping lawmakers will adjust the policy.

Some advocates caution that the administration’s support is narrowly focused. The order directs the attorney general to move faster on shifting marijuana from Schedule I, reserved for substances with no accepted medical use, to Schedule III, which includes most prescription medications. That change would not protect companies selling synthetic or highly intoxicating THC products under the hemp label.

Chris Lindsey of the American Trade Association for Cannabis & Hemp said the intent is to carve out space for legitimate CBD producers, not businesses operating like marijuana retailers. He argued that the current definition is so sweeping that it risks blocking lawful products from the market. In his view, the president’s message to Congress is to revisit the language and ensure responsible CBD companies are not caught in the dragnet.

As the regulatory landscape for hemp and marijuana evolves over the coming months, firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) will be keeping tabs to analyze how the new regulations impact their business projections.

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420 with CNW — As Federal Drug Policy Evolves, Tennessee Lawmakers Mull Medical Marijuana Reforms

Cannabis has been removed from the federal government’s most restrictive drug category following a recent executive order by President Donald Trump. The move shifts marijuana from Schedule I, a group reserved for substances deemed to have no accepted medical use, to Schedule III.

While the change marks a significant shift in federal policy, its impact in Tennessee remains uncertain, especially as the state prepares to implement stricter cannabis-related laws.

Tennessee remains among the ten states that prohibit marijuana entirely, including both medical and recreational use. That stance will be reinforced on January 1, when a new state law takes effect regulating hemp-derived products and prohibiting specific forms of THCA. The law is intended to tighten oversight of products currently sold in stores across the state.

The new order broadens opportunities for scientific research into medical cannabis. During the signing, President Trump said the change responds to decades of requests from patients coping with severe and ongoing pain.

Despite the state’s firm position, the federal reclassification has reopened debate among Tennessee lawmakers. Some Republican legislators say they are willing to revisit the issue of medical marijuana if future studies demonstrate clear benefits.

State Senator Heidi Campbell welcomed the federal decision and urged Tennessee leaders to follow suit. She stated that the state has lagged behind national trends and argued that policy should reflect the evolving scientific understanding and the needs of patients.

Some have expressed cautious openness. House Speaker William Lamberth said any adjustments to state law would depend on credible evidence showing legitimate medical use. He emphasized the importance of building laws around solid research when dealing with substances that carry risks.

Senator Mark Pody echoed a similar sentiment, noting that medical cannabis could potentially address health concerns while also reducing incarceration rates linked to drug offenses.

Personal stories are also shaping the conversation. Billy Reichardt, who grew up in Hendersonville and now lives in Florida, said he turned to medical cannabis after years of chronic neck and back pain.

He credits cannabis with easing both his physical discomfort and anxiety. Reichardt said he would like to see similar access in Tennessee, arguing that regulated medical use could help patients while also generating tax revenue and improving oversight.

Not all state leaders agree. Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally has maintained that cannabis remains dangerous and has said he does not believe it offers meaningful medical value.

For now, Tennessee’s cannabis laws remain unchanged. However, with federal policy shifting and lawmakers signaling renewed interest, the issue is expected to resurface when the legislature reconvenes. Whether that discussion leads to reform or reinforces the state’s current approach remains to be seen.

Cannabis firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) will be tracking the debates around the U.S. in the wake of the federal change to the classification of marijuana to see whether the new development triggers broader drug policy reforms.

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420 with CNW — GOP State AGs Oppose Trump’s Plan to Reschedule Marijuana

A group of GOP state attorneys general is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s move to reclassify cannabis, arguing that marijuana should remain among the most tightly controlled substances due to health and safety concerns.

In a recently released joint statement, AGs from Iowa, Indiana, Idaho, Louisiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Oklahoma said they have long rejected calls to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana and believe recent scientific findings reinforce their position.

They also pointed to what they described as real-world consequences of wider marijuana access, citing damage they say the drug has caused in their states. Among their concerns is what they described as a sharp rise in impaired driving cases, which they said are difficult for law enforcement to detect and prosecute.

The group noted that its members had shared their objections with the White House and expressed appreciation for what they described as the administration’s willingness to listen. Still, they said they are troubled by the executive order directing the U.S. Attorney General to move forward with the rulemaking process to place cannabis in Schedule III.

They added that they plan to closely review the order and consider next steps, emphasizing their intent to protect public health and ensure community safety.

In a separate announcement, South Dakota AG Marty Jackley said he and other attorneys general participated in a conference call with White House officials to discuss the executive order following the president’s signing event. Jackley said he appreciated what he described as ongoing communication between the administration and state law enforcement leaders.

Jackley also stressed that reclassifying marijuana would not amount to nationwide legalization. He noted that federal law would still prohibit marijuana from being prescribed by doctors unless it receives approval from the Food and Drug Administration. In South Dakota, he said, recreational use would remain illegal, and medical use would continue to be allowed only under strict conditions, including a valid prescription, a medical card, and purchases from licensed facilities.

The attorneys general’s criticism comes after GOP legislators in the House and Senate sent letters to Trump urging him to abandon plans to reclassify marijuana. Trump publicly brushed aside those objections, arguing that most Americans favor the policy shift and that cannabis has helped people dealing with serious medical conditions. He also referenced friends of his own who, he said, had benefited from its use.

While the proposed change would not make marijuana legal at the federal level, it would have significant practical effects. It would allow state-licensed marijuana businesses to claim standard federal tax deductions under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code. The change would also ease restrictions on scientific research, making it simpler for researchers to study marijuana compared with drugs that remain in Schedule I.

The opposition from sections of the GOP notwithstanding, the long-awaited change to the classification of marijuana at the federal level could improve the conditions under which marijuana companies operate at state level, and that would in turn open up new opportunities for companies similar to Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) to be created to serve within the marijuana ecosystem.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Golden Triangle Ventures Inc. (OTC: GTVH) Establishes Snapt Beverages as Vertically Integrated Manufacturing and Brand Platform

Golden Triangle Ventures (OTC: GTVH) (“GTV”) announced the establishment of Snapt Beverages as its manufacturing and brand development division, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary and strengthening the Company’s foundation as a vertically integrated consumer products platform built for scale. The Company has closed on and taken control of its fully operational 11,000-square-foot Florida manufacturing facility, which is actively producing across multiple beverage categories, including functional beverages, energy drinks, hydration products, hydrogen water and THC/CBD-infused beverages, while supporting quality assurance, packaging, warehousing and logistics coordination. Through Snapt Beverages, Golden Triangle Ventures now operates a fully integrated, in-house manufacturing platform delivering immediate production activity, existing customer demand and recurring cash flow, while supporting internal brands such as Go Fast Sports & Beverage and external partners through formulation, branding, manufacturing, packaging and launch execution, creating a scalable foundation for national retail expansion beginning in 2026 and long-term shareholder value growth.

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Golden Triangle Ventures (OTC: GTVH) is a diversified company developing a portfolio of high-growth businesses across construction, energy, and consumer goods. Through subsidiaries such as GoldenEra Development, GoFast Sports, Deep South Electrical Contractors, and its future Manufacturing & Logistics Division, the company operates a vertically integrated model focused on profitability, innovation, and long-term shareholder value.

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CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

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420 with CNW — Trump Signs Order Expediting Federal Marijuana Rescheduling

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would expedite cannabis rescheduling, easing restrictions that have been in place for more than half a century.

The order focuses on speeding up an ongoing review under the Controlled Substances Act, the federal framework that sorts drugs into five categories based on medical usefulness and abuse potential.

At the top of that system is Schedule I, reserved for substances deemed highly addictive, dangerous, and lacking any accepted medical benefit. Cannabis has remained in that category since 1970, grouped with drugs such as heroin. At the opposite end is Schedule V, which includes medications considered to have clear medical value and low risk of misuse.

Placement in Schedule I has long created barriers for scientists seeking to study cannabis. Researchers face additional licensing requirements, limits on supply, and other regulatory obstacles that do not apply to substances in lower schedules. This has frustrated doctors and patients who point to decades of use of cannabis-based treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, nausea, and muscle spasms.

Reclassification efforts began under President Joe Biden, who in 2022 asked the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to review marijuana’s placement. At the time, Biden argued that treating cannabis more harshly than drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl did not align with scientific evidence or public health realities.

The review moved forward in 2023 when the DHHS recommended moving cannabis to Schedule III. Drugs in this category are recognized as having medical value and a moderate to low likelihood of abuse. Acting on the recommendation, the DOJ released a proposed rule in 2024, opening the door for public comment.

Roughly 43,000 responses were submitted, and about 70% supported changes that went beyond rescheduling, including removing marijuana from the controlled substances list entirely or legalizing it nationwide. The proposal is now headed toward an administrative hearing.

If approved, the change would mark an unprecedented shift as federal authorities have never reclassified a Schedule I substance that is as widely used as cannabis. It is currently legal for medical purposes in 40 states and Washington, DC, while recreational use is permitted in 24 states. Surveys also show that daily cannabis consumption now exceeds similar patterns of alcohol use among American adults.

While the executive order does not immediately change marijuana’s legal status, it instructs the DOJ to complete the ongoing rulemaking as quickly as federal law allows. Lawmakers could also act independently, since Congress has the authority to amend the Controlled Substances Act.

For now, the order signals renewed momentum in a debate that has steadily reshaped drug policy across the United States. Local and foreign based marijuana companies like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will be closely following how the administrative review process pans out and the final rule enacted.

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420 with CNW — E-Commerce is Helping to Normalize Marijuana in the US

Imagine scrolling through an article about a newly released marijuana strain or infused drink, spotting a purchase link, and reserving the product for same-day pickup at a nearby licensed dispensary. That scenario, once unlikely in the cannabis sector, is moving closer to everyday retail reality.

Consumers at licensed marijuana stores are beginning to see this shift through a new partnership between High Times, a long-running cannabis publication, and Hoodie Analytics, a Chicago-based data and technology company. The collaboration combines editorial content with an online ordering system, enabling readers nationwide to search for legal products, place a reservation, and complete the purchase in person at approved retailers.

Transactions are still finalized face-to-face, keeping the process aligned with state laws. Even so, the experience closely mirrors how customers shop for many other regulated products online.

Industry leaders say the effort responds to long-standing frustrations among brands and retailers. Wes Shepherd, CEO of Hoodie Analytics, said many businesses struggle with how consumers discover products. He believes the current system makes it difficult for shoppers to find what they want without relying heavily on discounts or promotions.

Unlike existing cannabis marketplaces, the High Times platform allows readers to move directly from an article to a product listing through embedded links. Matt Stang, a partner at High Times, said the model benefits retailers by sending qualified customers their way while keeping the shopping process simple.

Hoodie’s database tracks over 10,000 licensed stores and roughly 9 million individual product listings across the United States. Retailers can also join Hoodie Connect, a no-cost program that offers additional visibility and order referrals through High Times’ audience.

Not everyone is convinced that e-commerce will benefit all brands equally. Dialed In Gummies President Max Vansluys noted that premium producers can struggle in online environments where lower-priced options dominate. He argued that in-store guidance matters, especially for customers unfamiliar with quality differences. Budtenders, he said, play a critical role in helping shoppers understand why a product costs more.

Vansluys added that once an order is placed online, the interaction can become purely transactional. Without personal guidance, consumers may default to cheaper options rather than better ones. Still, he acknowledged benefits, particularly for travelers who want to locate familiar products when visiting another state.

Former LivWell and PharmaCann Executive Chris Mapson echoed that point, noting that cannabis remains highly regional. He said the platform allows readers to quickly see whether a product mentioned in an article is sold in their area.

Beyond digital commerce, High Times is also investing in print. Through a partnership with Colorado-based Cannapages, the company plans to launch High Times Local, a city-specific magazine featuring coupons, advertising, and local coverage. The first editions are set to appear in Phoenix, Denver, and Colorado Springs, with more cities planned for next year.

Cannapages’ Matt Hollingshead said physical publications still resonate with readers. Stang added that younger audiences, much like music fans returning to vinyl, are showing renewed interest in tangible media they see as authentic and lasting.

These developments in cannabis marketing are likely to be of interest to established companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) as they could open new avenues to drive sales.

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