Author: CannabisNewsWire (CNW)

About CannabisNewsWire CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

420 with CNW — New Delaware Bill Seeks to Regulate THC Drinks Like Alcohol

A new measure making its way through Delaware’s state legislature could change how and where THC-infused beverages are sold. House Bill 98, introduced by Representative Debra Heffernan, proposes moving these drinks out of bars and restaurants and limiting their sale to licensed package stores. The bill has already passed the committee stage, and Heffernan expects it to become law before the legislative session ends.

The legislation aims to shift THC drinks into Delaware’s traditional alcohol distribution model, known as the three-tier system. This structure includes producers, distributors, and retailers like liquor stores. By fitting THC beverages into this established framework, the state hopes to bring clarity and oversight to a product category that currently exists in a legal gray zone.

The bill also includes provisions for other hemp-derived consumables, such as edibles and vapes. These products would be restricted to cannabis facilities that don’t yet operate in Delaware. Heffernan said work on the legislation started back in 2024, though it wasn’t formally introduced until May 2025.

Her motivation, she says, is rooted in public health and safety. She pointed out that there are currently no training standards for serving THC drinks in hospitality settings, making it difficult for servers or consumers to know safe consumption limits.

Most of the drinks in question are made with hemp, not marijuana. While both contain Delta-9 THC, the legal distinction hinges on concentration. Under U.S. law, anything with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC is considered hemp. Anything stronger is legally classified as cannabis.

Due to the vague language in the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products have faced far fewer restrictions than marijuana. As a result, hemp-based THC drinks are widely available across the U.S., including in Delaware, where they’re sold in liquor stores and elsewhere. In 2024, the market for these beverages surpassed $3 billion globally.

HB 98 also directs Delaware’s cannabis regulatory office to collect and test samples of the beverages before they reach distributors. This is meant to ensure they meet safety standards. Lawmakers argue that liquor stores are better equipped to handle these sales because they already have safeguards to prevent underage access.

In recent years, Delaware state agencies have started cracking down on unauthorized THC sales. The Department of Justice issued warnings in 2024, and alcohol regulators admitted they lacked the knowledge to properly advise businesses on the legality and safety of THC-infused drinks.

Cannabis attorney Peter Murphy weighed in saying that while legal uncertainty remains, the legislation could benefit both liquor stores and future cannabis dispensaries. According to him, the bill may reshape who controls THC-infused products, moving them from loosely regulated sellers into a more defined—and likely more competitive—market.

This progressive approach being undertaken in Delaware is likely to attract commendation from the wider marijuana industry, including from major companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF).

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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 — New Mexico Uses Cannabis Tax to Fund Monthly Stipend for Vulnerable Families

Albuquerque, New Mexico, has launched a new basic income initiative aimed at helping families in areas with high needs. Starting this month, selected households will receive monthly payments with no strings attached. This effort is being partially funded by tax revenue generated from recreational marijuana sales.

Back in March, city officials approved a $4.02 million budget for the program. Of that, over $2 million is coming directly from the city’s recreational marijuana revenue. The plan currently supports 80 families living in two school districts where students face significant academic challenges. Each family will receive $750 every month, and the program also offers financial counseling to help participants manage and plan their finances more effectively.

The initiative is part of a broader trend of guaranteed income programs being tested across the country. Unlike universal basic income, which provides monthly payments to everyone regardless of need, guaranteed income programs are usually targeted. These initiatives often focus on groups that face systemic disadvantages, such as low-income families, single mothers, communities of color, and transgender individuals.

Supporters argue that giving people regular cash payments helps stabilize their lives. Research from similar programs has shown that recipients often experience less stress, improved mental well-being, more secure housing situations, and better job opportunities—mainly because they can take time to seek employment or gain new skills.

However, not everyone is on board with this approach. Legislators in states like Idaho, South Dakota, and Iowa have pushed back, passing laws to prevent local governments from implementing these types of programs. Critics claim that guaranteed income discourages people from working and leans too far into government dependency.

Despite this criticism, leaders in Albuquerque are standing firm. They say the purpose of this effort is to help close the economic gap that disproportionately affects marginalized groups. According to the city, families impacted by cannabis-related criminalization, especially Black, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander communities, as well as women and low-income households need this support.

City Councilor and Cannabis Equity and Community Reinvestment Fund head Klarissa Peña stressed the importance of accountability. She noted that the initiative was not just about handing out money but also about producing real, measurable improvements for people who have faced systemic barriers for years. Peña added that in the long run, the approach could lead to healthier communities, lower addiction rates, and savings for taxpayers.

Such programs show the far-reaching extra benefits that cannabis legalization brings to jurisdictions which license various marijuana companies like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) to operate within their markets.

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420 with CNW — PA Senate Panel Rejects Provision to Sell Recreational Cannabis Using State Stores

A proposal backed by Pennsylvania Democrats to allow adults to buy recreational marijuana from state-run stores has been blocked by a Senate panel. The bill was voted down 7-3 by the Senate Law and Justice Committee, with one Democrat siding with Republicans to oppose it.

State Senator Dan Laughlin, who leads the committee, supports the idea of legalizing cannabis. However, he voiced strong opposition to selling it through government-operated shops. Laughlin argued that this model would sideline small businesses and entrepreneurs, pose logistical complications, and potentially invite legal trouble given the federal ban on cannabis.

What happens next in Pennsylvania’s ongoing debate over recreational cannabis remains uncertain. Matt Bradford, the state House Majority Leader, urged Senate Republicans to bring forward a legalization plan that could gain enough support to pass. While the House has already taken a clear position, Bradford noted that it’s now the Senate’s turn to propose a version that can secure the necessary 26 votes.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic Representatives Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel, aimed to keep the cannabis market from being overtaken by large corporate players. Supporters argue that public health and consumer interests would be better protected under state management.

Critics, however, say the model is untested and risky—no other state has implemented a government-run cannabis system. They also argue that expanding the existing medical marijuana framework would be a more practical path.

Some Democrats on the Senate committee signaled they could support a compromise approach similar to one Laughlin proposed during a previous legislative session. That version would establish an oversight board and allow already-licensed medical marijuana providers, most of which are large firms, to begin selling recreational products.

Laughlin noted that his proposal isn’t ready for a vote yet.

After the committee’s decision, Krajewski expressed disappointment that Laughlin dismissed the bill without offering amendments or engaging in serious discussion, especially with budget deadlines looming. “We followed his lead and sent a bill,” Krajewski said. “Disagreeing is fine, but that’s why negotiation exists.”

Laughlin said he scheduled the vote quickly to make it obvious the measure lacked enough support to advance. “I knew it wasn’t going anywhere,” he said. “Better to show that now than drag it out.”

He also raised concerns about the expense of creating state-controlled cannabis dispensaries, saying it could cost hundreds of millions before any revenue is generated. “That’s a hard sell when private businesses are already prepared to step in once legalization happens,” he added.

Leading marijuana firms like Cresco Labs Inc. (CNX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) will be watching how lawmakers in Pennsylvania reach a consensus on adult-use marijuana sales as the reform movement makes progress in different jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Supreme Court Ruling in RICO Suit Ups Litigation Risk for Cannabis Companies

In a closely split 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court recently sided with a commercial truck driver who sued three CBD firms under the federal RICO statute. The driver, Douglas Horn, claimed he was fired after a drug test came back positive for THC, despite using a CBD product that was labeled as THC-free.

At the center of the case was a legal debate over whether people can bring civil RICO claims to recover financial damages that result from a personal injury. Some courts had previously allowed such lawsuits to move forward, while others dismissed them on the grounds that RICO was not intended to cover harm tied to bodily injuries. The Supreme Court’s decision has clarified that if someone suffers economic losses—like losing a job or future earnings—because of a personal injury, they can still sue under RICO.

This ruling opens the door for more civil lawsuits under RICO against marijuana-related businesses. Legal experts expect attorneys may start using the case as a model to bring similar actions, especially where consumers believe they were misled by false advertising or inaccurate product labels.

Originally enacted in 1970 to combat organized crime, the RICO law allows individuals to sue if they suffer harm to their business or property due to a pattern of unlawful conduct carried out by an organization. That conduct can include fraud, like falsely labeling and shipping a product through the mail or over digital networks.

Horn had been using “Dixie X,” a CBD tincture he bought to help relieve pain from a car accident. It was advertised as free of THC. However, after testing positive for the substance during a surprise drug screening at work and refusing to enroll in a treatment program, he was let go. Later lab tests revealed that the product did contain THC.

Horn sued the companies behind the product in federal court in New York, accusing them of fraud and alleging they worked together as a RICO enterprise to distribute mislabeled goods. While the trial court initially dismissed his lawsuit, saying RICO doesn’t cover claims linked to personal injury, an appeals court disagreed—and now, so has the Supreme Court.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, stated that while physical injuries themselves aren’t covered under RICO, the financial consequences tied to them, such as being fired, are. This distinction could mean big changes for the marijuana industry, which may now face increased legal exposure, stricter oversight, and greater pressure to accurately label and market their products.

Marijuana industry companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) will have plenty to think about regarding the possible global ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in this case.

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420 with CNW — Florida Advocacy Group Joins Legal Challenge to State’s Initiatives Law

Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis through a constitutional amendment in Florida are facing a new hurdle: a recently passed state law that adds major roadblocks to the citizen initiative process. The group leading the marijuana amendment push, Smart & Safe Florida, has joined a federal lawsuit challenging the new law, arguing that it undermines Floridians’ fundamental right to propose and vote on constitutional changes.

House Bill 1205, passed by the GOP-led legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, drastically alters how citizens can get amendments onto the ballot. The law introduces more red tape for signature collection, creates new criminal penalties, tightens deadlines, and adds other restrictions that make the process much more difficult.

The changes come in the wake of high-profile ballot initiatives in 2024, including ones advocating for recreational marijuana and abortion rights. Both efforts failed to reach the required 60% voter approval. In response, DeSantis and other state leaders moved quickly to tighten the rules. Critics say these changes are designed to shut down citizen-led proposals before they even get started.

Smart & Safe Florida, which is already working to qualify a new cannabis legalization amendment for the 2026 ballot, says the law unfairly impacts their campaign midstream. They currently have more than 218,000 validated signatures—just shy of the 220,000 needed to trigger a state review of their proposal. Their lawyers argue the law unfairly shifts the rules after campaigns are already underway, leaving little time to adapt.

A federal judge recently approved Smart & Safe Florida’s request to join an existing lawsuit filed by Florida Decides Healthcare, which is fighting to expand Medicaid access through a ballot measure. In court filings, Smart & Safe Florida’s legal team slammed the new rules as unconstitutional, saying they violate free speech rights and prevent grassroots participation.

One of the most contested provisions makes it a felony for unregistered individuals to hold more than 25 petitions and limits who can collect signatures. This has reportedly scared away petition gatherers, many of whom are now leaving the state due to the potential legal risks. The law also slashes the time allowed to submit completed petitions from 30 days to just 10, a change critics say disrupts quality control and leads to more rejected forms.

Another section of the law prohibits a group from backing more than one amendment, though it’s unclear whether that means at one time or permanently. Smart & Safe Florida is also pursuing a separate initiative to let medical cannabis patients grow their own plants. The group says the vague restriction is an unconstitutional limit on political speech. The groups are asking a federal judge to declare the new law invalid and to prevent state and local officials from enforcing it.

The marijuana industry around the North American region, including firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), is likely to raise concerns about the moves in Florida geared at making it harder for grassroots reform initiatives to make their way onto the state ballot.

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420 with CNW — How Unchecked Credit is Putting the Marijuana Industry at Risk

The marijuana sector is facing a growing financial crisis that’s been developing quietly while many businesses ignore the signs. The core issue? An explosion in unpaid invoices that’s threatening to destabilize the entire supply chain. Despite some whispers in online forums and informal industry circles, there has been little serious discussion about the scale of the problem or the risks it poses.

Currently, over $2.2 billion in unpaid invoices is circulating within the industry. This issue has rapidly expanded over the last four years, particularly in states like California, Massachusetts, and Michigan.

California alone is dealing with more than $770 million in debt, Michigan follows at $231 million, and Massachusetts comes third with $144 million. In some places, over 30% of outstanding payments are overdue—an alarming figure in any sector, let alone one already struggling with razor-thin cash flow.

The heart of the problem lies in a shift away from cash-on-delivery practices toward credit-based sales. While that move was meant to align cannabis businesses with broader retail norms, many companies skipped crucial steps like credit screening and risk evaluation. That oversight has created a broken payment system where businesses often add on inventory without being financially equipped to pay for it, and with little to no consequence if they don’t.

Effectively, sellers are offering unsecured credit, just like handing out loans, with no collateral, no vetting, and no real guarantee of repayment. That’s a dangerous position to be in, especially in a market where payment delays can ripple through the supply chain, impacting growers, processors, brands, and tech vendors alike.

The aging data for the receivables shows just how deep the problem goes. While nearly half of AR is less than 30 days old, a staggering 24% has been outstanding for more than 91 days. What’s even more telling is the sharp jump in delinquency after the 60-day mark. Once an invoice is more than three months old, the odds of collecting that money drop below 50 percent. After two years, recovery becomes almost impossible.

These unpaid debts don’t just hurt the books—they crush a company’s ability to operate. As cash gets locked up in uncollected payments, companies lose the ability to invest in growth, product development, or even meet day-to-day expenses. Some make the mistake of extending more credit just to keep revenue flowing, only digging themselves in deeper.

The solution starts with real credit controls. Basic checks can cut the chances of ending up in debt collections by more than half. No bank would lend money without assessing risk. Cannabis businesses need to apply the same logic if they want to survive.

The warning signs are clear. Ignoring them isn’t just risky—it’s reckless. It’s time for cannabis operators to adopt strict payment policies, use credit data to guide decisions, and move away from informal deals that leave them exposed. Companies that take this seriously will be the ones still standing in the years to come.

It would be interesting to hear how vertically-integrated medical marijuana entities like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (Cboe CA: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) are managing to keep credit from affecting their cash flows.

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420 with CNW — Governor Hochul Signs Budget, Lawmakers Exclude Marijuana Smell as Authorization for Police Searches

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the state’s latest budget into law on Friday, but one key proposal that had stirred significant backlash didn’t make it into the final version. Earlier this year, Hochul had proposed allowing police to use the smell of cannabis as a reason to suspect a driver of being under the influence and require them to undergo a drug test.

Lawmakers removed the clause after strong opposition from dozens of advocacy groups. In a letter sent to Hochul and state leaders, over 60 reform organizations warned that such a policy would revive harmful tactics from the drug war and open the door to racial profiling by police. Critics argued it would reverse the progress made since cannabis legalization, especially in a state with a troubling history of unequal enforcement.

The proposed change didn’t just face pushback from advocacy groups—it also raised concerns among political leaders, including the state Assembly’s majority leader and the director of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management, Tremaine Wright. Both emphasized that the plan was out of step with the intent of legalization and wouldn’t be effective for New York.

New York has long struggled with racial disparities in drug enforcement. During the 2010s, for instance, Black residents in NYC were arrested for marijuana possession at a rate over nine times higher than white residents.

In terms of other marijuana-related updates in the new budget, there’s a notable change involving the state’s Cannabis Control Board (CCB). The $229,000 annual salary for the board’s chair has been eliminated. Despite the pay cut, current chair Tremaine Wright said she plans to stay in the role. Speaking at an industry event in Albany, she noted that she accepted the position before knowing the compensation and that her commitment wasn’t based on salary.

Wright also clarified that the decision to eliminate the salary wasn’t due to any conflict. She described the evolving nature of the cannabis industry and emphasized that the board, like license holders and applicants, needs to adapt to changes as they come.

A spokesperson for Governor Hochul explained that most state board chairs serve without pay, and this change simply brings the CCB in line with other boards. In addition, the signed bill allocates $5 million to the OCM to hire more enforcement staff, signaling a push to strengthen oversight as the state’s legal cannabis market grows.

The entire marijuana industry around the country, including major firms like Verano Holdings Corp. (Cboe CA: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF), will be relieved that the provision allowing police to use cannabis smell as probable cause to subject drivers to searches and drug tests in New York was struck out by lawmakers since it could set an unwelcome precedent for other jurisdictions.

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420 with CNW — Trump Announces Withdrawal of Controversial Prohibitionist Nominee for Washington Attorney

President Donald Trump has announced that he’s pulling his nomination for Ed Martin, who was set to become the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C.

This follows controversy surrounding Martin’s recent actions against a local medical cannabis dispensary that operates legally under D.C. regulations. Despite the dispensary’s compliance with local laws, Martin warned the business about violating federal marijuana laws and hinted at possible prosecution.

While Trump didn’t directly link his decision to Martin’s stance on cannabis, many advocates in the District see the move as a positive sign that may ease concerns over federal interference in the city’s marijuana policies.

Trump spoke about the withdrawal during an event at the White House, praising Martin and expressing disappointment over how things turned out. He noted that he still hopes Martin can serve the Department of Justice in another role. “He was excellent,” Trump said. “Honestly, I was let down. A lot of people felt the same way, but that’s just how things go sometimes.”

Martin’s nomination was already under fire for reasons beyond his comments on cannabis. Critics pointed to his lack of experience in prosecution and his outspoken defense of individuals involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. These issues added to the controversy surrounding his potential appointment.

Trump also mentioned that a new candidate would be announced within a couple of days to fill the U.S. attorney role in D.C., and he expressed confidence in the upcoming nominee.

As for Martin, his messaging on cannabis enforcement has been inconsistent. On one hand, he emphasized that federal cannabis laws must be respected. On the other, he acknowledged that enforcement would likely focus on businesses that are out of line with local regulations. “Anyone selling cannabis without the proper licensing can expect legal consequences,” he said during a previous interview.

The dispensary at the center of this situation, Green Theory, is officially licensed under D.C. law. However, Martin argued that the business still violates a federal law banning cannabis retailers from operating within 1,000 feet of learning institutions, which applies to the dispensary’s location.

In a separate interview, Martin downplayed the priority of targeting legal cannabis businesses but hinted that such establishments might not align with his vision for the community. “You have to interpret the law based on the facts, but also consider the current situation in the community,” he stated.

The broader marijuana industry, including firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be relieved that a nominee that was threatening to target the legal D.C. marijuana system that has operated for years has been withdrawn.

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420 with CNW — Pennsylvania House Committee Passes Adult-Use Marijuana Bill

A measure now moving through Pennsylvania’s State House could make cannabis available in stores overseen by the state. On Monday, House Democrats narrowly approved the measure in the Health Committee with a 14-12 vote.

Representative Rick Krajewski, who introduced the bill, clarified that cannabis would be sold in a network of state-regulated shops, separate from those selling alcohol. However, the proposed legislation—HB1200—takes a different approach than the one Governor Josh Shapiro laid out in his budget for 2025/26.

There are two major differences between the bill and the governor’s earlier plan. First, this version would place the adult-use marijuana program under the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s authority. Second, it excludes language related to restorative justice efforts, which had been a part of Shapiro’s original outline. Still, the legislation does include measures to clear records for people previously convicted of non-violent marijuana offenses.

Governor Shapiro, speaking during a Bedford County event, pointed out that surrounding states like Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have already legalized recreational cannabis. According to him, if Pennsylvania doesn’t act, neighboring states will continue to benefit from residents crossing the border to make their purchases.

He also acknowledged that while the bill’s passage out of committee is only the beginning, it’s a step in the right direction. A final version, he said, would require negotiation and compromise between parties.

The governor’s proposed $51.5 billion budget counts on significant revenue from cannabis: around $15.6 million in taxes specific to recreational marijuana, another $11.4 million from sales tax, and roughly $509.5 million from licensing fees.

Despite public support, there is still strong political opposition. Some Republican lawmakers remain firmly against recreational cannabis. Senator Lisa Baker, for example, questioned the wisdom of using marijuana sales to help balance the state’s budget.

Still, polling suggests that most Pennsylvanians back legalization. A Change Research survey in February found that 68% of voters in the state support legal recreational cannabis. Nationally, Pew Research reported in March that nearly 9 in 10 adults think cannabis should be legal in some form, with 57% supporting both recreational and medical use.

Representative Maureen Madden, one of the co-sponsors of HB 1200, believes lawmakers have a duty to reflect what their constituents want. Speaking at a town hall in Tannersville on April 26, she said ignoring such widespread support is a missed opportunity to generate much-needed revenue.

She also pointed out that legalizing cannabis doesn’t mean everyone will use it, just like not everyone gambles, even though skill-based games are legal. Madden emphasized the need for creative solutions, especially as the state faces a deficit of more than $2 billion.

The full House will now consider the bill, but its future remains uncertain. Democrats have a slim one-seat majority in the House, while Republicans control the Senate, holding 27 seats to the Democrats’ 23.

As the drug policy reform movement spreads across the remaining states that still had prohibitive policies in place, more companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) are likely to sprout and create numerous benefits beyond selling products to consumers.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds Cannabis Dangerous to Developing Fetuses

New research shows that using cannabis while pregnant can put both the mother and baby at serious risk. A large-scale review of past studies found links between prenatal cannabis use and problems like low birth weight, premature birth, and even infant death.

Dr. Jamie Lo, a specialist in obstetrics at Oregon Health and Science University, emphasized that one of the most alarming discoveries was a higher chance of losing the baby either during pregnancy or soon after birth. Her past work also revealed that marijuana can interfere with the baby’s lung development and reduce oxygen and blood supply through the placenta, a key organ that provides the baby with nutrients and oxygen.

Even with the known risks, more pregnant women are using cannabis. A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that from 2002 to 2017, marijuana use tripled among pregnant women aged 12 to 44. Most reported using it in the first trimester, primarily for recreational purposes, not for medical needs.

Many people wrongly believe that cannabis is harmless just because it’s a natural plant. But Dr. Lo points out that other dangerous substances like tobacco, alcohol, and heroin also come from plants. Each can cause serious harm during pregnancy. Alcohol is linked to birth defects, tobacco to brain and lung damage in infants, and opioids to addiction and withdrawal symptoms in newborns.

The recent meta-analysis focused only on marijuana use during pregnancy, leaving out cases involving other substances. It reviewed data from 51 studies, involving more than 21 million pregnancies.

Pregnant women who used cannabis had a 52% higher chance of giving birth too early and a 75% greater risk of having babies with low birth weight. Although only a few studies examined infant mortality, those still showed a 29% increase in death risk.

Dr. Brianna Moore, an epidemiologist not involved in the study, noted that as more research emerges, scientists are becoming more confident about the harmful effects of prenatal marijuana exposure.

With cannabis becoming more legal and socially accepted, many parents-to-be receive mixed messages. Lo stresses that healthcare providers need clearer guidance, and better education is necessary for both patients and professionals.

Meanwhile, more recent studies are linking marijuana use to heart issues, mental health problems, and cognitive impairments, especially in younger users. Even daily use can lead to severe side effects like uncontrollable vomiting. Children exposed to THC in the womb may also be more likely to struggle with attention, behavior, and sleep problems later in life.

As more jurisdictions enact marijuana policy changes, more research is likely to be conducted so that there is a better understanding of the specific ways in which cannabis products from companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) positively or adversely affect various groups of individuals in the medium term and long term so that consumers can be empowered to make informed decisions.

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