Cannabis Means Business – Conference & Expo, The New York Global Edition

Date: June 4-5

Location: New York City

Cannabis Means Business, formerly CWCBEXPO, is proud to announce the New York Global Edition of its premiere business-to-business (“B2B”) cannabis conference. Scheduled for June 4-5 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, this expo will offer attendees an opportunity to get hands-on with cannabis technology, hear from a fantastic line-up of speakers, network, and forge business deals with leading entrepreneurs in the space.

Some of the speakers will include cannabis entrepreneurs, policymakers, and celebrity advocates, all of whom will share insights that are shaping the industry’s future and would be integral to growing attendees’ businesses. The event’s experience is second to none, with attendees interacting in person with pioneers in the industry, regulatory experts, and other successful entrepreneurs who are significantly shaping the future of cannabis with proven strategies.

Cannabis Means Business has held this expo consistently since 2015. Over the years, it has been lauded for its incredible networking opportunities for attendees. In addition, it has been praised for the quality of insights and information shared throughout the event, with some attendees referring to it as a “firehose of information for anybody fortunate enough to show up.”

There will be pre-show workshops on June 3, and the main event will kick off officially on June 4 with the main expo and conference, as well as the O2VAPE Industry yacht party. The last day will feature another expo, conference, and a Women In Cannabis business luncheon. 61% of attendees are expected to be decision-makers for their organizations, 70% are expected to be well-established cannabis professionals, and 75% will represent the East Coast cannabis business.

The pre-show workshops and rooftop party will be held on June 3, 2025.
The Expo & Conference & O2VAPE Industry Yacht Party will be held on June 4
The Expo & Conference & Women in Cannabis Business Luncheon will be held on June 5

The Cannabis Means Business Conference & Expo is a must-attend for anyone in this space. With a track record spanning over a decade, this event offers value to each attendee and exhibitor. It also offers a platform where, collectively, attendees can shape the industry for the better and scale it to much higher heights.

To learn more, please visit https://cnw.fm/EyWtT

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420 with CNW — Tribally Owned Cannabis Stores Register 24% Growth from May 2024

In the last year, Native American tribes have played an increasingly important role in the legal cannabis industry across the U.S.

As of April, tribal communities operate 77 marijuana stores across nine different states. This marks a 24% increase from 2024, showing that cannabis remains an important avenue for economic development. These shops are run by 59 federally recognized tribes, up 18% from 2024.

On average, tribal cannabis stores are around 4,600 square feet, but they range widely in size, from compact shops under 1,000 square feet to expansive facilities over 10,000 square feet.

Over 80% of the tribes that run cannabis stores also manage casinos, and more than a third of them are situated near a tribal gaming facility.

Tribes operate under their own sovereign laws, which means their cannabis regulations may differ from those of the surrounding state. In some instances, tribal laws are more restrictive; in others, they allow cannabis where the state does not.

For instance, in North Carolina where cannabis remains illegal under state law, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has opened the state’s only legal marijuana store—The Great Smoky Cannabis Co.—offering adult-use cannabis under tribal jurisdiction. Similarly, Washington leads the country in tribal cannabis retail with 25 stores operated by 18 tribes. California has overtaken Nevada as the second-largest hub for tribal cannabis businesses, boasting 15 stores run by 12 tribes.

New York and Minnesota have seen a burst of activity, largely because of delays in state-level licensing. With few or no licensed dispensaries available, consumers in these states have turned to tribally owned stores. These businesses have stepped in to meet demand, offering legal alternatives to the illicit market. In Minnesota, for instance, tribal dispensaries are currently the only legal option for recreational cannabis buyers.

Beyond retail, the tribes are also building out cultivation and manufacturing operations. Some of these are fully integrated businesses like Great Smoky Cannabis Co., while others focus on one part of the supply chain. In Minnesota, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is concentrating on developing a large-scale cultivation facility, while White Earth Nation has sold surplus product to other tribal stores and signed a deal to open up to eight more outlets.

Some tribes have taken another approach by licensing individual tribal members to operate marijuana businesses. New York’s Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has approved over 20 marijuana retailers.

With more tribes entering the market, expanding operations, and forming strategic partnerships, tribal involvement in cannabis is expected to grow significantly in the coming year.

The reform movement and cannabis firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) are likely to applaud the contribution of native tribes in helping to provide legal marijuana products in different communities and thereby preventing the population from depending on products supplied by black market actors.

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420 with CNW — Studies Suggest Medical Cannabis Could Help Lupus Sufferers

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition that affects over 1.5 million people across Canada and the United States. It can lead to widespread inflammation and discomfort, often causing exhaustion, aching joints, rashes, and in more severe cases, damage to internal organs. There’s currently no cure, and the available treatments don’t work for everyone. This has led many people with lupus to seek alternative approaches to managing their symptoms, including medical cannabis.

Research in recent years has begun to highlight the potential of cannabis to offer relief for individuals dealing with autoimmune diseases like lupus. Some findings suggest it might help reduce pain, improve sleep, and lower inflammation—three key challenges for lupus sufferers.

The compounds found in marijuana, especially THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate immune activity and inflammation. Since lupus involves the immune system becoming overactive and attacking healthy cells, adjusting this system’s function could be useful in keeping symptoms in check. By influencing immune response, cannabinoids may help reduce the intensity and frequency of lupus flares.

One study featured in Frontiers in Pharmacology looked at how cannabinoids affect inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The findings suggested that cannabis compounds may lower the production of molecules that drive inflammation. At the same time, they may encourage the activity of cells that help maintain immune balance. This makes cannabis a potentially helpful tool in managing an overactive immune response like the one seen in lupus.

Pain is one of the most common and difficult symptoms for lupus patients. According to research in the Journal of Pain Research, people with chronic pain—including those with autoimmune disorders—often report meaningful relief when using medical cannabis. Many also said they were able to lower their use of opioid medications, which carry significant risks of addiction and other side effects.

Beyond physical symptoms, many individuals with lupus struggle with sleep problems and emotional stress. CBD, the non-intoxicating part of cannabis, has shown some promise in helping people sleep better and feel less anxious. According to a review in Current Neuropharmacology, CBD might help those who suffer from sleep disruptions related to pain, mood instability, and stress.

While more focused studies are necessary, early signs show that medical cannabis might offer lupus patients a supplemental tool for managing their condition. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, especially one like cannabis that can affect people differently and is subject to legal restrictions depending on where you live.

The medical marijuana products from licensed enterprises like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CNX: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) could just be what patients diagnosed with different diseases need to address their symptoms either in conjunction with their conventional medications or, hopefully, as a standalone treatment.

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Cannabis Means Business – Conference & Expo to be Held as a B2B Conference in New York City

The Cannabis Means Business Conference & Expo will be held on June 4-5, 2025, in New York City as a two-day B2B event. Formerly known as CWBExpo, CMB has been operational since 2015.

CMB highlights include:

The pre-show workshops and rooftop party will be held on June 3, 2025.
The Expo & Conference & O2VAPE Industry Yacht Party will be held on June 4
The Expo & Conference & Women in Cannabis Business Luncheon will be held on June 5

CMB caters to the innovative, business, and creative needs of the vibrant cannabis industry in New York City. It offers tremendous growth and learning opportunities by connecting members of the cannabis community to interact and discover the latest trends and opportunities in the cannabis sector. Experts of global acclaim gather at the CMB events to discuss and share insights on the evolution and challenges faced by the cannabis industry. Participants can connect with the experts to get answers to their queries and expert advice on several topics. Industry stalwarts will conduct sessions to share insights on the latest regulatory and legal complexities. They also suggest viable solutions and effective strategies for the rapidly changing cannabis landscape. Thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts can showcase their knowledge and expertise to a crowd of enthusiasts from the cannabis spectrum.

Whoopi Goldberg, EGOT winner and entrepreneur, will make a special appearance at CMB for a live fireside chat and discuss her new hemp-derived THC mocktail, Whoop-Tea, created in partnership with Pure Genesis. Moderated by CNBC’s Tim Seymour, the conversation will explore Whoopi’s entry into the cannabis beverage space, her wellness vision, and the industry’s explosive growth.

CMB is renowned for providing an unparalleled platform for networking, education, and business development. With an expansive exhibit floor and a diverse slate of industry-leading speakers, CMB attendees can expect an array of educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to address the complexities of operating within the regional, national, and global cannabis marketplace.

To learn more, please visit https://cnw.fm/SYd0j.

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420 with CNW — Nebraska Senate Rejects Law Seeking to Operationalize Medical Marijuana Program Approved by Voters

A bill in the Nebraska Legislature aimed at helping put voter-approved medical marijuana laws into action did not pass on Tuesday. Despite strong support from voters last November, lawmakers couldn’t overcome a filibuster in the chamber. Legislative Bill 677 fell short of the 33 votes needed to end debate, with a narrow 23-22 vote failing to move it forward.

Senator Ben Hansen, who introduced the bill, tried to appeal to his colleagues’ compassion, arguing that medical marijuana could offer real help to suffering patients. He stressed that even if they were hesitant about marijuana, they could still support relief for those in need.

Senator Glen Meyer echoed Hansen’s sentiment, urging fellow legislators to trust in each other’s judgment and humanity to find a path forward. Six other Republicans joined Meyer and Hansen in backing the bill, but it wasn’t enough to counter the opposition led by prominent GOP figures like Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts.

Their public pushback convinced enough lawmakers to block LB 677. They argued that the newly established Medical Cannabis Commission, created by voters and given full authority to regulate medical marijuana, should be allowed to work independently before any legislative changes are made.

There are also legal battles still playing out. Hilgers’ office is pursuing a case questioning the legality of how the cannabis laws made it onto the ballot. At the same time, he has rallied support from law enforcement groups, including sheriffs and police chiefs, against the bill.

Still, advocates like Senator John Fredrickson pushed back, arguing that the fears surrounding marijuana were outdated. He argued that lawmakers should focus on putting effective guardrails in place rather than blocking what the voters supported.

Senators like Dan Quick and Megan Hunt shared personal stories and frustrations, emphasizing that medical cannabis could be life-changing for families struggling with addiction or chronic health issues. Others noted the inconsistency of opposing this bill while supporting changes to other voter-approved initiatives on paid leave and minimum wage.

LB 677’s failure has frustrated many who believe the proposal is necessary to make the voter-approved reforms a reality. Some see it as another example of lawmakers ignoring the public’s will, while others view it as a deliberate delay tactic to weaken support or force legal battles.

Despite the setback, activists and supporters of medical cannabis have vowed to keep pressing forward. Many believe that the rejection of LB 677 could drive momentum toward full legalization in future elections, possibly as soon as 2026.

The failure to advance an enabling law creating a regulated medical marijuana program in Nebraska adversely affects the opening of broader economic activity, such as the sprouting of companies that offer services along the model of Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) operating in other jurisdictions.

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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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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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