CannabisNewsBreaks – Golden Triangle Ventures Inc. (OTC: GTVH) Signs LOI to Lease Canning and Manufacturing Facility

Golden Triangle Ventures (OTC: GTVH) (“GTV”) has signed a letter of intent to lease a canning and manufacturing facility intended to serve as a central hub for beverage production, brand development and private-label services. The planned facility is designed to consolidate canning, formulation, white-label production and marketing support under a single operation, supporting the Company’s strategy to build a scalable platform that accelerates product development, improves manufacturing control and creates additional revenue opportunities through partnerships and joint ventures.

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/kVVVA

About Golden Triangle Ventures, Inc.

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.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GTVH are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/GTVH

About CannabisNewsWire

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 — Ohio Senate Passes Bill Rolling Back Voter-Passed Marijuana Law

The Ohio Senate has passed a House-revised measure that would scale back parts of the state’s voter-approved cannabis statute and limit where most hemp products can be sold. Senators approved the revised bill on a 22–7 vote, agreeing to the House changes and forwarding the measure to Governor Mike DeWine.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Stephen Huffman, underwent significant revisions over the past several weeks after the two chambers clashed over its scope.

If signed, the bill would roll back parts of the 2023 adult-use cannabis law approved by voters and revive penalties for certain activities that had been permitted. It would also delete protections that prevented discrimination against people who legally use cannabis, including safeguards tied to child custody decisions, access to organ transplants, and some professional licenses.

Advocates for broader legalization say the final bill crosses a line by discarding rules meant to shield residents who use cannabis within the bounds of the law. Under the revised plan, anyone who possesses marijuana purchased outside Ohio’s regulated dispensaries or grown outside a permitted home-grow could face criminal penalties. For instance, someone carrying cannabis bought legally in Michigan could be charged once back in Ohio.

The bill also places new limits on where people can smoke or vape. Using cannabis in outdoor public spaces like bar patios would be prohibited, and landlords would be allowed to ban vaping at rental properties. Violating a landlord’s rule, even in a private backyard, could lead to a misdemeanor.

Lawmakers also rewrote plans for regulating intoxicating hemp products. Instead of establishing a new oversight structure, the final bill bars sales of products that exceed a low THC threshold or contain synthetic cannabinoids unless they are purchased through licensed dispensaries. This aligns with federal changes signed by President Donald Trump last month.

Federal rules give states a one-year window to implement the new hemp restrictions, but Ohio’s legislation appears to be moving faster. One exception covers cannabinoid beverages, which would fall under a temporary state program until the end of 2026.

Huffman argued on the Senate floor that the proposal preserves the basic framework of the voter-approved system while tightening rules to protect public safety and minors. Senator Bill DeMora countered that the bill defies the intent of the 2.2 million Ohioans who supported the 2023 measure. He said lawmakers have spent two years undoing what voters intended on issues ranging from home cultivation to how tax revenue flows to local communities.

Huffman has pushed back on that idea, saying voters changed the state code rather than the Constitution, which allows lawmakers to alter the statute. He maintains that most users will find the new rules workable.

Entities like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that have been involved in advocacy to reform marijuana laws in states like Florida are unlikely to be pleased by what is happening in Ohio where voters made their wishes known and passed a ballot measure but lawmakers are rolling back the scope of that voter-approved reform.

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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 — Judge Rejects Request to Halt Implementation of New Michigan Cannabis Taxes

A Michigan court has refused to pause the state’s newly approved 24% tax on wholesale marijuana, clearing the way for the levy to begin on January 1, 2026. The decision, issued by Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel, was closely watched by marijuana companies and policymakers who have debated for months whether the Legislature overstepped its authority when it added the tax to this year’s budget.

Patel sided with state officials who argued that the new charge does not alter the substance of the 2018 ballot measure that opened Michigan’s recreational cannabis market. State lawyers maintained that the voter-backed law remains intact and that the tax is simply a tool to raise money for infrastructure projects, particularly road improvements.

Patel noted that early drafts of the road funding measure already envisioned higher tax collections to support transportation, even though they did not spell out where those dollars would come from. According to the judge, the underlying purpose of the legislation stayed consistent.

Under the state’s Constitution, any revision to a voter-approved statute requires a three-quarters vote in both legislative chambers. The wholesale tax did not meet that bar, which became a central argument for the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MCIA).

The group contended that creating a new levy without overwhelming legislative support effectively changes the framework voters endorsed six years ago. Business owners have warned that layering a sizable wholesale tax on top of the existing retail excise tax could push some companies to the brink.

Industry representatives also cautioned that higher prices might push buyers back toward unlicensed sellers, undermining efforts to build a stable and regulated marketplace. The court said these predictions were too uncertain to justify blocking the policy.

MCIA spokesperson Rose Tantraphol said the organization intends to keep pressing its case, insisting that lawmakers ignored the intent of the electorate when they approved the budget provision.

A scheduling conference is planned for January 13 to determine how the case will proceed. The next formal step for the industry group is an appeal to the state’s Court of Appeals. Regardless of how that panel rules, both sides expect the issue to reach the state Supreme Court.

The wholesale levy, combined with the state’s existing 10% retail cannabis excise tax, will place Michigan among the states with the highest marijuana tax rates in the country.

Marijuana sales in Michigan are already showing signs of decline. Legal retailers reported $3.2 billion in revenue in 2024, making Michigan the second-largest marijuana market in the nation after California.

Companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) with operations in Michigan will be hoping that the legal process yields an outcome that doesn’t impose an exorbitant tax burden on licensed marijuana companies in the state.

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420 with CNW — Seed Ban in America Threatens to Drive Marijuana Genetics Underground

For the first time in six years, the U.S. is preparing to tighten rules on cannabis seeds after lawmakers inserted a last-minute clause into the recent federal spending package that reopened the government. Industry specialists warn that the change could wipe out the domestic seed market and reverse years of lenient oversight.

Marijuana seed producers have operated with relatively few restrictions since 2018. The shift followed the passage of the farm bill that year, which treated any plant material with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC as hemp. Since the seeds contain only trace amounts of the psychoactive compound, they were effectively removed from the Controlled Substances Act.

That interpretation became even clearer in 2022 when the DEA confirmed that cannabis seeds meeting the low-THC threshold are legally considered hemp, even if the plants that grow from them might later contain higher levels of THC.

The clarification allowed most states to permit seed sales and shipping without triggering narcotics laws. Companies have been able to import and sell seeds without special authorization, creating what many describe as the world’s most active seed marketplace.

The new spending bill, however, includes language that would prohibit a broad group of hemp-derived products. The language specifically targets viable seeds from the cannabis plants if the mature plants could exceed the 0.3% THC limit, including THCA, once dried. In practice, the rule would restrict seeds based on the potential potency of the future crop rather than the chemical makeup of the seeds themselves.

Many in the industry say this approach is unworkable. They note that growers cannot determine the future THC content of a plant until it has matured over several months. That leaves growers and companies with no reliable way to identify what would be considered legal under the proposal.

Consumers who grow their own plants could also feel the impact. Some states outlaw home cultivation entirely, while others allow limited growing, often tied to a medical card. New Holland Group CEO Jamie Pearson said patients who depend on specific strains for conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, or nausea risk losing access to varieties that currently help them.

The industry remains unsure how companies would be expected to prove that their seeds can only produce low-THC plants. Pearson believes only a small number of large companies would have the resources to meet any testing or certification requirements. She compared the range of seeds on the market today to the diversity found in wine grapes, which produce subtle differences across wide varieties.

If the ban proceeds, Pearson expects most of that diversity to disappear from the legal market. She warned that only major corporations with the right licenses would remain, while many unique genetics would move underground. In her view, consumers would lose the wide selection they are used to and be left with a far narrower set of options.

Companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) headquartered outside the U.S. may be wondering how long it will take America to adapt to the times and remove existing roadblocks to the widely accepted marijuana industry within the country.

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420 with CNW — Consumption Lounges Open New Opportunities for Marijuana Firms

Marijuana consumption lounges are reshaping the hospitality industry with experiences that blend social spaces and regulated cannabis use. What started as a niche concept with events like edible-friendly yoga or art sessions has developed into a broader push for dedicated spaces where adults can gather and consume legally.

According to Dale Sky Jones, chancellor of Oaksterdam University in Oakland, these venues represent the next significant development for the legal cannabis sector.

Jones argues that the appeal of lounges goes far beyond novelty. Operators who hope to succeed must handle compliance, consumer education, and guest safety with the same care that traditional hospitality businesses give to food and beverage service. Done well, she says, lounges can strengthen brand identity and open the door to new revenue opportunities.

According to Jones, the customer experience forms the backbone of any successful operation. Everything from interior design to staff training affects how visitors feel when they walk through the door. Air filtration, sound management for events, and thoughtful floor plans all contribute to what she described as a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Lounges also give businesses room to experiment. Operators are hosting comedy shows, concerts, and hybrid events that blend traditional nightlife with regulated consumption. Tribal governments may have an even stronger chance to innovate, since they can integrate cannabis into casinos, hotels, or other entertainment properties.

Even so, operators face significant challenges. State and local rules often treat cannabis separately from alcohol, leading to tougher regulations and higher insurance exposure for lounge owners.

Public education remains another hurdle. According to Jones, many policymakers still do not understand how the consumption lounges work or how they differ from unregulated consumption. She called on industry leaders to help educate local and state officials so that lounge models can expand responsibly.

Looking ahead, Jones believes cannabis brands most likely to succeed are those that focus on building recognizable lifestyle experiences. Cannabis products cannot move across state borders, she said, but a brand’s atmosphere and culture can. She also imagines a future where marijuana becomes part of everyday activities, including offerings tailored to older adults or pet-friendly environments.

Jones urged operators to approach the growing sector with a mix of creativity and accountability. By emphasizing safety, transparency, and thoughtful engagement with the community, she said, lounges can help set a new standard for what modern cannabis hospitality looks like.

As consumption lounges gain traction around the country, new business opportunities could open up for cannabis ecosystem players like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that can tweak their offerings to address this emerging need.

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420 with CNW — Study Shows Marijuana Regulations Are Effective on Matters of Public Health

A new federally funded review of state regulations suggests that agencies overseeing legal cannabis are placing far greater emphasis on public health than the bodies responsible for alcohol oversight. The findings are based on an analysis of annual reports issued by regulatory agencies in all 24 states that permit recreational cannabis.

Researchers examined how each agency framed its mission, how often it reported working with health departments, and what types of public safety initiatives it highlighted. Roughly 68% of agencies that manage cannabis markets referenced public health priorities in their guiding statements, while only 35% of alcohol regulators did the same.

The findings challenge the familiar campaign message that cannabis should be regulated like alcohol. According to the study, in many cases, cannabis is subject to stronger oversight when it comes to health protections.

The study also found that the path a state took to legalize cannabis appears to influence how regulators approach their work. States where lawmakers approved legalization tended to produce agencies that reported more health-focused indicators, both for alcohol and cannabis, when compared with states that relied on ballot initiatives.

According to the study, legislative legalization has become more common in recent years, and these newer programs often document a broader set of public health concerns linked to cannabis use.

Across all states reviewed, marijuana agencies consistently cited public health goals more often than their alcohol counterparts. Alcohol regulators were more likely to highlight law enforcement activities, such as compliance checks or investigations, while cannabis agencies more frequently reported efforts tied to education, harm reduction, or collaboration with medical experts.

The authors stressed that the findings raise significant questions about the actual impact of regulatory decisions in the real world. They noted that additional work is needed to determine whether the public health strategies described in agency reports lead to measurable improvements for people who use cannabis or for communities affected by the industry’s growth.

The findings come as Congress is weighing how the federal government should prepare for a future in which marijuana is fully legal nationwide. A bipartisan group in the House has already introduced legislation that would require the attorney general to assemble a commission tasked with outlining a regulatory structure for marijuana modeled on the long-established approach used for alcohol.

At the same time, alcohol industry groups have pushed Congress to crack down on THC-infused hemp products and to create a regulatory framework for the sector.

As the regulatory landscape for marijuana evolves at the federal level, entities like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) will be closely watching and hoping that the regulatory headwinds they face ease over time.

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420 with CNW — Proposal Seeks to Cover Some Hemp Products Under Medicare Plans

Medical marijuana health insurance has long been viewed by cannabis businesses and patient advocates as a breakthrough that could reshape the industry. A recent proposed change to Medicare reimbursement regulations offered a brief spark of attention but delivered little for those hoping for broader coverage.

While the revision would allow coverage for a limited range of hemp products, it would not include CBD.

Talks of government-backed health plans covering CBD treatments picked up last week after Bloomberg reported that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was weighing whether certain older adults might qualify for CBD care beyond the single FDA-approved prescription option.

Such a move could have provided a lifeline to the struggling hemp economy, valued at $28.3 billion and facing major disruption once a federal ban on hemp-derived THC takes effect next year.

A shift in Medicare rules would also have marked a major change from policies rolled out in April 2025. Those guidelines explicitly barred marijuana products from some Medicare plans since they are federally illegal.

The Bloomberg report traced the policy discussion to Howard Kessler, a prominent CBD advocate with ties to President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club. Kessler’s Commonwealth Project produced a video, shared by Trump on Truth Social, highlighting CBD as a potential therapy for seniors. Kessler reportedly met with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sparking speculation that Medicare might eventually cover CBD.

However, CMS’s latest proposal, published in the Federal Register, indicates that CBD is unlikely to qualify for coverage under Medicare. The draft states that any marijuana products deemed illegal under federal or state law, including regulations from the FDA, cannot be reimbursed.

Under these rules, only specific hemp-based products such as hemp seed oil, hulled hemp seeds, and hemp seed protein powder might be eligible for limited coverage.

The FDA has consistently said that current rules for foods and dietary supplements do not apply to CBD because it has never been cleared as a food additive. That stance has limited where CBD can appear on store shelves and has created uncertainty for businesses that invested heavily in the compound.

Complicating matters further is the recent legislation signed by Trump banning hemp-derived THC. The law narrows the definition of hemp, effectively limiting CBD products to 0.4 mg of THC per package. Industry groups say the law would make much of the current hemp market illegal once the rules take effect in 2026.

Currently, the only CBD medicine approved by federal regulators is Epidiolex, which remains available only with a prescription.

The wider marijuana industry, including firms like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be hoping that federal laws gradually shift and respond to the current realities characterized by the widespread adoption of medical marijuana treatments by vast sections of the U.S. population.

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420 with CNW — State Panel to Unveil Plan Establishing a Marijuana Retail Market in Virginia

Virginia is inching closer to clarifying how legal cannabis sales might work after years of political gridlock. A state panel created to review the issue is preparing to release a detailed proposal that could shape the future of the adult-use market.

The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales, formed this year, has spent months gathering testimony from industry experts, regulators, advocates, and residents. Its final roadmap is expected at the panel’s next meeting, giving lawmakers a structured proposal to consider in 2026.

The state legalized possession of small amounts of marijuana and allowed limited home cultivation in 2021, but lawmakers never agreed on rules for retail sales. Adults 21 and over can hold up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to 4 plants per household. Still, there is no sanctioned system for recreational sales, leaving residents in a grey area.

Outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed previous attempts to authorize sales, leaving the system frozen at a halfway point. Incoming Governor Abigail Spanberger has signaled her support for launching a regulated retail market. Advocates believe her position could finally move the issue forward after years of gridlock.

In a statement to FOX 5, her spokesperson said she believes any commercial system should be built on a clear strategy and that tax revenue from cannabis should support public priorities such as schools. She also indicated that she intends to work with legislators to move the issue forward.

Businesses already operating in the medical sector are watching closely. Trent Woloveck, CEO of Beyond Hello, which runs several medical dispensaries in the state, said providers are eager for the chance to offer products to adults statewide. He argued that a regulated market would undercut illegal sales while supporting jobs and bringing in tax dollars.

The state Cannabis Control Authority, which oversees regulation in the state, said it does not take positions on upcoming bills but is prepared to carry out whatever framework the General Assembly enacts. The agency emphasized its focus on public safety, health, and community protection in any future market.

Once lawmakers return, they will decide whether to convert the proposal into a bill. Even if legislation moves quickly next year, it will take time to issue licenses and build a functioning marketplace. For now, Virginians remain in a holding pattern; they can possess cannabis and grow it but cannot buy it in a licensed store.

Industry actors like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) operating in other legal markets around the country will be pleased that Virginians now see a way forward towards implementing a legal market for adult-use marijuana, which is already legal in the state.

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420 with CNW — New Report Shows Illicit Marijuana is Being Sold as Hemp in Missouri

A new report from the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association says many retailers that advertise legal hemp products are instead selling cannabis products with high THC levels. The group’s findings come from laboratory tests on 55 products purchased at gas stations, smoke shops, and stores that market themselves as hemp or CBD sellers.

According to the report, 96% of the samples turned out to be synthetic THC or cannabis. The association’s 16-page document outlines what it describes as a statewide problem involving hundreds of unregulated shops offering potent THC products while presenting them as legal hemp. It includes test results, a map of retailers the group reviewed, and a list of outlets it says are selling THC outside Missouri’s licensed system.

Executive director Andrew Mullins said the findings point to a public safety issue that has been building for years. Mullins noted the absence of mandatory testing or child-resistant packaging leaves minors especially vulnerable.

In nearly every tested item, THC levels surpassed the federal hemp limit of 0.3%. The results ranged from 11 milligrams of THC per package to 5,000 milligrams. One vape bought in Independence tested at 89.3% THC, a concentration far above what hemp laws allow. Nearly 30% of the samples had contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or lingering solvents.

Mullins said the association first raised concerns in 2021 when hemp-derived THC products began appearing routinely in convenience stores. He said the products were packaged like regulated marijuana but sold in places that faced no state controls. According to Mullins, state health officials said the issue fell to local law enforcement, some of whom believed the products were legal after recreational marijuana passed.

The group has backed several measures in recent years to limit or oversee hemp-derived THC, though none have advanced. Mullins said some businesses resist changes because the current system benefits them. He pointed to a Warrenton case involving a shop owner accused of selling a THC vape cartridge to a 14-year-old and cited a sharp rise (400%) in poison control calls involving unregulated products.

Mullins said some shops advertise THC levels online while labeling packages as hemp in stores, and others use the word “dispensary” despite having no license to sell cannabis.

Not everyone agrees with the trade group’s conclusions. Columbia attorney Dan Viets said the report overlooks important sections of state and federal law. He argues that products made from hemp remain legal even if the final item exceeds the 0.3% threshold, since the definition of hemp is based on the plant’s THC level at harvest.

Viets noted that the hemp sector has long urged state lawmakers to create rules for labeling, testing, and age limits. He argued that the licensed cannabis industry wants hemp-derived THC banned because it does not want competition. He added that restricting these products could force many retailers to close.

Licensed marijuana companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) operating in other regulated marijuana markets in the country will be hoping that states clarify regulations on hemp THC so that it is explicitly clear how those products should be sold in case they are permissible.

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420 with CNW — How the Hemp Industry Could Be Impacted by the Federal Ban on Hemp THC

A surge in hemp-derived THC products that reshaped convenience store shelves and fueled a fast-growing market appears to be heading toward a sharp slowdown. Tucked inside the bill that brought an end to the recent federal shutdown is a clause that would outlaw hemp-derived THC products nationwide.

That measure, scheduled for November 2026, has sent the $24 billion hemp sector scrambling for answers and time. Supporters and critics agree on one thing; this change would close a loophole created six years ago by the Farm Bill 2018, although some disagree on whether that is a good thing.

The 2018 bill defined hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. That wording created a loophole, allowing operators to produce products with enough THC to cause impairment. Businesses found even more room to maneuver by converting CBD, a compound that does not intoxicate, into other forms of THC, such as delta-10 and delta-8.

Within a few years, vape cartridges, candies, sodas, chips, and baked products using hemp-derived THC had spread nationwide with little oversight. In some states, teenagers could buy them at gas stations.

In legal cannabis markets, they competed directly with regulated and taxed products. In prohibition states, they skirted bans on recreational cannabis. Several states, including Indiana, later reported more calls to poison control centers involving young children. With federal action stalled until now, states moved on their own. Some restricted sales, others banned items outright.

Influential Senator Mitch McConnell, who was instrumental in shaping the 2018 hemp legislation, added the federal ban to the recent measure that ended the 43-day shutdown.

Parts of the legal cannabis industry have welcomed the development, arguing that the hemp sector has been allowed to dodge taxes and safety rules. Anti-cannabis groups have also praised the move.

However, hemp producers hope that Congress will use the one-year window to craft national standards instead of shutting the industry down. They argue that stricter age limits, rules against synthetic cannabinoids, and bans on child-focused marketing could address concerns without wiping out the entire industry.

Industry representatives warn the ban could put over 300,000 jobs at risk and cost states an estimated $1.5 billion in tax revenue. Some business owners say their companies would not survive.

Several lawmakers are now pushing for a middle path. Senator Rand Paul attempted to remove the ban from the funding bill, though the effort failed. Minnesota’s Senators, Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, have called for hearings and suggested that states be allowed to create their own regulations.

The marijuana industry, including entities like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be following the discussions in the wake of this federal hemp-sourced THC ban to see how it reshapes the hemp and cannabis industries.

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