420 with CNW — New York’s Social Equity Program Grapples with Predatory Investors

In 2022, a couple, Kim Stetz and her partner Marq Hayes submitted an application for a Conditional Adult-Use Recreational Dispensary (CAURD) license. Their goal was to open an adult-use marijuana store called Brown Budda in New York.

They were among over 900 applicants hoping to secure a social equity CAURD permit, a surprisingly low number given the state’s history of cannabis-related arrests.

Out of all the applicants, only 32 individuals were initially selected for provisional approval. Fast forward two and a half years and Brown Budda is fully licensed and had even launched delivery operations. However, the municipality they are operating in, Southampton, unexpectedly announced that a special-use license is required for delivery services.

According to Stetz, this demand is inaccurate. Despite disagreeing, they’ve decided to comply with the Town Council’s request and have paused their operations. Meanwhile, the business is sitting on a world-class location with a 15-year lease, yet facing opposition simply because the new Town Council isn’t thrilled with the choices their predecessors made.

On the financial front, the Brown Budda founders have faced many questionable offers. Wealthy investors frequently approach them, offering funding but demanding total ownership rather than fair loan terms or reasonable equity stakes.

Potential financiers are asking for half or more of the business once their conditional license transitions to a general license in 2028, or if they ever decide to sell. The couple has already spent over $50,000 on legal and consulting fees just to maintain full ownership. They have decided to hold out for a fair partnership or, ideally, find an affordable loan—an option that is slowly becoming available for marijuana enterprises.

Throughout this struggle, Stetz has noticed that investors appear far more focused on their personal profits than on supporting the individuals who have built the business from the ground up. This situation has made them question whether the social equity goals that New York intended with its cannabis rollout are being honored.

Thankfully, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) recently introduced the Trade Practices Bureau (TPB) to crack down on shady practices like predatory lending and fraudulent deals that could crush small cannabis businesses. Their mission is to protect the spirit of social equity and make sure big money doesn’t steamroll the entrepreneurs who were meant to benefit.

Real estate and funding challenges have put CAURD license holders in tough spots, often forcing them into unfair deals. Until things truly change, cannabis entrepreneurs like Brown Budda are left fielding shady offers, cannabis-style.

For those entering the cannabis space, Stetz encourages deep reflection on personal motives, advising newcomers to prioritize community and fairness over pure profit. Her advice is simple: listen to license holders and offer them genuinely fair deals based on their needs.

Established marijuana companies like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will be hoping that any loopholes allowing predatory investors to infiltrate the social equity program in New York State are plugged so that those who are earmarked as beneficiaries of that program do benefit from it.

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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 — Study Suggests Patients Have No Problem with Doctors Using Marijuana Off-Duty

A recent survey published in the Hand Surgery Global Online Journal explored how patients feel about their doctors using substances like marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine when off duty. The findings showed that more people were okay with their physician using cannabis recreationally than not, and even more were comfortable if it was for medical reasons.

Despite this, the findings may help guide future research and policy, especially as laws and attitudes continue to shift in different regions. These changing attitudes to cannabis use are in part due to legalization policies that have allowed licensed firms like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) and others across the…

420 with CNW — Study Suggests Patients Have No Problem with Doctors Using Marijuana Off-Duty

The survey involved 388 patients at four Pennsylvania orthopedic clinics, where only medical marijuana is legal. Most participants were white, around 55 years old on average, and nearly two-thirds said they had never used marijuana. Eleven percent were frequent users.

Participants responded to whether they were comfortable with their doctor using certain substances outside work hours. Alcohol had the highest acceptance rate, with 64% expressing comfort and only 13% expressing discomfort. Nicotine use followed, with 57% okay with it and 16% not.

When it came to cannabis, patients were more accepting of medical use (56%) than recreational (45%). However, 25% were against recreational use by doctors, compared to 16% for medical use, 16% for nicotine, and 13% for alcohol. Around 19% strongly opposed recreational cannabis use, the highest among all substances.

There was also a noticeable uncertainty about cannabis. About 14% weren’t sure how they felt about prescribed cannabis, while over 16.2% were uncertain about recreational use.

Interestingly, factors like the patients’ education level or personal marijuana use didn’t seem to impact their opinions on whether doctors should use cannabis when not working.

The survey also included questions about CBD and cannabis as part of treatment plans. Just over half (53%) were open to their doctor talking about marijuana as a treatment option, while 40% said they’d be willing to consider using it for medical reasons. For CBD, 55% were open to discussing its use. Still, about 20% of people were unsure about both substances being part of their care.

Researchers noted the wide range of opinions, saying the results reflect ongoing debates around cannabis and its role in healthcare. They pointed out that even with CBD, which doesn’t have psychoactive effects, many patients remained undecided.

The study acknowledged its limitations, such as its focus on a rural, mostly homogeneous group in one state. It also recognized that Pennsylvania’s current cannabis laws could influence how comfortable people are talking about cannabis use.

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420 with CNW — Report Indicates California Registered Significant Marijuana Production Increase

California’s legal marijuana production rose by 11.8% in 2024, reaching 1.4 million pounds, according to a newly released report by the state’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).

Despite this growth, the illegal cannabis trade remains dominant, with unlicensed production estimated at 11.4 million pounds. Although its exact destinations remain unclear, a significant portion of this illicit marijuana finds its way outside California.

The report highlights a significant gap between legal production and total marijuana consumption within California, which stands at 3.8 million pounds annually. Illegal sales within the state nearly double those of licensed retailers, indicating that while the legal industry has room for growth, major policy changes are necessary to shift consumer preferences away from unauthorized sellers.

DCC director Nicole Elliott acknowledged the progress made in stabilizing California’s legal market. She emphasized that expanding access, lowering costs, and tightening enforcement efforts are key strategies to create a more sustainable and regulated industry.

The report, prepared by ERA Economics, a California-based research firm specializing in water and agriculture economics, sheds light on ongoing challenges in the state’s cannabis sector. Despite California maintaining its position as the largest legal marijuana market in the U.S., signs of industry struggles persist.

The number of surrendered or inactive business permits has surpassed active licenses, raising concerns about the sector’s long-term viability.

Encouraging trends include a nearly 5% rise in wholesale cannabis prices, a 7.5% increase in the industry’s total value, and the continued growth of legal production. However, the overall market still faces difficulties, with persistently low prices and challenging business conditions. The situation may worsen if a proposed increase in California’s excise tax—potentially rising from 15% to 19%—takes effect by mid-year.

Although the legal cannabis market’s total production value rebounded to $1 billion last year, it remains below the $1.2 billion peak seen in 2021. By contrast, the estimated wholesale value of illegal operations is significantly higher, reaching $7.9 billion. Meanwhile, the number of state-issued retail licenses rose, yet many businesses have exited local markets. For instance, licensed retailers in Alameda County dropped from 157 in 2022 to 100 in 2024.

Statewide cannabis sales declined by 4% in 2023, with several counties seeing notable drops. Los Angeles County’s sales fell from $1.5 billion to $1.3 billion, while Alameda County dropped from $296.95 million to $263.11 million. Orange County, however, remained stable at approximately $279 million.

The report suggests that supply restrictions, including Governor Gavin Newsom’s ban on hemp products, could help stabilize prices for the remaining licensed operators.

The general marijuana industry, including enterprises like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), hopes that California and other states with legal marijuana programs find effective ways to deal with the black market so that licensed firms can have a chance to thrive and consumers can be protected from the risks associated with unregulated products.

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420 with CNW — Trump’s Cuts to Funding Put Marijuana Research at Risk

The federal government’s decision to reduce funding for research is jeopardizing 565 cannabis-related studies. In addition, a freeze on new grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is slowing down future studies at a critical time, raising concerns about cannabis policy changes and potential consequences for the industry.

Earlier this month, the NIH announced that there would be a significant cut in research grants allocated for indirect costs, such as facility and administrative expenses, capping it at 15%. Universities responded by filing lawsuits to block the cuts, leading to a temporary halt in their implementation while legal challenges unfold.

Researchers are now left in uncertainty, continuing their work despite the looming threat of funding termination, which could have long-term effects on the $32 billion cannabis industry.

Without solid scientific studies, the legal cannabis sector faces difficulties countering claims about the negative effects of marijuana, including lawsuits concerning high-potency cannabis products. Additionally, without substantial research backing, industry advocates may struggle to persuade legislators who remain skeptical or opposed to marijuana reform, including changes to its federal classification.

While federal grants are not the sole financial resource for marijuana studies, institutions like UCLA receive funding from state marijuana tax revenue. However, in most cases, NIH grants remain essential as they support larger, more impactful research projects.

The federal government has also halted the review process for new studies, leaving many projects stuck indefinitely.

This disruption contradicts previous indications that the administration would take a supportive stance on cannabis and goes against a call made by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in September. The organization urged the government to lift existing research restrictions to better understand marijuana legalization’s public health implications.

Although cannabis research accounts for only a fraction of the $47 billion the federal government spends annually on biomedical studies, it has seen significant growth. In 2012, when recreational cannabis was legalized for the first time in Washington and Colorado, researchers published approximately 1,200 cannabis-related studies. By 2021, that number had surged to over 4,200, with an increasing focus on marijuana’s potential benefits rather than just its risks.

The uncertainty surrounding funding could also impact the ongoing cannabis rescheduling process. The DEA has paused rescheduling hearings, with the decision now resting solely in the agency’s hands. If Trump’s choice for DEA director, Terrance Cole, a known marijuana critic, is confirmed as DEA chief, the chances of rescheduling could diminish.

Marijuana businesses like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) inside and outside the U.S. are likely to take a keen interest in the way Trump’s administration supports or hinders marijuana policy reform at the federal level.

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420 with CNW — Ohio Residents Voice Their Opposition to GOP Efforts to Thwart Voter-Approved Marijuana Reforms

Several Ohio residents have voiced their opposition to a proposed measure that seeks to alter the state’s cannabis regulations. Senate Bill 56, introduced last month by Senator Steve Huffman, has received pushback, with 40 people submitting testimony against it during a Senate General Government Committee hearing.

“This legislation is not about keeping consumers safe,” stated Don Holztrager of Chronic Wellness LLC. “It’s about enabling corporate monopolies, consolidating control, and stifling competition.”

Committee Chair Senator Kristina Roegner presented a revised version of the bill that eliminates sections related to taxation and revenue allocation. Initially, the legislation proposed increasing the tax on recreational cannabis to 15%, with all revenue directed to the state’s general fund. Currently, cannabis sales tax revenue is distributed among various programs, including 36% to the marijuana social equity and jobs fund, another 36% to the host community marijuana fund, 25% supports substance abuse and addiction programs, and the remaining 3% is allocated to the Tax Commissioner Fund and the cannabis control division.

If passed, the bill would significantly alter existing cannabis laws, including reducing the number of plants allowed for home cultivation from 12 to 6 and lowering the permitted THC potency in recreational cannabis products to 70%.

Other key provisions in the legislation include:

Consolidating Ohio’s medical and recreational cannabis programs under the cannabis control division.
Mandating that cannabis be transported in a vehicle’s trunk.
Specifying that cannabis use is only allowed within private residences.
Limiting the number of operational dispensaries to 350.

Several individuals who testified were particularly concerned about restrictions on home cultivation. Holztrager argued that the law should permit six plants per adult rather than per household. He also advocated for home growers to have opportunities to test their products, sell to dispensaries, and build independent brands, fostering small business growth.

Many critics of the measure argue that it reverses crucial aspects of the voter-approved measure. Gary Daniels, policy director at the ACLU of Ohio, criticized the proposed changes, stating, “This is not only a complete departure from the core policies of the initiative but also follows a decision by the General Assembly to forgo making any modifications to the ballot initiative’s language when given the opportunity.”

Some opponents expressed concern that the THC restrictions would push Ohio consumers to purchase cannabis in Michigan instead. Others argued that the legislation should include measures for expunging past cannabis-related convictions.

A committee vote on the bill was originally scheduled for Wednesday but was ultimately canceled.

Marijuana industry players like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) from different jurisdictions with legal marijuana markets may be unhappy that after voters made their choice known, some lawmakers are planning to modify the stipulations which were voted upon and approved.

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420 with CNW — Latest Poll Shows Most Texans Want Marijuana Legalized

A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs revealed that a significant number of Texans are in favor of legalizing cannabis for recreational use. The poll, which gathered responses from 1,200 adults across Texas and has a margin of error of 2.38%, found that over 60% of Texans support permitting recreational cannabis sales and consumption.

Texas lawmakers passed HB 1325 in 2019, which permitted industrial hemp cultivation as long as the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the crop was below 0.3%. This created a loophole that some businesses used to introduce THC marijuana products into the market.

The recent University of Houston poll included questions about cannabis and THC-related products. Although a majority of participants supported the legalization of cannabis, many also expressed concern over unregulated THC products, which became available due to gaps in HB 1325. Most respondents favored restricting the sale of these products.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick recently identified banning THC sales in the state as a key priority for this year’s legislative session, which started in January.

The survey revealed that around 62% of respondents, including 71% and 53% of Democrats and Republicans, respectively, back legislation that would permit individuals 21 years of age and over to purchase and use cannabis legally.

A strong majority—79% overall, with 75% and 86% of Republicans and Democrats, respectively—support legalizing cannabis for medical use with a healthcare provider’s prescription.

Decriminalizing cannabis possession for adult use was favored by 69% of Texans, including 61% and 79% of Republicans and Democrats, respectively. When it comes to THC products, opinions were more divided. Roughly 55% of respondents, including 61% of Republicans and 48% of Democrats, support prohibiting the sale of THC products in the state.

According to the survey, age played an even more significant role than political affiliation in shaping opinions on THC and cannabis policies. The findings indicated that 70% of Gen Z respondents supported banning THC sales, while 49% of Gen X and 46% of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation felt the same.

The survey also examined attitudes toward sports betting and gambling, another significant topic of discussion. Compared to THC and cannabis regulations, gambling appeared to be a less contentious issue, with the vast majority of the respondents expressing some level of support for its legalization in various forms.

Currently, the state only allows certain types of gambling, such as parimutuel betting on dog and horse races, charitable bingo, and lotteries. However, sports betting has gained widespread acceptance nationwide, with thirty-nine states having approved it in some capacity.

Industry actors like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) know that it will not be easy to enact marijuana policy reform in a conservative state like Texas, but the passage of time and changes in the rest of the country could eventually galvanize change in the state.

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420 with CNW — Poll Finds Cannabis Helps Most People Cut Their Alcohol Intake

A recent survey reveals that over 50% of cannabis users reduce or completely stop their alcohol consumption after using marijuana. The poll, conducted by NuggMD, a marijuana telehealth platform, lends credence to the expanding theory of a substitution effect, according to which people are increasingly choosing marijuana because they believe it to be safer compared to alcohol.

When asked about the impact of marijuana use on their drinking habits, 54% of respondents reported drinking less or completely stopping. Meanwhile, 22% stated that cannabis did not affect their alcohol consumption, and 14% said it depended on the situation. Only 9% indicated that they consumed more alcohol after cannabis use. The survey was conducted between January 9 and 12, gathering responses from 381 marijuana users.

These findings align with an expanding body of research showing that user behavior is evolving as more states legalize marijuana, allowing greater access to regulated products.

For instance, a study backed by NIDA and published last month discovered that young adults are almost three times as likely to consume cannabis daily or almost daily than alcohol. The study provided more detailed, age-specific data compared to a previous study, which showed that daily marijuana use among Americans has surpassed daily alcohol consumption. Furthermore, alcohol consumers were more likely than cannabis users to acknowledge the potential benefits of reducing their intake.

Similarly, research published in the Addiction Journal last May found that more American adults now use cannabis daily as compared to alcohol.

Another study, conducted by Bloomberg Intelligence (BI), suggests that marijuana is increasingly replacing alcohol as legalization spreads and attitudes toward harm change. The survey also found that many people substitute cannabis for painkillers and cigarettes.

According to a different BI research published in September, the alcohol business is facing an increasing amount of competition as a result of the burgeoning legalization movement. The results of the survey indicate that more people are choosing cannabis over alcoholic drinks like wine and beer.

The trend is not limited to the U.S. Research from Canada, where cannabis is legal federally, revealed that legalization led to a decrease in beer sales, further indicating a substitution impact.

Additionally, a survey conducted by Morning Consult and APA last year revealed that Americans consider cannabis significantly less harmful than opioids, cigarettes, and alcohol. Respondents also rated marijuana as less addictive than the others.

These poll findings confirm some of the trends that industry firms like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) have been observing in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

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420 with CNW — US Border Patrol Asks Court to Dismiss Businesses’ Lawsuit on Marijuana Seizures in New Mexico

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are asking a federal judge to dismiss a case brought by New Mexico-licensed cannabis businesses. The businesses allege that the agencies unlawfully seized state-regulated cannabis products and arrested staff members at checkpoints within the state.

According to CBP and DHS, federal law takes precedence over state law as long as cannabis remains prohibited at the federal level. They argue that border agents are authorized to disregard state regulations and seize cannabis products. Furthermore, they assert that protections afforded to state cannabis programs through the Department of Justice (DOJ) policies and congressional rider do not extend to CBP, which operates under DHS.

The lawsuit, brought by 8 New Mexico cannabis businesses, was filed in October last year after reports surfaced of CBP agents seizing products and other property from state-licensed cannabis businesses at border checkpoints across New Mexico.

The businesses claim these actions violate the Fifth Amendment by conducting seizures and searches without following proper procedures. CBP has countered this argument, requesting the case be dismissed on grounds of insufficient claims and lack of jurisdiction.

The lawsuit further describes incidents where CBP detained cannabis business employees for extended periods without filing charges. Although CBP did not directly address these detentions, it maintained its authority to detain individuals under current federal law.

The agency also addressed specific complaints, such as the seizure of non-marijuana property assets like vehicles and cash. CBP argued that since the vehicles were returned to the plaintiffs before the lawsuit was filed, the issue is moot, and the plaintiffs lack standing to seek further relief.

In response to allegations that their actions contradict federal regulations and policy precedents, CBP emphasized that protections for state cannabis programs only apply to the DOJ under a congressional rider and do not extend to DHS or its agencies. Additionally, they rejected claims that prior Treasury Department or DOJ guidance on cannabis reform has any legal bearing, stating that federal law continues to prohibit cannabis and provides no exceptions for CBP or DHS to stop enforcing those restrictions. CBP and DHS also reiterated that cannabis is still classified as a Schedule 1 substance under the CSA.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to require CBP to provide documentation of seized property, return the items or compensate them for their value, and establish a process to contest future seizures in compliance with the Fifth Amendment.

The issue has also drawn attention from legislators, with Representative Gabe Vasquez proposing an amendment to appropriations legislation for DHS, aiming to restrict border agents from using federal funds to confiscate cannabis products from state-licensed operators.

The marijuana industry and its leading firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will be hoping that the court system clears the air on whether it is acceptable for Border Patrol to seize cannabis products from licensed companies that are conducting their legitimate business activities in states bordering neighboring countries.

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420 with CNW — Study Explores the Ethical Complexities Linked to Undertaking Marijuana Research Funded by Industry Actors

Researchers from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are exploring the ethical implications of marijuana research that’s largely funded by actors with industry interests. Prior to the recent wave of state-level legalization, studying the potential risks and benefits of marijuana was practically impossible, making the recent rush of cannabis-related studies even more important for the fledgling cannabis market.

These studies give us a glimpse into marijuana and how its use affects humans, particularly in the long term. However, a lot of cannabis research is conducted by actors who stand to make financial gains if the research yields positive results, raising questions on the ethics of marijuana research that’s mostly funded by a for-profit cannabis sector.

Titled ‘Canadian cannabis researcher perspectives on the Conduct and Sponsorship of Scientific Research by the for-profit Cannabis Industry,’ the CAMH study was published in the journal Social Science & Medicine. It found that although researchers are pushed by their need for high-quality research and commitment to helping maintain public health, they are regularly forced into industry partnerships due to systemic barriers.

The study notes that the challenges that push scientists into industry partnerships point to the structural problems that need systemic solutions.

Cannabis research often involves medical conditions that typically don’t respond to conventional treatments and have a notable impact on quality of life. Many of the researchers involved in marijuana research are committed to research efforts that improve people’s lives by advancing our knowledge of the human body and new medications.

CAMH researchers ran a series of 38 interviews with clinicians, academic researchers, and peer researchers from across Canada. Unfortunately, many of them say marijuana’s controlled status at the federal level and the structural barriers arising from its status often force them to make difficult decisions regarding conflict of interest, agenda bias, and scientific integrity.

Some of the study’s considerations included increasing transparency regarding cannabis industry funding, ensuring industry interests don’t influence research agendas, and limiting reliance on the cannabis industry for research funding. Researchers also suggested the implementation of institutional policies that ensure research integrity and independence regardless of the source of funding.

This includes providing concise guidelines that encourage collaborations that benefit public health and manage conflicts of interest effectively. As America’s state-level cannabis industry expands and more people gain access to the drug, such guidelines will be critical to safeguarding the integrity of marijuana research and making sure it is in line with public health goals.

While there are some ethics risks linked to conducting cannabis research sponsored by industry actors, many firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) are often interested in uncovering the truth about the effects of this substance so that they can leverage their findings for commercial gain. It would therefore be counterproductive in the long run if they twisted the truth since it would only be a matter of time before any fraud is exposed.

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