420 with CNW — Congress Promises to Consider Marijuana Banking Reform Once the Budget is Passed

Congress is expected to revisit cannabis-related issues this fall, including banking access for marijuana businesses, according to political experts in Washington.

David Culver, a top executive at the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable, a leading advocacy group, said he believes there’s a strong chance that Congress will approve the SAFE Banking measure before the current session ends. “This is the most promising window we’ve had so far,” Culver said in an interview.

However, the bill’s progress is on hold until Congress handles a top priority: President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Lawmakers from both parties agree that this bill takes precedence.

Senator Bernie Moreno, who is leading GOP support for the Senate version of the cannabis banking bill, said the Senate will likely turn its attention back to SAFER Banking sometime in the fall.

Currently, most congressional action is stalled as Republican legislators remain divided over Trump’s broad immigration and tax bill. GOP leaders in the Senate have said they aim to send the finalized bill to Trump by Independence Day. But complications arose when House Republicans pushed back on changes introduced in the Senate.

Representative Andy Harris, who heads the conservative House Freedom Caucus, stated that the House version must be the final framework. “Our red line is clear,” he told the Washington Post. “It needs to match what we passed in the House.”

Delays in reaching an agreement on Trump’s bill could stall other bills, including cannabis-related legislation.

Meanwhile, Harris is also backing a separate proposal that would change the legal definition of hemp at the federal level to ban products containing hemp-derived THC and THCA flower. However, the odds of that measure passing are low, especially since several GOP lawmakers represent states with booming hemp markets.

Cannabis banking had been at the top of the legislative agenda until the Biden administration moved to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to III under the CSA in 2022. That change would offer immediate tax benefits to cannabis companies—something that banking reform alone wouldn’t provide.

But with rescheduling efforts currently stalled, attention is once again turning to the need for financial access. While the House has passed banking reforms several times under Democratic control, the Senate has yet to follow through.

Advocates say passing SAFER Banking could pave the way for more reforms, including standardized THC regulation and nationwide cannabis commerce.

Major marijuana industry players like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CNX: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) will be hoping that some regulatory reforms are enacted sooner rather than later given the numerous headwinds that the industry is currently facing.

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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 — Sky News Investigation Uncovers Illicit Marijuana Sellers in the UK Using QR Codes to Attract Buyers

While walking through Burton upon Trent, Steve noticed unusual stickers on lampposts and bins with a shiny green marijuana leaf, a QR code, and the phrase “get your delivery.” Curious, he scanned the code with his phone and was taken to a polished website selling cannabis in various forms—vapes, oils, gummies, buds, and even pre-rolled joints.

Steve had recently moved to the area and was dealing with severe pain from a back injury. He wanted an alternative to prescription opioids but didn’t feel safe buying drugs on the street. The site he found operated like a legitimate online store. It offered next-day delivery, had a variety of products, and included positive reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Google.

He remembers being nervous the first time he ordered. “The package smelled strong,” he said. “It was shaped to fit through the letterbox, so the postman just dropped it in without a knock.”

Stickers just like the ones Steve saw have appeared in cities and towns across the UK—places like Birmingham, London, Glasgow, Shrewsbury, and even near police stations and schools. An investigation by Sky News discovered at least three different sticker styles, each linking to separate but related websites. All of them had professional branding, and their backend code revealed a rotating list of bank accounts and business names used during purchases.

The businesses are tied to a group of Lithuanian nationals, many of whom are linked to addresses in East London. One of these addresses is connected to a convicted criminal from Lithuania. Mail tracking data suggests the shipments are processed through a local Romford mail center. Moreover, a TRM Labs digital wallet analysis found that one of the websites had taken in over $100,000 by mid-March, which likely understates the total, as many buyers use traditional bank transfers.

When investigators visited a woman who owns two of the homes tied to the operation, she claimed to know nothing about it and said the people involved had since left the country.

Tony Saggers, formerly with the National Crime Agency, says this kind of operation shows how drug sales have moved from the dark web to regular websites, making access easier for everyday users. The volume of products being sold also points to large-scale cannabis production, likely within the UK.

Ben, a student at the University of York, scanned a sticker out of curiosity. He’d never used drugs before but said the sleek website made it feel like a real online store. He received a £10 ($13.57) joint in clean packaging but didn’t like the experience and chose not to repeat it.

Dr. Simon Erridge, from Curaleaf Clinic—a legal medical cannabis provider—warns people like Ben and Steve are gambling with their health. His clinic’s research found that 90% of seized marijuana samples had contaminants like mold, lead, or bacteria. Other tests showed many samples didn’t even contain real marijuana, with some having dangerous synthetic substances.

Despite the risks, more people are turning to online sources. A survey found that while friends and dealers remain common suppliers, online sales—especially through QR codes—are rising, particularly among younger adults.

While law enforcement is aware of the sticker campaign and its connection to drug sales, they’ve made few arrests. Officers in some regions now remove the stickers when they find them and encourage others to do the same. However, police say many of these websites operate from outside the UK, making enforcement difficult.

The proliferation of illicit marijuana sales in the UK underscores the necessity to revisit the country’s drug policies and possibly create a regulated market where companies similar to Trulieve Cannabis (CNX: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) can operate legally and have their products meet the set standards prior to market entry.

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420 with CNW — Federal Study Reveals Key Insights into Marijuana Use Preferences of Men and Women

A recent federal report sheds light on how Americans use cannabis, highlighting clear differences in consumption habits between men and women. Smoking continues to be the go-to method for most users, but men are far more likely to choose this route than women. On the other hand, women lean more toward edibles, infused drinks, and products applied to the skin like creams and patches.

According to national survey data collected in 2022 and 2023, about 19.8% of male marijuana users aged 12 and up said they mostly smoked it. In comparison, 14.3% of female users reported smoking as their main method. While men leaned toward smoking, 2.5% of female respondents favored topicals like lotions and transdermal patches, compared to just 1.2% of men.

Women were also more likely to go for cannabis-infused foods and beverages. This difference was consistent across age groups, except for adolescents between 12 and 17 years old, where girls were slightly more likely to drink or eat cannabis, and boys were less likely to favor smoking compared to older age groups.

Other ways of consuming cannabis also revealed gender splits. Products like oral sprays, lozenges, and drops were more common among women, while men preferred more intense inhalation methods like dabbing or vaping marijuana concentrates.

The study also found that nearly 45% of cannabis users stick to one method of consumption. About 27.5% used two methods, while 27.6% reported three or more. Older individuals tended to favor a single method, while younger users were more likely to mix it up. Among young adults aged 18 to 25, smoking remains especially common, regardless of gender.

Another report from the CDC earlier this year backed up these findings. It showed that while smoking continues to be the top choice, alternative methods like eating edibles, dabbing, and vaping are gaining ground. The CDC report analyzed 2022 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which included an optional section on cannabis use.

For the first time since 2016, respondents could select more than one method of cannabis use. Comparing results from 2016 to 2022, the CDC found noticeable increases in the use of edibles and vaping, along with more people reporting multiple methods of consumption.

Another CDC analysis highlighted a decline in marijuana use among high school students, despite the growing legalization trend. SAMHSA also reported a slight drop in marijuana use among minors aged 12 to 20, continuing a long-term downward trend over the past decade.

It would be interesting to learn what actionable insights companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CNX: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) could pick from this latest study on the marijuana use preferences of males and females in the U.S.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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420 with CNW — The Business and Legal Impact of Inconsistent Marijuana Testing Rules

Marijuana businesses operating legally across different states face a complicated reality when it comes to product testing. Without federal regulations, states have built their own rules around lab licensing, testing requirements, sampling methods, and even how to handle contaminated products.

This patchwork approach creates major headaches for companies, especially those working in multiple states, leading to inconsistent results, unexpected recalls, and financial risks.

In every legal state, cannabis must pass quality testing before reaching consumers. Labs need to be approved at the state level, but the way states license and accredit labs varies widely. Many states require labs to meet ISO standards for accuracy and reliability, while others have created alternative accreditation systems.

Since no nationwide testing methods exist, labs often develop their own procedures to meet local regulations, making it difficult to compare results across different regions.

One major problem is the inconsistency in what marijuana products must be tested for. Microbial contamination is a good example—some states demand zero tolerance for specific bacteria or mold, while others allow small amounts.

Pesticide testing rules also differ. Some states enforce strict bans on any pesticide residue, while others set thresholds, meaning trace amounts might still pass. Heavy metal testing is another area with differences. While most states test for mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium, some also require screening for additional metals like nickel and chromium.

THC potency testing is one of the few areas with broad agreement: almost all states require labs to measure THC levels for labeling. Still, states differ on how they calculate and define “Total THC” and whether they require testing for other cannabinoids like CBG or CBN.

Testing also changes depending on the product type. Marijuana flower usually faces the broadest testing requirements, while concentrates and edibles may have modified standards. For instance, concentrates often undergo solvent testing to ensure no harmful extraction chemicals are left behind. However, microbial testing may be relaxed for certain concentrate products since the extraction process can eliminate some microbes.

When it comes to topicals, edibles, and beverages, testing standards diverge even more. Some states believe that if the extract used in an edible passed all testing, the finished product doesn’t need to be retested. Others insist that the final product must be checked again.

Sampling procedures add another layer of inconsistency. Some states allow licensees to collect their own samples, while others require labs or neutral parties to do it to prevent tampering. Sampling sizes also vary: some states base it on a percentage of the batch, others on weight guidelines. These differences affect the reliability of test results and encourage practices like “lab shopping,” where companies look for labs that might deliver more favorable outcomes.

When a batch fails testing, the consequences depend heavily on local rules. Some states require immediate destruction, especially for serious contamination such as banned pesticides. Others allow remediation efforts, giving businesses a chance to fix and retest their products.

For marijuana operators trying to stay compliant, this fragmented system isn’t just a paperwork hassle—it can cause real financial damage. A failed batch, product recall, or lawsuit over testing can cost companies millions. Even when businesses do everything by the book, they might get caught up in recalls caused by lab errors or inconsistent standards.

For instance, Michigan regulators recalled all marijuana products tested over three months by a major laboratory in 2021. More than 400 dispensaries were impacted, and about $229 million worth of products were pulled from shelves.

As the industry evolves, businesses, regulators, and labs need a more unified system with shared testing standards and methods. Standardization would protect consumers, provide more stability for companies, and create a safer, more trustworthy industry overall.

For companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CBoe CA: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that focus on making and selling medical marijuana products, uniform cannabis testing rules and practices are very important since lives can be impacted adversely if this crucial testing phase isn’t uniformly undertaken.

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420 with CNW — Dutch Marijuana Growers Applaud Decision to Expand Regulated Sales Experiment

The Dutch government has expanded a state-backed cannabis program to allow legal sales, even though growing it remains against the law in most cases. As of now, cannabis stores in ten cities can offer weed sourced from ten officially licensed growers.

For decades, selling small amounts of cannabis in Dutch coffee shops has been tolerated, but the actual cultivation was still illegal. This setup created a legal loophole where you could sell cannabis but not legally produce it. Rick Bakker, a commercial director of one of the approved growers, Hollandse Hoogtes, called it an overdue fix to a confusing situation.

Roughly 80 coffeeshops are now involved in the trial, which is designed to bring more consistency and safety to the cannabis supply chain. One of the main aims is to address issues tied to illegal cultivation, such as crime and poor quality control.

Hollandse Hoogtes, located close to the German border in Bemmel, produces about 440 pounds of cannabis each week. The facility resembles a standard greenhouse operation but stands out for its strict quality standards. Head grower Benjamin Selma, who previously worked in California’s marijuana industry, says every batch is tested for harmful microbes, heavy metals, cannabinoids, and terpenes. No pesticides are used, and the growing environment is closely monitored.

The facility also uses solar power and eco-friendly packaging as part of its sustainability efforts.

Although the Netherlands was one of the first countries to adopt a tolerant stance on cannabis back in the 1970s, the nation has become stricter in recent years. In places like Amsterdam, coffeeshops have been closing, and public smoking has been restricted in certain areas.

Supporters of the trial believe it’s a key step toward a safer, more transparent marijuana industry. Mayor Paul Depla of Breda highlighted the importance of cooperation between authorities, growers, and shop owners in making the system work.

The plan was first proposed in 2017 after a compromise between conservative and progressive political parties. The government has set a four-year period for the trial during which researchers will monitor its impact on public safety, health, and organized crime. Results from the trial will guide future decisions on national cannabis policy.

For growers like Selma, the shift to legal work is a relief. After years of operating under risky conditions, he said it feels almost unreal to finally produce cannabis without fear of legal consequences.

The participating cities include Zaanstad, Almere, Breda, Arnhem, Groningen, Tilburg, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis, Nijmegen, and Maastricht.

As the system proves its efficacy, it could trigger opportunities for international players like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CNX: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) interested in expanding their global footprint.

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420 with CNW — Coalition Government Talks in Germany Could Be Complicated by Marijuana Policy

Germany’s coalition negotiations could become tense as the Christian Democrats (CDU) and Social Democrats (SPD) clash over the country’s marijuana law. The SPD, which championed the legislation last year, considers it a key achievement, while the CDU has always opposed legalization.

Following initial post-election discussions, CDU leader Friedrich Merz expressed optimism about forming a coalition government with SPD, describing the talks as productive. However, this cooperative atmosphere may not last.

The SPD-led coalition, which included the Greens and Free Democrats (FDP), pushed for the legislation in April last year, bringing Germany in line with the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Belgium in decriminalizing marijuana.

Merz previously stated his party’s opposition to the law, telling Tagesschau before the election that the CDU intended to “fix” the law. Their manifesto went further, labeling legalization a failure and pledging to remove it.

The SPD, on the other hand, is still committed to cannabis reform and even called for further changes aligning with European standards.

Ahead of coalition discussions, CDU health policy representative Tino Sorge criticized the law as a “dangerous mistake,” arguing that it should be repealed. However, he acknowledged that coalition talks would ultimately determine the outcome. Given the differing positions and economic factors at play, a compromise appears likely.

The industry remains hopeful that a complete rollback is unlikely. Bloomwell Group CEO Niklas Kouparanis expressed confidence that major changes wouldn’t disrupt Germany’s medical marijuana market. He argued that reclassifying marijuana as a narcotic would be a complex and time-consuming process. Instead, he expects adjustments such as stricter regulations on nonprofit marijuana clubs and home cultivation limits.

From an industry perspective, the SPD’s legalization effort has positioned Germany as a key player in the medical marijuana sector. Any reversal could break an election promise and expose the government to legal challenges.

By November last year, nearly 400 marijuana social clubs had applied for licenses, though only a fraction had received approval. Kouparanis warned that revoking the law could lead to legal claims from already licensed clubs seeking compensation.

Beyond legal concerns, the economic impact is substantial. Sales of cannabis-based medicines covered by health insurance have doubled in three years, with further growth expected. Imports of medical marijuana quadrupled in 2024, with shipments rising to 31.7 tons over the year.

The CDU’s economic priorities might influence future policy. A CDU-led government could take a state-controlled but economically sensible approach to healthcare. Given the SPD’s weaker position in coalition talks, their ability to protect cannabis legislation remains uncertain.

Major North American marijuana companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) are likely to keep tabs on the unfolding situation in Germany in order to assess whether potential market opportunities emerge or the new government scuttles the progress made in reforming the country’s drug laws.

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420 with CNW — New Florida Bill Wants Patients with MMJ Cards to Grow Cannabis at Home

While the push to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida did not succeed in the November election, lawmakers are now focusing on expanding access to medical marijuana. A proposed piece of legislation, Senate Bill 546, aims to give medical cannabis patients the ability to cultivate their own marijuana plants at home.

If passed, the measure would allow registered patients to grow up to two plants for personal medical use.

For many patients relying on medical cannabis, accessibility remains a challenge, especially in remote areas of Florida. Some people live hours away from the nearest dispensary, making it difficult to obtain their medication conveniently. While delivery services are available, they do not offer the immediate access that a physical store would provide.

Paula Savchenko, a marijuana law attorney pointed out that this delay can be frustrating for patients who need their medication promptly.

The push for SB 546 is gaining traction among patients who see home cultivation as a practical solution. Under the proposed legislation, individuals interested in growing cannabis would be required to obtain a cultivation certificate. This process would involve registering each plant and undergoing inspections, among other stipulations.

“The response to this bill among existing medical cannabis treatment centers has been mixed. Some cannabis businesses support the idea, while others have reservations. However, within the industry as a whole, there is a strong belief that patients should have the right to cultivate their own medicine,” Savchenko explained.

A poll conducted last year for Royal Queen Seeds, a cannabis seed company based in Barcelona, found that 81% of marijuana users in the U.S. believe individuals should have the right to grow cannabis at home. Additionally, 26% of users reported having grown plants in their residence, while 21% of those who have not tried it expressed an interest in doing so.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Savchenko has helped several dispensary businesses navigate the licensing and regulatory process required to operate legally. She noted that in some cases, businesses have waited over a year for approval, only to receive a denial that then requires an appeal, prolonging the process even further. This lengthy approval period is another reason why some patients and advocates see home cultivation as a beneficial alternative.

“Since the bill only permits two plants per cannabis patient, it is unlikely that this will entirely replace dispensary purchases. Patients will still need to visit stores for additional supply,” Savchenko added.

The measure has only been introduced and must go through further steps before becoming law. The next phase involves assigning the bill to a legislative committee for an initial reading. A specific date for this has yet to be determined.

It remains to be seen what major medical marijuana companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) think about this latest effort to reform the medical marijuana landscape in Florida.

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420 with CNW — Activists in Florida File New Initiative to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Marijuana advocates in Florida have submitted a fresh proposal aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis. The new measure comes only two months after a similar one failed to secure the required supermajority vote during the November election. Florida residents will have the opportunity to vote on the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2026 if the measure is approved.

Smart and Safe Florida, the group behind the measure, officially submitted it to the state Elections’ Division on Tuesday. The initiative would legalize recreational cannabis use for individuals 21 years of age or older while establishing regulations for the cultivation, sale, and distribution of marijuana. Under the proposed rules, adults would be allowed to possess a maximum of five grams of cannabis concentrates and two ounces of marijuana.

The revised initiative introduces significant changes compared to last year’s ballot measure to address criticisms that contributed to its failure. One key concern, voiced by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, was that the previous measure would have limited the state legislature’s ability to regulate where marijuana could be consumed.

To address this, the updated proposal explicitly bans vaping and smoking cannabis in public spaces. Additionally, it includes provisions to prevent marijuana packaging and advertising from appealing to children.

Another notable addition to the new initiative is a clause allowing the legislature to authorize adults to grow cannabis at home for personal use under reasonable regulations. This addresses a criticism of the previous proposal, which lacked provisions for home cultivation—a feature many marijuana reform advocates had hoped to see.

The previous attempt to legalize cannabis, Amendment 3, was backed by about 56% of voters in the general election held in November. But it didn’t reach the 60% threshold that Florida law requires. The unsuccessful measure was heavily backed by Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), the largest supplier of medical cannabis in the state.

Similar to Amendment 3, the latest proposal would permit Florida’s existing medical marijuana businesses to expand into the recreational market, allowing sales to individuals 21 years of age and older. It also requires issuing new licenses to businesses exclusively focused on recreational cannabis.

To qualify for the ballot, Smart and Safe Florida must collect approximately 900,000 valid voters’ signatures. Should the necessary signatures be obtained and the language of the measure be approved by Florida’s Supreme Court, voters will have the opportunity to decide on the proposal in 2026.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana is Widely Available in Texas Despite its Prohibitive Laws

In Texas, getting high has never been easier, despite the state’s reputation for strict policies and socially conservative values. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, Texas boasts over 7,000 marijuana dispensaries—nearly double the number in California. The market has expanded to include 24/7 marijuana delivery services, mobile dispensary trucks, vending machines, and even mail-order options.

The contradiction arises from the state legislature, which has consistently opposed legalizing recreational cannabis. Yet, due to a rapidly growing and loosely regulated hemp market, Texas has unintentionally earned the nickname “the THC Republic.”

It began when Congress passed Farm Bill 2018, which legalized hemp by classifying it separately from cannabis. While cannabis contains high levels of THC, hemp has significantly lower levels. In 2019, Texas followed suit by allowing farmers to grow hemp for uses like textiles, paper, and clothing. Legislators believed they were steering clear of legalizing cannabis. However, a loophole in the hemp law enabled the sale of potent cannabis products.

Texas isn’t alone—eleven other states, primarily in the South, have experienced similar unintended consequences after passing hemp-friendly legislation. However, with its large cities and rapidly growing population, Texas has become the center of this trend. Although medical cannabis is legal in Texas, it’s tightly regulated, expensive, and limited to certain conditions like multiple sclerosis and cancer.

The largely unregulated hemp market has grown far beyond medical cannabis, creating significant challenges. Without age restrictions, some shops sell hemp products to underage buyers, including students after school hours. Moreover, licensed medical cannabis providers face difficulty competing with the hemp industry, which operates with fewer restrictions and a dedicated customer base.

Interestingly, the hemp market has also led to a dramatic decrease in the cannabis black market. Seizures of illegal cannabis along the Southwest border decreased by 72% between 2021 and 2023. Consumers now prefer regulated cannabis over the harsher, cartel-supplied “brickweed.”

In places like El Paso, residents who previously relied on dealers from Juarez, Mexico, can now cross into nearby New Mexico, where recreational cannabis has been legal since 2021, to shop at upscale dispensaries.

Psychoactive hemp will be a high agenda item when the Texas legislature meets for its biennial session. While the marijuana industry hopes for more mild rules, Gov. Dan Patrick has pledged to advocate for a total prohibition of THC products. If successful, it could mark the end of Texas’ thriving THC marketplace.

The broader marijuana industry, including Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), will be following the developments in Texas to see how the legitimate needs of residents who wish to consume THC products will be addressed by the conservative lawmakers in the state.

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