🔄 Adapting To Change

States respond to federal marijuana reclassification. Plus, Texas steps up decriminalization efforts.

Happy Thursday, Cannabis Investors! We asked. You answered. What do the majority of Benzinga readers think is more dangerous: alcohol or marijuana?

Plus, as federal marijuana reclassification is poised to take effect, these states focus on cannabis reform.

Also, want to win $5,000? Pitch your cannabis business and win thousands in prizes at the Benzinga and Curaleaf Competition.

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TOP STORY

Briefly: Canadian cannabis sales increased 7.1% in March, reaching $301 million (C$414 million), per Statistics Canada.

So Basically: On a per-day basis, sales rose 0.2%. Compared to last year, sales were up 1.9%, down from August's 19.8% growth rate.

So Then: Total sales for 2023 increased by 12.5% to C$5.09 billion, while 2024 saw a modest 3.2% rise from a year ago.

So What: With sales on the rise, Canadian lawmakers are investing more in research related to the sector as well.

What Next: The Alberta government has established an expert panel to review the impact of cannabis on individuals under 25. A $280,000 grant has been allocated for this study, expected to conclude by summer.

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ZINGERS

Canopy Growth Reports 7% YoY Increase In Q4 Net Revenue, Continues Focus On Innovation In Canada And International Expansion

EXCLUSIVE: “People Love THCV Before The Gym” Says Phylos Executive On Cannabis Genetics Advancements

SLANG Worldwide Q1 Revenue Drops 35% YoY, Touts E-Commerce Segment Improvement Thanks To CBD Gummy Brand

Canadian Biotech Duo Hits Psilocybin Extraction Milestone For API Development At Scale

Illinois Lawmakers Fail To Update Cannabis Laws, Non-Profit Argues “Corporate Greed” Played A Role

ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD

Briefly: Cannabis activists in Lockhart, Texas have collected enough signatures to support the Lockhart Freedom Act that would decriminalize low-level cannabis possession.

Back Up: The news comes several weeks after the residents of Lubbock — West Texas' largest city with 264,000 residents — rejected a measure to decriminalize low-level marijuana offenses.

That Said: A recent poll revealed the vast majority of Texans support the legalization or decriminalization of cannabis.

What Else: Ground Game Texas and Mano Amiga, two organizations leading the decriminalization effort, saw success with similar proposals in San Marcos and Austin two years ago.

KEEP READING

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