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Big Apple Shake-Ups, DEA’s Hiring Spree & Martha’s 4/20 (Almost) Bash
Plus, effects of cannabis on sedation.
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Hey there, Benzinga Cannabis community! It’s Maureen Meehan here—and you’ve landed on your favorite stop for all things cannabis, culture and canna-biz.
Today’s Cannabis Daily is jam-packed: We’ve got the feds dropping a big no-go on covering medical marijuana under Medicare and Medicaid, Tilray scaling back its expectations after a rocky Q3, and New York once again being… well, New York, with a fresh bill that could tilt the market even further. Oh—and did I mention Martha Stewart is throwing a weed pairing party with Snoop?
Yeah, let’s get into it.👇
In today's issue:
🚨 Politics & Policy
It’s official: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a rule making it crystal clear that marijuana—including CBD—won’t be covered under federal health programs. Even for patients with chronic illnesses enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, cannabis remains off the list.
The updated rule hits June 3, solidifying that products “illegal under Federal law” will not make the cut. That includes all cannabis-derived substances, regardless of non-intoxicating status. So no, Grandma’s gummies aren’t getting reimbursed.
While federal agencies are tightening their belts under Trump and Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the DEA is actively recruiting—in a big way. The agency is accepting up to 2,500 applications for special agents, even welcoming coffee baristas into the mix.
The move marks a not-so-subtle signal: the “war on drugs” isn’t slowing down. In fact, the DEA seems to be one of the few agencies expanding under the current federal squeeze.
🏙️ New York, New Rules
Regulators in New York are cracking down on some of the biggest names in cannabis—Stiiizy included—for allegedly skirting local laws. The Office of Cannabis Management suspects companies may be “laundering” cannabis through a Long Island processor called Omnium Canna.
Inspectors have launched surprise audits at Omnium’s factories to dig into potential violations, especially around illegal cross-state transport and sourcing from unlicensed growers. This probe could trigger serious consequences.
As if the NY market wasn’t complex enough, a new state bill could roll back upcoming restrictions on intoxicating hemp products. That might sound like a win for product freedom, but it could flood the legal space with out-of-state brands.
Adding more fuel to the fire? A new “processor type 3 branding license” would allow national brands to sell in New York without setting up local processing shops. For homegrown operators already struggling, this could be a serious blow.
📉 Markets & Business
Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) missed Wall Street expectations for Q3, pulling in $185.8 million—below the anticipated $210.45 million. The decline came as the company trimmed low-performing SKUs and implemented other “strategic initiatives,” cutting revenue by $13.2 million.
Adjusted EPS came in flat at $0.00, which—surprise—was still better than analysts’ projected 4-cent loss. But the company is also tempering expectations for its FY25 revenue outlook.
🧬 Science & Medicine
University of Oklahoma researchers have found that cannabis users need significantly higher doses of sedation drugs like propofol and midazolam during procedures like endoscopies.
Cannabis users were 77% more likely to need higher doses of propofol, and 57% more likely to require increased midazolam. They were also more frequently given diphenhydramine for sedation. "Knowing ahead of time which patient may be more difficult to sedate can be instrumental," said Dr. Mohammad Madhoun of OU’s College of Medicine.
New guidance from the American College of Physicians cautions that while cannabis may offer some pain relief, it comes with serious caveats.
The guidance—issued during the ACP’s Internal Medicine Meeting—urges clinicians to be extra careful prescribing cannabis to young adults, patients with past substance use disorder, serious mental illness, or those at risk of falls. Inhaled cannabis and use during pregnancy or breastfeeding? Still a no-go.
🎉 Culture & Events
Yes, it’s really happening—Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg are hosting a cannabis-infused pairing party on April 17 in West Hollywood, thanks to a collab with BIC EZ Reach and SWED.
There’ll be infused mocktails, gourmet bites, and that classic Martha-meets-Snoop vibe. “It’s Easter, so it’s going to take place on the 17th so people can be with their children and the Easter Bunny,” Martha explained.
🎟️ Tickets drop April 10 at BIC.com—first come, first served!
That’s all for today’s Cannabis Daily, folks. Keep it green, stay informed and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow. Maureen
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