Hello Benzinga Cannabis friends, Maureen Meehan here, your go-to gal for all things cannabis. Welcome back to Cannabis Daily, where we dish out the most essential stories—from the budroom to the boardroom to Capitol Hill.

Today we’re diving into some big earnings news, a major push for psychedelic therapies for veterans, new medical cannabis insights and a cannabis CEO with political aspirations.

Let’s get into it.

In today's issue:

• 🤑 Earnings Season

• 🧪 Research

• 📝Politics

💸 Trulieve Crushes Q1 Expectations With Strong Margins And Cash Flow

Trulieve Cannabis Corp (OTC: TCNNF) posted first-quarter revenue of $297.8 million, beating analyst estimates of $294.4 million. The company also narrowed its adjusted loss per share to just 2 cents—much better than the projected 8-cent loss.

Retail continues to drive revenue (95% of it, to be exact), while gross margins hit 62%, up from 58% last year. The company also generated $51 million in operating cash flow and ended the quarter with $329 million in the bank.

“Strong margins and cash flow achieved in the first quarter clearly demonstrate our commitment to operational excellence. With our loyal customer base, branded products, and efforts to drive cannabis reform, Trulieve stands out as an industry leader,” CEO Kim Rivers said.

Speaking of Cannabis company earnings, this is a huge week so keep your eyes on Benzinga for all the results.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Green Thumb Industries — Wednesday 5 PM

• Cannabist — Thursday 8 AM

• Cronos Group — Thursday 8:30 AM

• Verano Holdings — Thursday 8:30 AM

• TerrAscend — Thursday 5 PM

• Curaleaf — Thursday 5 PM

• Cresco Labs — Friday 8:30 AM

🧠 Trump’s VA Secretary Says Psychedelics May Help Prevent Veteran Suicide

At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, VA Secretary Doug Collins reaffirmed his commitment to researching psychedelics to treat PTSD and traumatic brain injury in veterans—conditions closely linked to veteran suicide.

In response to Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Collins stated: “I’m committed to doing whatever we can to provide veterans and those who have maybe not responded to traditional care and others, especially in the area of PTS and also TBI—the other issues that we’re dealing with that lead to a lot of what we’ve seen in suicide and death by suicide.”

The conversation builds on previous comments Collins made during a Cabinet meeting with President Trump, signaling strong political momentum around psychedelic research.

🧪 New Study Finds Psychedelic Therapy Helps Curb Alcohol & Tobacco Use

A scientific review published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews reports that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) led to “significant reductions in alcohol consumption and high smoking cessation rates.”

The review analyzed 16 studies—most observational—with researchers calling for more robust clinical trials. Still, the early data suggests psychedelic therapy could become a key player in treating substance use disorders, including opioid dependence.

🧬 Cannabis Use Is Surging Among Cancer Patients, But Doctors Are Playing Catch-Up

More cancer patients are turning to cannabis to manage symptoms and treatment side effects, but a gap remains in physician guidance. That was the message at the Community Oncology Alliance’s 2025 conference, where integrative experts sounded the alarm.

Dr. Donald Abrams cited a 2018 survey where:

• 80% of oncologists said patients asked about cannabis

• 66% considered cannabis useful for pain and appetite

• But fewer than half recommended it

• And only a third felt they knew enough to give solid advice

These findings helped prompt the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to issue formal guidelines. Bottom line? No cannabis as a standalone cancer treatment—unless it’s in a clinical trial.

🗳️ Ultra Health CEO Eyes New Mexico Governor Run

Duke Rodriguez, CEO of Ultra Health, is mulling a 2026 run for governor of New Mexico. He’s willing to put $2 million of his own cash behind the effort—but wants to be known for more than just cannabis.

“I’m prepared to spend $2 million personally,” Rodriguez said.

Ultra Health operates 25 dispensaries across 21 counties in New Mexico. But before that? Rodriguez was a healthcare exec, serving as COO at Lovelace Health System and working in pharma.

Call him a cannabis CEO with serious policy chops.

That’s a wrap on today’s Cannabis Daily. From boardrooms to Senate chambers to oncology clinics, the cannabis and psychedelic spaces are evolving fast—and we’re here to track every twist and turn. I’m Maureen Meehan, signing off for now. See you bright and early tomorrow.

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