Cannabis Expands: From Ohio Limits To European Markets As Legal Battles Loom

Hey Benzinga Cannabis Community, it’s Maureen Meehan here—your friendly cannabis reporter with the post–Memorial Day edition of Cannabis Daily, your favorite one-stop newsletter for all things green and groundbreaking.

Today, we’ve got Pennsylvania pushing forward with a fresh legalization bill, Texas doing a policy two-step on cannabis access and Oregon's union law getting tossed out by a federal judge. Plus, we’re digging into new data showing consumers want their edibles fast and strong, Ohio loosening purchase limits, and Europe turning into a budding gold mine for U.S. cannabis brands.

All that, and a UFC star goes clean on weed. Buckle up because it’s been a very busy news day. Let’s roll.

In today's issue:

• 🏛️ Politics & Policy

• 🧪 Industry Trends

• 🌍 Global Markets

• 🧠 Psychedelics & Reform

• 🥊 Cannabis & Culture

📜 Pennsylvania Lawmaker Rolls Out New Legalization Plan

State Senator Marty Flynn is putting adult-use cannabis legalization back on the table in Pennsylvania with his upcoming Keystone Cannabis Act. After the Senate torpedoed a partisan House bill last week, Flynn is calling on colleagues to co-sponsor his plan, which would legalize weed for adults 21+, regulate cultivation and retail, and finally bring some green to the Commonwealth's economy.

Flynn emphasized freedom and economic opportunity. “This legislation represents a commonsense opportunity to modernize our cannabis laws... Adults should be free to make their own decisions about cannabis use—just as they do with alcohol and tobacco.”

But to get this moving in the GOP-led Senate? He’ll likely need a Republican partner to get the ball rolling.

🤠 Texas Eyes Medical Expansion Even As THC Ban Looms

Texas is playing cannabis chess: while the State House just passed a bill to ban all consumable THC hemp products, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says they’re also looking to expand the Texas Compassionate Use Program.

New qualifying conditions may include chronic pain, terminal illness, and hospice care—just as Senate Bill 3 could severely limit THC access outside of the medical program. Yep, you read that right: ban one door, open another.

A University of Houston poll found more than 60% of Texans back full legalization, so this whiplash approach might not go over quietly.

⚖️ Federal Judge Strikes Down Oregon’s Cannabis Union Law

Oregon’s Measure 119, which required cannabis businesses to sign labor peace agreements, just got the boot. On May 20, U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon ruled that the law violated the First Amendment and the National Labor Relations Act by forcing employers to stay neutral on unionization.

In a 23-page opinion, Judge Simon didn’t mince words, writing that the law restricted “all speech by employers that is not ‘neutral’ toward unionization.” The ruling was a win for plaintiffs Bubble’s Hash and Ascend Dispensary and a significant blow to organized labor efforts in the state’s cannabis sector.

⏱️ Fast-Acting Edibles Win Big With Consumers

Want your high now? You’re not alone. According to a new report from Azuca and BDSA, cannabis consumers are willing to pay more for fast-acting edibles that deliver effects in minutes, not hours.

In 2024, fast-acting gummies made up just 3% of the $2.57 billion U.S. gummy market but outperformed traditional edibles in brand loyalty, pricing, and shelf placement.

“Consumers shift toward quality and effect-driven experiences,” Azuca said, highlighting the opportunity for brands looking to stand out in a crowded market.

💸 Ohio Doubles Down On Daily Weed Limits

Big news out of the Buckeye State: starting June 4, Ohio adults will be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower per day—more than double the current one-ounce cap.

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control gave the green light after seeing that the state’s market has enough supply to serve both medical and adult-use consumers. That means consumers can now legally buy the same amount they can possess under Ohio law. A win for freedom—and a boost for dispensary sales.

💶 Cannabis Finds A New Frontier In Europe

With U.S. federal reform stuck in the mud, American cannabis companies are setting their sights on Europe—and they’re not just dipping their toes in.

Alex Kwon, CEO of California-based vaporizer company Active, is already selling in the UK and Germany. “We started with putting our toe into the European market, but now we have a swimsuit on and we’re walking in up to our belly,” he said.

Today, 5% of Active’s revenue comes from Europe, and that could climb to 20% as reforms spread. With about 25 European countries easing cannabis laws, experts estimate the market could explode to $50 billion annually.

🧬 New HHS Hire Targeted By Far-Right Activist

Matthew Zorn, a noted drug policy reform attorney, is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as deputy general counsel—and not everyone’s happy about it.

Far-right personality Laura Loomer blasted Zorn’s appointment on X, posting disinformation tied to his past cannabis and psychedelics litigation work. Ironically, Zorn once sued the DEA—the same agency now under his legal oversight.

Zorn’s hiring could signal momentum for psychedelic reform within federal health agencies, especially under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

🚫 UFC Fighter Sean O'Malley Quits Smoking Weed

Sean O’Malley, former UFC bantamweight champ and longtime cannabis user, is quitting marijuana—at least for now.

In a recent podcast with coach Tim Welch, O’Malley explained that weed was starting to mess with his mindset. “I gave me like this paranoia feeling... I was doing it because I was almost like addicted.”

With a rematch against Merab Dvalishvili coming up on June 7 at UFC 316, “Suga” says he’s prioritizing lung health and stamina. Whether the lifestyle shift sticks remains to be seen—but he’s entering the octagon clear-headed and ready to swing.

That’s it for today, folks! As always, thanks for riding the green wave with me. I’ll be back tomorrow with more news, policy updates, market moves, and maybe a little more puff-free UFC tea.

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