Hello Benzinga Cannabis community and Happy Friday! Maureen Meehan here, your friendly guide through the highs, lows, and breaking buzz of the cannabis world. We’ve got a jam-packed newsletter for you today, from a brand-new cannabinoid discovery that could change how we treat pediatric cancer to Kacey Musgraves setting the record straight on her weed habits (spoiler: she hasn’t ghosted Mary Jane entirely).

Oh, and don’t miss our chart tracking April’s cannabis stock bounce-back — some major movers you’ll want on your radar.

Let’s dive in 🌊

In today's issue:

• 💼 Markets

• 📅 Earnings Preview

• 🏛️ Politics & Policy

• 🔬 Science & Health

• 🎤 Culture & Celebs

💹 Cannabis Stocks Rally In April

Here’s a look at the winners and losers in the cannabis stock world, broken down by credit quality, courtesy of Viridian Capital Advisors and FactSet. While some YTD gains are still underwhelming, April brought a bit of a spring bloom for many names — especially those in the higher credit tiers. Check out the chart HERE.

Meanwhile, the rumor mill says former President Trump is pushing Republicans to get SAFE Banking passed before the midterms. Sounds great, but don’t break out the champagne just yet.

As Viridian aptly puts it: “Until Trump publicly states his support for SAFE banking… investors are right not to overcommit.”

Still, this could be a signal for potential gains — especially if S3 and SAFER legislation come into play. For now, eyes remain cautious but hopeful.

📊 Cannabis Earnings — Mark Your Calendars!

Earnings season is almost here, and we’ve got a full deck of cannabis companies reporting over the next two weeks. Here’s your cheat sheet:

May 6

• Village Farms (NASDAQ: VFF)

May 7

• Trulieve (OTC: TCNNF / CSE: TRUL)

• Chicago Atlantic (NASDAQ: REFI)

• Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB)

• Green Thumb Industries (OTC: GTBIF / CSE: GTII)

May 8

• MariMed (OTC: MRMD / CSE: MRMD)

• Cannabist (OTC: CBSTF / NEO: CBST)

• Cronos Group (NASDAQ: CRON / TSX: CRON)

• Verano Holdings (OTC: VRNOF / CSE: VRNO)

• Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE: IIPR)

• Jushi Holdings (OTC: JUSHF / CSE: JUSH)

• GrowGeneration (NASDAQ: GRWG)

• TerrAscend (OTC: TSNDF / TSX: TSND)

• Curaleaf (OTC: CURLF / TSX: CURA)

• WM Technology (NASDAQ: MAPS)

May 9

• Cresco Labs (OTC: CRLBF / CSE: CL)

• Vireo Growth (OTC: VREOF / CSE: VREO)

May 12

• Organigram (NASDAQ: OGI / TSX: OGI)

• Ascend Wellness (OTC: AAWH / CSE: AAWH.U)

May 13

• Grown Rogue (OTC: GRUSF / CSE: GRIN)

• Glass House Brands (OTC: GLASF / NEO: GLAS.A.U)

May 14

• Chicago Atlantic BDC (NASDAQ: LIEN)

May 15

• TILT Holdings (OTC: TLLTF / NEO: TILT)

📜 Oklahoma Group Files Petition To Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) just filed a constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use cannabis. ORCA director Jed Green isn’t mincing words:

“100 years ago they took the plant away and they gave us drugs. The outcome has not been good.”

Their aim? A regulated rec market for everyone 21 and up. Stay tuned, this one's heating up 🌡️

⚖️ Families Sue Alabama Over Delayed Medical Cannabis Access

In Alabama, six families are suing the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission over a two-year delay in creating a patient registry.

“We don’t have a patient registry because we cannot start the program until we have licenses issued,” said AMCC Director John McMillan.

The delay stems from litigation over license allocations — with just five integrated licenses allowed and 38 applicants vying for a spot. Meanwhile, families needing cannabis-based treatments for their children are stuck waiting.

🏛️ D.C. Congresswoman Slams Federal Interference In Local Marijuana Laws

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) isn’t backing down. At the National Cannabis Policy Summit, she pledged to “continue to fight” against GOP efforts to block D.C. from developing a regulated marijuana market.

“The federal government continues to block progress on marijuana legalization in D.C. and nationally,” she said.

She’s calling for the removal of a long-standing budget rider that blocks cannabis sales in the District.

❄️ NH Senate Republicans Freeze Legalization Effort Again

In a 12-10 vote, New Hampshire Senate Republicans have tabled yet another cannabis legalization bill — this time, House Bill 198. Despite broad public support, the state’s upper chamber keeps shutting the door on reform. Déjà vu, anyone?

🧪 Researchers Discover New Cannabinoid In Marijuana

Hold the press — we’ve got a new cannabinoid on the scene! Say hello to cannabielsoxa, freshly identified by a team of South Korean researchers along with several other compounds never before reported from Cannabis sativa flowers.

But wait, it gets even more exciting. They screened 11 cannabis compounds for their potential to fight neuroblastoma — the most common solid tumor in kids — and seven of those showed “strong inhibitory activity.” This discovery could be a huge first step toward new treatments. The study was published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, and yes, the science is real.

🎶 Kacey Musgraves Clears The Air On Quitting Weed Rumors

Country music queen Kacey Musgraves may have dialed back her cannabis use, but don’t count her out of the sesh just yet.

“I never said I don’t ever partake,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I just don’t wake up and hit a gravity bong the size of my face anymore.”

Respect. She’s all about balance these days — but the love for the plant? Still glowing like a “Golden Hour.”

Have a great weekend and we’ll see you back here on Monday, friends 🌱

Stay lifted, stay curious—and if you have tips or stories to share, you’re always welcome to say hello in my inbox. Maureen 💚

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