Hey there, Benzinga Cannabis community! Maureen Meehan here with the daily rundown on everything green, hazy and high-key fascinating in the cannabis world. It’s Friday, and we’ve got quite a lineup.

Here’s what’s rolling today: Alcohol retailers are making a bold play to control THC sales, ScottsMiracle-Gro is saying goodbye to its cannabis arm and a Detroit dispensary just went 24/7.

Meanwhile, Trulieve is teaming up with pro frisbee players and Texas is threatening to hit the brakes on THC altogether. Oh, and there’s free weed seltzer involved. Buckle up.

In today's issue:

• 🏛️ Politics & Regulation

• 🏪 Retail & Industry Moves

• 🌎 Culture & Community

• 🧪 Health & Research

🍷 Alcohol Retailers Say Only They Should Be Able To Legally Sell Marijuana Products

In what sounds like a Prohibition-era remix, the American Beverage Licensees (ABL) want THC sales locked into the hands of—you guessed it—alcohol sellers. In a new memo, the group argued that cannabis should be treated like booze, and that “states should restrict the sale of intoxicating THC products to businesses licensed to sell beverage alcohol.”

Why? According to ABL: “With many decades of proven compliance,” they claim alcohol retailers are “best positioned to sell these products.” Cannabis retailers, feel free to roll your eyes collectively.

🚫 Effort To Ban THC Is Moving Through Texas Legislature

Down in Texas, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is gunning for a total THC ban via Senate Bill 3. That’s right: delta-8, delta-9 and any form of intoxicating THC could soon be toast. Patrick says the market only exists because of “a loophole” and promises a special session if necessary. CBD and CBG would be the last cannabinoids standing.

🌄 First 24-Hour Cannabis Dispensary To Open In Metro Detroit

Say hello to Gramz Cannabis Outlet in Romeo, Michigan—the region’s first around-the-clock dispensary. The grand opening is this Friday, with giveaways, vendor pop-ups and food trucks. Regional manager Tony Mihelich said it best: “Whether you’re working late, starting early, or just need the flexibility, Gramz will be here for you.” Late-night joint runs just became a reality.

🌱 ScottsMiracle-Gro Transfers Cannabis Subsidiary To Independent, Unnamed Partner

ScottsMiracle-Gro (NYSE: SMG) just handed off its cannabis investment arm, The Hawthorne Collective, to an independent strategic partner. CEO Jim Hagedorn said, “The Hawthorne Collective transaction is the initial step in our plan to move our cannabis-adjacent subsidiaries into a separate and independent company.” Translation: Scotts is doubling down on garden gnomes and leaving the weed plays to someone else.

🧾 SNDL Lists On CSE, IM Cannabis Receives Nasdaq Delist Warning

SNDL Inc. (Nasdaq: SNDL) now trades on both Nasdaq and the Canadian Securities Exchange—dual listing! Meanwhile, IM Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: IMCC) got a delisting warning from Nasdaq for not meeting stockholder equity requirements. They’ve got until May 26 to submit a compliance plan. The company says it’s not affecting business ops (yet), but that clock is ticking.

🏡 Growing Cannabis On The Old Family Farm

Upstate New York just got its own green fairy tale. Lucas Kerr and his father David Kerr revived their seven-generation family farm—Torrwood Farm—but this time with cannabis. “Ironically, the cannabis is going to make a lot more money than the water,” David said in a cool NY Times feature story. Their products now hit over 100 dispensaries across New York. Legacy meets local, and we’re here for it.

🥏 Cannabis Giant Trulieve And Ultimate Frisbee Meld Weed And Pro Sports With New Pact

Trulieve (OTC: TCNNF) has officially joined forces with the Ultimate Frisbee Association—yes, frisbee and flower are now a thing. The one-year partnership includes signage, on-site education and team gear in Maryland, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. CMO Gina Collins said, “Many in that generation have turned away from alcohol and are exploring plant-based alternatives.” Cannabis + sports = new team goals 🥏🌿

🧠 Elevated Dopamine In Cannabis Users May Explain Psychosis Risk

A new study using neuromelanin-MRI scans found that folks with cannabis use disorder have elevated dopamine in brain areas linked to psychosis. First author Jessica Ahrens explained: “This could help explain why cannabis use increases the risk of hallucinations and delusions.” The dopamine spike was also tied to severity of use. A solid heads-up for clinicians and educators talking to high-risk groups.

🥂 THC-Infused Beverage Companies Are Recruiting 2,000 People To Drink Free Cannabis Seltzers As Alternative To Alcohol For A Study

Yep, free weed seltzers. Several THC beverage companies are recruiting 2,000 people for a study comparing cannabis-infused drinks to alcohol, tracking mood and lifestyle. The three-week “observational study” includes a full two-week tasting period. Let’s be honest: this might be the most fun any scientific research has ever sounded.

That’s a wrap for today, folks. I’m Maureen Meehan, and whether you’re lighting up, legislating, or just here for the Ultimate Frisbee collabs, Cannabis Daily has you covered. See you back here Monday with more buds, bills and business. 🌿✨

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