- Benzinga Cannabis Daily
- Posts
- From Cancer Breakthroughs To Willy Wonka Golden 4/20 Tickets
From Cancer Breakthroughs To Willy Wonka Golden 4/20 Tickets
Plus, this state's house panel approves free medical marijuana for veterans.
Hi Benzinga Cannabis family, Maureen Meehan here, back in the mix and thrilled to bring you today’s Cannabis Daily roundup. If you thought weed news was all sleepy-eyed stoners and even sleepier legislation, think again.
We’ve got a major study changing the game for cannabis and cancer treatment, a fiery legal battle brewing in New York, Pennsylvania lawmakers going bipartisan for legalization and a 4/20 promo that would make Willy Wonka blush.
Let’s dive into the biggest stories shaking up the industry today.
In today's issue:
🧠 Cannabis & Health
“We found overwhelming scientific consensus.”
That’s not hyperbole—it’s the verdict from the largest meta-analysis ever on medical cannabis and cancer, just published in Frontiers in Oncology. Researchers crunched 39,767 data points from over 10,000 studies and found consistent evidence that medical cannabis helps with:
Reducing cancer cell growth
Slowing metastasis
Encouraging cell death in tumors
Fighting inflammation
Given that inflammation plays a role in 80% of chronic and fatal illnesses, this could be one of the most important studies cannabis has ever seen.
A new peer-reviewed study out of Cureus is giving us another reason to take CBD seriously: over 98% of surveyed chronic pain patients found relief, even with doses under 100mg.
No serious side effects, no heavy pharmaceuticals—just plant-powered pain management.
🧑⚖️ Cannabis & Policy
In a rare show of bipartisanship, Reps. Emily Kinkead (D) and Abby Major (R) are teaming up to push adult-use legalization in Pennsylvania.
With Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland already on board, they’re calling this “well past time” and are aiming to create a tightly regulated market that prioritizes public health, social equity, and economic opportunity.
A Florida House panel just gave an unanimous thumbs up to HB 555, waiving medical cannabis card fees for veterans. While the bill was originally more ambitious (including home grow and reciprocity), this version keeps things tight but meaningful, especially for vets. The vote? A clean 21-0.
Hybrid NYC, a Brooklyn-based dispensary, is taking the state to federal court over its requirement that all cannabis licensees enter labor peace agreements.
Filed in Manhattan, the suit argues that New York’s “proprietary interest” in these agreements could conflict with federal law. It’s the first lawsuit of its kind and could have massive ripple effects for cannabis regulation in the state.
📈 Business & Markets
Say goodbye to lazy ads on Leafly and Weedmaps—cannabis marketing is growing up. Karen Cuce, VP of Strategy at Brkthru, says it's time to diversify across digital platforms like streaming TV, podcasts, and music.
“Cannabis users are vastly and deeply digitally connected,” Cuce said. And with X (formerly Twitter) easing restrictions, social isn’t completely off the table.
Her main advice? Don’t put all your prerolls in one basket. A mix of platforms gives your campaign resilience and reach.
🇨🇦 Global Scene
With U.S. trade tensions and Canada’s federal election looming, a new Abacus Data poll commissioned by Organigram Global Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) (TSX: OGI) found that most Canadians want cannabis front and center in their country’s economic strategy.
CEO Beena Goldenberg said it best:
“Canadians want their country to thrive through innovative, homegrown industries—and cannabis is firmly on that list.”
Nine in ten Canadians say it’s time to seize emerging industries. And cannabis? Very much in the running.
🍬 Culture & 4/20
This 4/20, Illicit Gardens is going full Willy Wonka. Their “Golden Ticket” promo (April 18–20) will hide ten winning tickets inside jars of flower, gummies, and concentrates at From the Earth dispensaries across Missouri.
Winners get:
$1,000 in free Illicit products
Exclusive merch
A VIP tour of the Illicit weed factory
David Craig, VP of marketing, said: “The ‘golden ticket’ idea is one we’ve talked over since day one.”
Looks like day one has finally arrived. 🍫🌱
That’s it from me, Maureen Meehan, your friendly neighborhood cannabis journalist. Whether it’s breakthroughs in medicine, moves in the market, or buds in golden jars, you know we’ve got you covered. Until tomorrow, stay lifted and stay informed.
BEFORE YOU GO
Were you forwarded this email? Click here to subscribe.
And be sure to check out our other newsletters:
Ring The Bell: Created for market enthusiasts by market enthusiasts, this twice-daily newsletter delivers top stories, fast movers, and hot trade ideas straight to your inbox. Subscribe here.
Future Finance: Where fintech, crypto, and the future of finance collide. Future Finance is a perfect lunch read packed with quick bites for industry enthusiasts. Subscribe here.
Advisor: Tailor-made for Financial Advisors, this weekly newsletter has industry-specific insights, analysis, and news. Subscribe here.
Tech Trends: Get the inside scoop on AI, the hottest gadgets, and mind-blowing tech trends. Subscribe here.