Hey there, Benzinga Cannabis Community. Maureen Meehan here - your friendly neighborhood weed-watcher, reporting for another packed edition of Cannabis Daily, which is no snooze-fest today.

From California’s biggest-ever crackdown on illicit grows (we’re talkin’ over $120 million worth of green) to Ben & Jerry’s latest justice-driven campaign (ice cream with a side of activism? Yes, please), we’ve got a lot to unpack.

Oh, and Thailand? They’re clamping down on cannabis like it’s 2019. Meanwhile, Trump’s cannabis promises seem to have vanished faster than your favorite strain on 4/20. But we’ve also got some good news: a new study says medical weed reduces pain and helps cut back on opioids. And up in Canada, producers are yelling (politely) for some tax relief.

Let’s dig into the highs and lows 🌱👇

In today's issue:

• 🗳️ POLITICS

• 🚓 LAW & ENFORCEMENT

• 🍦 ADVOCACY & SOCIAL JUSTICE

• 💵 MARKET & ECONOMY

• 🤝 TRIBAL POLICY

• 🚫 LEGISLATIVE STALL

• 🧠 SCIENCE & MEDICAL

• 🌏 GLOBAL TRENDS

🇺🇸 Trump And Biden Backed Easing Marijuana Policy. What Happened?

So… what did happen?

President Biden kicked off the move to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I — putting it in a less restricted category and paving the way for research. Trump even backed the effort on the campaign trail.

But fast forward to now? The DEA is dragging its heels, legal battles loom, and Trump’s new term is looking cold toward weed. He nominated a legalization critic to head the DEA, and the latest federal drug policy blueprint? Not a single mention of marijuana.

Rescheduling hopes aren’t dead — but they’re definitely on ice.

💰 Largest-Ever Multi-Agency Operation Seizes $123.5 Million In Illicit Cannabis

California just made history and not the fun kind. The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force swept through the Central Valley earlier this month and came back with numbers that’ll make your head spin: 105,700 illegal cannabis plants and more than 22,000 pounds of processed weed — totaling a street value of $123.5 million.

With over 200 officers from 15 agencies, the coordinated raids hit Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties, covering 4,600 square miles.

Governor Gavin Newsom wasn’t mincing words:

“Let this be a reminder to all who grow cannabis illegally: we won’t tolerate the undermining of our legal industry and impacts to our environment.”

Message received. Loud and clear.

✊ Is Cannabis Justice Good Business? Ben & Jerry’s Thinks So

Leave it to Ben & Jerry’s to mix activism with their Cherry Garcia. Their new clemency campaign with the Last Prisoner Project calls on governors to free those still locked up for nonviolent cannabis charges.

U.S. Activism Manager Palika Makam shared that folks aware of Ben & Jerry’s advocacy are 30% more likely to call it their favorite ice cream brand. And more than half say the company inspired them to take action.

This isn’t just a one-time thing either — it’s part of their long game linking cannabis justice to racial equity and real reform. 🍨🔥

🍁 Cannabis Council Of Canada Welcomes The Findings Of Deloitte Report And Calls For Change To The Excise Tax

Oh, Canada. The cannabis industry is speaking out loud about the country’s outdated excise tax model.

Paul McCarthy, head of the Cannabis Council of Canada, didn’t mince words:

“The federal government has failed this industry and the tens of thousands of hardworking Canadians it supports.”

The Deloitte report shows that while prices have plummeted (from $10 to $3 per gram), taxes haven’t budged. Many licensed producers are underwater and closing up shop. The Council is pushing for urgent reforms before even more businesses disappear.

🌾 Gov Walz Signs Minnesota’s First Tribal-State Cannabis Compact

Minnesota just made history with the White Earth Nation, signing the state’s first-ever tribal-state cannabis compact.

This means the Tribe can operate up to eight dispensaries off tribal lands — and yes, those will be fully taxed like any other business.

The compact aims to strengthen tribal economies, protect public health and safety, and make sure everyone’s playing by the same rules. White Earth’s got plans for dispensaries in Moorhead and St. Cloud, so stay tuned, Minnesotans.

😡 ‘Absolute Failure’: Medical Cannabis Regulatory Bill Stalls In Nebraska Legislature

In Nebraska, voters said yes to medical cannabis. Lawmakers? Not so much.

Legislative Bill 677 aimed to help implement the voter-approved program but crashed in the statehouse — again. The bill needed 33 votes to overcome a filibuster and got… 23.

Sen. Bob Andersen argued the bill “implements recreational marijuana,” while others accused lawmakers of cherry-picking which ballot measures to honor.

For now, the law’s fate rests with a cannabis commission that critics say is unfriendly to reform.

🧪 Medical Cannabis Reduces Pain And Opioid Pill Use, Preserves Cognition, Study Reveals

Great news for chronic pain patients: cannabis might be doing more than just easing the ache.

A new study published in Cureus shows that 80% of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain reported significant relief with cannabis. Even better? Nearly half reduced their use of traditional pain meds — including opioids — and still retained cognitive clarity.

Lead researcher Dr. Mohammad Khak says cannabis may offer broad-spectrum relief, including better sleep and reduced anxiety.

Now if only more doctors would get on board — only 1 in 4 patients had a physician recommendation.

🌿 Thailand Vows To Tighten Control On Cannabis After Smuggling Cases Involving Tourists Soar

Remember when Thailand became Asia’s weed trailblazer in 2022? Well, the vibes are shifting.

Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced new rules are coming that’ll limit cannabis sales to those with prescriptions only. The trigger? A surge in tourists — mostly from India and the UK — trying to sneak weed through airports. Officials are beefing up inspections, and lawmakers are squabbling over whether to re-criminalize the plant altogether.

Let this be your PSA: don’t pack that pre-roll on your flight out of Bangkok.

🌿 That’s a wrap for today’s Cannabis Daily. Thanks for rolling through the news with me. See you tomorrow for more buzz.

Got a hot tip or story to share? Hit us up at Benzinga — we’re always listening.

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.