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Good morning, cannabis enthusiasts! Patricio Liddle here, bringing you today’s top stories. As investors seem to be fleeing the hemp industry, Tilray is doubling down on hemp-derived THC drinks. Meanwhile, Hispanic voters in Florida could tip the scales for cannabis legalization. Plus, Verano’s giving back to the community, and Village Farms is gearing up for growth in the Dutch market. Let’s dive in!

Hemp Sector Faces Investor Exodus Amid State Crackdowns

According to Viridian Capital Advisors, investor interest in the hemp sector has taken a nosedive as more states implement stringent regulations or outright bans on hemp-derived THC products. Capital raises in the hemp industry are down 72.7%, while total dollars raised have plummeted 96.8% compared to the same period last year.

But hemp businesses aren’t going down without a fight. For instance, Missouri’s hemp industry’s legal pushback forced regulators to backtrack on a sweeping ban and instead focus on targeting "misbranded" products. The question now is whether legal battles will succeed in regaining investor confidence…

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Tilray’s Hemp-Derived THC Drinks Defy Investment Blues

Tilray Brands (NASDAQ: TLRY) is launching its new line of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC beverages. With capital raises in the hemp sector going down and states enacting stricter bans, you might think the market is shrinking, but Tilray sees it differently. Their new mocktails, seltzers, and sparkling drinks are set to hit key U.S. markets in October, positioning the company to capitalize on consumer demand for alternative adult beverages.

Will Tilray be able to keep consumers—and investors—thirsty for more? That remains to be seen, but this cannabis analyst thinks hemp derivatives are undeniably here to stay.

Hispanic Voters Could Tip The Scales For Florida’s Weed

Florida’s Hispanic voters are leaning green, with 60% backing cannabis legalization under Amendment 3—a slight bump from last month. Non-Hispanic voters are on board too, with 63% expressing support. While cannabis may be popular, it faces competition from more pressing concerns like inflation and the rising cost of living. Will weed win in November, or will economics steal the spotlight?

Verano Gives Back, Village Farms Grows Forward

Last but not least, Verano Holdings (OTC: VRNOF) launched the “Save the Bits” campaign, donating proceeds from BITS edibles to support breast cancer research. Meanwhile, Village Farms International (NASDAQ: VFF) has acquired full ownership of Leli Holland and is set to start cultivation in the Dutch market this October, aiming to supply legal cannabis to Dutch coffeeshops.

Stories In The Spotlight:

• Fentanyl Laced With Toxic Chemical BTMPS Raises Alarms Nationwide, Experts Warn Of Danger

• Cassocks Vs. Cannabis: North Dakota Bishops Take Aim At November's Legalization Ballot

• Illicit Cannabis Market Balloons To $79 Billion: Is Rescheduling Enough To Fix The System?

• EXCLUSIVE: How Green Check is Helping Indigenous Cannabis Businesses Get The Banking They Need

Our Writer Today

Patricio is a development economist with extensive experience in IT, finance, and banking. He writes about the economic and social opportunities obscured by over fifty years of drug prohibition. Beyond his professional expertise, Patricio is a committed advocate for social change, passionately working to promote harm reduction and reform drug policies.

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