Inside California’s Hemp THC Ban, Florida’s $100M Legalization Push & More 🧐

Cheech & Chong, Ispire weigh in on California’s hemp THC ban, plus new tech and beverage innovations shaking up cannabis shopping, and Florida’s $100M legalization battle.

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Hi everyone! This is Patricio writing to you, just back from a few days of vacation ✨ First, a big shout-out to Nico and Rolando for keeping things running while I was away in the beautiful province of Jujuy—a unique destination that’s also a rising cannabis hub in Argentina. They’ve kept you in the loop with all the latest in cannabis news, and now I’m excited to jump back in and bring you key updates before we head into the weekend.

From California’s hemp THC ban to Florida's high-stakes cannabis legalization battle and new industry innovations, we've got plenty to dive into. Let's get started!

Curious about what’s really going on with California’s hemp ban? Join Abbey Higginbotham and me on the latest Cannabis Insider episode as we dive into Governor Newsom’s controversial hemp-derived THC ban and its ripple effects across the industry. 

We’re joined by Brandon Harshbarger, president of Cheech and Chong’s Global Holding Company, who breaks down their response to the ban, and Luna Stower, chief impact officer at Ispire, who offers critical insights into how this measure affects California’s cannabis market.

Watch now to get a front-row seat to expert insights on the future of hemp regulation, the legal battle sparked by Gov. Newsom’s ban, how key industry players are navigating these game-changing policies

PRESENTED BY HARA SUPPLY

All pre-rolls are not created equal. The quality and craftsmanship that goes into creating each cone can make a world of difference for the end user. Hara Supply, one of the industry’s foremost suppliers of pre-rolls, says it crafts its cones with the utmost attention to detail. The cones include various substrates, including tea and natural, bio-organic hemp, made from single-source, non-GMO plants. The company’s 13-step quality control process is unmatched.

Ready to experience the difference? Explore Hara Supply's premium pre-rolled cones today and take matters into your own hands when it comes to what you're smoking.

Weed’s Next Wave: Smart Shopping And Drinkable Experiences

Innovation continues to fuel the cannabis industry’s growth, and two recent developments are pushing the boundaries of how consumers interact with cannabis products.

First, this tech company is making waves by offering a personalized shopping experience that mirrors platforms like Spotify, recommending cannabis products based on user preferences. This technology is enhancing both in-store and online purchasing, creating a more engaging shopping experience.

On the other hand, a small Massachusetts-based startup revolutionized the market with its fast-acting, zero-calorie cannabis beverages. Their success story, starting in a garage and leading to a multi-state operator acquisition, highlights the potential for cannabis brands to scale quickly with the right product and market strategy.

Together, these stories showcase how innovation is transforming the cannabis experience for consumers across the board.

Is $100M Enough For Florida's Cannabis Push? Key State Votes Ahead

As the November elections approach, cannabis legalization is on the ballot in several states, with Florida at the forefront of both spending and political firefighting.

In the Sunshine State, a record $100 million has been spent in support of Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize adult-use cannabis, with major backing from industry leaders like Trulieve. Despite opposition from Governor DeSantis and the Catholic Church—and the surprising twist of Donald Trump’s endorsement—polls indicate a tight and contentious race.

Meanwhile, Nebraska and the Dakotas also face critical cannabis votes. Nebraska’s medical cannabis program is mired in legal hurdles over alleged fraudulent signatures, adding uncertainty to their outcome. North Dakota voters will weigh in on recreational use, with support slowly gaining traction, while South Dakota’s more limited proposal focuses on decriminalization rather than full legalization, following past setbacks in court.

Weekend Weed Reads:

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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