Hey there, Benzinga Cannabis family, Maureen Meehan here, checking in with your go-to newsletter for everything cannabis—served fresh, fun and fired up from the frontlines of weed policy, business, and culture. And today? Oh, and it’s muy caliente.

We’ve got a strong Latin American flavor today thanks to our very own Javier Hasse, who’s been diving deep into the latest from New York to Panama, Argentina to Chile. Plus, we’ll unpack new U.S. policy developments, a spotlight on NBA star Carmelo Anthony’s canna-debut in upstate New York and a look at how your grandma’s weed gummies are going mainstream.

Let’s get into it. 🌿

In today's issue:

• 🗽 New York Lights Up Latino Cannabis Power

• 🌎 Latin America: Reformers, Rebels & Regional Inn …

• 💼 U.S. Market Moves & Legal Shifts

• 🧪 Research & Health Trends

• 💸 Company Spotlight

• 🏀 Celebs In Cannabis

🌆💪 Latino Entrepreneurs Are Thriving In NYC's Cannabis Market—Here's The Proof

New York's cannabis scene isn’t following the typical MSO blueprint—it’s blazing its own trail, and Latino entrepreneurs are leading the charge.

Case in point: Happy Munkey, co-founded by Vladimir Bautista and Ramon Reyes, with dispensaries in Uptown Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. What began as an underground lounge has blossomed into a bilingual, legal cannabis brand rooted deeply in Latino culture and legacy.

Ownership isn’t performative here—it’s real, intentional, and historic. As Javier writes, “Inclusion here isn't a slogan; it's the blueprint.” 👏

🇨🇱🗳️ Chile Moves To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis With Backing From Presidential Candidate

Chile is gearing up to become South America's next legalization heavyweight. A coalition of legislators just dropped a bill to regulate adult-use cannabis—home grows, possession limits, nonprofit clubs, the whole kit. Even presidential hopeful Vlado Mirosevic is backing it, turning weed into a major election issue.

🍷🌿 From Malbec To Marijuana: Argentina's Provincial Push Fuels Cannabis Tourism, Science And Policy

Argentina isn’t waiting on federal reform—its provinces are charging ahead with innovative cannabis programs. Mendoza, famous for its wine, is now crafting cannabis legislation that’s heavy on research, tourism, and sustainable ag. As Javier says, think Malbec meets medical marijuana.

⚖️🌍 One Step Forward, One Step Back: Panama Regulates Cannabis, Italy Bans It

Panama expanded medical cannabis access with new regulations—yay! 🇵🇦

Italy, meanwhile, banned all hemp flower, including CBD—yikes. 🇮🇹

It's a tale of two policies: cautious progress versus abrupt prohibition. And it’s widening the global cannabis gap.

🚓🚫 Illinois Bill Would Remove Cannabis Odor As Probable Cause For Police To Search Car

Illinois lawmakers are pushing a bill that would ban cops from using cannabis smell alone to justify vehicle searches. The Senate’s already passed it—now it’s up to the House and Gov. JB Pritzker. After some dicey court decisions, this could be a game-changer for cannabis users’ rights.

🇺🇸📜 U.S. Cannabis Roundtable ‘Optimistic’ That Rescheduling Is On the Table

David Culver, VP of public affairs for the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable, says rescheduling cannabis is still on the radar in D.C.—even under President Trump 2.0. While DEA action is stalled, the group’s been talking with the White House. Culver says, “marijuana reform is still part of the president’s agenda,” though no one’s holding their breath just yet.

🍪💨 Marijuana Edibles, Vaping And Dabbing Are Growing In Popularity, Federal Report From CDC Says

A new CDC report finds that while smoking is still the dominant cannabis method, more Americans are turning to edibles, vapes and even dabs. Yup, the days of just joints are fading fast. The findings are based on data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System’s 2022 survey—millions of voices, shifting one trend at a time.

📈🇨🇦 Avicanna Records Record Year of Sales, Moves Out of the Red

Avicanna Inc. (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) wrapped 2024 with its best year yet. Q4 revenue came in at $6.6M, and while they posted a small net loss of $440K, it’s a huge improvement over the $2.4M red ink from Q4 2023.

CEO Aras Azadian says the team hit a “solid basis for further growth, international expansion, and innovation.” One to watch in the Canadian biosciences space.

🌿🏀 NBA Basketball Legend Carmelo Anthony Launches His Cannabis Brand In Syracuse

Syracuse legend. NBA Hall of Famer. Cannabis entrepreneur. Carmelo Anthony is officially in the game with the Monday launch of STAYME7O.

His new brand is debuting today in downtown Syracuse at Flynnstoned Cannabis Co., and Melo says the project is about way more than weed: “It’s about empowering our communities, uplifting underserved entrepreneurs, and creating meaningful opportunities that support and celebrate our culture.”

That’s a wrap for today’s Cannabis Daily, powered by the ever-inquisitive eyes of the Benzinga crew. I’m Maureen Meehan, and I’ll catch you mañana for another round of policy updates, market shakeups, and cultural fire from the cannabis world. Until then, stay informed, stay elevated, and support your local weed wizards. 🌱✨

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