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- Oprah Talks Psychedelics, TerrAscend Expands, Florida Cracks Down
Oprah Talks Psychedelics, TerrAscend Expands, Florida Cracks Down
Plus, Georgia greenlights weed drinks
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Hey Benzinga Cannabis friends and Happy Friday. It’s Maureen Meehan here with your latest update on cannabis, psychedelics and all the regulatory rollercoasters that make this industry as unpredictable as the weather.
Today we’re covering big acquisitions, political battles and even Oprah weighing in on psychedelics.
Greetings all around to women in the cannabis space and women around the world as we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker
So let’s dive into the biggest stories shaking up the space.
In today's issue:
Industry Moves & Market Power Plays
TerrAscend (TSX: TSND) is making big moves in New Jersey, planning to acquire seven more dispensaries—even as its stock is trading at a fraction of its former value. The company’s execs are openly questioning why Wall Street isn’t recognizing their operational success. If they pull this off, it’s going to be a massive expansion in a highly competitive market.
Delaware’s adult-use cannabis scene is heating up! MariMed Inc. (OTCQX: MRMD) has sealed an $11 million deal to acquire First State Compassion Center (FSCC), a dominant player in the state's medical cannabis market. This acquisition adds FSCC’s cultivation, processing, and retail operations to MariMed’s growing multi-state portfolio.
Legislation & Regulation: A Wild Week In Politics
Georgia lawmakers just pulled a regulatory plot twist—simultaneously restricting THC-infused hemp drinks while expanding medical cannabis access. The votes didn’t fall along predictable party lines, with some Republicans backing medical expansion and others fighting over recreational hemp restrictions. If you’re in Georgia’s cannabis game, buckle up!
Florida’s Republican lawmakers just threw a wrench into citizen-led reform efforts, making it even harder to put initiatives on the ballot—including another marijuana legalization push for 2026. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has been outspoken against cannabis legalization, and now he’s making sure it doesn’t even get to the voters. The fight for Florida cannabis is far from over, but it just got a whole lot tougher.
Idaho lawmakers are making sure their state stays one of the strictest anti-cannabis holdouts in the U.S. The state’s House of Representatives passed a resolution to preemptively block voter-led cannabis legalization efforts, sending the measure to the State Senate. The message from Idaho is loud and clear: they’re not ready to budge on cannabis.
Psychedelics: The Oprah Effect
Even Oprah Winfrey is talking about psychedelics now. On her latest Oprah Podcast, she chatted with Michael Pollan, who’s helped push psychedelic medicine into the mainstream. Oprah acknowledged the cultural shift happening around psychedelics but admitted she’s still wary of trying them herself, joking that she’s “afraid of losing [her] mind.” It’s safe to say that when Oprah talks, people listen, so expect more eyeballs on the psychedelics industry after this one.
Don’t Miss: This Week In Cannabis With Javier Hasse
If you want the full scoop on the latest cannabis earnings, mergers & acquisitions, and a look at Snoop Dogg’s ever-expanding beverage empire, check out Javier Hasse’s deep dive into the week’s biggest stories. You don’t want to miss this!
That’s all for today. Have a wonderful weekend everyone and stay tuned for Monday updates, and as always, keep your eyes on the green!
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