Hey there, Benzinga Cannabis community, Maureen Meehan here—your friendly cannabis correspondent. Happy Memorial Day weekend! Today, we’re spotlighting our veterans, starting with a Vietnam War hero who just so happens to be the father of one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop. We’ve got moving testimony from Texas vets fighting for access to healing hemp amid legislation brewing in the Lone Star State.

Also, in today’s roundup: Native American cannabis retail is booming, oral fluid drug testing gets debunked, the USDA is axing a hemp committee and New York is fighting the good fight with a new “Buy Legal” map. And don’t miss our feel-good feature on a seed company that grew again—literally—from the ashes of bankruptcy.

Let’s get into it.

In today's issue:

• 🎖️ Honoring Veterans & Memorial Day Moves

• 🛒 Business & Markets

• 🗺️ State & Local

• 🧠 Regulation & Tech

• 🌱 Seed to Success

💜 Papa Snoop & Veterans Cannabis Group Launch Memorial Day Cannabis Tour In Arizona

If you didn’t know Snoop Dogg’s dad is a decorated Vietnam War vet… well, now you do. Vernell Varnado, also known as Papa Snoop, served with the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division and walked away with three Purple Hearts and a whole lot of grit. After returning stateside in 1969 and eventually helping raise his son, You Know Who, Papa Snoop is now taking his healing message on tour.

This summer, he’s joining forces with Veterans Cannabis Group and fellow veteran Rob Boyd for the Arizona Godfather and Godson Cannabis Tour. The tour promotes Papa Snoop’s cannabis brands—Purple Heart and Happy Smoke—alongside Boyd’s Love & Passion and Parkside Projects. The mission? Healing, community, and good old-fashioned, essential education about cannabis for vets. 💚

🇺🇸 Texas VFW Says No To Anti-THC Bill: Let Veterans Choose Healing With Medical Marijuana

Texas veterans are standing tall—and mad—over the state government’s ban on THC, aka Senate Bill 3, which they say threatens their right to use hemp-based alternatives to traditional and often addictive meds. The Texas VFW, representing over 60,000 combat vets, is urging lawmakers to vote NO on the bill.

Incoming State Commander Dave Walden, an Iraq War vet, put it bluntly: “Tyranny isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it hides in legislation like this—silencing veterans, destroying jobs, and forcing people back into a system that failed them.”

The bill would restrict access to many hemp-derived products vets use for anxiety, sleep, and pain. Walden adds, “We turned to these products not for escape, but for restoration.” Powerful words. ⚠️

🛑 Texas Inches Closer To Banning THC Products

Yep. This is the one. Senate Bill 3 is on the verge of banning products like Delta-8 vapes, gummies, and beverages across Texas. The bill would make possessing these goods a civil offense, with increasing penalties for repeat offenses. Only Texans enrolled in the state’s super-limited medical program would retain legal access.

All eyes are now on Governor Greg Abbott, who hasn’t yet commented. But spoiler alert: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is all in on pushing this through.

🧑🏽‍🌾 Tribal Cannabis Retail Up 24% Since Last Year

Native American tribes are not just playing the cannabis game—they’re leveling it up. Since May 2024, tribally owned cannabis stores in the U.S. have grown by 24%, with 77 stores now operating across nine states. That’s 59 tribes participating—an 18% jump!

Most operate near tribal casinos (which makes sense), but new stores are sprouting up in both emerging and mature markets. 🎰🌿

💥 Oral Fluid Cannabis Tests Are Unreliable, Says New Meta-Analysis

According to researchers from the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, oral fluid (OF) tests just don’t cut it when it comes to measuring cannabis impairment. After analyzing seven studies, they found major inconsistencies—even when subjects consumed the same amount.

Translation? Someone who took an edible yesterday might still test positive today, even though they’re totally sober. The review calls into question just how valid oral fluid tests are for legal and workplace decisions. 🚫🧪

🛑 Trump Executive Order To Shut Down USDA Hemp Trade Committee

One of the few federal efforts promoting international hemp trade may soon be toast. The USDA’s Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for hemp, among others, is being terminated under a Trump administration executive order aiming to reduce federal government size.

The decision is paused as USDA seeks White House guidance—but the writing’s on the wall. A huge setback for the hemp industry’s global aspirations. 🌍💔

🗽 New York Launches “Buy Legal” Dispensary Map

New York just launched a sleek new interactive map to help consumers find licensed marijuana dispensaries. The map is part of the state's broader “Buy Legal” campaign, which Gov. Kathy Hochul is promoting to combat illicit sales.

The map is live now, and it's a big step toward making legal cannabis easier—and safer—to access. Check out the map HERE 💻🌿

⚠️ Kids Online Safety Act Could Complicate Cannabis Marketing

A bipartisan bill called the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) could make it a whole lot harder for cannabis companies to advertise online. The bill requires digital platforms to shield minors from sensitive content—which includes weed ads.

While it aims to protect children, KOSA might inadvertently block legal cannabis promotions, especially on social media and streaming services. Another hurdle for an already over-regulated industry. 📵💻

🌍 Blimburn Seeds Rebuilds After Bankruptcy, Emerges Global Player

Founded by four childhood friends with a love for cultivation, Blimburn Seeds faced bankruptcy and personal loss before rebuilding from scratch. Now? They offer over 1,000 strains globally and are thriving in the $6.5 billion seed market.

Their secret? Trust, resilience, and solid genetics. A powerful reminder that in this industry, it’s not just about growing plants—it’s about growing through adversity. 🌱🏆

Enjoy the long weekend, friends. If you’re lighting up this Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect on those who served. 🇺🇸✨ See you back here on Tuesday with more green news from around the country.

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