Hi friends,

This is Javier Hasse, writing today’s newsletter intro instead of Maureen because this is a very special edition. A sad one.

We lost José “Pepe” Mujica — the former president of Uruguay, one of the bravest and most compassionate political leaders of our time, and the first head of state in the world to legalize adult-use cannabis.

Before there was Canada, before there was California or Germany, there was Uruguay. And behind that historic decision, there was Mujica.

He didn’t do it for headlines or the economic benefits. He did it to take power away from narcos, to protect the youth, to build a policy based on health, dignity and freedom, not fear or punishment.

I had to write about him everywhere I could. Because this moment matters. And because if we think about cannabis with any honesty or hope today, it’s partly thanks to José “Pepe” Mujica.

Here’s how we’re honoring his legacy across platforms:

📰 Honoring Uruguay’s Pepe Mujica

A closer look at what he did, why it mattered, and what comes next.

📰 The First President To Legalize Recreational Cannabis Is Gone

My reflection on Mujica’s legacy — and how his public health model continues to inspire the world.

📖 That Time Mujica Revealed Che Guevara’s Diary

In a moment that felt like fiction, Mujica shared a piece of history — from his home garden

📊 Legal Cannabis, 10 Years Later: Real Data From The First Country To Do It

More than 100,000 registered users. Low addiction rates. Big impact. Data speaks

🎥 Cannabis Speech in Chile: “If You Want Change…”

One of his final cannabis events was when he told young people to challenge the system with heart and ideas.

🌱 Seeds for the Future — Literally

The cannabis genetics Mujica helped launch are now being preserved in a seed vault in Norway. Yes, really.

This one was hard to write.

But also necessary.

Thank you, Pepe, for the future you planted — and for proving that ethics and courage still belong in politics.

With respect and gratitude,

— Javier Hasse 🌿

More Cannabis News

In today's issue:

• 📈 Markets

• 🍬 Product Launches

• 🌎 Global

• 🧬 Corporate Strategy

• 🔍 Consumer Tools

• 🧠 Research

• ❤️ Human Stories

🚀 Why LEEF Brands’ Stock Is Up 25% Today And A Look At Cannabis Earnings: Glass House, Charlotte's Web, AFC Gamma

LEEF Brands Inc. (OTCQB: LEEEF) surged nearly 25% following a major new deal with Glass House Brands Inc. (OTCQX: GLASF). Under the agreement, Glass House will take over management of LEEF's Palm Desert dispensary, The LEAF El Paseo, while LEEF locks in a key biomass supply deal.

“This partnership is a true win-win,” said Micah Anderson, CEO of LEEF. “It allows us to sharpen our focus on concentrates while strengthening production capacity.”

Glass House reported Q1 revenue of $44.8 million, up 49% year-over-year. The company’s wholesale biomass revenue surged 78% thanks to a 149% boost in production and cost efficiencies. Gross margins hit 45%, and adjusted EBITDA was $4.4 million—beating guidance.

Charlotte's Web Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: CWBHF) posted its first year-over-year revenue increase since 2021, with Q1 sales rising 1.1% to $12.3 million. Gains were driven by improved e-commerce, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and a forthcoming Whole Foods launch.

AFC Gamma Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCG) reported $4.1 million in net income and maintained its $0.23 dividend, but the stock dipped nearly 2% amid broader concerns over cannabis lending.

🧨 What's Going On With Tilray Brands Stock On Wednesday?

Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is pushing deeper into Canada's infused market with the launch of XMG Atomic Sours, a line of sour cannabis drinks and gummies available nationwide through High Park Holdings Ltd. TLRY stock traded flat, but the company’s strategy shows commitment to new flavor profiles and broader consumer appeal.

Despite the buzz, TLRY is still down over 78% year-over-year. Investors can gain exposure to the company via the AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (ARCA: YOLO).

🌱 Legal Cannabis, 10 Years Later: Real Data From The First Country To Do It

This week, the cannabis world mourned the passing of José "Pepe" Mujica, the former Uruguayan president who championed the world’s first legal adult-use cannabis law in 2013.

At the C-Days 2025 summit in Barcelona, Mercedes Ponce de León, founder of Latinnabis and director of Expo Cannabis Uruguay, shared data-driven insights from a decade of legal weed in Uruguay. The model emphasized public health and regulation over profit—a sharp contrast to commercialization trends elsewhere.

🏥 World's Largest Tobacco Company Is Investing In Medical Cannabis: Here's What To Know

Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) is accelerating its slow-burn approach to cannabis by focusing on the medical side.

Its 2016 investment in Syqe Medical, known for precision-dosed inhalers, turned into a full acquisition in 2023. With testing underway in Canada and other tightly regulated markets, PMI’s moves hint at a long-term strategy focused on pharmaceutical-grade cannabis rather than recreational hype.

🧪 The Wine Score Of Weed? New 100-Point System Launches In New York

Certified Testing & Data, a New York-based ISO-17025 accredited lab, has introduced the Cannaleptic Rating—a 100-point cannabis product rating system modeled after wine scores.

The tool combines chemical analysis and consumer feedback to evaluate aroma, effects, taste, potency, and more. “When consumers spend their hard-earned money on cannabis, they should have an easy way to ensure they will receive the desired experience,” said Aaron Riley, the lab’s founder.

🧬 Director Of DOGE-Canceled Program To Monitor Marijuana Potency Hopes His Work Can Continue

The federal program that tracked the potency of cannabis seized by law enforcement since the 1970s is on life support.

After the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut the long-standing contract with the University of Mississippi, director Mahmoud ElSohly expressed concern about halting decades of THC data collection.

The program’s termination, announced by the Trump administration, could sever a critical link to understanding changes in the illicit market.

🌿 ‘I Thought He Wanted To Be A Drug Dealer,’ How Cannabis Healed A Father-Son Rift And Sparked Two Thriving Businesses

Carlos “Los” Arias and his father Manuel F. Arias turned a generational clash into a cannabis success story.

When Carlos left law school to enter the cannabis industry, his father was appalled. “I saw cannabis as a drug, and my son was telling me he wanted to be a drug dealer,” Manuel said.

Everything changed after a stroke in 2014. Encouraged by Carlos and guided by a Cedars-Sinai doctor, Manuel tried edibles and tinctures. Recovery improved—and so did their relationship.

“Cannabis helped save my life,” Manuel now says. “I realized Los was right all along.”

That’s a wrap for today, friends! Javier and I will see you all tomorrow for more news and views of the ever-evolving cannabis industry.

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