High Times Returns, Meta Censors Weed Content, and Hemp Crackdown Looms

Hi there, Benzinga Cannabis community! It’s Maureen Meehan here—your daily guide to the highs, the head-scratchers, and the hustle of the cannabis industry. We’ve got a wild mix of counterculture revival, social media showdowns, cannabis drink crackdowns, and big bucks changing hands in the cannabis world.

What’s Happening: High Times is back with a fresh face (and some RAW attitude), nearly 100 groups are pressing Meta (NASDAQ: META) over content censorship, Trump’s cannabis stance is clashing with consumer sentiment, and Cookies just snagged a $22.7M win. Plus, hemp drinks are booming—and lawmakers are getting nervous. Let’s get into it.

In today's issue:

• 📰 Culture & Media

• 📱 Tech & Free Speech

• 🏛️ Politics & Policy

• 🧃 Cannabis Beverages & Hemp Boom

• 💼 Company Financials

• ⚖️ Legal & Business Moves

🔥 High Times Gets A Rebellious Revival

RAW Rolling Papers’ very own Josh Kesselman just dropped $3.5 million to revive High Times, the iconic cannabis mag that once lit up dorm rooms and protest rallies alike. His plan? Not to make a quick buck, but to bring back that gritty, rebellious spirit.

We’re talking a revamped website, limited-edition print issues (yes, print!), collaborations with influencers, and even the return of the Cannabis Cup competition. Kesselman’s linking up with former co-owner Matt Stang to make it happen.

In a market steaming toward $33 billion this year, this isn’t just nostalgia—it’s smart branding with a side of passion.

🚫 Meta Called Out Over Cannabis Censorship

A coalition of nearly 100 cannabis and drug policy groups—from NORML to Drug Policy Alliance—is calling out Meta for shadowbanning and censoring cannabis-related content across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

The letter, led by Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), says Meta (NASDAQ: META) is stifling access to vital info about public health, research, and legal cannabis businesses.

“This suppression is not merely an inconvenience—it is a form of digital marginalization,” the letter states.

The groups argue that censorship of science and advocacy “causes harm,” and they want transparency and fairness. Social media might be the new town square, but it looks like cannabis content is still being booted to the alley.

📉 Trump Loses Support Over Cannabis Moves

A new Marijuana Moment/NuggMD poll reveals most cannabis consumers aren’t thrilled with President Donald Trump’s recent moves on marijuana. While he once backed rescheduling and banking reform, he’s gone mostly radio silent lately—and it’s costing him with voters.

Even worse? His proposed budget would strip protections for medical marijuana states and continue the block on adult-use regulation in Washington, D.C.

That said, all isn’t lost—rescheduling or federal legalization could swing support back in his favor. So, will he light it up or leave it in the dark?

🥤 Hemp Drink Craze Faces Crackdown

America’s thirst for hemp-derived THC drinks is exploding—but so is the backlash.

More than 80 bills have been introduced this year to regulate (or outright ban) these beverages. States like Texas, Georgia, and Alabama are leading the charge.

Meanwhile, brewers and alcohol distributors are eyeing the space with dollar signs in their eyes, which is probably adding fuel to the legislative fire.

The battle over hemp drinks is shaping up to be one of the biggest regulatory fights in cannabis today.

🍺 Tilray Pushes Into U.S. With Hemp Drinks

Tilray Brands (NASDAQ: TLRY) is entering the U.S. hemp beverage market full throttle, with new THC drinks on shelves in over 1,000 stores nationwide. States like Georgia and Florida are leading the charge with distribution.

Sales hit $382 million in 2024 and are expected to nearly double by 2029. Tilray Wellness prez Jared Simon says liquor stores are embracing the trend—and they’re ready for more.

💸 High Tide Posts Strong Quarter

High Tide Inc. (NASDAQ: HITI) (TSXV: HITI) dropped its Q2 earnings, and things are looking solid:

• $4.9 million in free cash flow

• 6.2% growth in same-store sales

• Ongoing exclusive talks with a leading German medical cannabis importer

CEO Raj Grover credited the company’s loyalty-driven retail model for staying strong despite a shorter quarter.

🌱 Vireo Growth Expands Across Six States

Vireo Growth Inc. (CSE: VREO; OTCQX: VREOF) is officially one of the largest U.S. multi-state operators following a series of mergers.

The company expects Q2 revenue between $88–91 million, and EBITDA in the $23–24 million range. Their newly expanded footprint now covers six states—but they’re still crunching the numbers on net income due to accounting adjustments.

💰 Cookies Wins $22.7M Over Brand Dispute

Iconic cannabis brand Cookies just scored a $22.7 million arbitration win against its retail partner Cookies Retail, which runs dozens of Cookies-branded dispensaries across the U.S.

The ruling found the partner guilty of misusing trademarks and skipping royalty payments. But hold up—Cookies Retail is trying to undo the decision in court.

What happens to all those Cookies stores? That’s the hazy part.

🧪 Study: CBD May Reduce Binge Drinking

In a new University of Sydney study on mice, researchers found that CBD reduces binge drinking and blood alcohol levels—without impairing movement.

The “drinking-in-the-dark” experiments showed consistent, dose-dependent reductions in alcohol intake. Funded by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, the findings suggest CBD may be a promising tool to curb alcohol abuse.

🎉 That’s it for today, friends. From High Times’ fiery return to the hemp drink chaos and Cookies' courtroom cash-in, it’s clear this industry never sits still. I’ll be back tomorrow with more green goodness. Stay curious, stay lifted—and don’t forget to support your local dispensary.

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