Hey there, Benzinga Cannabis community, Maureen Meehan here, back in your inbox with your go-to dose of what’s up, what’s changing, and what’s worth paying attention to in the wild world of weed.

Today’s newsletter is packed: we’ve got a political curveball from Florida’s Gov DeSantis that could shut down future cannabis ballot initiatives, some promising tribal momentum in Mississippi, clever tax workarounds that are shaking up the business scene, and even some laughs from the wrestling ring. Plus, the feds are trimming marijuana research grants just as the VA calls for more scientific clarity. Wild times? Always.

Let’s get into it. 👇

In today's issue:

• 🗳️ Politics & Policy

• 💼 Markets & Business

• 🧪 Research & Regulation

• 🍼 Health & Wellness

• 🎭 Culture & Commentary

🚫 DeSantis Signs New Petition Law That Could Block Marijuana Ballot Campaign—Lawsuit Challenges Constitutionality

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis just made it a whole lot harder for grassroots campaigns to get marijuana (or anything else) on the ballot. A new law now requires citizen-led petitioners to:

• Post a $1 million bond

• Be Florida residents and U.S. citizens

• Have no felony convictions (unless rights are restored)

• Collect personal IDs from every signer

• And hustle—there’s a shorter submission timeline

DeSantis claims it’s about cracking down on “out-of-state fraudsters,” but critics are calling it a democratic chokehold. State Sen. Carlos Smith didn’t hold back: “It’s the final kill shot against direct democracy.” 🔥

🌿 Mississippi Band Of Choctaw Indians Could Be Selling Cannabis On Tribal Lands Soon

Meanwhile, in Mississippi, sovereignty is doing what democracy might not. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is eyeing cannabis reform on its Tribal lands—and it’s moving fast.

Public hearings start May 12, leading up to a June 10 referendum asking Tribal members if they support developing legislation to “decriminalize and regulate” cannabis. If approved, they could set up their own system of production, possession, and sales. ✊ A huge potential move in the South.

💰 Cannabis Businesses Using Employee Stock Ownership Plans To Skirt 280E

Here’s one way to beat the dreaded 280E tax curse—just sell the company to your employees. Seriously.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are turning into a hot loophole. After Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a law removing certain restrictions, cannabis companies can now use ESOPs to avoid federal income tax liabilities tied to 280E.

And it’s not just Maryland. Massachusetts-based Theory Wellness and The Vault were early adopters, using ESOPs to unlock tax breaks and set up long-term succession plans. “An ESOP is just another way to sell your company,” says Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures. Simple. Smart. Legal. ✅

🏪 🌟 TerrAscend Signs Agreement To Acquire Fourth Dispensary In New Jersey

TerrAscend (OTC: TSNDF) is doubling down on New Jersey. The cannabis powerhouse just inked a deal to buy Union Chill Cannabis Company, a single-store operator bringing in over $11 million annually. The acquisition (pending regulatory thumbs-up) brings TerrAscend’s Garden State footprint to four dispensaries.

This move fits neatly into their 2025 roadmap, which includes more NJ deals and expanded production at their Boonton facility. Across North America, they’ll soon be rocking 39 retail locations. 🎯

🧹 Trump Administration’s DOGE Cancels University’s Contract To Monitor Marijuana Potency

Remember that long-standing federal program tracking THC and CBD levels in seized cannabis? Yeah, it’s gone.

The Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) axed a contract with the University of Mississippi, which had been monitoring potency for years with NIDA funding. DOGE called it one of 148 “wasteful” contracts terminated in two days, posting on X that the cuts save $198 million—including $143K from “potency monitoring of confiscated marijuana samples.”

Critics are worried the feds are pulling back just as states lean harder on potency rules. Stay tuned. 🧬

🧑‍⚕️ The VA Is Hiring A Contractor To Help Explain Medical Marijuana’s Benefits And Risks For Military Veterans

On the flip side, the VA is getting serious about medical cannabis—and they want help explaining it.

A new contractor will join the Systematically Testing the Evidence of Marijuana (STEM) project to synthesize research on both the upsides (like treating PTSD) and the risks (like cannabis use disorder or prenatal exposure).

The VA’s deadline for bids is May 15, and the goal is to get clearer info to both clinicians and the public. That’s called harm reduction, friends.

🚼 Evidence Review Raises Concern About Cannabis Use In Pregnancy

A new study out of Oregon Health & Science University, published in JAMA Pediatrics, is sounding the alarm on cannabis use during pregnancy.

Researchers analyzed over 51 studies and found that prenatal cannabis use is linked to:

• Increased risk of preterm birth

• Low birth weight

• Babies being small for gestational age

• Possibly higher infant mortality

Lead author Dr. Jamie Lo said: “Patients are coming to me in their prenatal visits saying, ‘I quit smoking and drinking, but is it safe to still use cannabis?’” Lo’s answer? The evidence is stacking up, and it’s not looking good.

🤼‍♂️ Trevor Lee And Ricochet Have Hilarious Exchange Over WWE No Longer Fining For Weed

And finally, some levity from the world of pro wrestling. Former WWE star Trevor Lee joked on X that he passed “every drug test. Well except for weed.”

Ricochet replied, “Worth it lol.”

Turns out WWE stopped fining for cannabis years ago—quietly. Some say it lined up with Matt Riddle (noted weed enthusiast) joining the roster. So now? No fines, no shame, and apparently, a few laughs along the way. 😂

That’s a wrap for today, friends! I’ll be back tomorrow with more twists, turns and terpenes from the cannabis universe. Until then, stay safe, stay positive and stay tuned.

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