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Greetings, Zingers! TGIF! Nicolás Rodríguez and Patricio Liddle here, bringing you this week’s essential news to stay up to date with the latest and greatest in cannabis.

It’s been a whirlwind week for the cannabis industry. Verano Holdings (OTC: VRNOF) just locked down a $105 million deal, expanding their reach in Arizona and Virginia, solidifying their market presence. Meanwhile, the debate heats up in Florida as Amendment 3 faces scrutiny over missing home-grow provisions and a new Gallup poll reveals deepening divisions among Americans on cannabis, despite growing legalization and market opportunities.

We hope that with the right insights, you can navigate these developments and capitalize on opportunities that others might overlook.

The Reefer Reality Check: Americans Skeptical Yet Supportive

A fresh Gallup poll captures America's growing reservations about cannabis, though it still ranks behind tobacco and alcohol on the harm scale. While 54% see it as a societal negative, only 26% deem it "very harmful"—low compared to the 79% frowning upon cigarettes It seems the high isn’t as high as it used to be, and yet, the march toward legalization continues.

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Florida's Legalization Drama: No Home-Grow, Plenty of Groans

In the Sunshine State, a staffer for Governor Ron DeSantis has kicked up a storm over Amendment 3's lack of a home-grow provision, slamming it as a play for "corporate greed." Meanwhile, Trulieve's (OTC: TCNNF) CEO Kim Rivers retorts with a nod toward legislative fixes, suggesting that DeSantis might inadvertently support home-growing.

Will Washington’s Next Move Save Cannabis ETFs from A Crushing Year?

This week’s SEC filings show cannabis ETFs like AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF and its leveraged counterpart, AdvisorShares MSOS 2x Daily ETF, are facing some challenges. 

Both funds are struggling, thanks to the usual suspects: regulatory uncertainty and underperforming stocks. MSOS, which keeps tabs on a bunch of U.S.-based cannabis companies, has significant stakes in names like Green Thumb Industries, but the overall market slump has kept gains in check.

But it's not all doom and gloom. There’s still hope on the horizon, with potential catalysts like the rescheduling of cannabis under federal law. Such a shift could lighten the financial load and draw in new investments, giving these ETFs a much-needed boost. It’s a tough market out there, but investors are keeping a close eye on any signs of a turnaround, especially with the possibility of regulatory changes and political shifts.

Kendall Jenner: Secret Stoner No More

In lighter news, Kendall Jenner confesses she’s a stoner, shocking exactly no one. Kourtney spilled the beans, but Kendall owned it. Maybe it’s the secret to surviving family dinners?

Weekend Weed Reads:

• EXCLUSIVE: How Can Virtual CFOs Future-Proof Cannabis Companies And Unlock Profits?

• 'Paradigm-Changing' Cannabis Breath Test Emerges As Weed Surpasses Alcohol In Daily Use

• Can Legal Weed Reshape The Federal Budget? Cato Institute Looks At Impact On Taxes And Fed Spending

• Tony Stark's Choice Vape? Synergy Innovation's Strategic Move To Restore Brands' Identity, Lead Market Niche

• Getting Back To The Roots With Regenerative Cannabis: All You Need To Know About California's Award-Winning Certifications

• I Saw Trillions Of Atoms In My Hand Vibrating At A Certain Frequency, Says Zappy Zapolin Describing His First Psychedelics Experience

• Hemp-Derived THC Beverages: Navigating Regulatory Uncertainty In A Potential $13.5B Market

Our Writers Today

Nicolás holds a B.A. in International Relations, an M.A. in International Affairs, and an M.Phil in Public Policy. He is a doctoral student in Public and Urban Policy at The New School in New York City. After working for the United Nations in 2014, Nico pivoted his research to studying the relationship between the cannabis industry and economic development.

Patricio is a development economist with extensive experience in IT, finance, and banking. He writes about the economic and social opportunities obscured by over fifty years of drug prohibition. Beyond his professional expertise, Patricio is a committed advocate for social change, passionately working to promote harm reduction and reform drug policies.

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