Hey Benzinga Cannabis Family! It’s Maureen Meehan and Javier Hasse here with your Daily Recap.

Let’s dive into the biggest cannabis news you need to know. This includes how Ohio lawmakers are making controversial moves on voter-supported legalization, Germany’s political shake-up that’s rocking the cannabis market and Curaleaf, which is taking its THC seltzers mainstream.

Oh, and then there’s Woody Harrelson who is still apparently dreaming of a smoke sesh with Bob Marley.

Let’s get into it!

In today's issue:

• Politics & Policy First

  • Ohio Senate Votes to Cut Home Grow & Add New Penalties

  • Germany’s Election Results Shake Up The Cannabis Market

• Markets & Business

  • Curaleaf Expands Its THC Beverage Footprint With Total Wine & More

  • Cannabis Stocks Get a Boost From Strong Earnings Reports

• Culture & Events

  • Woody Harrelson Wants To Blaze With Bob Marley (Who Doesn’t?)

  • Benzinga’s Cannabis Market Spotlight: New Jersey Is Almost Here!

  • Cannabis Earnings Reports In The Coming Days

Ohio Senate Votes to Cut Home Grow & Add New Penalties

Ohio’s Senate just passed a bill that shakes up the state’s voter-approved marijuana law big time. Senate Bill 56, led by Sen. Steve Huffman (R), slashes the home-grow limit in half, brings in new penalties and wipes out some social equity measures.

Huffman claims this is about keeping things “reasonable and appropriate,” but Sen. Bill DeMora (D) begs to differ, calling it “a slap in the face to Ohioans” who overwhelmingly voted for full legalization. Reform advocates warn that the bill could recriminalize sharing weed, restrict public smoking and even allow child custody discrimination over cannabis use.

The House is up next. Let’s see if they side with the people or push for the rollbacks.

Germany’s Election Results Shake Up The Cannabis Market

Germany’s recent election results have cannabis companies rethinking their strategies. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which isn’t exactly a fan of legalization, won big and is making noise about repealing cannabis reforms.

The news is already hitting the market. How? Cannovum Cannabis AG is liquidating, High Tide (NASDAQ: HITI) is pausing its German expansion and CBD of Denver (OTCQB: CBDD) is pulling out of the German market entirely.

While the CDU still needs a coalition partner, the uncertainty alone is enough to have companies second-guessing their next moves in Europe’s biggest cannabis market.

Curaleaf Expands Its THC Beverage Footprint With Total Wine & More

Curaleaf (TSX:CURA) (OTCQX:CURLF) is bringing its Select Zero Proof Hemp THC Seltzers to 100+ Total Wine & More stores across nine states. That means more people will be swapping cocktails for cannabis-infused drinks.

CEO Boris Jordan sees this as a major step in shifting attitudes toward cannabis beverages. With flavors in 2.5mg and 5mg THC doses, these seltzers are hitting the mainstream in Arizona, Florida, Texas, Indiana, North Carolina and more states.

Cannabis Stocks Get a Boost From Strong Earnings Reports

It’s been a solid week for cannabis stocks. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Cronos Group (NASDAQ: CRON): Q4 revenue hit $30.3 million (up 26.7% YoY). Edibles and extracts are killing it in Canada.

• Trulieve (OTCQX: TCNNF): Pulled in $301 million in revenue, thanks to its dominance in Florida.

• Green Thumb Industries (OTCQX: GTBIF): Revenue climbed to $294 million, fueled by Ohio’s new adult-use market.

• Verano Holdings (OTCQX: VRNOF): Revenue dipped 8% YoY, but expansion in New Jersey and Maryland is keeping things moving.

Woody Harrelson Wants To Blaze With Bob Marley (Who Doesn’t?)

During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Woody Harrelson was asked who he’d invite to the lounge at his LA dispensary, The Woods. Without hesitation, he replied: Bob Marley.

But when Colbert asked if he could match Marley “toke-for-toke,” Harrelson laughed: “I don’t think so.” In fact, he admitted he couldn’t even keep up with Marley’s mom back in the day.

Harrelson, a longtime cannabis advocate, just last year helped push through California’s marijuana café law.

Benzinga’s Cannabis Market Spotlight: New Jersey Is Almost Here!

On Tuesday, March 4, we’re bringing together top investors, regulators and entrepreneurs for Benzinga’s Cannabis Market Spotlight: New Jersey.

Expect deep dives into investment trends, regulatory shifts and the future of cannabis in the Garden State.

Speakers include Ricky Williams (Highsman), Dianna Houenou (NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission Chair) and Christopher Riggs (NJCRC Executive Director), just to name a few.

Where: Delta Hotels by Marriott, Somerset, NJ

Tickets & Info: Benzinga’s official event page

That’s a wrap for today’s Cannabis Daily.

Stay lifted, stay informed, stay calm and we’ll see you all back here on Monday.

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