Willie Nelson’s Edibles, Aurora Cannabis Earnings And Psychedelic Research For Veterans

Hey, Cannabis Daily readers, Maureen here, bringing you the latest buzz in the cannabis world. We've got everything from Aurora Cannabis’ financials to Texas hemp debates, Willie Nelson, a medical warning and a word from the deputy director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).

But before we dive in, just a heads-up: tomorrow (Thursday) is Juneteenth, so we’ll be taking the day off to honor the holiday. We’ll be back with your next dose of cannabis news on Friday!

Now, let’s get into today’s top stories...

📉 Aurora Cannabis Faces International Weakness Amid Strong Domestic Growth

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) isn't feeling the international love right now. The Canadian-based medical marijuana company reported a fourth-quarter loss of 24 cents per share (CA 35 cents), missing analysts' predictions of a modest 11-cent profit. Despite this, the company posted sales of $63.07 million (CA 90.54 million), a 34% year-over-year increase, driven largely by a 48% growth in the global medical cannabis sector and a solid 32% rise in plant propagation.

But there's a hiccup. Aurora Cannabis anticipates that global marijuana revenue could dip slightly in the short term, thanks to weaker demand from international markets. However, the company is optimistic about future quarters, expecting stronger performance as distribution expands and new products hit shelves.

“We expect global marijuana revenue to remain strong, with better results in Canadian medical sales and steady performance in the consumer segment,” said the company in a statement. But, “there may be temporary drops in some international markets.”

🌱 Texas Hemp Ban Faces Bipartisan Opposition, Polls Show

Looks like Gov. Greg Abbott might have a tough time with that controversial hemp ban bill sitting on his desk. A new poll from Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, affiliated with President Trump, reveals surprising bipartisan opposition to the measure. It turns out that both Democratic and Republican voters are united in their opposition to banning consumable hemp products with any trace of THC.

The survey found that 80% of Democrats, 66% of Independents, and 44% of Republicans oppose the bill, which would decimate the state's hemp industry.

“When given a head-to-head choice, 7-in-10 Texas voters say they want hemp-derived consumable THC to remain legal in Texas with strict regulations,” the poll reported.

Governor Abbott might need to rethink his strategy if he wants to avoid a major voter backlash.

🚀 Congress Can Reschedule Marijuana Faster Than Administration, CRS Says

It turns out lawmakers might have a shortcut to rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. A recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) brief suggests that if Congress wanted, it could bypass the current bureaucratic delays and pass the change itself—“with greater speed and flexibility” than the Biden administration is able to manage.

The CRS report notes that the process is either in the hands of Congress or the Attorney General and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In other words, the ball’s in Congress’s court if they want to speed things up. Will they take the plunge? Time will tell.

🚨 Trump Targets States’ Power Over Medical Marijuana: A New Threat to Patients’ Rights

A major shift could be on the horizon for medical cannabis in the U.S. The Trump administration’s 2026 fiscal year budget request is looking to repeal a key federal budget rider that has long prohibited the Justice Department from using taxpayer dollars to target patients and other participants in state-legal medical cannabis programs.

As Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), points out in The Hill, this move could undermine the rights of millions of Americans who rely on medical cannabis. Since 2014, Congress has ensured that federal resources cannot be used to prosecute those who are complying with their state’s medical cannabis laws. This safeguard has been crucial in protecting patients, caregivers, and medical cannabis providers from federal interference.

However, the Trump administration’s new proposal threatens this protection, signaling a potential federal crackdown on state-legal medical cannabis programs. This is a significant shift, given that before the amendment was passed, federal prosecutors routinely targeted medical cannabis patients and dispensaries operating in states where the substance was legal.

“Members of Congress need to ensure that patients’ rights, as well as the right of states to set their own marijuana policies, remain protected,” Armentano warns.

💊 Trump’s VA Head Talks Psychedelic Research for Veterans

Doug Collins, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is doubling down on his commitment to exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for military veterans. During a visit to a psychedelics research facility this week, Collins made it clear that he’s “looking at psychedelics... looking at anything to help our veterans” who are struggling with trauma and mental health issues.

This is a big step for the VA, considering psychedelics like MDMA are being studied for their potential in treating PTSD and other mental health conditions that affect veterans. Collins’ promise to pursue clinical trials is a significant signal that psychedelics may become an important part of veterans’ health care.

🌊 Cannabis Meets Surf Culture in California

In a match made in California heaven, SURFER Magazine has partnered with Humboldt Family Farms and embarc to launch the first cannabis and surf collection. This collaboration marks a major shift in the cannabis industry's image, aiming to break the old "couch-locked" stereotypes by showcasing cannabis as a companion to an active, adventurous lifestyle.

“We want to break the outdated stereotype of couch-locked stoners and celebrate all of the reasons to explore nature with cannabis,” said Courtney Zalewski, CMO of embarc.

As part of this launch, SURFER Magazine—a cultural icon in the surfing world—will feature cannabis advertising for the first time in its 65-year history.

💔 Study Links Marijuana Use to Increased Risk of Heart Disease

A new study has raised alarms about the cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana use. According to an extensive analysis of data from 200 million people, marijuana use doubles the risk of dying from heart disease. The study, published in the journal Heart, shows that those who use marijuana have a 29% higher risk of heart attack and a 20% higher risk of stroke compared to non-users.

“This is one of the largest studies to date on the connection between marijuana and heart disease,” said Dr. Lynn Silver, a senior adviser at the Public Health Institute. She emphasized that “getting this right is critically important because cardiovascular disease is the top cause of death both in the United States and globally.”

🎸 Willie Nelson Swaps Smoking for Edibles

Even legend Willie Nelson is adapting his weed habits as he gets older. At 92, the country star admits he “can’t smoke anymore” due to his lungs, but he’s still very much in the cannabis game—preferring edibles now over smoking. As he said, “I don’t really do anything now much except a few edibles.”

Don’t worry though, Nelson’s still very much involved in the industry with his own weed business, making sure the next generation of cannabis enthusiasts gets the right message.

🏆 Ohio’s Cannabis Cup Offers $2,500 Prize

If you're a cannabis connoisseur, Ohio is the place to be this summer. The Stargazer Cannabis Festival is offering the largest cash prize ever for a cannabis competition in the U.S.—a whopping $2,500 in cash packed right into the trophy. The festival, set to take place from July 25–27, celebrates cannabis culture, creativity, and community.

In true grassroots fashion, the competition will unfold live, with judges—who were selected via a lottery-style drawing—playing a critical role in determining the winners. It’s fast, immersive, and promises to be one for the books.

That's all for today, folks! Until we meet again on Friday, keep blazing and stay informed!

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