Welcome to the latest edition of “Last week in Weed,” catching you up on the latest breaking news and industry developments in the world of cannabis.
Here’s what you may have missed over the last week:
Ohio Declares State of Emergency, Bans Hemp-Derived THC for 60 Days
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency and issued a 60-day halt on all hemp-derived THC sales, a sweeping move that immediately shutters the state’s booming market for hemp-based edibles, vapes, and beverages. The order, which took effect Oct. 14, aims to curb unregulated intoxicating hemp products that have flooded gas stations, smoke shops, and online stores.
Supporters argue the ban is a necessary pause to address growing concerns over underage access and unregulated potency. But industry leaders say the policy misses the mark, punishing legitimate operators, while doing little to stop the bad actors it claims to target.
One of the loudest critics is Thomas Winstanley, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Edibles.com, a national THC marketplace launched by Edible Brands, the parent company behind Edible Arrangements. In a statement, Winstanley called the governor’s move “misguided,” saying it fails to differentiate between regulated companies and illicit producers operating outside of any oversight.
“There is no question that Governor Mike DeWine’s intentions are in the right place,” Winstanley said. “We fully support age verification, strict packaging rules, and robust product testing. But this order goes far beyond that. It penalizes legitimate businesses that comply with state and federal standards and have worked tirelessly to bring transparency and safety to the market.”
The timing of Winstanley’s remarks is notable as Edibles.com just announced a nationwide expansion, offering delivery of top THC edible brands like Wana, Wyld, and Kiva to more than 65% of U.S. households, including same-day service in major cities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas.
Native Entrepreneur Tests State Authority Over Cannabis in Minnesota
Todd Thompson, an Ojibwe business owner, resumed selling cannabis from his head shop, invoking treaty rights and arguing state bans are unconstitutional. He now faces criminal charges and a legal battle that may test the limits of state power.
Whatever happens next will carve the roadmap for how tribes and states navigate the cannabis frontier. One ruling here, and suddenly everyone from governors to tribal councils will be reading the fine print, wondering who really holds the power in this green gold rush.
Germany Restricts Online Cannabis Sales
“In-person prescriptions only, no mail order.” Germany’s cabinet approved new rules requiring face-to-face consultations for cannabis prescriptions and banning mail order delivery, responding to a dramatic surge in imports since legalization. The move signals that legalization isn’t a free pass. Regulators are stepping in quickly to control unintended side effects and other nations legalizing cannabis may take note and embed similar safeguards early.
GOP Senator Proposes Federal Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) suggested Congress should create a federal “regulatory construct” for cannabis, allowing states to decide whether to legalize while setting baseline safety, tax, and enforcement standards. Bringing the states to heel under one federal umbrella sounds tidy on paper, but in reality, it’s a high-wire act between autonomy and control. A gamble to stitch together the nation’s patchwork of cannabis laws before the whole system frays apart.
Done right, it could bring order and safety. Done wrong, it’s just another layer of red tape choking the roots of reform. However, at a time when federal reform seems stalled, this kind of middling approach may be the right ticket to start gaining traction again.
Michigan Enacts 24 % Wholesale Cannabis Tax for Roads
Governor Whitmer signed a bill instituting a 24 % tax on cannabis sales between producers and dispensaries, aimed at generating roughly $420 million a year for road projects. Using cannabis as a revenue source for public infrastructure may be popular politically, but the real test will be whether it undermines the legal market by pushing prices too high.
Cannabis Stocks Show Mixed Moves Amid Volatility
Over the past seven days, Tilray Brands (TLRY) jumped 17% after reporting Q3 revenue of $209.5M, though it has since dipped 2.96%, trading near $1.64. Aurora Cannabis (ACB) saw wild swings, climbing 6.2% on October 7 before falling 13.68% on October 10, now around $5.35.
Meanwhile, Canopy Growth (CGC) slipped slightly 2.55% to $1.335, and Cronos Group (CRON) edged down 0.59% to $2.535.
Investors remain understandably cautious amid regulatory uncertainty, especially given the recent news of Ohio’s 60-day ban on hemp-derived THC products.
