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:
Tilray Slumps Despite Market Momentum
Canadian cannabis giant Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) experienced a dip last week, trading down despite broader market optimism. The downturn followed the company’s announcement of a $250 million at-the-market equity program. While the move aims to strengthen liquidity and fund future growth, it spooked investors wary of dilution. This serves as a stark a reminder that in cannabis finance, timing and optics are everything.
Free Weed Seltzers? There’s a Study for That
Several THC beverage companies are teaming up to study how cannabis-infused drinks compare to alcohol in social settings. They’re recruiting 2,000 participants to try free products as part of a large-scale effort to analyze consumer behavior and shift perceptions. With the beverage segment booming, this kind of real-world research could be a turning point for market positioning—plus, who says no to free seltzers?
Iron Mike Becomes CEO of Carma HoldCo
In a move that blends celebrity power with business savvy, Mike Tyson is now the CEO of Carma HoldCo, the parent company behind Tyson 2.0 and Ric Flair Drip. Tyson’s leadership could be a double-edged sword—his star power is undeniable, but operational execution will be key as the company eyes expansion.
Landmark Study: Cannabis Eases Cancer Symptoms
A large-scale study published in Frontiers in Pain Research confirmed what many patients have claimed for years: medical cannabis significantly improves the quality of life for cancer patients. Researchers found an “overwhelming scientific consensus” on the benefits, including reduced pain, improved appetite, and better sleep. This is a major step forward in validating medical cannabis with data, not just anecdotes—potentially influencing future policy and prescribing habits.
DEA Lawsuit Dropped by Rescheduling Watchdogs
A group of doctors and researchers has withdrawn a lawsuit alleging misconduct in the DEA’s rescheduling process. The group cited concerns that the legal challenge might delay rather than expedite cannabis reform. Their move signals cautious optimism that the HHS-backed push for Schedule III may proceed without further interference.
USDA: Hemp Industry Grew in 2024, Despite Crackdowns
The USDA’s new report shows that the hemp industry expanded in 2024, even as many states clamped down on products like Delta-8 THC. This growth, despite legal uncertainty, puts a spotlight on the demand and innovation within the hemp-derived cannabinoid market.
Marijuana Stock Movers of the Week
Top gainers this week included Canopy Growth Corp (CGC) and Aurora Cannabis Inc (ACB), riding momentum from both earnings reports and renewed optimism around U.S. federal reform. On the flip side, Tilray and SNDL saw modest declines amid restructuring news and profit-taking. While cannabis stocks remain volatile, legislative developments and strategic pivots are starting to separate the winners from the laggards.
Click here to learn more about cannabis stock movements with Benzinga
