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:
4/20 Sales Reveal Shifting Market Dynamics
With another 4/20 in the books, new data from Jane Technologies sheds light on evolving consumer trends across the cannabis industry’s biggest sales day of the year.
According to Jane’s 2025 analysis, flower remained the category king, commanding 41% of daily sales. Vapes followed with 27%, trailed by edibles (14%), pre-rolls (10%), and extracts (6%). While the dominance of flower is nothing new, the rising share of vape products suggests a growing preference for discreet, portable options.
State-by-state rankings also saw notable movement. Illinois retained its top spot, but California climbed back into the No. 2 position after slipping in 2024. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania held strong at No. 3, Maryland rose to fourth, and Nevada entered the top five, edging out Florida, which had been a top performer last year.
In a major step toward tightening up product safety across the supply chain, Cannabis Safety & Quality (CSQ) has released its revised certification standards for public review. CSQ 2.0 introduces a more flexible, level-based system and merges its accredited and unaccredited programs into a single, fully accredited offering.
The goal: make certification more accessible and enforceable without becoming a bureaucratic nightmare. Public comments are open until May 20, with final standards launching January 1, 2026.
Ascend Wellness Launches High Wired Infused Line
Ascend Wellness (AWH) has officially launched High Wired, a new line of potent infused flower and pre-rolls aimed at high-tolerance consumers. Currently available in Illinois with other markets on the horizon, the launch comes at a perfect time: infused pre-rolls now account for 44.4% of the category, up from 34.4% just a few years ago. With the pre-roll market expected to hit $4 billion by 2025, AWH is making a calculated bet on the future.
Is Kava the Next CBD?
Industry experts suggest kava could be the next botanical to catch a wave similar to CBD’s explosive growth. Known for its relaxing effects and long history in Pacific Island cultures, kava is gaining traction among consumers looking for natural alternatives to alcohol and prescription anxiety meds. If history tells us anything, the path from “natural wellness” trend to mass-market darling can be quick. However, regulatory hurdles and consumer education will be critical. (Remember kratom? Yeah, it’s complicated.)
Inside the “Willy Wonka Factory” of Rolling Papers
Last week, Benzinga pulled back the curtain on one of the cannabis industry’s most legendary secrets: the RAW rolling paper factory in Benimarfull, Spain.
Founder Josh Kesselman — often called the “Willy Wonka of Weed” — welcomed a rare group of visitors inside the ultra-private facility, where ancient papermaking techniques meet modern robotics. Before crossing the threshold, guests signed NDAs and entered a sprawling, surreal complex where 19th-century machines and sleek automation systems operate side-by-side.
Located in a tiny village of fewer than 450 residents, the factory honors the deep roots of Spanish papermaking while pushing the craft into the future. Each machine has its own personality—and even a name—with artisans like “Macu” and “The Twins” preserving century-old traditions with a modern twist.
Cannabis Stocks Jump—But Analysts Urge Caution
Cannabis stocks surged by double digits last week, fueled by renewed speculation around U.S. federal reform and banking access. But while investors celebrated, some analysts were quick to throw cold water on the excitement, warning that the underlying fundamentals haven’t changed overnight. Proceed with optimism—but maybe leave the champagne on ice for now.
Click here for updates from Benzinga on the most recent stock movements
