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:
Texas MMJ Bill Hits Senate Snag
A sweeping medical marijuana expansion bill in Texas is facing rewrites after passing the House. HB 46 would broaden the state’s Compassionate Use Program by adding new qualifying conditions like chronic pain and terminal illness, expanding product types to include patches and vapes, and mandating 11 new dispensary licenses—one per public health region. Veterans would also gain access for any medical condition.
But in its first Senate hearing, lawmakers signaled significant changes are coming. Sen. Charles Perry called the bill a “work in process,” with a substitute version still in the works. Advocates say delays and behind-the-scenes negotiations risk watering down long-overdue reforms, as the clock ticks on the legislative session.
Vets Slam California’s THC Cap for Pet Products
California’s cannabis regulators are proposing a new rule that would cap THC in animal products at just 1 milligram—a move veterinarians say could endanger pets rather than protect them. Critics argue the policy would wipe out most cannabis options formulated for animals and push pet owners toward human-use products with higher THC content.
Veterinarians like Dr. Gary Richter and Dr. Trina Hazzah say THC, when dosed correctly, can be vital for treating conditions like seizures, cancer pain, and anxiety in animals. The Department of Cannabis Control, however, maintains the restriction is needed to avoid toxicity. A public hearing on the controversial proposal is scheduled for June 24.
Also read: Federal Ignorance is a Policy Choice
Nebraska Lawmakers Block Voter-Backed MMJ Rollout
Despite 71% of voters approving medical cannabis last November, Nebraska lawmakers failed—by one vote—to advance the bill that would implement the program. The measure died in a 23–22 cloture vote on Tuesday, marking yet another legislative stall in the state’s long road to reform.
Governor Jim Pillen has pledged support for the new Medical Cannabis Commission, but his appointees—both outspoken opponents of medical marijuana—have drawn criticism from advocates. Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana called the selections “disingenuous” and warned that the state’s leadership is out of step with public will.
Ohio Hits $80M in April Cannabis Sales
Ohioans spent nearly $80 million on cannabis products last month, with flower, vape carts, and edibles dominating both medical and recreational sales. Flower alone made up over half of all purchases, totaling nearly eight tons sold between March 30 and April 26.
Recreational sales, which launched in August, accounted for about 75% of total transactions. The week leading up to 4/20 was the most profitable, pulling in $22 million. With adult-use demand surging, Ohio is on pace to solidify its spot among the top-performing cannabis markets in the Midwest.
