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:
The First-Ever Marijuana Speed Rolling Competition Sparks a New Spectator Sport
A new event dubbed the “Roll-Your-Own Championship” is aiming to elevate joint rolling into a mainstream spectator sport. The competition format combines speed, precision, and flair—participants are judged not just on how fast they roll, but how well they do it. It’s a clever blend of cultural celebration and performance art, offering a unique way to normalize cannabis while building a new kind of entertainment niche.
Bill Maher and Woody Harrelson’s Marijuana Dispensary Burglarized
Hollywood heavyweights Maher and Harrelson found their West Hollywood dispensary, The Woods, the target of a break-in. While details on what was stolen remain unclear, the incident adds to a growing list of cannabis businesses hit by theft amid limited banking access and lingering stigma. It’s a cautionary tale for an industry still dealing largely in cash. While celebrity cachet brings glamor and visibility, it doesn’t guarantee immunity from the challenges faced by cannabis entrepreneurs—especially around security and regulation gaps.
Organigram CEO Retires After Building Canada’s Largest Cannabis Brand
Beena Goldenberg is stepping down as CEO of Organigram after a successful tenure that saw the company become Canada’s top-selling cannabis brand. Her departure marks the end of a major leadership era, with Peter Amirault stepping in as interim CEO.
Texas Approves $50M Psychedelic Research Bill—The Largest in U.S. History
In a historic bipartisan move, the Texas House and Senate have approved HB 3717, which allocates roughly $50 million toward psychedelic research, specifically ibogaine, for treating PTSD, depression, and addiction. Final appropriations are expected soon, with Governor Greg Abbott widely expected to sign it. If passed, this will be the largest state or federal funding commitment to psychedelic research in U.S. history.
The effort is led by Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), a nonprofit founded by Marcus and Amber Capone, whose personal journey with ibogaine therapy has become a cornerstone of the psychedelic healing movement for veterans.
70% of Americans Support Marijuana Use at Casinos and Resorts
A new YouGov poll shows overwhelming public support for allowing marijuana use in adult entertainment spaces like casinos and resorts. The majority say it should be treated similarly to alcohol in these settings. his poll is more than a data point—it’s a signal to policymakers and hospitality operators that consumers are ready for weed-friendly experiences. As the normalization wave continues, cannabis tourism and hospitality may be next in line for serious growth.
Cannabis Stock Movers: The Week’s Top Gainers and Losers
The stock market saw a lot of movement in cannabis last week. Major winners included Curaleaf Holdings and Verano Holdings, while Green Thumb Industries and TerrAscend slipped. The volatility reflects an industry still grappling with legislative uncertainty, federal reform hopes, and earnings season drama. For investors, it’s a week-by-week rollercoaster—but for the industry, these shifts often reveal larger market sentiment around regulatory optimism or operational health.
