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:
Pro Sports Fans Say Yes to Cannabis Sponsors
A new YouGov poll revealed a promising trend: a majority of U.S. sports fans are open to cannabis companies sponsoring their favorite professional teams, including those in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. This is a clear cultural shift as mainstream sports continue softening their stance on cannabis. It signals both growing public comfort and a valuable marketing window for cannabis brands looking to score big in national advertising.
Vladimir Bautista Honored for Equity-Driven Entrepreneurship
Vladimir Bautista, co-founder of Happy Munkey, was awarded the Bob Fireman Award for Entrepreneurship. His work as a Latino leader in cannabis not only challenges systemic inequities but also uplifts his New York community with a blend of legacy authenticity and forward-looking innovation. The award is a nod to social equity’s growing spotlight in the business world, recognizing leaders who refuse to let corporate cannabis drown out cultural roots.
Big Dave Valese Brings Underground Ethos to Jersey Retail
Dave Valese, better known as “Big Dave,” is emerging as one of New Jersey’s most influential cultivators-turned-retail visionaries. With nearly three decades in the game, Valese has taken his street-hardened know-how and applied it to HoneyProjects, the group behind HoneyGrove and the newly launched HoneyStash in Metuchen. The dispensary, located on a revitalized Main Street, merges community art, small-batch curation, and wellness in a space that feels more gallery than storefront.
Cannabis Stocks on the Move
On Wall Street, cannabis stocks posted a mixed week. While multi-state operators saw mild gains, international players and biotech firms experienced more volatility. Investor sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing federal scheduling debates and the market’s wait-and-see attitude toward SAFE Banking reform. Still, niche players tied to wellness and plant-based therapeutics are quietly gaining traction.
