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:
88 Years of Federal Prohibition—And Counting
On August 2, the U.S. marked the 88th anniversary of the Marihuana Tax Act, the law that began federal marijuana prohibition. In a scathing op‑ed, NORML’s Paul Armentano calls prohibition “a fraud from the beginning,” rooted in racial propaganda and political manipulation. A twisted little snapshot of American dysfunction—proof that our laws are still dragging their knuckles through the past while the public and science have already lit a joint and moved on.
MariMed Moves into PA Market
MariMed is entering Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis market through a new management and licensing deal with TILT Holdings. Starting September 1, MariMed will oversee TILT’s Standard Farms facility, bringing its award-winning brands like Betty’s Eddies and Bubby’s Baked to the state.
The move is part of MariMed’s “Expand the Brand” strategy and positions them ahead of potential adult-use legalization in the fifth most populous U.S. state. With MariMed taking 12.5% of Standard Farms’ gross revenue, it’s a clear play for long-term market share in a key East Coast territory.
Cannabis-Industry PAC Donates $1 Million to Trump Super PAC
The American Rights and Reform PAC—a cannabis industry‑funded group—contributed $1 million to Donald Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC, according to FEC filings. This move highlights the industry’s sharp political shift—likely a gamble on gaining influence under a future administration. The optics are risky, but it signals increasing political involvement.
Hemp at Risk in Rural Texas
Rural Texas communities warn that the proposed ban on hemp-derived THC products would devastate local economies and remove vital health access, especially for veterans and older residents. The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 5 to criminalize THC in any detectable amount outside CBD/CBG. This bill pits public health and economic need against prohibitionist policy. For many Texans, hemp has served as a lifeline where medical access is restricted.
Senate Votes to Let VA Doctors Recommend Medical Marijuana—But Drops Hemp THC Ban
Congress advanced the Veterans Affairs spending bill with two key cannabis provisions: allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in legal states, and removing a proposed federal ban on hemp-derived THC. Finally, some bipartisan progress. A rare flash of sanity from Capitol Hill, as lawmakers finally begin to see cannabis not as a menace, but as a lifeline—especially for the war-worn vets choking on a cocktail of VA-issued opioids.
Florida Legalization Campaign Hits 75% of Required Signatures
Activists behind Florida’s push to put legalization on the 2026 ballot have collected around 661,327 valid signatures, about 75% of the 880,062 needed. They added roughly 50,000 in the last month alone. The campaign shows disciplined grassroots momentum. After the failed 2024 amendment that missed the 60% threshold, this second effort appears better organized and on pace.
Stock Moves: Notable Cannabis Equity Performance
Over the past week Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB) stood out:
- Friday, August 1: ACB stock rose 1.13%, closing at $4.48, outperforming broader markets despite weakness in major indexes
- Monday, August 4: Shares gained 3.13%, closing at $4.62—marking a second straight day of gains
That’s a total gain of approximately 4.2% over two days, signaling renewed investor interest, though the stock remains 30–38% below its 52‑week high.
Other big American cannabis sharks—Curaleaf, Trulieve, Cresco Labs, and Tilray—kept their cards close this week with no price fireworks to report. But make no mistake, these companies still dominate the sprawling jungle of multi-state operators.
