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:
New York Cannabis Shops Sue Over School Buffer Rule
A dozen cannabis dispensaries in New York have filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s reinterpreted rule that now demands stores be at least 500 feet from a school’s property line—rather than the front door. The dispensaries argue this change is unlawful and could jeopardize their license renewals. The state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has paused enforcement for now and is pushing for a legislative fix when the next legislative session begins in January. Meanwhile, proposals from state lawmakers, including grandfathering in existing locations or aligning the distance rule with liquor stores, are being floated. A court hearing is scheduled for August 29.
Death Row Records Cannabis Debuts in Ohio with Pure Ohio Wellness
The Death Row Records Cannabis brand, backed by Snoop Dogg, officially launched in Ohio in partnership with Pure Ohio Wellness. Available starting this week at Dayton and London dispensaries, with Story Cannabis in Cincinnati joining on August 10, the brand’s first offering is a balanced hybrid strain called “a tenth of Apple Fritter,” along with branded merchandise.
Jennifer Tzar Becomes First Woman Licensed to Sell Cannabis in New York
After surviving a highly public cannabis arrest, former model and photojournalist Jennifer Tzar has become the first woman in New York State licensed to open a cannabis dispensary. She now runs Dagmar Cannabis in SoHo and plans a second location in Williamsburg. Tzar’s journey—from arrest to industry pioneer—is a powerful story of redemption and resilience.
California’s New $15M “Weed Ranch”
Leef Brands has launched a sprawling new cannabis farm in Santa Barbara County—investing over $15 million and acquiring 1,900 acres to become the county’s largest single permit holder. With clean land that’s buffered from traditional agriculture, the operation promises pesticide-free cannabis on a massive scale. The first harvest produced 800,000 plants, with expectations of 162,000 lb of dry flower.
Minnesota’s Patchwork Approach to Cannabis Business Bans
In Minnesota, various cities and counties are exercising their local powers to block recreational cannabis businesses. This creates a “patchwork of prohibition” across the state, as municipalities opt in or out independently, leading to a fragmented market environment. A decentralized approach creates confusion for operators and consumers alike. Without statewide consistency, industry growth and public access is certainly hindered.
Cannabis Stocks Surge on Rescheduling Buzz, but Aurora Stumbles
Cannabis stocks swung sharply on news that marijuana may be reclassified from Schedule I to III. The potential shift—easing tax rules and banking limits—sent Tilray (TLRY) up more than 55% month-to-date, with Canopy, Organigram, and SNDL also posting strong gains.
Not all shared in the rally. Aurora Cannabis (ACB) rose slightly early in the week but slid nearly 6% on August 15, making it the sector’s standout loser.
For now, the industry’s fortunes remain tied to Washington, with regulatory headlines driving much of the market’s momentum.
