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:
Missouri Cracks Down on Unlicensed Retailers
In Missouri, regulators are taking a harder stance on the illicit market. The state’s attorney general announced enforcement actions against 33 unlicensed cannabis retailers operating outside of the legal framework.
The move reflects an ongoing challenge across legal states. Licensed operators face high compliance costs, while unlicensed shops often undercut prices and operate with fewer restrictions. State officials say the crackdown is about consumer safety and market integrity. For legal businesses, it is also about survival in an increasingly competitive environment.
Teamsters Claim Labor Win in Pennsylvania Cannabis Sector
In Pennsylvania, the Teamsters union is claiming a significant victory after organizing workers at a major multi-state cannabis operator. The development signals a growing labor presence in the cannabis industry, particularly as companies scale and workforce concerns around wages, benefits, and working conditions become more visible.
Unionization efforts have been gaining traction across multiple states, positioning labor as a key force in shaping the next phase of cannabis industry growth.
Ten Doctors Behind the Majority of UK Medical Cannabis Prescriptions
A new report in The Times reveals that the UK’s medical cannabis system is being driven by a surprisingly small group of doctors, with just ten physicians responsible for more than half of all prescriptions issued since legalization in 2018.
Most of these prescriptions are coming through private clinics rather than the public health system, often for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. That trend is raising concern among medical professionals, who say there is still limited evidence supporting cannabis for many psychiatric uses and warn that high-THC products may worsen certain conditions.
With prescriptions rising rapidly, regulators are now facing growing pressure to tighten standards while still allowing access for patients who say the treatment is working.
New York Marks Five Years of Legal Cannabis With Billions in Sales
New York is celebrating five years of adult-use legalization with more than $3.3 billion in total cannabis sales and over 600 licensed retailers now operating statewide.
The milestone underscores the scale of the legal market, even as the state continues to navigate rollout challenges, including licensing delays and competition from illicit operators.
Officials point to job creation, tax revenue, and expanding access as signs of progress. The numbers tell a story of growth, even as the structure of the market continues to take shape.
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Illinois Cannabis Sales Show Signs of Slowdown
In contrast, Illinois is experiencing a dip in cannabis sales, signaling a potential cooling after years of steady growth. Market saturation, pricing pressures, and shifting consumer behavior may all be contributing factors. As more states come online with legal cannabis programs, competition across state lines is also becoming a consideration.
The slowdown does not necessarily indicate decline, but it does suggest a transition into a more mature phase of the market where growth is no longer guaranteed.
Georgia Expands Medical Cannabis to Include Flower and Vapes
Georgia lawmakers approved a bill that significantly broadens the state’s medical cannabis program, allowing patients to access marijuana flower and vaporized products for the first time.
Senate Bill 220 removes the state’s longstanding 5 percent THC cap and expands the types of products available at licensed dispensaries. Patients with qualifying conditions will still need physician approval, but the range of treatment options is widening.
For years, Georgia’s program has been limited to low-THC oils, leaving many patients without fast-acting or flexible options. Vaporization, which offers quicker onset compared to edibles or tinctures, is expected to become a key method of delivery for those seeking immediate relief.
Supporters say the change brings Georgia more in line with other medical cannabis states. Critics remain concerned about expanded THC access, but the bill reflects growing pressure to modernize restrictive programs.
