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:
Presidential Brings “World’s Strongest” Pre-Rolls to Washington
Presidential, a leading producer of blunts and pre-rolls known for its “World’s Strongest” cannabis products, has launched its lineup in Washington, marking the brand’s sixth market and latest step in its national expansion. Following a successful debut in New York last summer, Presidential is now available in Washington alongside California, Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, and New York. The expansion comes as infused pre-rolls account for 44.4% of the category and ahead of the busy 4/20 season. Ranked among the top five pre-roll brands in the industry and a top five infused pre-roll brand in California, the company continues to build momentum under CEO Everett Smith as it grows its presence across the U.S. cannabis market.
Virginia Ready to Launch Adult-Use Cannabis Sales
Virginia is moving closer to launching legal recreational cannabis sales after lawmakers advanced legislation that would establish a regulated retail market. Under competing bills passed by the state House and Senate, adult use sales could begin as early as November 2026 or Jan. 1, 2027, with the state expected to begin accepting license applications in 2026. The legislation would create a statewide framework for cultivation, retail, and distribution overseen by regulators, nearly five years after Virginia legalized possession of cannabis.
The proposed system would cap the number of retail and cultivation licenses and impose a state cannabis tax of about 12.875% with an additional local option tax of up to 3%. Adults would be allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis once the market launches. Lawmakers still must reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, but industry projections suggest the new market could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales once it opens.
San Francisco Considers Legal Cannabis Cafes
San Francisco leaders are considering a new ordinance that would allow cannabis cafes to operate in the city, expanding on California’s statewide law permitting Amsterdam style lounges. Under the proposal, licensed cannabis retailers could serve non-cannabis food and drinks and host live entertainment, creating social spaces where customers can legally consume cannabis on site.
Supporters say cannabis cafes could help struggling dispensaries attract customers and compete with the illicit market by turning shops into community gathering spaces. However, the concept remains subject to local approval and regulation, meaning cities like San Francisco must still decide whether and how these venues can operate within existing public health and zoning rules.
Read More: The Future of Legal Magic Mushrooms is Complicated – Cannabis & Tech Today
Legendary West Coast Brands Connected and Alien Labs Enter PA Market
Medical marijuana operator Insa has partnered with Connected International to bring the well-known West Coast brands Connected Cannabis and Alien Labs to Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis market, marking a major expansion for patients in the Philadelphia region. The collaboration introduces premium genetics and nationally recognized cannabis products to a market that has been steadily maturing as patients demand higher quality, transparency in cultivation, and more established brands.
Industry leaders say the partnership signals a shift in Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis landscape toward stronger brand recognition and improved product consistency. Insa plans to use the collaboration to expand patient education, increase awareness, and broaden access to premium cannabis products across the state.
Study Finds Marijuana Legalization Linked to Drop in Violent and Property Crime
A new study suggests that legalizing marijuana may be associated with reductions in certain types of crime across the United States. Researchers found that medical cannabis legalization tends to reduce property crime, while recreational legalization is linked to declines in violent crime, highlighting different ways the policies affect communities over time.
The study also found that the effects of legalization on crime often take several years to appear rather than happening immediately after laws change. Researchers say the findings suggest cannabis reform can influence crime patterns through multiple channels, but policymakers should evaluate long term outcomes before drawing conclusions about the full impact of legalization
