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:
Medical Cannabis Study Offers Hope for Dementia Patients
A new study published in the New York Times found that medical cannabis may help reduce agitation in people living with dementia, one of the condition’s most challenging symptoms for patients and caregivers. Researchers observed improvements in agitation among participants receiving cannabinoid treatment, adding to a growing body of evidence supporting cannabis as a potential therapeutic option for neurodegenerative diseases.
The findings arrive as researchers continue exploring cannabinoids for conditions including chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and multiple sclerosis. Larger clinical trials will help clarify dosing, long-term safety, and which patients may benefit most, but the study represents another step toward expanding the scientific understanding of medical cannabis.
Senate Democrats Reintroduce Federal Cannabis Legalization Bill
Seventeen Senate Democrats have reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, comprehensive legislation that would remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act while establishing a national framework for regulation, taxation, research, restorative justice, and interstate commerce. The bill is led by Sens. Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer, and Ron Wyden.
The proposal would create a federal regulatory structure for cannabis products, expand banking access for licensed businesses, support public health initiatives, and fund programs addressing communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition. While its path through Congress remains uncertain, the legislation keeps federal legalization at the center of the national policy conversation.
Read more: Why Process Engineering Will Define Cannabis Manufacturing Winners – Cannabis & Tech Today
Cannabis Companies Contributed $11.5 Million to Trump-Linked PAC
Trulieve, Curaleaf, Verano Holdings, and Vision Management Services, a subsidiary of Green Thumb Industries, collectively contributed $11.5 million to the Trump-linked political action committee America First Agriculture Action Inc. during June, according to newly released federal campaign finance records. The donations highlight the cannabis industry’s growing investment in federal policymaking as companies continue advocating for reforms including rescheduling, banking access, and a stable national regulatory framework.
As cannabis companies mature, political engagement is becoming a larger part of business strategy. Federal policy continues to influence capital investment, taxation, interstate commerce, and long-term growth opportunities across the legal cannabis industry.
San Francisco Moves Toward Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafés
San Francisco officials are considering legislation that would allow licensed cannabis retailers to operate Amsterdam-style consumption cafés. The proposal would permit dispensaries to offer food, beverages, and entertainment alongside on-site cannabis consumption, creating new opportunities for hospitality-focused cannabis businesses.
If approved, the legislation could expand social consumption options while giving retailers additional revenue streams and creating new destinations for cannabis tourism. The proposal reflects growing interest in experiences that combine cannabis with food, culture, and community.
Guam Awards Its First Adult-Use Cannabis Cultivation License
Guam has issued its first adult-use cannabis cultivation license to Deep Green Guam, marking a significant milestone in the island’s recreational cannabis market. The license clears the way for commercial cultivation as regulators continue building the infrastructure needed to support legal adult-use sales.
The development moves Guam closer to launching a fully operational recreational cannabis industry, creating opportunities for local cultivation, manufacturing, retail, and tourism while establishing a regulated supply chain for consumers.
European Cannabis Flower Study Raises Quality Concerns
A new analysis from Fundación CANNA found that much of the cannabis flower currently available on the European market would fail human consumption standards based on contamination and quality concerns. Researchers examined commercially available products and identified widespread issues involving microbial contamination and product quality.
The findings highlight the importance of rigorous testing standards as international cannabis markets continue expanding. Product quality, laboratory verification, and cultivation practices remain central to building consumer confidence and supporting the long-term growth of regulated markets.
