Good morning.
It’s one of those weeks where cannabis policy debates break containment, and we’ve got everyone from Tucker Carlson, to Joe Rogan, to the New York Post weighing in. Ugh.
If you want effective, measured reporting on these issues — well, you’re reading the right publication.
Let’s get to it.
-JB, JR, ZH, NM
This newsletter is 713 words or about a 5-minute read.
📣 Quotable
“I guarantee you that 99% of senators … Can't even say the word cannabinoid, and much less know what they're talking about. Yet it is a dangerous thing they must destroy. It just drives me nuts," said Minnesota state Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine) in an interview with Inforum.
Minnesota is one of many states that are now grappling with the idea of creating new regulation to preserve their existing hemp market amid a federal crackdown.
⏩ Quick hits
Florida advances 2026 legalization ballot effort 🗳️
Florida's Division of Elections issued a formal letter confirming that supporters of the ballot effort had gathered enough verified signatures to place legalization on the ballot. The announcement came roughly a week after Smart & Safe Florida sued the state over its slow reaction to the balloting process. The Florida Phoenix has more on the ongoing campaign.
Mass. Cannabis Control Commission continues to evolve 🪑
Long-time commissioner Ava Callender Concepcion resigned from what is supposed to be a five-member panel after making infrequent public appearances over the last year, according to a Nov. 17 statement from the state’s Attorney General. Concepcion's resignation comes shortly after a state court reinstated CCC Chair Shannon O'Brien after a two-year absence. Another commissioner, Nurys Camargo, stepped down in May. She was replaced earlier this month by Carrie Benedon. Talking Joints Memo has more on the ongoing turmoil at the CCC.
Nebraska regulators seek manufacturer input 👂
Nebraska's Medical Cannabis Commission wants to hear from prospective manufacturers as it develops best practice standards to ensure patient safety. The Commission will hold a hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2 during which manufacturers will be able to provide their input. Nebraska Public Media has more.
Quebec set to offer cannabis vape products 💨
On Tuesday, the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC), the government controlled cannabis dispensary system for Quebec, announced that they will begin selling cannabis vape products on November 26. In 2024, the SQDC promised vape products in 2025 and will deliver next week.
Rep. Mace circulates bill to block hemp ban 🫸
Fresh off battling TSA agents and politicizing who’s using what bathroom, South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has decided to actually do some policymaking. She’s circulating a bill, The American Hemp Protection Act of 2025, that would prevent the hemp ban from going into effect, reports Marijuana Moment.
📺 In case you missed it
On Tuesday, Jay and Jeremy were joined by Cantrip CEO Adam Terry (thanks to joining from paternity leave). They chatted about what’s next for the company following the hemp ban, how to align advocacy efforts, and more.
Watch:
🤝 Deals, launches, partnerships
AYR Wellness to initiate Canadian debt protection process 😓
The Florida-based cannabis firm announced on Nov. 17 that it would be entering a debt protection process under the Canadian Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act. The process is part of a larger restructuring effort that was announced on July 30, 2025. $AYRWF ( 0.0% )
Canopy growth expands presence in Australia 🇦🇺
On Tuesday, Canopy Growth announced an expansion of their Spectrum Therapeutics platform in Australia through new softgel capsules that range from 6.25mg to 20mg. The move compliments existing products in the region like oils and flower provided by other Canopy brands. $CGC ( ▲ 1.91% )
LEEF Brands announces insider share purchases
LEEF Brands announced that its CEO and CFO both purchased additional shares of the company from the market following the Q3 results that showed a 24% year-over-year increase in revenue, according to the company's release stating that it reflected "strongest quarter" in the company's history. $LEEF.CSE ( ▼ 2.0% )
😜 One fun thing
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis hit back at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the latter’s claims that Colorado’s cannabis tax policy bolstered the illicit market.
📰 What we’re reading
I'm the cofounder and CEO of a THC drink company. Congress's hemp crackdown should be a wake-up call for the industry | Business Insider
After years of vetoes, Virginia poised to launch adult-use cannabis market | Virginia Mercury