MO groups want to harmonize cannabis and hemp regulations 🌿

“With legalization, we are going to have these growing pains,” Dr. Ryan Marino, a medical toxicologist, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about why he supports legalization, despite what he says are medical risks. “Without having cannabis products legalized, there’s no way to address these issues that were happening already.”

Read more from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Missouri may vote on simplifying hemp and cannabis regulations 🔧

Missouri advocates are planning a 2026 ballot measure that would unify state regulations around cannabis and hemp, while also giving lawmakers greater leeway in adjusting state regulations. The 2022 ballot effort that legalized cannabis in the Show Me State amended the state's Constitution making it difficult for the legislature to tweak without an additional ballot campaign. Marijuana Moment has the details. 

GOP crime bill could outlaw weed candy and drinks 🍭

Tucked away in Sen. Chuck Grassley's new crime bill is a provision outlawing "candy or beverages" that contain a controlled substance. It is still unclear how this might impact state-legal cannabis gummies and drinks and whether or not it would apply to hemp-derived products, considering that they have been able to avoid being classified as a controlled substance. 

Maine lawmakers postpone mandatory testing and tracking 📜

Medical cannabis operators in Maine will have at least another year before the state requires them to test and track their products. The issue has been a point of contention for the state's large caregiver community for years and it appears that will continue to be the case for now, as the legislature has opted to carry over into next year a bill that would have implemented those requirements. 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls on Trump to decriminalize cannabis 🌿

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, along with Rep. Melanie Stansbury, wrote a letter to President Donald Trump last week suggesting that the administration decriminalize cannabis to save the costs incurred by arresting and detaining people for cannabis-related offenses.

INSIGHTS
Top 5 cannabis brands in Connecticut

Yesterday, this newsletter dove into the Connecticut market: Connecticut’s cannabis conundrum.

Today, Lit Alerts shares the top five brands in Connecticut, based on estimated units sold from January through May 2025.

As you can see below, the top 5 brands account for nearly 60% of sales.

Have a look at the the top 5 brands in Connecticut, based on estimated sales - January through May. 👇

To learn more about Lit Alerts and get a special offer only available to Cultivated readers, visit litalerts.com.

Curaleaf scoops up a major CPG exec, and more 

Curaleaf hired Rahul Pinto to serve in the newly-created position of President, according to a June 16 announcement from the company. Pinto has experience as an executive for PepsiCo, Bacardi and Albertsons, a major grocery store chain. Additional hires include Helen Chen as SVP of Digital, Scott Crawford as SVP of Retail Merchandising and Marketing and Justin Miller as SVP of Brand Marketing.

We’ve got two earnings calls this week:

• High Tide will hold its quarterly earnings call on June 17 at 11:30 AM.

• Aurora Cannabis will hold its earnings call on June 18 at 8:00 AM.

Why weed's signature scent has changed over time | NPR

Big Cannabis Remains Bullish on Florida | Forbes

State Cannabis Ombudsman Works To Make CT More Competitive In Adult-Use, Medical Markets | CT News Junkie

Editor’s note: After publication, a spokesperson for Ayr Wellness reached out and said the company is still operational in Connecticut.