Good morning.
Yesterday we got a very good rundown from our friends at Lit Alerts about just how big 4/20/26 was, especially in the Northeast. More on that below.
Plus, join us at 10 AM Eastern for the second segment produced in partnership with the Canadian Securities Exchange. Today’s episode features David Côté, CEO of Northern Helm, a widely-respected Canadian cannabis retail executive. Find the session on YouTube and LinkedIn.
Let’s get to it.
-JR
Today’s newsletter is 650 words or about a 5-minute read.
THIS NEWSLETTER MADE POSSIBLE BY:
💡 What’s the big deal?
Today, Adam Rosenberg, Chairman of the Board of the National Cannabis Industry Association, writes for Cultivated about the importance of continued advocacy from the cannabis industry. Here’s an excerpt:
For an industry that has spent the better part of a decade winning local battles for legitimacy, it is easy to assume the momentum is on our side.
Public opinion has shifted, markets have expanded, and cannabis is no longer a fringe issue in the way it once was. However, opposition groups like Smart Approaches to Marijuana have remained focused and consistent. They are active in Washington, active in statehouses across the country, and increasingly active internationally. Their position is clear, and they continue to organize around it.
In some cases, they are still actively working to roll back progress. We have seen prohibitionist efforts tied to groups like SAM surface in markets like Massachusetts, Maine, and Arizona - reminders that even in states with established adult-use cannabis markets, nothing is fully settled.
The cannabis industry has learned over time that progress is rarely permanent. Every step forward, whether it is a new market, a regulatory win, or a shift in public perception, requires continued engagement to protect and build on it.
📣 Quotable
“So I predicted that this was gonna be a buzzkill 4/20. And most of that was just because, it's hard to drive folks to the store beyond discounting when you don't have the flexibility of the weekend,” a candid admission from Rick Bashkoff, CEO of Lit Alerts on yesterday’s Cultivated Live. “But, what we observed: retailers did a really good job of making it the [4-day] window that it should be and it's not really just about one day anymore. I would say [Monday] is not the best day of the week for 4/20, but it certainly worked out pretty well in 2026.”
See the full conversation with Rick Bashkoff from yesterday’s stream as well as the 4/20 recap: 4/20 sales up 82%+ from 2025
⏩ Quick hits
Maryland governor signs employment protections for first responders
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed legislation protecting firefighters and rescue workers from employment discrimination for off-duty medical cannabis use. The bill passed both chambers with overwhelming majorities, and marks the first time in three years of attempts that the legislation cleared both the House and Senate. Read the full story.
North Carolina Senate leader signals medical cannabis push after federal rescheduling
North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger says his caucus will discuss whether to advance medical cannabis legislation now that federal rescheduling is moving forward. More from North Carolina.
If you’re headed to MJ Unpacked at the Hard Rock Atlantic City next week, please join us for breakfast on May 6th.
The breakfast is sponsored by Aquinnah Capital Partners and will be a relaxed kickoff to the event with the Cultivated community.
We hope to see you there.
⚖️ People moves
Marc Rodriguez, co-founder and CEO of Green Leaf Payroll and Business Solutions, has joined the board of the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable.
📰 What we’re reading
Federal Marijuana Policy Under Trump | The Hill
The Cannabis Beverage Industry Has an Evidence Problem | Marijuana Moment Op-Ed