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What Happened in Weed Last Week: Sept. 16-20, 2024 by Andrew Ward

Last week in weed highlighted how cannabis is steadily progressing in America and beyond. From Pennsylvania and Florida to a pair of Asian nations, access to cannabis could see significant growth in the coming months. Meanwhile, the NCAA is warming up to the plant, further demonstrating its growing acceptance in the public sphere.

Despite these promising developments, challenges continue to hamper the sector, including large-scale recalls, market oversaturation, and the possibility of legalization measures missing the November ballot.

Get caught up on what went down last week in weed with some quick hits. 

Monday, September 16

Japan will legalize medical cannabis on December 12, while recreational use will be criminalized. 

A bipartisan legalization bill was introduced in Pennsylvania, marking the latest attempt at expanding access in the state.

MSO Green Thumb Industries greenlit a $50 million share-buyback program over the next 12 months, with up to 10,573,860 shares authorized for repurchase. 

Empire Cannabis Club sued New York over its crackdown of the brand’s five unlicensed dispensaries. The company claims its not-for-profit model is accepted under the current guidelines. 

Tuesday, September 17

Regulators in Missouri recalled over 23,000 products, citing improper testing. 

A Bellerose, Queens bust led to the seizure of $10 million worth of products. 

An Alabama cannabis company Alabama Always LLC sued to void the state’s medical cannabis licensing process, citing legal violations by the commission.

New Mexico operators are claiming that oversaturation is harming the market and forcing brands to close. 

New York appears to be on track to generate $1 billion in sales this year 

Wednesday, September 18

Thailand introduced a new bill to keep rec cannabis legal under a stricter set of laws. 

Tilray launched its medical brand, Redecan, in Australia.

St. Paul, Minnesota passed an ordinance allowing dispensaries to set up shop in the downtown area, save for anywhere 300 feet or closer to a school. 

Palisade, Colorado made steps to reverse a 2017 ban on dispensaries using words and phrases such as “cannabis” and “marijuana.”

Flora Growth Corp. and Blossom Genetics will work together to supply the German market with medical cannabis. 

Thursday, September 19

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the smell of cannabis alone does not justify police to conduct a vehicle search. 

Celebrity pot enthusiasts and business owners Whoopi Goldberg and Woody Harrelson are urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom to legalize cannabis cafes. 

David Goubert, president and CEO of MSO Ayr Wellness, resigned.

Professional footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was charged with attempting to import 60kg (~132 lbs) of weed into the UK. Greenock Morton FC, the club Emmanuel-Thomas was playing for at the time of the arrest, have released the striker. 

Friday, September 20

USC Athletics is partnering with Cookies, marking the first NCAA university to partner with a cannabis brand.  

Did we miss anything? Let us know what news caught your eye.

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