Last Week in Weed July 7-13, 2026: Curaleaf Opens Spain’s Medical Cannabis Market
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:
Curaleaf Becomes First Company Registered Under Spain’s New Medical Cannabis Framework
Curaleaf has become the first company to register standardized cannabis preparations under Spain’s newly established medical cannabis regulations, marking an important milestone as one of Europe’s largest healthcare markets prepares to launch its medical program. The registrations allow Curaleaf’s products to be supplied to Spanish hospital pharmacies, where physicians can prescribe magistral formulations under the country’s new regulatory framework.
Spain’s approach emphasizes pharmaceutical-grade preparations produced under strict quality standards, offering another example of how European medical cannabis markets continue to evolve. For companies with international ambitions, regulatory approvals like these are becoming increasingly valuable as countries establish their own pathways for patient access and cross-border commerce.
Washington’s Mature Market Faces New Economic Pressures
Washington’s legal cannabis market generated approximately $1.14 billion in sales during 2025, representing a 21 percent decline from its 2021 peak. Industry leaders point to several contributing factors, including price compression, market saturation, rising operating costs, and continued competition from the illicit market, all of which are creating a more challenging environment for licensed operators.
The story highlights the realities facing mature state markets more than a decade after legalization. As early-adopter states continue evolving, operators are focusing on efficiency, product innovation, customer loyalty, and new revenue opportunities while policymakers consider how regulation and taxation influence long-term industry sustainability.
Read more: Beyond 0.3%: Why Hemp’s Future May Depend on Regulating Purpose Instead of THC – Cannabis & Tech Today
Clean Torch Expands Solventless Dabbing
Clean Torch has expanded its butane-free heating technology with a new Complete Set Bundle designed for concentrate consumers. Originally developed as a flameless lighter for flower enthusiasts, the device now supports solventless “cold start” dabs through a custom quartz banger and interchangeable heating attachments. The system heats up to 490°F using an iron-chromium-aluminum coil, giving consumers another option for enjoying premium concentrates without a traditional butane torch.
The launch reflects continued innovation within the concentrates category, where product quality, terpene preservation, and flavor remain top priorities for many consumers. According to founder Sev Isayan, the goal is to give solventless concentrate users a heating method that complements the products they’re already investing in. The Complete Set Bundle is available now and arrives as brands continue introducing new products and accessories as an extended celebration of one of the industry’s biggest concentrate holidays.
New York Launches Statewide Cannabis Education Campaign
New York has introduced Cannabis Honestly, a statewide public education initiative designed to provide young people, parents, educators, and consumers with factual information about cannabis. The campaign focuses on health, responsible use, youth prevention, and helping residents better understand New York’s regulated marketplace as legal sales continue to expand.
Education has become an increasingly important part of legalization efforts across the country as states balance consumer access with public health. New York’s campaign reflects a growing recognition that successful legalization includes clear communication alongside regulation, giving consumers reliable information as legal markets continue to mature.
Nature’s Heritage Launches Aroma-Based Consumer Education Campaign
Nature’s Heritage has launched “The Nose Knows,” a science-backed education campaign designed to help consumers choose products based on aroma, flavor, and desired experience. Developed with pharmaceutical scientist Dr. Riley Kirk, the initiative groups products into six sensory categories, including Tropical & Citrus, Floral & Earthy, Desserts & Sweets, and OG, Gas & Chem. In-store installations, murals from local artists, and interactive displays invite shoppers to engage their senses while exploring the relationship between aroma and preference.
The campaign responds to a common challenge in retail: consumers often rely on potency, strain names, or packaging when making purchasing decisions. Nature’s Heritage hopes that a clearer understanding of aromatic compounds will help shoppers make more informed choices and discover products aligned with their individual tastes. The brand has also introduced an online quiz that guides consumers through its aroma categories and recommends potential matches based on their preferences.
Massachusetts Advances Psychedelic Therapy Pilot Program
Massachusetts lawmakers have approved legislation establishing a pilot program for psychedelic-assisted therapy, adding momentum to the growing number of states exploring regulated therapeutic access. The proposal would allow licensed treatment facilities to study psychedelic therapies while collecting clinical data to help guide future policy and patient care.
The legislation reflects the expanding role psychedelics are playing within conversations about mental health treatment, research, and healthcare innovation. As additional states evaluate similar programs, pilot initiatives like Massachusetts’ may help shape best practices for clinical implementation and future regulatory frameworks.
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