Buddhist Monks Arrested in 242-Pound Cannabis Bust: Last Week in Weed April 21-27, 2026
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:
242 Pounds of Cannabis Seized From Sri Lankan Monks in Major Bust
Authorities in Sri Lanka arrested 22 Buddhist monks at Colombo’s main international airport after discovering more than 242 pounds of cannabis hidden in their luggage, marking one of the largest drug seizures in the country’s history. Officials said the monks, many of them students returning from a sponsored trip to Thailand, each carried several kilograms concealed in specially modified suitcases.
The case has sparked national attention, raising questions about exploitation, awareness, and the intersection of religion and illicit networks, with investigators suggesting some of the monks may not have known what they were carrying. As authorities continue to probe who organized and financed the operation, the incident underscores the growing complexity of global trafficking routes and the unexpected ways they intersect with trusted institutions.
Tennessee Blocks Automatic Medical Legalization Review
Tennessee’s governor has signed a bill preventing an automatic review of cannabis laws following federal rescheduling, effectively halting a pathway that could have led to medical legalization. Under the new law, any change to state policy must come directly from the legislature rather than regulatory agencies.
The move highlights ongoing resistance in some states, even as federal policy begins to shift. While lawmakers could still pursue legalization through new legislation, the decision reinforces how fragmented the U.S. landscape remains, with progress continuing to vary dramatically from state to state.
Read more: Trump’s Rescheduling Move Could Change the Cannabis Industry Overnight
TeaPot Launches ‘Take Your Mom to the Dispensary Day’ With New Infused Beverage
TeaPot, the cannabis-infused iced tea brand from The Boston Beer Company’s Canadian subsidiary, is tapping into shifting consumer trends with the launch of “Take Your Mom to the Dispensary Day,” set for the second Saturday in May. The campaign targets older adults, one of the fastest-growing consumer groups since legalization, while aiming to reduce lingering stigma through intergenerational engagement.
The announcement also includes the debut of TeaPot Extra Raspberry Black Tea, infused with 10mg of live rosin THC, 10mg of CBG, and 30mg of caffeine. The launch reflects a broader move toward familiar, functional formats as brands look to blend lifestyle, accessibility, and product innovation.
Canadian Sales Show Steady Growth Despite Monthly Dip
Canada’s legal cannabis market continues to expand, with February retail sales reaching roughly C$440.5 million. While that marks a 7.9% drop from January, the decline is largely attributed to fewer selling days, with daily sales actually increasing signaling continued underlying demand.
Long-term trends remain positive, with annual sales rising steadily and growth supported by more retail locations and lower prices pulling consumers away from the illicit market. The data reflects a maturing market that is stabilizing rather than surging, where consistency and accessibility are driving sustained gains.
Gen Z Workday Cannabis Use Raises Questions About Workplace Norms
A growing number of Gen Z workers are using cannabis during or around the workday, driven largely by stress, burnout, and shifting attitudes toward substance use. Studies suggest a notable percentage of employees report using substances before or during work, signaling a cultural shift in how younger workers cope with pressure.
For employers, the trend presents both risk and opportunity. While safety and productivity concerns remain, experts point to the need for clearer workplace policies and better mental health support systems. The issue reflects a broader generational shift, where coping mechanisms, expectations, and workplace norms are rapidly evolving.
New Study Links Cannabis and Beer Through Shared Plant Genetics
Researchers have identified a genetic “sex switch” that determines whether cannabis plants develop as male or female and found that a similar mechanism may exist in hops, the key ingredient in beer. The discovery sheds new light on plant biology and could have implications for both cannabis cultivation and brewing.
Understanding how plant sex is determined is critical for growers, as female plants are typically the most commercially valuable. By identifying the specific genetic markers involved, scientists may be able to improve crop consistency and yield, pointing to a future where cultivation becomes more precise and science-driven.