Last Week in Weed: Jan. 13th-20th, 2025
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:
Biden Grants Clemency to Nearly 2,500 People, Including Marijuana Offenders
In one of his final acts before leaving office, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 federal prisoners with nonviolent drug convictions, including several serving time for cannabis-related offenses. This clemency, announced on January 17, 2025, follows Biden’s record-breaking number of pardons and commutations, including earlier actions addressing cannabis possession offenses. He emphasized the need to correct outdated sentencing laws, saying, “It’s time that we equalize these sentencing disparities.”
The Last Prisoner Project celebrated the decision, with Executive Director Sarah Gersten calling it “a historic decision offering hope…to those still incarcerated for cannabis.” However, advocates like Weldon Angelos, a former cannabis offender and clemency recipient, noted that many remain imprisoned for marijuana offenses, urging Biden to expand his efforts before the Trump administration assumes office next week.
Lawmakers such as Rep. Ayanna Pressley praised Biden’s leadership, describing it as “a historic, transformative step toward healing families and addressing the failed War on Drugs.” Despite the progress, calls for broader reforms and more comprehensive clemency actions remain central as the nation grapples with the legacy of punitive drug policies.
DEA Cancels Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Amid Legal Challenges
The DEA has postponed hearings on the Biden administration’s proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
Originally set for January 21, 2025, the hearings were canceled by DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney after legal challenges from pro-reform witnesses. The delay introduces uncertainty, particularly as the incoming Trump administration has yet to appoint a new DEA administrator following Sheriff Chad Chronister’s withdrawal in late 2024.
Paula Savchenko, founder of Cannacore Group, commented: “The cancellation of the cannabis rescheduling hearings, attributed to procedural inconsistencies and alleged corruption within the DEA, comes as little surprise and further delays the process. A critical concern now is how the incoming Trump administration will influence this matter, particularly since the President-elect has yet to name a replacement to lead the DEA.”
Adam Goers, SVP of Corporate Affairs for The Cannabist Company, stressed the significance of rescheduling: “Rescheduling cannabis is essential for modernizing federal policy and ensuring a safer, more regulated industry. We urge the incoming administration to prioritize this issue for the benefit of businesses and consumers alike.”
Florida Activists File New Cannabis Legalization Initiative for 2026
Florida cannabis activists have launched a new ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana, following the narrow failure of a similar measure in 2024.
The proposed measure, filed by Smart & Safe Florida, would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of cannabis and five grams of concentrates. It also addresses previous criticisms by banning public smoking and child-attractive packaging while granting the legislature authority to regulate home cultivation.
The updated initiative mirrors parts of last year’s Amendment 3, permitting existing medical cannabis operators to sell recreational products and requiring the licensing of new adult-use businesses. Backers aim to secure nearly 900,000 signatures to place the measure on the 2026 ballot, pending state Supreme Court approval of its language.
Proponents are optimistic that the changes will build broader support. With 56% of voters backing legalization in 2024—just shy of the 60% required under Florida law—activists hope this effort will finally bring adult-use cannabis to the Sunshine State.
BBK Wins $8.7 Million in RAW Packaging Counterfeit Case
BBK Tobacco & Foods, dba HBI Innovations, won an $8.7 million judgment against counterfeiters copying its RAW rolling paper packaging.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada awarded $3 million in disgorged profits and $5.6 million in statutory damages on December 17, 2024, concluding a two-year battle to protect BBK’s trademarks and copyrights.
The lawsuit targeted the “Brocone” brand, which mimicked RAW packaging and language. Manufactured in India, the products were distributed in the U.S. by entities including AIMS Group USA Corporation and Florida One Wholesale, Inc. BBK previously settled with NEPA Wholesale Inc., the primary U.S. distributor, in September 2023.
Josh Kesselman, creator of RAW, said: “We can’t let anyone willfully trick our family into buying something that isn’t genuine RAW. Whether it’s a counterfeit or a look-alike, we must protect our family from that sort of awful deception.” BBK remains committed to defending its intellectual property worldwide.
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