This Week In Cannabis: DeSantis’ Anti-Weed Push, NY’s Drug Decriminalization, Aurora’s Record Earnings, Tilray And More Global News
From political maneuvering in Washington to major corporate developments across the global cannabis landscape, this week has been packed with pivotal moments for the industry. In the U.S., Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is doubling down on his opposition to recreational cannabis, predicting that a renewed 2026 ballot initiative will face “big-time trouble.”
On the business side, Village Farms International (NASDAQ:VFF) officially launched sales in the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone for Europe’s evolving cannabis market. In Canada, Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQ:ACB) reported a record-breaking quarter with soaring international sales, while Canopy Growth (NASDAQ:CGC) managed to exceed revenue expectations despite ongoing struggles in the consumer sector.
In New York, a new bill aims to decriminalize all drug possession, a move that could reshape the state’s approach to substance use. Meanwhile, Chile is facing political controversy as lawmaker and cannabis advocate Ana María Gazmuri challenges the country’s mandatory drug testing policy for public officials.
On the lifestyle front, Tilray Brands (NASDAQ:TLRY) continues expanding into the craft beer market with a high-profile partnership placing Montauk Brewing beers on JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU) flights. And in an industry-first, New York cannabis retailer The Travel Agency has secured ad space in Playbill, bringing legal cannabis into Broadway’s mainstream culture.
Now, let’s break down the biggest stories of the week.
In Today’s Issue Of ‘The Week In Cannabis’
Politics & Policy
- DeSantis: Florida Legalization Faces ‘Big-Time Trouble’ in 2026
- New York Bill Proposes Full Drug Decriminalization
Market & Business Developments
- Village Farms Begins Legal Cannabis Sales in the Netherlands
- Aurora Cannabis Reports Record Medical Sales Growth
- Canopy Growth Beats Revenue Expectations Despite Challenges
- iAnthus Sells Arizona Assets for $36.5M to Sonoran Roots
- Tilray Expands Craft Beer Reach with JetBlue Partnership
Culture & Regulation
- Chilean Lawmaker Fights Mandatory Drug Testing for Officials
- Panama Approves Hemp Law After Years of Delays
- New York’s Cannabis Scene Breaks into Broadway
Industry Trends & Market Analysis
- US Cannabis Growth Slows, Business Failures Rise
- Elon Musk Pushes Drug Testing for Federal Employees
Politics And Policy: Reform In The Spotlight
DeSantis: Florida Legalization Faces ‘Big-Time Trouble’ in 2026
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already set his sights on stopping a new recreational cannabis ballot initiative for 2026, after the 2024 measure failed to reach the 60% approval needed. He warned that the initiative will struggle to make it onto the ballot, citing expected legal challenges from the Florida Supreme Court.
Comparing cannabis policy to “pregnant pig care in the U.S. Constitution,” DeSantis argued that legalization should be left to lawmakers, not voter referendums. Meanwhile, Florida’s medical cannabis industry remains one of the nation’s most profitable, making the state a key battleground for reform.
New York Bill Proposes Full Drug Decriminalization
New York lawmakers introduced Senate Bill S3600, aiming to eliminate criminal and civil penalties for personal drug possession, shifting policy toward public health. Sponsored by State Senator Gustavo Rivera, the bill would expunge past convictions, prevent penalties for parolees, and replace arrests with fines or treatment referrals.
The proposal follows global models in Portugal and Oregon that have reduced …