This Week In Cannabis: Paraguay Nears Adult-Use Sales, JPMorgan Hints At Banking And More On Earnings, NHL, Tyson, STIIIZY, Germany
The cannabis industry had a busy week, with major policy developments, business expansions and market shakeups. Paraguay is on the verge of legalizing adult-use cannabis sales, while Germany’s medical cannabis sector is experiencing record growth. Meanwhile, Florida’s legalization advocates are making another push for adult-use reform and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon signaled potential banking support for the cannabis industry—if federal law allows it.
In the business world, STIIIZY, one of the U.S.’s top-selling cannabis brands, announced its expansion into New York, marking a milestone in its bi-coastal presence. Major financial updates came from High Tide, C21 Investments and Simply Solventless Concentrates, with earnings reports reflecting shifting market conditions. Additionally, Bright Green Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, while Body and Mind Inc. exited the Illinois market in a $5 million asset sale.
The sports world saw a growing cultural shift, as an increasing number of NHL players opted for cannabis edibles over alcohol. Meanwhile, a landmark study published in JAMA Network Open linked cannabis use to potential working memory impairment, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about cannabis and cognitive health.
From regulatory advancements to corporate restructuring and investment strategies, here’s everything you need to know about the latest in cannabis.
In Today’s Recap
Politics and Regulation
- Paraguay Moves Toward Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization
- Florida’s Cannabis Advocates Relaunch Legalization Push
- JPMorgan Chase CEO Signals Openness to Cannabis Banking
Markets and Investments
- Germany’s Medical Cannabis Market Sees Record Growth
- New York’s Cannabis Tax Revenue Expected to Quadruple
- Amplify ETFs Overhauls Cannabis Investment Strategy
- Bright Green Corporation Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
- Body and Mind Inc. Exits Illinois with $5M Asset Sale
- Simply Solventless Concentrates Raises $5M for Expansion
- High Tide Inc. Reports Q4 Revenue Beat, Expands Membership Programs
- C21 Investments Reports Q3 Growth in Nevada
Science and Health
- Study Links Frequent Cannabis Use to Memory Impairment
- Potential for Cognitive Recovery in Cannabis Users
Industry and Culture
- STIIIZY Expands into New York with Exclusive Strains
- Mike Tyson’s TYSON 2.0 Expands to South Africa
- NHL Players Increasingly Opt for Cannabis Over Alcohol
Politics And Regulation
Paraguay On The Verge of Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization?
Paraguay could soon take a historic step toward adult-use cannabis reform, potentially becoming the first South American country to allow regulated dispensary sales—unlike Uruguay, which only permits sales through pharmacies and clubs. According to exclusive information procured by media outlet El Planteo, the Paraguayan Senate is expected to vote in March on a proposal that would expand the existing legal framework to include regulated dispensary sales. The reform would integrate oversight from the National Directorate of Health Surveillance and Narcotics, as well as the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DENIT).
“In March, the Paraguayan Senate will vote on expanding the current legal framework, allowing the commercialization of adult-use cannabis in authorized dispensaries under the supervision of the National Directorate of Health Surveillance and Narcotics,” said Marcelo Demp, president of the Paraguayan Chamber of Industrial Cannabis (CCIP). “This new scheme will also integrate DENIT, the National Directorate of Tax Revenue, to ensure proper tax regulation.”
The proposal aims to attract cannabis tourism from Brazil, where possession of up to 40 grams has been decriminalized. While current Brazilian laws prohibit cross-border cannabis transportation, Demp believes this could change:
“Brazilians can transport up to 40 grams, and in Paraguay, legal purchases may soon be possible. It is not yet permitted to transport cannabis to Brazil, but after the potential March reform, we estimate it will be legal to transport cannabis from Paraguay to Brazil as long as the 40-gram per adult limit is respected.”
Beyond tourism, the reform could boost Paraguay’s legal cultivation industry, with farmers receiving $25,000 per hectare of regulated crops, feeding into authorized processing factories and dispensaries.
Florida’s Cannabis Advocates Relaunch Legalization Push
After failing to pass the 60% voter threshold in 2024, Florida cannabis activists are back with a revamped ballot initiative for 2026. The new proposal directly addresses criticisms of the previous measure by explicitly banning public consumption, tightening child safety regulations, and lowering possession limits from three to two ounces.
One of the most significant changes removes the vertical integration requirement, which previously favored large cannabis operators. If passed, this could open Florida’s market to smaller businesses and independent dispensaries, increasing competition. However, the final structure of licensing and business participation will depend on future regulations, which could still impose barriers to entry.