This Week In Cannabis: The CDC’s Federal Weed Strategy, Edible Arrangements’ New Biz, Global News, Earnings, Musk And More
The cannabis industry saw major developments this week across regulation, corporate earnings and consumer trends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced a federal cannabis strategy while France moved to ban raw flower in medical cannabis sales. Uruguay made an unexpected regulatory appointment and Spain’s top medical cannabis advocacy group shut down in protest of restrictive policies.
On the business side, High Tide reported record revenue but faced margin concerns, while SNDL reached break-even free cash flow despite weakness in its liquor segment. Charlotte’s Web continued its mainstream retail expansion, while Agrify doubled down on THC beverages. Edible Brands launched Edibles.com, bringing its consumer trust into the hemp industry and Poseidon-backed Herb Haus prepared to open a social equity dispensary in New Jersey.
Consumer trends continued to shift, with three in four young adults now substituting cannabis for alcohol at least weekly. Meanwhile, Curaleaf and Fab 5 Freddy teamed up to train 175 new cannabis workers and Ted Cruz and Elon Musk stirred conversation with jokes about smoking weed on air.
Regulatory And Policy Updates
CDC Unveils Federal Cannabis Strategy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a cannabis strategic plan, outlining a public health approach to cannabis use in the U.S., as first reported by Green State’s Rachelle Gordon. The plan highlights concerns over rising THC potency and increased cannabis consumption, while also acknowledging potential benefits.
The strategy focuses on monitoring trends, expanding research, supporting healthcare providers and increasing public awareness. The CDC will also examine cannabis use in key populations, including pregnant women, adolescents and workers in safety-sensitive jobs. While largely focused on risk management, the plan represents a shift toward a more research-driven federal stance on cannabis.
France Proposes Medical Cannabis Rules, Excludes Raw Flower
France submitted its proposed medical cannabis regulations to the European Commission, favoring single-use cartridges while banning raw flower sales. The government argues that restricting flower will prevent overlap with recreational use, though critics note that Germany and the Netherlands allow vaporized flower for medical patients.
The regulation would allow tamper-proof cannabis cartridges for fast-acting relief while tightening controls on cultivation, import and distribution. The move places France among the most restrictive medical cannabis markets in Europe, contrasting with broader reforms elsewhere.
Uruguay Names New Cannabis Regulator In Unexpected Move
Uruguay appointed Martín Rodríguez as the new director of the Institute for Regulation and Control …