N.Y. Times editorial reconsiders legalization — Newsletter 2/13/26
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THE BIG IDEA
Hi all,
Between continued inaction on rescheduling, and a host of other setbacks, the vibes were tough this week. Enjoy your well-earned weekend.
Alex
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FROM WEEDWEEK
Analysis: N.Y. Times editorial rethinks legalization
In 2014, the New York Times editorial (opinion) page published a six-part series calling for the end of federal prohibition. Now it’s having second thoughts.
In a Monday editorial, the paper stops short of calling for a return to criminalization but says, “There is a lot of space between heavy-handed criminal prohibition and hands-off commercial legalization.”
Related: Several contributors to the unsigned piece discussed their thinking.
Also in WeedWeek:
- Illegal grows poison California forests
- Newsbrief: LA Council advances referendum on unlicensed shop tax
- Newsbrief: Ohio AG sues MSOs alleging anti-competitive conduct
QUICK HITS
Federal:
- FDA head Marty Makary explained the administration’s rationale for rescheduling. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), co-chair of the Cannabis Caucus, isn’t sure rescheduling is a Justice Department “priority.”
Marijuana Moment - GreenState looks at when immigration enforcement collides with the cannabiz.
Business:
- Leading MSO Curaleaf announced a $500M note offering, which it says is the largest in U.S. industry history.
- Cheech & Chong’s Cannabis Co, in partnership with tech shop FlowHub, is rolling out its “reverse licensing model.“
Chain Store Age - Pot stocks are sinking.
New Cannabis Ventures - Cannabis exec Taylor Stafford has joined MSO Stiiizy as national sales leader. He’s hiring in New York.
- Cultivated reports on the cannabiz veterans who are walking away from the industry.
State and local:
- A Cannabis Business Times analysis found Florida undercounted the signatures gathered for a REC ballot initiative.
- REC legalization pushes are fading in Pennsylvania and Hawaii.
MJBiz - Another REC push fell short in New Hampshire.
Forbes - Nevada sales fell 8.6% year over year.
- Missouri lawmakers are weighing the future of hemp-derived THC drinks.
Missouri Independent - Virginia doesn’t yet have a launch date for its REC market.
WHRO(NPR) - Massachusetts election officials will investigate fraud allegations against the REC repeal ballot initiative.
Marijuana Moment - Six years in, the Canna Equity Illinois Coalition isn’t giving up the fight.
@cannaequityil - Three Long Island towns are suing New York state, alleging it’s trying to override local zoning rules. See WeedWeek‘s previous coverage.
Riverhead Local - Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) wants to legalize MED.
- A New Mexico federal judge threw out operators’ claims that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol seizures of state-licensed product violated their rights.
- Law360
Health and science:
- A study found cannabis use may support cognitive function in middle age and later.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
Fun and interesting:
- High Maintenance co-creator and star Ben Sinclair is over weed.
NY Mag - @thebudfather highlights some “legendary creatures.”
- Author Michael Pollan says humanity is about to undergo a “revolutionary change.”
NY Times
CALIFORNIA HITS
State:
- Gov. Gavin Newsom(D) launched a crackdown on kratom and the related opioid known as 7-OH.
SFGate - The California Cannabis Control Appeals Panel, which hears cases brought by licensees who object to DCC decisions, is requesting permanent funding. Here’s the Legislative Analyst’s Office’s assessment.
Business:
- SFGate reports on the closure of Planet 13’s Orange County mega-dispensary. Catalyst is taking it over.
- Writer Lucas Indrikovs provided a step-by-step guide to killing the state cannabis industry.
High Times
Local:
- Lake County is reassessing its ordinance.
- REC delivery could return to Paso Robles (SLO Co.).
The Tribune