Calif. to require tests for more pesticides – Newsletter 8/14/26

Hi all, For Thursday’s WeedWeek Wonks, we’ll be discussing the accessories market with Jerome Baker Designs founder Jason Harris. I’m excited to learn more about the sector. See you there, Alex

FROM WEEDWEEK

Calif. to require more pesticide testing

New pesticide regulations are set to take effect in October. They will require lab testing for far more chemicals, but give the industry 18 months to comply.

Read the story…

Also in WeedWeek:

• Newsbrief: Mich. Republican seeks wholesale tax recall
• Newsbrief: Is Calif.’s market recovering
• Newsbrief: Reporting change leads to increase in hyperemesis cases
• Newsbrief: Square phases out hemp payments

Send tips, press releases, concerns, feedback and criticism to hello@weedweek.com. Sensitive material to share? Contact Alex on Signal.

QUICK HITS

Federal:

• A new bipartisan bill would regulate hemp drinks like alcohol.
  Forbes
• The Denver Gazette profiled Bret Worley, son-in-law of Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles and CEO of MC Nutraceuticals. Worley is fighting to avert the hemp ban.

Business:

• Leading MSO Curaleaf launched a hostile takeover bid for Canadian operator Aurora.
• Earlier this decade, the FBI investigated Curaleaf for corruption and money laundering, The Newsground reported. No charges were filed.
• In a win for Curaleaf, a federal judge ruled federal labor law pre-empts New Jersey’s union-friendly law.
• Acquisitive MSO Vireo Growth announced quarterly results and plans to keep buying. It’s now one of the largest MSOs.
• Rescheduling is rewriting the rules for industry leases.
  MJBiz
• MJBiz interviewed the married couple who sold beverage brand Levia to MSO Ayr Wellness and then bought it back.
• Insurance giant Aon is pushing into the space.
  Insurance Day
• Pre-employment THC testing is on the rise again.
  GreenState
• Dispensaries have become bread and butter tenants.
  The Real Deal

State and local:

• Texas Senate candidate James Talarico(D) has gone big opposing the state’s hemp ban.
  Cultivated
• Wyoming backed out of rescheduling, but some lawmakers want to legalize.
  WyomingNews
• Michigan retailer Higher Love closed five stores blaming the state’s new wholesale tax.
  Detroit Metro Times
• Ohio prices are much higher than Michigan prices.
  Ohio Capital Journal
• One year after legalizing REC, Delaware faces challenges.
  Spotlight Delaware
• The New York regulator’s biggest ever bust found candy bars infused with 10,000 mg of THC.
  CEN
• Minnesota is the first state with tribal dispensaries off reservations. It may not be the last.
  The Minnesota Star-Tribune

Health and science:

• A new UCSF study added unexpected data to research on cannabis use and cardiac health.

Equity:

• THC tests are still landing new mothers on child abuse registries.
  CBS News/Marshall Project

Fun and interesting:

• Whatever happened to the cannabis goody bag?
  High Times

CALIFORNIA HITS

State:

• The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) warned about a phishing scam.
• The executive director for non-profit Realm of Caring says California hemp rules are preventing patients from accessing their medicine.
  Capitol Weekly

Business:

• LA-based Uncle Arnie’s raised $2M to expand its hemp and cannabis drinks businesses.
• Glass House posted record biomass production in Q2.
• A recall targeted flower packaged with a collectible figure.
  Cannabis Equipment News

Local:

• 48 Hills is excited for pot cafes in San Francisco.
• San Diego County supes are voting on a controversial equity policy next week.
  Valley Roadrunner