Estranged Stiiizy partner seeks receivership before trial — Newsletter 1/8/26

THE BIG IDEA

Happy 2026 all,

The year is off to a fast start. Seriously folks, it is bonkers how much happens in this industry every week.

In the newsletter:

• SCOOP: Estranged Stiiizy partner seeks receiver as trial looms
• Oklahoma authorities say diversion is rampant

And so much more,

Alex

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FROM WEEDWEEK

SCOOP: Estranged Stiiizy partner seeks receiver as trial looms

An estranged partner of leading California operator Stiiizy has asked a judge to appoint a receiver for two licenses she co-owns with the company. In a December court filing she alleges an impartial third party is necessary to oversee the businesses to prevent Stiiizy from “further raiding millions from [the licensees] bank accounts” ahead of a trial scheduled for June.

Read the story

ALSO IN WEEDWEEK

• Oklahoma law enforcement says the state is a major diverter
• Newsbrief: Trump’s rescheduling order splits GOP
• Mike Tyson, Ric Flair sue IP execs for $50M
• Newsbrief: MSO Vireo buying Eaze in $47M deal (SFGate has more.)
• Accounts receivable crisis is widespread: Credit bureau

QUICK HITS

Federal:

• The American Trade Association for Cannabis & Hemp (ATACH) hosted a webinar on ‘What’s next for rescheduling?‘
• Anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana engaged Republican lawyer Bill Barr, who served as U.S. Attorney General during Trump’s first term, to oppose rescheduling.
  Marijuana Moment
• Harvard-affiliated physician Dr. Peter Grinspoon made the medical case for rescheduling.
  WSJ
• The Senate confirmed Trump’s relatively 420-friendly pick for drug czar, Sara Carter.
  Cannabis Business Times
• A ruling from the Federal Appeal’s Court for the Ninth Circuit set up an apparent “circuit split” on how the Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause applies to interstate trade.
  Law360

Business:

• In a big edibles deal, Wyld acquired competitor Grön.
• Arizona is the third state, along with Massachusetts and Maine, where voters may have the chance to repeal the industry in November. REC would remain legal.
  High Times
• Reason discusses a subsidiary of MSO Curaleaf which is trying to void a Michigan contract obligation on grounds of federal illegality.
• MJBiz profiled Colorado operator Wanda James, who is running for Congress.
• Former High Times owner Adam Levin writes, that he supports “sensible reform. But I also know that pretending cannabis is risk-free leaves too many people without language, support or care when use stops serving them.” In 2024 he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to tout securities.
  USA Today
• MSO Fluent exited Pennsylvania.
• A new study in Washington state is investigating health hazards for cannabiz workers, with participation from companies.
  Cascadia Daily
• A program in Kansas is building affordable housing with hemp insulation.
  KCUR (NPR)

State and local:

• The New York Times reports on prominent Chinese-Americans with ties to Oklahoma farms.
• In Florida, backers of a REC ballot initiative sued the state over the invalidation of 71,000 signatures.
  Tampa Bay Times
• Ice-T’s New Jersey shop closed after eight months.
  NorthJersey.com
• Following a new tax hike, MSO C3 Industries says it’s shutting down a Michigan facility. Vertically integrated Higher Love announced layoffs statewide. Crain’s Detroit has more.
  WTOL (CBS), Mining Journal
• Kentucky’s MED market is open for business. But there are supply issues.
  WLKY (CBS), MJBiz
• The New Hampshire House passed a REC bill.
  Marijuana Moment
• In Maine, questions about label irregularities.
  Sun Journal
• A pesticide related recall on New Year’s Eve hit nearly 300 Colorado shops.
  Westword
• Oregon sales fell 3.5% to $925M in 2025. Canna Law Blog has its annual post on the state market.
  Portland Business Journal
• Talking Joints Memo compares cannabis and alcohol prohibitions in Massachusetts.

International:

• The Czech Republic legalized but doesn’t plan to create a market.
  Prague Daily News

Fun and interesting:

• Alex Rogers of conference player ICBC boldly rapped about the year that “changed cannabis forever.“

CALIFORNIA HITS

State:

• The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) awarded nearly $30M in academic research grants.
• Clint Kellum is now leading the agency.

Business:

• Distributor Nabis acquired competitor Humble Cannabis Solutions.
• Catalyst says it’s taking over Planet 13’s Santa Ana megastore.
• Review site Budist released its first California Cannabis Harvest Report.
• Coastal Sun celebrated a solid year.

Local:

• City of San Diego officials say they likely overestimated the proceeds of a pot tax hike.
  KPBS
• The LA Times visits Scotia (Humboldt) one of America’s last company towns.
• Humboldt supes rolled back two regulations on growers.
  Times-Standard