Feds block Stiiizy vape imports — Newsletter: 1/23/26

THE BIG IDEA

Hi all,

By industry standards, it was a fairly quiet week.

While enjoying your downtime (LOL) you won’t want to miss our latest WeedWeek Wonks virtual event: Elisabeth Stahura, co-founder and COO of BDSA, gave a data rich presentation on state markets and consumer trends.

In the newsletter:

• Feds block Stiiizy vape imports, citing patent infringement

Alex

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FROM WEEDWEEK

Feds block Stiiizy vape imports, citing patent infringement

A federal agency ordered leading vape brand Stiiizy to stop importing and selling “pod” vape devices that violate patents held by rival multi-state brand PAX.

The U.S. International Trade Commission’s ruling this week determined that Stiiizy violated section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which forbids importing products that threaten a domestic industry. Stiiizy says it disagrees with the ruling but will transition to compliant devices.

Read the story

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Also in WeedWeek:

• Industry Voices: Rescheduling won’t save margins, discipline will

QUICK HITS

Federal:

• Major alcohol retailers are pushing to delay the hemp ban, while rules are crafted. A bipartisan bill would delay the ban by two more years.
  Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Business Times

Business:

• MSO Curaleaf is winding down its hemp-derived THC business and exiting Missouri.
  Cannabis Equipment News
• In Texas, Circle K began carrying hemp derived beverages.
• The Food & Drug Law Institute named its Cannabis-Derived Products Task Force.
• MJBiz interviewed former Curaleaf CEO Joe Bayern about his new role leading MM Brands.
• Investor Marc Cohodes discussed vertically integrated California player Glass House Brands’ expansion plans in light of rescheduling.
  The Dales Report
• Arend Richard, CEO of upscale Denver lounge Cirrus Social Club, crows that the space is “slammed and profitable,” and looking to open new locations.
• Rapper Xzibit’s ex-wife sued him over the brand she says she built while he smoked “constantly.”
  BillboardPro
• Custom Cones USA, which sells pre-roll papers and pre-roll machines, says blunts are a product opportunity.

State and local:

• In New York operators are lining up to join a lawsuit challenging the state’s Metrc rollout. WeedWeek covered the suit last month.
  Cultivated News
• A vendor that gathered signatures for the Massachusetts REC recall initiative once submitted signatures of dead voters, Talking Joints Memo reports.
• The effort to roll-back REC in Maine is also attracting scrutiny. And it’s not clear who is funding the efforts.
  Maine Morningstar, CommonWealth Beacon
• A new New Jersey law expands labor protections for industry workers..
  Foley Hoag
• A first of its kind CBD compounding pharmacy opened in Colorado.
• The processor behind one of Michigan’s big meltdowns has a new owner and path out of receivership.
  Crain’s Detroit Business
• Chicago is cracking down on hemp products.
  Axios
• Florida is arresting REC initiative workers for alleged fraud, an escalation of tensions between the Trulieve-backed initiative and Gov. Ron Desantis'(R) administration. The campaign denies the allegations. The state is also auditing the petitions in several counties.
  MJBiz, Tampa Bay Times
• Connecticut’s only MED shop may close.
  CTInsider
• Axios shares some data on plant counts in Minnesota.

Health and science:

• A survey found doctors are not comfortable answering patients’ questions about MED.
  Norml
• Delaware and Washington state are considering bills to allow very ill patients to use MED in hospitals.
  Marijuana Moment

Upcoming:

• Harvard Law School is hosting a Feb 9 panel on rescheduling.

Fun and interesting:

• “High January was bound to happen,” opines The Atlantic.
• “Red-hot UK rapper EsDeeKid blew everyone’s minds by standing next to Timothee Chalamet with their “4 Raws (Remix)” that proved they were two different people…”
  TMZ Hip Hop
• @thereal_wavygravy, the hippie activist who helped organize Woodstock, caught up with John Mayer and Gov. Gavin Newsom at Bob Weir’s funeral celebration in San Francisco.

CALIFORNIA HITS

Business:

• Coastal Sun‘s Darren Story posted the claims submitted to the Gold Flora receiver, with a bit of commentary.
• Following a nine year ordeal, Stiiizy opened its first shop in Sacramento.
  Sacramento Business Journal
• Brands Sluggers Hit, owned by Natura, and Connected announced a collab.
• NorCal consultancy Higher Origins has a new podcast about the small farms industry.

Local:

• Non-profit Humboldt Grace is asking members of the community to take its Cannabis Ethics Survey as part of the Humboldt Legacy Project.
• In Shasta County, a raid on an unlicensed farm led to a large cache of illegal guns.
• Trinity County may cut pot taxes.
  Trinity Journal

Upcoming:

• The Farmer’s Cup is tomorrow in San Diego.