Shutdown deal bans hemp products — Newsletter 11/14/25
United States Capitol Building in Washington DC public building
THE BIG IDEA
Hi all,
The week’s big news, of course, was the federal ban on intoxicating hemp products which will take effect in a year. The issue has convulsed cannabiz LinkedIn, with seemingly everyone in the business sharing their view.
We’re not in the business of making predictions at WeedWeek, just bringing you the best available information. To that end, Thursday’s WeedWeek Wonks virtual event will be a presentation by economist Beau Whitney discussing the market for, and future of, THC-infused drinks, the breakout hemp products now sold by some mainstream retailers.
You don’t want to miss it: THC Beverages: Opportunities and Threats
In the newsletter:
- Top Calif. regulator departs a market in turmoil
- BREAKING: Shutdown deal bans hemp products
Alex
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Top Calif. regulator departs a market in turmoil
Nicole Elliott, head of California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is stepping down, ending her rocky tenure overseeing the world’s largest licensed market. She’ll depart at year end as the industry struggles on several fronts and questions about the agency’s performance and capabilities remain unanswered.
“I am not stepping away because the mission is complete. I am stepping away because the foundation is strong,” Elliott posted…
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BREAKING: Shutdown deal bans hemp products
With one signature today, President Donald Trump ended the longest-ever government shutdown and effectively outlawed intoxicating hemp products. The nearly $30B industry is now mobilizing to save itself before the ban takes effect in one year.
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QUICK HITS
Federal:
- The Trump administration continues to discuss rescheduling internally.
Marijuana Moment
Business:
- A California judge ordered brand Cookies to turn over its tour bus and fees it collects from multiple retail partners to the owners of a now shuttered San Francisco dispensary Berner’s on Haight. Cookies did not respond to a request for comment.
- Distressed MSO Ayr Wellness is now owned by its former creditors.
MJBiz - MSO Cresco Labs announced its now selling branded flower in Germany.
- MSO Curaleaf made a deal to make and distribute MED in the UK.
- Cannabis Business Times spoke to celebrated breeder James Loud.
- Journo Rachelle Gordon put together her annual spreadsheet on all the happenings at MJBizCon, in Las Vegas, the week after Thanksgiving.
GreenState - Bon Appetit asks what an equitable cannabis industry would look like.
State and local:
- Massachusetts senators are likely to take up a bill overhauling the REC industry.
Talking Joints Memo - Despite a setback, REC may still have a path forward in Pennsylvania, lawmakers say.
Marijuana Moment - Michigan officials defended the state’s new pot tax.
Bridge Michigan - New Jersey’s Senate president signaled he’s not on board with a push to eliminate the state’s regulator.
Politico Pro
International:
- Jamaica’s Rastafari communities are pleading for help following Hurricane Melissa.
High Times
Fun and interesting:
- The ‘Gander did a very scientific test to determine if indica, sativa and hybrid gummies deliver the same high.
CALIFORNIA HITS
State:
- NPR asks after the non-profit groups who expected more pot tax money.
Business:
- Catalyst CEO Elliot Lewis says the company is on rent strike in the troubled LA market. Read more at WeedWeek.
Fox - Raw Garden parent Central Coast Agriculture won a long running trademark dispute against the owner of Raw rolling papers.
- Glass House took a hit in Q3 following the ICE raids on its properties in July.
SFGate
Local:
- The Humboldt County Growers Alliance has a “12 Jays of Xmas” gift box celebrating craft weed.
KymKemp.com - Monterey County farms are in “survival mode.“
SFGate