Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for November 3, 2026, sponsored by Trulieve. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Previous editions can be found by clicking here.
Organigram to Acquire Aurora Cannabis in C$561 Million Deal, Topping Curaleaf’s Hostile Takeover Offer
Organigram Global has agreed to acquire Aurora Cannabis in a deal valued at approximately C$561 million (US$398 million), offering a 21% premium over Curaleaf’s competing hostile takeover bid. The transaction has received unanimous approval from both companies’ boards and is expected to close in January 2027.
Study of More Than 30,000 Students Challenges Marijuana Gateway Theory, Finds Its Role in Drug Use Patterns Has Declined
A study of 30,746 university students found that marijuana’s central role in patterns of substance use declined substantially between 2012 and 2023, with one measure of its connections to other substances falling approximately 67%. Researchers say the findings challenge assumptions behind the longstanding marijuana gateway theory.
Massachusetts Senate Committee Approves Bill Expanding Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions, Allowing Veterans to Obtain Cards Without Doctor Certification
Massachusetts’ Senate Ways and Means Committee has unanimously approved legislation to expand medical marijuana qualifying conditions to include PTSD, chronic pain and opioid use disorder, while allowing qualifying veterans to obtain medical marijuana cards using VA documentation without additional doctor certification.
Study Finds THC and CBD Combination Reduces Inflammation in Immune Cells From Multiple Sclerosis Patients
A study involving immune cells from 61 participants found that combining THC and cannabidiol (CBD) significantly suppressed inflammatory signaling in cells from multiple sclerosis patients. CBD alone generally failed to produce the same effects, highlighting the potential importance of using the two cannabinoids together.
We Trust Veterans in Combat. Let’s Trust Them With Their Own Healing
In an op-ed for The Marijuana Herald, U.S. Army veteran and former Apache helicopter commander Socrates Rosenfeld shares how marijuana helped him find balance after returning from combat, arguing that veterans deserve the freedom to explore their own paths to healing and discuss cannabis openly with their doctors.
Jushi Holdings Receives Federal DEA Registrations for Medical Marijuana Operations
Jushi Holdings announced today that it has received federal registrations from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for certain state-licensed medical marijuana operations, joining a growing number of companies receiving federal authorization under the Trump administration’s medical marijuana rescheduling framework.
Curaleaf Reports Record $353 Million in Quarterly Revenue, Up 11% From Last Year
Curaleaf Holdings reported record quarterly revenue of $352.7 million for the third quarter of 2026, an 11% increase from the same period last year. U.S. revenue rose 8.1% to $294 million, while international revenue climbed nearly 28% to $58.7 million. The company also confirmed it has begun receiving federal DEA registrations for medical marijuana operations.
New York Expands Medical Marijuana Research Initiative With Five Major Healthcare Systems
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that Mount Sinai, Roswell Park, Montefiore Einstein, Hospital for Special Surgery and Northwell Health are joining the state’s Center of Excellence for Cannabis Care and Health Equity, expanding a statewide initiative focused on medical marijuana research, physician education and patient care. The five institutions join eight founding partners in advancing clinical research and evidence-based marijuana education.
Federal Appeals Court Revives Lawsuit Challenging California’s Marijuana Union Requirements
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has revived a lawsuit challenging California’s marijuana labor peace agreement requirements, ruling that a lower court improperly dismissed the case based on marijuana’s federal illegality. The decision allows the constitutional challenge to continue.
FDA Accepts Application for Cannabidiol Capsules, Sets April 16, 2027 Target Decision Date
The FDA has accepted Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ application for a new capsule formulation of cannabidiol, setting April 16, 2027, as its target decision date. Approval would provide an alternative to the liquid formulation of Epidiolex for patients with certain forms of epilepsy.
Washington Proposes Rules to Stop Marijuana Retail Chains From Circumventing Five-Store Ownership Limit
Washington regulators are advancing proposed rules to prevent marijuana businesses from circumventing the state’s five-store ownership limit through shared branding, coordinated purchasing and management agreements. The proposal would also restrict exclusive product arrangements and preferential wholesale pricing.
Planet 13 Schedules December 10 Shareholder Vote on Vireo Growth Acquisition
Planet 13 Holdings has scheduled a December 10 shareholder vote on its proposed acquisition by Vireo Growth, marking a major step toward completing the merger. Under the agreement, Planet 13 shareholders would receive Vireo shares representing approximately 9.38% of the combined company, which would bring Planet 13’s marijuana operations in Nevada, Florida and Illinois under Vireo’s ownership.
Curaleaf Slams Aurora Board Over Organigram Acquisition, Says Its Takeover Bid Remains Active
Curaleaf Holdings issued a sharply critical statement today following Organigram Global’s agreement to acquire Aurora Cannabis for approximately C$561 million, accusing Aurora’s board of failing shareholders by refusing to engage with Curaleaf. Despite Organigram’s offer carrying a 21% premium over Curaleaf’s competing proposal, Curaleaf maintains that its bid offers greater long-term value and confirmed that its takeover offer remains active.
FLUENT to Convert $5.7 Million in Debt Into Shares Ahead of Vireo Growth Acquisition
FLUENT Corp. has announced an agreement to eliminate approximately $5.7 million in outstanding debt by issuing more than 310 million new shares to creditors ahead of its planned acquisition by Vireo Growth. The shares would represent approximately 11.8% of FLUENT’s outstanding common stock following the transaction, with the debt settlement expected to close immediately before the Vireo acquisition.
Ohio Appeals Court Overturns Three-Year Prison Sentence Following Medical Marijuana Use
An Ohio appeals court has overturned a three-year prison sentence imposed on a woman following probation violations involving medical marijuana, finding that the sentencing judge failed to properly consider required legal factors. The court ordered a new sentencing hearing.
Study Finds UV Exposure Converts THC Into Delta-8 THC and CBN, Raising Questions About Marijuana Product Stability
A new study finds that ultraviolet light can convert delta-9 THC into delta-8 THC and eventually cannabinol (CBN), demonstrating how light exposure can alter marijuana’s chemical composition. The findings have potential implications for product stability, manufacturing, storage and laboratory testing.
Cresco Labs Shareholders Approve Potential Move to Delaware Ahead of U.S. Stock Exchange Listing
Cresco Labs shareholders have overwhelmingly approved restructuring measures that could allow the marijuana company to relocate its corporate domicile from Canada to Delaware and pursue a listing on a major U.S. stock exchange. Each of the three resolutions received support from at least 94% of shares voted.
Vermont Sets December 16 Lottery for Marijuana Event Permits, Applications Opening This Month
Vermont regulators have announced December 16 as the date for the first lottery under the state’s marijuana event permit pilot program, with applications opening this month. The program allows up to 10 permits annually for licensed retailers to sell marijuana at approved public events.
