New York Launches Cannabis Responsible Workforce Training Program

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced the launch of the Responsible Workforce Training Program, a “critical initiative aimed at providing comprehensive safety education to workers in the cannabis industry.”

New York is the first state to require and develop Cannabis Product Safety and Responsibility and Cannabis Workforce Responsibility courses related to the health, safety, and employment standards for all cannabis workforce participants. These courses, in addition to training on implicit bias, cultural competency, and licensee specific trainings, represent a significant step toward building a workforce empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the New York cannabis industry.

New York State adult-use cannabis regulations require that all persons performing activities under a licensed cannabis business complete Responsible Workforce Training within 30 days of the employee’s start date.

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Michigan: Over $750 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold So Far in 2025, Garnering $120 Million in Tax Revenue

Michigan marijuana sales reached $267.7 million in March, pushing the state’s total for 2025 past $750 million in just three months.

According to data released by the research firm Headset, the March total marks a 10% increase from February’s $242 million and an 8% rise from January’s $247 million. Adult-use marijuana continues to account for the vast majority of sales, with medical marijuana making up just 2% of the market.

In total, Michigan’s marijuana industry has generated $756 million in sales, resulting in around $120 million in tax revenue.
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Minnesota Senate Committee Approves Omnibus Cannabis Policy Bill

Minnesota’s Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee gave approval today to the Omnibus Cannabis Policy Bill (Senate File 2370), a detailed proposal that would make several alterations to the state’s legal marijuana industry.

Introduced earlier this month by Senator David Dibble (D), this comprehensive legislation would address various aspects of the state’s evolving cannabis industry, with the recreational market expected to launch later this year​

Among its many provisions, the bill formalizes the Office of Cannabis Management as a recognized state agency for government-to-government relations with Tribal nations. This change allows the agency to directly engage with Tribal governments on matters involving marijuana and hemp, strengthening collaboration and ensuring regulatory alignment where appropriate.
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President Trump’s Tariffs Expected to Increase Cannabis Prices

Tariffs imposed worldwide by President Donald Trump on Wednesday are likely to increase the cost of cannabis products in the U.S., as many firms rely on products from Asia for manufacturing.

The latest tariffs, which are immediate, stack up on any duties imposed earlier on countries like China, Canada, Mexico and the EU. Items such as tins, vape hardware and specialized glass remain difficult to source domestically, and companies remain largely dependent on Asia particularly China, analysts and executives said.

“Those relying on exports from nations with tariffs, such as China, will need to take a serious look at how they might absorb the extra costs or alter partnerships,” said Bryan Gerber, CEO of Hara Supply, the world’s largest manufacturer of cones and combustibles, according to a recent report by Reuters.
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New Mexico Governor Has Until April 11 to Decide Fate of Medical Psilocybin Act

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has until April 11 to either sign or veto legislation that would legalize medical psilocybin, or allow it to become law without her signature.

The Medical Psilocybin Act, Senate Bill 219, cleared the House in a 56 to 8 vote after previously passing the Senate 33 to 4. Sponsored by Senator Jeff Steinborn (D), the measure has received strong bipartisan support—enough to override a potential veto if necessary. When asked for comment, Governor Grisham’s Communication Director Michael Coleman simply told us “We’re still considering this one”.

If enacted, the bill would allow psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with certain behavioral health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and end-of-life distress. It would also remove psilocybin from the state’s Controlled Substances Act, shielding patients, providers, and producers from criminal penalties.
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Florida Medical Cannabis Sales Top $162 Million in March

In Florida, medical cannabis patients purchased over $162 million worth of product in March, bringing the state’s 2025 total to around $450 million.

According to data released today by the research firm Headset, Florida’s medical cannabis industry generated $162,994,063 in total sales in March, a slight decrease from the $172 million sold in March. The drop is attributed to a notable decrease in average prices.

Dried marijuana flower once again dominated the market in March, accounting for the largest share of purchases at around 44%. That was followed by vapor pens, edibles, concentrates, pre-rolls, capsules, and tinctures/topicals, maintaining similar sales patterns seen in prior months.
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Rhode Island’s Legal Marijuana Market Generated $28 Million in Sales in First Three Months of 2025, Resulting in Nearly $5 Million in Taxes

Rhode Island’s legal marijuana industry brought in over $28 million in sales during the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the state Department of Business Regulation.

(Photo credit: Sasha Beck/Leafly).

In March alone, licensed retailers recorded $9.75 million in total marijuana sales. Of that amount, $8.07 million came from adult-use purchases, while $1.68 million was attributed to medical marijuana sales. That follows $8.98 million in total sales in February and $9.57 million in January, bringing the year-to-date total to $28,300,438.

Altogether, more than 937,000 marijuana transactions were processed in the first three months of the year, with the average transaction amount in March calculated at $34.96.
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Michigan Supreme Court Rules Smell of Marijuana Alone Doesn’t Justify Vehicle Searches

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that the smell of marijuana, by itself, no longer provides probable cause for law enforcement to search a vehicle, effectively overturning a 25-year-old precedent.

In a 5-1 decision issued Wednesday, the court sided with defendant Jeffery Armstrong, who was charged in 2020 after Detroit police searched a Jeep Cherokee based solely on the odor of burnt marijuana. The search led to three criminal charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm. However, the court determined the search violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.

“We agree… that in light of the voters’ intent to legalize marijuana usage and possession, the smell of marijuana, standing alone, no longer constitutes probable cause,” wrote Justice Megan Cavanagh in the majority opinion. She was joined by three other Democratic-nominated justices and Republican-nominated Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement.

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Canopy Growth Announces Launch of Spectrum Reserve, A New Premium Medical Cannabis Brand

Canopy Growth Corporation, a “world-leading cannabis company dedicated to unleashing the power of cannabis to improve lives”, has launched Spectrum Reserve, a new premium medical cannabis brand in Canada.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of medical cannabis patients, Spectrum Reserve represents the peak of cannabis cultivation – featuring flower selected for size, potency, and terpene levels through rigorous in-house standards during cultivation and post-harvest.

Under this new program, Spectrum Reserve is expected to introduce new strains on a regular basis based on patient needs, preferences, and feedback. The strains which generate the most positive and consistent customer feedback will remain in market, while others will be phased out to make way for new genetics through a process of constant enhancement. This approach will help Spectrum Therapeutics consistently deliver new, premium quality strains to the medical cannabis market in Canada.
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Oklahoma Initiative to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Filed, Proponents Aim for 2026 Ballot

An initiative to legalize cannabis for those 21+, while protecting them from being penalized for legal marijuana use in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare and firearm ownership, has been filed in Oklahoma, with proponents aiming for a 2026 public vote.

Filed with the secretary of state by the group Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA), the initiative—State Question 837—would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to eight ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants for personal use. Individuals could also legally possess the marijuana harvested from those plants and up to one ounce of concentrates.

In a social media post, ORCA said: “I’m happy to announce that we have filed State Question 837. I’ll talk about the process and what to expect this week. Let everyone know, that it will be at least 120 days before we can gather signatures. We’ll be organizing between now and then. The portal to join the effort is opening soon. Will also soon announce a press conference date for next week. Our community and industry has a lot to talk to our fellow Oklahomans about. Time to set the record straight!”

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