Legislation was introduced today in the New York Senate that would expand the allowable activities within licensed cannabis consumption lounges.

Senate Bill 5826, filed today by Senator Luis Sepúlveda, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations for further consideration.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend Section 77 of the Cannabis Law to allow these establishments to:​

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The nonprofit organization Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana held a press conference today to push back against legislative efforts that would limit access to medical marijuana, following overwhelming voter approval of its legalization last November.

At a press conference Monday morning, the group backed bills introduced by State Senators Danielle Conrad and Ben Hansen while condemning a proposal from State Senator Jared Storm.

“The people have spoken, and they have spoken resoundingly,” said Conrad, referencing the 71% of voters who approved medical marijuana. Despite overwhelming approval by voters, Storm’s bill, LB 483, would restrict marijuana to pill and liquid forms, a move NMM Executive Director Crista Eggers strongly opposed.
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Illinois House Bill 3513, the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act, gained three new cosponsors today.

The proposed law, which would allow counties and municipalities to issue licenses for temporary events and cannabis hospitality venues where marijuana consumption is permitted, was filed on February 6 by State Representative Justin Slaughter. Today, State Representatives Kelly Cassidy (D), Lilian Jimenez (D), and Anne Stava-Murray signed on to cosponsor the measure.

Under the proposed legislation, licensed events and venues could allow the consumption of cannabis and cannabis-infused products, as well as the sale of cannabis paraphernalia. Before any licenses can be issued, local governments would be required to adopt ordinances that establish specific regulations for these events and establishments. The bill also includes modifications to the Smoke Free Illinois Act to accommodate on-site marijuana use.
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Detroit officials are pushing forward with a plan to limit where marijuana businesses can advertise.

A proposed ordinance that would prohibit fixed marijuana advertisements within 1,000 feet of schools, libraries, and other youth-oriented spaces has been given approval by the Detroit City Council’s Public Health and Safety Standing Committee. The proposal, sponsored by Councilmember Angela Whitfield Calloway, now moves forward to the full council.

In Detroit, licensed recreational marijuana sales began in 2023. Since then, 50 licensed marijuana outlets have opened. If passed, the ordinance would mirror advertising limits already in place for alcohol and tobacco, blocking fixed marijuana ads near childcare centers, juvenile facilities, playgrounds, and parks.
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New York State Senators Luis Sepulveda (D) and Robert Rolison (R) introduced Senate Bill 5809 today, a bipartisan measure that would expand the sale of products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Gummies made with hemp-derived Delta-8 THC.

The legislation would allow licensed retailers to sell all forms of cannabinoid hemp products starting January 1, 2026, as long as they meet established safety standards. The bill, which has been referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee, would repeal emergency regulations adopted by the Office of Cannabis Management, which currently limit the types of cannabinoid hemp products available for sale.

Additionally, SB 5809 proposes refining the definition of “Total THC” within state cannabis law, clarifying that it refers only to the dry weight percentage of Delta-9 THC in each product. The changes are intended to provide greater clarity for retailers and consumers while ensuring compliance with safety guidelines.
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Ontario’s legal marijuana market brought in over $164 million in sales in February, representing a notable increase over the previous year.

According to data compiled and released by the research firm Headset, Ontario’s licensed marijuana stores sold $164.66 million in marijuana and marijuana products in February, a 13% increase over the CA$145 million sold in February 2024. The $164.66 million in sales resulted in approximately $36 million in tax revenue.

Alberta, Canada’s next top province in terms of total marijuana sales, also experienced an uptick in sales compared to last year, albeit not as drastic. In February, Alberta’s marijuana market had $76 million in sales, a 6.7% increase from the previous February.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a strong proponent of marijuana legalization, has stated that he would “certainly consider” a run for president in 2028.

In an interview with The New Yorker Radio Hour, Walz discussed his future in politics and the possibility of a presidential bid in 2028.

Walz said “I’m not somebody who aspired to be president or vice president. But I also recognize if you have something to offer, and it’s the right time, you have to at least be open to the discussion.”
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The Great Smoky Cannabis Company in Cherokee, North Carolina will celebrate six months of serving all adults 21 and older on March 7. The store remains the only location in all of North Carolina where cannabis can be legally purchased.

Operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the store first opened its doors to everyone 21 and older, regardless of tribal or medical status, on September 7. Despite the state’s prohibition on marijuana, EBCI’s sovereign status allows the tribe to regulate sales on its land. T

he store, located at a former bingo hall which cost over $50 million to renovate, offers a range of products, including flower, edibles, and concentrates, all sourced from the tribe’s cultivation facility.
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Licensed marijuana stores in Oregon sold $70.8 million in marijuana and marijuana products in February.

Total legal marijuana sales reached $70,802,522 in February, according to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. This is the lowest monthly total since February 2020, when sales were $69 million, marking a 6.8% decrease from the $76 million recorded in February 2024 and last month. The decline is attributed to record-low prices, with a gram of dried marijuana averaging $3.43.

In February, Multnomah, by far, was the county with the most sales, at $15.7 million, following by Washington at $7.6 million and Malheur at $7.5 million. All three experienced a 5% – 10% decrease in sales from the previous month.
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