Welcome to the latest edition of “Last week in Weed,” catching you up on the latest breaking news and industry developments in the world of cannabis.
Here’s what you may have missed over the last week:
Fed Rate Cut Offers Modest Relief, Federal Reform Still Key
The Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut drew cautious optimism from cannabis leaders, who view it as limited help amid structural barriers. NewLake Capital Partners CEO Anthony Coniglio called it “welcome news” for floating-rate debt holders, though fixed-rate borrowers await 2026-2027 refinancings. With costs at 12-14%, a 50-basis-point drop is “incremental.”
Safe Harbor Financial CEO Terry Mendez noted cannabis remains excluded from mainstream benefits without SAFER Banking Act passage and 280E relief. Ethos Cannabis CEO Gibran Washington said real change hinges on DEA rescheduling, not monetary policy. Leaders agree that lower rates ease some pressure, but banking, tax, and scheduling reforms drive lasting growth.
Indigenous Cannabis Summit Registration Open for Nov. 11-13 D.C. Event
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) opened registration for its fourth annual National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit, running November 11-13 in Washington, D.C. Held during Native American Heritage Month, the summit unites Tribal leaders, policymakers, and professionals under the theme “Breaking Down Barriers, Beyond Borders: Indigenous Rising in Plant Medicine.”
Programming covers legal updates, tribal regulatory best practices, advocacy through the National Tribal Cannabis Task Force, and Indigenous-focused economic development. Discussions address federal actions, sovereignty, and sustainable operations in a market eyeing $45 billion in 2025 revenue.
Full agenda at indigenouscannabis.org/policy-summit. Register now via indigenouscannabis.org.
Digital Tools and Personalization Fuel Green Wednesday Loyalty
A new survey commissioned by cannabis retail platform Sweed reveals shoppers’ strong preference for AI-driven digital conveniences and budtender expertise as Green Wednesday approaches. Conducted October 6-10 among 955 U.S. adults aged 21+, the study shows 45% of cannabis users—roughly 50 million adults—plan special dispensary trips for the November 26 holiday. Full results are at sweedpos.com/resources.
Key findings highlight loyalty drivers: 86% would return for personalized recommendations, 85% for knowledgeable budtenders, and 76% say staff advice sways purchases—especially among Gen Z and millennials (78%). Digital perks are essential for 71%, including 75% favoring one-click reorders, 72% pre-ordering online, and 67% valuing delivery.
Promotions also boost retention: 89% seek competitive pricing, 86% loyalty programs, and 77% choose dispensaries based on deals, with 75% upsizing orders during sales. Sweed co-founder Rocco del Priore noted these tools activate “every stage of the Cannabis Revenue Optimization Flywheel” for growth.
Ohio Hemp Ban Extended Amid Industry Pushback
A federal judge extended a temporary restraining order blocking Ohio’s emergency ban on intoxicating hemp products until December 2, offering a reprieve to farmers and retailers in the $1.5 billion market. The ruling, hailed by industry groups, underscores tensions over unregulated THC variants like delta-8, with lawmakers now tasked to craft child-proof regulations without crippling small businesses. Meanwhile, New York’s Office of Cannabis Management charged processor Omnium Health with violations, triggering a statewide recall of contaminated vapes and edibles.
Market Moves: Tilray Surges on Earnings, Trump Signals Spark Rally Hopes
Tilray Brands’ shares rocketed 22% last week after fiscal Q1 results beat expectations, with revenue up 15% to $200 million driven by U.S. expansions and beverage launches. The “Trump effect” amplified the gains, as investors parsed the president-elect’s social media nod to state-legal weed as a green light for softer federal stances—potentially easing IRS 280E taxes and hemp rules. Broader sector ETFs climbed 5%, though Michigan’s looming 24% wholesale tax proposal looms as a counterweight, threatening margins and small operators in the Great Lakes powerhouse.
