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F E A T U R E D  S T O R Y

Big players enter hemp-derived THC drink market amid growing restrictions, bans

Photo by Morgan Miller for MJBizDaily/Emerald

Another week, another move from an established company into the federally legal, hemp-derived THC market.

Organigram Global, one of Canada's largest marijuana producers, announced April 1 that it was entering the growing delta-9 beverage segment through a multimillion-dollar deal for Collective Project, a THC drink manufacturer based in Hamilton, Ontario.

A day earlier, Curaleaf Holdings founder and CEO Boris Jordan touted the release of the company's new energy drink, which combines 10 milligrams of hemp THC with 50 milligrams of caffeine.

The hemp-beverage market, fueled by shifts in consumer behavior and government allowances, is also drawing traditional retailers and conglomerates into the fold.

Recent entrants include tech giant DoorDash and the parent of Edible Arrangements, a behemoth that generates about $500 million in annual sales from bouquet-shaped fruit baskets via its franchised stores and delivery service.

Licensed marijuana operators and traditional retailers are initiating varying strategies to win over consumers while navigating production, warehousing and delivery challenges as more states enact restrictions and, in some cases, outright bans. Read story >

More Headlines

• Oklahoma voters could weigh in on adult-use marijuana legalization in 2026. Read story >
• Cannabis MSO Standard Wellness secures $14 million credit line to refinance debt. Read story >

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C U L T I V A T I O N

A 'blueprint for laundering marijuana' in Colorado

Photo by Morgan Miller for MJBizDaily/Emerald

Justin Trouard thought he was doing a favor when he agreed in January to look at the books of a struggling, licensed Colorado marijuana cultivation company to see if he could help turn the business around.

Instead, the CEO of licensed outdoor cultivator Mammoth Farms stumbled onto "the blueprint for how to launder marijuana" in and out of the state's regulated industry, he told MJBizDaily.

While examining the cultivator's track-and-trace records in Metrc, a widely used software program that's Colorado's mandated seed-to-sale compliance tool, Trouard noticed some suspicious activity.

He believes he found what amounts to a how-to guide for inserting illicit cannabis into the regulated marijuana market. Read story >

L E G A L

Michigan processor surrenders permit; owners barred

Photo by John McGraw Photog/stock.adobe.com

A Michigan cannabis processor agreed to surrender its permit and cease operations following accusations of "widespread regulatory violations" including missing records and inaccurate product labeling.

As agreed to in consent orders signed with the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, Flavor Galaxy, located in Hazel Park, will lose its license.

The business' owners, Hanna and Jaklin Shina, are also barred from participating in the state's legal industry in the future, whether as an owner or an employee. Read story >

L E G A L

Florida adult-use sponsor accused of elections violations

Photo by Taylor Fausett Photo/stock.adobe.com

Florida elections authorities have fined an adult-use marijuana legalization campaign $121,850 for "multiple" alleged violations of state law, including forgery.

But the Smart & Safe Florida campaign has hit back at the state Office of Election Crimes and Security, calling the accusations "a targeted effort" meant "to thwart" the will of the voters.

"We stand by the process and had legal counsel vet all forms and communications prior to mailing and look forward to challenging the validity of these claims," the campaign said in a statement.

After the Election Day defeat of recreational cannabis in November, Smart & Safe Florida in January launched a signature-gathering campaign to qualify an adult-use measure for the state's 2026 ballot. Read story >

T E S T I N G

As consumer tastes evolve, industry must look beyond potency

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For years, the cannabis industry has been shaped by a singular focus: THC potency.

Store menus highlight percentages, consumers chase high numbers and many strains have been bred to maximize THC content at the expense of other characteristics.

But is that truly what makes marijuana special?

Keeping up with industry trends while maintaining quality is crucial for businesses navigating this rapidly shifting landscape.

Historically, marijuana breeding focused on aroma, flavor and nuanced effects. Strains were selected for their distinct terpene profiles, from sweet and floral to earthy and gassy.

But widespread lab testing and commercialization shifted the focus almost entirely to THC content, leading to a homogenization of available genetics.

However, potency does not have to come at the cost of flavor or complexity. Read story >

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