After months of sluggish performance, cannabis stocks finally caught a break. Federal reform chatter—this time involving Donald Trump—helped fuel a rally across the sector. But even with this uptick, analysts are urging caution. Beyond the markets, the global cannabis map keeps evolving: Portugal has quietly become Europe's biggest exporter, Spain banned HHC and Argentina passed a sweeping "anti-mafia" law raising concerns for patients and cannabis activists. Meanwhile, California cities slash taxes to save local stores and a cult rolling paper brand opened its factory doors to the public for the first time ever. Let's dive in. Politics And Policy Trump Reportedly Pushing For SAFE Banking Reform The AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (NYSE:MSOS) closed the week up 9.7% after reports that Trump is privately encouraging lawmakers to pass banking reform ahead of the 2026 midterms. Analysts say the rally is likely technical unless public support follows. Read more on Benzinga Argentina's New Anti-Mafia Law Raises Civil Rights Concerns Passed last month, Argentina’s new law allows authorities to detain suspects, seize property and wiretap phones without judicial approval in designated zones. Experts fear the law could be used to target medical cannabis users and community organizations. Read more on El Planteo Hungary Ramps Up Drug War Ahead of Elections Hungary is pushing a constitutional amendment to criminalize drug use and give law enforcement broader powers. Critics say the government is using prohibitionist rhetoric to boost voter support. Read more on El Planteo Spain Bans HHC And Other Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids Spain added HHC and several related compounds to its list of controlled substances, effectively banning their sale and distribution nationwide. Read more on El Planteo Portugal Nearly Triples Cannabis Exports Portugal exported 32,558 kilos of cannabis in 2024, a 172% increase over the prior year. It now ranks as the largest cannabis exporter in Europe and second globally behind ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

GAINERS: Cann Group (OTC:CNGGF) shares closed up 89.15% at $0.02 4Front Ventures (OTC:FFNTF) shares closed up 25.00% at $0.00 SOL Global Investments (OTC:SOLCF) shares closed up 18.62% at $0.07 Target Group (OTC:CBDY) shares closed up 14.68% at $0.00 Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC) shares closed up 11.79% at $113.37 Emeren Group (NYSE:SOL) shares closed up 6.80% at $1.39 CNBX Pharmaceuticals (OTC:CNBX) shares closed up 6.25% at $0.00 Village Farms Intl (NASDAQ:VFF) shares closed up 6.20% at $0.71 CLS Holdings USA (OTC:CLSH) shares closed up 6.10% at $0.03 FLUENT (OTC:CNTMF) shares closed up ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

New York's adult-use cannabis market is poised to be one of the most robust in the country—but only if local governments allow it to be. While headlines focus on licensing delays and court battles, a quieter yet equally damaging problem continues to stall market growth: local municipalities opting out of legal cannabis retail. And no region illustrates this challenge more clearly than Long Island. As co-founders of a licensed cannabis dispensary still awaiting local approval, we've seen up close how a vocal minority—often armed with misinformation—can block access to safe, legal cannabis. This is not just a Long Island issue; it's a national and even global challenge. But here, the disconnect is especially striking. Long Island is home to nearly 3 million people, with a mature consumer base and close proximity to New York City. Yet vast portions of Nassau and Suffolk Counties remain cannabis deserts. The opportunity cost is staggering. According to Newsday, Long Island municipalities brought in nearly $3.5 million in 2024 alone from legal cannabis sales—with the Town of Babylon accounting for over $2.6 million of that total. Babylon's success story underscores what's possible when communities embrace a legal, regulated market. ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Author’s note: this article has been updated to include more context and commentary from analysts. After months of sluggish performance, cannabis stocks finally showed signs of life. This week, the U.S. cannabis sector surged double digits, fueled by new buzz around federal reform and the reemergence of an unlikely political player: Donald Trump. The rally was led by the AdvisorShares Pure U.S. Cannabis ETF (NYSE:MSOS), which jumped roughly 12.5% since Monday. At the time of publication, it had reclaimed its 50-day moving average for the first time since the 2024 election. But whether this move has real legs or is just another hype-fueled head fake depends on what happens next in Washington. The Trump Factor According to The Marijuana Herald, President Trump is privately urging members of Congress to pass cannabis banking reform before the 2026 midterms. Two senior Senate staffers told the outlet that Trump began contacting lawmakers directly this week, encouraging them to prioritize the SAFER Banking Act or similar legislation. This follows earlier reporting—later confirmed by CNN—that Trump's team tried to include SAFE banking language in a December 2024 funding resolution. While he hasn't made public comments since retaking office, Trump's campaign previously pledged to support "safe banking for state-authorized companies" and a move to reschedule marijuana for medical research. No new banking bill has been introduced this session, but members of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus say it ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

GAINERS: Global Compliance (OTC:FUAPF) shares closed up 138.10% at $0.01 Leafbuyer Techs (OTC:LBUY) shares closed up 41.36% at $0.03 CordovaCann (OTC:LVRLF) shares closed up 36.62% at $0.11 Rocky Mountain High (OTC:RMHB) shares closed up 22.50% at $0.00 Trulieve Cannabis (OTC:TCNNF) shares closed up 20.33% at $4.67 Canopy Gwth (NASDAQ:CGC) shares closed up 20.17% at $1.49 Cresco Labs (OTC:CRLBF) shares closed up 18.63% at $0.78 C21 Investments (OTC:CXXIF) shares closed up 18.06% at $0.17 Blueberries Medical (OTC:BBRRF) shares closed up 17.33% at $0.01 Green Thumb Indus (OTC:GTBIF) shares closed up 16.57% at $6.19 1933 Industries (OTC:TGIFF) shares closed up 14.10% at $0.00 Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CRBP) shares closed up 12.99% at $8.35 Zoned Properties ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Benimarfull. Hard to pronounce, fewer than 450 inhabitants and nearly invisible on the map of the Valencian Community. Yet here, in this quiet corner of Spain, a factory fuses centuries-old paper machinery with cutting-edge technology to produce some of the world's most famous rolling papers. The real-life Willy Wonka behind it, Josh Kesselman, likes to say he didn't choose this spot: "The location chose us." His passion for preserving an ancient craft has transformed what could have remained a sleepy backwater into a global phenomenon. We arrived buzzing with curiosity, having signed confidentiality agreements after whispers of "indescribable things." Stepping inside, we felt as if we were entering a clandestine lab. We weren't far off. Behind the secrecy lies the heartbeat of an industry older than many nations—an industry that refuses to fade. Ironically, from this tiny hamlet in rural Valencia, the world finds its perfect rolling sheet. And no one who crosses these gates leaves unmoved by the magic. A Legacy Spanning Centuries To understand why this rolling paper hub landed in Benimarfull, you have to look at the deep history of rolling paper in the Valencian Community. While Alcoi was often hailed as Spain's cradle of papermaking—home to 40 mills and booklet factories in the early 19th century—several surrounding towns also played pivotal roles: Alcoi: The birthplace of iconic brands like Pay-Pay and Bambú, starting with the Albors family mill in the mid-1700s. By the late 1800s, it was a global hub of rolling-paper innovation. Banyeres de Mariola: Involved in papermaking since the late 1700s, with firms like José Laporta Valor S.A. pushing boundaries. Xàtiva: Home to Europe's first paper mill, dating back to the 10th century, supplying official documents before Alcoi's rise to prominence. Muro de Alcoy, Alqueria de Aznar and Cocentaina: Though less documented, these neighboring areas are believed to have played supporting roles in the region's papermaking surge. Today, Iberpapel S.L. in Benimarfull ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

GAINERS: CLS Holdings USA (OTC:CLSH) shares closed up 17.55% at $0.03 Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CRBP) shares closed up 15.99% at $7.39 22nd Century Group (NASDAQ:XXII) shares closed up 9.19% at $0.83 CV Sciences (OTC:CVSI) shares closed up 8.30% at $0.03 CordovaCann (OTC:LVRLF) shares closed up 7.24% at $0.08 Canopy Gwth (NASDAQ:CGC) shares closed up 5.08% at $1.24 Emeren Group (NYSE:SOL) shares closed up 4.79% at $1.26 Target Group (OTC:CBDY) shares closed up 4.35% at $0.00 GrowGeneration ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY) launched a new whiskey expression under its acclaimed Breckenridge Distillery brand on Wednesday. The distillery unveiled the latest addition to its cask-finished lineup: Breckenridge Cognac Cask Finish Whiskey, which is available in Colorado with broader U.S. distribution anticipated later this year. Originally released in 2022 as part of the second Collectors Art Series, this limited edition whiskey has returned with an elevated production run. The label design honors its French barrel origins, featuring the iris—the national flower of France—and grape blossoms to acknowledge the ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Every year, Forbes drops its Cannabis 42.0 list just in time for the industry's high holiday. This year, the fourth edition of the list celebrates 42 entrepreneurs, innovators and operators shaping the future of the legal cannabis market despite ongoing federal prohibition, tax burdens and a still-sidelined DEA. Edited by Will Yakowicz and Simone Melvin, the list draws from nearly 200 candidates and honors founders, builders, and disruptors who are not part of publicly traded companies, shining a spotlight on the ground-level operators who are turning cannabis into one of the most dynamic sectors in American business. Below are some of the standouts featured in the 2025 edition. To see the full list, head over to Forbes: Cannabis 42.0. Standouts From The 2025 Cannabis 42.0 List Jason VedadiThe former Harvest Health architect is now leading Story Cannabis into new markets, including Maryland and Ohio, with plans for national growth. Imelda Walavalkar (with Tracy Anderson)Co-founders of Pure Beauty, the Nas and Timbaland-backed brand known for its mini joints, THC beverages and vibrant design aesthetic. Prince YousifAfter serving time for ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Zig-Zag just stepped out of the smoke and into the spotlight. On Sunday, the 145-year-old rolling paper brand took over New York’s Times Square for what many in the industry are calling a defining moment. As presenting sponsor of Cannabis Now's third annual 4/20 Countdown, Zig-Zag dropped the tobacco legacy and went full cannabis—activating billboards, launching a new product line and lighting up the crowd at Charlie Fox, one of New York's most luxurious dispensaries. The countdown was hosted by hip-hop legend Fab 5 Freddy, who stood under the digital glow of One Times Square and puffed with fans as the clock struck 4:20. “This felt like Zig-Zag’s formal coming-out party as its first time fully ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

GAINERS: 4Front Ventures (OTC:FFNTF) shares closed up 55.56% at $0.00 1933 Industries (OTC:TGIFF) shares closed up 35.14% at $0.01 Target Group (OTC:CBDY) shares closed up 15.00% at $0.00 SOL Glb Inv (OTC:SOLCF) shares closed up 14.15% at $0.06 Canopy Gwth (NASDAQ:CGC) shares closed up 9.26% at $1.18 Blueberries Medical (OTC:BBRRF) shares closed up 8.42% at $0.01 EnWave (OTC:NWVCF) shares closed up 8.12% at $0.19 C21 Investments (OTC:CXXIF) shares closed up 7.65% at $0.14 Greenlane Hldgs (NASDAQ:GNLN) shares closed up ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

On 4/20, while most were lighting up, Snoop Dogg dropped a trip—visually speaking. Directed by Dave Meyers and produced by Psyop in collaboration with Temple Caché, the music video for “Last Dance with Mary Jane“—Snoop's cannabis-laced reimagining of the Tom Petty classic—takes viewers on a mind-bending ride through the rapper's life, inner cities and stoner dreams. The track, from Snoop's “Missionary” album, released last year via Death Row, Aftermath and Interscope, features Jelly Roll, cameos by B-Real, Method Man, Redman, Wiz Khalifa and even visual nods to Bob Marley, Tupac and Tom Petty himself. This isn't ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

There's weed and then there are pre-rolls. And in 2025, the pre-roll isn't some stoner afterthought; it's the front-runner. In California, it's a cultural statement. In Canada, it's a quietly dominant force. Same format, different vibe. One market moves fast and loud; the other, slow and surgical. But both are being reshaped by the same force: the rise of the ready-made joint. California: Where Pre-Rolls Come With Swagger Let's start with the loudest room in the house. Between December 2024 and February 2025, Californians bought $178.1 million worth of pre-rolls—16.1% of all cannabis sales in the state, per RollPros and BDSA. And most of those joints? They came supercharged. Infused products now make up 66.3% of all pre-roll sales. The king of this hill? Jeeter. $26.7 million in sales this quarter. 15% of the market. Right behind them: STIIIZY's "40s" series of 0.5g five-packs, which alone account for 22% of California's entire pre-roll market. This isn't a niche anymore—it's the standard. And it's not just about grams and dollars. In this Forbes cover story, Will Yakowicz dives into what makes STIIIZY tick. CEO James Kim says it plainly: "I just ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

GAINERS: Aleafia Health (OTC:ALEAF) shares closed up 900.00% at $0.0001 Rocky Mountain High (OTC:RMHB) shares closed up 66.67% at $0.01 Blueberries Medical (OTC:BBRRF) shares closed up 37.50% at $0.01 4Front Ventures (OTC:FFNTF) shares closed up 12.50% at $0.00 GrowGeneration (NASDAQ:GRWG) shares closed up 8.11% at $0.97 Greenlane Hldgs (NASDAQ:GNLN) shares closed up 7.13% at $0.24 Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CRBP) shares closed up 4.48% at $6.30 Kaya Holdings (OTC:KAYS) shares closed up 3.90% at $0.04 LOSERS: CNBX Pharmaceuticals (OTC:CNBX) shares closed down 43.62% at $0.01 1933 Industries (OTC:TGIFF) shares closed down 26.00% at ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in June 2024. It has been updated as of April 2025 to reflect the latest developments in Marlon Wayans’ partnership with Dr. Green NFT. "When you get older, you do it with purpose," says Marlon Wayans in an exclusive interview, reflecting on his evolving relationship with cannabis. The multi-talented actor, comedian, and producer, known for his iconic roles in weed-forward films like "Scary Movie" and "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood," has seen his use of cannabis transition from youthful experimentation to a purposeful part of his lifestyle. He openly shares how his perspective has matured over the years. "When you're younger, you just smoke because you like smoking; you want to get high and be with your friends," he explains. "When you get older, it's like, okay, I'm gonna do this strain because I want to just relax right now. I want this kind of weed because I just want to chill right now and have some fun." This evolution mirrors the broader societal shift towards understanding and embracing the multifaceted uses of cannabis, beyond mere recreation. Also read: Tiffany Haddish: 'If Men Had Period Pain, Weed Would Already Be Legal' Calling from his home in Los Angeles, Wayans is in the midst of a busy schedule, juggling film shoots and stand-up shows. "I've been crazy. I was filming a movie… then wrapping the movie, then doing stand-up shows and promoting my special," he says. He recently finished filming a psychological horror movie directed by Justin Tipping and written by Jordan Peele, which is set to release in September 2025. "I finally am home. I was in Albuquerque filming a Jordan Peele movie. I got the lead in this movie called 'Him'… It got me in shape and I'm happy about that because I play a football player. It's a great role, a great movie.” Despite his hectic life, Wayans makes time for projects that align with his passions, one of which is his partnership with Dr. Green NFT. Business, Health, Relaxation, Creativity: One Plant Fits All Wayans' connection with Dr. Green NFT, spearheaded by British-Jamaican entrepreneur Maximillian White, marks his formal entry into the cannabis industry. His decision to join the project was carefully considered. ...Full story available on Benzinga.com