🌿 New York regulators make crucial mistake, DEA head not prioritizing rescheduling, and NCIA founding CEO is stepping down

Happy Friday Pre Rollers! Welcome to another edition of The Pre Roll, the cannabis newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the industry happenings you need to know.

Here’s what we’re rolling up this week:

• New York regulators make crucial mistake

• DEA head not prioritizing rescheduling

• NCIA founding CEO is stepping down

…and more. Let’s get to it.

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🚨 ROLL CALL

Business

Made a big mistake. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management sent a notice to more than 150 cannabis retail businesses stating that they are in violation of state law due to proximity to schools. The situation is the result of a mistake on the part of the OCM.

Impacted applicants who are awaiting licensure will be required to find new locations before going forward with the process. Regulators are looking into legislation to permit those already open to remain at their present licensed location, but if no such law passes they will need to move to a compliant location in order to have their license renewed.

Policy

Low on the list. President Donald Trump’s recently sworn in pick for DEA Administrator, Terrance Cole, did not include cannabis rescheduling on his list “strategic priorities” as he takes the lead at the agency.

His focus will instead be on dismantling drug trafficking networks, disrupting the fentanyl supply chain, and reducing drug-related violence through strong domestic and international partnerships.

This comes despite his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in April, in which he said reviewing the cannabis rescheduling process would be “one of my first priorities” if confirmed.

News

End of an era. National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) founding CEO Aaron Smith will step down later this month after 15 years at the helm of the organization. He will remain on the board during the leadership transition.

The board is currently in the process of identifying new leadership for the organization’s next phase of growth. Brooke Gilbert, a longtime NCIA leader, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer to oversee daily operations in the meantime.

In his next role, Smith will serve as Political Director at Unite America, a philanthropic venture fund that invests in nonpartisan election reform to foster a more representative and functional government.

🇺🇸 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Georgia: Lawmakers have convened a House study committee to reassess regulation of medical cannabis and hemp.

Kentucky: Governor Andy Beshear urged President Donald Trump to allow the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.

Minnesota: The Office of Cannabis Management selected 75 winners in its second cannabis license lottery from 569 applicants to round out the state’s initial cap of 150 retail licenses.

Oklahoma: Supporters of statewide recreational cannabis legalization will start collecting signatures next week to qualify for the 2026 ballot.

Texas: The Senate again advanced a bill aimed at banning hemp-derived THC products.

💼 BUSINESS

Qwik Life launches DTC marketplace

The subsidiary of cannabinoid company US Agra unveiled a direct-to-consumer platform offering hemp-derived, wellness-focused beverages and edibles designed specifically for women; Dynamic Jane Root Beer and Diet Root Beer, and the Skinny Canna line of products, are among the offerings.

💨 QUICK HITTERS

• A bipartisan group of state and territorial attorneys general sent a letter urging Congress to pass the SAFER Banking Act of 2025.

• Maine cannabis company Atlantic Farms has transitioned to an employee‑owned model, making it one of the state’s first to adopt such a structure.

• California-based cannabis brand Dr. Norm’s launched a limited-edition infused Matcha Crispy Rice Bar edible.

• Canopy Growth has named former Curaleaf International President Miles Worne Managing Director of European Markets.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

• Senators agree to strip hemp language from ag funding bill (POLITICO)

• ICE raid at major pot operation clouds picture for legal cannabis in California (Los Angeles Times)

• Richard Lee, Who Made Cannabis Legalization Inevitable, Has Died. His Mission Lives On (High Times)

• Cannabis retailers see sales surge with new shopping models (MJBizDaily)

• Legal cannabis blooms in Morocco but black market still beckons (Reuters)

• ‘Chilling, dangerous’: Industry slams new medicinal cannabis advertising guidelines (Waikato Times)

📽️ VIDEO OF THE WEEK

🔎 JOB BOARD

• Liquor And Cannabis Associate

  • Foster Garvey

  • $180,000—$225,000

• Cannabis Sales Account Executive

  • Bud’s Goods

  • $65,000—$80,000

• Sales Representative – New Mexico Cannabis Market Launch

  • Bobsled Extracts

  • $75,000

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Stay tuned for more cannabis industry news next week!

💚,

The Pre Roll Team

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