🌿 Trump reportedly rethinking cannabis reclassification, cannabis companies eye European expansion, and STIIIZY continues to conquer California

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:

• Trump reportedly rethinking cannabis reclassification

• Cannabis companies eye European expansion

• STIIIZY continues to conquer California

…and more. Let’s get to it.

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🚨 ROLL CALL

Policy

Regulatory shift. Sources say President Trump is expected to issue an executive order directing federal agencies to pursue rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This would mark a significant potential shift by reducing federal restrictions, easing research barriers, lowering business taxes, and improving industry access to banking, but it would not legalize or decriminalize cannabis nationwide.

It was first reported in August that President Donald Trump was considering reclassifying cannabis. At the time, he said a decision could come in the next few weeks.

While this news has echoed across the industry, it is important to note that no final decision has officially been made.

Business

Study abroad. A number of major cannabis companies made announcements about expansion into Europe, signaling a broader industry shift toward global growth.

• Cronos Group acquired the largest European cannabis company in Netherlands-based CanAdelaar B.V.

• High Tide is opened a location of Canada’s largest cannabis retail brand Canna Cabana in Berlin, marking the chain’s first international store.

• Wana Brands launched THC gummies in Switzerland through the country’s cannabis pilot program.

All of these moves reflect a multi‑pronged push by leading industry players to establish themselves in emerging markets as legalization efforts open the door.

Business

Territory growth. STIIIZY significantly expanded its already top California retail footprint through the purchase of 12 additional dispensary locations from Gold Flora for $25 million. The deal brings their store count to 58 in the state and 61 total, with an additional three sites in Michigan.

The troubled Gold Flora appointed a receiver earlier this year to manage its operations due to financial difficulties and legal issues. The appointment followed the company's failure to meet its obligations, marking a notable step towards liquidating its assets.

🇺🇸 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Kentucky: Governor Andy Beshear expects the state’s first medical cannabis dispensary to open within the next few weeks.

Massachusetts: Regulators unanimously approved final rules to allow licensed social cannabis consumption sites.

Michigan: A judge denied a request from cannabis industry groups to block a new 24% wholesale cannabis tax.

Nebraska: The Supreme Court heard an appeal challenging the validity of signatures backing the 2024 medical cannabis ballot initiatives, which could undermine laws approved by voters to legalize and regulate medical cannabis.

New York: The state’s top cannabis regulator and acting OCM head Felicia A.B. Reid was forced to resign after the agency abruptly withdrew a high-profile enforcement action.

Ohio: A new bill passed by lawmakers and awaiting Governor Mike DeWine’s signature or veto would impose minor criminal penalties on cannabis users for routine actions like transporting or possessing cannabis improperly, while also rolling back civil protections previously afforded to them.

💼 BUSINESS

Cheech & Chong introduce innovative retail model

The iconic comedy duo’s cannabis company has unveiled a new “reverse licensing” partner network that lets independent dispensary owners keep full ownership while leveraging the duo’s brand, products, and retail concepts to compete against larger operators.

💨 QUICK HITTERS

• Chicago’s City Council is moving closer to a final vote on a measure that would prohibit most hemp-derived products within city limits.

• Green Flower has launched a new suite of cannabis career certificate programs designed to give students industry-aligned training and credentials.

• Glen Cove, New York approved a local law banning public cannabis smoking, becoming the first community in Nassau County to do so.

• A drone carrying a package of steak, crab legs, cannabis, and other contraband was intercepted and seized by guards at a South Carolina prison.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

• Transport bottleneck has budding Minnesota cannabis dispensaries stuck in first gear (MinnPost)

📽️ VIDEO OF THE WEEK

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Stay tuned for more cannabis industry news next week!

💚,

The Pre Roll Team

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