News Roundup: Week 2025-12: Texas vs THC, Michigan Sales Crash, Utah and North Carolina Want Recreational Cannabis

Week of 22 Mar, 2025

In this episode, we dive into major cannabis developments nationwide. Texas and Florida move toward banning THC-infused products, while California secures a key court win defending state cannabis laws. Michigan’s industry faces falling prices, and Delaware’s recreational rollout hits a federal roadblock. Plus, New York launches equity grants, Pennsylvania tightens medical oversight, and Utah shows growing support for full legalization. North Carolina revisits adult-use legislation—will it finally gain traction?

 

TEXAS

The Texas Senate has passed a bill banning all THC products, setting the stage for a major policy shift in the state’s hemp industry. Senate Bill 3, spearheaded by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, would outlaw Delta 8, Delta 9, and all THC-infused products, citing concerns over youth access and health risks.

However, the Texas House is considering an alternative—House Bill 28, which would impose stricter regulations rather than banning the industry outright. The debate has major economic stakes, with industry leaders warning that a full ban could push sales into the black market and cost the state billions in tax revenue.

As lawmakers move forward, the future of THC in Texas remains uncertain. Will the House support stricter oversight, or will Texas become the next state to enact a total ban on THC products? We’ll keep you updated as the story unfolds.

MICHIGAN

 

Michigan's cannabis industry is showing signs of decline, with February marking the third straight month of falling sales and a significant drop in marijuana prices. The average retail price of an ounce of cannabis flower is now nearly 30% lower than a year ago, driven by oversupply and increasing competition. Industry experts warn that more businesses could close if prices continue to drop, while consumers may benefit from lower costs in the short term.

FLORIDA

 

Florida lawmakers are once again targeting the state’s hemp industry with a pair of aggressive regulatory proposals. Senate Bill 438, currently advancing through the Legislature, would ban popular cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10, limit the sale of THC-infused beverages to alcohol-licensed retailers, and enforce strict advertising and zoning restrictions on hemp businesses.

 

A similar measure was vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantis last year over concerns it would hurt small businesses—but this time, lawmakers are doubling down. A companion bill in the House, HB 1597, goes even further—adding mandatory lab testing, retail sales restrictions, festival and street vending bans, and enhanced penalties for non-compliance.

Together, these bills could dramatically reshape Florida’s hemp marketplace 

 

NEW YORK

 

New York State’s office of cannabis management has launched a $5 million grant program to give a boost to the licensed cannabis dispensaries that are owned by individuals who have been directly affected by past cannabis-related convictions and have demonstrated business experience. Under the Grant Program, such dispensary owners can apply for up to $30,000 in reimbursement grants to cover rent, security, and compliance costs. Applications for grants are open on a first-come, first-served basis.

PENNSYLVANIA

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers have passed a bill to strengthen oversight of medical marijuana products. House Bill 33 would require stricter testing, improved labeling standards, and greater regulatory enforcement to ensure patient safety. The bipartisan legislation now heads to the Senate, where supporters hope it will become law. The bill's passage comes amid increasing discussions on full cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania.

 

UTAH

According to a poll in Utah, 52% of resident voters support legalizing recreational marijuana, which reflects an upward shift in recent public opinion. However, strong opposition from state leaders and conservative religious groups could block any legislative effort. Advocates believe frustration with Utah’s strict medical cannabis program may push voters toward full legalization. Whether the issue makes it to the ballot remains uncertain.  Subscribe to our weekly reports to stay updated!

CALIFORNIA

 

The California Supreme Court has overturned a lower court ruling that could have undermined the state’s cannabis industry by suggesting that federal prohibition invalidates California’s marijuana regulations. The case, J C Crandall versus County of Santa Barbara, involved a dispute over a cannabis business’s use of an easement on private land. The lower court’s ruling had agreed with the landowner, citing federal prohibition as a reason to prevent cannabis-related use of the property.

The Supreme Court’s decision to rescind that ruling protects California’s cannabis laws from broader legal challenges. It also affirms that the state’s commercial cannabis activity, when conducted in compliance with state and local laws, remains lawful regardless of federal cannabis prohibition. Industry officials and regulators welcomed the ruling, stating that it provides much-needed legal certainty for businesses operating within California’s legal marijuana market.

 

DELAWARE

Delaware’s plan to launch its recreational cannabis market this year has hit a major roadblock. The FBI rejected the state’s fingerprinting system for background checks, a required step in the licensing process. State regulators have resubmitted their application, but until the issue is resolved, cannabis businesses remain in limbo, delaying the state’s rollout of legal marijuana sales.

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina lawmakers are revisiting the issue of marijuana legalization with House Bill 413, a proposal that would allow adults to legally buy, grow, and use cannabis. The bill sets up strict regulations, a 30% excise tax, and a system to expunge past marijuana-related convictions. Tax revenue would be allocated to social equity programs, including funding for communities affected by the war on drugs. However, despite strong public support, the bill’s passage remains uncertain, as previous attempts to legalize even medical cannabis have stalled in the Republican-controlled legislature. 

Until then, the eastern band of Cherokee Indians are the only ones who are offering a medical cannabis program in North Carolina.