Paradise Seeds has been charming critics and customers for decades, and now home growers in both Europe and the United States can finally experience their legendary quality for themselves.
The post Connect to cannabis history with three legacy strains from Paradise Seeds appeared first on Leafly.
Leafly sat down with Ulysses Youngblood, founder of Major Bloom dispensary in Worcester Massachusetts, to hear how community & cannabis come together.
The post Major Bloom: Cultivating community, creativity, and cannabis in Worcester appeared first on Leafly.
Find the best energizing THC gummies of 2025. Leafly reviewed popular gummies & chose the top picks for different needs & budgets.
The post Leafly’s top 10 energizing THC gummies of 2025 appeared first on Leafly.
Reggie & Dro, San Antonio’s premier dispensary and social club, has top-quality hemp THCA flower so you can celebrate 420 in style.
The post 420 in Texas is at Reggie & Dro appeared first on Leafly.
New Mexico’s home for top cannabis brands at an unbelievable value is celebrating 420 by offering deals that you’ll love all April long.
The post Get more for less this 420 at PurLife appeared first on Leafly.
Story Cannabis is the spot for 420 deals in Maryland. Shop weed's biggest day with 40% off storewide at all four MD locations.
The post Shop 40% off at Story Cannabis this 420 appeared first on Leafly.
Importation, cultivation, production, and other activities conducted for medicinal and scientific purposes are lawful under federal Australian law when the necessary licenses and permits have been obtained. Growing cannabis for personal use remains illegal in most Australian states and territories.
Industrial hemp (low-THC cannabis) is regulated under separate licensing frameworks in most Australian jurisdictions. This Q&A focuses primarily on medicinal cannabis (containing higher THC).
Cannabis businesses must comply with several laws, including:
Key Australian federal government regulators include the Office of Drug Control (ODC), the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Department of Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry (DAFF), and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
There are ongoing political discussions and advocacy efforts, particularly from the Legalize Cannabis Party and the Greens. However, no immediate plans exist at the federal level to legalize recreational cannabis.
Australia has a federal government and each of its 8 major states and territories has a state or territory government. There are local levels of government within the states or territories. Laws concerning cannabis products apply federally and within each of the states and territories. Laws apply to business activities of all kinds at the local government level.
Federal Australian law permits certain cannabis-related activities for medicinal and scientific purposes. Growing cannabis for personal use remains illegal in most Australian states and territories.
Penalties vary based on the offense:
The Office of Drug Control (ODC) issues several license types, including:
The licensing process is highly regulated and can take 12–24 months, or even longer depending on:
Thorough preparation, engagement with the ODC, and professional guidance can help minimize delays.
Cannabis businesses must adhere to:
Note: License holders should be prepared for routine inspections and audits by the ODC and state regulators to ensure ongoing compliance.
Most cannabis businesses operate as proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) companies. Some also use joint ventures or trusts for tax efficiency, although this requires careful planning and professional advice.
Yes, but foreign investors face strict regulatory approvals and possible oversight from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). Restrictions may apply to foreign ownership percentages, particularly for investments deemed sensitive. Higher scrutiny can also apply to certain types of foreign investors.
Businesses should also investigate potential research and development (R&D) incentives if applicable. Always consult a tax professional to confirm your specific obligations and opportunities.
Only registered medicinal practitioners who have met specific TGA approval requirements can prescribe medicinal cannabis. These practitioners must follow the relevant state or territory guidelines in addition to federal rules.
Pharmacies must:
Yes, provided they hold the appropriate research license and permit from the ODC. Research projects must also comply with ethics approvals and TGA regulations.
There are strict prohibitions on direct advertising to consumers. Marketing must primarily target healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act and respective State/Territory guidelines, advertising medicinal cannabis directly to patients can violate advertising laws. Always confirm promotional strategies with a legal professional.
Yes, but only with an ODC import license for medicinal or research use, and only when the products were lawfully produced in the country of export. Additional biosecurity and customs requirements may also apply.
Australia permits exports of medicinal cannabis to certain global markets (e.g., Europe and North America). However, exporters must obtain an ODC export license and comply with each destination country’s import regulations.
Cannabis transport must follow:
Employers should:
Yes—especially in safety-sensitive industries (mining, transport, healthcare). Businesses should ensure written policies are consistent with relevant state and federal employment law.
Employers must balance workplace safety with disability discrimination laws. An employee lawfully using medicinal cannabis under an Australian doctor’s prescription may be protected from unfair dismissal if reasonable accommodations can be made without causing undue hardship.
Yes. Several proposals aim to:
Australia remains more restrictive than Canada and parts of the U.S. but has a growing medicinal cannabis industry and a reputation for high-quality cultivation practices. Exports are increasingly recognized as a promising area for growth.
A well-structured IP strategy is crucial to maintain a competitive edge.
Given the sensitive nature of medicinal cannabis information, businesses must comply with the Privacy Act 1988, including:
Yes. Cannabis businesses must be mindful of competition (antitrust) law, especially regarding:
Any agreement that substantially lessens competition is prohibited.
Australia’s cannabis industry is heavily regulated, but real opportunities exist for companies that successfully navigate the legal landscape. Medicinal cannabis and exports are particular growth areas, yet all businesses must stay current on licensing, tax, and workplace laws to remain compliant. See also: Australia Cannabis Laws: A Comprehensive Guide.
Contact us today for guidance and support in navigating Australia’s evolving cannabis regulations.
Spring might be the best season for a stoner. We have 4/20 coming up. We’re popping seeds. Who knows—something great might happen. Case in point—millions of cannabis aficionados have phenomenal strains for Spring across the legal landscape from Cali to Maine. Strong, flavorful contemporary cultivars are making countrywide waves. They fit perfectly with that Spring […]
The post Best cannabis strains of spring 2025: A 9-strain review appeared first on Leafly.
Surprising no one, recent findings show that most hemp in Oregon runs hot. By this I mean it is generally designed to get you lit.
This hemp is often sold and marketed online without age verification, in packaging attractive to minors, or at unlicensed retail stores. Most labels lack clear potency information, and the products are not traceable to test results. On the bright side, the report didn’t seem to turn up much pesticide contamination, although 4 of the 51 samples contained prohibited “artificially derived cannabinoids.” Those are semisynthetic substances like delta-8 THC or CBN derived from CBD.
Not a great look overall. But again, no surprise.
The technical report at issue runs 45 pages, and covers marijuana as well as hemp. It was produced by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The OLCC’s news release published alongside the report summarizes things nicely. I’m not going to recap it– you can click the link. But I’ll share a few quick thoughts.
Last year, Oregon House Bill 4121 tasked OLCC with overseeing the establishment of a hemp product registry. I wrote about it here and here. Aside from that coverage, hemp-related aspects of HB 4121 didn’t get a lot of press. This is because the marquee provision of HB 4121 was a permanent cap on marijuana licenses. That sexy topic dominated the headlines.
The hemp aspects of the bill were important too, though. And they were there because everyone has long known about the issues highlighted in this week’s report. Thus HB 4121 contained a myriad of regulatory and law enforcement provisions in respect of hemp, including the creation of a registration program for hemp products. One aspect of this program is a hemp vendor license. In December, I explained that:
The [hemp vendor license requirement] took effect July 1. At that time, I wrote that the rule was “very broad and likely to catch people off guard.” That proved to be the case in my experience, including with respect to OLCC— I ended up writing them on September 30 after stumbling across incorrect FAQs on the topic. My guess is that a large number of Oregon businesses are still unaware of the license requirement, and therefore not compliant, and that it doesn’t really matter because enforcement is sparse or nonexistent.
I believe this is still the case. Few hemp vendors, whether online or brick-and-mortar, local or out-of-state, understand there are rules around selling hemp to Oregon consumers. Or that they need a license of any type.
I’m still not aware of any enforcement around this and I don’t think anyone selling hemp is all that worried. Let’s see if anything changes with the publication of this preliminary report and further rulemaking around the topic. But again, best to keep a lid on expectations.
When the 2018 Farm Bill passed, legalizing hemp, many growers moved into the ODA system with no intention of growing cannabis for fiber or grain. In an old blog post tracing the evolution of regulated Oregon cannabis, I explained that in 2019 “people started to use ODA licenses as cover for diversion …. as opposed to persisting in the OHA (medical marijuana) system.”
Oregon hemp, like hemp nationwide, has always been an intoxicating products game. Maybe one day the disconnect between fiber and grain farmers, on the one hand, and manufacturers, on the other, will resolve. And demand will follow and it will become a winning proposition to grow industrial hemp. Someday.
The OLCC news release offers a sunny subtitle: “Agency sets path forward for better compliance.” The report also lays out three key measures, which include: 1) honest labeling requirements; 2) product testing and 3) enforcement and penalties – including fines on out of state operators. Good luck guys! Been talking about all of this stuff for over a decade.
I don’t think hemp is meaningfully regulable at this point, for the same reason that “marijuana” has always been such a cluster for states. The reason is that federal law and policy make it so. With hemp in particular, the feds did nothing of consequence to stem the tide of intoxicating products, or of hemp in food and beverages for that matter. This dynamic puts the states in an impossible position.
Still, Oregon keeps saying we will give this a shot. I haven’t talked to anyone down in Salem in a minute; my guess is this report will galvanize some conversations around proposed cannabis bills in the ongoing legislative session.
Elsewhere, the news cycle on this should fade pretty fast. You, your niece and nephew should be free to buy funky hemp products in Oregon stores and online in a year.
State rules delayed the sale of legal indoor cannabis for two years. Here are the high grade indoor brands that are (finally) hitting the market in 2025.
The post High grade bud is (finally) hitting New York dispensaries appeared first on Leafly.
Dispensaries like Gotham, Travel Agency, and Matawana defining High Fashion for New York cannabis.
The post High fashion is the next phase of New York cannabis appeared first on Leafly.
A selection of six of ILGM’s most potent and popular high-THC feminized strains, all available to order right from their website and delivered to your front door.
The post Six high-THC strains from ILGM that you need in your garden appeared first on Leafly.
St. Patty's Day deals and more! Now delivering to Manhattan including Central Park North, The Upper East, and Midtown.
The post Urban Leaf expands delivery across Manhattan appeared first on Leafly.
On March 12th, during the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) was added to Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The CND vote follows the World Health Organization’s recommendation that HHC be added into Schedule II. The CND action, which required 36 votes, passed comfortably with 49 votes. Notably, the United States abstained. Placement of HHC in Schedule II mandates that all signatories of the 1971 Convention (roughly 184 countries) restrict HHC’s use to only scientific, medical, and industrial purposes.
HHC is a semi-synthetic, hydrogenated derivative of THC. The hydrogenation process introduces hydrogen molecules to THC, resulting in HHC sharing many of the psychoactive effects of THC. While several U.S. states have laws restricting such substances, others do not. Furthermore, businesses selling HHC products in the Fourth and Ninth Circuits may be legally allowed to do so under the 2018 Farm Bill– depending on if their states prohibit HHC via legislation or regulation.
CND’s scheduling of CND aligns with a DEA letter issued to Attorney Rod Kight in 2023, stating the Administration’s belief that synthetic cannabinoids are schedule I substances. However, given HHC’s semi-synthetic nature, the U.S. government’s obligation to regulate HHC (as discussed below) may conflict with the 2018 Farm Bill’s exclusion of hemp and its derivatives from federal control. Should the Attorney General schedule HHC pursuant to treaty obligations, it may raise concerns regarding the unconstitutional delegation of legislative authority to a foreign body.
Next, the Secretary-General of the United Nations must formally communicate this scheduling decision to all member states, and specifically to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Schedule II classification under the 1971 Convention will take effect 180 days after such communication is made. According to 21 U.S.C. § 811(d)(2), Secretary Rubio must then immediately notify Secretary Robert Kennedy at Health and Human Services (HHS). If Secretary Kennedy, in consultation with Attorney General Pam Bondi, determines that current controls applicable to HHC are not sufficient to meet obligations under the 1971 Convention, then:
If, however, Attorney General Bondi, after consultation with Secretary Kennedy, determines that scheduling proceedings will not conclude within 180 days of Secretary Rubio being notified of the scheduling change, then Attorney General Bondi–after consulting with HHS and allowing for public comments on the temporary scheduling recommendation–must issue a temporary order to place HHC under Schedule IV or V of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Whether HHC goes to Schedule IV or V in that scenario depends on which schedule is more appropriate to fulfill the U.S.’s obligations under the 1971 Convention.
Importantly, under 21 USC 811(d)(3)(C), Attorney General Bondi is permitted to issue a scheduling order without regard to the findings or procedures just discussed and required by 21 USC 811(a) & (b).
Assuming Secretary Kennedy and Attorney General Bondi adhere to 21 U.S.C. § 811 and complete a review of HHC, or at a minimum, order that HHC be added to a CSA schedule, then the process, and HHC’s ultimate placement, could provide valuable insights into the broader cannabis scheduling debate. We will continue to monitor this development, so stay tuned for updates.
I’ve spilled a fair bit of ink on Ballot Measure 119 going back to last summer. Because no good deed goes unpunished, I continue to receive a stream of inquiries regarding associated compliance, e.g., “Where do I get a labor peace agreement?” “What’s this prompt on my CAMP screen?” “What if I don’t comply?”
All fair questions! Let’s do another post today in FAQ format.
Last month, I explained that someone (finally) filed a lawsuit to challenge the legitimacy of BM 119’s suspect LPA requirement. In that piece, dated February 14th, I observed:
The complaint seeks both declaratory relief (“you did it wrong”) and injunctive relief (“you have to cut it out”). As to the latter, the complaint mentions that plaintiffs subsequently filed a Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, which means that the State of Oregon would have to cut it out soon—that is, stop enforcing the LPA requirement.
The TRO Motion showed up on the Court’s docket on February 17th. Long story short, it was scuttled, and we are set for a Preliminary Injunction Hearing instead. Mark your calendars for April 29th. We will see scheduled briefing from both sides between now and then, but April 29th is the big show.
It’s possible that Judge Nelson will rule from the bench on April 29th, and it’s also possible that she takes the matter under advisement following the hearing. In the latter scenario, I wouldn’t expect a long delay for her decision given the nature of the request.
If Judge Nelson grants the Preliminary Injunction at any point, the LPA requirement for OLCC licensees goes on ice during the pendency of the litigation, because OLCC would not be allowed to enforce it (which I’m sure they’d be just fine with).
Nope. And you don’t have to take my word for that. OLCC has published three compliance bulletins on the topic, two of which address this question in slightly different ways.
First, here are the bulletins:
And here are the relevant FAQ sections, which come from Bulletin 2 and 3, respectively:
What If I don’t submit an LPA or signed attestation with my license renewal?
Not submitting an LPA or attestation with your renewal application is grounds for OLCC to refuse to renew your license or certification. If you submit all other requirements for your renewal application but you don’t have an LPA or signed attestation, OLCC will investigate and may issue you a legal notice proposing to refuse to renew your license or certification. If you submitted a timely renewal application, you are still allowed to operate until a final decision is issued.
I don’t have a Labor Peace Agreement yet and my renewal is due. Is there anything I can do so my license doesn’t expire, and I can continue to operate?
Yes, even if you don’t have a Labor Peace Agreement, you can submit your license renewal. If you submit a timely renewal application and payment of your renewal fees, you are still allowed to operate until a final decision is issued on your renewal. If you don’t have a LPA at the time you submit your timely renewal application, submit a letter in place of your LPA explaining why you have not been able to obtain one.
I’ve talked through these points with higher-ups at OLCC. The “investigation” referenced in the first answer above is more of a concept or ambition than something that’s actually happening at this point. If or when OLCC gets rolling on these, the idea is:
Not exactly. OLCC is still trying to figure out how to handle change in ownership applications where the applicant does not submit the LPA. They are conferring with their lawyers at the State Department of Justice on this and we will have an update soon. For now, though, they continue processing the applications, at least up to the point of license approval. At that point, everyone would have to think harder about it.
A lot of our clients are just submitting their license renewals and new license applications with blank pieces of paper, in place of an LPA. Those renewals are going through. Others have signed LPAs with labor unions, for better or worse. What happens with those LPAs in the event that BM 119 is ruled unconstitutional is a whole ‘nother can of worms.
Stay tuned for any updates here and on the OLCC website. I’m sure I’ll write again when we see a major development.
For previous posts discussing the BM 119 saga, check out the following:
Bye-bye, Dry January. Millions of weed smokers say adios to winter’s worst with a breathtaking selection of lucky green across the USA and Canada this St. Patrick’s Day. Legalization in over 20 states offers ever more affordable alternatives to booze. The California outdoor is perfectly cured. Your favorite musician has a new strain. Maryland has […]
The post Best St Patrick’s day cannabis strains and edibles appeared first on Leafly.
Florida’s cannabis and hemp industries are undergoing significant regulatory shifts. From proposed legislation targeting hemp products to new rules affecting packaging and labeling, here’s what you need to know about the latest developments in the Sunshine State.
Senate Bill 1030 proposes tighter restrictions on hemp-derived products, including a ban on Delta-8 THC and smokable hemp extracts in Florida. Filed by Democratic Sen. Tracie Davis, the bill faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled Senate, requiring bipartisan support to advance.
House Bill 601, filed by Republican Rep. Hilary Cassel, also seeks to regulate hemp extract products. While both bills share similar goals, key differences in their provisions may influence their legislative paths.
Effective March 12, 2025, Florida’s updated Hemp Extract Rule (Florida Administrative Rule 5K-4.034) introduces stricter packaging and marketing regulations. The new rule prohibits:
These changes reflect the state’s efforts to regulate hemp products more strictly while maintaining consumer safety standards.
A new initiative, sponsored by Smart & Safe Florida, aims to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, allowing possession, purchase, and use for non-medical purposes.
Notably, while existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) would be permitted to sell recreational marijuana, the proposal also allows new industry participants who would not be required to follow the same vertical integration model as MMTCs.
This new effort follows a similar initiative placed before voters in 2024, Amendment 3, which fell short of the 60% threshold it needed to pass.
Senate Bill 546 proposes allowing registered medical marijuana patients in Florida to cultivate cannabis at home. The bill restricts cultivation to a maximum of two plants per residence, regardless of the number of eligible patients living there.
Qualified patients would need a certificate from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to legally grow cannabis at home.
As Florida navigates these regulatory changes, both businesses and consumers must stay informed about their potential impacts. From tighter hemp regulations to the push for recreational cannabis legalization, these evolving laws reflect the growing complexity of cannabis policy in the state.
Stay tuned for further updates as these legislative efforts progress.
Optimal Kleen is a vegan, all-natural detox drink that reaches peak effectiveness in one hour.
The post We tried Optimal Kleen, the all-natural, fast-acting detox drink appeared first on Leafly.
The Dispensary Fulton offering huge discounts on top brands all month long.
The post Save 30% all month long at The Dispensary Fulton appeared first on Leafly.
Republicans seek to put Ohioans back in jail for conduct voters already approved.
The post Ohioans must activate to defend cannabis freedoms from lawmakers appeared first on Leafly.
ILGM is hitting the road in their revamped Airstream Bambi for the Home Grow Tour 2025. Find them in six iconic cities through 4/20.
The post ILGM’s Home Grow Tour 2025 appeared first on Leafly.
As the cannabis industry awaits potential marijuana rescheduling, eyes seem focused on state-legal operators and the tax relief they might enjoy. But there’s a group of players who’ve been surprisingly quiet, despite potentially having the most to gain: DEA-registered bulk marijuana manufacturers.
Currently, eight companies hold the coveted DEA registration for bulk marijuana manufacturing (“DEA Registrants”):
These companies can grow federally legal marijuana for research/pharmaceutical purposes. The market for such marijuana is generally restricted to US and foreign researchers. However, under current US law, DEA Registrants are missing out on a massive opportunity.
While the market for researching marijuana is relatively modest, the global cannabis market is projected to reach $82.3 billion by 2027. Medical marijuana is expected to hit $21.04 billion by 2025. Germany alone, with the recent expansion of its medical program, has seen medical marijuana imports surge to 31.6 tons in Q4 of 2024 – a fourfold increase from Q1. This booming global market is one that DEA Registrants are unable to access.
Despite this booming market, DEA Registrants face significant hurdles. The U.S. doesn’t officially recognize marijuana’s medical efficacy, limiting exports to research purposes only. This misalignment with global marijuana markets creates buriers to exporting US “research” marijuana to countries wanting to import it as “medical” marijuana.
Moving marijuana outside of schedule I could be transformative for DEA Registrants. It would acknowledge marijuana’s medical efficacy, potentially allowing DEA registrants to access global medical markets. DEA would need to amend some of its marijuana regulations to fill minimal gaps that would arise with a scheduling change, but such a move is within DEA’s authority.
Rescheduling could pave the way for innovative partnerships. DEA Registrants could collaborate with state-legal operators for seed sourcing, leveraging the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provisions. With only eight DEA Registrants, exclusive agreements could be highly profitable for both DEA Registrants and the chosen few state-legal operators.
In the current political climate, where leaders at the DEA, DOJ, and FDA lean towards prohibition rather than liberalization, DEA Registrants face a unique opportunity. Pushing for Schedule II while the official rescheduling process unfolds could be a strategic move. This approach might gain traction with reform critics, as Schedule II status wouldn’t offer state-legal operators the coveted 280E tax relief. Moreover, the fate of Schedule III remains uncertain, with several possibilities in play:
Any decision to keep marijuana in Schedule I would likely spark litigation, further extending the process. Thankfully, some within the rescheduling coalition have taken the appropriate steps to preserve the record showing DEA’s bias, but that is beside the point (see Thoughts on the Terrible Pageant of Marijuana Rescheduling, by Vince Sliwoski for more on this).
Given these circumstances, now is an opportune time for DEA registrants to engage with Attorney General Bondi. As advocates already authorized by DEA to work with marijuana, their voices may find an audience within DEA. By acting promptly, DEA Registrants could position themselves advantageously in the evolving domestic and global landscape of medical marijuana regulation while addressing immediate concerns within the existing federal framework.
While the entire cannabis industry stands to benefit from rescheduling, DEA-registered bulk manufacturers may have the most to gain – especially in the short-term. Their unique position could give them a significant advantage in accessing international medical markets. As the industry evolves, these manufacturers should be at the forefront, advocating for changes that could unlock substantial growth opportunities in the global cannabis market.
Meet the music and cannabis pioneer behind the Upper East Side's hottest new dispensary.
The post Buddha Chief raises vibrations at new Housing Works dispensary in NoMad appeared first on Leafly.
Find the best THCA vape carts of 2025. We reviewed popular THCA carts & chose what we think are the top picks for different needs & budgets.
The post Leafly’s top 3 THCA vape carts of 2025 appeared first on Leafly.
Los Angeles’ top contest picks some bangers
The post LA’s hype weed contest Zalympix 2025 winners and where to buy them appeared first on Leafly.
The cannabis industry is expanding nationwide, but securing trademark protection remains a complex challenge due to federal restrictions and evolving state laws. If you’re a cannabis business owner, lawyer, or entrepreneur looking to protect your brand, you won’t want to miss our upcoming webinar on cannabis and trademarks.
Our expert panel, consisting of moderator Matt Goldberg, and presenters Fred Rocafort and Elijah Hartman, will break down key legal barriers and share practical strategies to help cannabis businesses navigate trademark law effectively.
Topics include:
✔️ Cannabis entrepreneurs & business owners
✔️ Attorneys & legal professionals specializing in intellectual property
✔️ Brand managers & marketing professionals in the cannabis industry
✔️ Anyone interested in the future of cannabis branding & trademarks
Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights and stay ahead of the legal curve on cannabis trademark. Register now to ensure your cannabis business is legally protected and ready for growth.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out at firm@harris-sliwoski.com. We look forward to seeing you there!
