Cannabis Briefs for April 1, 2025
April 1, 2025•Trulieve has announced a retail expansion for hemp-derived THC cocktail brand Onward, with the brand now available in ABC Fine Wine & Spirits locations across Florida. The relatively new brand from Trulieve comes in Blueberry Mojito, Italian Spritz, Passionfruit Martini, Peach Bellini, and Sea Salt Margarita, in doses of 3mg, 5mg, and 10mg, depending on the flavor. From the beginning, Trulieve has taken aim at chain retail, with Total Wine locations in Florida also stocking Onward. In addition to chain and independent retail, the brand is available for DTC shipping.
•Florida’s state Senate is set to vote on a new bill restricting hemp-derived THC sales in the Sunshine state. The bill, SB438, was introduced by Republican Colleen Burton and Democrat Tracie Davis, and would ban synthetic cannabinoids (including delta-8 THC) as well as limit the potency of products sold. Under the bill, hemp-derived products would be limited to 5mg of THC per serving and 50mg per container, with drinks entirely restricted to a 5mg maximum, regardless of the number of servings. Despite widespread support in the Senate, the bill’s path to becoming law is uncertain. At this time, the state’s House has not scheduled a hearing to consider the corresponding legislation. Even if the state legislature passes bills, Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed similar legislation as recently as last year.
•Canadian cannabis firm SNDL has taken a 5.4% stake in High Tide, one of Canada’s leading cannabis companies. The announcement follows a strong Q1 for High Tide, with the company recently reporting revenue of C$143 million ($100m) for its fiscal first quarter ended in January, an 11% jump year-over-year and a 3% sequential gain. The investment gives SNDL a stake in High Tide’s CannaCabana, the largest chain of cannabis retailers in Canada. On its own, SNDL owns the Spiritleaf, Value Buds, and Superette chains of cannabis retailers, as well as a variety of Canadian cannabis brands.
•Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has vetoed another bill to establish a retail framework for Virginia’s adult-use cannabis market. The governor cited concerns about public safety, mental health, and underage sales, echoing his reasoning for vetoing a similar bill last year. With his veto, Virginia remains the only state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use cannabis without creating a legal sales framework. Lawmakers have tried unsuccessfully since 2021 to bring a regulated cannabis market online.
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