News Roundup 4-17-2025

Alcohol retailers want to be in charge of marijuana sales

🔗 MSN

Alcohol industry groups, including the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, are advocating for marijuana sales to be regulated similarly to alcohol. These organizations argue that their existing infrastructure and compliance expertise make them well-positioned to manage cannabis distribution. The proposal aims to integrate cannabis into current alcohol retail and wholesale frameworks. No legislation has yet been passed reflecting this model.

Tilray Brands Ranks #4 on the Brewers Association List of Top-Producing Craft Brewers in the United States

🔗 GlobeNewswire

Tilray Brands has secured the #4 spot on the Brewers Association’s list of top U.S. craft brewers by production volume. The ranking reflects Tilray’s acquisitions of multiple beverage companies, including SweetWater Brewing Company and Montauk Brewing. Tilray is the only cannabis-connected business on the list. The company continues expanding its non-THC beverage footprint alongside its cannabis operations.

California Seizes $312M in Illegal Cannabis in Past Year

🔗 Hemp Gazette

The California Department of Cannabis Control reported seizing over $312 million worth of illicit cannabis products over the past year. This included more than 144,000 pounds of unregulated product and over 100 search warrants executed. Enforcement took place across 16 counties and targeted illegal grows, processing sites, and unlicensed sales. The agency says it’s increasing enforcement activity to support legal operators.

Cannabis Market Prioritizes Child-Resistant Packaging

🔗 Packaging Digest

Child-resistant packaging remains a core requirement in the cannabis industry, with ongoing innovation focused on balancing compliance and consumer convenience. Brands are exploring more sustainable and intuitive designs to reduce environmental impact while meeting legal standards. Industry experts cite packaging as a critical piece of product trust and safety. Regulatory differences across states continue to shape packaging solutions.

New Abacus Data Poll Reveals That Most Canadians See Cannabis as a Key Pillar

🔗 Quantisnow

A recent Abacus Data poll found that the majority of Canadians view cannabis as a permanent part of the national economy. Over half support treating cannabis similarly to alcohol or tobacco in terms of regulation. Public perception remains favorable more than five years after legalization. The data also shows consistent support across age groups and political lines.

Florida House Panel OKs Tax on All Hemp-Derived THC Products

🔗 Florida Phoenix

A Florida House panel has approved a bill to impose a tax on all hemp-derived THC products, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 items. The proposed tax would contribute funding to substance abuse prevention and enforcement programs. Small business owners expressed concern over potential economic harm. The bill still needs to pass the full House and Senate before becoming law.

Daily Cannabis Use Levels Off in 2025, but Millennials and Edibles Hold Strong

🔗 CivicScience

New survey data from CivicScience shows that daily cannabis use has plateaued in 2025. However, Millennials remain the most active age group, with strong interest in edibles and non-smokable formats. The study highlights a generational shift in preferences and behaviors. Overall, the cannabis user base remains stable with nuanced changes by category.

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