CannabisLink.ca - Top Stories

Top Stories (2026) - (1749 items)

(All links open in new tab)

Oct 24, 2026	Magistrate warns cannabis still illegal Magistrate Jared Richards warned that cannabis remains illegal in Barbados as he placed 25-year-old Kemar Aykeem Bruce on a three-month bond to keep the peace for drug offences. Placing him on the bond for the offence of intending to supply, Magistrate Richards said: “You must understand that marijuana is still illegal, but the law reflects that if you have 14 grammes or less, you will get a ticket and pay a fine rather than be brought to court. So put it in your mind that it is still illegal even though I find some persons are believing now that it isn’t, but it is and that is how you ended up here.”
Oct 24, 2026	DEA Judge Denies Marijuana Rescheduling Opponents’ Request To Reopen Hearing For More Testimony, But Allows New Briefs A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) judge has rejected marijuana rescheduling opponents’ request to reopen an ongoing hearing on the Trump administration’s proposed reform for a new round of testimony and document discovery—but he is allowing a federal watchdog report that found there are “gaps” in the government’s process for evaluating controlled substances to be entered into the record and is inviting parties to submit additional briefs about it.
Oct 22, 2026	Hemp: The Council of the EU Takes a Stand on New Production and Marketing Rules The Council of the European Union has agreed on a negotiating position that could redefine the legal framework for industrial hemp at the European level. Whether it involves recognizing more parts of the cannabis plant Whether it is treating cannabis as an agricultural product or harmonizing THC requirements, the proposed changes represent a significant step forward for the sector, without, however, eliminating current national restrictions and regulatory uncertainty.
Oct 22, 2026	Poll: 78% of Cannabis Consumers Base Their Votes on Candidates’ Cannabis Policy Nearly 80% of cannabis consumers say that a candidate’s view on cannabis policy will determine whether they will vote for them during November’s midterm elections, according to a poll released Tuesday by NuggMD at the request of NORML. Forty-one percent of respondents said a candidate’s views on cannabis would “significantly” influence their decision to vote for them in November, while 37% said a candidate’s views on cannabis would “somewhat” influence their decision. Twenty-two percent of those polled said that a candidate’s views on cannabis would not influence their decision at all.
Oct 22, 2026	Puff, puff, don’t pass? Study says frequent weed users share less Cannabis has long been a communal experience, with ‘puff, puff, pass’ serving as an unofficial mantra. But a recent study suggests some consumers may be more inclined to bogart their bud. The research, published in the journal Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, found that college students who use cannabis frequently were less likely to share a hypothetical stash and more prone to solitary consumption.
Oct 22, 2026	Marijuana use rises sharply among one group of Americans, new study finds A growing number of American parents are using cannabis, prompting questions about potential child exposure and safety, according to a new study. Cannabis use increased substantially among parents between 2012 and 2024, with researchers estimating that at least 5.9 million U.S. children were living with a parent who used marijuana on most days in 2024. By 2024, 8% of parents used cannabis on most days, 5.2% used it daily and 6.7% met the criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD).
Oct 21, 2026	Lots of People Turn to Marijuana to Quit Cigarette Smoking, VA Study Finds A new study has found that cannabis is nearly as common as prescription medication among people seeking help to stop smoking cigarettes. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, New York University, the San Francisco VA Health Care System, and the University of California examined survey responses from 2,804 adults who either used nicotine e-cigarettes, smoked cigarettes, or did both.
Oct 21, 2026	Patients waiting indefinitely for medicine two years after Nebraskans approved medical cannabis Voters approved two measures. The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act allows medical patients to possess up to 5 ounces of cannabis with the recommendation of a healthcare practitioner. The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act created the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to govern the state’s program.
Oct 21, 2026	This Cannabis Stock Jumped 12% in a Day: The Math Says Be Careful Record revenue can make a struggling stock look ready for a comeback. The important question is what remains after the business pays its costs and funds the investment needed to keep operating. Tilray Brands (TSX: TLRY) reported record first-quarter revenue on October 8. The business expanded beyond cannabis into beverages and distribution. That makes the headline growth interesting, but the cash figures give investors a much more cautious conclusion.
Oct 21, 2026	A brewing inflation tale: Beer prices soar in Ontario, while the cost of cannabis stays low As the cost of cracking open a beer climbs in Ontario, cannabis users have seen smaller price increases over the past year. The price of beer in Ontario rose 10.2 per cent in August 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, according to a Capital Current’s analysis of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index. Recreational cannabis prices, however, only increased 1.6 per cent in the same period, Capital Current found. The small increase in cannabis prices follows yearly declines. When these trends are compared to nation-wide data, the numbers tell a similar story, with beer purchased from stores increasing by 4.7 per cent and recreational cannabis prices decreasing one per cent.
Oct 21, 2026	Germany’s Hemp Intoxication Clause Creates Unnecessary Risk For Farmers Germany is on a short list of countries that have adopted a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. Starting on April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate, possess, and consume personal amounts of cannabis. Those adult consumers’ recreational cannabis does not have a THC content limit. With that in mind, it is illogical for Germany’s government to continue to cling to its arbitrary low-THC limit for industrial hemp. Germany has permitted industrial hemp cultivation since 1996. The THC threshold for industrial hemp in Germany is 0.3%.
Oct 21, 2026	Study suggests price is the deciding factor in where cannabis users shop Legal marijuana is now a multibillion-dollar business across the U.S., but the illicit market remains a major competitor to dispensaries in many places. According to new research out of Missouri, 93% of reported cannabis spending in the state went through the regulated market But among those who still bought from illicit sellers, 62% said lower prices were the main reason.
Oct 21, 2026	Ontario proposes tougher crackdown on illegal cannabis sales The Ontario government is proposing tougher enforcement measures to crack down on illegal cannabis sales and protect consumers. The planned changes would give the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario new powers to inspect unauthorized storefronts and online retailers, seize illegal products and equipment, and issue monetary penalties.
Oct 21, 2026	Spain’s Medical Cannabis Framework Finally Reaches Patients, But Rollout is ‘Not the Finish Line’ Spain’s medical cannabis framework will finally start reaching patients over the coming days and weeks, marking a significant milestone in a four-year battle for access. In June 2022, we reported that ‘the regulation and distribution of medical cannabis’ could be rolled out in Spain ‘by the end of the year’, following a knife-edge vote to push through proposals for a framework. Now, more than four years later, and over a year since the Royal Decree 903/2025 came into force, the first (and only) two preparations will be delivered to around 50 public and private hospitals this week, with a broader national rollout expected by the end of October 2026.
Oct 21, 2026	Canadian Cannabis Suppliers Adapt to Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty For Canadian companies supplying the cannabis industry, the effects of current US/Canada trade tensions begin well before products reach a dispensary shelf. Packaging materials and production equipment regularly move through cross-border supply chains, bringing tariffs into purchasing decisions on both sides of the border.
Oct 20, 2026	Recent Studies Debunk Anti-Cannabis Industry Talking Points A trio of recent studies provides evidence that directly contradicts major talking points that are often used by special interests opposed to the legal cannabis industry. The first pertains to crime, the second to youth cannabis consumption, and the third to motor vehicle safety. Cannabis industry opponents frequently make the claim that if legal cannabis sales are permitted, a spike in crime will occur in the area surrounding where legal sales are allowed. A researcher at Brock University examined crime data in Toronto and Ottawa, where adult-use cannabis sales are legal. His findings were published in The International Journal of Drug Policy.
Oct 20, 2026	Trump losing ground with cannabis consumers ahead of midterms Cannabis consumers are increasingly dissatisfied with the Trump administration’s handling of marijuana policy. A recent poll shows major declines among the demographic, as advocates continue to wait for broader reform and a hemp ban looms. The survey from NuggMD and Marijuana Moment revealed that 29 percent of cannabis consumers either approve or strongly approve of the administration’s actions on the plant. That’s a major drop from the July quarterly poll, when support was 48 percent.
Oct 20, 2026	Opening Legal Marijuana Dispensaries Provides An Economic Boost For Nearby Businesses, Study Shows The opening of recreational marijuana dispensaries can help boost nearby businesses by increasing foot traffic, purchases and revenue, according to a new study. Researchers from the City University of New York, Northern Illinois University and University of Miami examined cannabis market growth, credit and debit card purchases and socioeconomic and demographic data in Illinois from 2021 through 2024, finding that “recreational dispensary openings increase the number of customers at nearby establishments by approximately 6.82%, transactions by 8.01%, and revenue by 7.47%.”
Oct 19, 2026	Study Finds THC-Rich Marijuana Extracts Trigger Leukemia Cell Death and Immune-Response Signals THC-rich marijuana extracts triggered programmed cell death in leukemia cells while activating biological signals associated with immune recognition of cancer, according to new research accepted for publication in Frontiers in Immunology. The study, conducted by researchers affiliated with the Juan N. Corpas University Foundation in Bogotá, Colombia, examined how marijuana extracts with different THC and CBD concentrations affected two human leukemia cell lines and the activity of immune cells known as macrophages.
Oct 19, 2026	Legal Retailers Welcome Ontario’s Plan to Target Illegal Cannabis Shops The Ontario government says it plans to strengthen enforcement against illegal cannabis sales in the province. The proposed changes will be part of an upcoming legislative package. They would give the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) new tools to address unauthorized cannabis storefronts and unlawful online retail operations, including the authority to conduct inspections, seize illegal cannabis products and equipment, and issue administrative monetary penalties.
Oct 19, 2026	NORML Files Amicus Brief in Case Over Enforceability of Cannabis-Related Contracts Members of the NORML Legal Committee – led by attorney William Swor of Detroit, Michigan – have filed a friend-of-the-court (amicus) brief urging the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit to reconsider its decision that cannabis industry contracts are not enforceable as long as marijuana is federally prohibited. Specifically, the Appeals Court ruled in September that federal courts cannot award breach-of-contract damages in situations that enforce an agreement specific to conduct that is prohibited by the US Controlled Substances Act.
Oct 19, 2026	European Cannabis at the Crossroads: Regulation Across Borders The 2026 report from the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) highlights that cannabis policies in Europe are evolving at varying rates and in different directions. Germany, Malta and Spain have established different frameworks for adult-use cannabis; Luxembourg and Czechia have introduced limited home cultivation, while the Netherlands is testing regulated cannabis supply. At the same time, other countries maintain much more restrictive approaches.
Oct 19, 2026	Here’s the Hands-Down Best Cannabis Stock for Dividend Investors Many income investors wouldn't go near a pot stock with a 10-foot pole -- and for good reason. For one thing, most cannabis stocks don't pay dividends. The ones that do operate in a highly volatile industry. However, it's important to remember the adage "don't throw the baby out with the bath water." Sure, most cannabis stocks aren't good picks if you're seeking reliable income. There's one, though, that I think is hands-down the best cannabis stock for dividend investors. If you want cannabis exposure without cannabis-company risk, along with an exceptionally juicy yield, check out Innovative Industrial Properties 9.00% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (NYSE: IIPR-PA).
Oct 19, 2026	Curaleaf Continues Fight After Raising Takeover Bid for Aurora Cannabis Curaleaf today responded to Aurora Cannabis recommending that its shareholders reject Curaleaf's increased takeover proposal, extending the companies' public battle over a potential deal. "Aurora's Board has a fiduciary duty to shareholders, which requires it not to take illogical steps to keep the highest bidder out of the room. The board has locked out Curaleaf while granting diligence access to unnamed parties and cites selective sources to support its agenda. None of that reflects a board acting in the company's or shareholders' best interests. Shareholders deserve the facts, and the facts favor engagement, not obstruction," said Curaleaf CEO Boris Jordan in a statement.
Oct 19, 2026	Devils on the loose: The deadly cost of Kanehsatà:ke’s cannabis boom The cannabis industry is booming here and it has transformed the community into a volatile battleground. What started with a single unlicensed shop in 2018 has exploded into roughly 30 dispensaries, including megastores and casinos lining the main thoroughfare. Some play loud music all day, light up the night sky with neon and attract massive crowds. Even rapper Snoop Dogg performed here two years ago.
Oct 19, 2026	Cannabis is getting stronger, but doubling THC dose doesn’t get you twice as ‘high’ – new study Cannabis products are getting more potent and easier to buy around the world. Yet little is known about how bigger doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient in cannabis, change what people feel. Our new research found that larger doses generally make people feel more high, but not in a straight line. Doubling the dose does not double the feeling of intoxication.
Oct 19, 2026	Bolsonaro vs. Lula: Brazil’s Runoff Could Decide Who Profits From Cannabis in a Country of 200 Million Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, edged Lula in the first round and has named a cannabis executive as his pick for health minister. With the October 25 runoff days away, Brazil’s patient associations fear a market built for corporations, while investors see an opening in Latin America’s biggest economy.
Oct 19, 2026	Uganda’s new hemp and medical cannabis cooperative aims to organize farmers, investors A newly established cooperative in Uganda is seeking to organize farmers and attract investment in industrial hemp and medical cannabis. The Uganda Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Cooperative Society (UMCHICS) is intended to connect licensed producers, investors and government institutions while establishing standards for product quality, traceability and regulatory compliance. At a meeting in Kampala in early October, government officials acknowledged the economic potential of the two crops while warning that licensed operators face penalties for diverting cannabis into illegal markets.
Oct 19, 2026	What Canada’s Cannabis Shelves Teach About Grading Every maturing market ends up with a cheap tier and a premium tier. The hard part is proving the premium tier deserves its price. Canada’s legal cannabis market offers an unusual case, because its top grades have no official standard behind them. In Canada, legal since 2018, adults can buy top shelf bud from curated craft ranges that sellers rank above everyday stock. This is information, not an invitation to buy, and the legal age is 19 in most provinces, 18 in Alberta and 21 in Quebec. These sellers ship within Canada only, so readers in Nigeria and across Africa cannot order. Cannabis also remains illegal in Nigeria, and rules differ from country to country. Treat this as a business case for adult readers, not health guidance.
Oct 19, 2026	Cannabis formulation reduces morphine use by nearly half in clinical trial A cannabis-based medicine significantly reduced morphine use among hospital patients with severe nerve-related pain, according to the results of a new clinical trial. The study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, found that patients given a higher dose of cannabis used 47.6% less morphine over 24 hours than those given a placebo. Despite receiving considerably less morphine, patients in the cannabinoid group did not report significantly higher pain levels, suggesting that cannabis-based medicines could potentially reduce the amount of opioid medication required to manage acute pain.
Oct 19, 2026	Do THC And CBD Degrade Over Time At Room Temperature? “To maximize cannabinoid shelf-life and prevent degradation, storage temperatures must match product composition. While CBD-dominant products can tolerate room-temperature storage, THC-rich products require cold chain management, ideally stored in a freezer at -20°C for optimal long-term potency.” the researchers concluded.
Oct 19, 2026	Morocco's exports of legal cannabis have expanded to 15 countries Morocco's legal cannabis industry is expanding its international presence, with cannabis resin exports now reaching 15 countries, including France, Switzerland, Portugal, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Australia, and South Africa. As the kingdom seeks to establish itself in the global market for cannabis-derived products, its 2026 harvest comes amid stricter regulatory controls as well as a commitment to protecting the identity of its cannabis abroad.
Oct 18, 2026	Why Is Marijuana Regulated More Strictly Than Alcohol, Even Though It Is Safer To Use? (Op-Ed) I read the commentary piece by Robert Mellion, executive director of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, with great bemusement. He argues that oversight of the state’s cannabis sector has been lax and that it should be regulated like alcohol. I think he has it backwards in two fundamental ways. First, alcohol is a much more deadly intoxicant than cannabis. Full stop. It’s worth wondering out loud whether alcohol and cannabis should have the same regulatory regime. Under the existing legal cannabis industry, there have been zero reported deaths from legal cannabis use. The same is not true of alcohol use. Second, cannabis is regulated more comprehensively than virtually any other retail product sold in Massachusetts.
Oct 17, 2026	First cannabis market study in Missouri finds that legal sales are thriving The first state-funded study since cannabis was legalized for recreational use in November 2022 found that Missouri’s regulated market has captured 93% of all marijuana transactions, and sales are evenly distributed across the state. The study also found that most consumers purchase flower or “weed” rather than alternatives, and monthly expenditures among all cannabis products averages $161.18 per consumer. Their purchasing decisions are largely driven by price, convenience and strength of the psychoactive substance THC, according to the study results. Overall, the study concluded that the cannabis market is stable and consumers are satisfied with the legal supply available in the state.
Oct 17, 2026	The first plant-based medical THC spray arrives in the United Kingdom The Irish pharmaceutical laboratory Dunbar Pharma launches the country's first plant-based THC mouth spray. Made by its British partner IPS Pharma, this new formulation offers an additional administration option to medical specialists, just two months after the launch of THC capsules by the two companies.
Oct 17, 2026	Moroccan tycoon Lamia Tazi's Sothema wins approval for three cannabis epilepsy drugs Moroccan pharmaceutical tycoon Lamia Tazi's Sothema, the Casablanca-listed drugmaker controlled by the Tazi and Berrada families, has won marketing authorisations for three cannabis-based medicines to treat epilepsy, its first approvals in the medical cannabis business it has been building for the past several years. The drugs were developed with the Fondation Mohammed VI des Sciences et de la Santé, a Moroccan health and research foundation. None of them is on sale in Morocco yet. Sothema has not disclosed their brand names, formulations, prices or launch dates, or whether the national health insurance scheme will reimburse them.
Oct 17, 2026	OPINION: Canada’s legal cannabis system has an access problem hiding in plain sight Eight years after cannabis legalization, Canadians seeking CBD for health-related reasons are still caught between two systems that weren’t built for them. In the recreational market, non-intoxicating products and the people looking for them have been squeezed to the margins of a retail system that rewards high THC and fast sales. Shelf space goes to what moves: an August 2026 review of Ontario’s cannabis catalogue found that just 1.2% of listings were THC-free. OCS data also shows that roughly 80% of new listings are phased out within a year.
Oct 17, 2026	Medical Cannabis in Germany: THC Prices Vary by a Factor of 12 The price of medical cannabis in Germany varies considerably depending on the formulation: one milligram of THC can cost between €0.12 and €1.40. A new comparative study conducted by the Working Group on Medical Cannabis (Working Group on Cannabis as Medicine – ACM) highlights substantial differences between approved drugs, cannabis extracts, and compounding preparations.
Oct 16, 2026	Eight Years of Legalization: Canada’s Abandoned Cannabis Policy and Unfinished Industry The federal government has abandoned cannabis. Not only the industry, but the policy itself. In the lead-up to legalization on October 17, 2018, there was enormous political will and momentum to approach legalization through a public-health lens. But almost immediately after the law took effect, that momentum quickly began to wither.
Oct 16, 2026	Why Cannabis Stocks Are Looking Dirt Cheap What does cannabis have to do with disruptive technology investing? Many people ask that question when they see we cover cannabis alongside more than 50 disruptive technology themes. Cannabis is neither a technology nor disruptive, though some might argue it disrupts those who consume too much of it. The backstory behind why we cover cannabis is worth telling because it surrounded the biggest hype cycle we’ve ever seen.
Oct 16, 2026	The Status of Federal Cannabis Rescheduling On December 18, 2025 President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to begin expediting the process of rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.[1] This decision follows years of federal review and empty promises from multiple administrations as medical and retail sales of marijuana have expanded to 40 states and the District of Columbia. Updates since Trump’s announcement have been sparse.
Oct 16, 2026	Most Pre-Rolls Suck. Josh Kesselman Thinks He Found the Fix, and He Wants the Industry to Copy Him. Three people who judge cannabis for a living were asked separately what’s wrong with the pre-roll aisle. None knew what the others had said. They landed in almost exactly the same place. Then one of them built a fix and published it so his competitors could steal it.
Oct 16, 2026	Kentucky Now Has Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Open In Every Region Of The State, Governor Announces The governor of Kentucky announced on Friday that medical marijuana dispensaries are now open across all 11 licensing regions of the state following the opening of Sunnyside Dispensary in Floyd County this week. “Kentuckians suffering from PTSD, cancer, terminal illnesses, sickle cell anemia and more deserve a safe, non-addictive option for relief, and medical cannabis provides that,” Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said.
Oct 16, 2026	Morocco revokes 1,490 cannabis licenses amid 2026 harvest and European market push Morocco's National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities has revoked 1,490 licenses tied to the country's legal cannabis sector for noncompliance with applicable procedures and regulations, as the 2026 harvest moves forward across the country's three regulated provinces. Of the total licenses withdrawn, nearly 1,300 belonged to cannabis growers and 190 to other operators across the supply chain. The 190 non-grower licenses cover seed imports (60), processing and manufacturing (45), marketing (35), exports (31), seed exports (12) and transportation (7).
Oct 15, 2026	Cannabis and Health: How Cannabinoids Affect the Human Body Introduction Researchers are increasingly exploring cannabinoids as bioactive dietary compounds with potential applications in nutrition and health. As research into hemp-derived ingredients expands, scientists are investigating how non-intoxicating cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other signaling pathways to influence metabolism, inflammation, and disease.2,3
Oct 15, 2026	France already has 3,000 cannabis retail outlets. None of them are legal. France has thousands of drug dealing spots, five million annual cannabis users, and a market worth several billion euros. Yet the sale of cannabis to adults remains illegal. This paradox is reflected in the official figures. According to the Mapping of the Drug Trade in France in 2024 According to government data, there were approximately 3,000 points of sale across the country. This figure includes all types of narcotics, not just cannabis, but it gives an idea of the scale of the distribution networks.
Oct 15, 2026	Chile’s Cannabis Social Clubs Are Booming In A Legal Gray Area Cannabis social clubs are taking off across Chile, yet they continue to operate in a precarious legal gray area that leaves their future hanging in the balance. Over the past decade, the number of registered cannabis social clubs shot up to at least 294 by late 2024, spread across all 16 regions of the South American country, according to a study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in September. Although 67.3% of these clubs are concentrated in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, 2024 alone saw a record 71 new registrations nationwide—most of them in Santiago and Las Condes.
Oct 15, 2026	Competing Canadian Trademark Filings Spark Brand Name Dispute Over Cannabis Products Sidekick Analytics, an independent cannabis product developer and brand owner based in Ontario, is involved in a priority battle with multinational consumer packaged goods company Tilray Brands Inc. over conflicting claims to the PORTALS brand name. Dan Black launched the PORTALS brand under Sidekick Analytics and managed its formulation, compliance, packaging, and sales. By 2023, PORTALS-branded products, including tablets and edibles, were sold commercially in Ontario, BC, and Alberta, generating what he says was nearly $3 million in retail sales.
Oct 15, 2026	Marijuana Is A Popular Tool For People Trying To Quit Smoking Cigarettes, Rivaling Prescription Nicotine Cessation Medications, Study Shows Almost as many people are using marijuana to help them quit smoking cigarettes as are using prescription nicotine cessation aids, according to a new study conducted by officials with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other institutions. The research, however, raises questions about potential side effects experienced by people who are using cannabis to quit tobacco products.
Oct 15, 2026	Nearly one-third of cannabis consumers say they have completely cut out alcohol Nearly one-third of cannabis consumers say they have completely replaced alcohol with cannabis, while almost two-thirds report drinking less as a result of their cannabis use, according to a new survey conducted in the United States. The poll was conducted as part of Sober October, an annual initiative encouraging people to abstain from alcohol for a month, by medical cannabis telehealth company NuggMD. Over 1000 cannabis consumers were polled between 24 and 26 September 2026.

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35