Legalizing cannabis Justin Trudeau’s biggest accomplishment as PM 🇨🇦

OH, CANADA
Legalizing cannabis was Trudeau’s biggest accomplishment as PM

What happened: Canada became the first major economy to federally legalize cannabis in 2018 under outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

According to a poll of 1,850 Canadians, legalization is the crowning achievement of Trudeau’s nearly ten years in office: Fifty-two percent say that legalization was his most successful policy, including a strong majority of Canadians between the ages of 18-34. 

See the full poll results. 

Why it matters: Canada’s cannabis industry has struggled for profitability over the intervening years. But that seems to be turning around, as Canadian companies like Aurora look to export markets.

Canadians, by and large, seem happy to be buying weed legally. The doom-and-gloom that some anti-legalization groups in the US predict would happen under federal legalization — like a massive uptick in teen use and violent crime — has not happened in Canada. That’s a strong signal. 

Canada shows the US that legalization is good policy, though much of the nuances rest in how the policies are implemented rather than the yes-or-no binary. 

Either way, coherent, top-down regulations led by the federal government are better for everyone: Consumers, the industry, and public health alike. 

Read more: Here’s a time capsule. I reported from Toronto in 2018 when legalization went into effect. It’s a fun read of how far we’ve come — and how far we still have to go. 

-JB

Kentucky strikes deal on THC beverages 🐎

Kentucky lawmakers struck a deal with businesses to allow Farm Bill-compliant hemp-derived THC beverages on store shelves, after attempting to pass legislation that would ban the nascent industry, reports WDRB. The new legislation would lift the temporary ban and cap beverages to 5% THC. 

Canada explores new CBD regulations 🇨🇦

Health Canada, a federal agency, is seeking public input on a proposed framework to allow certain cannabidiol (CBD) health products to be sold without a prescription, aiming to ensure these products are safe, effective, and of high quality. The consultation is open from March 7 to June 5, 2025, and feedback can be submitted online or via email. You can read the agency’s Discussion Paper here. 

House Committee will hear bill address illegal cannabis grows on federal land  👀

A new bill that would address the trash and pollution created by illegal cannabis grows on federal lands will have a hearing next Tuesday in the House Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on Federal Lands, Politico’s Natalie Fertig reports. 

Colorado bill would prevent those under 25 from purchasing high-potency cannabis 🤔

A new bill introduced in Colorado would prevent those under the age of 25 from purchasing cannabis with more than 10% THC. The bill, SB25-076, would color code cannabis products by THC potency, and dispensaries must explain the colors to consumers. The bill would also expand Colorado’s social equity program to help people start businesses of any type, not just cannabis. 

Georgia weighs three cannabis bills 🍑

The Georgia Senate recently passed three bills addressing marijuana regulation. Senate Bill 220 aims to expand medical marijuana access by increasing the allowable concentration of cannabidiol and adding qualifying conditions, while Senate Bills 33 and 254 seek to regulate the sale of intoxicating cannabinoids, including a ban on THC-infused beverages. The bills now go to the state’s House. Read more. 

Pardon attorney fired by Trump Admin 👎

Liz Oyer, a US Department of Justice attorney who was instrumental in the Biden Administration’s cannabis pardons, has been fired by the Trump Administration, she said on LinkedIn.

Blueberries Medical raises $1 million 🤝

Blueberries Medical Corp., a Latin American licensed producer of medicinal cannabis, has announced a non-brokered private placement of approximately 96 million common shares at $0.011 per share (CAD), aiming to raise around $1.05 million (CAD). The proceeds are intended to fund operational expansion and general corporate purposes, with significant participation from Terraflos Inc., led by Blueberries' CEO and Chairman, Facundo Garreton. 

Another CFO departs Trulieve 👀

Trulieve chief financial officer Wes Gutman departed the company on March 6 to “pursue other opportunities,” effective immediately, the company said. Gutman started on January 1 of last year and lasted a little more than a year on the job. He’ll be replaced on an interim basis by Ryan Blust, who has previously served in that role on an interim basis three times. Trulieve has churned through CFOs in past years — five people have served in the role since 2018 on both a full-time and interim basis. 

Cool job alert 🚨

Cannabis banking firm Shield Compliance (a Cultivated partner) is hiring a Seattle, Washington based Director of Operations for up to $120,000 per year. Check out the job description. 

Calif. judge hands major win to neighbors suing over 'sewer-like' pot smell | SF Gate 

Massachusetts cannabis industry struggles with diversity in senior leadership despite equity mandates | CommonWealth Beacon

Ohio divided over controversial changes to recreational marijuana | Local12

Chris McGuinn: Pennsylvania should not raise money on marijuana | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette