In the past 48 hours, the cannabis industry has faced major regulatory, market, and supply chain disruptions in both the U.S. and internationally. The U.S. Congress is advancing a spending bill that proposes a near-total ban on hemp-derived THC products by lowering the allowable THC limit to 0.4 milligrams. Industry sources report that this change could make about 99 percent of current hemp inventory illegal, threatening to effectively shut down the 28 billion dollar hemp sector. Store owners, growers, and medical cannabis patients are raising alarms about the potential impact, which could force closures and spark a supply chain crisis across states like Wisconsin and North Carolina.

At the state level, regulatory shifts continue to reshape markets. Florida lawmakers proposed a ban on public cannabis smoking, while momentum grows for a 2026 recreational legalization ballot initiative, evidenced by over 660 thousand signatures collected. In Ohio, lawmakers are reviewing intoxicating hemp rules and updating cannabis laws before Thanksgiving, with a recent survey showing 61 percent of residents view existing dispensaries as positive for the economy. Oklahoma's latest legalization bid failed due to stricter petition rules, deepening an ongoing decline in its medical marijuana market and signaling no immediate path to adult-use sales.

Meanwhile, in Michigan, voters rejected further expansion of cannabis dispensaries and approved a nine-location cap, even as state lawmakers imposed a new 24 percent cannabis wholesale tax. Current dispensary owners are suing to protect their businesses as competition intensifies. On the product front, RXD Co announced a strategic partnership with Chubby Gorilla to supply premium packaging to cannabis brands of all sizes. This move aims to help operators differentiate and protect product quality, providing better access to high-end packaging for smaller businesses.

Internationally, Cresco Labs launched its flagship flower brand in Germany, signaling ongoing expansion into Europe amid evolving regulations. Canadian officials reported new efforts to restrict youth marijuana use and shrink the illicit market.

Industry leaders are responding by seeking new partnerships, emphasizing quality, and lobbying lawmakers for clarity and compromise. Compared to previous weeks, uncertainty around regulatory definitions—especially for hemp products—is at a peak, with immediate risk to inventory, pricing, and consumer access. The latest deals, tax hikes, and ballot initiatives reflect an industry preparing for dramatic change, with both opportunity and risk intensifying across every link in the supply chain.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI