💸 The Tape

A Florida House committee on Tuesday took a small but meaningful step toward easing access to medical cannabis for military veterans, unanimously advancing HB 555, a bill that would waive registration fees for veterans seeking medical marijuana cards.

The 21-0 vote in the House Health and Human Services Committee reflects rare bipartisan agreement on cannabis policy—even as broader, more controversial reforms continue to divide lawmakers across the state.

Sponsored by Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola), the bill would also extend the renewal cycle for all patients from annually to every two years. While originally introduced as a more expansive reform package—including out-of-state patient reciprocity and home cultivation—the measure was scaled back significantly earlier this month.

If enacted, the new provisions would take effect July 1, 2025.

Advocacy groups cautiously praised the bill. Melissa Villar of Tallahassee NORML urged lawmakers to broaden the exemption to include low-income and disabled patients, noting that Florida has long been one of the costliest states for accessing medical cannabis.

A Tumultuous Time for Florida Cannabis and Psychedelics

The vote comes as Florida’s drug policy landscape grows increasingly complex. Lawmakers are simultaneously debating sweeping restrictions on hemp-derived THC products, a ban on psilocybin mushroom spores, and eyeing a revived legalization ballot campaign for 2026.

• The Senate recently passed a bill limiting hemp beverages to 5mg of THC per container, banning synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, and restricting sales to liquor-licensed retailers—a move backed by alcohol industry lobbyists.

• Separate legislation would criminalize the possession or distribution of psychedelic mushroom spores, classifying violations as first-degree misdemeanors.

Meanwhile, Trulieve’s lawsuit against the state GOP—claiming the party’s opposition campaign to the 2024 legalization ballot was “intentionally deceptive”—was dismissed by a state judge.

Public Opinion Remains Strong

Despite political resistance, Florida voters continue to show strong support for adult-use legalization. A recent University of North Florida poll showed 67% approval, including majority support among Democrats (82%), independents (66%), and even Republicans (55%).

Still, Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said the revamped 2026 initiative is in “big time trouble” with the Florida Supreme Court, casting doubt on whether the measure will even make the ballot.

For now, veterans are one step closer to easier access—but Florida’s broader cannabis policy war is far from over.

📈 Dog Walkers.

Rubicon Announces A Raise To Run Faster

What’s Going On Here: Rubicon Organics (TSXV: ROMJ | OTCQX: ROMJF) has announced a non-brokered private placement of up to 6.82 million units for gross proceeds of up to $3 million. Each unit includes one common share and a half warrant, with full warrants exercisable at $0.70 for 24 months. If shares trade at $1.00+ for 20 straight days, Rubicon may accelerate the expiry of the warrants.

Board members have committed over $1.25 million to the raise. Proceeds will support start-up costs for the Hope, BC facility, pre-roll automation, capital investments, and working capital. The offering, available under Canada’s listed issuer financing exemption, is expected to close by April 28, 2025, pending regulatory approval.

CEO Margaret Brodie says the raise will help Rubicon capitalize on Canada's emerging shortage of quality cannabis.

Why This Matters: It’s a smart move to tap the capital markets to raise a little bit of cash to get into growth mode quicker than recently planned.

Fluent Launches The MOODS Brand

Whats Going On Here: FLUENT Corp. (CSE: FNT.U | OTCQB: CNTMF) has launched MOODS Black, a premium extension of its popular MOODS vape line. Debuting in Florida, MOODS Black features high-potency, cannabis-derived oil in an ultra-compact, USB-C rechargeable 1g all-in-one device designed for flavor, performance, and portability.

Available now in all 35 FLUENT dispensaries across Florida and select New York locations, MOODS Black delivers true-to-the-plant experiences tailored to match a variety of moods—from chill to creative.

CEO Robert Beasley announced that FLUENT’s existing Black Line products will transition into the MOODS Black brand by year-end, streamlining its vape and tincture offerings under one unified, elevated label.

Why This Matters: Looks intersting but not really interested in anything other than live rosin vapes moving forward for a “premium experience”.

🗞️ The News

📺 YouTube

Cannabis Industry Isn’t Collapsing - It’s Maturing | Trade to Black

What we will cover:

✅Host Shadd Dales breaks down a growing misconception echoing across headlines — that the cannabis industry is collapsing. But that narrative couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality? The cannabis economy is maturing.

While some cannabis stocks are trading lower and businesses are closing, this isn’t a freefall — it’s a market correction. The industry is filtering out weak operators and elevating those with real performance, strong fundamentals, and smart capital strategies.

Since the 2020 boom, the cannabis space has evolved from a hype-driven market into a more disciplined ecosystem. Operators now face tighter capital, more complex regulation, and investor expectations rooted in EBITDA, not just potential.

As federal reform lingers and macro pressures persist, savvy players are adapting. And for investors? There’s opportunity — but only for those tracking the right cannabis trends, business fundamentals, and leadership discipline.

Because this isn’t the end. It’s just the next chapter in marijuana, CBD, and cannabis investment growth.