💸 High Impact

Judgement Day Is Here For Hemp

California Governor Gavin Newsom just sent a shockwave through the hemp industry by unveiling new emergency regulations that target hemp products containing any detectable amount of THC. That’s right—no matter how minuscule the amount of THC, if it’s there, it’s out. Newsom’s move follows concerns that intoxicating hemp-derived products, like Delta-8 THC, are slipping through regulatory cracks and landing in places like convenience stores and gas stations, where they’re easily accessible to minors.

The governor’s rationale? Protecting public health, particularly from unregulated, intoxicating products that might mimic legal cannabis but without the stringent oversight. It’s a stance that’s likely to win points with parents and healthcare advocates, but hemp producers are understandably in panic mode. This broad-brush approach risks taking down the entire CBD market with it, potentially removing safe, federally legal CBD products that many consumers rely on for non-psychoactive benefits.

So, what's behind all the drama? Well, this isn’t Newsom’s first go at trying to tighten the reins on the hemp market. Last year, a bill with similar intentions made its way to his desk but fell flat before the finish line. Now, with emergency powers in hand, Newsom is pushing these new rules forward with urgency. Essentially, it’s the regulatory version of saying, "We’re not waiting for the red tape to clear—let's act now!"

But, of course, this move has sparked pushback from several industry insiders. The core argument? Why throw out the baby with the bathwater? By banning any trace amounts of THC, these rules could inadvertently shut down the sale of federally legal CBD products that contain only trace, non-intoxicating levels of THC, well below the federal 0.3% threshold.

The key issue here is balance: how to protect the public from unregulated and potentially dangerous products while allowing legitimate, safe, non-intoxicating CBD products to remain on the market. Whether or not this balance is achieved, one thing’s for sure—this is going to be a major shake-up for the hemp industry in California.

The big question now is whether the industry will rally to challenge the regulations or adapt to this new normal. Either way, Newsom’s move is a wake-up call for the industry to take regulation seriously—or face some harsh consequences.

📈 Dog Walkers

Trulieve to Dispensary in Clearwater, Florida

Trulieve’s newest dispensary in Clearwater is kicking off with a grand opening celebration that’s sure to turn some heads. Starting at 9 a.m., expect music, discounts, and the opportunity to learn about Florida’s upcoming #YesOn3 adult-use cannabis initiative. Trulieve’s CEO, Kim Rivers, calls it another step in enhancing lives through cannabis. With a location on Roosevelt Boulevard and US-19, plus an expansive product lineup from top brands like Alien Labs and Khalifa Kush, this central Pinellas County spot is primed to become a local go-to for all things cannabis.

Lykos Has Major Shake Up

Lykos Therapeutics just shuffled the C-suite deck, announcing the appointment of Michael Mullette as Interim CEO and Dr. David Hough as Chief Medical Officer. Mullette, with a history of navigating biotech, will be steering the ship during this pivotal phase. Meanwhile, Dr. Hough, with deep expertise in neuropsychiatric drug development, steps in to oversee the company's medical strategies. Together, they're set to guide Lykos through its next chapter, aiming to accelerate clinical milestones. It’s a power play in biopharma leadership.

🗞️ The News

Lykos Therapeutics Announces Appointments of Michael Mullette as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Dr. David Hough as Chief Medical Officer

Democrat Silence Following Trump’s Cannabis Post On Truth Social

High Tide Expands to 183 Cannabis Dispensaries in Canada

Hemp And Marijuana Companies Must Stop Feuding And Unite For Regulations Instead Of Bans Like California’s New Move (Op-Ed)

Indian Tribe Begins First Recreational Marijuana Sales To Adults In North Carolina, Where Cannabis Remains Illegal

Marijuana Legalization Is A ‘Significant Threat’ To Alcohol Industry Because People Substitute Cannabis For Beer And Wine, Analysis Finds

📺 YouTube

Would We Buy These Five Stocks? | TDR Small Cap Sunday

What we covered:

✅ This week, we’re diving into five small-cap stocks you’ll want on your radar. One of them even produces content for Netflix—so the big question is: should you pick the content creator over Netflix itself?

We’ll break down which of these stocks are worth your hard-earned cash and which are traps waiting to snap shut. Spoiler alert: we found a diamond retailer trading for barely more than its cash reserves and an Israeli cannabis stock that caught our eye. Join co-hosts Shadd Dales and Bill McNarland as they walk through their thought process and decide if these five stocks are worth buying or better left alone.