After months of sluggish performance, cannabis stocks finally caught a break. Federal reform chatter—this time involving Donald Trump—helped fuel a rally across the sector. But even with this uptick, analysts are urging caution.

Beyond the markets, the global cannabis map keeps evolving: Portugal has quietly become Europe’s biggest exporter, Spain banned HHC and Argentina passed a sweeping “anti-mafia” law raising concerns for patients and cannabis activists. Meanwhile, California cities slash taxes to save local stores and a cult rolling paper brand opened its factory doors to the public for the first time ever.

Let’s dive in.

Trump Reportedly Pushing For SAFE Banking Reform

The AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF MSOS closed the week up 9.7% after reports that Trump is privately encouraging lawmakers to pass banking reform ahead of the 2026 midterms. Analysts say the rally is likely technical unless public support follows.

Read more on Benzinga

Argentina’s New Anti-Mafia Law Raises Civil Rights Concerns

Passed last month, Argentina’s new law allows authorities to detain suspects, seize property and wiretap phones without judicial approval in designated zones. Experts fear the law could be used to target medical cannabis users and community organizations.

Read more on El Planteo

Hungary Ramps Up Drug War Ahead of Elections

Hungary is pushing a constitutional amendment to criminalize drug use and give law enforcement broader powers. Critics say the government is using prohibitionist rhetoric to boost voter support.

Read more on El Planteo

Spain Bans HHC And Other Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids

Spain added HHC and several related compounds to its list of controlled substances, effectively banning their sale and distribution nationwide.

Read more on El Planteo

Portugal Nearly Triples Cannabis Exports

Portugal exported 32,558 kilos of cannabis in 2024, a 172% increase over the prior year. It now ranks as the largest cannabis exporter in Europe and second globally behind Canada.

Read more on The Portugal News

Body And Mind Sells Long Beach Dispensary For $856K

Body and Mind Inc. BAMM BMMJ is divesting its Long Beach location for $856,250. The company is shifting its focus to retail expansion in Illinois and New Jersey.

Green Market Report Closes Its Doors

Green Market Report, one of the few cannabis-focused financial news outlets, has shut down. Founder Debra Borchardt confirmed that Crain Communications, which acquired the site in 2022, decided to discontinue operations. All staff members have been laid off except veteran journalist John Schroyer, who will remain at Crain to cover cannabis and other sectors.

The closure is a major loss for the industry—and a stark reminder of how vulnerable cannabis media remains. With few specialized outlets left standing, supporting independent reporters and sector-specific journalism is more essential than ever. Generalist coverage often misses the nuance, science and community insight that cannabis reporting requires.

If you wonder how you can support your favorite media outlets and journalists, email me.

Inside The RAW Factory: Where Iconic Papers Are Born

In a rare behind-the-scenes look, Benzinga visited RAW’s Spanish production site in Benimarfull. Founder Josh Kesselman walked us through the machines, secrecy and craftsmanship behind the world’s most famous rolling paper brand.

Read more on Benzinga

Watch the video below:

Curaleaf Debuts Anthem Pre-Roll Brand

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. CURA CURLF launched a new pre-roll brand, Anthem, now available in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Additional state launches are planned for summer.

Wynk Expands Into Four More States

Hemp seltzer brand Wynk is now available in Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama and Wisconsin—building on its presence in New Jersey, Texas and Florida. The company has secured major retail placements and distributor partnerships in each new state.

Humboldt Seed Co. Releases OG Triploid Autoflower Strain

Humboldt Seed Company launched an OG triploid autoflower strain boasting 30–34% THC and fast flowering times. It’s non-GMO and bred for outdoor cultivators looking to match indoor potency and yield.

Cresco Labs Opens $15M Cultivation Facility In Kentucky

Cresco Labs CL CRLBF cut the ribbon on a $15.4 million facility in Winchester, KY. The site is expected to be operational by year-end and will support the state’s newly launched medical cannabis program.

California Cities Slash Taxes As Stores Struggle

Cities across the Coachella Valley—including Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs—are reducing cannabis taxes in response to widespread retail closures. Sonoma County followed suit, while San Diego and the state move in the opposite direction.

Read more on SFGate

Carmelo Anthony’s Cannabis Mission Comes Home: ‘I Know The Door I Hold Open’
NBA legend Carmelo Anthony opens up about cannabis advocacy, business ownership and legacy-building in New York.

Is America Missing Out On The Global Cannabis Boom?
As Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa expand cannabis markets, U.S. inaction threatens its leadership position globally.

How Local Opposition Threatens Long Island’s Cannabis Market And What That Means For Investors
Local bans and delays are creating major hurdles for New York’s cannabis rollout—especially in suburban strongholds.

These Are The Cannabis Industry’s Power Players, According To Forbes
Forbes unveils its latest list of top cannabis executives, entrepreneurs and advocates shaping the industry’s future.

145 Years Later, Zig-Zag Gets Loud About Weed With Times Square Takeover
The iconic rolling paper brand embraces cannabis culture with a bold advertising splash in the heart of New York.

Snoop Dogg’s ‘Last Dance’ Is Cannabis Cinema At Its Weirdest—And There’s A Funkadelic ‘Dad Rock’ Counterpart
Snoop Dogg releases a psychedelic music video tribute to cannabis culture.

Why Pre-Rolls Are Cannabis’ Most Profitable Format, From California To Canada
Pre-rolls are dominating retail shelves and margins, solidifying their status as the cannabis industry’s breakout category.

That’s it for this week. See you next Friday with another roundup of what’s shaping the cannabis world—on Wall Street, in Washington and around the globe.