Texas Becomes 40th State to Legalize Medical Cannabis
In late June, Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed a medical cannabis expansion bill (HB 46) into law, making Texas the 40th state to legalize cannabis for medical use.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Sends Warning Letters to Retailers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a letter warning to more than 250,000 retailers that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that accepting welfare benefits "for foods and drinks containing controlled substances such as cannabis/marijuana" could result in "monetary penalties, fines and/or criminal prosecution."
HAC Appropriations Bill Proposes Hemp Definition Change
On June 4, the House Appropriations Committee released the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which modifies the definition of hemp in a manner that could ban most THC hemp products.
Kentucky Bans Hemp Beverage Sales in Bars and Restaurants
As of June 1, the sales of hemp beverages by the drink in bars and restaurants are now illegal in Kentucky, by order of Senate Bill 202, passed by the Kentucky General Assembly during the 2025 legislative session.
Curaleaf Opens 67th Florida Dispensary in Punta Gorda
International cannabis operator Curaleaf has opened its 67th statewide store in Florida in Punta Gorda. This follows April's launch of the company’s hemp-focused retail store in West Palm Beach.
Wine Reviews: Wines Under $30
For our next wine panel, we asked panelists to taste and rate wines under $30. These could be any style from anywhere in the...
Evan Williams Announces 2025 American-Made Heroes
Evan Williams Bourbon has announced the 2025 class of veterans selected for its annual American-Made Heroes program.
These individuals are recognized for their commitment to...
Wente Launches Pacific Mist Pinot Grigio
Wente Family Vineyards recently announced the latest permanent addition to its wine portfolio: the 2024 Pacific Mist Pinot Grigio. Part of Wente Family Vineyards’ Coastal Vineyard...
Podcast: Wine and Spirits Trends in the 2025 Growth Brands
What alcohol trends drove growth for wine and spirits in the past year? For answers, we interviewed Marina Velez, research director for our sister...
Challenges That THC Beverages Present to the Hospitality Industry
As consumer preferences shift, bars and restaurants have more to consider ─ especially with the rise in THC beverages. Even if you live in a state where marijuana is illegal, hemp beverages fall under federal hemp laws rather than state cannabis regulations, allowing them to be sold through mainstream retail outlets that typically carry alcohol.
