Fall is here, and America’s millions of CBD and hemp cannabinoid consumers still face an elusive expanse of rules and regulations that change as rapidly as the autumn leaves. 

• 90 new state bills would regulate hemp
• Cookies scores a University of Southern California deal
• And Cann’s 2mg Grapefruit Rosemary is delicious

Looking to make sense of the chaos? Leafly has you covered. Read on for your monthly news roundup of all things CBD, delta-8, THCA, and other hemp molecules.

Top CBD, delta-8 news of September

In a dramatic first for the hemp industry, the multinational brand Cookies has entered into a multi-year sponsorship deal with a university sports team. Beginning this season, Cookies will be an official sponsor for the University of Southern California Trojans football, as well as USC’s men and women’s basketball. According to a press release, “on-site tailgate experiences” will occur at select events; your good is as good as ours what that will look like. 

CBD and hemp legal news

In 2024 alone, US states have introduced 90 bills to regulate hemp. Yikes! The Libertarian-minded crew at the Reason Foundation recently dropped a proposal to streamline and standardize the US hemp industry. You can read it here.

California

Californians are “panic buying” thousands of dollars of CBD and other hemp products in advance of Governor Gavin Newsom (D)’s anticipated emergency ban on all hemp products containing trace amounts of THC in the Golden State. 

Missouri

Drama continues to unfold in Missouri, where Governor Mike Parson hopes to ban intoxicating hemp products. On September 18, the state health department rebuffed Parson’s plan. Hemp sales are back on, for the time being.

Texas

The Texas Supreme Court will consider whether to outlaw delta-8 sales in an upcoming case. According to the Texas Hemp Industries Association, the state’s hemp business is worth $8.1 billion, and delta-8 makes up a $6.8 billion piece of that pie.

US Federal

A US Circuit Court ruled on September 4 that the super-potent hemp-derived cannabinoid THC-O (aka THC-O acetate) qualifies as hemp, per language in the 2018 Farm Bill. The ruling puts the Court at odds with the DEA, who argue that THC-O does not meet the definition of hemp, and thus remains federally illegal. But since SupCo struck down the Chevron Doctrine this year, circuit courts no longer need to rely on a federal agency’s opinion to issue a ruling. We’ll see what happens next.

On October 15, the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of a truck driver named Douglas Horn who failed a drug test after consuming a CBD product that allegedly did not contain any THC. Horn subsequently lost his job. He hopes to sue the manufacturers of the CBD product, Dixie X.. 

On September 4, the FDA sent a warning letter to a North Carolina-based skincare company called Root Bioscience Brands. The letter alleges that the company made medical claims about its CBD and other cannabinoid products that it does not have qualification to do, since CBD is not an approved drug. The company complied.

This one’s weird: Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee (R) is suing Meta (the parent company of Facebook). Huckabee alleges the company ran fake ads suggesting that he’s endorsing a CBD product. 

We love Cann’s 2 mg tonics!

We interrupt our news broadcast to offer a quick review on one of our favorite hemp-derived beverages Leafly HQ: Cann’s 2 THC mg Grapefruit Rosemary tonic. Packaged in a cute mini-can, this zippy beverage delivers a bouquet of subtle flavors and a clean, mellow buzz that helps it stand out among the competition. Cann’s products look classy, taste great and don’t launch you into a sugar rush (or subsequent nosedive).

CBD and hemp science news

Heads up, Leafly Nation. As we reported earlier this month, a new study shows that contrary to a widely-held belief, CBD can actually enhance cannabis’ psychoactive effects, not diminish them. 

Suppository success! A survey-based study found that Foria’s CBD suppositories reduced menstrual pain and discomfort for nearly four-fifths of all participants. 

Oregon State University has received $5 million to study the potential uses of industrial hemp.

CBD and hemp industry news

Big ups, CBD! According to a new report from InsightAce Analytic, the CBD ingredient market (aka products that include CBD as an ingredient) could more than double by 2031. The report estimates that CBD saw $2.42 billion in revenue in 2023, and that the figure could reach $6.77 billion by 2031.

The first CBD lozenge has landed in Canada, thanks to a collaboration between Aurora Cannabis and Vectura Fertin Pharma. Bon appetit.

Woodstock for hemp sippers is here: The inaugural Pacific Hemp Beverage Summit is going down on October 11, 2024 in Bend, Oregon. You can find more info about the event here.

And that’s it for Leafly’s monthly novel cannabinoids news roundup. As always, it’s the Wild West out there. We’ll see you next month to report on the latest.

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St. Patrick’s Day is fun and all, but you can hold the hangovers and regret, thank you very much. We’re gonna stay Cali Sober, super-green, and deliciously rainbow-esque with legal ganja across North America.

With 24 legalization states, 40 medical ones, and fully legal Canada, it’s never been breezier to tap the Leafly app, put the buds in the basket, and order the more healthful alternative for pickup or delivery. 

Here’s some seasonal, new, and charming buds from California to New York, and Florida to Ontario, courtesy of our cadre of experts.

Gold Ca$h Gold

Everybody wants a little taste of gold on St. Patty’s day and for cannabis, there’s nothing that fits the bill closer than this strain from 3rd Coast Genetics, the breeder that brought us Oreoz (now called Oooze to avoid the lawyers). Gold Ca$h Gold—a cross of Oreoz #1 x Pure Michigan—has the thick, sparkly coat of resin glands we usually see on Oooze buds and the deep purple interior that’s indicative of Pure Michigan, a popular strain in Oregon and Maine that 3rd Coast created with Thug Pug. The result is a grape jelly crustable that has a gassy smell locked inside of buds so dense, you’ll weigh the eighth just to make sure it’s 3.5 grams.—Matt Jackson

Pot Roast

What would St. Patrick’s Day be without sitting down to some corned beef & cabbage or a good bowl of Pot Roast? A hit with fans in Colorado and California over the last couple years, Pot Roast—GMO x Meat Breath—is another savory strain from well-known Michigan breeder Thug Pug who’s also responsible for the Meat Breath used in its creation. Even the smaller buds on this strain come out with a thick armored-looking surface that shows off flecks of purple and army green. While looking at the lineage you’d expect something super pungent and corpse flower-esque, the aroma on this more of a rich savory feeling with an exhale that’s almost peppery. —Matt Jackson

Acapulco Gold

Jonny Chronic, Canada

If you’re in search of real treasure, skip the pub and follow the rainbow to a pot of Acapulco

Gold. Originating from Central America, this legendary landrace strain has a classic flavorprofile: it’s fresh and floral with skunky base notes of dark molasses. Practically dripping in trichomes, these glittering nuggets from Johnny Chronic are worth their weight in gold! Grown in small batches, slow-cured for maximum flavor and hand-trimmed to perfection, finding this sativa is only for the luckiest leprechauns. Who needs a pot of gold when you can find this stash at the end of the rainbow? —Amanda Breeze

Crumbled Lime

3Saints, Canada

Wearing green is supposed to bring good luck on St. Patty’s Day, but why settle for wearing it

when you can get four-leaf clovered with Crumbled Lime! A cross of Citron CKS and Biker Kush, these dense emerald buds are sun-grown, rain-watered, and expertly cured. Crack open a jar and experience the unbelievably bold punch of sour Tanaka lime with a blast of tropical guava fruit. This ain’t your granny’s lucky clover! High potency and maximum flavor, this sweet sativa from 3Saints is louder than a green beer-fueled frat party. So ditch the green hat! Crumbled Lime is the only luck you need. —Amanda Breeze

Koala Crack

Fig Farms, CA

Koala Crack is a buzzy new sativa from Fig Farms named for its eucalyptol-dominant profile and energizing effects. With a unique sensory experience that combines eucalyptus, candy and spice, and a high that radiates clarity and excitement, this flower is perfect for busy days on the grind.

Grown, bred, and hunted from seed by Fig Farms, Koala Crack is a cross between Moonana Wreck (Banana Fig x Moon Drops) x Zeclair #5 (Cold Heat x Zonuts).

Like all flower grown by the Bay-area indoor legends, this one is other-worldly. With light green nugs, long hairs, and a bud structure with the complexity of an Escher painting, it’s so sugar-dusted with trichomes that the nugs read silver.

In addition to the minty fresh euphoria of the eucalyptol, Koala Crack is high in terpinolene from the Moonana Wreck parent, another one of my favorite Fig Farm flowers. The combination leaves you with an energetic disposition and a quiet mind, perfect for getting it done and having fun while doing it. —Lindsay MaHarry

Sour Diesel

Sol Spirit Farm, CA

Sour Diesel by Sol Spirit Farm, an award-winning regenerative farm/glamping operation in Trinity County, is a hard-hitting rendition of a beloved classic.

A cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk, Sour Diesel was popularized in NYC throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s for an energizing, euphoric high suited for life in the fast lane. Despite its legendary status, it’s uncommon to see Sour Diesel on the dispensary shelves of today, which tend to be dominated by a handful of dessert strains.

My favorite thing about Sol Spirit’s cut of SD is that it skews on the heavy side, leaving you in a giggly plume of diesel-drenched euphoria. The nugs have a rust green hue and the looser bud structure of a true sativa, covered in visible, sparkling trichomes, with a tidal wave of diesel/pine terps that just about knock you over when you crack open the jar.

This version of SD is perfect for enjoying the vivacious and uplifting high of the famous strain in a more relaxed way, where a silly fun feeling of buoyancy balances out the anxious pitfalls of having too much energy. —Lindsay MaHarry

Rainbow Driver

Woody Nelson, Canada

Bred by Archive Seed Bank and cultivated in the Kootenays, this Sundae Driver x Zkittlez hybrid is a powerhouse. Woody Nelson’s three weeks of curing and hand-trimming results in generous nugs and a true-to-nose flavor, reminiscent of a pack of Citrus Delights cracked open in a gas station. It maintains an impressive, feathery consistency when ground, with smooth rolling and combustion. The high begins with a potent, cerebral hit before melting into relaxation, without full-on couchlock. This strain is in high demand, so gear up for the next 100-kilo batch to hit BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nunavut dispensaries around April 20th. —Grace Broadhead

Onion Ring

Nature’s Chemistry, NV

The latest indica from the renowned Vegas producer, affectionately known as Nature’s Chem by locals, is easily one of the dankest strains anywhere in Sin City. Onion Ring’s booming terp profile boasts an impressive 13.2 mg/g terpinolene, 3.8 mg/g ocimene, and 3.7 mg/g myrcene to complement a solid 24% THC count. Users can smell the powerful garlicky cross of GMO and OG Kush through the sealed jar, and all bets are off once that jar’s open—the aroma is next-level.

Onion Ring by Nature’s Chemistry hits as strong as any indica in the Vegas market and smokes smoother than most. But it’s not necessarily a bedtime strain; the elevated terpinolene levels help provide a high that’s euphoric and introspective, well worth staying awake for. Onion Ring is available in 43 Las Vegas dispensaries, including Planet 13, Nevada Wellness Center, The Source, Beyond Hello, GreenLight, Health For Life, Sahara Wellness, Curaleaf, Jade, and Zen Leaf. —Chris Kudialis

Bellini vape

Rove, NV

Hitting Rove’s hybrid Bellini pen is the weed aficionado’s equivalent of sipping on a fruit smoothie: easy, sweet, flavorful with bursts of peach and pineapple. At 89.1% THC and a terp profile spearheaded by caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool, Bellini produces a fast high that slaps after just a couple of draws. But after its initial punch, the indica-dominant high operates comfortably in the background, allowing users to enjoy themselves without feeling overly stoned. Rove’s Bellini pen is available in 47 Vegas dispensaries, including Euphoria Wellness, Reef, Las Vegas ReLeaf, Essence, Jardín, Cookies, NuWu, Pisos, Thrive, and Tree of Life. —Chris Kudialis

Pac-Man

Cookies, New York

From the NYC Culture House’s new Cookies strain drop, this is how you start off a stoner’s paradise. This Pac-Man strain is pure class—a very special strain. As soon as I opened the package, a strong herbal aroma filled the air and the room in a magical way. On my first hit, a powerful, pungent, gassy, spicy, peppery flavor rushed me like I owed the Pac-Man money. Tiny hints of menthol and a zesty lemon flavor followed. The very clean refreshing aftertaste will leave a spicy, peppery taste on your tongue for a few seconds—so beautiful. The high is very relaxing with a nice, heavy feeling on the eyes, which is so wonderful. The body high is strong, with a soothing, spectacular feel, very calming on the body. If you are looking for a good strain to watch a movie, or play a video game, or just vibing with some friends, Pac-Man is it.—LordFigo

Afternoon Delight #44

Rythm, MD

Rythm delivers yet again for enthusiasts looking for a functional midday boost with Afternoon Delight #4. A hybrid of GMO x Trophy Wife (Wedding Cake F2), originally bred as Redneck Wedding by Surfr Seeds, the appearance presents as the bright green spear-shaped buds with golden pistils; a mighty stature caked in resin. For the top shelf of the market, Rythm delivers as expected with a hefty jar for freshness and a flashy label boasting 37.62% THCa and 3.78% terpenes.

As stinky as this sample is upon cracking the jar, the flavor also stains the mouth with chemical funk and herbal Bubba fuel, which come from the primary terpenes limonene, β-caryophyllene, and linalool. The potency is noticeable, and the refined, relaxing, and buzzy effect comes on rapidly and primarily stimulates the head, face, and chest. In a vape, the inhale is smooth and suitable for big rips. In the joint, the smoothness lacks behind a bit, and the flavor has a bit of background noise. Regionally, the DMV is a big fan of soothing “sativa-dominant hybrids” and this sample is fresh and fits the bill perfectly. —Max Blickstein

Zealousy

Strane, MD

If you like big nugs and you can’t lie, Zealousy might be your guy. Strane has been a mainstay for years bringing solid genetics to top shelves all around Maryland, and this is a prime example of why. Zealousy is reported to be from Nasha Genetics, blending Jealousy x Zoap, which very much rides the shoulders of giants, this time in the form of Seed Junky Genetics and Deep East. This hybrid is no joke—providing an immediate onset of “sit-your-butt-down” effect at eye-watering levels of potency, which tracks for the 30.41% THCa boasted on the label.

Another staggering label rating is the 4.14% terpenes, primarily limonene, α and β-pinene, and linalool, which results in a fairly standard “candy” flavor that is most comparable to allspice. This type of flavor and effect profile is more common from cheaper imported traditional market packs, but Strane provides a clean and accessible experience with Zealousy that hits that particular nail on the head. Strane is sure to impress enthusiasts looking for a punchy sweet flavor and this particular example shines as soon as the seal is broken. —Max Blickstein

Northern Fire

Ember Valley, CA

Ember Valley has impressed over the last few years—floating at the top tier of affordable heat right before you start getting into the top shelf above $50. One of the things they are famed for across their stable of strains is the variety of flavors. Their new Northern Fire is probably my second favorite thing I’ve ever seen from them. It’s absolutely soaked in the best terpinolene aroma I’ve found on the recreational market since the Trainwreck that came in 5th in the inaugural Emerald Cup indoor category a few years ago. The hash is the same level of special. I haven’t seen anyone washing this flavor and it’s worth investigating if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a jar. —Jimi Devine

Zeclair Breeding project

Fig Farms, CA

Fig Farms, CAThe back-to-back Emerald Cup winners were looking to spice things up in 2023 and a massive Z breeding project and round of selection proved to do just that. When hunting out a pack of Zeclair seeds the Fig Farms team identified a primo male. It represented the best male Z pollen they had ever worked with and they crossed it to everything. It’s no surprise—the pairings with the last two cup winners, Animal Face and Blue Face, proved to be absolutely heaters. I would argue the dark horse of the bunch is a fantastic Zeclair x OGKB. We’re excited to see which parts of the hunt make it to market. The “sister” to that all-star male is already out there on store shelves. It’s also a hitter, as is par for the course when you’re talking about Fig Farms. —Jimi Devine

And that’s 14 super-solid picks for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond this winter and spring. Make sure to download the Leafly app, and turn on notifications to stay glued into the goodness.