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Liquor shops may start selling low-THC drinks

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3 weeks ago

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New York State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow liquor stores to sell low-THC cannabis drinks, amid growing interest in cannabis drinks.

Democrat Senator Jeremy Cooney and Assemblyman John Zaccaro have recently introduced additional legislation in the Senate and Assembly to allow licensed liquor and wine stores to sell low-potency cannabis beverages.

The bill would allow retail sales of beverages containing 5 milligrams of THC, produced by New York adult-use cannabis licensees, and direct related tax revenue to the state’s cannabis revenue fund.

The measure would open a new way for liquor stores to sell low-dose cannabis drinks, imposing new taxes and determining how the revenue would be used, and would expand New York’s adult-use market.

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Tilray purchases BrewDog’s US assets

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6 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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Tilray Brands has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire some of BrewDog’s strategic assets in the United States, including a brewery, pub and hotel in Columbus, Ohio, as well as New Albany, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio and Las Vegas, Nevada. As one of Ohio’s largest craft beer brands, this acquisition aligns with Tilray’s regional jewelry strategy.

Irwin D. Simon, President and CEO of Tilray Brands, said: “The acquisition of BrewDog’s key US assets strengthens our US beverage platform and advances our regional craft beer strategy in North America. BrewDog has built a strong following and established a highly visible presence in Las Vegas, including a Las Vegas flagship pub model, creating destination spaces that deepen consumer engagement, offering new opportunities to introduce and sell a broader portfolio of Tilray beverage brands.” meanwhile”.

Mr. Simon continued: “This transaction reinforces Tilray’s acquisition of BrewDog’s operational assets, building on previously announced deals in the UK, Ireland and Australia. Tilray now owns the BrewDog brand and its intellectual property worldwide. This positions us to lead the next chapter of the brand with a highly integrated North American footprint and a long-term publishing strategy designed for joint growth and brand strength.”

Under the asset purchase agreement, Tilray will acquire BrewDog’s US manufacturing and brewing operation in Columbus, Ohio, three Ohio pubs (Columbus, New Albany and Cleveland), a hotel in Columbus, Ohio, and a BrewDog franchise location in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a licensed BrewDog airport location in Denver, Colorado. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending customary regulatory approvals.

For more information:
Tilray
www.tilray.com

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Rhode Island Officials Support Ban On Serving Hemp THC Drinks In Bars And Restaurants With Liquor Licenses

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6 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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“All retailers selling intoxicating hemp products must be held to the same high safety standards as cannabis sellers.”

By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Currant

For a year, bars and restaurants in Rhode Island were able to obtain a license from the state’s former Office of Cannabis Regulation to sell THC-infused alcoholic beverages, despite state regulations that prohibit combining them with alcohol, tobacco or nicotine.

More than 100 licensed retailers obtained their licenses between August 2024 and July 2025, when the Cannabis Control Commission suspended issuing a new license to establishments that allow alcohol consumption on the premises “in the interest of public health and safety”.

Now, as regulators race to codify rules to match the market, the association representing the state’s hospitality industry is voicing strong opposition to a commission recommendation by lawmakers to codify a ban on selling THC beverages at liquor-licensed premises.

“They’re assuming we’re not going to follow the law,” Farouk Rajab, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, said in an interview Monday.

Rajab said he was disappointed that the commission recommends a ban in its latest report presented to the General Assembly on March 1. But he wasn’t surprised that cuts had yet to be made.

“I think decisions are made even before the listening sessions,” he said. “This is aimed at an industry, that’s all.”

11 page report details Rules governing hemp-derived beverages in Rhode Islandalong with recommendations on product labelling, testing and taxation.

Carla Aveledo, head of policy for the committee, said that no single industry was targeted.

“All retailers selling intoxicating hemp products must be held to the same high safety standards as those selling cannabis,” he said.

Hemp became legal at the federal level after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, when the beverage hit the Rhode Island market as regulators were working on licensing rules for retail cannabis establishments. The rules allowing the sale of the beverage were adopted by the former Office of Cannabis Regulation in 2024, and the rules have since been adopted by the state Office of Cannabis.

But the proliferation of hemp-derived THC drinks has led to debate over whether they should be legal at all in Rhode Island. Members of the state’s recreational cannabis industry have opposed the possibility of selling THC products outside of the few existing pot shops.

That’s why last year the General Assembly tasked the Cannabis Control Commission with making recommendations to combat hemp-derived beverages, most of which are produced outside the state.

Rajab said the association had created “training modules that enable safe handling” of the drinks. The online course explains how receptors in the brain react to cannabis, onset times, and how to avoid THC overdose.

The association’s module also mandates catering staff to never serve THC beverages with alcohol.

“Mixing THC-infused drinks with alcohol can lead to unpredictable and dangerous situations,” he says. “As a server, it is your responsibility to discourage customers from consuming THC beverages alongside alcoholic beverages. Educate them about the risks and encourage safer consumption practices to ensure their well-being.”

Drinks are often sold in four-can packs at liquor stores. State regulations limit 1 milligram of THC per drink and no more than 5 milligrams of THC “per pack.”

Rajab said instead of banning restaurants from selling drinks, the state should codify rules to guide the hospitality industry. He pointed to Minnesota, which has allowed liquor stores, grocery stores and bars to sell liquor since 2023.

“It’s safe to serve there,” he said.

of the committee the report it also highlights how “low-potency edible hemp” is regulated in the 10,000 Lakes lands. In order for a Minnesota bar to serve hemp-derived products, it must obtain an on-site consumption endorsement, which is selected when filling out the license application.

But even Minnesota regulators admit there is a big question mark over whether they will continue to sell the drinks when federal restrictions governing the potency of hemp take effect in November.

“This threw the whole industry out of business across the nation,” Jim Walker, a spokesman for the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, told the Rhode Island Current. “If we get to November and there’s no safety net, we as an office would help eliminate a lot of these businesses.”

Congress is still considering legislation that would delay enforcement of the ban for two years allow the sale of THC-derived beverages.

Aveledo said the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission continues to monitor federal hemp policy and acknowledged that it could affect regulators’ plans to update the state’s hemp regulations.

“The commission intends to make updates to the hemp regulations in 2026,” he said. “However, recent federal activity and future actions are uncertain, which may delay regulatory writing until early 2027 to ensure our framework is fully informed and strategically aligned.”

This story was first published by the Rhode Island Currant.

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Voltiris expands toward North America; energy innovation takes center stage at ACT Leamington Grower Summit

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1 day ago

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March 16, 2026

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© VoltirisAs energy continues to directly influence greenhouse strategies worldwide, new technologies and industry debates are converging on the same central question: how to produce more efficiently while maintaining optimal crop yields.

One company that sits in this evolving landscape is Voltiris, which is preparing to expand its spectral solar technology into the North American greenhouse market.

Following a recent visit to the company’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Mona Nazari confirmed that she will lead the company’s commercial expansion in the region.

“They have developed spectral filters for solar modules designed for high-tech greenhouses,” he shares. “The technology splits sunlight, directing the photosynthetically active radiation to the crop while converting the rest of the spectrum into electricity.”

In addition to generating electricity, the system also affects the climatic conditions of the greenhouse. By filtering out parts of the infrared spectrum during periods of intense sunlight, crop temperature can be moderated.

“By filtering infrared radiation during peak periods of sunlight, plant temperatures can be reduced by up to 4°C, helping to keep crops in their optimal growing range.”

According to the company, more than 2,000 modules have already been installed with commercial greenhouse partners across Europe. Early research results also suggest crop yield benefits.

“Recent trials of Delphi have shown a 9% increase in Class I yield and a two-week extension of the harvest window.” For the industry, these types of innovations are coming at a time when energy costs and sustainability goals are becoming increasingly important factors in greenhouse design.

“Energy is quickly becoming one of the defining questions for greenhouse production,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how such solutions fit into the next generation of controlled environment infrastructure.”

Industry focus shifts to energy strategy
Many of these topics will be discussed at the upcoming Advancing Cultivation Technology Leamington Grower Summit on March 31, 2026 at the Roma Club in Leamington, Ontario.

Organizers said the event will focus on practical solutions to manage energy use, improve efficiency and protect profitability in greenhouse operations.

“This year’s program focuses on what growers need most right now: real ways to manage energy, improve efficiency and protect profitability,” the organizing team said in announcing the agenda.

One of the aforementioned presentations will be given by Amos Bassi of Philips Horticulture LED Solutions, who will present the results of a multi-year tomato trial in Dutch Botany in collaboration with Grodan.

The study examines how advanced LED lighting strategies, including intermediate lighting and higher light intensities, can significantly reduce greenhouse energy consumption while maintaining crop yields.

Climate optimization will also be addressed by Paul Arena of Svensson Climate Screens, who will present practical strategies to reduce greenhouse demand while maintaining stable greenhouse conditions. His session will explore dual screen return conditions, as well as the role of vertical airflow to improve heating and cooling efficiency in LED-equipped greenhouses.

Timme Hovinga, Priva’s product director, will analyze the energy strategy from a broader operational perspective. His presentation will explore how growers can integrate energy management into long-term greenhouse operations and how to turn energy efficiency into a competitive advantage.

Addressing Crop Health Challenges
In addition to energy issues, the summit will also address crop health challenges affecting greenhouse production.

Grodan’s Dan Skinner will present new research on pepper wilt, an increasingly complex problem for Canadian greenhouse growers.

The session will examine root zone dynamics, hygiene practices and contributing fungal pathogens to help growers improve prevention and management strategies.

With research findings, technology developments and practical grower discussions on the agenda, the ACT Leamington Grower Summit aims to provide actionable insights into the industry navigating the challenges of rapidly evolving energy and production.

For Mona, whose new role focuses on bringing energy-integrated greenhouse technologies to North American growers, the event reflects where the industry conversation is headed. “The theme couldn’t be more consistent with what Voltiris is and the value it brings.”

Register for the Advancing Cultivation Technology Summit here.

For more information:
Voltiri
(email protected)
www.voltiris.com

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