This week, I’m reporting from Spain where I attended C-Days – an event that made waves with its all-women keynotes lineup despite not being a female-focused conference. The speakers tackled a range of topics beyond gender-related issues, proving once again that women are leaders in every aspect of the cannabis industry. Among the standout speakers were Masha Burello, Natalia Kesselman, Luna Stower, The Dank Duchess, Polita Pepper and Mercedes Ponce de León, alongside cultivation legends Jorge Cervantes and Ed Rosenthal in roundtable discussions.

Following C-Days, I attended the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC), where it became clear that Europe's cannabis market is heating up fast, attracting serious players. Now, I'm heading to Spannabis, one of the world's largest cannabis events, before making my way to ICBC Berlin. Then I will head back across the pond to the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago (June 8-10)—where deals get done and the industry's biggest decision-makers will gather. Get your tickets for the Benzinga conference now before prices go up.

Beyond the conference circuit, the industry saw major regulatory and corporate developments this week. California extended its ban on intoxicating hemp, the United Nations classified HHC as a Schedule II drug and a leaked federal memo revealed that marijuana is still considered a "controversial" topic requiring special approval in government publications.

On the corporate front, Blueberries Medical secured $730,000 in funding, Wana Brands expanded its THC beverage line and Tilray Brands (NASDAQ:TLRY) announced a significant retail expansion for its Runner's High beer. Meanwhile, new financial reports from Cresco Labs (OTCQX:CRLBF), Village Farms International (NASDAQ:VFF) and others provided key insights into market trends.

Let's dive into the week's biggest cannabis stories.

Policy And Regulation

California Extends Intoxicating Hemp Ban

California Governor Gavin Newsom has extended the state’s ban on intoxicating hemp products for another 90 days. Initially issued as an emergency order last year, the ban was set to expire at the end of this month. The decision follows growing concerns over the rise of unregulated hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, which have been sold outside the state's licensed dispensary system. California's move is part of a broader national crackdown on these products, as regulators struggle to define the legal boundaries of hemp-derived intoxicants.

United Nations Classifies HHC As A Schedule II Drug

The United Nations has voted to classify hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a synthetically derived cannabinoid often found in unregulated hemp products, as a Schedule II drug. The classification ...