Weeding the News
March 24, 2025 / Volume 1, Issue 9
Weeding the News – a breakdown of the month’s cannabis news, important events, and top-notch accounting tips – aims to entertain and inform you as we watch the cannabis industry transform before us.
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What’s on the Docket
Texas and Nebraska are trying to make it harder for residents to get cannabis as North Carolina and Hawaii try to make things a bit easier. A new report suggests there’s a link between fewer violent crimes and cannabis decriminalization in Atlanta. A suspect in England was found hiding in a trash can following a police raid. And in honor of Women’s History Month, we hear from two fixtures in the cannabis scene who give their two cents on women’s relationship to cannabis and licensing.
Cannabis in Los Angeles and Beyond
The California Supreme Court has rescinded a lower court ruling, effectively affirming that federal prohibition cannot be used to prevent state-legal cannabis businesses from transporting cannabis products. Read more on Marijuana Moment.
Texas’ Senate has passed a bill that bans hemp-derived THC products. Critics say this could essentially kill thousands of businesses and cause the state to lose out on millions of taxable revenue. Read more on the Insurance Journal.
Meanwhile, a North Carolina lawmaker has introduced a bill that would establish a regulated adult-use cannabis market in the state. Read more on MjBizDaily.
The Maryland Senate has advanced a bill that would protect certain public employees (firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and other rescue workers) from termination for using cannabis. Read more on the Marijuana Moment.
A new survey suggests the majority (albeit a slim one) of Utah citizens approve of legalizing recreational cannabis in their state. Read more on Fox 13 Now.
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And in the Midwest, Michigan saw recreational flower prices drop by nearly 30%, which may very well cause a strain on growers and businesses throughout the state. Read more on MjBizDaily.
Also in the Midwest, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has sent cease and desist letters to over 100 businesses in Omaha that are allegedly selling THC products. Read more on KETV7.
Over on the East Coast, Poseidon Investment has announced they will be financing Herb Haus, a social equity dispensary in New Jersey. Read more on PR Newswire.
Two Senate committees in Hawaii approved a bill (House Bill 302) that would permit doctors and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to recommend medical cannabis for whatever conditions they deem appropriate. Read more on The Marijuana Herald.
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Abroad
Canadian cannabis companies are looking to export more of their products overseas as their domestic market has become overcrowded and competitive. Read more on MjBizDaily.
Also of note in Canada, it’s reported that alcohol sales have dropped precipitously as cannabis sales have gone up. Read more on NORML.
Upcoming Events
Representatives from Cannabis CPA Tax will be attending these events.
Say hi... we’d love to chat.
West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce
A WVWC Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer, Hosted by Winnetka Bowl
March 26th, Starts at 5:30 p.m., Winnetka, CA
Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles Region Monthly Networking Mixer
Thursday, March 27th, 5-9 p.m., at the Baja Cantina, Marina Del Rey, CA
NCIA Stakeholder Summit Series
Sacramento, CA, Apr 10
Denver, CO, Apr 29
A venue for members and others to discuss policy and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels.
Washington, D.C., May 13-15
Further, the NCIA will be hosting its 13th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, a premier advocacy event, as well as its stakeholder summit series.
Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference ‘25
Chicago, IL, June 8-10
A conference for helping cannabis entrepreneurs raise capital, seal deals, and forge partnerships.
© 2025 BTA Corp. All rights reserved.
The Situation Report
According to a recent study, violent crime in Atlanta dropped by 20% following the cannabis decriminalization. Read more on Leafie.
Two teenagers in Washington State have been charged with murder and attempted robbery following the pair's attempt at a drug ripoff last month that left one person dead. Read more on The Seattle Times.
A Hmong-American woman has been deported to Laos in connection with a guilty plea she took five years ago in a federal cannabis trafficking case, despite being allowed to retain her green card as part of the original plea deal, the woman says. Read more on Ganjapreneur.
In Niagra, while police were originally called to investigate a break and entering at a residence, they would turn the tables on the victims when they allegedly discovered “a significant number of cannabis plants.” Investigations into the original break-in and subsequent (alleged) discovery of cannabis plants are still ongoing. Read more on Niagra Regional Police Service.
© 2025 BTA Corp. All rights reserved.
Abroad
A man in Ireland has been sentenced for smuggling nearly 75 pounds of cannabis in a truck full of chickens. Read more on the Grimsby Telegraph.
A man in England was found hiding in a trash can following a police raid that seized 300 cannabis plants from two homes in the West Midlands. Read more on the BBC.
Industry Insight: Women & Cannabis
Melanie Wentzel, Author of Cannabis Queens
“Modern society (including governments and health authorities) shames people, especially women, for having a relationship with cannabis, regardless of whether that is a professional, medical, recreational, agricultural, or some other kind of relationship. Until the 1920s, cannabis was freely available in many regions across the globe. It was considered a medicine, food, and spiritual tool in societies for 5,000 years, largely without shame. The shame that we know today is a powerful modern phenomenon, which as a society we have adopted and as people we have internalized.
“Cannabis and her flowers are many different things to many different women. For some, it’s strictly medical. For many, it’s both a medicine and makes us feel good. For others, it’s great fun and also happens to be doing great things to our body and soul. Cannabis, like a woman, is more than just one thing. The suppression of cannabis, and the suppression of women’s pleasure have coincided for decades. It’s time to remind everyone that it’s okay for women to feel good.”
Industry Insight: Licensing
Chelsea Haskins, Director of State and Local Licensing, Perfect Union
“Licensing a cannabis business in California isn’t just complicated; it’s designed for failure. The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) lacks transparency, refuses to provide application processing timelines, and leaves applicants in limbo for months.
“Operators submit applications only to be met with silence. When you finally hear back, you’d better provide the requested documentation by their deadline—no exceptions. And if you try to follow up? Good luck. Analysts assigned to your application disappear without notice. You wait months for a response, only to learn (after relentless emailing) that your analyst has left the DCC entirely. Your application? Forgotten. No updates, no reassignment, and no accountability from the management team overseeing the process.
“If you’ve made any changes requiring notification, like a science amendment or request to modify, prepare for an even longer wait. Some operators have been waiting over a year for approval. The system moves at a glacial pace until you suddenly receive a Notice to Comply for a change you submitted to the state months ago.
“This bureaucratic dysfunction isn't just frustrating; it directly threatens small businesses trying to operate legally. While some corporate-backed operators have the resources to navigate endless delays, smaller operators are trapped in a cycle of waiting and uncertainty. Instead of fostering a thriving, regulated market, the DCC stifles legitimate companies and creates an environment where only the well-funded survive.
“If California wants a thriving, equitable cannabis industry, it starts with fixing the licensing process. The DCC needs accountability, clear timelines, and a commitment to communication. Until then, the system will continue to fail the operators it’s supposed to support.”
Disaster Relief Updates
© 2025 BTA Corp. All rights reserved.
Important Note
If your property is damaged and restored in the same tax year, you'll receive a refund from the date of damage, but you'll also get a supplemental tax bill starting from the restoration date. When your property is rebuilt in a like or similar manner, it will retain its prior assessed value for tax purposes.
Additional Information Resources
Contact the Los Angeles County Assessor
Phone: (888) 807-2111 (Toll Free) or (213) 974-3211
Address: 500 West Temple Street, Room 225, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Website: assessor.lacounty.gov
How do I do this?
Where can I find more information about this process?
Los Angeles residents affected by recent wildfires can file for property tax reassessment through a structured process offering temporary relief and refunds.
To file for reassessment of your property value due to Los Angeles wildfires, you need to submit a specific form to the County Assessor's Office. Here's how to complete this process and where to find additional information.
Filing for Property Tax Reassessment
Application Form and Deadline
Complete the "Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity" (Form ADS-820).
You must file within 12 months from the date your property was damaged or destroyed.
The damage must exceed $10,000 of the property's current market value to qualify.
How to Submit
Download the form from the Los Angeles County Assessor's website at assessor.lacounty.gov.
You can also call the Assessor's office at (213) 974-3211 to request the form.
Submit supporting documentation with your application, including:
- Copies of repair bills or estimates (if available)
- Photographs of the damaged property (strongly recommended)
What Happens After You Apply
Assessment Process
The County Assessor will reassess your property to reflect its damaged condition.
You'll receive a written notice of the proposed reassessment amount
If approved, your property's assessed value will be reduced from the month of damage until repairs are completed.
Tax Relief Benefits
Your property taxes will be adjusted based on the reduced value
If you've already paid your taxes, you may receive a refund for the excess amount.
Under Governor Newsom's executive order, penalties and interest on late property tax payments for affected properties are suspended until April 10, 2026.