Best of the Week: July 18 – July 24, 2025

Let’s dive into the top stories shaping the conversation this week. Summaries of each article are listed below.

1. New Cannabis Dispensary by House of Dank Launched in New Buffalo, Michigan

The House of Dank announced that after three years, their New Buffalo, Michigan cannabis dispensary location is finally open for business, located the beaches of Lake Michigan, and the Indiana border, I-94.

“This spot in New Buffalo just made sense—it's close to the beach, close to the border, and full of good people,” said Marvin Jamo, owner of House of Dank. “We're not here to just sell cannabis—we're here to bring the full H.O.D. experience.”

2. The First Cannabis Cultivator in Kentucky Has Started Production

As Kentucky’s medical cannabis industry begins to become further established, a Tier II cannabis cultivator called Armory Kentucky LLC, located in Mayfield Kentucky, announced that the company’s’ first cannabis crops are the “first crops to be grown under the state’s medical cannabis program.” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced in a press release that Armory Kentucky LLC was able to introduce this inventory after receiving approval from the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis for their facility inspection.

“This administration made a commitment to Kentuckians suffering from cancer, PTSD, multiple sclerosis and other eligible conditions, and I am proud we are making progress to deliver safe, affordable access to medical cannabis,” said Governor Beshear.

3. TerrAscend Exits Michigan Market, Will Refocus on Growth in Northeast States

North American cannabis company TerrAscend has announced a strategic withdrawal from the Michigan cannabis market. All Michigan assets – including four cultivation and processing facilities, twenty retail dispensaries, and real estate – will be sold or divested with the net proceeds used to reduce company debt.

4. “Higher Potential” Cannabis Education Scholarship Created by DaySavers

Looking to help inspire both current and future professionals in the cannabis industry, DaySavers, “a smoking accessories brand from Custom Cones USA and a leading manufacturer of premium pre-rolled cones, tubes, blunts, and smoking accessories,” announced in a recent press release together with the Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition, the creation of the “Higher Potential Scholarship.” The scholarship will provide more than $25,000 in both financial aid and educational resources for students and professionals that express interest in the cannabis industry.

5. After 15 Years, NCIA Founding CEO Steps Down from Organization

In a recent press release, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) announced that the organization’s founding CEO, Aaron Smith, was stepping down from his position on August 15, 2025. Smith will be remaining involved on the NCIA’s Board of Directors “to help ensure a smooth transition and support the organization’s continued success and impact.” With Smith stepping down from his role, the leadership of the organization will be transitioning to the Board of Directors.

“NCIA was founded to give cannabis businesses a seat at the policymaking table at a time when we were fighting just to be taken seriously,” stated Smith. “Today, our industry is safely serving tens of millions of adult consumers, generating billions in economic activity and tax revenue, and is more politically engaged than ever. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and look forward to supporting NCIA’s continued impact from a new vantage point.”