Best of the Week: June 13 – June 19, 2025

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

1. Medical Cannabis Telehealth Bill Vetoed by Hawaii Governor Josh Green

Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green, shook up the state’s medical cannabis industry by vetoing legislation which would have entitled physicians to certify medical cannabis patients through telehealth for the cannabis program. Additionally, the bill would have “established criminal penalties for unlicensed operation of a medical cannabis dispensary, and prohibited cannabis cultivation without a Department of Health-issued permit.”

2. New Stratford Connecticut Dispensary Unveiled by C3 Industries

In a recent press release, C3 Industries disclosed that the multi-state cannabis company has opened their third dispensary retail location in Stratford, Connecticut. The company now has a total of 31 locations.

The new dispensary is called “High Profile Stratford” and began their operations on June 13, 2025, and provides online preorders, as well as in-store shopping. There will be a grand opening celebration event that will offer special deals and other vendor events, which will be announced later during this summer.

3. Public Comment Open for Updated Cannabis Pesticide Testing Regulations in California

In a June 13, 2025, announcement, the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) proposed updates to the state’s cannabis testing regulations. The main changes would be to the action levels for the testing of pesticide residue in products and the pesticides required for testing. Public comments on the proposed rules are being accepted through July 28. Additionally, a public hearing will take place on July 29 at 10:00am.

The updates are based on recent recommendations from the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

4. First Legal Cannabis Dispensary in Brookhaven Town, Long Island Receives Cease-and-Desist Letter Prior to Grand Opening

New York’s cannabis industry is hitting another bump in the road with a recent cease-and-desist letter received to a Brookhaven Town legal cannabis dispensary located on Long Island.

The property managers of the building sent the cease-and-desist letter to Strong Strains on June 9, 2025, which is when the location hosted their soft opening. Attorney Brian Egan sent Strong Strains the notice because it said that the company violated the “Northgate Plaza at Stony Brook Condominium’s property rules.” Egan expressed that the building location is meant only for “offices, research facilities, laboratories, or light industrial purposes or any other use and occupancy first approved in writing.”

The grand opening is still anticipated for this upcoming Saturday, June 21, 2025. Whether it will remain able to be held remains unclear as the cease-and-desist letter said, “If you fail to comply with these demands, the Association and its constituent owners are prepared to pursue all legal remedies.”

The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has the East Setauket business listed with their license number on their “Legal Online Cannabis Activities Locator” map.

5. Global Survey Examines Cannabis Use over Pharmaceuticals for Endometriosis Symptom Relief

Recently published survey data from individuals with endometriosis revealed how they viewed and used cannabis for symptom relief. Endometriosis is a condition characterized by endometrial tissue present outside the uterus, the study’s introduction explained, and many report a lack of effectiveness of standard pharmaceutical treatment options. Researchers aimed to investigate the challenges and motivations for cannabis use globally for endometriosis symptom management and the potential effect of factors such as stigma have on communications with medical professionals.

Overall, cannabis was reported to be more effective than pharmaceuticals at managing symptoms and to have fewer side effects.