Best of the Week: May 30 – June 5, 2025

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

1. New Jersey Seeking Possible Criminalization of Unlicensed Cannabis Purchases

New Jersey lawmakers have proposed new legislation planning to criminalize unlicensed cannabis purchases. The proposed bill is sponsored by Senate President Nick Scutari and would make it a “third-degree crime to operate an unlicensed marijuana business and a disorderly persons offense to knowingly purchase from one. A person who leads an ‘illegal marijuana business network’ would be charged with a second-degree crime,” according to the New Jersey Monitor.

“We have a problem where people are opening up brick-and-mortar stores, small stores, unlicensed to sell these products, and quite frankly, they’re just selling them and this state is doing nothing about it,” Scutari mentioned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We need to do something more about those brick-and-mortar stores, but we also need to continue to fight back against drug dealers because those are alive and well.”

2. Cannabis Found in Candy Products, Haribo Initiates Recall

The German sweets company Haribo initiated a recall of specific batches of Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ gummy candies. BBC reported that the recall currently only affects Happy Cola F!ZZ products in the Netherlands.

The recall was established after several people began feeling dizzy and “unwell” after consuming a 1 kg pack of the Haribo products. So far only three packs tested positive for cannabis but on the side of caution, Haribo has initiated a volunteer recall of the gummy candies entire stock.

3. Senate Bill 202 Takes Effect in Kentucky, Regulating Cannabis Beverages

On June 1, 2025, Senate Bill (SB) 202 took effect in Kentucky, prohibiting the sale of certain cannabis beverages in the state in certain establishments such as restaurants. The Act, titled "an act relating to regulated beverages and declaring an emergency,” was signed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear on March 25, 2025. With the new law, cannabis beverages may only be sold by the package in liquor stores in certain areas. Additionally, individuals under 21 may not purchase or consume cannabis-infused beverages.

4. Appeals Court Rejects Arguments from Cannabis Companies Regarding Federal Laws

The First Circuit Court of Appeals recently published its opinion rejecting a challenge to cannabis prohibition at the federal level. A group of several cannabis companies, Canna Provisions, Inc., Gyasi Sellers, Wiseacre Farm, Inc., and Verano Holdings Corp., had challenged the prohibition as no longer constitutional, given the shifts in cannabis policy. However, the Court ruled that a 2005 ruling from the US Supreme Court still stands, and that the changes in cannabis sales and regulation since that ruling do not invalidate it.

5. Organic Certification: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and Why It Matters

This month’s Stuck on Compliance blog by Kim Anzarut, CQA, CP-FS, CEO and founder of Allay Consulting, focuses on preparing hemp and cannabis operators to navigate the process of organic certification.

Here is everything you need to know about getting certified organic—who qualifies, what’s involved, and how to get started, whether you’re just exploring the idea or preparing for your first audit.