Best of the Week: October 24 – October 30, 2025

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

1. Ohio House Lawmakers Push Major Changes to Voter-Approved SB 56 Cannabis Law

Ohio House lawmakers announced that they are in support of a substitute version of Senate Bill 56, which will make adjustments to the Buckeye State’s adult-use cannabis legalization legislation that was approved by voters. The bill, spearheaded by Republicans, redresses the state’s current law. NORML reports that the new bill “stipulates that consumers cannot legally possess cannabis products sourced from out of state, including products legally purchased at licensed dispensaries in neighboring jurisdictions. No other legalization state imposes such restrictions.” Additionally, the piece of legislation will repeal provisions that involve scaling back the protections of adult-use consumers from experiencing workplace professional disciplinary action, along with any other types of discrimination that could be experienced from utilizing cannabis for recreational purposes.

2. New York State October 2025 Cannabis Overview

October proved to be an active month for cannabis regulations in New York. First, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the Cannabis Advisory Board announced the first awards from the Community Grants Reinvestment Fund (CGRF), distributing $5 million to 50 youth-focused non-profit organizations.

Additionally, the OCM has also filed multiple charges against cannabis processor and distributor Omnium Health (Omnium Canna) and issued a statewide retail recall of all associated products.

The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) recently asserted state law supremacy over municipal attempts to restrict the regulated cannabis market, announcing advisory opinions that deemed Long Island ordinances in Southampton and Riverhead “unreasonably impracticable.”

3. Ohio Hemp Ban Stalled as Judge Extends Restraining Order Against Gov. DeWine's Executive Order

According to Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carl Aveni, the temporary restraining order regarding Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s executive order, which banned intoxicating hemp product sales, has been extended. The restraining order will be in effect until December 2, 2025.

“We’re very pleased with the judge’s decision today, and we look forward to working with the Ohio legislature as a united hemp industry to develop a strong and robust regulatory structure that will keep adult products out of the hands of children while protecting farmers, small businesses, and adult consumers who rely on hemp for their health and wellness,” said Jonathan Miller, US Hemp Roundtable General Counsel.

4. Indoor Cannabis Growing with a Closed Loop Water System

Our readers were interested in a deep dive into efficient water usage in indoor cannabis grows.

In this interview, Zacarariah Hildenbrand, PhD, partner of Medusa Analytical, LLC Adam Jacques, owner of AgSense, LLC, discuss how a closed loop water system recaptures and treats water for use in an indoor cannabis growing operation. They discuss the various water treatment options to remove contaminants – such as reverse osmosis and UV sterilization – as well as economic and regional considerations when implementing a closed loop system.

5. Hamilton, Ontario Receives Newest Canna Cabana Retail Cannabis Location

High Tide Inc. (High Tide) announced that the retail cannabis enterprise had opened their newest Canna Cabana retail cannabis location in Ontario. The store began selling adult use recreational cannabis products on October 27, 2025. With this new store location, High Tide Inc. now has 211 Canna Cabana retail stores throughout Canada, with 89 of those being located in the province of Ontario.

"Canna Cabana has built deep roots in Hamilton, one of our top-performing markets nationwide. The city has embraced our value-driven retail model and continues to show incredible loyalty to the Cabana Club," said Raj Grover, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of High Tide, in a press release.