Hemp Water Use Research: South Africa’s first measurable study uses drones and ground sensors to map how much water hemp uses in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, giving regulators a baseline for water-impact decisions under the National Water Act. Weedmaps Settlement Fight: Shareholders in a California federal derivative case are seeking court approval of a settlement tied to claims Weedmaps’ parent executives inflated user metrics to support the stock price. Cannabis Economics Under Strain: New reporting says electricity costs are rising 15%–25% while wholesale cannabis prices have fallen 40%–70%, squeezing indoor growers and pushing operators toward better rate structures and hedging. California Illicit Crackdown: CDTFA says it’s cracking down on $168 million in illicit cannabis and tobacco to protect the regulated market and tax revenue. Local Zoning Battles: Albuquerque’s council rejected a plan to push cannabis/smoke-shop spacing from 330 to 990 feet; Golden Valley Minnesota’s dispensary proposal also faces community pushback over school-distance rules. Hemp THC Policy Shifts: The U.S. Senate is advancing a one-month reprieve for Minnesota’s low-dose THC industry, while Michigan hemp businesses get a similar delay as Congress negotiates longer-term rules. Product Launches: Black Tie CBD rolls out a BudTender’s Choice THCA flower subscription; Passion Farms expands premium THCA edibles with a new Sour Watermelon Lemonade gummy pack. Workplace Screening: A survey finds more employers are testing cannabis in 2026 (60% vs 52% in 2024), though some are considering loosening or stopping tests. Industry Legal Watch: Verano sues New Jersey over its labor peace agreement requirement, arguing federal law preempts the state rule.