The Weekly Roll October 17th 2025

Happy Friday!

Welcome back to The Weekly Roll. I hope everyone had a lovely week! Here is what’s happening this week in cannabis and art:

Michigan in Peril : Michigan's cannabis sales dropped 11.3% in September to $251.3 million, the steepest monthly decline since early 2024. The drop follows implementation of a new 24% wholesale marijuana tax expected to generate $420 million annually for road funding. Industry operators warn the tax could further destabilize Michigan's already saturated $3.2 billion cannabis market, the second-largest in the U.S. Article

NY Gives Back : New York State's Office of Cannabis Management awarded nearly $500,000 to four Finger Lakes youth organizations from a Community Grant Reinvestment Fund generated by the state's $2 billion in legal cannabis sales. The funding represents the first round of reinvestments to communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies, with each organization receiving $100,000. A second round of applications is expected to open in early 2026, with the fund anticipated to grow annually. Article

Interesting Number : $5.6 Billion. Projected THC beverage sales by 2035. Up from $1.1 Billion in 2024, this growth is driven by growing consumer demand as Americans drink less alcohol. The market now includes 500 to 750 brands selling cannabis-infused drinks legally in 44 states, with major retailers like Target testing sales and established alcohol brands like Lagunitas and Pabst entering the space. Article

Ireland Pays Artists: Ireland is making its basic income for artists program permanent starting in 2026, providing 2,000 artists with approximately $375 weekly after a successful three-year trial. An independent report found the pilot generated nearly €80 million in economic benefits against €72 million in costs, with recipients increasing arts-related income by over €500 monthly while reducing reliance on other social programs. The program has 97% public support and is expected to boost artistic output by 22% when scaled up. Article

Have a great weekend! 

Aidan