United States

Keep track of nationwide trends, regulatory shifts, and industry developments in cannabis, hemp, psychedelics, and natural medicine. This section provides a broad view of how state and federal policies impact businesses and investors across the U.S.

Cannabis flower nug beside a stack of infused cookies representing menu development for cannabis lounges.
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Laws and Regulations, Recreational, United States

Elevate Your Experience: Developing a Winning On-Site Cannabis Menu

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An outstanding consumption lounge is defined not just by ambiance, but by the variety and quality of products you offer. Whether you opt for a BYO (bring-your-own) model or curate an in-house selection of edibles, pre-rolls, and concentrates, menu development demands strategic sourcing, rigorous compliance, and attention to guest preferences. As your Cannabis Consultants, Catalyst BC partners with procurement, compliance, and culinary experts to craft a menu that delights patrons and drives revenue.

Interior of a modern, cannabis consumption lounge with seating
California, Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Colorado, Medical Cannabis, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Recreational, United States

Cannabis Consumption Lounges: Which States Permit On-Site Use in 2025?

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Across much of the U.S., legally consuming cannabis is restricted to private residences—and even then, landlords or HOAs often ban it. Although retail sales of cannabis are legal in several jurisdictions, only a handful of public venues let adults consume their purchases on-site. Alaska led the way in December 2018, when its Marijuana Control Board rolled out statewide rules for on-site consumption. But it wasn’t until 2019 that the Original Cannabis Café in West Hollywood became America’s first social lounge. Since then, more states have drafted their own frameworks to permit these communal spaces.

A construction worker holding a hard hat and wearing a tool apron with various tools, symbolizing New York Cannabis Facility Design and construction planning.
Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Laws and Regulations, New York, United States

New York Cannabis Facility Design: Key Strategies for Success

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Developing a New York cannabis facility design requires more than just constructing a building—it demands strategic planning to optimize efficiency, ensure compliance, and support scalability. Given New York’s evolving cannabis regulations, a well-planned facility can streamline operations and set the stage for long-term success. Similar to food processing plants, cannabis cultivation facilities must be designed for workflow efficiency, regulatory adherence, and future expansion to remain competitive in the market.

A dreamcatcher hanging in the morning sun, symbolizing resilience and opportunity for Tribal Cannabis Business.
Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis News, Laws and Regulations, Tribal Cannabis Business, United States

Breaking Barriers: Challenges and Opportunities for Tribal Cannabis Business

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The cannabis industry is experiencing rapid growth, projected to expand from nearly $33 billion in 2023 to $49 billion by 2026. While legalization has provided economic opportunities in many states, Native American tribes face significant hurdles in accessing this booming market due to federal and state regulatory barriers. Tribes seeking entry into the cannabis industry encounter unique challenges, including difficulties in securing licensing, financing, and banking services—all essential components for launching and sustaining a cannabis business.

Person holding their nose due to strong cannabis odor outside a greenhouse.
California, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis News, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Laws and Regulations, United States

Cannabis Odor Control: How Cultivators Can Prevent Legal Issues with Advanced Solutions

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A recent California Superior Court ruling has sent ripples through the cannabis industry by allowing a class-action lawsuit to proceed against Valley Crest Farms, a greenhouse cannabis cultivation operation in Carpinteria Valley. The case revolves around persistent odor complaints from nearby residents, who claim that the strong, unpleasant smell of cannabis has negatively impacted their property values, businesses, and overall quality of life.

Three individuals sit across from an attorney at a Clean Slate meeting in Minnesota, discussing their expungement options.
Cannabis News, Minnesota, United States

Minnesota Cannabis Expungement Coming – The 2025 Clean Slate Tour

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Everyone deserves a second chance, and for many Minnesotans, clearing an old criminal record can be the key to unlocking new opportunities. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is dedicated to helping individuals move forward with a clean slate by hosting Clean Slate Expungement Clinics across the state. These clinics provide an opportunity for eligible individuals to have their state court records sealed—removing barriers to employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Colorado Psilocybin License Application guide featuring psilocybin mushrooms.
Colorado, Laws and Regulations, Natural Medicine, Psychedelics, United States

Colorado Psilocybin License Application: The Definitive Guide

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With Colorado’s regulated psilocybin program now in effect, exciting opportunities await entrepreneurs, facilitators, and businesses in the state’s natural medicine market. Whether your goal is to open a healing center, cultivate psilocybin, or become a licensed facilitator, our comprehensive guide to obtaining a Colorado Psilocybin License is here to help you every step of the way.

A close-up of a flowering cannabis plant, representing the ongoing debate over Iowa cannabis legalization in 2025.
Cannabis News, Iowa, Laws and Regulations, Medical Cannabis, United States

Iowa Cannabis Legalization 2025: Incremental Steps Toward Expansion and Reform

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Iowa’s medical cannabis program remains one of the most restrictive in the country, to the extent that some advocacy groups do not even recognize it as a legitimate cannabis market. With stringent limitations on product availability, patient access, and dispensary operations, the state’s program offers minimal relief compared to more robust medical cannabis frameworks elsewhere. However, with several reform bills in play this session, Iowa may see incremental changes in 2025.

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