CBD/Hemp
Hemp & CBD Regulations Are Changing. PayRio Is Still Here.
September 30, 2026
The hemp and CBD industry is approaching one of its most consequential regulatory changes since the 2018 Farm Bill. Federal legislation enacted in 2025 significantly narrowed the definition of hemp, including new restrictions on certain hemp-derived cannabinoid products. After a recent extension, significant portions of those changes are now scheduled to take effect on December […]
Square Is Exiting Hemp Payments. Here’s What CBD & Hemp Businesses Should Do Next
August 12, 2026
The hemp payments landscape is shifting once again. Square has begun notifying CBD and hemp merchants that certain accounts will be closed on November 5, 2026, ahead of anticipated federal changes affecting hemp-derived products. As reported by Marijuana Moment, the company is proactively exiting portions of the hemp market as regulatory uncertainty continues to evolve. […]
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Delay Federal Hemp Product Ban Until 2028
January 14, 2026
The hemp industry in the United States is facing a pivotal moment as lawmakers work to address the upcoming ban on hemp-derived products. Recently, Indiana Congressman Jim Baird introduced the bipartisan Hemp Planting Predictability Act, a bill designed to postpone the federal prohibition on intoxicating hemp products currently scheduled for November 2026. This legislation aims […]
Cannabis Dispensary Holiday Sales: Revenue-Boosting Strategies
December 23, 2025
Ever wondered why some dispensaries absolutely crush it during the holidays while others just scrape by? The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s isn’t just about pumpkin spice and jingle bells—it’s a massive opportunity for cannabis retailers to connect with customers and seriously boost that bottom line. Look, we all know the cannabis industry has […]
The Future of Cannabis: What to Expect from Rescheduling in 2026
December 15, 2025
Updated August 2026 Cannabis rescheduling entered a new phase in 2026, creating potential tax and research benefits while leaving several major industry challenges unresolved. In December 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to expedite the process of moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances […]
Cannabis vs. Alcohol: What Recent Research Reveals About Health Effects
December 9, 2025
The conversation around cannabis and alcohol consumption is evolving rapidly. As more states legalize cannabis and consumers seek healthier alternatives to traditional drinking, new research is shedding light on how these two substances compare. Recent studies from 2025 are providing surprising insights into the relationship between cannabis and alcohol—and what it means for your health. […]
From Cash-Only to Seamless Transactions: How Kanna Transformed with PayRio
November 26, 2025
Located at 2019 MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland’s Dimond district, Kanna is a Black-owned cannabis dispensary with a strong commitment to its customers and community. The dispensary carries products from social-equity brands and supports entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition. This mission reflects Oakland’s broader Cannabis Equity Program, which was created to address disparities […]
Visa’s VAMP Alert: Why Shopify Is Closing Merchant Accounts
November 19, 2025
The ecommerce landscape is no stranger to change, but the recent wave of sudden account terminations by Shopify Payments—triggered by Visa’s new Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) that took effect on April 1, 2025—has left many merchants scrambling for answers and new payment solutions. Shopify merchants are reporting this concerning trend across social media, noting minimal […]
Hemp Ban 2025: What the 0.4mg THC Cap Means for the Industry
November 12, 2025
On November 11, 2025, the Senate passed a government funding bill that includes a provision many experts and industry insiders are calling a functional ban on hemp-derived THC products. Spearheaded by Senator Mitch McConnell, this provision sets a strict limit of 0.4 milligrams of THC per container. This cap effectively renders the majority of full-spectrum […]
New York Cannabis Market: Growth, Opportunities, and Payments
September 17, 2025
The New York cannabis market is entering a new stage of development. Licensed sales have grown, hundreds of dispensaries are operating across the state, and more businesses are moving from initial licensing into renewals and long-term operations. At the same time, operators face increasing competition, detailed compliance requirements, and persistent challenges around banking and payment […]
Hall of Flowers 2026 Moves to Sacramento
September 10, 2025
Hall of Flowers is returning to Northern California with a new location and event format. After eight years in Santa Rosa, the cannabis trade show will move to Sacramento in 2026. Hall of Flowers Sacramento will take place on November 4 and 5, 2026. The event will bring cannabis brands, retailers, service providers, and consumers […]
Hemp-Derived THC Beverages: A 2026 Business Guide
September 3, 2025
Hemp-derived THC beverages have created a new option for adults who want an alternative to alcohol. These products now appear in liquor stores, restaurants, specialty retailers, and online shops in approved markets. Some venues are even serving THC beverages from kegs. This gives customers an experience that feels similar to ordering beer or hard seltzer. […]