Cannabis businesses face fresh reminders that intellectual property and state licensing rules can become expensive legal battlegrounds. Meanwhile, Southern California is preparing for hazardous coastal conditions, and two major television developments put Los Angeles at the center of the media and cultural news cycle.
University of Maryland Threatens Cannabis-Adjacent Company Over “Terps” Branding
The University of Maryland has threatened legal action against Terps USA, a Colorado company selling terpene products designed for use with cannabis. The university argues that the company’s name and previously used logo could create the impression of an affiliation with its well-known “Terps” athletic and merchandise brands.
In a July 24 cease-and-desist letter, the university demanded that Terps USA abandon its name and logo and surrender its registered trademark. Company owner Ken Fry, who opened the business in 2019, has refused to change the name, arguing that “terps” is common cannabis-industry shorthand for terpenes; his attorney has invited negotiations over specific design elements. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/09/06/logo-is-pitting-maryland-university-against-colorado-cannabis-company/))
Why It Matters: The dispute illustrates the intellectual-property exposure facing cannabis and ancillary-product companies as industry slang overlaps with established consumer brands. Smaller operators may also face significant legal costs even when contested terms are widely used within the trade.
Source: The Washington Post
Federal Appeals Courts Remain Split Over Cannabis Residency Rules
A newly published Congressional Research Service legal analysis examines a widening appellate split over whether the dormant Commerce Clause restricts state and local cannabis licensing rules that favor residents. The First and Second circuits have applied constitutional protections against economic discrimination to marijuana markets, while the Ninth Circuit has held that those protections do not extend to commerce Congress continues to prohibit.
The disagreement directly affects residency requirements and local-preference systems used to allocate scarce cannabis licenses. The CRS analysis says the Supreme Court could eventually address the conflict, although Congress could also change the legal framework by establishing a federal regulatory system. ([everycrsreport.com](https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/2026-09-03_LSB11475_79d9417fcc73c6a8a971bfcb171e956953c2d2c0.html?utm_source=openai))
Why It Matters: Analysis: A definitive ruling could reshape who may invest in or control licensed cannabis companies, particularly in markets designed to reserve opportunities for residents or locally defined equity applicants. Until then, operators face materially different constitutional rules depending on jurisdiction.
Source: Congressional Research Service report via EveryCRSReport
Hurricane Marie Keeps Southern California Under Surf and Rain Warnings
Hurricane Marie is weakening and expected to remain hundreds of miles offshore, but tropical moisture is bringing rain and a chance of thunderstorms to Southern California. Los Angeles County is expected to receive mostly light rainfall, although mountain and foothill areas could receive higher totals.
A high-surf advisory remains in effect through late Tuesday for beaches in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Forecasters warned of widespread strong rip currents, large breaking waves and possible minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas including Long Beach, Malibu and Point Mugu. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-09-06/hurricane-marie-socal-weather-rain))
Why It Matters: The storm’s indirect effects could disrupt beach commerce, marine activity, outdoor events and regional transportation during the holiday period. Businesses should also account for slick roads after months of dry weather.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Remade “60 Minutes” Will Open Its Season With the Los Angeles Rams
“60 Minutes” will begin its 59th season on September 13 with Jon Wertheim reporting on the Los Angeles Rams. The segment includes interviews with general manager Les Snead, head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford, along with a look at owner Stan Kroenke’s investments in artificial intelligence and other technology.
The episode will be the program’s first season premiere following CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss’ extensive overhaul, which included the departures of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega and Scott Pelley and executive producer Tanya Simon. Nick Bilton, a technology journalist and documentarian without previous television-news management experience, now leads the broadcast. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-09-05/60-minutes-season-premiere-rams-bari-weiss))
Why It Matters: Analysis: The premiere will provide an early test of whether one of television’s most valuable news franchises can retain its audience and editorial credibility after a highly contentious restructuring. The Rams subject also gives CBS a commercially accessible bridge between its NFL audience and the newsmagazine.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Wins Seven Emmys
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny led the first night of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in downtown Los Angeles with seven wins. The production received the award for outstanding live variety special as well as honors covering music direction, choreography, sound, lighting, technical direction, camerawork and directing.
The awards gave Bad Bunny his first Emmy and made the halftime production the night’s leading winner, ahead of Peacock’s “The Traitors,” which collected six awards. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” won five awards during its final season. ([televisionacademy.com](https://www.televisionacademy.com/features/news/awards-news/78th-emmys-night-one-recap))
Why It Matters: The result reinforces the commercial and cultural power of live music spectacles as cross-platform television properties. It also extends Bad Bunny’s influence across music, advertising, sports and broadcast entertainment while recognizing the large production ecosystem behind the performance.
Source: Television Academy
What We’re Watching
Over the next 24 to 72 hours, watch for updated Southern California weather and coastal advisories, additional Creative Arts Emmy results, and any response from cannabis regulators or industry groups to the unresolved federal circuit split. CBS is also expected to disclose the remaining segments planned for the revamped “60 Minutes” premiere.
