Business
Consolidation, Capital, and the Climb: Tracking U.S. Cannabis M&A and Investment Trends
NEW YORK –The U.S. cannabis industry has experienced major shifts in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity over the past year, reflecting broader trends of consolidation and strategic realignment. According to Viridian Capital Advisors, the Cultivation & Retail sector led all others with $589.9 million in total deal consideration for the last twelve months ending April ...
When Hype Fails: Are Cannabis Giants Like Canopy and Tilray Just Ponzi Schemes in Disguise?
TORONTO-There’s an old saying in finance: “If you don’t understand where the returns are coming from, you might be the return.” While actual Ponzi schemes are illegal frauds—where old investors are paid with new investors’ money rather than from real profits—some public companies walk a fine line. They may not be fraudulent, but they operate ...
SNDL to Acquire 32 Cannabis Retail Stores from 1CM Inc.
LOS ANGELES- SNDL Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire 32 cannabis retail stores from 1CM Inc. for CAD 32.2 million in cash. The stores operate under the Cost Cannabis and T Cannabis banners and are located in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. This acquisition will increase SNDL's total owned and franchised cannabis retail store ...
Organigram Acquires Collective Project to Enter U.S. Cannabis Beverage Market
LOS ANGELES- Organigram Global Inc. has acquired Collective Project Limited, a producer of cannabis and hemp-derived infused beverages. The acquisition involves an initial payment of approximately 6.2 million Canadian dollars (about $4.3 million), with potential milestone and earnout payments that could total up to 24 million Canadian dollars (approximately $16.7 million) over the next two ...
Trump’s Tariffs, Social Program Cuts, and the Future of the Cannabis Industry
NEW YORK- Economic policy doesn’t just influence government budgets—it reshapes entire industries. For the U.S. cannabis sector, still federally illegal and structurally fragmented, proposed tariffs and social program cuts under a second Trump administration could have far-reaching consequences. While some businesses may struggle under rising costs and constrained consumer demand, others could thrive—if they’re positioned ...
Hemp-Derived THC Beverages Are Booming as Cannabis Companies and Big Retail Jump In
NEW YORK- As federal cannabis reform remains stalled, a different kind of green wave is gaining momentum—this one is carbonated, hemp-based, and available online or at your local corner store. Hemp-derived THC beverages, which leverage federal legality under the 2018 Farm Bill, are rapidly transforming from a niche curiosity into a full-blown consumer category. From ...
Ireland Could Make Great Cannabis Policy: Examining the Past to Look Forward
LOS ANGELES - Access to safe and controlled cannabis for the Irish people is being decided upon in 2025. Watching a country make cannabis history is fascinating; Ireland and Europe at large are grappling with choosing the right direction. Politics aside, there is an incredible amount of precedence in other countries to heed when crafting ...
Republicans Push to Recriminalize , NORML Pushes Back
WASHINGTON, D.C.--(NORML) The battle for cannabis freedom is ongoing. Despite growing public support for legalization, there remains a vocal yet powerful minority intent on maintaining the failed policy of cannabis criminalization. But every time they push, Norml push back harder. In recent weeks, we’ve defeated legislation challenging adult-use and medical cannabis access in Colorado, Montana, and South ...
Safe Harbor Financial and Würk Form Partnership to Enhance Cannabis Industry Services
LOS ANGELES- Safe Harbor Financial, a fintech company specializing in financial services for the regulated cannabis industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Würk, a human capital management firm focused on the cannabis sector. The collaboration aims to provide cannabis businesses with access to compliant financial services and workforce management solutions. Under the agreement, ...
Growing Craft with Scott Vasterling: A Fresh Perspective on Sungrown Cannabis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOS ANGELES — A fresh voice is breaking into the cannabis media space, and it's set to change the way we think about craft cannabis forever. The highly anticipated debut of "Growing Craft with Scott Vasterling" is now available on the Highly Capitalized Network-HCN, a show that highlights all the key trends ...
Planet 13 Grants Restricted Stock Units to Leadership and Staff
LOS ANGELES- Planet 13 Holdings Inc., a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis company, has allocated 13,776,345 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its officers, directors, and employees. The distribution, executed on March 31, 2025, aligns with the company's 2023 Equity Compensation Plan, previously approved by shareholders. Of the total RSUs granted, 9,255,085 were assigned to directors ...
The History of Sungrown Cannabis in California
LOS ANGELES - California's connection to cannabis resembles a fabulous legend that blends the state's lush landscapes with the determination of its people. Sungrown cannabis, cultivated under the open sky and fueled by the full power of sunlight, is more than just a plant. It is a way of life, a connection with nature, and ...
U.S. Cannabis Companies Face EBITDA Declines Amid Margin Pressures But Growth Expected in 2026
NEW YORK- As of April 1, 2025, most major publicly traded U.S. cannabis companies have released their financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024. An analysis by Viridian Capital Advisors reveals that eight out of twelve companies experienced year-over-year declines in quarterly EBITDA, ranging from a 6.5% decrease for Ascend Wellness Holdings (AAWH: OTCQX) ...
HYTN Innovations Secures Cannabis Supply Agreements for German Market
LOS ANGELES- HYTN Innovations Inc., a pharmaceutical company specializing in cannabis-derived products, has entered into strategic supply agreements and completed vendor qualifications with two cannabis cultivators, securing a minimum of 4,000 kilograms of cannabis for the German market. This initiative aligns with HYTN's strategic transition into international pharmaceutical sales and enhances its manufacturing scope for ...
Gold Flora Corporation Files for Voluntary Receivership
COSTA MESA, Calif. , March 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Gold Flora Corporation ("Gold Flora" or the "Company") (Cboe Canada: GRAM) (OTCQB: GRAM), a cannabis company with subsidiaries operating across California, today announced that it filed for a voluntary receivership pursuant under the laws of the State of California (the "Receivership Proceedings") on March 27, 2025 to seek court protection as a result of obligations from ...
GreenWave Advisors Urges Elected Officials to “Put American Cannabis First”
NEW YORK – In 1996, Medical Marijuana was legalized in California during the Clinton Administration. Since the “Colorado Experiment” in 2014, when the nation’s first recreational use market was implemented, the Federal Government has maintained its prohibitive legal status of Marijuana. Still, the pressures brought to bear by many state statutes that have locally decriminalized ...
AYR Wellness Announces Management Changes
LOS ANGELES- AYR Wellness Inc., a U.S.-based multi-state cannabis operator, announced that Chief Financial Officer Brad Asher has resigned, effective March 23, 2025. The company's board has appointed Donna Granato as Interim CFO, effective immediately. Granato brings over 25 years of experience in corporate finance and operations. Prior to joining AYR Wellness, she served ...
Texas Senate Passes Bill to Ban Hemp THC
DALLAS–The Texas Senate has taken a major step toward banning consumable hemp products that contain THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids, a move that could severely impact an $8 billion industry employing approximately 50,000 workers. On March 19, the Senate passed Senate Bill 3 with a 24-7 vote, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach ...
POSaBIT Captures Majority of Cannabis Transactions in Washington State
LOS ANGELES- POSaBIT Systems Corporation a provider of point-of-sale and payments infrastructure in the cannabis industry, now processes over 85% of all cannabis point-of-sale transactions in Washington State. Established in 2015, POSaBIT has expanded its services to over 500 locations across more than 20 states. In 2024, the company launched eCommerce menus, offering dispensaries ...
High Tide Reports Q1 Revenue
LOS ANGELES- High Tide Inc. a Canadian cannabis retailer, announced its financial results for the first quarter ended January 31, 2025, reporting revenue of CAD 142.5 million, an 11% increase from the same period last year. Despite the revenue growth, the company reported a net loss of CAD 2.7 million, equating to a loss ...
Vista Hosts San Diego County’s First Licensed Public Cannabis Festival
LOS ANGELES- The city of Vista has made history by hosting San Diego County's first licensed cannabis event on public property. The Farmer's Cup, held at the Moonlight Amphitheatre, marked a significant milestone in the region's evolving approach to cannabis regulation. Event Highlights The festival featured live music, food vendors, and over 50 cannabis ...
Anna Kole Joins Highly Capitalized Network-HCN to Help Lead Content Development and Distribution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOS ANGELES — Highly Capitalized Network-HCN, a leading source of financial news and market insights for the cannabis and psychedelics industries is excited to welcome Anna Kole as their new Content Editing & Distribution Manager — a role that perfectly reflects her passion for cannabis, psychedelics, and the stories shaping these industries. ...
Minnesota Extends Cannabis Business Application Deadline Following System Outage
LOS ANGELES- The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has extended the deadline for cannabis business license applications after its online application system experienced an unexpected shutdown. System Outage Details On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Accela portal, utilized by OCM for license applications, went offline around 9 p.m. due to system maintenance. The ...
Cresco Labs Reports: Financial Results for Q4 and Full Year ending December 31, 2024
LOS ANGELES- Cresco Labs Inc., a cannabis company, has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2024. The company reported an operating cash flow of $132 million for the year, marking a 126% increase from the prior year. Full-Year 2024 Financial Highlights: Revenue: Totaled $724 million, a ...
Idaho Lawmakers Push to Restrict Citizen-Led Ballot Initiatives on Cannabis and Drug Reform
BOISE - Idaho lawmakers have taken a significant step toward restricting citizen-led ballot initiatives related to cannabis and other drug reforms. The Idaho Senate recently passed a House-approved bill that would put a constitutional amendment before voters in the 2026 election. If approved, this amendment would strip the electorate of their ability to pass laws ...
