Business
LEEF Brands Closes CAD $500K Financing Round
LOS ANGELES- LEEF Brands Inc. , a California-based cannabis extraction and manufacturing company, has successfully closed the second tranche of its private placement financing, securing an additional CAD $500,000. This follows the first tranche, which raised CAD $2,118,375, bringing the total gross proceeds to CAD $2,618,375, surpassing the initial target. The financing involved issuing 2,000,000 ...
How to Read an Income Statement Like A Boss: Lessons from P&G
LOS ANGELES--At Procter & Gamble (P&G), we were taught to analyze financial statements with precision, breaking them down into actionable insights that link business performance to strategy. Cannabis companies can apply these same principles to their financial management, as cannabis is fundamentally a consumer packaged goods (CPG) product. Here’s a practical guide using Tide, one ...
Aurora Cannabis Expands Distribution in Australia
LOS ANGELES- Aurora Cannabis Inc. has announced a distribution partnership between its wholly owned subsidiary, MedReleaf Australia, and The Entourage Effect, a company that provides distribution and support services to pharmacies in Australia. Under this agreement, The Entourage Effect will act as a wholesaler for MedReleaf Australia's product lines, including CraftPlant, Aurora, and IndiMed brands. ...
Weedmaps Founders Propose to Take Company Private
LOS ANGELES- Co-founders Doug Francis and Justin Hartfield of WM Technology, Inc., the parent company of Weedmaps, have proposed to take the company private. They offered $1.70 per share in cash for the approximately 68% of shares they do not currently own, valuing the company at about $100 million. This proposal represents a 39% premium ...
The Benefits of Using Hydroponics for Cannabis Cultivation
LOS ANGELES--Hydroponics, the practice of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution rather than soil, has become increasingly popular among cannabis cultivators. This method offers several advantages, particularly when it comes to optimizing growth, enhancing yields, and improving the overall quality of cannabis plants. In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of using hydroponics ...
The Global Growth of Hydroponics in Cannabis Cultivation
LOS ANGELES--The hydroponics industry is experiencing unprecedented growth worldwide, driven largely by its increasing adoption in the cannabis sector. As cannabis legalization expands across continents, cultivators are turning to hydroponic systems to meet the demand for high-quality, sustainable, and efficient crop production. This article explores the factors contributing to the global rise of hydroponics in ...
Vireo Goes on Shopping Spree Becoming a New Cannabis MSO
NEW YORK--Cannabis multistate operator (MSO) Vireo Growth has taken a significant leap forward by securing $75 million in equity financing and acquiring four companies, including three single-state operators and a delivery and analytics platform. This marks a major milestone for the Minneapolis-based company, expanding its footprint and strengthening its market position. Details of the Acquisitions ...
Federally Funded Survey: Cannabis Use By Teens Hits Historic Low
WASHINGTON, D.C- (NORML) Federally funded survey data provided by the University of Michigan reports that teen marijuana use has declined significantly over the past decade and is now at historic lows. Consistent with data previously reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the University of Michigan’s annual Monitoring the Future ...
Organigram Expands Market Presence with Strategic Investments and Acquisitions
LOS ANGELES- Organigram Holdings Inc., a Canadian cannabis producer, is actively broadening its market reach through strategic investments and acquisitions, supported by British American Tobacco (BAT). In November 2023, Organigram secured a follow-on strategic equity investment of approximately CAD 124.6 million from BT DE Investments Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BAT. This investment is being ...
What You Need to Know When Planning Cannabis Tax Strategies for 2025
NEW YORK--Every CFO needs to know that Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) presents a significant challenge for cannabis businesses operating in the United States. This provision, enacted in 1982, was originally designed to prevent drug traffickers from claiming tax deductions. However, its implications have far-reaching effects on legal cannabis operations today, as ...
How Cannabis Companies Can Raise Capital in a Challenging Environment
NEW YORK-The cannabis industry has seen impressive growth over the last decade, but the landscape has become more challenging as businesses face regulatory hurdles, tax burdens, and market saturation. Despite these obstacles, cannabis companies can still raise capital by employing strategic planning, maintaining strong investor relations, and tapping into creative funding avenues. In this article, ...
Exploiting the 2018 Farm Bill Loophole: The Rise of Legal Hemp in the Non-Legal Cannabis Market
LOS ANGELES--The regulatory landscape for cannabis in the United States has changed significantly since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation of hemp and its derivatives. This legislation inadvertently created a loophole that allows companies to market and sell hemp-derived products, including those containing psychoactive cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, even in ...
Cannabis Business: A Month-by-Month Year in Review for 2024
LOS ANGELES- Wow...2024 flew by but left a lot of casualties as the emerging market of cannabis, continues its emergence in 2024. Here's what went down in case you were away from your desk: January The year started with momentum as cannabis companies ramped up efforts to address price compression and regulatory challenges. The opening ...
Medical Cannabis Set to Launch in Ukraine in Early 2025
KYIV- After Ukraine legalized cannabis for medical use earlier this year, a key lawmaker announced that the first cannabis-based medicines could be available as early as next month. Olga Stefanishyna, a member of Ukraine’s parliament and the Committee on Public Health, Medical Assistance, and Medical Insurance, stated during a press conference in Kyiv, “Everything is ...
NEW: Comprehensive List of Cannabis Events in 2025
LOS ANGELES - The cannabis industry is alive with opportunity and collaboration in 2025. These events serve as critical platforms for education, networking, and driving business success. Whether you're a veteran in the industry or just starting out, these conferences and expos are must-attend moments to stay ahead of the curve. Pro Tip: Be sure ...
DEA Judge Sets Schedule for Cannabis Rescheduling Testimony
WASHINGTON, D.C.–The debate over cannabis' federal classification is set to intensify as the DEA prepares for pivotal hearings on its status under the Controlled Substances Act. DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney has announced that witness testimony will commence on Tuesday, January 22, 2025. The hearings are scheduled to run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ...
Week In Review: Bipartisan Legislation for Expungement of Pardoned Federal Offenses; Trump’s Appointments & Future of Federal Cannabis Policy; Federal Restrictions on Cannabis Sales in Washington
LOS ANGELES — Welcome to the far too-exciting world of cannabis and psychedelics, where it’s a tale of two markets with some states doing amazingly well. And some, well...they're not doing so well (hello New York). Let's get to it! Cannabis Industry Highlights #1) Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Facilitate Expungement of Pardoned Federal Offenses: On ...
Portugal Eyes Leadership Role in Global Medical Cannabis Market
LOS ANGELES- Portugal is positioning itself as a significant player in the medical cannabis industry, leveraging its favorable climate and regulatory framework to boost production and exports. In 2023, the country exported nearly 12,000 kilograms of cannabis-based medical products, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. The Portuguese government has authorized over 60 companies ...
Hemp Industry Anticipates Expansion
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a leading advocacy organization for the hemp sector, has strengthened its leadership by appointing two prominent figures from the hemp beverage industry. In September 2024, Art Massolo, Vice President of Business Development at Cycling Frog, assumed the role of Executive Vice President, while Aaron Nosbisch, founder of BRĒZ, was ...
Illinois Cannabis Market Leads in Diversity with 100th Social Equity Dispensary
LOS ANGELES- In July 2024, Illinois marked a significant milestone by opening its 100th social equity-owned cannabis dispensary, underscoring the state's commitment to fostering diversity within the industry. A comprehensive study by the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office revealed that 60% of all adult-use cannabis licenses have been awarded to minority- or women-owned businesses, positioning Illinois ...
Oh Cannabis, An Industry Is Yet To Land…
TORONTO—It didn’t have to be this way. I mean, in spite of what so many whinge and whine about, Canada had a lot to leverage. Canada is pretty big, with a population of about 40 million Canada is pretty vibrant, with a GDP of about $5.8 trillion Canada is relatively affluent, with a median disposable ...
Climate First Bank Introduces Cannabis-Focused Financial Services in Florida
LOS ANGELES- Climate First Bank, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, has introduced specialized banking services tailored for the cannabis industry. This initiative aims to address the financial challenges faced by cannabis businesses, particularly in accessing traditional banking services. The bank's offerings include deposit accounts, cash management, and lending solutions, all designed to comply with federal and ...
The Vegas Classic: A Premier B2B Networking Event in Partnership with MJBiz
LAS VEGAS- As the cannabis industry continues to evolve and expand, networking, collaboration, and innovative partnerships are more critical than ever. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to introduce The Vegas Classic, an exclusive B2B networking event during MJBiz Week 2024, set to take place at the iconic Las Vegas Country Club this coming December 3. ...
Breadstack: Is This The Winning Formula for Cannabis eCommerce?
LOS ANGELES—As a founding member of the Cannabis Open Standards Technology Alliance (COSTA), Breadstack has firmly established itself as a trailblazer in cannabis e-commerce. Based in Canada, the company has risen to meet the unique challenges of an increasingly evolving industry, offering dispensaries the tools and strategies they need to thrive. By focusing on innovative ...
LeafLink Acquires Leaf Trade to Enhance Cannabis Wholesale Platform
LOS ANGELES- LeafLink, a cannabis wholesale platform, has acquired Leaf Trade, a wholesale marketplace serving multi-state operators (MSOs) and enterprise cannabis companies. This strategic move aims to streamline operations for cannabis businesses of varying scales. The combined entity is projected to facilitate approximately $9 billion in annual gross merchandise value (GMV). Initially, both platforms will ...