Insights
Analysis: Pennsylvania’s Cannabis Industry: Current Growth and Future Projections
NEW YORK- The cannabis industry in Pennsylvania continues to evolve, with medical cannabis already generating over $1.5 billion in annual sales. Discussions about recreational legalization are intensifying, particularly as the state's budget deficit grows and bipartisan support builds. Industry experts, including those at Viridian Capital Advisors, foresee substantial economic opportunities if recreational cannabis is approved. ...
Arkansas Governor Proposes Funding Free School Meals with Medical Cannabis Tax Revenue
LOS ANGELES- Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced plans to allocate tax revenue from medical cannabis sales to fund free school meals across the state. In her State of the State address, Governor Sanders stated, "I've already announced that Arkansas will participate in summer EBT this year. And today, I'm announcing my plan to ...
Chairman of High Times Parent Company to Plead Guilty in Fraud Scheme
LOS ANGELES-Adam Levin, chairman of Hightimes Holding Corp., has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy charges involving a scheme to pay an investment analyst to promote the company’s stock without disclosing the compensation. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Levin paid over $150,000 to the analyst, who subsequently endorsed ...
Hemp vs Cannabis Beverages: What’s the Difference, and Why Does It Matter?
LOS ANGELES- Cannabis and hemp beverages markets see rapid growth, but their distinctions remain unclear to many. While both originate from one species, they cater to vastly different audiences, serve distinct purposes, and adhere to unique regulatory frameworks. For consumers seeking clarity, manufacturers striving for innovation, and investors identifying opportunities, a deeper understanding of these ...
The Rise of a New Era of Consumption: Cannabis-Infused Drinks
LOS ANGELES--Cannabis-infused beverages have rapidly gained traction in recent years as a popular alternative to traditional consumption methods such as smoking and vaping. With the increasing legalization of cannabis in the United States and other parts of the world, these drinks offer consumers a novel and convenient way to enjoy all the benefits of the ...
What You Need to Know Inventory Management and Cost Accounting
LOS ANGELES—Every entrepreneur, CEO and CFO needs to know that effective inventory management and accurate cost accounting are critical to success in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. As businesses navigate a landscape marked by strict regulations and intense competition, implementing robust seed-to-sale tracking systems and accurate cost accounting practices are essential to maintaining compliance and ...
Worried About IRS Audits? What You Need to Know
LOS ANGELES– The cannabis and psychedelics industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and as we one step into 2025, the outlook is brighter than ever. With increasing legalization, growing consumer acceptance, and a burgeoning market projected to reach nearly $40 billion next year, companies engaged in the sector have every reason to be optimistic. However, ...
Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Treating PTSD Remains Uncertain
LOS ANGELES- The use of medical cannabis as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has garnered significant attention. However, current research provides limited and inconclusive evidence regarding its effectiveness. A 2021 systematic review found insufficient support for cannabinoids in treating PTSD-related mental health disorders. The review highlighted the need for more rigorous studies to ...
Hemp-Derived CBD Market Set to Expand Significantly by 2034
LOS ANGELES- The global hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) market is forecasted to grow from $8.28 billion in 2023 to $46.25 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.93%, according to Research and Markets. This expansion is driven by increased consumer preference for natural wellness products, regulatory developments, and growing applications in personal ...
Wildfires Disrupt California’s Cannabis Industry: A Growing Challenge for Businesses and Employees
LOS ANGELES–The raging wildfires in Los Angeles County, notably the Pacific Palisades fire, have become the most destructive in the city's history, severely impacting local cannabis businesses. As of January 8, 2025, multiple fires—including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley fires—have burned over 26,000 acres, prompting widespread evacuations and disrupting daily life. Impact on Cannabis ...
Kentucky Implements Medical Cannabis Program
LOS ANGELES- As of January 1, 2025, Kentucky has officially implemented its medical cannabis program, allowing residents with qualifying medical conditions to access cannabis for therapeutic purposes. This development follows the enactment of Senate Bill 47, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 31, 2023. Program Overview The program permits patients diagnosed with ...
What You Need to Know Inventory Management and Cost Accounting
LOS ANGELES- Every entrepreneur, CEO and CFO needs to know that effective inventory management and accurate cost accounting are critical to success in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. As businesses navigate a landscape marked by strict regulations and intense competition, implementing robust seed-to-sale tracking systems and accurate cost accounting practices are essential to maintaining compliance ...
What You Need to Know Banking and Financing Challenges
LOS ANGELES- Every entrepreneur CEO or CFO needs to know that navigating the banking and financing landscape in the cannabis industry presents unique challenges. Despite the rapid growth of the cannabis market in the United States, businesses in this sector often find themselves locked out of traditional banking services. This circumstance leads to significant operational hurdles ...
What Entrepreneurs Need to Know Regulatory Compliance Costs
LOS ANGELES- Every entrepreneur, CFO and CEO needs to know that navigating regulatory compliance in the cannabis industry is not just a legal obligation, but also a significant financial undertaking. As the cannabis market continues to expand across the United States, companies must contend with a complex web of state and federal regulations that can ...
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Advocates for Hemp Restrictions and Medical Cannabis Expansion
LOS ANGELES- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed support for restricting the sale of unregulated hemp-derived THC products while advocating for the expansion of the state's medical cannabis program. In a recent opinion piece, Miller highlighted concerns over the proliferation of unregulated consumable cannabis products in Texas, noting that many of these items are ...
Canopy USA Appoints M. Brooks Jorgensen as President
LOS ANGELES- Canopy USA, a subsidiary of Canopy Growth Corporation, has announced the appointment of M. Brooks Jorgensen as its new President. Jorgensen brings over two decades of experience in the wine and spirits industry, including a tenure as Vice President and General Manager at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. Prior to joining Canopy USA, ...
Psyence Biomed Completes $2 Million Private Placement
LOS ANGELES- Psyence Biomedical Ltd. , a biotechnology firm specializing in psilocybin-based psychedelic medicines, has finalized a private placement, securing approximately $2 million in gross proceeds. The financing involved the issuance of 1,000,000 common shares at $2.00 per share, accompanied by series A and series B common warrants. Both warrant series are immediately exercisable at ...
Travis Ahern Named Executive Director of Massachusetts Cannabis Commission
LOS ANGELES- The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) has selected Holliston Town Manager, Travis Ahern, as its new Executive Director. Ahern's appointment follows a comprehensive search process that began earlier this year. He was among four finalists who participated in public interviews in October. The CCC initially extended the offer to David Lakeman, a former ...
Psyence Biomedical Regains Nasdaq Compliance
LOS ANGELES- Psyence Biomedical Ltd. (Nasdaq: PBM) has regained compliance with all Nasdaq continued listing requirements, as confirmed by the Nasdaq Hearings Panel. The company had previously requested a transfer from The Nasdaq Global Market to The Nasdaq Capital Market, effective November 15, 2024. This strategic move enabled Psyence Biomedical to meet specific listing criteria, ...
Canopy Growth Finalizes Acquisition of Acreage Holdings
LOS ANGELES- Canopy Growth Corporation, a Canadian cannabis company, has completed its acquisition of Acreage Holdings through its U.S. subsidiary, Canopy USA, LLC. This transaction grants Canopy USA full ownership of Acreage Holdings, a multi-state cannabis operator based in New York. The acquisition was finalized with Canopy issuing approximately 5.89 million shares, valued at around ...
Section 280E Tax Law Challenges Cannabis Industry
LOS ANGELES- Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code presents significant financial challenges for cannabis businesses by prohibiting the deduction of ordinary business expenses associated with the trafficking of Schedule I or II controlled substances, which includes cannabis. This results in higher effective tax rates for these businesses compared to those in other industries. Enacted ...
Dennis Peron: The Gay Revolutionary Who Pioneered Medical Cannabis in America
SAN FRANCISCO-Dennis Peron, the "Father of Medical Marijuana," is a towering figure in the history of cannabis advocacy. His relentless dedication to compassion and justice not only changed the lives of countless patients but also sparked a movement that continues to shape cannabis policy today. At Highly Capitalized Network (HCN), we honor trailblazers like Dennis ...
Cannabis Industry Faces Rising Threat of Ransomware Attacks
LOS ANGELES- The cannabis industry is increasingly becoming a target for ransomware attacks, with the Everest Ransomware group recently focusing on this sector. In November 2024, two cannabis operators were listed as victims on Everest's dark-web blog within a single week. The second victim was identified as a client of the first, a software-as-a-service vendor, ...
A LIFE IN A DAY: Riel Roussopoulos: Head of Marketing: Breadstack
Riel Roussopoulos is a Canadian marketer and technologist with extensive experience driving growth in a variety of industries, including e-commerce, entertainment, real estate, fitness, and cannabis. He leverages his expertise in SEO, video production, copywriting, and e-commerce to assist companies in achieving online success. Roussopoulos' approach begins with engaging customers and amplifying their success stories ...
Federal Policy Uncertainty Continues to Challenge U.S. Cannabis Industry
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. cannabis industry remains in a state of flux due to ongoing federal policy uncertainties, impacting market dynamics, investment strategies, and regulatory compliance. In August 2024, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) postponed a hearing on reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. ...
