Insights
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. ...
Canopy Growth Appoints New CEO Amid Financial Challenges
LOS ANGELES- Canopy Growth Corp., a cannabis industry, has announced the appointment of Luc Mongeau as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 6. Mongeau succeeds David Klein in this leadership role. With over 25 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods sector, Mongeau has previously held significant positions, including CEO of eSolutions Furniture ...
Tennessee Lawmakers Implement Hemp Product Ban
LOS ANGELES- In November 2024, numerous licensed cannabis dispensaries in the Los Angeles area received notices from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) indicating a shift in their tax payment schedules from quarterly to monthly, effective January 1, 2025. This change is attributed to the increasing tax liabilities within the cannabis industry. ...
French Parkinson’s Patients Indicate Strong Support for Medical Cannabis and CBD Use
LOS ANGELES- A recent study published in Clinical Parkinsonism & Related Disorders reveals that a significant majority of individuals in France diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) are in favor of utilizing medical cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for symptom management. The nationwide online survey, which included 1,136 participants with PD, found that 81.7% expressed support for ...
Illinois Establishes Cannabis Research Institute to Advance Industry Understanding
LOS ANGELES- The State of Illinois, in collaboration with the City of Chicago, has inaugurated the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI), a joint initiative between the University of Illinois and the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI). This endeavor aims to enhance research and data collection on cannabis, informing future industry developments and public policy. Governor JB Pritzker ...
GetTangi Corporation Eyes Regulatory Opportunities in Cryptocurrency Under Trump Administration
LOS ANGELES- In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House, Ronald Strauss, CEO of GetTangi Corporation, a company integrating cryptocurrency with legal cannabis transactions, expressed a measured outlook on the potential regulatory landscape for digital assets. Strauss, in a recent LinkedIn post, characterized Trump’s administration as possibly “transformative” for cryptocurrency, citing its ...
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nominated to Lead HHS, Poised to Drive Drug Policy Reforms
LOS ANGELES- President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), positioning him to influence significant drug policy reforms, including the promotion of psychedelics therapy and the restructuring of federal cannabis regulations. Kennedy's journey to this nomination has been unconventional. He began the 2024 ...
What U.S. Employers Need to Know About Evolving Cannabis and Psychedelics Policies
LOS ANGELES- The November 5, 2024, elections have brought significant changes to state-level drug laws, requiring employers to reevaluate workplace policies, especially around cannabis and psychedelics. Key developments in Nebraska, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Massachusetts reflect the nation’s shifting but divided stance on drug legalization. Nebraska: A Step Forward for Medical Cannabis Nebraska ...
Amethyst Health Secures Conditional Medical Cannabis License in New York
LOS ANGELES- a partnership between Black Star Wellness, LLC, and AYR Wellness Inc, has been conditionally awarded a vertically integrated medical cannabis license by the New York Cannabis Control Board. This license grants the right to operate as a "Registered Organization" within New York's regulated cannabis market. Black Star Wellness holds a majority stake in ...
LA County DA Launches Campaign to Educate Teens on Cannabis Risks
LOS ANGELES- Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has initiated a public service campaign to educate youth and caregivers about the risks associated with modern cannabis products, which are significantly more potent than those available five decades ago. This initiative, launched on October 31, 2024, aims to promote healthier communities by raising awareness of the ...
Texas Voters Approve Local Cannabis Decriminalization in Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart
LOS ANGELES- Voters in three Texas cities—Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart—have approved local ordinances to decriminalize low-level cannabis possession. Each measure passed with strong support, reflecting a growing trend in Texas municipalities toward reducing penalties for cannabis possession. In Dallas, Proposition R, commonly referred to as the Dallas Freedom Act, passed with approximately 66% support. This ...
Trump’s Return to Office: What it Means for the Cannabis Industry
LOS ANGELES- As Donald Trump returns to the White House, the cannabis industry is assessing how his policy stance could shape the future of legal cannabis in the United States. Trump's position on cannabis has evolved since his first term, but his approach remains largely rooted in supporting states’ rights rather than endorsing sweeping federal ...
Key States to Decide Cannabis Legalization in 2024
LOS ANGELES- In November 2024, voters in four states—Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota—will decide on significant cannabis ballot measures. Florida, the most populous among them, aims to transition from a medical-only market to adult-use sales through Amendment 3. The measure requires a 60% majority to pass, and polling has shown fluctuating support. North ...
Planet 13 Launches Initiative to Support Florida Veterans and First Responders with Medical Cannabis Access
LOS ANGELES- Planet 13 Holdings Inc., a multi-state cannabis company, recently launched the "Healing Heroes" initiative in Florida to support veterans and first responders. This program, active from November 1 to 14, 2024, aims to reduce the costs associated with obtaining or renewing medical cannabis cards. Planet 13 is collaborating with The Grateful Veteran, a ...
Arizona to Launch Recreational Cannabis Home Delivery
LOS ANGELES- Starting November 2024, Arizona will permit home delivery for recreational cannabis, marking a significant shift in state policy. The Arizona Department of Health Services has approved this expansion, previously limited to medical cannabis patients. Now, residents aged 21 and older can receive home deliveries facilitated by licensed dispensaries or partnered third-party services. Recreational ...
AICPA Calls for IRS Guidance on Cannabis Tax Policy Amid Potential Rescheduling
LOS ANGELES- The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is calling on the IRS and Treasury Department to provide updated guidance on tax policy for cannabis businesses in light of a potential rescheduling of cannabis to a Schedule III substance. This change would relieve these businesses from the restrictions of Section 280E of the ...
U.S. Cannabis Market Growth Reaches $50 Billion as Industry Grapples with Worker Unionization Efforts
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. cannabis market is on track for substantial growth, with projections indicating retail sales could exceed $50 billion annually within the next several years. In 2023, combined medical and recreational cannabis sales were estimated at around $33.6 billion, with significant growth expected as additional states legalize recreational use and expand medical programs. ...
New Report Highlights Key Insights and Challenges in U.S. Alzheimer’s Patient Experience
LOS ANGELES- A new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com, "Alzheimer's Disease in the United States: Understanding the Alzheimer's Patient Experience," provides a data-driven view of the experiences of nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. The report, based on input from 500 patients and caregivers, covers key aspects of life with the disease, such as symptom management, ...
The Rise of the Clean Label Movement in Cannabis
LOS ANGELES — Consumer preferences in the cannabis market are evolving toward healthier and more transparent products. By 2024, the global cannabis market is projected to reach $57 billion, driven largely by the increasing legalization and normalization of cannabis use across North America, Europe, and other regions. However, this rapid growth has also led to ...
Criticism Mounts Over New York’s Social Equity Cannabis Fund for High Costs and Limited Impact
LOS ANGELES- New York’s Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund, a public-private initiative launched to support individuals disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition, has faced growing criticism over its high operating costs and limited results. Since its establishment in 2022, the fund has managed to open only 21 dispensaries, despite an initial target of 150 locations. This ...
