Insights
HYTN and A1 Cannabis Forge Partnership to Expand Cannabis Beverage Production
LOS ANGELES- HYTN Innovations Inc., a company specializing in pharmaceutical-grade cannabis manufacturing, has entered into a three-year collaboration with A1 Cannabis Inc., the owner of Summit Cannabis Beverages. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and broaden the market presence of both companies in the cannabis beverage sector. Under the terms of the agreement, A1 ...
New Lawsuit Accuses CCELL of Price-Fixing & Monopoly Tactics
LOS ANGELES — February 14, 2025 A class action lawsuit has been filed against Smoore, the parent company of CCELL, and its U.S. distributors, accusing them of engaging in illegal price-fixing and monopolistic practices that have driven up costs in the cannabis vape hardware market. The suit, initiated by Arizona-based Earth’s Healing, Inc., claims violations ...
Neurotech International Enters Development Agreement for Cannabinoid Therapies
LOS ANGELES- Neurotech International Limited, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in pediatric neurological disorders, has signed a development agreement with RH Pharma, a subsidiary of the European Cannabis Company (ECC). This collaboration aims to develop a pharmaceutical-grade, broad-spectrum cannabinoid drug product tailored for pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Under the agreement, RH Pharma will utilize ...
North Carolina Voters Show Strong Support for Medical Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES- A recent poll indicates that a significant majority of North Carolina voters favor the legalization of medical cannabis, with substantial backing across political affiliations. The survey reveals that 45% of respondents "strongly" support medical cannabis legalization, while 26% "somewhat" support it. In contrast, 9% "somewhat" oppose, and 14% are "strongly" opposed to the ...
Industry Collaboration Essential to Mitigate Cannabis Testing Lab Fraud
LOS ANGELES- The cannabis industry is confronting significant challenges related to fraudulent practices in testing laboratories, including the inflation of THC potency levels and the manipulation of safety results. These actions not only mislead consumers but also compromise product safety. Recent legal actions, such as the lawsuit filed by MCR Labs against eight competitors in ...
Senator Lankford Introduces Bill to Prevent Tax Deductions for Cannabis Businesses
LOS ANGELES- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the "No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act," aiming to prevent cannabis businesses from deducting business expenses on their federal taxes, even if cannabis is rescheduled under federal law. The bill seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that businesses involved in the trafficking of marijuana remain ...
What You Need to Know: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Consolidation
LOS ANGELES—Every CFO needs to know that navigating mergers, acquisitions, and consolidation in cannabis and psychedelics industries requires a deep understanding of business valuation complexities and strategic deal-making. Effective M&A strategies are crucial to driving growth, expanding market share, increasing operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to the continued evolution of the industry. Valuation Complexities Valuing cannabis ...
Minnesota’s Cannabis Office Initiates Grant Program for Communities Affected by Prohibition
LOS ANGELES- The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has introduced the CanRenew Community Restoration Grants, a program designed to support communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis prohibition policies. In 2025, the program will allocate up to $1 million, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per project. Eligible organizations—including nonprofits, tribal entities, educational ...
The Future of Cannabis Under Trump’s 2025 Administration: A Tough Road Ahead?
WASHINGTON, D.C.–As the new Trump administration takes shape in 2025, the future of cannabis policy in the United States remains uncertain. While President Trump has occasionally expressed support for a state's rights approach to cannabis legalization, his administration's key appointments and recent actions suggest a much more conservative stance. Key Appointments and Their Stance on ...
Maine Governor Advocates for Enhanced Regulation of Medical Cannabis Program
LOS ANGELES- In her recent State of the Budget address, Governor Janet Mills characterized Maine's medical cannabis program as the "wild, wild west," advocating for increased regulation to ensure consumer safety. She proposed implementing mandatory testing and tracking measures, similar to those in the state's adult-use cannabis market, to address concerns about product safety and ...
Calgary Considers Permitting Cannabis Sales at Adult-Only Events
LOS ANGELES- Calgary city officials are evaluating a proposal to permit the sale of cannabis at adult-only events. Councillor Kourtney Penner has introduced a motion requesting city administration to draft bylaw and business license amendments that would align with provincial regulations established in January 2024. These provincial rules, set by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis ...
Prospects of Executive Action on Cannabis Under the Trump Administration
LOS ANGELES- As of early February 2025, there is no indication that President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order directly impacting the cannabis industry. While President Trump has previously expressed support for reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act—a move that would acknowledge its ...
Nanotechnology-Enhanced CBD Demonstrates Neuroprotective Effects in Retinal Study
LOS ANGELES- A study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology investigated the neuroprotective properties of cannabidiol (CBD) delivered via nanotechnology in an animal model of retinal excitotoxicity. Researchers from the University of Catania, University of Crete, University of Enna, and University of Campania conducted the study. The study utilized rats with retinal damage induced ...
Maine Proposes Mandatory Testing for Medical Cannabis
LOS ANGELES- A new bill introduced in the Maine Legislature seeks to implement mandatory testing for medical cannabis products, aligning them with the state's existing standards for recreational cannabis. Sponsored by Representative Marc Malon and supported by Governor Janet Mills, the proposed legislation would require medical cannabis to be tested for contaminants such as pesticides, ...
Rastafarians Lead Caribbean Cannabis Boom
LOS ANGELES- In recent years, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has witnessed a transformative shift in its cannabis industry, particularly benefiting Rastafarian farmers who have long regarded the plant as sacred. Historically, these cultivators faced significant challenges, including the destruction of their crops during U.S.-backed anti-narcotics operations. As cannabis gains global recognition for its ...
Hawaii Lawmakers Renew Push to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis with Constitutional Amendment Proposal
LOS ANGELES- Hawaii lawmakers introduced House Bill 519, proposing a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and over. The bill seeks to amend Article IX of the Hawaii State Constitution, allowing individuals to possess and use cannabis, while granting the legislature authority to regulate its possession, distribution, use, and taxation. This ...
PharmaCann Defaults on Innovative Industrial Properties Leases
LOS ANGELES- On December 19, 2024, PharmaCann Inc., a privately held and vertically integrated cannabis company, defaulted on its December rent obligations for six of the eleven properties leased from Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (IIP). These properties are located in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with the unpaid rent totaling $4.2 million. ...
Nebraska Medical Cannabis Bills Propose Vertical Integration with License Caps
LOS ANGELES- Nebraska lawmakers have introduced legislative proposals to implement the state's recently approved medical cannabis laws. The proposed regulations include provisions for vertical integration and impose caps on the number of licenses issued. Under the proposed framework, the state would permit a limited number of vertically integrated medical cannabis businesses, with a cap of ...
Ascend Wellness Secures $15 Million in Private Placement to Bolster Growth Initiatives
LOS ANGELES- Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator, has successfully completed a $15 million private placement of its 12.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029. These notes were issued at 97% of their face value and will mature on July 16, 2029. This transaction is an extension of the company's earlier $235 ...
President Trump’s Role in Cannabis Rescheduling and Federal Reform
LOS ANGELES- President Donald Trump is poised to significantly influence the trajectory of federal cannabis policy, particularly concerning the rescheduling of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The rescheduling process, initiated under the previous administration, is currently paused, awaiting the appointment of a new head for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by President ...
The Important Tax Deadlines to Remember in Cannabis
LOS ANGELES—As we enter 2025, it's crucial for individuals and businesses to keep track of key tax deadlines. Missing these dates can lead to penalties, interest charges, and wasted opportunities for tax savings. At Growise CPAs, we understand the complexities of tax compliance, especially in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. So, let's outline the critical ...
Senator Warren Seeks Clarification from RFK Jr. on Cannabis Legalization and Rescheduling
LOS ANGELES- Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has formally requested that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), clarify his stance on cannabis legalization and rescheduling. In a comprehensive 34-page letter, Senator Warren posed 175 questions covering various policy areas, including substance abuse, opioid crisis management, and cannabis reform. ...
Virginia Officials Advocate for Automatic Sealing of Cannabis Possession Records
LOS ANGELES- Virginia state officials are advocating for legislative measures to automatically seal all criminal records related to simple cannabis possession without the necessity of court orders. The Virginia State Crime Commission (VSCC) has endorsed recommendations to ensure that both convictions and non-convictions for cannabis possession are sealed automatically. Colin Drabert, Deputy Director of VSCC, ...
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 ...
