Insights
U.S. States Navigate Psychedelics Reforms Amidst Legalization Efforts
As the United States continues to explore the boundaries of drug policy reform, numerous state legislatures and advocacy groups are engaging in a concerted effort to redefine the legal status of psychedelics. From decriminalization and legalization to the establishment of new research agencies, the landscape of psychedelics law is shifting, albeit with nuanced public support. ...
Colorado Cannabis Business Park Entangled in Legal Battle Over Unpaid Electricity Bills
NEW YORK — A legal tussle over a six-figure electricity bill has emerged between the owners of Area 420, a Colorado cannabis business park, and one of its tenants, as reported by NBC. The dispute, centered on an unsettled debt exceeding $100,000, has led Potch LLC, the parent company of Area 420, to pursue foreclosure ...
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Sets December Goal for Licensing Amid Legal Challenges
Alabama — After navigating through a series of legal hurdles and procedural delays, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) is now targeting December to finalize industry licenses, a move that its chairman describes as part of an "aggressive" timeline. This latest development comes as the commission attempts to recover from a summer marked by regulatory ...
Kansas City Cannabis Workers Vote to Unionize, Joining Teamsters Local 955
LOS ANGELES— Employees at Home State Dispensary in Kansas City have made a landmark decision to unionize, becoming the first group of cannabis workers in the metro area to do so. The budtenders and inventory clerks have elected to join Teamsters Local 955, marking a significant moment for labor relations within Missouri's burgeoning cannabis industry. ...
MindMed Projects Operational Continuity into 2026 Amid Advancements in LSD-Based Anxiety Treatment
NEW YORK — Mind Medicine Inc. (MindMed), a biopharmaceutical company leading the charge in psychedelic drug development, has assured stakeholders of its financial viability well into 2026. This assurance comes even as the company, which currently does not generate revenue, moves closer to the potential market introduction of its proprietary LSD formulation intended for anxiety treatment. ...
Psyence Group Advances Psilocybin Production with Facility Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
LOS ANGELES- Psyence Group Inc. a trailblazer in the clinical-stage life sciences sector specializing in nature-derived psilocybin for mental health treatments, has announced significant developments in its Psyence Production division. The company takes pride in operating one of the pioneering government-licensed commercial psilocybin cultivation facilities, located in Southern Africa and ISO22000 certified, which positions Psyence ...
U.S. Cannabis Operators Challenge Federal Enforcement in Landmark Lawsuit
LOS ANGELES- In a bold move that underscores the growing tension between state legislation and federal restrictions, a coalition of U.S. cannabis operators and investors has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's application of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to cannabis. The suit claims that the federal prohibition of cannabis stands in stark conflict ...
Navigating Cannabis Conferences: A Comprehensive Guide for Companies
LOS ANGELES--If your company is gearing up to attend a cannabis conference, it's crucial to approach it with a well-thought-out strategy. The earlier you start your preparations, the better the results you can expect. My team and I started this SOP for MJBizCon, and I wanted to share it with any other teams planning to ...
Arizona Social Equity Cannabis License Holders Face Deadline Challenges
PHOENIX — As the state-mandated deadline of Sunday, Oct. 8, looms, more than half of Arizona’s social equity cannabis retail licensees risk missing the critical opening date for their businesses. Of the 26 license holders, 14 are behind schedule, which could potentially lead to penalties including the revocation of their licenses. Despite this, the Arizona ...
Economic Report Foresees Financial Upside for Ohio in Legalizing Recreational Cannabis
LOS ANGELES — A recent economic assessment suggests that Ohio could reap significant financial benefits should voters opt to legalize recreational cannabis use. As reported by the Ohio Capital Journal, analysis from the Columbus-based Scioto Analysis indicates an annual net benefit of approximately $260 million if Issue 2 is approved in the upcoming November 7 ...
Kanabo Partners with British Cannabis to Enhance Digital Health Services
LOS ANGELES- In a significant move to provide enhanced digital health services and specialty medicines, including medicinal cannabis, Kanabo (KNB), a patient-centric provider, has announced a collaborative partnership with British Cannabis. This collaboration will facilitate the availability of pharmacy-grade CBD health supplements to patients. Starting soon, British Cannabis's CBD products will be procurable through prescriptions ...
Cybin Inc. Releases Interim Findings for Its Innovative Psilocybin Analog, CYB003
LOS ANGELES- In a major step for mental health treatment innovation, Cybin Inc. today publicized the interim results of its Phase 2 clinical trial for CYB003, its proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog. These findings highlight a robust and statistically substantial decrease in depressive symptoms as early as three weeks post a single 12mg dosage, a remarkable ...
Las Vegas to Welcome New Cannabis Consumption Lounges Following CCB Decision
LOS ANGELES-- In a move reflecting the evolving landscape of the cannabis sector, the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) has awarded six conditional consumption lounge licenses, all set to be situated in Las Vegas. The decision was made during a meeting in Carson City, Nev., on Oct. 24. Notably, two of the cannabis industry's leading ...
Virginia Judge Upholds State Law on Hemp Products in Notable Ruling
LOS ANGELES- In a notable legal decision, a federal judge in Northern Virginia declined to halt the enforcement of a recently established state law imposing stricter controls on hemp-derived products, as reported by the Virginia Mercury on Monday. The law, which tightens the regulations on products containing delta-8 THC, was defended by U.S. District Judge ...
Colorado Awards First Loans to Social Equity Cannabis Businesses
DENVER — In a move that underlines the state's commitment to fostering equitable growth in the cannabis industry, Colorado's Cannabis Business Office (CBO) has unveiled the inaugural recipients of the state's Cannabis Business Loan Program. Launched in collaboration with the mission-oriented lender, NuProject, this initiative facilitates loans ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. The program is ...
Massachusetts Cannabis Companies Challenge Federal Prohibition in Lawsuit Against U.S. Attorney General
LOS ANGELES- A coalition of Massachusetts-based cannabis businesses has initiated legal proceedings against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, presenting a strong case against the current federal cannabis prohibition. The litigants argue that the said prohibition is not only unconstitutional but also unduly infringes on state rights, thereby placing their businesses in jeopardy by compelling them ...
Washington State Suspends True Northwest Lab’s Quality Assurance Certification
WASHINGTON STATE — State regulators announced a suspension on the quality-assurance certification of the Olympia-based testing lab, True Northwest, after multiple concerns arose regarding the lab's testing reliability and operational procedures. In an official statement, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) mentioned, “The lab did not provide an acceptable corrective action report following ...
Cannabis and the Workplace: A Changing Paradigm
LOS ANGELES- In a recent survey, compelling insights were unveiled concerning the changing attitudes and behaviors of individuals towards cannabis consumption, emphasizing its medicinal applications and subsequent implications in the professional arena. Key Insights: Usage Dynamics: Among participants, 18% disclosed having used cannabis for therapeutic objectives in the past year, with 19% using it for ...
Debunking Fentanyl and Cannabis Misconceptions
NEW YORK- The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has released a comprehensive report addressing the widespread misinformation suggesting that cannabis is being contaminated with fentanyl. This misinformation has been perpetuated through various channels, from law enforcement narratives to political leaders. The report titled “Cannabis and Fentanyl: Facts and Unknowns” aims to separate fact ...
Oregon Cannabis Associations Merge Amidst Industry Challenges
LOS ANGELES- In a significant development within Oregon's cannabis sector, the Oregon Cannabis Association and the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon have decided to merge. The boards of both organizations approved this union last week, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting. The newly formed entity, named the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, will represent a ...
Beckley Psytech Begins Landmark Phase IIb Study on Novel Intranasal 5-MeO-DMT Formulation for Treatment Resistant Depression
LOS ANGELES- In a significant development for the field of neuropsychiatric treatment, Beckley Psytech Ltd, a leading clinical-stage biotechnology firm, announced today the initiation of its international Phase IIb study on BPL-003. This novel synthetic intranasal formulation of 5-MeO-DMT is being tested for its potential in treating Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). The study, a multi-centre ...
The Rise and Debate of Delta-8 THC: Understanding the Controversy
LOS ANGELES- Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 or ∆8-THC) is making headlines as its popularity soars, primarily due to federal regulations that ambiguously classify it. Resembling the more commonly known Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in structure and effect, this lesser-known cannabinoid is now under the microscope for its origins, safety, and place in the industry. Historical Perspective Delta-8 was first partially ...
Aurora Cannabis Settles Patent Litigation with Willow Biosciences
TORONTO — Aurora Cannabis, the Alberta-based licensed producer, has finalized a confidential settlement with Willow Biosciences over a previously ongoing patent litigation that began in July 2021. The specific terms and conditions of the settlement remain under wraps, with both companies refraining from public disclosure of detailed particulars. Aurora had previously initiated the patent infringement ...
FSD Pharma and Celly Nutrition Corp. Schedule Virtual Securityholders Meeting
TORONTO — FSD Pharma, a noted biopharmaceutical company, and its partner Celly Nutrition Corp. have jointly announced a virtual meeting for FSD Pharma's securityholders. Slated for November 20, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Toronto time, this virtual gathering will take place via the AGM Connect platform. The main objective of this assembly is to approve the ...
House VA Subcommittee Postpones Historic Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Hearing
LOS ANGELES- A groundbreaking hearing of the House VA’s subcommittee on Health, set to discuss the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies in combating mental health disorders, has been postponed. The delay was attributed to the ongoing turmoil in the House over the election of a new speaker. The aptly named "Emerging Therapies: Breakthroughs in the Battle ...