Insights

LOS ANGELES- The advocacy group, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), is stepping up its efforts to legalize medical cannabis in the state. The group has rolled out two initiatives for the 2024 ballot: The Patient Protection Act and The Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. The former aims to shield patients and caregivers, while the latter seeks ...

LOS ANGELES-In the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, where regulations shift like the winds, and financial complexities rival those of any other sector, the role of an accountant has taken on a new dimension. Leading accountants in the cannabis field are not just number crunchers; they are financial strategists, compliance experts, and pioneers navigating ...

HELENA— A cannabis testing laboratory in Montana has closed its doors, sparking concerns over testing accuracy and oversight in the state's burgeoning cannabis industry. Stillwater Laboratories, owned by Ron and Kristine Brost, raised alarm bells regarding the possibility that the state's METRC software system might inadvertently approve large amounts of cannabis without adequate testing. The ...

DETROIT — Just days after being featured on the cover of the Detroit Metro Times, Detroit’s first "psychedelic church," Soul Tribes, faced a police raid, drawing attention to the complex legal landscape surrounding entheogenic plants and fungi. The church, operated by Shaman Shu, offers psilocybin mushrooms as a sacred sacrament. The owner alleges that the ...

LOS ANGELES- In a turn of events, Oregon faces a renewed battle over its drug policies, following the 2020 voter-approved Measure 110 that decriminalized the possession of drugs. Two petitions circulating in the state aim to roll back the provisions of this landmark decision. Leading this charge is the Coalition to Fix and Enhance Ballot ...

LOS ANGELES- In the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, staying on the path to success can be a daunting challenge. Cannabis entrepreneurs and operators face myriad hurdles, from shifting regulations to fierce competition. However, there's a silent and insidious threat that can undermine even the most promising cannabis companies: distraction. In this article, we ...

LOS ANGELES- In the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, staying on the path to success can be a daunting challenge. Cannabis entrepreneurs and operators face myriad hurdles, from shifting regulations to fierce competition. However, there's a silent and insidious threat that can undermine even the most promising cannabis companies: distraction. In this article, we ...

LOS ANGELES-In the fast-evolving cannabis industry, operators are constantly seeking ways to stay competitive and maximize profits. Amidst the pressure to cut costs and increase efficiency, it's easy for cannabis operators to fall into the trap of pursuing cost savings at any cost. However, not all cost-saving measures are created equal, and what may seem ...

LOS ANGELES- In an industry marked by its ever-shifting cultivation practices, Eden Grow Systems is leading the charge with its innovative aeroponic cannabis cultivation techniques. Unlike the conventional practices which rely heavily on soil or soilless substrates, aeroponics introduces a method where plant roots remain exposed and suspended, drawing nutrients from a rich water solution. ...

WASHINGTON — Congress is set to discuss a newly introduced bill aiming to curb federal intervention in states and localities where psilocybin mushrooms have been legalized or decriminalized. The bill, termed the Validating Independence for State Initiatives on Organic Natural Substances (VISIONS) Act, was put forth by Democrat Reps. Robert Garcia and Earl Blumenauer. As ...

LOS ANGELES- The intersection of aging and mental health has always been a focal point for researchers. With a burgeoning elderly population, the emphasis on promoting healthy aging has never been more critical. Enter psychedelic therapies — a once-controversial field, now heralded as a potential revolution in geriatric care. The profound effects of these therapies ...

LEXINGTON. — In an effort to tackle the persistent issue of opioid addiction, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission is exploring the potential of ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychedelic. During a recent session, the commission reviewed testimonies from over a dozen individuals, both professionals and those with personal experiences, detailing their encounters with the substance ...

VANCOUVER, — Magdalena Biosciences, in collaboration with Filament Health and Jaguar Health Inc., has imported coca leaves into Filament's research facility located in Vancouver. The acquisition, facilitated under the authorization of the Peruvian Health Authority, is sourced from Peru's sole approved coca distributor, Empresa Nacional de la Coca (ENACO). The coca leaves, now overseen by ...

FARRIS FORWARD: Welcome to Farris Forward, a new series of articles curated by Jon Farris and distributed by Highly Capitalized. The series highlights the insights and strategies being deployed by industry insiders and experts, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of the cannabis sector. As the industry evolves, operators are encouraged to follow Farris ...

LOS ANGELES- California lawmakers are moving forward with legislation aimed at enhancing the rights of cannabis consumers. Two significant bills have advanced to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk, which could potentially alter the current state of cannabis consumption and employment rights concerning the use of the substance. Expanding Access to Medical Cannabis in Healthcare Settings Senate ...

LOS ANGELES- In a critical move to stabilize its financial position, psychedelic pharmaceutical biotech firm Clearmind Medicine Inc. has successfully completed a public offering exclusive to the United States, amassing approximately $2.25 million in funds. The offering comprised 7,500,000 common shares, as well as an equal number of pre-funded and common warrants. The newly-acquired funds ...

LOS ANGELES- COMPASS Pathways, a biotechnology company at the forefront of mental health innovation, recently secured $285 million in private financing to further its research into the potential benefits of psychedelic medicines. The infusion of funds, expected to sustain the company's operations until late 2025, comes from 11 leading investment firms, including TCGX and Aisling ...

PHOENIX-  Employees at a Curaleaf Holdings Inc. dispensary in Phoenix took a bold step last Friday, initiating a strike aimed at pushing the company's executives to actively engage in contract negotiations. This marks a historic movement, being the first time cannabis industry workers have engaged in a strike in Arizona. Growing Frustration Over Unmet Contract ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a historic maneuver that might change the trajectory of mental health treatment and drug policy in the Golden State, California inches closer to embracing the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Spearheaded by Senator Scott Wiener, Senate Bill 58 (SB 58) has finally arrived at the Governor Gavin Newsom's desk, promising to inaugurate ...

NEW YORK- In a move to revitalize the cannabis industry in New York, the state has announced plans to commence the acceptance of cannabis industry applications from the general public and current medical cannabis companies starting October 4. This decision comes as a response to the sluggish rollout of the industry and a recent lawsuit ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a recent development that underscores the ongoing debates surrounding the regulation of hemp products, a federal lawsuit has been filed against the state of Virginia, challenging the newly instituted THC limits on hemp products. The plaintiffs, comprising two hemp enterprises and a consumer, assert that the restrictions, which commenced on July 1, ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a recent report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, the state's cannabis market demonstrated a robust performance, maintaining a steady pace in sales throughout August. According to the data, sales in August were nearly identical to those in July, registering a slight dip from $276.7 million to $276.3 million. This figure represents ...

FARRIS FORWARD: Welcome to Farris Forward, a new series of articles curated by Jon Farris and distributed by Highly Capitalized. The series highlights the insights and strategies being deployed by industry insiders and experts, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of the cannabis sector. As the industry evolves, operators are encouraged to follow Farris ...

DALLAS -In the midst of a shifting national perspective on cannabis legalization, Texas finds itself at a pivotal juncture, where economic prospects are being meticulously weighed against deeply entrenched cultural values and public safety concerns. The state, which boasts a rich history of autonomy dating back to its days as an independent republic, is witnessing ...

DALLAS- In the heart of Texas, a state steeped in a tradition of independence and self-reliance, a grassroots movement is taking shape that could potentially alter the legal landscape surrounding cannabis possession and use. Several of its prominent cities are spearheading initiatives to lessen the penalties associated with cannabis possession, signaling a possible shift towards ...