Insights

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 ...

LOS ANGELES -- In a significant development in the biopharmaceutical sector, MindMed, a clinical-stage company listed on NASDAQ and NEO has successfully wrapped up the enrollment and dosing phase of a critical study, MMED008. This Phase 2b study is centered on evaluating the efficacy of MM-120 (lysergide D-tartrate) in treating individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder ...

LOS ANGELES-- A recent survey conducted by the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University has revealed that a substantial majority of Floridians are in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis, with a significant portion also supporting the state's existing medical cannabis program. According to the poll, 60% of the respondents expressed support for the ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a significant development in the burgeoning field of psychedelic medicine, Filament Health, a publicly traded company, has entered into a licensing agreement with biotech firm Reset Pharmaceuticals Inc. The collaboration aims to explore the potential of a psychedelic-based drug in treating severe emotional distress, particularly demoralization syndrome, commonly experienced by cancer patients. ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a move to foster community engagement and gather diverse perspectives, the Colorado Natural Medicine Division, operating under the Department of Revenue, has announced a series of "listening sessions" scheduled throughout September and October. These sessions are designed to inform the public and engage stakeholders in the development of the regulated access regulations ...

DALLAS- In the midst of a nationwide shift towards the acceptance of cannabis use, Texas remains a bastion of resistance, holding firmly to its stringent regulations surrounding the substance. As the nation grapples with evolving perspectives on cannabis legalization, the Lone Star State stands at a crossroads, balancing its deep-rooted traditions with a burgeoning public ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a significant move that could potentially reshape the cannabis landscape in North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has voted in favor of advancing cannabis reform within their territory. The decision, which came through a tribal vote on September 7, saw a 70% majority (2,464-1,056) favoring the reform, according to ...

LOS ANGELES-- Recent data published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine indicates a decline in cannabis treatment referrals for young individuals following the legalization of the substance. The study, conducted by researchers at Temple University, analyzed trends in criminal justice referrals for cannabis use disorder (CUD) treatment between 2008 and 2019 in the United States. ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a significant development in the burgeoning cannabis industry, workers at three Rise dispensaries in Illinois have successfully ratified their inaugural collective bargaining agreement. Rise, a subsidiary of the multi-state operator Green Thumb Industries (GTI), has been at the center of a prolonged negotiation process, which has now culminated in a landmark agreement ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a bold move that could potentially reshape the legal landscape surrounding psychedelic substances in California, activists are rallying to introduce a question concerning the legalization of psychedelic mushrooms on the 2024 ballots. Spearheaded by Decriminalize California, the initiative aims to garner sufficient public support to facilitate the cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution of ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a groundbreaking collaboration, Cresco Labs, a Chicago-based cannabis company, has embarked on a pioneering advertising campaign with Spotify, the popular music streaming platform boasting over 220 million subscribers. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the cannabis industry, as it leverages the extensive reach of audio streaming services to foster brand engagement ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a bid to foster a more user-friendly environment for cannabis consumers and businesses alike, Maine regulators are contemplating a significant overhaul of the existing cannabis regulations, a move that could potentially reshape the burgeoning industry in the state. According to a report by the Portland Press Herald, the Maine Office of Cannabis ...

OHIO– A recent poll conducted by Fallon Research has revealed that a significant majority of Ohio residents are in favor of the forthcoming ballot initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis. The survey, which underscores the shifting attitudes toward cannabis legalization in the United States, found that 59% of respondents support the proposal, while 32% oppose it, ...

LOS ANGELES– In a groundbreaking development for both the music and cannabis industries, the inaugural Miracle in Mundelein music festival is set to become Illinois' first state-approved cannabis consumption event. Scheduled for September 9-10, the two-day festival promises to combine musical performances by renowned artists like Cypress Hill, Action Bronson, and Stephen Marley with responsible ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a proactive move to foster community engagement and inclusivity, the Colorado Natural Medicine Division has announced a series of "listening sessions" scheduled throughout September and October. These sessions are designed to involve stakeholders and educate the public on the unfolding process of regulated access regulations pertaining to the recent psychedelic legalization ballot ...

LOS ANGELES– The path to legal medical cannabis in Alabama, once paved with optimism, has been marred by legal controversies and procedural missteps, leaving patients and businesses in a state of limbo. Last week, officials from the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) announced hopes to issue licenses for medical cannabis cultivators and distributors by the ...

LOS ANGELES-- A recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research highlighted alarming levels of pesticides in illegal cannabis samples compared to legal ones in Canada. The researchers scrutinized 36 legal cannabis samples from licensed dispensaries and 24 illegal samples which were confiscated and tested in 2021. In this analytical study, a staggering 92% ...

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre underscored President Joe Biden's longstanding support for the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes, signaling a potentially significant shift in the federal stance towards cannabis legislation. This statement comes on the heels of a pivotal recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health ...