Insights
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 ...
PharmaDrug Announces Share Consolidation and Appoints New CFO
LOS ANGELES — PharmaDrug Inc, a pharmaceutical company, has made two significant announcements today. Firstly, it has detailed its upcoming share consolidation, and secondly, it has named a new Chief Financial Officer. Beginning October 24, 2023, PharmaDrug will initiate its share consolidation, consolidating its common shares at a rate of seven pre-consolidated common shares to ...
Revive Therapeutics Partners with Canadian Defence Agency on Nerve Agent Treatment Research
TORONTO — Revive Therapeutics Ltd., a specialty life sciences firm dedicated to developing treatments for rare disorders and medical needs, announced today its collaboration with Defence R&D Canada – Suffield Research Centre (DRDC), an entity within the Canadian Department of National Defence. The partnership aims to explore the efficacy of Bucillamine as a potential remedy ...
Psilocybin Shows Significant Potential in Mental Health Treatment, Study Reveals
LOS ANGELES- A groundbreaking study, recently published, has shed light on the profound implications of psilocybin use, especially in the realm of mental health. Demonstrating consistent reductions in depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse, the research also highlighted marked improvements in emotional stability, spiritual fulfillment, and sociability. This collaborative research, executed by scientists from Johns Hopkins ...
Cannabis and COVID-19: New Study Reveals Potential Benefits
LOS ANGELES- In the wake of the global pandemic, a novel study has shed light on the potential advantages of cannabis for those who contracted COVID-19. Published in the reputable CHEST Journal, the study suggests that cannabis consumers diagnosed with the virus experienced notably improved outcomes and a reduced mortality rate compared to those who ...
Governor Gavin Newsom Faces a Crucial Decision on Psychedelic Decriminalization
LOS ANGELES- The movement to decriminalize psychedelics in California, a campaign spanning over six decades, stands at a pivotal juncture. SB58, the bill that seeks to decriminalize various natural psychedelics and pave the way for their therapeutic use, has now reached the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom. The question remains: will he endorse or veto ...
New York Extends Cannabis Licensing Application Deadline Amid Mounting Concerns and Legal Obstacles
NEW YORK- Amid a flood of applications and growing uncertainty from prospective cannabis entrepreneurs, New York’s Cannabis Control Board (CCB) has granted a two-week extension for cannabis business license applications. Originally slated to close on December 4th, the submission window will now remain open until December 18th. This unanimous decision by the CCB aims to ...
Maryland Judge Supports Hemp Producers Against Restrictive Licensing Scheme
LOS ANGELES-- In a significant ruling, a Maryland judge rejected a temporary restraining order against hemp producers, affirming that hemp products remained legal as per the provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill. The lawsuit was initiated by the Maryland Hemp Coalition against the 2023 Cannabis Reform Act (CRA). The coalition criticized the CRA for its ...
FARRIS FORWARD: Your Guiding Light: 7 Steps to Create Core Values for Your Organization
LOS ANGELES–Welcome to Farris Forward, a new series of articles by Jon Farris exploring the intersection of strategy and leadership in the cannabis and psychedelics industries, or any industry where humans work. Read on: Navigating Through the Business Seas In the treacherous waters of the business world, imagine being a captain steering your ship through ...
FARRIS FORWARD: How to Unlock Your Passion: The Power of “Why”
LOS ANGELES–Welcome to Farris Forward, a new series of articles by Jon Farris exploring the intersection of strategy and leadership. In the difficult and fast-paced world of business, especially in cannabis, it's easy to get caught up in the "what" and "how" of your endeavors. Companies often pride themselves on the products they make or ...
Canadian Cannabis Advocates Push for Higher THC Limits in Edibles Amid Regulatory Review
NEW YORK- In a significant development in Canada's cannabis landscape, advocates are pressing the federal government to revise the potency limits for cannabis edibles. A petition launched last week is seeking a tenfold increase in the maximum permitted THC levels, from the current 10 milligrams per product to 100 milligrams per package. Background of Cannabis ...
TerrAscend Corp. Raises Revenue Guidance, Sees Robust Growth in Multiple States
LOS ANGELES-- TerrAscend Corp. displayed a strong financial posture by updating its revenue guidance for 2023 during its investor day at the Toronto Stock Exchange. This adjustment propelled the company's stock upwards by 4%, resulting in a current value of $1.91 per share. The company, showing confidence in its operational trajectory, elevated its 2023 forecast ...
Tilray Medical Engages in Glioblastoma Research Through Clinical Trial in Spain
LOS ANGELES-- In a significant stride for the medical cannabis community, Tilray Medical, an affiliate of Tilray Brands, Inc., declared its involvement in a groundbreaking clinical trial slated to delve into the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis against glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive variant of brain cancer. Set to be orchestrated in Spain, this clinical trial ...
FDA Warns Against Unsupervised Use of Ketamine for Psychiatric Disorders
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns over the unsupervised and unauthorized use of compounded ketamine and ketamine-based drugs for treating psychiatric conditions. In a recent alert, the FDA pointed to the dangers posed by the unregulated use of such drugs, especially in the wake of the substance's growing ...
Canada’s Cannabis Industry Faces Economic Challenges, Says Health Canada Report
OTTAWA — A recent report by the Canadian government suggests the nation's legal cannabis industry is encountering significant economic challenges, shedding light on the realities faced by businesses after the 2018 legalization. The report, titled "What We Heard Report," was published by Health Canada on October 10th, detailing the findings of a legislative review of ...
ANALYSIS: Cannabis Payments: Navigating a Landscape of Opportunities and Pitfalls
NEW YORK — Cannabis payment systems have always been rife with controversy and uncertainty. As we explore the landscape, the focus is primarily on services purporting to have a compliant mechanism to accept credit cards. To be succinct, while cannabis remains federally illegal, all payment systems for it are mere workarounds. Some are safe, others ...
New Mexico’s Cannabis Microbusiness License Fees May Rise
NEW YORK — Cannabis microbusinesses in New Mexico may soon face a hike in their annual license fees, should proposed rule changes be ratified after a public comment period. A slated policy revision by the state Regulation and Licensing Department’s Cannabis Control Division (CCD) aims to double the annual permit fees for integrated cannabis microbusinesses ...
Alaska Imposes New Restrictions on Hemp Goods Industry
LOS ANGELES— Alaska has intensified its stance on the rapidly expanding national hemp goods sector, especially targeting hemp-derived products that some locals colloquially term "diet weed." Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom inked new regulations into law last week, slated to be effective from Nov. 3. These stipulations move the purview of intoxicating hemp items to ...
Optimi Gains Momentum with Health Canada’s Approval for Psychedelics Supply
Toronto — Optimi, a leading Canadian psychedelics drug research and formulation enterprise, announced a pivotal achievement today. Health Canada has sanctioned an amendment to the company's Dealer's Licence, setting the stage for Optimi to commence its supply endeavours for Canada's Special Access Program (SAP). This initiative is rooted in compliance with the Controlled Drugs and ...