Insights
California Seizes $534 Million in Illegal Cannabis in 2024
LOS ANGELES- In 2024, California enforcement officials seized illegal cannabis valued at approximately $534 million, underscoring the state's commitment to regulating its cannabis industry. Enforcement Actions and Seizures The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), established in 2022 to enhance coordination among state, local, and federal agencies, played a pivotal role in these enforcement ...
San Diego Evaluates Cannabis Business Tax Increase
LOS ANGELES- The San Diego City Council is considering a proposal to raise the tax rate on cannabis businesses from 8% to 10%, aiming to address a projected $258 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Since the approval of Measure N by voters in 2016, San Diego has imposed a gross receipts ...
States Propose Cannabis Tax Hikes Amid Industry Pushback
LOS ANGELES- In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer's recent $3 billion infrastructure plan includes a proposal to close a cannabis tax loophole, potentially generating an additional $470 million for road repairs. This move has alarmed local dispensary owners, who fear that higher taxes could lead to business closures and drive consumers toward unregulated markets. The state's ...
Trump’s Tariffs & Social Program Cuts: Potential Impacts On The Cannabis Industry
NEW YORK--Economic policies don’t just shape government budgets; they create ripple effects across industries, shifting market dynamics, consumer behavior, and business strategies. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and normalize, policies under President Trump could determine which businesses thrive and which ones struggle. Two major developments could have profound effects on the cannabis industry: ...
The Unregulated Illicit Cannabis Market Is Booming in California
LOS ANGELES-In 2024, California's legal cannabis production experienced an 11.8% increase, reaching 1.4 million pounds, according to a study commissioned by the state's Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Despite this growth, the illicit cannabis market continues to overshadow the legal industry, with unauthorized production estimated at 11.4 million pounds. A significant portion of this illicit ...
Cannabis Edibles and Emergency Department Visits
LOS ANGELES- The consumption of cannabis edibles has been linked to a notable increase in emergency department (ED) visits, particularly among younger populations. Unlike inhaled cannabis, edibles have a delayed onset of effects, often leading individuals to consume higher quantities, resulting in adverse reactions. A study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report ...
GTI Q4 2024: Strong Leadership, But Can It Sustain Momentum?
NEW YORK–Green Thumb Industries (GTI) has once again demonstrated why it remains a leader in the U.S. cannabis industry. With a steady growth trajectory and disciplined financial management, the company continues to post strong results in a volatile sector. However, challenges remain, particularly around margin sustainability, regulatory uncertainty, and long-term expansion opportunities. Q4 2024 Financial ...
New Study Suggests Medical Cannabis Highly Cost-Effective Treatment for PTSD
LOS ANGELES-A recent study highlights the affordability and effectiveness of medical cannabis as a treatment for individuals with moderate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conducted by researchers at Leafwell, the study suggests that medical cannabis could improve patient health outcomes while potentially lowering overall healthcare costs, even for those without comprehensive insurance coverage. Researchers evaluated the ...
Arizona’s Cannabis Sales Experience Downturn in 2024
LOS ANGELES- In 2024, Arizona's combined medical and adult-use cannabis market saw a decline, with total sales amounting to $1.1 billion, a decrease from the nearly $1.3 billion recorded in both 2022 and 2023. The average price of cannabis products also experienced a reduction, falling from $19.92 in January 2024 to $18.37 in January 2025, ...
NYC Sheriff Files Lawsuit Against Home Contractors Over Alleged Permit Violations
LOS ANGELES- New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, known for his enforcement actions against unlicensed cannabis dispensaries, has initiated a $350,000 lawsuit against home contractors for allegedly failing to secure necessary permits during renovations of his Brooklyn property. The lawsuit claims that the contractors' oversight led to a stop-work order and subsequent structural issues, rendering ...
Florida Republican Lawmakers Propose Expansion of Medical Cannabis Access
LOS ANGELES- In recent legislative developments, certain Republican lawmakers in Florida have introduced bills aimed at broadening access to medical cannabis within the state. Notably, these proposals include provisions that would permit qualified medical cannabis patients to cultivate a limited number of plants for personal use. State Senator Joe Gruters has filed Senate Bill 456, ...
Maryland House Committee Advances Bill to Exempt Certain Cannabis Transactions from State Sales Tax
LOS ANGELES- The Maryland House Ways and Means Committee approved House Bill 619, legislation designed to exempt specific cannabis-related transactions from the state's sales and use tax. The bill, introduced on January 23, 2025, seeks to expand existing tax exemptions to include sales between licensed cannabis businesses and registered cannabis nurseries. Currently, Maryland imposes a ...
Federal Indictment Uncovers Extensive Illegal Cannabis Operation on Navajo Nation
LOS ANGELES- A federal grand jury indicted Dineh Benally, 48; his father, Donald Benally, 74; and business associate Irving Rea Yui Lin, 73, on charges related to an illicit cannabis cultivation enterprise spanning New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. The indictment, unsealed in late January, followed coordinated raids by local, state, and federal authorities on ...
Michigan Allocates Nearly $100 Million in Cannabis Tax Revenue to Local Entities
LOS ANGELES- The Michigan Department of Treasury announced the distribution of close to $100 million in cannabis tax revenue to 302 local entities, including cities, villages, townships, counties, and, for the first time, four federally recognized tribes. This allocation stems from the state's Marijuana Regulation Fund, which amassed over $331 million during the 2024 fiscal ...
Washington State Senate Committee Advances Cannabis Direct Sales Bill
LOS ANGELES- The Washington State Senate Labor and Commerce Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5403, legislation proposing to allow licensed cannabis producers and processors to sell cannabis flower directly to consumers. The bill stipulates that such sales must be limited to cannabis flower produced by the licensee and must comply with existing ...
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 ...
