Insights
South Dakota Implements Stringent Cannabis Regulations Amidst Growing Industry Scrutiny
LOS ANGELES- This week, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) enacted two significant pieces of legislation aimed at tightening control over the cannabis industry within the state. The first bill empowers law enforcement and other governmental bodies to conduct searches and take disciplinary actions against medical cannabis businesses. The second piece of legislation targets the ...
Oregon Launches Unified Licensing Platform for Cannabis and Alcohol Businesses
LOS ANGELES – The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) introduced a groundbreaking online system on Monday, aimed at streamlining the licensing process for the state's cannabis and alcohol industries. The newly unveiled Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program (CAMP) is designed to serve as a comprehensive online portal for businesses engaging in the state-regulated sale ...
Massachusetts Cannabis Retailers Sue Township Over Community Impact Fees
LOS ANGELES – In a legal challenge that underscores the tensions between cannabis businesses and local regulations, three cannabis retailers have initiated a lawsuit against a Massachusetts township. Theory Wellness, Community Growth Partners Great Barrington Operations LLC, and Highminded LLC are contesting nearly $6 million in community impact fees levied by Great Barrington. These fees, ...
TerrAscend Charts New Fiscal Path Amid Cannabis Industry’s Tax Challenges
LOS ANGELES- TerrAscend Corp. a igure in the multi-state cannabis sector, has announced a bold fiscal maneuver during its financial disclosures for the fourth quarter and the entirety of the 2023 fiscal year. The Canadian-headquartered company is set to challenge the status quo by ceasing tax payments under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, ...
Awakn Life Sciences Advances Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
LOS ANGELES- Awakn Life Sciences Corp. a biotechnology company, has made significant strides in the treatment of addiction, particularly Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), with its recent investigative study on a proprietary S-ketamine oral thin film (OTF) formulation. The study highlighted the formulation's potential, demonstrating significant dissociative effects and effectively reducing alcohol cravings in harmful drinkers. ...
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance Reports Amid Cannabis Industry Momentum
LOS ANGELES- Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. an Illinois-based cannabis real estate investment trust (REIT), has disclosed a substantial 17% increase in net interest income for the fiscal year 2023, reaching $57.1 million. This financial upswing underscores the company's strong performance and strategic positioning within the burgeoning cannabis industry. In the course of its ...
Kentucky Senate Sets Conditions for Medical Cannabis Funding
LOS ANGELES- In a move that reflects ongoing debates over cannabis policy, the Kentucky Senate has introduced conditions for funding the state's Office of Medical Cannabis. The program, set to launch in 2025, now faces additional hurdles as the Senate requires "conclusive evidence" of medical cannabis's efficacy before releasing funds for its oversight. This provision, ...
Hawaii Moves Closer to Cannabis Legalization with House Amendments
LOS ANGELES- Hawaii is on the verge of a major shift in its cannabis policy as House lawmakers in two crucial committees have voted to advance a bill for the legalization of adult-use cannabis, albeit with several amendments. The bill, initially passed by the state Senate earlier this month, garnered support in the Judiciary and ...
Review: Hall of Flowers Cannabis Business Event: A Uniquely Authentic Experience
LOS ANGELES--In an industry burgeoning with conventions and expos, the Hall of Flowers stands out not merely as an event but as a celebration of cannabis culture's depth, resilience, and creativity. It's not just the scale or the content that distinguishes Hall of Flowers; it's the ethos, the inclusivity, and the sheer originality of its ...
High Tide Inc. Acquires Queen of Bud
LOS ANGELES- In a strategic move to enhance its market footprint, High Tide Inc. (Nasdaq: HITI) (TSXV: HITI), a prominent Canadian cannabis chain, has announced the acquisition of the Queen of Bud brand, including its intellectual property, for $1 million. The transaction, which combines $100,000 in cash and the remainder in High Tide shares, is ...
Ohio’s Innovative Approach to Cannabis Reform: Funding K9 Transition with Tax Revenue
LOS ANGELES- In a forward-thinking move, Ohio legislators are deliberating a bill designed to smooth the transition for police K9 units in the wake of the state's cannabis legalization. The proposed legislation seeks to utilize cannabis tax revenue to fund the retirement and replacement of drug-detection dogs, a nuanced challenge faced by law enforcement as ...
atai Life Sciences Advances VLS-01, A Novel DMT-Based Treatment
LOS ANGELES- atai Life Sciences a biotechnology company specializing in mental health treatments, is making strides in the development of a groundbreaking approach to treating treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Srinivas Rao, the Chief Scientific Officer, recently shed light on the company's promising development candidate, VLS-01, in a discussion with Proactive’s Stephen Gunnion. VLS-01 is a novel ...
New Study Affirms Long-Term Safety of CBD for Dogs
NEW YORK- In an era where CBD products have surged in popularity for their health benefits in humans, a new study funded by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) brings promising news for our four-legged friends. According to research published in the journal *Frontiers in Veterinary Science*, hemp-derived CBD and other cannabinoids are not only ...
Virginia Advances in THC Detection
LOS ANGELES- The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (VDFS) has made significant progress in the development of reliable methods for detecting THC and other cannabinoids in blood samples, marking a pivotal advancement in forensic science amidst the evolving legal landscape of cannabis. Funded by the Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice with an initial ...
Call for Enhanced Research and Surveillance on Ketamine Treatments
LOS ANGELES A recent publication in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry has underscored the urgent need for increased research and surveillance in the realm of ketamine treatments. Authored by Dr. Samuel T. Wilkinson, Dr. Joseph J. Palamar, and Dr. Gerard Sanacora, the article casts a spotlight on the burgeoning use of ketamine, ...
North Carolina Welcomes Its First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary on Tribal Land
NEW YORK- In a groundbreaking move for North Carolina's cannabis industry, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is poised to unveil the state's inaugural adult-use cannabis dispensary. Slated for an April 20th opening, this development not only signifies a notable shift in the region's approach to cannabis but also establishes the tribe as a frontrunner ...
Ohio Moves to Drastically Reduce Medical Cannabis Registration Fee to One Cent
LOS ANGELES- In a significant step toward making medical cannabis more accessible to patients, Ohio has announced plans to reduce the registration fee for medical cannabis patients to a nominal one cent. This move, aimed at providing immediate financial relief, precedes the state's ultimate goal of eliminating the fee entirely. The decision reflects a broader ...
Verano Holdings Financial Highs and Lows in 2023
LOS ANGELES- Verano Holdings, a player in the cannabis industry, showcased a mixed financial performance for the year ending December 31, 2023. The company reported a significant revenue uptick, reaching $938 million, marking a 7% increase from the prior year's $879 million. This growth underscores Verano Holdings' expanding footprint and operational success across multiple states. ...
Revive Therapeutics Advances Clinical Research with Completion of Funding Round
LOS ANGELES- Revive Therapeutics Ltd. has successfully concluded the final tranche of its previously announced private placement, marking a significant milestone in the company's fundraising efforts. This move, detailed in press releases dated January 24, 2024, and January 31, 2024, saw the issuance of 33,917,428 units at a price of $0.035 per unit, culminating in ...
Utah Lawmakers Push for Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients
LOS ANGELES- In a significant legislative push, two key Utah state lawmakers are spearheading a bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of medical marijuana patients against discrimination by local governments. This initiative follows the 2018 approval of medical cannabis use by Utah voters, a measure that garnered nearly 53% of the vote, illustrating a shift ...
PharmaDrug Appoints New Chairman Amid Strategic Corporate Shifts
LOS ANGELES- PharmaDrug Inc. a specialty pharmaceutical firm dedicated to the advancement and commercialization of controlled substances and natural medicines, including psychedelics and previously sanctioned drugs, announced a significant leadership restructure. The company confirmed the appointment of Dr. David Kideckel as Chairman of the Board, succeeding Robert Steen, who will continue in his role as ...
New Mexico Advances Psilocybin Research with Memorial Legislation
-LOS ANGELES- In a significant move toward exploring alternative therapeutic treatments, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed Senate Memorial 12 (SM-12), initiating a comprehensive study on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms. The memorial, distinct from typical bill proposals, mandates the New Mexico Department of Health and ...
Germany Takes a Historic Step by Legalizing Cannabis for Adult Use
BERLIN- In a landmark decision last week, Germany's Bundestag moved to legalize the consumption and cultivation of cannabis for adults, marking a significant shift in the nation's drug policy. The measure, which was passed with a majority vote of 407-226, stops short of permitting commercial sales but introduces a legal framework for cannabis clubs, where ...
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness Partners with Veterans Affairs to Offer Free Ketamine Therapy to Veterans
LOS ANGELES— Avesta Ketamine and Wellness, a leading provider of innovative mental health treatments, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer free ketamine therapy for eligible veterans. This initiative is set to address the critical mental health challenges faced by veterans, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD), post-traumatic stress disorder ...
Mississippi to Revoke License of Medical Cannabis Testing Lab After Rule Violations
LOS ANGELES — In a significant move that highlights the stringent regulatory landscape of the medical cannabis industry, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has announced plans to revoke the operating license of Rapid Analytics, a key player among the state's medical cannabis testing facilities. This decision, disclosed in a press release on Thursday, ...
