News
Luxury Cannabis Market Expands with High-End Dispensaries
LOS ANGELES- The cannabis industry is shifting its focus towards luxury consumers, with a growing number of high-end dispensaries opening in upscale areas like Fifth Avenue in New York City and the Hamptons. This new approach caters to affluent shoppers seeking premium cannabis products alongside luxury brands such as Cartier and Saks Fifth Avenue. One ...
Cannabis Sector Volatility Deepens After DEA Rescheduling Delay
LOS ANGELES- The cannabis industry faced heightened volatility as the MSOS ETF (NYSE: MSOS), which tracks U.S. cannabis companies, dropped by 15.24% following the DEA’s decision to delay rescheduling cannabis until December 2. The market response reflects growing uncertainty within the sector, as investors had anticipated regulatory clarity that could unlock further growth opportunities for ...
Wiesbaden Seeks to Join Cannabis Sales Pilot in Pharmacies
GERMANY- Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, Germany, has officially applied to participate in a pilot project for cannabis sales through pharmacies. The initiative aims to study the impact of a regulated cannabis market on reducing illegal trade and improving public health protections. Milena Löbcke, Wiesbaden’s health advisor, signed the declaration of intent to join the ...
California Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Pesticide Use in Hemp Industry
LOS ANGELES- California regulators have intensified efforts to address illegal pesticide use in the hemp industry, underscored by a recent case involving Northern California hemp grower Bin Zheng. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) found Zheng using banned pesticides, leading to a settlement requiring the destruction of hemp crops across 22 greenhouses. This enforcement ...
A LIFE IN A DAY: Daniela Williams: Chief Growth Officer: Paylient
Here, in A LIFE IN A DAY, a person shares with Highly Capitalized, what life’s like for them outside their busy working week. This week’s A LIFE IN A DAY features Daniela Williams. Daniela is the Chief Growth Officer (CGO) at Paylient, where she spearheads the development and execution of growth strategies, nurturing new ...
Trump Weighs In on Florida Cannabis Legalization Ballot Measure
LOS ANGELES- Former President Donald Trump recently shared his thoughts on Florida's Amendment 3, a ballot measure that would legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over. In a post on Truth Social, Trump signaled tentative support for the initiative, marking his first public stance on cannabis legislation during this election cycle. Amendment 3, backed by ...
Kentucky Receives Nearly 5,000 Applications for Medical Cannabis Business Licenses
LOS ANGELES- Kentucky officials have received 4,998 applications for medical cannabis business licenses as part of the state's newly established medical cannabis program, Gov. Andy Beshear announced. The majority of applications (4,076) were for dispensary permits, though only 48 will be awarded through a lottery in October. The state has collected nearly $28 million in ...
Week’s In Review: Ohio Recreational Cannabis Sales Reach Over $44 Million in First Month; DEA Reclassification of Cannabis Raises Regulatory Questions for States; Michigan Cannabis Prices Reach Historic Lows Amid Market Oversupply
LOS ANGELES–Welcome to the far too-exciting world of cannabis and psychedelics, where it’s a tale of two markets with some states doing amazingly well. And some, well...they're not doing so well (hello New York). Let's get to it! Cannabis Industry Highlights 1# Ohio Recreational Cannabis Sales Reach Over $44 Million in First Month: Ohio's legal ...
Missouri Hemp Trade Group Files Lawsuit Over Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products
LOS ANGELES- The Missouri Hemp Trade Association has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) challenging the state's recent ban on intoxicating hemp products. The lawsuit, filed in Cole County Circuit Court, argues that the DHSS lacks the legal authority to enforce the ban, which stems from an executive order ...
Michigan Cannabis Prices Reach Historic Lows Amid Market Oversupply
LOS ANGELES- In July, cannabis prices in Michigan's legal market dropped to an all-time low, with the average price of an ounce of flower falling to $79.70, according to data from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. This marks a nearly 14.5% price decline in 2024, driven by market oversupply, regulatory pressures, and competition from illicit ...
Ohio Recreational Cannabis Sales Reach Over $44 Million in First Month
LOS ANGELES- Ohio's legal cannabis market saw strong initial performance, with over $67.3 million in total sales between August 6 and August 31, according to the state's Division of Cannabis Control (DCC). Of this, $44 million came from recreational cannabis purchases, while medical marijuana patients accounted for $23.3 million in sales. During this period, Ohio ...
Investment Environment and Outlook for Medical Cannabis in Ukraine
KYIV--The medical cannabis industry in Ukraine is on the cusp of transformation, fueled by recent legislative changes and a growing recognition of its potential benefits. As the country fights for its independence on the battlefields and navigates the complexities of establishing a regulatory framework, it still presents a compelling opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs looking ...
Wisconsin Tribal Groups Launch Campaign to Push for Medical Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES- A new campaign to legalize medical cannabis in Wisconsin has been launched by the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association and the Wisconsin Tribal Task Force on Cannabis. The initiative, named Wisconsin Wellness, aims to persuade state lawmakers to legalize medical cannabis for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and chronic pain. Wisconsin remains ...
Alabama Judge Considers Easing Restrictions on Medical Cannabis Licensing
LOS ANGELES- A Montgomery County judge signaled Tuesday that he may consider easing some restrictions on the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) to allow limited vetting of cannabis license awards, potentially advancing the state’s delayed medical cannabis program. Judge James Anderson indicated that he may amend a temporary restraining order to permit some investigative actions ...
Europe’s Medical Cannabis Market Expected to Reach USD 11 Billion by 2032
LOS ANGELES- The European medical cannabis market is projected to grow significantly, with its value reaching USD 11,093.7 million by 2032, up from USD 2,167.8 million in 2023. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3% between 2024 and 2032. The expansion of this market is being driven by increasing legalization and the ...
DEA Reclassification of Cannabis Raises Regulatory Questions for States
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has initiated steps to reclassify cannabis, potentially shifting it to a status similar to regulated medicines such as Tylenol with codeine or some steroids. This federal change could significantly impact the 26 states where cannabis remains illegal, prompting them to decide whether to ban its sale or ...
5th Circuit Court Rules Federal Ban on Cannabis Users Owning Guns Unconstitutional
LOS ANGELES- The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has declared that prosecuting a cannabis user for gun ownership under federal law is unconstitutional, marking a significant ruling that challenges longstanding federal restrictions. The decision stems from the case of Paola Connelly, a Texas resident who admitted to occasional cannabis use and was subsequently charged ...
Nebraska Certifies Medical Cannabis Ballot Measures for November Election
LOS ANGELES- The Nebraska Secretary of State has officially certified two ballot measures aimed at legalizing medical cannabis and establishing a regulated cannabis industry in the state. The measures, which will appear on the November election ballot, represent the third attempt by advocates to bring medical cannabis reform to Nebraska voters. The campaign, led by ...
Cannabis Industry Reacts to Trump’s Endorsement of Florida Legalization Initiative
LOS ANGELES- Former President Donald Trump's recent endorsement of Florida's Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize recreational cannabis in the state, has sparked immediate responses from key figures in the cannabis industry. The proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the November ballot and requires 60% voter approval to pass. Industry Leaders Respond Kim Rivers, CEO ...
Week’s In Review: Curaleaf Reports Revenue Growth in Q2 2024; DEA’s Postponement of Cannabis Rescheduling Raises Uncertainty for Industry; Pakistan Enters Global Hemp Market with Plans for 2025 Cultivation
LOS ANGELES–Welcome to the far too-exciting world of cannabis and psychedelics, where it’s a tale of two markets with some states doing amazingly well. And some, well...they're not doing so well (hello New York). Let's get to it! Cannabis Industry Highlights 1#Curaleaf Reports Revenue Growth in Q2 2024: Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported a net loss ...
DEA’s Postponement of Cannabis Rescheduling Raises Uncertainty for Industry
LOS ANGELES- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has delayed the decision to reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) until after the 2024 presidential election, creating significant uncertainty in the ongoing cannabis reform debate. Cannabis has remained a Schedule I drug for over 50 years, a classification indicating high abuse potential and no accepted ...
Red Light Holland Reports Q1 2025
LOS ANGELES- Red Light Holland, an Ontario-based corporation specializing in the production, growth, and sale of functional mushrooms, mushroom home grow kits, and psilocybin truffles, has announced its financial and operational results for the three months ending June 30, 2024. All figures are reported in Canadian dollars. In the first quarter of 2025, Red Light ...
Pakistan Enters Global Hemp Market with Plans for 2025 Cultivation
LOS ANGELES- Pakistan is set to join the global hemp market by allowing commercial cultivation of hemp beginning in January 2025. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the country’s economy through increased foreign exchange earnings and the creation of new economic opportunities. The Pakistani government sees immense potential in the hemp industry, which has ...
Curaleaf Reports Revenue Growth in Q2 2024
LOS ANGELES- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported a net loss of $49.8 million for Q2 2024, bringing its year-to-date losses to over $100 million. Despite these losses, the company achieved a 2% increase in revenue, reaching $342.2 million, up from $335.5 million in the same quarter last year. For the first half of 2024, revenue totaled ...
Awakn Life Sciences Advances Phase 3 Trial for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
LOS ANGELES- Awakn Life Sciences Corp. announced the screening of its first patient for the Phase 3 trial of AWKN-001, a new treatment targeting severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The trial, known as MORE-KARE, represents a significant milestone in assessing the effectiveness of AWKN-001. AWKN-001 combines intravenous ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor modulator, with structured psycho-social ...
