News
Illinois Establishes Cannabis Research Institute to Advance Industry Understanding
LOS ANGELES- The State of Illinois, in collaboration with the City of Chicago, has inaugurated the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI), a joint initiative between the University of Illinois and the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI). This endeavor aims to enhance research and data collection on cannabis, informing future industry developments and public policy. Governor JB Pritzker ...
GetTangi Corporation Eyes Regulatory Opportunities in Cryptocurrency Under Trump Administration
LOS ANGELES- In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House, Ronald Strauss, CEO of GetTangi Corporation, a company integrating cryptocurrency with legal cannabis transactions, expressed a measured outlook on the potential regulatory landscape for digital assets. Strauss, in a recent LinkedIn post, characterized Trump’s administration as possibly “transformative” for cryptocurrency, citing its ...
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nominated to Lead HHS, Poised to Drive Drug Policy Reforms
LOS ANGELES- President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), positioning him to influence significant drug policy reforms, including the promotion of psychedelics therapy and the restructuring of federal cannabis regulations. Kennedy's journey to this nomination has been unconventional. He began the 2024 ...
What U.S. Employers Need to Know About Evolving Cannabis and Psychedelics Policies
LOS ANGELES- The November 5, 2024, elections have brought significant changes to state-level drug laws, requiring employers to reevaluate workplace policies, especially around cannabis and psychedelics. Key developments in Nebraska, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Massachusetts reflect the nation’s shifting but divided stance on drug legalization. Nebraska: A Step Forward for Medical Cannabis Nebraska ...
Week’s In Review: How Do You Target the Right SEC-Accredited Investors in Cannabis?; Amethyst Health Secures Conditional Medical Cannabis License in New York; California’s Cannabis Excise Tax Set to Increase Amid Industry Concerns
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) How Do You Target the Right SEC-Accredited Investors in Cannabis?: It's ...
Trump’s Attorney General Pick Raises Hope for Cannabis Policy Reform
LOS ANGELES- President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as the next U.S. Attorney General, a move that could significantly influence federal cannabis policy. Gaetz, a vocal advocate for cannabis reform, has previously supported legislation aimed at reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. During his tenure ...
Amethyst Health Secures Conditional Medical Cannabis License in New York
LOS ANGELES- a partnership between Black Star Wellness, LLC, and AYR Wellness Inc, has been conditionally awarded a vertically integrated medical cannabis license by the New York Cannabis Control Board. This license grants the right to operate as a "Registered Organization" within New York's regulated cannabis market. Black Star Wellness holds a majority stake in ...
Psilocybin Shows Potential for OCD and Tourette’s Treatment, Study Finds
LOS ANGELES- A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, as a promising candidate for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette's syndrome. Conducted by researchers at the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, the study highlights the long-lasting therapeutic effects of psilocybin in preclinical trials using animal models. Led by ...
AFC Gamma (AFCG) Set to Announce Quarterly Earnings
LOS ANGELES- AFC Gamma, Inc. is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings report on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, before the market opens.Analysts anticipate earnings of $0.33 per share for the quarter. In the previous quarter, AFC Gamma reported earnings of $0.54 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.49.The company's financial performance and strategic initiatives ...
California’s Cannabis Excise Tax Set to Increase Amid Industry Concerns
LOS ANGELES- California's legal cannabis industry faces a significant fiscal challenge as the state's excise tax on cannabis products is scheduled to rise from 15% to 19% on July 1, 2025. This increase stems from a 2022 legislative agreement that eliminated the cultivation tax but included provisions for a gradual escalation of the excise tax ...
Italy’s Proposed Ban on Hemp Flower Sales Raises Industry Concerns
LOS ANGELES- Italy's "cannabis light" sector, which has experienced significant growth since the legalization of hemp in 2016, faces potential disruption due to proposed legislation aimed at banning products derived from hemp flowers. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government contends that the existing law is overly permissive and seeks to eliminate the sale of hemp flower ...
Tech Pioneer James Clark Revives Eaze with $10M Investment
LOS ANGELES- James Clark, a tech industry veteran known for transformative ventures like Netscape, has turned his attention to the cannabis sector with a bold acquisition. In August, his firm FoundersJT LLC purchased the assets of Eaze Technologies, a leading cannabis delivery company, for $54 million, just weeks before Eaze had planned to shutter its ...
Ireland’s Fianna Fáil Clarifies Stance on Drug Decriminalization: Focus on Cannabis, Excludes Hard Drugs
LOS ANGELES- Fianna Fáil has clarified its stance on drug decriminalization, specifying that its proposal to decriminalize possession for personal use applies exclusively to cannabis and excludes substances such as cocaine and heroin. This clarification follows the party's general election manifesto commitment to adopt a health-led approach to drug addiction, emphasizing treatment and education over ...
Idaho Activists File Cannabis Decriminalization Measure for 2026 Ballot
LOS ANGELES- In a strategic move following the rejection of cannabis legalization measures in three states during the 2024 general election, Idaho advocacy group Kind Idaho has submitted a ballot initiative aimed at decriminalizing personal cannabis use for the 2026 election. The proposal, filed with the Idaho Secretary of State's office, seeks to exempt adults ...
LA County DA Launches Campaign to Educate Teens on Cannabis Risks
LOS ANGELES- Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has initiated a public service campaign to educate youth and caregivers about the risks associated with modern cannabis products, which are significantly more potent than those available five decades ago. This initiative, launched on October 31, 2024, aims to promote healthier communities by raising awareness of the ...
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance Reports Q3 2024 Financial Results
LOS ANGELES- Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance Inc. has released its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, highlighting key metrics and strategic developments. As of September 30, 2024, the company's loan portfolio stood at $362 million, encompassing 29 portfolio companies. The weighted average yield to maturity was reported at 18.3%, a slight decrease ...
Medicinal Cannabis Companies Target Veterans with Social Media Promotions, Raising Ethical Concerns
LOS ANGELES- Recent reports indicate that medicinal cannabis companies are increasingly targeting veterans through social media platforms, promoting free products and subscription services. This marketing strategy aims to attract veterans by offering complimentary samples and ongoing product deliveries, leveraging social media's extensive reach to engage this demographic. Advocates argue that such promotions provide veterans with ...
Republican Gains in Last Week’s Election Signal Setbacks for U.S. Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES – Last Wednesday’s election marked a pivotal moment in U.S. cannabis policy, as Republican gains across several states stoked a fresh wave of resistance against adult-use cannabis legalization. This shift, especially pronounced in states with existing medical cannabis programs but where adult-use remains controversial, has the potential to impact state revenues, the growth ...
How Do You Target the Right SEC-Accredited Investors in Cannabis?
LOS ANGELES- Raising capital for cannabis startups and small businesses requires a strategic approach, particularly when targeting SEC-accredited investors. These individuals bring significant financial resources and expertise, making them key to your fundraising success. While the current climate in the cannabis industry is tough, many investors have been waiting for the outcome of the election ...
Oregon Voters Approve Measure 119, Enhancing Unionization Rights for Cannabis Workers
LOS ANGELES- In the recent election, Oregon voters passed Measure 119, mandating that cannabis retailers and processors enter into labor peace agreements as a condition for state licensure. These agreements require employers to remain neutral during unionization efforts by employees. The measure aims to align Oregon's cannabis industry labor practices with those in states like ...
Germany’s Cannabis Social Clubs Begin Distribution Amid Expansion of Pilot Programs
LOS ANGELES- Germany's cannabis legalization efforts have reached a significant milestone with the first legal distribution of cannabis by a social club. The Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee, located in Lower Saxony, has commenced providing cannabis to its members, marking a pivotal moment in the country's regulated cannabis framework. This development follows the German government's approval ...
Week’s In Review: Trump’s Return to Office: What it Means for the Cannabis Industry; Planet 13 Launches Initiative to Support Florida Veterans and First Responders with Medical Cannabis Access; Mixed Results for Cannabis Initiatives in U.S. States; Texas Voters Approve Local Cannabis Decriminalization in Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart
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) Trump’s Return to Office: What it Means for the Cannabis Industry: ...
Texas Voters Approve Local Cannabis Decriminalization in Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart
LOS ANGELES- Voters in three Texas cities—Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart—have approved local ordinances to decriminalize low-level cannabis possession. Each measure passed with strong support, reflecting a growing trend in Texas municipalities toward reducing penalties for cannabis possession. In Dallas, Proposition R, commonly referred to as the Dallas Freedom Act, passed with approximately 66% support. This ...
Florida Voters Reject Cannabis Legalization, Impacting Broader U.S. Legalization Efforts
LOS ANGELES- In a significant setback for the cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected Amendment 3, which aimed to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. While the measure received over 57% support, it fell short of the 60% supermajority required to amend the state’s constitution. Had it passed, Amendment 3 would have expanded Florida’s ...
Mixed Results for Cannabis Initiatives in U.S. States
LOS ANGELES- In the recent elections, U.S. states voted on a range of cannabis-related measures, with mixed results. Notably, attempts to expand cannabis access faced both advancements and setbacks, highlighting the varied landscape of cannabis policy across the nation. Florida’s Amendment 3 Falls Short of Required Supermajority In Florida, Amendment 3, which sought to legalize ...
