News
Regulatory Challenges for Hemp Beverages in the USA
LOS ANGELES - The hemp beverage industry in the United States is growing rapidly, driven by consumer demand for wellness-focused and sustainable alternatives to traditional drinks. According to Fortune Business Insights, the U.S. cannabis beverage market is projected to reach $81.44 billion by 2032, supported by the legalization of cannabis products in several states. Despite ...
The Rise of Cannabis Beverages: Trends and Market Insights for 2025
LOS ANGELES - Cannabis beverages are gaining traction in the health and wellness industry as a new way to deliver cannabinoid benefits. As 2025 approaches, this market is projected to grow significantly, evolving consumer preferences and advancements in formulation technologies, coupled with global cannabis legalization. This analysis delves into the key factors fueling the rise ...
Poland’s Medical Cannabis Prescriptions Decline Amid Regulatory Changes
LOS ANGELES- Recent regulatory changes in Poland have led to a significant decrease in medical cannabis prescriptions. In August 2023, the Ministry of Health implemented a regulation requiring physicians to verify a patient's medication history and conduct examinations, either in-person or online, if more than three months have passed since the last assessment. This move ...
High Tide Acquires Majority Stake in Germany’s Purecan GmbH
LOS ANGELES- Canadian cannabis retailer High Tide Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a 51% stake in German pharmaceutical wholesaler Purecan GmbH for approximately €4.8 million. The transaction comprises €2.4 million in High Tide common shares, €1.2 million in cash, and a €1.2 million promissory note with a two-year maturity and an annual ...
MindMed Advances Clinical Programs and Secures Significant Funding
LOS ANGELES- Mind Medicine has released its 2025 Corporate Presentation, detailing strategic initiatives and significant financial developments. The company has secured a substantial $250 million equity investment, bolstering its cash reserves to approximately $295.3 million as of September 30, 2024. This funding is expected to support operations into 2027, facilitating the advancement of MindMed's clinical ...
Leafly Holdings Delisted from Nasdaq Amid Financial Challenges
LOS ANGELES- Leafly Holdings, Inc, a online cannabis discovery platform, was delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market on January 17, 2025, after failing to meet the exchange's minimum net income requirement of $500,000 from continuing operations. Consequently, the company's common stock and warrants have transitioned to the OTC Pink Open Market, trading under the symbols ...
Pallas Capital Advisors LLC Increases Investment in Tilray Inc.
LOS ANGELES- Pallas Capital Advisors LLC has significantly increased its investment in Tilray Inc, a company in the cannabis industry. According to the firm's latest 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Pallas Capital Advisors raised its holdings by 59.4% during the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional 18,792 shares. This brings their total to ...
Ascend Wellness Secures $15 Million in Private Placement to Bolster Growth Initiatives
LOS ANGELES- Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator, has successfully completed a $15 million private placement of its 12.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029. These notes were issued at 97% of their face value and will mature on July 16, 2029. This transaction is an extension of the company's earlier $235 ...
President Trump’s Role in Cannabis Rescheduling and Federal Reform
LOS ANGELES- President Donald Trump is poised to significantly influence the trajectory of federal cannabis policy, particularly concerning the rescheduling of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The rescheduling process, initiated under the previous administration, is currently paused, awaiting the appointment of a new head for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by President ...
Virginia Senate Committee Advances Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Sales
LOS ANGELES- On January 17, 2025, the Virginia Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee approved Senate Bill 970 (SB 970) with an 8–7 vote along party lines. Introduced by Senator Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach), the bill proposes the establishment of a regulated retail market for adult-use cannabis, with sales anticipated to commence on May 1, ...
The Important Tax Deadlines to Remember in Cannabis
LOS ANGELES—As we enter 2025, it's crucial for individuals and businesses to keep track of key tax deadlines. Missing these dates can lead to penalties, interest charges, and wasted opportunities for tax savings. At Growise CPAs, we understand the complexities of tax compliance, especially in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. So, let's outline the critical ...
Senator Warren Seeks Clarification from RFK Jr. on Cannabis Legalization and Rescheduling
LOS ANGELES- Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has formally requested that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), clarify his stance on cannabis legalization and rescheduling. In a comprehensive 34-page letter, Senator Warren posed 175 questions covering various policy areas, including substance abuse, opioid crisis management, and cannabis reform. ...
Virginia Officials Advocate for Automatic Sealing of Cannabis Possession Records
LOS ANGELES- Virginia state officials are advocating for legislative measures to automatically seal all criminal records related to simple cannabis possession without the necessity of court orders. The Virginia State Crime Commission (VSCC) has endorsed recommendations to ensure that both convictions and non-convictions for cannabis possession are sealed automatically. Colin Drabert, Deputy Director of VSCC, ...
Analysis: Pennsylvania’s Cannabis Industry: Current Growth and Future Projections
NEW YORK- The cannabis industry in Pennsylvania continues to evolve, with medical cannabis already generating over $1.5 billion in annual sales. Discussions about recreational legalization are intensifying, particularly as the state's budget deficit grows and bipartisan support builds. Industry experts, including those at Viridian Capital Advisors, foresee substantial economic opportunities if recreational cannabis is approved. ...
Week In Review: Arkansas Governor Proposes Funding Free School Meals with Medical Cannabis Tax Revenue; Biden Commutes Sentences of Nearly 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Offenders; Hemp-Derived CBD Market Set to Expand Significantly by 2034
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) Arkansas Governor Proposes Funding Free School Meals with Medical Cannabis Tax ...
Arkansas Governor Proposes Funding Free School Meals with Medical Cannabis Tax Revenue
LOS ANGELES- Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced plans to allocate tax revenue from medical cannabis sales to fund free school meals across the state. In her State of the State address, Governor Sanders stated, "I've already announced that Arkansas will participate in summer EBT this year. And today, I'm announcing my plan to ...
Vireo Growth Completes $81 Million Equity Offering
LOS ANGELES- Vireo Growth Inc., a Minneapolis-based cannabis multistate operator, has successfully concluded an oversubscribed private placement, raising approximately $81 million. Initially targeting $75 million, the company issued 129,536,874 subordinate voting shares at $0.625 per share, representing a 16.8% premium over the December 27, 2024, closing price on OTCQX. The net proceeds are earmarked for ...
Biden Commutes Sentences of Nearly 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Offenders
LOS ANGELES- President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of approximately 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, marking a significant use of executive clemency. This action aims to address past disparities in drug-related sentencing, particularly those involving crack and powder cocaine. The White House has not released the names of those who received commutations. ...
New York Supreme Court Halts Warrantless Raids on Licensed Hemp Retailers
LOS ANGELES- In a recent decision, New York State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Marcelle issued an injunction against the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB), the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), and the New York City Sheriff's Office, prohibiting them from conducting warrantless raids on state-licensed hemp businesses. The court found that these actions ...
Indiana Legislators Introduce Cannabis Legalization and Psilocybin Research Bills
LOS ANGELES- Indiana lawmakers have initiated efforts to reform the state's drug policies in the 2025 legislative session, introducing several bills aimed at legalizing cannabis and funding psilocybin research. Cannabis Legalization Proposals Senate Bill 113, sponsored by Senator Rodney Pol (D), seeks to legalize cannabis for both recreational and medical use. The bill proposes establishing ...
Colorado Considers Psilocybin Prescription Legislation
LOS ANGELES- Colorado lawmakers have introduced House Bill 25-1063, a bipartisan proposal that would permit the prescription of crystalline polymorph psilocybin—a synthetic form of the psychedelic compound—contingent upon approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill, sponsored by Representatives Anthony Hartsook (R) and Kyle Brown (D), aims to provide healthcare providers with ...
Chairman of High Times Parent Company to Plead Guilty in Fraud Scheme
LOS ANGELES-Adam Levin, chairman of Hightimes Holding Corp., has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy charges involving a scheme to pay an investment analyst to promote the company’s stock without disclosing the compensation. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Levin paid over $150,000 to the analyst, who subsequently endorsed ...
High Tide Acquires Majority Stake in German Cannabis Firm
LOS ANGELES- High Tide Inc., a Canadian cannabis enterprise, has acquired a 51% stake in Frankfurt-based pharmaceutical company Purecan for approximately €4.8 million. This strategic move marks High Tide's entry into Germany's medical cannabis market. The transaction includes a combination of cash, common shares, and a promissory note. High Tide retains an option to acquire ...
DEA Judge Cancels Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings
LOS ANGELES- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has canceled its upcoming hearings on the proposed rescheduling of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney issued the cancellation following legal challenges from pro-reform witnesses, effectively delaying any potential policy changes for at least three months. The hearings, initially set to commence ...
Hemp vs Cannabis Beverages: What’s the Difference, and Why Does It Matter?
LOS ANGELES- Cannabis and hemp beverages markets see rapid growth, but their distinctions remain unclear to many. While both originate from one species, they cater to vastly different audiences, serve distinct purposes, and adhere to unique regulatory frameworks. For consumers seeking clarity, manufacturers striving for innovation, and investors identifying opportunities, a deeper understanding of these ...
