News
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 ...
What You Need to Know Inventory Management and Cost Accounting
LOS ANGELES—Every entrepreneur, CEO and CFO needs to know that effective inventory management and accurate cost accounting are critical to success in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. As businesses navigate a landscape marked by strict regulations and intense competition, implementing robust seed-to-sale tracking systems and accurate cost accounting practices are essential to maintaining compliance and ...
The Rise of a New Era of Consumption: Cannabis-Infused Drinks
LOS ANGELES--Cannabis-infused beverages have rapidly gained traction in recent years as a popular alternative to traditional consumption methods such as smoking and vaping. With the increasing legalization of cannabis in the United States and other parts of the world, these drinks offer consumers a novel and convenient way to enjoy all the benefits of the ...
Worried About IRS Audits? What You Need to Know
LOS ANGELES– The cannabis and psychedelics industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and as we one step into 2025, the outlook is brighter than ever. With increasing legalization, growing consumer acceptance, and a burgeoning market projected to reach nearly $40 billion next year, companies engaged in the sector have every reason to be optimistic. However, ...
Psilocybin Therapy Shows Promise for Pandemic-Induced Depression in Healthcare Workers
LOS ANGELES- Recent studies indicate that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy may alleviate depression among healthcare professionals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A randomized clinical trial conducted by the University of Washington involved 30 frontline clinicians experiencing moderate to severe depression. Participants received either a 25 mg dose of psilocybin or a placebo, alongside psychotherapy sessions. The psilocybin group ...
Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Treating PTSD Remains Uncertain
LOS ANGELES- The use of medical cannabis as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has garnered significant attention. However, current research provides limited and inconclusive evidence regarding its effectiveness. A 2021 systematic review found insufficient support for cannabinoids in treating PTSD-related mental health disorders. The review highlighted the need for more rigorous studies to ...
Week In Review: Vireo Growth Inc. Secures $75 Million Financing and Acquires Four Cannabis Operators; Minnesota Approves Hemp Seed Meal for Laying Hens Agrify Divests Cultivation Business to Focus on THC Beverages; Aurora Cannabis Expands Distribution in Australia
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) Vireo Growth Inc. Secures $75 Million Financing and Acquires Four Cannabis ...
Compass Pathways Advances Psilocybin Research in the UK
LOS ANGELES- Compass Pathways, a biotechnology company specializing in mental health innovations, has commenced the UK segment of its global Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating COMP360 psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This initiative follows approval from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The Phase 3 program comprises two pivotal trials: COMP 005 ...
Hemp-Derived CBD Market Set to Expand Significantly by 2034
LOS ANGELES- The global hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) market is forecasted to grow from $8.28 billion in 2023 to $46.25 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.93%, according to Research and Markets. This expansion is driven by increased consumer preference for natural wellness products, regulatory developments, and growing applications in personal ...
DEA Faces Allegations of Bias in Cannabis Rescheduling Process
LOS ANGELES- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is under scrutiny following allegations of bias in its handling of the cannabis rescheduling process. Pro-cannabis advocates assert that the agency has demonstrated an "unalterably closed mind" toward reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Critics argue that the DEA has engaged ...
Ohio’s Cannabis Market Expansion in 2024
LOS ANGELES- In 2024, Ohio's legal cannabis market achieved sales exceeding $675 million, marking a 40% increase from the previous year's $484 million. This growth is attributed to the commencement of adult-use cannabis sales in August 2024. The total sales comprised approximately $433 million from medical cannabis and $242 million from recreational cannabis. Despite this ...
Agrify Divests Cultivation Business to Focus on THC Beverages
LOS ANGELES- Agrify Corporation, a provider of solutions for the cannabis and hemp industries, has sold its cultivation business to CP Acquisitions, LLC, an entity affiliated with former CEO Raymond Chang. The transaction, completed on December 31, 2024, involved the transfer of assets related to Agrify's Vertical Farming Units, turnkey solution assets, and Agrify Insights ...
Wildfires Disrupt California’s Cannabis Industry: A Growing Challenge for Businesses and Employees
LOS ANGELES–The raging wildfires in Los Angeles County, notably the Pacific Palisades fire, have become the most destructive in the city's history, severely impacting local cannabis businesses. As of January 8, 2025, multiple fires—including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley fires—have burned over 26,000 acres, prompting widespread evacuations and disrupting daily life. Impact on Cannabis ...
Kentucky Implements Medical Cannabis Program
LOS ANGELES- As of January 1, 2025, Kentucky has officially implemented its medical cannabis program, allowing residents with qualifying medical conditions to access cannabis for therapeutic purposes. This development follows the enactment of Senate Bill 47, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 31, 2023. Program Overview The program permits patients diagnosed with ...
Hawaii Governor Signs Executive Order to Protect Medical Cannabis Caregivers
LOS ANGELES- Governor Josh Green of Hawaii has signed Executive Order No. 24-06 to protect caregivers who provide medical cannabis to qualified patients from undue enforcement. This action addresses legal changes that were set to take effect on January 1, 2025, which would have ended the authorization for primary caregivers to cultivate cannabis for patients. ...
What You Need to Know Inventory Management and Cost Accounting
LOS ANGELES- Every entrepreneur, CEO and CFO needs to know that effective inventory management and accurate cost accounting are critical to success in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. As businesses navigate a landscape marked by strict regulations and intense competition, implementing robust seed-to-sale tracking systems and accurate cost accounting practices are essential to maintaining compliance ...
What You Need to Know Banking and Financing Challenges
LOS ANGELES- Every entrepreneur CEO or CFO needs to know that navigating the banking and financing landscape in the cannabis industry presents unique challenges. Despite the rapid growth of the cannabis market in the United States, businesses in this sector often find themselves locked out of traditional banking services. This circumstance leads to significant operational hurdles ...
What Entrepreneurs Need to Know Regulatory Compliance Costs
LOS ANGELES- Every entrepreneur, CFO and CEO needs to know that navigating regulatory compliance in the cannabis industry is not just a legal obligation, but also a significant financial undertaking. As the cannabis market continues to expand across the United States, companies must contend with a complex web of state and federal regulations that can ...
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Advocates for Hemp Restrictions and Medical Cannabis Expansion
LOS ANGELES- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed support for restricting the sale of unregulated hemp-derived THC products while advocating for the expansion of the state's medical cannabis program. In a recent opinion piece, Miller highlighted concerns over the proliferation of unregulated consumable cannabis products in Texas, noting that many of these items are ...
Minnesota Approves Hemp Seed Meal for Laying Hens
LOS ANGELES- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has authorized the use of hemp seed meal in feed for laying hens, positioning Minnesota among the first states to permit this ingredient in poultry diets. Hemp seed meal, derived from grinding the residual cake after oil extraction from hemp seeds, can now constitute up to 20% ...
Vireo Growth Inc. Secures $75 Million Financing and Acquires Four Cannabis Operators
LOS ANGELES- Vireo Growth Inc. has announced a $75 million equity financing at $0.625 per share, alongside agreements to acquire four single-state cannabis operators for approximately $397 million in all-stock transactions. The acquisitions include Proper Brands in Missouri, Deep Roots Harvest in Nevada, WholesomeCo Cannabis in Utah, and a binding memorandum of understanding to acquire ...
Canopy USA Appoints M. Brooks Jorgensen as President
LOS ANGELES- Canopy USA, a subsidiary of Canopy Growth Corporation, has announced the appointment of M. Brooks Jorgensen as its new President. Jorgensen brings over two decades of experience in the wine and spirits industry, including a tenure as Vice President and General Manager at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. Prior to joining Canopy USA, ...
Expanding Investment Horizons: Opportunities for Cannabis Entrepreneurs
NEW YORK-The cannabis industry is evolving, presenting fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to think beyond traditional boundaries. While some cannabis-specific investors may be stepping back, there’s growing interest from wellness-focused capital, accredited investors, and innovative funding models like Regulation A (Reg A), Regulation D (Reg D), and Regulation CF (Reg CF). This shift is creating ...
