News
Los Angeles County Targets Unlicensed Cannabis Dispensaries with “Deplatforming” Motion
LOS ANGELES- Los Angeles County has approved a new initiative aimed at reducing the visibility of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries on major online platforms such as Google and Yelp. The motion, introduced by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and passed by the Board of Supervisors, seeks to address the ongoing issues posed by illegal cannabis operations in the ...
California Bans Hemp-Derived THC Products Amid Regulatory Concerns
LOS ANGELES- California has implemented a ban on hemp-derived THC products following the approval of emergency regulations proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Effective September 23, 2024, the new rules prohibit any hemp-based products containing detectable amounts of THC from being sold in the state, marking a significant shift in the hemp industry. The regulations, designed ...
New Bill Seeks to Regulate Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Market
LOS ANGELES- Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) has introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act, a bill aimed at establishing a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoids. The proposed legislation would empower the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate products like CBD while allowing states to maintain their own rules. This bill comes at a ...
Psyence Biomed to Acquire Stake in PsyLabs for $1.1 Million
LOS ANGELES- Psyence Biomedical Ltd. announced its agreement to acquire an 11.13% stake in PsyLabs, a company specializing in psychedelic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and extracts, in exchange for $1.1 million worth of common stock. This transaction strengthens Psyence Biomed’s partnership with PsyLabs, providing access to PsyLabs' production capabilities as the company advances its clinical ...
Weedmaps’ WM Technology Faces SEC Scrutiny Over Misleading Investor Reports
NEW YORK–WM Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAPS), best known for its cannabis-focused platform, Weedmaps, has found itself at the center of an SEC investigation over misleading user metrics. The California-based company recently agreed to pay a $1.5 million fine to settle the matter, which stems from several violations of federal securities laws. At the core of ...
Colorado’s Cannabis Market Faces Decline Amid National Expansion
LOS ANGELES- Colorado, once a leader in the legal cannabis market, is now grappling with declining sales and tax revenues. A report from the state's Legislative Council Staff attributes this downturn to market saturation, oversupply, and the expansion of cannabis legalization in other states. The state’s cannabis market has contracted by 17% among licensed growers, ...
California’s New Hemp Regulations Raise Concerns for Industry and Consumers
LOS ANGELES- Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted emergency regulations in California, significantly impacting the hemp industry by banning hemp-derived THC products. This move, approved by the Office of Administrative Law and effective as of September 23, 2023, has sparked controversy among businesses and consumers alike. The regulation sets stricter rules, such as prohibiting any detectable ...
BudLabs: The App Innovating How Cannabis Cultivators Measure Their Success
LOS ANGELES — In cannabis cultivation, staying ahead of the curve requires not only the best products but also the best tools. Advanced Nutrients has taken a significant step in this direction with the development of BudLabs, an innovative mobile app designed to streamline the cultivation process and help growers achieve superior results. BudLabs: Your ...
Allegations of Predatory Contracts Surface in Missouri’s Social Equity Cannabis Program
LOS ANGELES- Missouri’s social equity cannabis licensing program faces scrutiny amid allegations of predatory investor contracts. Designed to benefit disadvantaged individuals, the program has seen reports of investors using deceptive agreements to gain control of licenses meant for marginalized groups. Destiny Brown, one of 16 winners of a microbusiness dispensary license, claims she unknowingly signed ...
Florida’s Amendment 3 Sets Record for Cannabis Legislation Funding
LOS ANGELES- Amendment 3, a measure to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over, is on Florida's ballot this November. The campaign, led by Smart & Safe Florida, has become the most expensive cannabis legalization effort in U.S. history, drawing more than $105 million in contributions. Notably, the state's largest medical cannabis company, Trulieve, ...
Week’s In Review: South Carolina AG Confirms Legality of Hemp-Derived THC Beverages; COMPASS Pathways Receives Analyst Ratings; Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis.
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#South Carolina AG Confirms Legality of Hemp-Derived THC Beverages: South Carolina Solicitor General Robert ...
Ontario Leads Canadian Cannabis Sales
LOS ANGELES- Canada's legal cannabis market continues to show strong performance, with sales exceeding $2.4 billion in the first half of 2024, according to data from Statistics Canada. The provinces driving these numbers were Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec, contributing $934.6 million, $440 million, and $343.1 million, respectively. This surge in sales is in line with ...
Georgia Pharmacy Defies Federal Ban, Sells Low-THC Cannabis Products
LOS ANGELES- A licensed pharmacy in Augusta, Georgia, has begun selling low-THC cannabis products, directly challenging federal regulations enforced by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Living Well Pharmacy, owned by Vic Johnson, is one of the 40 pharmacies approved under Georgia's 2019 medical marijuana law to dispense cannabis with a THC content of 5% ...
Critical Factors for Optimizing the Employee Lifecycle in Cannabis Businesses
LOS ANGELES — The cannabis industry is rapidly growing, fueled by increasing legalization and broader societal acceptance. With this growth comes a unique set of challenges, especially in the realm of human resources. For cannabis businesses, managing the employee lifecycle—from hiring to retirement—requires not only adherence to complex regulations when it comes to their employees, ...
Illinois Supreme Court: Cannabis Odor Alone Not Enough for Vehicle Search
LOS ANGELES- In a significant ruling, the Illinois Supreme Court declared on Thursday that the smell of burnt cannabis alone does not justify a warrantless vehicle search. The unanimous decision stems from a 2020 case where an officer searched a car based solely on the odor of burnt cannabis, discovering a small amount of cannabis. ...
South Carolina AG Confirms Legality of Hemp-Derived THC Beverages
LOS ANGELES- South Carolina Solicitor General Robert D. Cook issued a legal opinion on Sept. 16, affirming that nonalcoholic beverages containing hemp-derived delta-9 THC are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, provided they contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. The opinion was in response to a request from South Carolina House Speaker ...
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis
LOS ANGELES- A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a bill last week to legalize recreational cannabis for adults. The legislation, known as House Bill 2500, was sponsored by Republican Rep. Aaron Kaufer and Democratic Rep. Emily Kinkead, with 15 additional cosponsors. If passed, it would legalize cannabis for adults over the age of 21 ...
Psyence Biomed Advances Clinical Trials in Psilocybin for Mental Health Treatments
LOS ANGELES- Psyence Biomedical Ltd. a life science biotechnology company focused on natural psychedelics for mental health, has issued updates on its progress in clinical research and corporate development. The company is leading efforts to develop natural psilocybin products for palliative care, with a focus on addressing psychological trauma and mental health challenges. Psyence is ...
COMPASS Pathways Receives Analyst Ratings
LOS ANGELES- COMPASS Pathways, a company specializing in mental health treatments, has garnered significant attention in recent market reports due to favorable analyst ratings and its stock performance. Several brokerages have maintained a consensus "Buy" rating on COMPASS Pathways, with price targets ranging from $23.00 to $47.40. Six research analysts have recently reiterated their "buy" ...
Verano Holdings to Participate in Key Investor Conferences
LOS ANGELES- Verano Holdings Corp. U.S. multi-state cannabis company, has announced its participation in two significant industry conferences. The company’s executives will engage with investors and industry leaders to discuss important market developments and future outlooks for the cannabis sector. On September 18, 2024, Verano’s Chief Investment Officer, Aaron Miles, will join investor meetings and ...
High Tide Inc. Reports Revenue and Profitability in Q3 2024
LOS ANGELES- High Tide Inc. reported strong financial results for the third fiscal quarter of 2024, with record revenue of $131.7 million, reflecting a 6% increase year-over-year and sequentially. This revenue growth underscores the company's success in expanding its market share and navigating the competitive cannabis sector. The company's gross profit reached $35.5 million, a ...
MediPharm Labs Achieves Debt-Free Status with $2.1M Repayment
LOS ANGELES- MediPharm Labs Corp., a pharmaceutical company specializing in cannabis-based health products, has announced the repayment of its remaining $2.1 million convertible debt, making the company materially debt-free. With over $13 million in cash reserves and full ownership of three facilities, MediPharm now holds a strong financial position. The company reported an adjusted EBITDA ...
Silo Pharma Advances Regulatory Path for PTSD Treatment SPC-15
LOS ANGELES- Silo Pharma, Inc. a developmental stage biopharmaceutical company, has submitted a proposal for FDA approval of its PTSD treatment, SPC-15, through the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. This pathway is designed to shorten clinical timelines and reduce development costs. The company recently completed a pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND) meeting with the FDA, receiving feedback to ...
Emerald Cup 2024: Behind the Scenes at a Celebration of Cannabis Culture in Oakland
OAKLAND — Last month, the Emerald Cup 2024, a premier event in the cannabis community, took place at the historic Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center in Oakland. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this iconic event honors cannabis culture, advocacy, and innovation against a backdrop rich in history, having hosted legendary performances by The Doors and The ...
Michigan Cannabis Sales Hit Record $295.4 Million in August
LOS ANGELES- Michigan's cannabis industry set a new monthly sales record in August, with licensed dispensaries generating $295.4 million in revenue, according to the state's Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). This figure includes $294.1 million from adult-use sales and nearly $1.3 million from medical cannabis. The record surpasses the previous high of $288.8 million set in ...
