News
Canopy Growth Finalizes Acquisition of Acreage Holdings
LOS ANGELES- Canopy Growth Corporation, a Canadian cannabis company, has completed its acquisition of Acreage Holdings through its U.S. subsidiary, Canopy USA, LLC. This transaction grants Canopy USA full ownership of Acreage Holdings, a multi-state cannabis operator based in New York. The acquisition was finalized with Canopy issuing approximately 5.89 million shares, valued at around ...
Virginia Democrats Plan to Reintroduce Cannabis Sales Legislation Amid Governor’s Opposition
LOS ANGELES- In Virginia, Democratic legislators are preparing to reintroduce a bill to establish a regulated market for adult-use cannabis sales. This initiative follows Governor Glenn Youngkin's veto of similar legislation in March 2024, citing concerns over public health and safety. The previous bill, passed by the Virginia General Assembly, aimed to commence legal retail ...
Exploiting the 2018 Farm Bill Loophole: The Rise of Legal Hemp in the Non-Legal Cannabis Market
LOS ANGELES--The regulatory landscape for cannabis in the United States has changed significantly since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation of hemp and its derivatives. This legislation inadvertently created a loophole that allows companies to market and sell hemp-derived products, including those containing psychoactive cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, even in ...
Section 280E Tax Law Challenges Cannabis Industry
LOS ANGELES- Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code presents significant financial challenges for cannabis businesses by prohibiting the deduction of ordinary business expenses associated with the trafficking of Schedule I or II controlled substances, which includes cannabis. This results in higher effective tax rates for these businesses compared to those in other industries. Enacted ...
Wisconsin Senate Minority Leader Proposes Medical Cannabis Legalization for 2025
LOS ANGELES- Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) has announced plans to introduce legislation to legalize medical cannabis in Wisconsin during the 2025 legislative session. This initiative builds upon previous efforts that have encountered resistance from Republican lawmakers. Agard intends to reintroduce a bill similar to her 2022 proposal, which sought to establish a medical ...
Cannabis Business: A Month-by-Month Year in Review for 2024
LOS ANGELES- Wow...2024 flew by but left a lot of casualties as the emerging market of cannabis, continues its emergence in 2024. Here's what went down in case you were away from your desk: January The year started with momentum as cannabis companies ramped up efforts to address price compression and regulatory challenges. The opening ...
Brownie Mary: The Unlikely Heroine of Cannabis Advocacy
SAN FRANCISCO–In the quiet streets of San Francisco during the 1970s, an unassuming elderly woman with frizzy hair and a grandmotherly smile quietly built a legacy that would forever change the trajectory of cannabis legalization and patient advocacy. Her name was Mary Jane Rathbun, but to the world, she was known simply as "Brownie Mary." ...
Japan Enacts Stricter Cannabis Laws with Severe Penalties
LOS ANGELES- Japan has recently implemented stringent measures against cannabis use, introducing penalties of up to seven years in prison for consumption. Previously, while possession and cultivation were illegal, personal use was not explicitly prohibited. This legal adjustment aims to address rising concerns about cannabis misuse, particularly among the youth. Concurrently, the revised laws permit ...
Week In Review: Bipartisan Legislation for Expungement of Pardoned Federal Offenses; Trump’s Appointments & Future of Federal Cannabis Policy; Federal Restrictions on Cannabis Sales in Washington
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) Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Facilitate Expungement of Pardoned Federal Offenses: On ...
Psychedelics Show Promise in Alleviating End-of-Life Psychological Distress
LOS ANGELES- Recent studies indicate that psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, may help reduce depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with terminal illnesses. A systematic review published in Psychopharmacology analyzed data from various studies and found that psychedelic-assisted therapy led to significant reductions in these symptoms among patients facing life-threatening conditions. Another review in Current Oncology ...
Medical Cannabis Set to Launch in Ukraine in Early 2025
KYIV- After Ukraine legalized cannabis for medical use earlier this year, a key lawmaker announced that the first cannabis-based medicines could be available as early as next month. Olga Stefanishyna, a member of Ukraine’s parliament and the Committee on Public Health, Medical Assistance, and Medical Insurance, stated during a press conference in Kyiv, “Everything is ...
NEW: Comprehensive List of Cannabis Events in 2025
LOS ANGELES - The cannabis industry is alive with opportunity and collaboration in 2025. These events serve as critical platforms for education, networking, and driving business success. Whether you're a veteran in the industry or just starting out, these conferences and expos are must-attend moments to stay ahead of the curve. Pro Tip: Be sure ...
DEA Judge Sets Schedule for Cannabis Rescheduling Testimony
WASHINGTON, D.C.–The debate over cannabis' federal classification is set to intensify as the DEA prepares for pivotal hearings on its status under the Controlled Substances Act. DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney has announced that witness testimony will commence on Tuesday, January 22, 2025. The hearings are scheduled to run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ...
DEA Schedules Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings for Early 2025
LOS ANGELES- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has outlined a schedule for witness testimony in the ongoing hearing concerning the potential reclassification of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney II has scheduled the proceedings to commence on January 21, 2025, at the DEA's headquarters in Virginia. The hearing will ...
Portugal Eyes Leadership Role in Global Medical Cannabis Market
LOS ANGELES- Portugal is positioning itself as a significant player in the medical cannabis industry, leveraging its favorable climate and regulatory framework to boost production and exports. In 2023, the country exported nearly 12,000 kilograms of cannabis-based medical products, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. The Portuguese government has authorized over 60 companies ...
Hemp Industry Anticipates Expansion
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a leading advocacy organization for the hemp sector, has strengthened its leadership by appointing two prominent figures from the hemp beverage industry. In September 2024, Art Massolo, Vice President of Business Development at Cycling Frog, assumed the role of Executive Vice President, while Aaron Nosbisch, founder of BRĒZ, was ...
Federal Restrictions on Cannabis Sales in Washington
LOS ANGELES- A coalition of Republican lawmakers and Washington, D.C. officials is advocating for the removal of federal restrictions that prevent the District from regulating and taxing cannabis sales. During a recent House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Chairman Dave Joyce (R-OH) expressed opposition to the longstanding appropriations rider that prohibits D.C. from using local funds to ...
Illinois Cannabis Market Leads in Diversity with 100th Social Equity Dispensary
LOS ANGELES- In July 2024, Illinois marked a significant milestone by opening its 100th social equity-owned cannabis dispensary, underscoring the state's commitment to fostering diversity within the industry. A comprehensive study by the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office revealed that 60% of all adult-use cannabis licenses have been awarded to minority- or women-owned businesses, positioning Illinois ...
Massachusetts Cannabis Market Sees Surge in Strain Diversity
LOS ANGELES- As of December 2024, Massachusetts' legal cannabis market boasts 740 active strains, marking a 29% increase from the 572 strains available in December 2023 and an 84% rise from 401 strains in December 2022. This expansion reflects the industry's rapid growth and the evolving preferences of consumers seeking diverse cannabis experiences. Sales Performance ...
Arizona Cannabis Sales and Tax Revenue: Recent Trends and Milestones
LOS ANGELES- In October 2024, Arizona's cannabis industry experienced a modest rebound, with recreational marijuana sales reaching $75.3 million, up from $67.3 million in September. Despite this month-over-month increase, sales remained below the previous year's figures, indicating a 14.5% decline compared to July 2023. November 2024 marked a significant fiscal milestone for Arizona, as marijuana ...
Trump’s Appointments and the Future of Federal Cannabis Policy
LOS ANGELES- The Trump administration’s recent appointments have raised questions about the trajectory of federal cannabis policy. With nominees holding diverse views on legalization and regulation, the decisions made in the coming months will play a pivotal role in shaping the cannabis industry’s future. Among the significant nominations is Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. Gaetz, ...
Oh Cannabis, An Industry Is Yet To Land…
TORONTO—It didn’t have to be this way. I mean, in spite of what so many whinge and whine about, Canada had a lot to leverage. Canada is pretty big, with a population of about 40 million Canada is pretty vibrant, with a GDP of about $5.8 trillion Canada is relatively affluent, with a median disposable ...
Dennis Peron: The Gay Revolutionary Who Pioneered Medical Cannabis in America
SAN FRANCISCO-Dennis Peron, the "Father of Medical Marijuana," is a towering figure in the history of cannabis advocacy. His relentless dedication to compassion and justice not only changed the lives of countless patients but also sparked a movement that continues to shape cannabis policy today. At Highly Capitalized Network (HCN), we honor trailblazers like Dennis ...
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Facilitate Expungement of Pardoned Federal Offenses
LOS ANGELES- On November 22, 2024, Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) introduced H.R. 10248, known as the Weldon Angelos Presidential Pardon Expungements Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, aims to establish a process for the expungement of federal offenses that have been ...
Week’s In Review: Ohio Legislature Considers Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products; Florida’s Cannabis Legalization Measure Fails Despite Majority Support; Climate First Bank Introduces Cannabis-Focused Financial Services in Florida; DEA Postpones Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings to 2025
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 Legislature Considers Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products: Ohio lawmakers are ...
