Consumer Research
Tech Pioneer James Clark Revives Eaze with $10M Investment
LOS ANGELES- James Clark, a tech industry veteran known for ...
Shared Liability in Cannabis: A Smarter Approach to Managing Employee Compliance with Paylient
LOS ANGELES — As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so do the challenges that come with managing employees within a highly regulated environment. From payroll and benefits to labor compliance and HR management, cannabis ...
The Rise of the Clean Label Movement in Cannabis
LOS ANGELES — Consumer preferences in the cannabis market are evolving toward healthier and more transparent products. By 2024, the global cannabis market is projected to reach $57 billion, driven largely by the increasing legalization ...
U.S. States Prepare for Key Cannabis Ballot Measures in November
LOS ANGELES- Voters in several U.S. states will soon weigh in on significant cannabis-related ballot initiatives, potentially leading to broader legalization nationwide. On November 5, 2024, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Oregon ...
Germany’s Medical Cannabis Market Set to Reach €420 Million in 2024
BERLIN- Germany's medical cannabis market is poised for substantial growth in 2024, with sales projected to surpass €420 million ($455 million), according to a report by Prohibition Partners. The country, which has led Europe in ...
2024 Presidential Candidates Outline Contrasting Visions for Cannabis and Psychedelics Reform
LOS ANGELES- The 2024 presidential election is showcasing a diverse range of positions on cannabis and psychedelics reform, reflecting the evolving landscape of U.S. drug policy. Prominent candidates across both parties have taken varying stances, ...
Massachusetts Voters Divided Over Psychedelics Legalization Ahead of 2024 Ballot
LOS ANGELES- Massachusetts voters are set to decide on Question 4 in the upcoming November 5 ballot, which proposes the legalization and regulation of certain psychedelic substances for therapeutic and personal use. If approved, Massachusetts ...
The Normalization of Cannabis: Insights from California’s Consumption Lounges
LOS ANGELES — Cannabis has come a long way from its stigmatized past, with consumption lounges playing a pivotal role in normalizing its use. In California, legalization of these lounges is reshaping how consumers interact ...
Cannabis Vape Crisis Raises Key Questions About Cannabis Product Safety
LOS ANGELES — The vape contaminant crisis has significantly impacted the cannabis industry, raising crucial questions about product safety and consumer awareness. Amid this complex landscape, several industry leaders are working to address these issues ...
EU Investigates Italy’s Proposed Ban on CBD and Hemp Flowers
LOS ANGELES- The European Commission has launched an investigation into the Italian government’s proposed ban on CBD and hemp flowers, following concerns that the move may violate EU regulations. Italy's far-right government, under Prime Minister ...
South Dakota Cannabis Legalization Measure Faces Tight Race Ahead of 2024 Election
LOS ANGELES- Cannabis legalization advocates in South Dakota are facing an uphill battle ahead of the 2024 election. According to a recent Emerson College Poll, conducted in partnership with KELO-TV and *The Hill*, 50% of ...
Kentucky to Initiate Medical Cannabis License Lottery
LOS ANGELES- In a significant step towards the establishment of its medical cannabis program, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced plans for a lottery to allocate the state's initial medical cannabis business licenses. Scheduled for October, ...
New York to Strengthen Enforcement Against Illicit Cannabis Sales
LOS ANGELES- Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other state officials, announced a comprehensive five-point plan to address the unlicensed cannabis market in New York. This announcement, made on Friday, ...
Uncertainty Looms Over Florida’s Cannabis Legalization Vote
LOS ANGELES- Florida is approaching a pivotal moment as it prepares to vote on the legalization of recreational cannabis in November. Current polling data suggests a tight race towards achieving the required 60% supermajority needed ...
Expansion of Cannabis Licensing Continues in New York
LOS ANGELES- New York State is progressing in its efforts to expand the cannabis industry, with the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) approving an additional 101 adult-use cannabis licenses, bringing the total for 2024 to 403. ...
Kentucky Advances Medical Cannabis Licensing Schedule
NEW YORK- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has signed House Bill 829 into law, accelerating the schedule for the state's medical cannabis licensing to July this year from the previously set January next year. This move ...
Massachusetts Dispenses Social Equity Grants to Cannabis Businesses
LOS ANGELES- Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has allocated grants amounting to $2,350,000 to 50 cannabis social equity companies across 28 communities, utilizing funds from the state's Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund (CSETF). This initiative ...
Colorado Senate Passes Stringent Digital Content Bill on Cannabis and Other Substances
LOS ANGELES- The Colorado Senate recently approved SB24-158, legislation aimed at intensifying regulations on social media content concerning cannabis, psychedelics, and hemp products. This bill, met with a significant debate over free speech and the ...
Michigan Cannabis Sales Hit New Record in March 2024
LOS ANGELES- The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) announced a new record in adult-use cannabis sales for March 2024, totaling $286.8 million. This figure represents 99% of the state's cannabis sales, with flower products leading ...
Illinois Legislation Targets Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products
LOS ANGELES- In a recent legislative move in Illinois, lawmakers have proposed a ban on intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 THC. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to implement tighter controls on the hemp industry ...
North Dakota Seeks to Revive Adult-Use Cannabis Initiative for November Ballot
LOS ANGELES- In North Dakota, cannabis advocates are rallying to place an adult-use cannabis question on the ballot for the upcoming November general election. The initiative, led by former Bismarck mayor and current Burleigh County ...
Cannabis Legalization in North Carolina
LOS ANGELES- In North Carolina, the path to legalizing recreational cannabis remains uncertain, with recent legislative efforts failing to achieve the necessary bipartisan support. The state's cautious approach, especially the lack of Republican backing, highlights ...
California Advances Regulated Psychedelic Therapy Bill
LOS ANGELES- California's legislative body has taken a significant step towards the formal integration of psychedelic therapy into medical practice with the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee's recent approval of Senate Bill 1012. ...
U.S. House Committee Advances Cannabis and Psychedelics Research Bills for Veterans
NEW YORK- The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs has recently passed two significant bills concerning the use of cannabis and psychedelics for veterans, gaining unanimous support among the committee members. The proposals, reported by Marijuana ...
Missouri Records $125M in Cannabis Sales for March
LOS ANGELES- Missouri has achieved a new milestone in cannabis sales, registering a record-breaking $124.7 million in combined medical and adult-use cannabis sales for March, as reported by the Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR). This ...
Cybin Inc. Secures Patent for Psychedelic-Based Depression Treatment
LOS ANGELES- Cybin Inc., a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving mental healthcare through psychedelic-based therapies, has announced the granting of a new U.S. patent for its CYB003 program, aimed at treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). ...
New York Accelerates Cannabis Licensing
NEW YORK- New York has issued over 400 adult-use cannabis licenses this year, a significant step as the state addresses the slow initial rollout that led to widespread unlicensed dispensaries. The state Cannabis Control Board ...
Congressional Hearing Spotlights Need for Cannabis Rescheduling and Regulation Clarity
LOS ANGELES- At a recent House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf was rigorously questioned about the potential rescheduling of cannabis and the regulation of CBD products. The hearing underscored the growing ...
Numinus Wellness Announces Strategic Shift in Canadian Operations
LOS ANGELES- Numinus Wellness Inc. , has completed its strategic review and announced plans to reshape its Canadian clinical operations. This reorganization, referred to as the "Canadian Reorganization," aims to refocus the company's efforts on ...
Canopy Growth Shareholders Greenlight Exchangeable Shares for U.S. Expansion
LOS ANGELES- In a significant step towards penetrating the U.S. market, Canopy Growth Corporation announced that its shareholders have approved the creation of a new class of exchangeable shares. This strategic move is a key ...
Proposed Amendment Aims to Toughen Penalties for Kansas Hemp Farmers with High THC Levels
LOS ANGELES- In a recent development within Kansas legislative circles, a contentious amendment has been introduced that seeks to impose stricter penalties on hemp farmers whose crops test above a 1% THC threshold. This amendment, ...
New Hampshire House Approves Cannabis Legalization Bill
NEW YORK- The New Hampshire House of Representatives has passed a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis, with a vote of 239 to 136, moving the proposal forward to the Senate where its outcome is less ...
IRS Guidance Eases Cash Transaction Concerns for Cannabis Industry
LOS ANGELES- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued a memo that clarifies handling cash transactions within the cannabis industry, providing a potential shift in federal treatment of the sector. This guidance focuses on the ...
PharmaCielo Amplifies Presence in Asian Markets with Strategic Acquisition
LOS ANGELES- PharmaCielo, an international cannabis production, announced plans to broaden its footprint in Asian markets through a strategic acquisition aimed at leveraging its established product quality and unique genetic and formulation expertise. This expansion ...
M&A News: Staffing Firm Vangst Acquires CannabizTemp
DENVER-Vangst, the cannabis industry's leading hiring platform, has officially acquired CannabizTemp, the temporary staffing division of CannabizTeam. The acquisition was 50% cash, 50% stock, and is the first acquisition in the cannabis HR space. Vangst ...
Ontario Cannabis Retailer Incurs $200,000 Fine for Regulatory Non-compliance
LOS ANGELES- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has levied a fine of CA$200,000 against Cannabis Xpress for breaching provincial anti-inducement laws designed to regulate cannabis retail operations. The AGCO's inquiry, triggered by ...
