Legal Affairs
Verano Taps Arizona Partner to Introduce Grow Sciences’ Cannabis Line in Illinois
LOS ANGELES- Verano Holdings Corp. a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator, entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with Arizona-based Grow Sciences to launch a curated selection of premium cannabis flower and solventless extracts in Illinois. Starting ...
Court Reverses Health Canada’s Ban on Psilocybin Training for Clinicians
LOS ANGELES- A recent decision by the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that Health Canada’s 2022 refusal to grant exemptions allowing health-care professionals to participate in experiential psilocybin training was unreasonable. The court determined that ...
Minnesota Enacts Law Enhancing Employment Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients
LOS ANGELES— A new Minnesota law, Senate File 2370 (SF 2370), which took effect on May 24, 2025, introduces expanded employment protections for registered medical cannabis patients. Under the law, employers must now provide a ...
Legislative Wave Follows Growth of Hemp-Infused Beverage Market
LOS ANGELES- The market for hemp-derived cannabis beverages has expanded rapidly since the 2018 federal legalization of hemp, reaching an estimated value of over $1 billion today and projected to exceed $30 billion by 2035. ...
Canadian Cannabis Producers Expand Exports
LOS ANGELES- Canada’s licensed cannabis sector continues its move toward international markets, driven by strong global demand, especially for medical cannabis. During the 2023–24 fiscal year, Canada exported approximately CA$218 million of medical cannabis for commercial ...
Big Cannabis Companies Maintain Optimism in Florida Despite Adult‑Use Setback
LOS ANGELES- Major cannabis operators remain confident in the Florida medical market, viewing it as a strategic long‑term growth opportunity despite the failed November 2024 attempt to legalize adult‑use cannabis. In a recent analysis, Forbes ...
AYR Wellness Updates Delay of Q1 2025 Interim Filings
LOS ANGELES- AYR Wellness Inc. announced that it did not complete the filing of its interim financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis, and related CEO and CFO certificates for the three-month period ended March 31, ...
Verano Taps Arizona Partner to Introduce Grow Sciences’ Cannabis Line in Illinois
LOS ANGELES- Verano Holdings Corp. a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator, entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with Arizona-based Grow Sciences to launch a curated selection of premium cannabis flower and solventless extracts in Illinois. Starting ...
Court Reverses Health Canada’s Ban on Psilocybin Training for Clinicians
LOS ANGELES- A recent decision by the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that Health Canada’s 2022 refusal to grant exemptions allowing health-care professionals to participate in experiential psilocybin training was unreasonable. The court determined that ...
Minnesota Enacts Law Enhancing Employment Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients
LOS ANGELES— A new Minnesota law, Senate File 2370 (SF 2370), which took effect on May 24, 2025, introduces expanded employment protections for registered medical cannabis patients. Under the law, employers must now provide a ...
Solvonis Therapeutics to Acquire Awakn Life Sciences in Strategic Biotech Merger
LOS ANGELES- Solvonis Therapeutics PLC, a UK-based biotechnology firm specializing in treatments for mental health and substance use disorders, has entered into an agreement to acquire Awakn Life Sciences Corp., a Toronto-based company developing therapeutics ...
Compass Pathways Projects FY2025 Net Cash Use of $120M-$145M
LOS ANGELES- Compass Pathways plc a mental health care company specializing in psilocybin therapy, has announced an expected net cash utilization of $120 million to $145 million for the fiscal year 2025. As of February ...
Cronos Group Reports $8.7 Million in Operating Expense Savings for FY2024
LOS ANGELES- Cronos Group Inc. has announced operating expense savings of $8.7 million for the fiscal year 2024, aligning with its previously stated target range of $5 million to $10 million. These savings were primarily ...
Minnesota Considers Allowing Liquor Wholesalers to Distribute Low-Potency Hemp Edibles
LOS ANGELES -A bipartisan bill introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives seeks to permit licensed liquor wholesalers to distribute low-potency hemp edibles. Sponsored by Representatives Zack Stephenson (D) and Nolan West (R), House File ...
New Study Suggests Medical Cannabis Highly Cost-Effective Treatment for PTSD
LOS ANGELES-A recent study highlights the affordability and effectiveness of medical cannabis as a treatment for individuals with moderate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conducted by researchers at Leafwell, the study suggests that medical cannabis could ...
Emerging Policies Reshape the Psychedelics Industry
LOS ANGELES- The psychedelics sector is undergoing significant transformations due to evolving regulatory policies and scientific advancements that could redefine their therapeutic applications. A notable development occurred in August 2024 when the U.S. Food and ...
Arizona’s Cannabis Sales Experience Downturn in 2024
LOS ANGELES- In 2024, Arizona's combined medical and adult-use cannabis market saw a decline, with total sales amounting to $1.1 billion, a decrease from the nearly $1.3 billion recorded in both 2022 and 2023. The ...
New Jersey Governor Proposes Increase to Cannabis Social Equity Tax
LOS ANGELES- Governor Phil Murphy has proposed raising New Jersey's social equity excise fee on cannabis from $2.50 to $15 per ounce. This proposal aims to generate additional revenue for social service and violence intervention ...
Industrial Hemp Regulation Undergoing Comprehensive Review
LOS ANGELES- The regulatory framework governing industrial hemp is currently under extensive review, aiming to address emerging challenges and align with evolving industry practices. This initiative seeks to refine existing policies to better support the ...
Cannara Biotech Extends BMO Credit Facility and Convertible Debenture to Strengthen Financial Position
LOS ANGELES- Cannara Biotech Inc. has announced the extension and amendment of its existing credit agreement with the Bank of Montreal (BMO) and a convertible debenture with Olymbec Investments Inc. These strategic financial adjustments aim ...
NYC Sheriff Files Lawsuit Against Home Contractors Over Alleged Permit Violations
LOS ANGELES- New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, known for his enforcement actions against unlicensed cannabis dispensaries, has initiated a $350,000 lawsuit against home contractors for allegedly failing to secure necessary permits during renovations of ...
Sà Wea: Pioneering African Heritage and E-Commerce Innovation in the Luxury Cannabis Industry
LOS ANGELES — In the cannabis industry, often lacking cultural diversity and unique storytelling, Sà Wea Luxury Inc. stands out as the first luxury cannabis lifestyle brand to integrate African heritage into its identity. Founded ...
Bright Green Corporation Completes Restructuring, Exits Cannabis Sector
LOS ANGELES- Bright Green Corporation has finalized its restructuring plan, marking a strategic shift from the cannabis industry to the production of all U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) scheduled controlled substances. This decision includes an ...
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose State-Run Dispensaries for Recreational Cannabis Sales
LOS ANGELES- In a move toward legalizing recreational cannabis, Pennsylvania legislators have introduced proposals to establish state-owned dispensaries, mirroring the state's existing model for alcohol sales. State Representatives Dan Frankel and Rick Krajewski advocate for ...
Florida Republican Lawmakers Propose Expansion of Medical Cannabis Access
LOS ANGELES- In recent legislative developments, certain Republican lawmakers in Florida have introduced bills aimed at broadening access to medical cannabis within the state. Notably, these proposals include provisions that would permit qualified medical cannabis ...
Maryland House Committee Advances Bill to Exempt Certain Cannabis Transactions from State Sales Tax
LOS ANGELES- The Maryland House Ways and Means Committee approved House Bill 619, legislation designed to exempt specific cannabis-related transactions from the state's sales and use tax. The bill, introduced on January 23, 2025, seeks ...
Federal Indictment Uncovers Extensive Illegal Cannabis Operation on Navajo Nation
LOS ANGELES- A federal grand jury indicted Dineh Benally, 48; his father, Donald Benally, 74; and business associate Irving Rea Yui Lin, 73, on charges related to an illicit cannabis cultivation enterprise spanning New Mexico ...
Michigan Allocates Nearly $100 Million in Cannabis Tax Revenue to Local Entities
LOS ANGELES- The Michigan Department of Treasury announced the distribution of close to $100 million in cannabis tax revenue to 302 local entities, including cities, villages, townships, counties, and, for the first time, four federally ...
Washington State Senate Committee Advances Cannabis Direct Sales Bill
LOS ANGELES- The Washington State Senate Labor and Commerce Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5403, legislation proposing to allow licensed cannabis producers and processors to sell cannabis flower directly to consumers. The ...
New Hampshire House Approves Limited Cannabis Legalization Bill
LOS ANGELES- The New Hampshire House of Representatives passed House Bill 75, a Republican-sponsored measure that legalizes the personal use and possession of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over. The bill, introduced by Representative ...
Colorado Issues Initial Psilocybin Business Licenses
LOS ANGELES- In January 2025, Colorado began accepting applications for psilocybin-related business licenses, following the approval of regulations by the Department of Regulatory Agencies and the Department of Revenue. These licenses encompass roles such as ...
LEEF Brands to Enter New York’s Expanding Cannabis Market with Acquisition of Tier 1 Processing License
LOS ANGELES- LEEF Brands Inc. California-based cannabis extraction company, has announced the signing of a binding Letter of Intent to acquire a Tier 1 processing license in New York. This strategic move positions LEEF to ...
Jushi Holdings Secures $9.7 Million Through ERC Refund and Debt Financing
LOS ANGELES- Jushi Holdings Inc. a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator, has bolstered its financial position by obtaining approximately $9.7 million through two strategic financial maneuvers. Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Refund Proceeds The company received ...
Greenlane Holdings Completes $25 Million Private Placement to Strengthen Financial Position
LOS ANGELES -Greenlane Holdings, Inc, a seller of premium cannabis accessories, child-resistant packaging, and specialty vaporization products, has successfully closed a $25 million private placement. The offering, priced at $1.19 per Common Unit, was conducted ...
HYTN and A1 Cannabis Forge Partnership to Expand Cannabis Beverage Production
LOS ANGELES- HYTN Innovations Inc., a company specializing in pharmaceutical-grade cannabis manufacturing, has entered into a three-year collaboration with A1 Cannabis Inc., the owner of Summit Cannabis Beverages. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency ...
