When Joseph R. Biden delivered the State of the Union address in March, he became the first United States president to use the word “marijuana” in the constitutionally mandated annual address since Ronald Reagan, and the first ever to suggest a need to rethink federal cannabis policy. Reagan referenced the plant in his 1988 remarks when touting the success of his administration’s anti-drug campaign, claiming “marijuana use was the lowest since surveying began,” according to contemporaneous surveys of high school seniors. “We can be proud that our students are just saying no to drugs,” he added ..read more

WASHINGTON – Organizers behind the B2B conference for cannabis industry payments, banking, and compliance (PBC) released a new banking directory this week. The comprehensive guide lists banks and credit unions that offer services to the cannabis sector. The release of the cannabis banking directory aligns with PBC’s goal of enhancing the infrastructure around cannabis banking and compliance. The organization hopes the new directory will facilitate connections between cannabis-related businesses and financial institutions.  PBC is preparing for its annual conference scheduled for September ..read more

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – In support of the second Shred for the Cure campaign, Timeless Vapes has announced a partnership with cancer survivor, skateboarder, and cannabis advocate, DJ Stewart. The latest initiative aims to boost awareness and funding for the Head for the Cure Foundation, an organization dedicated to combating brain cancer. Stewart also collaborated with Timeless and local artist John F. Malta in 2023, successfully raising $13,000 through a campaign in Missouri. This year, the campaign has set an ambitious goal of $50,000, with activities planned across Arizona, California, Missouri ..read more

VANCOUVER, Canada – The iconic comedy duo with a cannabis licensing empire launched a new mobile video game this week, adding to the brand’s expanding lineup of product launches for 2024 with new consumer goods, infused beverages, and dispensaries.  The release of Cheech & Chong’s Kush Kingdom marks the second collaboration between the cannabis industry veterans and East Side Games Group. In 2020, the team launched Cheech & Chong Bud Farm. It’s earned an iOS store rating of 4.8/5 stars in the U.S. with more than three million total installs.  “With Cheech & Chong’s Kush K ..read more

When it comes to post-harvest management, the difference between water activity and moisture content might appear to be a trivial matter. But this seemingly subtle difference can have significant implications for growers, impacting everything from product quality to profitability. Current post-harvest techniques mainly rely on moisture content alone—and that’s a mistake. Understanding water activity is crucial for maximizing yield, minimizing waste, and ensuring product safety. Water activity vs moisture content Water activity solely measures the energy status of water in a substance. Represen ..read more

VANCOUVER, BC – In a strategic financial restructuring, LEEF Brands, Inc., a vertical cannabis operator, has agreed to settle for equity a portion of its outstanding 11% convertible debentures due 2024 into units of the Company and has extended the maturity on the remaining balance of its outstanding convertible debentures until 2027, marking a pivotal step in the financial restructuring and growth strategy of the Company. An aggregate principal amount of approximately US$3,954,000 (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon) will be settled for an aggregate of 224,045,353 Un ..read more

NEW YORK – Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. (AWH), a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator focused on bettering lives through cannabis, reported its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (“Q1 2024”). Financial results are reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and all currency is in U.S. dollars. Q1 2024 Financial Highlights Gross revenue increased 23.4% year-over-year and 0.6% quarter-over-quarter to $174.2 million. Net revenue, which excludes intercompany sales of wholesale products, increased 24.7 ..read more

LONDON, ON — Motif Labs appointed two key executives to its financial leadership team. Jason Macintosh is the company’s first Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Mohsin Iqbal is the new Senior Director of Sales Finance and Insights. Motif Labs is one of the largest privately owned licensed producers in Canada. With the addition of two new financial leaders and a newly opened operating facility that will triple its production capabilities once fully operational, Motif is firmly positioned for its forthcoming phase of growth and expansion. Mario Naric, Founder and CEO of Motif ..read more

Medical Marijuana 411 (MM411), a leading global provider of digital cannabis education, has launched a collaboration with CReDO Science, led by Dr. Ethan Russo, a board-certified neurologist and medical cannabis clinician and researcher, to deliver accurate, evidence-based cannabis and endocannabinoid system education. An initial foundational class developed by Dr. Russo, MM411 President Christine DeVol, and Nishi Whiteley, MS, Chief Operating Officer of CReDO Science, is now available in English, Spanish, and Japanese through MM411 and features 8 webinar modules totaling 11 hours, with an exp ..read more

SMITHS FALLS, ON – Canopy Growth Corporation subsidiary Canopy USA, LLC has exercised the options to acquire Wana Brands and Jetty Extracts. The exercise of these options is a critical next step to enable Canopy USA to fulfill its intent to establish a leading, brand-focused powerhouse. It is also expected that once completed, these acquisitions will enable Canopy USA to realize compelling financial benefits, including the ability to drive revenue growth and realize cost synergies across the Canopy USA ecosystem. “With these acquisitions now triggered, Canopy USA has taken a crucial ..read more