HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRESS RELEASE -- PA Options for Wellness, a provider of consumer products in the Pennsylvania medical cannabis market, announced today the opening of two new medical marijuana dispensaries, bringing its retail footprint to a total of six locations throughout Pennsylvania.

The first of the two new dispensaries to open will be Kennett Square, located at 716 West Baltimore Pike in Delaware County, Penn. The Kennett Square location will open to patients on Monday, Oct. 3.  The second location, located in State College, at 1653 North Atherton Street, will open to patients on Monday, Oct. 10. Both locations will feature on-site consultations, curbside delivery and an interactive pre-order menu with each dispensary open six days a week, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"Vytal Options, a PA Options for Wellness medical marijuana dispensary, is excited to bring our excellent patient service as well as quality products to the State College and Kennett Square areas," CEO and founder Thomas A. Trite said in a statement. "We were one of the first three medical marijuana Clinical Registrants approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to conduct research. After undergoing an extensive review process, we were selected by the Penn State University and their College of Medicine to collaborate and research medical cannabis."

To celebrate the grand openings, each location will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. ET, with members of the Chamber of Business, Penn State Research, and Balanced Veterans Network. A partnership with grower/processer FarmaceuticalRX has also been developed to support the dispensary openings. The collaboration includes an exclusive, limited time offering of a premium vape cartridge named "Keystone OG." To join in the celebration, many of the state's Medical Marijuana Grower Processers will be on hand at both locations, educating patients and handing out promotional materials. In addition, PA Options for Wellness will commemorate its latest dispensary openings by making a charitable contribution to organizations within the State College and Kennett Square areas.

PA Options for Wellness proudly offers a curated selection of products across its brand portfolio selection of products across its brand portfolio, which includes byVytal, Mood, and Solventless. Patients can choose from a wide array of premium cannabis products, including full-spectrum RSO, access to a library of flower strains, solventless rosins, and their signature Troche sublingual. Vytal Options dispensaries will also offer top products from other highly requested brands in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana marketplace.

BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2022 – PRES RELEASE – Tilray Brands Inc., a leading global cannabis and consumer packaged goods company, announced that the company has initiated a policy roundtable with German regulators on adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany. In this meeting, the German Drug Commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, presented the plan for adult-use cannabis legalization and repeated the German government’s announcement that a first draft of the bill would be presented in the coming months. With this event, Tilray reaffirms its leading role as a trusted partner to government regulators and contributes to German legalization efforts by sharing its long-standing expertise and experience in cannabis research, product quality and safety, supply management, patient and consumer protection, and cannabis education.

Participants in the meeting included key leaders from Germany’s health and legal committees including:

Denise Faltischek, chief strategy officer and head of International at Tilray Brands, said, “We are honored to have initiated this high-level exchange on one of the world’s most important cannabis endeavors. As a leading global cannabis company, Tilray Brands has unmatched experience partnering with governments and regulators to help develop responsible cannabis regulations that protect the health and safety of patients and consumers, as well as, supporting significant economic growth in countries in which it operates. We applaud the German government in leading responsible adult-use cannabis legislation in Europe and we are proud to support this effort.”

Sascha Mielcarek, managing director at Tilray Europe, said, “As a market leader in Germany and Europe, our highest priority for a successful launch of an adult-use market in Germany is to lead with the highest quality-control standards that are consistent and reliable for consumers and patients. Established quality certifications such as European Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) already enable manufacturers industry-wide to provide patients and consumers with cannabis of the utmost quality and safety. These standards have proven themselves in our everyday medical cannabis practice and can be considered best practices for the recreational market, as they ensure consistent quality products.”

Tilray Brands has a pioneering track record as a company committed to producing the highest-quality cannabis products available to consumers and patients in need around the world and was the first to successfully export medical cannabis from North America and import medical cannabis products into the EU in 2016. Tilray has made several strategic investments that are now resulting in first-mover advantages in Germany and Europe, and the company’s operational strength is reflected along the entire value chain with leading medical cannabis brands, a strong distribution network in Germany, and end-to-end EU-GMP supply chain, which includes two state-of-the-art EU-GMP production facilities in Portugal and Germany.

It’s been almost two years since voters in five states approved cannabis ballot measures in an unprecedented wave of reform that swept through nearly every U.S. region during the 2020 election.

RELATED: Cannabis Wins Big on Election Night as Five States Pass Legalization Measures

Much of the same could play out on Nov. 8, 2022, when registered voters 18 years and older could decide the fate of legalizing cannabis for those 21 and older in six states: Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Editor’s note: See the state-by-state 2022 ballot measure breakdowns below

But even if cannabis ballot measures go six-for-six in the upcoming election (granted Arkansas and Oklahoma’s initiatives hang in the balance of Supreme Court decisions), uncertainly still awaits. If there was one takeaway from the 2020 election, it’s that legalization efforts are far from a done deal following citizen majorities at the polls.

The South Dakota Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved adult-use ballot measure roughly a year after the 2020 election on the basis that it violated the state’s single-subject rule. That measure had passed with a 54.2% majority.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said cannabis and CBD use “is an automatic disqualifier” for job applicants, even in state-legal markets.

FBI Denver posted a job opportunity to Twitter Aug. 25 for an FBI Contract Linguist. The Tweet welcomed people to interact in a live chat where individuals could ask questions about the open position.

One individual asked, “Marijuana and CBD are legal in Colorado, but I was told I cannot apply to the FBI if I use them. Why?”

FBI Denver responded, “Although the use of marijuana & CBD may be legal at the state level, their use is an automatic disqualifier for FBI employees and contractors. You must wait for at least one year from your last use of CBD or marijuana before applying to the FBI.”

A6. Although the use of marijuana & CBD may be legal at the state level, their use is an automatic disqualifier for FBI employees and contractors. You must wait for at least one year from your last use of CBD or marijuana before applying to the FBI. #FBILinguist

There’s been a recent uptick of break-ins at cannabis dispensaries in Missouri.

On Aug. 29, three dispensaries near the St. Louis area were broken into within 30 minutes, and just days later, another dispensary in Hazelwood was targeted.

The string of break-ins started Aug. 29 around 4 a.m., when “a group of suspects in two dark-colored vehicles attempted to burglarize the Star Buds Medical Marijuana Dispensary,” located at 1168 W. Gannon Drive in Festus—roughly 30 miles southwest of St. Louis, 5 On Your Side reported.

Festus Police Chief Tim Lewis told the news outlet that the individuals struck the front and back doors of the location with one of the vehicles. But the dispensary owner told the news outlet that the burglars were unsuccessful in their attempt to steal product and weren’t even able to make it past the lobby because “just hours before the incident, they finished reenforcing all of their doors and boosting security; a direct response to area break-ins that paid off,” 5 On Your Side reported.

“The vehicles fled north on Interstate 55, where officers stopped their pursuit,” the news outlet reported.

Lewis said, “What I want to stress is the owners in Festus were shrewd enough and smart enough to meet the minimum standards set by the state of Missouri, and then they stepped up their game.”

Nabis, a California-based cannabis wholesale platform, is partnering with Equity Trade Network, a California organization focused on promoting cannabis operators from and in communities marginalized by the war on drugs.

The collaboration between Nabis and Equity Trade Network will help ease brands’ entrance into the California market while also adding scalability without additional costs, according to a release. Additionally, the partnership will aim to eliminate barriers for BIPOC, LGBTQ and veteran-led cannabis brands to help them get shelf space in California dispensaries.

“Logistics continue to serve as a bottleneck for brands, especially for small business owners who lack access to private capital and other financial resources,” said Jun S. Lee, co-founder and co-CEO of Nabis. “With our extensive fulfillment footprint and wealth of data insights, Nabis can help Equity Trade Network businesses focus on vital efforts, like brand innovation, without getting bogged down by distribution challenges. Our goal is to make logistics turnkey for Equity Trade Network companies.”

Equity Trade Network also offers certification marks for businesses with at least 50% ownership stake of people impacted by limited access and opportunities. Certified brands include California Rolls, Cloud 9, Dolo Rolling Co, Elefante, Headstash, KGB Reserve, SF Roots, and more.

“When people buy these brands, they are supporting reinvestment into local communities and businesses, and voting with their dollars,” said Ramon Garcia, co-founder of Equity Trade Network. “This collaboration puts wind under the sails of so many outstanding and driven entrepreneurs from marginalized communities who still struggle due to failed policies that have stifled growth and success for too long.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters this week that the state “should charge these people more” when it comes to medical cannabis business operators.

“I mean, these are very valuable licenses,” the governor said, according to a WLRN report. “I would charge them an arm and a leg. I mean, everybody wants these licenses.”

RELATED: Green Sentry Acquires MedMen’s Florida Assets, Announces Sunburn Cannabis

There are nearly 800,000 patients enrolled in Florida’s medical cannabis program, WLRN reported, although the DeSantis administration has delayed compliance with a state law that requires the Department of Health to double the number of medical cannabis operators in the state, which currently hosts 22 licensees.

The medical cannabis companies currently doing business in Florida paid just over $60,000 to apply for licenses in 2015, according to WLRN. These licensees must also pay $60,000 on a biannual basis to renew their licenses, the news outlet reported.

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has called on President Joe Biden to decriminalize cannabis ahead of Biden’s campaign stop in the state next week.

“It’s long past time that we finally decriminalize marijuana,” Fetterman, a U.S. Senate candidate, said in a statement to The Hill. “The president needs to use his executive authority to begin descheduling marijuana; I would love to see him do this prior to his visit to Pittsburgh. This is just common sense and Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly support decriminalizing marijuana.”

RELATED: Pennsylvania Governor, Lieutenant Governor Announce Plan to Pardon Cannabis-Related Convictions

A spokesperson for Fetterman’s campaign previously told The Hill that the Democrat would be pressing Biden on the issue of cannabis decriminalization when the president made his stop in Pennsylvania.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about Fetterman’s statement during an Aug. 29 White House briefing, according to The Hill, to which she replied, “The president supports leaving decisions regarding legalization for recreational use up to the states, rescheduling cannabis as a Schedule II drug so researchers can study its positive and negative impacts and at the federal level, he supports decriminalizing marijuana use and automatically expunging any prior criminal records.”

LAS VEGAS – Sept. 1, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – The Source+, with five dispensaries across Nevada, will support three local charities through its September Round Up initiative: Mondays Dark in Las Vegas, Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) in Reno and Never Forgotten Animal Society in Pahrump.

Now through Friday, Sept. 30, customers may round up purchases while shopping in-store at The Source+’s Nevada locations to directly support each organization. The Source+ will also accept direct donations from customers or the public. The award-winning cannabis dispensary will extend its support for Mondays Dark throughout October, and customers may continue to round up their purchases at any of The Source+’s three Las Vegas locations from Saturday, Oct. 1 through Monday, Oct. 31. 

Mondays Dark is Las Vegas’ premier variety show for a cause. To support local charities, Mondays Dark gathers an eclectic cast of guests twice monthly for a variety show, with a mission to raise $10,000 in only 90 minutes. Funds raised by The Source+’s Las Vegas locations will be donated to Mondays Dark to benefit Serving our Kids Foundation, an organization that provides after-school and weekend meals to kids; United Citizens Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy social, emotional and behavioral skills for children, adolescents, adults and families; Remissionaries, an organization that provides comfort during and after chemotherapy treatments to women battling breast cancer; and My Scars Are Beautiful, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women, men and children who have experienced traumatic experiences.

Proceeds raised at The Source+’s Reno location will be donated to BACA, an organization dedicated to creating a safer environment for abused children through physical and emotional support.

The Source+’s Pahrump location will support the Never Forgotten Animal Society, a charitable organization created to rescue animals in need and provide low cost spay/neuter clinics in Pahrump. Its mission is to reduce euthanasia of healthy adoptable animals through its Animal Rescue clinics in the city.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman announced Sept. 1 a plan to pardon Pennsylvanians with select minor, nonviolent cannabis-related convictions.

The PA Marijuana Pardon Project is a one-time, large-scale effort that will accept applications online from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, according to the press release from the governor's office.

“I have repeatedly called on our Republican-led General Assembly to support the legalization of adult-use marijuana, but they’ve yet to meet this call for action from myself and Pennsylvanians,” Wolf said in a public statement. “Until they do, I am committed to doing everything in my power to support Pennsylvanians who have been adversely affected by a minor marijuana offense on their record. 

“This pardon project has the potential to open the door for thousands of Pennsylvanians—the college grad looking to start their career, the grandparent who’s been wanting chaperone a field trip, or any Pennsylvanian who’s been told ‘no’ for much needed assistance," Wolf continued. "Now’s your chance.”

It is estimated that thousands of Pennsylvanians with convictions over the past several decades are eligible for the program. To qualify, individuals must have one or both of the following convictions:

The Office of Medical Cannabis within the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is accepting public comment on adding qualifying conditions to the state’s medical cannabis program.

According to the department’s website, the petitions for new qualifying conditions that are under consideration are gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder and opioid use disorder.

Written comments can be submitted via email to health.cannabis.addmedicalcondition@state.mn.us or by U.S. mail to the Office of Medical Cannabis at PO Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882.

Oct. 5 is the deadline for feedback.

RELATED: Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Patients Can Access Edibles Starting Aug. 1

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission started accepting applications for medical cannabis business licenses Sept. 1.

Regulators are taking applications from potential cultivators, transporters, processors and dispensaries until Dec. 30, according to 1819 News, and will issue the licenses on July 10, 2023.

The commission will ultimately license 12 cultivators, four dispensaries (which can each open three storefronts) and five vertically integrated facilities that can grow, process, transport and sell medical cannabis, the news outlet reported.

Regulators will first eliminate applications based on a background check, financial requirements, moral character and business background, according to 1819 News.

The commission will approve dispensary licensees before the retailers can pursue local licenses, the news outlet reported, and municipalities must pass their own ordinances to allow and regulate dispensaries within their jurisdictions. Tuscaloosa and Cullman are among the cities that have started drafting their medical cannabis regulations and application processes, according to 1819 News.

Green Sentry Holdings, a Florida-based private cannabis operator, acquired all of MedMen’s Florida assets for $63 million.

The acquisition includes a medical marijuana treatment center license issued by the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use, a vertically integrated licensed that includes MedMen’s cultivation and processing facility in Eustis, Florida, with 30,000 square feet of available canopy, and 14 dispensaries throughout the state. The Green Sentry team has been retrofitting the Eustis cultivation and processing facility since March, and plans to launch edibles production in the coming months, according to a company release.

The purchase was funded with proceeds of a non-brokered equity raise and a $30 million debt facility from a private lender, according to Green Sentry.

In addition to acquiring MedMen’s Florida assets, Green Sentry will launch Sunburn Cannabis, a cannabis brand inspired by Green Sentry Founder and CEO Brady Cobb and his late father, Clyde Walton “Bill” Cobb, who was an illicit cannabis operator and associate of Pablo Escobar in Florida during the 1970s and 1980s. Green Sentry says it plans to officially launch the Sunburn Cannabis brand in Q4 this year.

“As a team, we are beyond excited to re-enter the Florida market, where we have built a presence and a reputation for honoring the plant,” Cobb said. “It’s humbling to see my executive and operational teams stay together to close this transaction and launch Sunburn Cannabis. I’m incredibly proud to launch Sunburn and share my family’s passion and knowledge for the plant with people in Florida. Sunburn is a brand by Floridians for Floridians.

“I am also thrilled to add some key team members, including our Chairman and my good friend Danny Moses, as well as all of the MedMen employees who have joined our family. We have proven to the market previously that a Florida-focused company can produce the highest quality flower and concentrates, and now we are bringing our products to consumers via 14 of the best retail sites in Florida.”

Two days after a judge dismissed a pair of lawsuits challenging Detroit’s adult-use cannabis ordinance, the city has opened applications for the first phase of the business licensing process.

City officials announced Aug. 31 that they will begin accepting applications Sept. 1 for adult-use cannabis retail, microbusiness and designated consumption establishment licenses. The application period remains open through Oct. 1.

Business hopefuls can visit www.homegrowndetroit.org to apply.

Detroit plans to issue a total of 160 licenses over three phases of applications, according to the city’s announcement.

Half of the licenses will be awarded to social equity applicants, which are defined as businesses that are at least 51% owned by Detroit residents or individuals who live in other communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

Lawmakers in the South American republic of Guyana passed the Industrial Hemp Act Aug. 8, which allows for the cultivation of hemp containing less than 0.3% THC in the country.

The measure permits farmers and manufacturers to apply for a license to grow hemp for the end use of food, textiles, furniture, medicines and cosmetics. Individuals can also apply for a research license, Harris Bricken reported.

To qualify for a hemp license in Guyana, an individual must be at least 18 years old, not have filed for or be in bankruptcy, and be of “sound mind,” according to Harris Bricken.

The country has not yet set an acreage limit for cultivation licenses; however, “the board may limit that in the future, and certain geographic areas across the country will be specifically designated for cultivation,” the outlet reported.

Guyana will also establish the Guyana Industrial Hemp Authority and its Governing Board of Authority to regulate and oversee the country’s hemp industry. 

(CHAFFEE, MO) -- PRESS RELEASE -- Organic Remedies MO, Inc., a cultivator and producer of medical cannabis products for the Missouri market, today announced an exclusive licensing agreement with TYSON 2.0, a cannabis brand formed with iconic boxer, entertainer and entrepreneur Mike Tyson.

The agreement will grant Organic Remedies exclusive licensing rights in Missouri to the TYSON brand which includes the company’s second celebrity in-house brand, Ric Flair Drip Cannabis, acquired by TYSON 2.0 in March of 2022. The partnership will also provide access to TYSON 2.0 and Ric Flair Drip Cannabis’ outstanding selection of genetics for cultivation at the Organic Remedies cultivation facility in Chaffee, Mo. Organic Remedies’ high-tech facility comprises approximately 30,000 square feet of indoor cultivation and over 10,000 square feet of processing and production space.

Dedicated to creating jobs and assisting in the economic revitalization of the local community, Organic Remedies' mission is to grow, manufacture, and dispense the highest quality medical cannabis products to improve the quality of life, comfort, and well-being for patients in Missouri.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to partner with TYSON 2.0,” commented Mark Toigo, CEO of Organic Remedies. “With our commitment to unlocking the untapped potential of medical cannabis therapies, combined with TYSON’s innovative and high-quality cannabis products, we will continue to be leaders in Missouri by providing a superior patient experience.”

Mike Tyson has been a long-time advocate for cannabis and has been candid about the benefits of the plant and its impact on his own life. Launched in November 2021, the company’s mission is to produce innovative, high-quality cannabis products known for their purity, precision, and wide accessibility. TYSON 2.0 offers proprietary strains, flower, concentrates and edibles at a range of price points.

HeadCount and RISE Dispensaries have partnered on HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project ahead of November’s midterm elections.

RISE Dispensaries, owned by Green Thumb Industries (GTI), is the premier sponsor of the Cannabis Voter Project, which informs and registers voters who support cannabis policy reform.

“HeadCount is excited to launch our partnership with RISE Dispensaries in time for the midterm elections,” said Sam D’Arcangelo, director of HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project. “The leaders we elect decide how cannabis is treated at the federal, state and local level, so it’s important for the cannabis community to be an active and informed voting bloc. Cannabis Voter Project is grateful to have RISE’s support and we look forward to helping their customers make their voices heard at the polls.”

This year’s theme is “Roll Up To The Polls,” as both HeadCount and RISE will encourage cannabis advocates to vote this November. More information on this collaboration between HeadCount and RISE can be found here.

RELATED: Wana Brands, Wana Brands Foundation Partner with League of Women Voters to Drive Voter Registration Nationwide

“There are massive inconsistencies in cannabis policy across America created by long-standing political figures,” said Ben Kovler, founder, chairman and CEO of GTI. “We are proud to partner with HeadCount and the Cannabis Voter Project to increase voter registration. The best way to create change is to drive more people to vote, which is exactly the mission of this partnership.”

Guam officials are now accepting applications for Cannabis Identification Cards in a step toward issuing cannabis business licenses.

The Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) began taking the applications Aug. 29, according to The Guam Daily Post, and the form is available online at www.guamtax.com and in person at the DRT’s Compliance Branch.

The Compliance Branch will accept completed applications with a $1,000 application fee, the news outlet reported. Only cash or check payments will be accepted; debit or credit cards cannot be used to pay the application fee.

The DRT has outlined the following six steps for applicants to obtain a cannabis business license:

RELATED: Guam Regulators Prepare to Accept Adult-Use Cannabis Business License Applications

TORONTO, Sept. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRESS RELEASE -- Tilray Brands, Inc., a global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life, today announced the expansion of Good Supply’s award-winning cannabis portfolio. The brand’s latest product drop includes new high-potency concentrates Jean Guy Badder, Hash Bats in Pineapple Express, and Orange Frost Live Resin, available for a limited time.

"Good Supply’s iconic strains provide a framework through which consumers can find consistency while exploring a variety of new formats," says Michelle Morin, Good Supply’s brand manager. "By offering our strains in new categories such as concentrates, it provides a novel experience for our consumers while delivering the personality of the strain that consumers know and love. Consumers can now explore Jean-Guy, Pineapple Express, and Orange Frost Live Resin at elevated potencies, stronger true-to-flower aromas, and different consumption styles.”

Good Supply’s latest and best-selling concentrate products include:

Good Supply is further expanding the launch of our two new strains, Monkey Butter & Sweet Berry Kush, into new sizes and provinces following the strong reception of the initial launch. Good Supply products can be found in select cannabis retailers across Canada and online.

The openings of MÜV Auburndale, Jacksonville and Titusville extend Verano’s retail footprint to 59 stores across Florida.Verano’s active operations span 13 states, comprised of 114 dispensaries and 13 cultivation and processing facilities with more than 1 million square feet of cultivation capacity

CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – Verano Holdings Corp., a leading multistate cannabis company, announced it will host grand openings for three new MÜV retail locations in Florida on Sept. 2: MÜV Auburndale, Jacksonville and Titusville. MÜV dispensaries are open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

MÜV Auburndale is located at 2093 U.S. 92 in Auburndale and is the third MÜV dispensary in Polk County.

MÜV Jacksonville Skymarks is located at 725 Skymarks Drive in Jacksonville, adjacent to the River City Marketplace shopping mall and just over 3 miles from Jacksonville International Airport.

MÜV Titusville is located at 4520 South Washington Ave. in Titusville, based in Florida’s “Space Coast,” a popular tourist destination, and less than 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center.

“With the opening of 15 new locations across Florida, 2022 has been a truly historic year of growth for MÜV,” Verano President John Tipton said. “With the opening of these three new locations in Auburndale, Jacksonville and Titusville, we’re excited to invite medical cannabis patients to learn more about our signature retail experience and premium cannabis products. Our passionate cannabis advisers look forward to welcoming members of Florida’s medical cannabis community at these new dispensaries, and additional MÜV locations we plan to open throughout the remainder of 2022 and beyond.”