Since New York state legalized adult-use cannabis in March 2021, and with applications for dispensary licenses expected to be available later this year, cannabis consultant Jacob Plowden is helping legacy operators transition to the legal market.

Many legacy operators, those who were selling and distributing cannabis before legalization, are hoping to continue their careers in the burgeoning legal market.

Yet, this transition can be a confusing and novel concept, full of paperwork and applications unfamiliar to the legacy operator. Plowden is hoping to simplify the process. 

Plowden, 32, a lifelong Harlem resident grew up surrounded by the effects of drug prohibition, also known as the war on drugs, which disproportionately punishes and incarcerates racialized individuals. 

Frustrated by these inequities, Plowden and Nelson Guerrero created the Cannabis Cultural Association (CCA), a New York-based nonprofit helping marginalized individuals, typically folks of color, transition to the legal market.

“We decided to be our own problem-solvers,” Jacob Plowden says of co-founding CCA with Guerrero in 2015. While CCA was created in 2015, its need could be more relevant today. 

An online campaign launched this year called Bud For Blood is partnering with the cannabis industry to raise awareness around a national blood shortage.

A blood shortage was created by the COVID-19 pandemic, per the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in part because people were delaying medical care during the pandemic “and are now presenting with more advanced disease.”

Cannabis industry member Kristen Yoder started Bud for Blood in May and is continuing its summer campaign through Aug. 15—her birthday—when she will host a LinkedIn Live here at 2 p.m. PT. Yoder has also set up a GoFundMe page to fund administrative, legal and event costs and is extending Bud For Blood beyond the summer.

Yoder noted that cannabis use does not disqualify people from donating blood. “I think stoners would make great donors because I don't have faith in anything, but I do have faith in cannabis consumers showing up when there's a need,” she said.

After working in plant-touching segments of the cannabis industry and in an advisory capacity for 12 years, Yoder has more recently been calling herself the “Cynical Stoner,” which she’s made into an apparel company, and the “CannaBS Detector,” which is the name of her podcast. (She is still an adviser in the space, 17 years in.)

The website for Yoder’s The CannaBS Detector podcast states, “The best decisions are informed decisions, and in an industry as new and hyped up in the media as the Cannabis industry is, there are many opportunities for BS to occur, and it is occurring on a major scale.”

LAS VEGAS, NV / Aug. 5, 2022– Cannabis Conference and award-winning media brand Cannabis Business Times are excited to announce Tommy Chong as their inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The award, which recognizes Chong’s many contributions to the industry, will be presented at a special Cannabis Leadership Awards reception—made possible with the generous support of FOHSE - Future of Horticultural Science + Engineering—Aug. 24 at Cannabis Conference.

From his rock ‘n’ roll-inflected youth in Canada to his counterculture-defining roles in Hollywood, Chong has spent his life standing up for creativity and freedom of expression. This is now most evident in his approach to the legal cannabis industry, where Chong maintains a deeply rooted sense of respect for the plant. His latest venture, for instance, Cheech & Chong’s Takeout, is a California delivery service that keeps one foot in the lore of tradition while meeting the legal market where it is today. He also pioneered the celebrity brand landscape with Tommy Chong’s Cannabis, which features a robust line of THC and CBD cannabis products. And, along with longtime partner Cheech Marin, Chong's focus is now centered on the duo’s "Cheech and Chong's Cannabis," which provides flower and multiple other products in markets across the U.S.

Chong’s voice (and his sense of humor) have helped elevate the nation’s cannabis conversation—and its consciousness, and in no small way helped pave the way to today’s legal cannabis industry.

“We are truly honored to recognize Tommy’s longtime contributions to advancing cannabis culture and using his fame to help normalize cannabis and advocate for its legalization,” said Noelle Skodzinski, editorial director of Cannabis Conference and Cannabis Business Times.

Chong will be recognized alongside the 2022 Cannabis Leadership Awards recipients, who were nominated by their peers and selected for demonstrating the leadership qualities needed to inspire and empower those around them, and who aim to better the industry and their communities.

The 2022 Cannabis Leadership Awards winners are:

LAS VEGAS, Nev. / Aug. 5, 2022– Cannabis Conference and award-winning media brand Cannabis Business Times are excited to announce the recipients of the 2022 Cannabis Leadership Awards. The awards, now in their second year, recognize cannabis industry professionals who demonstrate the leadership qualities needed to inspire and empower those around them, and who aim to better the industry and their communities.

The 2022 Cannabis Leadership Awards winners are:

Wendy Bronfein - Co-founder, Chief Brand Officer, and Director of Public Policy, Curio WellnessDrew Duval - Senior Vice President, Cultivation, Cresco LabsIan Hackett - President, Napa Valley FuméKema Ogden - Co-owner, Top Notch The Health Center (THC)Lindsey Renner - Owner, Native Humboldt Farms

Award recipients were selected from hundreds of nominations of cannabis industry professionals from cultivation and/or vertically integrated companies (with cultivation and retail operations) in North America. Winners of the Cannabis Leadership Awards—made possible with the generous support of FOHSE - Future of Horticultural Science + Engineering—will be recognized at a special awards reception at Cannabis Conference 2022 and are featured in a special supplement of Cannabis Business Times magazine.

“We are proud to recognize these amazing individuals who have harnessed their passion for cannabis and stood out as true leaders making a positive impact on the world around them—through building employee culture, giving back to their communities, working to further cannabis legalization and regulations, prioritizing social equity and/or sustainability, and more,” said Noelle Skodzinski, editorial director of Cannabis Conference and Cannabis Business Times.

“At Fohse, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of advancing the cannabis industry,” said Brett Stevens, co-founder and CEO of Fohse. “We know what it takes to truly be innovative and invest in a brighter future for our industry, and there's no better way to celebrate the future than by honoring the leaders who are helping to shape this industry and the communities around them for the better.”

Tommy Chong to Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is looking for nine volunteers to serve as Hemp Commissioners.

According to a press release, the department is seeking one public member, two handlers/processors, and six growers/producers. Four producer positions will be divided to represent the Central, Eastern, Northwest and Southwest regions in Oregon, while the two other will represent the state at large.

The qualifications to apply for the above positions are as follows:

Must be an Oregon resident and U.S. citizen;producers/growers must have grown hemp under an ODA license for at least three years preceding appointment (since 2019);handlers/processors must have processed hemp under an ODA license for at least three years preceding appointment;and the public member cannot be associated with growing or processing hemp.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 22, and those hired will begin their terms on or before Sept. 25, according to the release.

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The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) announced Aug. 3 that it has proposed rules to create the Social Equity in Cannabis Program, launching a public comment period on the draft regulations.

The Social Equity in Cannabis program is in response to recommendations from the state’s Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force, as well as other statutory requirements, according to the LCB’s bulletin.

RELATED: Legislation to Diversify Cannabis Market Stalls in Washington House

The LCB’s proposal would create a regulatory framework to distribute cannabis business licenses that are available from retail licenses that have been forfeited, revoked or canceled by the board, as well as retail licenses that were never previously issued by regulators.

The draft rules would also change the word “marijuana” to “cannabis” throughout the LCB’s regulations to implement Second Substitute House Bill 1210, which passed in the 2022 legislative session.

From licensing blunders to litigation, Illinois’ cannabis licensees and business hopefuls have much to consider in launching and operating their businesses.

The industry must also contend with multiple state agencies that oversee various aspects of the market.

Cannabis businesses, from cultivators and manufacturers to distributors and transporters, must currently interact with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Department of Agriculture, State Police, Department of Revenue and the Department of Public Health, according to The Center Square.

RELATED: Illinois Aims to Simplify Cannabis Retail Licensing Process

Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, has hatched a plan to reduce some of the industry’s pain points by establishing a cannabis commission mirrored after Illinois’ liquor and gaming commissions, the news outlet reported.

Iman Shumpert, a 10-year NBA veteran and 2016 champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was arrested and charged with a felony at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport July 30, after police reportedly found a “sizable amount” of cannabis in his bag.

According to TMZ Sports, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners stopped Shumpert after finding a plastic bag filled with a “green leafy substance” in his bag. Shumpert reportedly admitted to police that the bag contained cannabis, which weighed more than six ounces.

Al Harrington, a 16-year NBA veteran and CEO/co-founder of Viola Brands, a Michigan-based cannabis operator with footing in five states and Canada, commented on Shumpert’s arrest on Instagram.

RELATED: Viola Spreads the Wealth

“Maaan…IF THEY DON’T DROP THIS DUMB ASS SHIT! Are they serious??? IN 2022 when it’s being legally sold throughout the country!!! Creating billions in tax revenue that the states are collecting! C’mon man. We can’t still be on this AMERICA (Texas). Leave [Iman Shumpert] alone man. He just danced his way into America’s heart! FATHER/HUSBAND! Good dude!” Harrington wrote in a caption of an Instagram post Aug 3.

The 32-year-old and 2021 winner of “Dancing With The Stars” was arrested and charged with a “State Jail Felony” and could face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine, TMZ Sports reported.

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Arkansas voters will not be able to make their voices heard on adult-use cannabis legalization this year after the state Board of Election Commissioners struck down an adult-use ballot initiative this week.

The commissioners rejected the proposed constitutional amendment’s popular name and ballot title Aug. 3, blocking the measure from appearing on the November ballot, according to the Associated Press.

Responsible Growth Arkansas submitted more than 190,000 signatures—more than double the 89,151 signatures required—to the secretary of state’s office last month to get the adult-use cannabis legalization measure before voters this fall.

RELATED: Arkansas Voters Likely to Decide Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization in November

Officials announced July 29 that the group met the signature requirement, and the Board of Election Commissioners was tasked with approving the proposal’s popular name and ballot title to qualify the measure for the ballot.

CHICAGO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRESS RELEASE -- Green Thumb Industries Inc. (Green Thumb) (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and owner of RISE dispensaries, today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. Financial results are reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and all currency is in U.S. dollars.

Highlights for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2022:

Revenue increased 4.8% sequentially and 14.6% year-over-year to $254.3 million.First half 2022 revenue increased 19.4% to $496.9 million compared to the first half of 2021.Eighth consecutive quarter of positive GAAP net income, delivering $24.4 million or $0.11 per basic and $0.10 per diluted share.Adjusted Operating EBITDA grew 17.4% sequentially to $78.7 million or 31.0% of revenue.Cash flow from operations of $39.9 million year-to-date.

MIAMI, Aug. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRESS RELEASE -- Ayr Wellness Inc., a vertically integrated U.S. multi-state cannabis operator (MSO), announced that it has expanded its extensive branded-product portfolio with the award-winning flower brand, LIT.

LIT originally launched in Nevada, produced by six-time Jack Herer Cup winning cultivators Tahoe Hydroponics Company, and is now available for wholesale and retail purchase in Massachusetts. Ayr will launch LIT in additional states in the coming weeks and months.

Through LIT, Ayr is bringing the best of the West to the East Coast, with award-winning and innovative genetics cultivated by one of the country’s most respected cannabis breeders. LIT has made its name with consumers through its extensive library of well-known and unique strains with nuanced flavors and aromas, including Sour Cream, Mac Motor and LIT flagship strains Bubble Bath, WAP 27, and Temptation.

“LIT flower is a testament to our commitment to taking the best ingredients--facilities, people, genetics--and cultivating excellent cannabis at scale throughout our organization,” said Jonathan Sandelman, founder and CEO of Ayr Wellness. “Our organization has more cultivation talent than ever, including the Tahoe Hydro team that joined forces with Ayr in February of this year, which has helped lift quality across our entire footprint, as well as introduce new offerings like LIT to delight our customers.”

“Ayr has demonstrated a commitment to quality flower by building some of the most advanced cultivation facilities in the country and by infusing its organization with talent from the Tahoe Hydro team. Having the right people in place provides the perfect platform for growing the award-winning genetics we’ve bred over the past decade,” said Ray Schiavone, co-founder of LIT and Tahoe Hydro. “Every day, we’re finding new ways to create and innovate varietals for consumers to experience LIT flower and we look forward to bringing that experience to cannabis customers across the United States through Ayr’s rapidly growing footprint.”

CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 4, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - High Tide Inc., a retail-focused cannabis company with bricks-and-mortar as well as global e-commerce assets, is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated July 7, 2022, it completed its acquisition through Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) Proceedings, of eight operating retail cannabis stores in British Columbia and Alberta for CAD$4.2 million. The company intends to complete the acquisition of the ninth store in Niagara, Ontario, pending regulatory approvals.

RELATED: High Tide to Acquire Nine Operating Retail Cannabis Stores from Choom Holdings

The stores have the following addresses:

191 West 2nd Ave. in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Vancouver West 2nd Store is located in the trendy Mount Pleasant neighborhood, close to numerous popular restaurants and retail stores, as well as the Olympic Village and Science World.1391 Richards Street in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Vancouver Richards Store is located in downtown Vancouver's trendy and densely-populated Yaletown neighborhood.115 2nd Ave. West in Brooks, Alberta. The Brooks Store is located in the center of Brooks, close to numerous retail businesses.5308 50th Ave. in Cold Lake, Alberta. The Cold Lake 50th Avenue Store is part of a commercial district in Cold Lake South containing numerous restaurants and other businesses.1020 8th Ave. in Cold Lake, Alberta. The Cold Lake 8th Avenue Store is located on the main east-west street in Cold Lake North, close to several businesses, restaurants, and hotels.320 Centre Street in Drumheller, Alberta. The Drumheller Store is located in central Drumheller, close to various local businesses and restaurants.2719 14th Street SW in Calgary, Alberta. The Calgary Store is located on a well-trafficked road in southwest Calgary and is easily accessible for residents of nearby communities with favorable cannabis demographics, such as Bankview and South Calgary.10140 107th Street in Westlock, Alberta. The Westlock Store is located in the town's commercial center, close to numerous businesses.

 

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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Aug. 4, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a multistate cannabis operator, announced the opening of a new medical dispensary in Kissimmee, Fla. Located at 51 N. Doverplum Ave., the doors will open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, with ongoing regular hours of 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Grand opening festivities throughout the day at the new dispensary will include numerous partner giveaways, music, food trucks, deals and specials, and all registered patients will receive a 25% discount. Trulieve also offers statewide home delivery, convenient online ordering, and in-store pickup. As always, all first-time guests are eligible for a 50% new customer discount at any Florida-based location.

"Trulieve is proud to continue being at the forefront of expanding access to medical marijuana for Florida's patient population," said Trulieve's Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers. "Trulieve is committed to investing in the Kissimmee community, as well as offering patients access to high-quality products and providing exceptional customer experiences."

Trulieve's retail employees are trained to provide personalized patient care and support individuals at every stage of their cannabis journeys. Trulieve dispensaries throughout Florida offer on-site consultations to help patients obtain appropriate medical products and dosages to ensure optimal cannabis experiences.

Trulieve patients across Florida can choose from a large selection of THC and CBD products available in various consumption methods, including smokable flower, concentrates, edibles, capsules, syringes, tinctures, topical creams, vaporizers, and more.

Designed to meet every patient's needs, our portfolio of in-house brands includes Alchemy, Co2lors, Cultivar Collection, Modern Flower, Momenta, Muse, Roll One, and Sweet Talk. Patients also have access to beloved brands such as Bellamy Brothers, Bhang, Binske, Blue River, Black Tuna, DeLisioso, Love's Oven, Miami Mango, O.pen, and Sunshine Cannabis, all available exclusively at Trulieve in Florida.

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Prosecutors in Russia are seeking a 9 ½ year prison sentence for American basketball star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17.

Griner is currently being held on charges of possessing a cannabis vape cartridge while traveling through Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, Russia. Her trial began on July 1, and closing arguments are set to take place Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Griner is currently facing up to 10 years in prison.

Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted and, unlike the U.S., acquittals can be overturned, according to The Washington Post. There remains no clear timeline on a verdict.

In late July, the Biden administration offered Russia a prisoner swap, with the U.S. offering to free notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for Russia freeing Griner and fellow American Paul Whelan.

A few weeks before that, during the Fourth of July weekend, Griner wrote a letter to President Biden pleading for her freedom from Russian detention.

“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees,” Griner wrote. “Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”

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Americans owe an estimated $195 billion in medical debt and that number only continues to grow by the day. It’s a unique disparity among Americans, mainly plaguing the lower class and minorities. Medical debt prevents many Americans from getting the medical treatment they need.

“Medical debt is a huge burden on Americans,” said Daniel Lempert, VP of Communications at RIP Medical Debt, a non-profit organization that helps alleviate medical debt for patients with outstanding medical debt. “People are choosing to pay rent or put food on the table. There’s also a mental health anguish that comes along with it. The stress of all that can actually make people sicker. We are also seeing people avoid going to the doctor, especially if they already owe medical debt, even though they might need to go back. People will seriously reconsider getting the healthcare they need for fear of having more debt.”

RIP Medical Debt has partnered with Wellgreens and Pacific Stone to help medical patients around California with medical debt. The partnership’s goal is to abolish $3 million of medical debt for people in California. “When I think of cannabis having started on the medical side, this is a really interesting way to go full circle and tie it all together with this collaboration,” said Skip Motsenbocker, CEO of Pacific Stone.

RELATED: Pacific Stone Partners with RIP Medical Debt to Alleviate Medical Debt

This partnership between these brands was an almost-natural collaboration.. Motsenbocker said  Wellgreens was Pacific Stone’s number one vendor  in San Diego leading to the eventual store takeover with all three companies involved. RIP Medical debt fit right in when Wellgreens and Pacific Stone decided they wanted to collaborate with a nonprofit to help their communities.

“It’s a great way to say to the rest of the world ‘hey, cannabis isn’t a bad thing,” Motsenbocker said are out trying to do good things, not trying to say buy more drugs. Everybody should have some sort of an affiliation with an organization that figures out unique ways to give back to the community.”

Law enforcement has seized more than 34,000 illicit cannabis plants from a licensed hemp farm in San Jacinto, Calif.

The Riverside County Cannabis Regulation Task Force (CRTF), led by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, served a search warrant on the hemp farm July 28, according to a press release.

RELATED: 165,000+ Illicit Cannabis Plants Seized in Mendocino County

In addition to the 34,000 plants, the CRTF also found more than 4,600 pounds of processed illicit cannabis, greenhouses, and a ghost handgun.

The task force served another search warrant July 29 to the home of the permit holder of the farm and found more pounds of cannabis and additional evidence; however, the investigation is still ongoing, and no one has been arrested or charged yet, according to the release.

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Successfully navigating the U.S. cannabis industry is a tall task for any operator, but the challenge is heightened when operating in multiple states with often varying regulations and specifications.

Grown Rogue, an Oregon-based multistate cannabis operator founded in 2016, expanded operations to Michigan in 2020 and has seen both markets mature at different paces and in different ways in recent years.

Obie and Sarah Strickler, the husband and wife duo and co-owners of Grown Rogue, joined Cannabis Business Times for this exclusive interview to shed light on what’s new at the company, why community involvement is so important in cannabis, their favorite current cultivars, and what Cannabis Conference attendees can expect to learn from them during their panel session, “How to Launch a Cultivation Business.”

Editor's note: Grown Rogue’s Obie and Sarah Strickler will be speaking on the panel session “How to Launch a Cultivation Business” from 11:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at Cannabis Conference, taking place at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. In this session, experienced and successful cannabis business leaders will share essential considerations when mapping out your start-up, along with some of the key lessons they’ve learned along the way. Visit www.CannabisConference.com for more information and to register.

Zach Mentz: What’s new at Grown Rogue in 2022, and what are you currently working on that you’re most excited about?

Obie Strickler, co-founder and CEO, Grown Rogue

Obie Strickler: The biggest things in 2022 that we’re focused on are increasing our genetic portfolio as we really focus on what the consumer's looking for–that's where our niche sits. We're a craft, not a boutique, but a craft grower understanding what the right scale in each market is. And when you really want to win the hearts and minds of the consumer, the genetic lineup is really, really critical. We've made tremendous improvements in that category or that focus of the business.

Seattle, Wash. – August 3, 2022 --PRESS RELEASE-- PayNW, a provider of human capital management (HCM) software and services, has announced that it is now serving cannabis-related businesses (CRBs) throughout the United States. With this step, CRBs can now prioritize compliance with evolving regulations while supporting employees and accessing traditional banking services with PayNW’s payroll and HR solutions.

PayNW’s team of HCM experts offers reliable and compliant solutions for cannabis businesses, including: 

Paperless hiring and onboarding of employees Banking relationships to support direct deposit Federal, state, and local tax filing and remittance Automated time tracking for workforce managementOne-on-one customer service aimed at addressing unique needs 

As a company that understands the strict guidelines impacting financial operations of cannabis businesses, PayNW will help process payroll by complying with Anti-Money Laundering and Bank Secrecy Act regulations, as well as follow regulations set by the Department of Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement network and other regulatory bodies. PayNW can also connect CRBs with banks skilled in cannabis business account management.

“Whether you’re a retailer, grower, or any other legitimate business in the cannabis industry, you can now process payroll confidently using PayNW’s fully compliant software and services,” said PayNW CEO Lori Brown. “We understand the complexities of this industry and are proud to present solutions suited for whatever your unique situation is.”

PayNW’s unified payroll, time tracking, and human resources information system (HRIS) software and services provide simple, effective solutions to managing a workforce, bringing peace of mind to 1,000+ businesses throughout the United States by offering the depth and breadth needed to manage and engage their workforce more efficiently and productively.

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Maryland’s Medical Cannabis Commission voted unanimously July 29 to reduce the cost for patients looking to access medical cannabis in the state, according to a WYPR report.

The changes approved by the commission will decrease the cost of patients’ medical cannabis ID cards from $50 to $25 and extend the expiration date from three years to six years, the news outlet reported.

Commissioners said the cost to produce the cards has decreased in the past five years since Maryland launched its medical cannabis market, according to WYPR, and the changes also aim to address patients’ complaints about the process to enroll in the program.

Doctors are required to submit an annual certification for patients in addition to the renewal process for patient registration, the news outlet reported.

“We have a sizable older patient population and have received consistent feedback that having registration that needs to be renewed as well as certification pretty regularly is confusing,” Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission Executive Director Will Tilburg told WYPR. “We’re not trying to make revenue off patients.”