In partnership with 3FifteenPrimo Cannabis, a Missouri-based medical cannabis company, Cookies is opening its first retail location in Missourithis weekend.

"We feel honored andexcited to be the first cannabis company in Missouri to bring the iconicCookies brand retail store to our patients here in the Show Me State,"Jason Corrado, co-founder and CEO of 3Fifteen Primo Cannabis, said in a press release. "Cookies was born in California, has growninternational, and today boasts a huge brand following due to their innovativeproducts and proprietary strain genetics library. We look forward to supportingthis thriving community by bringing this well-respected and top-sellingcannabis brand to Missouri."

According to the pressrelease, grand opening festivities will include live music, food, giveaways,and much more and will take place at 10 a.m. CST July 16. Visitors at the grandopening will also have the opportunity to win one year of free Cookies. Inaddition, "15 others will be chosen for an exclusive event with Berner on Aug.6." Berner is Cookies' co-founder and CEO and is a rapper and entrepreneurfrom the Bay Area of California.

The company's new locationwill feature a variety of THC and CBD products and will include several ofCookies' in-house brands including, Lemonnade, Collins Ave, Runtz, Minntz andmuch more, according to the release.

Entertainment is not confined to inside casinos in Las Vegas, as tourists catch can catch the water show at the Fountains of Bellagio, which propel water more than 450 feet toward the sky, while walking on the Strip, or simply stand and look up at the light displays at the Freemont Street Experience.

Planet 13 has embraced and embodied that entertainment culture in its SuperStore, apparent from the moment visitors step foot inside the dispensary, with its responsive digital koi pond and aerial orb show—it’s all about creating an experience and dazzling customers, especially tourists.

In building that 112,000-square-foot cannabis retail facility, there were lessons that founders and co-CEOs Robert Groesbeck and Larry Scheffler learned, and from their experience launching their first store, Medizin, in Nevada’s medical market before adult-use sales were legal in the state. But economic realities have shifted dramatically since they launched the Planet 13 SuperStore in 2018, and even since October 2021, when the company’s Harvest Health and Recreation acquisition in the Florida market was finalized.

While the company is known for its extravagant dispensaries, operations are now focused on maximizing efficiency in light of inflation and other economic challenges, Groesbeck says.   

“As we tell our managers now, when you’re putting orders in to purchase, it’s not what you want, it’s what you absolutely have to have to operate,” he says. “There really are no luxuries here.”

In this conversation, Groesbeck shares early lessons learned as he and Scheffler were building Medizin and later Planet 13, and how they are using that experience to navigate the next economic cycle.

The historic southern French region of Occitania is experiencing a hemp textile renaissance, and not with just any fabric, but with the durable, long-fiber denim fabric used in jeans.

Beside the fame of its historic wine region Languedoc, the area was once well known for extensive commercial hemp cultivation that supplied countryside weaving workshops.

Occitania’s climate is dominated by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in mild winters, hot, dry summers and warm autumns. It is the sunniest region of France, with more than 300 days of sunshine, but also receives sufficient summer rain to support hemp cultivation.

The mountainous landscape is intersected by fertile river valleys and rocky clay soils that are rich in limestone and well-suited for hemp fiber production.

The Birthplace of Denim

The ancient Roman city of Nimes—situated in the heart of Occitania—is famous for its iconic fabric Serge de Nimes. Serge, which is no longer produced in France, was a sturdy twill weave fabric woven with hemp and dyed indigo. The material was used to make jeans and was later given the name “denim,” which is a term commonly used to describe jeans' fabric today.

France has a lengthy experience with commercial production of hemp fabric. During the 19th century, France exported the fabrics throughout Europe and to America.

CALGARY, Alberta, July 13, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - High Tide Inc., retail-focused cannabis company with bricks-and-mortar as well as global e-commerce assets, announced today that its Canna Cabana retail cannabis store located at 10027 100 Street in Fort St. John, British Columbia will begin selling recreational cannabis products and consumption accessories for adult use at 4:20 PM local time today. This opening will represent High Tide's 128th branded retail location across Canada, and 1st in British Columbia, selling recreational cannabis products and consumption accessories. 

"Our first organic store opening in British Columbia is a much-awaited and [a] very positive milestone for High Tide. This is the result of many months of hard work by our team as we navigated the regulatory process to enter the province. I am excited that we finally have the opportunity to bring our innovative discount club model, which has been a proven hit with our customers in the four provinces where we already operate, to British Columbia," said Raj Grover, Hight Tide CEO and president. "Combined with last week's announced acquisition of two operating retail cannabis stores in Vancouver through the Choom BC store portfolio, we are entering the province in a big way and are already almost halfway to the provincial store cap. With this foothold in British Columbia, I anticipate that we will be able to expand quickly through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, putting us in a position to reach the cap of 8 stores in the coming months."

BOCA RATON, Florida, July 13, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - Jushi Holdings Inc., a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator, announced that Ed Kremer has resigned from his position as chief financial officer to accept a role at a competing large cannabis multi-state operator. Kremer’s resignation took effect July 12. Kremer is party to an employment agreement with Jushi, which, among other things, prohibits him from working for a competitor for a 12-month period. While Jushi is appreciative of Kremer’s hard work to support the timely filing of audited financials, the company takes such post-employment obligations seriously and will take steps to enforce its contractual rights.

The company announced that President and Founder, Jon Barack, will assume the additional role of interim chief financial officer with immediate effect. Since Jushi’s founding, Founder has played an instrumental role in overseeing multiple business lines and corporate activities, including capital raising, going public and deal-making, as well as operational oversight of various departments such as FP&A, business development, IT, construction and real estate. Founder has worked in finance and investing for nearly 20 years following the receipt of a JD and MBA from Northwestern University and a BA from Princeton University.

Jushi also announced that James Cabral has been promoted to chief accounting executive. Cabral joined Jushi in July 2021 as the senior vice president of finance. He previously held audit and accounting roles at various organizations, including vice president, global controller at Brightstar Corp., a multi-billion dollar wireless company, and as senior manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers’ National Office. Cabral is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA degree from Northwestern University, a Master's in Accounting from Nova Southeastern University, and a BS in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of the Philippines.

“Over the past year, we have made tremendous progress upgrading our talent and building out our bench strength across our finance and accounting departments,” said Jim Cacioppo, Jushi CEO, founder and chairman. “I am confident that the team we have assembled, with the support of senior leadership, will provide continuity as we recruit a new chief financial officer with the qualifications to support our expansion initiatives and complete the securities registration process in the U.S.”

Jushi clarified that Kremer’s resignation was not the result of any financial problem, dispute or matter relating to accounting practices or financial statements.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, July 13, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a cannabis company in the United States, announced the opening of its new medical dispensary in Hollywood, Fla. Located at 2908 Hollywood Blvd., the Hollywood dispensary opened at 9 a.m Tuesday, July 12, 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 included 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 excited to expand access to medical cannabis to more patients in Florida and build strong relationships in the Hollywood community," said Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve. "We are driven by our commitment to providing tailored, high-quality patient care in a safe and comfortable environment."

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 a variety of consumption methods, including smokable flower, concentrates, edibles, capsules, syringes, tinctures, topical creams, vaporizers, and more.

LAS VEGAS, July 12, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – Planet 13 Holdings Inc., a leading vertically integrated multistate cannabis company, applauds the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board on the passing of Nevada cannabis lounge legislation. The company intends to apply for a lounge license and expects to be a successful applicant.

The initial plan is to convert Planet 13’s Trece restaurant space to a consumption lounge, restaurant and entertainment experience. The Planet 13 Entertainment Complex will be the first of its kind space where a consumer can watch products being made, purchase and consume all under one roof. A true luxury, tourist friendly lounge close to the Las Vegas strip.

“Our location close to the Las Vegas strip is ideal for a cannabis consumption lounge and we look forward to converting Trece restaurant to a full-service lounge to host our visitors in a first of its kind, exciting environment characteristic of the Planet 13 experience,” said Bob Groesbeck, co-CEO of Planet 13. “By converting our existing restaurant, we can quickly build a world class lounge in a cost-efficient manner and begin to serve customers sooner.”

Trece is currently an approximately 4,500-square-foot restaurant permitted for occupancy of up to 388 people. The planned conversion would allow on-site consumption under the Nevada regulations approved on June 28, 2022.

For more information on Planet 13, visit the investor website.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has released draft rules for the state’s forthcoming medical cannabis industry.

Regulators will hold a public hearing July 14 to gather feedback on the proposed regulations, and the commission is also accepting public comment through its website, according to a local WSFA report.

Once the rules and regulations are finalized, the commission can begin accepting and processing applications for medical cannabis business licenses.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed Alabama’s medical cannabis program into law in May 2021, and sales are expected to launch in spring 2023.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation into law this week to protect cannabis business’ access to financial services.

Wolf signed House Bill 331 July 11, allowing cannabis operators in the state to work with banks and lenders.

RELATED: Pennsylvania Senate Approves Cannabis Banking Legislation

The legislation adds a section on “legitimate cannabis-related business” under Pennsylvania’s commerce and trade statutes, which ultimately protects the companies’ access to financial services, according to the Pittsburgh City Paper.

The bill defines legitimate cannabis businesses as growers, manufacturers, suppliers, transporters and dispensaries, the news outlet reported. It also includes companies that operate in other states, as long as they comply with Pennsylvania law.

California’s fish and wildlife often pay the price for illicit cannabis cultivation practices, including unlawful water diversions for irrigation, conversion of lands, poaching, and use of prohibited chemicals and environmental contaminants.

As law enforcement officials and legislators continue efforts to combat illicit grows, particularly in Southern California’s Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern and Ventura counties, the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is taking steps to help licensed cultivators with sustainable practices.

CDFW officials awarded nearly $1.8 million in funding July 8 from their Qualified Cultivator Grant Program, including roughly $1.4 million to the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District (MCRCD) for water conservation projects in the South Fork Eel River Watershed of Northern California.

In addition, the first round of funding includes roughly $400,000 to Sun+Earth, a nonprofit that certifies cannabis that’s grown under the sun, in native soil and without chemicals by fairly paid farmers and farmworkers. That grant, in part, will go toward supporting the organization in sustainability projects focused on land restoration and conservation.

“These are well-conceived and timely planning projects that will result in lasting benefits to fish and wildlife resources and the habitats they depend upon for survival,” CDFW’s acting cannabis program director Sarah Paulson said in a press release. “Supporting these entities will help preserve California’s natural resources and pave the way for future cannabis farmers in the regulated market.”

The nearly $1.4 million awarded to MCRCD will focus on three cannabis cultivation sites and will be used to design and install three rainwater collection systems, perform irrigation infrastructure upgrades, develop and implement an invasive species management plan, and install native, pollinator-friendly plants. In addition, the grant will help prepare site-specific California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation required for cannabis cultivators.

SOUTHAMPTON, New York, July 12, 2022 – TILT Holdings Inc., a global provider of cannabis business solutions that include inhalation technologies, cultivation, manufacturing, processing, brand development, and the Shinnecock Indian Nation, a federally recognized Native American tribe living on their traditional lands on the eastern end of Long Island, N.Y., began construction today on Little Beach Harvest, a 5,000 square-foot cannabis dispensary located on Shinnecock tribal territory in Southampton, N.Y. 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today at 56 Montauk Highway, the site of the future dispensary. Attendees included the Shinnecock Nation's Council of Trustees and Chairman Bryan Polite, the Shinnecock Cannabis Regulatory Division and tribal members, including Chenae Bullock, managing director of Little Beach Harvest. TILT's Chief Operating Officer, Dana Arvidson, TILT's Chief Financial Officer, Brad Hoch, and state and local officials were also in attendance.   

This wholly tribal-owned cannabis operation results from a unique partnership between TILT and the Shinnecock Nation and is the culmination of six years of lobbying, outreach, development, and planning. Through a joint venture with the Shinnecock Nation's cannabis economic development firm Conor Green, TILT is financing, building, and providing management services to support Little Beach Harvest becoming a reality with two major components of the vertical operation kicking off this year: the dispensary and cultivation facility. The dispensary is expected to be completed by early Q1 2023. Construction on the cannabis cultivation facility will begin by year-end, and there are plans for a future wellness and consumption lounge. The Shinnecock Cannabis Regulatory Division will regulate all operations for each component according to the Shinnecock Nation's tribal cannabis laws. 

"I am thrilled to start construction on such an important project for the Shinnecock Nation," Polite said. "Little Beach Harvest has been working hard with our partner, TILT Holdings, to ensure a first-class dispensary for the New York market. This construction kick-off is a step forward for the Shinnecock Nation, and I am excited to be a part of such an amazing journey."

"It's incredible to think that we gathered here almost a year ago to announce our partnership. Now, we return to the Shinnecock Nation's sovereign land to kick off construction, which is truly a substantial milestone in our journey to create social equity for the Shinnecock Nation," Arvidson said. "Now, we move forward together in building out not only the physical structure of Little Beach Harvest, but our plan in bringing forward plant medicine as an economic engine for the Shinnecock." 

For thousands of years, the people of the Shinnecock Nation have been leaders in environmental stewardship. In connection with the Shinnecock Nation's longstanding relationship and respect for plant medicine, Little Beach Harvest's mission is to provide access to an alternative, natural way of healing that suits its customers' needs. Drawing on the Shinnecock Nation's vast knowledge of plant medicines and natural healing modalities, the dispensary is expected to offer a broad array of cannabis products. 

Re+Play, the wellness and recovery line from Harrington Wellness, is partnering with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to become an official partner of NBPA.

The multi-year product development plan brings Re+Play products and technologies to athletes of all levels, according to a press release, with offerings including topicals, kinesiology tape, massage guns, and more. Re+Play products are also available at the company’s website and will soon be available online at Amazon and Walmart, according to the release.

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“Re+Play’s partnership with the NBPA will provide consumers with a wealth of trusted, technology-driven products to help them recover like a pro,” said Al Harrington, CEO of Harrington Wellness and a former 16-year NBA veteran and NBPA member. “As we move into the next phase of the Re+Play brand with our strategic partners at Amazon, the NBPA, and Walmart, we are excited to once again reimagine how we help athletes of all levels recover from pain with CBD and other innovative technology.”

The initial product release from Harrington Wellness’ partnership with the NBPA is a line of recovery creams developed in partnership with Avicanna.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. , July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --PRESS RELEASE-- Pacific Stone, a premier seed-to-sale company producing 6.5 percent of the licensed California market's cannabis flower, announces its ongoing partnership with RIP Medical Debt and participating California retailers with the goal of alleviating $3 million in medical debt for families across the state of California.

Because of RIP Medical Debt's unique model of purchasing medical debts in large portfolios for a fraction of their face value, every one dollar donated relieves, on average, $100 of medical debt. Pacific Stone's goal is to raise $30,000 to abolish $3 million of burdensome medical debt for Californians in need. The first in-store promotional event will take place from July 15 through July 17 at two Wellgreens dispensary locations in San Diego. Consumers can support this initiative by purchasing the following Pacific Stone products:

RIP Medical Debt's partnership with Pacific Stone is the latest step in their overall goal of abolishing financially burdensome medical debt around the United States. Employing a model that mimics for-profit debt buyers, the national nonprofit uses fundraised dollars to purchase medical debt in large, bundled portfolios at below market value. After acquiring the debt, the organization contacts the individuals whose debt(s) they have purchased and notifies them that they are no longer obligated to pay. Thus far, the national nonprofit has raised enough money to abolish over $7 billion of medical debt for nearly four million families.

"It is a pleasure to collaborate with a mission-driven organization such as RIP Medical Debt. Their noble work has already helped millions and we are excited to help change the lives of many more families across California," said Skip Motsenbocker, CEO of the Pacific Stone's family of brands. "The support of Wellgreens dispensaries is also critical to the success of this partnership. Moving forward, we hope that more dispensaries will get involved. Not only will their support help families in need, but it can also help build a strong connection between the dispensary and the community it serves. Cannabis has a rich history in the medicinal realm and this is another way the sale of the plant can provide medical benefits."

"Medical debt is an issue that plagues many states across the country and California is no different. One in ten California residents struggles to pay their medical bills. By partnering with Pacific Stone, we can bring this societal issue to the forefront in a unique way," said Allison Sesso, President & CEO of RIP Medical Debt. "We look forward to hosting more fundraisers with Pacific Stone at dispensaries across the Golden State."

"Part of being good corporate citizens and stewards of our community is giving back to the residents we serve," said Sarmad Hallak, CEO of Wellgreens. "No one should have to face crippling debt as a result of medical treatments they needed. That's why we at Wellgreens are honored to contribute to RIP Medical Debt to alleviate a minimum of $200,000 of medical debt for San Diego families."

BOSTONand MIAMI, July 12, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – Ayr Wellness Inc., a leading vertically integrated U.S.multistate cannabis operator, announced the opening of AYR in Watertown, the company’ssecond adult-use dispensary in the Greater Boston area. Sales will begin at 10a.m. July 12, 2022.

Locatedat 48 North Beacon St., the store features a wide range of cannabis brands andproducts, including Ayr’s own Kynd premium flower, Entourage vapes, SecretOrchard vapes, Wicked edibles, Levia THC infused seltzer, and HAZEconcentrates, to address experienced consumers as well as those newer tocannabis.

“Theopening of AYR in Watertown is another amazing milestone for our team. We arethrilled to be adding a second adult-use dispensary in Greater Boston inanother great location,” said Jonathan Sandelman, founder, chairman and CEO ofAyr. “With our newly opened Back Bay dispensary hosting its grand opening celebrationon July 14, this is an important week for Ayr in Greater Boston. We lookforward to celebrating these milestones with the Watertown community, where wemaintain our commitment to being a great neighbor and community partner.”

Thestore’s hours of operation are 10 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week. Pre-ordersare encouraged and can be placed at www.ayrmassachusetts.com.

SiraNaturals (doing business as Ayr) is awaiting approval from the MassachusettsCannabis Control Commission to sell medical cannabis at the Watertown locationand anticipates beginning medical sales at the Watertown dispensary soon.

WAKEFIELD, Mass., July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --PRESS RELEASE-- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA / OTCQX: CURLF), an international provider of consumer cannabis products, today announced that its select brand has launched "The Farmer's Select" program, an ongoing series of limited-edition collaborations with licensed legacy farmers and diverse operators in California. In celebration of launch, Select's second Elite Live collaboration is now available across the state in partnership with Delighted Farms, a state-of-the-art indoor farm managed by a team of legacy California growers.

The Farmer's Select program reaffirms Curaleaf's commitment to providing premium products to consumers while uplifting smaller craft operators across the Golden State. Select initiated its first Elite Live collaboration in April 2022 with Sonoma Hills Farm, a Sun+Earth certified cannabis farm nestled on 60-acres in Sonoma Valley. The limited-edition product line sold out in under two weeks and the partnership's success empowered Curaleaf to explore more ways to support craft genetics grown by farmers engrained in California's cannabis culture.

Select's latest product collaboration transforms Delighted Farms' top-quality, limited-batch cannabis flower into the same Select Elite Live Oil that customers know and love. The limited-edition product line is now available at dispensaries across California in three strains including Napali Sunrise (Sativa), Frozen Gushers (Hybrid) and Gas Pie (Indica).

"On behalf of the Select brand, we are proud to launch The Farmer's Select program and reaffirm our commitment to creating an equitable cannabis industry where all can participate and hopefully, partner together to strengthen the industry," said Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf. "This one-of-a-kind program not only connects cannabis industry leaders, but it also highlights skills of innovative growers, talented extractors and other vital figures that power California's cannabis ecosystem."

"Curaleaf and Select's commitment to providing quality products aligns with Delighted's commitment to producing premium, top-quality cannabis flower that honors the history and cannabis culture of California," said Joshua Pritchard, Founder & CEO of Delighted Farms. "We're excited to introduce our collaboration with Select, and we're happy to help break the stigma of "us versus them" competition in the cannabis community. The spirit of the plant is about sharing and connecting, and partnerships based on quality lift up our industry. We look forward to crafting more premium products in the future."

The Select Elite Live Delighted Farms collaboration is now available at dispensaries across California while supplies last. For more information on product availability, visit www.selectbetter.com/find-us or visit one of the participating retailers below.

On July 1, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets (VAAFM) announced that it plans to withdraw its USDA-approved Hemp Production Plan beginning Dec. 31, 2022.

VAAFM stated in a letter that it will work with the USDA to “ensure a smooth transition for its growers, including participating in a joint webinar, updating the agency website to refer potential registrants to the USDA grower licensing system and conducting direct outreach to potential 2023 registrants.” The organization also said it would continue to provide support to hemp producers and processors as able.

To grow hemp in Vermont next year, farmers must register with the USDA, according to the VAAFM website. 

New Approach North Dakota has submitted over 25,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office to place an adult-use cannabis legalization measure on the state’s November ballot.

The campaign had to turn in 15,582 valid signatures by July 11 to get its initiative before voters this fall, Valley News Live reported.

The group, which began collecting signatures in late April after its petition received approval for circulation, ultimately submitted 25,762 signatures, according to the news outlet.

The proposal would allow adults 21 and older to legally possess limited amounts of cannabis, which would be sold through licensed businesses.

“This signature drive showed us that, from Williston to Grand Forks, people all across our state are ready for responsible cannabis policy reform,” New Approach North Dakota Campaign Manager David Owen told Valley News Live. “We are tremendously grateful to the tens of thousands of North Dakotans who signed and our terrific team of signature gatherers. We’re looking forward to all of our hard work paying off when we receive the official word that we’re on the ballot.”

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana submitted more than 90,000 signatures July 7 to place two medical cannabis legalization initiatives on the state’s November ballot.

The campaign had until 4 p.m. on Thursday to turn over roughly 87,000 valid signatures on each of its two petitions to get the measures before voters this year, according to a local WOWT report.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana collected the required number of valid signatures to get a medical cannabis legalization measure before voters in the November 2020 election, only to have the Nebraska Supreme Court rule that the ballot initiative violated the single-subject rule outlined in the state constitution.

The campaign regrouped and filed two new medical cannabis initiatives with the Nebraska Secretary of State last year to get the issue before voters this November.

The group hit additional snags earlier this year, however, when it lost two of its biggest donors and filed a lawsuit against the state to ease the ballot requirements.

New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is once again warning businesses to stop selling or gifting cannabis without a license.

Regulators issued their first batch of cease and desist letters in February to businesses suspected of illegally selling or gifting cannabis, and sent an additional 52 letters July 7, according to an OCM press release.

“These stores falsely depict their operations as legal cannabis dispensaries, but they are not licensed by New York State and are selling untested products that put public health at risk,” OCM officials stated in the release.

The letters notify the operators that failure to cease operations could permanently disqualify them from receiving a cannabis license in the state.

“There are no businesses currently licensed to sell adult-use cannabis in New York State,” Tremaine Wright, Chair of New York’s Cannabis Control Board (CCB), said in a public statement. “Selling any item or taking a donation, and then ‘gifting’ a customer a bag of untested cannabis does indeed count as a sale under New York’s cannabis law. You need a license to sell cannabis in New York. Licensed sales and a regulated market are the only way New York’s customers will be assured that the cannabis products they are purchasing have been tested and tracked from seed to sale. Sale of untested products put lives at risk. I implore these illegal store operators, and any other stores pretending to be legal operations, to stop selling cannabis products immediately.”

Name: Luca Boldrini
Location: Standard Wellness, Gibsonburg, Ohio 
Title: National Director of Cultivation
One word to describe your cultivation style? Commercial
Indoor, outdoor, greenhouse or a combination? Indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse. I have a strong preference for indoor.

Can you share a bit of your background and how you and your company got to the present day? 

I entered the cannabis industry in 2008 as an entrepreneur and cultivator by self-funding and operating grow operations across California. I moved to Colorado in 2014 to design and manage what became one of the first and largest indoor deep-water culture facilities in Colorado. In 2019, I became the director of cultivation for Curaleaf Connecticut, where I transitioned the company from soil to hydroponics in a new state-of-the-art facility. I have a passion for the science behind cultivation, and it has driven me forward to today where I am the national director of cultivation for Standard Wellness, directing cultivation sites across three states.

I have specialized in highly controlled indoor grow spaces that produce the highest-quality cannabis possible, but I have also grown in greenhouse and outdoor environments. I have a wide breadth of hydroponic media experience including rockwool, coco and deep-water culture. I have grown successfully under all forms of artificial lighting and room designs, including two- and three-tier LED flower rooms. I have developed a highly effective and all-organic integrated pest management program that utilizes beneficial insects and bacteria to perform most of the preventive pest and pathogen management.

What tool or software in your cultivation space can you not live without? 

[A handheld] temperature and humidity meter. Most static sensors go out of calibration, and they are only located in one area of the grow space. Even with multiple sensors per room, it can be difficult to find pockets of stagnant air without a reliable handheld meter. I wouldn’t feel as confident in the integrity of the grow spaces without using the temperature and humidity meter to verify existing sensors.

What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your business in the past six months? 

UV sterilization wand. They are relatively inexpensive depending on how often you plan to use it and at what scale. UV light can be used at any phase of growth to sterilize the leaf surface, but I most often use it during the cloning phase when plants are more vulnerable to pathogens and pesticide applications.

What cultivation technique are you most interested in right now, and what are you actively studying (the most)? 

I am most interested in pushing the limits of tiered LED flower room designs, specifically three-plus tiers. The environmental control and labor challenges presented are interesting to work through.