MjLink Cannabis Business News and Press
Mint Cannabis, a multistate cannabis operator with retail locations in Arizona and Michigan, has announced that it plans to offer 24-hour service in Arizona for those 21 and older.
As a starting point, Mint began the around-the-clock operations Oct. 14 at its Tempe. Ariz., dispensary located at 5210 S. Priest Dr., where it is offering 24-hour service every weekend starting 7:00 a.m. Thursday to midnight Sunday, and “may expand the extended hours to additional days of the week based on demand,” according to a press release.
Implementing 24-hour service allows the company “to better serve its most in-need individuals during overnight hours and customers who have different work shifts,” according to the release.
Mint’s Tempe dispensary also offers a delivery service for medical patients within a 25-mile radius of the location and a drive-thru for customers, providing increased convenience and accessibility.
The company plans to open two additional retail locations in Phoenix by the end of the year and has plans to expand operations to Nevada, Missouri, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
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Cookies, a lifestyle and cannabis brand, is opening a Cookies SF retail clothing store and future cannabis career training facility in New York to bring “industry and community awareness to the cultural capital of the world,” according to a press release.
The five-story clothing store–located at 958 6th Ave in Midtown Manhattan–will feature Cookies’ apparel and accessories, reserve merchandise specific to New York, and various CBD products. According to the release, the company also plans to use the “space as an education hub in partnership with local colleges.”
RELATED: At Cookies, Brand Development and Equity Are Key to Growth
Cookies U, which has locations in both California and New York and provides free training and education programs to social equity students, also anticipates partnering with local colleges to develop training programs related to cannabis, according to the release.
“This is a huge move for Cookies SF and solidifies us as one of the most recognized streetwear brands in the world. This location is iconic for so many reasons,” said Berner, Cookies co-founder and CEO. “We plan on doing some incredible things in this location and can’t thank our partners enough. We’ve hired some really cool employees and plan on bringing big vibes to the big apple on 10/30.”
Alabama hemp growers, processors and universities can now apply for a license for the 2023 season.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) announced that license applications are available online through the Kelly Registration System from 8:00 a.m. Oct. 11 to 5:00 p.m. Nov. 30.
“This is the department’s fifth year to administer the hemp program. It has always been our goal to manage the program in a fair and timely manner to benefit Alabama farmers and hemp producers and to develop industrial hemp as an alternative crop,” said Rick Pate, ADAI commissioner.
Each application requires a non-refundable application fee of $150, plus a service fee. For more information, click here.
]]>COMMERCE, California, Oct. 18, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - Beaker & Wrench, known industry-wide for the development of innovative distillation equipment, announces the launch of its Solvent Recovery System. This expansion to include solvent recovery equipment in its product line showcases its commitment to scientific innovation and meeting the needs of the cannabis extraction industry.
"We've mastered the distillation step with our 6'' and 12'' wiped-films," said Lilibel de la Puente, Beaker & Wrench president and founder. "It's always been our intention to cover the entire extraction process, supporting our customers every step of the way. That's why we're so excited that our Solvent Recovery System is now available on the market."
Beaker & Wrench's Solvent Recovery System is a self-regulating automated system rated class I div 2 environment - a continuous feed/recovery system of up to 450 liters (120 gallons) of ethanol per hour and
Legal cannabis could soon be a reality in Maryland.
On Oct. 6, President Joe Biden rolled out a three-part plan to bring cannabis reform into his administration.
The news of the day led with Biden’s plan to pardon all individuals previously convicted by the federal government of simple possession of cannabis. The second part of Biden’s announcement urged all state governors to pardon state-level offenses of simple cannabis possession, as well.
It’s the third part of Biden’s plan that could have the most substantive effects on licensed cannabis operators: a request for the secretary of Health and Human Services and the U.S. attorney general to review the status of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act.
Of course, cannabis is presently classified under Schedule I: the most prohibitive of the five classifications, each of which relates to the addictive nature and medical value of certain substances.
The Biden administration’s review of cannabis’s status could ultimately result in rescheduling the plant to another classification, descheduling the plant entirely—or nothing. Rescheduling cannabis would send it down a regulatory pathway much different than the current state-by-state structure; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would inevitably be involved. Descheduling the plant would likely defer all regulations to the states, maintaining the current framework in a way.
We asked Leah Heise, senior adviser at Kearney, what to make of Biden’s forward-looking plan. There is much that remains unknown, but the entrance of the federal government’s executive branch signals a potentially dramatic shift in how the cannabis industry operates.
Leafly is partnering with Uber Eats Canada to offer cannabis delivery for consumers throughout the Toronto, Ontario, region.
Beginning today, Toronto cannabis consumers aged 19 and older can place orders from local licensed cannabis retailers to be delivered via Uber Eats. Through the Uber Eats app, consumers can select the “cannabis” category and search for licensed retailers in their delivery radius.
This partnership marks the first time a third-party delivery platform offers cannabis as part of its delivery services, according to a release from both companies.
“Leafly has been empowering the cannabis marketplace in Canada for more than four years, and we support more than 200 cannabis retailers in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area),” said Yoko Miyashita, CEO of Leafly. “We are thrilled to work with Uber Eats to help licensed retailers bring safe, legal cannabis to people across the city.”
Furthermore, this partnership will also help combat the illicit market–which accounts for the majority of cannabis sales in Ontario, according to the release–as well as impaired driving.
“We are partnering with industry leaders like Leafly to help retailers offer safe, convenient options for people in Toronto to purchase legal cannabis for delivery to their homes, which will help combat the illegal market and help reduce impaired driving,” said Lola Kassim, general manager of Uber Eats Canada. “Over the last few years, we have invested heavily in our delivery business and selection has expanded tremendously. Uber Eats has grown quickly to become a versatile platform usable by diverse businesses large and small.”
Charges against three former cannabis executives in Ontario could set a legal precedent for publicly traded cannabis companies that fail to comply with provincial regulations—notably securities offenses—in Canada.
Legal proceedings are expected to begin Oct. 17 in the Ontario Court of Justice involving CannTrust Holdings Inc.’s (now doing business as Phoena Holdings Inc.) former CEO Peter Aceto, as well as Eric Paul and Mark Litwin, the company’s former board chairman and vice chairman. They face charges of fraud and of permitting unlicensed activity in connection to thousands of kilograms of cannabis grown in 2018, The Canadian Press reported.
Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) officials claim that the three former executives did not disclose about 50% of the growing space at the company’s Pelham, Ontario, facility, which was not licensed by Health Canada, according to the news source. The commission’s filings claim the men used corporate disclosures to assert they were compliant with regulations.
OSC officials first filed the charges in June 2021, which has now led to the commission’s first legal proceeding involving a publicly traded cannabis company, The Canadian Press reported.
In addition to charges of fraud and abetting in noncompliant cannabis cultivation, Litwin and Paul were charged with insider trading, specifically in relation to allegedly trading CannTrust shares while possessing undisclosed information regarding the unlicensed cultivation in question.
Also, Aceto and Litwin were accused of making a false prospectus and a false preliminary prospectus that they signed off on to allegedly raise money in the U.S. The financial documents stated CannTrust was fully licensed and compliant with regulatory requirements, according to The Canadian Press.
APOPKA, Florida, Oct. 17, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - Sanctuary Medicinals has rebranded its Florida operations to Sanctuary Cannabis. As such, Sanctuary Cannabis is proud to announce the opening of its fourteenth medical cannabis dispensary in Florida.
Located on Beach Blvd at its intersection with I-295, Sanctuary Jacksonville will host its Grand Opening celebration Oct. 15. As the first operational Sanctuary dispensary in Duval County, Jacksonville brings the number of Sanctuary locations in Florida to fourteen.
"Jacksonville has been a highly anticipated municipality for us both internally and externally," said Jason Sidman, CEO of Sanctuary Cannabis. "Our patient base has grown significantly in 2022, and we've definitely heard their demands for us to enter the Jacksonville area."
Sanctuary Jacksonville is the company's first foray into Duval County and its northernmost Florida location to date. As part of the company's continued northward push after a string of openings on the southeast coast, Sanctuary has plans to open a second Jacksonville location before the end of the year. The existing Sanctuary Jacksonville is located southeast of Southside Estates and just two miles north of the University of North Florida campus.
"We are excited to begin providing the patients of Jacksonville with quality medical cannabis," said Bill Dewar, chief operating officer. "Our Jacksonville opening is an important component of our expansion strategy as we strive to reach new patients in parts of the state where we didn't previously have physical locations."
Sanctuary Jacksonville will keep its usual hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. All registered and first-time patients will receive a 50-percent discount. The company will also be providing food and entertainment for the celebration, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and concluding at 7:30 p.m.
]]>CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 17, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - Cresco Labs., vertically integrated multistate operator, announced the expansion of its Sunnyside retail brand in Florida’s Panhandle region with the opening of a second dispensary in Pensacola. The company’s 54th nationwide and 20th Florida store is located at 2122 W. Nine Mile Road.
“We’re excited to continue expanding access to Cresco Labs’ leading portfolio of products across Florida and to make a trip for medicine more convenient for Pensacola’s patients,” said Charlie Bachtell, co-founder and CEO of Cresco Labs. “Furthermore, we’d like to express a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all first responders, volunteers, patients, and employees who are assisting in the Hurricane Ian recovery effort. Despite some damage, our stores have reopened, allowing our wellness advisors to continue to provide access to medical cannabis to Florida patients. Additionally, we’re holding a canned food and water drive at all Sunnyside dispensaries throughout the state and our Indiantown facility. Many of our team members suffered significant damage to their homes, and we will continue to provide them with ongoing disaster relief and recovery assistance as necessary.”
RELATED: Cannabis Businesses in Florida, Puerto Rico Reopen Following Hurricanes
Sunnyside Pensacola–Nine Mile Road is located on a major east/west thoroughfare near significant retailers, including Walmart Supercenter, Publix, Walgreens, and Starbucks.
Dispensary store hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
]]>On Nov. 8, Arkansas voters will have their say on adult-use legalization, a good six years after they first greenlit a medical marketplace.
AUSTIN, Texas (Oct. 17, 2022)—PRESS RELEASE—Texas Original, one of Texas’ medical cannabis providers, announced its Sweet Dreams gummies are now available to qualifying patients statewide. Sweet Dreams gummies are specifically designed to help qualifying patients who suffer from insomnia, night terrors or restlessness as a result of various medical conditions.
Patients can conveniently access the Sweet Dreams gummies from any of Texas Original’s 11 pickup locations and two permanent locations statewide—making up the largest footprint of any provider in Texas. With 450 mg of total cannabinoids per jar, the Sweet Dreams gummies are the best value for CBN gummies per milligram in the Texas medical cannabis market at $110 per jar.
“When I sit down with patients to learn about their experiences with medical cannabis, I am overwhelmed by the relief they find from pain, insomnia and so many other symptoms that take a daily toll on their lives,” said Morris Denton, CEO of Texas Original. “With Sweet Dreams, we can specifically target one of the most essential parts of healing—a good night’s sleep. We’ve meticulously researched and tested these gummies to ensure patients get a consistent experience every time. They can rely on us to deliver the highest quality product on the market.”
The dewberry-flavored Sweet Dreams gummies are available in 30-count packages formulated with 5 mg of CBN, 10 mg of THC and targeted rest terpenes in each gummy. Featuring nanoemulsion technology, Sweet Dreams are the only fast-acting CBN-based gummies available in the state. Patients can expect to feel the initial treatment effects as soon as 15 minutes after consumption—which is up to eight times faster than alternative CBN products in Texas.
To learn whether you or a loved one qualifies for medical cannabis, visit www.texasoriginal.com/patients.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, several cannabis companies such as nuEra, Custom Cones USA, Verano, and 4Front Ventures have launched fundraising and awareness initiatives.
Cannabis Business Times spoke with 4Front Ventures Chief of Staff Tera Martin, who is a breast cancer survivor and founder and executive director of the Pink Gene Foundation, which provides education, resources, and supporting research to young women to help them become proactive in their fight against breast cancer, to discuss 4Front's efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how cannabis businesses can implement impactful campaigns.
For October, 4Front will be donating $1 of every Pink-Gene marked product sold at its Mission Dispensary retail locations in Illinois and Massachusetts to the Pink Gene Foundation. The company is also running the campaign on the wholesale side in California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Washington.
The campaign features products from select 4Front vape, edible and flower lines, Martin says. The organization's Pink Gene Campaign's proceeds will be used to support breast cancer research and awareness.
This year the Pink Gene Foundation is striving to complete fundraising efforts that it's been working on for the past two years, which will be used to support the Cyrus Ghajar’s Laboratory project conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Martin says.
"The project focuses on preventing metastases from arising. … Basically, it identifies breast cancer cells that are sleeping that remain in the body, and it identifies them before they wake up and become tumors. And those tumors would be called what's a breast cancer recurrence," she says. "So, it's a really exciting ... project that we've been supporting for years. … It's been a while in the running, but it's exciting, and if we can make this screen happen, it's going to save a lot of lives."
JOHNSON CITY,Tenn.,Oct. 17, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – Greentech isentering the cannabis market with a line of air purification products designedspecifically for air quality improvement at cultivation facilities,dispensaries, and independent grow houses that will mitigate odor whilereducing airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Greentechoffers the only filters on the market that feature the odor reducingpower of ODOGard. With this proprietary treatment, Greentech Filters trapodors and purify the air, eliminating odors at the molecularlevel.
ODOGardis a proven nontoxic and biodegradable formula that changes the molecularstructure of odor molecules, permanently destroying them on contact.
Ina head-to-head comparison at a cannabis cultivation facility, testing performedby Advanced IAQ Solutions Inc. showed Greentech's proprietary MERV 11 filtersare more effective than carbon filters, removing 99% more airborne terpenes and140% more VOCs than carbon filters, leading to improved air qualityand better odor mitigation.
GreentechFilters + are less expensive than carbon filters, more energy efficient thanMERV 13 filters and environmentally friendly. The treated filters are availablein standard sizes and designed to fit existing HVAC systems.
Inaddition to filters, Greentech offers a full line of active airpurification products featuring PCO technology to mitigate mold, mildew andother pathogens that can be problematic for plant health. Testing showed thatwhen used together, Greentech's new filters combined with active air purifiersimproved airborne terpene and VOC removal by up to an additional 20%.
EDMONTON, AB, Oct. 17, 2022 /CNW/ - PRESS RELEASE - Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the a Canadian cannabis company, today announced a new and unprecedented fall lineup of cannabis products. New flower products include three unique and proprietary strains from Aurora's esteemed breeding program: Electric Honeydew, Ultra Grape Kush and Organic BC White Grape OG.
"We are proud to introduce a significant number of innovative and exciting products this fall, which were developed from a deep understanding of consumer and patient interests and needs," says Lana Culley, Vice President of Product Development at Aurora Cannabis. "This extensive line up of flower innovation was made possible from Aurora's differentiated consumer preference mapping, which uniquely plots evolving cannabis preferences, and the leading work of R&D to develop a portfolio of products with the critical components necessary to compete – intense and exciting aromas, key visual and tactile attributes, and high-potency THC."
Aurora's best-in-class genetics breeding program, backed by extensive consumer research and development, was the catalyst for the company's most robust product release in over two years. Aurora continues to focus on expanding its premium product offerings, while developing unique cultivars and formats that appeal to a wide variety of consumer and patient tastes. In the last 16 months, Aurora has commercialized 12 original cultivars under its various consumer brands.
New products launching this fall include:
Drift:
The adult-use cannabis industry in Canada has officially graduated. After four years of legal cannabis sales in The Great North, the industry has evolved and adapted and grown, but, like any recent graduate, still has a lot of maturing to do.
That’s why the Canadian government in September launched a review of the Cannabis Act to evaluate its impact on youth, indigenous communities, the economy, the illicit market and more.
The Cannabis Act took effect in October 2018 and included a mandate for Canada’s health minister to assess the legislation, its administration and operation three years later, according to a Reuters report, although delays led to the review happening this year instead.
RELATED: Canada Legalizes Adult-Use Cannabis
All Canadians are invited to share their perspective on legalization through an online questionnaire or through written feedback, and all comments are due by Nov. 21, 2022. Although no timeline has been announced for the release of a formal report, a “What We Heard” report will ultimately be made public on https://www.canada.ca/en.html.
“I’m excited about the early changes that have been affected by legalization, for the most part,” says Dan Sutton, founder and CEO of Tantalus Labs, a British Columbia-based, small-batch cannabis cultivator. “In terms of safe supply and quality assurance standards, I think Canada’s built their recreational cannabis program on the back of their medical program. There’s no other federal standard of that quality anywhere else in the world that would be a good example for other countries that legalize.”
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 17, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – Veteran cannabis industry executive and entrepreneurial venture capital/investment expert Deborah Johnson will take the reins of Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) as Interim Executive Director Sarah Chase transitions to a new leadership position.
Chase helped guide the organization from infancy to its position today where CFCR is recognized as a leading voice with FDA as the agency works to develop a regulatory framework for cannabis products.
“It’s been my pleasure to work with Sheri Orlowitz, the founder and visionary behind CFCR, our board and our members to help develop CFCR’s expertise to become the ‘go to’ organization on regulation and a convenor that brings together regulators and stakeholders,” Chase said. “As evidenced by the sea change we are now seeing with federal agencies’ increasing receptivity to policy changes on medical and recreational cannabis use, federal research on the health and wellness potential of cannabis, and criminal justice reforms, CFCR has made a considerable impact by becoming a trusted adviser and guide to regulators.”
Johnson, previously CFCR’s director of community, sees the next phase of CFCR’s mission as elucidating and helping the cannabis industry understand and meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements to establish the safety of cannabinoids, followed by an expansion of CFCR’s focus beyond FDA, to the Small Business Administration (SBA). CFCR’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiative is to create opportunity for underserved community members and former nonviolent felons by demystifying and guiding access to capital, services, mentorship, grants and more through SBA.
“I’m honored to serve at CFCR, such a unique nonprofit that has convened well-respected former government leaders, and science, policy, business and DEI experts from outside and inside the cannabis industry and committee members with rare skill sets to work with federal regulators,” Johnson said. “As an umbrella organization, CFCR’s leaders from pharma, stock exchange listed companies, patient advocacy groups, technology leaders, cannabis industry leaders and more, provide the diversity of thought and perspective regulators need as they develop their strategy to facilitate a safe and accessible industry that maximizes the cannabis plant’s medicinal and wellness properties. It's exciting to be at the helm of an organization that can truly influence the development and direction towards a healthy cannabis ecosystem.”
Johnson brings to the CFCR leadership role extensive knowledge and far-reaching networks in the fields of entrepreneurship and early-stage investments in the technology, life sciences and consumer products industries with a focus on cannabis and hemp. Well experienced in program and partner development, Johnson has directed investor relations for angels, family offices and funds in both cannabis and traditional markets. In her prior positions, Johnson was the investor engagement director for the Arcview Group & Arcview Advisors and a Chapter President of the well-known Keiretsu Forum, an accredited angel investor network dispersed throughout 53 chapters on four continents.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 17, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - Ethos Cannabis., a multi-state vertically integrated cannabis operator headquartered in Philadelphia, has officially announced the re-branding of its first Ohio dispensary in Lebanon. Ethos Lebanon will open its doors to Ohio medical cannabis patients this week.
Ethos is committed to developing health and wellness markets and serving mainstream cannabis consumers. The company helps consumers live better through their experiences with cannabis. The expansion into Ohio provides a footprint in a fourth U.S. state. Ethos currently operates nine dispensaries in its flagship state of Pennsylvania. The company also operates three medical and recreational dispensaries in Massachusetts and three medical dispensaries in Maryland.
The company recently purchased About Wellness Ohio and was awarded a second dispensary license in New Lexington. About Wellness in Lebanon will be re-branded Oct. 20 to operate as Ethos Ohio. The company plans to open the site in New Lexington in Q2 2023 as Ethos New Lexington.
“These dispensaries in Ohio position us to continue extending our retail experience and products to benefit more patients. As one of the most populated states in the U.S., Ohio is a natural progression for us as we further expand our operations. We are thrilled to continue leading this industry forward in a manner that puts health and wellness at the forefront,” said David Clapper, Ethos CEO.
On Oct. 20, Ethos will host brand representatives from Meigs County during a patient education event for the grand re-opening under the Ethos name. Attendees will receive product information and giveaways from Meigs County.
]]>Iowa House Democrats have included cannabis legalization in a four-pronged policy agenda unveiled last month.
Democratic lawmakers and new candidates are united around the proposals, which also include protecting abortion rights, investing in public education and lowering costs for Iowans, the Des Moines Register reported.
“We're ready to do what Iowans are asking us to do,” House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, said during a September a news conference at the Iowa Capitol, according to the news outlet. “It won’t be easy. This is an ambitious and bold proposal that will not happen overnight, but just because it won’t happen overnight doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen.”
Democrats have not held a majority in the Iowa House since before the 2010 election, according to the Des Moines Register; the chamber is currently made up of 40 Democrats and 60 Republicans.
Republicans also currently control the Iowa Senate and the governor’s office.
Gavin Newsom’s Unified Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) seized 11,260 illicit cannabis plants and destroyed 5,237 pounds of processed illegal cannabis flower in an investigation targeting unlicensed outdoor cultivation operations Oct. 4.
The task force, led by the Department of Cannabis Control’s (DCC) Law Enforcement Division and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), issued nine search warrants Oct. 4 for a rural area of Jupiter, Cali., according to a news release.
Newsom created the task force to eliminate the number of illicit cannabis operations in the state, which has been affecting state-legal businesses. Newsom also established the task force to protect communities and consumers from consuming potentially harmful, unregulated, and unlicensed products.
“California is taking immediate and aggressive action to stop illegal cannabis and strengthen the burgeoning legal market throughout the state,” Newsom said. “By shutting down illegal grow sites and applying serious consequences to offenders, we are working to curtail the criminal organizations that are undercutting the regulated cannabis market in California.”
“These illegal grows can be detrimental to our state’s fish and wildlife resources and their habitats,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Several environmental violations were documented on this operation, including sediment that would impact Eagle Creek during the next rain and hazardous materials that can be lethal to local wildlife. This newly created task force is poised to address these harmful grows from a coordinated approach because they violate many facets of our state laws.”
RELATED: California’s DCC Has Seized More Than $1 Billion in Illegal Cannabis
