MjLink Cannabis Business News and Press

New Mexico’s total cannabis sales have hit another record high for July, bringing in $40.3 million, and “show no signs of slowing down,” according to a press release.

Medical sales accounted for $16,813,947.36 million, while adult-use sales accounted for $23,491,184.55 million, bringing the total cannabis sales to $40,305,131.90 million for July.

According to the release, New Mexico’s July cannabis sales have surpassed every other month, including April, which was the state’s first month of commercial adult-use cannabis sales.

Licensed retailers brought in $22.1 million in adult-use sales and $17.3 million in medical sales for April, bringing the total combined to nearly $39.5 million, Cannabis Business Times previously reported.

According to the release, these ­­five cities had the highest total cannabis sales for July:

“These numbers show that the impressive sales generated in the first month of legalized recreational cannabis sales were no fluke–-and this is only the beginning,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We’ve established a new industry that is already generating millions of dollars in local and state revenue and will continue to generate millions more in economic activity across the state, creating thousands of jobs for New Mexicans in communities both small and large.”

Various government agencies in Washington, D.C., plan to visit cannabis businesses starting in September to verify compliance.

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) announced Aug. 5 that after a 30-day grace period, its Joint Cannabis Task Force will launch the inspections next month.

Cannabis businesses operating within the District must comply with regulatory requirements outlined by DC Health, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS), and the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR).

DC Health requires that edibles and other manufactured cannabis products must be approved by the agency, and that businesses comply with D.C.’s food safety and hygiene laws.

DCRA mandates that businesses operating in the District must be registered with the department, and those businesses must comply with D.C.’s general business requirements.

Viola is recategorizing all of its flower products in an effort to simplify the cannabis-shopping experience for consumers.

The new Viola Vibes System (VVS) categorizes all Viola flower products into one of four different ”vibes”: Get Up and Go (sativa), Good Times (sativa-hybrid), Kick Back (indica-hybrid), and Lights Out (indica).

Viola’s decision for a brand refresh was spurred by feedback from consumers and company employees alike, according to Viola Director of Marketing Najee Tyler.

“We were doing a lot of consumer research and talking to a bunch of the Viola family and we got the same consensus from a lot of them, which was when they go into stores, they're looking for a certain reason and a purpose between why they're consuming [cannabis],” Tyler said. “The reason why Viola even started was a purpose, which was [Viola Founder and CEO] Al's [Harrington] grandmother and the certain things that she was dealing with at the time. Each one of the vibes is something of a callout as to why people are consuming cannabis. There’s a little bit of something for anybody who's consuming cannabis.”

In addition to providing a ”purpose” for cannabis consumption, the VVS will also simplify the shopping experience for consumers both experienced and new.

“That was the idea behind it: being able to make people feel comfortable with their cannabis-buying experience,” Tyler said. “That was a really big focus for us, just to make it easy for people to identify the products. We still are using our strain names, so it's not like we're going away from that in a sense. The connoisseurs that were into the Viola products before, they still have those strains that they love and are able to pick from those, but [we] definitely wanted to help with the with the buying experience for consumers.”

Responsible Growth Arkansas is fighting back after the state Board of Election Commissioners rejected its adult-use cannabis ballot initiative last week.

The group 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 its adult-use cannabis legalization measure before voters this fall.

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

The ballot initiative, a proposed constitutional amendment, would legalize the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and older.

State officials announced July 29 that Responsible Growth Arkansas met the signature requirement, and the Board of Election Commissioners was tasked with approving the proposal’s popular name and ballot title to officially qualify the measure for the November ballot.

New Jersey regulators took steps last week to allow cannabis delivery in the state.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) proposed amendments to the state’s existing regulations, including licensing processes for delivery, distribution and wholesale businesses, according to a WHYY report.

Under the proposed rules, cannabis retailers and delivery services would not be able to sell or deliver more than one ounce of usable cannabis, 5 grams of solid cannabis concentrate or 5 milliliters of cannabis oil, as well as vaporized formulations containing more than 5 milliliters of cannabis oil, multiple ingestible cannabis products containing more than 1,000 milligrams of THC, or more than one ounce of any combination of usable cannabis and cannabis products, the news outlet reported.

RELATED: New Jersey Regulators Propose Permanent Rules for Adult-Use Cannabis Industry

The CRC’s proposal would allow cannabis deliveries in municipalities that have opted out of hosting dispensaries, according to WHYY.

BOCA RATON, Florida, August 08, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - Jushi Holdings Inc., a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator, announced that it entered into a confidential settlement agreement with Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. and with Jushi’s former Chief Financial Officer, Edward Kremer to resolve claims Jushi asserted in a lawsuit filed on July 15, 2022, including a claim asserted against Kremer for breach of his employment agreement and a claim asserted against Curaleaf for tortious interference. Under the terms of the settlement agreement: 1) Kremer has reaffirmed and agreed to abide by his other continuing obligations to Jushi under the terms of his employment agreement in exchange for a limited waiver of his non-compete to allow him to accept employment with Curaleaf, and 2) Curaleaf has made certain commitments to strengthen the commercial relationship between Jushi and Curaleaf.

RELATED: Jushi Announces Management Change

“We are pleased to resolve this matter promptly and reach an amicable agreement which strengthens our commercial relationship with Curaleaf,” said Jim Cacioppo, Jushi CEO, chairman and founder. “This agreement strengthens some of our core markets and gives us access to an even greater group of consumers across our footprint.”

NORWOOD, Massachusetts, August 8, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE - MariMed, Inc., a multi-state cannabis operator, announced it signed a definitive agreement to acquire the ownership interests in a conditional adult-use cannabis dispensary license in Illinois. The dispensary license is for the BLS District #16, which is situated in the Central-Eastern part of Illinois, bordering Indiana. The closing of the acquisition is dependent on certain conditions, including the resolution of any remaining legal challenges affecting nearly 200 social equity dispensary licenses and regulatory approval for the acquisition.

Upon closing the acquisition, MariMed will commence operation of its fifth Thrive adult-use dispensary in Illinois, which is expected in 2023. MariMed owns and operates four adult-use dispensaries in Anna, Harrisburg, Metropolis, and Mt. Vernon. Additionally, the company is constructing a state-of-the-art craft cultivation and processing facility in Mt. Vernon, Ill., making MariMed a full vertical operator in the state when completed. The Mt. Vernon facility can house up to 14,000 square feet of canopy, an extraction lab to produce concentrates, and a production kitchen to manufacture edibles and other derivative products.

“I am excited to announce we have acquired our fifth dispensary license in Illinois, which will further bolster our market share in that state,” said Bob Fireman, MariMed CEO. “Acquiring another dispensary in Illinois aligns with our strategic growth plan and delivers on another shareholder commitment. We continue to explore acquiring an additional five dispensaries, as Illinois allows up to 10 for a single owner. “

MariMed intends to manufacture and distribute its proprietary brands and products throughout Illinois. That includes its Betty’s Eddies fruit chews, Nature’s Heritage flower and concentrates, Bubby’s Baked soft and chewy baked edibles, and more.

Item 9 Labs CEO Andrew Bowden, a native of Sioux Falls, S.D., is passionate about providing local entrepreneurs with the resources to launch their cannabis businesses, a passion that drives Item 9’s Unity Rd. franchise model.

B.J. Olson and Adam Jorgensen, South Dakota natives and best friends, opened their Unity Rd. franchise in the Sioux Falls suburb of Hartford on July 27, marking the first day of medical cannabis sales in the Mount Rushmore State.

“We’re offering one of the safest and most direct routes for entrepreneurs looking to get into the industry,” Bowden tells Cannabis Business Times. “As these entrepreneurs walk into the industry with us, we have every single thing that they need, … from the licensing process all the way down to construction and SOPs for the actual shop itself. So, that’s really what we’re trying to do, … to get local people into business.”

RELATED: 'The Future is Franchising': Item 9 Labs Corp.'s Plans for Cannabis Expansion

It was important for Bowden to set up shop in South Dakota and provide medicine to patients in his home state.

(August 8, 2022) Timonium, Md. — PRESS RELEASE — Far & Dotter, the inclusive cannabis dispensary franchise model from Curio Wellness, today announced the signing of its first franchise agreements with the goal to expand into two new states once licenses are secured. Since the 2021 announcement of the Far & Dotter franchise model, the company has received nearly 800 applications from potential franchisees.

These highly-qualified individuals are the first recipients of support from Curio Wellness’s Investment Fund, which expands diverse ownership and enables economic empowerment through start-up capital for minority business owners to open their own Far & Dotter.

The inaugural class of franchisees include Sederia Gray (Mississippi) and Haider Rizvi (New Jersey). Each candidate participated in an extensive, mutual vetting process and demonstrated their drive, community leadership and commitment to wellness. Far & Dotter will assist these franchisees with the dispensary licensing process in each state.

“We are thrilled to officially announce our first licensing agreements with these very deserving entrepreneurs—a highly anticipated milestone that we have been working on since the Fund was launched,” said Greg Miller, president of Far & Dotter. “In a complex industry that is fast-moving and constantly evolving, we have solidified ourselves as a highly sought-after partner for those looking to bring a unique dispensary and wellness center model to their community. These individuals represent a highly motivated class of entrepreneurs that will pave the way for national expansion of the brand.”

Far & Dotter is providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to enter and hold stake in the fast-growing cannabis industry, while continuing to grow the brand’s mission of bringing best-in-class products and holistic health services to patients across the country. These engagements also support diverse dispensary ownership and the economic opportunities ownership brings. Far & Dotter and its parent company, Curio Wellness, believe diverse representation and ownership are critical to realizing the full potential of the cannabis industry.

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:

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:

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

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.

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: