MjLink Cannabis Business News and Press

Those hoping to get an early start as players in New York’s forthcoming adult-use cannabis market may have shot themselves in the foot for future licenses. 

The state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) sent out letters Tuesday ordering businesses suspected of illegally selling or gifting cannabis to cease and desist those activities. Failure to do so would threaten their ability to legally participate the state’s adult-use market under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), enacted in March 2021, the letter states.

“You are hereby directed to cease any, and all, illegal activity immediately,” the letter states. “Failure to cease this activity puts your ability to obtain a license in the legal cannabis market at substantial risk. The unlicensed sale of cannabis is illegal and subjects you to substantial fines and possible criminal penalties.”

While former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed MRTA into law March 31, 2021, it wasn’t until September 2021 that the state’s regulatory authority got off and running through current Gov. Kathy Hochul’s nominations of Chris Alexander, for the executive director role at OCM, and Tremaine Wright for chair of the office’s Cannabis Control Board.

Under MRTA, legal, licensed and taxed sales of adult-use cannabis can begin only after the state approves regulations set forth by the five-member control board.

“We have an obligation to protect New Yorkers from known risks and to strengthen the foundation of the legal, regulated market we are building,” Wright said in a statement.  “We will meet the goals of the MRTA to build an inclusive, equitable and safe industry. Therefore, these violators must stop their activity immediately, or face the consequences.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he will formally introduce his much-anticipated Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) in April after releasing a draft of the proposal last summer.

Schumer announced the news at a Feb. 4 press conference, according to a NORML report.

The legislation, which was initially announced in July 2021, would decriminalize cannabis at the federal level by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act.

RELATED: Industry Experts, Stakeholders Offer Their Takes on Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act

“In the coming weeks, we’re ramping up our outreach and we expect to introduce final legislation,” Schumer said at the press conference. “Our goal is to do it in April. Then we begin the nationwide push, spearheaded by New York, to get the federal law done. As the majority leader, I can set priorities. This is a priority for me.”

New legislation on Capitol Hill aims to advance the U.S. hemp industry by addressing unresolved issues stemming from the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Hemp Advancement Act of 2022, introduced Feb. 8 by Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), is meant “to improve the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provisions and provide greater clarity and flexibility to hemp growers and processors,” according to a press release from Pingree’s office.

“The 2018 Farm Bill laid a legal pathway for hemp production but created overly complicated regulations and hardship for farmers and small businesses in the process,” Pingree said in a public statement. “I am introducing The Hemp Advancement Act of 2022 to eliminate unworkable testing requirements, set reasonable THC thresholds for producers and processors while protecting consumers, and end the discriminatory policy that bans people with drug convictions from growing legal hemp. My bill takes a commonsense, straightforward approach to correct these unintended implementation problems and works to make the hemp industry more profitable and more equitable. My bill also provides a clear path forward for this industry and will support a thriving hemp economy.”

According to the press release, the legislation would to the following:

The following organizations support the Hemp Advancement Act of 2022, according to the press release:

Those hoping to enter the forthcoming medical cannabis industry in Mississippi may have the lights turned out before they even get going.

That’s because officials from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned utility company and one of three main suppliers of wholesale electricity in north Mississippi, have indicated they will not provide power to facilities that grow or sell medical cannabis, the Daily Journal reported.

A statement from TVA officials points to the federal illegality of the plant as its basis.

“Given this important point, TVA will not direct any federal resources or funds to the cultivation and/or distribution of marijuana,” the statement reads. 

The announcement comes just days after Gov. Tate Reeves signed legislation making Mississippi the 37th state to legalize medical cannabis.

RELATED: Mississippi Governor Signs 'Medical Marijuana Bill'

California is investing $35 million more into its cannabis equity programs, applicants and licensees, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced Feb. 7.

The funding is through the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions, which aims to advance economic justice for populations and communities harmed by cannabis prohibition through providing support to local jurisdictions as they promote equity and eliminate barriers to entry for applicants and licensees.

The $35 million in allocations brings California’s commitment to local equity funding to $90 million since the program launched, GO-Biz Director Dee Dee Myers said in a press release.

“Cannabis equity grants will help level the playing field for those that have borne the brunt of past federal and state anti-drug policies while striving to make California’s cannabis industry more equitable and accessible to those individuals,” said Myers, who also serves as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief economic and business adviser.

The funding will help jurisdictions develop their equity programs by providing low/no-interest loans or grants, reduced or waived licensing fees, and technical assistance to help applicants and licensees navigate regulatory requirements, according to the release.

Local jurisdiction funding for cannabis equity applicants/licensees include:

Las Vegas, NV, February 07, 2022 — PRESS  RELEASE — Mobius, a manufacturer of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis trimming and automation equipment, released on Tuesday a landmark guide explaining Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for cannabis processing.

The downloadable PDF seeks to simplify the complex yet important topic of GMP with “plain-English translations” backed by insight from industry experts.

TORONTO, Feb. 8, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – Tilray Brands Inc., a leading global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company, announced the launch of Tilray Medical, a global medical platform that unifies the company's medical cannabis brands under one strategy, mission and vision. 

Denise Faltischek, head of international and chief strategy officer, said, "Tilray is the global leader in the advancement of cannabinoid-based medicine, with a focus on providing research-backed medical cannabis products to physicians, pharmacies and patients. By unifying the global medical divisions of Tilray and Aphria under a cohesive strategy and mission, Tilray Medical emerges as the premier global supplier of a portfolio of high-quality, effective medical cannabis brands and products for patients in need around the world."

Under the Tilray Medical consolidation plan, patients in Canada will have the broadest access to the company’s medical cannabis brands and product choices globally, including Tilray, Aphria, Broken Coast, and Symbios. Subject to local regulatory approvals, Tilray Medical's global portfolio of medical cannabis products includes high-quality and GMP-certified flower, oils, vapes, edibles and topicals. Looking ahead, Tilray Medical will continue to expand its offering to patients worldwide.

For more information on Tilray Medical, visit Tilray Medical Canada, Tilray Medical Australia, Tilray Medical Australia-New Zealand, Tilray Medical Europe.

NEW YORK - NY  Welcome to the future of cannabis! Black Buddha Cannabis (BBC) is set to establish a new paradigm for the industry as a black-owned, environmentally conscious, wellness-focused, and equity-driven brand. BBC was created in response to Roz McCarthy’s personal health journey and informed by her experience leading Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM), The brand is the latest offering from Soaring High Industries, the parent company founded by McCarthy to introduce and connect social equity and socially conscious brands to licensing and partnership opportunities.

BBC’s premiere lifestyle and wellness products will be found at leading dispensaries across the country through state-by-state brand partnerships with equitable manufacturers, cultivators, and operators. California (California Cannabis), Michigan (One Love Labs), Nevada (Zion Gardens), and Ohio (Beneleaves) will be among the first states in a roll-out that will continue to build their reach within the global cannabis community through licensing and proprietary product agreements.

“I’m a proud Black woman raised by a mother who encouraged me to think big and dream bigger,” said McCarthy. “The creation of M4MM and BBC is a testament to hard work, tenacity, and perseverance.”

Already an industry leader through her work as founder of M4MM the largest 501c3 community-based organization serving individuals and communities traditionally overlooked by the cannabis industry, McCarthy was recently involved in a car collision where she suffered a traumatic brain injury. She reclaimed her life and health through the use of cannabis and hemp, combined with daily therapy and Buddhist practices and healing modalities, including mantras and meditation. BBC was created as a testament to her healing as the branded products introduced to consumers will focus on wellness and healing.

Creativity, Zen/Relaxation, Wellness/Pain Relief, and Enlightenment are among the experiences to be accessed through BBC’s signature "One Hitta Quitter" (OHQ) glass chillum, a unique product via a partnership with PrePacks. The glass chillums, which made their debut at the prestigious Hall of Flowers are 100% recyclable and have received rave reviews from users for their discreet and easy use. BBC’s proprietary fast-acting gummies, formulated by Crystal Webber, feature mouth-watering flavors like Strawberry Punch for Energy, Blackberry for Rest, and Watermelon for Balance. Actor and cannabis advocate Malik Yoba will serve as chief strategy officer, directing activation, education, marketing, and promotion for the brand.

Sustainability and social equity are baked into the DNA of the brand, as BBC is focused on doing business without negatively impacting the environment, community, or society as a whole.

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PRESS RELEASE -- Thompson Duke Industrial, a provider of cannabis oil vaporizer device filling and capping equipment, is now providing automated solutions for filling and capping the Dablicator Oil Applicator. The patented Dablicator Oil Applicator, invented by California's Jetty Extracts, is designed to precisely dispense cannabis oil, CBD, live resin and related products for various medical and adult use applications. Thompson Duke's equipment allows the Dablicator Oil Applicator to be filled at scale by automating the filling and capping processes. 

"One of our primary goals as a company is to help our clients and partners create lasting, significant efficiencies on the manufacturing floor," said Chris Gardella, Chief Technology Officer for Thompson Duke Industrial. "Our partnership with Dablicator Oil Applicator is a good example of achieving this goal. They were looking for a way to provide a filling and capping solution for their devices, at scale, to meet the growing demand in the cannabis industry. Our equipment helps their customers' production by automating a formerly manual process." 

Thompson Duke's automated IZR and ACF1 industrial filling machines are capable of dispensing various viscosity oils to fill the Dablicator Oil Applicator with extreme accuracy, precision and repeatability. Thompson Duke has also created a custom method and solution for capping the Dablicator Oil Applicator using the company's LFP Press. The LFP press is a benchtop, fully pneumatic four-ton industrial press, capable of rapidly capping a large array of Dablicator Oil Applicators. These industrial solutions developed by Thompson Duke allow the Dablicator Oil Applicator partners to fill large orders quickly and efficiently. 

Mike McDonald, president of Dablicator, said, "Demand for Dablicator Oil Applicator is increasing dramatically. We are excited about the custom and innovative solutions Thompson Duke Industrial has created for our partners. These solutions will make possible the fulfillment of much larger orders in far shorter timeframes. Thank you Thompson Duke!"

Lack of access to capital and navigating a two-tiered state and local regulatory system are just two of the many barriers to entry that many aspiring cannabis business operators face in California. Usually, these challenges are multiplied for minority-owned businesses.

That’s why, in 2017, the city of Sacramento launched its Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity (CORE) program to help remove barriers to entry and provide support for these businesses.

RELATED: Sacramento Plans to Use State Funding to Help Cannabis Businesses Navigate Licensing Process

Here, Davina Smith, manager of Sacramento’s Office of Cannabis Management, shares insight into how the program works.

Melissa Schiller: What is Sacramento’s CORE social equity program?

Davina Smith: Launched in 2017, the city of Sacramento’s Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity (CORE) program was created to assist individuals and communities facing barriers to starting cannabis businesses due to the historical disparate enforcement of cannabis crimes. To be eligible for the CORE program, individuals and businesses must qualify under one of five classifications.

On the heels of several recent studies showing cannabis compounds have the potential to prevent or fight COVID-19 infection, Flora Growth Corp. is pursuing approval to begin research on a patent-pending cannabinoid-based treatment in Colombia. 

The company announced in a press release that it is seeking approval from INVIMA, the Colombian version of the FDA, to research “all the potential mechanisms of cannabinoids in preventing infection from the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus.” The company added that Colombia recently passed legislation requiring insurance companies to cover cannabis prescriptions.

“We are honored to receive the advice and guidelines from INVIMA as we begin this exciting research process. The Flora Pharma division seeks to obtain evidence to support this product’s use against SARS-CoV-2 and bring to market an effective, cannabinoid-based product,” said Flora Growth President and CEO Luis Merchan.

RELATED: Preliminary Studies Show Cannabinoids Could Ward Off COVID-19. Will They Live Up to Their Potential?

Flora Growth plans to conduct studies through its research division, Flora Pharma, and formulate the product in its GMP-certified Colombian lab. Flora Growth also has a 250-acre all-outdoor grow operation in Bucaramanga, Colombia, to supply cannabis derivatives to its cosmetics, hemp textiles, and food and beverage business divisions.

“I have worked on various aspects of SARS-CoV-2  research for the last two years, with a focus on cannabinoid therapeutics more broadly,” said Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan, scientist and head of Flora Pharma. “The intent of the study is to identify safe and efficacious cannabinoid products for use on SARS-CoV-2 thus allowing us to pursue the fastest path to market via a preventative immunomodulating product and to explore the possibility of use as a therapeutic. I believe the Flora team is best positioned to formulate, test, and ultimately bring to the market this kind of novel product offering.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana is banning vaporized medical cannabis products containing ingredients that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a local PAhomepage.com report.

The department recently completed a months-long review of vape products that resulted in a sprawling mandatory recall.

RELATED: Hundreds of Vape Products Recalled From Pennsylvania’s Medical Cannabis Market

State officials notified the state’s patients and caregivers of the recall Feb. 4.

“As you know, the Department recently conducted a statewide review of all vaporized medical marijuana products containing added ingredients,” the Department of Health wrote in the notice. “After finishing this review, the Department has determined that certain vaporized medical marijuana products containing some added ingredients have not been approved for inhalation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

North Miami, Fla. – Feb. 7, 2022 — PRESS RELEASE — Cresco Labs Inc., a vertically integrated multistate operator and wholesaler of branded cannabis products, has announced the opening of a new Sunnyside dispensary located at 505 NE 125th St. in North Miami. Sunnyside North Miami is Cresco Labs’ first location in Miami-Dade County, 15th store in the state and 49th dispensary nationwide.

“We’re pleased to continue expanding our retail presence in south Florida with the opening of Sunnyside North Miami,” said Cris Rivera, Florida Regional President at Cresco Labs. “We aim to normalize the cannabis buying experience and ensure that every patient feels comfortable buying cannabis products through our bright, open, welcoming stores and knowledgeable wellness advisors. Following the opening of Sunnyside Clearwater last week, or North Miami store will offer the same approachable and welcoming store experience and provide a wide selection of premium branded products and convenient next-day delivery service.”

Sunnyside North Miami is located along a busy retail corridor near a Publix supermarket and CVS, and just a few blocks away from the I-95 Expressway and State Road 909—creating easy access for daily commuters. The medical cannabis dispensary will serve patients in Miami-Dade County with simple online ordering and convenient next-day delivery service.

Patients of the new store will have access one of the largest selections of cannabis products and accessories, including One Plant’s top selling, premium, hand-trimmed flower and solventless live rosin concentrates, as well as vape cartridges from High Supply and Good News brands, pre-rolls, tinctures, lighters, rolling papers and more. 

The store is currently offering a 25% storewide discount. It will serve patients with a medical card issued by the state of Florida. Patients will have the option to place orders online through the Sunnyside.shop or utilize next-day delivery. Orders can also be placed both in-store or via phone at 877-395-1009. Patients also can visit Sunnyside North Miami to speak with wellness advisors for purchasing assistance. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

There may be an end in sight to a medical cannabis proposal in the South Carolina Senate, but lawmakers are talking about bringing a change of clothes to their anticipated late-night debates this week.

Floor discussion of the SC Compassionate Care Act, which offers a conservative approach to legalizing medical cannabis, first began on Jan. 26, but that discussion has extended several sessions and now enters its third week of consideration by chamber members, who are scheduled to reconvene on the matter Tuesday afternoon.

RELATED: South Carolina Senate Takes Up Medical Cannabis Debate

At the conclusion of floor debate last Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said he hopes to start taking up some of the nearly 40 amendments offered and steer toward a vote on the bill this week.

“Tuesday will almost certainly be a late day. Wednesday will likely be a late day, too,” he said. “So, just everybody be prepared for that. As the [late Sen. Hugh Leatherman] from Florence used to say, ‘You might want to bring an extra shirt.’”

Authored by Sen. Tom Davis, a Beaufort Republican who has advocated for a medical cannabis program in the state since he first started crafting legislation more than seven years ago, the SC Compassionate Care Act aims to enact one of the most tightly regulated programs in the country, he said Jan. 26. There are currently 37 states where medical cannabis is legalized.

SELMA, California, February 7, 2021 - PRESS RELEASE - Ethylene Control Inc. (ECI) is excited to add StayFresh products to its lineup. StayFresh destroys all forms of microbial life, including powdery mildew, molds and rots, viruses, and all forms of bacteria and their spores throughout your greenhouse, grow rooms, and store rooms. StayFresh is also used to remove odors and leaves no residue.

This new patented product works hand in hand with our SuperFresh media in our EC-3+ Clean Air Systems. Here is how it works: the StayFresh BIG BAG SUPER CHARGES our SuperFresh media that kills microbial life and removes ethylene gas. The StayFresh BIG BAG is placed on top of our media and takes the destroying power out into the room to eliminate microbial life and odors throughout your cold storage room.

We also have StayFresh HVAC/Coil MAINTENACE and WIPEOUT Shock treatment for HVAC/Coils.

The Chlorine Dioxide (CLO2) Stayfresh media enhances our Super Fresh media.

ECI’s STAYFRESH vs Ozone: This is a direct food intervention comparison, but it shows the important phenomena. STAYFRESH has a hundred-fold greater solubility than ozone. This means it transfers from the gas to the liquid phase (on surfaces of coils, bio-aerosols, and of course, fruits and veggies). STAYFRESH produces a dry gas which provides even greater selectivity in the way it works in the gas phase, meaning you do not experience the corrosion etc., that often goes with using ozone. And because you don’t have to use such high doses, this also provides you with greater worker safety.

ECI’s STAYFRESH vs UV Catalytic: Generally speaking, UV catalytic is limited in efficacy and only treats the air it sees. STAYFRESH is more unique for the same reason vs. ozone. Just a better, selective, oxidizer that can move. Working with your air movement and the Ethylene Control EC-3+ Clean Air system will release product throughout the room. There really is no comparison.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking the first step toward adult-use cannabis legalization, with the Senate Law & Justice Committee scheduling a Feb. 7 hearing to vet the issue, according to a local Go Erie report.

This is the first time a legislative committee in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly has considered adult-use cannabis legalization, the news outlet reported, although legislation to decriminalize or legalize cannabis has circulated in Harrisburg for years.

The Feb. 7 hearing will be the first in a series, according to Go Erie, and Law & Justice Committee Chairman Mike Regan has invited law enforcement and criminal justice representatives to provide testimony.

The committee plans to hold at least two more hearings to allow advocacy groups, as well as regulators and cannabis operators from states that have legalized adult-use, to weigh in on the issue, the news outlet reported.

The testimony presented during the hearings will ultimately help Regan and Rep. Amen Brown draft legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania, according to Go Erie.

Pending legislation in West Virginia would legalize adult-use cannabis in the state, according to a WCHS report.

Sens. Mike Caputo (D-Marion) and Mike Romano (D-Harrison) introduced Senate Bill 15 last month to legalize cannabis production, sales and consumption for adults 21 and older.

The legislation is currently held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee after being introduced at the beginning of this year’s legislative session, WCHS reported.

West Virginia legalized medical cannabis in 2017, and the state's first dispensary opened nearly four years later in November 2021.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a medical cannabis legalization bill into law Feb. 2 and already, the State Department of Health is making plans to accept applications for patients, medical practitioners and businesses.

The department announced Feb. 4 that it plans to launch the licensing process by June, according to the Associated Press.

Mississippi’s medical cannabis law allows qualified patients with debilitating conditions such as cancer, AIDS and sickle cell diseases to purchase up to 3.5 grams of cannabis per day, up to 6 days a week.

MIAMI, Feb. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRESS RELEASE -- Ayr Wellness Inc., a vertically integrated U.S. multi-state cannabis operator (MSO), today announced the opening of its 45th Florida dispensary, located in South Tampa.

“I’m proud to see our Florida team continue to thoughtfully expand our presence throughout the state, leading with the quality of the locations we are securing and the new stores that we’re building,” said Jon Sandelman, founder, chairman and CEO of Ayr. “Combined with recent improvements in selection in our stores – Origyn Extracts, Secret Orchard Sun Gems and fruit-forward vapes, Big Pete’s Cookies, and enhanced flower offerings – we feel better than ever about customer experience throughout our 45-store Florida footprint. We still have more to do to realize our full potential, but we’re very excited about progress so far.”

The new dispensary occupies over 3,000 square feet of prime retail space on Kennedy Boulevard, a well-traveled road in the area’s business district surrounded by restaurants and shopping areas. The store will have nine points of sale and feature Ayr’s full line of concentrates, edibles, gummies, vapes, and a selection of high-quality flower, including whole flower and pre-rolls.

In February 2021, Ayr purchased Florida-based Liberty Health Sciences, which included 31 dispensaries across the state. Since then, the company has opened 14 additional locations – bringing the current total to 45 stores.

Earlier this year, Ayr relocated its U.S. headquarters from New York City to Miami, underscoring the company’s commitment to the region. Florida has ~676,000 patients enrolled in its medical marijuana program as of Feb. 4, 2022, per Florida OMMU. Florida’s cannabis market ranks third in the nation by total cannabis sales, per BDSA, and generated over $1.2 billion in medical cannabis revenue in 2020. BDSA expects Florida’s cannabis market to generate $2.6 billion per year by 2026.

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – GreenThumb Industries Inc., a leading national cannabis consumer packaged goodscompany and owner of Rise dispensaries, announced it will open two new retaillocations in Virginia: Rise Lynchburg on Feb. 8; and Rise Christiansburg on Feb.10.

Profits from the first day of sales will be donatedto local organizations for each store opening: Rise Lynchburg will donate to Shawn Moss Wellness and Growth Foundation (SWAGFoundation) and Rise Christiansburg will donate to Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program (MCEAP).

“We are thrilled to expand our footprint to 75 storesacross the nation, while increasing our retail presence in Virginia,” said BenKovler, Green Thumb founder and CEO. “Since entering the state last summer, wehave had the opportunity to meet many patients and community members, and weare ready to introduce the Rise experience to more of our neighbors in thesetwo cities.

“We are also proud to support the Shawn Moss Wellnessand Growth Foundation, an organization that is making a huge impact incommunities affected by gun violence, and the MCEAP, which supports manyresidents and their path to restored self-sufficiency by providing access tofood and clothing.”

The SWAG Foundation provides resources like education,household items and community development to foster success in communitiesaffected by gun violence.

“Nonprofits are the boots on the ground in the black and browncommunities where resources are not as plentiful,” SWAG Foundation founderBrenda Moss said. “To partner with a company like Green Thumb that aligns withvision of The SWAG Foundation in making sure that black and brown communitieshave the same opportunities as others means a lot. Black and brown communitiesneed to know that ‘There is nothing you can't do.’”