Latest News

Denmark approved only eight of 63 medical cannabis product applications

July 1st, 2020Eight of the 63 applications to admit products to Denmark’s medical cannabis trial scheme have won approval since the program’s inception in 2018, according to a recent disclosure by Health Minister Magnus Heunicke. Heunicke provided the new figures in an answer to a parliamentary query from Member of Parliament Jane Heitmann. Subsequently, however, four of […]

California cannabis market a challenge, but it’s not all doom and gloom

June 30th, 2020Experts agree the California recreational marijuana market is extremely challenging because of high tax rates, huge illicit production and consumption as well as an uncertain economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. But while much of this is unfair to legal marijuana business owners, one also must keep things in perspective: California is a new market with […]

Marijuana edibles maker Dixie Brands changing name to avoid causing ‘pain’

June 30th, 2020Denver-based marijuana edibles producer Dixie Brands said it will change its name in a move to separate itself from the historic context of the word “Dixie” and to “stand shoulder to shoulder with the Black community.” The 10-year-old Denver-based company, which has operations in six states, announced the move on its website and social media. […]

NJ is key to East Coast adult-use cannabis legalization, stakeholders say

June 30th, 2020New Jersey is the “linchpin” for coming recreational marijuana legalization on the East Coast, a panel of industry experts said Tuesday on the second day of MJBizConNEXT Direct, Marijuana Business Daily‘s three-day virtual cannabis business conference. Panelist Rob DiPisa, partner and co-chair of cannabis law group Cole Schotz, called New Jersey a “hot market” that […]

Second medical marijuana provider in Louisiana poised to roll out products

June 30th, 2020Only two entities in Louisiana – both colleges – are authorized to produce medical marijuana for patients, and Southern University on Wednesday is expected to join Louisiana State in rolling out its first product line. Southern’s product debut is also an industry landmark because the Baton Rouge university is the only historically Black college in […]

Illinois delays awarding 80 cannabis business permits

June 30th, 2020The governor of Illinois on Monday signed an executive order delaying the issuance of 80-plus marijuana business permits that were scheduled to be awarded on July 1, and now it’s unclear when the licenses might be granted. According to the Chicago Tribune, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s order delays indefinitely 40 new craft cultivation permits, 40 […]

Ways to shake up cannabis firms and keep as many workers as possible

June 29th, 2020The coronavirus pandemic has caused the cannabis industry to focus on operational efficiency rather than rapid growth, a shift that has resulted in layoffs in California and other locations across the country. But panelists at the MJBizConNEXT Direct conference on Monday also talked about ways operational disruptions can be cushioned by the creative restructuring of […]

Alberta’s online cannabis store pauses chocolate sales due to melting concerns

June 29th, 2020Alberta’s government-operated online cannabis retailer is pausing internet sales of cannabis-infused chocolates for more than two months, citing the effects of summer heat on chocolate shipments to consumers. “To avoid our online customers receiving melted products, chocolates won’t be available online from June 29, 2020, to September 7, 2020, subject to change pending weather conditions,” […]

Cresco CEO: How marijuana firms can ‘slingshot’ out of recession, pandemic

June 29th, 2020If cannabis companies can survive this “giant curveball” and economic downtown, those businesses can “slingshot out of it” in better shape and with more opportunities than before the coronavirus. That was one of the central messages delivered Monday by Charlie Bachtell, co-founder and CEO of Chicago-based Cresco Labs, while offering business tips during an appearance […]

California cannabis regulators extend license fee deferrals amid coronavirus

June 29th, 2020The trio of regulatory agencies that oversee California’s marijuana industry announced Monday that they’re again offering license fee payment deferrals for up to 60 days – this time for business permits that are expiring in July and August. The announcement was made by the California Bureau of Cannabis Control, which oversees most MJ companies, in […]

Auxly Cannabis latest Canadian firm to reel in international footprint

June 29th, 2020(This story was updated with information from Auxly about the number of job losses.) Toronto-based Auxly Cannabis is the latest Canadian cannabis company to take a critical look at its international footprint. Auxly “has chosen not to proceed with planting for the 2020-2021 growing season nor with the development of extraction capabilities with a view […]

Oregon cannabis cultivation company leveraging partnerships, new retail presence to increase exposure, footprint

June 28th, 2020While still fairly small, East Fork Cultivars has become one of the most respected cannabis cultivators in the Pacific Northwest. The family-run business, based in Takilma, Oregon, wants to increase its profile this year while capitalizing on national revenue opportunities. Oregon cannabis cultivation company leveraging partnerships, new retail presence to increase exposure, footprint is a […]