Author: CannabisNewsWire (CNW)

About CannabisNewsWire CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

East Coast Cannabis Industry Gets Ready for the New England Cannabis Convention in Boston

Traders, dealers, businesses, and enthusiasts of the cannabis industry are invited to attend the New England Cannabis Convention in Boston from March 21 to March 22, 2025. Operating since 2015, NECANN events are referred to as “MJBizCon East.” The second largest B2B event in the U.S., NECANN witnesses thousands of attendees, with the largest gathering of licensed operators, exhibitors, buyers, and leaders, for the East Coast cannabis market. These events are considered the home base for the Northeast cannabis industry.

The Boston NECANN Convention 2025 will also host the prize-giving ceremony for the Boston NECANN Cup winners on March 22, 2025. Registrations for this close on February 23, 2025. Applications are also invited to judge the NECANN Boston Cup. The NECANN Cup is New England’s only multi-state cannabis competition, a third-party blind evaluation of cannabis and cannabis products (https://cnw.fm/BVeuZ).

NECANN events are considered a major benefit to the Northeast cannabis industry, offering a phenomenal platform for networking and business to the local cultivators, traders, pharmacies, and more. Each year, the event witnesses 9,000+ attendees, interacting, networking, and attending the 60+ programming sessions. Over 300+ exhibitors, with 100+ licensed cultivators, retailers, and brands, exhibit their latest products and technologies on the exhibition floor.

Investors can discover new avenues of investment while entrepreneurs can gain visibility among the leading businesses and experts in the cannabis industry. Cannabis industry stalwarts will conduct the different programming sessions at NECANN Boston. They will address the most compelling cannabis industry topics faced by operators in Massachusetts. Some important topics that will be covered include regulatory compliance services, consumer market study, and advocacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies in conservative states, to name a few.

To learn more, please visit https://cnw.fm/j96dZ.

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

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420 with CNW — New Florida Bill Wants Patients with MMJ Cards to Grow Cannabis at Home

While the push to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida did not succeed in the November election, lawmakers are now focusing on expanding access to medical marijuana. A proposed piece of legislation, Senate Bill 546, aims to give medical cannabis patients the ability to cultivate their own marijuana plants at home.

If passed, the measure would allow registered patients to grow up to two plants for personal medical use.

For many patients relying on medical cannabis, accessibility remains a challenge, especially in remote areas of Florida. Some people live hours away from the nearest dispensary, making it difficult to obtain their medication conveniently. While delivery services are available, they do not offer the immediate access that a physical store would provide.

Paula Savchenko, a marijuana law attorney pointed out that this delay can be frustrating for patients who need their medication promptly.

The push for SB 546 is gaining traction among patients who see home cultivation as a practical solution. Under the proposed legislation, individuals interested in growing cannabis would be required to obtain a cultivation certificate. This process would involve registering each plant and undergoing inspections, among other stipulations.

“The response to this bill among existing medical cannabis treatment centers has been mixed. Some cannabis businesses support the idea, while others have reservations. However, within the industry as a whole, there is a strong belief that patients should have the right to cultivate their own medicine,” Savchenko explained.

A poll conducted last year for Royal Queen Seeds, a cannabis seed company based in Barcelona, found that 81% of marijuana users in the U.S. believe individuals should have the right to grow cannabis at home. Additionally, 26% of users reported having grown plants in their residence, while 21% of those who have not tried it expressed an interest in doing so.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Savchenko has helped several dispensary businesses navigate the licensing and regulatory process required to operate legally. She noted that in some cases, businesses have waited over a year for approval, only to receive a denial that then requires an appeal, prolonging the process even further. This lengthy approval period is another reason why some patients and advocates see home cultivation as a beneficial alternative.

“Since the bill only permits two plants per cannabis patient, it is unlikely that this will entirely replace dispensary purchases. Patients will still need to visit stores for additional supply,” Savchenko added.

The measure has only been introduced and must go through further steps before becoming law. The next phase involves assigning the bill to a legislative committee for an initial reading. A specific date for this has yet to be determined.

It remains to be seen what major medical marijuana companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) think about this latest effort to reform the medical marijuana landscape in Florida.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Germany’s Growing Marijuana Industry Holds its Breath as Elections Loom

Germany is set to hold its national elections on February 23, 2025, a pivotal event that will determine whether the Social Democratic Party (SDU) retains leadership or whether power shifts to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

The outcome of this election is of particular interest to the country’s emerging marijuana industry, which has seen significant legislative progress under the SDU and its governing allies. The most significant changes included reforms that greatly expanded access to medical marijuana, leading to a surge in patient numbers.

Additionally, although limited, a new recreational cannabis legislation was introduced, opening discussions about the possibility of a regulated commercial market.

These legal shifts have attracted interest from international marijuana businesses, particularly from Canada and the U.S., which are establishing a foothold in Germany in anticipation of further industry growth.

However, if the CDU secures victory, the pace of marijuana reform could slow down or be reversed. Despite this uncertainty, Germany’s marijuana market remains dynamic, with promising growth opportunities.

The most substantial growth has come from imports, with Canadian firms maintaining dominance in the market. A notable example is Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), a New York-based company. In 2022, Curaleaf acquired a majority stake in Four 20 Pharma, a German firm licensed to produce and distribute medical marijuana under stringent EU-GMP and GDP standards. This acquisition has given Curaleaf a strong presence in one of the world’s key marijuana markets.

Germany has permitted medical marijuana since 2017, though initial regulations were restrictive and kept patient numbers relatively low. A significant policy shift occurred on April 1, 2024, when cannabis was removed from the country’s narcotics list.

This change simplified the process of obtaining medical cannabis prescriptions, allowing patients to access their medication through regulated pharmacies. The new system enables individuals to consult with doctors via telehealth services, receive a prescription, and fill it at any pharmacy.

On the recreational front, the German government introduced the Cannabis Act, which permits the formation of social cannabis clubs for cultivation, though commercial sales remain prohibited. Members of these clubs can grow marijuana for personal use and share it with fellow members, but no transactions are allowed.

Each club can accommodate up to 500 members, with each individual permitted to acquire a maximum of 50 grams of marijuana in a month. However, consumption on club premises is not allowed. The act also decriminalized possession, allowing adults over 18 to carry up to 25 grams in public and store up to 50 grams at home. Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to three plants per household.

The next step for the German marijuana industry involves launching a recreational use pilot program, set to be implemented following the elections. This initiative will allow businesses and research institutions to apply for licenses to distribute cannabis for recreational use. Unlike the medical market, which remains tax-exempt, this program would generate government revenue through taxation, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to cannabis regulation.

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420 with CNW — Poll Finds 70% of Marijuana Consumers Intend to Maintain or Increase Expenditure on Marijuana This Year

A recent survey has revealed that nearly 70% of cannabis consumers in the U.S. intend to either maintain or increase their spending on marijuana in 2025 compared to 2024. Additionally, 62% of users continue to rely on cash transactions due to ongoing financial restrictions within the industry.

The poll, conducted by financial services firm Bankrate in collaboration with YouGov, examined consumer spending habits across six different vice categories: alcohol, sports betting, marijuana, tobacco, casino gaming, and lottery tickets.

Among the vices, marijuana is the least frequently spent on, which is not surprising given that it is still banned on a federal level. The survey found that 28% of respondents reported spending money on marijuana, whereas 66% and 64% of participants purchased alcohol and lottery tickets, respectively.

Millennials, defined in the poll as individuals aged 29 to 44, were identified as the most frequent cannabis buyers, with 35% reporting purchases. Moreover, 68% of marijuana consumers stated they expect their spending to either remain steady or increase in 2025. Within this group, 21% anticipate spending more this year than they did previously.

Interestingly, the percentage of marijuana consumers planning to maintain or increase their spending aligns with that of alcohol consumers and surpasses tobacco users.

The poll also found that 62% of marijuana purchases are made in cash, a much higher rate than the 42% of alcohol transactions conducted with cash. The only vice with a higher percentage of cash purchases was lottery tickets, at 76%—a figure likely influenced by legal requirements in some states mandating cash payments for such transactions.

The widespread use of cash for marijuana purchases is largely attributed to regulatory barriers preventing many banks from providing financial services to the cannabis industry. This challenge has been the focus of multiple congressional discussions, with lawmakers addressing broader concerns over restricted banking access.

A recent congressional report also delved into the issue of financial barriers for marijuana-related businesses, highlighting how the conflict between state and federal policies complicates the industry’s financial landscape. Although there have been ongoing discussions about the SAFE Banking Act as a potential solution, reports indicate that its reintroduction is not likely to happen soon despite previous expectations.

The recent survey further revealed that 7% of respondents have incurred debt related to cannabis purchases. In comparison, 10% of sports bettors, 8% of alcohol buyers, and 7% of tobacco users reported debt related to their respective spending habits. The survey gathered responses from 2,115 adults between December 16 and 18.

Such surveys indicating that marijuana users intend to either maintain or even increase how much they spend on marijuana this year offer a bullish pointer to entities like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) regarding the prospects for growth.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Aegis Capital Corp. Acts as Exclusive Placement Agent on $25M Private Placement for Greenlane Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: GNLN)

Aegis Capital has been in the wealth management and investment banking business since 1984 and is dedicated to providing corporate finance, strategic advisory and related services to public and private companies across multiple sectors and regions. Aegis has announced that it acted as exclusive placement agent on a $25.0 million private placement priced at-the-market for Greenlane Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: GNLN).

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/r2Tkm

About Greenlane Holdings Inc.

Greenlane Holdings engages in the development and distribution of cannabis accessories, vape devices and lifestyle products in the United States, Canada and Europe. It operates in two segments, Consumer Goods and Industrial Goods. The company provides consumption accessories, vaporizers, pipes, rolling papers, grinders, lifestyle products and accessories, and apparel lines, as well as bubblers, rigs and merchandise. It offers its products under the Groove, Eyce, DaVinci, Higher Standards, Pollen Gear, Marley Natural, Storz and Bickel, Grenco Science, and Keith Haring brands. The company also operates e-commerce websites, such as Vapor.com, Wholesale.Greenlane.com, PuffItUp.com, HigherStandards.com, and MarleyNaturalShop.com. It serves customers through smoke shops, head shops, convenience stores, cannabis dispensaries, and specialty retailers.

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420 with CNW — Trump’s DEA Pick Causes Concerns About the Likelihood of Marijuana Rescheduling

President Donald Trump has appointed Terrance Cole to lead the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Cole, a seasoned DEA professional, is currently serving as a high-ranking law enforcement agent in Virginia.

Trump announced the decision on social media on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 11. However, Cole’s appointment as the new DEA administrator may not encourage those hoping for the agency to continue the Biden administration’s efforts to reschedule cannabis. His selection follows the withdrawal of Florida sheriff Chad Chronister, who had previously been Trump’s nominee for the position.

Cole’s career with the DEA spans more than 20 years. He retired in 2020 after serving as the acting regional director responsible for overseeing operations in Mexico, Canada, and Central America. Despite Trump expressing support for cannabis rescheduling, Cole’s professional background does not indicate he is likely to push for marijuana policy reforms.

Following his departure from the DEA, Cole became the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security for Virginia, serving in the administration of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Youngkin, a strong opponent of recreational cannabis sales in Virginia, commended Cole’s nomination. “He will prioritize the security and safety of American citizens as DEA administrator,” Youngkin stated. “This is a great day for Americans and a terrible day for drug dealers.”

If the Senate confirms Cole, he will take over the stalled cannabis rescheduling process. Progress on rescheduling halted in January after pro-cannabis legalization advocates involved in hearings before an agency administrative law judge claimed that the DEA was biased. Critics argue the DEA has intentionally delayed the process and dismissed supporting evidence from states such as Colorado that favor reclassification.

Deciding whether to proceed with the review or abandon it altogether falls solely under the DEA administrator’s authority. The current acting director, Derek Maltz, another long-serving DEA official, has not taken steps to restart the process or signaled any clear intentions regarding the issue.

Capitol Hill political analysts predict that Republican legislators and federal agencies like the DEA would align their marijuana regulations with White House directions. However, all federal legal changes were temporarily put on hold by Trump’s executive order, which was issued on Inauguration Day and required review and approval by department heads chosen by his administration.

In the meantime, Trump’s nominee attorney general, former Florida AG Pam Bondi, has not publicly addressed how she intends to handle key cannabis policy matters, including rescheduling and enforcement guidelines if confirmed.

For now, all that entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) and other industry actors can do is wait and see how the new administration in Washington D.C. chooses to handle the reclassification process that was started under the previous administration.

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420 with CNW — Pain Increases Odds of Cancer Patients Using Marijuana, Tobacco

A recent study published in the journal Cancer suggests that cancer survivors experiencing pain may be more likely to use cannabis and cigarettes. The research also highlights a link between cigarette smoking, pain, and an increase in side effects related to treatment, ultimately leading to poorer health outcomes for cancer survivors.

Chronic pain, generally described as pain lasting three months or longer, affects approximately 30 percent of cancer survivors. In those with advanced stages of the disease, the prevalence can rise to 50%. As cancer treatments improve and more individuals live longer after their diagnosis, the number of survivors dealing with long-term pain often grows.

Pain often coincides with the use of substances such as e-cigarettes, cigarettes, cannabis, and alcohol for most people.

To better understand how pain influences non-opioid use among cancer survivors, researchers examined data from two nationwide surveys in the United States. These included 4,130 participants from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and 1,251 adults from 2021’s Wave 6 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

The study also explored how substance use and pain relate to mental well-being, self-perceived physical health, quality of life, and other symptoms associated with cancer treatment. Separate regression analyses were conducted for each data set.

Findings from the PATH Study indicated that individuals who experienced higher pain intensity in the past week were more likely to use cannabis, e-cigarettes, and cigarettes, while they were less likely to consume alcohol. Data from NHIS similarly showed that chronic pain was linked to a higher probability of cigarette use but a lower likelihood of alcohol consumption.

Despite its significant findings, the study had some limitations. Since the research relied on self-reported data, there is potential for bias. Additionally, its cross-sectional design prevents researchers from establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between substance use and pain. Nevertheless, the findings offer important insights into the need for comprehensive care approaches.

The study’s authors emphasized that addressing both substance use and pain together in cancer care is crucial. They noted that pain can lead individuals to turn to substances, while substance use can, in turn, worsen pain, creating a challenging cycle to break.

Although some cancer survivors may use cigarettes or other substances to manage pain and cope with symptoms, doing so may have severe health consequences. It can reduce the efficiency of cancer treatment and raise the risk of recurrence. Marijuana industry players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) can therefore help in spreading awareness about the potential side effects of medical marijuana so that patients are empowered to make informed decisions.

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420 with CNW — Claims of Cannabis Testing Fraud Hit the Recreational Marijuana Market in New York

Reports of alleged fraudulent activity in cannabis testing labs have surfaced once again in New York’s recreational market, with claims that some vape oil cartridges are being labeled with cannabinoid levels exceeding 100%. Similar accusations of labs inflating THC levels to meet client demands and possibly altering data meant to ensure consumer safety have been raised in other states as well.

Critics argue that such fraudulent practices could erode public trust just as New York’s recreational market surpasses $1 billion in sales for the first time following a challenging launch. Adding to the concern, New York lab operators say that regulators are not addressing the issue with the seriousness it deserves.

In December, representatives from two of New York’s 16 licensed testing labs sent a letter to the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) highlighting what they described as major concerns. These included exaggerated THC levels in marijuana products and vape cartridges with unrealistic cannabinoid compositions.

“If these problems are ignored, there is a real risk that unsafe and unethical lab results will be standard practice, much like what has happened in other states,” wrote Aaron Riley, CEO of Certified Testing and Data in Orlando, Florida, and Edward Lukaszek, Biotrax Testing Laboratory CEO, in the letter dated December 17.

They warned that failing to take action would jeopardize the integrity of the program in the future. Their letter urged the OCM to initiate recalls immediately to begin addressing these concerns.

However, regulators appear to be downplaying their concerns. According to them, officials have also been slow in releasing critical data that could shed light on the extent of the issue.

In other jurisdictions, anonymous test results have exposed trends suggesting potential manipulation. This aligns with the suspicions of many industry insiders who believe certain labs may be deliberately adjusting results to appease clients.

When asked for comment, an OCM representative stated that the office doesn’t discuss active investigations or disclose actions being taken against licensees to third parties. In a December 20 response to Riley and Lukaszek, state officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring public safety and health.

Similar problems have been reported in other states. In Massachusetts, MCR Labs, which also operates in New York, filed a lawsuit against competitors for allegedly inflating THC results and approving contaminated products for sale.

Most experts agree that strong oversight is necessary to ensure lab integrity. In states like Colorado and California, regulators conduct independent tests by purchasing products from retail shelves. If potency inflation or contamination is detected, recalls are issued. After stricter regulations were introduced in California, recall rates surged, and several labs shut down due to noncompliance.

However, New York has yet to conduct any reference testing or announce product recalls. When asked about this, an OCM representative stated in September that reference testing had not yet been used to verify lab results.

The entire marijuana industry, including entities like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) operating across the border, would be happy to see any claims of testing lab fraud dealt with so that the industry’s reputation isn’t tainted by the wrongdoings of a few bad actors.

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420 with CNW — Latest Poll Shows Most Texans Want Marijuana Legalized

A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs revealed that a significant number of Texans are in favor of legalizing cannabis for recreational use. The poll, which gathered responses from 1,200 adults across Texas and has a margin of error of 2.38%, found that over 60% of Texans support permitting recreational cannabis sales and consumption.

Texas lawmakers passed HB 1325 in 2019, which permitted industrial hemp cultivation as long as the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the crop was below 0.3%. This created a loophole that some businesses used to introduce THC marijuana products into the market.

The recent University of Houston poll included questions about cannabis and THC-related products. Although a majority of participants supported the legalization of cannabis, many also expressed concern over unregulated THC products, which became available due to gaps in HB 1325. Most respondents favored restricting the sale of these products.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick recently identified banning THC sales in the state as a key priority for this year’s legislative session, which started in January.

The survey revealed that around 62% of respondents, including 71% and 53% of Democrats and Republicans, respectively, back legislation that would permit individuals 21 years of age and over to purchase and use cannabis legally.

A strong majority—79% overall, with 75% and 86% of Republicans and Democrats, respectively—support legalizing cannabis for medical use with a healthcare provider’s prescription.

Decriminalizing cannabis possession for adult use was favored by 69% of Texans, including 61% and 79% of Republicans and Democrats, respectively. When it comes to THC products, opinions were more divided. Roughly 55% of respondents, including 61% of Republicans and 48% of Democrats, support prohibiting the sale of THC products in the state.

According to the survey, age played an even more significant role than political affiliation in shaping opinions on THC and cannabis policies. The findings indicated that 70% of Gen Z respondents supported banning THC sales, while 49% of Gen X and 46% of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation felt the same.

The survey also examined attitudes toward sports betting and gambling, another significant topic of discussion. Compared to THC and cannabis regulations, gambling appeared to be a less contentious issue, with the vast majority of the respondents expressing some level of support for its legalization in various forms.

Currently, the state only allows certain types of gambling, such as parimutuel betting on dog and horse races, charitable bingo, and lotteries. However, sports betting has gained widespread acceptance nationwide, with thirty-nine states having approved it in some capacity.

Industry actors like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) know that it will not be easy to enact marijuana policy reform in a conservative state like Texas, but the passage of time and changes in the rest of the country could eventually galvanize change in the state.

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420 with CNW — State Report Shows Oregon Has a Marijuana Oversupply

Oregon’s recreational cannabis market continues to struggle with an oversupply issue, causing consumer prices to drop to record lows while businesses face shrinking profit margins. This challenge, outlined in a recent Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) report, has made it increasingly difficult for many operators to stay afloat.

The report states that in 2024, Oregon’s marijuana harvest reached nearly 12.3 million pounds, reflecting a 4% rise from 2021. Favorable growing conditions in southern Oregon contributed to this increase. However, demand only accounted for 57% of the available supply, creating an imbalance in the market.

The report highlights the difficulty of managing the oversupply, particularly since Oregon’s market is confined within state borders due to federal restrictions on cannabis commerce. As a result, businesses operate in an intensely competitive space where prices remain low for consumers, but profitability is increasingly challenging. The report warns that without federal legalization, this trend is unlikely to change, leaving the industry to grapple with narrow profit margins.

State legislators have attempted to address the issue through licensing regulations. When state voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, Oregon introduced an open licensing model with comparatively low fees.

To prevent excessive supply, legislators implemented a moratorium on new grower licenses in 2019 through SB 218. In 2022, HB 4016 adjusted this restriction, backdating the moratorium to permit new producers into the market. More recently, in 2024, HB 4121 transitioned the moratorium into a per capita licensing model.

Despite these efforts, the OLCC anticipates that the current trend of oversupply will persist, further driving down prices and tightening business margins. Market consolidation may follow as smaller operators struggle to compete.

The financial strain is evident in declining prices. The median cost per gram of marijuana dropped to $3.85 in 2023 and further decreased to $3.75 in 2024, reaching the lowest levels since 2016. The industry experienced its peak sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenues hitting $1.2 billion. However, sales have since declined, stabilizing at $964 million last year.

Beau Whitney, an economist specializing in marijuana markets, believes the OLCC could take more decisive action to regulate supply. He argues that while regulators focus on public health, they neglect the financial sustainability of the businesses they oversee. This imbalance has led to increased business closures and an oversaturated market that cannot sustain all its participants.

According to Whitney, the average Oregon marijuana retailer generates approximately $1.1 million annually, a figure far below the $2.5 to $2.9 million needed for long-term sustainability. He suggests that requiring suppliers to demonstrate demand for at least 75% to 80% of their product—an approach used in other states—could help stabilize the market.

Whitney also points to declining consumer demand as a major factor. He attributes this trend partly to falling prices, which reduce revenue, and to the distribution model, which relies solely on dispensaries. He argues that this model limits consumer participation, as many potential buyers avoid dispensaries altogether. Expanding distribution options, he says, could improve legal market participation and help businesses remain viable.

Without significant intervention at both federal and state levels, Whitney predicts little growth this year. While national sales may grow as more states legalize recreational cannabis, the overall industry remains fragile. He warns that ongoing inaction could cause the U.S. to lose its leadership position in the global cannabis market—a shift he believes could have been prevented with better regulation.

Looking ahead, Whitney advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of industry regulations, calling for a “marijuana regulatory 2.0” to create a more sustainable and balanced market. The oversupply challenge affects most markets in which marijuana has been legalized and it would help all concerned, including leading enterprises like Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF), if a lasting solution to controlling marijuana production is implemented.

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