420 with CNW — Five Predictions for the Marijuana Industry in 2024

In anticipation of the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) upcoming decision on marijuana rescheduling, the cannabis industry braces for what could be the most significant change in U.S. marijuana policy in half a century. The potential rescheduling carries the promise of tax reform, specifically the elimination of Section 280E from the federal tax code. The section has been a financial burden on state-legal marijuana retailers and has repercussions throughout the supply chain.

As we look ahead, here are five predictions for the cannabis industry in the coming year:

Rescheduling marijuana and eventual tax relief

The DEA is likely to propose the rescheduling of cannabis, aligning with the HHS’ recommendation to move the substance from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This acknowledgment of marijuana’s medical value, influenced by state-provided data, initiates the ongoing administrative review launched by the Biden Administration in October 2022. Legal challenges are likely to follow.

Rescheduling would bring tax relief as Section 280E’s constraints on federal tax deductions for state-legal marijuana businesses would cease. This change holds the potential to inject more financial strength into the $34 billion U.S. cannabis industry. Some businesses are already seeking refunds, setting the stage for potential shifts in the industry’s financial landscape.

Federal progress in limbo

While banking reform legislation gained traction in 2023, the chances of its passage in the current Congress are uncertain. A mere 13% of senior congressional aides anticipate success, signaling potential deadlock. The hope for federal Farm Bill amendments addressing hemp-derived competition persists, but state-level hurdles might complicate matters.

Next legalization frontiers

Pennsylvania and Florida emerge as potential candidates for the next states to legalize cannabis. Ohio’s recent move toward adult-use marijuana suggests a shifting landscape, prompting attention to Florida’s 2024 ballot and Pennsylvania’s legislative developments, despite partisan divisions.

Combating the illicit market

States are gearing up to tackle the burgeoning illicit market, exemplified by New York’s struggle with unlicensed sellers. While legal retail capacity expands, the effectiveness of new options in redirecting customers away from the illicit market remains uncertain. Regulators face the challenge of balancing enforcement and incentives.

Social-equity challenges

States have been grappling with the implementation of social-equity promises in the legal cannabis industry. New York’s attempts to prioritize small businesses face constitutional challenges, prompting a reevaluation of strategies to ensure equitable participation. The industry is under pressure to address legal challenges from excluded entrepreneurs, necessitating innovative solutions.

As the industry navigates these potential developments, 2024 promises transformative shifts in policy, taxation and societal impact. Enterprises such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) will be looking for any new opportunities that they can leverage to deepen their penetration in jurisdictions with legal cannabis markets.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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 — Lawmakers in Wisconsin Introduce Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana

Wisconsin may be the latest state to pass cannabis reform measures after a bipartisan group of lawmakers formally introduced a proposal to decriminalize cannabis possession in late December. First previewed in early December, the noncommercial and relatively limited reform may garner enough support to advance past Wisconsin’s GOP-controlled legislature.

The marijuana decriminalization measure was introduced by Representatives David Considine, Sylvia Ortiz-Velez and Shae Sortwell alongside Senator Lena Taylor. Assembly Bill 861 would remove criminal penalties such as jail time for cannabis-related offenses, such as simple possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana, and replace criminal charges for cannabis offenses with a $100 civil penalty.

Current Wisconsin law criminalizes cannabis possession and punishes the offense with a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The proposed decriminalization measure would also eliminate the need for people charged with cannabis possession to appear in court and replace it with a simple $100 fine. Additionally, the decriminalization measure would stop Wisconsin courts from counting cannabis possession convictions that involve up to 28 grams of cannabis. This means Wisconsin residents would never again be charged as repeat offenders for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

The measure also reduced penalties for repeatedly possessing larger amounts of cannabis from three and a half years imprisonment to 90 days. Individuals charged with drug paraphernalia possession will be liable to a $10 civil forfeiture fine down from as much as 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

According to a censorship memo released by the measure’s sponsors, Wisconsin should not be imprisoning its residents for simply possessing small amounts of cannabis. On average, Wisconsin makes 15,485 arrests for minor cannabis possession and punishes simple possession suspects with up to six months in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. The proposed measure would also grant law enforcement more flexibility on how they choose to deal with individual cannabis possession cases. This includes deciding whether or not to book and process individuals for simple cannabis possession or simply collecting certain personal information.

The measure would also reduce the liability of employers who choose not to test their employees for THC. However, these workplace testing provisions would not apply to jobs involving security and safety or those overseen by the federal Department of Transportation. The sponsorship memo noted that employers are increasingly choosing to forgo cannabis tests because they can be costly.

Assembly Bill 861 will head to the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

If this reform movement results in the eventual legalization of cannabis, it could lead existing companies such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) to weigh whether or not to expand their footprints into those new markets.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Branded Legacy Inc. (BLEG) Acquires All In Extracts LLC

Branded Legacy (OTC: BLEG), (soon to be known as Royal Enterprises Inc.), a burgeoning company in the pharmaceutical biotechnology sector, today announced its strategic acquisition of All In Extracts, a pioneering entity focused on medicinal ethnobotany. The milestone deal amplifies Branded Legacy’s focus on innovation, expansion and collaborative growth within the biotech community. “As soon as I met with the All In team, I knew something great was in the making,” said Branded Legacy CEO David Oswald. “It is a rare enough thing to find a company motivated primarily by the positive impact they can make on society. We are extremely pleased that they saw the same in us. The balance between All In and our subsidiary Royal Biotek is uncanny, from production areas where one is weak and the other is strong, to marketing and branding abilities vs inventory on hand. We even have the perfect balance of equipment in our labs with little to no overlap: their lab is exactly what our next expansion would have been, and vice versa. This is the yin and yang of mergers.”

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

About Branded Legacy Inc.

Branded Legacy is a diversified holdings company focused on the biotech sector. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Branded Legacy specializes in the development and marketing of cutting-edge products and services. The company’s diverse portfolio includes ventures in biotechnology, digital solutions and wellness products, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its customers. Branded Legacy’s strategic approach to growth involves identifying and integrating promising businesses and technologies that align with its mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality products and services. For more information, visit the company’s website at https://BrandedLegacy.com.

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CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ 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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CannabisNewsBreaks – Software Effective Solutions Corp. (SFWJ) Featured in Bell2Bell Podcast

Software Effective Solutions (OTC: SFWJ) (d/b/a MedCana), a global infrastructure and holding company in the cannabis industry, was featured in the latest episode of the Bell2Bell Podcast, a part of IBN’s sustained effort to provide specialized content distribution via widespread syndication channels. Jose Gabriel Diaz, CEO of Software Effective Solutions, joined the program to provide an introduction to MedCana and its business model. “We are a U.S.-based holding company focused on developing infrastructure and cannabis companies around the world. Right now, the focus is primarily on markets outside of the U.S. that have already fully legalized pharmaceutical (and possibly some recreational) cannabis. We’re looking at Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Spain and most of Europe, as well as Australia, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay… Our focus, initially, is not going to be into the United States, until there is a 100% guarantee that everything we’re doing is on the legal side,” Diaz said. “The focus is for MedCana to develop these companies that we’ve acquired outside of the U.S. to grow a presence in these international markets. It’s not just cultivation that we’re doing, however. MedCana is an infrastructure company. We also have two other very important companies. One is focused on software to make sure that certifications are being managed by our companies, but not just our companies. These are software products that we will be selling to other companies as we develop them. We also are very focused on infrastructure development of not just cannabis but technology in agriculture… So, it’s developing these markets for the companies that we bought with the licenses. It’s also focusing on infrastructure and software, along with the electronic resource planning and software management of these companies.”

To view the full article, visit https://cnw.fm/wVWk5

About Software Effective Solutions Corp.

Software Effective Solutions/MedCana is a global infrastructure and holding company in the cannabis industry. Currently, MedCana has five companies focused on pharmaceutical cannabis production and one software company focused on managing processes for plant-to-patient operations. The recent acquisition of an irrigation and greenhouse technology company has rounded out MedCana’s portfolio of companies. MedCana’s initial focus is on developing clients and companies in Latin America with an initial focus in Colombia and partnerships with laboratories, research facilities and hospitals throughout the world. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.MedCana.net.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SFWJ are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/SFWJ

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420 with CNW — Federal Lawsuit Challenges Cannabis Advertising Ban in Mississippi

Clarence Cocroft, the owner of Tru Source, a medical marijuana dispensary in Olive Branch, Mississippi, is contending that the ban on medical marijuana advertising in Mississippi is hindering his dispensary’s ability to attract customers. He claims that this prohibition infringes upon his freedom of speech, a claim central to the federal suit filed on Nov. 14, 2023.

The lawsuit targets the regulatory authorities overseeing these restrictions, including the state’s health department, the revenue department, and the state’s bureau of alcohol and beverage control.

While medical cannabis is now legal in Mississippi for persons with qualifying conditions and a medical marijuana card, the state law explicitly forbids dispensary owners and cultivators from promoting marijuana products. To establish a medical marijuana shop, one is required to obtain a dispensary license, obtain a sales tax registration and incur considerable fees. Additionally, patrons must possess a medical marijuana card and be at least 21 years old to enter a dispensary.

Tru Source relies on limited advertising channels, including word of mouth, on-location signage and its website. Cocroft, however, faces restrictions preventing him from promoting the dispensary through other mediums. He highlights that potential customers might remain unaware of the store’s existence unless they happen to pass by.

Represented by the Institute for Justice (IJ), a nationwide libertarian nonprofit law firm, Cocroft’s lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of commercial speech regulations. Katrin Marquez, an attorney for Cocroft, points out how these regulations, viewed through the lens of the First Amendment, impede business growth.

When Tru Source was established, Cocroft invested in billboards in the north of the state for advertising but had to lease the locations to other businesses, such as a casino, capable of legally promoting their products. The case and the resultant media attention have attracted new customers to Tru Source, increasing daily visits from about 15 to 20 patients to 20 to 30 patients picking up medical marijuana products.

Cocroft argues that the ban on advertising not only affects dispensary owners but also impacts cultivators. If dispensaries can’t promote products, their purchasing capacity diminishes, causing financial losses for cultivators. He questions the disparity, noting that industries such as alcohol, medications, casinos and strip clubs can advertise statewide, while marijuana dispensaries face restrictions.

Cocroft highlights the financial burden borne by those invested in Mississippi’s medical marijuana industry, where millions of dollars have been spent in pursuit of helping patients navigate a novel business landscape. In his view, the unequal advertising regulations create a puzzling dichotomy where certain industries can freely advertise, while others, such as Tru Source, face stringent limitations.

It isn’t just cannabis companies in Mississippi that are hamstrung by restrictions on advertising. Other enterprises operating elsewhere, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), are also grappling with limitations on how and where they can advertise their products.

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420 with CNW — Johns Hopkins Team to Track 10,000 Medical Cannabis Users in Federally Funded Research

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University will be studying the effects of marijuana therapy by closely monitoring 10,000 medical cannabis patients over a five-year period. The study, backed by a generous $10 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is a collaborative effort with federal researchers and the nonprofit Realm of Caring.

Together, the researchers will amass comprehensive data encompassing delivery methods, product chemical composition, dosage, potential medication interactions and other intricate facets of treatment.

Ryan Vandrey, cocreator of the study and a professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, expressed the research team’s objective to comprehend the health impacts of therapeutic cannabis use. The comprehensive study aims to shed light on the diverse landscape of marijuana products, recognize their differences and identify areas of promise. Vandrey emphasized the need to narrow the focus to distinguish helpful products from those that might pose risks, tailoring the research to specific populations and therapeutic purposes.

Despite the increasing volume of cannabis research, federal marijuana laws have posed significant obstacles to scientific exploration. The study recognizes that with more than three-quarters of states legalizing medical cannabis, there is a considerable gap in understanding due to federal restrictions.

The National Cannabis Study is designed to follow a representative cohort of approximately 10,000 patients, spanning from cannabis naivety to a year or more of marijuana use. Johannes Thrul, a mental health professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, explained that the assessments will be more frequent in the initial stages, acknowledging that patients are likely to experiment with different products to find what best addresses their symptoms.

While Johns Hopkins pursues this independent initiative, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has expressed the need for a new Resource Center for Marijuana and Cannabinoid Research. The initiative aims to tackle the challenges and barriers hindering cannabis research. Numerous federal health agencies have prioritized overcoming these barriers due to the cumbersome and costly registration process scientists face when trying to access marijuana given its current Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act.

Significantly, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is actively reviewing the policy classifying marijuana as a Schedule I drug, prompted by a recommendation from the HHS to reclassify it to Schedule III. This potentially signals a shift in the regulatory landscape, opening avenues for more streamlined and accessible marijuana research.

Cannabis companies such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) are likely to await the findings of the study as those findings could provide valuable insights into the specific ways in which customers are benefiting from the medical marijuana products they buy.

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Astrotech Corp. (NASDAQ: ASTC) Announces New Mass Spectrometry Technology Application for Chemical Manufacturing and Introduces the Pro-Control Subsidiary

Astrotech’s newest subsidiary, Pro-Control, will use the company’s mass spectrometer technology to improve purity, and yields of distilled chemicals
Pro-Control delivers value by improving lost yields and delivering found profits directly to the bottom line with little, which the company believes will lead to an overall increase in profitability
Astrotech believes that the Pro-Control MVP has the ability to routinely improve yields from 20% to 30%
The company is introducing its proprietary ATi Mass Spectrometer Technology into the vast chemical manufacturing and process control markets

Astrotech (NASDAQ: ASTC), is an instrumentation company that is focused on commercializing its proprietary ATi Mass Spectrometer Technology(TM) that is now used in airports and agriculture applications throughout the world.

Astrotech continues to expand its ATi Mass Spectrometer Technology into new markets and has announced the introduction of its newest Pro-Control-1000(TM) product line of instrumentation designed to improve chemical manufacturing efficiencies. Astrotech is also announcing the creation of its newest wholly owned subsidiary, Pro-Control, Inc. that has been awarded an exclusive ATi field-of-use license for worldwide chemical manufacturing and process control applications.

The Pro-Control-1000(TM) mass-spec is ideally suited for use in the chemical manufacturing industry due to its rugged design and highly reliable chemical analysis.

The Pro-Control-1000(TM) is easy to operate with daily auto-calibration and auto-tune. The custom library feature makes it easy to create a unique chemical library. And the programable user interface adapts to every chemical manufacturing application and testing protocol.

The Pro-Control-1000(TM) product line includes two models:

The Pro-Control-1000-D1(TM) is a fully automated mass spectrometer that is configured to continually analyze the process gases while adjusting the PLC controls (temp, flow, pressure), for Maximum Value Processing (max purities and yields).
The Pro-Control-1000-D2(TM) is a manually prepared test that analyzes in-process liquids while providing graphical feedback needed to adjust the operating parameters (temp, flow, pressure) for maximum efficiency.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the global mass spectrometry market is estimated to reach $6.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $8.63 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 6.25%. The market’s growth is being driven primarily by the technological advances in the mass spectrometer device market. The key market players are continuously working to advance existing products and launch innovative advanced mass spectrometer devices into various applications including chemical manufacturing (https://cnw.fm/DxoIo). Pro-Control is offering its proprietary mass-spec technology to customers that are interested in significantly improving the purity and yields and profits from the manufacturing of distilled chemical products.

Thomas Pickens, CEO and CTO of Astrotech said, “The company is very excited to be introducing our new Pro-Control, Inc. subsidiary along with the very capable Pro-Control-1000(TM) family of rugged mass-spectrometers. The ideal Pro-Control customer is a large-volume manufacturer of chemical products seeking to improve bottom line profits. We believe that Pro-Control MVP can routinely improve manufacturing yields from 10% to 30% and we are excited to introduce our technology to the vast chemical manufacturing market.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.AstrotechCorp.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ASTC are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ASTC

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420 with CNW — Arizona Uses Cannabis Taxes to Give 18 Nonprofits Justice Reinvestment Grants

Arizona state officials recently announced that Arizona has started awarding the first round of justice reinvestment grants to nearly 20 nonprofits across the state. The state’s cannabis law, Proposition 207, created the grant program to support efforts such as substance-use prevention and treatment, public and behavioral health, mentorship programs and workforce development in economically disenfranchised regions.

Using funds drawn from cannabis taxes, the program would also support efforts to address the root causes of crime, reduce Arizona’s prison population, expunge certain cannabis-related criminal records and restore civil rights.

As per Proposition 207, the program receives 35% of Arizona’s Justice Reinvestment Fund, which is funded by 10% of Arizona’s cannabis sales tax revenue. An additional 35% of the Justice Reinvestment Fund is earmarked for county public health departments while the remaining 30% goes to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to address critical public health issues that affect Arizona.

Recipients of the first round of grants include Northland Family Health Center, Hushabye Nursery, Axiom Community of Recovery, Stuck Community Acupuncture, Cihuapactli Collective, Phoenix Indian Center, Friendly House, Persevere, Arouet Foundation, Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) and Constructive Circles of Peace.

The rest of the 18 grants went to the Arizona Democracy Resource Center, Our Sister Our Brother, Southern Arizona Legal Aid, the Bambi Fundjust Communities Arizona, Regional Center for Border Health Yuma, and Regional Center for Border Health Parker.

A press statement from ADHS noted that the office “identified priority communities’” in Arizona and held 18 listening sessions to highlight public interest in services that participants believed would benefit their communities. This includes improving neighborhood safety and developing community spaces such as community centers and parks, providing training on cultural awareness, culturally appropriate health services, youth development, substance education and prevention services, technology training for former inmates, and increasing access to affordable housing and healthy food.

According to ADHS, all the projects that received grants represent communities from across the state and focus on the key areas detailed during the community listening sessions.

ADHA noted that the Office of Health Equity would create a “robust evaluation process” to make sure that the program funds projects that bring a positive impact by serving the intended communities. Such a program evaluation process would assess if grant applicants meet the outlined goals and use collected data to continuously improve the program, ADHS said.

Arizona isn’t the only state that has earmarked a portion of its cannabis revenue for community reinvestment. California recently announced that applications for $48 million in cannabis tax-funded community reinvestment grants were open. New Jersey has also opened an application round for the state’s marijuana tax-funded social equity program.

The benefits that cannabis companies and ancillary companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) bring through the taxes they pay in the different jurisdictions where they operate highlight some of the socioeconomic value of cannabis legalization.

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420 with CNW — Top Congressional, Federal Cannabis Policy Developments in 2023

The year 2023 witnessed a range of notable federal developments on the cannabis landscape. Among these were significant milestones such as the Biden administration’s proposal to reschedule cannabis, an expansion of pardons for federal cannabis possession offenses and setbacks in the congressional journey toward marijuana banking reform.

As Congress takes a recess for the holiday season, stakeholders and advocates are reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year, intending to advance their efforts in 2024.

A pivotal moment in 2023 was the U.S. Department of Health & Human Sciences recommending the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This recommendation, arising from President Biden’s directive, is undergoing the administrative process led by the U. S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). If implemented, this move would symbolically acknowledge that marijuana is not a dangerous drug lacking medical value; it would also potentially ease research barriers and allow state-licensed businesses to claim federal tax deductions.

Biden also made headlines by extending and broadening pardons for individuals with federal cannabis possession offenses, aligning with his renewed focus on marijuana reform. However, these actions fall short of his initial campaign promises, which included federal legalization of medical marijuana, marijuana decriminalization, and preventing incarceration for nonviolent marijuana-related offenses.

Marijuana banking reform faced challenges in the Senate, with the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Bill stalling despite passing through the Banking Committee. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer remains committed to advancing the bill in 2024, emphasizing the need for bipartisanship in a divided Congress.

Public support for cannabis legalization reached an all-time high of 70%, according to a Gallup poll released in November. This bipartisan support extended across states with varying marijuana legalization statuses, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for reform. In congressional legislation, various bipartisan bills were introduced in 2023, addressing different aspects of federal cannabis policy. Notable bills included the STATES 2.0 Act, the MORE Act and the HOPE Act, each proposing reforms ranging from ending federal prohibition in legal states to expunging prior marijuana convictions.

While multiple drug-policy reform amendments were blocked by the GOP-controlled Rules Committee, some amendments, such as allowing VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans, did find success in the House. In addition, several federal agencies engaged with marijuana-related issues in 2023. The DEA announced plans to increase domestic production of cannabinoids for research purposes while also proposing a federal ban on two psychedelic compounds. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration stirred controversy by refraining from regulating hemp-derived CBD in the food supply, and the VA reaffirmed its prohibition on doctors recommending medical cannabis to veterans.

The Justice Department faced legal challenges defending the federal ban preventing cannabis consumers from buying or possessing firearms. Despite court rulings deeming the ban unconstitutional, the government continues to appeal.

Looking ahead to 2024, the marijuana landscape remains uncertain. The DEA’s decision on cannabis scheduling and the fate of the banking bill in the Senate will be key focal points. With a presidential election year on the horizon, Biden may continue to emphasize his marijuana pardon actions, though the extent of his commitment to broader legalization remains to be seen. Despite the challenges, the momentum for marijuana reform persists, providing stakeholders and advocates with a compelling force for the future.

Established cannabis entities such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) will certainly take a keen interest on how the regulatory landscape evolves this year.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – IBN, CannabisNewsWire Re-Engaged for NECANN’s 2024 Event Lineup

IBN, a multifaceted financial news and publishing company, today announced its expanded collaboration with NECANN, which specializes in orchestrating conventions that focus on the development and expansion of cannabis markets. Under the agreement, IBN’s CannabisNewsWire will continue to serve as the official newswire for the organization’s annual conference lineup. As part of the collaboration, IBN will amplify its support through its syndication network, providing comprehensive coverage for NECANN events. In collaboration with its network of 60+ online brands such as CannabisNewsWire and CannabisNewsWatch, IBN will deploy an extensive range of corporate-communications solutions to enhance visibility and recognition of conference participants across diverse audiences, including public officials, investors, media professionals, consumers and the general public.

“Active for over a decade, NECANN events are at the forefront of nurturing business opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs, investors and students, while identifying markets with a high openness to embracing cannabis culture,” said Marc Shepard, co-founder and president of NECANN. “We excel in fostering deeper collaboration with local industries and communities, promoting responsible consumption among target markets. IBN has been an excellent partner for multiple years and is instrumental in helping drive further recognition for our conferences and deploying strategic tools to enable a wider online presence.”

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/39eYv

About IBN

IBN consists of financial brands introduced to the investment public over the course of 17+ years. With IBN, we have amassed a collective audience of millions of social media followers. These distinctive investor brands aim to fulfill the unique needs of a growing base of client-partners. IBN will continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients.

Through our Dynamic Brand Portfolio (“DBP”), IBN provides: (1) access to a network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets; (3) Press Release Enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) full-scale distribution to a growing social media audience; (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions; and (6) total news coverage solutions.

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