420 with CNW — Three States in the Northeast Set July Cannabis Sales Records

Cannabis retailers in the northeast sold a record number of products in July, achieving new sales records and generating millions of dollars. State data shows that cannabis sales in Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts are booming, with Maine selling $20.8 million worth of cannabis products in July alone and breaking cannabis sales records for the third month in a row.

Marijuana businesses in Maine saw more than $118 million in cannabis sales over the first half of 2022 and are on track to end the year at a record $159 million in sales. The Cannabis Control Commission reported that recreational cannabis sales in Massachusetts reached $136 million in March while medical marijuana purchases were at $18.7 million, adding up to a total of $154.7 million in cannabis sales. July was the third consecutive record-setting month of cannabis sales in Massachusetts and surpassed the $152.9 million worth of cannabis sold in June.

Rhode Island, on the other hand, set a sales record at $6.8 million worth of recreational cannabis products in July. The state has consistently set recreational marijuana sales records since launching the adult-use market last December. Consumers in Rhode Island also spent $2.7 million on medical cannabis, bringing the state’s total cannabis sales to a record $9.5 million.

While Rhode Island’s sales numbers may seem quite tame when compared to Massachusetts, Rhode Island has one of the youngest cannabis markets in the northeast while Massachusetts has the most mature market.

Consumers in the northeast are clamoring to buy cannabis, and other states in the region will most likely experience high demand if they choose to legalize cannabis sales. Connecticut still hasn’t released its July sales numbers, but like the other states in the region, Connecticut set sales records in June. Generally, cannabis has enjoyed significant demand across most states with legal markets.

Multitudes look to cannabis as an alternative treatment for conditions such as chronic pain while multitudes more prefer cannabis to alcohol as their social drug of choice. Consumers in Midwestern state Illinois spent $140 million on recreational cannabis products in July, setting a sales record for the year as well as the second-highest monthly sales since Illinois began recreational cannabis sales in 2020.

Maryland also enjoyed record sales in July as retailers sold $87.4 million worth of recreational cannabis in their first month of sales while Missouri has averaged around $4 million in daily recreational cannabis sales since it launched an adult-use market in February.

These glowing sales figures show that many more companies, such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), are benefiting from the boom in cannabis sales since there is an entire ecosystem of interconnected industries making it possible for marijuana companies to serve their customers.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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 — Court Order Halts NY Marijuana Dispensary Openings

A New York court has blocked the official launch of marijuana dispensaries in the state following a decision by a judge to halt the retail licensing process. The court sided with a lawsuit filed by disabled veterans who argued that New York’s licensing policy, which prioritizes entrepreneurs who were harmed by cannabis criminalization, is unconstitutional.

Social equity has been a key aspect in many state marijuana programs in the United States, with most programs including provisions meant to reinvest in individuals and communities that were disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Individuals from Black and Brown communities were and still are significantly more likely to be arrested for cannabis.

Marijuana enforcement caused significant long-term harm to these communities, and social equity policies are designed to allow these communities to profit from the lucrative cannabis industry. In New York, these provisions included providing prioritized licensing access to individuals who were harmed by the failed drug war.

However, the lawsuit against cannabis regulators claimed that prioritized access to licensing is unconstitutional and asked the court to halt the retail license issuing process. New York Supreme Court Justice Kevin Bryan ruled in favor of the disabled veterans, stating in his order that the licensing program could cause “irreparable injury, loss, or damage” if it moved forward.

This licensing program would have given certain victims of the drug war and nonprofit organizations that serve former convicts priority access to the first retail dispensary licenses. The state also created a special program to pair entrepreneurs with prior convictions with capital and real estate. However, close to two and a half years after New York legalized cannabis, less than 20 businesses started through the program are open.

Even though the state prioritized people with past cannabis convictions or family members of those individuals, the 2021 cannabis legalization law defined social and economic equity applicants as women-owned businesses, service-disabled businesses and minority-owned businesses, as well as individuals from communities that bore the brunt of the war on drugs.

This isn’t the first time cannabis regulators in New York have faced a lawsuit. A similar lawsuit filed by a coalition of medical cannabis businesses in March claimed that the state overstepped its authority by making the first pool of licenses available only to people with cannabis convictions or their relatives. The memo filed with the suit claimed that the New York Office of Cannabis Management and the Cannabis Control Board along with their top officials “overstepped their rule-making authority.”

Another suit from November caused a judge to temporarily halt the issuing of cannabis dispensary licenses in Brooklyn and certain parts of New York.

All these legal bottlenecks are hamstringing many companies, including ancillary ones such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), that would in one way or the other tap into the opportunities presented by a thriving cannabis industry in New York State.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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 — Ohio Campaigners Submit 6,500 Extra Signatures to Put Recreational Marijuana on Ballot

The organization spearheading the campaign for the legalization and oversight of marijuana in Ohio recently stated it has amassed nearly tenfold the requisite additional signatures to present the matter to the public for consideration this November. Tom Haren of the CTRMLA conveyed that the group’s collective efforts garnered an additional 6,545 signatures.

During the initial days of July, the group formally submitted well over 222,000 signatures to Frank LaRose, the Ohio secretary of state. That number was a substantial surplus in comparison to the stipulated 124,046 necessary for the proposition’s eligibility on the November 2024 general election ballot.

However, the revelation emerged three weeks later that only slightly more than 123,000 of these signatures were substantiated. This revelation compelled LaRose to remark that the recorded verification outcomes signified an “inadequate count of valid endorsements.” Additionally, he made it explicit that there remained a 10-day window for the campaign to secure and submit the requisite supplementary endorsements.

With the recent deposition of 6,545 endorsements, proponents are confident that they’ve bridged the gap with a notable surplus. Articulating the coalition’s sentiment, Haren stated confidently, “This presentation affirms our continuous assertion: the regulation of marijuana finds favor amongst the populace of Ohio.”

Subsequently, LaRose’s office undertakes the task of verifying these endorsements. Should at least 679 of them be verified, the instigated statute will earn a place on the ballot this November, sharing space with a constitutional amendment aimed at safeguarding access to reproductive healthcare, contraception and abortion.

The proposed ballot measure advances the notion of permitting individuals aged 21 years of age and above to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, along with the allowance to cultivate plants at their residences. In addition, a 10% tax allocation would be directed toward administrative expenses, addiction rehabilitation, municipalities housing dispensaries and initiatives promoting social fairness and employment.

If ratified, Ohio would assume the status of the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana. The verdict of a dedicated election scheduled for Aug. 8, 2023, weighing the elevation of prerequisites for future constitutional amendments, holds no bearing on the marijuana inquiry, considering its advancement through the avenue of citizen-initiated statute progression.

Ohio initially legalized medical cannabis in 2016 via the legislature, culminating in the inauguration of regulated dispensaries in 2019. A precursor endeavor to legalize recreational marijuana in 2015 was included in the ballot but met defeat, opposed by a majority of more than 65% of Ohio’s voters.

If these additional signatures are certified by the state, Ohio could be on its way to licensing marijuana companies. Those companies will, in turn, create a bigger market for other enterprises such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), whose niche is in supplying cultivation equipment, including for marijuana cultivation.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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— Maine Enacts Law Granting Cannabis Businesses Tax Relief

Maine Governor Janet Mills has approved legislation to provide tax relief to players in the state’s marijuana industry. The bill will partially bypass the Internal Revenue Service, which prohibits cannabis businesses from making federal tax deductions through IRS code 280E, and grant licensed cannabis businesses access to state tax deductions.

The law expands on previous legislation that already provided licensed medical cannabis operators with tax relief and will allow players in the industry to make tax deductions for business expenses associated with running a manufacturing facility or registered dispensary, or carrying out trade as a registered caregiver.

statement from the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) noted that the legislation would allow licensed cannabis operators to make business expense deductions on their tax returns such as the medical cannabis industry and other conventional sectors.

Marijuana operators in the state will undoubtedly be pleased with the news as cannabis businesses in most states have consistently complained about their large tax burden. Cannabis-related taxes and fees in America’s state-legal cannabis industry are so high that a significant portion of consumers are turning to the illicit market where products are significantly cheaper.

Introduced by Senator Teresa Pierce, the cannabis tax bill would give businesses in the sector the chance to recoup some of the costs through state tax deductions, potentially allowing them to pass on some of their savings to their customers and reduce product prices. According to the bill, the state of Maine would recover the funds it will use for the tax deductions by taking part of the tax revenue earned from medical cannabis sales.

Pierce explains that while businesses that can write off their business costs have an average tax rate of 40% of gross income, businesses without access to tax deductions often pay up to 70% of their gross income as tax. She called the difference in tax code unfair and appalling while testifying before a joint committee and said that it forced business owners to experience losses in order to hire and maintain their workers, offer benefits and reinvest in the business.

This makes it extremely difficult for small operators with limited access to capital to operate in the industry and encourages the development of monopolies by large, multistate companies. Given that Maine’s medical cannabis industry already had access to these tax deductions, Pierce said that it was only fair to extend access to the recreational cannabis industry as well.

This tax relief can allow companies to scale their operations, such as by acquiring more cultivation equipment from manufacturers such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), in order to serve more customers.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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 — Minnesota Marijuana Drinks Makers Enjoying Great Market Conditions

The cannabis-infused beverages segment of America’s state-legal cannabis market seems to be performing admirably in one of the most unexpected states: Minnesota.

Favorable market conditions in the state have helped cannabis-beverage producers and retailers in the state earn millions of dollars in recent months, making Minnesota one of the best markets for marijuana drinks in not only the United States and Canada but Europe as well.

With recreational cannabis sales slated to begin in less than a year in the state, the recent success of the cannabis-infused drinks segment could be an indication that demand for cannabis and cannabis products among Minnesotans is quite high. Thanks to factors such as easy access, less cannabis-associated stigma and Minnesota’s location, cannabis-infused beverage retailers have been selling an average of more than $1 million worth of products every month.

State regulators allow Minnesotans to purchase cannabis drinks at grocery chains. restaurants, and liquor stores, meaning a significant percentage of Minnesota residents have easy access to cannabis drinks. Furthermore, with the closest states that allow recreational cannabis sales (Michigan and Illinois) being hours away, most residents and consumers from neighboring states have nowhere but Minnesota to purchase low-THC beverages.

Minnesota’s low-THC product segment was born when federal lawmakers passed the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) and its derivatives. Since Minnesota doesn’t require that retailers have a license to sell products infused with hemp-derived THC, the segment kicked into overdrive as soon as the Farm Bill became law close to five years ago.

According to Blunt Strategies partner and principal Leili Fatehi, the measure allowed millions of Minnesotans to purchase low-THC offerings as easily as they could buy alcohol.

Furthermore, Fatehi explains, consumers seem to be interested in engaging and learning more about marijuana-infused drinks and how to consume them safely.

Local manufacturers such as Surly Brewing Co. in Minneapolis and interstate players such as California-based Cann have been major winners in the recent cannabis-infused beverage sales boom.

The segment largely owes its success to a 2022 measure that legalized the sale of hemp-derived THC edibles in retail outlets, including convenience and grocery stores that are typically prohibited from taking part in the cannabis market in other states. While some pundits say the explosion in sales is indicative of the market’s demand for recreational cannabis, others believe that changes in adult-use cannabis policy in Minnesota could impact sales.

Minneapolis-based marijuana attorney Jason Tarasek says that recreational cannabis legalization could lead to increased licensing requirements and regulation for players in the hemp-derived THC segment.

On a plus side, the launch of recreational cannabis sales will also bring welcome business opportunities to nationwide ancillary companies such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) as well as lead to the mushrooming of many marijuana enterprises.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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 — Recreational Marijuana Legalization Law Takes Effect in Minnesota

Minnesota has recently joined the growing list of states that have legalized recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older. This move marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to cannabis. Below are several key developments shaping the new landscape:

Legalization timeline

Minnesota’s journey toward cannabis legalization has been gradual. In 2014, the state took its first steps by legalizing limited medical marijuana use, which included nonsmokable forms such as oils and pills.

In 2022, edibles containing small amounts of hemp-derived THC were also legalized. This year, on May 30, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed a comprehensive cannabis legalization bill into law, permitting recreational use for adults starting on Aug. 1.

Dispensaries and tribal sovereignty

While recreational dispensaries are not expected to open until the state establishes a licensing system and tribal governments have been granted more autonomy. Minnesota’s 11 Native American tribal nations hold sovereignty, allowing them to operate independently of state regulations.

This unique situation led to the opening of the first recreational marijuana dispensary, NativeCare, on the Red Lake Nation on Aug. 1.

Possession and cultivation

Although dispensaries are not yet fully operational, Minnesotans have the right to possess, use and even grow cannabis within certain limits. Possession of up to two ounces in public is no longer a crime, and individuals can also have edibles with up to 800 mg of THC as well as cultivate up to eight marijuana plants at home. However, exceeding this limit could result in penalties.

Taxation and regulation

Minnesota has introduced a 10% tax on retail cannabis products, with 80% of the proceeds designated to cover state regulatory costs and the remaining 20% benefiting local governments.

The newly established Office of Cannabis Management will oversee the regulation of the industry, including setting standards and managing licensing. The funds generated will also support public health initiatives, training for drug recognition evaluators and research on cannabis.

Variations and employer policies

Local municipalities have the authority to impose temporary restrictions on cannabis sales until 2025. This has led to a patchwork of regulations across different cities and towns. Similarly, employers can still prohibit cannabis use for certain safety-sensitive roles but must inform employees of their drug-testing policies.

Criminal records and expungement

Minnesota is taking steps to address the impact of previous marijuana convictions. Records related to low-level offenses are being automatically sealed, benefiting thousands of individuals. Cases involving more serious offenses will have a pathway for review and potential expungement, though those involving violence or danger are unlikely to qualify. This process aims to provide a fresh start for many who have been affected by past convictions.

Medical marijuana and future outlook

Minnesota’s medical marijuana program remains intact, serving patients with qualifying conditions. The impact of recreational legalization on medical cannabis providers is uncertain, as is the potential entry of these providers into the recreational market.

The state continues to evolve its cannabis regulations, with changes to the medical program scheduled for 2025.

Minnesota state fair policy

The Minnesota state fair, while possessing its own legal autonomy, has chosen to prohibit cannabis smoking on its grounds in 2023. Discussions about potential rule changes for future fairs remain open.

The implementation of the recreational marijuana law in the state is likely to come with a boom in the sales of many companies, including ancillary ones such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX).

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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 — NYC Ranks First Globally Among Cannabis-Consuming Cities

A recent study reveals that New York City stands as the global leader in marijuana consumption, surpassing all other cities with an annual intake of 62.3 metric tons, equivalent to around 137,000 pounds. Conducted under the title “2023 Global Marijuana Price Index,” this comprehensive research effort was orchestrated by the CFAH, a reputable source for health-related information. The meticulous data collection spanned 140 urban centers worldwide, analyzing marijuana pricing trends.

The CFAH team closely scrutinized nations at the extremes of marijuana consumption, a criterion that aided in narrowing down the selection of cities for the study. The legal framework for marijuana in each geographical area played a pivotal role in this selection process. Ultimately, 140 cities were singled out to present a comprehensive and insightful global marijuana pricing comparison.

The CFAH relied on WHO data and analytics to capture the overall consumption landscape. Meanwhile, the pricing trends within the United States were modeled using the SARIMA method, which effectively accounts for data trends.

In terms of marijuana consumption, NYC differs from its peers by a large margin. Despite Australia’s official prohibition of marijuana, Sydney came in second with a consumption of 45.7 metric tons per year. Los Angeles, with an annual intake of 36 metric tons, took third place. Rome and Chicago, with 24.9 and 21.8 metric tons each, came in fourth and fifth, respectively. Other cities that were included in the study and made it to the top 20 list include Toronto, Houston, Tokyo, Vienna, Prague, Phoenix, Hamburg, Montreal, Vancouver, Melbourne, Uskudar, Philadelphia, Dublin, Annapolis and Denver.

Tokyo has the highest cannabis prices, commanding a rate of $33.8 per gram. Dublin, Ireland, came in second at $22.50, while Tallinn, Estonia, followed closely with $22.10 per gram. In contrast, Montreal, Canada, boasted the most affordable marijuana, priced at a mere $5.90 per gram. Following at $6 and $6.20 per gram, respectively, were Bangalore, India, and Notre Dame, Canada.

While the prevailing assumption often links legality to increased accessibility and subsequently reduced prices, the study highlights a more nuanced reality. Both the priciest and the most budget-friendly marijuana cities maintained a delicate equilibrium between legal and illegal statuses.

Among the ten cities with the highest marijuana prices, six enforced prohibitions while the remaining four legalized marijuana. Likewise, the cities offering the least expensive marijuana displayed a minor divergence, with six embracing legality and four upholding its illegal status.

These high marijuana consumption rates create openings for entities such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) to do brisk business supplying cultivation equipment to the enterprises growing this marijuana for sale on the market.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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 — Marijuana Companies Columbia Care, Cresco Labs Announce Termination of Proposed Merger

Marijuana producers Columbia Care Inc. and Cresco Labs have announced the termination of a $2 billion merger between the two companies. First announced in March 2022, the merger would have seen Cresco Labs buy Columbia Care for $2 billion in an historic deal that would have resulted in the largest marijuana producer in the country. Executives from Cresco noted at the time that the resulting company had the potential to be as large as Johnnie Walker or Coca-Cola and dominate the increasingly lucrative cannabis industry.

The merger was a major bet on the growth and future of the cannabis industry. However, it appears that executives from both companies don’t see the merit of making any big bets in the sector. Cresco Labs CEO Charles Bachtell said that due to recent developments in America’s state-legal marijuana industry, company leaders terminated the merger to protect the company’s and shareholders’ long-term interests.

Cannabis may be generating billions of dollars in revenue per year, but players in the sector regularly deal with a myriad of issues that threaten their profitability and make it incredibly hard to operate in the cannabis market. For instance, due to federal prohibition, the sector has barely any access to financial institutions and cannot rely on banks to facilitate contactless payments. This has led to many cannabis operators relying on a cash-only basis and increased the risk of violent robberies in retail cannabis establishments.

Limited efforts by lawmakers to pass cannabis banking legislation coupled with a recent announcement from MasterCard banning the use of its cards for cannabis-based transactions means that cannabis operators won’t be facing a reprieve from their banking-related issues any time soon.

Investing in a major merger at a time when the industry has limited access to a critical resource such as banking and is still waiting for congressional reform (which could take years), doesn’t seem like a good idea in the near-term.

Cresco Labs and Columbia Care have also discontinued a deal with entertainment mogul Sean Combs to invest an estimated $185 million in the acquisition of divested operations in Illinois, Massachusetts and New York. The two companies said that they will face no termination-related fees or penalties as the decision to terminate the merger was mutual.

The cancellation of their merger underscores the weaknesses currently facing America’s struggling cannabis industry.

According to Bachtell, the industry is currently going through a “tough economic time” and Cresco would be better served focusing on its core business. These tough economic conditions could also be impacting the operations of numerous ancillary entities, such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), which do significant business with marijuana operators.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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 — Concerns Raised as Massachusetts Announces Marijuana Testing Overseer

The background of Massachusetts’ marijuana testing director has sparked concern among industry observers, who are already cautious about the state’s treatment of marijuana companies. James Kocis assumed the role of director of testing on the state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) in October 2022, following years of experience in the marijuana testing sector.

During a recent legislative hearing, a lobbyist representing local testing labs criticized the CCC for being unaccountable and unpredictable. Additionally, a testing industry executive raised concerns about “a significant issue” of marijuana businesses seeking favorable lab results, questioning the wisdom of hiring a former lab employee to address the situation because it may lead to potential conflicts.

Prior to his appointment as the state’s marijuana testing director, Kocis held a managerial position at Green Analytics, a marijuana lab in Framingham. Now Green Analytics’ practices have faced scrutiny, contributing to a broader problem involving inflated THC results and the practice of “lab shopping.”

The lab has undergone multiple name changes and was previously affiliated with the national testing brand Steep Hill Labs until earlier this year when the latter announced its exit from the marijuana testing industry. In September, Kocis stepped down from Green Analytics, which was operating under the name Steep Hill at the time. Subsequently, he joined the CCC the following month.

The CCC defended the hiring decision through a spokesperson, emphasizing Kocis’ valuable industry experience, which rendered him a competent candidate for the position. The spokesperson asserted that Kocis was fully transparent during the hiring process and has since severed all financial and professional ties with his former employers and companies.

The issue of inflated THC numbers at testing labs has been a longstanding concern nationwide, with allegations that some labs appease dispensaries and producers by providing higher THC percentages. The lack of standardized procedures and limited state oversight in Massachusetts led to marijuana product labels overstating THC levels by up to one-third, according to an investigation conducted by CommonWealth magazine in December 2022. The magazine also uncovered instances of contaminated products being sold in dispensaries.

Speaking anonymously, a number of observers and participants in the Massachusetts marijuana sector said Green Analytics was well-known for being a lab where a marijuana company could obtain favorable results.

Massachusetts lawmakers are presently deliberating the introduction of additional oversight for state marijuana regulators. Two bills proposed earlier in the year in the state legislature would establish an independent auditor, separate from CCC Executive Director Shawn Collins, to investigate claims concerning the agency.

While these concerns about the official appointed are debated, the industry is likely to take shape, and entities with operations such as those of Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are likely to do brisk business in this budding industry.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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 — Washington State Announces Online Portal to Process Reimbursements for Illegal Drug Prosecutions

Washington State recently announced an online portal aimed at facilitating the payment of legal fees for those who were charged with crimes under drug criminalization statutes that were later ruled illegal by the state Supreme Court in 2021. The newly established Blake Refund Bureau website, initiated by the state AOC, is a collaborative effort involving public defenders, courts, advocates, prosecutors, county clerks and other stakeholders.

The site’s primary objective is to provide relief to those impacted by the shortcomings in the state’s drug possession charges penal code. The court determined that the existing statutes may potentially criminalize accidental possession because they do not demand evidence of a person’s knowledge of their involvement in the crime.

As a consequence of this landmark ruling, the state’s law that made marijuana possession illegal was declared invalid. However, subsequently, the state legislature enacted a measure reinstating prohibition with the governor’s consent, making legislative changes to conform with constitutional standards and inflicting less harsh penalties for possession than the prior legislation.

The enacted legislation has set aside a substantial sum of $47 million to enable a comprehensive study and vacation of thousands of records for misdemeanor cannabis possession and felony drug possession. A further $50 million will be set aside to repay qualified people for court-ordered penalties and expenses, sometimes known as legal financial responsibilities.

AOC is preparing a comprehensive public outreach campaign to increase involvement in the relief effort and raise awareness of it. The campaign aims to educate the affected community about their legal options and how to obtain compensation when their convictions are overturned.

In the meantime, a number of other drug-policy reform initiatives have made progress in the state this session. For instance, a bill that Governor Jay Inslee signed into law in May will shield employees from encountering employment discrimination because of their legal use of marijuana throughout the hiring process. Inslee also supported legislation that month allowing for the interstate sale of cannabis, subject to a change in federal law.

He also took action on a bill in May that would have encouraged psilocybin research and established a pilot program to allow therapeutic use of the psychedelic for the treatment of mental illness. A portion of the final legislation, which he claimed no longer matched the original goal of the bill, was partially vetoed by him before he signed it.

As the last vestiges of cannabis prohibition are slowly redressed, many entities such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are likely to see their sales picking up as more jurisdictions around the country pass enabling laws.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

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.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.