420 with CNW — Marijuana Successes on Capitol Hill Galvanize Protagonist Groups

The past two decades have seen a dramatic shift in attitudes toward cannabis among both the American public and lawmakers. Millions of Americans now have access to marijuana through dozens of medical and recreational cannabis markets, and the controversial plant has strong support in legislative circles.

Several polls also show that a majority of Americans support legalizing or decriminalizing the plant in some capacity. For example, a 2022 study by Pew Research Center found that 88% of American adults say medical and recreational cannabis use should be legal for adults while only 10% said cannabis shouldn’t be legal.

With cannabis drawing incredible support from both Americans and their representatives, fighting the wave of cannabis reform sweeping across the country can seem nigh impossible. In fact, anticannabis legalization groups at Capitol Hill are having an exceedingly hard time keeping the fight alive now that several top lawmakers are seriously considering federal cannabis legalization.

Even so, a small but persistent group of lawmakers mostly drawn from the Republican Party are still fighting against procannabis policies in Washington, and they seem to be pushing back. The group of lawmakers has won several important victories against cannabis reform policies in recent months including halting progress on a critical cannabis bill.

Republican Senator James Lankford heavily criticized the methodology and necessity of research proposed by a bill on marijuana-based treatments for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pressure from conservative factions eventually caused the bill to be passed out of committee unanimously.

According to Justin Strekal, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) former director in charge of political affairs and founder of a procannabis legalization PAC, cannabis reform has reached the “fight you” stage. With drug reformists in the nation scoring major wins in recent years, Strekal said the recent losses to anti-legalization factions showed that things can go wrong at the last moment.

More than a dozen lawmakers led by Lankford and Representative Pete Sessions also sent a letter to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration asking it to reject a proposal to reduce federal cannabis restrictions by the Biden administration. This came after President Joe Biden directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to recommend a review of marijuana’s status under the Controlled Substances Act.

The lawmakers argued that cannabis rescheduling decisions should be based on science and proven facts rather than popular opinion or legislative changes at the state level.

Senators Cynthia Lummis and Steve Daines were also quick to respond and introduced a bill that would require Congressional approval before the Biden administration could make any changes to federal cannabis policy.

These unfolding political developments are likely to be kept on the radars of cannabis companies such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) since the outcome could impact the trajectory of the industry in the United States.

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 — Cannabis Banking Law Complicated by Conflicting Priorities, House Speaker Issues

The U.S. marijuana industry received a boost of positive news from Washington, D.C., in late summer, but the road ahead may not be as smooth as initially hoped. There are fresh challenges that may hinder the passage of cannabis banking reform in Congress.

On the positive side, experts on Capitol Hill believe that the U.S. Senate is likely to approve the SAFER Banking Act. The act offers protections for financial institutions serving state-legal marijuana businesses, shielding them from federal prosecution. The legislation successfully passed a significant Senate committee in late September. However, complications unrelated to the banking reform or marijuana are currently clouding the outlook. Much of the congressional business is at a standstill due to ongoing internal conflicts within the House of Representatives.

The Republican Party, which holds a slim majority, has yet to choose a new speaker following the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Moreover, when legislative activities do resume, they will be preoccupied with other pressing priorities, including averting a government shutdown and addressing the escalating conflict in Israel.

Another complicating factor is the opposition to marijuana policy reform by key House members, including Representatives Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan, both of whom were nominated for speaker. Scalise eventually dropped out of the speaker race due to insufficient support, leaving the House Republicans in turmoil.

Despite these challenges, the Senate appears to maintain a positive outlook. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is determined to pass the SAFER Banking Act and intends to introduce a “SAFER-plus” package, combining provisions related to gun ownership rights and marijuana arrest-record expungements.

A full Senate floor vote for SAFER Banking could happen in the upcoming work period, with David Culver, a senior vice president for public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council, expressing optimism. However, the House must also approve the bill, and it may not be as straightforward as the Senate.

While the full House passed the predecessor to SAFER Banking, SAFE Banking, multiple times, the current bill faces opposition from House Republicans due to specific language regarding Operation Chokepoint. This challenge requires further negotiations, competing for time and attention with pressing international issues and potential government shutdowns.

As the year progresses, the 2024 presidential election will further complicate the legislative calendar. Congress is expected to have limited attention for standalone bills as election season gains momentum, making the window for passing the bill narrow.

Nonetheless, there are still potential positive developments on the horizon, particularly with the Biden administration’s rescheduling recommendation in August. The recommendation, if implemented, could alleviate federal tax challenges for marijuana businesses.

Some industry executives see this as a sign that SAFER Banking, while important, may not be as critical as other ambitious bills, including federal legalization and the potential for interstate commerce.

Cannabis companies such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) will be looking forward to the enactment of federal cannabis banking legislation so that some of the operational challenges they face, especially in accessing financial services, ease.

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 — Georgia State Residents Could Soon Access Medical Cannabis in Pharmacies

Officials in Georgia recently announced that the state would begin to provide medical cannabis products in pharmacies statewide. Last week, the state’s pharmacy board started accepting applications for independent pharmacies that wanted to take part in the exercise. Once applications have been submitted, all pharmacies will have to undergo inspection before they can receive approval from the board.

Thus far, almost 120 drugstores have agreed to provide drugs from Botanical Sciences, one of the licensed production companies in the state. It is expected that it will take a couple of weeks before medical cannabis is available in pharmacies. At the moment, medical cannabis is available to individuals in the state who have received approval from a physician for the treatment of serious illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson’s disease, seizures and terminal cancers.

THC oil should contain no more than 5% THC, which is one of the two major compounds found in marijuana. The expansion of medical marijuana sales into pharmacies will allow many more patients to access THC oil, which adds to the seven dispensaries in the state that have launched since April. Individuals will be able to purchase THC oil at drug stores once they present a state-issued registry card and identification.

Botanical Sciences notes that nearly 90% of the population in the state live within a half-hour drive of a pharmacy that sells medical cannabis. Mindy Leech, a pharmacist in Newnan, stated that this move by the state would help destigmatize medical marijuana while also making it more comfortable for customers to ask questions about the drugs.

In 2019, the Georgia General Assembly approved the distribution of low THC oil. However, it’s taken years to establish regulations for inspections, safety, licensing and distribution.

In other news, the state’s department of public health recently revealed that it had misreported the number of registered medical cannabis patients in Georgia. The inflated figure, 50,000, is far higher than the 14,000 individuals who have signed up for the program.

Jonathan Marquess, Georgia Pharmacy Association VP, stated that patients who didn’t have dispensaries near them would be able to access this healthcare. Marquess, who owns a number of pharmacies in the Atlanta area, noted that with more than 400 independent pharmacies in the state, most would be interested in selling cannabis oil given that the product isn’t being sold in drugstores such as Walgreens and CVS.

Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission’s executive director Andrew Turnage added the pharmacy rule would help licensees as well as patients.

A time will come when states such as Georgia will fully reform their marijuana laws so that local companies can also enjoy the kind of success that enterprises such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) have earned for themselves in the markets in which they operate.

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 — US Nurses Association Recognizes Marijuana as Specialty Practice Area

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has released a formal statement recognizing marijuana as a specialty practice area for nursing. The statement, which was released last week, highlighted that cannabis nurses would play a crucial role in providing patients with guidance and education on how to incorporate cannabis into treatment.

Currently, the ANA represents more than 5 million nurses across the United States. The organization’s president, Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, stated that this move underscored the crucial role and special contribution of marijuana nurses to the healthcare system and promoted integration of marijuana treatments for health care consumers in different healthcare settings.

The ANA also credited the American Cannabis Nurses Association for contributing to the extensive landscape of nursing practice and patient care and pioneering the marijuana nursing field. The ACNA advocates for studies on medical cannabis, as well as education and policy reform on the same. ACNA president Rachel Parmelee stated that the organization was gratified by the establishment of marijuana nursing as a recognized nursing specialty.

In her statement, Parmelee observed that cannabis nursing needed specialized knowledge and competencies to address the stigma linked to the use of medical marijuana, navigate care and support a healthy society. She then noted that the organization’s objective was to establish lasting and transformative change that would enrich both general and specialized nursing practices, helping serve the needs of patients across the country.

In its statement, the ANA also voiced its support for urgent clinical studies informing patients on the effectiveness of cannabis and associated cannabinoids, quoting its 2021 statement on the therapeutic use of marijuana. The 2021 statement suggested that cannabis be reclassified as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act to facilitate research. The statement also called for the development of evidence-based standards for dosing and use of marijuana and the protection of patients who used cannabis from criminal or civil penalties.

Generally speaking, nurses in America have favorably supported the legalization of cannabis. One survey conducted in 2018 determined that 82% of polled nurses were in favor of legalizing medical cannabis while almost 60% supported the legalization of adult-use marijuana.

While there has been an increase in studies on marijuana in the last few years, certain obstacles continue to hinder progression. A good example would be marijuana’s current classification as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This schedule makes it hard for researchers to obtain marijuana for research and even harder to study it.

This formal recognition of marijuana as a nursing specialty practice field is likely to be positively received by the wider cannabis industry, including entities such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) since it inches cannabis closer to being integrated fully into mainstream medical care.

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 — Bipartisan Senators Unveil SAFER Marijuana Banking Bill

Bipartisan senators led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have formally unveiled a revised cannabis banking bill that would grant America’s state-legal cannabis industry access to financial services. Called the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, the measure would ensure state-legal cannabis businesses could access bank deposit accounts, insurance, cashless payments and a variety of other financial services that are accessible to businesses in other industries.

The cosponsors for the revised bill include Senators Chuck Schumer, Steve Daines, Jeff Merkley, Kevin Kramer, Cynthia Lummis, Krysten Sinema, Cory Booker, Bob Mendelez and Dan Sullivan. A statement from the cosponsors said the measure would make small businesses and their communities safer by allowing cannabis retailers to use financial services such as bank accounts and business loans. Furthermore, the statement explained that the measure would protect accounts in credit unions or banks from closure by federal banking regulators due to reputational risk.

For most of the state-legal cannabis industry’s existence, federal prohibition has made it nigh impossible for marijuana businesses to access financial services. Because federal law still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no medical application and potential for abuse, financial institutions shy away from serving businesses in the state-legal cannabis industry to avoid negative consequences from federal regulators.

This has forced many cannabis retailers to operate on a largely cash-only basis, meaning the average cannabis business likely has physical cash stored on its premises during business hours. Since cannabis and cash are highly liquid commodities, cannabis businesses across the country are at risk of theft and have regularly been subjected to violent robberies.  Limited access to financial aid and loans also reduces growth opportunities in the sector and ensures that only those with large capital backing can have even a remote chance of success.

The SAFER Banking Act and its previous iterations were designed to fix this issue by finally allowing banks and other financial institutions to serve state-sanctioned cannabis businesses without the threat of legal consequences by the federal government.

Schumer said in a separate statement that the federal government had punished marijuana users and businesses in the sector “for too long” despite the continued harm it does to the country. The failed war on drugs caused significant long-term damage to communities of color and is now causing harm to the nascent cannabis sector. In many cases, federal cannabis policies have put many cannabis business owners in mortal danger.

A markup of the bill will be presented to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs this week. Schumer also noted that he intended to bring the revised cannabis banking bill to the Senate floor as quickly as possible.

The cannabis industry, including enterprises such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be waiting to see if this draft law fares any better than previous attempts to enact marijuana banking reforms at the federal level.

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 — Twist of Fate? DEA Now Tasked with Steering Marijuana Rescheduling

The United States is on the brink of a groundbreaking shift in its approach to marijuana policy. However, a significant obstacle stands in the way of this reform: the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Recognizing marijuana’s medical value, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS) recommended reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance in response to President Joe Biden’s call for a comprehensive review of marijuana scheduling last year. This pivotal moment in federal government policy places the key marijuana decision in the hands of the DEA, an agency historically associated with the country’s war on drugs.

The timeline for the DEA’s response remains uncertain, but experts speculate that an initial proposed rule could emerge by the year’s end, with finalization expected in the following spring. While the DEA cannot outright reject the HHS recommendation, its evaluation must encompass both legal and policy considerations, aligning with U.S. obligations under international drug-control treaties.

Barring an unlikely rejection of the HHS recommendation, the DEA must propose a federal law change consistent with the comprehensive scientific evaluation of marijuana. However, once the DEA suggests the change, more hurdles await, including a public comment period lasting typically 30 to 60 days, the DEA’s review of comments and potential lawsuits that could further delay implementation.

This marks the first time a president has ordered the DEA to review marijuana law, a significant departure from previous rejections of rescheduling petitions. The journey of marijuana through Capitol Hill bureaucracy began on Oct. 6, 2022, when President Biden instructed Cabinet-level agencies to expedite the review of marijuana scheduling.

Since 1970, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I substance, defined as having no medicinal value and high potential for abuse. This designation poses significant challenges to legal marijuana businesses, including limited tax deductions, restricted access to mainstream banks and U.S.-based stock exchanges, and the constant threat of DEA raids. The federal ban also hampers research, product development, workplace safety regulations and health insurance matters. Previous efforts to challenge marijuana’s classification came through petitions or court actions by state governors and advocacy groups, such as NORML.

The DEA faces the challenge of creating a meticulous administrative record for impending lawsuits. Those lawsuits could potentially be filed by a wide range of individuals and organizations, from those wanting to maintain marijuana’s illegality to advocates seeking its descheduling. Regardless of the DEA’s recommendation, conflicts between state and federal laws will persist, necessitating congressional action in the long-term. Nonetheless, a significant change in marijuana policy appears inevitable and more imminent than ever before.

Industry companies such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) will probably be waiting with bated breath to see what decision the DEA makes regarding the change in the scheduling of marijuana.

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 — NORML Says Rescheduling Cannabis Not Enough

Almost a year after the President Biden administration initiated the process urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) to swiftly evaluate the federal scheduling of marijuana, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has affirmed the agency’s recommendation to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I drug to a lower classification. Although the specific details of the HHS recommendation remain undisclosed, recent Bloomberg News reports indicate that the department advocates moving cannabis to Schedule III within the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

This proposed alteration has garnered praise from certain quarters, particularly within the commercial marijuana industry, as a significant stride forward. Conversely, entities such as NORML have adopted a more measured stance. NORML asserts that there are three key reasons why cannabis ought to be descheduled rather than rescheduled.

First, moving cannabis to a lower schedule under the CSA continues to exaggerate the plant’s purported safety risks in comparison to other controlled drugs, including benzodiazepines (classified as Schedule IV), ketamine and anabolic steroids (presently under Schedule III), or alcohol, which remains unscheduled.

Secondly, moving marijuana to Schedule III deviates from cultural and public consensus. Americans do not wish to equate cannabis with heroin, as it currently stands, but they also oppose its association with Schedule III substances such as ketamine, which can only be legally possessed with a physician’s prescription.

Most crucially, this proposed alteration doesn’t do much to reconcile the growing disparity between federal and state-legal cannabis legislation. If the administration reclassifies cannabis as a Schedule III substance, all state laws currently in conflict with federal-level legislation will persist in their conflict.

Conversely, NORML has consistently advocated for the complete descheduling of cannabis, effectively removing it from the CSA. This approach would empower states, rather than the federal government, to regulate cannabis according to their preferences without violating federal legislation. In a NORML blog post addressing this matter, Paul Armentano, NORML deputy director, expressed his ongoing efforts in promoting NORML’s descheduling initiative to numerous mainstream media channels, including PBS, UPI, the Washington Post and the Associated Press, thereby reaching millions of individuals.

During one of his appearances on CNN, Armentano stated that alcohol and tobacco are conspicuously absent from the CSA, yet they are widely acknowledged to pose significantly greater health hazards than cannabis. He thus argued that cannabis should receive the same treatment when it comes to federal scheduling.

NORML positions itself as a grassroots organization championing freedom and civil liberties while advocating for the interests of responsible cannabis consumers and remaining committed to advancing the case for sensible marijuana policies, including descheduling.

Leading marijuana companies such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) are likely to follow the events in Washington, D.C., until a final decision on marijuana’s current status under the CSA is announced by the DEA.

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 — Survey Shows Patients Satisfied with Marijuana as Neuropathy Treatment

A recent survey has found that marijuana is equally effective in alleviating neuropathy symptoms as opioids, raising questions about the validity of previous studies that utilized government-grown cannabis with lower potency. The survey was conducted by NuggMD, a company that connects patients with medical marijuana recommendations, and it involved 603 participants who used marijuana primarily or secondarily for neuropathy.

In the study, neuropathy, a painful condition, was measured by patients who assessed their pain levels on a scale of 1 to 10 both prior to and after using marijuana as a remedy. The outcomes were promising, indicating considerable relief. The average pain score prior to using cannabis was 7.64, and it decreased to 3.44 after consumption, resulting in an average pain relief of 4.2 out of 10.

These findings were on par with or even better than conventional treatments such as prescription opioids, as demonstrated by previous research. For instance, a 2017 trial illustrated that acetaminophen and oxycodone, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, acetaminophen and codeine, and acetaminophen and hydrocodone provided pain relief scores of 4.4, 4.3, 3.9 and 3.5, respectively.

Only 10 states explicitly recognize neuropathy as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis.

The researchers also noted that although increasing cannabinoid dosages didn’t consistently lead to greater relief, patients generally benefitted from higher-potency marijuana containing over 20% THC. This observation might explain the discrepancy between NuggMD’s findings and previous studies that employed lower-THC marijuana.

Among the surveyed patients, the majority (58.6%) used cannabis flower with THC exceeding 20%. Fewer participants used concentrates (26.3%), sub-20% THC flower (11.1%), or noninhalable products (3.9%). In essence, patients who found cannabis effective predominantly chose high-potency products, which are widely available and notably more potent than research-grade government cannabis.

The study’s authors highlighted that the consistency lay in the use of high-potency marijuana with 20% or higher THC. They pointed out that much of the pain-relief research used cannabis products with less than 20% THC, leading to claims that THC isn’t effective for pain relief.

Until recently, federally sanctioned marijuana research solely utilized cannabis from a DEA-authorized farm, which was widely criticized for its quality. This research monopoly was disrupted when the DEA approved additional growers, offering a more diverse range of cannabis strains.

However, NuggMD’s findings imply that prior neuropathy studies might have been compromised due to low-THC products. Lawmakers have voiced concerns about researchers’ limited access to cannabis that resembles what’s actually available in dispensaries. Efforts to change this policy have advanced in Congress but have yet to pass. Despite President Joe Biden’s move to ease marijuana research last year, the final bill didn’t include provisions for scientists to acquire retail cannabis.

NIDA Director Nora Volkow also highlighted that this restriction, combined with cannabis’s Schedule I classification, has hindered comprehensive research into its benefits and risks.

The NuggMD study doesn’t establish causal evidence of cannabis’s efficacy in treating neuropathic pain but underscores patients’ preference for medical marijuana over alternative treatments. When asked about their choice if they lacked access to medical cannabis, most respondents were inclined to tolerate symptoms (128) or use alcohol (36) rather than opt for opioids (112).

This survey suggests that patients aren’t just buying medical cannabis products from enterprises such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) as part of a fad. The patients keep using those products because they experience relief from their symptoms.

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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Savvy Companies Eye Promising Potential in Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: A recent Data Bridge Market Research report notes that the once-hot cannabis industry looks to be heating up again — in a big way. The report includes predictions that the global legal marijuana market will total more than $90 billion by 2027. Smart companies are jostling for a strong position in this explosive space, looking to leverage their expertise to capitalize on opportunities the multi-billion-dollar sector provides. Recognizing key challenges in the industry, including availability of often subpar quality of available product along with the high cost of development and land acquisition, Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) (PACR Profile) is focusing on its state-of-the-art genetics to ensure  production of premium-quality products. In addition, the company is relying on science and key strategic partnerships to eliminate quality and cost barriers to success. Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) has received regulatory approval for its acquisition of one of 10 vertically integrated licenses in New York while Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) has received complete GMP certification at its EU campus. Aurora Cannabis Inc.  (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB) has almost completed the first phase of a business transformation focused on setting up the company for success in this burgeoning space. And in the medical-use sector, Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ARNA) is pursuing a significant unmet opportunity for a targeted IBS pain treatment using olorinab, a peripherally acting, highly selective, full agonist of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2).

  • Absolute access to one of Canada’s largest live, genetic cannabis library provides PACR with more than 350 lab-tested, field-tested cultivars.
  • Superior flowers are key to producing superior cannabis products.
  • Pac Roots chooses best outdoor growing climates in Canada for its growing cultivation operations.

Click here to view the custom infographic of the Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) editorial.

Delivering the Best

While it may seem obvious, the availability of high-quality flowers is essential to the process of producing high-quality cannabis products. Yet as demand for cannabis products has increased and more companies have entered the flourishing space, the quality of raw cannabis product may actually be slipping as companies focus more on market share than quality.

Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) is committed to delivering the finest cannabis genetics to its customers, preserving the superiority of its carefully cultivated elite strains while also working to introduce unmatched new strains. While some companies may work to be the largest cannabis grower, Pac Roots believes that product quality is paramount. With demand for premium products at an all-time high, Pac Roots is dedicated to becoming a leader in the premium-cannabis space.

The company achieves this objective in part through its strategic licensing agreement with Phenome One Corp, which gives Pac Roots complete access to one of Canada’s largest live, genetic cannabis library with both field- and lab-tested, selectively bred cultivars. Pac Roots utilizes the cultivars in the Phenome One library to grow, breed and clone its own distinctive brands. Through vigilant breeding and cultivation, Pac Roots offers everything from CBD-dominant plants with rare terpene profiles and soaring 30%-plus THC giants to West Coast outdoor, botrytis-resistant plants.

Pac Roots and Phenome One are developing exclusive strains with several beneficial characteristics. The impressive catalog consists of more than 350 tested cultivars; approximately 50 are in the super-elite category. The aim for the partnership is to offer the highest-quality cultivars that have been proven and tested under variable commercial conditions to provide the greatest resilience. The two companies share a dedication to delivering rich THC and CBD cultivars with unique terpene profiles while continuing to attain industry-leading GPW yield.

Key to Quality Cannabis

Superior genetics isn’t the only key to cultivating quality cannabis. Optimized farming systems are crucial in the pursuit of quality product. Pac Roots works closely with carefully selected partners to improve cultivation through proprietary methods, including the following fundamental components:

  • Nutrients are custom formulated from raw salts for specific cultivars.
  • Systematic planting of young, hardy cultivars, measuring up to 18 inches, which provides maximum opportunity for growth and resilience.
  • Row compaction and mowing for weed control, enabling a selected harvest
  • Complex irrigation systems with direct-nutrient and spring-water delivery to each plant site.

In addition to observing tested and refined cultivation methods, Pac Roots carefully selected its cultivation sites, focuses its operations on the finest outdoor growing climates in Canada, including the South Okanagan Valley and the Fraser Valley Regional District.

Golden Mile Cultivation

Known as the Golden Mile and now referred to as the Napa Valley of the North, the South Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is the location of Rock Creek Farms, a 100-acre, premium-hemp, joint venture that Pac Roots started in May 2020 after receiving its hemp cultivation license from Health Canada.

Planting began in June when approximately 130,000 premium-hemp CBD seedlings, which had been sown earlier in greenhouses to ensure optimum growth and reduce environmental impact, were systematically planted across two 50-acre parcels. With harvesting projected to begin in October, the hemp plantation crop is expected to be between 500,000 and 700,00 pounds of biomass; 100% of that yield is already under contract with a processor at fair market value.

“It has been a busy for months since listing on the CSE in early May 2020,” said Pac Roots CEO Patrick Elliott. “We are proud to have a healthy crop and remain bullish on delivering a premium, high-yielding product to our customer. In early 2020, we had a goal of becoming a revenue generator in 2020 as market appetite was evolving towards a cash flow scenario and realizing on projected forecasts as paramount to survival in this industry. We are privileged to be involved with our strategic partners at Rock Creeks Farms, Phenome One and Speakeasy Cannabis Club as a production scenario in our first year of operation would not have been possible without the generous leasing of land, equipment, licenses, infrastructure, genetics, operations team, management and expertise to round off the joint venture.”

Fraser Valley Production

In addition, the company is slated to soon complete a share purchase agreement of 250 acres of prestigious land in the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) of British Columbia. The agreement, made with 1088070 BC. Ltd. outlines Pac Roots’ plans to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of 1088, which owned nine parcels of pristine property in FVRD, one of the most productive and intensively farmed areas in Canada. The area offers the finest soil, a favorable climate, ample water and a local market of an estimated 2.5 million people. Agriculture in this region yields an annual economic value of more than $3 billion.

“The addition of such a substantial package of land to our portfolio is a major step for Pac Roots,” said Elliott. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to add significant acreage with an acquisitional cost base of $9,600 per acre. This land has no zoning restrictions and is not situated within the Agricultural land reserve, which provides for infinite development possibilities.”

The acquisition of the 250 FVRD acres combined with the 100-acre hemp joint venture in Rock Creek, along with the company’s plans for an indoor cultivation facility in Lake Country, British Columbia, demonstrates a long pipeline of development projects for Pac Roots. Through these recent achievements, the growing company is confirming its ability to optimize cultivation with seasoned expertise. Its commitment to maximizing yield while lowering production costs seems evident throughout Pac Roots’ strategic growth plan.

With demand for superior cannabis products only expected to increase as large-scale growers appear incapable of delivering a premium-grade flower, Pac Roots looks to have firmly established its focus on offering the best crops available and developing the future of genetics. “Preserving the excellence of our elite strains while introducing the highest quality of new strains to the public is our passion,” the company’s website declares, and its recent activity in the cannabis market looks to support that mission.

Becoming Cannabis Players

While Pac Roots is distinctive in its approach and commitment to quality, it isn’t the only company vying for market share in the flourishing cannabis sector.

Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) announced that it has received regulatory approval for its acquisition of 100% of the membership interests of Gloucester Street Capital, the parent entity of Valley Agriceuticals LLC, via a merger between Gloucester and an indirect subsidiary of Cresco Labs. Valley Agriceuticals holds one of the 10 vertically integrated cannabis business licenses granted in the State of New York by the New York State Department of Health. Each license gives the operator the right to operate one cultivation facility and four dispensaries in New York. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of August.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB) recently released an update on its business operations, including the announcement of a new CEO, Miguel Martin. “Over the last six months, Aurora has focused on building the infrastructure and capabilities necessary for a successful and diversified business,” said Aurora executive chairman and interim CEO Michael Singer. “The first phase of our business transformation, which is now substantially complete, included the rationalization of our cost structure, reduced capital spending, and a more prudent and targeted approach to capital deployment. As a result, we now have a far more efficient asset base and infrastructure to supply our key global markets. I am delighted to now be transitioning the CEO responsibilities to Miguel, and I am confident that Aurora is in a strong position to succeed under Miguel’s leadership.”

Tilray Inc.’s (NASDAQ: TLRY) wholly owned subsidiary Tilray Portugal Unipessoal Lda. has received a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification in accordance with European Union standards, for its manufacturing facility in Cantanhede, Portugal. The certification expands the company’s international export capacity to serve authorized medical cannabis markets and  provides authorization to complete medical cannabis extraction on-site as well as produce bulk extracts for the manufacture of medical cannabis oil as a finished product. The certification signals another milestone for Tilray’s EU campus, which serves as the company’s  international medical cannabis hub.

Another player in the medical space is Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ARNA). The company has recognized a significant unmet opportunity for a targeted IBS pain treatment and is involved in a Phase 2, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of olorinab in patients with irritable bowel syndrome who are experiencing abdominal pain.

In an industry anticipated to top $90 billion by 2027, strategic steps taken by companies operating in the cannabis space appear to reinforce the sector’s promising future. Companies that focus on high-quality products through genetics while controlling costs could reap outsized market rewards  as the sector continues to grow and mature.

For more information about Pac Roots, please visit Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR).

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Cresco Labs (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) Featured in Virtual Coverage of Benzinga’s Cannabis Capital Conference

Cresco Labs (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) is a vertically integrated cannabis company, with a wide range of operations spanning the cannabis value chain – including cultivation, manufacturing, extraction and packaging. Employing world-class agronomists, manufacturing experts and state-of-the-art agricultural equipment, Cresco Labs is present across 9 states, operating a chain of 15 production facilities and 22 wholly-owned cannabis dispensaries. In addition to its retail sale operations, Cresco Labs has created a wide-ranging distribution network, with the company’s products currently being retailed in more than 700 dispensaries spread across the United States. Cresco Labs has recently launched its first national retail brand, Sunnyside, which is designed to revolutionize and disrupt the existing cannabis retail experience.

Barrington Rutherford, Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Community Integration at Cresco Labs, will be on the panel titled “Social Equity Programs in Michigan”. Advocates and experts will join to discuss a number of different social equity initiatives, elaborate on how these would help promote diversity and inclusion within the Michigan market, as well as the challenges surrounding how these initiatives will be defined and implemented.

To learn more about Cresco Labs, visit https://www.crescolabs.com/

For registration information and further details on Benzinga’s Cannabis Capital Conference, visit https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis/detroit/

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