🗑️ Dumpster Dilemma

Maryland dispensary fined $26K for selling weed found discarded in dumpster.

Happy Monday, Cannabin-vestors! Fentanyl's deadly grip on the overdose crisis means that a dark and deadly trend is emerging. The rise of fentanyl smoking has now surpassed the grim toll of shooting heroin.

Plus, the DEA just made the biggest fentanyl bust in history. Here’s how they tracked down enough fentanyl “to kill every American.”

And, check out the newest episode of Cannabis Insider, also available on Apple and Spotify.*

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TOP STORY

Joe Biden GIF by Election 2020

Briefly: A new poll shows 58% of voters favor rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. Support was strongest among younger voters.

So Basically: Voters aged 18-25 are particularly crucial to the 81-year-old President’s re-election hopes. The demographic typically votes Democratic, but tends to show low turnout…

That Is: Unless a pressing issue sparks a fire under them like a Zippo to an exquisitely rolled spliff.

So What? Voters of all parties showed net positive support for federal legalization. But all remaining Republican candidates believe states should decide.

What Next: Is weed what’s needed to get young people to vote? And, no, I don’t mean by handing out pre-rolls at polls. (Although that could help too.)

ANNOUNCING A NEW INITIATIVE

In a strategic move poised to reshape its position within the California cannabis market, Talarya Brands today announced a comprehensive initiative focused on the consolidation of distressed operators across the value chain.

This approach leverages Talarya's managerial excellence as well as the established sales channels and brand equity of its flagship house brands, Cream of the Crop and West Coast Trading Company.

“This is not just about expansion; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where our brands, including Cream of the Crop and West Coast Trading Company, can thrive alongside those we integrate into our operations,” CEO Dustin Milner said.

FIVE ZINGERS

Rumor Mill: Will the government kill cannabis home-grow In Argentina?

Cannabis On The Phone: This company is bringing medical marijuana telehealth to over half the U.S.

Cannabis Waste Sales: Washington State proposes bill to sell cannabis waste rather than dumping, reducing methane emissions

So Long COVID: A new study shows cannabis helps improve symptoms of long COVID.

Bad News First: Decriminalizing shrooms didn’t make California’s 2024 ballot, but psychedelics reform is still tripping across the country. 

ONE FOR THE ROAD

Briefly: Boris Jordan, the executive chair of Curaleaf Holdings, recently shared insights into the company’s dedication to enhancing its product offerings, particularly in flower quality.

What Happened: During a focused discussion, Jordan emphasized Curaleaf’s role as a leader in cannabis products. “Curaleaf has always been an innovator on the product side,” he stated at the 2023 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, revealing, “About 11 percent of our revenues every year comes from new products that we’ve introduced to the marketplace.”

Why It Matters: This period marks a busy period for the cannabis industry, with influential regulatory developments, such as the recent approval of the SAFER Banking Act by the Senate Banking Committee, signaling evolving opportunities and challenges.

On Top Of That: Numinus’ accredited certification programs in ketamine, MDMA and psilocybin-assisted therapy currently have more than 700 learners enrolled.

What Next: Jordan’s leadership and vision for Curaleaf reflect a proactive approach to navigating this changing landscape, with a clear focus on product innovation, market expansion, and regulatory adaptation.

KEEP READING

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