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Happy Friday everyone! Nicolás Rodríguez and Patricio Liddle here, bringing you this week’s essential news to stay up to date with the latest and greatest in cannabis.

Ben Stiller’s endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket has Hollywood buzzing as the first pro-cannabis presidential campaign gains traction. Meanwhile, RIV Capital (OTC: CNPOF) and Cansortium (OTC: CNTMF) are merging to dominate the U.S. market and SNDL (NASDAQ: SNDL) is expanding its footprint in Canadian edibles. Florida’s $70+ million battle over Amendment 3 is heating up, with DeSantis and the hemp industry digging in against the growing support.

Deals, Deals, Deals: U.S. Merger And Canadian Edibles Expansion

RIV Capital and Cansortium’s merger, set to close by Q4 2024, will create a cannabis powerhouse across Florida, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania—covering 25% of the U.S. population with eight cultivation sites and 42 dispensaries.

In Canada, SNDL is expanding its edibles market share with the acquisition of Indiva’s assets, including its facility and popular brands like Pearls by Grön. This deal, also expected to close by Q4 2024, sharpens SNDL’s competitive edge and streamlines operations.

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DeSantis Vs. Legalization: The $70+ M Battle To Control Florida’s Cannabis Future

A recent poll shows 64% of Florida voters back Amendment 3, the push to legalize recreational cannabis. But Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing back hard, even as some of his allies flip sides. After vetoing a bill that would’ve tightened hemp regulations, DeSantis won unexpected support from the hemp industry, which fears losing out to legalized marijuana. Hemp execs pledged $5 million to fight Amendment 3, while Trulieve (OTC: TCNNF) has invested over $70 million in lobbying efforts to pass the measure, underlining the high stakes in Florida’s cannabis turf war.

Gen X Flocks To Ohio’s Green Boom, California’s Farmers And Cafes

Ohio’s cannabis boom is luring Gen X and Millennials into the green rush, with educational enrollments soaring. Local talent is staying put, thanks to a flourishing market that raked in $38.5 million in just two weeks. Meanwhile, California is eyeing big changes with proposals to legalize cannabis farmers markets and cafes, a potential game-changer for small growers. With new laws allowing direct sales and on-site consumption, small businesses might finally compete with the illicit market. But will Governor Newsom light up this idea, or burn it down again?

Hollywood Backs Cannabis: Stiller’s Bold Move For Harris-Walz 

Ben Stiller threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, applauding her for bringing "change" to the Democratic Party. His endorsement shines a spotlight on the Harris-Walz ticket, the first openly pro-cannabis legalization duo in a presidential race. 

In a recent interview, GOP Congresswoman Nancy Mace discussed Donald Trump’s uncertain stance on cannabis, noting his past support for medical cannabis but highlighting the GOP’s reluctance to fully embrace cannabis reform due to fears of political backlash and a generational divide within the party. 

Weekend Weed Reads

• Canada's Cannabis Growth Slowed Due To Federal Gov Inaction, Key Industry Leader Says

• Denver's Marijuana Revenue Drops 34%, But Cannabis Crime Rates Remain Low

• Home Depot To End Marijuana Testing, Limit Screening For Most Employees, Internal Memo Reveals

• 60 Years Ago, Bob Dylan Turned The Beatles On To Cannabis, Transforming Them And Rock Culture Forever

• Cheaper Than A Big Mac: Weed Penny Stocks Emerge As Winners Amidst Market Downturn

Our Writers Today

Nicolás holds a B.A. in International Relations, an M.A. in International Affairs, and an M.Phil in Public Policy. He is a doctoral student in Public and Urban Policy at The New School in New York City. After working for the United Nations in 2014, Nico pivoted his research to studying the relationship between the cannabis industry and economic development.

Patricio is a development economist with extensive experience in IT, finance, and banking. He writes about the economic and social opportunities obscured by over fifty years of drug prohibition. Beyond his professional expertise, Patricio is a committed advocate for social change, passionately working to promote harm reduction and reform drug policies.

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