NewsRoom Articles - Page 3 of 587

WednesdayApr 02, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Narcotics Officials Say Oklahoma’s Black Market Cannabis Exceeds $100bn in Value

The illegal cannabis market in Oklahoma has ballooned to billions of dollars, according to recent data from the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. According to Donnie Anderson, director of the bureau, the state’s tracking system missed about 70 million pounds of cannabis between March last year and this year, which is roughly 30 times more than what is required to meet the demand of the state’s 300,000 registered medical cannabis patients. This is a sharp rise from the 22 million pounds unaccounted for between 2022 and 2023, showing a nearly threefold increase in…

WednesdayApr 02, 2025 9:00 am

ZJ Events to Connect the Global Counterculture Community at the Alternative Products Expo, Miami

The ZJ Alternative Products Expo will be held from April 3-5, 2025, at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami. The expo showcases the latest trends and the finest products and services of the counterculture community, tapping a worldwide audience. With Miami emerging as the epicenter of flavors, cultures, and smoke shops, the event aims to blend the local flavor of Florida with the rest of America. ZJ Events organizes networking events by compiling valuable data on alternative products and presenting to leading brands, manufacturers, and dealers. They provide the counterculture community with a robust platform for exciting learning and…

TuesdayApr 01, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Bills Improving Medical Marijuana Oversight in Pennsylvania Advance Following Media Investigations

Pennsylvania lawmakers are stepping up their scrutiny of the state’s medical cannabis program following investigative reports by Spotlight PA. A recent measure aimed at increasing oversight of doctors involved in the program gained strong bipartisan support in the state House, moving forward in March. Additionally, state Senator Rosemary Brown cited the newsroom’s reports while questioning officials from the Shapiro administration. Brown raised concerns about medical cannabis prescribing practices during a budget hearing in February, asking what measures were in place to prevent potential abuses. Her concerns align with investigations revealing that some doctors approve a disproportionately high number of medical…

MondayMar 31, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Why M&A Activity Could Be Declining in the Marijuana Industry

According to statistics from Viridian Capital Advisors, a data analytics and investment banking firm based in New York, there was a 33% drop in the value of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from the $1.74bn in 2023 to the $1.16bn registered last year. Frank Colombo, the MD of Viridian discussed a number of factors that could explain this trend. Colombo explains that the cash situation within the marijuana industry is very tight. He adds that many M&A deals have tanked because firms have been trying to conserve cash during the recent two years. He explains that the motivation behind marijuana M&A…

MondayMar 31, 2025 9:00 am

Alt Products Expo Concludes in Medellín, Sets Sights on Miami in April

The Alternative Products Expo successfully wrapped up its 2025 event in Medellín, Colombia, on March 1-2, reinforcing its position as a premier gathering for the counterculture industry. This year’s event brought together thousands of attendees, including leading manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, entrepreneurs, and industry pioneers, to explore innovations, foster connections, and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. Originally launched as the USA CBD Expo, the event rebranded in 2017 to reflect the expanding landscape of alternative products, including cannabis derivatives, CBD, vape products, smokeables, functional mushrooms, herbal supplements, and other cutting-edge innovations. Since then, it has become a must-attend event for businesses…

FridayMar 28, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — How California Keeps Legally Grown Marijuana Safe for Consumption

Walking into Vibe Cultivators, an indoor marijuana farm in Sacramento, California, the first thing you notice is the strong, unmistakable smell of marijuana. The facility is filled with rows of plants stacked on two levels, bathed in artificial light. “Every plant here is tagged,” explains Brian Prichard, Vibe’s founder. The state-mandated tags prove the farm is fully licensed and not part of an underground operation. Each tag includes the grower’s name, license number, and a unique ID for tracking purposes. Prichard reflects on how much the industry has changed since California legalized cannabis. In the past, secrecy was a necessity,…

ThursdayMar 27, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Report Indicates California Registered Significant Marijuana Production Increase

California’s legal marijuana production rose by 11.8% in 2024, reaching 1.4 million pounds, according to a newly released report by the state’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Despite this growth, the illegal cannabis trade remains dominant, with unlicensed production estimated at 11.4 million pounds. Although its exact destinations remain unclear, a significant portion of this illicit marijuana finds its way outside California. The report highlights a significant gap between legal production and total marijuana consumption within California, which stands at 3.8 million pounds annually. Illegal sales within the state nearly double those of licensed retailers, indicating that while the legal…

WednesdayMar 26, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Gov. Hochul Signs Bills Expanding Program for Cannabis Farmers’ Markets in NY

New York’s governor, Kathy Hochul, has officially signed two measures that expand the state’s cannabis farmers’ market program. The measures allow licensed marijuana businesses to form broader partnerships and host independent “pop-up” functions. The state first introduced marijuana farmers’ markets in 2023 to accelerate consumer access while traditional retail licenses were still being processed. This also helped growers sell their products more easily. However, the program ended in January 2024. In December, Hochul signed a law to reinstate it, and now the newly approved legislation further enhances its scope. The bills, sponsored by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo and Senator Michelle Hinchey,…

TuesdayMar 25, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Poll Finds Majority in Utah Support Recreational Marijuana Legalization

A recent poll conducted on behalf of a Utah medical marijuana advocacy group indicates that most Utah residents would support a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana. The survey results show that 52% of voters favor such a measure—the same percentage that approved medical marijuana in the state in 2018. Despite the survey results, Alex Iorg, co-founder of Wholesome Co. and a member of the newly formed group “Keep Utah Medical,” believes the state is not yet ready for recreational cannabis. He suggested that unless the medical program is improved, broader legalization may become inevitable. “If we don’t make it…

TuesdayMar 25, 2025 10:00 am

40% of Veterans With Chronic Pain Say They Use Cannabis to Ease Symptoms

A recent study has revealed that four in every ten U.S. military veterans suffering from chronic pain use cannabis to manage their symptoms. Published in the journal Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, the study found that 40% of veterans turn to marijuana to alleviate issues related to pain, sleep disturbances, and mobility challenges. Additionally, a significant number of veterans reported using cannabis to cope with stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also highlighted the overwhelming support for open discussions about natural remedies in healthcare, with 98% of surveyed veterans stating that medical providers should educate…