The People’s Alliance Of Cannabis In Canada Brings Support, Services & Standards To The Growing Industry

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CANADA: “We are concerned with setting standards for the cannabis industry in Canada that will not only demonstrate our united strength, but also give countries across the world something to emulate as they pursue federal legalization as well,” said Anne-Marie Fischer, M.Ed., the President of the newly launched People’s Alliance of Cannabis in Canada (PACC).

The People’s Alliance of Cannabis in Canada, known as PACC, launched today on the second anniversary of cannabis legalization in Canada. PACC represents the interests of professionals and consumers within the growing cannabis space across the nation. They provide support through crucial programming, develop professional standards for the industry to emulate, encourage the unification of all cannabis markets, and create a standard for education across cannabis in our country.

PACC operates and advocates for legislative change so that we create a cannabis industry where cannabis is always safely accessed, and provided by cultivators and producers who meet a set of defined professional standards.

“We came together in spring of this year because we were all frustrated about some of the things that were happening in the cannabis industry,” says Fischer, Founder and CEO of CannaWrite, “We saw that people were losing their jobs, that harassment and discrimination was a big problem, and that there were certain divides between markets that were preventing a united front for the progression of the plant.”

The People’s Alliance of Cannabis in Canada has 6 focus areas that are led by one of the founding members, and supported by an Advisory Team of cannabis professionals, advocates, and consumers that have been carefully chosen to represent their part of cannabis. These focus areas are:

Medical Cannabis

Recreational/Retail

Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) in Cannabis

Hemp and Agriculture

Legacy Market

Cannabis Advocacy

Each Focus Area will work to develop professional standards, educational resources, and a path towards advocacy in their area of passion.

In addition to the Focus Areas, PACC will have several service areas that aim to provide support, benefits, and methods of recourse for disputes:

Group Medical Benefits

Legal Support

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Human Resources Standards/Best Practices

Harassment & Discrimination Reporting & Support

“The Founding Members of PACC all have professional backgrounds, and experiences, that we would like to see brought into this industry,” says Fischer, “By putting our skills, background, and knowledge of business, human resources, group benefits, and legal standards together, we hope that the people of cannabis feel they have somewhere to go, where they feel taken care of in all aspects of their lives”. The People’s Alliance of Cannabis in Canada will unveil its membership program, that gives professionals in cannabis access to the above services, in mid-2021.

At present, PACC is working on establishing its Advisory Team and Working Groups, at which time the organization will move forward with establishing bylaws, terms and conditions, and objectives of PACC for the remainder of this year, and the year ahead.

Joining Fischer within the Founding Board is Vice President Kelly Addison, of Kelly’s Green Lounge, Michelle Parrotta of Mimi Cannabis, Khadisha Thornhill of Afro Cannada Bud Sistas, and Stacy Bobak of Cannadent.ca. “It’s been a passionate project for us all,” says Fischer, “We’ve been working every week together to move this forward. We genuinely hope this organization is a success that is supported by many.”

To learn more about The People’s Alliance of Cannabis in Canada, visit www.peoplescannabis.ca, or follow the organization on Instagram at @peoplescannabiscanada or Facebook at www.facebook.com/peoplescannacanada

Aphria Announces Record Adult-Use Cannabis Gross Revenue in First Quarter Fiscal Year 2021

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Sixth Consecutive Quarter of Positive Adjusted EBITDA

CANADA: Aphria Inc. announced record adult-use cannabis gross revenue in first quarter fiscal year 2021 and sixth consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA.

Net Cannabis Revenue Increased 103% from Prior Year Quarter.  Adjusted EBITDA from cannabis business of $10.4 million increased 11% from prior quarter. Cash cost per gram remained below $1.00 and decreased for the fourth consecutive quarter to $0.87

Key Operating Highlights – First Quarter Fiscal 2021

  • Record gross revenue for adult-use cannabis of $69.6 million in the first quarter, an increase of 23% from prior quarter and the sixth consecutive quarter of growth.
  • Net cannabis revenue of $62.5 million in the first quarter, an increase of 103% from prior year quarter.
  • Net revenue of $145.7 million in the first quarter, an increase of 16% from prior year quarter and decrease of 4% from prior quarter, solely due to lower distribution revenue driven by the COVID-19 global health crisis.
  • Cash cost to produce dried cannabis per gram of $0.87 in the first quarter, a decrease of 1% from the prior quarter, and decreased for the fourth consecutive quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDA from cannabis business of $10.4 million in the first quarter, an increase of 11% from the prior quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $10.0 million in the first quarter, an increase of 17% from the prior quarter.
  • Ended first quarter with a strong balance sheet and liquidity, including $400.0 million of cash and cash equivalents to fund planned Canadian and International growth.
  • Aphria transferred its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange to The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) on June 8, 2020. This transition did not impact the Company’s primary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: APHA).
  • Filed Prospectus supplement for $100 million (USD) At-the-Market program (“ATM Program”) on July 29, 2020 which the Company plans to use for acquisition opportunities.
  • Good Supply and P’tite Pof launched large-format SKUs, and launched new brand B!NGO, a large format, economy brand utilizing lower potency cannabis.

 Subsequent Events

  • Aphria entered into a Strategic Supply Agreement with Canndoc Ltd. (“Canndoc”), a subsidiary of InterCure Ltd., (TASE: INCR/INCR.TA), one of Israel’s largest and most established medical cannabis producers on August 4, 2020.
  • Liquidated the convertible note receivable from HydRx Farms Ltd.
  • Company completed its first certified European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (“EU GMP”) shipment of dried flower from its Aphria One EU GMP facility to CC Pharma, a leading distributor of pharmaceutical products to more than 13,000 pharmacies in Germany.

Key Financial Highlights
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
Revenue Overview
Source: Aphria Inc. August 31, 2020 MD&A1 [1]
Net revenue for the three months ended August 31, 2020 was $145.7 million, an increase of 16% from $126.1 million in the same period last year. First quarter fiscal year 2021 net revenue was 4% lower when compared to the prior quarter net revenue of $152.2 million, as significant increases in net cannabis revenue were offset by lower distribution revenue at CC Pharma in Germany.  The decline in distribution revenue is largely a function of the impacts of the COVID-19 global health crisis, including a reduction in the number of elective medical procedures and in-person visits to physicians and pharmacies

The average retail selling price of medical cannabis, before excise tax, increased to $7.38 per gram in the quarter, compared to $6.63 in the prior quarter. The average selling price of adult-use cannabis, before excise tax, decreased to $4.15 per gram in the quarter, compared to $5.23 per gram in the prior quarter, primarily as a result of the initial pipeline fill of new large format offerings, including the introduction of B!NGO, an economy brand utilizing lower potency cannabis.

Adjusted cannabis gross profit for the first quarter was $31.5 million, with an adjusted cannabis gross margin of 49.7%, compared to $28.1 million and 52.9% in the prior quarter. The increase in adjusted cannabis gross profit and decrease in adjusted cannabis gross margin was primarily due to the release of large format products and the pipeline fill for B!NGO, our economy brand utilizing lower potency cannabis, which provided an increase in sales but at lower margins than the Company’s other branded products.

Adjusted distribution gross profit for the first quarter was $11.8 million, with an adjusted distribution gross margin of 14.4%, compared to $11.9 million and 12.1% in the prior quarter. The decrease in adjusted distribution gross profit was a result of the previously discussed decline in distribution revenue at CC Pharma in Europe.  The increase in the gross margin was a function of sales mix and improved cost management at CC Pharma in the quarter.

Selling, general, and administrative costs in the quarter increased to $54.4 million from $116.6 million in the prior quarter, and increased from $41.4 million in the prior year. The increase from the prior year was primarily due to increased operating costs associated with increased global operations and increased selling costs associated with our higher sales.

Net loss for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 was $5.1 million, or a loss of $0.02 per share, compared to net loss of $98.8 million, or a loss of $0.39 per share in the prior quarter, and net income of $16.4 million, or $0.07 per share for the same period last year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $1.4 million to $10.0 million for the first quarter compared to $8.6 million in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA from the cannabis business for the first quarter was $10.4 million compared to $9.4 million in the prior quarter. The adjusted EBITDA loss from businesses under development for the first quarter was $2.8 million compared to a loss of $2.7 million in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA from distribution business for the first quarter was $2.4 million, compared to $1.9 million in the prior quarter.

Since establishing its US$100 million  ATM Program on July 29, 2020, the Company has not drawn on the program.

The Company ended the first quarter with a strong balance sheet, including $400.0 million of cash and cash equivalents.
READ ON APHRIAINC.COM

Curaleaf Announces New Branding For All Connecticut Dispensary Locations

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Curaleaf Brand Coming to Recently Acquired Arrow Alternative Care and Grassroots Dispensaries in Groton, Hartford, Milford and Stamford

MASSACHUSETTS: Curaleaf Holdings, Inc., a leading vertically integrated cannabis operator in the United States, announced new Curaleaf dispensary branding for all of the Company’s recently acquired Arrow Alternative Care and GR Companies, Inc. (“Grassroots”) dispensary locations in Connecticut. Curaleaf is the largest national retail dispensary brand in the U.S., and a premium mainstream cannabis brand available in 23 states as well as across a wide range of innovative products and form factors.

Joseph Lusardi, Chief Executive Officer of Curaleaf, said: “Building on our market leading position in Connecticut, we’re pleased to bring the Curaleaf branding to all four of our local medical cannabis dispensaries in the state. The rebranding of these locations directly aligns with our strategy of building strong, national brands that are renowned for high-quality products, backed by science, that deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.  With our Curaleaf brand in health and wellness, and our Select brand ranked as the #1 cannabis oil brand, we remain focused on providing our products directly to an expanding range of Connecticut patients. Overall, we are extremely proud to be active partners within these local communities and we look forward to building long-lasting relationships with them.”

Curaleaf began cultivating and processing medical cannabis in Connecticut in 2014. Today, Curaleaf is one of four licensed growers in Connecticut and operates a 60,000 square foot cultivation facility in Simsbury that provides high-quality cannabis products to over 9,000 patients statewide through its four dispensaries as well as wholesale channels.

In April of 2020, Curaleaf achieved vertical integration in Connecticut with the completion of its acquisition of Arrows’ dispensaries in Harford, Milford and Stamford, three of the largest Connecticut metro-areas. Under Curaleaf’s branding strategy, all three former Arrow dispensaries have been rebranded as Curaleaf dispensaries. Strategically placed in key metro areas, Arrow established itself as a market leader in Connecticut, operating three out of the 18 total dispensaries in the state. The Hartford dispensary opened in 2016, followed by Milford in 2017 and the Stamford store opening to customers in January of 2020. Additionally, in July of 2020, Curaleaf successfully completed the acquisition of Grassroots, including the Grassroots Herbology dispensary located in Groton, which has also been rebranded as a Curaleaf dispensary.

Curaleaf’s Connecticut dispensaries offers a broad range of flower, extracted oil and edible products manufactured to meet the highest product quality and regulatory compliance standards. Connecticut recently added as a qualifying medical condition Chronic Pain of at least six months duration associated with a specified underlying chronic condition refractory to other treatment intervention, which has the potential to significantly expand the size of the addressable market. In June of 2020, Curaleaf expanded its line of Select brand products into Connecticut with Select Elite Live cartridges available at local medical dispensaries across the state. Select, America’s #1 cannabis oil brand, can be found in 14 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Maine. As a recognized industry leader, Select is committed to meeting high quality control standards and testing transparency as well as delivering a smooth, flavorful experience with all products formulated with strain-specific terpenes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Curaleaf dispensaries have been deemed an essential service in many states, including Connecticut. Curaleaf continues to serve patients and customers while implementing heightened safety and hygienic measures including increased cleaning protocols, social distancing, mobile pre-ordering, and curbside pickup for at-risk populations.

For additional information about Curaleaf’s Connecticut dispensaries please visit https://ct.curaleaf.com/

Illinois Adult Use Cannabis Monthly Sales Figures (Updated October 5, 2020)

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ILLINOIS: Sales of legal cannabis continue to grow here in the land of Lincoln, even as the rest of the US economy still struggles to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Consumer demand for legal marijuana remains.  According to recently released data from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, adult use cannabis sales reached $67.6 million in September, nearly $18 million to out of state customers traveling in from neighboring Indiana and other states where cannabis is not legally available.

Here are the latest official numbers:

“Men Of Cannabis” Calendar Highlights Diversity In Growing Canadian Industry 

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CANADA: “Of all the projects I have been involved in, the Men of Cannabis calendar is the most important one I’ve been involved with so far,” says Reverend Kelly Addison, founder of Orono’s Kelly’s Green Lounge, “I am pretty sure it was some divine intervention that helped this all come together so perfectly,” she says of the soon-to-be-released cannabis-friendly calendar that Kelly hopes will grace the walls of cannabis professionals and consumers alike for the 2021 calendar year.

Reverend Kelly Addison is the founder and managing director at Kelly’s Green Lounge, a cannabis-friendly establishment. Located in Orono, Ontario, Kelly’s Green Lounge is a centre for community, education, and celebration of the cannabis plant. While the Ontario legislation does not yet permit indoor consumption in “cannabis lounges”, the smoke-free lounge offers a number of on-site and online programming for personal development, cultivation, and building of community in cannabis. The calendar is a celebration of the community that has been built around Kelly’s Green Lounge.

Shot over the summer months, and artistically designed and photographed by Jeff Buchanan and his partner Black Gypsy, the Men of Cannabis calendar is not just a timepiece, but a piece of art. Some of Canada’s most influential men of cannabis have come together to share their passions, and their visual aesthetics to the Canadian cannabis community.

“Every single one of these men are beautiful,” Kelly remarks, “The men in this calendar show that cannabis doesn’t discriminate. We have men from their twenties up to their sixties, we have men of different sexual orientations, men of different cannabis career paths, and men of all backgrounds, religion, and ethnicities representing the greater contributions of the men of the industry in this one piece of art.”The calendar is styled after the iconic “Last Supper” painting by Leonardo DaVinci, with Reverend Kelly at the centre, surrounded by twelve men in poses that imitate the famous tableau. The choice of this spiritual spread was intentional, as Kelly’s approach embraces the spirituality of the plant, cannabis as our goddess, believing that cannabis is the embodiment of what anyone’s chosen deity wants for the world. Having Kelly at the centre of this photo, surrounded by the men of cannabis is a representation of the divine and central place the female has in the cannabis world.

The calendar is available for pre-order at www.kellysgreenlounge.ca, with full online sales beginning October 17, 2020

Each month of the 2021 year will feature a different man of cannabis, each chosen to represent their chosen path in the industry. From “Mister January”, Rich Prince who embodies Jamaican/Rhastafarian culture; to “Mister June”, Count Klassy, the charting LGBTQ musical artist proudly wearing the pride flag; to healer and “Cannawitch” Sean Black as “Mister October”; to ending the year with a surprise “tasty treat” from Baker John, also known as Baked on High Guy, this calendar represents all men, and all paths taken in the name of the mighty flower.We asked Kelly why she chose to feature the men of cannabis as her first iteration of the annual calendar project.

“We’re lucky to be able to say that cannabis in Canada is quickly being conquered by females,” says Kelly, “The plant herself is female, the numbers of female CEOs and leaders in cannabis is increasing, and that equals a lot of female energy within our industry, and rightfully so,” she goes on, “We didn’t want to lose sight on the beautiful men of this industry who are both advocates for the plant, and true exemplars of humans, who are fighting for equity for all people within the growing industry.”

The calendar had it’s “soft launch” on October 2, with a safe and socially-distanced celebration of “Danksgiving” at Kelly’s Green Lounge.   To Pre-Order :  lisamarie@kellysgreenlounge.ca

Metrc Awarded Oklahoma Seed To Sale Contract

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OKLAHOMA: The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has signed a contract with Metrc, a national company in 14 states, for the implementation of a statewide seed-to-sale tracking system. The contract creates a system to track marijuana plants and products from a plant’s growth stage through sale to patients. It serves as part of OMMA’s larger efforts to ensure accountability and safety within the state’s medical marijuana industry.

OSDH Names Twelve Member Medical Marijuana Food Safety Standards Board –

OMMA Interim Director Dr. Kelly Williams said “The seed-to-sale system will greatly expand our compliance capabilities and improve the effectiveness and speed of any future recall efforts. It will also allow us to detect unusual patterns that may indicate product diversion.”

Metrc offers integration features with many seed-to-sale software systems used at an individual-level by licensees, and all commercial licensees in the state will be required to either integrate with or input their information into the state’s seed-to-sale system.

Dr. Williams added, “We know that businesses will have many questions in the coming weeks, and we will answer them as quickly as possible.” OMMA will also keep the public updated as the system is implemented. It is expected to take up to six months.

WASHINGTON: Updated List Of Pesticides Allowed For Use In Marijuana Production

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WSDA and WSLCB Release Updated List of Approved Cannabis Pesticides

LCB is sharing this message on behalf of WSDA:

Bulletin No 20-02

To:         Marijuana Producers, Processors, and Retailers

From:     WSLCB and WSDA

Subject: Updated List of Pesticides Allowed for Use in Marijuana Production

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has recently updated the list of  pesticides that are allowed for use in marijuana production in Washington State, based on  criteria previously established by WSDA.

WSDA has added six new Section 3 pesticides and four new Section 25(b) pesticides to the list of allowable products for a total of ten new products. There were no products removed from the list.  The list currently contains 307 Section 3 pesticides and 90 Section 25(b) pesticides, for a total of 397 products.

WSDA has two columns on the list: (1) Section 3 pesticides that are subject to Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements, and (2) Section 3 pesticides that are limited to use by non-commercial “HG Only” marijuana growers. The products designated as “HG Only=Yes” may only be used by those individuals authorized to home grow medical use marijuana.

Products marked as “HG Only=Yes” may not be used in the commercial production of marijuana.

Spray adjuvants are not included on the list—however any spray adjuvant that is labeled for use on food crops can be used with an allowed pesticide that is applied to marijuana, as long as the intended use is authorized by the spray adjuvant label. For example, a spray adjuvant labeled only for use with an herbicide cannot be used with an insecticide or fungicide. Information on spray adjuvants that are registered for distribution in Washington is available from the WSU PICOL database.

Please check your stock of pesticides against the list to ensure that you are using an allowed product. Marijuana growers can continue to use any existing stocks of pesticides that were removed from the list, but no new product can be purchased.

All of the pesticides that were added to the list contain active ingredients that were already allowed for use in marijuana production.

Some pesticides are labeled for application to soil or to crop plants, while some pesticides are labeled for application to both soil and crop plants (e.g., insecticides, fungicides). Other pesticides include herbicides labeled for direct application to, and control of, unwanted plants (i.e., weeds). Remember to read, understand, and comply with all applicable label directions and precautions when using any pesticide.

 Pesticides Added:                                                                    Registration Number

1.    Howler Lawn and Garden Organic Fungicide                  EPA No.  91197-3-92488

2.    Onward                                                                             EPA No.  90866-23-95775

3.    Promote                                                                            EPA No. 90866-23

4.    Spear LEP Biological Insecticide                                     EPA No. 88847-6

5.    Spear T Liquid Concentrate                                             EPA No. 88847-6

6.    Howler Fungicide                                                              EPA. No. 91197-3-92488

7.    Eco-1 40                                                                            WA No.  74578-19003

8.    Huma Gro Thyme Pro                                                      WA No.  999690-20001

9.    Mammoth Canncontrol                                                     WA No.  997320-20001

10.  Protection Plus Insecticide and Fungicide                       WA No.  994030-20001

You can find the complete list of pesticides that are allowed for use in marijuana production, the criteria WSDA used to establish the list, and information regarding statewide stop-sale orders in Washington on the WSDA web site: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/marijuana/pesticide-use

This Pack Of Weed Will Register You To Vote!

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Introducing the Higher Ground Ballot Box

To celebrate National Voter Registration Week (Sept. 22nd – 28th), Higher Ground and Saints Joints has created The Ballot Box. The elegant voter pack contains a QR code that immediately registers voters, a mini version of the Bill of Rights, non-partisan information about voting and elections. It also includes five premium cannabis joints to help fire up voter activity in the democratic process.

“The Ballot Box is a new platform to spark engagement, and register new voters,” notes Higher Ground Editor-in-Chief Michael A. Stusser. “In addition to helping get out the vote in 2020, it will also put folks in a damn good mood till Election Day.”

Higher Ground TV has been using humorous viral videos and parodies to elevate the dialogue on cannabis culture, including Comedians in Cars Smoking Cannabis, and Profiles in Legal Cannabis. Their latest project is a joint effort with Saints Joints, an innovative marijuana company based in Seattle.

Saints Joints is one of the most successful cannabis brands in the country, collaborating with a variety of artists and musicians. Their hard-cased luxury boxes have highlighted artists such as the Bay Area’s Jeremy Fish in their Artist’s Series packs, a Tattoo Art Series featuring Jimbo Phillips , and a Limited Edition Pride Pack with proceeds benefiting Equal Rights organizations. Each specialty box is a limited edition similar to album covers, and creating a rock n’roll collect-‘em-all incentive.

“We see ourselves as leaders not only in the arena of legal cannabis, but as members of the mainstream community,” said Lawrence Perrigo, founder of Saints. “The collaboration with Higher Ground is our latest joint effort to raise awareness, and show how cannabis brands – and consumers – are doing more than getting high. We’re also highly engaged in the democratic process.”

Racial disparities in cannabis are also reflected in the current Black Lives Matter movement. “When we dreamed up this project, we never envisioned the incredible Black Lives Matter movement we are seeing,” notes Perrigo. “But as with so many issues, people of color are more negatively effected by the War on Drugs. Black people are four times more likely to be arrested for possession – even though whites and blacks use cannabis at the similar rates. People voting to make policy change in these areas is more important that ever.”

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. First observed in 2012, it has quickly gained momentum ever since. Nearly 3 million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date. The holiday has been endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center).

“We thought it was important to include the Bill of Rights in our Ballot Box,” said Stusser, “because these individual rights weren’t originally included in the Constitution. Like the legalization of marijuana, the people had to push the government to allow it.” The Bill of Rights, of course, includes the first 10 amendments in the Constitution, including freedom of speech, religion and the press, the right to assemble, States rights, and due process.

Thirty-three states have legalized marijuana for medical use, and another eleven, plus the District of Columbia, have authorized recreational sales and consumption for adults. Thomas Jefferson argued in 1787 for the right to be free from warrantless search and seizures: “A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference.” While the Father of the Declaration wasn’t speaking of cannabis legalization at the time, his words ring true for activists supporting the movement.

The Ballot Box includes a special QR code that directs to the Cannabis Voter Project – and immediately registers individuals to vote. Established in 2018 as an initiative from HeadCount, the nonprofit and non-partisan Cannabis Voter Project is focused on educating, registering and turning out voters. HeadCount has registered half a million voters since 2004 at concerts and events. The Ballot Box link includes an easy-to-use online registration page and news to keep voters informed on election deadlines and voting locations.

Higher Ground explores and celebrates the elevated aspects of getting high. Founded during a revolutionary time of economic and spiritual transformation in the legalization movement, the brand documents and chronicles this incredible era in our history, and advocates for the legalization of cannabis (along with civil rights, gay rights, and human rights), and embraces the end of – yet another – prohibition.

Members of the abolitionist press, Higher Ground combines advocacy journalism with a sense of humor to bring the cannabis culture to the masses.

For more information, contact michael@michaelstusser.com

OLCC Seeks Input On Wildfire Impacts To Recreational Marijuana Licensees

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OLCC Recreational Marijuana Licensee Wildfire Impact Survey

Survey designed to pinpoint problems, help create collaborative solutions

OREGON:  Wildfires around the state have had a devastating impact on Oregonians.  Authorities still don’t know how widespread the impact is. For evacuees and business owners who lived or worked in the fire zone there are plenty of challenges ahead.

If you’re an Oregon Liquor Control Commission Recreational Marijuana licensee impacted by the state’s wildfires please take 3 to 5 minutes to fill out this short survey.

Some recreational marijuana licensees have already notified the Oregon Liquor Control Commission that their businesses were destroyed by the fire. The OLCC is aware that there are many other licensees located in burn zones around the state. What OLCC doesn’t know is the extent of the damage to those licensed recreational marijuana businesses.

The OLCC wants to be able to help and advise licensees while ensuring that marijuana product remains secure, and accounted for in Oregon’s Cannabis Tracking System.

Licensees directly impacted by wildfire

That’s where we need help from our licensees. If you’re a licensee impacted by the fires please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey. If you know of an impacted licensee please let them know about the survey, and if need be help fill out the survey on their behalf.

Licensees not directly impacted by wildfire

If you have questions related to OLCC’s wildfire response, or have suggestions on how to address the regulatory situation and complexities caused by the wildfires please direct your questions by email to: marijuana@oregon.gov  Use the keywords “Wildfire Response” to start the subject line title.

Wildfire response by OLCC

The agency is working on an approach to address regulatory issues so we can accommodate licensees and help them maintain their operations.

The agency is also considering ways to best utilize our licensing staff to assist wildfire impacted licensees, while still maintaining our commitment to improve licensing processing for new applicants and licensees seeking renewals.

We’ll use the findings of the survey to directly inform temporary rules and licensing actions to help licensed businesses maintain operations to the greatest extent we are able. The more information you are willing and able to provide, the better able we will be to be responsive to the needs of our licensees.

Direct link to the OLCC Recreational Marijuana Licensee Wildfire Impact Survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/296WQD5

California Cannabis Licensing Authorities Unveil New Unified License Search Tool

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CALIFORNIA:  California’s three cannabis licensing authorities – BCC, CDFA and CDPH announced today the launch of a unified licensing search platform, the culmination of a collaboration between the California Department of Technology, the California Health and Human Services Agency Office of Innovation, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), and the licensing authorities.

The unified license search tool allows the public to search for cannabis license information from all three licensing authorities by using one search tool. The need for a unified search was identified through conversations with, and surveys of, licensed businesses, local governments, and law enforcement conducted in late 2019 and early 2020.

“This unified license data search tool will make it easier for the public to access cannabis license information without having to inquire with each licensing authority separately,” Bureau Chief Lori Ajax said. “This will also help consumers identify licensed cannabis retailers near them.”

Some features of the new license search include an interactive map and geolocation tools. There is also a survey where users can submit usability feedback to the licensing authorities as they continue to refine the search tool. The unified license search tool can be accessed at https://search.cannabis.ca.gov/.

The unified license search will be updated every 24 hours; however, the most recent data will still be available through each licensing authority’s existing search tool on its website.

In January 2020, Governor Newsom announced plans to consolidate the three cannabis licensing authorities into a single Department of Cannabis Control, in an effort to improve access to licensing and simplify regulatory oversight of commercial cannabis activity. Today’s announcement is part of that overall plan.