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World’s First Cannabis College Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Oakland’s Event of the Decade

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100% of Event Proceeds Will Fund Scholarships.

Luminaries, Elected Officials, Cannabis Industry Legends, and Celebrities will be in Attendance

CALIFORNIA: Time is running out to get tickets for the Event of the Decade. Oaksterdam University (OU), is celebrating its 15th anniversary on September 24th, 2022. OU first opened its doors in 2007 in Oakland, Calif. The school has over 80,000 alumni worldwide and is the most recognized name in cannabis education. The event will include a welcome by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and OU Chancellor Dale Sky Jones; as well as attendees like D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné!.   

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who signed an important package of pro-cannabis law into effect just this week, will offer a video introduction to the Luminary Awards, recognizing important advocates in the cannabis movement.

Oaksterdam’s Nonprofit for Education (The ONE), a 501(c)(3), will produce the event in partnership with Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), and Cannabis Talk 101 iHeart Radio. All donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible. One hundred percent of the proceeds will fund scholarships and re-entry programs for those afflicted by marijuana prohibition who are trying to enter the cannabis industry. Other sponsors include Homegrown Cannabis Co., MJ Unpacked and California NORML.

“Homegrown Cannabis Co. has great respect and gratitude for Oaksterdam University, identifying OU as a kindred spirit with a shared mission,” says James Dunn, brand director for Homegrown Cannabis Co. “We are honored to sponsor this event in celebrating the fantastic achievements of Oaksterdam University.”

Dale Sky Jones, President of Oaksterdam University, states, “Our vision has always been revolutionary. The industry has come so far yet has a long way to go. We look forward to continuing to be at the forefront of education, legal and public policy advocacy, social impact, and leadership.”

The documentary, American Pot Story: Oaksterdam, is closing the 20th Annual Oakland International Film Festival. The film tells the unknown origin story of the people who took considerable risks to make cannabis legalization possible. The film celebrates the courageous heritage of the legacy cannabis industry.

The movement that started at America’s first cannabis college would impact the world. Join Oaksterdam University as they reflect on the City of Oakland’s rich history of civil disobedience. Celebrate years of dedication to this mission with an epic event at the historic Fox Theater.

Schedule:

    • 4:30 p.m. – Media Call
    • 5:00 p.m. – Doors Open – Red Carpet Interviews by Cannabis Talk 101 iHeartRadio
    • 5:00 p.m. – VIP – Exclusive Reception/Networking (Invite-Only)
    • 6:30 p.m. – Welcome by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and OU Chancellor Dale Sky Jones; video introduction by California Governor Gavin Newsom with Luminary Awards
    • 7:00 p.m. – Screening of American Pot Story: Oaksterdam
    • 8:45 p.m. – Panel Discussion with Filmmakers & Dignitaries
    • 9:15 p.m. – After-Party for OU and OIFF

California Governor Signs Bills to Expand the Legal Cannabis Market, Address Impacts from Past Prohibition of Cannabis

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Governor calls on legislators and other policymakers to redouble efforts to tackle barriers to access

CALIFORNIA: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed several measures to strengthen California’s cannabis laws, expand the legal cannabis market and redress the harms of cannabis prohibition.

Though the state has made significant progress since the legalization of cannabis, local opposition, rigid bureaucracy and federal prohibition continue to pose challenges to the industry and consumers. The Governor is calling on legislators and other policymakers to redouble efforts to address and eliminate these barriers.

“For too many Californians, the promise of cannabis legalization remains out of reach,” said Governor Newsom. “These measures build on the important strides our state has made toward this goal, but much work remains to build an equitable, safe and sustainable legal cannabis industry. I look forward to partnering with the Legislature and policymakers to fully realize cannabis legalization in communities across California.”

The Governor signed SB 1326 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced), which creates a process for California to enter into agreements with other states to allow cannabis transactions with entities outside California. SB 1186 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) preempts local bans on medicinal cannabis delivery, expanding patients’ access to legal, regulated cannabis products.

The Governor also signed two bills to further unwind California’s failed history of cannabis prohibition. AB 1706 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) ensures that Californians with old cannabis-related convictions will finally have those convictions sealed. And AB 2188 by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) protects Californians from employment discrimination based on their use of cannabis off-the-clock and away from the workplace.

These bills build on the Administration’s efforts to strengthen California’s cannabis legalization framework. As part of this year’s state budget, the Governor signed legislation to provide tax relief to consumers and the cannabis industry; support equity businesses; strengthen enforcement tools against illegal cannabis operators; bolster worker protections; expand access to legal retail; and protect youth, environmental and public safety programs funded by cannabis tax revenue.

To expedite policy reforms that prioritize and protect California consumers’ health and safety, the Governor has directed the California Department of Public Health to convene subject matter experts to survey current scientific research and policy mechanisms to address the growing emergence of high-potency cannabis and hemp products. The Governor has also directed the Department of Cannabis Control to further the scientific understanding of potency and its related health impacts by prioritizing the funding of research related to cannabis potency through its existing public university grants.

A full list of cannabis-related bills signed by the Governor can be found below:

AB 1706 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Cannabis crimes: resentencing.
AB 1646 by Assemblymember Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda) – Cannabis packaging: beverages.
AB 1885 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Cannabis and cannabis products: animals: veterinary medicine.
AB 1894 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) – Integrated cannabis vaporizer: packaging, labeling, advertisement, and marketing.
AB 2210 by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) – Cannabis: state temporary event licenses: venues licensed by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control: unsold inventory.
AB 2188 by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) – Discrimination in employment: use of cannabis.
AB 2568 by Assemblymember Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) – Cannabis: insurance providers.
AB 2925 by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) – California Cannabis Tax Fund: spending reports.
SB 1186 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Medicinal Cannabis Patients’ Right of Access Act.
SB 1326 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Cannabis: interstate agreements.

For the text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

Green Monké Is Now the Global Beverage Partner for Cookies

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Partnership Includes Co-Branded Infused Drinks Available at Cookies Stores in California and Worldwide

 

CALIFORNIA: Green Monké, maker of happy sodas for happy hour, today announced its global beverage partnership with Cookies, the most globally recognized cannabis brand. As part of the agreement, Green Monké and Cookies will co-create and co-brand cannabis infused drinks for sale at Cookies retail locations and anywhere Cookies products are sold. Additionally, Green Monké cannabis infused sodas are now available at Cookies stores in California with expansion later this year throughout the US, Canada and in Europe. 

“Our partnership with Cookies further demonstrates how the growing cannabis drinks category is the future of cannabis consumption,” said Pat Gleeson, CEO of Green Monké. “Collaborating with Cookies allows Green Monké to accelerate and expand our portfolio of high-quality infused beverages while also increasing critical consumer touchpoints in the US and the world.”

Green Monké launched in California in May 2021 with a lineup of cannabis infused sodas that have nostalgic fruit flavors–Tropical Citrus, Orange Passionfruit and Mango Guava–each with a low-dose of 3mg THC and 6mg CBD. Cookies stores will carry Green Monké signature sodas and forthcoming beverages from the drinks maker. Cookies will also co-create and co-brand cannabis drinks with Green Monké that will be available for sale starting this fall.

“Green Monké beverages are one of the most well-known cannabis drinks in the UK and Canada, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with them and sell their beverages in our Cookies and Lemonnade stores in California,” said Parker Berling, President of Cookies.

Cannabis Nurses Network 7th Annual Conference Open for Registration

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“The Future of Nursing: Essential Knowledge for Endocannabinoid System Care”

September 1-2, 2022, Virtual and In-person at Torrey Pines, CA

CALIFORNIA: The Cannabis Nurses Network, a professional development and education network designed exclusively for cannabis nurses, announces that registration for its 7th Annual Conference is now open. Running September 1-2, 2022, attendees may choose to attend virtually or in person at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, California. Reservations close August 3, 2022.

Titled “The Future of Nursing: Essential Knowledge for Endocannabinoid System Care,” Cannabis Nurses Network Conference [CNNC] attendees will become immersed in the 6 principles of essential knowledge in alignment with national nursing guidelines for cannabis patient care. Attendees will learn and gain experience through a one-of-a-kind – educational conference and endocannabinoid system activation workshop.

CEO of the Cannabis Nurses Network, Heather Manus, RN, said, “Exploring the human endocannabinoid system AND applying knowledge into practice is how CNNC 2022 is advancing the nursing profession and paving a path for The Future of Nursing.”

She added, “CNNC offers two full days delivering accredited continuing nurse education credits (CEU) in cannabis medicine education. The CNNC program includes expert panels where you will learn immediately applicable education that you can start to use in your personal practice. The latest research, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, cannabis nurse entrepreneurship. CNNC includes advanced sessions on the latest in cannabis medicine.”

Members of the CNN can register and received a 50% discount. For more information on joining the CNN, visit the membership page of the CNN website.

Corporate sponsorships are also available for those able to help defray the costs of the conference for attending nurses. The Sponsor-a-Nurse program allows sponsors to pay a nurse’s way to the conference, provide food and lodging and access to all panels, classes and discussions.  Those interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities should contact Kris Michelle, kris@cannabisnursesnetwork.com

Nurse Manus also said, “We are grateful to the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines for their support. It’s located on the 18th hole of the PGA Torrey Pines Golf Course, right on the Cliffs in La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the views of the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking.”

“There are so many things to do. The Hilton is giving us great rates, so attendees can bring the family for golf, swimming, tennis, the beach. They can explore the natural beauty of Torrey Pines State Reserve nearby, with a walking trailhead to the beach.”

CNNC will also host a VIP soiree’ at the Torrey Pines State Beach one mile away or a five-minute drive from the Hilton.

MARIJUANA CHANNEL ONE | TURN ON. TUNE IN. CATCH THE BUZZ

A Ton of Cannabis Compassion… Literally.

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CALIFORNIA:  PRO Farms, Almora and Deibel Bioscience of California have teamed up to donate over $5 million worth of cannabis products to support Health Equity and Sweetleaf Collective, a nonprofit assisting low-income patients in gaining access to medical cannabis. Affected groups include veterans, minorities and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as HIV and cancer patients. PRO Farms and Almora are set to donate over a ton (2,000 pounds) of state-tested and approved high-quality, California sun-grown cannabis. Deibel Bioscience of California has donated its testing services to the cause. According to Sweetleaf Collective founder “Sweetleaf” Joe, this is the largest cannabis donation for compassionate use in California history. 

“With the growth of the retail cannabis industry and rising costs of regular goods such as groceries and gas, access to cannabis for low-income patients is harder than ever. We need corporate donations in addition to individual donations if we’re going to meet growing demand,” said “Sweetleaf’ Joe. “The donation will serve thousands of patients in California, including more than one thousand patients currently on the waiting list. If you’d like to help, Sweetleaf is accepting financial donations to help organize patients through PayPal as well as cryptocurrency.”

“We’re in business to grow great crops and do great things.  We’ve become a renowned, family owned, California sun grown cannabis farming company because of this and now we’re in partnership with Almora and SunSmoke which are fantastic, affordable and compassionate brands with a variety of excellent products,” said Wil Crummer, CEO of PRO Farms.  “Meaningful, philanthropic donations are a foundational aspect of our overall company ethos and in collaboration with Sweetleaf Collective, we’re immensely proud to be donating so much high-quality cannabis to so many patients in such need.” Crummer concluded. “It just feels so right.”

Access to high-quality, cannabis is necessary for medical patients, which is why Deibel

Bioscience of California is donating tens of thousands of dollars in testing services to ensure high product quality and standards are met. “Deibel Bioscience of California is a family-owned company committed to providing accurate, independent, and compliant testing; so we felt it was important to support and partner with this cause to ensure that patients receive the safest products possible,” said CT Deibel, CEO for Deibel Bioscience of California.

“The team at Almora couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this donation that is so desperately needed in our communities throughout California. We believe in radiating love through our products and our people, and we hope that love will find its way to the patients these products will serve,” said Kristen Everhart, Almora Brand Director.

Black Market Group Announces California Launch of ‘Higher Frequency Flower’ Cannabis Brand Founded by Hip Hop Legend Rakim on BET Weekend

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New York’s legendary MC, Rakim, enters the California cannabis market in partnership with female-founded Black Market Group to connect conscious cultivators and curious consumers through a socially-informed and frequency-influenced cannabis brand

CALIFORNIA: Female-founded Black Market Group (BMG – @blackmarketcertified) announced Higher Frequency Flower’s arrival in the California market. Conceived and curated by legendary Hip-Hop lyricist Rakim, the cannabis brand will launch in a social equity dispensary Josephine and Billie’s, a female founded and the first of its kind cannabis speakeasy – on Saturday, June 25th, 2022 from 11am – 3pm PDT, located at 1535 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90062. 

Founded by reality television executive turned cannabis industry CEO Whitney Beatty with entrepreneur and Chief Operating Officer Ebony Andersen, Josephine and Billie’s will celebrate the launch of Rakim’s “Higher Frequency Flower” and will be the first retail location in California that will officially carry the brand. The epic event will take place during BET Weekend with Detroit native DJ House Shoes (@houseshoes) to set the tone and delicious tacos will be served for the community to enjoy. Guests can purchase individually numbered Higher Frequency Flowers’ limited edition, Justin Bua (@justinbua) portrait bags exclusively signed by Rakim. Los Angeles-based street artist and creative director ABCNT (@abcnt) will perform a live mural painting activation for a cultural sensory overload.

As stated by Rakim, “Higher Frequency Flower was developed to assist artists and deep thinkers as they explore and expand the universal connections that form the foundation of their creative process. We’re curating each of our strains and introducing new techniques and technology that will lead the way to the next level of cannabis cultivation.”

After BMG made major noise in the New York City market with their “420 Smoke in the City” launch party – the emerging brand house is proud to share their common goal with Higher Frequency Flower which is to produce phenomenal cannabis by empowering small farmers, people of color, and the communities most oppressed by decades of cannabis prohibition. Great cannabis, like great music, can now be found from coast to coast and with Rakim and Higher Frequency Flowers, BMG is bringing those two worlds together like never before.

California Department of Cannabis Control Debuts Data Tool Showcasing Access Areas for Cannabis Business

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CALIFORNIA: The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) today rolled out a data visualization tool that will help consumers see where they can purchase safe and legal cannabis products from licensed retailers, inform business owners about which cities and counties license cannabis businesses, and support ongoing conversations about access to California’s safe and legal market.

The data tool can be found on the DCC website here: 

Using data compiled by DCC staff in February 2022 and working closely with the California Office of Digital Innovation, the map shows that only 44 percent of cities and counties allow the licensing of at least one cannabis business type, while 56 percent of cities and counties prohibit the licensing of all cannabis business types. And even more cities and counties – 62 percent – prohibit the licensing of any form of cannabis retail.

“This data helps Californians understand the work we have ahead of us in realizing the promises of cannabis legalization, including supporting access to a safe, legal, and equitable cannabis market across the state and combating the unregulated, illicit market,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott.

The webpage, which includes a map, statewide statistics, and a search function, underscores challenges to licensing access more than five years after Californians voted to legalize the right for individuals 21 years of age and over to possess and grow specified amounts of cannabis for recreational use. The DCC cannot approve an application for a state license if approval of the license would violate the provisions of any local ordinance or regulation, making access dependent on local participation.

The DCC obtained this data by reviewing local ordinances and information provided on local jurisdiction websites, and by contacting some local jurisdictions directly. The Department recommends that those interested in starting a cannabis business contact their local jurisdiction directly for information about specific requirements. If you’re a city or county official and think your data is not correct, please email the DCC at locals@cannabis.ca.gov.

 

MedMen Prevails in Lawsuit Against Arizona-Based Whitestar Solutions

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CALIFORNIA: MedMen Enterprises Inc., a premier cannabis retailer with operations across the United States, announced the Company has received a summary judgment in its favor on all counts in a lawsuit against Arizona-based Whitestar Solutions, LLC.

In March 2020, litigation was filed by Whitestar against MedMen in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County, related to a Membership Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement governing the purchase of EBA Holdings, Inc. dba MedMen Scottsdale. Whitestar alleged fraudulent inducement and breach of contract, among other claims, and sought rescission of the underlying transaction or $60,000,000 in alleged monetary damages. MedMen consistently maintained that the lawsuit and claims were baseless and without merit – and the judge agreed on all counts, cancelling the upcoming jury trial and stating that “no reasonable juror could conclude that Whitestar is entitled to relief on any of those claims.” The judge further ruled that as the prevailing party, MedMen is entitled to submit an application to recover attorneys’ fees and taxable costs from Whitestar.

“We’ve always maintained MedMen’s innocence in this matter, and are pleased to be formally exonerated,” said Ed Record, MedMen’s CEO. “This is yet another baseless lawsuit MedMen has been party to in recent years, and we remain committed to vigorously defending the Company and recovering attorneys’ fees when possible.”

MedMen is represented by Jennifer Catero and Steven Jerome of Snell & Wilmer in this matter.

Separately, the Company announced Tyson Rossi, Chief Strategy Officer, is leaving MedMen, effective June 3, 2022. Moving forward, the role will be filled internally.

“We thank Tyson for his leadership and contributions to MedMen,” said Record. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. We are also thankful to have a strong bench of talent to fill these openings.”

MedMen Announces Settlement Agreement with Ascend Wellness Holdings

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CALIFORNIA:  MedMen Enterprises Inc., a premier cannabis retailer with operations across the United States, has announced a definitive agreement with Ascend Wellness Holdings that will allow the sale of MedMen’s New York operations to close for increased consideration. The transaction resolves the litigation between MedMen and AWH concerning the transaction and delivers $15 million in additional value to MedMen shareholders. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, AWH will pay MedMen $88 million: $73 million as an assumption of debt and $15 million in cash. Other terms of the transaction will be as originally announced in February 2021.

“This resolution is a clear win for MedMen shareholders, as the company will receive $15 million in additional value,” said Michael Serruya, MedMen’s Chairman of the Board. “This resolution enables MedMen to move forward with plans to significantly restructure its balance sheet, reduce debt, and focus on its core markets.”

The transaction is expected to close within thirty days.

As Pot Shop Smash-and-Grab Robbery Spree Terrorizes West Coast, States Forced to Fend for Themselves With New Laws

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By Scott Solomon

CALIFORNIA: On the West Coast, we have been living through several months of smash-and-grab robberies that have disproportionately targeted cannabis businesses – because they are forced to operate as cash-only businesses due to the continued federally illegal status of marijuana.

Local police have apparently at times been caught on tape reluctant to intervene in these robberies, and the looters are more than clear that these pot shops have piles of cash on hand. These cannabis businesses are powerless to change beyond out-of-date federal cannabis laws, and Congress continues to sit on the sidelines watching these violent lootings while still failing to pass the SAFE Banking Act – despite the bill passing the House six times.

I was delighted to see the SAFE Banking Act’s author, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) vow to “be a real pest” until the Senate passes the banking reform bill. I hope that he does.

While I am an ardent supporter of the sweeping social equity reforms put forth by leaders in the Senate, it’s time for Congress to stop sitting on their hands and pass legislation that will grant cannabis businesses access to safe and available banking services, and end government penalties for banks doing business with companies that handle “federally illegal” products and services.

A recent poll found that 65 percent of Americans support allowing cannabis businesses access to traditional banking services, such as a checking account or a business loan, in states where cannabis is currently legal. There are also a multitude of financial institutions that are currently banking with MRBs and actively opening accounts every day. So the American people get it, while Congress apparently does not.

While the SAFE Banking Act will not have a direct impact on smash and grab robberies, its enactment has the potential to create more banking and payment options for these businesses. There are measures that Congress can take to end stigmas about the industry and help companies do business in a more stable banking environment.

States Fend for Themselves

After the spree of smash-and-grab robberies at cannabis businesses that have rocked the West Coast, the Washington state senate passed a bill to increase penalties for pot shop robberies. While the spree of robberies was largely centered in Oakland and San Francisco, they stretched all the way up and down the West Coast of the US, even stretching as far north as into Canada. It is increasingly important that bills similar to these are passed, because even if federal banking is made available and the cash is removed, cannabis retailers will still be a target as their product is valuable both from a consumption and a black market perspective.

While it may be regrettable for states to scramble for their own answers and pass a patchwork of different state laws trying to resolve a dangerous working environment for cannabis businesses – it may be necessary for as long as the Feds stay on the sidelines.

Rep. Perlmutter has shared with cannabis trade media outlets that on the federal level, conversations are happening behind the scenes between Perlmutter’s office and key Senate leadership, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) office and Sen. Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) office, to try to get the SAFE Banking Act passed. Rep. Perlmutter has blamed both senators’ offices previously for the Senate not passing the banking legislation, and Sen. Booker once said he would “lay himself down” to prevent banking legislation from passing ahead of comprehensive legalization.

Those talks are focused on including the social equity provisions needed to win support in the Senate and get the bill passed at last. Social equity provisions include measures to release nonviolent cannabis offenders from prison, who frequently come from predominantly Black and Brown communities.

While these social equity reforms are also needed and overdue for the industry, it’s also well past due time that Congress at least grant cannabis businesses access to banking services – as they continue to face attacks that continue to capitalize on how vulnerable the infant industry remains.

Scott Solomon is the CEO at Operational Security Solutions (OSS)

FREE CANNABIS INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION “Protecting Your Legal Cannabis Business” March 24th, 2022 Redmond, WA