A ballot measure aiming to legalize recreational cannabis in North Dakota has been confirmed for the upcoming November election, as announced by the state’s chief election official on Monday. This development brings the issue back to voters, where previous attempts to pass similar measures have been unsuccessful.
Michael Howe, the state’s secretary of state, confirmed that almost 19,000 voter signatures were validated during the review process, surpassing the required number needed to secure a spot on the November ballot. The group responsible for the initiative, known as New Economic Frontier, had initially submitted more than 22,000 signatures in July.
The measure’s leader, Steve Bakken, former mayor of Bismarck and commissioner for Burleigh County, stated that law enforcement should concentrate more on battling fentanyl and opioids than cannabis. The initiative’s goal, he added, is to stop any actions taken outside of the state that might have unmanageable repercussions.
The proposed 20-page measure seeks to legalize recreational cannabis use for individuals 21 years of age and older. The measure also details various processing and production regulations and prohibited uses, such as in vehicles and public spaces.
The legislation sets limits on the amount of cannabis that can be purchased and possessed. Additionally, it would allow for edibles, cannabis solutions, transdermal patches, capsules and concentrates.
Currently in North Dakota, marijuana use by individuals under the age of 21 is classified as a misdemeanor. For those older than 21, recreational use is not illegal, but possession is, with penalties such as misdemeanors and infractions depending on the quantity of marijuana involved. Delivery of cannabis is considered a felony, with potential sentence enhancements if it occurs within 300 feet of a school.
Data from the state’s courts indicates that 4,451 individuals were charged with marijuana possession or use across the state last year.
While voters approved medical cannabis in 2016, they rejected recreational cannabis initiatives in both 2022 and 2018. In 2021, the state’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed measures to legalize recreational cannabis, but the Republican-controlled Senate ultimately defeated these efforts.
Representative Matt Ruby noted that the current priorities will be informing voters about the possible economic advantages, enhanced safety regulations and more convenient access to medical cannabis. On the other hand, the Brighter Future Alliance, a group opposing the measure, criticized supporters for not accepting defeat after multiple unsuccessful attempts.
Currently, recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states. Ohio was the most recent state to legalize marijuana in 2023 through a ballot measure. Voters in South Dakota and Florida will also have the opportunity to decide on similar measures in November.
In case the voters in these states give the nod to adult-use marijuana legalization at the polls, a chance will be created not only for marijuana companies but also ancillary ones such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) to sprout in those markets and serve the entities that need their services.
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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected a new drug application for MDMA to be administered as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. In its rejection, the federal agency asked the company that filed the application, Lykos Therapeutics, to conduct additional trials to further study the effectiveness and safety of its psychedelic formulation.
This would require additional funding as well as a number of years to complete, which doesn’t align with Lykos Therapeutics’ expectations.
The FDA’s ruling left many upset, particularly experts and patient advocates involved in the development and research of psychedelic treatments.
One neuroscientist at the University of California-San Francisco, Jennifer M. Mitchell, stated that the decision was a disappointment, adding that those involved in the application were confident they had met the criteria requested by the agency. Retired brigadier general Stephen Xenakis explained that these therapies were urgently required, not only by veterans but also other individuals experiencing similar problems.
Lykos Therapeutics is yet to make the letter of rejection available to the public. However, in a statement, the company stated that the issues voiced by the FDA were similar to those raised during an advisory committee meeting held a couple of months ago. The meeting was led by a panel of psychiatric experts who raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of MDMA.
One of the issues raised was the inability to differentiate the psychedelic from the placebo effect as most participants in the trial could correctly guess whether they had received the placebo or the psychedelic.
Lykos revealed that it had responded to these issues, taking into account the suggestions raised and minimizing the effects of the issue.
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects roughly 13 million individuals in the United States, with current treatments only benefitting a fraction of these. The condition disproportionately affects veterans, with about 19% and 10% of female and male veterans respectively diagnosed with the disorder in 2021. Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs also shows that roughly 17 veterans die by suicide daily.
Prior to the FDA’s ruling, 730 veterans and 80 bipartisan legislators penned different letters to President Joseph Biden imploring him to approve the therapy.
Lykos plans to schedule another meeting with the agency where it will request that the FDA reconsider its ruling to conduct another trial. During the meeting, the company hopes to convince the agency to allow it to use existing data to file a new application instead. If the FDA declines this request, it is unclear what the company’s next step will be.
The entire psychedelics industry, including companies such as Compass Pathways PLC (NASDAQ: CMPS), will be anxiously waiting to see how this matter is concluded and any potential impact it may have on other psychedelics drug candidates under development.
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Cannabis Training Canada(CTC) says that its CTC 1: Retail Certification Program has been approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Board of Directors as an authorized cannabis retail employee training program.
Retailers and their employees will now have the option to use the CTC program to meet their mandatory training requirements. As an independent provider, Cannabis Training Canada’s says its program is free from affiliations with any cannabis producers or retailers, thereby ensuring and unbiased and comprehensive education for participants.
(Globe Newswire) Toronto – TerrAscend Corp., a leading North American cannabis company, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to commence a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to repurchase up to USD $10 million of the Company’s common shares, from time to time over a 12-month period.
Jason Wild, Executive Chairman of TerrAscend, stated, “Our first ever stock buyback program demonstrates our confidence in TerrAscend’s future and commitment to enhancing shareholder value. As famed investor Benjamin Graham famously stated, ‘in the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run, it’s a weighing machine’. We are confident in the strength of our business, growth prospects, operational excellence, and strong cash flow. We believe our equity has compelling value and will be opportunistic with our share repurchases.”
There were 291 million Shares outstanding as of August 16, 2024. While the timeframe to purchase Shares starts on August 22, 2024, and ends no later than August 21, 2025, the Company is not obligated to purchase any Shares. If management determines it has a better use for its cash reserves, it is under no obligation to continue to purchase Shares and share purchases may be suspended or terminated at any time at TerrAscend’s discretion. The Company does not expect to incur debt to fund the share repurchase program.
The Company is authorized to repurchase up to 10,000,000 of the Company’s Shares, which represents 5% of the public float based on 291,513,055 total Shares outstanding as of August 16, 2024. There is a daily repurchase restriction of 65,361 Shares, which represents 25% of the Company’s average daily trading volume on the Toronto Stock Exchange of 261,445 Shares. Shares may be purchased on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the OTCQX Best Market, or alternative trading systems and will be subject to the limitations and rules imposed by U.S. and Canadian securities regulations. The actual number of Shares purchased, timing of purchases and share price will depend upon market conditions at the time and securities law requirements. All Shares acquired will be returned to treasury and cancelled.
Join cultivators Patrick Pagé of Great White North Growers and Mehgan Race Widdison of Mauve et Herbes as they share their commercial agriculture experiences in Quebec. Hear how their unique lifestyle, commitment to the craft and camaraderie with fellow growers propels the industry forward, creating a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in Canadian cannabis.
Cannabis sales bounced back in New Brunswick in the three months that ended June 30, 2024, following seasonal declines in the previous quarter from January through March.
Total product sales in the province for the quarter were $24.7 million, up 12.6% compared to the same quarter in the previous year. The provincial cannabis agency also brought in $5.9 million in net sales, up 15% from the same period in 2023.
Cannabis sales have continued to increase in the province annually, with consistent spikes in Q2, covering July, August and September, and declines in Q1, covering the first three months of the year.
The agency’s 2024-2026 strategic plan says legal cannabis sales in the province have been approaching about 50% of the total cannabis market and includes plans to increase the number of retail outlets and products available, as well as exploring on-site consumption and customer loyalty programs.
Competition in the market has helped to bring prices down, continues the report, noting that while some of the big LPs are “struggling and trying to recover from over-investing” in incorrect market assumptions, “many new LPs and micro-producers are being licensed that have learned from the challenges at launch, and are approaching the industry with better information and a more sustainable plan.”
The organization also plans to establish a comprehensive loss prevention program to reduce risk. A Cannabis NB employee was recently charged with stealing more than $5,000 worth of products and cash. The case has been adjourned to September 6.
Like the instrumental evolution of classic column liquid chromatography, the HPLC takes advantage of the difference of affinity and interactions of each mixture component for the stationary and mobile phase leading to different retention times. This method found applications in various fields such as pharmaceutical, environmentalsciences, and foodscience. [1]
High Performance Liquid Chromatography was developed in 1967 at Yale University, it is also known as high-pressure liquid chromatography because is characterized by using columns packed with very small particles, the stationary phase, and an eluting liquid phase, the mobile phase, pumped at high pressure through the column. [2]
The ability of the packed material to retain and separate compounds from a complex mixture is determined by functional groups chemically bonded to the surface of a support. The solute interacts with the functional groups via hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole or electrostatic interactions. It has represented a significant advance in analytical science by revolutionizing the separation of complex extract mixtures. [2]
Importance of HPLC in Botanical Extraction
This technique offers high precision and accuracy that are essential for identifying and quantifying molecules. Because of its versatility, it can be used for the isolation of a wide range of botanical compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenes. Thanks to the possibility of standardizingoperations, reproducibility is ensured, which is useful for quality control and suitable for rapidanalysis (carried out in 30 minutes or less), in both research and industrialsettings. [3]
Equipment
An HPLC consists of several assembled components. Generally, includes a sample filtration and eluent degassing system, containers for the eluent and for its discharge, an injection valve and possibly a sampler automatic, one or more pumps with their own controller, precolumn and column, one or more series detectors, and a data collection system. [2]
Materials
Samples and their preparation are primary for accurate analysis to identify and quantify the chemical constituents of leaves, stems, roots, seeds and flower extracts. The first step in specimen processing is extraction. The most commonly performed are extraction, supercritical fluid extraction and solid phase extraction. [4]
Once extracted, samples may need purification to remove interfering substances. This can be achieved by liquid-liquid extraction, filtration or centrifugation. The purified extracts are typically concentrated to improve detection sensitivity. High purity solvents and reagents are essential to minimize contamination and ensure reproducibility. [4]
To directly perform HPLC, the purified extract might have to be filtered and diluted with the mobile phase or an appropriate solvent. Filtration is carried out using special porous membranes, with holes that can reach 0.20 μm. Instead, if the sample is to be preserved will be stored in appropriate conditions, basically refrigerated and in the dark, to prevent degradation.
Eluent degassing is achieved by pumping the liquid under vacuum through membranes or allowing an inert gas such as helium to flow into the liquid, to remove dissolved air, which may collect in bubbles along the chromatograph circuit. [5]
The sample is introduced into the circuit using a syringe connected to a valve of injection. The purpose of this system is to allow the sample to enter the circuit while maintaining the latter, which is almost always under pressure, isolated from the outside.
Often the injection valve is part of an automatic sampler, which injects from time to time from the vials in which it is contained. Preparative HPLCpumps are often peristaltic, while most of the analytical HPLCpumps on the market are made up of a piston moved by a motor, and the flow direction is ensured by two check valves. The pump is equipped with a pressure gauge in the circuit. [5]
Selection of Columns and Solvents
The choice of columns is decisive and depends on the chemical nature of analytes. The columns can be housed in special compartments created in the pump container, and these are often thermostated to optimize the stationary phase performance.
The chromatographic circuit consists of small steel or PEEK (polyetheretherketone) tubes with an internal diameter of up to 0.25 mm. The precolumn is packed with the same stationary phase as the column, but has a lower length, and therefore cost. It serves to protect the column from possible damaging pollutants contained in the samples, which can bind to the stationary phase, decreasing its performance.
Normal-phase columns are suitable for polar compounds because the stationary phase, usually Silica gel, is more polar than the eluent used.
Reverse-phase columns are ideal for non-polar and moderately polar compounds because the stationary phase is apolar with respect to the eluent used. The most used are C18 columns, so called because the particles packed, made of silica gel or polystyrene-divinylbenzene, have hydrocarbon groups with 18 carbon atoms bound to the surface. The RP columns offer high resolution for a wide range of botanical compounds.
Ion exchange columns are used to separate ionic substances. The stationary phase is prepared by binding ionic functional groups to silica gel or to a porous support polymer (i.e. polystyrene); when the groups have a negative charge, the columns are called cation exchange, if they have a positive charge, they are called anion exchange. Aqueous buffers are used as eluent, possibly mixed with organic substances.
The strength of the eluent increases with the increase in the ionic strength of the buffer, species with a light charge will be eluted at lower concentrations, and those with a greater charge will be eluted as the concentration increases; furthermore, retention is influenced by the pH of the mobile phase and the content of organic solvent present.
Size exclusion columns are used to separate compounds based on sites of different sizes useful for larger biomolecules (proteins, DNA, etc).
The mobile phase should be chosen complementary to the column to increase the separation. It often consists of a mixture of water and an organic solvent such as acetonitrile or methanolsupplemented with acids or buffers to improve peak shape and resolution. Gradient elution, in which the composition of the mobile phase changes over time, is efficient in complex mixtures. [5]
Optimization of Operational Parameters
Flow rate is one of the key parameters that affect the time that analytes spend in the column and their separation. A lower flow rate generally increases separation efficiency but extends time, while a higher flow rate reduces analysis time but may compromise resolution. The best parameter balance typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 mL/min. Adjustments are based on the specifications of columns provided by the manufacturer, and are related to the desired resolution. [6]
Another important parameter is the column temperature that has an influence in the interaction between the analytes and the stationary phase. Higher temperatures increase the speed but can lead to peak broadening.
Conversely, lower temperatures improve resolution but prolong analysis time. It is important to figure out the optimum, usually between 25 and 40°C, that provides the best compromise between the speed and resolution, keeping it constant to improve reproducibility. [6]
The injection volume must always be controlled to avoid overfilling the column, which can lead to peak distortion and loss of resolution. Typically, from 10 to 20 microliters, the volume depends on the column capacity and sample concentration. [6]
The detection wavelength is selected based on the absorption characteristics of the analytes.
UV-Vis detectors are the most commonly used, and the wavelength is selected to maximize the response of the target compounds. This method is suitable for compounds with chromophores.
Diode array detectors (DAD) permit to monitor multiple wavelengths simultaneously, providing more comprehensive information about the sample composition. DAD provides spectral information from which databases are created that allow the identification of unknown compounds while avoiding dereplication phenomena.
HPLC can be performed in association with mass spectrometry (MS) that offers high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for the identification and quantification of trace compounds.
Data Collection and Analysis
First, the researcher should ensure that the HPLC system is configured correctly.
Start by degassing the mobile phase, then equilibrate the column by flowing the mobile phase through the column until a stable baseline is reached. By checking system parameters, verify flow, pressure and temperature settings according to the method protocol.
The run time must be set appropriately to guarantee that all compounds of interest elute from the column.
Data integration is performed using chromatographic software to integrate peaks and quantify compounds based on calibration curves. Peak identification is achieved by comparing retention times and spectral data with reference standards or literature values. [6]
After each analysis, don’t forget to clean the columns by washing with an appropriate solvent to remove residual compounds. Worn parts such as pump seals, injector seals and filters must be checked and replaced regularly. Periodic calibration with known standards and regular maintenance of the HPLC system helps preserve accuracy. [5]
Interpretation and Validation of Results
The interpretation of HPLC results involves analyzing chromatograms to identify and quantify the components of the sample. A chromatogram displays the detector response as a curve function of time, with each peak representing a different compound.
In fact, the retention time is a characteristic parameter that allows the compound that produced it to be unequivocally identified by comparing it with those of known standards. However, retention time alone may not be sufficient which is why it is combined with spectrometric analysis results for positive identification.
Quantification is generally performed by measuring the area under the peak curve.
Calibration lines, constructed using known concentrations of standards, are essential to balance the linear response of the detector over the range of concentrations encountered. [6]
Assessment of Parameters
Accuracy and precision are vital for reliable quantification. The former refers to how similar the measured values are compared to the actual value of the quantity of analytes in the sample. The second describes the regularity of responses when measurements are repeated under the same conditions. High precision means that repeated measurements produce similar results. [6]
HPLC method validation includes testing for linearity, which means that results (such as peak area or peak height) increase in direct proportion to the analyte concentration. This assures that as it takes more of a substance, the measurement reflects that increase. [6]
The smallest amount of an analyte that can be detected but not necessarily quantified is the limit of detection (LOD),it indicates the lowest concentration at which the analyte can be distinguished from the noise. Instead, the limit of quantification (LOQ) is the smallest amount of an analyte that can be quantitatively measured with acceptable precision and accuracy. It is higher than the LOD and ensures safe quantification. [6]
Robustness is the ability of the HPLC method to provide the same performance even with small variations in parameters like slight changes in temperature or flow rate and still produce great results. [6]
System Suitability Tests
These tests are conducted regularly to ensure the HPLC system is working correctly, and they include measurements of: peak symmetry which indicates good separation and proper functioning of the system; retention time repeatability by checking that the time it takes for an analyte to travel through the column remains consistent; theoretical plate count that is a measure of column efficiency, indicating how well the column separates. [6]
Troubleshooting
Now that it’s clear how complex this system is, let’s look at some troubleshooting.
Abnormal pressure in HPLC system can be an indicator of various problems:
No pressure reading and no flow can be caused by air trapped in the pump or simply by the failure or shutdown of the instrument; obvious solutions are to degas the eluent and turn the instrument back on.
Constant high pressure can result from excessive flow or blockage; solutions are to reduce the flow and possibly replace the porous septa.
Constant low pressure is due to potential system leaks. [7]
System Leaks can be resolved with simple interventions: tighten or replace the fittings and replace the gaskets.
Problems with the chromatogram can significantly affect HPLC performance:
Tailed peaks may indicate an exhausted column or clogged septa, in these cases it is possible to try turning and flushing the column or, at worst, replacing it.
Split peaks are often caused by contamination of the pre-column or column inlet, here the only thing to do is replace the pre-column or column.
Large, deformedpeaks may be due to excess samples which can be eliminated by reducing the volume or concentration. [7]
Difficulties in inserting the injector may be due to the seals that need to be changed; if the sampler does not inject correctly there could be a lack of compressed air or electricity. [7]
Problems detectable with the senses (smell, sight and hearing) are indicative of mechanical wear: the smell is a symptom of leaks, high-pitched or grinding noises suggest poor lubrication or the need for replacement and maintenance. These interventions can extend the life of the system and minimize downtime. [7]
References:
Foley, Joe P. “Liquid Chromatography: Theory and Methodology.” Analytical Chemistry (1996).
Golay, M.J.E., & Kirkland, J.J. “Theory of chromatography and its application to high-performance liquid chromatography.” Journal of Chromatography (1965).
B. Ramesh Kumar, “Application of HPLC and ESI-MS techniques in the analysis of phenolic acids and flavonoids from green leafy vegetables (GLVs)”, Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis (2017).
Mitra, Somenath, “Sample preparation techniques in analytical chemistry”. John Wiley & Sons (2004).
Marijuana is among the earliest crops cultivated by humanity, with ancient societies across the globe growing the plant for various purposes, including medicine, fiber and food as well as its hallucinogenic properties.
In the present day, approximately 12,000 years since marijuana’s first cultivation, the global marijuana industry has reached an estimated value of $65 billion. In regions where cannabis is legalized, consumers now have access to an extensive selection of more than 700 different strains, each with unique and often creative names, such as Unicorn Poop and Cat Piss.
Despite the wide range of options available, marijuana products are typically divided into two groups: sativa and indica, with each thought to have different psychotropic effects.
“There’s a common belief that smoking an indica strain is similar to using Xanax, leading to drowsiness, while consuming sativa is akin to a stimulating experience, almost like taking a hit of cocaine, resulting in increased energy and hyperactivity,” explains Binske cofounder and CEO, Alex Pasternack.
However, a growing body of scientific evidence indicates that these names may not imply as much as previously believed. There may not be many genetic or chemical distinctions between the two, suggesting that users may not get the desired results.
French scientist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck is credited with coining the words indica and sativa in the late 1700s when he proposed classifying marijuana plants according to their physical traits. He noted that sativas were longer with fibrous stems and narrow, thin leaves, whereas indicas were shorter with woody stems and broad, stubby leaves.
However, neuroscientist Nick Jikomes, who was once Leafly’s director of science and innovation, states that a plant’s outward look is not always a good sign of its effects on the mind and body. He says that a drug’s chemical makeup determines how it affects you.
And unlike wineries, cheesemakers or apple producers, cannabis farmers are not constrained by rigid naming conventions. According to Jikomes, anyone may take any random cannabis seed and call it whatever they wish. They can also classify it as indica, sativa, hybrid or anything else they want.
This helps to explain why Jikomes discovered that product labels frequently misrepresented the chemical makeup of the marijuana flowers it tested in a 2022 study that examined the chemical composition of more than 90,000 commercial marijuana flower samples from six states in the country. The study found that sativas did not consistently contain higher levels of THC, the primary compound responsible for the marijuana high, compared to indica strains.
These findings are consistent with a study conducted in 2021, which examined around 300 marijuana strains. The lead author of the study, Sean Myles, stated that there isn’t any credible scientific data indicating a difference between samples classified as indica or sativa.
The widespread cross-breeding that has taken place throughout time is partially to blame for the confusion. Myles noted that although the original indica plant, which originated in the Middle East, may have been chemically and genetically different from its sativa counterpart from central Asia, the differences are now too hazy to be distinguished with clarity.
Researchers recommend categorizing marijuana according to its chemical properties rather than its physical characteristics for increased accuracy. Cannabis products would be labeled by their primary chemical constituents and their concentrations, much like the Nutrition Facts label on food. Ingredients would be the biologically active compounds produced by the plants, such as terpenes and cannabinoids.
While a labeling system based on the chemical composition of a strain may be perfect for established marijuana markets, Pasternack acknowledges that most consumers today are not seeking scientifically accurate or more detailed labels. They generally look for the best value for their money, he says.
Industry actors such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) have plenty of work to do to make customers more aware of how different cannabinoids combine to provide the desired effects, regardless of whether the strain is indica or sativa.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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Late last month, regulators in California withdrew the license of a cannabis testing laboratory. This development comes after it was determined that the lab tampered with equipment and faked test results so it could provide passing test results to marijuana products that were possibly contaminated with mold and dangerous pesticides.
In 2022, the state’s Department of Cannabis Control found that California Cannabis Testing Labs engaged in activities that posed a threat to public health. According to its report, the department rejected the company’s application for an annual license and withdrew its provisional license as well. A notice issued last month by Deputy Director Michael Cheng listed alleged violations unearthed at the Northridge-based firm.
The alleged violations include:
tampering with lab equipment so the equipment would be unable to detect pesticides and solvents identified as cancer risks by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
retesting samples to produce artificially inflated and/or false THC levels
intentionally faking bench sheet records for mycotoxins and pesticides
The company’s lab director is also said to have signed a certificate of analysis for a marijuana product that reported no detection of chlorfenapyr, a pesticide. However, tests carried out later by the state on samples gathered from the same batch found almost 600 times the amount of chlorfenapyr permitted under Californian law.
The company is owned by Melissa Mabe, Krishna Chivukula and Roger Chivukula.
David Hafner, a spokesperson for the state’s cannabis control department, revealed that the company had already requested a hearing concerning the status of its license. The company’s license, which was first issued in 2019 July, is listed as cancelled on a state database.
Currently, it remains unclear how many products tested by the lab were sold to consumers in the state.
The report also reveals that three recalls were issued in March, May and June this year for marijuana products the laboratory had approved, which were later found to be contaminated with aspergillus, a type of mold. In July, another mandatory recall was issued for vaporizer cartridges that were tainted with chlorfenapyr.
These issues come at a time when the marijuana industry is dealing with growing concerns over testing, with deliberate falsification of test results becoming a significant problem.
Other violations the company may have committed include:
not accurately reporting total THC levels on certificates of analyses
not adhering to standard procedures for testing for pesticides
faking certificates of analysis by reporting inaccurate results from laboratory data
These stern actions being taken against testing labs accused of acting unprofessionally are a welcome step for licensed companies across the industry, such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), because they work so hard to build their reputations for manufacturing safe and high-quality products for their consumers, and entities that try to cut corners spoil the reputation of the entire industry.
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CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
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The amount of cannabis sold in BC continues to increase while the price continues to decrease, according to the LDB’s newest quarterly report.
The provincial cannabis wholesaler’s Q1 2024 report shows 36,418,336 grams sold in April, May, and June 2024, and more than $140.5 million in wholesale sales. The former represents an 18.8% year-over-year increase from Q1 2024, while the latter is a 10.6% increase over the same period.
Grams sold and wholesale sales were also up from the previous quarter, a period that saw some of the first declines in the province since legalization.
The average price of a gram of cannabis continues to decline in BC as well, down 6.9% from Q1 2023 to $3.86, while the price of a gram of dried flower dropped 6.3% from Q1 2023 to just $3.19.
The number of retail stores in BC increased year-over-year, from 485 at the end of June 2023 to 505 at the end of June 2024, and up from 501 at the end of March. BC breaks down stores into four regions of the province: the lower mainland, the island, the interior, and the north. Three of these regions saw total store counts increase compared to the same period in 2023, while the interior showed its second quarter of declines, down two stores from Q1 2023 and one store from Q3 2023.
Sales of eighths of dried flower continue to decline in terms of grams sold, down 18.6% year-over-year, while 7-gram SKUs increased 64.2%, 14/15-gram SKUs increased 22.7%, and 28-gram offerings increased 13.8% from the same period in 2023.
Year-over-year variance in terms of units sold increased across all product categories except topicals and ingestible extracts, which declined by 11.6% and 32.4%, respectively. The decline in ingestible extracts was due to Health Canada pushing back on certain products within the category, such as Glitches and Jolts.
Within those categories, sales in units of capsules and pills increased 7.9% but were dragged down by a 20% decline in sales of oils and tinctures and a 72.5% decrease in ingestible extracts. Capsules and pills represented 50.1% of total units sold in this category, while oils and tinctures represented 33.5% and other ingestible extracts were 16.4%
In the topicals category, balms saw a 39.6% year-over-year increase, face masks, topical oils, and sprays saw a 299.3% increase, but all other categories saw double-digit declines.
The most significant growth in the vapes category continues to be disposables, with units sold increasing 69.4% year-over-year ($3.4 million in wholesale sales). Infused pre-rolls increased by 24.7% in terms of units sold compared to the same period in 2023, for a total of $18.6 million in wholesale sales. Infused pre-rolls were again the top-selling ingestible extract in Q1 2024, at 46.7% of all units sold, compared to cartridges at 37.7%.
Resin and Rosin sales increased year-over-year by 50.9% in terms of units sold, while diamonds, wax, and crumble declined by 12.2%.
Direct delivery
Sales in BC’s direct delivery system, however—which allows some BC cannabis producers to ship products directly to retailers, bypassing the BC LDB’s central distribution warehouse—show an opposite trend, with prices increasing and sales declining.
The total grams sold through the program (617,359) declined 20.8% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023, while wholesale sales ($3 million) fell 18.9%. Meanwhile, the price of all cannabis sold through the program increased by 2.4% to $4.81 a gram, while the price of flower increased by 3.3% to $4.15.
Despite these year-over-year declines, the total grams sold in the program did increase slightly from the previous quarter by 14,834 grams. At the same time, wholesale sales remained relatively steady at about $3 million. The price of cannabis also declined slightly from the previous quarter, at $4.94 a gram for all cannabis and $4.42 a gram for dried flower.
The amount of beverages, pre-rolls, and topicals sold in the program continues to increase year-over-year and compared to the previous quarter. Flower showed a slight increase in sales compared to the previous quarter but was down 8.5% year-over-year. The amount of cannabis plants sold through the program continues to increase, while seed sales show a slight year-over-year decrease but a quarterly increase. Plant sales are higher than seed sales by a significant margin.
Pre-rolls are the most commonly sold product in this category, followed by flower and inhalable extracts.
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