In a year that will go down in history as one of the quietest for state-level marijuana market launches in the U.S., Ohio’s adult-use market stood out with the only launch of 2024. Ohio debuted its recreational cannabis market on August 6, making it the only state to unveil a new cannabis market in the U.S. this year. This marks a significant departure from a young industry that has gone through non-stop market expansion for more than 10 years.
Unfortunately, Ohio’s recreational marijuana market launch wasn’t as successful as previous launches. The state recorded a sales dip right after it launched its adult-use market, something that usually happens in the first year of sales, not the first month. Ohio registered $44.1 million worth of cannabis sales in the first week, followed by $43.1 million in the second week, $56.2 million in week three, and $48.0 million in the fourth week.
Cannabis has been the fastest-growing sector in the U.S. job market for several years, with several states launching new cannabis markets annually and raking in tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars from cannabis sales. However, the market’s constant expansion seems to have come to a halt.
There were three new recreational market launches and one medical cannabis launch in 2023 and 2024 saw the launch of just one market, Ohio’s recreational marijuana market. Ohio is now the 21st state in the U.S. to launch adult-use cannabis sales after Maryland launched its recreational market in July 2023 and Missouri in February 2023. With that, several more million Americans now have access to recreational cannabis.
The one year between the launch of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis market in mid-2023 and Ohio’s recent launch represents the longest period of zero launches since Americans first gained access to recreational marijuana in 2014. According to Marijuana Policy Project state policies director Karen O’Keefe, progress in the adult-use cannabis space has been held back by limited funding in the non-profit advocacy space.
According to O’Keefe, efforts to legalize cannabis in South Dakota, New Hampshire and Hawaii in 2024 would have had higher chances of success if the campaigns had ‘adequate resources.’ Georgia was the last state to launch a medical marijuana market in October 2023 and it seems 2024 will close with no new medical cannabis market launches.
In the meantime, states with cannabis markets, such as New York and Florida, are increasing their retail licenses significantly to cater to the large demand for cannabis. However, the New York Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) recently recommended a cap on retail marijuana licenses to prevent market oversaturation and keep prices stable.
For companies like Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) that could be looking for new markets into which to expand, the slowing rate at which new markets are launched could narrow the options available.
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Quality Horticulture Ltd., a leading independent distributor of controlled environment agriculture equipment, lighting, fertilizers and grow media, today announced it has expanded its comprehensive distribution platform into the United States.
Recently celebrating its 25th successful year in business, Quality’s focus on adaptive innovation and growth means they are uniquely positioned to deliver their customers unmatched expertise, guidance, and support.
With the addition of an Ontario, California facility to their well-established eastern and western Canadian regional distribution hubs, Quality Horticulture brings over two and half decades of hands-on experience to meet the rising US demand for its premium brand portfolio.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to support our partners in the US and bring a high level of service and expertise to the market,” says Alissa Russell, Director of Sales – Quality Horticulture. “Over the past 25 years, our customers have grown to expect cutting edge solutions and a highly efficient distribution system that meets and exceeds expectation.”
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Quality Horticulture is a leading independent distributor of controlled environment agriculture equipment, lighting, fertilizers and grow media. Featuring best in class brands including Eazy Plug, Grodan, Fluence, Dosatron, Netafim, MiiM Horticulture, Mondi Products, Lost Coast Plant Therapy, Eagle Protect, Aroya, General Hydroponics, Gavita, Botanicare, Mother Earth, and more, Quality delivers over 25 years of trusted, industry-leading, experience and strength.
Immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s infamous cannabis culture and the inclusive community at Dutch Love Cannabis stores.
Inspired by Amsterdam’s long standing liberal attitude towards cannabis and its pivotal role in reducing the stigma surrounding cannabis use, Dutch Love has built its brand on providing both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts with a warm, welcoming atmosphere to connect, ask questions, and access their favourite cannabis products.
“Dutch Love offers cannabis users an aesthetic, cosy, retro-esque environment to comfortably shop for both familiar and new products,” says CEO Gary Karbar. “Our goal is to create an engaging experience, cool vibes and a beautiful aesthetic where people can connect.”
Serving as a hotspot for those seeking a European-inspired, compassionate cannabis company, Dutch Love celebrates the human experience in all its forms.
“Dutch Love’s roots have always been planted in fostering a sense of culture and community,” adds Karbar. “We also strive to find and supply access to exceptional products while ensuring our customers enjoy a warm, welcoming service environment where they feel confident asking questions.”
The Breakfast Club: A new kind of ‘wake and bake’
Join the club and connect with the unique community at Dutch Love. Start your mornings off right – sign up for free online here.
“Our goal with the Breakfast Club has always been to ensure our most loyal customers are the first to know about what’s happening in our stores, sharing our amazing offerings and promotions, along with unique community events and experiences,” says Karbar.
“We have exciting changes coming up over the next few months, including the opening of new storefronts and expanding our craft cannabis collection. We want our members to come together and share something special.”
Learn more about Dutch Love online at dutch.love, and with storefronts across B.C., you can find a location near you online here. Enjoy free same-day delivery on orders of $30 or more at all locations.
Ontario-based Greenway Greenhouse Cannabis Corporation has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Choice Growers Cannabis Inc. to acquire the company’s consumer brands.
Under the December 17 purchase agreement, Greenway acquired all of Alberta-based Choice Growers‘ consumer packaged goods brands, SKUs and listings of the brands, trademarks, goodwill, and other associated intellectual property.
The deal includes a write-off for the amount Choice Growers owes Greenway and a royalty payment equal to varying percentages of net revenue over a period of six years.
The acquisition includes all of Choice Growers’ brands, including Grapefruit God Bud (also known as Grape God), The Jeffrey, Watermelon Pebbles, Pink Lemonade, Duke Nukem, Tangerine Dream, and Blackberry Cheesecake.
In a press release, Greenway says the acquisition will enable it to expand further into the CPG sector of the Canadian cannabis market and introduce its products to a broader audience nationwide.
Jamie D’Alimonte, CEO of Greenway, said: “Acquiring the brands from Choice Growers will help Greenway grow the number of SKUs we have in Ontario and bring Greenway products into new provinces. The Choice Growers team have built strong brands that have demonstrated real consumer appeal. As with many cannabis brands, future success will depend on delivering great products and ensuring they reach consumers at an affordable price.”
“We are excited to combine our high quality, low cost cultivation with the consumer brand recognition of Choice Growers’ products. Our team is looking forward to bringing these brands under the Greenway banner, to enhance profitability and introduce Greenway’s quality cannabis to new consumers across Canada.”
Greenway recently reported net revenue of $1.8 million in Q2 2025 but an operating loss of $770,347, and loss and comprehensive loss of $1 million.
Greenway’s primary business model is to cultivate, bulk package, and wholesale dry flower to other cannabis companies. In addition to wholesale sales, Greenway sells cannabis through its brands, EPIC Cannabis Co. and MillRite, with pre-rolls and 7-gram SKUs of flower. MillRite saw a 71% increase in total units sold from the previous quarter (Q1 2025).
The company has a licensed indoor nursery and a separate licensed greenhouse for standard cultivation. The nursery is currently used to store and maintain mother plants and genetics, and to propagate clones and vegetative plants for the greenhouse.
Elton John has been vocal about his stance on the legalization of cannabis, openly criticizing its approval in parts of the United States and Canada. The legendary musician expressed strong concerns about the drug, reflecting on his own experiences and observations during a Time magazine interview.
According to him, marijuana is undeniably addictive and often acts as a gateway to more dangerous substances. Recalling his own struggles, he admitted, “When you’re under the influence—and I’ve been there—you don’t think clearly or make rational choices.” He went on to describe the legalization of marijuana as one of the worst decisions ever made.
John’s opinions are rooted in his journey to sobriety, which he has maintained for many years. During this time, he has also become an advocate for others battling addiction, helping numerous artists along their recovery paths. Notably, he acted as a sponsor for rapper Eminem and encouraged British singer Robbie Williams to seek professional help by attending rehab.
Despite his efforts, there are regrets. One such regret involves the late George Michael, who passed suddenly in 2016 at the age of 53 from liver and heart problems after battling substance misuse.
In retrospect, John said of his efforts to assist Michael, “It’s really difficult to confront someone about their destructive behavior, and even more difficult to accept when you’re the one being confronted.”
John first encountered cocaine in the 1970s through his then-lover and manager, John Reid, which marked the beginning of a long battle with substance abuse.
Looking back, he acknowledges how those years of addiction led to poor decisions and damaging relationships. “When you’re using drugs, your judgment is clouded,” he admitted. “I was so desperate for love that I clung to people and didn’t give them space. It pains me to think about how many people I might have hurt during that time.”
Bernie Taupin, John’s longtime collaborator and lyricist, also reflected on the singer’s struggles during that era. Taupin described feeling immense fear for his friend, calling those years “horrible.”
He noted that John’s substance abuse affected not only their connection but also their creative work. “The projects we worked on during his worst periods weren’t a true reflection of our best abilities,” Taupin explained. “It wasn’t until Elton found his way back to himself that I could draw inspiration from our shared experiences and channel them into meaningful material.”
The sentiments expressed by Elton John aren’t new, and cannabis firms like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) have heard similar views expressed by those opposed to marijuana legalization. However, the reform movement continues to gain momentum around the world.
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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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Kings District RCMP seized cannabis, psilocybin, and tobacco items at an unlicensed storefront and arrested a man as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
On December 18, officers attended a cannabis storefront on Sweetgrass Rd. in Hantsport and arrested a 34-year-old man of Glooscap First Nation before executing a search warrant as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
During the search, investigators say they seized thousands of grams of cannabis in various forms, psilocybin in various forms, including edibles and pills, thousands of illegal cigarettes, a quantity of cash, cellular devices, and other drug paraphernalia.
The man was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Kentville Provincial Court on February 25 to face charges related to possessing and selling cannabis under the Cannabis Act as well as the possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
A post on a TikTok account for Glooscap’s Finest Treaty Truck House confirms the raid, stating: “The ONLY way, that the RCMP would ever come on to on reserve land to make an arrest, would be if they had direction from our own Indian Act Chief and Council – Chief Sydney Peters.”
An email was sent to Glooscap First Nation Chief and Council for comment, but they were not immediately available.
A post on the store’s Instagram page from December 17 advertised the grand opening of a new store at the location of the raid. The store appears to have previously operated out of a mobile trailer. In a TikTok post on November 3, the company posted that the owners were presented with a cease and desist and demands to vacate the lot in October after disagreements over a profit-sharing contract. The company also alleges that community leaders had blocked their driveway.
The website micmacrights.com lists the Kluskap Treaty Truckhouse at 10 Sweetgrass Rd. on its online directory.
The Micmac Rights Association lists around 40 such Truck Houses that it says are lawfully authorized to operate in Nova Scotia. The Micmac Rights Association says it has provided a certificate recognizing and affirming the owners to be exercising their Aboriginal and treaty rights in accordance with Micmac customs and conventions and Sections 25 and 35 of the Canadian Constitution.
Earlier this year, a Nova Scotia court rejected a claim that the members of a First Nation can operate cannabis stores outside of provincial and federal cannabis regulations.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a Notice of Proposal to suspend the Cannabis Retail Store Authorization for 12473291 Canada Inc., operating as Montrose Cannabis in Pickering, Ontario.
The seven-day suspension has been proposed following AGCO inspections that revealed significant breaches of the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 (CLA) and its regulations.
In May, AGCO inspectors attended the retail store located at 1755 Pickering Parkway and determined that the store had been unlawfully using a third-party delivery service – a violation of regulations under the CLA, which require that cannabis be delivered only by the licence-holder or an employee who has successfully completed the required education and training.
During that inspection, evidence was also discovered that the store had been unlawfully selling its product to customers in Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Quebec, and Yukon. Under the CLA, licensees are not permitted to sell cannabis outside of Ontario, which may also constitute a violation of the Cannabis Act (Canada).
Finally, Montrose Cannabis was also determined to have been selling cannabis in quantities exceeding the legal maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent in a single transaction.
The AGCO says it worked with the licensee to educate them on their obligations and to bring them into compliance. Inspectors conducted a follow-up inspection last month, where it was determined that despite a commitment to coming into compliance, the licensee had continued to operate in violation of the CLA.
An establishment served with a Notice of Proposal has the right to appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
The AGCO says it will continue to take all appropriate actions to ensure compliance and that the safety of Ontarians is not jeopardized.
“Cannabis retail laws and regulations are in place to protect the public and ensure the legal cannabis market operates responsibly,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, registrar and CEO of AGCO. “When licensees fail to meet their obligations, the AGCO will take decisive action to uphold the integrity of Ontario’s cannabis retail system.”
A representative with Montrose Cannabis was not immediately available for comment.
If a cannabis retail licence is suspended, the store must post a sign about the suspension in a place where people can easily see it from outside the store.
The AGCO also recently issued a $100,000 fine to a retail chain for disallowed “data deals” that amounted to paying for shelf space
New York state marijuana regulators are considering whether they should temporarily cap the number of marijuana retail licenses to 1,600. According to a statement from Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) chair Joseph Belluck, the Cannabis Advisory Board sent the suggestion to cap state retail licenses to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). The CCB’s suggestion is nonbinding and it will be up to the Cannabis Control Board to take steps and facilitate the temporary cap on licenses.
New York’s regulated cannabis industry is still in its infancy after the state legalized marijuana in March 2021 and began adult-use sales before the end of the year. The rollout of New York’s recreational cannabis market was plagued by delays and lawsuits and significantly undermined by the state’s illicit cannabis market.
Despite the market’s tender age and the various challenges it has faced, New York’s recreational cannabis industry is close to hitting $1 billion in annual revenue just a few years after launch. The CCB’s suggestion to cap licenses could meet a lot of pushback from a young market filled with players who have been trying to get into the game since New York legalized adult-use marijuana.
Belluck, on the other hand, stressed that the limit would be temporary and subject to regular reevaluation. Furthermore, he noted that the limit wasn’t similar to the license caps other states have implemented as it was only a temporary measure meant to help social equity cannabis retailers and the general New York cannabis market from experiencing the issues players in other states have gone through.
Rather than a license ‘cap’, Belluck said, the limit is a recommendation for the number of licenses New York should approve at the moment. He noted that the state has issued permits to some cannabis operators yet they still haven’t opened their doors and may not even launch at all. The limit would help cannabis regulators in New York protect new cannabis retailers and encourage the cannabis market to grow.
It will also allow state regulators to stabilize cannabis prices. Retail prices could drop if too many retailers open shop, flood the market with cannabis products, and lower prices, making the market an unattractive prospect for subsequent entrepreneurs. Oversaturation has been a major issue across most of America’s state-level cannabis markets for the past few years, with many growers and retailers recording significant losses as oversupply caused prices to fall.
The CAB’s suggestion comes shortly after Felicia Reid, acting Executive Director at the New York Office of Cannabis Management, said that the OCM is working hard to avoid oversaturating the state’s cannabis market after its slow rollout. The CCB will consider whether to follow or ignore the Cannabis Advisory Board’s advice when it meets in 2025.
The intentions behind preventing oversaturation of the adult-use market are commendable and would support the growth of not just cannabis companies but also allied verticals like the one in which Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) operates within its chosen markets. What remains to be seen is how the recommendation of CAB is implemented and what effects it has on the trajectory of the industry in the state.
About CannabisNewsWire
CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 70+ 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.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Toronto – Redecan Cannabis is thrilled to announce the expansion of its popular ‘Wrapped & Redee’ Redees Hemp’d line with two exclusive, limited edition high potency genetics just in time for the holiday season. Introducing Legendary Kush (Sativa) and Orange Cream Fuel (Indica), available in festive 20 x 0.4g packs, with ten of each unique genetic designed to boost your holiday experience.
‘Wrapped & Redee’ Redees Hemp’d are made with meticulously grown flower that’s carefully hang dried then milled to perfection. Featuring ultra-thin hemp paper and patented filter tips for smoother taste and airflow, these hard-hitting pre-rolls deliver a smooth burn.
Legendary Kush (Larry OG x Legend OG) is a sativa-dominant strain that offers a robust flavour profile featuring earthy, citrus, and spicy notes. Its lineage traces back to the renowned Larry OG and Legend OG, making it a powerhouse of genetics. The dominant terpenes, Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Myrcene, contribute to its unique aroma and potential therapeutic benefits, providing an invigorating and uplifting experience.
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Orange Cream Fuel (Jet Fuel Gelato x Orange Cookies) is an indica strain known for its potent effects and delightful flavour profile. With fruity, diesel, and spicy undertones, this strain is a treat for the senses. Its impressive lineage includes Jet Fuel Gelato and Orange Cookies, ensuring a rich genetic background. The dominant terpenes, Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Cedrene, enhance their aromatic qualities and may offer relaxing and soothing effects, perfect when unwinding during the holidays.
Redecan’s Original Hemp’d Pre-roll Line:
Redecan’s ‘Hemp’d’ pre-roll line features the same sleek pre-rolls as its original Redees. Taking its signature straight cut 10×0.4g pre-rolls to a new level, Redees Hemp’d is an upgraded pre-roll with ultra-thin, unbleached hemp paper and hemp filter tips for a more sustainable pre-roll option and overall, a better consumption experience. Last year, Redecan announced the first round of limited-edition Wrapped & Redees Hemp’d stocking stuffers with exclusive whole-flower cannabis genetics, including King Sherb and Animal RNTZ, meticulously cultivated by their master growers. This year, Legendary Kush and Orange Cream Fuel join the festive pre-roll line, expanding Redecan’s core offerings.
BC’s third cannabis farmgate store received provincial approval recently, with plans to welcome customers in the new year.
Weeds International Inc., a micro cultivator in Pitt Meadows, BC, received its producer retail store licence, i.e. cannabis farmgate, from the BC government on Friday, December 13, after a lengthy application approval process.
In addition to their micro cultivation site, Weeds’ owners Don and Devon Briere and Carol Gwilt also operate retail locations in Vancouver and Sechelt. The Weeds brand has been part of BC cannabis culture for more than two decades, with a former chain of retail stores that operated across the province years before legalization.
Weeds’ new farmgate licence is the third such licence issued in the province since it began accepting applications for Producer Retail Stores (PRS) in November 2022. Only three companies have applied for such a licence. The province has also licensed two similar stores, one in Williams Lake and one in Chilliwack, under special arrangements with local First Nations called Section 119 agreements.
The company is now waiting on their final business licence from the city of Pitt Meadows, where they are located.
Gwilt says she and the Brieres were very excited to get the final provincial approval. They are now working on putting the final touches on the store, with the goal of a soft launch in February.
“It’s been a vision for a long time for us,” she tells StratCann. “To be able to grow and sell and share weed with our community is an honour. We love being in Pitt Meadows and we’re happy to have the community come to our farm and experience this with us.”
Don Briere says the Weeds team has several other pieces of the puzzle they hope to bring about later in 2025, including an outdoor consumption space and, more long term, the possibility of a more focussed tourist experience by creating nearby guest houses, where people can visit their farm and buy and sample products over several days.
“It’s been a long time coming; there’s been a lot of slowdown and turns and roadblocks, but we’re here now,” says Briere. We just have to persist and keep on truckin’.”
BC’s first cannabis farmgate location, ShuCanna, located in Salmon Arm, opened in the summer of 2023. The second, the Victoria Cannabis Co (VCC), opened its cannabis farmgate store in October 2024 after a lengthy approval process with the city.
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