Author: Roger Fillion

[ad_1] Growing fears over a dangerous plant pathogen … the Biden administration’s support for reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug … the proliferation of hemp-derived products containing intoxicating delta-8 THC. Those were among the most clicked-on stories here at MJBizDaily over the past year. Those issues also represent some of the biggest hurdles and opportunities confronting cannabis executives, advocates and policymakers as the industry heads into the new year. Here’s a look back our 10 most-read cannabis business stories of 2023: 1. Experts sound alarm over global spread of dangerous marijuana viroid This story about a viroid went viral.…

[ad_1] New York regulators are facing yet another lawsuit aimed at stopping them from issuing any additional adult-use marijuana licenses. The lawsuit – filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of New York by two companies seeking retail licenses – comes less than a month after regulators approved settlement agreements in two previous suits that contributed to the tortuous rollout of legal adult-use cannabis sales in the state. In the new lawsuit, Variscite New York Four and Variscite New York Five argue that the state’s retail marijuana licensing program violates the U.S. Constitution’s dormant commerce clause, which generally…

[ad_1] After a long career in journalism and almost eight years with MJBizDaily, Roger Fillion will retire as editorial director and will be succeeded by the publishing platform’s magazine editor, Kate Lavin, MJBiz announced Wednesday. Fillion, who is 65, will step down at the end of the year and pursue traveling and hiking with his wife, honing his skills as a bread baker, visiting family and friends as well as other activities after four decades as a journalist. Lavin, who has served as editor of MJBizMagazine for nearly six years, will assume her new role on Jan. 1, 2024. Kevin…

[ad_1] An administrative judge in Florida gave the thumbs-up to a new rule adopted a year ago by state regulators that boosted the biennial license renewal fee for medical marijuana companies in the state by more than twentyfold, to $1.3 million. Administrative Law Judge William Horgan said the renewal fee “carries out to the letter” a legislative mandate that was supported by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to the Orlando Weekly. Last year, the governor called for steep fee increases for MMJ companies in Florida, arguing the state should charge licensees and applicants “an arm and a leg.” Sanctuary Cannabis, a…

[ad_1] Cannabis multistate operator Jushi Holdings filed a preliminary short-form base shelf prospectus in Canada to raise up to 600 million Canadian dollars ($442 million) by issuing a variety of securities over a 25-month period. The filing, when finalized, will permit Florida-based Jushi to sell up to CA$600 million worth of subordinate voting shares, preferred shares, subscription receipts, debt securities, convertible securities, warrants and units. According to a news release, Jushi made the filing “to maintain financial flexibility, including responding to significant regulatory improvements and pursuing opportunistic acquisitions.” The filing was made with the securities commissions for each of Canada’s…

[ad_1] Pamela Moore, the chief content strategy officer for MJBiz, is leaving the pioneering cannabis publishing and trade show company after four years. Moore said she is stepping down from her top leadership post to focus more on family, noting “the decision is wholly personal and unrelated to the business.” Denver-based MJBiz is owned and produced by Emerald, the largest U.S.-based producer of trade shows and their associated conferences, content and commerce. Moore’s last day will be Oct 13. “Being part of the dynamic growth of MJBiz, the MJBiz family and the amazing cannabis community has been the highlight of…

[ad_1] Tilt Holdings, a Phoenix-based diversified marijuana company, has cut ties with three social equity brands and paused a joint venture with the Shinnecock Indian Nation in New York. According to Green Market Report, the new leadership at Tilt has severed relationships with: Her Highness, a women-focused cannabis brand based founded by Laura Eisman and Allison Krongard. Highsman, a cannabis lifestyle brand founded by former NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. Black Buddha Cannabis, a social impact-driven lifestyle and wellness brand launched by Roz McCarthy, the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Minorities for Medical Marijuana. “TILT…