LeafLink reveals top brands of 2021

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In today’s newsletter:

LeafLink reveals top brands of 2021
GOP bill upends legalization calculus

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GOP BILL UPENDS LEGALIZATION CALCULUS

Republican — That elephant is crazy high bro!

Cannabis politics just got a lot more interesting.
WeedWeek

Following Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) bill this summer, Freshman Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has filed a rival bill she’s presenting as a centrist approach to federal legalization.

No matter what it means for the industry, or legalization, it looks like a sharp political move. With Republicans heavily favored in next year’s mid-terms, it co-opts an issue that could have benefitted Democrats.

Here’s my take on what it means for legalization.

QUICK HITS

Business:

Business Insider looks at why big time investors prefer software to plant touching companies. Cannatech companies have raised $1.6B this year.
All the cool kids say pot is about more than THC. Now a new study says THC content isn’t even a good indicator of potency. Expect THC levels and price to remain the most important factors influencing consumer choices.
Forbes
Columbia Care and Trulieve reported earnings.
Architect asks if hemp is the next disruptor in construction.
Smith Corona finds “13 women defying the industry shutout.“

State News:

An Ohio bill would significantly expand the state’s MED program.
Columbus Dispatch
Legalization advocate Nicholas Scutari is the new president of the New Jersey state senate.
AP
Michigan sales had a record October. Colorado sales did not have a record September.
New Cannabis Ventures, Westword
The Mississippi legislature appears unlikely to hold a special session to legalize MED.
WLBT

Health and Science:

Research has found heavy cannabis use may be linked to heart attacks in young adults.
Medical Express
THC breathalyzers are getting better. But Inverse suggests they could do more harm than good.

Crime:

J.T.Burnette, husband of Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers, was sentenced to three years in federal prison. Read more about his public corruption case. Trulieve was not accused of wrongdoing.
Tallahassee.com, WeedWeek
A new civil lawsuit in Mendocino County accuses local and state cops of corruption and theft during pot seizures.
NBC

International:

In Canada, a study found legalization has not led to an increase in traffic injuries.
Vancouver Sun
Unfounded fears of heroin-laced weed, could accelerate REC legalization in Germany.
Vice

Fun and interesting:

Mary Carreon’s Kitchen Toke article on the Spirit of Hash, features one of the last interviews with Frenchy Cannoli.
Respect My Region checks out some of the best-selling affordable brands at DTPG in DTLA.
Enjoy the new red band trailer for The Freak Brothers.

COMPANY MILESTONES

Connecticut awarded its compliance software contract to Forian and partner Consultants Consortium.
Michigan-based Lume hired its 1,000th employee and opened its 26th store. It claims to be the largest SSO in the country.
California-based, vertically-integrated, Perfect Union acquired manufacturer Bonsai Brands.
TILT Holdings expanded its partnership with “inhalation product” company Airo into Massachusetts.
Psychedelics company Numinus Wellness is partnering with MAPS to study MDMA as a treatment for PTSD.
Marketing firm Hawke Media is accepting pre-orders for its new book, “The Hawke Method.”

JOB MOVES

MSO Ascend Wellness Holdings named Danielle Drummond VP, social equity.
The National Cannabis Industry Association announced a slate of new board members.
Bongmaker Puffco named Stuart McFaul CMO and Joy Huffman CFO.
MedMen appointed financial turnaround specialist David Hsu and former JC Penney CFO Ed Record to its board. Viola CEO Al Harrington and consultant Nicole Christoff departed the board.
Michigan’s top regulator Andrew Brisbo was voted the new president of the Cannabis Regulators Association.
Mike Tyson’s brand Tyson 2.0 named its board of directors.

PRODUCT NEWS

Hitoki released version two of the Trident, it’s laser combustion smoking device. In black (pictured) or rose gold it’ll set you back $500. In 24-carat gold, $650.
Stiiizy has a new line of sour gummy triangles.