Hi all,

The newsletter is a bit late this week since I was finishing a story. Let’s get to it.

In the newsletter:

• BREAKING: Metrc “concealed” acquisition from state partners, whistleblower alleges

Read up,

Alex

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Regulatory software provider Metrc may have breached its agreements with state governments by attempting to “conceal” information about an acquisition, a whistleblower alleges. In a text message, Metrc CEO Michael Johnson told the plaintiff to take down a social media post, so states wouldn’t learn the company bought a start-up that “sell[s] to licensees,” the suit alleges.

Metrc didn’t respond to requests for comment. In a statement to MJBiz, the company called the allegations “baseless,” and part of a retaliatory campaign from an employee fired for “performance issues.” “The falseness of these claims will be proven in court,” the statement says.

Read the story

Feederal:

• MJBiz reports on what Trump’s tariffs mean for the cannabiz.
• U.S. Hemp Roundtable attorney Jonathan Miller testified to a U.S. House Committee on the need for the FDA to regulate hemp cannabinoids. MJBiz says the change is a long way off.
• A new memo from an alcohol retail group argues cannabis should only be sold at locations licensed to sell alcohol.
  Marijuana Moment
• A poll found half of U.S. cannabis consumers expect to up their consumption because of the Trump presidency.
  Marijuana Moment

Business:

• Canna Law Blog argues the chaotic economic climate could crater the cannabiz. 
• The New York Times reports New York state is investigating several brands, including California-based powerhouse Stiiizy, for allegedly inverting product. Stiiizy CEO James Kim denied violating any New York regulations.
  Insiders blame the inversion issue on New York’s lack of a working track and trace system. In 2022, WeedWeek found Stiiizy products, apparently diverted from California, in unlicensed New York shops.
  MJBiz
• AE Global exec Mike Forenza discussed the crisis in cannabis packaging.
  Cannabis Equipment News

Health and science:

• A study will look at how cannabis-infused beverages affect quality of life compared to alcohol for up to 2,000 participants.
  Marijuana Moment

• Berner’s Vibes papers are now available at 7Eleven.
  @berner415

4/20:

• GreenState assembled a multi-state 4/20 event guide.

State and Local:

• The Florida Senate unanimously approved a bill to crack down on the hemp industry. I wrote about Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) vetoing a similar bill last year.
  Floridian Press, Slate
• A Connecticut bill would allow equity businesses to sell their licenses in less than seven years. The state is also creating a new agency to oversee the industry.
  CT Mirror
• Rhode Island regulators released long awaited new rules for the REC market.
  Rhode Island Current
• The Texas House of Representatives proposed an alternative to the total THC ban passed in the state senate.
  Austin American-Statesman
• In Minnesota, a judge approved rules for REC, moving closer to the market opening.
  CBS

Fun and interesting:

• Check out Janis Joplin’s hand-painted 1964 Porsche 356.
  @cartdept
• Courtney Zalewski, CMO at California retailer Embarc, has an idea to re-imagine the smoking experience “in the age of burnout, doomscrolling and existential dread.”
• “If they can bring back to dire wolves…“
  @dannydankoht

State:

• The SF Chronicle reports on the state of California’s beleaguered industry.
• Since January, California has seized more than $316M in illicit product.

Business:

• SFGate says drinks are the “only winner” in California’s market.
• With an acquisition in Pacific Beach, WellGreens now has 10 locations, all apparently in San Diego County.
• Glass House Brands announced a hemp research partnership with UC Berkeley. The grower also announced a partnership with Eaze to bring its PLUS gummies brand to Florida.
  @cha.education

Local:

• Mendocino Co. supes greenlit expanding commercial cultivation.
  Mendocino Voice
• Sonoma Co. supes await an update on the local program.
  Sonoma Valley Sun
• San Diego’s first cannabis lounge, Sessions by the Bay, opens for 4/20 weekend.
  FOX
• Fresno’s mayor said pot tax revenue was nearly $4M short of projections.
  KMPH
• Could Humboldt be California’s next great wine region?
  Redheaded Blackbelt
• Community leaders in Fallbrook are calling on San Diego Co. to pause its program in unincorporated areas over environmental concerns.
  The Coast News

Equity:

• Data shows Black people account for 75% of pot arrests at LAX.
  LA Taco

Upcoming:

• The Black Los Angeles Cannabis Council is hosting an April 16 rally at city hall to call for reform, tax relief and accountability from the city’s Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) and City Council.
  @blaccunity
• Here’s the latest on PuffCon, October 4-5 in LA.
  StupidDope