Happy Friday everyone!

In the newsletter:

• SCOOP: Management shakeup at Grassdoor

And lots more,

Alex

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Grassdoor founder Zack Ein has been replaced as CEO of California’s second largest delivery service, but will continue to serve as chairman, someone familiar with the situation told WeedWeek. Currently Chi-Chien Hou, of investment firm AFI Capital Partners is serving as interim CEO.

Rumors of Ein’s departure have swirled on social media amid California’s challenging market. The company declined to comment.

Federal:

• What the end of industry-hated tax rule 280E could mean for taxes.
  MJBiz
• The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City found an economic boost but also social costs associated with legalization.
  Marijuana Moment

Business:

• North Carolina-based hemp-derived THC company Maverick Lifestyle filed to go public on the NASDAQ.
  ProActive Investors
• Marlboro parent company Altria sued 34 vape companies alleging they violated California’s ban on flavored vapes and “illegally competed” against companies that complied with state and federal law. 
  Reuters
• MSO Cresco Labs said it was leaving Arizona.
• New Cannabis Ventures argues companies are wasting their time by uplisting in Canada.
• Michigan-retailer Skymint was acquired out of receivership.
  Crain’s Detroit
• East Bay Express discusses the growing trend of cannabiz brands expanding to non-cannabis products.
• A deal spurred the dismissal of a Bob Marley branded lawsuit.
  Law360

State and local:

• Of Arizona’s 26 equity licenses issued last year, only four grantees still have an equity stake, the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting reports.
• A Maryland judge enabled shops to keep selling hemp-derived THC.
  AP
• Ohio’s Republican senate president said the state’s REC ballot initiative, if passed, would likely be altered by the Republican-dominated legislature.
  WOUB
• Jersey City, N.J. is suing Gov. Phil Murphy (D) arguing it shouldn’t have to hire cops who use cannabis and therefore can’t carry guns, according to federal law.
  NJ1015
• The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will issue cards allowing folks to buy the first MED in North Carolina.
  WCNC
• The Cannabis Redneck Rave brought “Mud, Music and Mayhem” to Steedman, Mo.
  Riverfront Times
• Two Oregon trade associations agreed to merge.
• New York magazine asks ‘Where are all the weed shops?” as the state extended its license window.
• Lawsuits allege fraud in Arkansas’ MED industry.
  Arkansas Business

Health and science:

• New Scientist discusses the industry’s “shocking” environmental costs and how to fix them.

Criminal justice:

• Police made at least 227,208 marijuana arrests in 2022, of which 92% were for possession only.
  NORML

Fun and interesting:

• Free Spirits, a maker of non-alcoholic spirits for adults, made fun of booze ads.
  AdWeek
• Influencer Alice Moon’s High on Plants brand has released earings named for journalist Jackie Bryant. 
• The six cringiest stoner types.
  Weedmaps

State:

• Cannabis Business Times asks whether local jurisdictions will follow through on SB 1186. The law, which takes effect January 1, requires all jurisdictions to allow not just MED delivery but MED delivery businesses. 
• Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed three more cannabis laws.
  Marijuana Moment
• Canna Law Blog argues the state still can’t effectively fight the illegal market. 
• The new law preventing weed-related job discrimination opens the door to lawsuits, Human Resources Director reports. 
• Canadian pub Policy options compares legalization in California and Canada.

Business:

• Punch Edibles co-founder Samantha O’Donnell discussed the brand’s expansion to New York.
  Respect My Region

Local:

• Christina Chkarboul and Mary Carreón have a big report on the crime wave targetting LA pot shops.
  KCRW
• The fallout after failed Oakland Cannery execs fled the area owing $51.5M in debt continues.
  SF Gate
• Oakland shops can get money for extra security.
  Oaklandside
• In Oceanside (San Diego Co.), delivery service MedLeaf worries not being prioritized for a storefront will put them out of business.
  The Coast News
• Eureka (Humboldt) decriminalized psychedelics.
  Marijuana Moment
• Amid disarray, Massachusetts’ regulatory industry picked a new interim executive directory.
  State House News
• Natura‘s Sacramento campus has reopened for now.
  SacBee
• Vista (San Diego Co.) is seeking input on its equity program.
  KPBS

Company milestones:

• SF-based tech shop Genetica announced a partnership with Vegas retailer Jardín.  
• Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair’s brands partnered with Premium Produce to reach the Nevada market.
• Lowell Farms completed its convertible debt elimination.

Recognition:

• Glass House’s The Farmacy won best dispensary in Santa Barbara from the Independent. 

Job moves:

• Mammoth distribution exec Wesley Hein joined the board of the Cannabis Beverages Association.

Upcoming:

• Blunt Talks returns to LA on Sunday, November 12 with a spicy lineup.
• The Circa Festival’s Coming Out Green, pop-up exhibit Sunday in LA, celebrates the LGBT+ influence on legalization.
• Cultivating Spirits CEO Philip Wolf is hosting a five-course infused dinner on October 29 in Berkeley.
• Bonni Goldstein, MD, is leading 12-hour MED webinars designed for healthcare professionals. There’s one this weekend, and another November 4/5.