💸 High Impact

The Wyden Bill Could Finally Regulate Hemp

Well, it appears the Senate is finally trying to clear the haze surrounding hemp and CBD regulation—pun very much intended. A new bill has been filed aiming to federally regulate hemp and cannabinoids like CBD, offering an alternative to the blanket bans that have been cropping up faster than, well, weeds. For investors and industry insiders who've been navigating the murky waters of state-by-state regulations, this could be the legislative equivalent of finding a GPS in the fog.

This bill proposes a federal framework that would standardize regulations across all states, which is music to the ears of multi-state operators tired of playing regulatory hopscotch. Imagine not having to consult a legal team every time you cross a state line—that's a cost-saving measure if I've ever heard one. The proposed legislation seeks to treat hemp-derived cannabinoids similarly to dietary supplements, which could open the floodgates for market expansion and, dare I say, profitability.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves and start rolling in the green just yet. While the bill aims to prevent overreaching bans, it also introduces a layer of federal oversight that could make some industry players as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Compliance costs could rise, and smaller operators might find themselves squeezed tighter than a joint at a college party. However, for well-capitalized companies, this could be an opportunity to solidify market share while the competition is still figuring out how to navigate the new rules.

From a market perspective, the bill could be the catalyst that propels the hemp and CBD industry into its next growth phase. Standardized regulations would likely attract institutional investors who've been sitting on the sidelines due to legal uncertainties. After all, nothing says "investable" like a clear set of rules and a minimized risk profile. Stocks in this sector could see a bump as analysts start baking in the potential for nationwide market access and increased consumer confidence.

Of course, this is all contingent on the bill actually passing, which in the current political climate is about as predictable as, well, the effects of an edible with delayed onset. Lawmakers will have to weigh the economic benefits against any perceived public health risks, and that's a debate that could drag on longer than a filibuster on a Friday afternoon.

In summary, the proposed Senate bill could be a game-changer for the hemp and CBD industry, offering a path to federal regulation that avoids the pitfalls of sweeping bans. For investors with a tolerance for risk—and a taste for irony—this legislative move could be the high point of the year. Keep your eyes on this one; it might just be the pot of gold at the end of the policy rainbow.

📈 Dog Walkers

RIV Capital Opens Second Adult Use Location In New York

Well, it seems RIV Capital and Etain are doubling down on the Empire State's green rush, unveiling their second adult-use cannabis location in New York. As if Times Square needed another reason to attract tourists! But in all seriousness, this move signals a strategic play to capture a larger slice of the burgeoning New York cannabis market, which, let's be honest, is growing faster than a weed—pun intended. With regulatory hurdles slowly clearing, RIV Capital is positioning itself as a frontrunner in a state that could soon rival California's market size. Investors might want to keep an eye on how this expansion impacts their bottom line. After all, opening new locations isn't just about planting seeds; it's about harvesting profits.

Weedmaps Gets Slapped By The SEC

Well, it looks like Weedmaps just got caught in a cloud of its own smoke. The cannabis tech company is set to pay the SEC a cool $1.5 million for allegedly misleading investors about its user numbers. Apparently, their monthly active users were a bit too high—and not in the way you'd expect from a company specializing in weed. The SEC found that WM Technology, the parent company of Weedmaps, overstated its user base and glossed over the impact of Apple's App Store policy changes. It's as if they were trying to make their user stats more potent than they actually were. Investors might feel a tad dazed and confused, but this serves as a blunt reminder that even in the budding cannabis industry, transparency is key. While $1.5 million might seem like a puff of smoke in the grand scheme of SEC fines, it's a signal that regulators aren't just sitting back and getting mellow—they're keeping a keen eye on the numbers. So, as Weedmaps comes back down to earth, perhaps they'll keep their figures grounded in reality. After all, investors prefer hard data over hazy estimations.

Full Story - GMR

Verano Expand Arizona Footprint

Well, Verano is planting new roots in the Valley of the Sun with the grand opening of Zen Leaf Arcadia in Phoenix. It's as if they're betting on the desert heat to ignite their growth—or perhaps they just enjoy a good cactus joke. This prime location isn't just a mirage; it's a strategic move to tap into a market that's sizzling with potential. While some competitors are stuck in the weeds, Verano seems to be cultivating opportunities faster than you can say "dry heat." Investors might find this expansion a refreshing oasis in an otherwise arid landscape. So, as Verano continues to bloom in the Southwest, it's high time we watch their growth spurt.

👾 Number Of The Day

$450,100,000 The $ amount of flower sold in CO over the last 365 days.

🗞️ The News

Canopy Growth Announces Results of Annual General Meeting

Verano Announces the Opening of Zen Leaf™ Arcadia in Prime New Phoenix Location

RIV Capital and Etain Open Second Adult-Use Location in New York

Do Terpenes Contribute To Medical Marijuana’s ‘Entourage Effect’? New Study Says It’s ‘Plausible,’ But Still ‘Unproven’

DeSantis Faces Backlash Over Taxpayer-Funded Ads Claiming Marijuana Legalization Leads To Increased Car Crashes Ahead Of Florida Vote

📺 YouTube

New Hemp Bill Aims for Safer Products & State Flexibility | Trade to Black

What we covered:

✅ On our latest Trade to Black Podcast, Adam Terry, CEO of hemp beverage company Cantrip joins us again to talk about latest developments involving the hemp industry, including a new bill that was introduced by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden.

The regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoids will look to allow states to set their own rules for products such as CBD, while also empowering the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that certain safety standards are met in the marketplace.

The legislation titled the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act will also look to address public health concerns related to unregulated intoxicating cannabinoid products since hemp and its derivatives were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill.