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📈 Hot Off The Press! 📈

GM Everyone,

We talk a lot about criminal justice reform as it relates to the cannabis industry—a noble cause that's more than just blowing smoke. But there's a much larger issue at hand: overhauling the entire "justice" machine in the United States. Case in point—a man was executed last night in Missouri via the death penalty, despite the prosecutors who put him there and the victims' families calling for clemency, and with no DNA evidence ever connecting him. Reforming cannabis laws is a step forward and shows we're making progress, but it's just the tip of the gavel. There's a much larger battle to win, and it's high time we invest in comprehensive justice reform before more costly errors compound.

His name is Marcellus Williams.

Today’s letter can be read in 8 minutes and 03 seconds.

💸 High Impact

Tilray Pours New Life Into Hemp Beverages

Tilray Brands is shaking—not stirring—the beverage industry with its latest venture into hemp-derived Delta-9 THC (HDD9) drinks. Scheduled to hit select U.S. markets starting October 2024, Tilray’s new lineup includes premium mocktails, seltzers, and sparkling beverages, all infused with high-quality hemp extracts. It’s as if they’ve taken the “buzz” in business quite literally.

As consumers increasingly seek alternative adult beverages, Tilray is strategically uncorking a portfolio that targets various tastes, occasions, and price points. Their inaugural HDD9 brands—420 Fizz, Herb & Bloom, Fizzy Jane’s, and Happy Flower—aren’t just catchy names; they’re a calculated move to tap into the growing demand for hemp-infused libations.

420 Fizz is a sleek and modern seltzer, building on Tilray’s iconic 420 beverage platform. With 5mg of HDD9 per can, it’s designed to refresh and relax, offering a new twist on the classic seltzer trend. Think of it as the cool cousin of your regular fizzy drink, but with a bit more character.

Herb & Bloom steps into the super-premium mocktail arena, blending timeless classics with a harmonious mix of refreshing fruit notes and 5mg of HDD9 per can. It’s like a garden party in a glass, inviting consumers to a world blooming with possibilities—without the need to water any plants.

Fizzy Jane’s caters to the curious consumer with a light and delicious seltzer available in three nostalgic flavors: Blackberry, Blood Orange, and Vanilla. Each can contains 5mg of HDD9, making it the ideal choice for those looking to dip their toes into the hemp-infused waters without diving in headfirst.

Happy Flower draws inspiration from classic cocktails, offering citrusy Margarita, juicy Strawberry Daiquiri, and bubbly Peach Bellini flavors. With 5mg of HDD9 THC per 12oz can, it’s Tilray’s answer to happy hour—minus the bar tab. Launched in partnership with Emergent Beverage, Happy Flower will initially bloom in the Texas and Louisiana markets.

Tilray’s foray into the HDD9 beverage market isn’t just about quenching thirst; it’s a savvy business move. By leveraging their expertise in cannabis, hemp, and beverages, they’re positioning themselves at the forefront of an emerging industry segment. With the leading branded hemp food business in North America and ranking as the fifth-largest craft beer business in the U.S., Tilray is blending its strengths to stir up something new.

For investors, this could be a refreshing development. Tilray’s commitment to quality, safety, and consumer experience suggests they’re not just throwing ingredients into a can and hoping for the best. They’ve conducted extensive research and product testing, aiming to meet high standards while navigating the complex regulatory landscape.

In a market where consumers are thirsty for new experiences, Tilray’s HDD9 beverages might just be the next big thing to watch. As always, remember that these products are for the 21+ crowd, and enjoying responsibly is the name of the game. After all, in the world of hemp-derived libations, it’s important to keep your wits about you—even if the drinks are designed to help you unwind.

📈 Dog Walkers

Missouri Social Equity Is Called Into Question

Well, it seems Missouri's social equity marijuana program is cultivating more than just cannabis—it's also nurturing a crop of alleged predatory contracts. Investors looking to get a piece of the green rush are finding themselves entangled in agreements that could make a loan shark blush. Instead of leveling the playing field for disadvantaged entrepreneurs, some contracts appear to be tilting it like a pinball machine on tilt. From a financial perspective, this is less a budding opportunity and more a withering vine. The irony is richer than a hydroponic nutrient solution: a program designed for equity might be sowing seeds of disparity. If these allegations hold water, Missouri might need to weed out the bad actors before the entire operation goes up in smoke. After all, in the high-stakes world of cannabis finance, trust is more valuable than a top-shelf strain.

Things Are Looking Sunny In Florida

Well, it seems Florida's green thumbs are itching to turn the Sunshine State into the next gold rush—except this time, the gold is green and might make you giggle. Marijuana advocates are buzzing with optimism that adult-use cannabis sales could soon be as common as orange juice at breakfast. For investors, this is like finding a surfboard in a hurricane: high risk but potentially high reward. The potential legalization could open up a market as ripe as a Florida grapefruit, attracting entrepreneurs faster than snowbirds flocking south for the winter. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; the regulatory hurdles could be as unpredictable as Florida weather. Still, if the legislative winds blow favorably, the state's economy might get a contact high from the influx of tax revenue. In the world of finance, that's the kind of "grassroots" movement we can all appreciate.

Hemp and CBD Have A Semi-Sensible Bill

Well, it looks like hemp and CBD are stepping out of the Wild West and into Uncle Sam's regulatory corral. A new Senate bill aims to federally regulate these cannabinoids, offering an alternative to blanket bans that have been harsher than a tax audit. For investors, this could be the legislative equivalent of a market correction—bringing stability to a sector that's been riding a rollercoaster without seat belts. The proposed regulations might trim some of the industry's wilder branches, but they could also cultivate a more sustainable growth environment. Think of it as pruning a bonsai: a little snip here and there to foster long-term health. Of course, the devil's in the details, and legislative processes can move slower than molasses in January. But if this bill passes, it might just be the green light the hemp and CBD market needs to mature.

👾 Number Of The Day

$20,700,000 The $ amount of edibles sold in Ohio over the last 60 days.

Data provided by:

🗞️ The News

📺 YouTube

Live From DC: Latest on SAFE Banking & Future of Cannabis in Washington

What we covered:

✅ Join us for our latest Trade To Black Podcast at a special time on Wednesday at 1pm EST. Shadd Dales touches down in Washington DC on Capitol Hill with cannabis lobbyist Don Murphy to discuss the latest developments surrounding the cannabis industry, particularly focusing on SAFE Banking.

The banking bill currently has enough votes to pass, raising the question of why it won't receive a floor vote and highlighting the amount of responsibility Senate Majority Chuck Schumer controls at this point.

Additionally, we delve into feedback received from Senators Elizabeth Warren, Reverend Warnock, Tim Scott, and Steve Daines regarding the growing support for marijuana based on potential rescheduling, Amendment 3 in Florida, and whether politicians are altering their views on cannabis following Donald Trump's recent endorsement of the industry.