💸 High Impact

NextLeaf Is Cooking

Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. (CSE: OILS, OTCQB: OILFF, FSE: L0MA) seems to be pressing the gas pedal on innovation, announcing a dozen new product listings across five categories, and just to keep things interesting, they've permanently appointed a new CFO, Sam Kassem. It's like they decided to throw a party and invited everyone.

First up, the products. Between September 2024 and early 2025, Nextleaf plans to launch 12 new products, adding to their existing lineup of 40 items that already have nationwide distribution. Among the highlights is their foray into the minor cannabinoid market with two new CBN softgel SKUs. For those not in the know, CBN is often called the "melatonin" of cannabis—perfect for those who want their nightcap to be a bit more... herbal.

Nextleaf is also diving into the world of Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), a high-potency, full-spectrum extract that's been popular since the prohibition era. By processing their own RSO ingredients in-house for Glacial Gold and commercial partners, they're keeping things tight and efficient—much like their extraction processes.

Not stopping there, the company is also rolling out four all-in-one vape products with built-in rechargeable batteries. Chris Andrews, VP of Commercialization, notes that "convenience is consistently a dominant purchase driver for consumers." No kidding, Chris. In a world where people expect drones to deliver their pizza, a ready-to-use vape seems like a no-brainer.

The new products will be hitting shelves in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, with listings like Glacial Gold's Atmosphere Twisted Citrus Vape 2g and Miracle Valley's Crafty Cuts Dried Flower 7g. It's a smorgasbord of options for the discerning consumer.

On the brand performance front, Glacial Gold has been making waves. According to Headset Sales Data from September 2024, it's the number one softgel brand in Western Canada, outpacing competitors in both SKU performance and volume of offerings. Emma Andrews, CEO, is enthusiastic about steering consumption trends and being category leaders. "Our capabilities are well positioned to capitalize on the opportunity," she says. Confidence is key, Emma.

Their recent appearance at the KIND Summer Fair in Toronto didn't go unnoticed either. Their Glacial Gold 'Glacial Cones' and Vape Bar activation was voted the third most mentioned by first-time attendees. Josh Nagel, CEO of KIND Media, quipped, "This is a brand to watch." High praise, indeed.

Financially speaking, Nextleaf's aggressive pricing strategy and in-house production of high-purity ingredients have contributed to Glacial Gold's growing market share. Approximately 70% of their FY 2024 year-to-date revenue was generated through their consumer packaged goods strategy. Emma Andrews sums it up: "Glacial Gold is becoming rapidly known as the go-to brand for value and variety."

And let's not forget the new CFO. The board has permanently appointed Sam Kassem, who has been serving as interim CFO since September 2023. With over a decade of experience in the cannabis industry and a knack for streamlining financial processes, Kassem seems poised to help Nextleaf navigate its next phase of growth. Fred Bonner, an independent director, expressed his confidence, highlighting Kassem's role in guiding the company through a pivotal ERP integration project.

All in all, Nextleaf Solutions appears to be firing on all cylinders—expanding their product lineup, capturing market share, and strengthening their leadership team. Investors might want to keep an eye on this one; it looks like Nextleaf is aiming to be the apple of the cannabis industry's eye.

📈 Dog Walkers

TerrAscend Draws Down Debt

TerrAscend Corp., just inhaled an extra $26 million, completing a hefty $140 million loan from FocusGrowth Asset Management. This second draw is their way of swapping out high-interest Michigan debt for something a bit more mellow. The loan, first lit up in August 2024, sports a 12.75% interest rate, matures in August 2028, and kindly skips any prepayment penalties—perfect if they decide to blaze through it early. With no warrants attached, the loan is secured by assets in Pennsylvania, California, Michigan, and Maryland. Looks like TerrAscend is rolling their financials tighter than a well-crafted joint.

Rep. Nadler Burns The Boats But Is Anyone Listening?

We had more of our darling politicians shout into the void, as top Democrats Nadler and Pallone are pushing the DEA to swiftly reclassify marijuana to Schedule III. They're also winking at the possibility of full descheduling! Citing the Biden administration's own findings that cannabis has "less potential for abuse" and legitimate medical uses, they're urging action amidst the opioid crisis. If Uncle Sam loosens his grip, the cannabis market might just go from a slow burn to a blazing boom.

Verano Makes Schrewd Move

Verano's Darren Weiss just unveiled a digital wallet that syncs seamlessly with their Cabbage Club membership—talk about putting your money where your app is! Say goodbye to cash and ATMs; Verano is sliding straight into consumers' pockets via their native app. This move is a masterstroke in customer engagement, giving the company direct access to users and a goldmine of consumer data and insights. It's the "wei" forward in deepening relationships and beefing up their data game. Looks like Verano is cashing in on convenience, and investors might want to swipe right on this digital dalliance.

Trulieve Elevates Brand Partnerships In PA and AZ

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. is rolling out a partnership that's anything but half-baked, teaming up with Black Buddha Cannabis to bring some zen to Arizona and Pennsylvania. Starting October 4, you can snag Black Buddha's "BLYSS" and "DREAM" premium flower at Trulieve dispensaries—just in time to elevate your fall vibes. Founded by Roz McCarthy, a healthcare veteran who turned a traumatic brain injury into a green empire, Black Buddha adds a purpose-driven, women-owned flair to Trulieve's lineup.

👾 Number Of The Day

632,421 The number of eights sold in Canada in August.

🗞️ The News

Trulieve Partners with Black Buddha Cannabis to Launch Premium Products in Arizona and Pennsylvania

Top Congressional Democrats Push DEA To ‘Swiftly’ Reschedule Marijuana And ‘Continue To Assess’ Full Legalization

TerrAscend Closes on Remaining US$26 Million Draw of US$140 Million Debt Financing

Arkansas Marijuana Activists File Lawsuit After Top Official Says Medical Access Expansion Measure Has ‘Insufficient’ Signatures

MariMed’s Nature’s Heritage Gives Local Musicians a Chance to be Featured in New Interactive Vape Campaign

Nextleaf Shares a Commercial Update Including 12 New Product Listings

📺 YouTube

MariMed Joins Ohio Market | Trade to Black

What we covered:

✅ Jon Levine, CEO of MariMed (OTC: MRMD), discusses their recent announcement regarding the commencement of adult-use sales in Ohio.

Ohio reported $44 million in revenue during its first month of recreational sales in August, with the market expected to grow to $2 billion for the cannabis industry. In comparison, Michigan reported $6.9 million in revenue during its first month of recreational sales back in 2019 and has since grown to become the second-largest cannabis market in the country, reporting $294 million last month.

We'll also cover updates from MariMed's operations in Illinois, Maryland, and Massachusetts, exploring the opportunities and challenges each cannabis market presents.