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- ☠️ SAFE Is Back ☠️
☠️ SAFE Is Back ☠️
GM Everyone,
SAFE Banking made headlines yesterday, and it turns out several co-sponsors of the bill were caught off guard by Donald Trump's latest statement endorsing it. Mind-blowing, right? If they were serious about the legislation they’re backing, you’d think they’d stay informed. The bigger issue is the news that SAFE Banking "doesn’t have the votes," according to a report from Marijuana Moment. So here we are, once again talking about SAFE, with no closer path to getting it passed—just another day in cannabis politics!
Today’s letter can be read in 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
💸 High Impact
Business Is A Boomin In North Carolina
In a state where cannabis remains illegal, North Carolina’s first adult-use marijuana store, run by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is shaking things up. Thousands of eager customers swarmed the dispensary at its grand opening, making it clear that the demand for legal cannabis is alive and well in the Tar Heel State. This store is operating on tribal lands, meaning it can legally sell adult-use cannabis despite the state’s overall prohibition—a loophole that’s creating a real opportunity for the tribe, and potentially a future tipping point for North Carolina’s cannabis policy.
While North Carolina’s lawmakers drag their feet on legalization, the Cherokee tribe is seizing the moment. Nestled within the Qualla Boundary, the tribe’s sovereign lands, the dispensary offers something North Carolinians can’t get anywhere else: legal weed. With no other legal option in the state, it’s no wonder thousands lined up for the grand opening, showing a significant appetite for adult-use cannabis sales that’s otherwise being stifled by outdated legislation.
For cannabis investors, this could be an early indicator of what’s to come. The turnout alone at this single tribal store speaks volumes about the market potential if North Carolina ever gets its act together on cannabis reform. Lawmakers may want to take note—consumer demand is off the charts, and with the Cherokee store already proving itself a success, the floodgates could open for broader legalization across the state.
The success of this dispensary could also pave the way for other tribal territories to explore similar opportunities, adding another dynamic layer to the U.S. cannabis industry’s complex regulatory landscape. After all, when consumers are willing to travel from all over the state for legal marijuana, it’s a sign that the market is there—someone just needs to unlock it.
At the end of the day, the launch of adult-use sales in Cherokee territory isn’t just a local story; it’s a signal to the entire cannabis market. Legal cannabis is clearly in demand in North Carolina, and the Cherokee tribe’s venture is thriving. How long will it be before state lawmakers catch up? Investors and industry insiders should stay tuned—North Carolina may be on the verge of a green revolution.
📈 Dog Walkers
GTI Expands In Florida
Green Thumb Industries has just opened its 20th Florida location with RISE Dispensary in Jacksonville on September 13, 2024. Conveniently located for access, the store offers a range of cannabis products with in-store shopping, delivery, and drive-thru services. This expansion brings RISE's total to 98 stores nationwide. The grand opening event on October 11 will include promotions and will donate profits to the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, continuing Green Thumb's tradition of community engagement. It’s another bold step in their aggressive footprint expansion strategy.
Ascend Wellnes Opens 5th Dispensary In PA
Ascend Wellness Holdings continues its expansion with the opening of its fifth medical dispensary in Pennsylvania, marking its 39th location nationwide. The new Whitehall location serves the Allentown area and offers a wide range of premium cannabis products at competitive prices, aligning with Ascend’s mission to improve access for patients. With plans to host a grand opening on September 13, Ascend aims to strengthen its foothold in the growing Pennsylvania market, while maintaining a focus on quality, affordability, and patient care.
Bi-Partisan Support Is In Full Swing For Amendment 3
In a bipartisan push, Florida Senators Joe Gruters (R) and Shevrin Jones (D) are promoting Amendment 3, a marijuana legalization initiative, in a new joint ad. They argue that adult-use legalization would boost Florida's economy, improve public safety, and bring justice to communities. Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis continues his opposition, claiming the measure benefits a "weed cartel," specifically targeting companies like Trulieve, the primary campaign donor. Despite this, polling shows broad support for the measure across party lines ahead of the November vote.
🗞️ The News
📺 YouTube
Why Cannabis Was Not Mentioned in the Presidential Debate
What we covered:
✅ On our latest Trade To Black Podcast as we break down the presidential debate from last night featuring Democratic Leader Kamala Harris and Republican Candidate Donald Trump.
Dan Ahrens from AdvisorShares (NYSEARCA: MSOS) will join us to give his take on how cannabis will be perceived moving forward heading into the US 2024 Election scheduled on November 5th, and whether or not it will ever be mentioned prior to the election.
We will also discuss the latest industry news involving Ascend Wellness (OTC: AAWH), Green Thumb Industries (OTC: GTIBF) and Trulieve (OTC: TCNNF) as the industry continues to move forward.