💸 The Tape

The Beer Industry Needs To Get Real

The Beer Institute, representing the American brewing industry, recently proposed a set of "guiding principles" for regulating the burgeoning cannabis industry. Their recommendations include higher taxes, restrictions on sales, and a push for more research. But here's the kicker: the beer industry, which has long enjoyed a relatively stable regulatory environment, is now calling for stricter measures on its direct competitor.

It's a bit ironic, isn't it? The same industry that has benefited from decades of established tax structures and regulatory support is now advocating for even tougher rules for cannabis products. The Beer Institute argues that intoxicating hemp and cannabis products are fundamentally different from beer and should be taxed accordingly. However, this stance seems to overlook the fact that both industries are vying for the same consumer dollars.

Moreover, the Beer Institute's call for higher taxes and restrictions on sales appears to be a defensive move to protect its market share rather than a genuine concern for public safety or consumer protection. The proposal also highlights the need for more research into the medical and safety aspects of cannabis products, which is a valid point, but it's hard not to see the irony in their position.

In essence, while the Beer Institute's concerns about consumer safety and responsible consumption are commendable, their approach seems somewhat self-serving. Before suggesting regulations for an industry that directly competes with them, perhaps a more objective and balanced perspective is in order. After all, a fair and competitive market benefits everyone in the long run.

Beer Institute Establishes Guiding Principles on Intoxicating Hemp and Cannabis Products - Beer Institute

📈 Dog Walkers

Canopy Growth Names New CEO

Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED, NASDAQ: CGC) is stirring the pot with a fresh leadership shake-up. Effective January 6, 2025, seasoned CPG veteran Luc Mongeau, who has been strategizing with Canopy’s board since early 2023, will take the reins as CEO. With a résumé boasting stints as CEO of a top e-commerce furniture provider and President of both Weston Foods and Mars Petcare North America, Mongeau brings a blend of cannabis curiosity and CPG expertise. David Lazzarato, Chairman, is confident in Mongeau’s ability to drive Canopy’s vision forward. Outgoing CEO David Klein will stick around until January to ensure a smooth transition before stepping into an advisory role. Canopy Growth is poised for its next growth spurt—watch this space as they navigate the high-potential U.S. cannabis market.

Aurora Bolsters Medical Cannabis Product Portfolio

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) is lighting up the cannabis world with fresh innovations from its top-tier research and genetics facility, Aurora Coast. These science-driven advances highlight Aurora's commitment to premium cannabis products for medical patients. Vice President of Science & Innovation, Lana Culley, emphasizes their mission to lead in cannabis innovation by putting patients first. The latest lineup includes the refined CBD Varius, the veteran-approved Esprit De Corps, and ultra-high potency Noculus, among others. Nestled in Comox, Vancouver Island, Aurora Coast is the brain behind these developments, with new cultivars grown across Aurora’s Canadian network. With an array of high-quality products available on AuroraMedical.com, Aurora Cannabis is proving it's not just about growing plants but also about growing value.

Acreage Holdings Could Be A 0

Back in 2019, Canopy Growth's plan to acquire Acreage Holdings for a cool $3.4 billion had everyone buzzing—pending US federal legalization, of course. Fast forward to today, and things look a bit different. Acreage just announced that Canopy USA will wrap up the acquisition by mid-December. But instead of the multibillion-dollar splash, Acreage might end up with a big fat zero. Yep, you heard that right: if Canopy's share price stays below $5, Acreage’s fixed shareholders get nada. We will be watching this closely as the share prices bounce around leading into the closing of the deal.

Decibel Closes Incremental Capital

Decibel Cannabis Company Inc. (TSXV: DB) (OTCQB: DBCCF) just wrapped up its encore performance with a second and final closing of its non-brokered private placement, raising approximately $1.18 million from 19,647,776 Common Shares at $0.06 each. This follows an earlier act on November 4, which raked in $2.01 million from over 33 million shares. No finders’ fees here—just clean, green progress. The funds are earmarked for general working capital and integrating AgMedica BioScience into the fold. Awaiting the green light from the TSX Venture Exchange, these shares are under a four-month hold. Notably, insiders scooped up a significant chunk, though their participation skirts formal valuation and minority approval requirements. In the cannabis world, Decibel's financial finesse is music to investors’ ears.

🗞️ The News

Decibel Announces Second Tranche and Closing of Private Placement

Aurora Announces Medical Product Advancements from Leading Cannabis Research Facility

New York’s Legal Marijuana Market Set To Pass $1 Billion In Sales By End Of 2024

Trump’s FDA Pick Thinks Marijuana Is A ‘Gateway Drug’ That Causes Heart And Mental Health Problems

📺 YouTube

2025 Industry Expectations For The Farm Bill | Trade to Black

What we covered:

✅ On our latest Trade To Black podcast, hosts Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell will be joined by Michael Bronstein from ATACH.

We will be covering the state by state bans we are starting to see and the prospects for what the language can look like in 2025 as it relates to the impending Farm Bill update. We have also seen some major headlines from NJ as it relates to insurance coverage as well as some guidance on the interminglings of SAM and the DEA.