Cannabis in New York.
In 2022, only one state-approved cannabis dispensary will be open for business. Last week, Housing Works Cannabis Company, which is a nonprofit supporting the homeless and those with HIV/AIDS, had a soft opening at their 4k sqft Manhattan (NoHo) location. “We are excited, we’re nervous. But most of all, we’re really proud to be a part of this historic moment,” said store manager Sasha Nutgent. This nonprofit also operates two bookstores and 10 thrift shops so why not add a cannabis dispensary to its portfolio. Sadly, even those this is the first legal dispensary, they will have to compete with in a state/city with one of the biggest illegal markets in the country.
Cannabis Exports.
Village Farms International (VFF) announced today progress on its international cannabis strategy. Recently, the Company's Canadian Cannabis business, through its subsidiary, Pure Sunfarms, commenced shipping cannabis products for the Israeli medical market under an exclusive three-year supply agreement with Israel-based Dr. Samuelov Importing and Marketing Ltd., doing business as Better Pharma. "Commencing shipments to Israel is another milestone in our global cannabis strategy, building on our successes in Canada and Australia," said Michael DeGiglio, Chief Executive Officer, Village Farms. "We are proud and privileged to partner exclusively with Better Pharma for the significant medical cannabis opportunity in Israel and are confident that Pure Sunfarms unique "Everyday Premium" positioning, which has proven so successful in Canada and Australia, will be differentiated in the Israeli market, and well-received by patients." Village Farms continues to execute on its global cannabis strategy, which includes accelerated sales to the Australian medical market and plans to launch in the German medical market.
Records Cleared in Connecticut.
Yesterday, the governor of Connecticut cleared 42,964 criminal records related to cannabis-related convictions in the state. “It’s one step forward in ending the War on Drugs and giving our citizens a second chance to achieve their dreams,” Governor Lamont said. CT is slated to open adult-use sales on January 10th, just one week from today. Just a few weeks ago the Oregon governor pardoned over 10k records related to cannabis charges. The stigma of cannabis is starting to improve, and this can be shown with the North Carolina Governor coming out in support of the decriminalization of cannabis and the Kentucky Governor signing cannabis bills regulating THC Delta-8 products as well as protecting medical patients in the state.
