Cannabusiness

The Next Wave in Cannabis Retail: Smart Stores

Published

3 weeks ago

February 24, 2025

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The American retail sector is experiencing a structural shift and redefining how consumer packaged goods brands and retailers approach advertising and marketing. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things are fueling the rise of “smart stores,” bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping. From AI-powered shopping assistants and scan-to-shop technology to holographic displays, kiosks, and connected TV (CTV), companies are building retail media networks that create new, trackable advertising opportunities. These innovations provide brands access to more of a retailer’s rich first-party data, enabling precise audience targeting and real-time measurement of ad performance throughout the customer journey.

https://mgmagazine.com/business/retail-merchandise/the-next-wave-in-cannabis-retail-smart-stores/

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Cannabis

The Cannabis Industry Needs Luck With The DEA

Published

3 days ago

March 17, 2025

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It will take more than Irish luck to help the cannabis industry win over the DEA.

Million of consumers are fans of cannabis, not only to chill out but for medical reasons. In fact, it has become a replacement for alcohol and spanned a movement call California sober. Aside from the thousands of mom and pop small business owners, cannabis employees over 440,000 people. Even the staid AARP has agreed it has health benefits. Over 80% of the country believe it should be legal in some form, but the cannabis industry needs luck with the DEA to move forward. Rescheduling cannabis means changing its classification under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), moving it from a more restrictive schedule (like Schedule I) to a less restrictive one (like Schedule III), acknowledging its potential medical uses while still maintaining regulatory controls.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had scheduled hearings on the proposed rescheduling of cannabis to begin on January 21, 2025. However, these hearings were abruptly canceled by DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney following legal challenges from pro-reform witnesses. This cancellation has pushed back the rescheduling process by at least three months, with no clear timeline for when it might resume.

DEA Interim Final Rule: What Is 'Synthetically Derived THC'? — Photo by Xvision/Getty Images

The delay stems from allegations of improper communications between DEA officials and anti-rescheduling witnesses. While Judge Mulrooney rejected some key arguments from rescheduling proponents, he granted a request for leave to file an interlocutory appeal, effectively putting the entire process on hold.

The transition to the current administration has further complicated matters. On February 11, 2025, Terrance C. Cole was nominated for DEA administrator, an individual known for his opposition to cannabis reform. This nomination signals a potential shift in the DEA’s approach to marijuana policy, which could further impede rescheduling efforts.

Even if rescheduling were to move forward, it would face significant regulatory challenges. Critics argue that as a Schedule III drug, marijuana would remain under DEA regulation, requiring the approximately 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. to register with the DEA and fulfill strict reporting requirements.

The cannabis industry eagerly awaits rescheduling, as it would bring significant benefits, including the ability to claim federal tax deductions and credits currently prohibited under 26 U.S.C. § 280E. However, the ongoing delays and potential policy shifts under the new administration have created uncertainty in the market.

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Alaska

Will Marijuana Help States During Economic Uncertainty

Published

6 days ago

March 15, 2025

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Since the last downturn, more states have legal marijuana – with its strong revenue stream

It seems economic uncertainly has arrived. Wall Street has taken a major tumble as unemployment seems to rise. Consumer confidence has been shaken as prices on staples, including eggs, remain high. Tariffs with neighboring countries are threatening jobs and household budgets. While the federal government is less concerned, state budgets could take bigger hits. But will legal cannabis, will marijuana help states during economic uncertainty?

Marijuana legalization has emerged as a powerful economic tool for states, offering a lifeline during uncertain economic times. By fostering job creation, generating significant tax revenue, and stimulating local economies, the cannabis industry has proven to be a transformative force. Already, three states make over $500 million in annual tax revenue from the plant.

The cannabis industry is one of the faster-growing sectors in the U.S., with job opportunities spanning agriculture, retail, manufacturing, and ancillary services such as compliance and marketing. Over the past decade, legal cannabis jobs have surged, with projections indicating continued growth should the federal government allow. For instance, states like Massachusetts already report more cannabis-related jobs than traditional professions like cosmetology. This job creation not only reduces unemployment but also injects income into local economies through consumer spending on essentials like housing and transportation.

Legal marijuana markets generate billions in tax revenue annually. States have embraced legalization use these funds to bolster budgets and invest in critical public services. For example, Colorado allocated $7.3 million from cannabis tax revenue to homeless services and housing initiatives1. Nationwide legalization could further amplify this impact, with estimates suggesting $8.5 billion in annual tax revenue for all states combined. These funds are often reinvested in education, infrastructure, public health programs, and community development projects.

Cannabis legalization revitalizes local economies by attracting businesses and increasing demand for commercial real estate. Most cannabis business tend to be mom and pop business including retailers, farmers and local regional producers of products. From cultivation facilities to retail dispensaries, the industry drives investments in equipment and infrastructure that benefit both urban and rural areas. Moreover, every dollar spent on cannabis generates an additional $2 in economic activity through a multiplier effect. States like Alaska, Colorado, and Massachusetts demonstrate how per-capita economic benefits can significantly enhance local prosperity

“Cannabis drives economic growth, creates jobs, and generates tax revenue while offering a safer alternative to alcohol. It’s a less harmful recreational substance and a valuable medicine to millions of Americans” shares industry expert Jesse Redmond, Head of Investor Relations & Business Development of LEEF.

Legalization also reduces the financial burden of enforcing marijuana prohibition. The U.S. spends approximately $7.7 billion annually on drug enforcement. By redirecting these funds toward education, regulation, and community support programs, states can achieve both economic savings and social equity.

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Cannabis

Government Shut Down Another Gut Punch To Cannabis Industry

Published

6 days ago

March 15, 2025

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While consumer use soars, mom and pop businesses are struggling, a shutdown will be be another blow to the marijuana industry

A vast majority of the public and most leading medical institutions support better access to legal cannabis, but a few in DC are against the plant and the thousands of mom and pop businesses in the industry. Now, at the potential government shut down another gut punch to cannabis industry. Rescheduling would not only provide a path for increase research and patient care from medical marijuana, but would allow the mom and pop businesses which make up the bulk of the industry to have the same tax benefits as nail salons, car repair shops, and local restaurants. It would also allow a great ease of doing business which would help business owners and consumers alike.

RELATED: Mike Johnson And Marijuana

The potential government shutdown could significantly impact the ongoing process of marijuana rescheduling, which has been a major focus of the Biden administration since 2022. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently considering rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the cannabis industry and medical research.

The rescheduling process, which began with President Biden’s instruction in October 2022, has already experienced delays. A preliminary hearing in December 2024 resulted in plans for evidentiary and testimonial proceedings between January and March 20252. A shutdown could further postpone these critical hearings. The Republican-led House Appropriations Committee attempted to block the Department of Justice from using federal funds to reschedule cannabis in July 2024. A government shutdown could exacerbate funding concerns and potentially halt progress on the rescheduling efforts. The rescheduling proposal is currently under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget and is subject to public comment. A shutdown could interrupt this review process and delay the collection and analysis of public input.

Despite state legalizations, the cannabis industry, which has been operating in a federal legal gray area due to the conflict between state and federal laws. And despite being a cash cow for regional government economies, it could face increased uncertainty during a government shutdown:

State-licensed marijuana operators, already existing in a legal limbo, may face additional uncertainty regarding their status and future operations. Questions about the retroactive effect of rescheduling on existing tax liabilities for marijuana operators would remain unresolved during a shutdown.

Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would potentially ease restrictions on medical research and help millions of patients. From military veterans and chronic pain suffers to cancer patients, medical marijuana has become mainstream and a mainstay. A shutdown could delay more progress, impacting ongoing and planned studies and patients.

While a government shutdown would likely be temporary, its effects on the marijuana rescheduling process could have lasting consequences:

The expected timeline for a final rescheduling rule, initially anticipated for September or October 2024, would likely be pushed back significantly3.

The momentum gained in the rescheduling process, including the public comment period that garnered a record 43,000 comments, could be disrupted2.

Any delays or interruptions in the process could potentially strengthen arguments in ongoing legal challenges, such as the lawsuit brought by Doctors for Drug Policy Reform questioning the DEA’s witness selection process

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