The Daily Hit: May 25, 2022

The Daily Hit is a recap of the top cannabis business stories for May 25, 2022.

ON THE SITE

Live Blog from WEF 2022 in Davos Switzerland

Green Market Report editor-in-chief Debra Borchardt blogs live from the Medical Psychedelics Series, at the World Economic Forum being held in Davos Switzerland. Read more here.

Ayr Wellness Inc. Approved in New Jersey

Ayr Wellness Inc. (CSE: AYR.A) (OTCQX: AYRWF) announced that the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved the Company for adult-use cannabis sales in the Garden State. “We are thrilled to be approved for adult-use sales in New Jersey and to have all three dispensaries cleared simultaneously to open for adult-use,” said Jonathan Sandelman, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ayr. “To date, Central Jersey has the lowest number of dispensaries per capita, leaving its population under-served compared with the rest of the state. Read more here.

Verano Holdings Corp.

Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) announced its financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2022, with revenue increasing 67% to $202 million versus last year. Revenue for Verano fell  from the fourth quarter’s $211 million. The net loss in the first quarter 2022 was $7 million, compared to a loss of $2 million in the first quarter 2021. Read more here.

Jushi Holdings Inc.

Jushi Holdings Inc.  (CSE: JUSH) (OTCQX: JUSHF) released its financial results for the first quarter of 2022 ending March 31, 2022, with revenue increasing 48% over last year to $61.9 million. Jushi said sales fell 6% from the fourth quarter’s revenue of $65.9 million. The company delivered a net loss of $14.3 million, which was trimmed from last year’s net loss of $26 million. Read more here.

IN OTHER NEWS

Rhode Island Legislature Approves Marijuana Legalization Proposal

Following floor debates in both chambers of the General Assembly earlier today, a majority of Rhode Island legislators have approved legislation to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults. The bill will be transmitted to Gov. Dan McKee who has previously indicated he will likely sign the measure. With the governor’s approval, Rhode Island will become the 19th state to end marijuana prohibition. Read more here.

The Valens Company Inc.

The Valens Company Inc. (TSX: VLNS) (Nasdaq: VLNS), a manufacturer of branded cannabis products, provided an update on its recent recreational market share in Canada. Tyler Robson, Chief Executive Officer of The Valens Company, said, “We continue to expand our recreational market share as we develop strength within our brand portfolio through products that continue to resonate with consumers.” Read more here.

Item 9 Labs Corp.

Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB), a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sessions Cannabis, one of Canada’s largest cannabis retail franchisors. “This is a transformative acquisition that fast-tracks our entry into the Canadian market and brings tremendous value to our shareholders,” said Item 9 Labs Corp. CEO Andrew Bowden. Read more here.

Lowell Farms Inc.

Lowell Farms Inc. (CSE: LOWL; OTCQX: LOWLF), a California cannabis cultivation company and maker of brand Lowell Smokes, is announcing the acquisition of advanced pre-roll production equipment and capabilities from Canadian cannabis brand All Good Collective. The acquisition will accelerate Lowell Farms’ ability to offer end-to-end automation of large-scale pre-roll production. Read more here.

Ayr Wellness Inc., Herbal Remedies Dispensaries, LLC

Ayr Wellness Inc. (CSE: AYR.A, OTCQX: AYRWF), a vertically integrated U.S. multi-state cannabis operator, today announced it has closed the definitive agreement to acquire Herbal Remedies Dispensaries, LLC, an operator of two licensed retail dispensaries in Quincy, Illinois. Read more here.

Decibel Cannabis Company Inc.

Decibel Cannabis Company Inc. (TSXV: DB) (OTCQB: DBCCF), a cannabis producer, announced its first quarter financial results for the three month period ending March 31, 2022. “Decibel remains on track to achieve its previously communicated targets, which is a testament to the focus on our strategic plan, and particularly our New, Unique and Innovative products and dedication to our customers”, said Paul Wilson, CEO of Decibel. Read more here.

TILT Holdings Inc., Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.

 TILT Holdings Inc. (NEO:TILT) (OTCQX: TLLTF), a global provider of cannabis business solutions that include inhalation technologies, cultivation, manufacturing, processing, brand development and retail, has signed an amendment to its previously announced definitive agreement to sell its White Haven, Pennsylvania facility. The Amendment allows TILT and Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. to extend the end of the investigational period of the transaction contemplated to a date that is on or before June 17, 2022. Read more here.