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During the go-go years before the pandemic, major MSOs tried to establish beachheads in California’s massive market. None still has a significant presence here. But recently, MSO Vireo Growth has quickly, and at a low cost, made itself into a California contender. Link below:

California’s Department of Cannabis Control has proposed new, expanded rules governing pesticides in licensed cannabis products. California currently requires testing for 66 pesticides, of which 21 are banned and the rest cannot be present above a certain threshold. Link:

Some of California’s biggest operators have joined forces to oppose a bill (AB 2532) that would limit cannabis beverages to 10 mg THC. Signers include Catalyst Cannabis, Stiiizy, distributor Nabis and several major trade associations. Link to full article below:

An LA County retailer has filed a motion to intervene in a long-running lawsuit over how California taxes vapes. The motion alleges the state is not applying the law fairly. Catalyst argues the state’s 15% cannabis excise tax does not apply to cannabis “accessories.” Link:

Following President Donald Trump’s December executive order, the cannabis industry is bracing for schedule III cannabis, whenever it happens. At our most recent webinar we were joined by Gail Rand of Grand Consulting to discuss the upcoming changes. Link to watch is below:

Stiiizy sued the parent company of southern California retailer Cannabis 21+ alleging it’s owed more than $1.2M following the breach of a contract. Sean St. Peter, CEO of the Cannabis 21+ entity Loud SD did not respond to a request for comment. Link to full article below:

On Oscars Sunday, a Los Angeles garden party became a celebration of Jervey Tervalon, the new edition of Ghetto Celebrity, and the way food, storytelling, and community can bring poets, artists, journalists, and friends together. Link to full article below:

Our next webinar is THIS THURSDAY! WeedWeek Wonks: Financial Strategy Implications of Rescheduling. 3/26 at 1 EST. We're joined by Gail Rand, CEO of Grand Consulting. Gail will suggest best practices around cash flow management, margin analysis, and tax strategies. RSVP Below:

Two bills that would remake product packaging and formats would create new challenges for California’s struggling industry, warns an alert from longtime executive and advocate Caren Woodson. Link to full article below:

Retailer Catalyst alleges the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is trying to evade a court order on how it prevents diversion from the licensed market. Link to full article below: