Hi all,

Let’s get to it:

• EXCLUSIVE: Herbl rumors swirl as brands leave distro

As always, I hope you find it valuable,

Alex

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State:

• A bill allowing “Amsterdam style” coffee houses passed the state assembly. It will advance to the Senate.
  KTVU
• Cannabis Business Times looks at how the licensing cliff is pushing growers to the edge.

Business:

• TPCO shareholder George Allen argued against its proposed merger with Gold Flora, in an eight-page letter to CEO Troy Datcher. The company said it “strongly refute[d] George’s baseless claims.” The vote is set for June 15.
  Green Market Report
• San Diego-based REIT Innovative Industrial Properties faces another investor lawsuit.
  Green Market Report
• A delivery driver says his back pay lawsuit against delivery service Grassdoor should remain public because the company put his signature into an arbitration agreement without his consent.
  Law360
• Operator StateHouse Holdings announced the extension of its Series A debt obligations until June 19.
• MJBiz checks out The Artist Tree‘s bustling Fresno location, which doubles as a gallery featuring local artists.
• Wholesale marketplace LeafLink announced a partnership with Leafgistics aimed at streamlining logistics in the California market.

Local:

• Mendocino growers are reportedly pleased with the state’s offer to assist with the county licensing process.
  LA Weekly
• Fresno is projecting a big bump in pot taxes.
  San Joaquin Valley Sun
• SF supes approved a moratorium on new pot shops until 2028.
  SF Gate
• Healdsburg (Sonoma Co.) is accepting applications for two shops.
  KRSO

Oregon:

• The state justice department hired California consultancy Sjoberg Evashenk to investigate the audit former secretary of state Shemia Fagan oversaw of the state cannabis regulator. Fagan was forced to resign after a report that she had taken a consulting job for one of the state’s largest operators.
  Willamette Week

Arizona:

• A court expanded the number of pot convictions eligible for expungement.
  Phoenix New Times

Fun and interesting:

• High Times shares tales from Humboldt’s only strip club. “There was so much money.”

Company milestones:

• 420-friendly hotel the Lexi is now open near the Las Vegas Strip.
  Hospitality Design
• LA-based device maker Puffco celebrated its 10th anniversary. 
• Humble & Fume announced an exclusive distribution partnership with EvoLife, parent of LocalsOnly concentrates.
• Sunderstorm, parent of Kanha, acquired Nevada-based Abide Brands for an undisclosed amount.
• Cookies is rolling out its flower cultivars in Illinois.
• Dablicator retail revenue topped $100M as it announced a partnership with MSO TerrAscend.

Job moves:

• Nick Kovacevich and Eric Baum resigned from the Unrivaled board. The company is looking for new board members.
• Lindsay Robinson has left the California Cannabis Industry Association for psychedelics non-profit MAPS. The industry association has not named a new executive director.

Upcoming:

• Cannabis Now previews the Mendocino Craft Farmers Auction, on June 17. It’s a benefit styled on the Napa Valley Wine Auction with proceeds after expenses to benefit the Mendocino Land Trust and the Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino. 

Interview:

• David Farris of mega-dispensary Planet 13 discussed the store’s “experiential” retail model.
  Cannabis Business Times