NEW FROM WEEDWEEK — 12/30/20
New and familiar challenges for 2021
The California industry will continue to grapple with the illicit market as well as new issues. They include the coming consolidation of the state’s three regulators into a single department. Here’s what’s in store for 2021 when it comes to growth, social equity and more.
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Top execs’ predictions for the new year
2020 was quite a ride. Despite the difficulties we’ve all endured, the California industry saw record sales and looks well positioned for 2021. We asked industry luminaries for their predictions on what’s in store for the new year. They weighed in on everything from Delta-8 THC to whether there will be any motion on federal legalization. Contributors include Nabis CEO Vince Ning, attorney Meital Manzuri, Wana Brands CEO Nancy Whiteman and many more.
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Turning canna-waste into gas
A first of its kind program at San Jose dispensary Airfield Supply Co. aims to turn cannabis plastic waste — doob tubes and such — into fuel. With about 1,300 customers daily, the program initially aims to save 4,000 to 5,000 items from land fills each day. It’s in partnership with CannaCraft and a Sonoma County company called Resynergi.
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T.I. is latest rapper on the equity train
Rapper T.I. has joined Viola Brands as a social justice ambassador. Started by former NBA star Al Harrington, Viola is among the highest profile Black-owned brands in the country. Harrington has said that with Viola’s social equity programs and business incubator he aims to create 100 Black millionaires.
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Report assesses legalization’s impact
A report from a branch of the federally-funded High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program found that California teens have a lowered perception of risks associated with smoking cannabis and a higher rate of past-month use than their peers nationwide. Even so, past month use continues to decline among California teens.
