High Rollers News

19/11/2022

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As Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency in the Philippines is over, we look at what his deadly drug war actually achieved, and whether the new president B**gbong Mar...

07/11/2022

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There is a new power in international drug trafficking.Over the past decade, organised crime groups from Albania have taken over huge sections of the co***ne...

07/11/2022

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In regular users, the drug was found to increase blood pressure and heart rate significantly in a similar way that heavy smoking does, according to the results of one study.

10/10/2022

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06/10/2022

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U.S.President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of "simple possession" of ma*****na under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of colour.

02/10/2022

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Kyle Kulinski comments on a poll from the red state of Missouri showing two thirds support a ballot initiative to legalize ma*****na and expunge convictionsK...

13/09/2022

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Delta 10 Vs Delta 8: What’s the Difference?

13/09/2022

Fewer people in Canada are using cannabis, but young cannabis consumers are using more during the pandemic. Retail sales have more than doubled. Demand is growing for different products. These are some of the developments since the Cannabis Act passed four years ago, according to a new report from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA).

Cannabis Legalization: 2021-2022 Observations looks at the act’s impact and implementation across the country. Key findings include:

From 2020 to 2021, the overall percentage of people in Canada who reported using cannabis decreased slightly. Of those who already used cannabis, more youth than adults reported an increase in their use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legal retail cannabis market continues to grow as people turn from illegal to legal sources. Sales grew from $148 million in December 2019 to nearly $355 million in December 2021. Retail sales almost doubled in Ontario after the cap on the number of stores was lifted.
The growth of the legal retail cannabis market shows relative success in diversion from the illegal market, but it is still years away from stability.
Dried cannabis continues to dominate total sales, but demand is growing for other product formats, such as edibles and extracts.
“Continuing to monitor and learn from the evolution of the regulated cannabis market in Canada is essential to forming evidence-based policy, both here at home and around the world,” says CCSA CEO Rita Notarandrea. “Our new report will be helpful for policy makers, public health professionals and researchers involved in cannabis regulation.”

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11/09/2022

Cannara Biotech Inc., a vertically integrated producer of premium-grade cannabis and derivative products with one of the largest indoor cannabis cultivation facilities in Canada and the largest in Quebec, today announced an exclusive brand partnership with 50-time award-winning US-based cannabis breeder, cultivator and hash maker, Exotic Genetix Ltd. This agreement will bring one of the most influential cannabis breeders and his brands from the US to Canada.

“We are excited to announce this partnership with one of the premier seed breeders in this industry” stated Nicholas Sosiak, CFO of Cannara. “Exotic Genetix is a multi award-winning breeder and is responsible for the genetics behind some of the highest quality cannabis available in the United States. Exotic Genetix’s cannabis strains are current staples in Cannara’s portfolio, representing 5 of our 8 current flagship genetics, and we can attest to the high demand for, and the satisfaction derived from these genetics amongst our current customers.”

“We could not be happier to partner with Exotic Mike, the founder of Exotic Genetix, and the rest of the Exotic Genetix team to continue to deliver on our goal to produce the highest quality, affordable cannabis for our customers. We are proud to have been chosen as an exclusive-partner to expand Exotic Genetix’s reach into Canada and have no doubt that both companies and our customers will all benefit from this endeavor” concluded Mr. Sosiak.

A testament to the quality of its cannabis, Exotic Genetix strains comprise of five of the eight genetics grown by Cannara, including Gelato Mint, Power Sherb, Galactic Runtz, CBD Runtz and Slapz.

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11/09/2022

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11/09/2022

Hall of Flowers, the iconic, industry-leading cannabis brand and retail trade show, is pleased to announce the first ever Canadian Hall of Flowers event taking place at the Enercare Centre in Toronto on September 13th and 14th. Hall of Flowers is an industry-only, highly-curated, B2B trade show designed to forge and strengthen the relationships between brands and retailers.

Unlike prior Canadian cannabis trade shows, Hall of Flowers focuses solely on connecting cannabis brands directly with inventory buyers in an environment that reflects the industry and the plant’s role within it. “Our goal is to bring 1,000 certified buyers representing 800+ stores and 200 premium licensed cannabis brands together for this elevated experience,” says Dani Diamond, Hall of Flowers Founder and CEO. “By only focusing on the buyers and the brands and offering them a dedicated place to connect, consume and recuperate in our outdoor lounge, we’ve seen how impactful that is to developing relationships and partnerships between them.”

“This type of environment enables retail buyers to carve out the space to connect with brands in the right mindset to make inventory decisions,” says Krista Raymer, CEO of Vetrina Group and individual who led the charge to bring Hall of Flowers to Canada. “We also know the engagement and interest in Hall of Flowers in Toronto so far has been a telltale sign of a maturing market that understands the importance of intimate connections within our domestic cannabis supply chain.”

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11/09/2022

*D **A *****na

L*D-assisted therapy could provide benefits to patients struggling with anxiety disorders, according to new research published in Biological Psychiatry. The findings suggest that the psychedelic drug can produce notable reductions of anxiety and comorbid depression symptoms. ...

08/09/2022

Grow Up Conference, Expo and Awards brings the cultivation industry together in Niagara Falls, ON from September 12-14th.

ND Supplies Packaging Solutions is proud to be presenting this preeminent B2B cannabis conference at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada for its 5th year. Join old friends and make new connections while learning, networking and enjoying this world-class event.

Named the best cannabis conference by High! Canada Magazine and Toronto Sun’s Reader’s Choice for best cannabis event, Grow Up promises to live up to its long-established international reputation as the best cultivation show for cannabis growers. Hundreds of delegates will be in attendance for more than 40 sessions featuring over 80 speakers across 30,000 square feet of expo floor – to ensure there is something for everyone. Invitations to head growers and purchasing agents of Canadian Licensed Producers ensure our exhibitors and participating delegates have the opportunity to interact with the largest group of cannabis growers in one spot.

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08/09/2022

*D **A *****na

"We now know that psilocybin mushroom microdosing works. It is indisputable that there are benefits." —Stamets

08/09/2022

San Francisco lawmakers have unanimously approved a measure calling for the decriminalization of psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca.

The Board of Supervisors approved the measure, sponsored by Supervisors Dean Preston (D) and Hillary Ronen (D), on Wednesday. While it doesn’t immediately enact changes to criminal justice policy in San Francisco, it urges police to deprioritize psychedelics as “amongst the lowest priority” for enforcement and requests that “City resources not be used for any investigation, detention, arrest, or prosecution arising out of alleged violations of state and federal law regarding the use of Entheogenic Plants listed on the Federally Controlled Substances Schedule 1 list.”

Decriminalize Nature San Francisco helped advance the resolution, which also implores city officials to “instruct” its state and federal lobbyists to push for psychedelics decriminalization in California and federally.

*D **A *****na

05/09/2022

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Q-Tips and vinegar are your friend.

27/08/2022

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New research has found a link between psychedelic drugs, mystical experiences, and pro-environmental behaviors.The study was published in the Journal of Huma...

27/08/2022

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People who have undergone a mystical experience after consuming a psychedelic substance are more likely to engage in behaviors aimed at protecting or conserving the environment, according to new research published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology. ...

24/08/2022

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Taken from JRE #1861 w/Dave Mustaine:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xBhKsr2UPbnyyyOfh3lo4?si=996f0b95d0054758

19/08/2022

Leafly Holdings, Inc., a leading online cannabis discovery marketplace and resource for cannabis consumers, announced a new program that allows accredited cannabis researchers to supplement their work with a large cannabis dataset that would otherwise not be available.

Leafly is the informed way to shop for w**d and its cannabis data library includes tens of thousands of cannabinoid and terpene strain profiles from the Leafly-Certified Labs Program, subjective strain effects from consumer reviews, and cannabis popularity metrics. This data does not include identifiable customer information and is curated to be of the most use to academic researchers that study the various scientific compounds of cannabis.

“As the cultural and legal landscapes of cannabis access and consumption continue to evolve, the need for more intensive research cannot be understated,” said Nick Jikomes, PhD and Director of Science & Innovation for Leafly. “After several successful partnerships with university institutions, we decided to open up our data library to the rest of the cannabis academic community. We hope to help play a role in creating universal understanding of this magical and mysterious plant.”

Earlier this year, Leafly and the University of Colorado Boulder co-published research on the chemical composition of ma*****na products. The study – the largest analysis of its kind – found that commercial cannabis labels “do not consistently align with the observed chemical diversity” of the product, demonstrating a need for a standardized labeling system across the cannabis industry.

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19/08/2022

Auxly Cannabis Group Inc., a consumer packaged goods company in the cannabis products market, introduced a new extension to its Foray brand: Edi’s. While keeping true to Foray’s pedigree of approachability and accessibility, Edi’s is bringing the fun back into snacking with a bold and honest attitude that will speak to consumers looking to enjoy an edible snack while controlling their cannabis experience.

Launching this new brand extension into the market is Edi’s Gumdrops, a delightfully chewy, premium gummy that is bursting with familiar flavors of lemon, lime, cherry and orange. With 20 snackable pieces per pack, these low-dosed edibles offer 0.5mg of THC per bite – the first of its kind in Canada – allows consumers to enjoy the snacks they love without concern of overindulging in potent THC cannabis products.

“As we look to continue our expansion into the growing edibles category, we’ve listened to our consumers and their requests for a more approachable and flexible dosing format,” said Michael Lickver, President of Auxly. “Canadian consumers have been restricted to enjoying only one or two pieces of gummy or chocolate when purchasing their edibles, leaving much to be desired. Fitting effortlessly into our Foray brand’s targeted consumer base, Edi’s will enable consumers to enjoy these new perfectly low-dosed edible products for a more gratifying snack-like experience. We believe Edi’s is the disruptive new edible product that the Canadian cannabis consumer has been waiting and asking for and we can’t wait to show our consumers we’ve been listening.”

Edi’s Gumdrops will be available for Canadian consumers to enjoy by the end of August, with two additional familiar Foray consumer favorites, CBD Blood Orange and CBN Blackberry Lavender, joining the Edi’s family later this summer.

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19/08/2022

Craft cannabis brand, Collective Project is partnering with Hamilton-based neurotechnology pioneers, Zentrela Inc, for a six month program to educate Ontario consumers on the effects created by their industry-leading Blood Orange, Yuzu & Vanilla Sparkling Juice. The Cannabis Act has established strict parameters for brands to communicate product effects. By
partnering with Zentrela Inc., Collective Project will be able to provide cannabis retailers and consumers objective, scientific effect data for the Blood Orange beverage. The goal of the partnership is to educate consumers on the effects created by this leading cannabis beverage and enable them to make informed purchase decisions.

Collective Project has selected their Blood Orange, Yuzu & Vanilla Sparkling Juice which has 10mgs of THC and 10mgs of CBD. This SKU has been the top selling cannabis beverage at the Ontario Cannabis Store for five months running.

Director Of Brand Marketing & Communications of Collective Project, Toni Shelton says, “Although legal in Canada now, cannabis carries a stigma from the ‘edible brownie days in college’. We’re excited to be partnering with Zentrela because we’ll now have an education platform to share with consumers what we already knew – that our beverages deliver a rapid onset effect experience, among a vast list of other positive attributes. This is the preferred cannabis beverage in Ontario and not being able to properly communicate the experience our products deliver has been challenging. This will be ground
breaking for us”.

The education program consists of publishing comprehensive study results online in a consumer-friendly format. Participating retailers in the initial phase of the program include The Niagara Herbalist, The Gym Cannabis and Queen George Cannabis.

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18/08/2022

Canadian startup, Djot, a division of Voyager Products Inc., today announced the launch of its industry-leading technology: a pocket-sized electronic dispenser for liquid concentrates dubbed “the Keurig of cannabis” that guarantees personalized and precise cannabis dosing at the touch of a button. The Djot Dispenser, now available for pre-order, is designed to add exactly what is needed in each individual’s day with a personalized and precise cannabis dose that ripples through any beverage, causing real-world benefits.

“Our proprietary, portable product is simple to use and seamlessly adds the desired cannabis dose, in precise 1 mg intervals, to anything you’re drinking,” said Co-Founder and President Arjen Melis. “The accompanying dPods are formulated to cater to everyone’s unique needs throughout the day: a boost between meetings or a relaxing remedy that becomes an evening ritual.”

The specially-formulated dPods with cannabis oils deliver desired states of rest, relaxation, creativity or energy, anytime and anywhere, with zero unwanted additives or sugars often found in cannabis beverages. Simply insert the dPod, set the desired dose, dispense into any beverage and seize the drop!

Today Cannabis, tomorrow a better way to distribute pharmaceuticals. Djot is launching in the cannabis sector with plans to expand into many areas of health and wellness, including traditional pharmaceutical medicine. Djot hopes to change how consumers can directly impact their overall health and personalize prescription medicine doses based on users’ age, weight, and tolerance.

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18/08/2022

*D **A *****na

In the wake of a growing mental health crisis, the feds get ready for legal psychedelic therapy

16/08/2022

Olli Brands Inc. (OBi) announced the launch of the newly created STARTS brand (www.funstarts.com). OBi has recognized the consumer desire and need for more value offerings in the edible cannabis space. By offering a unique and cheerful value proposition, STARTS’ mission is to provide a consistently safe and enjoyable experience to both new and experienced consumers in Canada.

Two new confectionery products were in Ontario at the beginning of July, followed by 2 more products at the beginning of August; with plans to launch in Alberta by the end of the year. Olli Brands Inc. (OBi) remains fully committed to its vision to be the leading innovative, house of edibles for both in-house brands and private label partners.

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16/08/2022

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New research suggests that improvements in personal development and self-insight act as a pathway between post-psychedelic integration practices and optimal well-being. The study, which appears in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, provides evidence that this is the case for both clinical and non...

13/08/2022

Xebra Brands Ltd., a cannabis company, announced the successful completion of the first commercial production run of its Vicious Citrus cannabis infused lemonade. Availability is anticipated this summer in multiple provinces across Canada, including in Ontario, which has made an initial purchase order of 10,500 units for late July delivery; more than 1,100 retail cannabis store licences have been issued in Ontario, making it by far the most lucrative cannabis market in Canada. Xebra has engaged a national cannabis sales & marketing agency to introduce and support the growth of Vicious Citrus Lemonade to Canadian cannabis retailers.

“This maiden production run represents a significant milestone for our beverage business“, said Jay Garnett, CEO of Xebra. “We expect Vicious Citrus to connect with engaged consumers and quickly become a leader in the Canadian cannabis-infused beverage space.”

Vicious Citrus is a non-carbonated THC infused lemonade beverage, with a tangy Citrus flavour and a 5:1 THC / CBN ratio. With the maximum amount of psychoactive cannabinoids allowed in any Canadian listed beverage, Vicious Citrus combines 10mg of THC with 2mg of CBN (Cannabinol). Vicious Citrus is one of only a few beverages in Canada containing CBN, a unique cannabinoid that is booming in interest across North America.

Xebra expects to launch additional Vicious Citrus cannabis infused beverages into the Canadian market later this year and into 2023. In addition, Xebra is evaluating opportunities to introduce Vicious Citrus and other Cannabis infused beverage brands into other countries.

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12/08/2022

Canopy Growth Corporation, a world-leading diversified cannabis, h**p, and cannabis device company, announced the continued expansion of its cannabis beverage portfolio and a brand campaign that drives awareness of its wide range of cannabis beverages just in time for the summer season. Boasting the category’s fastest growing brands,1 Canopy Growth continues to show its leadership in beverages and ongoing commitment to meeting customer demand.

The Company showcases its diverse portfolio of cannabis beverages in its new Just Hits Different brand campaign which offers adult consumers a new way to enjoy familiar experiences, and a different type of drink to consume during special summer occasions like long weekends. The campaign comes to life across digital and social channels and aims to drive traffic, create awareness, and convert sales in store.

The campaign also features an interactive and educational flavor sampling program, the biggest the category has ever seen. Consumers can visit one of more than 1,400 Canadian cannabis retail locations to try a non-active flavor sample of products like Tw**d Fizz Mango, Tw**d Iced Tea Lemon, Deep Space Limon Splashdown, and Quatreau Passionfruit & Guava. The pop-up sampling events give consumers an opportunity to learn about the products, engage with brand ambassadors, and experience the flavors before adding them to their shopping cart.

When consumers arrive in store, they will see a bigger-than-ever range of flavor-forward cannabis beverages from brands like Tw**d, a 5 mg THC segment leader, and Deep Space, a high potency 10mg THC brand known for its bold, nostalgic flavors with a unique twist. Familiar favorites from Quatreau and Ace Valley, plus new offerings from Vert, round out the summer line-up, giving consumers a wide variety of options.

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12/08/2022

The Canadian Va**ng Association has expressed its concerns to regulators about the proposed va**ng excise tax rate. The association believes the proposed rate is too high and will lead to an increase in smoking and a significant contraband market.

If the rate remains as proposed a flourishing black market is inevitable. This is demonstrated by Canada’s serious problem with contraband to***co and cannabis. The Canadian government has estimated that contraband to***co makes up roughly 30% of the total Canadian to***co market. The contraband to***co trade was worth nearly $2.6 billion in 2008 and has only continued to grow. Since legalization, cannabis has added to Canada’s contraband problems, with illicit cannabis sales accounting for 54% of the market. E-liquid consists of only 4 ingredients and is simple to manufacture. The ease of manufacturing coupled with the demand for v**e products, makes e-liquid an attractive product for illicit sellers.

Moreover, numerous studies find that taxing v**e products increases rates of to***co use. A study published in the Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, has found that increasing taxes on va**ng products results in a corresponding and predictable increase in cigarette use. “These results suggest caution in regulating e-ci******es because e-cigarette regulations may have a harmful, unintended consequence: increased smoking of traditional ci******es,” said health economist Michael Pesko.

Ni****ne, a chemical found in to***co, may be addictive but it is not the source of the harm caused by smoking. It is largely the combustion process that is responsible for smoking’s harms. The combination of far fewer chemicals and the lack of combustion in va**ng, makes v**e products far less harmful than smoking. Regulators must consider the relative risk of the product and ensure price remains part of the incentive for smokers to make the switch.

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