Earnings
Javier Hasse
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March 7, 2025
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Benzinga
Javier Hasse
·
March 7, 2025
·
Benzinga
The cannabis industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed and this past week was no exception. From significant financial transactions to regulatory shifts and high-profile business moves, the sector saw several key developments that could shape its future.
Among the biggest headlines: Vireo Growth Inc. (OTCQX:VREOF) reported record revenue for 2024 and is gearing up for a transformative 2025. Planet 13 Holdings Inc. (OTCQX:PLNH) secured a $2.1 million settlement and recovered a total of $10.5 million in misappropriated funds. Meanwhile, Glass House Brands Inc. (OTCQX:GLASF) locked in a $50 million loan with favorable terms, signaling confidence in the company’s long-term prospects.
On the corporate front, Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTCQX:TCNNF) announced a CFO transition, Ayr Wellness Inc. (OTCQX:AYRWF) shifted its focus away from Illinois to double down on Florida and MariMed Inc. (OTCQX:MRMD) finalized its $11 million acquisition of First State Compassion, strengthening its foothold in Delaware's emerging adult-use market.
In political news, Colombian President Gustavo Petro renewed calls for full cannabis legalization, while in the UK, a new report suggests cannabis reform could generate £1.5 billion ($1.94 billion) in economic benefits. Across the globe, Malaysia's Health Ministry opened registration for medical cannabis-based products, marking a historic milestone in the country's strict drug policy.
Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg made waves in the cannabis beverage space, consolidating five new brands under his Iconic Tonics umbrella, signaling a major play in the booming market for infused drinks.
Let's dive into the biggest cannabis stories of the week.
Planet 13 Holdings settled a financial dispute involving El Capitan Advisors and its founder Andrew Nash, recovering $2.1 million from BridgeBank. This brings the company's total recovery to $10.5 million, including the expected proceeds from selling real estate tied to the case.
The company is still pursuing $10.3 million in additional damages against Nash and El Capitan. Legal battles continue, but the company has already secured a default judgment, allowing it to seek further compensation.
Glass House Brands replaced its previous senior secured loan with a new $50 million facility, pushing its maturity date to 2030 and securing a lower interest rate of 8.58 percent.
"This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet, significantly improves our cash flow, and pushes out the maturity of our senior secured debt," said CEO Kyle Kazan. With $8.1 million in new liquidity and interest-only payments for the first two years, the move gives the company much-needed breathing room in a capital-strapped industry.
Read more about the Glass House loan here.
MariMed completed its $11 million acquisition of First State Compassion (FSC), solidifying its vertically integrated operations in Delaware ahead of adult-use cannabis sales launching later this year.
FSC, Delaware's leading cannabis operator, has long distributed MariMed's flagship brands, including Betty’s Eddies, Vibations, and Nature’s Heritage. CEO Jon Levine sees the acquisition as a major competitive advantage: "We expect by fully integrating its operations, we will further build FSC's and our brands' dominance in the market."
Full details on MariMed's acquisition here.
Ayr Wellness is pulling out of Illinois after failing to achieve scale or vertical integration in the state. The company signed a letter of intent to sell its four retail locations, shifting its focus to Florida, where it operates 67 dispensaries.
With the upcoming launch of its Ocala indoor cultivation facility, Ayr aims to double flower production and combat price compression in Florida's competitive market. The company is also expanding in Ohio, having opened its fourth adult-use store in February, with plans for three more by year's end.
Trulieve announced a CFO transition, with Ryan Blust stepping in as interim CFO after Wes Getman's departure. The company has retained an executive search firm to find a permanent replacement.
British American Tobacco (BAT) has completed a C$124.6 million ($86.8 million) investment in Organigram Holdings, further expanding its cannabis footprint.
The investment will fuel Organigram's expansion, particularly through its Jupiter strategic investment pool, which has already backed Germany's Sanity Group and U.S.-based Open Book Extracts.
More on BAT's growing influence in cannabis.
Safe Harbor Financial has secured a two-year interest-only period on its debt, providing the company with more than $6 million in additional liquidity. The move comes as part of the fintech firm's strategy to strengthen its financial position while continuing to serve the cannabis industry, which remains largely underserved by traditional banks. By reducing its immediate debt obligations, Safe Harbor gains increased flexibility to expand its services and support cannabis-related businesses navigating complex financial regulations.
The company has positioned itself as a critical financial partner for cannabis businesses, offering banking, lending and compliance solutions in a sector often hindered by federal banking restrictions. This debt modification reinforces Safe Harbor's commitment to providing stability and liquidity to its clients, who frequently struggle with limited access to traditional financial institutions. The additional capital unlocked by this restructuring may also allow Safe Harbor to pursue growth opportunities as demand for cannabis banking solutions continues to rise.
Jane Technologies, a cannabis e-commerce platform, has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Startup Employers for the third consecutive year. The distinction highlights Jane's commitment to fostering a strong workplace culture while maintaining its leadership in cannabis e-commerce. As the industry grows, companies that prioritize employee satisfaction and long-term vision are gaining recognition and Jane Technologies continues to stand out as an employer of choice in this competitive space.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is once again pushing for cannabis legalization, calling on Congress to take action.
"The prohibition of marijuana in Colombia only brings violence," Petro stated in a social media post, emphasizing that prohibition has empowered criminal organizations rather than reducing harm.
His stance is not new. Petro has previously criticized lawmakers for failing to pass legalization efforts in 2023, arguing that restrictive policies perpetuate illicit drug trade and violence. Despite these challenges, Colombia's legal medical cannabis industry continues to grow, with exports surpassing $10.8 million in 2023.
A new report from Transform Drug Policy Foundation suggests that cannabis legalization in the United Kingdom could generate £1.5 billion in tax revenue and law enforcement savings.
The report also estimates that a legal market could create up to 15,500 jobs and eliminate 80 percent of the illicit market within five years, based on data from Canada's legalization model.
While the UK remains resistant to major cannabis reforms, the push for legalization in Europe continues to gain traction. However, Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has expressed opposition to further cannabis liberalization, which could set a precedent for other European nations.
In a landmark shift, Malaysia's Health Ministry has officially opened registration for medical cannabis products. Companies with sufficient scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabis-derived medicine can now apply for product registration, though they must comply with strict regulatory requirements.
Malaysia has some of the harshest drug laws in the world, including the death penalty for certain cannabis-related offenses. While this move signals progress, full-scale legalization is still far off.
In a major victory for cannabis justice, Claudio Martinez Jr. was released after spending 11 years incarcerated for a nonviolent cannabis offense. His clemency petition, filed by the Last Prisoner Project, was granted by then President Joe Biden.
Martinez, originally sentenced to more than 21 years, is now reunited with his family, including a grandchild who had never seen him outside of a prison visitation room. His release highlights ongoing calls for broader federal cannabis reform and mass pardons for individuals still serving time for cannabis-related offenses.
Volksbank Donau-Mindel, a prominent German bank, has taken a significant step into the cannabis industry by financing GOC Nexus, a company specializing in EU-GMP-compliant cannabis processing. This marks a notable shift in European cannabis financing, as banks have historically been hesitant to engage with cannabis-related businesses due to regulatory concerns. By supporting GOC Nexus, Volksbank Donau-Mindel signals a growing acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate and investable sector within the European financial system.
GOC Nexus is focused on meeting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, which are essential for pharmaceutical-grade cannabis production in the European Union. Securing funding from a major financial institution strengthens its ability to scale operations and meet stringent regulatory requirements. This development could encourage other financial institutions to follow suit, further integrating the cannabis industry into Europe's mainstream banking and investment landscape.
Snoop Dogg is making a significant move in the cannabis beverage industry by acquiring five brands and launching a seven-brand portfolio under the Iconic Tonics umbrella. This expansion places Snoop among the most influential figures in the cannabis market, reinforcing his long-standing association with the plant. The acquisition adds to his growing list of cannabis-related ventures, further cementing his role as a major player in the industry.
Snoop's move into cannabis beverages aligns with the broader industry trend of infused drinks becoming a mainstream product category. With consumers increasingly seeking alternative cannabis consumption methods, beverage companies are gaining momentum. By launching multiple brands under Iconic Tonics, Snoop is creating a diversified portfolio that caters to different preferences, positioning himself as a leader in this emerging segment.
The expansion, first reported by Forbes, highlighting the significance of Snoop's latest venture. His ability to merge branding power with strategic acquisitions has consistently kept him at the forefront of the cannabis industry. As the beverage market grows, his presence in the space could further drive mainstream acceptance of cannabis-infused drinks while strengthening the commercial appeal of the category.
Adaptaphoria has launched a new THC-infused beverage designed as an alternative to alcohol, incorporating adaptogens to enhance the experience. Marketed as a "hangover-free" option, the product aims to appeal to consumers seeking relaxation and social enjoyment without the negative effects commonly associated with alcoholic drinks. The launch reflects a broader trend in the cannabis industry, where infused beverages are gaining traction as a growing segment within the market.
By combining THC with adaptogens, Adaptaphoria differentiates itself from other cannabis beverages that primarily focus on THC alone. Adaptogens are known for their potential stress-reducing properties, which could enhance the overall effects of the drink. As consumers continue to explore functional beverages that offer both relaxation and wellness benefits, Adaptaphoria positions itself at the intersection of cannabis and health-conscious drinking trends.
Several major cannabis companies released their earnings this week, revealing the impact of price compression, regulatory uncertainty and strategic shifts. Some companies leaned into expansion and cost-cutting, while others faced revenue declines and operational challenges.
Curaleaf reported fourth-quarter revenue of $331 million, down 4% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA margins narrowing to 23%. Management attributed the decline to price compression in the U.S., though growing demand in international markets and states launching adult-use sales helped offset some losses.
Morningstar analysts noted that the company's “Return to our Roots” initiative, aimed at improving flower quality, could boost pricing and mix but may lead to lower sales volumes. They expect to cut Curaleaf's fair value estimate of C$6.50 per share by a high-single-digit percentage, citing slower-than-expected revenue growth.
Beacon Research maintained a buy rating on Curaleaf but cut its price target from C$7.00 to C$2.50, citing a valuation reset. Analysts pointed to the company's plan to refinance $460 million in debt in the second half of 2025 and noted that initial talks with banks and investors have been “strongly supportive.” Curaleaf's international business, which brought in $107 million in 2024 revenue, is expected to drive growth through 2026.
Ayr Wellness reported a fourth-quarter loss from continuing operations of $133.9 million, mainly due to $116 million in non-cash impairment charges. Gross profit declined 27% year-over-year, with management citing price compression in Florida and inventory challenges as key factors.
On the positive side, Ayr's CPG wholesale revenue grew 20% year-over-year, with brands Kynd, Haze and Later Days surging 126%. The company is also betting on its new indoor cultivation facility in Ocala, Florida, which is expected to double its flower production capacity and improve margins.
Despite these efforts, analysts at GuruFocus noted that Ayr faces mounting pressure in Nevada, Massachusetts and New Jersey, where an influx of new retail stores is increasing competition. The transition to a new state-mandated seed-to-sale tracking system in Florida also added excess costs and limited inventory in the company’s most profitable state.
Vireo Growth reported record revenue of $99.4 million for 2024, a 15.4% increase year-over-year, with a gross profit margin of 51.1%. The company ended the year with $91.6 million in cash after completing a private placement in December.
Fourth-quarter operating losses reached $0.8 million, attributed to one-time transaction expenses related to pending merger transactions. CEO John Mazarakis described 2024 as a “transformational year,” highlighting the company's focus on building a portfolio of strong brands and positioning for growth in 2025.
Scientists from Washington University School of Medicine and Stanford University have developed a new compound that mimics cannabis's pain-relieving properties without the psychoactive effects. Published in Nature, the study suggests this compound could serve as a non-addictive alternative to opioids.
Lead researcher Susruta Majumdar highlighted the significance of this breakthrough, explaining, "The custom-designed compound we created attaches to pain-reducing receptors in the body but by design, it can’t reach the brain. This means the compound avoids psychoactive side effects such as mood changes and isn’t addictive because it doesn’t act on the brain’s reward center."
This discovery is particularly relevant given the ongoing opioid crisis, which claimed approximately 82,000 lives in the U.S. in 2022, according to the CDC. While cannabis has long been considered a potential pain management tool, concerns over its psychoactive effects have hindered widespread adoption. If successful in human trials, this new compound could offer an alternative for chronic pain sufferers while avoiding the risks associated with opioids.
Read more about the study here.
Leafwire, a cannabis business networking platform, has introduced Leafwire 2.0, a major upgrade aimed at enhancing industry connectivity. The platform now features advanced search tools, allowing users to find potential partners, investors and service providers more efficiently. A newly launched mobile app ensures seamless access to networking opportunities on the go, while an updated industry groups function enables professionals to engage in focused discussions on key topics within the cannabis sector.
With these enhancements, Leafwire aims to further solidify its position as a vital hub for cannabis professionals looking to build relationships and share industry insights. The upgraded platform reflects a growing demand for digital spaces where businesses can connect and collaborate despite regulatory challenges. By introducing these new tools, Leafwire continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the cannabis industry, offering a more dynamic and accessible networking experience.
March 3, 2025
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Benzinga
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