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In August, California's Department of Cannabis Control issued five marijuana product recalls that cited the presence of aspergillus, bringing the total number of such recalls to 21 for 2024.

This sharp rise in mold-related recalls – particularly for aspergillus - has cannabis cultivators across the state on high alert.

While most strains of this common mold are harmless, certain species can cause severe respiratory problems in people with weakened immune systems, asthma or underlying lung conditions.

With the health of consumers and the profitability of cultivators at stake, a "decontamination step" or "kill step" in the cultivation process can act as a proactive safeguard.

While most people are not affected by aspergillus exposure, certain species can cause infections, ranging from mild allergies to invasive aspergillosis, a potentially fatal condition.

Given that medical marijuana is often used by immunocompromised patients, the stakes are even higher when it comes to ensuring mold-free products.

When a cannabis product fails a state-mandated lab test because of high levels of mold, the options for cultivators are costly.

Failed products are typically remediated or turned into extract, both of which result in reduced profit margins.

Specifically, remediated flower is flagged in Florida-based Metrc's cannabis track-and-trace systems and labeled with an "R" in the supply chain, which negatively affects its market appeal and drives price erosion.

This reactive approach is not sustainable for marijuana cultivators trying to maintain a competitive edge and profitability. Read story >

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Big-picture view of global cannabis markets

N O R T H  A M E R I C A

MJ stakeholders, including a Canadian firm, walk fine line to rescheduling hearing

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The next step in the yearslong marijuana rescheduling process could be a brief hearing where an administrative law judge informs witnesses why they aren't qualified to participate, observers told MJBizDaily.

The cannabis industry advocates and business leaders asked to participate in a Dec. 2 hearing addressing the rescheduling of marijuana were given the difficult challenge of explaining how they would be harmed by moving the plant from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act.

To do that, anyone in favor of rescheduling marijuana must reconcile two seemingly counterintuitive ideas if they want to engage in the process, according to interviews and a review of filings obtained by MJBizDaily:

• Schedule 1 is untenable.
• Moving marijuana to Schedule 3 without imposing other controls also "adversely" affects them.

It might seem like a delicate balancing act – if not outright contradictory.

But that's the fine line the 25 "designated participants" listed in an Oct. 31 letter from DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney II must tread if they want a voice in the historic marijuana rescheduling process. Read story >

E U R O P E

Tilray subsidiary launches commercial cannabis flower grown in Germany

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Aphria RX, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, launched the first commercial medical cannabis flower grown at its facility in Neumünster, Germany.

The launch marks the first medical marijuana products that Aphria RX has grown under the MMJ cultivation license the company received in July under Germany's Medicinal Cannabis Act.

The license allows Aphria RX to cultivate and manufacture a range of commercially available medical cannabis in Germany.

Tilray, which has offices in Leamington, Ontario, Canada, and New York, said in July that the cultivation permit was the first to be issued under Germany's new recreational cannabis law, which took effect April 1.

Read story >

C A N A D A

United Kingdom should raise THC allowed in hemp, panel suggests

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High Tide, a Calgary, Alberta-based cannabis retail chain, drew the final 5 million Canadian dollars ($3.6 million) of a CA$15 million debt facility.

The Canadian retailer drew the first CA$10 million tranche on July 31 and announced it Aug. 2.

High Tide will use the additional $5 million to repay debt that matures on Dec. 31, for ongoing development of its business model and general working capital purposes. Read story >

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• Marijuana business leaders cite military lessons as building blocks for success. Read story >

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A G E N D A

MJBizCon Conference Agenda Now LIVE!

It's time to celebrate the launch of the most comprehensive MJBizCon to date — we're talking 200+ speakers and four full days of sessions.

This year we're doubling down on our International Regulatory Roundups conference track. Below are a few session highlights. (Check back each week for more.)

INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY ROUNDUP

Friday, Dec. 6 • 10:50-11:30 a.m.

Deepak Anand

Principal, ASDA Consultancy Services

Deepak Anand is a recognized thought leader and subject matter expert who has experience with senior government officials, policy makers, investors, tobacco and CPG businesses as well as global cannabis producers. Anand was executive director for the Canadian National Medical Marijuana Association, was the founder and CEO of Materia Ventures, an international cannabis processing, manufacturing and distribution business. He served on the boards of various pharmaceutical associations across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

Mariana Larrea Arias

Life Sciences and Cannabis Attorney, MLAW Boutique

Mariana Larrea is a distinguished Mexican attorney with a specialization in Life Sciences, Cannabis, Pharmaceutical, Corporate/Contracts, and Consumer Protection. With a decade of professional experience, she honed her skills at some of Mexico City's most influential law firms. Mariana earned her law degree and a diploma in business law from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), solidifying her expertise in efficiently delivering results to her clients across various legal domains.

Founder, President & CEO, High Tide, Inc.

Raj has established himself as one of Canada's foremost business strategists and dealmakers. He is the founder of High Tide and its subsidiary companies Valiant Distribution and Canna Cabana and is the co-founder of High Tide's subsidiary, Famous Brandz. Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, High Tide has grown from one small shop of two employees in 2009 into Canada's largest cannabis retailer with over 180 locations and over 1,600 amazing team members and business interests spanning North America and Europe.

R E S O U R C E S

• MJBizMagazine November/December issue: Breaking Through: Four Brands Share Blueprints for Profitability
• SAVE! Fuel Your Fire at MJBizCon, Dec. 3-6 – Get tickets by 11/14
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• MJBiz Free Cannabis 101 Course – Sign up and start learning
• MJBizDaily Reports and Buyers Guides – Download
• MJBiz Media Kit – Advertise with us

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