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Newly rebranded California-based marijuana operator Eaze raised $10 million to acquire select assets of Eaze Technologies, its predecessor company, to fund the reopening of 70 Eaze and Green Dragon locations across California, Colorado, Florida and Michigan.

The now-defunct Eaze Technologies, which purchased Denver-based Green Dragon about three years ago, announced in October that it would close its Colorado and Florida operations.

Billionaire Jim Clark, founder of defunct tech company Netscape, provided the funding, which was announced Tuesday, and now has controlling ownership of the new entity, Eaze.

CEO Cory Azzalino said the company does not intend to reimagine its business model, which it shifted four years ago from a delivery platform to a plant-touching entity.

"The focus going forward will be continued expansion in Florida, expanding the delivery footprint in California and launching delivery in Colorado," Azzalino told MJBizDaily. Read story >

More Headlines

• District of Columbia cannabis stores sue officials over enforcement efforts. Read story >
• Marijuana brand Unrivaled declares bankruptcy in bizarre investor feud. Read story >

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Hemp-derived & medical cannabis news

New Jersey will enforce portions of new hemp-derived THC ban, agency says

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New Jersey marijuana authorities say they will enforce a state ban on hemp products containing THC or derivatives that are "not naturally occurring."

That appears to be limited to synthetic cannabinoids such as delta-10 THC, as products containing intoxicating levels of hemp-derived delta-8 or delta 9 THC are safe under an October federal court order.

Following restrictions in other states limiting the nationwide trade in intoxicating hemp-derived THC, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in September signed a bill into law that would have limited such products to state-licensed marijuana stores.

However, a group of hemp product manufacturers sued, and a federal judge ruled that portions of the state law "violate the Farm Bill's express preemption provision and the dormant commerce clause" and, thus, are unenforceable.

Lawmakers have said they plan to address the constitutional problems identified by the federal court in subsequent legislation. Read story >

Nebraska MMJ initiatives pass, but eligibility questions remain

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Nebraska voters overwhelmingly supported two initiatives on Election Day to legalize and regulate medical cannabis, although state courts still could decide the citizen-led ballot measures should have been left off the ballot altogether.

Crista Eggers, statewide campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said voting for the initiatives her organization worked to get placed on the ballot was "definitely a top-10 moment."

"Nebraskans finally have had their voices heard on this issue," Eggers told MJBizDaily.

"We've known that they support this, but to actually see Nebraska voters have their voices heard is one of the greatest moments that I've ever experienced in my life."

A state judge recently rejected a request that the state stop counting votes for the MMJ initiatives.

The judge then heard closing arguments and ordered attorneys on both sides to submit briefs for a final ruling she expects to go to the Nebraska Supreme Court. Read story >

Drying and curing best practices to improve cannabis flower

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The drying and curing stage of cannabis is critical, one that can make or break the quality of the final product for cultivators.

Proper drying and curing not only preserves potency and flavor but also improves the safety, shelf life and overall user experience of cannabis flower, cultivation experts told MJBizDaily.

"You can take a really good crop and ruin it really fast with curing and drying," said Pansey Willcox, facilities manager and compliance officer for Green Dragon Extracts in Oregon.

"You can also take not the greatest crop and make it into a better crop."

From reducing harshness in smoke to enhancing terpene profiles, growers are paying closer attention than ever to these essential post-harvest steps. Read story >

South Dakota's first non-tribal MMJ dispensary to close

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South Dakota's first licensed medical marijuana dispensary not on tribal land is closing next month.

Unity Rd. posted on Facebook that it and The Hartford Connection in Hartford, South Dakota, will cease operations Dec. 7.

Unity Rd. opened on July 27, 2022 – 20 months after voters approved medical marijuana sales – and offered only flower and pre-rolls.

Co-owner B.J. Olson said he sees no path forward for the business without the potential of adult-use sales – which voters once again rejected on Election Day.

"I don't see the positive outcome for us continuing down the road of medical marijuana," Olson said. Read story >

More Headlines

• United Kingdom should raise THC allowed in hemp, panel recommends. Read story >
• How to capitalize on the Green Wednesday sales rush. Read story >
• Infused beverages lead marijuana product sales spike on Election Day. Read story >
• Republican lawmakers will get chance to prove whether GOP is good for cannabis. Read story >

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