Cansortium Inc. (CSE:TIUM) (OTCQB:CNTMF) also known as "FLUENT" and RIV Capital Inc. (CSE:RIV) (OTC:CNPOF) announced on Thursday the completion of a previously announced arrangement with RIV Capital whereby FLUENT acquired all of the issued and outstanding Class A common shares of RIV Capital in exchange for FLUENT shares. Under the terms of the agreement, RIV Capital shareholders received 1.245 of a common share of FLUENT in exchange for each RIV Capital share held. As a result, shareholders of FLUENT hold approximately 51.25% of the combined business of FLUENT and RIV Capital shareholders and The Hawthorne Collective together, hold approximately 48.75% of the combined company, each on a fully diluted basis. Read Also: Cannabis-Focused RIV Capital Reports 186% YoY Surge In Q3 Revenue Ahead Of Major Merger That ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

The debate over how to tackle America's obesity epidemic that affects 40% of adults and nearly 20% of children, has sparked contrasting views from two influential voices in President-elect Donald J. Trump's orbit. The side that wins could have a lasting impact on public health in the U.S. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick for secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), says lifestyle changes need to be a big part of the solution. Elon Musk, billionaire tech entrepreneur and seemingly one of Trump's closest advisers, is calling for easier access to weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO). Musk, who has used Wegovy, said on X that “nothing else is even close” when considering how to address obesity, noted the New York Times. ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Cannabis regulators and industry advocates have, for a long time, contended that licensed marijuana products are safer and cleaner than those circulating on the illicit market. Logical, right? Not necessarily. An analysis published Thursday by the Los Angeles Times challenges that claim and reveals comparable pesticide contamination rates in legal and illicit cannabis. Testing 16 products from unlicensed sellers and tobacco shops, the Times found that half had no detectable pesticides, mirroring the pesticide-free rate in California's legal market. This, despite California’s tests for 66 pesticides in licensed products, which fail to detect other harmful compounds identified in the Times investigation. This similarity apparently "doesn't shock" Josh Swider, CEO and cofounder of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, which tests cannabis in California and Michigan. "Normally, the illicit market is just buying from the legal market brokers. ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Two men from Rochester, New York, met their end after developing a "rare fungal lung infection" linked to using bat guano, or feces, as fertilizer for growing cannabis for their personal use. The University of Rochester detailed the cases in a report published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, warning that "exposure to bat guano among cannabis growers appears to be a recent trend that can lead to histoplasmosis cases and outbreaks." Histoplasmosis is a lung infection caused by inhaling spores of the Histoplasma fungus. It is also known as the “cave disease.” What Happened: The first man (59), bought his guano online to use as fertilizer for his cannabis plants. The second man (64), was intending to fertilize his cannabis plants with the bat poop he found in his attic ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

On Wednesday, Cannabis producer Organigram Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:OGI) reported fourth-quarter sales of $31.22 million (44.7 million Canadian dollars), up from 36.7 million Canadian dollars, beating the consensus of 42.98 million Canadian dollars. The company adds it became Canada’s largest cannabis company by market share following the acquisition of Motif Labs subsequent to year-end. Also Read: Organigram Wants To Become Canada’s Largest Cannabis Company By Market Share Via $71M Acquisition Deal Sales increased 22% year-over-year, primarily due to higher recreational cannabis sales and international sales. Adjusted gross margin was 16.5 million Canadian dollars, or 37% ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), known for her resilience and iconic self-expression, is the inspiration behind the new cannabis brand Alas Pa' Volar (Wings to Fly). The brand, founded by Marisela Nuño, CEO of the Los Angeles-based Hierba Buena, will have a soft launch on Dec. 16. It will formally open for business in early 2025. Drawing on the mysticism of Kahlo's art and life, Alas Pa' Volar celebrates Latino heritage, artisanal craftsmanship and premium cannabis products. The name, "Wings to Fly," comes from Kahlo's handwritten words in one of her final paintings, “Pies pa qué los quiero si tengo alas pa' volar," which translates to: “Feet, why do I need them if I have wings to fly.” Personal Trauma To Artistic Expression Kahlo contracted polio at age six, which left her with a distinct limp. At the age of 18, she moved to Mexico City to study medicine. Shortly ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Seth Rogen's Houseplant is at it again. The "Freaks and Geeks" and "Pineapple Express" actor and filmmaker's cannabis lifestyle brand launched a THC-infused, flavored sparkling water on Thursday. Since its U.S. debut in March 2021, Houseplant — co-founded by Rogen, Evan Goldberg and Michael Mohr — has been a leader in destigmatizing cannabis culture with its tasteful and thoughtfully designed lifestyle and home goods. Each of Houseplant’s products, including ceramic ashtrays and other cannabis-themed artwork, has a story behind it that’s been brought to life through thoughtful planning and lots of creativity. The same goes now for its THC-infused beverages. “At Houseplant, our approach has always been to create the products we wish existed — and to do so with the highest standards,” said Mohr, Houseplant CEO in a press release. “It has been thrilling to innovate ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

President Joe Biden announced the largest single-day act of clemency by a U.S. president, commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoning 39 others convicted of nonviolent offenses. The measure, announced on Thursday, comes two weeks after after Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden. "As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses," Biden said in a statement. Most of those granted commutations were people incarcerated when the COVID-19 pandemic began and were moved to home confinement as prisons became hotspots for the virus. Since then, their advocates and family members expressed concern that these individuals might be ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Music legend Elton John voiced strong opposition to the legalization of cannabis in the U.S., arguing that it is addictive and a gateway to more dangerous substances. "I maintain that it's addictive. It leads to other drugs," said John, who was recently honored as TIME magazine’s “Icon of the Year.” Reflecting on his own experiences, he added, "When you're stoned — and I've been stoned — you don't think normally. Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time." John, now 34 years sober, shared with TIME the turning point that led him to quit drugs and alcohol for good. While cocaine had been his drug of choice, his decision to change came after the death of a 13-year-old boy, marking a pivotal moment in his life. Life-Changing Funeral ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

During a panel discussion at Benzinga’s Future of Digital Assets event, experts discussed how the adoption of digital assets is advancing steadily, driven by increased issuance of tokenized bonds and heightened interest from institutions. The growing integration of digital assets into traditional finance was examined, underlining key trends and challenges in this rapidly changing space. Steady Growth in Digital Bond Issuance Rajeev Bamra of Moody's shared data on the rising adoption of digital bonds as a critical development in the tokenized economy. Since the first issuance by the World Bank in 2017, approximately 85 digital bonds have been issued, with a total value of $18.5 billion. "What we've seen in the last 12 months is about 45 digital bonds having been issued, and of that, 37 were issued year to date, which is about $7.5 billion," ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) and National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) issued a memo urging President-elect Donald Trump to prioritize federal cannabis reforms. The document outlines several key actions including ending federal marijuana prohibition, safeguarding gun rights for cannabis consumers, promoting banking access for the industry and expanding clemency for those impacted by past cannabis criminalization. The memo acknowledges Trump's recent support for cannabis reforms, including his endorsement of legalization and banking reform during his campaign. The communication provides a detailed roadmap for achieving these objectives, emphasizing the need for federal policy to align with public opinion and state laws, reported Marijuana Moment. "Like alcohol prohibition before it, marijuana prohibition has failed. It has also become quite unpopular," ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

AYR Wellness (OTC:AYRWF) is furthering its commitment to social equity and restorative justice with the launch of a Cannabis Expungement and Record Sealing clinic in Fort Myers, Florida, on Saturday December 14, 2024.  The clinic, which is being held in partnership with Blaze Responsibly, provides free legal assistance for those with eligible state cannabis offenses, helping individuals navigate the process of sealing or expunging their criminal records. This initiative is part of Changing Legacies, a program created by AYR Wellness in 2022 that empowers communities affected by the War on Drugs. Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

New Lake Capital Partners (OTC:NLCP), a real estate company focused on cannabis properties, offers an attractive investment with a 9.1% dividend yield, well above the return on 10-year government bonds. This yield, combined with a cautious approach to debt and disciplined portfolio growth, positions NLCP as an attractive alternative to other cannabis REITs like IIPR (NYSE:IIPR) and broader industrial REITs. Trading near par value, NLCP's conservative strategy highlights its potential for stable, long-term returns, as noted by Pablo Zuanic of Zuanic & Associates. Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter here. You can’t afford to miss out if you're serious about the business. Attractive Valuation And Dividend Yield One of NLCP's standout features is its 9.1% dividend yield, which is almost 500 basis points (bp) higher than 10-year Treasury bills—the benchmark for low-risk investments.  By comparison, IIPR offers a 6.7% dividend yield but trades at a 57% premium to book value, while NLCP trades at par, reflecting a more conservative approach to valuation.  Zuanic notes this discrepancy – partly due to IIPR’s NYSE listing versus NLCP’s OTC market status -suggests NLCP may be undervalued, with the potential for its valuation to increase as its market recognition grows. The company's dividend coverage stands at 120%, demonstrating the ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) introduced "Music is the Bridge," a new campaign that combines artist-curated playlists with free psychedelic education. Starting Monday, the project aims to make psychedelic experiences safer, more accessible and more meaningful. Playlists From Artists And Organizations The campaign includes playlists from artists and organizations like Lil Yachty, Melissa Etheridge, Brandon Boyd, Reggie Watts, CloZee, Boreta, Superposition, Good Trip Studios, East Forest, Dr. Bronner's as well as MAPS founder and president Rick Doblin aka "DJ Doblin." See Also: Sexual Health: Psychedelics Found To Enhance Function In Imperial College Study Each playlist enhances different aspects of the psychedelic experience, from the journey itself to moments of reflection and integration. "Music is medicine. This is something that cultures around the world have long known,” said Etheridge in a press release. “And in combination with plant medicines or psychedelics, they amplify one another, opening up a powerful journey to feel deeply and find truths." GRAMMY-nominated Lil Yachty ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Since Colorado and Washington took the historic step of legalizing recreational cannabis in 2014, the marijuana industry has rapidly expanded, with tax revenue emerging as one of the most significant financial outcomes. The growing legal cannabis market across the U.S. has generated billions of dollars in tax revenue, benefitting state budgets, funding essential services and providing economic boosts in both mature and newly legal markets. According to the latest figures compiled by Lyle Daly for The Motley Fool, based on official websites and the Tax Foundation, states that have not yet legalized are missing out on nearly $5 billion in tax revenue. Cannabis Tax Leaders In 2023, California raked in over $1.08 billion in cannabis tax revenue – a number that underscores the scale of the state’s weed market. Other states, like Illinois and Washington also collected hundreds of millions in tax revenue. The table below outlines cannabis tax ...Full story available on Benzinga.com