Trump’s cannabis comments split MAGA in two 👀

“America deserves better, our kids deserve better, I don't want to have to be smelling weed anytime I take my kids anywhere in a city or a national park,” MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec said on his podcast, per Axios, after President Trump said he’ll make a decision on rescheduling in the coming weeks.

Cannabis reform has cleaved MAGA-world in two, with some prominent right-wing influencers supportive, and others claiming rescheduling would herald America’s destruction. Read more.

Mass Cannabis Control Commission settles with Assured Testing Lab 🔬

Assured Testing Lab, which was shut down by the state on July 4 for allegedly failing to report failed microbial test results, reached a settlement with the state. The CCC voted August 14 to approve the settlement, which includes Assured Testing paying a $300,000 fine, retraining its staff and suspending its CEO for at least 12 months. The lab will be allowed to reopen for business on September 15. Read more in our July 7 newsletter.

Minnesota already has 13 licensed microbusinesses 🍀

The first inklings of a market rollout continues in Minnesota, where there are now a baker's dozen of licensed microbusinesses preparing to open. In Minnesota microbusinesses are allowed to grow, process and sell cannabis. So far, a majority of the new licensees are primarily focusing their businesses on cultivation, according to Office of Cannabis Management Director Eric Taubel who recently gave an update on the rollout to MPR News. 

Maryland judge grants class certification to Curaleaf budtenders 🧑‍⚖️

The judge in an ongoing case in federal court in Maryland certified the class of budtenders who sued earlier this year over tip theft. The plaintiffs allege that the company took their tips and shared them with management, which violated federal labor law.

High Tide expands to Germany 🌊

Canadian cannabis company High Tide on Thursday announced an agreement to acquire 51% of Remexian Pharma GmbH, a German medical cannabis firm. High Tide is paying €27.2 million and the deal includes an option to buy the remainder of the company. 

New Jersey operators join forces to promote cannabis culture 🌿

The CannUnity Culture Collective is launching in the Garden State, with an assortment of operators teaming up to promote cannabis culture, community and righting the wrongs of the War on Drugs. The initiative will feature $1 mystery stash bags filled with products from one of at least 14 producers that have signed onto the collective. A portion of proceeds will go to the Last Prisoner Project.

Mass Cannabis Control Commission reappoints interim chair 🪑

Commissioner Bruce Stebbins was reappointed to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission on August 13 for a five-year term. Stebbins, who is the first commissioner in the agency's history to be reappointed, is currently serving as interim chair, while two of the commission's five seats remain vacant. 

Fewer Americans are drinking alcohol 🍻

Only 54% of US adults say that they drink alcohol, according to a new poll from Gallup, marking a historic low for those who indulge in booze. The drop from a record high of 71% in the late 1970s, correlated with growing concerns over how even light drinking can be harmful to your health. The study also notes that the decline is taking place at the same time that more and more Americans have access to legal cannabis. 

Study finds no measurable driving impairment on THC oil 🚗

The study involved testing driving skills after some of the participants ingested THC oil. Between those who partook and those who remained sober, there was no measurable difference in driving ability. The only change was that those who ingested THC assumed they were more impaired and deliberately drove slower and more carefully than their sober counterparts.

Another crop of cannabis earnings today:

• MediPharm Labs reported a $3.8 million operating loss on $11.8 million of revenue, up 14% over last year. 

• Cannabis tech firm Springbig reported a $1.1 million net loss on $5.8 million, down fro $6.4 million the year prior.

• Chicago Atlantic BDC, which lends in and invests in cannabis companies, reported $7.7 million of investment income for the second quarter. 

We’ve got you covered with the rest of the schedule:

August 18
Rubicon Organics - 10 AM

The Green Rush is Over: Welcome to Cannabis' Quiet Era | High Times

MAGA Freaks Out Over Trump's Plot to Reschedule Weed | Daily Beast