Goodness Growth Holdings Announces Second Quarter 2022 Results

Second quarter GAAP revenue of $21.1 million increased 34.9% sequentially and 48.2% YoY –

– Excluding former Arizona operations, second quarter revenue increased 62.7% YoY –

MINNEAPOLIS , Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. ("Goodness Growth" or the "Company") (CSE: GDNS; OTCQX: GDNSF), a physician-led, science-focused cannabis company and IP incubator, today reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2022 . All currency figures referenced in this press release reflect U.S. dollar amounts.

Goodness Growth Holdings (CSE: GDNS; OTCQX: GDNSF) is the new parent company of Vireo Health and Green Goods. (PRNewsfoto/Goodness Growth Holdings)

"Our second quarter results reflect improved margin performance driven by continued growth in our Minnesota , New Mexico , and Maryland markets, as well as benefits from the recent wind down of operations in Arizona which we discussed last quarter," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kyle Kingsley , M.D. "GAAP gross margin performance includes activities related to our Arizona operations, which were wound down prior to the end of the second quarter.  Excluding Arizona operations, we estimate that second quarter pro forma gross margins would have been approximately 55.0 percent."

Kingsley continued, "Strong sales growth catalysts resulting from the recent regulatory changes in Minnesota and New Mexico are expected to persist into next year, and we're also looking forward to contributions from the launch of edibles products which occurred in Minnesota earlier this month. Finally, our expansion project in New York is progressing ahead of the launch of adult-use sales in that important market, and we continue to expect our pending transaction to be acquired by Verano Holdings Corp. will close sometime during the fourth quarter of this year."

Summary of Key Financial Metrics

























Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


US $ in millions

June 30,


June 30,



2022


2021


Variance


2022


2021


Variance















GAAP Revenue

$21.1


$14.2


48.2 %


$36.7


$27.4


33.9 %


Revenue (excl. AZ and OH)

$19.7


$12.1


62.7 %


$34.4


$21.8


57.9 %


GAAP Gross Profit

$10.4


$6.9


50.0 %


$12.9


$12.5


2.6 %


Gross Profit Margin

49.2 %


48.6 %


60 bps


35.0 %


45.7 %


-1,070 bps


SG&A Expenses

$8.6


$8.3


3.9 %


$17.9


$16.3


9.8 %


SG&A Expenses (% of Sales)

40.9 %


58.3 %


-1,740 bps


48.7 %


59.6 %


-1,070 bps


Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$2.3


($1.0)


NM


($0.3)


($2.7)


NM


Adjusted EBITDA Margin (non-GAAP)

11.1 %


(6.8 %)


1,790 bps


(0.8 %)


(10.0 %)


920 bps


Second Quarter 2022 Financial Summary

Total revenue in the second quarter was $21.1 million , an increase of 48.2 percent as compared to Q2 2021, and 34.9 percent as compared to Q1 2022. Excluding contributions from the Company's former Arizona operations, total revenue increased 62.7 percent year-over-year and reflected strong growth in the Company's Maryland , Minnesota , and New Mexico markets. Retail revenue excluding Arizona increased 74.5 percent to $17.0 million in Q2 2022. Wholesale revenue excluding Arizona increased by 14.2 percent to $2.7 million , driven by increased sales in Maryland and Minnesota .

Gross profit was $10.4 million , or 49.2 percent of revenue, as compared to gross profit of $6.9 million or 48.6 percent of revenue in Q2 last year. The improvement in gross profit dollars was driven by higher production volume and increased sales, with relatively stable margin performance.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter were $10.1 million , a reduction of $0.1 million as compared to $10.2 million in the second quarter of 2021.

Operating income in the second quarter was $0.3 million , an increase of $3.5 million compared to an operating loss of $3.2 million in Q2 last year. The improvement in operating performance was driven by increased revenue and gross profit dollars, as well as the slight reduction in total operating expenses.

Total other expenses were $5.4 million during Q2 2022, compared to $2.9 million in Q2 2021. The variance in other expenses is primarily attributable to increased interest expense related to the Company's credit facility.

EBITDA, as described in accompanying non-GAAP reconciliation, was $1.1 million during Q2 2022, compared to a loss of $2.4 million in Q2 2021. Adjusted EBITDA was $2.3 million in Q2 2022, as compared to a loss of $1.0 million in Q2 2021. Please refer to the Supplemental Information and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this press release for additional information.

Net loss in Q2 2022 was $6.2 million , as compared a loss of $7.0 million in Q2 2021. The variance compared to the prior year was driven by the improvement in operating income, offset by increased interest expenses.

Other Events

On February 1, 2022 , the Company announced that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement with Verano Holdings Corp. pursuant to which Verano will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company in an all-share transaction valued at the time of announcement at approximately US $413 million on a fully-diluted basis. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, each holder of Goodness Growth subordinate voting shares will receive 0.22652 of a Verano Class A subordinate voting share for each Goodness Growth subordinate voting share held and each holder of Goodness multiple voting shares and Goodness Growth super voting shares will receive 22.652 Verano Shares for each Goodness Growth multiple voting share and Goodness Growth super voting share held, respectively. The transaction is subject to the approval of shareholders; the approvals of the Supreme Court of British Columbia ; New York State regulatory requirements; and other customary conditions of closing.

On June 23, 2022 , the Company announced the launch of HiColor™ cannabis-infused chews in New York , which are now available through the Company's retail and wholesale channels in the New York market. The new line of cannabis-infused edibles is currently available in five gourmet flavors and two formulations.

On August 1, 2022 , the Company announced the launch of cannabis-infused gummies at all eight of the Company's Green Goods® dispensaries in Minnesota , in accordance with Minnesota's new regulations allowing certified medical cannabis patients in the state to purchase certain edible products containing cannabis. Gummies are available in 10mg formulations and in Key Lime, Concord Grape, Hawaiian Pineapple and Oxnard Strawberry flavors. An additional formulation, with equal amounts of THC and CBD and in Alfonso Mango flavor, is expected to follow later this year.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of June 30, 2022 , the Company had 128,111,328 equity shares issued and outstanding on an as-converted basis, and 159,619,637 shares outstanding on an as-converted, fully diluted basis.

As of June 30, 2022 , total current assets were $46.4 million . The Company had cash on hand of $17.0 million , which included net proceeds received from an increase on its delayed draw loan of $13.5 million during the second quarter. Total current liabilities were $18.5 million .

About Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.

Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc., is a physician-led, science-focused holding company whose mission is to bring the power of plants to the world. The Company's operations consist primarily of its multi-state cannabis company subsidiary, Vireo Health, Inc., and its science and intellectual property incubator, Resurgent Biosciences, Inc. The Company manufactures proprietary, branded cannabis products in environmentally friendly facilities and state-of-the-art cultivation sites, and distributes its products through its growing network of Green Goods ® and other retail locations and third-party dispensaries. Its team of more than 500 employees are focused on the development of differentiated products, driving scientific innovation of plant-based medicines and developing meaningful intellectual property. Today, the Company is licensed to grow, process, and/or distribute cannabis in five markets and operates 18 dispensaries across the United States . For more information about Goodness Growth Holdings, please visit www.goodnessgrowth.com .

Additional Information

Additional information relating to the Company's second quarter 2022 results will be available on EDGAR and SEDAR on August 12, 2022 . Goodness Growth refers to certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA (defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, less certain non-cash equity compensation expense, one-time transactions, and other non-recurring non-cash items. These measures do not have any standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Please see the Supplemental Information and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this news release for more detailed information regarding non-GAAP financial measures.

Contact Information

Investor Inquiries:
Sam Gibbons
Vice President, Investor Relations
samgibbons@goodnessgrowth.com
(612) 314-8995

Media Inquiries:
Amanda Hutcheson
Corporate Communications
amandahutcheson@goodnessgrowth.com
(919) 815-1476

Forward-Looking Statement Disclosure

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities legislation. To the extent any forward-looking information in this press release constitutes "financial outlooks" within the meaning of applicable United States or Canadian securities laws, such information is being provided as preliminary financial results and the reader is cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and the reader should not place undue reliance on such financial outlooks. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "should," "estimate," "would," "looking forward," "may," "continue," "expect," "expected," "will," "believe," "subject to," and "pending," or variations of such words and phrases. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Forward-looking information includes both known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release. Financial outlooks, as with forward-looking information generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions and subject to various risks as set out herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission. Our actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from management's current expectations and, as a result, our revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and cash on hand may differ materially from the values provided in this press release. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, believed but not certain to be reasonable, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions, and expected developments, as well as other factors relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment, and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits.

Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the timing of adult-use legislation in markets where the Company currently operates; current and future market conditions, including the market price of the subordinate voting shares of the Company; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic; federal, state, local, and foreign government laws, rules, and regulations, including federal and state laws in the United States relating to cannabis operations in the United States and any changes to such laws; operational, regulatory and other risks; execution of business strategy; management of growth; difficulty to forecast; conflicts of interest; risks inherent in an agricultural business; liquidity and additional financing; the timing of adult-use sales in New Mexico and New York ; the Company's ability to meet the demand for flower in Minnesota ; risk of delay in consummation of or failure to consummate the transaction with Verano; and risk factors set out in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 , which is available on EDGAR with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .

The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements in this press release, other than the statements regarding the proposed arrangement with Verano, do not assume the consummation of such proposed arrangement unless specifically stated otherwise. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Supplemental Information

The financial information reported in this news release is based on unaudited financial statements for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021 . All financial information contained in this news release is qualified in its entirety with reference to such financial statements. To the extent that the financial information contained in this news release is inconsistent with the information contained in the Company's audited financial statements, the financial information contained in this news release shall be deemed to be modified or superseded by the Company's audited financial statements. The making of a modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation for purposes of applicable securities laws.

GOODNESS GROWTH HOLDINGS, INC.







CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF JUNE 30, 2022 AND DECEMBER 31, 2021






(Amounts Expressed in United States Dollars, Unaudited and Condensed)









June 30,


December 31,



2022


2021

Assets







Current assets:







Cash


$

16,970,729


$

15,155,279

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $543,680 and $572,080,
respectively



6,488,784



4,502,469

Inventory



18,607,668



20,422,061

Prepayments and other current assets



2,591,556



1,560,113

Assets Held for Sale



1,729,017



Total current assets



46,387,754



41,639,922

Property and equipment, net



94,225,562



99,488,559

Operating lease, right-of-use asset



7,852,578



8,510,499

Notes receivable, long-term



3,750,000



3,750,000

Intangible assets, net



9,771,479



10,184,289

Goodwill



183,836



183,836

Deposits



2,121,487



1,718,206

Deferred tax assets



4,530,000



1,495,000

Total assets


$

168,822,696


$

166,970,311

Liabilities







Current liabilities







Accounts Payable and Accrued liabilities


$

15,608,858


$

14,805,473

Right of use liability



1,775,746



1,600,931

Liabilities held for sale



1,140,828



Total current liabilities



18,525,432



16,406,404

Right-of-use liability



80,452,937



80,228,097

Long-Term debt



45,847,769



27,329,907

Total liabilities


$

144,826,138


$

123,964,408

Stockholders' equity







Subordinate Voting Shares ($- par value, unlimited shares authorized; 84,111,628 shares
issued and outstanding)





Multiple Voting Shares ($- par value, unlimited shares authorized; 374,586 shares issued and
outstanding)





Super Voting Shares ($- par value; unlimited shares authorized; 65,411 shares issued and
outstanding, respectively)





Additional Paid in Capital



180,169,935



178,429,422

Accumulated deficit



(156,173,377)



(135,423,519)

Total stockholders' equity


$

23,996,558


$

43,005,903

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity


$

168,822,696


$

166,970,311

GOODNESS GROWTH HOLDINGS, INC.













CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS










THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2022 AND 2021










(Amounts Expressed in United States Dollars, Unaudited and Condensed)












Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended



June 30,


June 30,



2022


2021


2022


2021

Revenue


$

21,090,148


$

14,230,900


$

36,728,720


$

27,420,789

Cost of sales













Product costs



10,663,251



7,273,011



20,346,228



14,779,059

Inventory valuation adjustments



59,871



45,000



3,526,788



113,000

Gross profit



10,367,026



6,912,889



12,855,704



12,528,730

Operating expenses:













Selling, general and administrative



8,625,439



8,299,682



17,903,408



16,335,673

Stock-based compensation expenses



1,098,008



1,408,080



1,740,513



3,454,698

Depreciation



163,127



246,247



319,224



417,809

Amortization



172,267



206,442



344,533



412,885

Total operating expenses



10,058,841



10,160,451



20,307,678



20,621,065














Income (loss) from operations



308,185



(3,247,562)



(7,451,974)



(8,092,335)














Other income (expense):













Impairment of long-lived assets



(54,739)





(5,367,915)



Loss on sale of property and equipment



(10,930)





(10,930)



Gain on disposal of assets







168,359



437,107

Interest expenses, net



(5,297,823)



(2,756,358)



(9,899,622)



(3,782,504)

Other income (expenses)



(82,769)



(98,055)



1,117,224



(41,387)

Other income (expenses), net



(5,446,261)



(2,854,413)



(13,992,884)



(3,386,784)














Loss before income taxes



(5,138,076)



(6,101,975)



(21,444,858)



(11,479,119)














Current income tax expenses



(965,000)



(885,000)



(2,340,000)



(2,620,000)

Deferred income tax recoveries



(80,000)



(25,000)



3,035,000



210,000

Net loss and comprehensive loss



(6,183,076)



(7,011,975)



(20,749,858)



(13,889,119)

Net loss per share - basic and diluted


$

(0.05)


$

(0.06)


$

(0.16)


$

(0.11)

Weighted average shares used in computation of net
loss per share - basic & diluted



128,111,328



125,557,734



128,111,328



120,856,801

GOODNESS GROWTH HOLDINGS, INC.







CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS







SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2022 AND 2021







(Amounts Expressed in United States Dollars, Unaudited and Condensed)









June 30,



2022


2021

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES







Net loss


$

(20,749,858)


$

(13,889,119)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:







Inventory valuation adjustments



3,526,788



113,000

Depreciation



319,224



417,809

Depreciation capitalized into inventory



1,314,056



986,896

Non-cash operating lease expense



558,083



519,176

Amortization of intangible assets



344,533



412,885

Stock-based payments



1,740,513



3,454,698

Interest Expense



2,162,218



886,628

Impairment of long-lived assets



5,367,915



Deferred income tax



(3,035,000)



(210,000)

Accretion



2,521,196



195,197

Loss on Sale of Property and Equipment



10,930



Gain on disposal of OMS





(437,107)

Gain on disposal of royalty asset



(168,359)



Change in operating assets and liabilities:







Accounts Receivable



(1,986,315)



(1,531,985)

Prepaid expenses



(1,031,442)



(292,260)

Inventory



(1,612,556)



(4,059,044)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities



870,373



(4,182,954)

Change in assets and liabilities held for sale





124,843

Net cash used in operating activities


$

(9,847,701)


$

(17,491,337)








CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:







PP&E Additions


$

(3,917,948)


$

(11,028,976)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment



372,815



Proceeds from sale of royalty asset



236,635



Acquisition of MJ Distributing





(1,592,500)

Proceeds from sale of OMS net of cash





1,150,000

Deposits



(403,281)



(1,595)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities


$

(3,711,779)


$

(11,473,071)








CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES







Proceeds from long-term debt, net of issuance costs


$

16,355,643


$

23,162,526

Convertible debt payment





(900,000)

Proceeds from option exercises





1,075,723

Lease principal payments



(980,713)



(653,165)

Net cash provided by financing activities


$

15,374,930


$

22,685,084








Net change in cash and restricted cash


$

1,815,450


$

(6,279,324)








Cash and restricted cash, beginning of period


$

15,155,279


$

27,105,680








Cash and restricted cash, end of period


$

16,970,729


$

20,826,356

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and do not have standardized definitions under GAAP. The following information provides reconciliations of the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures, presented herein to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided the non-GAAP financial measures, which are not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP, as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. These supplemental non- GAAP financial measures are presented because management has evaluated the financial results both including and excluding the adjusted items and believe that the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures presented provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the business. These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented.

Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA










(Amounts Expressed in United States Dollars, Unaudited and Condensed)












Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended



June 30,


June 30,



2022


2021


2022


2021

Net income (loss)


$

(6,183,076)


$

(7,011,975)


$

(20,749,858)


$

(13,889,119)

Interest expense, net



5,297,823



2,756,358



9,899,622



3,782,504

Income taxes



1,045,000



910,000



(695,000)



2,410,000

Depreciation & Amortization



335,394



452,689



663,757



830,694

Depreciation included in cost of goods sold



613,863



478,537



1,314,056



986,896

EBITDA (non-GAAP)


$

1,109,004


$

(2,414,391)


$

(9,567,423)


$

(5,879,025)

Inventory adjustment



59,871



45,000



3,526,788



113,000

Loss on impairment of long-lived assets



54,739





5,367,915



Stock-based compensation



1,098,008



1,408,080



1,740,513



3,454,698

Other income







(1,190,863)



Gain (loss) on disposal of assets



10,930





(157,429)



(437,107)

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)


$

2,332,552


$

(961,311)


$

(280,499)


$

(2,748,434)

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodness-growth-holdings-announces-second-quarter-2022-results-301603776.html

SOURCE Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia

CNX:GDNS,GDNSF
The Conversation (0)
Cannabis leaf over map of Australia.

A State-by-State Guide to Cannabis in Australia

Australia federally legalised medicinal cannabis in 2016, and Australia's cannabis market has seen major growth since then.

Medical cannabis approvals were up by 120 percent in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Statista forecasts that Australian cannabis revenue will reach AU$3.73 billion in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 3.22 percent, culminating in market volume worth AU$4.53 billion by 2029.

However, Australia’s cannabis industry is still young. Despite there being a strong case for a regulated market, which was outlined in a July 2024 report by the Penington Institute, recreational use is not legal and medical access remains limited and regulated.

Medical cannabis patients have access to various forms of the drug, including flower, oils and tinctures. However, only two medicinal cannabis products, Sativex and Epidyolex, are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and none are subsidised through the country’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Patients who want access to medicinal cannabis must go through special pathways, and doctors who want to prescribe medicinal cannabis have to apply to do so.

Keep reading...Show less
Cannabis leaf on road marked with "2025," with sunlight in the background.

New Cannabis Consumption Trends, Regulatory Shifts Seen Driving Market in 2025

Understanding trends in the cannabis industry is paramount for investors eyeing a market with steady growth potential, but the landscape is complex as products and regulations continue to evolve.

Consumption habits are changing as edibles, vaping and THC beverages gain traction, especially among younger users, and cannabis companies are adapting their offerings to meet shifting demand.

Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty, particularly surrounding the future of the US Farm Bill and state-level restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, continues to challenge the market.

Despite these headwinds, production data and long-term growth forecasts suggest the cannabis industry remains on a promising — albeit turbulent — path. Read on for more on key trends to watch in 2025.

Consumption methods evolving post-legalization

Shifts in consumer behavior are reshaping markets across the board, and the cannabis industry is no exception.

While smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis consumption, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the growing popularity of edibles, vaping and dabbing.

The report notes that vaping and dabbing are particularly pronounced among younger adults.

A separate study published by the American Medical Association and funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research also points to how product preferences have changed among Canadian users since legalization in 2018.


The study indicates that while the use of flower, cannabis concentrates, oil, tinctures and topicals has decreased during that time, the use of vape cartridges, edibles and beverages has increased.

Edibles and beverages were legalized in Canada in late 2019, and Truss Beverage was one of the first players to introduce cannabis-infused drinks. Truss was a joint venture formed by Molson Coors Canada (TSX:TPX.A,TSX:TPX.B) and HEXO, a cannabis company that has since been acquired by Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY).

In early 2020, Tilray launched a lineup of confectionery, wellness products and beverages through its subsidiary, High Park; Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NASDAQ:CGC) made a similar move. These companies gradually brought their products to the US as more states legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use.

Today, established cannabis brands typically offer edibles and beverages alongside their other products. Organigram Global (TSX:OGI,NASDAQ:OGI) is one of the newest US entrants, with its April acquisition of Collective Project providing immediate access to the US hemp-derived THC beverage market.

Growing awareness of health and wellness, potentially amplified by the pandemic-led adoption of health trackers, appears to be making an impact on the alcoholic beverage market.

A 2023 Gallup poll reveals a two decade decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger adults, suggesting a shift towards more health-conscious lifestyles within this demographic.

Craft beer production declined by 4 percent year-on-year in 2024, according to data collected by the Brewers Association. This marked the largest drop in the industry's history, excluding the pandemic. For small, independent craft breweries, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of declining production. A drop in the number of operating small breweries last year provides further evidence of this trend, with 501 closures in 2024 versus 434 openings.

Challenges in the alcohol market extend beyond the brewing industry, with the New York Times recently reporting the closure of a handful of nightclubs facing decreased alcohol sales alongside rising insurance and rent costs.

Meanwhile, cannabis lounges have been popping up across the US for the last several years. As of early 2025, several states had legalized or were in the process of implementing regulations for cannabis consumption lounges.

Hemp market growth despite regulatory uncertainty

The burgeoning hemp industry is another segment of the expanding cannabis market.

The legalization of industrial hemp — defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less — through the 2018 Farm Bill led to initial investment and optimistic projections for CBD wellness products and various industrial applications. The sector’s rapid evolution also brought the rise of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, creating a market that presented both opportunities and complexities for participants.

However, after an initial boom, a lack of infrastructure and clearly defined regulations for CBD, as well as state-level variations and market oversupply, ultimately contributed to a quick retraction.

2024 was a pivotal year for the US hemp industry, as the hemp-related provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill — originally set to expire in September 2023, but extended to December 31, 2024 — created an urgent need to address critical issues like THC limits and the regulation of novel hemp-derived cannabinoids. A major point of contention was the proposed shift from defining hemp based on Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3 percent or less) to “total THC,” which includes THCA.

This change had the potential to significantly impact farmers and processors, as many hemp varieties that are compliant under the Delta-9 THC rule could exceed the 0.3 percent limit when THCA is included.

Various bills and amendments were proposed in 2024 as part of the Farm Bill discussions, each with different approaches to regulating hemp. Separate regulatory frameworks for industrial hemp and hemp grown for cannabinoids were suggested, and many states took their own action, leading to a patchwork of regulations and even outright bans.

Despite challenges, data from the US Department of Agriculture suggests signs of recovery.

The department's annual National Hemp Report from 2024 points to an 18 percent increase in industrial hemp production value between 2022 and 2023, with output growth seen in specific sectors like floral (18 percent), fiber (133 percent) and seed hemp (414 percent). The 2025 report from the Department of Agriculture indicates further expansion, with notable increases observed in both acreage (up 64 percent from 2023) and value (46 percent).

The 2024 Farm Bill ultimately did not pass, and right now the hemp industry is operating under a temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill under the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law on December 21, 2024.

The 2018 Farm Bill is now set to expire on September 30, 2025.

While analysts for Markets and Markets project that the North American hemp industry will grow at a CAGR of 22.4 percent and ultimately reach a valuation of US$30.24 billion by 2029, the future of the industry will be heavily influenced by the outcome of the ongoing Farm Bill discussions.

US cannabis legalization remains stalled

Although there is clear demand for cannabis products, the now-defunct rescheduling process in the US is likely to continue casting a shadow of uncertainty over the industry's long-term trajectory.

Legal and procedural delays, including allegations of improper conduct and bias within the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led to hearing cancellations, and the new administration of US President Donald Trump has brought leadership changes to key agencies like the DEA and the Department of Justice.

Terry Cole, who Trump nominated to be DEA administrator on February 11, has a history of opposing cannabis legalization in the country. Similarly, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick to lead the justice department, staunchly opposed a movement to legalize medical cannabis during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general.

While there have been bipartisan efforts in Congress to end federal cannabis prohibition and establish regulations for eventual legalization, the DEA’s actions and statements indicate a potential stall or reversal of progress.

In addition to that, new research is adding complexity to the debate.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this past March highlights an association between the use of high-potency cannabis strains and increased risks of psychosis, a factor that may not have been fully considered by the Department of Health and Human Services. As stronger cannabis strains become more widely available, a reassessment of their potential health risks may be required.

Investor takeaway

While the cannabis industry holds promise for growth and innovation, investors must remain acutely aware of the regulatory uncertainties and market volatility that will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the years to come.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Cannabis for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Person touching a cannabis plant; Australia map in flag colours.

ASX Cannabis Stocks: 10 Biggest Companies

While Australia has yet to legalise all forms of cannabis, the country is a growing medical cannabis and hemp market, with many companies manufacturing, researching and exporting the plant-based product.

Medical cannabis was federally legalised in 2016, and the export of cannabis from Australia was legalised in 2018. As for recreational use, the only state to legalise recreational use and possession so far is the Australian Capital Territory, which did so in 2020, but it did not establish a regulated recreational cannabis market.

The country's medical cannabis market has been steadily expanding in size and scope. A Penington Institute report shows that Australians spent approximately AU$400 million on medicinal cannabis in the first half of 2024, 72 percent higher than the AU$234 million they spent over the entirety of 2022.

Keep reading...Show less
Cannabis leaves, gavel.

Cannabis Round-Up: Rescheduling Faces New Roadblocks, SAFER Banking Act Gets Another Look

February 2025 was characterized by an evolving legislative landscape and important financial updates from major players.

These developments underscore the complex and dynamic nature of the sector as it continues to navigate legal, financial, and regulatory challenges while experiencing ongoing growth and evolution.

Discussions around cannabis rescheduling, changes in federal agency leadership, state-level legalization efforts, and financial reports from key companies all contributed to a month of notable activity in the cannabis space.

Keep reading...Show less

Trulieve Announces Launch of Onward: A Premium THC Beverage

Available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations in Florida

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the launch of Onward, a premium, non-alcoholic THC beverage offering a modern alternative for social occasions. These Farm Bill compliant beverages are available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations in Florida .

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Cronos Group Inc. to Hold 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Earnings Conference Call on February 27, 2025

Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) ("Cronos" or the "Company") will hold its 2024 fourth-quarter and full-year earnings conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Cronos' senior management team will discuss the Company's financial results and will be available for questions from the investment community after prepared remarks.

To attend the conference call or webcast, participants should register online at https://ir.thecronosgroup.com/events-presentations . To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. The webcast of the call will be archived for replay on the Company's website.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×