happy life dispensary

4Front Ventures Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Systemwide Pro Forma Revenue 1 of $33.1 million compared to $22.3 million in Q3 2020, increased 48% year over year, and decreased 4% sequentially as compared to Q2 2021

GAAP-reported revenue of $25.9 million , an increase of 70% year over year and a decrease of 4% from Q2 2021

Q3 2021 Adjusted EBITDA increased 103% to $7.5 million as compared to $3.7 million in Q3 2020, representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 23% as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% in Q2 2021

Commenced Construction on the First Phase of an up to 558,000 Sq. Ft. Cultivation and Production Facility in Matteson, Illinois

State-of-the-art 170,000 Square Foot Manufacturing Facility in Commerce, California Now Officially Open and Operational

Announced Proposed Acquisition of Massachusetts Based New England Cannabis Corporation

The Company's Existing Licensed Projects at Maturity Represent a Long-term Revenue and EBITDA Opportunity Upwards of $650 Million and $250 Million

Conference call to be held today, November 17, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. ET

PHOENIX, Ariz. , Nov. 17, 2021 /CNW/ - 4Front Ventures Corp. (CSE: FFNT) (OTCQX: FFNTF) ("4Front" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator and retailer, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 ("Q3 2021"). All financial information is presented in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Introducing the new 4Front Ventures - 4Front Logo (CNW Group/4Front)

Q3 2021 Financial Results Highlights

  • Systemwide Pro Forma Revenue of $33.1 million compared to $22.3 million in Q3 2020, an increase of 48% year over year and decrease of 4% from Q2 2021
  • GAAP-reported revenue of $25.9 million , an increase of 70% year over year and a decrease of 4% from Q2 2021
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $7.5 million , an increase of 103% year over year and flat as compared to Q2 2021, representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 23% as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% in Q2 2021

Q3 2021 Operational Highlights and Current Developments

  • California
    • The Company's state-of-the-art 170,000 square foot production facility in Commerce, California is now open and operational following permitting delays experienced during the local approval process. Scaled production and inventory build began this month with initial weekly production volumes in excess of those currently achieved in the Company's market-leading Washington facilities. Pre-commercial sales activity has been strong, and first revenues were achieved this week.
  • Illinois
    • The Company closed the first phase of its multiphase expansion project of an up to 558,000 square foot new cultivation and production facility in Matteson, Illinois .
    • Construction on Phase 1, a 350,000 square foot cultivation and production facility, began in Q3 2021 and is expected to be completed in Q4 2022. The facility is expected to begin operations in Q1 2023.
  • Massachusetts
    • In August, the Company opened its third adult-use dispensary, Mission Brookline, serving the Allston Innovation Corridor, a vibrant community within the wider Boston University and Boston metropolitan area.
    • The Company announced a definitive agreement in October to acquire New England Cannabis Corporation ("NECC") and its fully operational 55,000 square foot cultivation and production facility, more than doubling 4Front's total flower canopy and tripling the current processing and manufacturing space in the state upon closing.

Management Commentary

"In the third quarter we reached several substantial operational milestones that we believe have set the table for our growth well through 2022 and beyond," said Leo Gontmakher , Chief Executive Officer of 4Front. "While we experienced some regulatory delays in getting Commerce up and running, we are more confident than ever that we have the tools, facilities, and teams in place to meet our considerable growth expectations in the coming year."

"During the quarter we made meaningful progress in the development of our three key growth markets of California , Illinois , and Massachusetts ," Mr. Gontmakher added. "In Illinois , we officially broke ground this summer on the construction of our cultivation and production facility in Matteson . Construction of the facility is expected to last through 2022, with Phase 1 anticipated to come online in the first quarter of 2023, offering 4Front's in-house brands and products to the growing retail and wholesale markets in the state."

"Following the opening in Brookline of our third adult-use Mission dispensary in Massachusetts , we were thrilled to announce our proposed acquisition of New England Cannabis at the beginning of October. We believe that the acquisition of NECC and its fully operational, brand-new cultivation and production facility will more than double our total flowering canopy in Massachusetts and is expected to be accretive to 2022 EBITDA and beyond. As we continue to bring our high quality, low-cost cultivation and efficient production methodologies to Massachusetts , we are confident that the mechanics are now in place for continued operational efficiency at scale," he continued.

"In California , we are happy to announce that our highly anticipated 170,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Commerce is now open, operational, and currently manufacturing nine of 4Front's 20 brands and over 160 different SKUs. We will be providing our suite of high-quality, branded products and wholesale goods to licensed dispensaries throughout the state through our partnership with Nabis, a leading distributor in the California market. As our Commerce team continues to ramp up production, we fully expect the facility will soon become the premier multi-product manufacturer in the country due to the sheer scale and its high-throughput efficiencies," said Mr. Gontmakher.

"We have consistently stated that the advantages to our low-cost, scalable operations are most readily apparent when applied over a large platform, and we remain focused on demonstrating the value of the 4Front model at scale following the completion of these latest operational initiatives. Our team's diverse skillset combined with our compelling asset base in strategic markets has given us significant momentum coming into the end of 2021, and I am more confident than ever that 4Front is positioned for robust, scaled growth in 2022," Mr. Gontmakher concluded.

Business Updates and Developments

Systemwide Pro Forma Revenue of $33.1 million compared to $22.3 million in Q3 2020, an increase of 48% year over year and decrease of 4% over Q2 2021. GAAP-reported revenue similarly increased 70% year over year to $25.9 million but decreased 4% over Q2 2021. The modest sequential down-tick in growth compared to the previous quarter was impacted by permitting delays during the local review process for both the Commerce, CA facility and Brookline, MA dispensary.

Q3 2021 Adjusted EBITDA grew 103% year-over-year to $7.5 million , up from $3.7 million in Q3 2020 and flat as compared to Q2 2021, representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 23% as compared to Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% in Q2 2021. While higher overall dispensary sales and increased sales of the Company's internally produced products continue to drive systemwide margin improvements as designed, meaningful quarterly EBITDA growth predicated on a fully operational California manufacturing facility was temporarily hindered due to delays in the local review process for the Commerce facility.

Construction of the Company's new cultivation and production facility in Matteson, Illinois , is now underway. Construction of the first phase, a 250,000 square foot building with 65,000 square feet of flowering canopy and approximately 70,000 square feet of manufacturing space began in August and is anticipated to be completed in Q4 2022. 4Front intends to use the facility to produce the Company's more than 20 in-house brands and 1,800 products, which will be offered to Illinois customers at an accessible price point at its Mission Dispensaries and partner dispensaries across the state. The Matteson facility is also expected to produce a variety of wholesale, white-labeled products such as flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, gel capsules and other manufactured products for other multi-state operators, cannabis businesses and brands in Illinois . The full expansion of the facility, once realized, will encompass 558,000 square feet to help meet demand in the fast-growing Illinois cannabis market. The first phase of the facility is expected to begin operations in Q1 2023.

The Company's state-of-the-art 170,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Commerce, California is now open and operational. The Company's branded and wholesale manufactured products will be sold to licensed dispensaries in California via its partnership with Nabis, a leading distributor of cannabis products covering 100% of licensed retailers in the state. The facility is Currently producing nine of 4Front's 20 brands and 164 different SKUs including gummies, hard candy, caramels, fruit chews, mints, capsules, tinctures, vapes and infused pre-rolls, and 4Front brand favorites like Maris™ Mints, Marmas™, Pebbles™, Chewees™, Hi-Burst™, Verdure™ and Terp Stix™. Nabis has also leased 20,000 square feet of the Company's Commerce facility, enabling retail products to seamlessly integrate into Nabis' inventory for distribution.

The Company has announced the proposed acquisition of NECC, significantly bolstering 4Front's presence in the key Massachusetts market. Following a capital commitment from Navy Capital to lead in the financing of the proposed acquisition, the Company has entered into agreements to acquire 100% interest of NECC for a total consideration of $55 million . The transaction, once closed, is expected to be accretive to 2022 EBITDA and beyond and will significantly expand 4Front's strategic position in this core market, enabling broader market penetration of its diverse range of low-cost, high-quality products and brands. Subject to receipt of regulatory approval and the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, the acquisition of NECC is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Conference Call Details

The Company will host a conference call and webcast today, Wednesday, November 17, 2021 , at 5:00 p.m. ET to review its operational and financial results and provide an update on current business trends.

DATE:

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

TIME:

5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

U.S./CANADA TOLL-FREE DIAL-IN:

866-248-8441

CONFIRMATION NUMBER:

1662764

WEBCAST:

The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay at this link .

REPLAY:

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

Toll-free replay number: 1-888-203-1112

Replay entry code: 1662764

INTERNATIONAL DIAL-IN ASSISTANCE:

Contact IR@4FrontVentures.com

_______________________

1 See "Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures, Reconciliation, and Discussion" below for more information regarding non-GAAP measures referred to herein: Systemwide Pro Forma Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA

About 4Front Ventures Corp.

4Front Ventures Corp . ("4Front" or the "Company") ( CSE: FFNT ) ( OTCQX: FFNTF ) is a national, vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator who owns or manages operations and facilities in strategic medical and adult-use cannabis markets, including California , Illinois , Massachusetts , Michigan and Washington . Since its founding in 2011, 4Front has built a strong reputation for its high standards and low-cost cultivation and production methodologies earned through a track record of success in facility design, cultivation, genetics, growing processes, manufacturing, purchasing, distribution, and retail. To date, 4Front has successfully brought to market more than 20 different cannabis brands and over 1800 products, which are strategically distributed through its fully owned and operated "Mission Dispensaries" and retail outlets in its core markets. As the Company continues to drive value for its shareholders, its team is applying its decade of expertise in the sector across the cannabis industry value chain and ecosystem. For more information, visit www.4frontventures.com .

Financial Statements

4Front Ventures Corp.
Formerly 4Front Holdings, LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020



September 30,

2021


December 31,

2020

ASSETS

Current assets:





Cash


$8,477


$18,932

Accounts receivable


1,152


437

Other receivables


481


1,341

Current portion of lease receivables


3,585


3,450

Inventory


27,006


18,037

Current portion of notes receivable


172


264

Prepaid expenses


2,394


2,275

Total current assets


43,267


44,736

Property and equipment, net


45,580


33,618

Notes receivable and accrued interest



91

Lease receivables


6,973


7,595

Intangible assets, net


26,883


28,790

Goodwill


23,155


23,155

Right-of-use assets


62,084


62,466

Deposits


4,170


4,305

TOTAL ASSETS


$212,112


$204,756






LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES





Current liabilities:





Accounts payable


$4,716


$4,722

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities


7,929


6,427

Taxes payable


21,534


11,502

Derivative liability


3,878


5,807

Current portion of convertible notes


2,858


1,652

Current portion of lease liability


1,774


1,909

Current portion of contingent consideration payable


3,316


2,393

Current portion of notes payable and accrued interest


3,959


3,372

Total current liabilities


49,964


37,784

Convertible notes



14,722

Notes payable and accrued interest from related party


47,588


45,362

Long term notes payable


1,812


1,907

Long term accounts payable


1,600


1,600

Contingent consideration payable



3,103

Deferred tax liability


7,162


6,530

Lease liability


52,407


51,545

TOTAL LIABILITIES


160,533


162,553

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY





Equity attributable to 4Front Ventures Corp.


273,877


250,583

Additional paid-in capital


50,094


42,116

Deficit


(272,459)


(250,548)

Total 4Front Ventures Corp. shareholders' equity


51,512


42,151

Non-controlling interest


67


52

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY


51,579


42,203

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY


$212,112


$204,756

4Front Ventures Corp.
Formerly 4Front Holdings, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
  For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020



Three Months Ended
September 30,



Nine Months Ended
September 30,



2021



2020



2021



2020

REVENUE
















Revenue from sale of goods


$

23,126



$

12,410



$

67,658



$

32,132

Real estate income



2,815




2,883




8,374




8,514

Total revenues



25,941




15,293




76,032




40,646

Cost of goods sold



(10,269)




(6,061)




(30,210)




(18,756)

Gross profit



15,672




9,232




45,822




21,890

OPERATING EXPENSES
















Selling and marketing expenses



5,992




4,125




17,863




16,429

General and administrative expenses



7,170




3,855




17,418




12,036

Equity based compensation



2,603




1,517




7,978




3,792

Depreciation and amortization



831




780




2,466




2,668

Total operating expenses



16,596




10,277




45,725




34,925

Income (Loss) from operations



(924)




(1,045)




97




(13,035)

Other income (expense)
















Interest income



2




7




13




71

Interest expense



(2,532)




(4,678)




(7,894)




(11,691)

Amortization of loan discount upon conversion of debt
to equity









(2,915)




Change in fair value of derivative liability



3,345







502




Loss on lease termination






(518)




(1,210)




Other income



56




8




56




2,727

Total other income (expense)



871




(5,181)




(11,448)




(9,411)

Net loss before income taxes



(53)




(6,226)




(11,351)




(22,446)

Income tax expense



(4,541)




(2,504)




(10,545)




(5,427)

Net loss from continuing operations, net of taxes



(4,594)




(8,730)




(21,896)




(27,873)

Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes






4,761







15,473

Net loss



(4,594)




(3,969)




(21,896)




(12,400)

Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest



5




67




15




41

Net loss attributable to shareholders


$

(4,599)



$

(4,036)



$

(21,911)



$

(12,441)

Basic and diluted loss per share


$

(0.01)



$

(0.01)



$

(0.04)



$

(0.02)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding,
basic and diluted



592,631,092




503,793,796




590,084,188




517,323,350

Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures, Reconciliation, and Discussion

In this press release, 4Front refers to certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Systemwide Pro Forma Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

4Front defines Systemwide Pro Forma Revenue as total revenue plus revenue from entities with which the Company has a management contract, or effectively similar relationship (net of any management fee or effectively similar revenue) but does not consolidate the financial results of per U.S. GAAP ASC 810. 4Front considers this measure to be an appropriate indicator of the growth and scope of the business.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, other non-cash expenses, and one-time charges related to acquisition costs, financing related costs, extraordinary pre-opening expenses and non-recurring expenses. 4Front considers this measure to be an important indicator of the financial strength and performance of our business.

Systemwide Pro Forma Revenue Reconciliation for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

Revenue (GAAP)

$25,941

Less: Real Estate Income

2,815

Plus: Systemwide Revenue Adjustment

9,943

Systemwide Pro Forma Revenue (non-GAAP)

$33,069

This news release was prepared by management of 4Front Ventures. The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States .

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in 4Front Ventures' periodic filings with securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements related to future developments and the business and operations of 4Front Ventures, statements regarding when or if transactions will close or required conditions to closing will be attained, statements regarding future financial performance of the Company, statements regarding commencement and completion of construction of facilities and distribution of product, the availability of financing, the accretive nature of transactions, the ability to enter into definitive agreements for funding and acquisition opportunities, the impact of the transactions on the current and future business of 4Front and other statements regarding future developments of the business. Although 4Front Ventures has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on entering into definitive agreements and satisfying closing conditions, obtaining regulatory approvals; and engagement in activities currently considered illegal under U.S. federal laws; change in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; the impact of Covid-19; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry; and regulatory or political change.

There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. 4Front Ventures disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and 4Front Ventures does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

SOURCE 4Front

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2021/17/c8114.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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