debt financing

Gage Growth Corp. Announces US$55 Million Senior Secured Debt Financing

Provides Maximum Flexibility to Execute on   Gage's Growth Strategy   , Including   Near-Term   Retail Acquisition   Opportunities

Gage Growth Corp. (" Gage " or the " Company ") (CSE: GAGE) (OTCQX: GAEGF), a leading high-quality premium cannabis brand and operator in Michigan today announced it has closed on a senior secured term loan (the " Term Loan ") for aggregate gross proceeds of US$55 million (the " Offering "). Gage intends to use the proceeds (i) to finance the Company's retail acquisition strategy in Michigan (ii) to support the Company's future growth, and (iii) for general working capital purposes. All retail acquisitions are expected to be accretive to Gage and TerrAscend Corp. (" TerrAscend ") upon and subject to the completion of its proposed acquisition of Gage.

"This non-dilutive financing provides Gage with maximum flexibility to execute on near-term acquisition opportunities," said Fabian Monaco , CEO of Gage. "We received a great deal of interest and, through our advisors, had healthy participation in this transaction by a high-quality mix of institutional investors, led by Chicago Atlantic Advisors, LLC (" Chicago Atlantic "). Together with TerrAscend, we are committed to building one of the most dominant cannabis companies in Michigan . With the closing of this debt financing, we are well positioned to execute swiftly and drive value for our shareholders."

John Mazarakis , Partner of Chicago Atlantic, added, "Gage has built an extraordinary organization focused on high quality product, culture, and community, centered in a growing network of retail and cultivation assets. The terms of the Term Loan reflect the Gage management team and its employees' remarkable track-record of execution and extraordinary commitment to serving its communities."

The Term Loan bears interest at a per annum rate equal to the greater of 7.00% plus prime rate and 10.25%, payable monthly in arrears, with a maturity date of November 30, 2022 . The Term Loan is secured by a first lien on all Company assets.

The placement was arranged by Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Chicago Atlantic as lead lender and administrative agent.

About Gage Growth Corp.

Gage Growth Corp. is innovating and curating the highest quality cannabis experiences possible for cannabis consumers in the state of Michigan and Canada , and bringing internationally renowned brands to market. Through years of progressive industry experience, the firm's founding partners have successfully built and grown operations with federal and state licenses, including cultivation, processing and retail locations. Gage's portfolio includes city and state approvals for 19 "Class C" cultivation licenses, three processing licenses and 15 provisioning centers (dispensaries).

For more information about Gage Growth Corp., visit www.gagecannabis.com or www.gageinvestors.com .

Instagram: @gagemichigan
Facebook: @gageusa
Twitter: @gagecannabisco

About Chicago Atlantic and Green Ivy Capital LLC

Chicago Atlantic Advisers, LLC is an asset management firm specializing in direct lending and opportunistic private credit investing. Founded in 2018 by Tony Cappell , John Mazarakis , and Andreas Bodmeier, the firm seeks to capitalize on North American investment opportunities that are time-sensitive, complex, or in dislocated markets, where risk is fundamentally mispriced. Through its affiliate Green Ivy Capital, LLC, the firm manages a diversified portfolio of credit investments in the cannabis space and is actively investing across the value chain.

Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United States

Investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States . While legal in certain states, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable U.S. federal money laundering legislation.

Explanatory Note Regarding the Company ' s Operations

References in this news release to the Company and its operations and portfolio are inclusive of the operations and assets of certain licensed cannabis operators that operate under the Gage brand pursuant to contractual arrangements with the Company. For additional information, please refer to the Company ' s long form prospectus dated March 26, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company ' s profile at www.sedar.com .

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as, "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "expect", "anticipate", "believe, "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook" and other similar expressions, and include, but are not limited to statements with respect to the anticipated completion of the Arrangement and the satisfaction of closing conditions of the Arrangement which include, without limitation: (i) the potential benefits of the Term Loan on the Company's balance sheet, (ii) the Company's anticipated growth strategy, including anticipated retail acquisitions; (iii) the anticipated effects of the Term Loan and the closing of the anticipated retail acquisitions on the Company, including the completion of the proposed acquisition of the Company by TerrAscend Corp.; and (iv) the closing of the anticipated retail acquisitions and the acquisition by TerrAscend Corp. of all of the issued and outstanding securities of Gage and the timing thereof. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management 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 including, but not limited to, those risks disclosed in the Company ' s most recently filed management's discussion and analysis and other disclosure documents available on the Company ' s profile at www.sedar.com . The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

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SOURCE Gage Cannabis Co.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2021/22/c8238.html

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Trulieve Announces Launch of Onward: A Premium THC Beverage

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

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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.

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Trulieve to Open Dispensary in Columbus, Ohio

New Franklin County location will host grand opening celebration Friday, February 21 st

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 opening of a new dispensary in Columbus, Ohio .

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