In tranches of up to $10 million, the federal government is doling out $900 billion of forgivable loans to borrowers other than “plant touching” marijuana-related businesses (MRBs). By Steve Schain In tranches of up to $10 million, the federal government is doling out $900 billion of forgivable loans to borrowers other than “plant touching” marijuana-related businesses […]
Spotlight
Four Predictions for 2021
This past year has been game-changing for the industry. Cannabis was deemed essential, and regulators showed a willingness to quickly revise and roll out emergency rules allowing for online ordering and more flexible delivery options. These changes advanced the industry by several years in a short period of time and reassured investors who returned to […]
Cannabis M&A – A Template for Success Part 3: The Due Diligence Process
In the third of a 3-part series, Erik Ott of Investment Bank KO Acquisitions examines the due diligence process and shares advice on how to drive a transaction to a successful conclusion. In Part 1 Ott focused on the requirements necessary to engage in M&A discussions, and Part 2 discussed early engagement between buyer and […]
Expanding MSOs Talk a Big Game—So Why Are We Still Waiting for National Cannabis Brands to Emerge?
We saw several M&As over the past few years that promised big things for cannabis, including the potential emergence of a national brand. These MSOs talked about being national players. Some were successful, but many failed to take decisive action to achieve this goal. We take a more in-depth look below at the key differences in successful approaches contrasted against other efforts.
Cannabis M&A – A Template for Success, Part 2 – Negotiating the LOI
In Part 1, Erik Ott of investment bank KO Acquisitions explained how to get your cannabis company ready for an M&A transaction by concentrating on corporate hygiene. In Part 2, Ott examines the process and key elements involved in the non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI). You’ve given a few tours, talked with senior management, and […]
Cannabis M&A – A Template for Success, Part 1
Opportunities abound for today’s cannabis producers, but any business seeking to sell a cannabis operation is likely to face a steep learning curve and numerous unforeseen obstacles. In a three-part series, Erik Ott of investment bank KO Acquisitions will lay the groundwork for those contemplating a sale to US or Canadian buyers. In Part 1, […]
Scaling Your MSO to Succeed: When it comes to scaling your business, capital is only one piece of the puzzle
Back in January, none of us could’ve predicted how 2020 would play out for the industry. Now that we’re in the fourth quarter, it’s worth looking at where things stand and how MSOs can effectively scale in the current environment. Continued industry growth is a given. But how that growth happens—through either federal legalization or […]
Cannabis is Booming, But There’s Reason for Caution
2020’s record-breaking cannabis sales tell an incredibly optimistic story about the industry’s resilience during an economic downturn. Many cannabis business operators are putting all their faith into that story as they plan their next steps. Here’s why I wouldn’t get too comfortable with that perspective yet. Looking at the Bright Side: Essential Designation Pays Off […]
Did the DEA’s new rule confirm hemp-derived Delta-8 THC is illegal?
By: Andrea Steel and Lisa Pittman Last Friday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (the “DEA”) published a rule regarding the scheduling of hemp and marijuana, effective immediately (the “Rule”). The cannabis community swiftly reacted with an interpretation that this Rule outlawed Delta-8 THC, the hemp industry’s new favorite cannabinoid. The impact is that if Delta-8 THC […]
Cannabis legalization: Five highlights of the MORE Act and what you need to know about it
Cannabis by Caltabiano Everyone knows the legal cannabis sector is seemingly unstoppable as an emergent business sector. Everyone also knows it is a business space in the U.S. that is defined by complex and challenging regulations and legalities that restrict the industry’s full potential to expand economically and even scientifically. The vast majority of today’s […]
