In the days of the Armada, a fleet of warships, the scuttlebutt was the rumor or gossip that would spread throughout the ship. Today, Armada Law Corp presents The Scuttlebutt, a daily summery of news articles that people within the cannabis, hemp and plant medicine industries are chatting about along with links to the full articles.

In today’s news:

California’s latest attempt to save the legal cannabis market just failed

#californiacannabis – “California’s dream of selling cannabis legally across the country has gone up in smoke.

Ukraine lawmakers vote to legalize medical marijuana and help ease stress from the war with Russia

#cannabisindustry – “Ukraine’s parliament voted Tuesday to legalize medical marijuana, after the war with Russia left thousands of people with post-traumatic stress disorder that many believe could be eased by the drug.

Delinquent payments hurting marijuana operators nationwide, survey shows

#cannabisindustry – “Preliminary results from the survey of operators and ancillary businesses revealed:

• 43% of respondents said delinquent accounts receivables are impacting operators’ ability to service debt.
• 32% of respondents believe delinquent accounts receivables are impacting operators’ ability to pay state or federal taxes.
• 59% of respondents reported that delinquent payments are having a greater impact on their business than Section 280E, the federal tax policy that prohibits marijuana operators from taking traditional business deductions because of the plant’s Schedule 1 status under the Controlled Substances Act.

Some respondents indicated accounts receivable delinquencies totaled more than two months of revenue, eclipsing millions of dollars in some cases….”

Read More: https://mjbizdaily.com/delinquent-payments-hurting-marijuana-operators-nationwide-survey-shows/

More Evidence Psychedelics Can Curb Depression

#psychedelics – “The latest comes from a study published earlier this week in the journal Cancer, which showed safe, effective results in curbing depression in cancer patients who had shown earlier resistance to antidepressants and psychotherapy….”

Read More: https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/more-evidence-psychedelics-can-curb-depression/

The French Laundry Would Really Appreciate It if You Don’t Name Your Cannabis Strain After Them

#cannabistrademark – “Perhaps one lesser-known fact about three-Michelin-starred fine dining destination the French Laundry is that the restaurant name is a held trademark by the French Laundry Restaurant Corporation. However, cannabis company Maven Genetics became intimately familiar with this factoid after naming its (appropriately?) award-winning cannabis strain after the Thomas Keller-led restaurant. Forbes reports that the French Laundry sent Maven a cease and desist letter, which the company immediately decided to honor “with a blend of pride and a touch of regret,” according to a press release from Maven.

“Maven has received a cease and desist letter from the renowned Napa restaurant French Laundry, citing trademark infringement issues,” the press release states, in part. “Our strain’s name, meant as a playful tribute to its parent genetics, was never intended to infringe on any trademark. However, to avoid potential legal entanglements, we have made the difficult decision to retire the French Laundry name from our product lineup.” Maven brand director Miguel De Vivo told Forbes the name was a play on the cannabis strains LA Rouge and the Soap; nonetheless, the company confirmed that all references to French Laundry have since been scrubbed from its website and packaging….”

Read More: https://sf.eater.com/2023/12/21/24011254/the-french-laundry-maven-genetics

Weed Farmer Outraged Over Cops Throwing Pizza Party After Raid

#cannabislawsuit – “Earlier this week, Preston McCormick filed a lawsuit against the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in California, alleging that several officers executed an “unlawful and illicit” raid at his cannabis farm, East Wind AG, and then celebrated the raid while remaining on his farm.

“Astonishingly, and at the conclusion of all this wholesale destruction and devastation at the hands of RCSD’s officers and others directed and controlled by same, all as briefly described herein and above, Defendants proceeded to celebrate the terrible results of their unlawful acts by ordering for delivery to, and then consuming, various pizza and other food and drinks, all while still remaining at and on the Property (the “Pizza Party”),” the lawsuit, which was reviewed by Newsweek, said….”

Read More: https://www.newsweek.com/weed-farmer-outraged-lawsuit-cops-pizza-party-after-raid-1854657

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store for Cannabis in 2024? – Part 1

#cannabisindustry – “In 2024, legislative reform stands as a persistent theme, with rescheduling emerging as the focal point of unprecedented potential. Rescheduling would remove 280e and radically change the trajectory of the industry overnight. However, a collective effort is imperative, to bridge the gap between anticipation and realization, the industry must unite in a concerted effort to normalize and streamline the supply chain of cannabis sales.

In the geographical realm, the momentum of cannabis legalization continues to surge forward, in states like Florida and Pennsylvania. However, the dichotomy persists, as long-established states such as California grapple with ongoing challenges and headwinds. The contrast underscores the complex and dynamic nature of the cannabis industry, where regional dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s trajectory…..”

Read More: https://businessofcannabis.com/looking-ahead-whats-in-store-for-cannabis-in-2024-part-1/