This Week In Cannabis: Big Earnings Reports, Ice Cube’s New Brand, Trump’s Mixed Signals, Germany’s Import Boom And Much More
This week in cannabis was anything but quiet. From LFTD Partners Inc. (OTCQB:LIFD) making a move into the Illinois cannabis market to Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTCQX:TCNNF) expanding its beverage portfolio, the industry saw big announcements across multiple fronts. Meanwhile, Germany’s cannabis imports surged fourfold, cementing its role as Europe’s top market, while New Jersey and Ohio legislators clashed over tax hikes and voter-approved cannabis laws.
In the celebrity space, Ice Cube unveiled his new cannabis brand in partnership with Priscilla Vilchis, a strategic move aimed at avoiding the common pitfalls of celebrity-endorsed cannabis products. High Times’ intellectual property is once again up for sale, leaving questions about the future of the once-iconic brand.
On the social justice front, B NOBLE announced a $25,000 donation to The Bronx Defenders, reinforcing its commitment to cannabis-related criminal justice reform. At the same time, New York is rolling out a marijuana business grant program aimed at helping dispensaries run by those harmed by prohibition.
Meanwhile, Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (OTCQX:CURLF) and Total Wine & More are partnering to expand cannabis-infused beverage distribution, signaling further normalization of THC drinks in mainstream retail. And in sports, WWE reportedly removed marijuana from its banned substances list, aligning with broader trends in professional athletics.
On the events side, Benzinga’s Cannabis Market Spotlight: New Jersey takes place this Tuesday, March 4, bringing together key investors, regulators, and operators to discuss the latest trends shaping one of the East Coast’s fastest-growing markets.
From shifting regulations to corporate power moves, let’s dive into this week’s top cannabis industry news.
Market Moves And Corporate Expansions
LFTD Partners Expands Into Illinois Cannabis Market
LFTD Partners Inc. is making a major play in Illinois, announcing plans to acquire cannabis licenses, industrial properties and retail businesses. The deal includes craft grow, infuser and transport licenses, an 18,558-square-foot facility in Skokie for cannabis manufacturing and two industrial buildings in Rockford that could be used for cultivation or THC beverage production. Additionally, LFTD is acquiring Mrs. Buckbee’s Wake N Bakery and stakes in District Bar & Grill and Half Baked Bar.
The transactions, structured as an all-stock deal, are subject to regulatory approvals, audits, and transfer of licenses. If completed, John Murray will join LFTD’s board as chief business officer and Erik Carlson will become general counsel and chief compliance officer. CEO Gerard Jacobs called the acquisitions a strategic diversification into real estate and marijuana businesses.
Trulieve Launches THC-Infused Beverage Line
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. is entering the cannabis beverage market with Onward, a line of non-alcoholic THC drinks designed for social settings. The beverages, made with naturally derived THC and CBD, come in flavors like blueberry mojito, Italian spritz and peach bellini. Available online and soon at select Total Wine stores in Florida, Onward aims to attract consumers seeking alternatives to alcohol.
CEO Kim Rivers highlighted Trulieve’s experience in product development, positioning Onward as a new way to meet evolving consumer preferences. The drinks are low-calorie, free of artificial ingredients, and made using a proprietary formulation to ensure consistency.
Ice Cube Partners With Priscilla Vilchis To Launch Fryday Kush
Ice Cube is bringing his signature style to the cannabis industry with Fryday Kush, a new brand developed in partnership with cannabis entrepreneur Priscilla Vilchis. The duo has spent over a year perfecting 16 hand-picked strains designed for different consumer preferences, from high-potency selections to milder options for social use.
Vilchis, known as the “Hollyweed Queen,” was one of the first Latinas to secure cannabis licenses in California and Nevada. Her experience in cultivation and market expansion aligns with Cube’s demand for quality. “She’s definitely somebody who won’t take no for an answer when it comes to this space,” Cube said of his partner.
Unlike many celebrity cannabis ventures, Fryday Kush is focused on authenticity and quality. The brand’s launch comes amid growing consumer demand for premium cannabis products and a competitive landscape where only well-executed brands thrive.
California Cannabis Brand CAKE Launching Statewide Across Nevada
CAKE, one of California’s fastest-growing cannabis brands, expanded into Nevada. Known for its signature electric-pink vape devices and bold branding, the female-founded company has rapidly gained market dominance, achieving $24 million in sales last year with a 4,200% growth surge.
CEO Chloe Kaleiokalani emphasized that Nevada’s cannabis scene has been waiting for a product that “hits different,” referencing the brand’s blend of premium quality and cultural influence. CAKE’s Designer Distillate vapes will be available at dispensaries across Nevada, including Wallflower, GTI, Nevada Made, Thrive, Curaleaf, Shango, Euphoria and more.
Curaleaf Partners With Total Wine & More To Expand THC Beverage Distribution
Curaleaf Holdings Inc. is taking its THC beverage line, Select Zero Proof, into mainstream retail by partnering with Total Wine & More. The deal will place Curaleaf’s hemp-derived THC seltzers in over 100 Total Wine locations across nine states, including Arizona, Florida, Texas and North Carolina, with further expansion planned.
The partnership underscores …