Unfortunately some states say otherwise — Florida results weren't what we hoped for, on top of a double loss in North and South Dakota. On the other hand, Nebraska's two legalization initiatives received overwhelming support.
And with an administrative shift in the future of the United States, what can the cannabis industry expect in the next four years?
Don't forget to register for MJBizCon on Dec. 3-6 in Las Vegas to get these 2025 business insights.
In a stinging rebuke to the $32 billion regulated U.S. marijuana industry – and to one multistate operator, in particular – Florida voters last Tuesday appeared to reject a constitutional amendment that would have legalized adult-use cannabis in the nation’s largest medical-only market.
The Election Day setback also is a nightmare scenario for Tallahassee-headquartered Trulieve Cannabis Corp., which spent at least $144.5 million on a yearslong effort to qualify Amendment 3 for the ballot.
The defeat in Florida is another hashmark in marijuana legalization’s growing loss column.
Read MJBizDaily reporter Chris Roberts’ story about this unsettling industry trend, the “red wall” of opposition in conservative states and how the defeat could spell more challenges for national reform in Washington, D.C.
Measure 5 in Norh Dakota, which would have legalized a recreational cannabis market, was defeated with 52.5% of voters opposed, according to the final tally from the New York Times.
“This result represents a missed opportunity for our state to develop a cannabis policy that fits our values, risking potential job growth and personal freedom,” the New Economic Frontier campaign to pass Measure 5 said in a statement emailed to MJBizDaily.
The measure was backed by licensed medical marijuana businesses in the state.
In South Dakota, voters rejected a ballot measure seeking to legalize recreational marijuana for the third straight election cycle.
Initiated Measure 29 aimed to legalize marijuana possession and small-scale home cultivation for adults 21 and older but failed to establish any regulatory framework for recreational sales – a stark departure from nearly every other cannabis-legalization referendum.
Nebraska voters last week overwhelmingly supported two initiatives to legalize and regulate medical cannabis, although state courts still could decide the citizen-led ballot measures should have been left off the ballot altogether.
More than 70% of Nebraska voters approved a ballot initiative that would permit health care providers to recommend medical marijuana, according to the Secretary of State.
A second ballot measure to implement a regulated medical marijuana program received nearly 67% voter support.
“Nebraskans finally have had their voices heard on this issue,” Crista Eggers, statewide campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, told MJBizDaily on Election night.
“We’ve known that they support this, but to actually see Nebraska voters have their voices heard is one of the greatest moments that I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
P O L I C Y
GOP controls fate of federal marijuana reform
Is Republican control of the U.S. government better for marijuana reform than a Democrat-led administration, and have statewide adult-use cannabis legalization efforts simply maxed out?
After the GOP’s decisive nationwide victory on Election Day, the $32 billion U.S. legal marijuana industry is about to find out.
And three defeats for adult-use legalization ballot measures mean reform efforts are likely to shift away from individual states and toward Washington, D.C., where Democratic lawmakers have traditionally been more consistent backers of marijuana bills.
There, advocates will have to present a newly united front if they hope to win over conservative lawmakers.
“This is not the ideal situation – and certainly not what we were hoping for,” David Culver, the director of government affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council, a D.C.-based lobbying group, said Wednesday during a webinar hosted by MJBizDaily.
It's time to celebrate the most comprehensive MJBizCon to date — 200+ speakers and four full days of sessions.
This year we're doubling down on our Retail and Brands Conference Track. Below are a few session highlights.
RETAIL AND BRANDS
How to Launch and Market Your Dispensary
Thursday, Dec. 5 • 3:40 - 4:20 p.m.
This presentation discusses how to successfully launch and market your cannabis store. Establishing a strong foundation and robust marketing plan is crucial to stand out and thrive in this competitive industry. This session will guide you through the critical steps, from initial planning to grand opening and beyond.
At Vetrina, she helps dispensaries unlock growth through a three-pronged approach: attracting new customers, increasing customer spend, and driving purchase frequency. Krista leverages her experience working with over 250 retailers across North America to implement data-driven strategies for profitability, including assortment and pricing optimization and strategic use of loyalty programs and promotions.
Gibran Washington
CEO, ETHOS Cannabis
Gibran Washington serves as Chief Executive Officer of Ethos Cannabis, and is responsible for identifying operational deficiencies, executing action plans, amplifying brand identity and driving long-term efficiency and profitability. Prior to becoming CEO, Gibran previously was VP of Retail, Supply Chain and Wholesale for the company implementing a variety of systems and processes to increase profitability and improve employee engagement.
John Mueller, Co-Founder and CEO of Greenlight, has extensive experience in all areas of cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, dispensing, and retail. Prior, John served as Co-Founder and CEO of Acres Cannabis, successfully building and selling operations to Curaleaf, which included a 19,000 sqft experiential dispensary and over 300,000 sqft of cultivation. Greenlight launched “The Underground,” the world’s first-ever marijuana farmers market where vendors and consumers can directly interact, and currently has three locations in Missouri.
RETAIL AND BRANDS
How to Deliver Activations that Bring Your Brand to Mainstream Audiences
Thursday, Dec. 5 • 2:50 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
In today's competitive cannabis market, standing out and making a meaningful impact is more crucial than ever. This session will discuss brand activations, focusing on strategies that propel your brand into mainstream consciousness. Whether you're a startup looking to make a splash or an established company aiming to rejuvenate your image, our expert panel will provide invaluable insights and practical advice on crafting activations that resonate with diverse audiences.
Joyce Cenali
Co-Founder, Cannabis Media Council
Joyce is an accomplished sales, operations, marketing, and business development leader with over 20 years experience working with start-ups, cannabis brands, cultivators, and creative leaders - focused on advancing a modern cannabis industry that unites capitalism with inclusion. Operations lead at venture focused multi-family office, cannabis and hospitality investments. Honored as 2020 SF Business Times Most Influential Women in Business.
Christian Campbell
Producer, Reefer Madness
Christian is a veteran actor and producer of the Showtime Emmy Award winning movie Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical (2005) and recently produced the acclaimed musical “Reefer Madness” in Los Angeles, a production that showcased his ability to merge art and message. Christian’s work highlights the crucial connection between cannabis and entertainment, a relationship he views as pivotal for the normalization of cannabis in society.
Rachelle Gordon
Editor, GreenState
Rachelle Gordon is a business professional who has spent years advising on content marketing strategies, particularly email campaigns and social media engagement to increase brand awareness and drive sales. Deeply enmeshed in the growing legal cannabis industry, Gordon also has firsthand insights into how sectors evolve over time and the challenges involved with unique funding and compliance obstacles.
Kristi Palmer
Co-Founder & President, Kiva Confections
Kristi Palmer is widely recognized as the global leader in cannabis- and hemp-infused edibles. Kristi is the driving force behind Kiva’s customer service philosophy and has created and applied best practices across sales, distribution and marketing. She has served on the boards of several cannabis trade organizations, including a term as President for CCIA (CA Cannabis Industry Assoc.), and founding Board member of CCMA (CA Cannabis Manufacturer’s Assoc.).
MJBiz Retail + Brand delivers top weekly headlines, plus insights on new products and industry trends for cannabis retailers, distributors, and marketers for MJBizDaily, the leading resource for the cannabis industry, cited by The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Harvard Business Review. MJBiz also produces the No. 1 cannabis business conference, MJBizCon.
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