BDSA expects Memorial Day weekend to bring blockbuster cannabis sales as consumers — many of them fully vaccinated — kick off the summer season.

Monat recently spoke to Cannabis Products about the genesis of the brand, what shifts in the alcohol market mean for CBD, and the challenges of launching a new brand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wana Wellness is partnering with Leaf411, a nurse-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to distribute broad-spectrum CBD hemp gummies at no cost to qualifying military veterans, as well as to struggling Americans who’ve been hard hit by job loss or income reduction.

The disruptive COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the U.S. retail market. Nevertheless, cannabis has persevered. Most U.S. states with a legal cannabis industry—medical or recreational—quickly deemed cannabis retailers essential businesses, allowing them to operate during even the darkest days of the pandemic.

Global cannabis sales for 2020 will reach $19.7 billion, an increase of 38 percent over 2019 sales of $14.8 billion — even reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic — according to updated market forecasts published by BDSA (formerly BDS Analytics).

Jessica Lukas, senior VP of commercial development, BDSA, and Carl Edstrom, senior VP and principal, Survey Solutions, IRI, presented research on sales of cannabis products, consumer demographics, consumption occasions and the impact of COVID-19 during Cannabis Products Exchange, held virtually July 30-31.

The first Cannabis Products Exchange event took many forms before its virtual debut July 30-31, but as cannabis professionals know, adaptability is the key to success in this ever-changing industry.

Cannabis Training University, an online cannabis training provider launched in 2009, has reported an increase in course enrollments since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March.

Christopher Shade, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Quicksilver Scientific, has delivered a check for $10,000 and 159 pounds of food and supplies to Sister Carmen Community Center in Lafayette, CO.