Latest news with #LEEF
CBS News
30-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
New laws on cannabis regulation, clean energy, and more to take effect July 1, 2025
On July 1, new laws will take effect in Maryland. The laws will impact cannabis regulation, clean energy, and more. Here's a glimpse at some of the legislative changes. Cannabis regulation HB12/SB214 prohibits the sale or distribution of cannabis products marketed as having more than 0.5 milligrams of THC per serving, or over 2.5 milligrams of THC per package. If a person who does not have a cannabis license violates bill law, they may be charged with a citation or found guilty of a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to $5,000. Clean energy and environmental policy HB84/SB395, also known as the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2025, requires that the Maryland Department of Transportation assess the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles linked to highway expansion projects. It also requires the state to implement programs to offset emissions. HB506, the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, establishes several new programs aimed at improving the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The new law may be positive news for environmentalists, as recent challenges have threatened the bay's health. A recent report published by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) revealed that the health of the bay declined in 2024. The Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program, established by the act, creates a voluntary, tiered certification system to recognize and support farmers who adopt conservation practices that enhance soil health, reduce pollution, and promote climate resilience. The act also establishes a program for monitoring water quality across the state, modernizing aquaculture leasing, and supporting watershed restoration through streamlined permitting. HB1036/SB931, the Renewable Energy Certainty Act, is aimed at improving forestry by expanding education opportunities and workforce development within the industry. It establishes a new grant program to support the development and implementation of forest and forestry education programs, including curriculum creation, teacher training, and hands-on learning experiences in K–12 schools, technical education, and higher education institutions. SB253 makes the incineration of chemical warfare materials at research facilities excluded from some state regulations if the incinerations are being done for research, development, or demonstration purposes. Employment and labor HB502 establishes the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy, within the Department of Disabilities. The goal of the office is to improve outcomes in hiring, recruitment, and retention, along with the advancement of people with disabilities in the state government workforce. Another bill, HB1126, establishes the Child Support Arrearage to Work Pilot Program within the Department of Labor. The program enables the department to connect individuals who are both unemployed and owe child support with employment opportunities. Other laws HB0722 requires the Maryland Department of Health to submit reports on the oversight of substance use disorder treatment programs and recovery residences. The new law comes as Baltimore City works to heal from the impacts of an opioid crisis. HB986 requires each Maryland county to establish a new teacher retention program, which includes teacher mentorship, and cohort based opportunities.
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo businessman is new chair of ISME and will seek reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated
A native of Sligo town, Finbarr operates the award-winning family-owned Centra store in Castle Street, Sligo and has served as ISME Vice-Chair since 2023. He has held senior roles across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and construction sectors before moving into retail. Filan has played a leading role in the revitalisation of Sligo town centre and the creation of the Sligo Business Improvement District (BID), which he chairs. He is also a member of the Government Advisory Group for the Town Centre First Policy, the National Retail Forum and steering group member of the Irish Town and City Development Association. He said: 'I'm honoured to take on the role of ISME Chair at a time when the SME sector is facing both significant challenges and real opportunities. As someone based in the regions, I am particularly focused on ensuring that the voice of SMEs, the backbone of the Irish economy, continues to be heard.' Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, said: 'Finbarr brings exceptional experience and a deep understanding of both SME business realities and the broader policy environment. He is a passionate advocate for town centre regeneration and for ensuring our regional economies thrive. We are delighted to have him lead the Association at this important time.' Filan will be focused on securing formal representation for SMEs on the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). He argues for reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated, ensuring it reflects real cost-of-living solutions rather than driving what he says is unsustainable wage inflation. He also champions town centre regeneration through enhanced supports for repurposing derelict buildings and advocates VAT rule changes to support earlier SME entry into export markets. On legal and insurance reform, Finbarr is calling for a statutory defence against transient retail defamation and implementation of key recommendations from the Kelly Report to help reduce public liability insurance costs and protect SME viability. Finbarr holds a BTech in Manufacturing Technology, ACCA Dip in Accounting and Finance and Post Grad Diplomas in European Studies and Management. He takes over the role from outgoing Chair Marc O'Dwyer.
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
LEEF Brands to Attend Bitcoin 2025 Conference
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LEEF Brands Inc. (CSE: LEEF) (OTCQB: LEEEF) ('LEEF' or the 'Company'), one of California's premier vertical extraction companies, announced today that its executive team will attend the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas from May 27–29, 2025. LEEF is the first cannabis company to adopt a Bitcoin Treasury Reserve strategy and fully integrate into the Bitcoin ecosystem. LEEF's leadership team—including Jesse Redmond (Head of Investor Relations and Business Development), Jamie Warm (VP of Bitcoin Strategy), and Micah Anderson (CEO)—will be available for meetings and networking throughout the event. The Company is actively seeking conversations with investors, financing partners, and institutions to explore collaborative opportunities. LEEF's pioneering Bitcoin strategy includes: 'At LEEF, we're not just adopting Bitcoin—we're aligning ourselves with an entirely new economic system,' said Micah Anderson, LEEF's CEO. 'We're proud to be the first cannabis company to integrate into the Bitcoin ecosystem, and we're committed to growing our position as long-term participants in this decentralized, sound money future. Innovation is in our DNA, and Bitcoin is central to how we think about resilience, sovereignty, and value creation.' The Bitcoin 2025 Conference is a premier global gathering for the Bitcoin ecosystem, bringing together industry leaders, investors, and innovators. To schedule a meeting with the LEEF team during the conference, please contact Jesse Redmond at ir@ . About LEEF Brands Inc. LEEF Brands Inc. is a leading California-based extraction and manufacturing cannabis company, recognized for its large-scale vertical integration and as one of the state's most sophisticated operators. With a comprehensive supply chain, innovative manufacturing processes, and a dynamic bulk concentrate portfolio, LEEF powers some of the largest cannabis brands in the United States. For more information, visit . Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' (collectively, 'forward-looking statements') within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company's future performance, and include statements regarding financial outlooks, strategic plans, market opportunities, and operational goals. These statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable at the time such statements are made. However, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's public filings available on its SEDAR+ profile at . Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such information except as required by applicable law. LEEF Brands Inc. Per: Jesse Redmond, Head of Investor Relations and Business Development Contact: +1 (707) 703-4111 | ir@
Ottawa Citizen
14-05-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Glass House Brands and LEEF Announce MSA for The Leaf El Paseo Dispensary and Off-take Agreement
Article content VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LEEF Brands Inc. (CSE: LEEF) (OTCQB: LEEEF) ('LEEF' or the 'Company'), one of California's premier vertical extraction companies, today announced a Management Services Agreement ('MSA') with Glass House Brands, Inc. (CBOE CA: GLAS.A.U) (CBOE CA: (OTCQX: GLASF) (OTCQX: GHBWF), a leading vertically integrated cannabis operator in the United States. Under the MSA, Glass House will manage operations of LEEF's Palm Desert, California, dispensary, 'The Leaf El Paseo,' on behalf of LEEF. Article content Article content Article content This mutually beneficial agreement grants Glass House exclusive rights to manage all dispensary operations, including, but not limited to, the sale of cannabis products, the purchase of cannabis product inventory, and employee management, for an initial period of one year, with the potential for extension. This agreement marks the first of its kind for Glass House. Article content Glass House will assume daily management responsibilities of The Leaf El Paseo, allowing Glass House to expand its retail footprint in California while enabling LEEF to focus on its core business as a premier concentrate provider. The agreement includes an off-take agreement from Glass House to LEEF, securing a significant portion of the annual raw cannabis material required to power LEEF's extraction lines. Article content 'We are excited to work with LEEF, a respected peer in California under this agreement, as we expand our exposure to the Palm Springs market for both retail and wholesale contributions,' said Kyle Kazan, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Glass House Brands. 'This MSA agreement represents the continued development of our retail operation and reflects our strength and overall solid position in the California market, through execution and on the benefit of the strategic pricing initiatives that we implemented last year. Despite continued challenging market conditions, our retail team has seen same-store sales increase on an annualized basis for five consecutive quarters, and in our most recent quarter, retail revenue growth outperformed the California market by more than 30%. And as all of our decisions are based on what is best for the cannabis consumer, offering our loyalty program to another great area of California is a tremendous win. Plus, Palm Desert is a well-known vacation area.' Article content Article content 'Collaborating with Glass House Brands elevates The Leaf El Paseo and secures a favorable off-take agreement that fulfills a significant portion of our annual supply chain needs for our extraction business,' said Micah Anderson, CEO of LEEF Brands. 'This partnership is a true win-win, allowing LEEF to sharpen our focus on being a leading concentrate provider while enabling Glass House to expand its retail footprint in California. This agreement strengthens LEEF's production capacity and lays the foundation for broader strategic partnerships with Glass House.'
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Glass House Brands and LEEF Announce MSA for The Leaf El Paseo Dispensary and Off-Take Agreement
LONG BEACH, Calif. and TORONTO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glass House Brands Inc. ('Glass House' or the 'Company') (CBOE CA: GLAS.A.U) (CBOE CA: (OTCQX: GLASF) (OTCQX:GHBWF) – one of the fastest-growing, vertically integrated cannabis companies in the United States, and LEEF Brands, Inc. (CSE: LEEF) (OTCQB: LEEEF), one of California's premier vertical extraction companies, today announced a Management Services Agreement ('MSA'). Under the MSA, Glass House will manage operation of LEEF's Palm Desert, CA dispensary 'The LEAF El Paseo' on behalf of LEEF. This mutually beneficial agreement grants Glass House exclusive rights to manage all dispensary operations, including, but not limited to, the sale of cannabis products, the purchase of cannabis product inventory, and employee management, for an initial period of one year, with the potential for extension. This agreement is the first of Glass House's retail management services which it began offering in 2024. Glass House will assume daily management responsibilities of The Leaf El Paseo, allowing Glass House to expand its retail operations in California while enabling LEEF to focus on its core business as a premier concentrate provider. The agreement includes an off-take agreement from Glass House to LEEF, securing a significant portion of the annual raw cannabis material required to power LEEF's extraction lines. 'We are excited to work with LEEF, a respected peer in California under this agreement, as we expand our exposure to the Palm Springs market for both retail and wholesale contributions,' said Kyle Kazan, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Glass House Brands. 'This MSA agreement, represents the continued development of our retail operation and reflects our strength and overall solid position in the California market. Through execution and on the benefit of the strategic pricing initiatives that we implemented last year, our retail team has seen same store sales increase on an annualized basis for five consecutive quarters despite continued challenging market conditions, and in our most recent quarter retail revenue growth outperformed the California market by more than 30%. And as all of our decisions are based on what is best for the cannabis consumer, offering our loyalty program to another great area of California is a tremendous win. Plus Palm Desert is a well know vacation area.' 'Collaborating with Glass House Brands elevates The Leaf El Paseo and secures a favorable off-take agreement that fulfills a significant portion of our annual supply chain needs for our extraction business,' said Micah Anderson, CEO of LEEF Brands. 'This partnership is a true win-win, allowing LEEF to sharpen our focus on being a leading concentrate provider while enabling Glass House to expand its retail footprint in California. This agreement strengthens LEEF's production capacity and lays the foundation for broader strategic partnerships with Glass House.' About Glass House Brands Glass House is one of the fastest-growing, vertically integrated cannabis companies in the U.S., with a dedicated focus on the California market and building leading, lasting brands to serve consumers across all segments. From its greenhouse cultivation operations to its manufacturing practices, from brand-building to retailing, the company's efforts are rooted in the respect for people, the environment, and the community that co-founders Kyle Kazan, Chairman and CEO, and Graham Farrar, Board Member and President, instilled at the outset. Whether it be through Its portfolio of brands, which includes Glass House Farms, PLUS Products, Allswell and Mama Sue Wellness or its network of retail dispensaries throughout the state of California, which includes The Farmacy, Natural Healing Center and The Pottery, Glass House is committed to realizing its vision of excellence: outstanding cannabis products, produced sustainably, for the benefit of all. For more information and company updates, visit and About LEEF Brands, Inc. LEEF Brands Inc. is a leading California-based extraction and manufacturing cannabis company, recognized for its large-scale vertical integration and as one of the state's most sophisticated operators. With a comprehensive supply chain, cutting-edge manufacturing processes, and a dynamic bulk concentrate portfolio, LEEF powers some of the largest brands in the country. For more information, visit Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as 'forward-looking statements'). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company's future performance or financial results. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward- looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects', 'is expected', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'continues', 'forecasts', 'projects', 'predicts', 'intends', 'anticipates', 'targets' or 'believes', or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'should', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's financial outlook or operational plans and statements related to future market conditions. All forward-looking statements, including those herein, are qualified by this cautionary statement. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information, including those risks disclosed in the Company's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+ at and in the Company's Form 40-F available on EDGAR at For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings on SEDAR+ at The forward-looking statements and financial outlooks contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. For further information, please contact: Glass House Brands Inc. Jon DeCourcey, Vice President of Investor Relations T: (781) 724-6869 E: [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: KCSA Strategic Communications Phil Carlson T: 212-896-1233 E: [email protected]
