Oregon will soon become the first-ever state to ban synthetic weed sales, which includes products containing lab-grown cannabinoids like delta-8.

Starting on July 1, weed shoppers won't find certain weed gummies and other products at their go-to stores, even if they're THC-free, The Oregonian reported. That's because Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission officials say they're concerned about the unregulated nature of these products, many of which exist in a federal legal loophole.

Dutchie, a Bend, Ore.-based software startup that serves cannabis retailers, has laid off 7% of its workforce.

GeekWire confirmed the cuts with a Dutchie spokesperson. The company employs more than 700 people.

The cuts affected roles across product and recruiting teams, according to LinkedIn posts written by laid off employees. 

“I am saddened, frustrated, and genuinely blindsided by this decision,” one laid off employee wrote.

“Beyond my frustration, confusion, and disappointment, I’m heartbroken,” another said.

Dutchie is the latest tech company to lay off workers in response to the broader ongoing economic uncertainty. Several cannabis software companies have slashed staff in recent weeks, including Eaze and Akerna.

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), licensed under ORS chapter 677.
• Physician Assistant licensed under ORS 677.505 to 677.525.
• Nurse Practitioner licensed under ORS 678.375 to 678.390.

Now, Oregon is perhaps most notably known for its artisanal craft cannabis and CBD offerings.

A state with a long history of relaxed cannabis laws, Oregon is where many of the most important political and social events in American hemp history have occurred. Interestingly, Oregon has decriminalized cannabis twice, first in the late 1970s, then in 1998. Moreover, in 2008, Oregon was the second state to enact a Medical Marijuana Program.

Oregon’s fertile farmlands, pristine water sources, ideal climate, and deep-rooted counterculture, propelled it to its preeminent position both figuratively and geographically atop Northern California’s Emerald Triangle.

Acreage Holdings, Inc. has completed the sale of its cultivation and processing facility in Medford, Oregon, and in conjunction with the sale, closed its dispensary in Powell, Oregon. Total consideration for the sale of the Medford cultivation and processing facility was $2 million, including $0.75 million paid to Acreage in February 2021, $0.5 million due August 1, 2022, and the remaining balance of $0.75 million due May 1, 2023. Additionally, the company has completed the consolidation and conversion of its dispensary in Brewer, Maine to adult use. (Benzinga)

Phylos and Progressive Plant Research Announce Results for Day-Neutral Cannabis Density Trial.

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Phylos® alongside its research and cultivation partner, Progressive Plant Research (PPR) have announced the results of their day-neutral cannabis density trial. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of plant density on biomass, extraction yield, cannabinoids, terpenes, and other traits. Findings from this study highlight how optimizing density treatments can improve crop yield, efficiency, and sustainability as well as answer the question, "how dense should my canopy be to maximize yield and profit from my production" often asked by cannabis and hemp growers.

As local law enforcement makes one illegal marijuana bust after another they’re also finding human victims at the grow sites themselves. Law enforcement has confirmed much of the illegal cannabis activity in our region is from international cartels. But it’s not just the plants, money, and weapons that local, state, and federal officials are after.

It’s a plant that makes a lot of profit. But it also has a dark side. We’re talking marijuana and it’s not the legal kind.

“As the number of these operations has grown, the number of workers has grown as well, which increases the propensity for this to take place,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer. SAC Hammer oversees the Homeland Security Investigations operations in the Pacific Northwest.