Breez Vs Breeze: Brand Confusion 

A trademark battle is in the wind in Cali over the use of Breez – and Breeze – as a cannabis product brand. 

Oakland-based Promontory Holdings sued The Breeze Brand of Los Angeles in state court, claiming infringement over Promontory’s California-registered “Breez” trademark, Law360 reported. 

Promontory sells popular CBD-THC combo mints, tincture sprays and tablets under the “Breez” brand, while The Breeze sells CBD gummies and vape pens under “Breeze.” 

The lawsuit, filed in Orange County Superior Court, could cast light on the legal strength of a cannabis trademarks. 

Promontory’s lawsuit, according to Law360, claims that the value of its Breez brand has been harmed and will continue to be harmed because of customer confusion. 

More States “In Play” for Legalization  

At least four more states will legalize marijuana in some form in 2022 and industry mergers and acquisitions will “noticeably accelerate,” MJBiz CEO Chris Walsh predicted recently at the MJBizCon in Las Vegas. 

Walsh said the following states are “in play” for cannabis legalization. Recreational cannabis: Ohio, Missouri, South Dakota, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Maryland, and Arkansas, and for medical marijuana: Nebraska, Idaho, and Wyoming.  

Walsh also predicted for 2022: 

• •  Unfortunately, there will be no federal change of marijuana laws, even on banking reform. 
• •  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will not fully pave the way for ingestible CBD, but states will lead that trend. 

• •  A major, mature recreational market – Colorado, Washington state or Oregon – will see flat overall sales. 
• •  There will be considerable progress in social consumption regulations and the opening of cannabis lounges, if Nevada’s social lounge model proves a success. 

Cresco Labs Raises $250K for Cannabis Justice Reform 

Cresco Labs announced that its “Summer of Social Justice” initiative raised more than $250,000 for justice reform organizations and supported the expungement process for more than 1,000 people with marijuana-related criminal records. 

“As the United States moves to decriminalize cannabis and the industry continues to grow, it is critical that businesses use their platforms and resources to help restore communities and create opportunities for the BIPOC people and their families impacted by the War on Drugs,” said Charlie Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs.  “Cresco Labs is committed to continuing initiatives like the ‘Summer of Social Justice’ that will help the cannabis industry to continue to develop into a responsible and respectable one.” 

Space X Founder on the Future of Psychedelics 

“Generally, people should be open to psychedelics,” Musk said. “A lot of people making laws are kind of from a different era, so I think, as the new generation gets into political power, I think we will see greater receptivity to the benefits of psychedelics.” 

-Elon Musk, speaking at CodeCon 

Cannabis Research Hindered by Legal Status 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) informed Congress recently that the Schedule I status of controlled substances like cannabis is preventing or discouraging research into their potential risks and benefits.  

“Researchers have reported that obtaining a new registration can take more than a year, that modifying a registration can also be time consuming, and that differing interpretations of the Schedule I registration requirements among local DEA field offices, research institutions, as well as distinct federal and state registration requirements, greatly complicate the process,” the federal agency told lawmakers. “These challenges can impede critical research on Schedule I substances and deter or prevent scientists from pursuing such work.” 

Would You Hire Unvaccinated Employees? 

For many small businesses, vaccination is shaping up to be a requirement for employment. Many in the private sector see vaccination not just as a safety issue but a financial issue as well, with COVID-19 infections among employees also affecting their bottom line. 

Nearly 60% of small businesses indicated that they will only hire workers who are vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a survey by small business review site Digital.com. A little over 20% responded that they are considering a mandate while 19% answered that they will not mandate employees to be vaccinated. The survey polled 1,000 U.S.-based small businesses, most of which were in the South and Midwest.