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John Schroyer

A Sacramento-based journalist, John had focused on Colorado politics for most of his career, which included covering the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. In 2012, he covered the Amendment 64 campaign to legalize recreational marijuana for The Colorado Springs Gazette. As then-video editor for The Gazette, he was on hand for the first-ever legal recreational marijuana sale in Denver on Jan. 1, 2014. He’s been writing about the cannabis industry since joining Marijuana Business Daily over the summer of 2014.

San Francisco officials delay new cannabis tax by a year

Published November 16, 2020

San Francisco officials decided to hold off by one year the implementation of a new cannabis sales tax. According to Law360, the city’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a delay of the new tax until the end of 2021. The tax was slated to go into effect in January 2021. The new tariff, approved by […]

Regulatory maze, money prevent craft marijuana farmers in California from offering own brands

Published November 16, 2020

California marijuana is world-renowned. But since the state’s legal market launched in 2018, the small Emerald Triangle farmers arguably most responsible for that reputation are largely getting left out when it comes to credit for the quality of the state’s MJ crop.

Here’s how to get the most out of your cannabis insurance policy

Published November 15, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic brought many marijuana businesses to a halt in the spring.

Then, in May and June, marijuana companies were targeted in a rash of robberies and lootings.

And, in late summer, wildfires began destroying cannabis farms across the West Coast.

Nerds candymaker files suit against California cannabis firm

Published November 13, 2020

Chicago-based Ferrara Candy Co. filed suit in a federal court against California-based Tops Cannabis, alleging the delivery company has been peddling marijuana-infused parodies of its popular Nerds brand and is infringing on its trademark. According to Law360.com, Tops Cannabis has allegedly been selling – but not manufacturing – the parodied product, which has been marketed […]

San Francisco cannabis market expands slowly but surely via social equity program

Published November 11, 2020

San Francisco is the birthplace of the modern medical marijuana industry.

But the city’s cannabis industry has been fairly stagnant the past two decades, with regulators approving only a few dozen storefront dispensaries to sell MMJ.

Ohio medical cannabis businesses are now on the market to highest bidders

Published November 10, 2020

Ohio medical cannabis businesses have begun changing hands, particularly now that a year-long waiting period for the sale of dispensaries has expired. According to the Cleveland Business Journal, at least eight licensed businesses have been purchased and another three sales are awaiting approval by state regulators. Six MMJ dispensaries and two cultivation operations have already […]

FBI raids near L.A. highlight ongoing corruption tied to marijuana licensing

Published November 10, 2020

Three raids conducted by FBI agents in recent weeks have again put the spotlight on potential corruption related to marijuana business licensing in California.

Marijuana advocates bullish on banking reform, less hostile DOJ under Biden presidency

Published November 9, 2020

The incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden has major ramifications for marijuana businesses – ranging from possible banking access to a less hostile Department of Justice or perhaps new federal memos that make it easier for state-legal MJ companies to operate.

Colorado, Illinois cannabis industries set for gains after ballot measures

Published November 6, 2020

The recreational marijuana industry is poised to expand further in Colorado and Illinois, where voters in several municipalities approved local ballot questions that will repeal previous business bans, according to early returns.

California cities, counties OK pro-cannabis measures, paving way to scores of new licenses

Published November 6, 2020

Election Day not only ushered in marijuana legalization wins in five states, it also brought more than two dozen victories at the city and county levels in California, opening the door to new local markets for cannabis businesses up and down the state.

Canada’s Ayr Strategies buys Arizona medical cannabis firm for $81 million

Published November 6, 2020

Multistate cannabis operator Ayr Strategies announced an $81 million acquisition deal that will allow the Toronto-based company to enter Arizona, giving it three storefronts in the Phoenix metro area and two cultivation facilities.

US marijuana reform leaders lower post-election expectations, including legalization hopes

Published November 4, 2020

In the wake of yet another surprising electoral outcome – in which Republicans are now favored to retain control of the U.S. Senate – national marijuana reform organizations are weighing their prospects for the next Congress. The consensus is there’s a solid likelihood for progress – including banking access for cannabis companies – but not […]