from Crain's Chicago Business Illinois cannabis sales are on the rise again after a long slump By John Pletz October 09, 2026, 05:45 AM CDT Cannabis sales are growing again in Illinois.Sales in August and September rose 8% from the same period a year earlier on 12% higher unit sales, newly released data show.The signs are encouraging for a market that had been sluggish amid falling prices industrywide in the face of a glut of product. It’s also the first gauge of the recreational marijuana market in the year since the state transitioned to a new software system to track cannabis sales.Illinois retailers sold $248.7 million worth of marijuana to adult recreational customers in July and August, the most recent data available, up from $230.2 million a year earlier. That’s in contrast to Michigan, where sales dropped 5% to $529.3 million on 1% lower unit volume during the same period, but slightly behind Missouri, where sales were up 9% to $252.9 million.The Illinois growth likely was fueled by a 10% increase in the number of retail stores, as well as a recent change in state law that doubled the amount of cannabis consumers can buy in a single visit. Michigan, meanwhile, experienced a large increase in taxes on marijuana.“The market feels stronger right now than it did a year ago,” says Tim O’Hern, president of Nature’s Grace & Wellness, which operates nine dispensaries in Illinois. “There’s still price compression on the wholesale side, but demand seems to be picking up.”Heexpects growth the upward trend to continue because of a state law that takes effect next month which essentially bans intoxicating hemp products, which have undercut the regulated cannabis market.Intoxicating hemp, which grew from a loophole in 2018 federal farm bill, is just one reason the marijuana business has experienced a bumpy ride since the state began allowing recreational marijuana sales in 2020, part of a wave of legalization across the country.A slow rollout of new licenses to social-equity applicants, aimed at giving residents of communities harmed by the war on drugs a chance to get into a newly legal business, collided with the pandemic and a reduction in capital available across the industry.A decline in pricing, even in tightly regulated markets such as Illinois, made it even more challenging for the industry, even as the amount of cannabis sold to recreational buyers has continued to climb steadily.Changes in federal law to remove cannabis from the most restrictive class of drugs, which also would improve industrywide profitability by allowing companies to deduct normal business expenses, have yet to materialize. A federal intoxicating hemp ban, which was supposed to take effect in November, has been delayed until December.The industry’s recent challenges in achieving revenue growth have hurt the state’s tax collections. Total receipts from retail and cultivation dropped 3.7% to $454.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, according to the state’s latest annual cannabis report. $MSOS

$GTBIF $RYM Binny's is the dominant wine, beer and spirits retailer in Illinois

$TRLV $MSOS Trulieve Announces Exclusive Master Licensing Agreement with Connected for Florida and Texas Perpetual Royalty-Free License Covers Alien Labs and Connected Brands TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (NYSE: TRLV) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing medical cannabis company in the U.S, today announced a licensing deal with Connected for the exclusive rights to genetics, trademarks, and proprietary know-how to produce and sell Alien Labs and Connected branded cannabis products in Florida and Texas. Under the terms of the master licensing agreement, Trulieve secures exclusive rights to cultivate, manufacture, and commercialize Alien Labs and Connected branded products in Florida and Texas, maintaining Connected's high quality standards, curated genetic offerings, and brand protocols. The agreement also provides Trulieve with the opportunity to negotiate licensing rights in additional expansion markets. "Since 2022, Trulieve has been an exclusive provider of Alien Labs and Connected premium cannabis products in Florida, delighting our customers with unique high quality strains," said Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers. "With this agreement, we plan to expand our premium product portfolio in Florida with new categories and form factors, further solidifying our leading market position. Pending final licensure and regulatory approvals, we plan to introduce Alien Labs and Connected branded products in Texas. At the same time, we are thrilled to expand our partnership through collaborative marketing campaigns to support both brands." "Our partnership with Trulieve has become one of the most successful brand licensing relationships in cannabis, and it's proof of what's possible when a legacy brand and a scaled operator play to each other's strengths," said Caleb Counts, Founder and CEO of Connected. "Trulieve's platform has given Florida patients access to Alien Labs and Connected genetics developed through our proprietary breeding program, which is some of the most premium cannabis available anywhere. We're excited to build on that in Florida and to bring these products to patients in Texas as the next phase of this partnership."

$CRLBF Cresco Labs Announces Filing of Management Information Circular for Annual General and Special Meeting CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 11–13 minutes Cresco Labs Announces Filing of Management Information Circular for Annual General and Special Meeting Shareholders to vote on measures that streamline capital structure and governance to position the Company for a potential senior U.S. exchange listing Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) (FSE: 6CQ) ("Cresco Labs" or the "Company") today announced that it has filed its Management Information Circular (the "Circular") and related proxy materials for its annual general and special meeting of shareholders to be held on October 30, 2026 (the “Meeting”), as it prepares for a potential listing on a senior U.S. exchange. At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve three special resolutions relating to: (1) a share exchange (the “Share Exchange”) involving the creation of a new parent company (“TopCo”), (2) a subsequent redomicile of TopCo from British Columbia to Delaware (the “Redomicile”), and (3) an extension of the listing sunset date applicable to the Company's multiple voting shares (the “MVS”) from the first to the third anniversary of a U.S. listing. "The proposals we are putting before shareholders are designed to position Cresco Labs for listing on a senior U.S. exchange," said Charles Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs. "Taken together, they streamline our corporate and capital structure while lowering administrative cost and complexity.” Share Exchange Resolution: Creation of TopCo To simplify the Company’s capital structure in advance of accessing U.S. capital markets, the Board recommends that shareholders approve the creation of TopCo, which would become the new publicly listed entity. Cresco Labs securities would be exchanged for securities in TopCo. The Share Exchange would apply equally to all classes of Company shares, leaving shareholders’ relative voting and economic rights unchanged.Furthermore, the Board would have the discretion to effect a reverse share split, should one be necessary. Together, these steps would position the Company to meet senior U.S. exchange listing requirements and reduce administrative burden. Redomicile to Delaware The Board recommends that shareholders approve the Redomicile of TopCo from British Columbia to Delaware, with corresponding changes to the Company's share capitalization. The Redomicile resolution also provides for the adoption of a new long-term equity incentive plan designed for a U.S.-domiciled issuer. If approved, the Board would have discretion to implement the Redomicile after the Share Exchange, at any time on or before December 31, 2027.The Redomicile would make the Company’s structure more familiar to U.S. investors, align its domicile with its operational jurisdiction, and potentially expand its access to U.S. capital markets. Limited Extension of the Multiple Voting Share Sunset Date The Board recommends that shareholders approve an amendment to the terms of the MVS (the “MVS Amendment”), extending the sunset date from the first to the third anniversary of a U.S. listing.The MVS Amendment is intended to support continuity of strategy as the Company completes the Redomicile and pursues a U.S. listing, after which the MVS would convert automatically. Shareholders will also receive the Company's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 and vote on the other annual items of business, including setting the number of directors at seven, electing the directors, and reappointing Baker Tilly US, LLP as independent auditor. The Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote for each of the resolutions to be considered at the Meeting. Additional Information and Where to Find It The foregoing descriptions are summaries only, do not purport to be complete, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Circular and the other Meeting materials, which contain important additional information regarding the proposals, the Company's governance practices, and detailed instructions on voting and participation at the Meeting. Shareholders are urged to read the Circular and all other relevant documents carefully and in their entirety. The Circular and related materials are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca, under the Company's profile on EDGAR at sec.gov, and on the Company's website at crescolabs.com. The Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders is to be held at 12:00 p.m. (Central Daylight Time) on Friday, October 30, 2026, via live audio webcast. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 15, 2026, are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. Proxies must be received by 12:00 p.m. (Central Daylight Time) on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, or two business days before any adjourned or postponed Meeting. Beneficial shareholders who hold through an intermediary should follow the voting instructions provided by that intermediary, which may impose an earlier deadline. Shareholders who have questions regarding the Meeting or require assistance with voting may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group by telephone or text message toll-free within North America at 1-877-452-7184, by telephone outside North America at 1-416-304-0211, or by email at assistance@laurelhill.com.

$CURLF $ACB Aurora Cannabis Files Application with Alberta Securities Commission to Protect Company Shareholders Having Identified Several Deficiencies in Curaleaf's Hostile Bid Disclosure NASDAQ | TSX: ACB Aurora has filed an application with the Alberta Securities Commission for an order requiring Curaleaf to comply with securities laws. Aurora intends to demonstrate that Curaleaf's Circular has not satisfied several regulatory requirements, impacting Aurora Shareholders, including providing pro-forma financials and keeping the hostile bid open for the minimum period. Curaleaf has refused to address deficiencies identified by Aurora in its hostile bid Circular that are believed to limit Aurora shareholders' access to disclosures required by securities laws before responding to its hostile bid. Aurora is committed to protecting shareholders' ability to make a fully informed decision regarding Curaleaf's hostile bid. Aurora's Special Committee and Board have unanimously recommended that shareholders REJECT Curaleaf's hostile bid by TAKING NO ACTION and NOT TENDERING their shares.

$GTBIF i see $8

Curaleaf Added to FTSE Canada All Cap Index This addition marks the second major Canadian benchmark inclusion following the Company's addition to the S&P/TSX Composite Index in 2025 STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf" or the "Company"), a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, today announced that it has been added to the FTSE Canada All Cap Index, effective after the close of trading on Friday, September 18, 2026. $CURLF

Green Thumb Industries (GTBIF) will continue its share repurchase program for an additional 12 months, with up to $50M available for share repurchases, the company said on Monday. The latest repurchase program will commence on September 23, 2026, and expire on September. 22, 2027. Under the company’s previous repurchase programs that began on September 5, 2023, Green Thumb repurchased the equivalent of ~29.5M shares for $203.4M. $GTBIF

ALJ Judge Julius: $MSOS $TRLV $GTBIF $CURLF etc etc etc

$ACB $CURLF $MSOS AURORA CANNABIS INC. RESPONDS TO PRESS RELEASE OF CURALEAF HOLDINGS, INC. REGARDING INTENTION TO LAUNCH UNSOLICITED TAKE-OVER BID EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 11, 2026 /CNW/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. ("Aurora" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian-based leading global medical cannabis company, responded today to a press release issued by Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. ("Curaleaf") regarding its stated intention to launch an unsolicited take-over bid for all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (the "Aurora Shares") at a stated implied consideration of US$4.00 per Share, consisting of 0.3463 subordinate voting shares of Curaleaf plus US$0.75 in cash per Aurora Share (the "Proposal"). 📷 Aurora confirms that it received letters from Curaleaf dated June 23, 2026 and July 7, 2026 outlining proposals to acquire the Aurora Shares. Only the July 7, 2026 letter included any proposed financial terms, and it did not include any detail regarding the mix of cash and share consideration being proposed by Curaleaf. We note that the current Proposal added a cap on the value of the consideration of US$5.00 per Aurora Share, which is a lower price than Aurora Shares have traded as recently as December 18, 2025. The Proposal was not initiated or solicited by Aurora. The Board of Directors of Aurora (the "Board"), in keeping with its fiduciary duties to act in the best interests of Aurora and all of its stakeholders, carefully considered the prior proposals from Curaleaf as it reviews any proposals received regarding potential transactions in light of other available strategic alternatives and Aurora's strategic plans.  In particular, Aurora's recently completed acquisition of the Safari Flower Company builds on Aurora's global medical cannabis platform and leverages its diversified and scaled network and strong balance sheet to build sustainable, long-term shareholder value. As noted by Curaleaf, Aurora's growing EU-GMP cultivation and manufacturing capacity is highly strategic. Aurora continues to evaluate additional opportunities to expand this capacity and add shareholder value. Contrary to the assertion that Aurora refused to engage, Aurora's lead independent director did correspond with Curaleaf's CEO, including as recently as July 24, 2026, noting that Aurora was focused on continuing to execute on its business plan over the short to medium term, and did not discourage an ongoing dialogue between the parties going forward. The Board intends to form a special committee of independent directors to consider the Proposal, with a view to determining the course of action that is in the best interests of the Company and all stakeholders. No decision has been made with respect to the Proposal, and there can be no assurance that the Proposal will result in any transaction. Aurora continues to operate its business as usual while executing on its announced strategic plans. Aurora shareholders do not need to take any action at this time. The Company does not intend to make any further public comment regarding the Proposal or the review process unless and until it determines that additional disclosure is in the best interests of shareholders or required by law.

$CURLF $ACB $MSOS

$VRNO at CG conference in about 16 mins

$MSOS $CURLF. . Curaleaf Announces Intention to Launch Take-Over Bid for Aurora Cannabis to Solidify its Position as the Global Cannabis Industry Leader Curaleaf Announces Intention to Launch Take-Over Bid for Aurora Cannabis to Solidify its Position as the Global Cannabis Industry Leader Proposed Offer reflects a 45% premium to Aurora's 30-day VWAP and a 110% premium to Aurora's 30-day VWAP excluding balance sheet cash Provides Aurora shareholders with the opportunity to become owners of the premier global cannabis platform and participate in the significant long-term upside of the combined company Combines Aurora's EU-GMP cultivation and manufacturing capacity with Curaleaf's EU-GMP processing capabilities and international distribution platform to immediately enhance combined margins and accelerate patient access across Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand Urges Aurora's Board to engage in good-faith discussions regarding the proposed transaction , /PRNewswire/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf" or the "Company"), a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, today announces its intention to make an offer (the "Offer") to purchase all of the issued and outstanding common shares (the "Aurora Shares") of Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) ("Aurora") for consideration consisting of subordinate voting shares of Curaleaf (the "Curaleaf Shares") and cash. 📷 The Offer will provide Aurora shareholders with total implied consideration of US$4.00 per share, comprised of 0.3463 Curaleaf Shares (the "Share Consideration"), plus US$0.75 cash (the "Cash Consideration", and collectively with the Share Consideration, the "Offer Consideration"), for each Aurora Share. Based on Aurora's 30-day Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of US$2.75, the Offer Consideration implies a premium of 45% over the 30-day VWAP. Excluding the value of the cash and cash equivalents that Aurora has on its balance sheet, the Offer represents a premium of 110% premium to Aurora's 30-day VWAP. In the event of a substantial rise in the trading price of Curaleaf Shares before take-up under the Offer, the value of the Offer Consideration offered for each Aurora Share will be subject to a cap of US$5.00 (based on the 20-day VWAP of Curaleaf Shares, the "Cap Price"). In such case, Curaleaf will adjust the number of Curaleaf Shares offered as consideration in the Offer, such that the Offer Consideration for each Aurora Share is equal to the Cap Price. This Cap Price would represent a premium of 82% over the 30-day VWAP and a 197% premium above 30-day VWAP excluding the value of the cash and cash equivalents that Aurora has on its balance sheet. No formal take-over bid has been commenced and there is no assurance the proposed offer will ultimately be made. Boris Jordan, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Curaleaf, stated: "We believe this combination represents a win-win for Curaleaf and Aurora shareholders. We are offering Aurora shareholders a unique opportunity to participate in a more highly diversified global platform and increase their exposure to U.S. regulatory tailwinds. By combining Curaleaf's global distribution platform with Aurora's leading international medical cannabis franchise and EU-GMP cultivation and manufacturing capacity, we see significant potential to unlock value through substantial cost and revenue synergies. Curaleaf is making its intention public following repeated attempts to engage with Aurora's leadership, beginning with a June 23, 2026 formal letter of intent from Boris Jordan, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Curaleaf, to Aurora's Chairman and CEO Miguel Martin outlining the proposal, its compelling strategic rationale, and Curaleaf's readiness to enter a mutual non-disclosure agreement to conduct reciprocal due diligence. Following Aurora's refusal to engage in good-faith discussions on those terms, Curaleaf sent a follow-up letter on July 7, 2026. To date, Aurora has been unwilling to engage in constructive discussions. "We approached Aurora privately and constructively on multiple occasion," Mr. Jordan continued. "We were very disappointed that the Board refused to meaningfully engage. We will now take our proposal directly to Aurora shareholders because the premium is significant, the strategic rationale is compelling, and further delay is unjustified. Curaleaf remains ready to engage constructively with Aurora's Board to advance this value-maximizing transaction, and we are prepared to move quickly toward a definitive agreement." Curaleaf believes a combination of the two companies would result in significant strategic and financial advantages, including: Create the leading global cannabis platform: The combined company would bring together two leading multi-country operators, boast a footprint in 17 countries across Europe, North America, and other emerging international markets, and a highly attractive financial profile with more than US$1.5 billion of last twelve months' ("LTM") revenue and nearly US$350 million of LTM Adjusted EBITDA. Superior manufacturing and distribution capabilities: Overall, the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to both Curaleaf International's and the consolidated combined company's margins through greater vertical integration, enhanced control of production and supply, and the capture of value across the international cannabis supply chain. The transaction would secure Curaleaf International's supply chain by providing access to Aurora's more than 50 tons of annual EU-GMP cultivation and manufacturing capacity, including the recently acquired Safari Flower Company, complementing Curaleaf's three operational EU-GMP certified facilities in Portugal, Spain and Canada. Further, Aurora shareholders would benefit from Curaleaf's unmatched international infrastructure, including leading positions in Germany, the U.K., and Poland, as well as extensive pharmacy and clinic networks and a global supply chain spanning Europe and other key international markets. Unlock stronger growth and profitability: The combined company would further extend its position as the global cannabis industry leader while strengthening and solidifying its presence across Europe through a diversified, vertically integrated supply chain spanning cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and patient access. Curaleaf expects to generate at least US$40 million of annual cost synergies, while also unlocking additional value through the implementation of enhanced cultivation standards, deployment of Curaleaf's leading genetics portfolio across Aurora's facilities, and optimization of cultivation capacity across the combined footprint. These initiatives, together with the companies' complementary assets and market positions, are expected to drive long-term revenue acceleration and margin expansion. Access to the world's largest cannabis market: Aurora shareholders would immediately gain exposure to the U.S. market, which currently generates roughly $32 billion in legal annual sales (as per BDSA). As the U.S. cannabis industry enters a period of potentially transformative regulatory and industry catalysts, including the potential rescheduling of cannabis at the federal level and the continued expansion of legal markets through state-led medical and adult-use legalization initiatives, Curaleaf believes the U.S. presents a significant long-term growth opportunity in the global cannabis sector. With leading positions across key states and in several product categories, a portfolio of established brands, and scaled operations, Curaleaf is uniquely positioned to capitalize on an expanding addressable market, evolving regulatory framework, and increasing consumer adoption. Enhanced scale, liquidity, and access to global capital markets: The combined company would be a larger, more diversified global cannabis platform with a pro forma market capitalization approaching US$3.0 billion, enhanced liquidity, broader investor appeal, and expanded future capital markets opportunities. As one of the largest and most diversified cannabis companies globally, the combined entity would be uniquely positioned as the premier public vehicle for blue-chip institutional and long-term investors seeking exposure to a top-tier cannabis investment opportunity.

👀 Green Thumb Industries Announces Conference Attendance for August 2026 August 3, 2026 CHICAGO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Thumb Industries Inc. (“Green Thumb” or the “Company”) (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), a leading national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and owner of RISE Dispensaries, today announced management will participate in the following conference in August 2026: Canaccord Genuity 46th Annual Growth Conference, Boston, InterContinental Boston Hotel, August 11-12, 2026: Management will participate in one-on-one meetings and host an investor presentation. $GTBIF

from Politico: "GOP Sen. John Cornyn said Wednesday, less than 24 hours before a critical committee vote, that he is “not prepared” to support Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general as the two continue to tangle over the fate of a controversial DOJ-brokered settlement agreement involving President Donald Trump. "Opposition from any one Republican could sink Blanche’s chances of confirmation, and another potential GOP swing vote, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, said this week he would follow Cornyn’s lead." $msos

$GTBIF Today GreenThumb Industries filed a significant new 8k with the SEC. Its significance per Chatgpt: "GTI is cleaning up / hardening its governance mechanics by replacing an unusually low 5% quorum with a much more serious 33⅓% quorum. "The moves suggest Kovler is preparing GTI for a more consequential capital-markets phase and is not waiting for full regulatory certainty before tightening the structure." "A company does not usually bother upgrading quorum from 5% to 33⅓% unless shareholder-meeting legitimacy matters more than it did before. That is consistent with: exchange-readiness; institutional scrutiny; major shareholder vote preparation; M&A readiness; capital-market transaction prep; general governance cleanup before a more visible phase" $MSOS

interesting that OTC $GTBIF has traded almost as many shares as NYSE listed $TRLV today (28 K fewer at 2:22 PM central)

$TSNDF key line: "a range of one post-consolidation share for every five to twenty outstanding pre-consolidation shares, with the exact ratio and timing to be set at the Board’s discretion, at any time within 12 months after the date that such proposal is approved by Voting Shareholders." TerrAscend Files Preliminary Proxy Statement for Special Meeting of Shareholders in Preparation for Uplisting to US Exchange June 29, 2026 11:00am EDT Download as PDF TORONTO, June 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TerrAscend Corp. (the “Company”) (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), a leading North American cannabis operator, today announced that it has filed a preliminary proxy statement (the “Preliminary Proxy Statement”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and on SEDAR+ in connection with its Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held on August 24, 2026. The record date for the Special Meeting is June 30, 2026. At the Special Meeting, shareholders of the Company who are entitled to a vote (the “Voting Shareholders”) will be asked to vote on a proposal to consolidate the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares (the “Common Shares”), exchangeable shares and preferred shares (the “Share Consolidation”), at a ratio to be determined by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) within a range of one post-consolidation share for every five to twenty outstanding pre-consolidation shares, with the exact ratio and timing to be set at the Board’s discretion, at any time within 12 months after the date that such proposal is approved by Voting Shareholders. “The regulatory progress that has occurred over the past several months is real and meaningful. We believe uplisting to a major U.S. exchange is no longer a question of if, it is a question of when,” said Jason Wild, Executive Chairman of the Company. “We have been positioning the Company for this moment since 2022 when we became an SEC filer. Recently, we have been in consultation with the U.S. stock exchanges. Our Special Meeting is the next step in this process, and the Board recommends Voting Shareholders to vote FOR the Share Consolidation.” The Share Consolidation is intended to position the Company to meet applicable minimum share price requirements established by major U.S. stock exchanges. The Company’s financial statements are already prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, its shares are registered with the SEC and quoted on the OTCQX, and its consolidated entities are subject to U.S. federal and state laws. The Preliminary Proxy Statement is available at ir.terrascend.com and filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca. Voting Shareholders of record as of June 30, 2026, will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. The Company intends to mail a notice of internet availability to all Voting Shareholders on July 15, 2026. The proxy voting deadline is 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 20, 2026.