Below is a weekly roundup of what happened this week in the cannabis and psychedelic sectors. In this ever-evolving landscape, we explore the major developments and groundbreaking initiatives happening among companies operating in these industries; from advancements in medical research, therapeutic applications to shifts in legal frameworks and current market trends.
In a landmark deal for the Canadian cannabis industry, Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) (TSX: OGI), a leading licensed cannabis producer, made a bold move to solidify its position as the nation’s top player by acquiring Motif Labs Ltd. in a deal valued at CAD $90 million (USD $63.6 million). The acquisition consists of CAD $50 million in cash and CAD $40 million in Organigram shares, with an additional CAD $10 million contingent on the company’s share performance within the next year. The acquisition will provide Organigram with a combined 12.4% market share in the Canadian recreational cannabis sector, catapulting the company to the number one position.
Motif Labs, which is headquartered in Aylmer, Ontario, is a renowned producer of cannabis extracts, concentrates, and topicals. Its flagship BOXHOT brand has been Canada’s top-selling vape product in 2024, complemented by other successful brands such as Boondocks, Debunk, and Rizzlers. Beena Goldenberg, CEO of Organigram, celebrated the acquisition, stating, “This deal establishes Organigram as Canada’s largest cannabis company by market share and accelerates our vision to lead across all major categories.”
Motif’s expertise in manufacturing and innovation, including advanced extraction techniques like CO2 and hydrocarbon processes; as a result, it’s expected that this acquisition will enhance Organigram’s ability to produce high-quality products at scale. The deal also includes the addition of Motif’s new distribution hub in London, Ontario, which will streamline logistics and reduce costs.
Financially, Motif has been a standout performer, growing its revenues from CAD $35 million in 2022 to CAD $86 million in 2023. The company has maintained 15 consecutive quarters of positive adjusted EBITDA and established a 21.2% market share in the vape category.
This acquisition is expected to yield over CAD $10 million in cost synergies within the next two years, driven by operational efficiencies and vertical integration. It will also position Organigram to leverage its expanded capabilities for global opportunities as the cannabis industry continue to evolve.
#2: Safe Harbor Financial
Colorado-based SHF Holdings, which does business as Safe Harbor Financial (NASDAQ: SHFS) reinforced its leadership in sustainable financing within the cannabis industry by issuing a $500,000 loan to PI 51st Avenue, LLC, a subsidiary of Pioneer Interests, Inc., which is a Denver-based cannabis operator also known as Natty Rems.
This loan, which was offered under Safe Harbor’s Cannabis Resource Optimization Program (CROP), was made possible through a partnership with the Collective Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) and Partner Colorado Credit Union (PCCU). This collaboration enabled the loan to have a cash collateral arrangement and interest rate buydown, hence significantly reducing borrowing costs for the operator.
“Through partnerships like these, Safe Harbor Financial is setting the standard for responsible lending in the cannabis sector,” said Sundie Seefried, CEO of Safe Harbor Financial. “Our ability to align with nonprofit and financial institutions to offer environmentally conscious financing solutions underscores our commitment to both industry growth and sustainability.”
The loan will enable PI 51st Avenue to invest in energy-saving lighting and other critical upgrades, hence reducing its energy consumption and environmental footprint. Energy consumption in cannabis cultivation is a pressing issue, with facilities accounting for 2% of Colorado’s electricity use. The upgrades financed by this loan will not only lower the company’s environmental footprint but also cut operational costs, as energy expenses represent nearly 33% of growers’ budgets.
Safe Harbor’s initiatives are designed to address these challenges. The company’s CROP program empowers cannabis businesses to optimize resources, minimize costs, and contribute to Colorado’s broader clean energy objectives.
#3: Rubicon Organics
Rubicon Organics Inc. (TSXV: ROMJ) (OTCQX: ROMJF), a cannabis producer based in British Columbia, secured CA$10 million in credit facilities to bolster its liquidity and support future growth. According to the company, the credit facilities, which were provided by Community Savings Credit Union and another lender, will be used to fully repay $8 million debenture owed to Green Island Investments, which is set to mature on December 31, 2024. “We are pleased to announce the establishment of our new Credit Facilities, which underscores our commitment to strengthening our financial position and supporting our strategic growth initiatives,” said Janis Risbin, CFO of Rubicon Organics.
The new credit facilities come with a five-year term and a 6.75% interest rate, replacing the previous secured debenture with a higher interest rate of 7.5%. “Our new Credit Facilities enhance our liquidity and provide us with the flexibility to invest in key projects that will drive long-term value for our shareholders,” Risbin added. The loan is secured by a first-ranking security interest in the company’s present and future assets.
Mike Schilling, President and CEO of Community Savings Credit Union, also expressed support for the deal, saying, “Community Savings is committed to supporting all our members in the Cannabis industry, large and small. We are delighted to partner with Rubicon on this milestone deal which will support their continued success.” This strategic move comes after Rubicon’s reported loss of CA$1.1 million for the 2023 fiscal year, despite a modest profit of CA$889,166 in its fourth quarter.
#4: Glass House Brands
Glass House Brands Inc. (CBOE CA: GLAS.A.U) (OTCQX: GLASF), a California cannabis company, recently announced plans to raise up to $25 million through an at-the-market (ATM) equity program to fund the expansion of its cultivation facilities in California. The ATM program, which was detailed in a filing with securities regulators, will allow the company to sell subordinate voting shares to the public, with proceeds primarily directed towards Phase III expansion.
The announcement comes after the company reported strong results in third quarter 2024 financial results, with a 128% year-over-year increase in cannabis production and a record-low cultivation cost. The company’s CEO, Kyle Kazan, emphasized the company’s strong performance in Q3 stating: “During the third quarter, we delivered record-setting results, with a 128% increase in cannabis production, a record-low quarterly cultivation cost, and growth across all business lines.” He further explained that while Glass House can cover its existing obligations from current cash flow, it is strategically positioning itself to raise capital under favorable conditions, without urgent debt maturity for over two years.
The Phase III expansion, which is expected to begin generating revenue by the fourth quarter of 2025, involves retrofitting Greenhouse 2 with advanced systems like blackout curtains, misting, CO2 systems, and lighting. Kazan said, “With 11,000 lights already installed in Greenhouse 2, we expect to produce 275,000 pounds of cannabis annually in its first full year, with improved quality and consistency year-round.”
The equity distribution program allows Glass House to sell up to $25 million worth of shares, with pricing varying based on market conditions. According to the company, the sale proceeds will primarily fund the Phase 3 expansion and general corporate purposes. Sales will occur on CBOE Canada or any another recognized Canadian marketplace, in compliance with applicable regulations.
Top Psychedelic Company for Week
#1: Red Light Holland
Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (OTCQB: TRUFF), a Canadian psychedelics company focused on functional mushrooms, posted a 40% increase in revenue for its second quarter of 2025. According to the company, the strong growth, particularly in its mushroom grow kit sales, was driven by expanding markets in North America and Europe, including key partnerships with Costco Canada and success in the Netherlands.
Red Light CEO, Todd Shapiro, emphasized the company’s progress, saying, “Our Q2 results reflect our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and strong financial discipline. With revenues growing by 33.9% year-over-year and a significant reduction in EBITDA, we are clearly on the path to long-term profitability”.
Red Light Holland reported $1.4 million in revenue for the quarter, a 39.1% increase compared to the previous year, and a reduction in EBITDA losses by 64.3%, showing the company’s operational efficiency and cost control measures.
The company’s diversified portfolio, which includes mushroom grow kits and psilocybin truffles, has allowed it to expand across key regions. Shapiro noted, “Nearly all our income-generating portfolio companies have seen growth, with every business except one running in the black.” Despite broader challenges such as high interest rates and tourism downturns, Red Light Holland is positioning itself for continued success, especially with upcoming potential regulatory changes surrounding psilocybin.
The company also highlighted its strong cash position, which now stands at approximately $13.5 million, bolstered by a sales tax refund and payments from Costco. Additionally, Red Light Holland’s board announced that Ann Barnes would be stepping down, and the company is in talks with potential new board members.
Looking ahead, the company is preparing to capitalize on emerging market opportunities, especially in the realm of psilocybin treatments for veterans, with Shapiro concluding, “We are excited for the new year and the renewed focus on healthy eating and alternatives to ‘Big Pharm.’ We are confident that our strategy will pay off as we continue executing our vision of becoming the leading provider of functional mushrooms and psilocybin products in North America and Europe.”
#2: Awakn
Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: AWKN) (OTC: AWKNF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, is making strides in addressing unmet needs in mental health and addiction treatment. Through the development of novel therapies and medications, Awakn aims to redefine the standard of care for conditions like Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and trauma-related mental health disorders.
Awakn’s latest advancements focus on aminoindanes, a class of molecules with pharmacological properties similar to MDMA. These compounds stimulate serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline release while blocking reuptake, creating empathogenic effects essential for trauma therapy. But unlike MDMA, aminoindanes offer a patentable, targeted approach to treating trauma-related mental health disorders.
Additionally, Awakn is developing Medication-Assisted Treatments (MATs) targeting the brain circuits that drive addiction. By disrupting the neural pathways that fuel addictive behaviors, these therapies enable patients to break free from destructive cycles and engage in psychotherapy for lasting recovery.
Moreover, Awakn is also currently conducting trials for its widely known AUD-focused therapies, including a key Phase 3 study for AWKN-001. This trial, which is supported by the UK’s Medical Research Council (MRC) and other leading institutions, combines ketamine-based medication with manualized psycho-social support. The trial spans across multiple NHS sites, reflecting the scalability and the potential impact of Awakn’s approach.
Awakn CEO Anthony Tennyson and Chief Research Officer Prof. David Nutt lead the charge with a commitment to transforming care standards. Through strategic partnerships and clinical advancements, Awakn aims to deliver life-changing solutions to millions in desperate need.
This article was originally published here.
