The BeLeaf Buzz: November 2024

Originally sent to subscribers in November 2024. View the original email.

Welcome to The BeLeaf Buzz

Welcome to the third issue of The BeLeaf Buzz, presented by BeLeaf Medical — your monthly source for cannabis industry insights, local stories, and company highlights. Stay connected as we present upcoming events, introduce our team, and share curated news relevant to our business.

Last month, Beleaf’s leadership joined the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago. More recently, Mitch Meyers represented BeLeaf at MJ Unpacked in St. Louis – a unique event exclusively for licensed operators, researchers, and investors.

Read on for key insights from these events!

Cannabis bud closeup

Buzz-Worthy BeLeaf News

August 14, 2024 — Manufacturing Insights with BeLeaf’s Katelynn Moore
Discover how Katelynn Moore, a driving force behind BeLeaf’s manufacturing operations, is shaping our success in Missouri’s cannabis market. Read on for her insights on leadership, quality, and BeLeaf’s growth in this in-depth Greenway interview. Read More →

October 8-9, 2024 — Key Takeaways from Benzinga Capital Conference
Last month, Mitch Meyers, Kevin Riggs and Bob Miller represented BeLeaf Medical at the Benzinga Capital Conference in Chicago, which they described as “upbeat overall.” Here are some of their observations from the event:

  • Optimism on Rescheduling & SAFE Banking: Industry leaders expressed optimism about federal rescheduling, some anticipating by Q1, and large MSOs believe SAFE Banking could pass in a future legislative session.
  • Funding Constraints & Debt Risks: With equity scarce, capital is coming mostly through costly debt. A major debt deadline in 2025-2026 could lead to defaults and consolidations, as some MSOs focus on restructuring or stock-based acquisitions.
  • Strong State Programs: Missouri and Maryland highlighted as standout states with promising cannabis programs.
  • Supreme Court Case: A landmark challenge to the Controlled Substances Act could, if successful, expand financial access for cannabis companies like BeLeaf by enabling more tax deductions, banking services, and bankruptcy protections.
  • Retail & Education Challenges: Retail remains complex, and heavy THC discounting drives a “race to the bottom.” Better consumer education on medical benefits of the plant is essential.
  • Cannabis vs. Hemp THC Debate: Panelists from the cannabis and hemp industries discussed the need for consistent THC product regulations. Hemp producers argued for self-regulation, while cannabis panelists responded, “Welcome to our world.”

Chicago dinner at Benzinga conference

Pictured above (from left to right): Dena Ladd, Board Chairman of the Missouri MoCann Trade Association; Saphira Galoob, Principal and CEO of the Liaison Group, a leading cannabis industry lobbying firm; and Mitch Meyers, Partner and Co-Founder of BeLeaf Medical. Photo taken at a private dinner hosted by Greenspoon Marder in Chicago during the Benzinga Capital Conference.

Industry News

October 31, 2024 — DEA Delays Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Until 2025
In a recent update, the DEA announced that its hearing on federal rescheduling will be postponed until 2025, delaying potential regulatory changes anticipated to ease industry burdens. Read More →

October 25, 2024 — Missouri to Open State Lab for Cannabis Testing
Missouri is launching a state-run lab to test cannabis products, aiming to ensure quality and verify industry claims. This new measure will enhance product safety and transparency for consumers and investors alike. Read More →

Missouri DHSS 2023 Cannabis Annual Report

In October 2024, DHSS published its annual report for Missouri’s medical and adult use cannabis program based on program year of Dec. 1, 2022 – Nov. 30, 2023. Read the report →

More Stories:

Team Spotlight

Katelynn Moore

Katelynn Moore — Senior Director of Operations
Katelynn is a seasoned professional with a strong background in biomedical science and scaling operations, as well as a keen focus on cannabis manufacturing process optimization via automation. Raised in a small town in Southeast Missouri, she earned her BS in Biomedical Science from Southeast Missouri State University and continued her education at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where she worked as a research scientist under pediatric urologist Paul F. Austin MD.

Since March 2021, Katelynn has been instrumental in extraction & manufacturing operations at BeLeaf. Currently, she serves as Senior Director of Operations, where her approach encompasses many of Toyota Production Systems (TPS). She emphasizes continuous improvement, respect for people, and the philosophy of “Genchi Genbutsu” – going to the source to find the facts.

Katelynn’s favorite quote is “growth and comfort rarely exist.”

Check out another article featuring Katelynn

Cannabis 101

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System: The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and pain. Cannabinoids from cannabis, like THC and CBD, interact with the ECS, which is why cannabis can have various therapeutic effects and has gained popularity for wellness and medical use.

Fun Fact: Your body naturally produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which help maintain balance (homeostasis). In fact, “runner’s high” is partly due to endocannabinoids, not just endorphins!

Upcoming Industry & Sponsored Events

For assistance or any inquiries, please feel free to contact Joey Pintozzi at Joey.Pintozzi@beleafco.com.