Ocean Tomo, a part of J.S. Held Cannabis Industry Report Reveals Industry Expansion Despite Banking, Legal and Regulatory Roadblocks


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The Ocean Tomo Cannabis Industry Report pairs unique insights related to the science, technology, regulatory, banking, and intellectual property considerations impacting cannabis business value.

Ocean Tomo, a part of J.S. Held, releases its Cannabis Industry Report exploring the intellectual property (IP) protection limitations, legal & banking challenges and regulatory complexity facing the Cannabis Industry. The report is available for download here: https://oceantomo.com/download-cannabis-report/.

Cannabis continues to struggle in the public markets. “Top players in the cannabis market underperformed the S&P and the Dow in 2022 and 2023, with significantly higher volatility; market uncertainty spurred by inconsistent legal status, regulations, and banking challenges are creating a challenging environment for public company performance”, noted Transaction Advisory Managing Director, Ryan Zurek.

Cannabis mergers and acquisitions (M&As) reflect challenges faced by the industry. Larger deals face mounting challenges such as rising acquisition costs, regulatory hurdles, and an overinflated market where sellers remain emotionally attached to outdated valuations. In contrast, smaller deals present opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs to enter new markets, either geographically or through ancillary businesses. Ocean Tomo Cannabis Industry Analyst Cameron Pirochta cites industry insiders who expect to witness a surge in smaller deals within the cannabis market in 2023. He adds, “Fierce competition and a progressively challenging business climate compel cannabis entrepreneurs to consider selling their distressed businesses.”

J.S. Held compliance and receivership management technical expert Paula Durham notes, “Due to the federal illegality of cannabis, U.S. bankruptcy courts do not protect cannabis-related businesses (CRBs), making state court receiverships a viable alternative for distressed CRBs. Receiverships can address business insolvency, serve as a temporary solution during legal disputes, and provide stability while litigation proceeds or a restructuring plan is developed.”

Securing intellectual property in the cannabis industry is challenging due to federal illegality.

Despite this challenge, intellectual property has emerged as an important factor in cannabis M&As. A notable example is British American Tobacco’s recent acquisition of a nearly 20% stake in the Canadian cannabis producer Organigram for $175 million. The acquisition aims to develop core intellectual property for cannabinoid-based products and delivery systems, emphasizing the significance of product innovation and fundamental research and development (R&D) in gaining a competitive edge within the cannabis industry.

Despite federal roadblocks, cultural acceptance, expanded pharmacological use, progressive state-level deregulation, and support from Acannability, the industry’s first member-driven, direct-to-consumer, and supply chain advertising cooperative, the cannabis industry continues to expand at an impressive rate.

Daniel Principe, who oversees the Industry Reports, shares, “the Cannabis Industry report demonstrates how Ocean Tomo’s intellectual property analyses and insights can be further strengthened when paired with technical experts in the relevant industry. As our IP professionals continue to collaborate with J.S. Held technical experts, our clients and Industry Reports readers will continue to benefit.” In 2018, a series of Industry Analyst Reports were launched to provide a comprehensive look at current industry trends and deal activity. Our reports currently examine the following industries: Autonomous, Battery, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Cannabis, Cybersecurity, IP Licensing Companies, and Semiconductors.

To learn more, download the Cannabis Industry Report or contact:

Cameron Pirochta | Cannabis Analyst | +1 312 377 8032 | cameron.piochta@jsheld.com

Paula Durham | Director, Corporate Finance | +1 602 279 7505 | pdurham@jsheld.com

Daniel Principe |Manager, Valuation & IP Strategy | +1 312 377 4426 | daniel.principe@jsheld.com

About Ocean Tomo, a part of J.S. Held

Established in 2003, Ocean Tomo provides Financial Expert, Management Consulting, and Advisory Services related to intellectual property (IP) and other intangible assets; corporate accounting investigations; regulatory and reporting obligations; solvency and restructuring; and contractual or competition disputes. Practice offerings address economic damage calculations and testimony; accounting investigations and financial forensics; technology and intangible asset valuation; strategy and risk management consulting; mergers and acquisitions; debt and equity private placement; and IP brokerage. Subsidiaries of Ocean Tomo include Ocean Tomo Investments Group, LLC, a registered broker-dealer.

As a part of J.S. Held, Ocean Tomo works alongside more than 1500 professionals globally and assists clients – corporations, insurers, law firms, governments, and institutional investors – on complex technical, scientific, and financial matters across all assets and value at risk.

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm providing technical, scientific, and financial expertise across all assets and value at risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high-stakes events demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

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