Second Cup to start pot store conversions in Alberta

Second Cup provided some new details on its work to convert some of its stores to cannabis shops when the coffee chain reported third quarter results on Monday. The company says it is in the process of converting two Alberta stores to recreational cannabis dispensaries as part of its joint venture with National Access Cannabis.  Other locations in Ontario have been identified as possible conversions as well. Second Cup also announced a strategic review of its operations as it looks to “evolve” now that it has improved its balance sheet. . 

How pot factors into the U.S. midterm elections

Cannabis enthusiasts and investors alike will likely keep a close eye on the U.S. midterm elections scheduled to take place on Nov. 6. Cannabis legalization is on the ballot in Michigan and North Dakota, while voters in Missouri and Utah will weigh in on medical marijuana proposals. Although the drug remains illegal at the federal level, the more states that legalize marijuana could help expedite country-wide action. Pot stocks could be in line for a surge in activity if the Democrats take the house and U.S. attorney-general Jeff Sessions departs, Bloomberg reports. 

Aphria elects new directors, announces oral strips

A day after it formally began trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Aphria announced it has elected four new directors to its board who come from a variety of private equity, accounting, technology and beverage backgrounds – areas that the company states in a release will be part of its “global growth strategy.” The Leamington, Ont.-based cannabis producer also announced an agreement to develop pot-infused oral thin strips for both the medical and adult-use markets.

Aurora invests in Choom, opens Quebec facility

Aurora Cannabis is seeking to secure a strong national retail footprint after announcing a $20 million investment with Choom. Choom, a Western Canadian cannabis retailer, has secured the rights to 45 retail locations across the country but the new investment positions the company to be a national brand, Aurora said in a statement. Aurora also announced it opened another indoor premium cannabis facility in Quebec, its second-such location in the province. Its Aurora Eau – French for ‘water’ – facility stands at 48,000 square feet and can produce up to 4,500 kg of cannabis annually.