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Rosie Mattio, founder and CEO of Mattio Communications, and Jason Erkes, chief communications officer at Cresco Labs (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRLBF#OTC">CRLBF</a>), both agreed that throughout their many years in public affairs and communications, they'd never seen anything quite like Florida's cannabis legalization campaign in support of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38034138/florida-supreme-court-approves-cannabis-legalization-proposal-for-november-election-in-blow-to-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amendment 3</a>.
"Massive…massive," said Erkes at the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/">Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference</a> on Oct. 9. The panel was &#8220;One Month Out: Inside Florida&#8217;s Record-Breaking Adult-Use Legalization Effort.&#8221;
Erkes noted the <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/smart-safe-florida" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smart &amp; Safe Florida</a>&nbsp;campaign raised at least $100 million to get the word out.&nbsp;Indeed, Amendment 3 is the best-funded cannabis legalization amendment in American history, surpassing the previous record set by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/04/15926183/two-years-after-prop-64-california-cannabis-industry-at-a-crossroads" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California's 2016 Proposition 64.</a>
Amendment 3 will go before Florida voters this coming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">November</a>.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Getting The Word Out Like None Other</h1>
One of the campaign's strengths, said Mattio, was that it meets people where they are — in the towns and communities across Florida — and the reception has been positive. People relate to issues such as criminal justice reform and freedom of choice. They don't necessarily need to be cannabis consumers to get behind these basic concepts, Mattio said. Not to mention that medical marijuana has been legal in Florida for a decade and its success "has been an example of what a good program looks like," she added.
Mattio and Erkes had the highest praise for Smart &amp; Safe's nearly 800 satellite offices all over Florida, the thousands of lawn signs, the campaign's 13 TV ads and of course making sure people were registered to vote. "It's a political campaign, after all," Erkes said.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Speaking Of TV Ads &nbsp;</h1>
Panel moderator Bryna Dahlin asked about the recent lawsuits popping up in Florida. There's the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41156781/trulieve-sues-florida-gop-for-defamation-over-false-and-misleading-claims-as-cannabis-legalizati">defamation lawsuit</a> launched by Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCNNF#OTC">TCNNF</a>) accusing the Florida Republican Party of intentionally misleading voters with a deceptive TV campaign ad. 
That lawsuit alleges that the TV ad in question misleads voters by implying that only large cannabis companies, such as Trulieve will benefit from marijuana legalization. 
Then there's Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo&nbsp;(D) who is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41207561/desantis-state-of-florida-under-fire-for-taxpayer-funded-anti-cannabis-ad-as-new-lawsuit-emerges">suing the State of Florida</a> for misusing taxpayer dollars to fund an ad produced by the&nbsp;Florida Department of Transportation opposing Amendment 3.
"I generally don't think it's a good idea to poke the bear," said Erkes, but in this case "one way to discredit a false narrative is to launch a lawsuit." In fact, it's a great PR campaign, he added.
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li>EXCLUSIVE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41258536/exclusive-cannabis-companies-must-get-more-juice-from-the-same-squeeze-says-cresco-labs-ceo-as-c">Cannabis Companies Must &#8216;Get More Juice From The Same Squeeze,&#8217; Says Cresco Labs CEO As Challenges Persist</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Oct. 9, 2024, Photo by Wendy Davis

Cannabis

News

Legal

Events

Exclusives

CRLBF

TCNNF

EXCLUSIVE: 'Poking The Bear' As Florida's Contentious Cannabis Legalization Vote Looms

For meteorologists who study extreme weather events like Hurricane Milton — and Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago — the most frightening aspect of the back-to-back storms <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41257552/how-strong-is-milton-what-to-expect-from-hurricane-categories-1-through-5">isn&#8217;t just strength</a>. 
It&#8217;s speed. 
The fact that Milton mutated from tropical storm to Category 5 hurricane in under 24 hours stunned NBC6 Miami&#8217;s John Morales to the point where he held back tears. Watch the video<a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMoralesTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor"> in his X account</a>.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I debated whether to share this. I did apologize on the air. But I invite you to read my introspection on <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletinAtomic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BulletinAtomic</a> of how extreme weather &#x1f4c8; driven by global warming has changed me. Frankly, YOU should be shaken too, and demand <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateActionNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateActionNow</a>. <a href="https://t.co/09vxgabSmX">https://t.co/09vxgabSmX</a> <a href="https://t.co/GzQbDglsBG">https://t.co/GzQbDglsBG</a>
&mdash; John Morales (@JohnMoralesTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMoralesTV/status/1843325629741285439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Morales isn&#8217;t alone. Other scientists sounded the alarm, too. They used words like &#8220;<a href="https://x.com/AndyHazelton/status/1843342493318033642?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">unprecedented</a>&#8221; and &#8220;<a href="https://x.com/webberweather/status/1843317499091382515?s=46&amp;t=xkbHVlvdaIg9MYo3Hv8M_w&amp;utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">jaw-dropping</a>.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41251171/hurricane-helenes-destruction-sparks-search-for-safety-10-states-where-property-is-at-the-lowest-ris">Hurricane Helene&#8217;s Destruction Sparks Search For Safety — 10 States Where Property Is At The Lowest Risk</a>
Within 36 hours of formation, Milton&#8217;s winds reached 180 miles per hour. That&#8217;s lightning fast in the world of storm tracking. 
But it shouldn&#8217;t have been a surprise. Helene also mutated from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane in just two days.
For those wondering how two storms, with rains Morales described as &#8220;<a href="https://thebulletin.org/2024/09/hurricane-helene-isnt-an-outlier-its-a-harbinger-of-the-future/#post-heading">biblical</a>,&#8221; are a sudden reality, NASA has an answer: Warm ocean waters due to human-caused climate change.
These conditions caused Milton and Helene to become powerful Category 5 storms.
&#8220;Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were well above average for this time of year as Milton churned toward Florida,&#8221; NASA Climate, an account affiliated with NASA, posted on X.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Warm ocean waters due to human-caused climate change helped fuel Hurricane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Milton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Milton</a> to become a powerful Category 5 storm. Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were well above average for this time of year as Milton churned toward Florida. <a href="https://t.co/p4WvGdpcWE">https://t.co/p4WvGdpcWE</a> <a href="https://t.co/P3qashjqoc">pic.twitter.com/P3qashjqoc</a>
&mdash; NASA Climate (@NASAClimate) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAClimate/status/1844030081460502696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The primary business activities of certain companies are directly linked to greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
You know the names: Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), Marathon Oil Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRO#NYSE">MRO</a>), BP plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>) and PetroChina (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCCYF#OTC">PCCYF</a>), to name a few.
&#8220;I tried to warn people,&#8221; Morales wrote in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists last month. &#8220;Except that the warning was not well received by everyone. A person accused me of being a &#8216;climate militant,&#8217; a suggestion that I'm embellishing extreme weather threats to drive an agenda. Another simply said that my predictions were &#8216;an exaggeration.&#8217; But it wasn't an exaggeration.&#8221;
Meanwhile, oil companies operating in the Gulf are currently experiencing setbacks. Chevron&#8217;s Blind Faith platform, for example, shut down and forced personnel to evacuate. It produces around 65,000 barrels of oil per day.
Historically, companies like Shell PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>) and others in the Gulf region followed similar protocols, ahead of significant storms like Helene and — just a couple of weeks earlier — Hurricane Francine​.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40822108/hurricane-francine-approaches-louisiana-coast-may-become-category-2-storm">Hurricane Francine Approaches Louisiana Coast With Category 2 Storm Potential, Local Oil Refineries Cut Production</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ExxonMobil&#8217;s Accepts, Then Denies</h1>
Like Morales, ExxonMobil&#8217;s own scientists made similar predictions — in 1977. 
InsideClimateNews <a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02052024/from-the-archive-exxon-research-global-warming/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email#:~:text=He%20warned%20Exxon%20scientists%20and,degrees%20Fahrenheit)%20at%20the%20poles.">republished</a> a 2015 article this past May that chronicles how James Black presented evidence to Exxon brass decades ago, detailing how the oil industry&#8217;s operations would endanger humanity.
&#8220;There is general scientific agreement that the most likely manner in which mankind is influencing the global climate is through carbon dioxide release from the burning of fossil fuels," Black said at the time.
Exxon eventually <a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Exxon-Review-of-Climate-Research-Program-1981.pdf">nixed its carbon dioxide research</a> and chose, instead, to deny climate change. 
Fast-forward to today, elected officials are either <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RbvIMfwNzU">dismissing</a> it entirely or calling it a <a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/265895292191248385">hoax</a>. Meanwhile, the U.S. produces more oil <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/23/10/35240230/us-is-producing-more-oil-under-biden-than-at-any-point-under-the-trump-administration">than ever before</a>. 
&#8220;We're seeing it play out in this post-truth era, in ways that's really damaging society. And I'm not talking more in the psychological, esoterical ways, or maybe in the election outcome ways. This is getting in the way of emergency management agencies doing their job and saving lives and getting people out of harm's way,&#8221; Morales <a href="https://thebulletin.org/2024/10/meteorologist-john-morales-theres-rapid-intensification-theres-extreme-rapid-intensification-and-then-theres-hurricane-milton/">says</a>. &#8220;It's getting in the way of recovery efforts&#8230; And yeah, it's definitely a hindrance to my mission as a person whose life mission is saving life and property.&#8221;
What&#8217;s Next: The U.S. Energy Information Administration continues to analyze energy data, and how Milton <a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=63444">affects</a> energy infrastructure. The agency will publish an inventory report on Thursday; The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/commodities-futures/u-s-natural-gas-futures-move-lower-as-storm-looms-24b63a6f?mod=latest_headlines">expects</a> the surplus in U.S. natural gas to contract as Hurricane Milton makes its way across Florida.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/10/41257792/oil-dips-to-73-as-china-withholds-stimulus-biden-attempts-to-contain-netanyahu-over-israels-attack-o">Oil Dips To $73 As China Withholds Stimulus, Biden Attempts To Contain Netanyahu Over Israel&#8217;s Attack On Iran</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy of NASA

PCCYF

SHEL

How Did Hurricanes Milton, Helene Intensify So Quickly? ExxonMobil's Scientists Warned Us... In 1977

Rosenblatt analyst Mike Genovese maintains Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAOI#NASDAQ">AAOI</a>) with a Buy and maintains $20 price target.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

AAOI

Rosenblatt Maintains Buy on Applied Optoelectronics, Maintains $20 Price Target

Macquarie analyst Tao Qiu maintains Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKD#NYSE">BKD</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $8 price target.

Macquarie Maintains Outperform on Brookdale Senior Living, Maintains $8 Price Target

DA Davidson analyst Linda Bolton Weiser initiates coverage on Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $159.

Initiation

DA Davidson Initiates Coverage On Procter & Gamble with Neutral Rating, Announces Price Target of $159

Actor Jim Belushi compared the similarities of acting and cannabis to an audience at the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/"> Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference on Oct. 9.</a>
Here's a look at what makes the two sectors similar and more on Belushi's journey to help people through cannabis.
Acting to Cannabis: Belushi may be best known for his roles in television and movies, but at the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the audience and other speakers are aware of his efforts in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40720303/hollywood-star-jim-belushi-brings-cannabis-expertise-to-chicago-conference-in-october">the cannabis sector.</a>
The actor said "It's been a great journey" going from one farm to now having products sold in 14 states.
Cannabis is like acting, Belushi told the crowd.
Belushi said as an actor he asked himself why he was doing acting and it came down to the idea of making people feel good.
"You want them to leave the theater feeling good," Belushi said.
Belushi said the switch to cannabis comes with the same mentality.
"Adding on cannabis to my purpose, the purpose is the same. Cannabis makes people feel good."
The actor and cannabis entrepreneur said cannabis can help with pain, increase happiness and make people feel better overall. "I feel like I am totally on purpose from actor to cannabis," he said.
Belushi, who stars in "Growing Belushi," which airs on Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>)-owned Discovery, credits his partners and relationships in the industry for helping his growth.
"We are bred on a plant that is based on kindness, generosity and healing."
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41233018/exclusive-ross-gerber-sees-tsunami-of-money-pouring-into-cannabis-companies-upon-federal-legaliz">EXCLUSIVE: Ross Gerber Sees &#8216;Tsunami Of Money&#8217; Pouring Into Cannabis Companies Upon Federal Legalization, Says Cannabis Is One Of &#8216;Biggest&#8217; Opportunities Beyond AI</a>
Challenges of Cannabis: Belushi said one of the main differences between cannabis and "show business" is the amount of time it takes to get things done.
Within the cannabis industry, the biggest challenge Belushi highlighted was the price. "Growing is very expensive," Belushi said.
The actor and entrepreneur said the market is oversaturated and it's hard to make any margin in states like Oregon.
Asked later on about his advice to someone looking to start their own grow farm, Belushi answered, "Don't do it. Don't f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;ing do it."
Belushi admitted he never got involved in cannabis for the money and was just hoping to break even, adding "I already got my TV money."
Belushi said he got involved in cannabis and remains involved despite the struggles as people should focus on things they're passionate about.
"I have passion for what this plant can bring to our community."
 What's Next: Belushi said he was excited about the potential for rescheduling happening this year and questions why it hasn't happened.
Until rescheduling happens, Belushi said doctors at Veteran Affairs can't give people cannabis instead of oxycontin.
"Why aren't we taking care of them?" Belushi asked of the country's veterans.
Belushi also said he was disappointed to see Vice President Kamala Harris talk about putting so many people in California into jail when many were put in there for marijuana-related crimes. The actor noted that he is not anti-Harris, but disagrees in this matter.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41241368/exclusive-elon-musks-x-is-safe-space-to-say-weed-the-only-social-platform-where-you-can-talk-abo">EXCLUSIVE: Elon Musk&#8217;s X Is &#8216;Safe Space&#8217; To Say Weed: &#8216;The Only Social Platform Where You Can Talk About Cannabis Openly&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Jim Belushi at the Benzinga Cannabis Conference 2024, Photo by Wendy Davis

Entertainment

Jim Belushi Compares Passion For Acting To Cannabis Business: 'Makes People Feel Good'

UBS analyst Trung Huynh maintains Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $50 to $54.

UBS Maintains Neutral on Bristol-Myers Squibb, Raises Price Target to $54

UBS analyst Colin Bristow maintains Merck &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $142 to $136.

UBS Maintains Buy on Merck & Co, Lowers Price Target to $136

UBS analyst Navin Jacob maintains AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $185 to $195.

ABBV

UBS Maintains Neutral on AbbVie, Raises Price Target to $195

UBS analyst Jay Sole maintains Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DECK#NYSE">DECK</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $225 to $226.

DECK

UBS Maintains Buy on Deckers Outdoor, Raises Price Target to $226

UBS analyst Dennis Geiger maintains McDonald's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $305 to $345.

UBS Maintains Buy on McDonald's, Raises Price Target to $345

Citigroup analyst Christopher Allen maintains Virtu Finl (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIRT#NASDAQ">VIRT</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $32 to $37.

VIRT

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Virtu Finl, Raises Price Target to $37

Citigroup analyst Thomas Palmer maintains Mondelez International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $79 to $80.

MDLZ

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Mondelez International, Raises Price Target to $80

Following the Arrangement, BIPC shareholders will own an economically equivalent security that provides the same economic benefits and governance of investing in our company today. The Arrangement is also expected to be tax-deferred for the vast majority of investors, including Canadian and U.S. shareholders.

BIPC

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Infrastructure Reveal Intention To Complete Reorganization

As the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/">Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference </a>came to a close on Wednesday, attendees were treated to the announcement of the winners of the 2024 Benzinga Hemp Beverage Competition. This year's awards showcased the top D9 THC-infused beverages in various categories, celebrating innovation and craftsmanship in cannabis beverages. 
Here's a look at the standout products that took home the top honors.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best D9 THC-Infused Tonic/Elixir</h3>
Winner: Drink Brez D9 THC-Infused Lemon Elderflower Tonic. 
Known for its harmonious blend of THC, CBD, and Lion&#8217;s Mane, Drink Brez promotes a more approachable experience for consumers. Described as delivering "brighter colors, louder laughs, and tastier snacks," the tonic is gaining popularity for being a no-hangover alternative to alcohol, combining organic ingredients with federally legal THC.
Runner-up: Forward Beverage Co. D9 THC-Infused In-Fashioned Social Seltzer. 
Forward Beverage Co. earned runner-up with its In-Fashioned Social Seltzer, which emphasizes providing alternatives to alcohol. This beverage, crafted to be savored socially, has been making waves in Wisconsin as a non-alcoholic option that doesn't leave anyone feeling left out.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best D9 THC-Infused Soda</h3>
Winner: Mary Jones D9 THC-Infused Root Beer. 
Mary Jones continued its legacy of crafting sodas with an extra kick by taking the top spot in the D9 THC-infused soda category. With a reputation for delivering exceptional flavors since 1996, Mary Jones' Root Beer is infused with cannabis while maintaining the same "best damn cane sugar soda" standards the company is known for.
Runner-up: Mary Jones D9 THC-Infused Berry Lemonade Soda. 
Mary Jones&#8217;s Berry Lemonade Soda also earned accolades, securing runner-up in this category. Known for its bold flavors, this soda is another testament to the company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41258536/exclusive-cannabis-companies-must-get-more-juice-from-the-same-squeeze-says-cresco-labs-ceo-as-c">EXCLUSIVE: Cannabis Companies Must &#8216;Get More Juice From The Same Squeeze,&#8217; Says Cresco Labs CEO As Challenges Persist</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best D9 THC-Infused Seltzer</h3>
Winner: Share D9 THC-Infused Cucumber &amp; Lime Seltzer. 
Share took the top prize in the seltzer category with their refreshing Cucumber &amp; Lime Seltzer. This beverage is produced with an emphasis on excellence, from "seed to table," ensuring quality cannabis is used in every sip.
Runner-up: Wynk D9 THC-Infused Juicy Mango Seltzer. 
Wynk's Juicy Mango Seltzer claimed the runner-up position, winning over judges with its promise of consistency and balance. Wynk prides itself on delivering an exact dose with each can, allowing consumers to enjoy a reliably social experience.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best D9 THC-Infused RTD (Ready to Drink)</h3>
Winner: Better Than Booze D9 THC-Infused Rosemary Grapefruit Paloma. 
Better Than Booze took the spotlight in the RTD category with their Rosemary Grapefruit Paloma. Co-founded by Drea Groeschel, this beverage provides a refreshing alternative to traditional alcoholic cocktails. Inspired by the desire to "swap out regular wine for a better alternative," the drink replicates classic cocktail flavors without the hangover.
Runner-up: Howdy D9 THC-Infused Paloma. 
Howdy's Texas-born D9 THC-infused Paloma earned the runner-up award with its Cosmic Cowboy branding and focus on low-dose, fast-acting beverages. Known for being &#8216;best-served cold and enjoyed socially,&#8217; Howdy is gaining a reputation for making cannabis-infused drinks that are both effective and enjoyable.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best D9 THC-Infused Coffee/Tea</h3>
Winner: Howdy D9 THC-Infused Sweet Tea.
Howdy returned to the winner's circle, taking the top prize in the D9 THC-infused coffee/tea category with their Sweet Tea. A smooth blend of classic Southern flavors infused with THC, this drink is redefining what tea can be.
Runner-up: Squoze D9 THC-Infused Ahhhnold Kush Tea &amp; Lemonade.
Squoze secured the runner-up award with their Ahhhnold Kush Tea &amp; Lemonade. Known for being "squoze from fresh fruit," Squoze is making a name for itself by infusing traditional beverages with bold, cannabis-infused twists.
With the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference now concluded, these award-winning beverages continue to shine as leaders in the growing THC-infused beverage market. Look out for more insights and innovations from the cannabis industry's top players.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41259102/exclusive-cannabis-tech-leaders-push-personalization-data-insights-as-key-to-beating-price-wars">EXCLUSIVE: Cannabis Tech Leaders Push Personalization, Data Insights As Key To Beating Price Wars</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Wendy Davis.

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Celebrates Best D9 THC Beverages Of 2024

The&nbsp;$0.27&nbsp;per share quarterly cash dividend will be paid on&nbsp;January 8, 2025, to stockholders of record on&nbsp;December 13, 2024.&nbsp;

Dividends

AVNT

Avient Boosts Annual Dividend By 5% From $1.03 To $1.08 Per Share

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>) shares traded higher on heavy volume Wednesday after marking a new 52-week low on Tuesday. Here's a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41216891/celsius-holdings-stock-hit-52-week-lows-on-monday-whats-going-on">look at what's going on.&nbsp;</a>
What To Know: Celsius Holdings shares climbed Wednesday despite a lack of company-specific news. The stock has become a favorite among retail investors and chatter on social media revolved around the stock reaching key support levels and bouncing higher.&nbsp;
Celsius shares reached a 52-week high of $99.62 back in March and have fallen more than 60% over the past six months, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>.&nbsp;
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The sell-off in Celsius shares accelerated in September after the company said PepsiCo was scaling back orders to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40733143/whats-going-on-with-celsius-holdings-stock">optimize its inventory</a>. Celsius said it expected its distribution partner to reduce orders by about $100 million.
According to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Celsius shares are trading above the stock&#8217;s 50-day moving average of $36.23 and slightly above its 52-week low of $28.20.&nbsp;
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">CELH Stock Prediction 2024</h1>
When buying a stock for a longer time horizon, it is important for investors to assess where they think the stock is headed in the future.
When mapping a stock's future trajectory, investors should consider factors including future earnings expectations and expected performance against a benchmark.
Celsius Holdings&#8217; revenue has grown at an average rate of 98.52% annually over the past five years. The average one-year price target from analysts is $53.64, representing an expected 75.81% upside in 2025.
While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, investors should also look at a stock's historical performance when compared to both a benchmark index and the company's peers. Shares of Celsius Holdings have seen an annualized return of -3.06%, underperforming the S&amp;P500 index by 12.72%. This compares to 7.79% growth in the overall Consumer Staples sector. Celsius Holdings has a beta of 0.92.
CELH Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Celsius Holdings shares are up 3.57% after-hours at $31.60 after climbing 6.16% in regular trading Wednesday.&nbsp;
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Photo: Courtesy of Celsius Holdings, Inc.

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&#8220;Discounts will hurt your margins, but loyalty points won't," said Lisa Williams, founder of The Toke Agency, at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/">Benzinga&#8217;s Cannabis Capital Conference on Oct. 9. </a>
Williams was one of several experts discussing how cannabis retailers can use data to not only improve margins but also strengthen customer retention. 
The panel, titled &#8220;Maximizing Margins: Leveraging Data for Effective Cannabis Retail Pricing and E-commerce Strategies,&#8221; was moderated by Debra Borchardt, co-founder of Green Market Report.
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Williams said that the real key to maintaining margins in cannabis retail isn't slashing prices — it's using data to build loyalty. By offering perks such as points or exclusive access to events, dispensaries can entice customers to come back. 
"How you build loyalty is you give them rewards for keeping them," Williams noted. 
Williams' point was simple: build a brand that encourages loyalty rather than price-driven shopping.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Turning Messy Data Into Actionable Insights</h1>
Kris Walker, co-founder of Hoodie Analytics, took the conversation deeper into how data can drive better decisions.
 "The trick is not just collecting data — it's making sure you have the processes in place to leverage it," Walker said. His company provides retailers with real-time data that pulls from multiple sources, including POS systems and wholesale platforms.
What Walker wanted to make clear was that data on its own doesn't solve problems. Retailers need to know how to use it. "We take messy data and turn it into something operators can use to grow their businesses," he added. 
Whether it's pricing strategies, product assortment, or even timing sales, the right data can guide retailers to make smarter choices, allowing them to adapt to fast-moving market trends.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Combining Data Sources For A Full Picture</h1>
Jackie Gonzalez-Becerra, vice president of revenue at Weedmaps, echoed the need for retailers to take data seriously — but stressed that internal data isn't enough.
"It's not enough to just look at your sales. You need to bring in external data — whether it's from Hoodie, Headset or BDS — to get a complete view of what's happening in the market," she said.
Gonzalez-Becerra explained how Weedmaps works with dispensaries to help them integrate 17 years of consumer shopping data into their operations.
This kind of deep data integration can reveal market trends that retailers wouldn't otherwise see. With the holiday season coming up, she pointed out how critical it is to start planning promotions early and anticipate consumer behavior changes.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Proactive Planning with Data: Fluent's Strategy</h1>
Robert Beasley, CEO of Fluent, brought in a real-world example of how data helped his company stay competitive in Florida. Back in 2022, Fluent forecasted a 20% price compression in the market, forcing them to plan ahead and cut costs. 
"We realized we needed to be 20% more efficient in two years if we wanted to maintain our margins," Beasley said.
Instead of waiting for market conditions to shift and reacting too late, Fluent took a proactive approach. They used data to optimize everything from cultivation to product pricing, staying ahead of the curve rather than playing catch-up. Beasley's message was clear: it's not enough to just respond to market changes — businesses need to see them coming.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Creating A Data-Driven Culture</h1>
One of the key takeaways from the panel was the need for a data-driven culture in cannabis businesses. Beasley shared that many cannabis companies still make decisions based on gut feelings or anecdotal evidence. 
"Humans are incapable of making anecdotal decisions on large data sets," he said, pointing out that without the right data and tools, businesses risk missing key trends.
Walker added to this by noting that companies need to ensure their teams are equipped with the right KPIs and data access. "If you don't give your team the tools and accountability they need, data can become overwhelming," Walker said.
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Photo: Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference 2024, photo by Wendy Davis

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