EMAIL: kristenn@mjbizdaily.com
PHONE: 720.643.4450

Kristen Nichols

Kristen is a Denver-based reporter for Marijuana Business Daily specializing in the hemp and CBD industries. Previously, she worked at the Associated Press for nearly 20 years. She started covering the marijuana legalization movement in 2009 – when medical stores started popping up around Denver – and wrote about the state’s first legal hemp harvest. Kristen also covered agriculture and politics in Maryland and her home state of Georgia.

Biden transition leaves hemp operators wondering about new USDA rules

Published January 21, 2021

Farmers still making sense of long-delayed nationwide rules for growing hemp in 2021 and beyond got another wrinkle Wednesday when the incoming administration of President Joe Biden ordered a “freeze” on new regulations.

Investor lawsuit against NY hemp biotech company tossed

Published January 20, 2021

A federal judge in New York has dismissed an investor’s lawsuit accusing a hemp biotech company of lying to promote its stock price.

Phytol cited as potentially dangerous cannabis vape ingredient

Published January 20, 2021 | By James Hale

A new study suggests the terpene phytol could be dangerous in cannabis vape products.

This elusive pathogen is damaging hemp nationwide. Here’s how to fight it.

Published January 20, 2021 | By Joseph Ramahi

(Editor’s note: This story is part of a recurring series of commentaries from professionals connected to the hemp industry. Joseph Ramahi, PhD, is chief science officer for Cultivaris Hemp, a young-plant producer in Encinitas, California.) Over and over again I meet hemp growers who are not yet aware of a widespread disease that has been […]

Circle K wants to block hemp trademark that resembles its own

Published January 18, 2021

Circle K Stores Inc. wants to block a California hemp and marijuana holding company from using a design mark with “K” inside a circle.

USDA gives hemp farmers breathing room on THC, testing, but retains DEA requirement

Published January 15, 2021 | By Hemp Industry Daily staff

Hemp producers will have more breathing room under newly released rules on the federally mandated THC levels before they are declared criminally negligent, with the margin of error increasing from a total of 0.5% to 1% THC. Hemp farmers and testing agents will also have more time to harvest plants after testing, with the harvest […]

2021: The year of positive CBD policy changes

Published January 14, 2021 | By Jonathan Havens

The hemp industry has been waiting with bated breath for the release of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Cannabidiol Enforcement Policy Draft Guidance.

GW Pharma expects fiscal 2020 sales to reach $526 million

Published January 13, 2021

GW Pharmaceuticals expects to report annual sales of approximately $526 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020, it said in a preview of its fourth quarter and full-year results.

USDA: Latest payments for pandemic-affected hemp farmers coming soon

Published January 13, 2021

Some $13 billion in additional agricultural aid for pandemic-impacted farmers should start going out by end of month.

USDA approves Rhode Island, Luiseno Indians hemp plans

Published January 12, 2021

With just a few days left before changing oversight, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the hemp-regulation plans of Rhode Island and the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians in southern California. Rhode Island will charge interested hemp producers: $250 application fees. $2,250 license fees, with a license valid for two years. Rhode Island doesn’t limit […]

Denmark medical cannabis sales post a positive quarter thanks to Epidiolex

Published January 7, 2021 | By Alfredo Pascual

Sales of medical marijuana in Denmark posted healthy gains in the third quarter of 2020, coinciding with the launch of GW Pharmaceuticals’ cannabis drug Epidiolex.

Landing a Buyer: Executives who have closed M&A deals reveal what makes them commit

Published January 7, 2021 | By Adrian D. Garcia

This story appears in the January issue of Marijuana Business Magazine. Acquisitions remain a key strategy for companies looking to enter or expand their reach within the cannabis industry, but sellers must be ready to seize such opportunities. Owners who would like to exit the hemp space or join larger conglomerates should be ready to: Decide whether to engage a broker. Ensure their financial information is ready for close […]