Pineapple Consolidated, a 25% minority-owned asset of Pineapple Express Cannabis Company, announced the reopening of its flagship dispensary, Pineapple Express Hollywood, effective Friday November 15, 2024. The store was temporarily closed since August to facilitate certain administrative processes, allowing the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulations the necessary time to review and approve the updates.
The company also announced it is having an event that will be open to the public age 21+ with free food & beverages (while supplies last) as well as deals on cannabis products, Saturday November 23, 2024 at noon.
The reopening comes at a crucial time for the California cannabis industry, following Governor Gavin Newsom's emergency regulations that ban hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoid products. These regulations, effective September 23, 2024, were designed to protect minors from accessing such products, which have been sold in liquor stores and smoke shops—often frequented by underage consumers.
"The sale of intoxicating hemp products has been detrimental to our store and others in the legal cannabis sector, siphoning off market share and undermining the investments we’ve made in building a compliant business. Our company has dedicated millions of dollars to developing our infrastructure, securing six additional licenses, and maintaining leases to ensure compliance with city regulations," said PCI Director Matthew Feinstein.
As Pineapple Consolidated prepares to re-enter the market, Feinstein expressed confidence in the potential for growth in 2025, especially with anticipated changes to the federal scheduling of cannabis that will alleviate some tax burdens for retail cannabis businesses.
"We believe that with the recent regulatory changes, we are finally on a level playing field that aligns with our original vision for entering the cannabis industry. We are excited to be a part of the evolving landscape of legal cannabis in Los Angeles, as we are in the final phase construction on five additional locations in prime areas such as Woodland Hills, Northridge, Beverly Grove, Echo Park, and Culver City," he said.
