Grassroots Marketing explores the evolving landscape of cannabis delivery services in California, featuring insights from Louis Samuel, founder of Golden State Cannabis. Samuel discusses the impact of economic challenges and market shifts on the industry, emphasizing the enduring power of passion and customer service. He also highlights Golden State Cannabis's commitment to innovative products like their new Groovy Chews, a high-potency CBN and THC blend designed for sleep enhancement. The...

Brasco and SRĐA, Partnerships and Events Manager at Travel Agency.. discussed the establishment and growth of their social equity cannabis businesses in New York. SRĐA explained how their partnership with the DOE fund, which supports individuals transitioning from former incarceration, homelessness, and other issues, has been instrumental in their expansion. They have opened three stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with plans for more. SRĐA highlighted the importance of their non-profit...

Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp, discussed the implications of California's hemp regulations, which ban hemp products with any detectable THC. He criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for aligning with the House Freedom Caucus and issuing strict regulations without legislative approval. Higdon highlighted the need for federal regulation through the Farm Bill, noting delays and potential negative amendments. He praised Senator Ron Wyden's Cannabinoid Safety Regulation Act and Senator Rand...

Jonathan Robbins discuss the Florida cannabis industry and the upcoming vote on Amendment 3, which could expand Florida's cannabis program from medical to adult use. Robbins, Chair of Akerman's Cannabis Practice, highlights the well-funded pro-Amendment 3 campaign led by medical marijuana treatment centers, contrasting with Governor DeSantis's opposition. He notes the need for 60% voter approval and the potential tax revenue increase from $2 billion from $500 million annually. Robbins also...

Ryan Thomas, Director of Marketing at Aeriz, shares the company's journey to success in the competitive cannabis market. He emphasizes the importance of consistent branding, a passionate team connected to cannabis culture, and a diverse product line featuring live rosin batter, live resin vapes, hash drops, and edibles. Aeriz's commitment to quality has earned them recognition, including being named one of Marijuana Venture's 40 under 40 and securing awards for their products, like the Jenny...

Kyle Neathery, CEO of Samson Extracts, discussed their significant growth, extracting and processing over 1.5 million pounds of biomass in 2023, aiming for 3 million in 2024. They are expanding domestically and exploring international markets, particularly in Europe and South America. Neathery expressed concerns about the expired 2018 Farm Bill and its impact on the industry, highlighting the need for regulation to ensure product quality and safety. Samson Extracts focuses on GMP-certified...

Vanessa Yee-Chan, owner of Alta, the first legal cannabis dispensary in Chinatown, NYC, shares her journey of launching the business rooted in her family's history with the building. The dispensary emphasizes supporting local businesses and integrating with the community through educational outreach and partnerships, particularly targeting newer generations of Asian Americans. Alta focuses on women's health, offering products designed for menstrual pain and anxiety in a boutique-inspired...

Dr. Monica Werkheiser, a leading cannabis advocate and former pharmacist, discussed her transition from traditional pharmacy to cannabis advocacy. She highlighted her efforts in Pennsylvania to include anxiety as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, citing studies showing cannabis's benefits for anxiety, sleep, and pain. Dr. Werkheiser emphasized the importance of dose control and education in cannabis use. She also detailed the design and community-focused approach of her new...

Elisabeth Chambry, a media professional and product developer, discusses her journey of creating a unique, concealed smoking apparatus. Inspired by a desire for both form and function, she designed a bong disguised as a decorative object, emphasizing discreetness and timeless design with Mantelpiece. The manufacturing process, which prioritizes sustainability and fair labor practices, is detailed, including the challenges of finding a suitable factory and the use of high-quality materials...

Mark Cozzi, founder of the Bettering Company, discussed the expansion of his luxury edible brand into New York, following its success in Illinois. The company offers premium, vegan, gluten-free THC gummies and chocolates, with unique flavors like blood orange and fennel fig. Cozzi highlighted the use of minor cannabinoids for specific effects, such as sleep (Midnight Cherry Slumber Gummy) and energy (Lemon Zest Energized Gummy). The Bettering Company also supports LGBTQIA+ charities,...

Chef Stacy Rae, a New York-based Latina chef, shared her experience and knowledge about incorporating CBD tinctures into cooking. She emphasized the importance of using the right temperature and not overcooking the tinctures to preserve their potency. Chef Stacy also discussed her cookbook "The CBD Recipe Guru: More Than 60 Delicious Foods Without the High," (available on Amazon and her website) which features color-coded recipes using CBD or THC and provides educational resources on using...

Johnathan MacFarlane, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RollPros, discussed the potential of their automated pre-roll production system, the Blackbird, to transform the cannabis industry. They highlighted the product's ability to reduce human error, increase efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations. The discussion also touched upon the evolving market trends, the impact of potential federal legalization, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in the cannabis...

Andrew Wells, the Chief of Staff at Sorting Robotics, discussed the growing role of automation and AI in the cannabis industry. They highlighted the parallels between the cannabis and wine industries, both of which have leveraged technology to improve efficiency and product quality. Andrew emphasized that automation is not about replacing workers, but rather about enabling them to take on more strategic roles within the company. The discussion also touched upon the importance of quality in...

Matha Figaro, the founder of ButaCake, discussed her company’s journey into cannabis-infused edibles, beginning with a simple butter cake business in 2015. A classically trained pastry chef, Matha expanded into cannabis-infused products following a customer's request. She emphasized that all ButaCake products are handmade with natural ingredients, without additives or preservatives, ensuring compliance with state laws. The company initially launched in Delaware, partnering with Columbia Care...

Monica Olano bravely shared her battle with postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD after the traumatic birth of her twins. The unexpected complications and lack of transparency from medical professionals took a toll on her mental health. Monica found healing through therapy, plant medicine, and her conscious decision to avoid alcohol. She discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood, running a business with her husband, and how vital a strong support system was throughout her...

Danielle Wildstein, the founder of Blue Oak Dispensary, opens up about her mission to normalize cannabis use and empower patients through education and compassionate care. She shares her vision for the company, her personal journey into the cannabis industry, and the importance of providing personalized guidance to medical marijuana patients. The conversation touches on the challenges facing the New Jersey medical cannabis market, community engagement efforts in Bloomfield, and the broader...

Grassroots Marketing welcomes back Sarah Patel, founder of Kelia to talk about their company's captivating climb in the past year. Conquering challenges and celebrating successes, they've launched their luscious libations in 40 dispensaries across Massachusetts, expanded their reach to Louisiana, and fortified their online presence. Focused on functional formulations and the fusion of flavor and health, Kelia is carving a niche in the cannabis beverage market. With more mouthwatering flavors...

Dan Davis discusses the forthcoming 4/20 Expo in Edison, New Jersey, emphasizing its festival atmosphere with varied exhibits, seminars, and entertainment. They stressed the importance of social equity and the positive impact of cannabis on the local community. The 3rd Annual 420 Expo is September 13th to 15th in Edison, New Jersey, boasts a massive outdoor smoking area, food trucks, live music, and over a hundred cannabis vendors. Dan, one of the executive producers, highlighted the event's...

Gibran Washington, CEO of Ethos Cannabis, shared his journey from Vice President to CEO, highlighting his success in identifying operational deficiencies and improving brand image and customer satisfaction. His background in food and beverage has brought valuable insights to the legal cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of a good customer experience. Leadership, Inclusion, and Social Equity at Ethos CannabisGibran discussed Ethos Cannabis' commitment to a leadership model that...

Jack Blaeser, CEO of Mosaic's talks about their innovative approach to combining loyalty programs, payments, and ordering into a single app, distinguishing it from competitors. He highlighted New York's recent decision to allow such apps in cannabis dispensaries, enhancing customer engagement and legal market competitiveness. Mosaic's services and potential app fatigue set the stage for a deeper discussion. Advancements in New York's Cannabis Industry with Loyalty ProgramsJack highlighted New...

Jonathan Ballard, Vice President of Market Development at Leafy Pack, shared insights on the company's cutting-edge automated bagging systems, including the high-speed Roto bagger, eco bagger, and multi-head scale. He also introduced the Apollo Pre-Roll machine, a compact system that efficiently weighs and pre-rolls products, impressing attendees with its space-saving design. Tackling Cannabis Industry Challenges with High Production MachineryJonathan highlighted Leafy Pack's high production...

Jonathan and Rene Shapiro are the visionaries behind Mindset Wellness, have committed to creating plant-based products aimed at boosting emotional well-being. Inspired by Jonathan's personal journey with the mental health benefits of CBD and terpenes, the Shapiros developed a range of products designed to improve mood and overall well-being without intoxicating effects. Their efforts have been met with positive customer feedback, including a study showing enhanced enjoyment of exercise. The...

Cynthia Cabrera, Chief Strategy Officer, and Ryan Oquin, VP of Sales at Hometown Hero and Texas Hemp Business Council founding board members, delve into the potential pitfalls and perplexities surrounding cannabis regulation in Texas. They discuss the economic and employment risks posed by possible bans, the absence of a dedicated regulatory body, and the industry's need to address bad actors. They also highlight the importance of unified industry efforts and outline their strategic approach...

Jahmila Edwards, co-founder of Stash Queens, discussed the launch of the woman-owned cannabis brand, emphasizing social equity and consumer empowerment. She shared insights into transitioning from pursuing a dispensary to launching a brand without needing a license. Challenges faced by social equity applicants in New York's evolving market dynamics were also explored, including disparities in access to medical dispensaries based on location. Jahmila highlighted the importance of quality and...