Ganja Vacations, launched in 2019 by Norman Lawrence, excels in providing cannabis-friendly lodgings in Jamaica, aiming to expand throughout the Caribbean. With a robust background in banking and digital marketing, CEO Norman is dedicated to curating genuine Jamaican cannabis experiences for global tourists by collaborating with local establishments. Ganja Vacations presents a variety of holiday packages, from all-inclusive resorts to wellness retreats, meticulously customized to individual...

Jessica McElfresh, founder and principal of McElfresh Law, Inc. and Conference Chair for the 2024 INCBA Cannabis Law Institute, shares her perspectives on the upcoming Cannabis Law Institute event. While the event is primarily focused on cannabis law, it remains geared towards legal professionals. Key features include a panel discussion with former federal officials who will provide insights on rescheduling's impact on international transactions and enforcement strategies. Jessica discusses...

Josh Lamb | Co-Founder/CEO of High Rewards discusses the launch of HighRewards, an app that rewards cannabis consumers for checking in at dispensaries, uploading receipts, and completing tasks. He also discussed the concept of rewards programs that allow users to monetize their everyday purchases, including the Rewards App for cannabis purchases. The app uses zero-party data to benefit retailers while providing rewards for consumers. Josh explained how the app works and its benefits, while...

In this episode of Grassroots Marketing, we interview Dan Mondello, CEO and Co-Founder of Rank Really High, about the transformative potential of the Joint E-commerce Platform for the cannabis industry. Dan highlights how this seamless and integrated solution outperforms traditional methods like iframes and subdomains, boasting numerous integration partners such as AeroPay, Metric, and Alpine IQ. The discussion covers the unique challenges of marketing cannabis amidst regulatory restrictions...

Grassroots Marketing interviews James Krouse, Founder and CEO of Flower Power Genetics. James delves into the creation of "Adam," a hybrid cannabis strain developed from vintage seeds stored for over 30 years. This strain, a cross between a tropical Sativa and an Indica from the Middle East, aims to preserve genetic diversity and maintain medicinal properties while being adaptable to various climates. James discusses the challenges of hybridizing cannabis, emphasizing the importance of...

In this episode of Grassroots Marketing, we sit down with Brendan McKee, Co-Founder, CFO, and COO of Silver Therapeutics, to explore the unique challenges faced by the cannabis industry on Martha's Vineyard. Brendan provides insights into the stringent regulations that restrict cannabis sales on the island, impacting both medical and recreational users. He discusses the complexities of implementing various laws in specific geographical areas and anticipates potential legal disputes. We also...

Aaron Bloom, CEO of DocMJ discusses the potential expansion of Florida's medical marijuana program to include adult use, the challenges faced by senior citizens in accessing medical marijuana, and the current state of the industry. We look at the impact of the expansion on the medical marijuana program, and how it could create new opportunities for patients and MSOs alike. We also emphasized the importance of education and accessibility for patients, particularly senior citizens, and...

The Culinary Cannabis Company, founded by Kate and Dave Nadolski, specializes in cannabis-infused culinary products utilizing SEDDS technology for rapid effects. They emphasize precise dosing, taste, and potency while meeting FDA standards. Collaborating with dispensaries, they offer controlled-dosage selections ranging from 2.5mg to 10mg per serving, with a focus on allergen-free options. Their innovative approach integrates cannabis seamlessly into culinary creations, ensuring high-quality,...

Sol Care Rituals founder Marisol Ledezma shares how she launched her business about a year and a half ago and is approaching her two-year anniversary. She also speaks about her company's offerings for the mind, body, and soul, including a new line called Luna. Sole Care's Founding and Marisol's Journey: Marisol shared her personal story behind her establishment of Sol Care, a wellness brand focused on self-care rituals. She explained that her experience in the corporate world became toxic,...

Grassroots Marketing speaks with Kevin Brooks, CEO of Conception Nurseries who discussed the importance of quality and consistency in the cannabis industry, highlighting Conception's proprietary true clone technology, which guarantees genetically identical plants with consistent quality. He also emphasized the benefits of tissue culture in addressing plant stress, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring compliance with good manufacturing practices. Kevin discussed the company's services,...

We speak with Todd Polyniak, Sax LLP Head of Cannabis Practice, and a seasoned expert in the cannabis industry. We discussed the 471C tax code provision. This provision allows small businesses to identify specific inventory items for cost calculations that would otherwise be disallowed under 280E. However, utilizing 471C is risky, as it could trigger audits and penalties if the IRS disagrees. They also discussed the potential implications of cannabis legalization, including the implementation...

We interviewed Gary Long, CEO of Botanical Sciences. Gary shared his extensive background in healthcare and his transition into the cannabis industry. He noted the importance of legitimizing the cannabis industry, especially in Georgia where his company is based. Gary also detailed how they built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and implemented contemporary technology to ensure the production of high-quality, pure, and effective medical cannabis products. FDA Rescheduling of Cannabis...

Nicole N'Diaye, a Principal at Bossiee Budz and board member of the Cannabis Association of NY, shared her journey from a medical cannabis user to an entrepreneur in the industry. She emphasized proper cultivation practices, discussed educational opportunities for industry entrants, promoted homegrown cannabis initiatives, and highlighted the need for strategic planning and business acumen. We also covered obtaining licenses, educational initiatives, homegrown cannabis programs, engagement...

Christine Smith, the founder and CEO of Grön, discussed the origins of the name and Christine's background in architecture and land use entitlement. Over the course of 10 years, Gron has grown steadily, providing chocolate-infused products that have found success in a niche of the edible market dominated by gummies. They discussed their company's expansion strategy, which operates under a reverse licensing model. This approach allows the company to partner with local entities, gaining control...

Alexandra Chong, CEO at JACANA discusses her company's mission to establish a strong Jamaican brand for cannabis, grown naturally and sustainably. They cultivate and use over 70 medicinal plants for their range of wellness products, including CBD-infused topical creams, oils, and gummies. The team highlighted their position as the largest vertically integrated cannabis producer in Jamaica, with a focus on wellness and expanding into other plant-based and fungi categories. They emphasized the...

Dan Serard, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Cannabis Creative Group, shared insights on the 2024 cannabis marketing plan. The discussion highlighted the importance of personalized digital marketing strategies tailored to individual business needs, diversifying advertising channels beyond social media due to federal restrictions. Strategies included email marketing for engagement, organic content for SEO, and targeting specific demographics effectively by aligning messaging with...

Stanley Jutkowitz, Senior Counsel with Seyfarth Shaw LLP discusses the recent DEA decision to reschedule cannabis from schedule one to schedule three, with potential less restrictive schedules. Stanley provided legal insights on the implications of this move, while highlighting the controversy surrounding cannabis legalization and rescheduling. We also explored the roles of DEA and FDA in the legalization process, emphasizing the complexity of the legal landscape with multiple agencies...

Aeriz, led by Ryan Thomas, excels in sustainable aeroponic cannabis cultivation with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation. Their product range includes hash oil-infused pre rolls and unique offerings like hash drops, known for consistent highs. Expanding into Illinois, Arizona, and soon California markets, Aeriz prioritizes building relationships with dispensaries while balancing high-volume production and premium quality. Ryan Thomas shares insights on overcoming marketing...

Daron Babin speaks with Dustin Hughes, Senior Account Executive at Rad Source Technologies. Since 1997 Rad Source Technologies has been the expert in providing renewable, non-isotope, ionizing radiation replacements for self-shielded gamma irradiators.  Pass state mandated testing levels with 99.9% confidence. Their patented photonic decontamination™ technology is the only remediation solution that penetrates the entire flower for cannabis decontamination without destroying the flower or...

Daron Babin catches up with Darren Gleeman, the managing partner of MBO Ventures, the cannabis industry's only investment bank dedicated to Employee Stock Ownership Plans. MBO Ventures is the cannabis industry’s only investment bank dedicated to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) which make the negative tax implications of 280E irrelevant. They hold a patent pending for its groundbreaking ESOP methodology. This methodology played a pivotal role in executing the cannabis industry’s first...

Grassroots Marketing welcomes Christy Fuicelli, the founder of MJ Attache. She shared insights into the creation of high-end luxury cannabis accessories, highlighting the discreet yet luxurious Anthony bag priced at $2150. Drawing from personal experiences, Fuicelli identified a market gap and emphasized innovative designs using Italian leather. Fuicelli's dedication to meeting diverse consumer needs within the cannabis community while maintaining elegance and functionality was...

Sandra Bergman, the founder and CEO of ESBE Marketing, emphasized the significance of effective loyalty programs in retail cannabis operations. She stressed the need for businesses to analyze loyalty program performance through metrics, engage customers beyond discounts, and promote loyalty programs through in-store execution. Strategies for incentivizing bud tenders were explored, including tying incentives to loyalty sign-ups and utilizing various touchpoints within dispensaries. Sandra...

Legal cannabis businesses in California are hindered by limited city approvals, leading to the growth of the illicit market. Michael Moussalli's High Seas dispensary stands out through its ocean conservation theme, commitment to sustainability, and personalized shopping experience. Exotic aquarium attractions along with a focus on quality products and community engagement, High Seas aims to innovate and lead in sustainable cannabis retail practices. Advertising Inquiries:...

Grassroots Marketing welcomes back Harrison Bard with Custom Cones USA about a new campaign where they are seeking skilled content creators in the cannabis industry for a unique job opportunity. The focus is on finding candidates with social media expertise, content creation skills, and a deep understanding of the cannabis market. iPhone stresses the importance of professionalism, personal branding, and debunking marketing myths. Harrison emphasizes Day Savers' quest for individuals to...

The upcoming opening of the Cannabis Hall of Fame aims to celebrate industry pioneers and celebrities like Henry Ford and Wanda James, focusing on business success and cultural heritage. Tony Schor, President, Investor Awareness, Inc. & Chairman of the Cannabis Hall of Fame discusses the initiative prioritizes merit-based inductions and aims to showcase cannabis brands through interactive exhibits at Cannabition (located inside Planet 13 Las Vegas), fostering community engagement and...