Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol. 6 Issue 2 i Cannabis & Tech Today

FROM THE EDITOR Let’s kick this special edition off with what everyone’s asking for: Some guy! Bad jokes aside, we here at Cannabis & Tech Today hope you enjoy this special Women in Cannabis edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together. It was a labor of love that many on the team had long strived to bring to life— especially Chief Revenue Officer Jessica Ferranti—a 10-year cannabis entrepreneur. Thanks to her and feedback from other women leaders on the Cannabis & Tech Today team, we successfully featured as many perspectives and sectors in the market as possible. It is no surprise that there are tons of amazing women in cannabis, but as the data show, there could be more. However, there is no doubt a growing number of…

Cannabis Europa This year’s Cannabis Europa event brought together more than 1,500 cannabis leaders, brands, investors, politicians, and other power players in London on June 25 and 26. With a goal to drive the European market further, the event featured a flurry of activity and conversations around legalized nations and what’s on the horizon for the continent and beyond. CHAMPS Las Vegas The 2024 iteration of the Las Vegas CHAMPS Trade Show brought together numerous names in weed, including major players, top brands, celebrities, and more. The three-day event, which ran from July 23 to July 26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, featured several exhibition halls and nearby fun on the famed Vegas Strip. Flower Expo Michigan The inaugural Flower Expo Michigan 2024 brought together over 300 dispensaries and…

Alexandra Morris, president, co-owner, and creative director of the Buffalo, New York-based firm IV Thought, drives innovation with every challenge. From revolutionizing packaging like the Pop-Vac Jars to leveraging her experience beyond cannabis, Morris knows what it takes to stay ahead in business. Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with Morris about these topics and more in a recent interview. This interview has been edited for length and readability. Cannabis & Tech Today: How do you balance leadership and creativity as CMO and CoOwner of IV Thought? Alexandra Morris: Balancing leadership and creativity as the CMO and Co-Owner of IV Thought involves a strategic approach that combines vision, collaboration, and adaptability. Through years of product development, business ownership, marketing experience, data collection, and being entrenched in the entire business of IV…

// FINANCE AND INVESTING // Presented By Jaime Lyn Soares, president of High Times Accounting, is a veteran accountant, servicing various traditional sectors as a financial services provider. That expertise led to the founding of her venture, alongside collaborator Claire Burkard. What started out as a temporary accounting project with a dispensary led to the founding of High Times Accounting in 2022, providing expert financial management services to the budding cannabis sector, with a primary focus on New England. The venture was launched as a separate entity to keep the plant services separate from their accounting work in other sectors. The Massachusetts-based venture offers cannabis brands a range of financial services, including bookkeeping and payroll services to tax filing and preparation, with a focus on small to medium companies. The firm…

“There is a serious lack of education in public officials as to what they are trying to regulate and (they) don’t want to take the time to really learn about it,” said Craig Katz, government relations and compliance manager of CBD Kratom, the largest privately held cannabis retailer in North America. Katz was referring to governmental attempts to outlaw delta-8 products, which would affect “most family farms.” Delta-8 THC, a natural cannabinoid found in marijuana plants, was discovered in the 1940s. It appears in small amounts, and scientists have since learned how to extract and isolate the cannabinoid for use in other products. Although delta-8 has existed over 80 years, it has experienced a huge uptick in popularity since hemp became legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. That legislation defined…

// SOCIAL IMPACT // Presented by: My name is Frederika Easley, producer and host of “The People Are Blunt” podcast, part of The People’s Ecosystem and vice president of Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA). As I step into the nonprofit space and onboard into my new position as the executive director of the Cannabis Impact Fund (CIF), I felt the urge to and importance of being really clear on what things mean to me. Words matter and in order for people to move forward in the most efficient ways, we must be on the same page and in congruence. With that in mind, I’ll be sharing with you my thoughts on words, ideas, and situations. My goal is that this helps you see my why, my passion. My hope is that…

Drudys Ledbetter, BSN, RN, registered nurse, advocate and cannabis entrepreneur As a nurse with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how effective cannabis can be in treating a variety of medical conditions. Personally, I’ve used cannabis to manage my anxiety and depression, and it has become a valuable part of my treatment plan. My expertise in this area also extends to my family—my mother, for instance, started using cannabis because she found it particularly helpful in its topical form for relieving pain and discomfort. From my professional and personal experience, I’ve observed that many women turn to cannabis for similar reasons, including pain management and addressing chronic issues like menstrual pain and endometriosis. The growing use of CBD suppositories for targeted pain relief in the pelvic region further…

RETAIL TECH ISSUE Discover the latest innovations and revolutionary tech cannabis retail has to offer. From state-of-the-art systems to advanced management tools to tons more, the retail tech edition will deliver critical insights to help readers stay competitive and compliant. Learn how retail technology enhances efficiency, elevates experiences, and streamlines solutions across the cannabis retail landscape. TIPS AND TECH FOR OWNERS Staying competitive in cannabis often requires being ahead of the curve. In the retail tech edition, readers will get just that with insights into the latest in retail tech and other helpful tips for cannabis operators. Discover insights from industry experts who’ve walked the path to success. Also hear from developers of leading tech aimed at making brands more efficient and successful. DEEP DIVES: COMPLIANCE, MARKETING, SALES AND MORE…

Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW, serves as the Chief Knowledge Officer for New Frontier Data. With over 20 years of experience, Reiman has dedicated her career to exploring the intricate relationship between cannabis, its consumers, and society at large. Her expertise as a social scientist makes her a respected voice in the cannabis industry, particularly in understanding how this plant intersects with public policy, health, and social norms. Marcia Pledger is a seasoned business journalist and editor based in Florida, who deeply believes in the power of information. Whether hosting cannabis conferences in Ohio or serving as the Florida state director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Pledger’s mission is clear: people make better decisions when they are well-informed. Her work spans journalism, advocacy, and cannabis education, all aimed at creating a…

When it comes to marketing cannabis, the word “complicated” is an understatement. You want to be creative in finding ways to connect with consumers, but content that’s allowed in one state or social media platform may not be allowed in another state. That’s a problem. These days cannabis is legal in most states, yet it’s still illegal at the federal level, so social media platforms often shun cannabis promotions. Whether it’s on a local, regional, or national level, some mainstream publications are not willing to run ads. Cannabis business operators know the basics, such as not targeting youth or creating ads for cannabis products in ways that are deceptive, false, or misleading. They also understand ways to get around challenges such as writing blogs and articles, producing podcasts, and participating…

While she may not be a household name in the cannabis industry (yet), Dale Bellisfield’s honorable decades-long pursuit to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern medicine has produced profound, intangible benefits that will last us generations to come. As a young girl, Bellisfield recalls a core memory of being captivated by the peculiar scent of root beer from the sassafras roots in her family's backyard. So distinct and powerful, it laid the foundation for a lifelong passion in herbalism. It was only when she embarked on a journey of facing her own health challenges that a career path in plant medicine was ignited. “I truly understood the power of plants”, she said. Bellisfield began an apprenticeship with renowned herbalists and practitioners, from Wise Woman Robin Rose Bennett, Cherokee…

// FINANCE AND INVESTING // Presented By Stacy Litke, VP of Banking Programs, Green Check The passage of either SAFE or SAFER Banking would better connect more cannabis businesses to more financial institutions, which would improve the products and services available as well as the monthly pricing. The rescheduling of marijuana has the potential to greatly reduce the tax burden on the industry and improve profitability. Stronger profitability will then position the cannabis industry for better opportunities for capital and quicker payment cycles, both of which would have a positive ripple effect. That said, neither of these changes will result in any less compliance burden for financial institutions, so whether or not any regulatory change happens, there will still be an expectation of enhanced due diligence and monitoring of activity. Jeanne…

When I joined the cannabis industry in 2014, it couldn’t have been further from my chosen career path of journalism. I started my career as a professional journalist in 2001 and one week later, we were attacked on September 11th. For the next 10 years, I covered breaking news for NBC, FOX NEWS, and ABC. It was rewarding covering the things that mattered to people. On my path as a journalist, I interviewed and reported on a lot of politicians and political stories and when the opportunity presented itself to work for one of my home state congressmen, I jumped at the chance. I became the communications director for Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA). All of these jobs came with morality clauses and cannabis was a “no.” After I left Capitol…

// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Growing Grön Grön has grown into a massive player in the edibles space. CEO and Founder Christine Apple recently spoke with Cannabis & Tech Today Editor-in-Chief Charles Warner to learn about Grön’s origins and how it evolved into the massive edible brand it is today. Cannabis & Tech Today: How does it feel to be a woman-owned company leading innovation and growth in a traditionally male-dominated industry? Christine Apple: You know, it’s interesting. People ask me that, and, in my prior life, I was an architect. So I was in the development world, which is in construction, which is massively maledominated. Coming into cannabis, even in the early days, felt very refreshing to me. There’s something about this industry and that it’s still really blossoming and figuring…

Danielle Wildstein, Founder and CEO of Blue Oak Dispensary (New Jersey) The New Jersey market is experiencing high competition and saturation. An overabundance of licenses concentrated in relatively small markets is leading to diminishing profits and putting significant stress on the retailers to remain operating and successful. The state needs more municipalities to participate in the adult-use program. Increased participation in a larger footprint will enable retailers to establish deeper connections with their communities. Amber Shimpa, CEO, Vireo Health of Minnesota With adult-use sales expected to begin in Minnesota in 2025, the state’s regulatory agency is now in the process of developing the licensing, regulatory procedures, and infrastructure needed to support this new adult-use program while businesses and entrepreneurs are establishing or expanding their operations. Standing up new programs and…

Shabnam Malek entered the cannabis law space around 2012, when her firm’s founding partner saw that the burgeoning sector could use some legal support with critical issues like brand protection. Since then, she has launched firms, advised organizations, and performed other roles related to trademarks, advertising, and other crucial business components. As an Advisor for the Cannabis Media Council, Malek has been a leading voice in establishing advertising guidelines. The organization recently released its revised guidelines for responsible advertising. In August, Malek spoke with Cannabis & Tech Today Managing Editor Andrew Ward to discuss the guidelines and other regulatory issues surrounding cannabis. Cannabis & Tech Today: What are the most significant legal challenges facing cannabis companies today, particularly in the realm of trademark law? Shabnam Malek: What’s had my attention…

As the cannabis market expands and competition intensifies both domestically and internationally, cannabis processors are focused on optimizing their operations to achieve the maximum efficiency and quality. A key factor influencing efficiency and quality is the processor’s choice of extraction method. There are numerous common extraction techniques, including supercritical CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, and hydrocarbon extraction. However, many processors also use less common techniques such as pressurized liquid extraction, ultrasonication-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction Each extraction method has its own advantages and drawbacks, but optimizing solvent use and recovery processes can significantly improve both efficiency and yield across all techniques. Here’s a closer look at the most effective and efficient extraction methods employed by processors worldwide. Supercritical CO2 Extraction: High Purity at a Higher Cost Supercritical CO2 extraction is popular…

When it comes to the battle of the sexes, everyone has an opinion. Are women funnier? Are all men clueless? Why argue about silly things like intelligence and wit when we can argue about more important things, like which gender can roll better blunts? Because let’s face it, that’s true supremacy. Women are better at rolling than men. Look, I don’t make the rules, but I have empirical evidence that women are the fairer gender when it comes to rolling a green burrito. Physically, women tend to have smaller hands than men. This means that their delicate fingers can work a paper into a joint with precision and finesse. I’ll take a small-handed woman over a sausaged-fingered guy to roll a better joint any day. We all know that rolling…

The Top Five Health Conditions Women are Treating with Cannabis I began working in the cannabis space more than 20 years ago when we were all activists and the main point of cannabis policy reform was ending criminal prosecution. As the industry has grown in the years since, cannabis has become a symbol for issues greater than itself: • The continued illegality of cannabis in some states and at the federal level represents racially motivated policing. • The need for well-crafted and effective social equity programs speaks to the negative impacts of the war on drugs. • The focus on testing and product safety shines a light on balancing regulation and personal freedom. • The access to medical cannabis shifts focus to the dangers of opiates and other pharmaceutical drugs…

Jessica Reilly, Cannabis Writer and Editor, Fat Nugs Magazine (U.S.A.) America leads the world in cannabis normalization. Despite the patchwork of laws at the state level mismatched with federal regulations, over half of Americans live where weed is legal in some capacity. You need only look at Snoop Dogg at the Olympics to see how normal cannabis has become in American culture. Addison Herron-Wheeler, Co-publisher and Editor-in Chief at Outfront Magazine (OFM) (U.S.A.) The cannabis industry in Colorado is suffering. Many people who used to regularly advertise with local publications and support their community are no longer able to justify staying in the state or in business at all. On a broader scale, I’ve met folks from California who said they relocated here because cannabis is struggling even more there.…

For over 20 years, Masha Belinson, AKA Masha Ty (pronounced “T”), has resolved significant challenges for Fortune 500 companies in the areas of omnichannel marketing, eCommerce, application development, compliance, talent acquisition, resource planning, and brand activations. Ty brings her passion and experience to the cannabis and psychedelics sectors. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from American University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from George Washington University, Ty’s qualifications are a testament to her readiness to tackle the challenges of these developing sectors. Ty works across sectors for cannabis and hemp compliance, entheogens research, and analytical testing for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and International Standards Organization (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) accredited, ACS Laboratory, which tests flower, concentrates, extracts, beverages, transdermal patches, vapes, inhalers, topicals, gummies, and…

// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Dana E. Shoched: Veteran. Visionary. Vape Leader Navy veteran and O2VAPE founder, president, and CEO Dana E. Shoched entered the cannabis space after honing her craft in fields like pharmaceutical sales and toxicology for approximately 16 years. With a firm understanding of the problems facing many in this country, Shoched entered the cannabis market to become part of the medical cannabis community and the number of individuals in need. Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with Shoched to learn more about her and O2VAPE’s journey over the past decade. Cannabis & Tech Today: Can you share your journey into the cannabis industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Dana E. Shoched: When I left the Navy, and I entered into pharmaceutical sales for…

// SOCIAL IMPACT // Presented by: Amanda Reiman, PhD MSW, Chief Knowledge, Officer New Frontier Data I began working in the cannabis space over 20-plus years ago when we were all activists, and the main point of cannabis policy reform was ending criminal prosecution. In the years since, and as the industry has grown, cannabis has become a symbol for issues greater than itself. The continued illegality of cannabis in some states and at the federal level represents racially motivated policing. The need for well-crafted and effective social equity programs speaks to the negative impacts of the war on drugs. The focus on testing and product safety shines a light on the balance between regulation and personal freedom. Access to medical cannabis shifts focus to the dangers of opiates and other…

Kim Rivers is one of the most enigmatic and wellknown individuals in the cannabis industry for a variety of reasons, but most importantly, it’s for building one of the most successful multi-state cannabis operators (MSOs) in the United States, Trulieve. Her business acumen and ability to scale Trulieve in a medical market, while remaining profitable, is undeniable. However, there is another side to Rivers, focused on her advocacy for legalization. Despite its market size, Florida is still just a medical market with a huge upcoming ballot initiative, Amendment 3. In Florida, there is a lot at stake for her brand and the entire cannabis industry as a whole. Heck, even The Donald himself has recently weighed in somewhat positively on cannabis and Amendment 3, understanding what is at stake with…

DARK Sheik is a powerhouse in professional wrestling. In 2010, the independent star founded the promotion HOODSLAM. The Bay Area-based independent promotion highlights various wrestlers usually overlooked by the mainstream wrestling industry, including many pro-pot figures, herself included. Starting her in-ring career in 2001, DARK Sheik (Sam Khandaghabadi) built a reputation in the wrestling scene for her vibrant persona and impressive in-ring performances, earning 11 championships through various promotions throughout the United States, Canada, England, Finland, and Japan. Beyond titles, she champions wrestling fans to be their authentic selves, with her Trans pride and Persian culture proudly on display. DARK Sheik has cultivated a reputation for her creative approaches to combining cannabis and the art of professional wrestling. A prime example is the innovative match stipulations in HOODSLAM, such as…

OCTOBER 3-4 | CannaCon Cleveland | Cleveland, OH 4-5 | NECANN’s Connecticut Cannabis Convention | Hartford, CT 10-12 | Alternative Product Expo | Atlanta, GA 25-26 | New York Cannabis and Hemp Convention | Albany, NY NOVEMBER 1-2, 4 | Ohio Cannabis Expo 2024 | Canton, OH 5-7 | MJ Unpacked | St. Louis, MO 12 | Business of Cannabis: New York | New York, NY 13-15 | The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association’s DC Industry and Policy Summit | Washington, D.C. DECEMBER 1-5 | International Weed Science Congress | Jerusalem, Israel 3-6 | MJBizCon 2024 | Las Vegas, NV Can’t wait for the next cannabis event? Scan now to discover what’s happening worldwide with the Cannabis & Tech Today Events Calendar.…