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My favorite time of the year is quickly approaching. As I went outside this morning to work on this year’s firewood stockpile, I quickly retreated to grab a hoodie as the temps were in the low 50s. There is much work to be done in the coming months with the reward of a hot cup of coffee enjoyed by the woodstove as the pace of life slows.
Our cultivators are also entering a busy and stressful time of the year. If you know a grower, this is the perfect time to give them words of encouragement and thank them for their hard work and dedication.
Speaking of slowing down, kids are heading back to school to enjoy new laughs with friends and to continue their educational journey. Please be patient and extra cautious on the roads as our precious little ones at times dilly dally and run amuck getting on and off the bus. A reminder to never drive after you have consumed should not have to be given, but I feel inclined to do so.
I’d also like to suggest that you help educate those who are new to the cannabis scene on how to responsibly enjoy the benefits of this incredible plant. The industry is changing so quickly these days, and it is easy to get conflicting, and at times bad, information.
I’d like to end by giving a sincere thank you to our advertisers and our readers. Your continued support means the world to us – without you, we wouldn’t be here. We are always looking for ways to improve, and I urge to share your thoughts and opinions with us. This community relies on those with different and unique perspectives, letting their voices be heard and that is what we strive to do.
Thank you, friends. I look forward to connecting with you again soon.
Nate Kurash
THE law Summer in Review
by Gregory W. Lane, Lane Law PLLC
From a legal perspective, this past summer saw positive developments on the regulatory side of the legal cannabis market as well as on the enforcement side. Operation Padlock to Protect, the illicit shop crackdown initiative launched by Governor Hochul in the spring, lead to the closing of more than 1,000 illicit shops across the state as of the end of July.
Operation Padlock to Protect, however, has been subject to legal scrutiny. In August, Queens County Court Judge Kevin Kerrigan wrote that “summarily shuttering businesses prior to taking necessary steps to determine whether a violation has occurred” violated basic due process rights granted by the U.S. Constitution. Moving forward, authorities will need to be certain that they’ve reached a reasonable determination, with objective, concrete evidence, that illicit activity has occurred at a retail location prior to taking any enforcement action.
In addition to cracking down on illicit cannabis shops, the state, led by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), has been taking enforcement action against hemp stores which the OCM believes are selling hemp
products that do not meet the limitations enabling them to be sold legally. There are THC and THCA packaging and labeling limitations and guidelines that must be followed for intoxicating hemp products to be sold legally. The OCM claims that many hemp stores’ products exceed THC and THCA limits.
On the licensure front, as of this writing there are 171 legal retail dispensaries open and operating across the state. It is expected that many more licenses will be announced at the Cannabis Control Board’s September meeting. The OCM continues to work its way through the remainder of the more than 7,000 license applications it has received. The OCM stated at the August CCB meeting that it intends to have all those applications reviewed by the end of this year.
At the end of spring, Felicia Reid was appointed to replace Chris Alexander as the OCM’s executive director. One of her immediate initiatives was to address license application procedures. Previously, an applicant’s file was handled and reviewed by many different departments and staffers; under Reid’s new system,
each applicant will have a single point of contact. This is intended to enhance communication and information flow between applicants and the OCM. In addition, the OCM is transitioning its forms and submission process to the New York Business Express website – which was used initially by licensees to submit their applications.
One aspect of the application and post-licensure award process that is currently in transition and that is very relevant to applicants and existing licensees is the True Party In Interest (TPI) submission process. TPIs are persons who must disclose to the OCM information about their personal, business and financial affairs.
The OCM is revising its TPI disclosure process and recently stated that as it transitions to the New York Business Express website, it will not be accepting TPI disclosures via the prior method. This is affecting existing licensees who, because of a change in their business plan or capital or ownership structure, would be seeking OCM (and in some instances CCB) approval prior to moving forward with a new arrangement. The OCM has said that, in instances where licensees need
OCM approval, they may move forward but do so at their own risk.
Finally, on the national level, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has scheduled an administrative hearing for December 2 to listen to experts testify on de-listing cannabis as a federally banned narcotic. Although the meeting will be after the presidential election, it’s a positive development on the de-listing front nonetheless.
Greg Lane has been practicing real estate law and business transactions for more than 35 years. In addition to his work in the cannabis space, he practices in all areas of real estate and commercial and business planning and transactions. For more information, call 585-455-3674 or email glane@lanelawpllc.com.
Untamed Beauties
by Levi LeGrow
Part II: The Final Bloom
We’re back with our third home grow of FLX420, taking a look at our (mostly) hands-off approach. As I mentioned in the Summer 2024 issue, I decided to try a simplified approach to growing with no trimming or topping. After overseeing the plants through the vegetative stage, it’s time to see how they mastered the flowering stage.
June 1: The growth surge
The plants were thriving, so I made some key adjustments to boost their growth. I increased the light intensity from 70 percent to 85 percent, mimicking stronger sunlight, and turned up the ventilation fan to manage the extra heat. This kept the tent’s temperature between 78 and 82°F, with humidity holding steady at 46 to 48 percent – a result I was happy with.
July 12: Transition to flowering
By mid-July, the plants had grown so tall they were almost touching the lights, which created new challenges. After raising the light to its highest point, the plants were still just 20 inches below, signaling it was time to begin the flowering phase. I was a bit concerned that I had let them grow too long, knowing they would stretch further after the flip. I switched the light cycle from 18/6 to 12/12 to trigger flowering. Instead of heavy trimming, I focused on removing dead leaves during twice-weekly waterings, allowing the plants to grow more naturally. I continued using the Heavy 16 VEG A & B feeding schedule, which had
been effective so far. (See flowering photos 1 and 2)
July 26: Space constraints
By late July, the plants had grown so vigorously that managing them in a single tent became a real challenge. The tent was overcrowded, and maneuvering around the plants to water them properly was getting cumbersome. Recognizing the need for more space, I decided to split the plants into two separate tents. This adjustment was crucial to ensure that each plant had the room it needed to keep developing properly. In the future, if I go with this “untamed” approach again, I’ll definitely take plant density into account. Four untrimmed plants in a 5- by 5-foot tent proved too ambitious. In hindsight, limiting it to one or two would have avoided these overcrowding issues. (See photo 3)
August 29: Bud development and nutrient management
Another month had passed, and it was time to make further adjustments to the grow environment. I reduced the light intensity in both tents to 50 percent, aiming to better manage overall growth and focus the plants’ energy on bud development rather than excessive leaf production. Up to this point, the upper and mid-level canopy had shown signs of large, well-formed buds, reflecting their positive response to the current environment and feeding schedule. Some leaf die-off occurred, which is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle as it reallocates resources.
Plants beginning to flower
The lower branches, however, continued to produce smaller, “popcorn” buds, which is typical when plants aren’t trimmed and maintained. This week, I adjusted the Heavy 16 VEG A & B feeding schedule to reduce the nutrientto-water ratio as we approached harvest. This reduction encouraged the plants to use their own nutrient
reserves, redirecting energy toward enhancing overall bud growth in the final stages. (See photo 4)
September 3: Final stages of growing
As September began, the final phase of the grow cycle kicked off. I cut nutrients to their lowest levels by following the Heavy 16
VEG A & B feeding schedule. I also reduced the light intensity to 40 percent, signaling to the plants that it’s time to transition into the final stages before harvest. The buds looked healthy and promising, with the upper buds being particularly impressive. Although the lower buds remained smaller, the overall yield will be impressive.
One of the first 36 dispensary licenses to be granted in New York State, Aspire offers a boutique style shopping experience, along with the option to order online for in-store pickup. Among the options for purchase are various strains of cannabis, an assortment of edibles, pre-rolls, oils, smoking accessories, merchandise, and more.
flavors that can result from nutrient buildup. Additionally, flushing improves the smoking experience by clearing out impurities, leading to a smoother smoke that’s gentler on the throat. Lastly, proper flushing results in better ash quality, typically producing white ash when burned, which signifies a cleaner, well-cured product, unlike the black ash that can indicate excess nutrients.
From seed to sale
From seed to sale we have you covered.
September 9: The crucial flushing phase for a perfect harvest
•
Whether your business is focused in the medical or recreational area of cannabis, you will face both challenges and opportunities. The success of your business will rest largely on the decisions you make in the early stages. With all the risk you will face on a daily basis, having a comprehensive insurance program with a trusted partner is imperative.
This is expected to be the final week and a half of my grow before harvesting, and it’s time to begin “flushing” the plants. For this period, I will feed only properly pH-balanced water to flush the plants. Flushing is a crucial practice
JD Chapman offers special insurance for the Cannabis industry including:
• Marijuana Growers / Cultivators
• Medical / Recreational Dispensaries
• Edible Marijuana Manufacturing
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in the final stage of growth, aimed at enhancing the quality of the harvested buds. This process removes excess nutrients from overfeeding – salts and residues that can affect the taste, smell and smoothness of the buds. By flushing, I ensure that the buds develop a cleaner taste and aroma, avoiding harsh, metallic or chemical
Looking ahead: Harvesting and next steps
Stay tuned for the next update, where I’ll guide you through the harvesting process. I hope this experience proves valuable to fellow growers and helps you achieve your own successes. Until then, let’s keep growing and thriving together!
• Hemp Growers / Cultivators
• CBD (Cannabidiol) Product Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Retailers
Product Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Retailers
From seed to sale we have you covered.
From seed to sale we have you
• Manufacturers of Cannabis-Infused Products and Oils, Waxes, and Tinctures
• Ancillary Cannabis Businesses
Whether your business is focused in the medical or recreational area of cannabis, you will face both challenges and opportunities. The success of your business will rest largely on the decisions you make in the early stages. With all the risk you will face on a daily basis, having a comprehensive insurance program with a trusted partner is imperative.
Whether your business is focused in the medical or recreational area of cannabis, you will face both challenges and opportunities. The success of your business will rest largely on the decisions you make in the early stages. With all the risk you will face on a daily basis, having a comprehensive insurance program with a trusted partner is imperative.
• Lessor’s Risk for Cannabis Related Tenants
JD Chapman offers special insurance for the Cannabis industry including:
JD Chapman offers special insurance for the Cannabis industry including:
• Marijuana Growers / Cultivators
• Marijuana Growers / Cultivators
• Medical / Recreational Dispensaries
• Medical / Recreational Dispensaries
• Edible Marijuana Manufacturing
• Edible Marijuana Manufacturing
• Testing Laboratories
• Testing Laboratories
• Hemp Growers / Cultivators
• Hemp Growers / Cultivators
• CBD (Cannabidiol) Product Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Retailers
• CBD (Cannabidiol) Product Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Retailers
• Manufacturers of Cannabis-Infused and Oils, Waxes, and Tinctures
• Ancillary Cannabis Businesses
• Lessor’s Risk for Cannabis Related
• Manufacturers of Cannabis-Infused Products and Oils, Waxes, and Tinctures
• Manufacturers of Cannabis-Infused Products and Oils, Waxes, and Tinctures
• Ancillary Cannabis Businesses
• Ancillary Cannabis Businesses
• Lessor’s Risk for Cannabis Related Tenants
Trichomes up close
A Guide to Home Cultivation
as Outlined by the OCM
A Drive to
Dryden Dispensary
by Victoria Ritter
Acouple decades ago, Kevin Cossaboon hardly dared to dream of cannabis becoming legalized, let alone owning a dispensary. He achieved his dream this year when Dryden Dispensary opened its doors on May 6.
“It feels great to have reached the top of the industry,” Cossaboon stated. “I’ve spent so much time and energy in the past 25 years around cannabis. Now I can feel proud of it and not feel like a criminal.”
Cossaboon has been familiar with cannabis since his high school days. In 1999 he went a step further and began blowing glass, crafting bongs and pipes. The venture became a business with Cossaboon and his friends selling the glassworks to smoke shops across the Northeast until around 2004. He eventually came to work as a manager for a couple smoke shops owned by Chris Diemand. “I’ve been working in head shops since then,” Cossaboon said. “For the last 25 years, my career has been solely around cannabis.”
Once New York legalized cannabis and the state market was gaining traction, Cossaboon got together with his long-time friend Geneva Riley and Diemand to make plans on opening a new dispensary; Riley co-owns Dryden Dispensary while Diemand serves as its landlord and consultant. The area around Ithaca was their prime focus, as Diemand resides there and Cossaboon
lived in the city for more than 15 years before moving closer to Binghampton.
The dispensary is located at 2207 Dryden Road/Route 13 between Dryden and Ithaca, surrounded by farmland. Its position is ideal. “All the traffic going from Ithaca to Syracuse to get on 81 brings in a lot of commuters,” Cossaboon said. “It’s very convenient for our customers.”
What’s in store
Dryden Dispensary’s show floor extends to about 800 square feet. Upon entering, guests can check out store-themed merchandise and go through the security check in the foyer. Inside, cannabis products – grouped by section – occupy glass cases arranged in a horseshoe.
The dispensary not only offers a wide selection of consumable items including flower, edibles, beverages, vapes and concentrates, but also provides items typically found in a smoke shop such as vaporizers, rolling trays, pipes, bongs, cartridge batteries and dab tools. “Everything you’d find at an every-day smoke shop we have in-house,” Cossaboon said.
There are more than 900 cannabis products in the dispensary’s catalog, about 600 of which are in stock,
according to Cossaboon. Prices range across all price points, from $6 for a half-gram pre-roll to $250 for an ounce of flower. “We try to have everything possible for every budget,” he added.
“Everybody can afford something out of here.”
Local support is very important to Cossaboon. Area glassblowers make some of the bongs and pipes. Local brands including Humble Hill Farm, Rolling Green Cannabis, Electraleaf New York and Florist Farms have products on display.
“Some of the people I was working with 15 years ago growing cannabis are now licensed farmers. We get to work together legally, and it’s amazing,” Cossaboon said. “It’s great meeting all of these like-minded people. I love working with them.”
Dryden Dispensary’s bestseller is flower, followed closely by edibles, especially gummies, said Cossaboon. “I was surprised to see that a lot of people want to buy bigger quantities of flower. A lot of people want to buy an ounce or half ounce of flower, so we always make sure we have that stocked.”
The Dryden experience
The dispensary’s most unique feature is its on-the-go orders; Dryden Dispensary has the first legal recreational cannabis drivethru in New York. Drive-thru orders are required to be made and paid in advance online through the Dutchie system. Once an order is submitted, budtenders set it aside for the customer. The customer can then come to the window, show their ID and finalize the transaction. One major requirement is that everyone in the vehicle must have an ID and the purchaser must be present.
Despite the ease of access that the drive-thru offers, most of Dyrden Dispensary’s customers come in the front doors. “A lot of people want the experience of coming into the store,”
Cossaboon explained. “They like the look of everything and want to check things out. I think a lot of our drive-thru customers are regular customers and customers who know exactly what they want and want to just pick up and go.”
Cossaboon hopes that all customers experience a professional and “super-friendly atmosphere” whenever they walk in. The staff of 10 budtenders, most of whom are full-time, are ready and willing to put their respective cannabis backgrounds to use to help.
The dispensary welcomes adults of all ages from many walks of life, though a majority are between 35 and 55 years old. “In my experience, I feel like a lot of people decided they wanted to use cannabis again,” Cossaboon observed. “They might have tried it in the past, but because it was illegal and difficult to acquire, they didn’t bother. Now that it’s legal and they know they’re going to get a clean, good product, they will try – and they are.”
It’s still early days for the dispensary, but Cossaboon is open to the possibility of hosting on-site events. They had one vendor host a successful pop-up stand inside to talk with customers, and he plans to host similar events with other vendors.
“We do have an acre of land here. It would be cool to host food trucks or something,” Cossaboon added.
In the meantime, Cossaboon enjoys the people he works with, from the vendors and staff to customers. He especially appreciates when the dispensary is filled with the sound of conversations between patrons and budtenders.
“I love that sound on the sales floor. Everybody’s talking and laughing and happy. It’s a great atmosphere, for sure. I love coming here every day.”
Time for a
Trim Up
by Victoria Ritter
Harvest season has arrived for many growers across Upstate New York. Yet cannabis cultivators face significant obstacles such as processing large harvests, meeting compliance regulations and financing multiple expenses to get their flower on dispensary shelves.
Enter Trimmr, a specialized rental equipment company based in the Hudson Valley. Its goal is to makes the whole process – from trimming to packaging and marketing – more feasible for growers.
Founders Johnny LeHane and Leon Greene have long had an interest in supporting workforce development in Central New York as managing members of the Hudson Valley Start Up Fund. When cannabis was legalized, they saw an opportunity to help local economies.
They discovered that handtrimming a pound of cannabis typically takes eight hours of manual labor. With the surplus of cannabis grown in 2023, it would take millions of hours of manpower to trim all of it. Together, they founded Trimmr to help area cannabis companies remain competitive in the state market.
“They saw a need in the marketplace for these farmers who saw cannabis as a cash crop but weren’t prepared for all of the intricacies that the market demands to get their end product to consumers,” said Colin Glaum, chief marketing officer. “We’ve organized ourselves around
the needs of the farmers to make sure they can be successful in the face of really stiff competition from MSOs (multi-state operators) and other large operators.”
making it ready for purchase. Finally, agile growth offers sales support, marketing tools and insight on customer relationships to best sell the goods to dispensaries.
your crop and control of the outcomes, both of the physical product and the financial aspect,” LeHane explained.
One unique aspect of Trimmr is its onsite processing capabilities. Its industrial trailer (there are two more set to launch later this fall) is equipped with two Mobius M108 trimmers that can trim up to 350 pounds of cannabis per day. Trimmr can also manufacture up to 7,000 pre-rolls a day, with new machinery on the way that can turn out up to 20,000 joints a day.
Quality and safety are key goals for Trimmr operations. Each trailer is
“I
outfitted with 4K cameras for workers’ safety and process documentation. Equipment is regularly cleaned and changed out between strains. The company utilizes Starlink Communications to ensure phone and internet access in remote areas. Typically, five to six people work in each trailer, though there have been times when more people are needed to cover multiple shifts.
“It really is flexible and customizable to the client’s needs,” Glaum said.
Trimmr has worked with a range of crop sizes, from thousands of pounds to no less than 50 pounds. “We’ve
had instances where folks bring their flower to another location so three farms can use our services over the course of a day or two,” LeHane said. “We’re exploring collaborations where that makes sense.”
A local effort
When it comes to staffing operations, Trimmr prioritizes workers near their customers. Once a new client is on board, the company will begin a recruitment campaign; those interested in being hired can visit trimmr.com/join-us. Trimmr takes
(continued on page
GLENNA COLAPRETE, OWNER & CEO, GLENNA’S
dank tank
How to Smoke Weed FOR DUMMIES
I’ve been smoking weed since I was 13 years old, and in my experience, most people in my circle also started young. The community I’m part of has always revolved around cannabis, which was once an illegal drug but is now recognized as a safer alternative to other legal recreational substances.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of introducing many people to cannabis for the first time. This is something I hold dear – it’s spiritual to me, just as it was taught to me in a spiritual way. During the “drug war,” those of us involved didn’t see cannabis as a drug but as a medicine that helped us get
through tough times and daily life. Cannabis is different from other substances for many reasons. For one, it’s a plant that’s used in its natural form – grown, harvested, dried and then consumed. This contrasts with medications or alcohol, which are often altered with toxins and chemicals and come
other unhealthy foods. This has led to accidental intoxication in young people, but even then, no deaths –unlike Tylenol.
If you stick to the purest form of cannabis, it’s as simple as growing the plant, harvesting it, drying it and smoking it. That’s it! Throughout history, people have smoked cannabis and tobacco for their benefits.
This is why I recommend that people who are trying cannabis for the first time to use it in its simplest form – preferably a joint, though a glass pipe will work, too. But before we get into that, there’s something even more important to consider:
“Cannabis isn’t meant to be a way to escape your problems; it’s something you use to calm down, reflect and figure out solutions or set goals for your future.”
Cannabis Tax Attorney Licensing Enforcement
Text: 646-467-4646
experience, just buy low-quality weed from someone you don’t know, in a flashy Mylar bag, at a price that changes based on what you’re wearing. But for this edition of “The Dank Tank,” let’s imagine I’m taking you to buy your first bag of cannabis, and we’ll smoke it
Step 1: Acquiring the cannabis your weed (though I recommend something locally grown). No matter where you go, there will be different tiers of quality, and I always suggest choosing the
When selecting your cannabis, the first thing you should do – because this is your first experience – is pick something that smells good to you.
Cannabis contains terpenes that give off scents, and these scents resonate differently with each person. So, it’s very important to choose something that smells appealing to you personally. Remember, you should judge your cannabis based on scent, not appearance. Appearance is secondary to flavor and aroma.
But don’t worry— that’s where I come in. There are several
ways to check the quality of your cannabis before you buy and smoke it. After all, this is something I’ve been doing since I was 15.
Let’s say you’re looking at three different cannabis strains, each in the same size jar, but you can only pick one. You want the highest quality and the cleanest experience. This is where some knowledge of cannabis growing comes in handy.
Let’s visually inspect the flowers. The first jar has big, fluffy buds and is filled to the top. The second jar has less fluffy but not overly dense buds, filling the jar as expected. The third jar is only about a quarter full, but the buds are much denser.
Cannabis comes in many varieties and can grow differently
based on countless factors. Generally, if the buds are smaller and very dense, it might mean the grower overfed the plant, altering it from its natural state to increase yield or THC levels. That’s a red flag for jar number 3.
I’d suggest choosing jars 1 or 2 over 3 because the less you manipulate the plant, the better the quality and the more natural the expression of the flower. There are exceptions, but this is a good general rule.
Now, between jars 1 and 2, it really comes down to personal preference. Even if one plant was underfed and produced a lower yield, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s of lesser quality.
Without being able to feel the buds yourself (which you probably can’t if you’re new to this), there’s not much more you can do before making your purchase.
So let’s say, for the sake of argument, you choose the jar that looks more full, and we leave the dispensary excited to smoke cannabis for the first time.
Step 2: Smoking for the first time
When smoking cannabis for the first time—or any substance that affects your state of mind—you should do so in a comfortable environment with people who make you feel at ease. Let’s say we’re in a cozy living room on a couch with a table where you can prop up your feet … ahh.
Now, we need to decide how to consume the cannabis. I suggest a joint because it’s easier to control how much you’re inhaling compared to a pipe or bong. Plus, in my opinion, it gives you the most flavorful experience.
Since you’re new to this, I’ll roll the joint. Watch closely so you can learn how to do it yourself.
I roll it up, light it and pass it to you. When I do, I’ll tell you to take just a couple of small inhales at first. Focus on the flavor rather than the effect.
Never smoke with someone for the first time who might pressure you into smoking too much. This can lead to uncomfortable panic or anxiety attacks. But don’t let that scare you – these feelings usually happen when cannabis is misused or abused. Cannabis isn’t meant to be a way to escape your problems;
it’s something you use to calm down, reflect and figure out solutions or set goals for your future.
drugs, which can inflate your ego and numb your anxieties, cannabis does the opposite. It removes your ego and helps you connect with your emotions and the feelings of others – things the ego typically hides from our awareness.
Before you know it, you’ve smoked more of the joint, and we’ve been talking for over an hour –deep in conversation about how amazing this experience is and how wonderful it is to connect without the competition of our egos.
Follow Dr. Dank on Instagram @dr.dankensteins.
Legacy grown, premium cannabis flower prerolls
FLX420 Dispensary Directory
Legal dispensaries and CBD shops in the Finger Lakes Region
Recreational Dispensaries
400 River
400 River St., Troy 518-400-2278 400rivertroy.com
420 Bliss
740 Hoosick Rd., Troy 518-629-9511 420-bliss.com
716 Cannabis
2053 Electric Ave., Blasdell 716-826-0218 716cannabisllc.com
Amsterdam Cannabis 1451 State Highway 5s, Amsterdam damcanna.com
Aspire
205 N. Fulton St., Ithaca 607-319-4382 aspirecannabis.org
1901 Vestal Pkwy East, Suite 1B, Vestal 607-444-3048 getsunmed.com
If you know of a legal recreational dispensary, medical dispensary or CBD store Upstate New York that does not appear in this list, please reach out to us at info@flx420.com.
The mango ginger Fixer Upper from Eaton Botanicals is made with organic fruit puree infused with CBD, organic chaga mushrooms, turmeric and ginger. Ideal for providing relief on the inside or out. Available at Dryden Dispensary. drydendispensary. com
Watermelon Sugar gummies from Ithaca Organics Cannabis Co. provide a full-spectrum entourage effect while the fruit flavor balances with the limonene and myrcene. Contains 20 gummies. Available at Aspire. aspirecannabis.org
THE goods GROW GOODIES
GO Beans from 1906 are dark chocolate coffee beans combine caffeine and cannabis in a tasty treat. Each bean has 5mg THC and 5mg CBD, with 20 beans per package. Available at Just Breathe Finger Lakes
SmartAlgae Grow 4oz can be used as a foliar spray or applied directly to the growing medium. This solution is designed to increase your crop’s yield and growth development. smartalgaesolutions.com
The Diode-Series DC LED fixture from Dutch Lighting Innovations is suited for growing plants in spaces with little or no direct sunlight. The light output can be dimmed between 30 and 100 percent. Available through Harvest Moon Hydroponics hmoonhydro.com
This Mini Winged Totem Bird tube by @creepglass is 5-3/4 inches tall and has a 10mm 90-degree female G/G joint. Marvel at the amber purple, canary yellow, Portland green and white opal glass colors. Available through Arizona Traders. (315) 253-6999
GIFTS
Glenna’s Hemp Healing & Moisturizing Beauty Face Cream from Glenna’s CBD is infused with high-quality CBD, designed to nourish and rejuvenate your skin. glennascbd.com
Demeter Cannabis Flower Cologne Spray from Demeter is a smoky, green herbal fragrance. The scent is built around the signature note of the flower to create a floral and spicy effect. Available through Drooz and Company. droozandcompany.com
Clonex Rooting Gel is a tenacious gel which will remain in contact around the stem, sealing the cut tissue and supplying the hormones needed to promote root cell development. Available at The Cannabis Nursery. nurseryandbakery.com
charge in vetting applicants, training them and staffing them to the client.
“The real focus of Trimmr is building a sustainable, local workforce,” Glaum said. He went on to explain that staffing area workers provides gainful employment in the larger cannabis industry, makes room in the market for smaller businesses, shortens the supply chain and strengthens local brands.
“The goal is 100 percent staffing wherever we are,” LeHane said “We are very much about local economic development and helping this industry becoming a viable industry to work in and start a career in.”
Trimmr’s reach has expanded since its inception last year, reaching from the Hudson Valley to the Southern Tier and even into New Jersey. While the company mainly serves larger outdoor growers, it also works with micro-businesses that are emerging in the New York cannabis market. “We see real value that we can provide to those business because their focus can then be on what they love the most – either growing the plant or making the product – and we can handle the complicated aspects of post-harvest,” Glaum stated.
“They also don’t have to take up space with equipment. We essentially become an extension of their license area by bringing our GMP facilities to them.”
Trimmr continues to grow as it pursues new ventures. It’s in the process of launching an umbrella brand called Kind Local which will offer a repository for smaller farms’ products. The company is also interested in partnering with a licensed processor to provide a test kitchen and equipment that other processors can rent.
“In the end, it’s really about the people – the consumers, the farmers and those with the potential of gainful employment,” Glaum stated. “If we stay focused on those three cohorts, that’s ultimately going to be what makes the industry a success. That’s what Trimmr is all about.”
THE limit
Winner of the Fall “Caption This” Contest
Congratulations to the winner of the second Finger Lakes 420 caption contest, Upstate Hydroponics.
Looks like some OCM guidance on what lights to use for your garden.
Honorable mentions go to the following submissions:
- “I don’t know Cheech, but you might need a brighter flashlight bulb?” “You could be right, Chong.”
- If MacGyver were a cannabis connoisseur!!
Thank you to the talented Jeffrey Daniel Pierce Sr. for his artwork and to everyone who participated in the contest.
January 13 & 14, 2025
Join us for an exciting event with the brightest minds in cannabis discussing the latest research and opportunities involving Cannabis in NYS.
Sessions include medical cannabis research, plant genetics, cultivation techniques for the novice and the expert, and the 2nd annual American Culinary Federation Culinary Cannabis and Pastry Competition.
Speaker, sponsor, and vendor opportunities available.
