BIG IDEAS COME IN SMART PACKAGES | CANNABIS TECH INVADES THE EVERGREEN STATE
Josh Kesselman RAWK AND ROLL WITH
THE LGBTQ+ ACTIVISTS SHAPING CANNABIS HISTORY MEDICINE AND MUSIC WITH IVAN MOODY LIVE EVENTS ARE BACK! MJBIZ CEO WEIGHS IN STRAINED AND CONFUSED: DOCUMENTING THE OG STRAINS SPOTLIGHT: THE LIT LADIES OF CANNABIS COMEDY
Fall 2021
Fall 2021 Packaging and Retail
RETAIL INSPIRATION FOR HIGH-DOLLAR DESIGNS | HOT TAKES WITH CANNABIS INFLUENCERS
A CHAIR AT THE TABLE WITH
Jessica Billingsley
FROM THE PUBLISHER
A Bountiful Harvest
One of the last in-person events I attended before the pandemic was MJBizCon in December of 2019. It was a star-studded event. Tommy Chong was on the show floor, filming at the Polyscience booth. Tommy Lister Jr., a.k.a. Debo from the Friday films, rode around exhibitor booths on a bicycle. Farechild held a fabulous after-party offering hot air balloon rides. Attendees could float above the City of Lights and maybe gain some perspective beyond the bustle and glitz.
Charles Warner, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
“ Let those with a bountiful crop be generous and find ways to help.”
Nearly two years later, MJBizCon is back. It’s been a long break, full of challenges and horrors that would have been hard to imagine all those months ago. Lady Jays was handing out hemp pre-rolls at the 2019 after-party, and there was a tangible sense of camaraderie. My hope with the return of inperson events, even in a limited capacity, is that we can recapture the feeling of community and connection that made MJBizCon so successful. In this issue, Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with Chris Walsh, CEO and President of MJBizDaily. He shared his hopes for 2021’s MJBizCon, saying he envisions it “as a celebration of all the industry has accomplished since we were last able to hold an in-person event.” I think celebration is the right word. The industry stepped up throughout the pandemic, finding its proper place as an essential medicine. New states embraced the herb to drive their ravaged economies, and through supply chain problems, labor shortages, civil unrest, and constantly changing regulations, we persevered. I had the privilege of speaking with Josh Kesselman for this issue’s cover feature. I found his insight and generosity profoundly inspiring. We chatted for more than an hour, and he shared a powerful interaction he had in Ethiopia. He was doing some charity work in a village there when the locals asked him why he was helping. They seemed suspicious of his motives. He told them to imagine they had grown a huge harvest, more than they could possibly eat. Wouldn’t they give the excess to other communities? The local people immediately understood. He said, “Well, I got more grain than I need, man. So, I’m sharing it with you.” As we move into fall, with holidays and opportunities for kindness, I hope we can all embrace Mr. Kesselman’s spirit of giving. Let those with a bountiful crop be generous and find ways to help. My hope, as we enter another fall with the novel coronavirus waging war on the globe, is that collectively we can find reasons to celebrate. How have you triumphed through hardship? How have you overcome obstacles you thought were insurmountable? I hope you’ll join me in celebrating those moments. Now, more than ever, appreciate your victories. Give deeply. Celebrate life.
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
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SINCE LAST ISSUE… Can you believe it’s already fall? Kids are going back to school, pumpkin spice is back in style, and before you know it we’ll be searching for our winter coats. As time speeds by, Cannabis & Tech Today is constantly evolving to better represent our audience. We’re engaging with our readers, expanding our social media presence, and helping people network from home with our Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference. With fall comes change and since our last issue we’ve made a lot of positive adjustments. We’ve been moving, quite literally, into the new season. Innovative Properties Worldwide headquarters has a new home in downtown Denver. We moved from our original address at 620 S Dahlia to 1750 Wewatta Street for a breath of fresh air and some spectacular views of Coors Field. Inquiries or delicious sample offerings sure to get us buzzed can be sent directly to our new residence. To keep with the times, we’ve also been stocking up on fresh face masks to attend in-person events. Our Editor-in-Chief Charles Warner and and Managing Editor Patricia Miller made the rounds at the Cannabis Conference in Las Vegas, where they shared ideas with cannabis professionals and influential speakers. Our friends at Haze Radio Network, who have been giving us the best in music and radio content to distract us during quarantine, organized their first Haze Secret Cup in Las Vegas on July 9th to honor those making amazing cannabis products. Winners were announced at the Las Vegas Cannabis Awards on July 10th. “It was such a pleasure to be a part of an event that had 150 people judge and participate in such a great event,” said Andrew Pitsicalis, radio show host and cannabis consultant at Haze Radio Network. “Thank you to Uncle Stoner for holding the 30th Squash Off and all the brands that participated. I’m looking forward to everyone attending our next event, Halloween Night in West Hollywood.” The next Haze event takes place October 31st, which will make for one High Hallow’s eve. SPECIAL THANKS TO: Laurie Wolf, Randy Wilson, Ashley Lard, Madison Miller
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
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// CONTRIBUTORS //
Rachelle Gordon is a cannabis and psychedelics writer dedicated to educating the masses on the powers of plant medicine. She is especially interested in the potential these compounds have with regard to the treatment of neurological disorders. A graduate of Hamline University in Saint Paul, Rachelle currently splits her time between Minneapolis and Oakland. Her favorite cultivars include Tangie, GMO, and Lemon Haze.
As the president and CEO of the National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB), Gina Kranwinkel leads the most trusted, ethical, and socially active cannabis trade association in the United States. Her passion initiative – personally and with the NACB – is to champion cannabis social equity programs at the national, state, and local level.
Jessica McKeil is a cannabis writer based in British Columbia, Canada. She has a passion for cannabis tech and scientific breakthroughs, which has led her to work with some of the industry’s biggest brands. She is the owner and lead-writer of Sea to Sky Content (www.seatoskycontent.com); a content company focused on improving organic traffic through the power of words.
Tami Kamin Meyer is an Ohio-based attorney and freelance writer. A dedicated kayaker and dog lover, her byline has appeared in Forbes, MarketWatch, Better Homes and Gardens, and Business.com. She is in her second stint as a member of the Board of Editors of the Columbus Bar Association and served as marketing/communications chair of the American Society of Journalists and Authors from 2018-2021. She tweets as @girlwithapen.
Alex Rogers is the founder and CEO of the International Cannabis Business Conference, which offers worldclass industry networking as well as investment and capital opportunities. The International Cannabis Business Conference has upcoming events in Berlin and Zurich. Visit internationalcbc.com to learn more.
David Wallach is an award-winning writer, television producer, podcast host, marketing executive, fan of anything outdoors, and bacon lover. To see more of his work, check out www.davidwallach.net.
Editor’s Note: Cannabis & Tech Today is seeking writers from all backgrounds and ethnicities. Interested applicants inquire through submit@innotechtoday.com. 8
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
FALL 2021
contents Issue Covers
102 RAW Founder Josh Kesselman
By Charles Warner Photo: Michael Rodriguez/RandomLyfe
110 Akerna CEO Jessica Billingsley By Ebby Stone Photo: Andrea Flanagan Photography
Departments 16 Event Wrap Ups 18 By The Numbers 20 Know Before 22 International 24 NACB 26 ESG
140 Product Revolution 148 Something Edible with Laurie Wolf 150 Events Calendar + Coming Next Issue 152 The Lighter Side
28 Innovator Profile Moxie Makes it Greener
30 Sustainability Severed Supply Chains 32 Big Ideas, Smart Packages
36 Finance Investing Opportunities for Angel Investors 38 Sustainable Investments in Cannabis
42 Legislation Cannabis Act Goes to Washington 44 National Cannabis Party 2021 Recap
46 Business Innovations A Journalism Journey with Chris Walsh 50 High-Level Influencers 54 Is Cannabis Packaging Discriminatory? 58 Planet 13’s Retail Strategy 62 SevenPoint’s Inspiring Interior Design 66 Expanding the Cannabis Social Network 10
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
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FALL 2021
contents 68 Social Equity Pioneering With Pride 72 The Aftermath of Incarceration
76 Tech Zone Ever Greener in Washington State 78 What Are Nanobubbles 80 Bye, Bye Microbes 82 Sustainable Packaging in 4 Steps 84 What You Should Know About Terpenes 86 What’s in Your Fertilizer? 88 How Cold Can You Go? 90 The Seeds of STEM Take Root 92 A Quick Cure for Preserving Crops 94 Time for a Change 96 Ground, Sealed, Delivered 98 Locking It Down 100 Managing an IT Ecosystem
114 Media + Entertainment Medicine for Moody 118 Women + Weed 124 Best Dispensary Logo in America
126 Health + Wellness Heavy Metal Testing Needs Help
130 The Lab OG Strains: Where Are They Now? 136 The Science of Dabbing
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
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// EVENT WRAP-UPS //
CannaCard 1,500 Mile Tour August 16-24
In a stylish 45-foot RV, CannaCard trekked 1,500 miles from dispensary-to-dispensary on their Rolling Tour to bring awareness to their cashless payment system. By taking cash out of the equation, CannaCard provides security and accommodates an on-the-go lifestyle when cashing out at a dispensary. CannaCard, sponsored in part by Cannabis & Tech Today, travelled through 12 cities in Illinois and Missouri from August 16-24, documenting the tour through live-streaming, video, and photography. The road trip was a unique way to advertise and garner attention for their brand and sponsors. Cannabis & Tech Today was thrilled to be along for the ride.
Cannabis Conference Las Vegas August 24-26
In-person cannabis conventions are back in session, and our very own Managing Editor Patricia Miller and Editor-In-Chief Charles Warner traveled to the famed Sin City for the highlyanticipated Las Vegas Cannabis Conference. The conference offered an intimate show floor experience, small enough to allow one-on-one networking, but large enough to showcase brands from many different sectors of the industry. Attendees had the chance to enjoy beautifully catered lunches and carefully curated world-class content with actionable takeaways for cannabis industry professionals. Speakers included industry thought leaders such as Founder and CEO of Grasslands Ricardo Baca, CEO and Founder of Viola Brands Al Harrington, CEO and Founder of Simply Pure Dispensaries Wanda James, and more. 16
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
Berlin International Cannabis Business Conference August 26-27
With seasoned executives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from over 60 nations uniting in beautiful Berlin, Germany, the International Cannabis Business Conference stays true to its name as the largest B2B trade event in Europe. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve and grow globally, industry professionals had the chance to network and make connections from all over the world. The conference had a line-up of gripping panels discussing breakthrough cannabis content relating to Germany, such as regulatory updates and upcoming elections, but also pressing matters that relate to anyone within the industry, like hemp investment and how GMP regulations differ across international borders. Cannabis is international, which means we can learn from one another to create a world where everyone has safe, legal access to plant medicine.
Presented By
A look at the metrics shaping the cannabis business market — and our lives
With more states legalizing cannabis, tons of products are hitting the shelves and creating a growing demand for packaging solutions. But, this industry’s unhealthy relationship with plastic is no secret. Strict packaging regulations often force producers to use tons of plastic for even the tiniest product. What’s keeping operators from using more eco-friendly options? Alpha Packaging polled their clients' interest in sustainable alternatives and shared the results with Cannabis & Tech Today. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
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DEPARTMENTS // KNOW BEFORE
Building Pre-Rolls Into Your SKUs What to Know Before Your Brand Starts Producing Pre-Rolls By Ebby Stone Building a brand is about strategy. With a dazzling array of SKUs available, knowing where to direct one’s focus is crucial. Offering a pre-roll line is fairly inexpensive and a convenient form of consumption for users. Dope Automation Chief Operations Officer Jessica Jaeger offered a key consideration for moving into pre-rolls. “The question that should always be asked first is what the expected consumer experience will look like for your brand,” said Jaeger. “This single question is the driver to achieving a strong, efficient, and optimized pre-roll manufacturing program.” Once the operator has a vision in mind for the customer journey, it’s time to consider the other factors for pre-roll success. Cone Size Pre-rolls are usually available in sizes ranging from a half gram to a full gram. “The paper size is the most critical as this will determine the pre-roll appearance,” said Jaeger. Will this be a luxury item; are you selling in a pack; what size cone will be used? The answers to these questions will dictate the cost of production and the cost to the consumer. Paper Type There are two different types of pre-rolls: cones or tubes. Cones are larger at the top and taper down to the filter. Tubes are cigaretteshaped with a consistent width from top to bottom. Cones tend to be easier to load with most manufacturing equipment. There are several types of paper available. Each will have a unique appearance impacting brand design. Paper options include: hemp, flax, rice, refined white, unrefined brown, cotton 20
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
cellulose, or palm leaf. Each type of paper burns at a different speed and has its own flavor profile. Equipment An equipment provider can offer guidance and help choose the right machines for your brand. “The most important answer that any company should be looking for when vetting an equipment supplier is ‘What kind of after sale support will this equipment supplier provide?’” said Jaeger. Successful supply partnerships start with a staff that understands market restrictions and compliance regulations. A knowledgeable staff, Jaeger said, “allows for educated purchasing and supports building a foundation designed for future expansion.”
programs “the ability to establish and grow the segment before moving into the larger capital expenditures of operating with complete automation,” said Jaeger.
Grinding Machines Material must be milled into a consistent particle size. An operator may choose a low-, mid-, or high-volume mill. Low volume milling could be as basic as a food processor. Highvolume milling may require industrial solutions. Industrial machines tend to offer more consistent particle size.
Packaging Packaging is an important brand decision with options ranging from bags to tubes. Regulations typically require containers to be child resistant. Tubes are customizable and available in many colors and transparencies. Cost and scalability should be considered.
Cone-Filling Machines Cone-filling machines range in price, quality, level of automation, and scalability. Many use vibration to sift the ground material into openings that feed into pre-roll tubes or cones. These “benchtop” machines are sufficient to enter the pre-roll market. They also give most
Final Considerations This article offers a brief summary — an equipment provider could offer more depth. “The right partner will not simply look to sell you a piece of machinery. The right partner will look to help build the success of your brand,” said Jaeger. ❖
Photo: iStockphoto.com/Marvin Samuel Tolentino Pineda
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DEPARTMENTS // INTERNATIONAL
Standardize It! Europe’s Desperate Need for Consistent Industry Regulations By Alex Rogers Cannabis reform continues to march across the European continent and it’s creating tremendous opportunities in the legal cannabis industry. No other large industry on the planet is growing at the rate of the emerging cannabis space, and there’s no end in sight — especially on the European continent. Europe’s legal cannabis industry is based primarily on medical cannabis. However, that will change in the coming years. Several countries are poised to legalize cannabis for adult use, including commercially, and legal European cannabis sales will explode once that happens. Switzerland is already providing a glimpse into how commercial legalization will look. LowTHC cannabis products are already legal in Switzerland and have been on sale since 2017. Even with a limited amount of products to offer, sales are substantial and increasing every year. This was an intense topic of discussion during our International Cannabis Business Conference Global Investment Forum in Zurich in September. Can you imagine when legal sales are expanded to include all cannabis products across the entire continent? An Often Overlooked Sector of Europe’s Industry Let’s put Europe’s cannabis industry hype and potential aside for a moment. It’s worth noting it will only reach its full potential when sensible rules and regulations are in place, and they are as uniform as possible across the continent. Right now, Europe’s cannabis industry is governed by a patchwork of laws and regulations that differ from country to country. That is particularly true for packaging and retail. Every country in Europe has its own set of rules for both packaging and retail, which creates many 22
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
Photo: iStockphoto.com/Alphotographic
headaches for entrepreneurs and investors looking to operate in multiple countries. When most people think about entering the cannabis industry, they think of cultivation. However, there’s so much more to cannabis than producing harvests. Post-harvest involves several steps, including compliant packaging and transportation to the point of sale. Navigating from harvest to sale can be frustrating from an industry regulation standpoint, primarily when crops are exported throughout Europe. A More Homogenous Approach to Packaging and Retail Some countries in Europe, such as Germany, sell medical cannabis via pharmacies. Others, like Spain or the Netherlands, have a more disjointed approach to sales. In the future, cannabis will be sold across the European
continent via a buffet of options, including delivery, brick and mortar, and by mail, like they currently do in Canada. When that happens, Europe’s cannabis industry will finally reach its full potential. But, that will only occur after packaging rules are uniform across Europe. If a company has to make different packaging for every country, it drives up costs, leading to high prices in the legal marketplace. That expense could result in customers turning to the unregulated market. If the legal cannabis industry is ever going to compete with the unregulated market, retail options have to be robust. Europe will greatly benefit from the economic boost, job creation, and tax revenue that a thriving cannabis industry can provide. However, that will only happen if the people in power take a sensible approach to package and retail regulations. ❖
DEPARTMENTS // NACB
Standing Out and Fitting In The Fine Line Between Cannabis Product Appeal and Requirements By Gina Kranwinkel and Mark Gorman We’re living in “high” creative times. The creativity in today’s cannabis marketing is soaring; it’s not just enough to have great marketing and a nice package for your product — your brand and product must stand out, shouting above the noise to be seen and heard. Cannabis marketers are doing that amazingly well. Packaging & Labeling: Compliance Components However, creativity and branding aside, there are a myriad of compliance components that must be adhered to in packaging and labeling your product — with some of the most critical being “light resistant” (to what’s visibly inside) and “child resistant,” the latter including the requirement that it not be easy for a child five or under to open, while also not appealing to children (a subjective concept that must be handled with the utmost care — especially with edibles). Your local and state government requirements may (or may not) go even deeper into what is important and required and it’s crucial that cannabis product marketers know and follow what’s required. Packaging compliance includes being both lightand child-resistant.
The first National Association of Cannabis Businesses’ national standard was Cannabis Safety: Packaging and Labeling. The standard’s goal is to be as all-encompassing as possible, which may feel onerous to marketers who want to sell, but is so critical to ensuring not only compliance but best practices. As a selfregulating organization, we created this standard with a committee of experts and made it publicly available to anyone regardless of membership status. We also provide a checklist for use when creating or updating existing packaging or when reviewing any packaging inventory, this checklist is a great tool to help marketers with their compliance. Consumers Accustomed to Warnings & Protections Here’s the good news — most Americans are familiar with consumer protections and regulatory requirements on most packages we buy. While, as a marketer, it may “feel like” your entire package looks like a warning label, the reality is that’s normal. From alcohol and tobacco (a given) to the foods we eat daily with
Warning labels are fairly standard for packaged goods in the U.S. They help ensure quality and safety.
their “Allergen information: may contain milk, soybean, wheat or nuts,” most Americans are very familiar with these kinds of protections that help us make decisions on what we purchase and consume. We expect manufacturers and retailers to ensure not only quality of their product but also the safety. Cannabis is no different. If anything, our industry must hold itself to the highest standards, going above and beyond what is required and expected. What’s Your Packaging Challenge or Victory? As the industry continues to evolve, more and more cannabis brands now are competing for retailer’s shelf-space. It’s not enough to have a great package — there’s a small amount of space to make a big impact. Getting products in stores, appealing visually and then also ensuring marketing, packaging, and labeling compliance are at the forefront of the right “sales mix.” What’s your latest packaging challenge or victory? We’d love to know — drop us a line at info@nacb.com ❖
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DEPARTMENTS // ESG
A Focus on ESG Understanding this key concept can drive business and brand value for your organization. By Geoff Trotter, CGO & Co-Founder, Regennabis Accelerator,” a four-phase multi-month programmatic approach to ensuring that an ESG journey is in place.
Photo: iStockphoto.com/wildpixel
Tying this all together is “purpose” – the “why” of a business. Purpose-centricity, in essence ensuring that “Why we do what we do” statement is understood by all stakeholders and is the central tenet of an organization (which then flows throughout the business), will further ensure that the organization builds from the inside out, but first needs to understand what are the issues that are material to the business from the outside in. Organizationally, purpose and ESG go “hand-in-hand” — this is the start point of any transformational journey (or the bedrock of an organization that bakes purpose and ESG into their corporate DNA), from which a narrative that vocalizes an organization’s sustainability “intent” can be created and provides an insight into the intentions from the inside out – and most importantly, ensures that the organization is embracing “context-based” sustainability.
Supply chain management is a material issue for most industries and particularly relevant to the changing conditions of cannabis industry supply chains. Shifting regulations, evolving distribution models, product quality testing, and labeling pressures mean that supply chain risks are more complex, and breakdown is increasingly more probable. Cannabis companies must optimize supply chain engagement, collaboration, and oversight to reduce these risks as the cannabis market expands globally. To manage the complexity inherent in engaging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues across an enterprise, the composition of the Board and Management Team, and their associated experiences, credentials, and effectiveness, can have a profound impact on ensuring ESG becomes a source of competitive advantage. 26
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At Regennabis, our approach is based on a series of specific steps that all organizations should follow when developing an effective ESG program. These include: • Understanding why ESG is critical to commercial success • Mapping an ESG journey that leads to desired business outcomes • Gauging how an organization is being perceived • Developing an ESG Strategy • Communicating and disclosing identified methodologies and progress Equipping an organization with a solid understanding of these five key areas is a precursor to an engagement with a client organization, which we call the “ESG
To be clear, Corporate Social Responsibility and/or philanthropy programs, in any business, are oftentimes not material to that business and hence could be viewed by many as being “performative.” The presence or absence of a robust ESG Framework will serve as an indicator. Creating shared value (for all stakeholders) is the desired end-result of this approach. Remember, your investors will be increasingly demanding to see evidence of ESG Frameworks and a robust implementation. Yet there is another parameter of value that has been often overlooked in the cannabis industry, that of brand value. And herein lies one of the industry’s greatest opportunities. ❖ To read the full article, including specific steps for developing an ESG program, visit www.cannatechtoday.com/ESG2021
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Sustainability at All Costs
Inside Moxie’s Ambitious Plan to Become the First Carbon-Negative Cannabis Company By Rachelle Gordon Whether we like to admit it or not, the cannabis industry creates an awful lot of waste. Millions of units of products are sold throughout North America annually, with the vast majority packaged in single-use plastic, often due to regulations. Labeling requirements, child safety protocols, and tamper-proof seals make for fairly hefty containers in most markets. These jars and mylar bags are typically destined to reside in landfills, despite the conscious efforts of many consumers to place what they can in the recycling bin. Moxie is a brand on a mission to help combat the growing garbage issue within the industry. Currently available in seven states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, this Long Beach, CA-based business is changing the game in terms of its environmental impact. And while sustainability certainly comes at a higher cost, the team at Moxie is committed to going the extra mile while maintaining an affordable price point for consumers — even if it puts them in the red. “We’ll always put what’s right before revenue,” said Tessa Adams, Moxie’s chief marketing officer. From eco-friendly packaging to energyefficient lighting in their cultivation facilities, this brand is setting a high bar when it comes to putting the planet first. Ambitious Environmental Plans Put Moxie Miles Ahead Established in 2014, Moxie was founded with the belief that cannabis can benefit our society in more ways than one. “Cannabis is all about helping people,” Adams said. “Additionally, we have to help the world become the best place that it can possibly be.” Their high-quality products (including flower, concentrates, vape pens, and later, edibles) 28
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combined with a social justice focus helped the brand quickly rise to prominence. The company soon expanded into Michigan and Nevada and not long after, Moxie became the very first licensed cannabis business in its home state of California. By 2020, the brand launched its sustainability initiative, announcing its intentions to become the first carbon-negative cannabis company. Moxie soon switched nearly all of their outer packaging to paperboard that is 100% recyclable, Forest Stewardship Councilcertified, and chlorine-free. Labels are made from biodegradable grass paper. The move to more environmentally-friendly packaging was an expensive one. And in an industry where margins are already razor-thin, the team at Moxie knew they were facing an uphill battle with their budget. However, as Adams pointed out earlier, it’s all about doing what’s right no matter the cost.
“We’re looking at our future, we’re looking at our children’s future, and we’re questioning what’s going to happen,” she said. “And so for us, it is imperative that we preserve a future for the rest of the world.” Additional Eco-Friendly Practices Expand on Sustainability Initiative Despite the enormous undertaking of converting to greener packaging, Moxie isn’t done there. The brand is collaborating with waste management providers to help further offset refuse created in production facilities and convert it to usable energy. This can include everything from break-room trash to used shipping supplies. The company has also installed LED lights in its indoor cultivation operations and is establishing an outdoor grow for extraction source material in an effort to better control the supply chain.
“That’s going to be huge for us, getting the outdoor grow. It’s definitely going to help offset some of our emissions,” Adams said. “We’ve always sourced our material, and we’ve tried to source from sustainable farms, but we have always wanted our own so that we can create that sustainability effort ourselves.” Adams also hinted at soon-to-beannounced partnerships in multiple markets with similarly aligned companies in order to further boost their environmental efforts. “It’s our duty as an industry to protect the earth as best we can. We want to work with as many other companies as possible to figure out ways that we all can be better. I think that’s the way that we can really affect change.” Community Building Rounds Out Moxie’s Mission As Adams previously said, cannabis is about helping people — and the world. In addition to their ambitious environmental pledge, Moxie engages with several non-profit organizations to maximize their impact, supporting causes such as homeless youth, breast cancer research, and low-income medical cannabis patients. The company has also partnered with the Last Prisoner Project to help promote restorative justice and right the wrongs of the war on drugs. For the team at Moxie, it all comes down to being stewards of goodwill and setting an example for other operators to encourage them to go above and beyond. “It’s up to us to pave the way as an industry and act as leaders in order to help solve some of the problems our planet is currently facing,” Adams said. “And we won’t have anything if we don’t protect the earth that we live on.” ❖ Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// SUSTAINABILITY //
Severed Supply Chains Pandemics, natural disasters, and a lack of laborers rattle global supply networks. By Ebby Stone Remember when you could walk into a grocery store and buy anything you wanted? Aisle after aisle of beautifully stocked shelves — and if the store didn’t have it, you could just order online and wait for two-day delivery. It was a luxury many took for granted until the pandemic brought the illusion of abundance to a grinding halt. Supply chain shortages are rocking every industry from car parts to cannabis. These shortages are scary for consumers, but they’re downright disastrous for business owners. Look at any industry right now and you’ll see the impact of pandemic closures, labor shortages, raw material deficits, and shipping delays. Impacting Every Industry Soaring plastic prices are challenging several sectors. President of United Solutions David Reilly told Reuters his plastics company is being crushed by resin prices. This is costly news for cannabis packaging companies. He estimates prices for some types of resin have increased by 100% in the past year. Pre-pandemic, Reilly would have sourced cheaper materials overseas, but shipping delays have increased the cost of freight. “Right now, producers in North 30
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America don’t have the stiff competition that they would if container prices came back down,” said Reilly. Some companies are even taking fewer orders so as not to disappoint clients with delays. Tracee McAfee, CEO of cannabis technology company Cryo Cure, said they’re expanding but are reluctant to take on too many orders. “We’re having enough problems as it is with the supply chain issues right now. Believe it or not, just getting like a super simple part that would take a day or two is now taking two months. It’s very frustrating,” said McAfee. She’s seeing the effects in her manufacturing partners as well. “Even our fabricator says, ‘I can’t even get wire brushes for my polishers.’ The simplest things, like caulking, you can’t find locally.” Transportation Troubles In the early months of the pandemic, vape companies were the hardest hit. Cartridges were largely made in China, which shuttered many of its factories during initial lockdowns. Now, cannabis technology companies are struggling to buy computer chips, which are running
almost a year out for new orders. Transportation is one factor in the delays. Shipping container shortages started nearly a year ago as European and American consumers started bulk buying online. The desire to avoid in-person contact and hoard extra supplies lead to huge shipments coming in from Asia. When cargo ships would offload, the empty containers sat at ports for weeks or longer. Slow ports piled up with empty containers because the shipping companies were too busy to retrieve them, while busy ports had such severe labor shortages that ships were circling for weeks waiting to unload. According to Freightos, a digital booking platform for international shipping, freight from Asia to the U.S. is five times higher than this time last year. Shipping from Asia to Europe is eight times higher than average. Anomalies like the Ever Given cargo ship that blocked the Suez Canal added to the chaos. Paul Hong, Professor of Global Supply Chain Management at the University of Toledo spoke with Channel 10 News in Ohio, noting $10 billion in trade flows through the canal each day. Every hour the canal was blocked cost the global economy about $416 million.
// SUSTAINABILITY //
Photo: iStockphoto.com/sorbetto
Unusual weather events are further compounding the issue. Massive flooding has caused delays worldwide. In the U.S., Hurricane Ida paused all shipments moving through the Port of New Orleans. Chief Brand Officer for 710 Spirits Extraction Products Liz Geiselman told MJBizDaily her business in Golden, Colorado is feeling the effects hundreds of miles away. “We’re seeing huge logistical issues with freight and transportation. We’re getting close to panic at this point,” said Geiselman. Natural disasters are rerouting trucks and drivers or causing them to carry relief supplies as opposed to their normal cargo. These same factors are disrupting the supply of oil and gas, leading to higher fuel prices. Lamenting a Lack of Laborers Skilled and unskilled laborers are in short supply. A deficit of factory workers can cause a cascade of supply issues, complicated by a lack of truck drivers to take the goods from factories to distribution centers. Who’s working at the warehouse to offload the trucks? And more so, where are the retail workers and installers needed to get the goods to customers?
Bill Conerly, senior economics contributor for Forbes explored the issue in a recent article, “The Labor Shortage is Why Supply Chains Are Disrupted.” Many people, he said, assume companies that can’t find workers aren’t offering sufficient pay to lure in new talent. “Today’s situation does not justify such skepticism,” said Conerly. Companies are offering higher wages, but receiving few applicants. Many businesses are reluctant to pass those costs on to customers. “A particular company may be able to raise its wages high enough to lure workers from other businesses, but that’s not an economy-wide solution without significant inflation of prices that customers pay,” said Conerly. “We have seen some inflation, but not enough — yet — to justify significantly higher wages.” Solutions for Survival Many in the cannabis space are seeking local partners who aren’t dealing with the same logistical issues as overseas or cross-country providers. It’s also wise to have multiple providers for the same supplies; if one is impacted by transportation or labor issues, you have alternatives.
Onfleet, a technology company that builds software for delivery operations, has an up close view of the disruptions impacting the cannabis space. “Looking ahead, operators need to establish a resilient supply chain that does not rely on options in just one single region and one that takes potential future disruptions into account,” the company said in a recent statement. Onfleet suggests retailers ask detailed questions of their partners, such as where vendors are sourcing materials, what kind of setbacks they saw during the pandemic, and how they’ve dealt with supply chain disruptions in the past. While it’s a trying time for business owners across the globe, these shortages are also building resilience into the companies that survive. With unpredictable weather patterns becoming more frequent, resourcefulness in the face of adversity will be a near prerequisite for staying in business. “It’s very challenging now, in manufacturing. We probably picked the worst time in manufacturing history to get into it, but I feel if we can make it through this — we’re going to be great in the future,” said McAfee. ❖ Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// SUSTAINABILITY //
Big Ideas, Smart Packages Founders of Influential Cannabis Companies Talk Sustainability By Taylor McLamb If being more sustainable was at the top of your New Year’s resolution list this year, achieving that goal could be a bit daunting when buying cannabis at a dispensary. Breaking through the layers of plastic when opening you favorite edibles or flower is not only time consuming, it’s wasteful. The nonrecyclable material, extraneous labeling, and paper waste all come at a heavy cost to the environment. Cannabis could save the world, but if each company doesn’t do their part to focus on sustainability, then this industry could diminish all of the benefits that the plant brings. Let’s take a look at a few companies striving to create a greener future. Cole Gibbs, Founder and CEO of Dama Distributing Colorado-based Dama Distributing develops sustainable, home-compostable, plant-based packaging for a variety of industries, including cannabis. Dama creates its child-resistant packaging products using recyclable materials, such as glass, bamboo, and hemp plastics. “The child resistant (CR) packaging side of things is kind of the biggest hurdle, more than anything. We don’t necessarily need CR packaging for every single cannabis product. So that makes it very difficult, especially when you get into dry flower and all the new drinks that are coming out and making those CR. Also, making it out of a sustainable package as well is kind of difficult. So luckily they’ve eliminated all these exit bag rules and double packaging rules and even
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Cole Gibbs and Dama Distributing's products.
implemented some new sustainability laws in several states, which allow consumers to take back their cannabis packaging to the dispensary. And that can either be washed or sanitized and reused or shredded and turned back into a multi-use item like a rolling tray or a Frisbee or anything of that nature. So, there are some great things moving in the cannabis industry, but I think due to the rules and regulations, the biggest thing more than anything else is labeling. Usually, you have a label for who produced it. You have another label of the company that’s selling it. Next, you have your compliance label when you actually sell the product at point of sale. So there’s a lot of labeling that goes into it. And a lot of those labels are produced via thermal print, which are not recyclable or compostable. So, I think eliminating a lot of this extra labeling and marking would help the sustainability aspect of the packaging as well.” Bill Ludlow, Founder, President, and CEO of Crativ Packaging Crativ offers packaging solutions for the cannabis industry focused on durability, science, compliance, and sustainability. Crativ uses recycled plastic, chemical-free recycled foam in its inserts, and owns its own supply chain, which decreases the company’s carbon footprint. “Research shows that 80% of littering is intentional and performed by individuals, that’s you and me, that’s us, that’s the consumer. We have to take control, we have to be a part of the solution. Should we ban plastics to protect ourselves from the idiots that we are? It’s not the answer.
// SUSTAINABILITY // Big Ideas, Smart Packages
If we were to ban plastics and replace them with today’s alternatives, such as glass, paper, and aluminum, the amount of materials required, energy required, and resulting CO2 emissions would explode… So, be critical about plastic, but don’t go blindly to war on plastic, just because they’re the most visibly littered material. The answer is you. We’ve all got to come together, we must focus on how to keep plastics in the materials loop, you have the power, you are the consumer, you can drive the market to sustainability if we do it together.
Bill Ludlow of Crativ Packaging
always said this from the start, I am on a hemp movement. This is about more than paper. My sustainability message comes from the fact that I have so many different ways that, by just making paper, I am able to sustain a lot of different aspects of the cannabis industry. Number one is sustaining our farmers. I’m going to need as much raw material as possible because I’m creating all my paper on a commercial scale. I need as much CBD waste as I can get. This is the fastest growing segment of the fastest growing industry in the world, and they need a place for their garbage to go. Well, guess what? I’m a place for that. We have a really awesome opportunity and responsibility right now, and we cannot squander that by doing it the wrong way. We have a chance to really be a model for the world right now in what sustainability means, and what it means in practice, rather than just saying it. If we don’t do this the right way, and understand how we can make each other better in that process, then we are probably going to fail.” ❖
Erica Halverson, Tiny E Paper Company Crativ Packaging Products
Check your facts, be a hero, not a hater.” Erica Halverson, Founder and CEO of Tiny E Paper Company Tiny E Paper Company produces 100% pure hemp paper made out of hemp stalks and preand post-extraction waste from CBD. “We make hemp paper specifically for business owners within the cannabis industry, with the goal to get the entire industry to use hemp paper for all their packaging, labeling, B2B paper, to stop using trees and switch over to hemp. Sustainability is what my company is all about, and I want to be a model and make the cannabis industry a model to every other industry of what sustainability actually means. I don’t go through the day without saying [sustainability] at least 20 times. It is my entire business model, it is the entire model. I’ve 34
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// FINANCE //
Cannabis Investing Opportunities for Angel Investors Why Now is the Time to Invest in Cannabis By Jeff Finkle
It’s an exciting time to invest in cannabis as a generational wealth creation opportunity. The legal cannabis industry is projected to grow to $100 billion in 2030, and the investment opportunities are enormous. Key Reasons to Invest in Cannabis Now Cannabis is a market where consumer demand already exists, but there is a lack of professional venture capital to support business growth. As a result, cannabis businesses are actively looking for investors, which equates to significant opportunities for smart angel investors. Consumer Demand Already Exists Because demand exists, investors are essentially investing in the transition of a $75 billion (U.S.) annual illicit (“informal”) market to a legal (“formal”) market. In the United States, legal cannabis sales are forecasted to reach $23.6 billion in 2021, less than a third of the estimated amount sold annually in the informal market. Growth is assured as users look to change their purchasing habits and 36
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embrace the quality control of the formal market.
Additional growth will come from consumers who are not consuming yet.
Lack of Professional, Institutional Venture Capital Funds A lack of institutional investors, loan capital, and professional venture capital in the cannabis industry creates a supply and demand imbalance which results in a buyer’s market.
Think of the health-conscious soccer mom who trades her evening glass of wine for a low microdose cannabis-infused drink that has fewer calories and no sugar. Smart investors are looking at companies serving these new consumers with innovative product experiences and new form factors.
Today, there are approximately 35 early and growth-stage funds with an aggregate approximate $700M AU.M. Additionally, there is some family-office capital pursuing this sector. While angel investors, private equity, and venture capital are increasing, they’re still a small share of what is required to finance the industry. Where to Focus as an Angel Investor Right Now Savvy cannabis investors are looking at many opportunities. Here are five areas of focus: 1. Cannabis Consumer of the Future The future of the cannabis industry isn’t limited to consumers who already consume.
2. Single or Dual-state Operators Investors are focused on high-performing operators with footprints in one or two states that will likely get acquired by larger multi-state operators. Top publicly held multi-state operators (MSOs) have been acquiring cannabis businesses across the country while dramatically increasing revenue and becoming profitable. Second-tier MSOs are aggressively expanding their footprints, and mergers and acquisitions are happening with increased frequency. All of this adds up to more opportunities for cannabis investors.
// FINANCE //
Photo: iStockphoto.com/JuSun
3. Defensible Positions in the Supply Chain Investment opportunities can be found across the cannabis supply chain, and investors are looking at companies with competitive advantages that are not easily duplicated. These companies have developed a unique process, product, or service that gives them a position which is easy to defend. Such a company likely has valuable intellectual property — patents, trade secrets, trademarks, or copyrights — that ensure it has an exclusive right to protect its competitive advantage for a significant period of time. 4. Re-definition of Medical Cannabis The medical cannabis market is being threatened by the adult-use market and the pharmaceutical industry, which wants the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to consider cannabis a drug. However, smart investors predict that medical cannabis will be redefined and create a growing over-the-counter (OTC) business.
As a result, investors are looking at how the repositioning of the medical market could create growth and investment opportunities. 5. Northeast In the near future, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Virginia will all have operational adult-use markets open and thriving. High population density ensures the Northeast will represent the next dominant cannabis market. Companies in these states are scrambling to raise money and new brands will debut soon, which will bring huge opportunities for investors. Cannabis Investing Opportunities Abound in 2021 As we near the end of 2021, all signs point to now being the time to continue, or begin investing in cannabis companies. Yes, there are challenges in investing in this sector, but the growth should outweigh those risks. Still unsure if now is the time to invest? Think
of it this way. Market growth is coming in the short-term as more states roll out new medical and adult-use programs, and significant projected growth is coming in the long-term through federal legalization, social normalization, and expanded state programs. The picture is clear. Now is the time to invest in cannabis ❖. About the Author Named one of the “25 Angel Investors in New York You Need to Know” by AlleyWatch, Jeff Finkle has been a venture investor for ten years and an angel investor for eight years. Jeff is presently CEO of the Arcview Group and Arcview Ventures and co-founder of the Arcview Collective Fund, the first member-managed fund in cannabis. He also serves as Chairman of the Evaluation Committee and Treasurer of the Angel Round Capital. Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// FINANCE //
Sustainable Investments in Cannabis And How They Can Change the World By Andrea Morhardt Just as fast as new cannabis strains pop up, unique investment philosophies and strategies emerge every day. One such emerging system has investors weighing the financial returns an investment produces against a company’s consciousness about sustainability. It’s called sustainable investing. And investors everywhere have their eye on the cannabis industry to be a significant player in this movement. What is Sustainable Investing? The strategy aims to encourage, support, and create momentum for companies who exhibit responsible environmental behaviors. Another part of the strategy, naturally, is profiting from these forward-looking, innovative behaviors. But the most serious sustainable investors will accept lower financial returns in return for the peace of mind that comes from supporting companies with a moral compass aimed at environmental sustainability. Why Sustainable Investing? You may be wondering why an investor would do such a thing. Investors invest their hardearned money, and most companies are founded in hopes of generating profits — not to save the world — right? Not so fast. According to the Circularity Gap Report 2020, only 8.6% of the global economy is currently circular. You might assume the answer is “yes.” But the answer is actually “not necessarily.” Today’s investors and corporations are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and are finding new strategies that can be profitable and environmentally sound at the same time. Environmentally concerned investors are 38
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looking at the status quo of the global economy and its traditional investment strategies. As a result, they’re feeling uncomfortable about putting their money behind businesses that — they believe — are damaging the earth. Here’s what has sustainable investors concerned: According to Accenture, by 2050, maintaining the current global economic structure, which is almost entirely linear and focused primarily on production, could result in overusing the earth’s capacity by more than 400%. Although the world has operated with a “linear economy” focused only on production for centuries, this linear model produces incredible amounts of waste. Consider this information from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation: • Every second, the textile industry produces the equivalent of a garbage truck full of waste that ends up incinerated or in a landfill. • The food industry throws away enough perfectly edible food to fill six garbage trucks in that exact second. Investors who feel outraged by these statistics — and countless others — are taking action. They are reallocating their portfolios to invest in innovative companies focused on moving the needle toward a circular economy. This circular approach eliminates waste by creating a closed-loop system. Such a system keeps the production loop “closed,” so all materials produced stay inside — rather than having some funneled off to a landfill. The materials remain within the loop because the system is engineered to reuse byproducts as future inputs. The traditional linear business model is not
sustainable, so sustainable investors are eager to invest in companies that adopt a more circular approach in their business models. Are Sustainable Investors Really This Altruistic? Not all investors putting their cash behind sustainability-focused companies are doing it for the “kumbaya” reasons you might think. Sustainable investments can produce significant returns. The circular model ultimately minimizes labor and energy costs with strategies powered by renewable energy and innovatively recycled materials. By reducing these costs, companies can see a
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// FINANCE // Sustainable Investments in Cannabis
significant boost in their bottom line by driving profitability. The cost savings from reusing and recycling, when Regennabis co-founder compared Geoff Trotter against sourcing virgin materials, can be surprising. New research from Closed Loop Partners indicates a shift toward circular manufacturing will generate $2 trillion in annual U.S. revenues and $7 billion in new revenue opportunities.
Smart and Sustainable Cannabis Solutions According to various sources, today’s average investor is increasingly utilizing non-financial factors as they identify opportunities. Leaders in the cannabis industry recognize the challenges likely to arise and are investing in practices that proactively reduce their carbon footprint by improving the way they use water, soil, and even building materials.
The Cannabis Industry: A Perfect Case Study Cannabis companies, whether in the planttouching segment of the industry or elsewhere, should be refocusing on reusing, repairing, and recycling materials rather than only making them.
Take AltoVerde, for example. After moving growing practices indoors for efficiency purposes, they kept an eye on sustainability by designing those indoor operations to recycle close to 100% of the water they use by capturing the perspiration from the plants.
Regennabis — an advisory, convening, and investment services company — is helping cannabis companies reimagine their approach to production. According to co-founder Geoff Trotter, by helping cannabis companies define and deliver a sustainability-focused continuous improvement plan, Regennabis accelerates existing relationships and opens doors for additional conversations with investors.
Other cannabis organizations are looking closely at regenerative farming practices. Innovative cultivation methods ensure that the soil is fully replenished and repaired after each use.
This production reimagination involves: 40
• Collaborating with suppliers, customers, and consumer-facing organizations • Engaging these stakeholders in discussions that nurture sustainable behaviors • Demonstrating that social due diligence also delivers economic success
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
Another solution involves farmers using harvested hemp to create building materials like hempcrete. Just like it sounds, hempcrete is concrete made from hemp. Hempcrete has a negative carbon footprint.
The production of the hemp used in hempcrete removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it ultimately produces. Companies like Hempitecture are dedicating their entire value proposition to plant-based building materials. And it’s not just hempcrete. The company found that fiber batt insulation products like hemp wool are sustainable, highperforming, and easy to install. Balancing Risk, Return, and the Right Intentions With Sustainable Investing Consumers and investors alike now expect — and demand — more from today’s businesses. They want to buy from and invest in companies focused on sustainability and creating meaningful change that’s good for society and the planet as a whole. However, sustainable investing is still an emerging concept. And although emerging markets are filled with growth opportunities and massive amounts of potential, these opportunities also come with their fair share of risk, so proper due diligence is critical. Making the shift toward a circular global economy won’t be easy, but it is vital for the planet’s health. Early adopters and their investors will ultimately see a moral and financial return on that investment by focusing on reusing, repairing, and recycling materials rather than only making them. Which return is more important? We’ll leave that question up to you. ❖
// LEGISLATION //
Cannabis Legalization Up For Debate in Congress But How Close Are We? By Rachelle Gordon It’s been more than 50 years since the Controlled Substances Act was signed into law, designating cannabis as a Schedule I illegal narcotic “with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” In that time, millions of Americans were arrested and imprisoned for non-violent crimes related to the criminalization of the plant, ruining lives and ripping families apart. Now, congressional leaders are hoping to make amends. In July, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, introduced the Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act (CAOA), which would remove marijuana from the Schedule I list, effectively legalizing it nationwide. The bill allows states to set their own policies regarding cannabis, but federal regulations would also be implemented. While the bill is indeed groundbreaking, and a symbol that legalization is closer than ever before, the CAOA faces an uphill battle. Additionally, many industry professionals and advocates are concerned with certain components and wonder if passage would set operators up to fail. “It’s an incredibly strong indicator of a paradigm shift with regards to attitudes toward cannabis,” said NORML and SSDP board member Evan Nison, founder of NisonCo PR. “While the bill may not get the votes it needs to pass this time around, it’s a clear sign that legalization is imminent.” But how exactly will the bill affect the industry and what do professionals in the space have to say? Cannabis & Tech Today breaks the CAOA debate down.
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The Big Picture The Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act is the most comprehensive piece of cannabis reform legislation to date. In addition to the
elimination of the federal prohibition on the plant and its derivatives, the 163-page bill touches on everything from interstate commerce to social equity.
// LEGISLATION //
Here are some key takeaways: Federal Sales Tax Implementation – The CAOA stipulates a federal sales tax on the sale of cannabis products on top of state-imposed taxes. The initial tax would be 10% for companies meeting an annual sales threshold, gradually moving up to 25% within five years.
increased education on medical cannabis for federal officials. NORML also called for a focus on restorative justice while also maintaining the integrity of existing marketplaces and operators. Sponsors of the bill will examine submitted comments and introduce a formal version to the Senate in the near future.
Expungement of Criminal Records – Under the CAOA, thousands of Americans would be eligible to have nonviolent cannabis-related convictions expunged. Federal penalties would also be eliminated. Increased Research – Peer-reviewed studies into the cannabis plant and its effects have remained extremely limited due to criminalization. The CAOA directs funding toward research, specifically calling out brain health as one area to focus on. Restorative Justice – The bill calls for the establishment of three unique grant programs designed to support communities most affected by the war on drugs. This includes funds for job training and other re-entry services for formerly incarcerated cannabis offenders. 280E Relief – One of the biggest challenges facing marijuana operators has been 280E, a section of the tax code that forbids planttouching companies from deducting business expenses. The CAOA would rectify this, allowing cannabis companies to gain access to tax credits they currently do not qualify for. Industry Response Mixed, With Many Calling For Changes to Initial Draft By the public comment deadline of September 1, a large number of advocates, non-profits, and industry trade organizations weighed in on the bill. A wide array of comments and suggestions poured in, offering recommendations for revisions on everything from consumer rights to barriers to entry for new operators.
relations director. “As a bill, it still needs a lot of work.” Fox noted the organization’s members took issue with the proposed taxation model outlined in the CAOA, arguing the current structure is not viable. “The tax components of the draft language would be worse than the status quo in most cases, undermining the viability and potential of the regulated cannabis market,” he explained. “This tax structure would disproportionately hurt small businesses and would incentivize the unregulated market.” Consumer advocacy groups pushed for more language protecting cannabis users, particularly medical patients. Americans For Safe Access called for legislators to address housing assistance barriers for medicinal users as well as
Outlook Hazy on CAOA, But Reform is Nigh Despite Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s enthusiasm regarding marijuana reform, it remains to be seen whether the Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act will achieve the 60 votes necessary to pass. This, compounded by President Joe Biden’s lukewarm attitude toward cannabis, may spell disaster for the bill — at least for now. That’s not to say federal legalization isn’t coming. Industry professionals and analysts believe it’s not a matter of if but when. “90% of Americans believe cannabis should be legal, and politicians tend to listen to their constituents,” Nison said. “This has become a mainstream issue and quite an important one at that. “I’d bet on seeing federal reform within the next four or five years.” ❖
The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), one of the largest trade groups in the space, submitted a nearly 30-page letter to bill sponsors after reviewing feedback from its members. “The CAOA is a good starting point for a conversation in the Senate about how to best end prohibition, repair the harms it has caused, and effectively regulate the substance at the federal level,” said Morgan Fox, NCIA’s media
Photo: Official White House photo by Cameron Smith
Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// LEGISLATION //
NCP 2021 Recap So, I know what you’re all thinking… What’s up with the National Cannabis Party? Well, we had a chance to catch up with them and get the scoop on where they are now and what they have in the works. January 2021 was the birth of the National Cannabis Party (NCP), and it seems as if they haven’t slowed down one bit! The NCP crew have been making the rounds from being officially introduced by Redman on the massive music platform Verzuz, to speaking at our virtual Emerge Summer conference, and attending the National Cannabis Festival in D.C. where NCP co-founders Sephida Artis-Mills and Andrew Behringer shared the stage with Redman and Method Man. Sephida, president of NCP, took center stage to share the party’s mission and send a message to all those who love and support cannabis. It was truly a moment in history, as the National Cannabis Festival was held on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream’’ speech.
N.C.P. team participates in this year's National Cannabis Festival, which was held in Washington D.C.
NCP has also launched their first State committee, the National Cannabis Party of Georgia, led by the new National Director Chris Brown from Atlanta. The opportunities that NCP has had to share space and soak in incredible knowledge and insights, shared by the best and brightest minds in the industry, are nothing short of amazing. It also serves as confirmation that as the National Cannabis Party continues to grow, it stands and moves in strength as a direct reflection of the cannabis industry, the people, and their collective need to have representation in Washington. NCP is a refreshing and welcome catalyst for change in the current political landscape surrounding cannabis. They recognize the need to shake up traditional political party lines, and to support current and aspiring legislators that are working to advance pro-cannabis policies. The future of NCP and the cannabis industry will be driven by the people. After an incredible breakout year thus far, I think we all can agree that NCP is definitely here to stay! ❖ 44
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
Redman, co-founder of N.C.P., proudly holding his new shield on stage recently after he was given the title ‘Captain Cannabis’.
Chris Brown, national director of N.C.P., and leader of the State Committee of Georgia for N.C.P., reminding the people of Atlanta that you need to vote.
Doc Ray, Humboldt County’s finest and core N.C.P. team member, shows off the C&T Today Summer edition, which featured Redman on the cover talking about N.C.P.
Sephida Artis-Mills, president of N.C.P., speaks in front of 15,000 people at the National Cannabis Festival. Redman (A.K.A. ‘Captain Cannabis’) and Method Man stand in solidarity behind the message and beliefs of N.C.P.
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
A Journalist’s Journey into Cannabis MJBizDaily CEO Chris Walsh shares insights from ten years documenting the industry. By Patricia Miller
In 2011, there wasn’t much reporting on the business of cannabis because the legalized industry didn’t really exist in the United States. Medical use had passed in California, but it wasn’t until 2012 that Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize adult use. Until then, there was little demand for cannabis business journalism. MJBizDaily recognizeda void in the market. There were legitimate businesses in the cannabis sector and aside from High Times, cannabis reporting was fairly nonexistent. Enter Chris Walsh, CEO of MJBizDaily. He responded to an ad MJBiz placed seeking “legitimate journalists” to cover the space. He became the first journalist in the U.S. to focus specifically on the cannabis business sector. Fast forward 10 years, and Walsh is considered one of America’s foremost cannabis industry analysts. In this interview, Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with Walsh to learn why he entered the industry, his expectations for federal reform, and what’s next for MJBizDaily’s annual event, MJBizCon. Cannabis & Tech Today: You moved from a career in traditional journalism to covering the widely stigmatized cannabis business sector. What inspired that change? Chris Walsh: As a long-time business journalist back then, I was always interested in new opportunities, new industries, and I think that this just struck me as this strange, unusual, kind of once-in-a-lifetime thing that we were seeing of a random industry kind of coming out of nowhere and tied to a very interesting product … I just thought, “Wow, this is fascinating. I want to help chronicle how this thing is unfolding.” 46
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
C&T Today: What have you found most surprising about that international cannabis business landscape?
night and day. I remember when we started,
CW: There are several things that are pretty surprising. I think the rapid acceptance of cannabis, not only in the U.S. but across the world, really caught me by surprise. If you think about where we were 10 or 11 years ago, it’s like
trigger some kind of red flags with whoever’s
being nervous about searching for marijuana all day on my computer. I didn’t know if that would monitoring internet use. The stigma was huge. The government had turned its head a little bit and then the U.S. started cracking down shortly after we started the business.
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
train is rolling, it’s gaining steam, and it’s a legit industry. Then I think on the international side, it’s been that same momentum. And that’s been even more surprising because in these other countries, the government is behind it or has legalized it, and we don’t even have that in the U.S. yet. So when you look at the map globally, and you’re like, “Wow, they’ve legalized medical cannabis in South America, Central America, in Europe, Australia, New Zealand.” The list goes on and on. That was a big surprise. C&T Today: On that note, let’s discuss federal legalization. What do you see as some of the biggest barriers to the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act being passed? CW: This is one of those developments that will go down as a milestone in the long journey to federal reform. It is not the key. I highly doubt it’s going to pass, and you’ll find very few people that think it will. There’s still too much resistance right now in D.C. And this is a big, bold bill. It’s an encouraging bill because it really considers a lot of different things that are important to the industry, that are important to making this legal in a federal manner. And so, the sponsors of this bill know the industry, and they did their homework. I think that’s extremely encouraging. It’s one of these things that starts that serious discussion in the halls of power.
Exhibitors mingle with attendees and investors during MJBizCon, an annual networking event held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
So I think now, you see the situation where 90% of the country thinks cannabis should be legal in some fashion, whether that’s for medical or recreational use. You have several dozen countries that have legalized medical cannabis federally. You have countries that have legalized recreational cannabis federally. You have the vast majority of this country that now has some form of legalized marijuana on the books and an industry that’s generating $20 billion in sales,
It will likely be awhile, but it will likely lead to further discussions, further prominence for cannabis legalization as a topic. And hopefully, it’ll lead to some other type of reform such as banking.
and you have mainstream companies evolving. So, it’s all of this combined.
C&T Today: Do you think federal reform and banking reform would push out some of these smaller players or make more room for them to find investment?
When Colorado and Washington State first legalized, I remember thinking, “I don’t know if there’s really going to be an industry here. How is the government going to let these states move forward with recreational marijuana? Are they actually going to let businesses grow and process and sell this?” I was extremely doubtful. Now we’re at the situation today where the
CW: We don’t know how all this would ripple across the industry, and I think there will be certain cases that various sets of reform would help smaller players, like if they have access to bank loans. In some ways it would bolster smaller companies. In other ways, it would not. You open that door to the big players getting involved, and we’ve seen what happens over and Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // A Journalist’s Journey into Cannabis
over in other industries. It becomes the big, dominant players that consolidate ... they gobble up other companies, they consolidate, and it becomes harder to compete. But, right now is not a great situation either for smaller companies. As the regulations increase, their costs to own licenses increase. It’s getting harder and harder to operate in this industry as a smaller player, and there are some aspects of reform that would potentially help them. In Schumer’s bill, you’ve got some thoughtfulness behind how you can help on the social equity side as a small business, just like we see in New York State. So, there’s at least a realization by a lot of people now that whatever happens federally, hopefully won’t be structured to only benefit the big companies or the people with lots of money. Of course, there’s going to be aspects of this that do benefit them significantly; they’re the ones with the money and the lobbying power. But I think there’s also a realization that we’ve got to make sure there’s room for the smaller players, too. C&T Today: I’d love to talk about MJBizCon. It’s been a big, crazy year for events all over. Can you tell me a little bit about how you’ve adapted with the pandemic and what changes people can expect for the event?
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CW: I really see this year’s MJBiz as a celebration of all that the industry has accomplished since we were last able to hold an in-person event, which was at the end of 2019. We’re really trying to capture that the industry, actually in many cases, thrived during a very difficult time. You saw record sales across the country, even in mature markets. That’s not to overshadow the challenges that everyone faced professionally, personally, emotionally, and everything that went along with this, but when you compare what happened with cannabis to many other industries, it’s been a great success story during a very, very difficult time for people and for the world.
C&T Today: You’re also offering a digital experience this year as a companion to the live event. Do you feel that this hybridization of the event space will continue beyond the pandemic?
Cannabis businesses in many states were deemed essential, which is astonishing in a global pandemic where you had a period where almost the entire economy was shut down in many key ways. So, I want us to be able to capture that spirit of the industry, of its resilience, of the innovation that continues to play out, and that growth.
CW: I think we will have a digital component to our events in some fashion going forward, and what that looks like will likely morph depending on what people want. This year, for instance, a lot of people that wanted to attend can’t, from other countries. We’ll still have a heavy presence of people who have registered and companies that are on the exhibit hall floor
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
from other countries, but their laws and regulations are changing along the way, as well. So, for whatever reason, there’s a decent number of people who want to come but can’t, outside the country. So, something like a digital offering is valuable for them. And even in the U.S. or Canada, everyone has different feelings and thoughts on what they’re comfortable with right now. And so in this environment, digital is a really good option. And I do think, going forward, even if there are no COVID[-19] concerns, looking for ways to enhance the event with digital will be part of our plans. ❖
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
Taking it to a Higher Level
Highlighting Some of Our Favorite Cannabis Influencers By Taylor McLamb Cannabis & Tech Today started the Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference & Expo as a way to unite the cannabis industry during the pandemic. Now that in-person events are making a comeback, it’s a great time to highlight some of the influential thought leaders who have graced the Emerge virtual stage. Their insights prove this industry really does have some of the most hardworking, tough-as-nails, game-changing people in the world working to bring cannabis to a global audience.
Redman Record Producer, Actor, DJ, legendary MC, and longtime cannabis advocate. Redman has worked cannabis into his art and his lifestyle and is now helping others medicate safely through his work with the FEC-approved National Cannabis Party. Redman’s passion for cannabis drove him to become a licensed patient consultant at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California. “I’m fascinated at how far we’ve come with this plant from me just smoking it for recreational use. I just knew it was it for me back then when I first started smoking. I can’t just say I was smoking it and I knew it was going to be legalized one day, or that I knew it was going to be at this level, because no one knew it was going to be at this level, a billion dollar industry. But I can honestly say that when guys like us started smoking it and when we started putting it on the frontline, like Richard Lee and all the other great ones who put it on the frontline … we was on track. Overall, I felt that I made a great choice in my life by dealing with this marijuana plant, because marijuana brings people together. Through the music, while everyone was talking about being a gangster … we just stuck to the talk of marijuana, what it brings, the [fun] it brings.”
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Wanda James CEO of Simply Pure Dispensary and the first African American woman to own a dispensary in Colorado. Her accolades include serving as a Navy veteran, a former political manager, a former member of President Obama’s National Finance Committee, and now a cannabis entrepreneur. James uses her years of experience in the cannabis industry to offer advice to women entrepreneurs. “Women are always taught, you know, don’t promote yourself, don’t get big on yourself, but the rest of the world does. And I think a lot of times, we don’t get positions, or we don’t get funded, or we don’t get the salary that we wanted because we play so that people don’t feel bad around us. If you graduated from Harvard, girl, talk about that! Use words like ‘was in charge of,’ the power words behind it instead of ‘I was a team member.’ We have got to really put more force behind what it is that we do.”
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
Berner An influential rapper with 16 albums under his belt, Berner has become a household name not just through his music, but also through his cannabis empire. Berner is the founder and CEO of international cannabis brand COOKIES, which frequently collaborates with well-known musicians and produces unique, award-winning strains. “You see a lot of artists coming out now with herb and they don’t have any real lineage on what they’re releasing. What’s the strain? The reason my eyes look the way they do is I’m in a crazy hunt right now. We’re smoking through 30 different jars, trying to select the next flavor for our menu. And so, a lot of work goes into it and I think that if music and cannabis are paired right, it can be powerful. But if it’s just like, ‘Hey, I’m an artist and I’m going to rap about some weed, put my name on it.’ It’s not so powerful. Music brings people together. Cannabis brings people together. You make music with purpose and we breed cannabis with purpose. So it’s like, if we’re all putting our hearts in it, I work with people that put their heart in their shit. You know what I mean? So that’s the way I work.”
Andrew DeAngelo Co-founder of the Last Prisoner Project (LPP), a nonprofit organization fighting to free every prisoner from the war on drugs. DeAngelo also co-founded Harborside, a vertically integrated legal cannabis company in California. Here, he reflects on what he’s learned from current social justice activists fighting for change in the present climate. “What’s happened in the last couple of years with these activists is, I’ve realized how much we have in common and how much my privilege has protected me in that same trade where everybody else did not have that protection. It really opened my mind. We always had this commitment to freeing our brothers and sisters in prison. It didn’t matter what color your skin is, we always had that commitment. But, what I’ve learned from these activists is, it’s not enough to have commitment. You have to have law, the power of law behind some of this. Until it is mandated that we create equity, until it is mandated that we create ownership, our work is not done. That’s why, not just with Last Prisoner Project, but I donate a certain amount of my time to social equity too, because [we have a] moral imperative. I really feel it in every cell of my being — that moral imperative.” Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Taking it to a Higher Level
Jason Gann Australian comedian, actor, and the creative mind behind the cult-classic television show Wilfred, which depicts a man’s unusual friendship with his dog, Wilfred (played by Gann). His cannabis company was inspired by his television character. Here, Gann explains the reasoning behind his marketing campaign, which involved a series of videos showcasing Wilfred on a voyage through space, acting as a cannabis “Johnny Appleseed,” planting cannabis seeds on a faraway planet. “I’ve been an ancient astronaut theorist for many years, it’s been a very big passion of mine. One of the things I’ve found in my love of cannabis and love of ancient astronaut theory was I discovered this African tribe called the Dogon tribe … and their telling of the history of humanity was that we were brought here and designed and created, and that these extraterrestrials came from the Sirius star system and they brought cannabis to Earth as a gift for humanity to evolve their consciousness.”
Codie Sanchez Award-winning journalist, public speaker, institutional investor, advocate, and now managing director and partner at Entourage Effect Capital. Sanchez has shared her insights on CNBC, Fox, CNN, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fortune. In this excerpt, she shares her knowledge about impact investing, which is the act of investing in a company that promotes positive environmental or social benefits. “I think the cannabis industry, by and large, is an impact investment. I mean, the cannabis industry is each month bringing on about 10,000 new jobs. It’s one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the U.S. The cannabis industry also has a ton of environmental components to it, like bioremediation with hemp, the ability to do recycling. There’s a little bit of a global plastics supply shock right now. Hemp can be used in some instances instead of plastic, so I think there’s actually a lot of reasons to invest in cannabis as an impact investment … I typically think if there’s a big problem to solve, such as bioremediation, a problem with toxicity in farmlands. Or opioids, people becoming too addicted. Or people wanting to change from alcohol to something a little bit healthier for them without the hangover or calories — those are big problems, and when you solve a big problem, you can usually get a big payout. So from that perspective, why wouldn’t you want to have an impact investment in your portfolio?”
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Ricky Williams American football player and winner of the Heisman trophy when he was just 21-years-old. He is arguably one of the best football players of our time. Due to the physical pain and mental pressure that came with decades of intense training and playing, Williams sought relief in medical marijuana at a time when the general public’s opinion of the plant was still quite conservative. “It’s interesting, the stigma was such that people assumed that I was a partier or a lazy pothead, but the truth is, cannabis helped me to heal. At the time, I didn’t understand this. There weren’t that many people talking about medicinal marijuana, but I had a sense that consuming cannabis was really contributing to my life. On the football field, it helped me to recover. There’s something physically, emotionally, mentally, and in some ways, even spiritually. Because [being] a professional athlete, especially a professional football player, is quite difficult. But the truth is, all of us in our lives go through things. I don’t know if it’s human nature or what, but it seems like the only way that we truly grow, evolve, and transform is by going through some traumatic crisis or experience. I started to realize while in football, that if I’m going to put my body in this kind of intensity, I need to also think about healing in that same level of intensity. After practice, I would go home and my body was hurting, and my ritual of rolling a joint and smoking a joint or two at night really helped my body to recover, but more importantly, it helped my mind and my spirit to recover.”
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
Is Cannabis Packaging Discriminatory? Are child-safety features locking out patients as well? Bill McCall had never tried cannabis until his home state of Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016. McCall, 62, suffers from chronic pain and a seizure disorder but has neither mobility issues nor arthritis in his hands. However, he could not open mylar bags containing his medical cannabis. The child-safety closure keeping the baggie airtight wasn’t user-friendly, either. “The biggest problem I have was with the capsules in blister packs and foil you had to peel the backs off of. I couldn’t do it. My wife had to. There was no way to cut those out without damaging the product,” said McCall. His ultimate solution? He changed brands to one with more accessible packaging.
Not one of the 15 markets (where his products are sold) has a standard of what should be on a package. Regulations help make packaging extremely userunfriendly,” he said. While child-safety protocols on cannabis packaging vary state-to-state, there are often overlaps. For example, the package must not be able to be opened by a young child while still being accessible to elderly users. “There are a whole lot of ways to get to this point, but they add cost and unnecessary complexity,” said Driessen. That scenario irks him.
John Hartsell
McCall isn’t alone in complaining about the challenges associated with opening cannabis packaging. In a recent Facebook post, Elizabeth Simpson of Elyria, Ohio, writes, “I have difficulty opening most edible packaging, including the Incredibles.” According to Simpson, 29, that brand was “waaaaaay easier” to open in Colorado than it is in Ohio.
“A lot of users started off as patients or are patients and we’re making it more complicated for them,” he said, noting how additional materials used to manufacture child-resistant packaging adds to its cost. He laments the lack of a uniform standard across the industry relating to packaging.
Why is it more challenging to open cannabis packaging in one state than in another? Why isn’t there consistency in packaging? Is cannabis packaging discriminatory (unintentionally or not) against other-abled users or those not as agile as others?
He blames that on the lack of Chris Driessen regulation, primarily at the federal level. According to Alfredo Cernuda, President of Sir Hemp Co., which manufactures make [opening packaging] overly complex.” hemp CBD oil tinctures, marijuana packaging In Jared Mirsky’s mind, child-resistant “is not discriminatory in nature but rises as a packaging isn’t even necessary for cannabis need to temper ergonomic design versus flower. If a child (or anyone) eats cannabis liability issues.” flower, nothing will happen to them. “Weed doesn’t cannibalize in the human body unless it Complicating matters is that since cannabis is is heated up,” said Mirsky, a global cannabis not legal on the federal level, uniform rules for branding and marketing expert and founder and packaging cannot be implemented in the United CEO of Wick & Mortar. He notes concentrates States. That means each of the 37 states where don’t taste good, either. medical and/or recreational cannabis is legal promulgate their own set of rules and legalities Driessen agrees governmental regulations on governing all matters pertaining to it. cannabis packaging have gone too far. “The Nanny Government is telling us what we need Those laws, said Cernuda, “lead companies to
“There is no standard for the packaging of cannabis in the United States,” said John Hartsell, co-founder and CEO of DIZPOT, a supplier of cannabis and hemp brands nationwide and a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer himself. According to Chris Driessen, CEO of SLANG Worldwide, an industry leader of branded cannabis packaged products for consumers, “packaging is one of the banes of our existence. 54
By Tami Kamin Meyer
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Is Cannabis Packaging Discriminatory?
Alfredo Cernuda
Jared Mirsky
He also notes the extra plastics and additional materials used for child-safety measures are a “huge waste you don’t need. They are not userfriendly.”
primary considerations when designing
His company creates custom packaging for dispensaries in both the recreational and medical marijuana markets.
also leads to a loss of information for patients
manufacturer of legal edibles. When Fritz’s
and don’t need. We are so overly sensitive to cannabis in our communities and the research doesn’t support that,” he said.
Inconsistencies in child-resistant packaging laws in the 37 jurisdictions where cannabis is legal in some form present a “big challenge” to brands in multiple states, said Hartsell. “You want to buy packaging for all products in a costefficient manner, but different compliance rules in different states dictate buying packaging” for each individual market where a company sells its products. That’s expensive.
Meanwhile, Mirsky isn’t entirely against childsafety protections on certain cannabis products. “While I agree with certain levels of packaging, it should only be on edibles,” he said.
He notes, for example, that cases with small buttons requiring manual dexterity are challenging to open for many in the cannabisusing community. That’s why DIZPOT’s
regulations but don’t have deep pockets to add
Tabitha Fritz
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
packaging is that a user can open it within a “reasonable amount of time,” said Hartsell. The lack of printable space on the packaging and users, a dilemma faced by Tabitha Fritz, CEO of Fritz’s Cannabis Co., a Canadian-based products hit the Legacy market in 2016, she invested more than $40,000 U.S. on packaging, only to learn it did not comply with Canadian regulations. She was then forced to buy stickers to correct the problem. Despite the challenges, Fritz said she is in business to stay. “I’ll be sure to comply with educational information to the packaging. I can’t afford to push the envelope that is meant to help consumers,” she said. ❖
Visit us at booth N2118
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
Planet 13
Selling Cannabis as an Immersive Entertainment Experience By Jessica McKeil The cannabis retail experience is rapidly changing. Gone are the days of dimly lit dispensaries with tacky flashing signs. As retailers seek to differentiate, it’s no longer about selling a product. Instead, it’s increasingly about selling a complete consumer experience. Planet 13 is the epitome of this new wave of retail, toting cannabis as a destination. With the world’s largest cannabis store in Las Vegas, Nevada, and now with the second largest store in Santa Ana, California, they are on a quest to transform the cannabis retail landscape.
Thus, Planet 13 Las Vegas was born. Instead of budtenders making quick retail transactions, this new retail model encourages customers to linger as long as possible. The massive Las Vegas flagship location boasts a seemingly never-ending list of tech-driven entertainment installations, from a gigantic 3D Projection Visual Experience to an LED interactive floor to a guest-controlled, 13-foot robotic lotus flower.
As guests wander through the expansive space, they can watch the production team make edibles in the Willy-Wonka-inspired, glasspaneled factory or indulge at the on-site restaurant and bar. Soon, a pair of fighting robots will add to the all-out nature of the Planet 13 experience. The recent opening of the newest Planet 13 megaplex in Orange County, California, builds on this highly-interactive model. Playing into
In an interview, Larry Scheffler, co-CEO of Planet 13 Holdings, discussed the vision behind making cannabis retail a sharable experience. He reflected on what it took to move the cannabis industry in this new direction, including wielding the power of social media and emphasizing the importance of location. Planet 13 Represents a New Kind of Retail Experience When Scheffler and Bob Groesbeck, the other co-CEO at Planet 13, originally got into cannabis, it started with a small 2,500 sq. ft. space near the Raiders stadium in Las Vegas. In the first 10 months of operation, they made a whopping $18 million. Still, as Scheffler judged, “Why do we have 43 competitors fighting for 2.3 million locals when there are 55 million tourists coming?” From this perspective, it made sense to pivot from a simple retail location to a tourist attraction. As longtime Las Vegas residents, the entertainment business model comes naturally to Scheffler and Groesbeck. In Scheffler’s words, “All we know about is the tourists and entertaining the tourists. And they will come. They don’t even know how they want to be entertained. That’s your job to figure out how to entertain them.” 58
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
Planet 13 dispensary in Las Vegas creates an immersive, interactive experience for guests. This unusual environment encourages social media interaction, acting as free advertising for the business.
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Planet 13
the laid-back ocean energy of the California coast, this location features an 80-foot digital display wall of waves and a smoked-out Volkswagen van, among countless other social media photo ops. Planet 13 aims to immerse guests into all things cannabis as soon as they walk through the door. Selling Cannabis as a Destination Hinges on Location A cannabis superstore needs a super consumer base. For this model to work, location truly is the foundation. Las Vegas, an established entertainment destination, was a natural fit for this cannabis retail model. But with strict regulations against cannabis in the gaming corridor, securing a strip-adjacent location took more than a bit of ingenuity. By stumbling on an accidental zoning loophole, Scheffler and Groesbeck struck gold. The team secured the 112,000 sq. ft. space, backing onto the famous Vegas strip. It ticked all the necessary boxes for making cannabis a tourist attraction: millions of annual visitors, high visibility, and centrally located within an established entertainment hub. This checklist is one that Planet 13 continues to pursue in their country-wide expansion, with a second storefront now open in Orange County, California. Scheffler and the Planet 13 team looked at over 100 different locations between San Jose and San Diego. With nothing meeting their strict list of must-haves they almost gave up on California altogether. But, suddenly, a 55,000 sq. ft. space in Santa Ana came up.
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team, it’s usually big enough for Planet 13.” Banking on Social Media to Spread the Word Selling cannabis at an immersive entertainment space like Planet 13 offers an unexpected opportunity: free advertising. As many retailers know all too well, the restriction on advertising anything weedrelated is an uphill battle. Facebook, Instagram, and Google make it near-impossible to advertise cannabis products and services openly. The traditional advertising strategies no longer work. So why not bank on the best possible marketing strategy there is? Planet 13 is baking word-of-mouth marketing into their advertising strategy. By cramming in as many social mediaworthy and shareable experiences into both their locations, they encourage guests to snap and share their shopping experience.
The massive retail space checked all the right boxes for the entertainment destination model. It’s close to other major tourist attractions like Disneyland, has ample parking, and sits next to a six-lane highway for increased visibility.
Scheffler made clear, “That was our thought process, is to have people advertise for us.” Already they are seeing guests share, tag, and spread the Planet 13 message. Scheffler has witnessed how “they’ll send it to 10 or 20 of their best friends, and the web just keeps going out.”
Planet 13 has just secured their license in Chicago, Illinois, and they now have their sights set on major tourist hubs like Florida. As Scheduler says, “If it’s big enough for a sports
The ability to carefully circumvent the current restrictions on cannabis advertising isn’t open to just any retailer. Word of mouth and social media shares are only effective for photo-worthy
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
experiences in spaces explicitly designed to make a visual impact — places like Planet 13. Selling Cannabis as a Destination is Only Just Getting Started With plans for a dozen or more cannabis entertainment superstores across the country, Planet 13 is just getting going. And while there may only be capacity for a limited number of cannabis megaplexes at each major tourist hub, smaller retailers can still lean into this growing trend. Sponsored cannabis-friendly hotels and accommodations, consumption lounges, and 420 amusement parks could all kick off as legalization spreads. Planet 13 is the first in a new wave of retailers selling cannabis as a lasting consumer experience. ❖
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
Cannabis Couture How to Create an Elevated Customer Experience on Any Budget What comes to mind when you imagine a beautiful dispensary?
catching, compliant designs that will set your brand apart from the competition.
Perhaps it’s laden with bright colors and dazzling technological displays highlighting the latest and greatest in cannabis. Maybe you imagine a warm, inviting space where you feel like you’re coming to visit an old friend.
Cannabis & Tech Today: What are some of the biggest challenges retailers face in the design phase of a dispensary?
Everyone has their own vision for their ideal business. Very few are able to bring that vision to life on time and within budget. To understand more about what goes into designing a successful retail establishment, Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with the team at SevenPoint Interiors. While SevenPoint is focused on the newlyemerging cannabis scene, its parent company Visual Elements has been building high-end retail spaces for more than a decade. Their client list includes Coach, Louis Vuitton, and several other designer brands known for their unique, ultra-chic interiors. In this exclusive interview, Creative Director Desmond Chan and Head of Design Randy Simmen break down what it takes to create eye-
Desmond Chan: A lot of it is on time and on budget. Because we’re a vertically-integrated facility, we’re great at working within a budget. Randy Simmen: We have customers who sought designs from other design firms who don’t have manufacturing integrated, it’s hard for them to really understand the cost associated with executing some of these designs. So a customer will come to us with a budget and a design and when you look at it, the budget doesn’t really match up with the design. We can give them reasons why — be it material choices or even just structural challenges. We make sure they’re not over designing to the point that it’s out of the realm of possibility when it comes to budget and timing. C&T Today: What’s your strategy for blending beautiful design with compliance?
By Patricia Miller
DC: In Canada, you’re not allowed to look into a store and see the transaction, point of sale, or anything associated with cannabis products from the street. So we find creative ways to draw customers into the store. For example, we have a client’s store inspired by the Grateful Dead. From the outside you can’t really see any cannabis products, but it still draws attention and creates an experience that draws people into the store. That’s one example of a creative component. RS: From the street, you can see all the way into the back of the store, you can see people shopping the store, but you can’t see any cannabis. So that’s one example of a creative loophole where we have to work inside this box and figure out how to creep outside of it a little bit. C&T Today: What should retailers consider when creating an interior design? RS: You need to find a way to set yourself apart and stand out from the rest. Because at the end of the day, I think those who are going to survive and still be open years from now are those that took the time to really focus on the experience and the customer journey. C&T Today: You offer custom designs as well as prefabricated designs. When is prefab the best option for a retailer?
SevenPoint Interiors offer custom designs, as well as prefabricated systems like those pictured here. Prefabricated designs can be modified for the operator’s preferences.
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RS: We call it pre-engineered. If someone comes to us with a really quick timeline, rather than investing all of our time designing the tables and the fixtures, we’re spending that time on layout and customer journey. And then based on the brand they have, or the aesthetic they are trying to achieve, we apply the finishes and materials to the pre-engineered system. That’s created here and we can put it straight into production. DC: What normally takes a custom job three or four months or even longer to build, what we’re doing with the module collection is closer to six to eight weeks turnaround.
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Cannabis Couture
C&T Today: What do you think is an often overlooked aspect of successful interior design? RS: I think the interior design piece, we are pretty good at covering. I honestly think the most overlooked thing in our experience is the branding. We have a lot of customers that come to us with ambitions of a beautiful retail space, but then we create the shelves and now you have to fill those shelves, and the way that you display the product information should all be consistent and branded. We might supply a space for digital signage, but is that digital menu board on brand and looking correct? We offer that service as well, of brand identity. I think that’s the one piece where, when we can convince customers to go with us to develop their branding, that’s where they’ve been the most successful. And we’re also able to then integrate their branding into our design. DC: There are also little tricks that we put in from a tech perspective that really make the experience so much more interesting and also improve things from a sales perspective for the owners. RS: Even things like integrating iPads for self-checkouts in creative ways. So in one case, we created a nice upholstered bench then integrated an arm that holds an iPad so you can shop while you sit. So, we don’t create the technology, but we find ways to integrate it. C&T Today: Are you finding there’s a lot of demand for tech integration? RS: It depends on the customer. With the boom of online shopping and all of us having screens in our faces all the time, I do actually think the more tactile designs are effective. We designed a store and they chose not to have any visual screens whatsoever, no iPads, no screens on the walls. They went completely analog and there was something appealing about that tactile approach. I think if you’re going to use technology, do it so that it supports your brand and supports your sales strategy on the floor. So if it’s all this fine print and someone’s going to have to stand there and read all of it, you might as well not have it there. But if it’s impactful, I think it compliments the shopping experience. ❖
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Interior design can serve as a crucial brand differentiator for the crowded cannabis marketplace. SevenPoint offers completely custom spaces, like the Grateful Dead inspired dispensary pictured here (bottom). Clients can also integrate pre-engineered pieces into their design to save time and expense.
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
The Future of the Cannabis Social Network New Apps Are Making It Easier to Connect Over Cannabis
By Ian Pedersen
As new tech social platforms seem to arise often in our era, often pointless in their existence, it’s exciting when a new app fills a needed niche. Buddy Jane, a social networking app, was built to connect the cannabis community. The app allows users to share their passion for cannabis without the risk of being flagged or deleted for being cannabis related. The Buddy Jane app offers a fully immersive, no judgement community where cannabis is not only welcome, it is the major focus. Unlike other popular social apps like Facebook, this concept spans beyond social, offering unique and completely new targets with value ads and emerging technologies directed at a youthful, cannabis-friendly, tech-savvy community. As the first social platform to integrate blockchain and partner with a cannabis-inspired cryptocurrency, Buddy Jane has a program to offer specific crypto benefits and discounts. The app partnered with Potcoin Rewards, a program developed to increase customer retention and offer “Social Token” rewards for engagement. People can access exclusive content, earn discounts with retailers, send friends points, and reward influencers with points for content and livestreams. This creates a fully inclusive ecosystem within the Buddy Jane platform and a sustainable space for the community and industry to grow together. Potcoin is a stable coin being launched on the Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum is a massive vehicle, not just for crypto, but also as an NFT driver breeding ground. Buddy Jane’s NFT Marketplace and subsequent launches will create new opportunities for future NFT trading. The app is rolling out its first NFT launch with emerging brands, like Duke’s Highgrade, offering an NFT 66
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NFT’s may be the most simple and authentic way to hold ownership. Buddy Jane reports that they will also have a schedule of collectible NFT releases hosted on the platform. It will be exciting to see what other types of cannabis I.P. are monetized through these technologies. Paul “Pic” Ferrie, founder, president and Loni McClure, founder CEO
strain release for Grape Illusion by Dallas D. of Duke’s Highgrade. This is a brand-new and very special strain cultivated at Natura Life + Sciences, most notable for their work in creating the internationally known “Grape Ape.” This first of its kind NFT launch specifically entails the ownership of the actual “DNA” as attributed by COA and full blockchain of custody ownership of the strain genetics that will be traced through a DNA certificate of authenticity.
Features like secure video chat messaging are also being used in a whole new and thoughtful way, offering direct consumer/patient communication and consultations. This could help with remote diagnosis of patients, as well as offer livestream video for a variety of channel content, and group videos for exclusive viewerdirected content. The Bud Finder feature offers a cannabusiness directory with more than 16,000 locations. The Bud Finder also allows business owners in the space to list for free. It’s a one-stop social experience for cannabis businesses and enthusiasts alike. ❖
// SOCIAL EQUITY //
Pioneering With Pride
Celebrating the Intersection Between Cannabis and LGBTQIA+ Innovators By Taylor McLamb The cannabis industry owes a lot to the LGBTQIA+ community. Not only have they continuously fought to be seen authentically, they’ve led the uphill battle for the cannabis plant to be seen as well. Noteworthy LGBTQIA+ advocates for cannabis came at a time when the streets were alive with gay liberation protests, anti-war movements, and the fight for racial equality. During the AIDs epidemic of the 1980s and early 90s, gay activists like Dennis Peron and Kiyoshi Kuromiya recognized the healing properties of cannabis and what it could do to help in the treatment of suffering patients. LGBTQIA+ activists were beyond their time, seeing potential in the plant that we’re reaping the benefits from now. Let’s take a look at a few influential, modern-day LGBTQIA+ pioneers who have made a name for themselves within the cannabis industry and are creating a more prosperous environment for others.
JJ McKay
Founder and Publisher of The Fresh Toast JJ McKay is the founder and publisher of The Fresh Toast, one of the largest consumer-facing cannabis media companies in North America. By delivering reputable medical cannabis news through their partnership with Skipta, The Fresh Toast attracts 1.7 million health care professionals each month. Their reliable reputation awarded them press credentials during the 2020 presidential election. McKay quickly took note of the cannabis industry’s straight, male-dominated demeanor. “I think there’s more work to be done,” McKay said. “When you go to meetings, 80% of the industry is still white, straight males of a variety of ages and a variety of backgrounds.” That being said, McKay has noticed the industry evolving in other ways. “When we launched at the end of 2016, 50% of the meetings would be your classic grower that’s moving into legalization — people who are fighting [for their] dream and fighting the man,” he said. “Then it evolved into more people who see it as a legitimate industry and a way to establish themselves in an industry that’s going to be very profitable. “I’m usually hosting the conference or doing things like that — and we have such a big voice, a million people see our content every day, so people are nice. But, it’s definitely still a cliquey, old boys thing. I think the easier pathway is getting more women involved in the industry, because then that opens up a certain level of tolerance that also opens up a certain level of inclusiveness,” said McKay. 68
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// SOCIAL EQUITY //
Brie Brewer Founder of Proud Mary The Proud Mary Network was created to support queer voices within the cannabis industry through cannabis education by LGBTQIA+ writers, hosting networking events, and advocacy work. Brewer, who founded the organization in 2019, said the idea came together when noticing the lack of queer representation at an MJBizCon event. “I can’t tell you how disappointing it is to see all of these conventions and all of these keynote speakers and there’s such a lack of representation, specifically for trans individuals,” Brewer said. “I want to change that. I want to put us all in the limelight. I want to give everyone a chance to speak their truth and speak their voices and have a platform to do so.” While Brewer is the mastermind behind Proud Mary, she has a lot of support from those within the industry. Proud Mary is heavily involved with popular drag queens Ducky and Patsy. The network has collaborated with LGBTQIA+ filmmaker and founder of cannabis consulting firm Synergy, Johann Balbuena. Brewer has future plans to make Proud Mary into a nonprofit, as well as to create a job board that filters for queer-friendly companies. Attendees cool off from the summer heat and celebrate at Proud Mary’s highly anticipated 2021 Bushwick Beach Bash in New York City.
“People reach out to me specifically to tell me how important this is and how much of an impact I am making. And you don’t know unless people check in, right? It’s so heartwarming and it feels like I’m doing something good,” Brewer said. Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// SOCIAL EQUITY // Pioneering With Pride
Danielle Gray and Brande Elise Founders of Unoia Driven by their passion to inspire and educate people about mental health awareness and CBD wellness products, entrepreneurs Danielle Gray and Brande Elise founded their Atlanta-based CBD lifestyle and product company, Unoia. The couple started out originally just selling CBD honey, but their business has since expanded to also selling CBD agave, fruit gummies, CBD topicals, CBD peanut butter pet treats, and CBD pet tinctures. There are many aspects within the company that mirror their own life. Both Gray and Elise were former college athletes, so they know firsthand how tinctures can provide relief from physical pain. Their CBD oil drips were also flavored after Georgia peaches to reflect the state in which they reside. Gray emphasizes how important representation is for them to be an honest brand. “We’re representing a Black voice, a female voice, a queer voice, and also a voice from the South, which is a very different voice as well, coming from a place that’s very conservative and anti-cannabis and all those things,” Gray said. “It’s interesting in itself. There’s a lot of fun perspectives we have on cannabis.” Gray and Elise value transparency within their company, as well as in their own lives. When viewing their website, customers can view an organized and detailed display of the Certificate of Analysis for each product they offer. “That [transparency] was a big deal for us, and there’s a couple of reasons why. One is just being — and this is our experience as not necessarily LGBT, it could be too — but just being Black, people don’t always think that you have everything together. So with that, you have to make sure it’s just super together,” Gray said. “We want to make sure we’re giving the people that we support and that buy from us, that they know exactly what everything looks like, where everything comes from, that you’ll be safe, and you’re okay. You’re okay in the world of Unoia.” ❖ 70
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Gray and Elise created Unoia with the mission to help people reach beautiful thinking. Their products have been featured in Out Magazine, Essence, Healthline, and more.
Experience it for yourself at MJBizCon, Booth C7622
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Product is evenly lit with LED lights embedded in shelves, and face-outs. Incorporate IoT solutions like digital screens, endless aisle touchscreens, RFID and QR code capabilities to provide an omni-channel customer experience, in line with the merchandise itself.
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// SOCIAL EQUITY //
The Devastating Aftermath of Incarceration “It’s equally, if not more traumatizing than prison itself.” —Stephanie Shepard By Gina Kranwinkel, President and CEO, NACB Imagine paying for a crime for the rest of your life. You’ve paid your dues, and now you’re ready to begin life as a free American again. But it doesn’t work that way. The label “felon” restricts your every move, lessening your civil liberties. You’re out of prison but never truly free. This cruel awakening is the reality for ex-offenders. The cannabis industry is focused on releasing those in prison for nonviolent cannabisrelated offenses, but equal attention is needed for the devastating aftermath of incarceration.
“ Prison is tough — coming home is tougher. It’s equally, if not more traumatizing than prison itself.” That’s the reality for Shepard. Now with a purposeful career at The Last Prisoner Project, she’s an inspiring woman who paid her debt to society — only to come home to more suffering, devastation, and heartbreak. On a first-time, non-violent conspiracy charge, Shepard was sentenced to 10 years — the mandatory minimum. Shepard entered prison at age 41. “My term wasn’t 10 years — it was a life sentence.” Her sentence would prevent her from starting a family and denied her precious time with her aging father, who died before her release. She was not allowed to see him before he passed. However, she was allowed to attend his funeral, unescorted, and then she walked right back into prison — as if she never left. Once she was finally released, she had tremendous pressure to function in society immediately. “I had to get a job in two weeks, I took the first job I had the confidence to apply to, a coffee shop,” she said. “I went in with an ankle monitor on and could only work from this time to this time. At 51 years old, being at a coffee shop felt like a disappointment, but I didn’t have the emotional strength to explain to another person how I ended up as a felon, and would you please give me a chance.” “I walk differently in these shoes, I’m overly cautious as I am afraid of going back to prison,” said Shepard. “I still struggle when I see a dispensary and know that people are in there providing for their families and creating
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(Top) Stephanie Shepard with her father, pictured prior to her incarceration. (Bottom) Shepard now works with The Last Prisoner Project to help others imprisoned for non-violent cannabis offenses.
// SOCIAL EQUITY // The Devastating Aftermath of Incarceration
intergenerational wealth … while other people are in prison like me. The disparity is so great.” “I always tell people, it can happen to you,” says Shepard. “Technically, federally, every single person in those dispensaries could go to jail.”
“ Following the law to the letter and not the spirit of the law almost ruined my life… I was the first white-collar criminal in the history of cannabis to receive a felony because of my white-collar position…” — Nichole West With the rapid expansion of legalized cannabis in Colorado, Sweet Leaf dispensary was reaping the benefits as a consumer brand — until it wasn’t. West was its vice president before the company’s license was revoked, and she was indicted on felony drug charges. “The issue at hand is that there is no point in the law that draws a line in the sand and tells us can we sell [to an individual customer] once a day, once a week, or once every so many hours like so many other states … The law simply states “Per Transaction” and gives absolutely no clarity,” as West explained in correspondence to her attorney. Sweet Leaf ’s rise was as dramatic as its fall. In 2018, West served a 30-day sentence and nine months probation. She is now a felon. West likens the aftermath of incarceration to being half a person. The stigma of being an ex-offender and the doors closed to housing, employment, friendships, and more have made it feel like she is still in prison. She imparted this wisdom related to what happened to her: • Don’t get comfortable. • The war on cannabis is not over. • If you are not willing to lose everything for this plant — perhaps it’s too early for you. When the sentence is over, no one should continue to be a prisoner of their crimes. The voices of Shepard, West, and others trying to re-enter society after incarceration are sending a clear message: the federal and state judicial system must expunge and erase records, and federal legalization must occur. Take action for every Stephanie Shepard and Nichole West. Visit nacb.com and send a support letter to your legislators. This is a call to action for expungement, erasure, and destruction — not just sealing — of criminal records. This is a call to eliminate the stigma of incarceration and find ways to welcome people in prison for cannabis back into society, allowing them to live free “in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness,” as is our right as Americans. ❖
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Nichole West was the vice president of Sweet Leaf dispensary in Colorado. She served 30 days in prison on felony drug charges.
// WASHINGTON TECH ZONE Presented By
Ever
Greener
Washington State Inside the Region’s Thriving Cannabis Sector Section compiled by Ebby Stone and Alex Moersen
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Sweet cherries, crisp apples, and juicy pears aren’t the only agricultural crops sprouting out of Washington. The Evergreen State is also a primary exporter of hops, cannabis, and spearmint. Cannabis contributed $1.85 billion to gross state product in 2020 according to research from Washington State University. Since legalizing adult-use sales in 2012, the sector has seen rapid growth. Washingtonians spent more on cannabis than alcohol last year, and almost $85 million more than they spent on tobacco products. The state is also a global hub for information and communication technology. It’s the birthplace of Microsoft, Amazon, Zillow, and Expedia, just to name a few. Tech goliaths like Facebook, Google, Apple, and Twitter also call Washington home. The state’s Department of Commerce reported their tech sector employment has grown by 34% since 2010. The technology and cannabis industries are colliding in Washington to produce some incredible innovations. From cutting-edge engineering to automated IT management, it’s a region brimming with ideas and opportunity. In this Tech Zone, Cannabis & Tech Today takes a look at the West Coast cannabis hub to find the tech and people pushing the industry to new heights. If you’re considering relocating, Washington’s low taxes and affordable cost of living might lure you in. It’s also America’s top exporter of technology products. Whether you’re drawn to 157-miles of Pacific Ocean coastline or you’re looking to fill one of the nearly 19,000 cannabis-related jobs in the region, Washington has something for everyone. ❖ Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// WASHINGTON TECH ZONE Presented By
What Are Nanobubbles And Why Should You Care? At 2,500 times smaller than a single grain of salt, it may be hard to believe that nanobubbles would have any significant effect on your cannabis plants. So you might be surprised to learn that nanobubbles could be the key to healthier cannabis. With a record amount of cannabis being grown each year, nanobubbles could hold the key to more efficient and
What is a Dissolved Oxygen System? In August 2021, Enrichment Systems LLC, launched its P-150 Dissolved Oxygen System. “The P-150 Dissolved Oxygen System is the lowest priced and most effective dissolved oxygen solution available in the cannabis market,” says O’Neal. “It is capable of increasing dissolved oxygen levels 500-600%.”
emitter. Because irrigation water can travel through hundreds of feet of irrigation line, including passing through pumps and fertilizer injectors, it is most beneficial to achieve close to 40+ppm dissolved oxygen at the reservoir to reach 20ppm dissolved oxygen at the plant. Enrichment Systems P-150 Dissolved Oxygen System can achieve 40+ppm at the reservoir due to its high throughput pump and efficient nanobubble generator.
Why Should I Care about Nanobubbles? “Nanobubbles,” more frequently referred to as “ultra-fine bubbles,” in scientific literature, are gas bubbles no larger than .1 micron. Nanobubbles display very unusual properties in that they are not physically buoyant and therefore remain in suspension for long periods, up to weeks in some instances. Airstones and bubblers do very little to increase dissolved oxygen levels.
Dramatic Improvement in Plant Growth and Health
productive cultivation. Enter Enrichment
Understanding Dissolved Oxygen
Systems, whose CEO Rex O’Neal explained to
Most water sources typically have 0-7 ppm of dissolved oxygen, while cannabis thrives at 20-25ppm of dissolved oxygen at the irrigation
Cannabis & Tech Today the importance of their work and nanobubbles.
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Steven Lipton, Director of Operations of The Flower Shop in Boulder, Colorado, has experimented with the Enrichment Systems P-150 Dissolved Oxygen System and has the following to say: “My preliminary experience with this system has been unqualified positive. I see increased leaf count, stem circumference, and root development very early in veg. EC levels are significantly lower, leading me to believe plants are uptaking nutrients more efficiently. Plants are bigger, stronger and healthier, and remain stronger at every stage of growth.” So there you have it. The key to your next grow operation may be your tiniest asset yet.❖
packaging for the
planet
Your brand already supports a healthy lifestyle – now you can support a healthy planet. Alpha Packaging offers a wide variety of plastic bottles and jars from 100% recycled content, plant-based resins and
100% recycled content
ocean-diverted post-consumer recycled plastic. If you require child-resistant packaging, food-grade resins, or UV light protection, we’ve got you covered. Not sure where to start? We’ll ask the right
Lightweighted
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Green packaging has the green light at Alpha. Call us at 800.421.4772 or visit alphap.com/sustainability-cannabis
// WASHINGTON TECH ZONE Presented By
Bye, Bye Microbes How Adapted Medical Technology is Creating a Safer Industry
“Among gardeners, enthusiasm and experience rarely exist in equal measure. The beginner dreams of home-grown bouquets and baskets of ripe fruit, the veteran of many seasons has learned to expect slugs, mildew, and frost.” — Roger Swain In the past decade, the U.S. has started to change its view on cannabis. There are now 48 states with some form of legalized cannabis. Of those, 33 require mold, mildew, and bacterial testing. Washington State was an early adopter of adult-use consumption and has enacted several important consumer safety regulations over the last nine years. While the state’s testing system is imperfect, catering more to medical users than adult-use when it comes to safety standards, it does regulate the presence of mycotoxins in all products. Some molds can produce toxic byproducts, known as mycotoxins. Rather than requiring total yeast and mold counts (TYMC), Washington tests for the toxins produced by mold and mildew. These mycotoxins include Salmonella and E. Coli, which the state has mandated cannot be present in any quantity in unprocessed plant material. The same is true of extracted or processed botanical products. Tim Brady, marketing manager for Rad 80
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Source, emphasized the importance of mycotoxin tests. Rad Source is a microbial remediation technology company with a background in medical and life-sciences applications. Its technology has been used for cancer and cell research, infectious disease prevention, and now cannabis remediation. “Adult-use and even patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, ALS, HIV and AIDS, cancer … and many more medical conditions are dependent on the safety, quality, and reliable potency of their products,” said Brady. Both indoor and outdoor plants are susceptible to mold and mildew. Contamination can also occur during harvest, trimming, drying, or curing. “Currently, 15-20% profit loss has been calculated as average in the industry for those not passing state-mandated testing,” said Brady. While prevention is the best approach to avoiding mold, there are several forms of remediation available. Some methods degrade the flower, resulting in an undesirable final product and potential loss of profit. Medical technology adapted for the cannabis space, however, is proving to be highly-effective at destroying microbes in plant material. Brady said the compact nature of cannabis
flower can limit the effectiveness of some forms of remediation, but doesn’t pose an issue for other treatments. “Photonic Decontamination produces short wavelength electromagnetic energy — better known as light — that is able to remediate microbial contamination with a 99.9% confidence level,” said Brady. “Even in the most tightly-packed flowers, the light is able to penetrate the entire flower and destroy microbes at the DNA-level, meaning that it inactivates the reproduction of existing microbials.” This cellular-level purity helps build consumer confidence. It also serves as an assurance to policymakers who are concerned with the safety and transparency of the industry. As Washington continues to refine its testing protocols and create a more consumer-friendly atmosphere for cannabis, effective remediation technologies will play an increasingly important role for producers. ❖
// WASHINGTON TECH ZONE Presented By
Sustainable Packaging in 4 Steps Alpha Packaging shares how they’ve developed sustainable solutions for cannabis packaging. Packaging is so common these days that it’s nearly invisible. Everything comes in some sort of package — so much so that we often mindlessly throw them away without really thinking about where the packaging came from or where it is going. With packaging as prolific as it is, it’s crucial consumers and companies alike start to question the source of their packaging and how it can be made more sustainable. According to Ponder Seattle, there are nearly twice as many producers/processors as there are dispensaries in Washington state, resulting in competition for limited shelf space. Sustainable packaging might be a key to standing out. Alpha Packaging is a manufacturer of bottles and jars for the cannabis industry and others. All of their packaging is manufactured with sustainability in mind, and their solutions can be broken into four categories.
by large manufacturers. For instance, Alpha Packaging makes their bottles and jars with up to 100% post-consumer resin (PCR). By utilizing recycled HDPE and PET resins, Alpha Packaging provides brand owners a sustainable packaging solution that performs just as well as “virgin” plastic.
100% Recycled Content
Recyclable Resins
First, recycling is one of the most common sustainability strategies. While it’s important for individual consumers to participate in recycling, it can have a much bigger impact when utilized
Recycling as a consumer can be tricky. Figuring out what products are recyclable in your personal community recycling program is a difficult task. To clear up confusion, many brands use the phrase “recycle-ready,” which means their packaging is accepted by most community recycling programs. It also means there is a viable recycling stream that can capture the resin, giving it a useful second life. In Alpha’s case, 98% of the bottles they manufacture are monolayer PET or HDPE plastic, which are SPI codes 1 and 2 respectively, and are the most widely recycled plastics in the world.
Plant-based Resins Of course, recycled content isn’t the only option when manufacturing 82
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packaging. Plastics made from plants, also known as “bioresins,” reduce or eliminate the amount of petrochemicals required to make resin. As an example, in the case of plant-based HDPE, Alpha has a source for an HDPE bioresin that is made entirely from sugar cane byproduct. The bio-HDPE is chemically identical to traditional HDPE, but the feedstock is sugar cane instead of petroleum. In the case of PET, the most common plant-based formulations use renewable plant resources to replace the monoethylene glycol (MEG) component of polyethylene terephthalate.
Lightweighting For both sustainable and financial reasons, the goal for any brand owner should be to minimize packaging as much as possible while still ensuring their products are protected. Lightweighting primary packaging is a smart way to reduce the amount of raw materials being used for each package. In practice, Alpha’s Design & Engineering teams work with their customers to find the optimal gram weight that balances performance and sustainability, working to find the lightest weight possible. In some cases, they’ve been able to reduce the total gram weight of a bottle by up to 29% without negative effects on performance. ❖
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What You Should Know About Terpenes Terpene Warehouse’s Cesare Bonventre explains why natural terpenes are always the best option. Terpenes. It’s a word thrown around the cannabis industry so often, and it’s unlikely many people even know what it means. To learn precisely what terpenes are and why you should care, we spoke to Terpene Warehouse Partner and ICannaGroup Co-Owner Cesare Bonventre. This is especially important in Washington state, where in 2019, the government enacted a temporary ban on noncannabis terpenes in vaping products. However, there was no evidence at the time that showed that only allowing cannabisderived terpenes would make vaping products safer.
flavor and aroma, as opposed to 90-percent pure, which has much less aroma and flavor.” Synthetic “terpenes” provide a product that has almost no impurities at all, except for the trace amounts left behind in the process of synthesizing the compound. Given what we know about purity and flavor, it makes sense that synthetic blends would not be very flavorful without flavoring additives. However, Bonventre cautions against the use of synthetic terpenes. “Most of the information out there from the FDA are in regards to synthetic versions of terpenes such as synthetic Myrcene (banned by the FDA), EthylAcrylate, Methyl Eugenol, Pulegone, Pyridine, and Benzophenone. All have been found to cause cancer in high concentrations,” according to FDA studies using lab rats.
“The first thing I like to educate people on is that although all of us on the terpene side of the industry refer to our blends as simply ‘terpenes,’ they are actually a blend of several classes of organic chemical compounds,” Bonventre explained. He continued to say that terpenes can broadly describe monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, but many of the compounds they work with are terpenes, esters, alcohols, ketones, lactones, thiols, and more. After that clarification, Bonventre went on to explain to us the three different types of terpenes. Cannabis-derived “terpenes” (CDT) are chemical compounds extracted directly from cannabis trim or flower. Bonventre likes to refer to the compounds as a “soup” that contains compounds such as phytols that may have some residual plant material and chlorophyll, and possibly some flavonoids along with the terpenes, thiols, esters, alcohols, ketones, etc., depending on the extraction method used. Botanically derived “terpenes” (BDT) are blends of aromatic compounds. According to Bonventre, it’s the impurities in BDT that bring about more fruity and citrus aromas. “The 84
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For this reason, Bonventre and Terpene Warehouse have dedicated themselves to naturally derived ingredients. “We strongly believe that if we as an industry are set on fighting for our rights and freedom to consume a plant that grows naturally, we should also demand that our terpenes are derived from natural sources, regardless of whether that be botanically derived or cannabis derived.” impurities in the different compounds, depending on what they are derived from, often contain complex essential oils that taste or smell like the plant they come from,” he explained. As an illustration, he said that Terpene Warehouse buys the sesquiterpene Valencene at 55-percent purity instead of 90-percent. “Valencene is derived from valencia oranges and grapefruits, so when we get 55-percent pure valencene, we get a product that is packed with
Even though we talk about terpenes so often in this industry, Bonventre acknowledges we still have a lot to learn. “These impurities are what we need to learn more about. As technology improves and GCMS and HPLC equipment become more advanced, we’ll be better equipped to dig deep into what all these impurities are … With there still being so much left to learn, we need to work together for the common goal of safety for all.” ❖
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What’s in Your Fertilizer? Emerald Harvest’s Guide to Nutrients
• Manganese: 0.03% • Copper: 0.01% • Nickel: 0.004% • Molybdenum: 0.003% As you can see, the macronutrients outweigh micronutrients by a huge margin. However, don’t doubt the importance of any single micronutrient. Deficiency in just one micronutrient can still cause lower crop quality.
In early 2021, Washington legislators attempted to pass a bill that would make it legal for consumers to grow cannabis at home. While many states allow this, Washington state does not. With the increased interest in homegrown cannabis, Cannabis & Tech Today sat down with Dan Mair, Product Specialist of Emerald Harvest, to discuss plant nutrients and supplements. With so many different nutrient and supplement options, and labels with mountains of information, how is one supposed to decipher what their plants need? “If even one essential plant nutrient is deficient, yields will suffer.” This bold statement from Mair describes the phenomenon “Law of the minimum,” which means that plants need at least a minimum amount of every essential nutrient in order to flourish. “It doesn’t matter if a plant gets more than enough of every essential nutrient but one,” Mair explained, “if even one essential nutrient falls beneath its minimum, it will suffer a deficiency, with yield and crop quality leaking away.” In addition to hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon—essential non-mineral nutrients that 86
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plants take from the air and water — there are 14 essential mineral nutrients: • The primary macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium • The secondary macronutrients: calcium, magnesium, and sulfur • The eight micronutrients: iron, boron, zinc, manganese, copper, nickel, molybdenum Different species will have different appetites for different nutrients during different times of their life cycles. Therefore, nutrients need to be applied in the right concentrations and formulated in the right ratios at the right times. According to Emerald Harvest’s own analysis, here is the breakdown of essential plant nutrients in the cannabis plant: • Nitrogen: 37.7% • Potassium: 28.5% • Calcium: 26.1% • Phosphorous: 3.4% • Magnesium: 3.4% • Sulfur: 0.45% • Iron: 0.25% • Boron: 0.08% • Zinc: 0.04%
When it comes to fertilizers, there are a few other ingredients outside of essential nutrients that can be a benefit to the plant. What Mair refers to as “non-plant-food ingredients” is jargon to indicate nutrients that are beneficial, but not necessarily essential, to plants, as well as plant-beneficial compounds not found on the periodic table. While base nutrients must include all of the essential nutrients, supplements often focus on these extras. Humic acid is a natural soil conditioner that forms chelate complexes with essential nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and iron. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) activates a “whole plant” immune response, bringing out qualities that humans prize, and may encourage root growth in young plants. Cane sugar (or carbohydrates) is another beneficial non-plant-food ingredient that acts as a microbe food. According to Mair, it’s the knowledge of these important nutrients and ingredients that will make your grow successful. “There is no genie in the bottle: no magic, just science,” he concluded. “Nutrient companies that imply that there is something supernaturally superior about their products need to dial the marketing hype down a notch … Nutrients are nutrients. But to be successful, you need to choose the right nutrients with the right formulations. They’re not magic potions for your plants.” ❖
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How Cold Can You Go? A Look Inside Washington’s Leading Chiller Solution What do the craft beer industry, the dairy industry, and now the extraction industry have in common? They all rely on low temperature refrigeration systems to successfully produce their products. For years, Pro Refrigeration has been a leading chiller solution for both the North American craft beer and dairy industries. Over half of the medals awarded at the Great American Beer Fest 2018 were given to PROChiller customers. In 2016, Pro’s CEO Jim VanderGiessen received a call from an extraction customer, Zach, who informed him that they were using the PROChiller (designed for breweries) to extract oil from cannabis. “Zach had modified our system to operate 15-degrees Fahrenheit colder than we had ever tested before,” VanderGiessen said. “We quickly put our heads together and started designing systems for this market.” “The only question any extractor ever asks a chiller guy is, ‘How cold can you go?’” VanderGiessen mused. “We then began to focus specifically on finding ways to make our equipment work better for the extraction market.” Together with Zach, they set a couple of new targets. First, to design a lower temperature glycol-based coolant system to reach operating temperatures of minus 5-degrees F. Their second target aimed even lower, to hit coolant temperatures of negative 45-degrees F. Soon, they released the M5 Series, which operated at minus 5-degrees F. This model allowed extractors to eliminate high operating costs of using dry ice. After continuous pushing and tinkering, they introduced the M45 Series, which brought their cooling number down to minus 45-degrees F. “Dairy farmers and brewers understand the vital role of their chiller system,” VanderGiessen explained. “That has prepared us well for the extraction market. We started looking for more opportunities to help extractors improve their 88
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processes by delivering colder fluids at higher flow rates.” One early extraction opportunity came from Double Delicious, one of the largest extraction processors in Washington state. Using an ultra-low temp freezer, Double D was spending five days cooling their ethanol after each extraction. Even after those five days, they still couldn’t get the ethanol below negative 30-degrees F. As a solution, the team designed a two-stage stainless steel heat exchanger coupled with a pair of PROChillers: an M5 and an M45. The improved system dropped the ethanol from 70-degrees F to 5-degrees F in stage one, then below minus 40-degrees F in the second stage. The solution was so effective that it created other bottlenecks in the facility that needed to be remedied. Problem solvers at heart, ProRefrigeration jumped at the opportunity to further upgrade the recovery system so that the whole facility could run efficiently.
Now, VanderGiessen sees an open opportunity within the industry. “Currently, for extraction chillers, you can find cheap Chinese imports or really expensive European imports,” he said. “The cheap imports are so affordable that customers simply throw them away instead of repairing them. The really expensive systems are specialized machines, and it’s very difficult to find people to service them.” VanderGiessen’s hope is to fill in this gap and provide competitively priced chiller systems to this burgeoning industry. But, he’ll never lose sight of that key question: How cold can you go? ❖
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// WASHINGTON TECH ZONE Presented By
The Seeds of STEM Take Root Demand Grows for STEM Talent in the Evergreen State Lush rainforests, towering mountains, and legal adult-use cannabis are just a few reasons to love Washington. But this state has more to offer than scenic beauty. It’s also carving out a niche as a national leader in STEM. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found Washington has the second highest concentration of STEM jobs in the country. It’s also fourth in the nation’s “New Economy” index for innovation and entrepreneurship as ranked by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. So what does this mean for cannabis? Ample opportunities for tech job seekers.
producers,” said Rebecca Allen-Tapp, director of business development for Cascade Sciences. As an Oregon-based company, Cascade Sciences was geographically primed to meet the needs of the Washington adult-use market. When the recreational industry opened up, the company was able to help clients set up new labs and start optimizing their processes for the developing industry. It was a smart move. The state earned $172 million more from cannabis sales than liquor sales in 2019. Further, the Liquor and Cannabis Control Board reported a total of $395.5 million in legal cannabis revenue that year.
Many of the nation’s cannabis companies are built around STEM skills. Cascade Sciences, a pharmaceutical-grade processing equipment manufacturer, joined the cannabis space to meet the demand for science-based manufacturing solutions. The woman-owned business has been providing laboratory testing and processing solutions for 30 years. “Cascade cut its teeth in STEM fields such as aerospace, pharmaceutical, technology, and academia. Those industries require sophisticated technology that can perform day-in-day-out and offer repeatability, which is why our vacuum ovens caught the attention of cannabis 90
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The industry’s growth will coincide with a boom in STEM jobs. Washington state is already home to huge tech employers like Amazon and Microsoft. This can largely be attributed to The University of Washington computer science program, ranked sixth in the nation by U.S. News. It’s a region that understands the value of technical skills in creating a robust economy. To continue its legacy as a “tech zone,” Washington’s universities are adding new areas of study. Western Washington University, for example, added four new certificate programs in
2021 focused on career preparation and skills development for the cannabis industry. Allen-Tapp said this is one area where she’s most excited to see continued growth. “I would like to see the cannabis sector evolve to focus more on education, procedures, collaboration, and an emphasis on testing.” Those elements are vital to create a more transparent industry, and one that’s ultimately able to transition to federal legalization. When cannabis is legal on a national scale, states training their students to excel in STEM will have the advantage. “There are many areas within the cannabis industry that having a background in STEM would be beneficial — and for processing or analytical environments it is nearly crucial,” said Allen-Tapp. ❖
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A Quick Cure for Preserving Crops New tech delivers perfectly dried buds in less than 14 hours. The western side of Washington is one of the most humid places in the country. While it may not feel humid due to the temperate climate, persistent rainfall keeps the air damp. That moisture can make it difficult to properly dry and cure flower. Powdery mildew and mold are pervasive problems for farmers in the Evergreen State. An innovative approach gaining a foothold across the U.S. and Canada is Cryo Curing. Michigan-based Cryo Cure has reimagined traditional freeze drying and is using their patent-pending tech and U.S.-made machinery to advance the industry. CEO and co-founder Tracee McAfee explains, “Commercial Freeze dryers are designed to remove all moisture from whatever it is that is being dried. For a smokable flower that’s not good because when you’re drying it out like that, you’ve removed a lot of the valuable terpenes and it’s going to be dry as dust and not smoke very well. What we’ve done has taken that out of the equation of freeze drying and modified it with our ‘recipe’ for smokable flower that is full of terpenes, at the desired moisture content and water activity level. This creates the ultimate consumption
experience while improving the bottom line for cultivators and processors.” Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is one of the rainiest places in the world. While that’s great for cutting costs on irrigation, it puts outdoor growers at higher risk of botrytis, or bud rot. Bud rot can occur during the growing process or during drying. These outbreaks can result in thousands or even millions of dollars in crop loss. Cryo Cure’s freeze drying process mitigates the problem and is an affordable longterm solution that takes buds from stalk to smoke in just hours. Their smaller CC360 machine can process up to 100 wet pounds at a time and dry a batch in 12- 14 hours. Their largest machine, CC720, holds up to 1,200 wet pounds at a time.
Photo @kandidkush
McAfee said this method also preserves terpenes more effectively than traditional drying. “We’re able to capture and preserve a terpene Photo Brie Brewer called carene; it’s a fragile mono terpene that normally dissipates during Photo Brie Brewer traditional drying methods. We’ve suspended that degradation with our Cryo Cure process.” McAfee understands people need to see, smell, and experience the results themselves. They’re offering live demonstrations as well as case
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studies and independent lab results on their website. “Unfortunately, there’s a lot of snake oil in our industry right now, so people really want to feel confident in what they are integrating into their operations. We back up everything we do with consistency, science, data, education, and proven results,” said McAfee. ❖
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Time for a Change Tech-Forward Solutions for Fast-Onset, Cost-Effective Edible Manufacturing Edibles manufacturers face a host of challenges ensuring product quality and stability through the supply chain. In heated conditions, like in a truck cargo bay during transport, cannabinoids can leach out of packaged products before they get to their destination. Additionally, over time, in traditional edible manufacturing the distillate in the final product can crystalize, which can be accelerated by cold temperatures. Supply chain stability is a persistent problem in the edibles space. How do you create a shelf stable product that travels well despite changes in temperature? The Washington marketplace can be especially vulnerable to supply chain and distribution problems because of its diverse geography. While transporting goods across the state, a truck might travel through rain forests into dry canyons and high into the Cascade Mountains before hitting a shelf. Advances in technology and processing now solve these challenges.
TiME INFUSION technology, and in the years since, have watched it transform the cannabis edibles industry,” said Silver.
The acronym TiME stands for Thermodynamic individual Molecular Encapsulation. The process not only helps stabilize the cannabis molecules within the product, it also helps the body to process them more efficiently. “It’s a process that makes ingestible cannabinoid particles smaller and water friendly, enabling faster uptake. This process begins immediately in the mouth, avoiding the liver where cannabinoids are degraded and absorption is slowed. That’s how we are able to cut that traditional 90 minutes [for edible activation] down to less than 15 minutes,” said Silver. (Left) Azuca Founder and CCO Ron Silver. (Right) President and CEO Kim Rael.
Chef Ron Silver, Founder and Chief Creative Officer for Azuca, applied his knowledge of the culinary arts to create more shelf-stable formulas for cannabis edibles. “I started to see new and innovative ways to use culinary techniques to bring out the best in the cannabis plant. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, developing what eventually became our Azuca 94
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One unique aspect of Azuca’s process is that it’s easily available to manufacturers. Washington State cannabis companies can take advantage of TiME INFUSION in their own production facilities. “A key benefit to integrating this technology into an existing edibles production process is that it doesn’t require burdensome training or large capital investment, making the adoption seamless and
cost-effective,” said Kim Rael, President and CEO of Azuca. Edible makers also face “transfer loss.” The stickiness of distillate makes it cling to mixing equipment and anything it touches, causing transfer loss. Transfer waste costs manufacturers an average cannabinoid loss of 15-20%. Azuca’s processes reduce transfer and potency loss in edibles by up to 65% according to their white paper study Stability and Waste Solutions for Edible Manufacturers. These tech advancements are exciting for edibles brands and end customers. “Our consumers no longer have to play the guessing game when it comes to onset time and dosing. Our infusions taste great, and we’re tackling manufacturing challenges to minimize waste and ensure the longest shelf life possible. It all comes down to science,” said Silver. ❖
// WASHINGTON TECH ZONE Presented By
Ground, Sealed, Delivered A Tech Solution for Every Step of the Pre-Roll Process Washington Governor Jay Inslee is proud of the state’s thriving technology sector. He shared on his website that 82 out of every 1,000 private sector employees in the state work in the tech industry, bringing in billions of revenue each year. One company adding to that atmosphere of innovation is technology solutions provider STM Canna.
screen control for controlling the speed of the blade and auger. A closed loop feed system prevents clogs. The industrial grinder also has a 5-point safety system for added user confidence. STM also offers a Mini-Revolution for small to medium sized operators. The company’s SubZero Revolution Grinder offers the same efficiency as the Revolution, but is designed for cryogenically frozen flower.
For the last five years, STM has been designing, engineering, and distributing ecofriendly cannabis processing equipment for commercial enterprises. Their pre-rolled joint
Revolution 2.0
STM is debuting some new, desperately needed pre-roll tech during 2021’s MJBizCon. While there are other brands offering pre-roll machines, there are few options for automated closing machines. STM’s new closing machine is filling that market gap with an industrial-grade solution. It can close up to 12 pre-rolls every second. The crown-style closure ensures each joint has a hand-packed smoke and feel.
RocketBox 2.0
Each STM machine comes with a 12-month parts and labor warranty. In just a few years, STM has gone from a small start up to serving some of the largest cannabis companies in the world. Their solutions are powering business in 38 states, Canada, the U.K., Israel, Australia, and South Africa. Their headquarters in Spokane, Washington is an ideal hub for maintaining those international connections and facilitating tech collaboration with many of the largest tech companies in the nation. It’s an ideal ecosystem for encouraging the type of innovation STM is known for producing.
Mini-RocketBox
Mini-Revolution
filling machines and extraction production equipment are manufactured in the U.S using food-grade materials. The company’s best-known innovation is the STM RocketBox, which produces 453 joints in 60 seconds. The machine can reportedly facilitate up to 500 times faster production. The 96
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Mini-RocketBox offers commercial grade preroll filling for smaller operations. It can create up to 143 pre-rolls in 45 seconds or less. The STM Revolution 2.0 Industrial Grinder offers a consistent, homogenous grind with zero whipping or mashing. It can grind 15-30 pounds of dry flower per hour. The system also uses dual blades that act like scissors, creating clean, precision cuts. The Revolution also offers touch
Chief Marketing Officer Charles Warner is especially proud of their client services team, offering customer support by phone, email, and even video conferencing five days a week. “STM Canna has been on the leading edge of innovation in the cannabis equipment manufacturing space for over five years. It’s now recognized as a global leader in commercial cannabis processing,” said Warner. ❖
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Locking It Down Retailers are taking control with smart key technology. Who’s allowed in the counting room? Are all your keys ready for the next shift? There are a lot of nagging questions when it comes to securing a retail business.
one tech-forward option for monitoring access to storage rooms, grow areas, and especially cash rooms. Purpura shared how their KeyWatcher Touch control cabinet acts as a wholefacility tracking device.
As the second state in the nation to legalize adult-use cannabis, Washington has had plenty of time to refine its security regulations. Yet surprisingly, the state has no regulations around who controls important facility keys.
Business owners are required to have surveillance cameras, track-and-trace systems for products, and of course identification badges for all employees and visitors — but the state offers no guidance on key control. It’s one area where the forward-thinking entrepreneur will have an advantage. Tracking physical keys provides control over access and better accountability for those in charge of a company’s most important assets. As vulnerabilities become more apparent, solutions are emerging that can help ease the burden on business owners and provide accountability for their employees. Tim Purpura, vice president of global sales and marketing for Morse Watchmans said the primary concern for cannabis retail owners is
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“Our KeyAnywhere feature allows authorized users to return keys to any KeyWatcher Touch cabinet located on site,” Purpura said. “This is convenient for larger facilities with multiple cabinets throughout the facility. The KeyFind feature shows users the location of a specific key and tells users who has it out, and when and where it is returned.”
compliance. Morse Watchmans has been providing security solutions since 1882. The company is now pioneering the evolution of key management for the cannabis sector. The next big issue for retailers is accountability. “Managing employee accountability, cash, and product supply chain are more challenges affecting profit,” said Purpura. Automation, GPS, and other forms of tracking tech are a step forward. “Adding electronic key control and asset management lockers to a security plan protects assets and provides access control to only authorized employees so cannabis enterprises can achieve optimal security, compliance, and profitability,” Purpura said. For larger facilities, key management is paramount. Electronic key control cabinets are
Their system also allows users to set reminders for employees to return keys at the end of their shift, along with alarms for unreturned keys. When noncompliance could mean huge fines or even prison time, automated systems offer considerable peace of mind. Tracking is streamlined with these systems, allowing owners to generate periodic or recurring audit reports. It’s another step in ensuring employee accountability to security directives. These solutions are also available for transportation fleets. Regulations aside, no one wants to protect their business and their freedom more than the business owner. Staying ahead of regulations and creating systems for compliance and transparency will only lead to more efficient operations. Purpura said it best, “Operational efficiency is ‘key’ to profitability.” ❖
// WASHINGTON TECH ZONE Presented By
Managing an IT Ecosystem Solutions for Overworked Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs are masters of multitasking. While wearing every hat isn’t ideal, it’s part of the gig. Technology integration is stepping up to help, but managing the technology can be a fulltime job in itself. For Washingtonians, being tech-savvy is nearly a requirement for residency. The state’s tech sector employed 246,000 workers in 2019, as reported by the Washington State Wire. With so many tech professionals in the area, there are ample resources for business owners looking to bring in more automation.
Building an IT Strategy Stephen Arndt, president of Cannabis Technology Partners, said working with an IT management company early on is crucial. “The sooner we get involved with a client, the easier it is to prevent bad technology decisions that are costly to undo or redo.” His company offers free consultations so business owners can better understand their needs and the costs associated with implementing solutions. From those discussions, Arndt builds an IT strategy to determine how much technology (servers, computers, etc.) a business needs. “Our goal is to form a partnership with our clients, to maximize the efficiency and productivity of their business, and to enable them to achieve a competitive edge by leveraging current technology,” said Arndt. There are so many areas to automate now that operators may have to let their budget decide where to focus. Compliance is a good place to start. You’ve installed surveillance systems and have control over who can access what, but is that the end of your compliance strategy? “We’ve talked to so many companies that don’t have any mechanism to ensure the system is functioning on a day-to-day basis,” said Arndt. Finding a partner who offers 24/7 compliance monitoring
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ensures the tech is working and everything is in line with evolving regulations.
Daily Operations Operators should have data management covering everything from inventory to customer retention. As ever, it sounds easier than it is. “We realize ultimately what companies need is hassle-free IT that allows them to accomplish their daily tasks, meet deadlines, input data, and engage efficiently and intentionally with their client base,” said Arndt. Comprehensive IT could also include ensuring internet connectivity (even in remote areas), networking between multiple sites, or integrating disparate applications for better efficiency.
Security Solutions Data integrity, computer viruses, hackers, and
tech failures are major concerns. Moving to a cloud-based storage solution can help. “If you haven’t started a move to the cloud, you are behind,” said Arndt. “This business model, especially with regards to security and compliance, is the only one that can move fast enough to keep with the threats in today’s world.”
Planning for Success IT management is a foundational element for building a successful operation. As Arndt pointed out, “It takes a team to stay on top of all the risks and even then, things happen.” Working with qualified professionals from the ground up helps ensure those issues arise less often, and when they do, there’s a plan in place to resolve them. ❖
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// COVER STORY //
Rolling With The Best The innovator with a passion for papers, and even more importantly, people. By Charles Warner Photos by Michael Rodriguez/RandomLyfe
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// COVER STORY //
When you first think of RAW rolling papers you might think of a natural and more sustainable rolling paper that has organically grown into a worldwide brand. But, when you peel the layers back, you realize that the brand and the attitude of the company is a direct reflection of its leadership and more specifically Josh Kesselman. Since starting RAW officially, Kesselman has amassed a massive social media following and has become a true steward to the planet, while being entertaining as hell. His rolling papers are made from natural hemp fibers and don’t contain chemical whiteners like other brands, but that is just the beginning of his story. He walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to sustainability and not wanting to “piss acid on the planet.” He is vegan. He gives millions to charities and feels guilty that he isn’t doing enough. But when you look deeper, it’s not just his customers and the planet that he cares about. It’s the people in his life that he prioritizes and makes the focus of his passion. He takes care of his employees and even paid people to stay home during the pandemic. He takes calls from his daughter in the middle of an interview; as any dad should. And he gets emotional when he talks about making the world a better place and genuinely loving people. So sit back and relax. Maybe grab a beverage or roll your favorite smoke and enjoy this fascinating conversation with one of the true enigmas and innovators of the cannabis industry known for his papers of hemp and heart of gold.
Cannabis & Tech Today: You started collecting rolling papers when you were a younger man, inspired by your father’s interest in paper. At what point did you realize you had a real authentic brand with RAW, and not just a business or a passion? Josh Kesselman: Wow. No one’s ever asked that before. It’s a tough one … I was out at a club with some friends and the server suddenly turned to me and said, “Oh my God, you make Juicy Jay’s? I love those!” Now that’s 2000, 2001, somewhere around there. So, that’s the first time when I realized that maybe I have a brand — people actually recognized the product. C&T Today: Your brand was based around sustainability before it was even cool. What does that word mean to you and why do you think cannabis was late to the party with sustainability? JK: Cannabis still is late to the party. It really is. That part really hurts me … I just don’t want to leave the planet worse than I got it. It’s just the way that I think, which is you’re trying not to take more than you give. RAW wasn’t a product I was making for the masses. I was picturing my friends and my friend’s girlfriend. She was this blonde girl with hippy dreads and I was trying to make a product they would really love. They were the headiest smokers I knew. [They] knew every aspect of it. I wanted to make a paper for them that I could just picture them connecting with and truly loving, to fit within their way of living. That’s what RAW was really about. C&T Today: There’s so much fakeness out there on social media. Your authenticity, I think people gravitate towards it. Can you talk a little bit about your social following and what it means to you? JK: I freaking love having such a strong social media following. When I go outside and walk down the block and someone recognizes me and they come to me like, “Oh my God, your videos changed my life. They made me so happy.” You know how happy that makes me? I went to listen to a TED Talk about some guy saying we should get rid of money and basically replace it with happiness points. Did you make people happy? Did you uplift? I was like, “Oh my God, that would be epic.” Because that’s something I would strive for. Social media means a lot to me. I want to be able to talk to people. I want to be able to get positive
messages out in the world and uplift them, because I know that when I go, the only thing left behind that anyone will remember me by are those social media videos. C&T Today: So, would you say you’re a tech guy? JK: I love tech because it makes things better. But I also watch very carefully, just like with our products, I’m looking for evolution not devolution. I hate it when I witness devolution. I’ll give you an example. That microphone I use for my phone. The older generation of it was a simple cordless mic. They made this great cordless mic. It was great. I bought three of them. They came out with a new version. The new version was not as good. It was smaller, used different channels, but it was truly not as good to the point where I was like, “Is this just me, or is everyone hearing a hiss?” “We’re all hearing a hiss.” Okay, let’s switch out the mic. Nope. Still hearing a hiss. Back of the old one. Two years later, they came out with another new one. Again, not as good as the original. And you’re like, “Okay, who’s running this company? Are you guys using your own products? Who’s fucking this up? How can you not notice that your old ones are so much better than your new ones? And it isn’t like you’re charging less. So, what’s going on here?” I run into this often with products. I judge products very harshly. C&T Today: Do you like toys? Cars, motorcycles, things like that? I’m glad you asked. When I was a kid, we didn’t grow up with much money, but one day someone gave me a toy Magnum PI Ferrari. I thought it was the coolest thing to add to my collection of toy cars … I never thought I’d get to a space where I could afford a Ferrari. Years later, I got the money under the belt, the whole thing, so you’re living the dream. You go and you buy yourself that Ferrari. I got the Ferrari, I get in and I’m driving and I can’t forget thinking to myself, “This would’ve been so cool when I was 17. Fuck.” Then when COVID hit, I took the Ferrari out for a quick drive and I felt like a douchebag. I was like, “I got friends out there that are losing their jobs, that are really in trouble, and I’m out here driving a Ferrari.” So, I sent it t o the dealership and said, “Guys, I can’t do this anymore. I don’t want to drive this. It’s not making me happy.” Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// COVER STORY //
“ I believe that whenever you receive a huge reward, like tremendous success, you then have to stop and listen.”
JK: It has affected us a lot in terms of our cone business. We have to make so many cones for them, and we can never make enough … There’s lots of testing involved, a lot of production. But in the end, I believe our cones are the best there are. I’ve seen lots of people try to find ways to make them cheaper and easier — like spiral wrapping, which makes them, in my experience, burn wonky. Not terrible, just not as good as a normal cone. And I’ve experienced so much corner cutting that we refuse to do. But in addition, one thing that drives me crazy with pre-rolls is that the overwhelming majority are not filled properly. It’s an uneven experience. I’ve been to LA and bought some pre-rolls, we’d light it up and you can’t even draw from it. Or then you light one up and it just completely runs. It’s a shitty, uneven experience. You don’t know what you’re going to get. I think a lot of people making pre-rolls don’t truly understand where the cone comes from and understand how to fill the cone. They don’t have enough experience. So, they’re just trying to fill… they see a cylinder and the mindset is, “How can we fill this?” Without a thought process of, “How can I make it burn better? What’s the best way to fill this? How can I make an actual burn closer to what people get when they fill it correctly themselves?”
You know what I have fun in? I have fun in my Prius. We wrapped it, we made it color changing. I did rims on it. My Prius is badass. And now, because my daughter took my badass Prius — Coco, it’s okay. I love you. But because she took my Prius, I got a Tesla. The coolest thing about the Tesla is the technology. Especially if you’re tired and you’re driving, it has an autopilot that keeps me in the lane and it makes me feel better and safer and I don’t get all paranoid when I’m driving. That made me so happy. It actually made me happier. C&T Today: How do you feel the cannabis industry views you as an influencer? JK: Well, I think they all think I’m crazy, which I am. I think we all are. You have to be, to be me 104
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… I think the industry appreciates how far I’ve brought it and how passionate I am about what I do. I think they look up to me in that regard as to being like, “Wow, he really brought it, man.”
C&T Today: You’re a perfectionist. You are an enigmatic, lovable entrepreneur, and you also are really big into giving. Can you talk about RAW Giving?
The reason I can talk so quick and strong about my products is because I love them and I enjoy making them, and we invent them together, me and the team. So, you really care about it and you really like it and you get excited about it. I think they look at me as someone who really brought my part of the industry to the highest level it’s ever been.
JK: Yes, I can. The problem for me with RAW Giving — let me start just from my own shame — is that I don’t believe I give back anywhere near enough … Once you start getting blessed with tremendous success, well, with that success comes great responsibility. I believe that whenever you receive a huge reward, like tremendous success, you then have to stop and listen. The universe is talking to you all the time, you just don’t hear it. And many people are deaf to it.
C&T Today: Nobody’s going to say that you don’t love what you do. Let’s talk about prerolls. How has the explosive popularity of pre-rolls affected how RAW operates?
I would just try to open myself up to say, “Okay, what is wanted? What am I supposed to do? Because I know when you receive, you’re supposed to give. What am I supposed to give?”
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LOOKING BACK. PRESSING FORWARD. ALWAYS INNOVATING.
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// COVER STORY //
water problem. They couldn’t wash the sheets. They didn’t have water to wash the patients. They just had enough water to drink. So, we did a water project with them … It turned out they had a real problem that needed to be solved with some tech and ingenuity and we were able to pull it off. The impact I got to witness with that project was tremendous. When I started really giving back, the universe spoke to me through a friend of mine … I went and had a sit down with Bryan Adams to ask him, “Bryan, I know you give back. You’ve got the Bryan Adams Foundation and all this stuff. What should I do?” He said "Josh, you’re not going to believe this, but I have a website I was going to use called RAW Foundation. We should use it to give back. That led me down a really cool journey, now called RAW Giving, which is not a 501(c)(3). We don’t take money from anyone, we just give from the heart." And one way or another, the universe would guide me on these incredible journeys where I would end up through just sheer happenstance in what I call the gates of hell, which was going through the gates of Mother Teresa’s Hospital for the Destitute and Dying in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. You go through that experience, witnessing people dying in front of you, and you’re experiencing something that you never thought you would actually experience, to the point where you have to go into what’s called “warrior mode.” Warrior mode is, you have to turn off all your emotion and just function. Your job today is to take these dead people, the person who has passed away, onto this gurney. Other people are going to take the gurney away. Your job is to take them off the bed, the next person comes and you put them on that same bed, without changing the sheets, so that they can die on that same bed. This is what you’re doing for the next few hours, Josh. Just do it. Don’t think. Don’t say a word, because if you think one word — you’re gone, man. Suddenly you realize, maybe there’s a way you could help, and maybe there’s a way you can make this better. That sort of mentality, that experience there, led me to learn they had a 106
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The plan was to continue to give back, not take money from anybody to the extent possible, and just try to inspire and uplift people through sharing with them the feeling of giving. Because when you give back, you get this incredible warm feeling. It’s programmed into our human DNA. Everybody gets it. You just have to trigger it. It’s addictive, because it feels so good when you help people. So, the plan was essentially to give back in what I believe is an incorruptible way. Where it’s like, “Hey man, you come onto RAWgiving. com. You want to buy a skateboard, or a snowboard, or whatever cool stuff we got on there. 100% of what you spend goes directly to the charity. We don’t even take off the cost of goods or anything like that. Blah, blah, shipping, blah, blah, blah. Nope. You just make a donation to Wine to Water, one of our really close friends, for let’s say a hundred bucks, and then you get this thing. I send it to you for free, man. I even sign it if you want me to. Here it is.” Why are we doing this? I’m not gaining anything from this, except I’m doing the right thing. I’m helping you get that feeling of, you just gave a hundred bucks to Wine to Water. You know what that just did, man? You just saved a human life. You just saved a life. Here’s a signed tray. Thank you.
// COVER STORY //
“ I’m hoping that somehow, even if it’s just a little bit, I elevated you or caused you to do something that betters the world in some awesome way.”
C&T Today: You have a lot of empathy, clearly, and I believe empathy is a superpower. Where do you see yourself in five years, and what brings you hope? JK: I don’t think I’m going to change much over the next five. I’d like to believe that I will. I know I’ll get better at everything. I’m always learning. I’m always fucking up, always making mistakes, but I try to learn from each one of them. I’m hoping that we’re going to pull off some incredible RAW pre-rolls that are going to help people experience it in a better way. I want to be more of an advocate … Someone who, either through our actions or other methods, really helps to elevate the entire industry towards mutual success with a lot of people, rather than king of the mountain … I create my products through empathy, and everything I do is really very much through empathy. When I smoke with you, I’m trying to understand how to better it. I’m trying to understand your needs, trying to think of every little detail of how you roll and how you smoke. And that’s where the next product comes from and that’s the process of RAW Innovation. If you want to know the big secret, I’ve had companies sue me trying to get to our secrets, it’s trying to figure out how I can make it better for you. Not doing it through a fake way, “What can we do to make it better for this group of testers?” No, you got to hang out and session with somebody. You got to really hang out and chill and understand them and connect with them. And you can’t do that in a panel. It’s got to be done through your friends and just people, humans. C&T Today: Josh, it’s been a pleasure. I think our audience is going to get a deeper understanding of what’s behind RAW and —
We’re trying to create a movement, a
zillion small players, so that humans really have
good to them that they get addicted to it the way
a chance to succeed.
that I am, and that they give back too. C&T Today: Where do you see the cannabis industry in five years? JK: I believe we’ll have some form of federal
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there to be any big players. I want there to be a
philosophy, something that’s real, that feels so
[I’d like to] keep it small and keep it where we don’t have to work for each other, but we all just work for ourselves — entrepreneurship can take root and do its thing. That’s what I would love
legalization that’ll make more cannabis legal
to see more than anything. I’m scared we’re not
than the type that’s already legal. I believe that
going to get there, because the people that are
strongly. I hope that the industry somehow
putting money in the politician’s pockets are not
remains as fractionated as possible. I don’t want
the small farmers, it’s the big ones.
Cannabis & Tech Today // Fall 2021
JK: I don’t want them to have a better understanding of what’s behind RAW. I want them to ideally, if you came this far, I’m hoping that I helped you. I’m hoping that I helped the reader. I’m hoping that somehow, even if it’s just a little bit, I elevated you or caused you to do something that betters the world in some awesome way. C&T Today: Well, to everybody reading, let us know. Let us know and we will let Josh know if you felt elevated, if you felt touched, and if you felt inspired from this interview. ❖
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// FEATURE STORY //
Creating a Culture of Innovation How Jessica Billingsley is Turning Problems Into Opportunities By Ebby Stone When Jessica Billingsley had the foresight to create Akerna, the industry’s first seed-to-sale tracking software, investors started paying attention. When Akerna became the first cannabis technology business to list on the NASDAQ, the world started paying attention. But when Billingsley accepted the position of chair of the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC), she took on a new role — leading the nation’s most influential coalition of organizations, businesses, and individuals working to end federal cannabis prohibition. With more than a decade of experience working with cannabis technology, Billingsley is uniquely-positioned to lead the industry into a new era. In this interview, Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with Billingsley to learn how the USCC is working to end cannabis stigma, how she handles the demands of entrepreneurship, and what’s next for America’s fastest growing industry. Cannabis & Tech Today: As a veteran cannabis entrepreneur, what does it mean to you to accept this position as board chair for the USCC? Jessica Billingsley: Well, I’m just so honored by the appointment and really excited to be in this position at this point in time. Never before have we had such an opportunity available to us to be able to seek federal legalization. I’m so excited to be working with USCC today because it is the first of its kind, strategic alliance of businesses, associations, and advocacy organizations working together toward cannabis legalization. It’s a big deal. 110
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C&T Today: Which qualities are you most excited to bring to the USCC with this chair position? JB: I think there are a few things that are particularly helpful for this role. Certainly my longevity and connections across the industry, by virtue of working with so many different businesses in so many different jurisdictions and countries. Being able to see — when it’s done right — how it’s done right. I think that’s a unique value that I bring, as well as that piece around, “Hey, we can responsibly and compliantly track and regulate this,” which is what really provides that safety and comfort. And then I think there’s another piece there that’s one of USCC’s tenants of its mission. It’s around seeking to promote social justice, to create a just, inclusive industry and uphold high ethical standards within it. When I initially got into the industry in 2009, which is ancient as far as the cannabis industry goes, the interest stemmed from medical advocacy and social justice advocacy. C&T Today: What needs to happen to create a more equitable industry? JB: The USCC is, I think, the most well positioned around having this conversation. It starts with conversation among the right parties and by virtue of being the first-of-its-kind alliance of businesses, epic associations, and advocacy organizations. We’re able to bring those different voices, thought leadership points of view, policy experts, and advocates. And when you have that unified voice speaking on behalf of the industry, then you’re able to start to promote restorative justice. How we do that, how we create an inclusive, safe, and well-
regulated cannabis industry starts first with that strategic alliance, making recommendations, and being a part of the policy reform that’s happening. C&T Today: How is the USCC working with congressional leaders to advance cannabis reform? JB: We’re engaging on every front in which we can engage. Right now of course there is a strong focus on providing comment to the Cannabis Administration Opportunity Act (CAOA). But of course we are simultaneously and proactively engaging at both the national and state and local levels as well. C&T Today: What are your thoughts on the CAOA? Are there areas you feel need improvement? JB: In an overarching capacity, I would say we couldn’t be more thrilled to see a comprehensive draft that addresses many of the areas that we think matter. So, we’re really pleased to see this draft, to see that it is a 163page draft that really is seeking to address nearly every area on which cannabis touches. And then of course, we’re going to have plenty of comments, but it’s really encouraging to see that this is a serious effort. C&T Today: Do you see the role of technology continuing to expand as the legal marketplace grows, particularly if we find ourselves in a position for a national legalization? JB: I think that the role of all good technology is to provide more value than it costs. And we certainly strive to do that at Akerna. When I consider what that looks like from a national
// FEATURE STORY //
“ If something is one of your biggest problems, great. How do you turn that into your biggest opportunity?”
Photo: Andrea Flanagan Photography
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// FEATURE STORY // Creating a Culture of Innovation
You can’t think about anything else when you’re up there on the side of the mountain; it helps to put things in perspective.
(Left to right) Akerna team members: Nina Simosko CCO, Ray Thompson COO, Jessica Billingsley CEO, David McCullough CTO, John Fowle CFO. Photo: Andrea Flanagan Photography
and from a state level, I believe we will see some standardization around what we need to be tracking with technology from a compliance and regulation standpoint, and an expansion as that moves to the national level, as well as the state and local levels. Then we’ll also see more businesses having their opportunities expand as they continue to scale, evaluating technology the way traditional businesses do, which is an ROI-based calculation, “Hey, can we make or save money by implementing this technology?” C&T Today: As the first cannabis technology CEO to list on the NASDAQ, what advice would you offer other cannabis industry entrepreneurs? JB: Where can you provide a method for doing something with technology that saves someone time or effort, or provide some insight to the business that allows them to add to their top line or save on their bottom line? And there are many, many, many opportunities left in cannabis and many opportunities left by looking at what piece has not yet been done, and how 112
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can I connect that piece to a bigger ecosystem to make it more valuable? C&T Today: You’ve pioneered such crucial technology in the cannabis space. Do you think there’s an aspect of your leadership style that encourages a culture of innovation? JB: I love that you called it that. That is, it’s absolutely something that we talk about internally at our company. And I think it’s crucial to cannabis as an emerging market, but to any emerging market, to be constantly thinking through the lens of innovation and thinking through the lens of how can I solve tomorrow’s problems today and solve them better than anyone else, and then make sure my customers know I’ve solved them? C&T Today: How do you keep yourself calm and centered while juggling so many projects? JB: I have a yoga and breathing practice that I have been very consistent with for many, many years. That helps in that respect. Also I can get there just as fast, if not faster, by rock climbing.
Beyond that, so much of it is just a shift in mindset. As scope and scale becomes bigger, so do the problems; they multiply infinitely as well. I mean, what are the chances, for somebody who’s running a 10,000 person company, that someone’s not screwing something up at any point in time? And so I think I talk about this a lot internally and how we can make sure we’re spending at least 50% of our time focusing on opportunities as well, rather than just the problems. You can get dragged down into only focusing on your problems, and then you’re not going to innovate. You’re not going to move forward. And so how do you continue to think through that opportunity mindset? If something is one of your biggest problems, great. How do you turn that into your biggest opportunity? C&T Today: How do you envision the future for the cannabis industry? JB: Well, I suppose I’ll share my hopes here, with the hope that by sharing it, that’s what we can help manifest. And I think this is a very likely future also. In some ways we can look at Canada and say, how is Canada working? With our majority market share in Canada, I think we’ve got a unique lens for that. We will see some traditional pharma, but not all. Our client, Shoppers Drug Mart, in Canada, is very successful in cannabis, but there are not a lot of other traditional pharma companies that are competing in the cannabis space. Then we also see a very healthy enterprise and mid-market. I think we are likely to see that here in the U.S. A little bit of traditional pharma, a little bit of very large enterprise, a lot of midmarket. And then if we do things right, we will see a thriving boutique and cottage industry, and there is room for us to do that and for us to do that well and do that right. There are some learnings from some other regulated industries on how beneficial that is for the industry as a whole. ❖
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT //
Medicine for Moody
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT //
Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody shares the inspiration behind his medicine and his music. By Patricia Miller There are few hard rock bands that carry as much clout as Five Finger Death Punch. They are the second-most consumed band in hard rock history, second only to Metallica. Lead singer and frontman Ivan Moody has been pivotal to the band’s success, his vocal range and lyrical talents earning the group 25 top 10 hit singles since 2007. Since their debut, they’ve released six consecutive certified Gold or Platinum records. If you’ve ever seen a Five Finger Death Punch show, you understand how a single set could shred Moody’s throat. Eventually, the demands on his body during the band’s prolific tour schedule started to stack up. He needed a solution for soothing his throat and taming his anxiety. That’s where the idea for Moody’s Medicinals was born. What started with CBD throat spray and CBD water evolved into a broad offering of powerful CBD products. From pain relief gel to tattoo recovery creams, Moody’s Medicinals is now a one-stop shop for everything CBD wellness. In this interview, Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with Moody to discover his inspiration, how CBD helped his recovery from alcohol, and how COVID-19 inspired him to release a dark poetry book. Cannabis & Tech Today: Did growing up in the Denver area play a part in your decision to enter the CBD space? There’s such a cannabis culture here. Ivan Moody: Most definitely. I mean, I grew up right outside of Boulder, in the Arvada, Golden area. That entire area, we were experimenting years before the rest of the country even caught on to it. Especially with Charlotte Figi and her situation with Charlotte’s Web … I was surrounded by it from a very young age. As I’m sure you’ve noticed out there, it’s just a part of life. Holistic healing is something that
Coloradoans especially and certain areas like Washington and California have really prided themselves on. So it’s been really cool to grow up around that. C&T Today: You mentioned Charlotte Figi and seeing the concept evolve around cannabis as medicine. Was that part of your inspiration to launch Moody’s Medicinals? IM: Of course. I mean, how could it not be? It was such a touching story, too. Again, to know that Charlotte’s parents had basically tried everything. They had really run the gamut, and it was a last resort thing. She was actually the first publicized case. But at the end of the day, there were quite a few people in that situation around town. So it was definitely an influence. But again, it’s something I’ve been using for years. And it was something, to be quite honest with you, that I was ashamed of at first. I hate to use the word,
ashamed, but you never know how to talk to people about it. Most recently it’s been acceptable, but 10, 15 years ago, bringing it up immediately made you look like you were just trying to find a reason to use drugs. It was really hard. It’s still really hard to convince people that the benefits of it outweigh the stigma. So I really wanted to surround myself with people who were driven, people who were involved in the idea of CBD and holistic health. I say holistic health, and I always feel like that spooks people. It’s really just a different style of natural medications and healing products. Imagine being a heavy metal rock singer that’s known for screaming and using the F-bomb and just being this monster on stage, trying to convince people that there’s a healthier and more peaceful way of living without strapping yourself into a whole bunch of over-the-counter medications. It’s a tough sale to say the least … Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT // Medicine for Moody
also a radio DJ. She’s got her own podcast. So she’s constantly using her throat. I know a couple of coaches, one for the Denver Nuggets, one for the Denver Broncos. Again, constantly using their throats. When you put those alcohol-based sprays on your voice, all it does is strip you down, and it takes about three minutes of pain away, and then you’re right back where you started. So I really wanted to make something that was not just for me as a singer, but for people who have to use their voice every day. C&T Today: What was the inspiration behind your Dirty Poetry Book? But I really felt like it was a necessary evil for me to come out and say, “Hey, I use this on a daily basis to replace multiple medications.” C&T Today: How has CBD played a role in your recovery? IM: I know a lot of people out there in recovery who are continually fighting, constantly working to find something that’s going to help them. I replaced a few medications with CBD when I first got out of recovery. I was on sleeping medications, Trazodone, which is really addictive. It builds up a tolerance, and it becomes almost impossible to sleep without. My appetite on the road was constantly in jeopardy because I have these small windows that I get to eat. As a singer, my body is a temple. I know it’s a cliche, and it sounds [like] really cheesy, Wayne Newton kind of shit, but it’s a reality. It really is. So to take care of myself on the road and be able to eat right, I had to be able to create an appetite as I went … So again, THC and CBD products, I put it in my water. It’s just something I really have been attracted to, and it helped me out.
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C&T Today: That’s especially true for heavy metal singers — live performances are so physically demanding. I’m always in awe of it when I go to shows. Was that what inspired you to create Moody’s Medicinal throat spray? It’s not something I’ve seen in other product lines. IM: That was the first. That and the water. For anybody that’s not in recovery, I’ll fill you in on a little detail. When you stop drinking or doing just about anything, you try to completely erase it from any part of your life. And for me, that was changing everything from my hygiene products to cleaning products. Anything with alcohol in it, I had to fucking erase. So a good friend of mine, Jason Lacada out of Colorado, owns a dispensary up in Black Hawk. He was sending me CBD oils, and I started putting them in my waters before I went on stage because I can sip them. Some of the products I was trying, 90% of all the throat sprays on the market have either alcohol or glycerin or some kind of sugars that really make it impossible to do what they’re telling you they’re doing. Because if you put alcohol on your throat, it strips it. So it was almost like completely defeating actually and a placebo to boot. So I wanted to make something that was all natural, that had no alcohol in it — not just because of my recovery, but because of the benefits that it has on my throat. When I was talking to Jackie [manager and partner in Moody’s Medicinals], she uses her voice 50 hours a day. She’s on the phone. She’s making calls. She’s
IM: Dirty Poetry, I got to tell you that’s a monster of its own. It was not something I did overnight. I mean, from the time I was about 13 years old until I was 18, I was in the system. I was shuffled from group home to group home, detention centers and so on and so forth. Being in those kinds of places, you always have to keep journals and diaries of day-to-day stuff. I went into my library, and I had like four shelves dedicated to all these old journals and these old diary writings. So I started sifting through them during COVID[-19]. Reading stuff that you wrote when you were 20 years old, 25, 30, and some of it was so scatterbrained, but it must have meant something at the time. So it really brought to light these colors that I almost forgot were in my spectrum. And to see them really, it sparked a lot in me. So it was something that I just wanted to put out because I thought it was interesting enough, and it definitely shows the public a side of me that I don’t necessarily think that they’ll be exposed to otherwise. I got to tell you, working with Blake Armstrong, anybody who sees the artwork in this thing is going to freak out. This guy is a wicked genius. So when I handed him over these files, he sifted through them and these visuals are what he pictured when he read through. So it’s really a cool collaboration. C&T Today: Do you find there are similarities between writing music and writing poetry? IM: Oh, absolutely. I mean, it’s art. Music is sonic poetry. The entire universe is held together by it. Whether it be frequencies, energy, rhythms, algorithms. Music in itself is poetry. It’s the poetry of life. ❖
// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT //
Women+Weed Insights From the Female Comedians Reclaiming Cannabis By Taylor McLamb It’s no joke that women love cannabis. In fact, according to the cannabis data analytics firm Headset, Gen Z women had the fastest growth in legal cannabis year-over-year sales during the pandemic. However, the majority of cannabis consumers still lean heavily male. How much of that is because of the negative stigma still attached to women smoking cannabis?
Iman Richardson
From television to movies to stand-up comedy, cannabis has long been associated with men. The bros had their Cheech and Chong, their Dazed and Confused, and every single Judd Apatow movie, but what did women have? It’s no surprise then that women are afraid to admit their cannabis use. In a poll created by cannabis lifestyle brand Van der Pop, 66% of the 1,530 women interviewed admitted that they hid their cannabis consumption for fear of being judged.
New York actress and comedian, regular performer at the famed Upright Citizens Brigade. Richardson has performed on shows like Crashing on HBO, Frank & Lamar on IFC, and High Herstory. Richardson describes herself as a very physical actress and a former dancer.
Thankfully, in the last few years, there have been fantastic women creators and comedians showcasing relatable female-oriented cannabis content to reduce the stigma. Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson released their groundbreaking comedy Broad City, which was a breath of fresh air, depicting what for many women was an authentic, relatable relationship with cannabis. Recently, the comedic television series High Herstory focuses on female-identifying individuals reenacting the stories of historical women — all while high.
C&T Today: How does cannabis play a role in your creative process, particularly when writing comedy?
Representation on screen and in the media matters, and we’re excited to highlight some trailblazing women who are making an impact in the comedy scene. Cannabis is empowering, it’s healing, and most of all, it’s feminist. After all, only female cannabis plants can produce buds.
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“When creating comedy, cannabis allows the doubt to go away for me. I naturally over think too much, but the plant holds space for me to listen to my inner voice and my inner experience, and I think that’s where the [laughs] come from. I go into this cosmic portal after a few hits and then the thoughts, ideas, and jokes start flowing. Like a lot. Like pouring out of the synapses in my brain.”
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT // Women+Weed
Annette Mia Flores Founder, director, producer, and actress in the television series High Herstory. Her goal is to create an inclusive space for those who identify as female and who also love cannabis. Flores is devoted to intersectional feminism, cannabis education, and ending the war on drugs. C&T Today: Why did you choose to incorporate cannabis into your comedy routine? “Comedy comes from honesty and I feel being a cannabis user is just one facet of my personality. If I can exploit and exaggerate some qualities of my life that I find funny I will, period. The fact that I like to toke-up at parties rather than drink is part of that persona. I grew up listening to comics like Mitch Hedberg and watching movies like Dazed and Confused, so I feel like it’s part of my comedic make-up, and that it comes naturally to me.”
Wowashwow Comedian, musician, and cannabis social media influencer. As she raps in her music video RICK ROSS, which premiered on 4/20, Wowashwow is the self proclaimed “queen of bops.” With her stunning visuals and clever lyrics, it’s no surprise that her songs can reach up to 60,000 plays on SoundCloud. C&T Today: What’s the strangest experience you’ve had with cannabis? “The first time I smoked weed was in college in NYC, and that’s when I discovered the movie Half Baked was not just a comedy, but a real-life documentary. A true, poignant, reallife think piece of the NYC stoner. For example, I discovered delivery services were a real thing in the city. I was standing in a McDonalds minding my own business waiting on my nuggets, then this random guy hands me a business card and walks away. Obviously, I had to call the number and waited with my dorm mates for a return call. Within 45 minutes a girl shows up with a Gucci satchel and lays out five different types of strains to select from. At that moment I believed everything Dave Chappelle said about weed. Not anything else, but weed? Absolutely.”
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT // Women+Weed
Rachel Strauss Muniz Comedian, actress, voice actress, and co-host of the Webby Award-nominated podcast Latinos Out Loud. Muniz is a seasoned sketch performer and is part of comedy group Room 28, which holds the title as the longest running multicultural sketch comedy troupe in New York City. C&T Today: Why did you choose to incorporate cannabis into your comedy routine? “When I took the leap from corporate to comedy seven years ago, I hid behind the smoke… not really revealing my canna-passion. I was afraid of judgement and of my habits affecting potential job opportunities. And, of course, the fear of my mom finding out I smoke and throwing a flip flop at my mouth. But then I checked myself. And if I truly take pride in being who I am on the podcast airwaves and off, then I must speak my truth and be me 24/7.”
Mary Jane Gibson Actress, writer, former editor at High Times magazine, and an avid cannabis advocate. Gibson is the co-host of the raved about cannabis podcast Weed + Grub and was named as “one of the 15 most powerful women in the weed industry,” by Complex. C&T Today: What’s the strangest or most enjoyable experience you’ve had with cannabis? “When’s the last time you laughed so hard you felt your soul expand? Lately I’ve settled into an evening routine of eating an edible and curling up in front of the TV with my fur fam (dog, cat) and my squeeze (human) with a Must Love Bananas non-dairy frozen dessert (trust me). Two nights ago we laughed so hard at something we were watching on the Food Network that I almost cracked a rib. I was crying, I couldn’t breathe. It was so, so good. The joy of an edible high when you’re cozy at home is absolute medicine, whether or not you think of it that way.”
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT //
2021 Best Dispensary In America… Based On Logo By David Wallach The cannabis industry is now in more than half the states in the country, and it’s not a secret anymore. Hell, the first thing you see when you drive into Michigan is a billboard for Herbology, in Kalamazoo it’s #PureMichigan. When you drive into Gary, Indiana you see billboards for dispensaries in Illinois, finally giving you something to look at as you drive through Indiana, other than corn and traffic cones. Dispensaries are the new micro-brew and following that model there is a dispensary for just about every taste, all touting this experience or that for their customers. We are in a cannabis renaissance and it’s wonderful.
We looked at thousands of dispensaries from Amesbury, Massachusetts to Cle Elum, Washington. Special shout out to potguide.com, an amazing resource for dispensaries. Creating this would have been horrible without them.
unless Ron Jon Surf Shop opens a dispensary, Florida you are out of this year’s selection. Take your maskless faces to a massive theme park and work on a design for next year.
Some of the Criteria:
Not a lot of selection, kind of like, well Texas. So, unless you learn how to act like adults and play well with others, you’re not allowed to play with us.
The dispensary had to have a website — I mean really, if you’re in the cannabis business, you’ve got the cash to drop $3.00 at GoDaddy and register your domain. Quite frankly, for a writer making like 10 cents a word, a dime a word, like two nickels a word (that’s 65 cents right there) having to look at Facebook pages and SnapChat profiles is well beyond my pay grade. If you want to be considered next year, then get a web page.
An original logo — Not name. There are plenty of amazing names out there. Yes, we are working on that as well. I’m lookin’ at you One Hit Wonder in Fairbanks, Gnome Grown in Oregon, and Buds and Roses in Massachusetts. Names are great, but at its roots (see what I did there?) cannabis is a creative business, so creativity in the logo is what matters most. Best Buds in Washington DC, parodying the Best Buy logo with the slogan “weed deliver.” Kudos.
Who didn’t qualify:
There are thousands of dispensaries in America and that number continues to grow faster than you can say “Starbuds.” For this article and the title of “Best Cannabis Logo in America,” Cannabis & Tech Today took venture funds turned into a weed company (Hi CuraLeaf) out of the equation. Cash can’t buy this title, only creativity. 124
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There’s a lot of healing or helping this or that, a bunch of remedies and therapies, so many apothecaries and collectives, and of course the many corporate shops, well branded and so very plain. Many states are purely pharmaceutical (Louisiana) and their logos are basic, so we eliminated them as well.
Florida Like you would expect, is all corporate super stores of medical marijuana, and quite frankly giving RISE and Trulieve more real estate to rest their money-soaked hats on, is too much. So,
Texas
States that qualify: Are States that have both recreational and medical. Illinois, Nevada, California, Washington, Alaska, you get the idea. Each state has a local champion, which you can see in our nifty graphic. Our editors, along with yours truly, picked the winners. The great news is the industry is growing and there are some amazing people out there doing what they love to bring you some of the best cannabis products known to man. So you are all winners in our book (insert puke emoji) but there can only be one winner for 2021.
And the winner is : The Best Dispensary … Based on Logo is Glazed and Confused in Crystal Falls, Michigan! Mixing comedy with a simple but funny logo, Glazed and Confused takes the title. Visit our website cannatechtoday.com to find a clickable version of this article and check out the many dispensaries and their cool logos there as well; there are some amazing designs. Hit us up on social and let us know your favorite dispensary by name, logo, or anything else. We will be doing this again! ❖ Note — The writer is now accepting t-shirts and stickers from all of the above-mentioned dispensaries, you know since he only makes 10 cents a word.
// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT //
Alaska
Illinois
New Mexico
Rhode Island
Maine
Nevada
Utah
Maryland
North Dakota
Arizona
California
Vermont
Massachusetts
Ohio Washington
Colorado
Oklahoma Missouri Delaware
OUR WINNER Montana
Oregon
Michigan
District of Columbia
Pennsylvania
Hawaii New Jersey
Fall 2021 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// HEALTH+WELLNESS //
MADNESS Cannabis needs higher consumer safety standards. By Patricia Miller One amazing property of the cannabis plant is that it cleans soil. It sucks up heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes from the dirt. That’s great news for soil and slightly terrifying news for those consuming the plant. Where cannabis is grown is important. If the dirt is laden with industrial pollutants, like arsenic, lead, or mercury, cannabis grown in that soil is likely unfit for consumption. Consumers need to know how and where plants are grown. More importantly, the public needs precise, transparent certificates of analysis for adult-use products.
Assessing the Source Consider Butte, Montana. The state legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021. If one were to call dispensaries around Montana and ask, “Where is your cannabis grown?” The answer is typically, “It’s grown in Montana.” Cool, but where exactly? Exactly where matters. If the cannabis were grown outside in the soil of Butte, for example, it could be loaded with heavy metal contaminants. Butte is one of America’s largest Superfund sites. Cannabis & Tech Today contacted several dispensaries in Butte to ask where their crops are grown. Some said they grow in other cities, while others said they grow inside with reverse osmosis water. If you’re not familiar with the term “Superfund,” it’s a designation given to extremely contaminated areas. Formally called the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Superfund designation provides funds for the EPA to clean up hazardous waste sites left behind by irresponsible industries. 126
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Photo: iStockphoto.com/jcrosemann
Butte was once known as the “Richest Hill on Earth,” due to the huge amounts of copper, silver, and gold mined from the mountains there. Since the late 1800s, wealthy industrialists have been drilling into the mountainside, leaving a legacy of mining waste in their wake. Arsenic, lead, cadmium, and other pollutants have been blowing into soils and trickling into waterways there for more than a hundred years. If people decided to grow cannabis in Butte, or any of the hundreds of other Superfund sites across the U.S, farmers would have no legal obligation to disclose the origin of their crop.
Inconsistent Testing Montana requires random heavy metal testing for cannabis flower and extracts. These random tests provide some incentive for growers — nobody wants to lose a crop that didn’t pass. But, random testing leaves something to be desired when it comes to transparency. From a safety standpoint, most consumers would probably prefer to know what they’re buying was tested for contaminants. Perhaps they would like to take it a step further and know exactly how much cadmium or lead is in the products they are consuming, even if they
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// HEALTH+WELLNESS // Heavy Metal Madness
Setting strict thresholds is a step in the right direction, particularly for medical cannabis patients who may be at higher risk of developing adverse reactions. “Vaporized fungal spores at even very low concentrations are likely to cause fungal pneumonia,” said Dryburgh.
Pesticides Many agricultural crops are grown using pesticides. The important difference with cannabis is that it’s a crop which can be lit on fire and inhaled. Many of the pesticides that are FDA-approved for food are not approved for inhalation.
Photo: iStockphoto.com/kmatija
passed the state’s threshold. There are few states with that level of reporting.
Gaps in Regulation Random testing is Montana’s solution. Each state has their own, somewhat flawed approach to the heavy metals issue. Washington state, for example, set specific limits on certain heavy metals. If a product exceeds those limits, it has “failed quality assurance testing.” But, the Liquor and Cannabis Board of Washington does not require adult-use products to be tested for these metals. In other words, you can’t have too much arsenic but you don’t have to test for arsenic. Several legalized states use similarly ambiguous language when it comes to testing for certain contaminants. It’s an area crying out for more precise regulations and a deeper understanding of the cannabis plant as a soil remediator. Australia has been studying cannabis as medicine since 2016. Their government has been advocating for more research around the plant as medicine. As a medicinal substance, it should be held to the same testing protocols as pharmaceuticals. In one study titled “Cannabis Contaminants: Sources, Distribution, Human Toxicity, and Pharmacological Effects,” authors Dryburgh, et. al., called for better testing standards as medicinal cannabis markets mature, 128
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“particularly in jurisdictions outside Australia where cannabis is not treated as a ‘therapeutic good’ but rather as a herbal supplement or nutraceutical.”
Common Contaminants There are three main culprits when it comes to contamination: heavy metals, microbes, and pesticides. Two of the three are regulated in most legal-cannabis U.S. states.
Heavy Metals Arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and other types of heavy metals can contaminate cannabis in a variety of ways. They can be absorbed via soil, water, or fertilizers. Exposure can also occur during the drying process. In rare instances, heavy metals could be added during packaging to increase the weight of the product and therefore its value. In a past incident on the Australian black market, Dryburgh reported, “Another case series reported on 95 cases of lead poisoning due to lead adulteration of illegal preparations to increase the weight and thus market value of cannabis.”
Microbes Bacteria and fungi (mold) are the most common microbes present in cannabis. These are often caused by improper growth, harvest, or storage techniques. Fortunately, many legal cannabis states are now testing for the presence of mold and mildew.
In one eye-opening example from Washington, laboratory analysis found 84.6% of legalized cannabis products tested contained significant quantities of pesticides, including proven carcinogens. Again, this is an area that’s seeing increased regulatory oversight.
Effects of Ingesting Contaminants These toxins could cause infections or cancers and impact reproduction or interrupt development. Such risks are an easy target for prohibitionists who may want to link these illnesses to cannabis itself, rather than contaminants found within some samples of the plant. “There are difficulties in establishing a direct causal relationship between cannabis and [the aforementioned illnesses] … complicated by the significant time-lag between consumption and diagnoses. This is compounded by the lack of adequately powered and well-designed epidemiological or experimental studies assessing the human effect of contaminants,” said Dryburgh.
Demanding a Higher Standard It’s a vital topic, but surprisingly has not been studied in much depth. Dryburgh emphasized, “As the medical cannabis industry moves forward, thresholds for clean medicine, standards, and procedures … need to be developed and standardized internationally.” Cannabis is a life-saving substance. It has profound therapeutic potential, as confirmed by decades of international research. To benefit from the plant and prevent harm, the global cannabis community must demand higher standards for safety testing. ❖
// THE LAB // Presented By
Where Are They Now? Classic cannabis strains and where you can still find them. Well, some of them. By Corey Noles
It may seem commonplace to just walk into a store and buy marijuana today, but it used to be so much different — and so was the weed. The marijuana market didn’t have companies with reward programs and logo-smattered merch — it was a sketchy dude named something like “8-Ball” or “Yo-Yo.” If you were lucky he had two options. Likely there would be something cheap from Mexico, and something somewhat better, likely from Colombia. Nearly all marijuana had some seeds and stems, and it wasn’t a catastrophe. It’s just how it came. It wasn’t even in grams — you likely bought lids, quarter bags, or “finger” bags (twofinger, three-finger, etc.) The strains in that era were likely crosses as well, but they came from the ground that way. A landrace strain is a strain found in the wild, growing without the intrusions of man. Plants pollinate in the wild all the time, so they were breeding for centuries before they were ever discovered. Essentially, landrace strains are the building blocks for the cannabis grown today — and there are still countless more to be discovered in the wild. Many of those great strains of the 1960s and 1970s are gone forever, but some are still around in various forms. Essentially, there are four things to look out for if you’re thinking about growing landrace strains or even some classic crosses. How were the seeds created? There are a lot of discrepancies in the seed world, particularly among old landrace strains. Do some serious research at this stage. Above all, you have to know the origin of the seeds. Are they original seeds from the actual plant? Are they a quality clone? Or did they just 130
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reverse engineer the effects and come up with something close to the original — then call it whatever they wanted. The latter happens more than you might expect — and it’s fine, so long as the vendor is clear about its origin.
Nadav Eyal, co-founder and CEO of Eybna
More reputable dealers in such vintage seeds are typically quite open about how they got them. Original seeds or a direct clone of an actual plant are the ideal method. Where Does the Strain Originate? Understanding the origin of a strain is paramount to capturing the desired effects. A strain that grew well in Afghanistan might not find ideal conditions in Washington state, for example. Eybna is a technology company and terpene manufacturer, with a line of formulations focused specifically on reproducing the classic terpene profiles from some of these very strains. The company produces a variety of terpene solutions that can be applied to plants or manufactured products like inhalables, digestibles, and topicals. Their Enhancer terpene formulations were created based on genetic research into the original phytochemical makeup of three legacy strains. The “Diesel”, “Skunk” and “Kush” terpene formulations give your existing bud or distillate product more of a classic feel by capturing some of those lost or diluted effects from the past. Nadav Eyal, co-founder and CEO of Eybna, has spent years researching classic strains. “If you want to preserve the original taste, smell and effect of the original wildtype plant, you have to watch the climate,” Eyal said in a recent interview with Cannabis & Tech Today. “Being able to match the strain to its original climate is crucial to properly recreating the bud.”
He stressed if you want to truly experience a strain like Acapulco Gold, you need to find a way to recreate the environment in which it first grew. Watch your temperatures, humidity, and try to make your light cycles match what it would have been throughout a natural grow. “Because of the places they were grown, they were able to develop and compound on their own,” Eyal said. “And they’re different from place to place.” Timers, fans, quality lights, and even humidifiers can handle most of the work. Of course, you can spend as much as you wish to get it spot-on. An Outdoor Grow May Be Best While most landrace strains can thrive in an indoor grow room, it’s not necessarily the best course of action. An anonymous representative from Old School Breeders Association has worked on many classic strains. “Growers may want to let these strains grow out to their full stature. For example, just a few large plants per light, especially when grown from seed,” the OSBA representative said. “Clones of landrace cannabis genetics may
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// THE LAB // Where Are They Now? finish a little faster and tighter than their seed parent — so select the phenotypes that work for your grow room for best results.” He also stresses against just growing and forgetting. If something turns out to be great, you’re going to want to go back to it. “Although you may pick a favorite that’s most suitable for your modern growing style, it may be worthwhile to keep clones of the others and occasionally grow them out,” the OSBA rep said. “You may find some that have natural resistance to common crop problems that your modern cannabis genetics do not.” Shop From Reputable Dealers There are a lot of seed banks and dispensaries in this world. While most are honest, hardworking cannabis lovers, some are not so honest. Do some research before ordering and see how other customers feel about their past orders. Essentially, there is no way to tell by looking at a seed what strain from which it originates. As a result, this almost entirely comes down to trusting the seller. Sellers who have legitimate landrace strains are generally quite excited about them and happy to tell you everything you need to know. “Besides having strains you want, the most certain way to qualify a seed supplier is the number of years they have been delivering seeds to their customers,” the Old School Breeders Association representative said. “There have been countless seed companies that have come and gone for a variety of reasons. If a company has been around for over ten years, it’s a pretty safe bet they have the means and intent to stay around at least that much longer.” He is quick to remind, however, that everyone has to start somewhere. He also suggests doing a search of social media to see if growers buying their products are satisfied. “Another quick and effective way to weed out the frauds is just to pick up the phone and give them a call,” they said. “Do they answer right away and are they able to answer your questions? Don’t hesitate to pick up a phone or send an email before your order. People do it every day, and it’s the best way to ensure you are happy with your purchase.”
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Acapulco Gold Origin: Acapulco region of Mexico S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Happy, Uplifted, Energetic Available from: Barney’s Farm
Durban Poison Origin: Durban, South Africa S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Energetic, Uplifting, Creativity Available from: Dutch Passion
Afghani Origin: Afghanistan S/H/I: Indica Effects: Relaxation, Euphoria, Sleepy Available from: Sensi Seeds
Thai Origin: Thailand S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Happy, Focused, Energetic Available from: The Real Seed Company has a variety of rare seeds from Thailand, but it is largely believed that original Thai is forever lost. However, with many landrace strains from the region, this is your best chance to get close.
Presented By
// THE LAB // Where Are They Now?
Panama Red Origin: Panama S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Happy, Uplifted, Talkative Available from: Ace Seeds sells a feminized version adapted to withstand modern growing situations. They also have a close replica made from a blend of three similar sativas from Panama.
Mazar-I-Sharif Origin: Northern Afghanistan S/H/I: Indica Effects: Very Relaxing, Euphoric Available from: The Real Seed Company
OG Kush Origin: California S/H/I: Indica Effects: Happy, Relaxed, Hungry Available from: Old School Breeders Association
Malawi / Malawi Gold Origin: Southeast Africa S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Energetic, Uplifted, Creative Available from: Many places out of stock, but Old School Breeders Association has a Malawi Gold x Thai cross that is highly regarded.
Original Haze Origin: Santa Cruz, Calif. S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Happy, Uplifted, Energetic Available from: Flying Dutchmen
Skunk Origin: Most likely believed to be Bay Area breeders in the late 1970s S/H/I: Hybrid Effects: Happy, Euphoric, Hungry Available from: Skunk #1 is likely the closest. Available from Sacred Seed Co., this is a cross of multiple classic genetics (Afghani, Acapulco Gold, Colombian Gold) and may be as close as one can get today to original Skunk.
*The above information regarding classic strains includes some estimation. As much as could be verified, was, but there is minimal documentation or “proof” available. Special thanks to the teams at Old School Breeders Association and Eybna for their help in compiling the information. 134
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From simple floor plan development, to a fully integrated architectural and MEP permit and construction plan set, we can help with all of your facility design needs.
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From permitting support, to construction administration, to post-construction assistance, and future design collaboration, our team will support you for the length of the project.
// THE LAB // Presented By
The Science of Dabbing
Vaporizing concentrates is more popular than ever, but what have we learned about the practice so far?
By Rachelle Gordon The cannabis concentrates category has exploded in recent years. Sales of extracts like rosin, shatter, sugar, and sauce jumped 40% in 2020, according to market analyst firm Headset. The global concentrates market, which includes these types of products as well as pre-filled vape cartridges and pens, is expected to reach a value of $5.9 million by 2026 with a predicted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% from 2019 to 2026 based on numbers from a recent report.
2,600°F) to heat their bangers, a wide range of temps have emerged as preferential for extracts. Since concentrates are far more potent than regular flower, less is more when it comes to consumption. “Taking a dab is like smoking an entire joint in one single hit, which is really good for folks who require immediate alleviation from pain or just want to feel the effects of their cannabis immediately,” said Ricardo Willis, CEO of Hanu Labs, makers of vaporizers such as VapeXhale EVO, the Hanu Stone pod system, and the recently announced Hanu Petra.
As the category continues to mature, so does the science surrounding it. From cutting-edge vaporizer technology R&D to debates over temperature, more attention than ever is being paid to the science of dabbing. Cannabis & Tech Today takes a deep dive into how the practice is different from traditional smoking, the argument for low-temp hits, and what the future holds for this relatively new sector. A Different Type of Hit Dabbing and smoking both require heat but they’re miles apart in terms of how the elements involved interact with one another. Smoking flower requires combustion, with a flame being applied to ground material in a pipe or joint. The typical disposable butane lighter produces fire with temperatures averaging a little over 3,500°F. When heat is applied to cannabis, naturally occurring THC-A is converted to delta-9-THC in a process called decarboxylation, providing psychoactive effects. 136
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Dabbing sees concentrates vaporized through the heating of the surrounding container, typically a quartz banger, electronic nail, or vape cartridge. The wax, hash, or live resin within the chamber begins to melt, turning to a vapor that can then be inhaled. While many people use a butane blowtorch (which reaches around
There are several dabbing devices on the market targeted toward the savvy concentrate consumer in addition to Hanu Labs’ impressive line and the bevy of heady glass rigs that line the walls of smoke shops across the country. Some of the most popular include the Puffco Peak, the Focus V Carta, the Dipper from Dip Devices, the Dr. Dabber Boost, and the G-Pen line of portable, fillable pens. Each features its own unique heating systems, utilizing an array of technologies and temperature controls. Dabbers may opt for anywhere from 400°F on the low end up to 800+°F, depending on the consistency of the concentrate and consumer preference. The same temperature fluctuations do not exist when combusting flower, so what makes dabbing different?
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// THE LAB // The Science of Dabbing
Presented By
Willis, whose VapeXhale devices use convection heating elements to create a more steady temperature, channels his former culinary career when explaining the importance of stability in consuming cannabis concentrates. “I personally compare dabbing to creating the perfect beurre blanc, a French butter sauce that requires a well-regulated heat source that’s consistent. The heat has to be just right because if the temperature gets too hot, the sauce separates, and the next thing you know, you’re getting yelled at by the kitchen’s head chef! And who wants that?”
Ricardo Willis, CEO of Hanu Labs
Do you really need to “waste it to taste it?” The debate over dab temperatures continues to make its way throughout the cannabis community, with strong opinions on all sides. Cooler temp or cold start dabs (where the concentrate is placed in the banger or atomizer prior to heating) tend to bring about richer flavors due to the relatively low boiling point of terpenes and cannabinoids. However, residual oil is often left behind when using this method, hence the popular “waste it to taste it” motto used by fans of low temp dabs. Vaporizing at higher temperatures produces larger and more powerful hits, leaving almost zero residual oil. Some argue these dabs are more potent but potentially lacking in pungency. “We obviously want to dab at a temperature above the boiling point of all the cannabinoids and terpenes simply so that they get turned into a vapor and we can inhale them! However, going too high in temperature can result in the degradation of these valuable molecules,” explained Matthew Elmes, Ph.D., Scientific Director at CannaCraft. Many of the electronic rigs on the market today only cater to the “hot dab” crowd, particularly fans of solventless products like rosin which tend to offer a better experience when vaporized at lower temps. For example, the Carta’s four preset temperatures range from 600°F to 940°F, although lower temps are possible through a corresponding app. 138
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Matthew Elmes, Ph.D., scientific director at CannaCraft. Photo: Jon Lohne
“Cannabinoids are pretty heat-stable and are generally not destroyed at higher vaping temperatures, though some recent research is finding that higher heat may cause some percentage of them to transform into different cannabinoid species. Terpenes, on the other hand, tend to be more prone to combustion and some terp species can be totally destroyed at typical temperatures that are currently used,” Elmes warned. Additionally, consistency in heat has been another contentious topic in the concentrate community. Some devices provide a stable temp during a session while others, such as the Puffco Peak, use a “wave” of temps to maximize flavor and cloud size.
The Dabbing Revolution Has Only Just Begun Cannabis concentrates are not necessarily new — people have been smoking hand-rolled hashish for thousands of years — but the era of legalization has seen a meteoric advancement in extraction and consumption methods. The last decade gave us shatter, diamonds, and a vast catalog of high-tech dabbing tools. And we are only at the tip of the iceberg. Hardware companies and cannabis brands alike are in a proverbial arms race, perpetually working to develop the next big thing. Companies like Indux Labs are already leading the way when it comes to precision temperature control, allowing users of their devices to fully customize their experience through the use of advanced electromagnetic components. As R&D continues, and more studies are conducted on the chemical structures of compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, it’s likely the best dab is still yet to come. ❖
// PRODUCT REVOLUTION // Hitoki Trident — As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so does the way we smoke. Hitoki is making a name for itself designing luxurious, high-tech cannabis products. Their new Trident is a patent-pending laser combustion smoking device. Its combustion method works like a magnifying glass under the sun, eliminating the need to use butane from a lighter. This technology creates a cleaner smoke that allows you to get a true taste of your flower. The Hitoki Trident comes in three fashionable colors: 24K Gold ($650), Black ($500), and Rose Gold ($500).
WaveWasher Ultrasonic 420 Cleaning Machine — There’s nothing worse than a dirty bong. Not only will your cannabis taste bad, but your bong could contain mold, mildew, and bacteria. WaveWasher is the first and only 420 dishwasher that cleans glass and removes residue quickly. Press the button on the Wave Washer and warm water will be blasted with ultrasonic sound waves to sanitize your equipment with 50-100% less isopropyl alcohol and no salt. Your bong and 420 smoking accessories will look great, and your lungs will thank you too. $250
PET CRC Compatible Jars by Alpha Packaging — Maintaining the quality and safety of cannabis requires specialized packaging. These polyethylene terephthalate (PET) jars are sleek, child-resistant, and can be made from 100% post-consumer (recycled) PET. Adult-use cannabis jars are available in 4-ounce, 6-ounce, and 8-ounce with a 70mm neck finish, as well as a 6-ounce with a 63mm finish. Jars can be blow molded in clear, transparent, or opaque colors. Select styles and colors are stocked at Alpha Packaging’s warehouse and are available by the case. Request a quote through their website: https://www.alphap.com/request-a-quote/.
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DaVinci IQC — Be a trendsetter with the sleek and classy IQC vaporizer from DaVinci. Available in four vibrant colors, this vaporizer lives up to its namesake by looking like a work of art. The versatile vaporizer has advanced temperature control, app connectivity, replaceable and rechargeable battery, USB Type-C charging, and the ability to charge your phone on the go. The IQC additionally features precision temperature settings to 430°F / 221°C, 30-second heat up time, 0.5g oven capacity, and is heavy metals tested. $229
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// PRODUCT REVOLUTION //
ACS Laboratory’s Tested Safe Certified Seals — Behind each proprietary ACS Seal is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that features the results of every fullpanel test that your product received. The COA is also branded with the trademarked TESTED SAFE CERTIFIED SEAL, showing customers that your brand is transparent, accountable, and happy to share its ingredients. Available free of charge to help create a more trustworthy industry.
The Flower-Friendly Process by Rad Source Photonic Decontamination — Don’t question your cannabis, be confident in your flower. Rad Source Technologies provides the cannabis industry with the only microbial remediation devices that use patented Quastar technology to inactivate 99.9% of harmful microbes while maintaining the integrity of the plant. The RS 420•XL Cannabis Decontamination System provides a true peace-of-mind cannabis remediation experience resulting in nominal-to-zero adverse effect to the flower. It’s time to pass state-mandated testing levels without worry. Call for pricing.
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Session Goods Bong — Session Goods’ bongs and accessories were crafted to eliminate the taboo nature of cannabis consumption with easy-to-use, beautiful smoking devices for every lifestyle. Made of 4mm thick borosilicate glass, this modern, sleek, designer bong could be mistaken for an art piece in your home. In fact, each bong sold in paradise, horizon, and moonlight colors is paired with an exclusive art print. The piece also includes two different bowls and an extra downstem. Sit back, relax, and smoke in style. $120
EnviroPro Air Handling Product Family by Surna Cultivation Technologies — Temperature and humidity control is crucial when cultivating cannabis. With Surna’s new expanded line of curated HVAC products, cultivators can find energy-efficient options and DX systems for consistent and reliable cooling, heating, and dehumidifying solutions, all without burning a hole in your wallet. Fit your unique grow needs by checking out the EnviroPro DX HVACD units, custom DX air handles, custom-chilled water air handlers, and mini air handlers. Visit www.surna.com for pricing.
// PRODUCT REVOLUTION //
Keef Life H20 Cannabis Beverage — Keef Life H20 is the perfect beverage for any cannabis enthusiast who wants a refreshing, non-alcoholic buzz after a long day. Vegan, gluten free, and with only 1 gram of sugar per serving, it meets the needs of anyone focusing on their health. Each beverage contains 100mg THC and comes in cranberry lime (sativa), blueberry lemon (indica), and strawberry kiwi (hybrid). It’s perfect to mix with your favorite beverage or drink on its own. Bottoms up! Prices vary.
Azuca Syrups from Everest Apothecary — There’s nothing like winding down with a hot cup of tea in the evening. Azuca Syrups kick your favorite beverage up a notch with their Azuca Time Infusion sweet syrup, which quickly creates a Delta-9 THC experience akin to smoking. Mix the delicious fast-acting syrup into any of your favorite beverages, like tea, seltzer, or coffee, and feel the effects in 2-15 minutes. $25 per bottle.
The MIGHTY PYTHON from Tom’s Tumbler — The Mighty Python exceeds expectations by offering a versatile, all-in-one, continuous feed, bladeless trimmer that dry trims, Cryo trims, sorts, and extracts kief. The Mighty Python can trim 400-600 lbs per hour with minimal loss of trichomes, terpenes, or flower structure. The Python can sort four different sized flowers and makes kiefing a breeze due to its 170 micron kief screen. Invented by a grower for growers, the Python was designed to meet the needs of any harvest. Call for pricing. 144
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Want a way to network with other cannabis professionals anywhere you go? The THC Girls App is the newest cannabis networking platform that directly connects ambassadors, influencers, and vendors. You can connect directly with vendors to expand your company or hire experienced ambassadors and influencers to showcase your products to the world. From your very own phone, the THC Girls app is your one-stop shop to build a world-class community. The THC GIRLS app is FREE to download. The THC Girls Model membership is only $15 to $30 monthly and $25 yearly for vendors.
What is Pick•See? Pick•See is a full-featured Field Service Management (FSM) Tool created from within the Retail Industry to address the particular needs of the Producers, Retailers, and Rep Agencies. Pick•See makes field data reporting simple and allows you to go beyond traditional email, paper forms, and spreadsheets. Pick•See Web and Mobile Reports provide 24/7 access to online field data.
What Data Management and Reporting Solutions does Pick•See Provide? Pick•See Reports and Forms: Create any audit or survey with photos and even signature capture. It can be used for daily Health and Safety checks. Pick•See Geo-Tag Check-In: Provides the ultimate level of accountability for the mobile worker to their employer and the company to their clients. The Geotag IS NOT a tracker but a location/time stamp. It allows companies to KNOW their staff was on location, provides a layer of security and safety, and is invaluable for health contact tracing. Pick•See Mobile: Pushes data reports and images from the field to the Pick•See Cloud and then pulls down any new tasks, lists, or forms – all in Real-Time! Pick•See Portal: This allows you to share information from the field with your team or clients. View reports online or export data to spreadsheets, PDF documents, and even batches files of compressed images. Pick•See Admin Tools: Provide a vast array of administrative, CRM, form, and file management functions built specifically for the retail sales and service industry. Pick•See Financial Tools: Allow you to tie sales and revenues to store visits and service times for a complete ROI analysis. View reports on dashboards or create your own with our custom report builder.
While many other FSM providers can cost tens of thousands to set up, license, manage and train, you can have a Pick•See Solution set up for less than $10k. Monthly user fees max at $40 per person, training is included, and many support options are available. When you sign on with Pick•See, we don’t pass you off to a 3rd party ‘implementation’ company. We’re with you from the initial consultation through the setup, training, and dedicated support. Competitors often have “minimum spends” and do not want your business if your budget is below it. Pick•See is affordable for any sized organization. Even if you have only one rep, you can access the Pick•See Hub and have the same features. Pick•See does all its development and data storage domestically. Nothing is managed or stored offshore. As Pick•See is a Software as a Service (SaaS), when we make something new or make something better, you get something new and better, with nothing to download or install, it just happens. As not all States have yet legalized the recreational use of cannabis, many of the big-name players are afraid to provide their services to the retail cannabis industry. Pick•See is here for you now. All you have to do is call 1.877.705.PICK (7425) or email info@pick-see.com.
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// PRODUCT REVOLUTION //
The Puffco Plus — The Plus Pen by Puffco is a perfect gift for any vape enthusiast who is always onthe-go. The Plus features a coil-free ceramic chamber, free from contaminants like glue or plastic, which ensures a faster heating time and terrific taste. The versatile mouthpiece of the Plus can also be used as a dart loader for portable use when packaging concentrates. The minimalist, sheek design of the Puffco Plus allows the vape pen to be both discrete and the life of the party. $90
IDENTITY Superfood Coffee Creamer — Take your mornings to the next level with a delicious, healthy, dairy-free, CBD-infused coffee creamer from wellness brand IDENTITY. Available in honey, vanilla, coconut, and cacao, these coffee creamers are made from organic ingredients and also soy-free and gluten-free with no artificial sweeteners nor THC, and are third-party tested. They can mix perfectly in teas, smoothies, dips, and desserts for a delicious twist. Each single serving creamer packet contains 10 mg of hemp CBD. $5.00 for a single serving packet. $45 for a 10 Pack.
CompactDry Yeast Mold Rapid by Hardy Diagnostics — Cannabis is medicine and no one wants a medicine that makes the consumer sick. Hardy Diagnostics’ CompactDry Yeast Mold Rapid is AOAC PTM validated and can detect yeast and molds in cannabis in as little as 72 hours. CompactDry is incredibly easy to use, convenient, and makes microbial testing a breeze. Call for pricing.
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Cloudious9 Atomic9 Vaporizer — With breakthrough patent-pending Dual Layer heating technology, this device is one of the smallest and most economical convection quality vaporizers ever made. The device has six adjustable temperatures, a rapid vapor cooling chamber, full access cleaning, and a nifty retractable herb shovel for convenience. The pocket-sized vape, which comes in both black and gray, contains a one button user interface and heats in 30-45 seconds. $60
RELAX // Something Edible With Laurie Wolf
Presented by:
Arugula Pesto Arugula is at its best during the cool fall months. Peppery and with a lovely crunch, a pesto made with this healthy green is full of antioxidants and packed with crazy good flavor. You may think pesto is always made with basil, but since trying this version I am sold on arugula. The spicy arugula is tempered by the mellow rustic walnuts, and the garlic brings it all together with your best olive oil. This pesto is infused with canna-olive oil, but you can use any method of infusion that has your desired potency. I always suggest starting with a low dose, maybe 5-mg of THC per person. Less is more. Enjoy. #staysafe
SERVES 4
Directions:
What You’ll Need:
1. In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add the arugula, walnuts, garlic and
2 cups rinsed and dried arugula 1/2 cup shelled walnuts
2. With the machine running, drizzle in the two oils.
6 garlic cloves, peeled
3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain and add to your serving
1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1/3 cup EVOO olive oil 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil 1 lb. pasta, your favorite type Salt and coarse black pepper to taste Parmesan for dusting 148
Parmesan. Process to a smooth paste.
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bowl. Add the pesto and salt and pepper and toss to distribute the sauce evenly. Plate and top with additional cheese.
Laurie Wolf is the author of such cannabis cookbooks as Marijuana Edibles, HERB, The Medical Marijuana Dispensary, and Cooking with Cannabis. Her recipes have been featured in High Times, Dope Magazine, Culture, and more. She is also the founder of Laurie + MaryJane, an edible company offering everything from almond truffle bites to vegan chocolate cookies. And remember, #Don’tFeartheEdible!
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// COMING UP //
Events NOVEMBER: 4–6 CWCB Expo - Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo | New York, NY 8–10 Hemp Grower Conference | Orlando, FL 15 Cannabis Drinks Expo | Chicago IL 18–20 Black CannaConference & Expo | New Orleans, LA 20–21 Texas Hemp Convention | Dallas, TX
DECEMBER: 2–3 NOSH Live Winter 2021 | Santa Monica, CA 4–5 NECANN Illinois 2021 | Chicago, IL 6–7 BevNet Live Winter 2021 | Santa Monica, CA 7–9 Winter Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference & Expo | Virtual 15–17 NCIA 7th Annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo | San Francisco, CA
Photo: iStockphoto.com/Vichai
Coming Next Issue INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR In every issue, Cannabis & Tech Today explores the people and technology pushing the cannabis space forward. Our editors take a hard look at which sectors are seeing the most innovation and select from the masses one person who embodies the spirit of progress. Who will receive the honor of being 2021’s Innovator of the Year? You’ll have to pick up the next issue to find out.
LEADERS IN SUSTAINABILITY One mission of this publication is encouraging sustainable development. Cannabis has the potential to be a life-saving, world-changing crop. But if everyone doesn’t do their part to build an earth-friendly foundation, this plant could become just another wasteful consumer packaged product. That’s why this year we’ve partnered with Regennabis to highlight the industry leaders working to make cannabis more sustainable. In this issue, we’ll speak with the recipients of our 2021 Sustainable Leadership Awards to discover their tips for responsible, ecoconscious development.
MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS
Photo: iStockphoto.com/chengyuzheng
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The C&T Today team tests out a lot of products. From flower to gear, we’re trying out all the latest and greatest in cannabis technology to bring our readers the most innovative products on the market. For this winter’s “Innovation Issue,” we’re showcasing awesome, never-before-seen gadgetry you’ll want to share with all your friends. Smoking tech, processing gear, edibles, flower, concentrates, salves, tinctures — what will make the cut for this year’s Top 25 Most Innovative? Want to be the first to know? Sign up for the Cannabis & Tech Today newsletter and we’ll send the winter issue to your inbox for free. Visit cannatechtoday.com for details.
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RELAX // THE LIGHTER SIDE
How to be Taken Seriously in the Cannabis Industry By Wilfred (TV Star and Owner/Operator of Wilfred Cannabis and Wilfred Hemp & CBD)
Five years ago, having fulfilled my dream of becoming a Hollywood star, I set my sights on an even greater dream — to build a global cannabis brand and become a cannabis mogul, the likes of which the world has never seen. Some didn’t take me seriously. They thought I’d run away with my tail between my legs when I discovered how tough the business really was. Others told me that the industry was full of sharks who’d eat me alive. But I was coming from Hollywood. I’d already been “human styled” by the best. Determined to be taken seriously in a sea of celebrity cannabis brands that are often little more than a photo op and a paycheck, I set about learning everything I could about the cannabis business from seed to sale. First, I studied some analytics (yes, dogs study analytics!) and discovered there was very little consumer loyalty for celebrity cannabis brands. That hurt my feelings, but it also made sense. First and foremost, I’m a bong head who wants the best weed I can buy at the best price. I decided to build a working-class brand with good quality flower at an affordable price. I acquired a manufacturing license, designed my packaging, sourced some well-priced outdoor flower, testing 24-29% THC, and I made my first batch of Wilfred Cannabis Pre-rolls. Then I went from dispensary to dispensary pitching my brand. Some people screamed with delight when they saw the big grey dog enter their building. Others directed me to the nearest water bowl. I’ll admit it was tougher than I thought to compete with the big guns, get into dispensaries, and turn a profit. But as Dad always said, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” I fought to get meetings with every purchasing manager I could, and 152
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when I won a shop’s support I’d travel there - all over the state - doing demos and taking pics with budtenders and fans. We all had lots of fun and I made lifelong friends and retail partners. Still, I was anything but a cannabis mogul. Cannabis mongrel, maybe. After taking some heavy losses with “missing” flower and a batch of pre-rolls failing heavy metals testing, we shifted from licensed manufacturing to a brand licensing business model. We were in negotiations with vertically-integrated companies in five states when the world shat itself, then all bets were off. We had to pivot to survive, and soon launched our hemp Wilfred CBD Smokes. For the first time we could sell online and ship to most U.S. states. Then we entered the Delta-8 game with our blunts and gummies. I called hundreds of CBD, smoke, and head shops all over the US, and now have loyal and loved retail partners in 17 states. This dog never quits, no matter how many times he’s been kicked. Being the owner/operator of a company is challenging, no question. One thing I’ve learned is that to survive in this game you need to adjust to the shifting landscape. You also need to diversify your skill set. And you need this to be
your passion. If it is, work 6.5 days a week and never admit defeat. And if all that fails, dress up as a chicken and film yourself smoking a blunt. ❖ Jason Gann is the creator/star of the stoner cult comedy series, Wilfred and CEO of the Wilfred Cannabis and Wilfred CBD & Hemp brands. Check it out at WilfredCBD.com and WilfredCannabis.com.
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