Gold Medalist. Comedy Star. What’s Next?
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Sure, like you, I was hesitant. I’d been fed the idea that it would turn me into a cold-blooded killer or a basement-dwelling couch potato. But then I got the facts, did some sampling and wouldn’t you know it, my sunset strolls have never been brighter.
Andrew Ward Managing Editor
“There’s plenty to catch up on at any new job, especially when the work includes staying current on all things cannabis.”
Hey, how’s it going? I’m Andrew, the new managing editor at Cannabis & Tech Today Some of you might recognize my work from various cannabis and media outlets or perhaps from one of my two books.
There’s plenty to catch up on at any new job, especially when the work includes staying current on all things cannabis. Patricia (Trish) Miller set a high bar as editor of Cannabis & Tech Today. As a freelance writer, I enjoyed working with her on two editions and, in the process, witnessed her ability to produce top-notch digital and print content.
As the new managing editor, I hope to pick up where Trish left off, all while advancing this publication and cannabis media.
Cannabis has a wealth of news and perspectives to cover, rich in industry, tech, and culture developments. Since assuming this role on Apr. 15, 2024, the market has experienced another news wave. Ongoing state and national
movements showcase the seismic shifting in the weed world, underscoring a market rich in potential and pitfalls.
Inside each development are a number of data sets, ramifications, and opinions to parse through. It’s my duty at Cannabis & Tech Today to present as much of this news and as many insights as possible to you, the readers, so you can best understand what’s going on from an unbiased perspective.
In the editions ahead, we will continue to do what we’ve done best at Cannabis & Tech Today. At the same time, we’ll further carve our niche in the media space by presenting creative, insightful looks into today’s market, buyers, laws, culture, and more.
Thank you, Trish and the readers, for making this all possible. Here’s to continuing the legacy and building upon it.
Since the last issue, a ton has happened in the weed world.
So far, 2024 has been a flurry of global activity, headlined by Thailand, where cannabis legalization is now being rolled back. Meanwhile, Europe continues to plow forward with legalized pot, headlined by Germany’s legalization of small-amount possession.
Activity is brewing on the federal level in the United States as well, with the Justice Department submitting its proposal to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, which would create a considerable jolt throughout the legal and business landscape in America.
While market optimism may be rising for some in America, certain states are feeling the pinch. Former industry darlings like Colorado are experiencing a downturn, leading other states to worry if they could also experience sagging numbers in the near future.
And those hefty bits of news are just the tip of a frosty iceberg, which resembles the trichomes on this flower I’m about to smoke.
Photos: iStockphoto.com
This publication is dedicated to the dreamers, the innovators, the collaborators, and the doers — who can’t be bothered by those saying it can’t be done. Nicholas and Aria, the future is yours!
For print or digital subscriptions, visit cannatechtoday.com, or find us on popular digital newsstands and readers.
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SENIOR WRITER Patricia Miller
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Coniglio
Debra Dullaghan
Matt Grimshaw
Jack Grover
Kyle Loucks
Daniel Muessig
Alex Rogers
David Wallach
Laurie Wolf
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Jessica Ferranti
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Anthony Coniglio is the president, Chief Executive Officer and board member of NewLake Capital Partners, Inc., an internallymanaged real estate investment trust that provides real estate capital to state-licensed cannabis operators through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases and funding for buildto-suit projects.
Jack Grover is the founder and CEO of Grove Bags, a provider of cannabis packaging specifically tailored for the unique physiology of the plant to create the perfect climate for cannabis preservation.
Patricia Miller is the former executive editor at Innovative Properties Worldwide, where she explored science, technology, and policy shaping the legal cannabis sector.
Debra Dullaghan is the founder and CEO of 55plusCBD. With an entrepreneurial background in sales, marketing, and customer satisfaction, Dullaghan turned her own chronic discomfort and frustrations with prescription medication into a premium hemp CBD line for the 55+ demographic.
Kyle Loucks is the founder and CEO of pre-roll automation compant RollPros. He is the inventor of the BlackBird.
Daniel Muessig is a former legacy trap kingpin, criminal defense attorney, underground rapper, and writer. He is currently a stand up guy, a federal cannabis prisoner, and a husband/father who has never seen his daughter in person.
Alex Rogers is the founder and CEO of the International Cannabis Business Conference, which offers world-class industry networking as well as investment and capital opportunities. The International Cannabis Business Conference has upcoming events in Berlin and Barcelona. Visit internationalcbc.com to learn more.
Paul Dunford is the co-founder and vice president of knowledge at Green Check, and is an active member of the cannabis banking regulatory community. Dunford designs cannabis banking programs for financial institutions, and uses his experience to contribute to trade publications and speaking engagements across the country on the subject.
Mike MacKinnon is chief executive officer at Spectrum King LED, which has been crafting LED lighting for cannabis since 2015. He possesses more than twenty-five years of executive leadership experience focused on commercializing innovative and disruptive technologies, guiding commercial strategy, and leading impactful sales and business development teams at multinational organizations.
Matt Grimshaw is a cannabis storyteller and documentarian who’s work on the West Coast has taken him from the heart of the Emerald Triangle to the first Federally legal research farm in a half century and everywhere in-between. He also works with veteran groups, remote craft farming communities and companies on the bleeding edge of cannabinoid science.
Tami Kamin Meyer is an Ohio-based attorney and freelance writer. A dedicated kayaker and dog lover, her byline has appeared in Forbes, MarketWatch, Betters 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.
David Wallach is an awardwinning writer, television producer, podcast host, marketing executive, fan of anything outdoors, and bacon lover. To see more of his work, check out davidwallach.net.
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.
Editor’s Note: Cannabis & Tech Today is seeking writers from all backgrounds and ethnicities. Interested applicants inquire through goipw.com/editorial-submissions
After years of market downturns and struggles, the spring of 2024 crucially yielded largely positive insights for the industry. Market optimism is on the rise for the first time in a while. Backed by stronghold sale transactions and year-over-year per-pound flower sales, businesses appear to be on the upswing.
The likely rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III highlights additional positives. Rescheduling could significantly affect the industry, removing many critical banking and tax barriers that prevent cannabis brands from operating in the black. We aren’t out of the woods yet, but at least there are glimmers of light off in the distance.
U.S. National Retail Sales
$11.2 Billion in Wholesale Transactions for the reported period, representing an 18% increase from 2023.
10% Increase in Year-Over-Year Per Pound Flower Sales on LeafLink. Potential Removal of Tax Code 280e, which could significantly reduce the tax burden on cannabis brands, currently averaging 40% to 50% under tax code 280e.
Current Cannabis Tax Rate is 3.5 times the S&P average.
21% Year-Over-Year Increase in national retail cannabis sales.
Data provided by LeafLink’s U.S. Cannabis Market Report for Spring 2024
Indoor Ag-Con 2024 saw its largest event to date with a 16% increase in attendance and a sold-out expo floor. Held at Caesars Forum Las Vegas on March 11-12, the conference hosted 1,584 attendees from 49 states and 31 countries.
The exhibitor list expanded by 54%, featuring 207 companies in 287 booths. Co-located with the National Grocers Association Show, the event attracted over 1,700 participants in total. Next year, Indoor Ag-Con will move to the Westgate Las Vegas to accommodate its considerable growth.
The Spring 2024 edition of the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, held on April 16-17 in Hollywood, FL, attracted over 2,000 attendees, including more than 200 investors.
Key highlights included sessions with industry leaders such as Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve Cannabis Corp., and special appearances by Mike Tyson and Ric Flair. The conference also underscored the importance of ethical business practices and the potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3.
(ICBC)
The 2024 International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) held on April 16-17 marked a historic moment as it was the first major cannabis event in Germany following the country’s adoption of its new adult-use legalization law. This year’s conference saw over 5,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, making it the largest and longest-running B2B cannabis event in Europe.
Keynote speakers included Georg Wurth of the German Hemp Association, Yoko Miyashita of Leafly, and Peter Homberg of Dentons, who discussed the significant changes in cannabis policy and market dynamics in Germany and across Europe.
To top off the weekend, the event culminated in a lively after-party, headlined by Reggae pioneer Rocker-T.
Hosted on April 26-27, 2024, this year’s Lucky Leaf Expo was a hotspot for cannabis industry professionals. With over 150 exhibitors and 50+ speakers, attendees enjoyed insightful keynotes from industry leaders like Jeff Scrabeck, co-founder of DIZPOT, who discussed smart packaging strategies, and a live cannabis cooking demo that rounded out the engaging activities.
Unique to this year’s expo was the canna museum, offering a deep dive into the historical roots of cannabis. The pre-show crash course on April 25 provided in-depth training on the cannabis supply chain, crucial for those entering Minnesota’s burgeoning legal cannabis market.
The 10th Annual CWCB Expo was held in New York City on June 5-6, 2024. The event saw significant participation from the cannabis and hemp industries, focusing on the burgeoning economic sector in the tri-state area.
Highlights included pre-show workshops on dispensary operations and cultivation, a packed conference program, and a vibrant exhibit floor. Key sessions featured industry leaders like Josh Kesselman, Cy Scott, and Tim Seymour. Networking events, such as the Women in Cannabis Business Luncheon and the Industry Yacht Party, provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect.
The 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, held from March 8-16 in Austin, Texas, featured several cannabis-related sessions. SXSW has integrated cannabis programming since 2018, highlighting the industry’s evolution and intersection with various sectors. This year, panels included “From Prison to Prosperity,” hosted by the Last Prisoner Project, discussing advocacy and policy change to improve lives affected by cannabis criminalization. Another panel, “Cannabis Around the World,” led by Nancy Whiteman of Wana Brands, explored international cannabis markets and legalization efforts.
The 2024 CannExpo, held from March 22-24 in Toronto, offered an exciting mix of activities and opportunities for cannapreneurs. The event featured daily competitions, budtender sampling, games, and prizes. Highlights included an outdoor consumption zone where visitors could enjoy their purchases on-site and explore exhibits from renowned brands like Boveda, High Flyer Media, and Royal Cannabis Supply Co.
The ninth annual Emerald Conference, held from April 1-3, 2024 in San Diego, showcased groundbreaking advancements in cannabis science and psychedelics.
Attendees got the unique opportunity to gain insights into innovations in cannabis cultivation, processing, and product development.
This year’s conference featured key speakers Dr. Ethan Russo, a renowned neurologist and cannabis researcher, and Dr. Sue Sisley, known for her pioneering work in cannabis clinical trials. Unique panels included “The Future of Cannabinoid Therapeutics,” which explored new medical applications for cannabinoids, and “Psychedelics in Modern Medicine,” focusing on the latest research in psychedelic therapy.
By Paul Dunford
The U.S. cannabis industry generated about $29 billion in revenue in 2023, with projected growth to reach $37 billion by 2027. That figure represents a large amount of assets to protect. With so much value comes significant risk, making insurance a critical need for any cannabis business.
While insurance is essential to protect the cannabis business, it hasn’t always been accessible or straightforward. Fortunately, that’s changing, and cannabis businesses are better able to find the coverage they need.
When in need of coverage and looking for a cannabis insurance partner, making the right choice is critical. Companies need a policy that fits their budget and that will cover them in the event of a claim. These three tips can set you up for success.
Work with a Cannabis-Specific Broker
Insurance is always complicated. Double that complexity for the cannabis industry. If you aren’t intimately familiar with how insurance policies work, you need support. Work with a broker or advisor who has demonstrable expertise in the cannabis industry. These professionals know what to look for and the red flags to avoid, so spend some time finding the right one to work with.
The biggest thing for business owners is to work with a broker, advisor, or consultant who really understands not only the insurance industry but also cannabis,” said Isaac Bock, managing director of AlphaRoot, a New York City-based calibrated insurance and risk management solutions firm dedicated to the cannabis and hemp industries.”
Have your policy reviewed annually by an expert. Ideally, have this happen 120 days before it expires.
A policy exclusion is a clause that removes insurance coverage under certain circumstances. Some cannabis insurance policies include exclusions that render your coverage ineffective in the event you file a claim.
Before moving forward, you should clearly understand the exclusions in a policy and how they apply to your business. Again, an experienced broker or consultant is critical here. They can spot exclusions that render a policy ineffective, protecting you from paying for insurance coverage that won’t apply when the time comes.
Different cannabis business structures have different policies available to them, thus, different policy exclusions.
It all depends on how the policy is worded, so make sure the policy covers your entire operation,” Bock said.
Consider Non-Cannabis Exposure
If your business sells both cannabis products and non-cannabis products, you’ll likely need
separate policy coverage for each. Most cannabis-specific insurers won’t handle noncannabis operations and vice versa. Be prepared to seek out policies that cover your entire business. You may need more than one.
“Make sure you get coverage for cannabisspecific items, but also for anything else you sell,” Bock said. “You may need to work with someone who will help you place things that are outside the scope of cannabis insurance.”
Review Insurance Companies with Green Check Connect
Providers like Green Check Connect
Marketplace host a variety of cannabisdedicated insurance options alongside verified financial services providers to connect with reputable companies on the marketplace. ❖
This is an excerpt of Paul Dunford’s article “Cannabis Insurance 101: How to Choose An Insurance Partner,” which can be read in full on Cannabis & Tech Today online.
By Debra Dullaghan, 55plusCBD CEO & Founder
As the global population continues to age, the pursuit of holistic well-being among older individuals has become more prevalent than ever. A noteworthy trend within this paradigm shift is the increasing adoption of alternative medicine, particularly CBD and cannabisderived products. These products have emerged as a promising solution for various age-related health issues such as chronic pain, arthritis, inflammation, and sleep disorders. Additionally, CBD is gaining popularity for its potential role in promoting mental well-being and reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, common issues among older adults.
Research indicates that CBD possesses antiinflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties, making it an appealing option for older individuals seeking relief without the drawbacks of conventional medications that often come with unwanted side effects and risks. According to a survey conducted by Forbes Health, 50% of participants aged 58-76 years old use CBD. These numbers speak to a fervent search for alternative medicines among the older demographic.
There is a diverse range of products, including tinctures, softgels, gummies, and topical solutions, tailored to suit the preferences and requirements of older individuals. These products make incorporating CBD into daily routines seamless. So, which products are the best for active adults? The answer: those with the highest bioavailability.
Bioavailability is a critical aspect of CBD consumption and is defined as the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream. Aging bodies may experience changes in metabolism and digestive efficiency, affecting the absorption of cannabinoids. Innovations in product formulations are driving adoption of CBD products among older consumers. 55plusCBD, a CBD company specializing in premium CBD products for older consumers, sells softgels that have gone through the additional process of nanotechnology, allowing the product to more rapidly and effectively enter the bloodstream. This is ideal for the 55+ demographic.
Sourcing the Best CBD Products
Identifying the source and quality of CBD products is essential for ensuring safety and effectiveness. High-quality CBD is derived from organically grown hemp, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals. It is important to look for products with clear, transparent labeling that includes access to third-party lab testing results. These lab tests (Certificates of Analysis) verify the CBD content and screen for contaminants like heavy metals, molds, and pesticides. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers avoid ineffective or potentially harmful products, ensuring they reap the maximum benefits of CBD with minimal risks.
There are many misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about the benefits and uses of CBD, hindering its acceptance amongst older individuals. The priority for brands should center around educating older demographics on CBD and all of its many benefits.
55PlusCBD is prioritizing education for older customers, offering an education program for CBD-curious individuals. Director of Marketing and Education, Collin Dullaghan, shared, “Our education program, available at 55plusCBD. com, highlights CBD’s safety profile, its distinction from THC-containing products, and offers current research and studies around its efficacy for common ailments.”
Empowered with knowledge about CBD and alternative treatments that enhance the quality of life without the many drawbacks of conventional medications, older adults can make more informed decisions regarding their wellness journey. As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, the synergy between alternative medicine and the needs of older individuals represents a promising avenue for promoting overall well-being in our aging society. ❖
By Alex Rogers
Cultivating cannabis at home is one of the most rewarding things a cannabis consumer can experience. Adults in Germany will now be able to take advantage of that freedom, thanks to a recently passed legalization measure.
In February, members of Germany’s Bundestag approved a long-awaited national adult-use cannabis legalization measure that, among other things, will legalize home cultivation. Growing cannabis for personal use became legal on Apr. 1, 2024, allowing adults to cultivate up to three plants in their private residences.
Germany is not the first nation to approve adult-use home cultivation, but the country’s reform measure is the most significant of its type so far. Home cultivation is currently legal in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, and Luxembourg. However, the populations of all those nations combined are only roughly half of Germany’s population.
It is now legal for Germans to acquire cannabis clones and seeds. While many of the genetics will likely come from within Germany’s borders, home cultivators may also order seeds from other European nations.
In addition to boosting the cannabis seed industry, Germany’s new law will create the largest home cultivation market on the planet. This massive market will increase sales of home cultivation equipment, including but not limited to grow tents, lights, organic and synthetic grow mediums, nutrients, drying equipment, pest control, and odor control. A home cultivation revolution is about to take off in Germany, creating tremendous opportunities for inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors.
National adult-use cannabis sales are still prohibited in Germany due to European Union restrictions. Eventually, Germany will be home to thriving noncommercial cannabis clubs and
regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot projects. But, at least initially, home cultivation will be the primary way for adult consumers to legally source cannabis.
With so many adults set to cultivate cannabis at home, innovation is virtually guaranteed. Germany is one of the most inventive and technologically advanced nations on Earth, so it’s likely we’ll see considerable home cultivation technology and strategy breakthroughs in the coming years.
Home cultivation was a popular topic at the 2024 International Cannabis Business Conferences in Europe. Cultivation freedom is spreading across Europe thanks to the tireless efforts of activists on the continent. Germany’s approach will likely open the floodgates to similar reforms taking root in the region. ❖
By Kyle Loucks
The pre-roll category is growing. It’s been on a consistent, steady march upward, while the overall numbers in many markets contract. It’s not the blow-your-socks-off double-digit explosion that generates hype and headlines — and that’s a good thing. To quote Bladerunner, “The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long.” But pre-rolls sales just continue their dependable, gradual march upward, as if they don’t even notice the larger market’s backward slide.
Despite the growth, there are question marks. RollPros conducted an analysis of data from Oregon, Massachusetts, Missouri, California, Michigan, and Arizona in the last year. The data indicated something peculiar we’ll refer to as the “case of the reluctant consumer.” In these markets, around 50% of cannabis consumers had smoked a pre-roll in the past six months. However, only 10-15% said it was their preferred consumption method. People are buying and smoking pre-rolls, but it isn’t really how they want to consume cannabis. Why?
The answer is simple, and the data backs this up as well — convenience. That is and always has been the reason consumers buy pre-rolls. If you have quality flower, the time, and the skill, a hand-rolled joint is almost always going to be better than a pre-roll. That’s the niche that prerolls fill. It’s a convenient but almost universally inferior second (or even third or fourth) choice for consumers.
What if consumers could have a great pre-roll that provides a great smoking experience — a pre-roll that has fresh, sticky flower inside and doesn’t run? And why isn’t this yet a common option? It’s a universal opinion of joint enthusiasts everywhere: pre-rolls suck. But why? It all comes back to the one thing that has held this category back since its inception: cones. Cones are the shackles that have kept pre-rolls from reaching their full potential as a
preferred consumption method for more consumers. Cones have ensured pre-rolls’ reputation as a low-quality substitute to a handrolled joint. Let’s explore why.
The starting point of a good joint is obvious: the plant. You want fresh, sticky buds with a coarse grind. The more you dry out your flower, the more you degrade the aroma, taste, terpene profile, potency, and cannabinoids. Flower has to be over-dried to work in a cone-based pre-roll machine, typically in the range of 7-8% moisture. For a high-quality smoke that tastes good and smells nice, you need at least 10% moisture, and somewhere between 10-14% is ideal. Because the cones are packed with either a tamping mechanism, gravity (centrifugal force), or vibration, fresh, sticky flower simply won’t work. It’s not possible to use high-moisture flower in a cone machine and get anything near a uniform, smokable product. The result is never as good as the same strain, prepared properly, in a hand-rolled joint. Why do pre-
rolls always seem so dry, with fine particles, like a cigarette? It’s because they are, and because with cones, they have to be.
What actually constitutes a “good smoking experience” is subjective and will vary from person to person. It’s a little easier to define what a good smoking experience isn’t. Smokers want the joint to smell, taste, and feel a certain way. They want the joint to burn evenly. They want it to stay lit. It needs to have the proper airflow — not too hard to draw but not too loose either. There is a lot of overlap in terms of what actually makes a joint perform this way. But here’s what we know contributes to a quality joint: the grind size, the density of the material, and the plant material preparation (which we’ve already covered).
Grind size refers to the degree to which the plant material is broken down. For a cone-based machine to work, the plant material has to be ground down to small particles (much smaller than if you were rolling a joint by hand). That’s
the only way to create anything that approaches a consistently filled joint. Imagine the dusty little particles you see in a cigarette; it’s similar. But when you grind cannabis down that fine and light it, it burns hotter and harsher, and degrades both the taste and smell, just like overdrying does. (Grind size and moisture content can work together to create an amazing joint, or in the case of cone machines, work against you to create a gross joint.)
Second, and still related to the grind size, is the density of what’s inside the joint. It needs to be compacted evenly, without voids. Otherwise, these small gaps can contribute to uneven burning, or “canoeing.” Beyond consistent density throughout the joint, it needs to be the right density to achieve the airflow a smoker wants. If the material is too tight it will be hard to draw, or too loose and it won’t stay lit, (or worse, you’ll end up inhaling burning particles into your lungs).
Trying to create an even density throughout the joint is difficult with a cone machine because of the physics of trying to fill a cone from the top and using tamping, vibration, or centrifugal force to move the material into place. Typically you’ll get a joint that is compacted tighter at one end or the other. More difficult yet is manipulating the compacting to produce
the right airflow. There simply isn’t a good lever, dial, or button to do this on a cone-based machine, which makes creating the perfect smoking machine nearly impossible for a manufacturer or brand using this type of technology.
Sustainability & Labor
There is no way around this simple fact: if you are a person who cares about labor rights, the environment, or sustainability, cones are not for you. Most smokers don’t realize the cone they hold in their fingers was very literally handmade. Imagine warehouses full of people shaping and gluing cones for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. Is that reality? Well, considering that cones are almost entirely made in India, China, or Indonesia, all countries with dubious labor laws and practices, it’s certainly possible depending on the manufacturer.
If that doesn’t bother you, consider the carbon footprint of all of these cones being shipped across the ocean from the other side of the planet. Despite being mostly air, boxes of cones take up an enormous amount of space because the cones can’t be compacted during transport; they have to hold their delicate cone shape all the way from China to the U.S. When they finally arrive after their eight- to 16-week journey, they require a large storage space.
Cones leave behind an enormous carbon footprint. Not a good look if part of your brand identity is being a friend to Mother Earth. Storage is a problem, too. Any manufacturer using cones will recognize the problem of storing hundreds of thousands of empty cones — an awful necessity due to minimum order quantities and shipping costs.
Until recently, there was no viable solution to these problems. Hand-rolled joints were always better, no matter what. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. In late 2021, pre-roll technology hit the market that can actually roll joints, rather than stuff cones. The same mechanics used to roll a joint by hand have been automated by the RollPros Blackbird. Use fresh, sticky flower, a coarse grind, and nearly any type of tip or filter you like. Infused joints? You can roll those up too. And the paper used in a Blackbird are rolls of paper, not cones. This takes up nearly 1/30th of the space when shipping from France (not China), and 1/60th of the storage space in a standard warehouse compared to pre-made cones. Brands now have the ability to manufacture pre-rolls that can equal the quality of a good hand-rolled joint, at scale. The technology is a promising step forward in solving the pre-roll problem. ❖
Cannabis & Tech Today recently announced the winners of its 2023 Innovation Awards, recognizing the most groundbreaking products and solutions in the cannabis industry. These awards celebrate the exceptional innovation, efficiency, and sustainability that these products bring to the market.
The Inno Awards is the perfect opportunity to spotlight the innovative products significantly advancing the cannabis sector. The Cannabis & Tech Today Innovation Awards highlight the creativity and forward-thinking approach of companies leading the way in this dynamic industry.
“Our inaugural Innovation Awards were quick to
unveil the inventiveness in the current cannabis landscape,” said Cannabis & Tech Today Chief Revenue Officer Jessica Ferranti. “The winners have made remarkable strides in enhancing the cannabis industry by introducing innovative solutions that drive efficiency, sustainability, and market growth. We are elated to present these outstanding awards and are on the edge of our seats to see what new innovations arise in 2024.”
Congratulations to these outstanding innovators!
Submissions for the 2024 Innovation Awards are open until July 22, 2024. Apply today!
By Jack Grover
The need for innovation begins with the everyday. The practice of repetition often results in a powerful realization: your routine could improve exponentially if you just tweak the process a little.
For cannabis, innovation centers on an optimized consumer experience — a.k.a., various modifications that result in the highest-quality products possible. For growers, it’s universally known that one of the most important stepping stones to excellent cannabis is a proper drying and curing pathway.
Once this tip became common knowledge, global growers began implementing their own methods of curing cannabis. Today, no one is refuting the importance of this step.
Instead, growers are embracing curing technologies and moving from old-school jar and paper bag methods.
As the cannabis industry progresses, people are becoming increasingly aware of the plant’s elements and why they matter.
While some consumers focus on finding products with high THC content, today’s knowledgeable market demographic looks for specific cannabinoids and terpenes that best accomplish what they’re looking to get out of the plant. They’re also more educated on what well-made cannabis should look and smell like, which means brands have to be on top of their
production game if they want to remain relevant.
The best growers are cognizant of how important drying and curing are when it comes to producing good weed. Both steps work together to ensure your plant’s properties are preserved and accentuated, resulting in good flavor and potent effects.
Despite its importance, the technology used for curing consists mainly of mason jars, stainless steel containers, and paper bags.
No matter the method, these primitive approaches to cannabis curing require a lot of patience and attention: several weeks of “burping” your containers to ensure the plants are breathing, keeping the buds loosely packed and the seal airtight, and making sure the containers are kept in a cool and dry place in the interim.
This type of hands-on curing system is a labor of love, and if you’re an old-school grower who likes to remain heavily involved in every step of the process, mason jars and turkey bags might be for you.
But for those who prefer to stay current on growing technologies that help streamline systems without compromising cannabis quality, the evolving world of curing certainly has some new products worthy of note.
Although it comes with its fair share of hiccups, technology has generally made our lives a lot easier.
Take communication, for example: while we began with methods like Morse code, telegraphing, and faxing, things like texting, FaceTime, and DMing have made keeping in touch quicker, sleeker, and much more achievable.
This is just one instance where technology has improved quality — and with it, quantity. In the cannabis grow world, these sorts of upgrades have resulted in incredible weed.
Developers began with the idea that curing cannabis resulted in better product and ran with it. Today, there is a growing variety of technology that streamlines the highly hands-on system for cultivators around the world.
Consider some of the benefits below when incorporating curing tech into your growing routine.
The industry has decades of experience in trying to fly under the legislative radar, and as a result, data is still one of cannabis’ weakest links.
Recent innovations are trying to remedy this, prioritizing making data tracking and analysis easier for operators. Some prime and popular examples include moisture meters that measure the state of your soil, hygrometers that keep humidity in check, and digital temperature gauges.
Many new curing systems have worked similar innovations into their tech, incorporating algorithms that allow growers to cure as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Most growers are aware of what a difference the environment makes when it comes to cultivating cannabis. Environment affects a variety of growing factors, and curing isn’t excluded.
Modern curing technology is increasingly likely to offer modifiable environmental accessories (like HVAC systems or dehumidifiers) that consider the need for proper humidity levels, temperature, and pH, resulting in higher-quality products.
One drawback of curing cannabis is how much attention is necessary for proper execution. For small grow rooms with an even smaller staff, this might be nearly impossible to build into an already tight schedule.
There are now curing technologies you can pre-set, allowing cultivators to step away and focus on other aspects of the grow room without worrying about whether or not containers have been burped yet.
Most modern curing technologies are concerned with streamlining the process. They are likely to factor in settings that speed things up from start to finish. Not only will your product be properly preserved and cared for, but it will take less time overall, allowing you to move your cannabis from the grow room to the shelves that much quicker. ❖
By Mike MacKinnon
Reduced energy consumption provides the quickest path to a smaller carbon footprint. Cannabis marketers have done an excellent job creating the illusion that growing cannabis equates to being environmentally friendly, but the truth is that many environmental practices of the “green” industry are not so green.
As the industry has grown, it has come under increasing criticism for its energy consumption, water use, industrial pollution, and consumer packaging waste.
At the top of this list is energy use, which has emerged as the industry’s biggest environmental concern. In an indoor cannabis cultivation facility, fans and lights sometimes need to be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure a quality crop.
Now, take into account that about 40% of growers in the United States grow solely indoors and 60% choose a hybrid indoor/outdoor system and it is no wonder that a 2012 report on the carbon footprint of indoor cannabis production found that 1% of the nation’s energy consumption can be attributed to these operations.
In the highest cannabis-producing state of California, that figure rises to 3% of the nation’s overall energy consumption.
An issue that can no longer be ignored, the industry’s energy
consumption makes it clear that better sustainability practices must be implemented.
As a heat wave swept over the state of California last summer, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, saying that major efforts to curb energy usage had to be taken to avoid a disruption in the state’s energy grid.
A spotlight was then put on the industry as the real damages these facilities were contributing to the state’s power grids were being revealed.
As part of its emergency measures, California created a $150 million fund to help relieve grid pressure by incentivizing businesses to reduce their energy use.
Through this fund, cannabis cultivators are encouraged to switch from conventional lighting fixtures to improved LEDs, for which they can receive up to $500 per fixture that is replaced with energy-efficient technology.
This rebate opportunity points to an obvious and immediate energy solution — switch to LED fixtures to save energy. California’s program and others like it across the country make what was once an expensive change more financially accessible through utility-based rebates that help offset the cost of most fixtures.
Rebates can help reduce, or in some cases nearly eliminate, the initial investment required for new LED lights, and once installed they provide several cost-saving benefits.
Save energy, fast — Before operators even see the first installation bill, they will notice a big difference in how their operation is running. Since LED fixtures emit less heat as opposed to conventional HPS fixtures, a facility’s HVAC system does not have to work in overdrive to offset the temperature difference. This change is not only beneficial for the plants but for the life of the entire lighting setup. The higher heat produced by HPS fixtures tends to cause issues within the fixture and can ultimately damage the whole system.
Boost crop yields, overall production — According to one study, LEDs allow for neartotal control by optimizing periodicity, quantity, and the spectrum of light. Now, growers
“Unlike other resources such as water and gas, energy use can be quickly managed.”
can directly maximize the chemical reactions within the plant like never before. Furthermore, since LED fixtures do not emit as much heat as an HPS fixture, they can be mounted much closer to the canopy, increasing cannabinoid yields.
Contribute to the bigger picture — Switching to LEDs not only saves money but reduces an operation’s carbon footprint and demonstrates a commitment to a cleaner environment driven by better business practices.
As the industry shifts to correct years of neglected sustainability policies, LED lighting has become a leading solution in the “green” cannabis movement.
Unlike other resources such as water and gas, energy use can be quickly managed. Water consumption is much more difficult to reduce and control, and HVAC systems that reduce pollutants are costly and difficult to install without messing with production for an extended period.
LEDs have become the go-to for operators seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. To date, 69% of cultivators have made the switch.
Although the benefits of switching to LEDs seem obvious, hesitation persists among a small percentage of growers.
The best LED manufacturers and retailers provide resources and information to help educate cultivators with everything from setup and installation requirements to even assisting when applying for state rebate opportunities.
Once operators fully understand how an LED lighting system can improve an overall operation, initial hesitations tend to dissipate. It isn’t long before most cultivators recognize that the benefits go well beyond energy costs and usage. ❖
Mike MacKinnon is CEO of Spectrum King LED, which created the first LED lighting for cannabis cultivation in 2015.
By Tami Kamin Meyer
James V. Canepa, who was named to the newly created position of Ohio’s superintendent of the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) on Dec. 14, 2023, possesses a unique background. Before his new appointment, he was enjoying a successful six-year stint as Ohio’s superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control. Canepa assumed his new post on Jan. 1, 2024.
As superintendent, Canepa is charged with ensuring the safety of both medical and recreational cannabis, which is now legal for consumers to possess in Ohio. However, there is currently nowhere to buy legal cannabis in the state as the methods for certifying those dispensaries, laboratories, and processors have not yet been codified.
When Canepa was head of the Division of Liquor Control, his department oversaw more than 80 permit types, including retail outlets, wholesale distributors, and product delivery. Conversely, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control oversees five permit types. Two are for cultivators, and one each for processors, dispensaries, and laboratories where cannabis product testing is conducted.
“There are a lot of similarities in supply, demand and logistics” between the liquor and cannabis industries, said Canepa, adding, “the processes (involved with) compliance and enforcement are very similar and transferable.”
“How that market share reacts is B2B centric,” Canepa said. “A regulator isn’t dividing up market share. Their job is to level the playing field for participants permitted to be there.”
If anyone involved in the Ohio cannabis industry behaves unethically, immorally, or unsafely, they enjoy unfair advantages, he said. “So, you need regulators.”
On June 8, 2016, Ohio became the 25th state to adopt medical marijuana when Gov. John Kasich signed House Bill 523. In Jan. 2019, the first medical cannabis dispensaries opened in Ohio. Currently, 120 medical dispensaries operate throughout the state, with a handful of additional outlets awaiting final state inspection and approval.
Recreational marijuana supporters have tried to get the issue on Ohio’s ballots a few times since then. Still, the Republican-led General Assembly and attorney general had other ideas. However, in Nov. 2023, the public’s will succeeded when 57% of Ohio voters approved recreational cannabis for those aged 21 and over. That made the Buckeye State the 24th in the United States to permit legal cannabis sales.
On Jan. 29, 2024, the DCC released its first set of proposed rules to govern Ohio’s new legal cannabis industry. Those promulgations detail the process for applying for an Ohio marijuana license, rescinding and removing certain fees and other matters.
Since the November election, Ohio’s General Assembly has enacted several laws pertaining to cannabis use, sales, and possession in the state. For example, applications “for those who are medicinal (dispensaries) now are the first to be able to apply to be recreational by June 7,” said Canepa, adding he believes most current medicinal cannabis dispensaries in Ohio will seek to add recreational sales to their inventory. Overall, Canepa foresees between 250 to 300 marijuana dispensaries open for adult-use sales by Sept. 2026.
If all goes according to plan, legal cannabis should be available for sale in licensed dispensaries in Ohio by Sept. 7, 2024. That timeline could be impacted by actions taken by the Republican-led General Assembly. Although he publicly opposed recreational cannabis before the Nov. 2023 elections, Ohio’s Republican governor has since changed his tune.
Gov. Mike DeWine is urging the legislature to “speed up the timeline,” Canepa said. There are good reasons for that,” he added. Among them is that each day Ohio consumers cannot purchase recreational cannabis legally, the state’s black market enjoys another opportunity to cash in.
Moreover, grey market products, comprised of items like Delta-8, continue to be sold in gas stations, drive-thrus, and other outlets throughout the state. According to Canepa, Delta-8 products “hold themselves out as legal marijuana. But, they are not tested, not regulated for anyone under the age of 21, not permitted, are toxic and their packaging looks like candy. Those sales are detracting and diverting from legitimate business consumer revenue.”
Canepa’s strategy for supporting Ohio’s cannabis industry, both medicinal and recreational, mirrors the one he employed as head of the state’s Division of Liquor.
“At the front end, I meet with stakeholders. It is a time-consuming, labor-intensive undertaking, but I wanted to know how the state could better support their businesses,” he said, referring to both his time as head of Liquor Control and now at the helm of the DCC.
Since he began his new job, Canepa has also visited numerous medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state to see how
they operate. His two biggest impressions are that they resemble “Starbucks and urgent cares.”
Canepa characterized the dispensaries as “clean, organized, bright, have a check-in process yet accommodating to customers because they are a retail establishment.”
In comparison, he said he found dispensaries in neighboring Michigan, where cannabis has been legally sold since Dec. 2018, far less appealing.
“Michigan had no thoughtful view on failure rate, so there are a lot of empty, vacant storefronts that used to be dispensaries. That matters here, and we are trying to learn from other state’s mistakes,” Canepa noted.
His reasoning for meeting with stakeholders and visiting dispensaries around the state is to “get a buy-in from the people the rules apply to and a buy-in from permit holders. They feel a sense of ownership” of the rules governing their industry, and Canepa believes that empowerment engenders greater cooperation and compliance.
“The secret sauce is a way to make them (anyone involved in the Ohio cannabis industry) successful and also be a firm and fair regulator. The rule-making processes in Ohio are related to the feedback I got from permit holders nuanced by the duties of regulators. We want to lift all folks but hold all accountable in the same way, too,” he said. ❖
By Anthony Coniglio
Whileit’s unlikely that a second Trump administration would actively seek to undo a finalized rescheduling, there may be a lack of urgency to expedite the process shortly after an inauguration. On the legislative front, the outlook is somewhat different.
Trump’s approach suggests that he may not stand in the way of any cannabis legislation that reaches his desk, particularly if it enjoys bipartisan support. However, the political landscape, characterized by potential split houses or narrow majorities in Congress, adds a layer of uncertainty to the prospects of bipartisan support and legislative action.
Critical Elements in Threes
As we watch the rescheduling process unfold, everyone is asking whether it will be done before the Election in November. Many also want to know if Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, wins in November, what impact he can have on the process. To answer this question, we need to look at three elements of the analysis:
1) Define “done”
2) Identify when “done” happens
3) Assess which party controls the next Congress.
When saying the rescheduling process is complete, it is important to have some precision in describing it. There are three ways to define the process as “complete”:
1) Notice of Final Rule
2) Effective date of the Final Rule, which is generally 30 days after publishing
3) The date that is after the Congressional Review Act look-back period
As each milestone occurs, the ability to undo a rescheduling to Schedule III greatly diminishes. Focus on the Notice of the Final Rule because that milestone provides the most meaningful boost to the likelihood of permanency.
At that point, the heavy lifting is complete. The cannabis industry is through the comment period, beyond hearings, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have done the arduous work of reviewing and addressing all the comments received. Getting past this point significantly increases the likelihood of effectiveness.
While it is possible the process could encounter issues during the Office of Management and Budget review or possibly a congressional review of the Final Rule, the odds of those undoing more than two years of work by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the DOJ are very low. Additionally, litigation could seek a stay on implementing the Final Rule. Still, precedent suggests that the courts will make meaningful deferences to the administrative agency’s decision. So, this is not likely a big risk to undoing rescheduling.
Predicting the Final Rule Publication
Now, focus on when a Final Rule can be published in the Federal Register. There are three scenarios:
1) Happens before the election
2) Happens between election and inauguration
3) Doesn’t happen by the inauguration
Some speculate that the political strategists on Biden’s team have this dialed in to become a final rule by the Democratic Convention in August or shortly before the election in October.
Notwithstanding the political desires, the DEA is following protocol and process as laid out in the various statutes governing the rescheduling process. While there may be political pressure, the process takes time to play out and the comment period ends on July 22.
Assuming no extensions or hearings are granted, the Final Rule will take months to complete as the DEA will need to address the comments received. There were nearly 5,000
comments in the first three days, and most experts expect thousands more to be submitted. Based on reviewing previous rescheduling timelines, it is reasonable to expect the process from closure of the comment period to publication of a Final Rule to be four to six months.
Therefore, the estimated publication of a Final Rule would happen between the election and the inauguration.
In this scenario, we assume Trump wins in November. If the Final Rule is published by the time he takes office, there appear to be only two ways Trump could undo rescheduling.
One is to ask HHS and DEA to reevaluate and move back up. It’s highly unlikely that new data would come out so close to the rescheduling, and it would probably do more damage to the credibility of the agencies involved, so this is an unlikely scenario.
The other is to use the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to overturn a final rule issued by a federal agency. Concerning a new administration, a lookback provision allows a new Congress time to review rules made in the closing days of the previous congressional session. However, it would require a majority of both houses of Congress to send the President a joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the rescheduling.
Therefore, even if Republicans retained the House and won back the Senate, they still need to close ranks and all vote for disapproval since most, if not all, of Democrats would likely vote against. Given the 69% of American voters’ approving legalization in a recent Fox News poll, it is doubtful Republicans will be looking to make this one of their early legislative objectives.
Lastly, there is a scenario where a Final Rule is not published by the time of inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. This is where Trump could have an impact on rescheduling. In this instance, you would likely have a new Attorney General and potentially a new DEA Administrator. Either could make publishing a Final Rule a lower priority and delay the process. It’s hard to know for how long or if they decide to request more input, but this scenario creates the most significant risk to finalizing the rescheduling.
Having said that, this scenario is more of an elongated delay vs a complete undoing of the work that the DOJ, DEA, and HHS had done.
When evaluating the various steps, looking to precedent and understanding intent, we start to see a window of opportunity to finalize rescheduling before the inauguration, with a potential Trump presidency having an impact more on the ultimate timing than the ultimate outcome. ❖
By Patricia Miller
Shopping for the ideal cannabis products can often feel like an endless maze of options. Consumers face a staggering array of products to consider, often unsure if these items meet their specific needs and desired outcomes. Many feel that AI-driven platforms are critical to simplifying technology and expediting the decision-making process.
During this conversation from MJBizCon, Nathan Darazio, Candid co-founder and Dama Financial enterprise account executive, spoke with Cannabis & Tech Today to discuss what AI can do to make shopping more personalized and how it can help brands develop more meaningful retail and customer experiences.
These are a selection of summarized insights from Darazo on the topic.
If you think about the shopping experience
today, it’s really hard. It’s overwhelming. People might log into a menu and they’re presented with hundreds, sometimes thousands of different options and they have flashy packaging or pictures of buds and strain names are kind of wild sometimes, and they’re constantly changing, right?
We are using AI to help guide the consumer and narrow down exactly what it is that they’re looking for so we can provide a personally curated experience. Think something more along the lines of Netflix.
The tools right now might not be up to par with helping them do that. And I can’t tell you how many times I hear budtenders or consumers walking in and saying, I want a product with this and this, right? And today there’s just really no good way to narrow it down
and use that knowledge that they have to help guide those consumers.
And that’s exactly what we’re bringing to the table. We do all of that with this treasure trove of data that already exists in testing with the terpenes and cannabinoids, so it’s their brands that are paying for it. Now we’re using that to map the consumer experience in a better way so that staff can use it really well, and so the consumers can have a baseline to start with and then ultimately a better experience shopping.
When we think of customer loyalty right now, it’s really hard for brands sometimes to stand out and do the storytelling, whether it’s online or if they sell their product to another retailer, right? But you’re exactly right that what this does is it’s giving them that baseline, that understanding of every single user that walks
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through their door so that they can then use the in-store experience as well as their online menu just to help understand them better and build ultimately better customer loyalty.
“We are using AI to help guide the consumer and narrow down exactly what it is that they’re looking for so we can provide a personally curated experience.”
It’s all an e-commerce experience, so it’s all built right into the menu.
So right now, with the GrowFlow plus Candid solution that is part of DAMA, we are pulling all of the COA data through the POS and then funneling that up through the menu. We’re using that as our baseline to help guide patients with online recommendation tools, where they come in, and they take a very brief survey on the desired experience they want.
And then we’re narrowing down those really overwhelming selections by category and by giving them a few that might work best for them. That gives us a baseline. What’s really magical is we’re learning about them every single time they come back and shop every time
they offer feedback on those products. That’s how we really get very personal and offer just a better shopping experience.
I would go back to the idea that brands right now really don’t have a great way of telling the uniqueness behind their brand, the storytelling, right? We’re here, and there are a ton of different retailers and brands here, and they’re getting that one-on-one interaction.
And you see it in a lot of other industries; they’re bringing really unique ways for brands to interact with people through the online e-commerce experience. I think that we have some things on the horizon of taking it beyond just reaching and creating awareness, but really being able to resonate with your ideal consumers in a really cool way in the commerce experience that helps them find their ideal consumers and helps lead those consumers to the products that are bestfor them. ❖
President
Vice Presidentt
Can biotechnology help the cannabis industry increase accuracy and reduce testing time? Can this innovative approach help labs handle bacterial, fungal, and viral contaminants more effectively?
In this chat from MJBizCon, PathogenDx CoFounder and CEO Milan Patel and Cannabis & Tech Today’s Patricia Miller discuss if DNAbased molecular testing technology is the best for traditional testing methods like petri dishes. In addition to the latest biotechnological advancements, Patel also shed light on the importance of sustainability, including minimizing plastic waste, and how these efforts contribute to the industry’s environmental conservation efforts.
Cannabis & Tech Today: Tell us about your company.
Milan Patel: We’re basically a biotech company. We make testing kits that are specifically focused on pathogens. Pathogens are bacterial, fungal, and viral organisms that contaminate products. Our customers are cannabis testing labs, and we sell equipment and testing kits to over 120 cannabis testing labs across 33 different states.
C&T Today: Can you tell us a bit about your DNA-based molecular testing tech?
MP: Molecular testing is either DNA-based if it’s bacterial or fungal. In every organism, there are genes, and within the genes, you’ve got DNA. Or, within the cells, you’ve got DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). And if it’s a virus, like Hop Latent Viroid (HLV), which cannabis growers have been experiencing, that’s RNA (Ribonucleic acid).
The test is very disruptive, novel, and innovative technology. What it does is enable us to interrogate any sample, like cannabis flower, and identify cells that are either bacterial, like E.
By C&T Today
coli, salmonella, or Aspergillus. You crack open the cells to get to the actual DNA. When you get to the DNA, you can quickly identify the type of pathogen in that sample, as opposed to the petri dish method, which we’re all familiar with from high school biology classes, and is 140 years old.
Petri dish testing usually takes three to five days, depending on whether it’s bacterial or fungus. Molecular testing can get it done in a much shorter time and much more accurately. In our case, we’re able to look at both bacterial and fungal organisms in the same single-well test. And that’s what’s unique about the PathogenDx technology.
C&T Today: How are you bringing automation to the testing space?
MP: It’s a big deal because labs are facing a lot of
turnover. Essentially, what we’re doing now is bringing in a new technology called the Octa.
It’s an automated sample prep system. So when you take one gram of flower, you put it in a bag like a wall-packed bag, similar to a Ziploc bag, with some buffer in it, which is basically molecular-grade water. You squeeze it ten times and then draw a little bit of the juice off it. What happens is if there’s any kind of bacterial or fungal contamination, the cells come off the flower material into the fluid. Then, you take that and put it into a little strip with eight different wells. It will take eight samples; you push it in, press a button, and walk away. When you come back, it will have what is called purified DNA.
That DNA will then go into a PCR step. When we did COVID testing, everybody took a PCR
test. It’s similar to what we do in cannabis molecular testing. We launched the Octa automation, which significantly reduces hands-on time and lab tech costs. In this case, you only use one plastic tip, reducing the amount of environmental plastic waste. During COVID, they said there was almost five times greater plastic waste going into landfills because of PCR testing. So, we decided to eliminate the number of tips used per sample with the Octa, which only uses one tip. This results in an almost 87 percent reduction in environmental plastic waste.
C&T Today: Tell me what 2024 looks like for you. What are you excited to see kind of on the horizon?
MP: We continue to innovate. The good news is, with Octa, you can actually do one sample prep for any and all tests that cover pretty much any jurisdiction’s regulatory requirements.
Instead of needing two or three systems like our competitors, we have one platform, one system, and it’s equipment agnostic, meaning we don’t dictate that labs have to buy a specific OEM-branded equipment. Any lab, PCR lab, or molecular PCR lab equipment can work with our test kits.
That’s number one, making us more agnostic. The second focus is driving more simplicity in testing, more automation, and including both regulatory testing for safety and quality as well as plant pathogen testing. Growers face issues related to plant pathogens, whether it’s botrytis, fusarium, powdery mildew, or HLV. Identifying these earlier is crucial for their crops in cultivation facilities, where the biggest economic value lies.
If labs can do both regulated testing and plant pathogen testing with the same equipment set, it’s a big deal. Our goal in 2024 is one platform, one workflow, and multiple different tests. This simplifies efficiencies for labs and provides greater opportunities, not just in regulated testing for state safety but also for growers to have high-quality, healthy plants without diseases. That’s our focus. ❖
By Matt Grimshaw
The process of dry curing cannabis is one of the last mystical arts left in the pantheon of the cannabis ‘growtopia’. Understanding what’s happening to your flower in the weeks it’s hanging upside down is vital to producing a viable end product. It seems pretty straightforward, no? Find a warm, dry place to hang the plants for ‘X’ number of weeks until it’s at the right moisture level of around 15% for the final curing stage.
What’s tough about that? Well, it depends where you are. I’ve heard hundreds of horror stories of amazing harvests completely ruined in the final stages by power cuts, inclement weather or worse — a botrytis outbreak. All in an effort to mimic the dryer climates that cannabis evolved into.
To do it well can cost a small fortune depending on your location and the time of
harvest, to do it badly can cost even more. The total loss of your crop. Those that know curing well guard their intellectual property like a Doberman Pinscher with an inferiority complex. And really, the process hasn’t changed all that much in centuries. So it’s fair to ask: Is there another way?
For centuries the answer to that question was no. Slow dehydration is how it’s always been done. However, in the 1950s and 60s, the technology of lyophilization started entering the mainstream as a food preservation technique. As the technical name proved difficult to market, sensible people took over and coined the term ‘freeze drying.’ But really, like most marketing terms ‘freeze drying’ doesn’t explain the process very well, just the result.
I’ll spare you a full explanation of the complex
physics, chemistry, and biology involved because I only have a thousand words to play with and I’ve just wasted 34 of them telling you that, but let’s just say that: a) it’s a rather hard thing to do; b) it’s a bit pricey; c) not everything likes being ‘freeze dried.’ This is why you probably associated the term with coffee and various fruits, even though it’s well known as the best way of preserving nutrients values.
You see, preservation of any biomass has an awful lot to do with water removal, because moisture is what enables mold. Remove the moisture and stuff just lasts longer. The problem is, that doing it slowly via evaporation lets everything else evaporate too.
For the longest time I asked myself the same thing, but as cannabis has been such an illicit substance for such a long time, there would
likely be few with the patience, time or money to invest in what would be an exhaustive research project. I felt it was a long way off yet as surely, you’d need real scale to make the investment pay off. Then in 2020 when I was making my first documentary film I happened upon a small company in Sonoma that gave me a demo, making me rethink what I knew.
After blowing my mind, they gave me a sample of the oddest weed I’d ever seen. It looked like a full sized bud that hadn’t been dried, but which was definitely cured, finished flower. When I rolled a joint later that night I found it light and easy to pick and crumble without a grinder. The smoke was very clean, flavorful and uniform, if surprisingly quick burning. It was a wonderful smoke, with a great look at and smell. I realized the paradigm shift I’d just experienced and stayed in touch with the Co-Founders of “The Original Resinator”.
The husband and wife team of: TJ and Stephanie Arnovick, had been developing the process for 5 years, founding their company in 2011. We ended up collaborating on filming projects for his Youtube channel and I got to meet growers and hash makers who reported back crazy results from their 24 hr long crop-to-cure process and no, that’s not a typo.
The basics are pretty simple: Harvest, de-leaf and buck the plants. Then place the flowers in a deep freeze where it can be stored for up to a year. When needed, it’s trimmed in their proprietary “Resinator” bladeless-trimming machine that keeps it all frozen whilst imbuing it with a handtrimmed look. Then it goes into their vacuum chamber freeze-dry
machine, which range in scale from a few pounds to now hundreds in each batch. Across 24 hrs the water inside the flower is frozen, then evacuated via vacuum as ice-vapor leaving the buds the same size, minus the liquid and with all the cannabinoids and terpenes of the live plant intact
A lot will depend on consumer and media reactions as it’s a subtly different smoking experience, at least in terms of the flower. The same process makes dry sift hash or bubble hash too, both of which are nothing short of magical. The hash isn’t radically different to dry-cured end product and has become quite commonplace in Rosin making.
Personally, I like the flower, but I can imagine traditionalists recoiling at the quick burn nature or fluffy texture. Additionally the equipment itself is quite an expensive proposition up front, but which pays off over time due to the flexibility it provides. That’s not to mention the energy saving costs versus the drying and dehumidification needed and that’s before mentioning the supply chain flexibility it would give, say, a perpetual harvest setup.
With cannabis regulation limiting shelf life to just 12 months and consequently prices tumbling in as little as 3 months, the ability to cure on demand and stock shelves with fresh products might be too good to ignore. The acid test will simply be getting freeze-dried weed into enough consumers hands to know if they too like it and that will take time, but with awards starting to rack up, I suspect it won’t be long before you can try it yourself. ❖
Cannabis has been cured the same way for centuries, but technology is finally having a say. A technology that first came to prominence in the 1960s has finally been perfected. The process of Lyophilization, more commonly known as freeze drying, is finally having its time in the sun — here Matt Grimshaw shares what he's learned from working with one of the early movers: The Original Resinator.
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Daniel Muessig is a federal cannabis prisoner, sentenced to five-years in 2022. He writes this op-ed from FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey.
By Daniel Muessig
I write to you from a place where people die of diseases you would have believed to have been treated in your great-grandparent’s time. A place where we eat refuse, are counted like livestock, and sleep with knives. For breaking the same laws you do to make your comfortable and relatively unthreatened incomes, I have given the best years of my life to these fetid dungeons.
I have never seen my daughter in person, only on a $6000 cellphone that put me in 24-hour lockup for months on end. I have seen things the uninitiated could not comprehend, let alone survive. And I want to tell you a few things you may find disturbing or threatening. But I do not care.
For transparency’s sake, I am angry. I think you can gauge that. My seething rage at the inequities that have destroyed my life is not confined to cops, judges, and prosecutors. It also extends to you. Yes, you, sitting comfortably at the tables or dais in this lobbying conference, where you will hobnob performatively and then flit off to various restaurants, bars, and hotels to accomplish nothing of note or effect.
If you work in legal cannabis and you have not done prison time for cannabis, particularly as a professional advocate, corporate employee/executive, or a 501(c)(3) organization, then you need to implement provisions immediately to replace your workforce with those who were formerly incarcerated for cannabis, at least until the list of qualified candidates has been exhausted. If you are already doing so, I salute you and offer my heartfelt thanks on behalf of my community.
I understand this is probably upsetting or even infuriating to hear. I also do not care how this lands, so long as it is landed. None of you would have your jobs were it not for us. We created the industry that you derive your lifestyles, safety, and security from. And most tellingly, you are beneficiaries of a corrupt bargain with an intransigent government where we lose our lives doing the same thing you profit from.
I ask you to look back on the plight of cannabis prisoners; let us be frank. Cannabis will not be legal this year or next year, federally. None of the federal prisoners, save a handful are coming home until their sentences are over. At this point, a clear-eyed look at advocacy in this space reveals there is no way to help us until we are released.
And that is where the help fails. We are felons. Most of us are ruined. We bear the scarlet letter — the mark of Cain. Background checks are meaningless. A single Google search can reveal our incarceration; then we are categorically excluded from the living wage economy. You are not getting us out of prison, and you cannot mollify us with commissary. We need good jobs that can support our families the day we come home. We need your jobs — in all honesty.
There is no justice to be gained by the law; there is solely economic justice. And with no justice there can be no peace. I entreat you to do the hard work and employ those of us who need the work no matter what it does to the unafflicted. We demand a seat at the table. We do not need web mentions or commissary. We need in. Help us. We demand it. ❖
“None of you would have your jobs were it not for us.” “None of you would have your jobs were it not for us.”
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Many regions of the United States lay claim to the phrase ‘cannabis country.’ However, one area in particular stands out as the father of the modern cannabis farming movement: California’s infamous Emerald Triangle.
Beginning just two hours north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the ‘triangle’ consists of three rural counties that roughly form a triangle. Before cannabis came to the region, the triangle was initially made famous by the north coast’s enormous redwood forests and resulting lumber industry, huge salmon runs and coastal fishing communities. But after decades of exploitation, damming of rivers and clear cutting of the old growth forests, almost all industry in the area had gone by the turn of the century.
In the middle of the 20th century, land was cheap, the counties were sparsely populated, and new kinds of residents were moving in: hippies, commune dwellers, war veterans and seekers of an alternative lifestyle from all walks of life. With them came their cultural habits and rituals, one of which was the use of cannabis. It’s an area that, until the last decade, was responsible for growing over 85% of the cannabis consumed across the United States. As a result, Mendocino along with its two sister counties to the north, Humboldt and Trinity, became internationally famous and forever associated with growing some of the finest cannabis in the world.
The climate, topography, and soils found across the triangle are a very close facsimile to the original conditions into which cannabis plants evolved on the Asian continent. That means you can throw seeds on the ground nearly anywhere there and grow cannabis with little to no effort. However, if correctly tended, it’s possible to grow some of the most potent, robust cannabis on Earth, a legend that has spread to all corners of the planet. Although it was originally grown for personal use, it quickly became a means to earn money. Ultimately, this led to the spread of the farming communities and eventually to more capitalistic enterprises moving in.
The Many Faces Of Mendo’ Mendocino County, or ‘Mendo’ to locals, is at the southernmost tip of the ‘triangle’ of counties, arguably boasting the most diverse terrain of the three. It features a huge Pacific coastline to the west and mountainous terrain staggered by huge valleys often with broad floodplains to the north. The biggest of these, Ukiah Valley, leads all the way down to Sonoma County in the south, while much of the east is covered by huge tracts of wilderness that also play a large role in the county’s rollercoaster cannabis story.
Much of Mendo’s inland terrain is protected from the Pacific Ocean by coastal mountain ranges with numerous wide rivers
directing Northern California’s famous fog up to the interior’s canyons and wide valleys. Some side-by-side competition with wine growers in the south and south-west of the county has cropped up as they similarly value the spectacular weather conditions and rich soils. In the north where the mountains begin, it’s a completely different story. The terrain isn’t what most people would think of as ‘farmland’ at all.
In most places north of where the main highway, Route 101, crosses Ridgewood Crest at the northern tip of Ukiah Valley, you’re hard pressed to even see farms from the roads. It’s the same all the way to the county lines in the north bordering Humboldt
and Trinity or to the east where Mendo borders Lake Colusa and Tehama counties. There are thousands of farms, but not much else to see unless you know where to look—but that’s kind of the point. It’s incredibly easy to hide in the mountains—a huge contributory factor for the Emerald Triangle’s enduring legend.
When cannabis was added to the most stringent schedule of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, all cannabis farmers became, by definition, felons and the culture was forever changed. So began the other legend of the triangle—its outlaw history and over half a century long war on drugs perpetuated by the US government. In addition to the difficult-to-navigate terrain, the small population across the triangle meant there wasn’t enough tax revenue to fund law enforcement, leading to the US government stepping up attacks on the farming communities throughout the Regan era through 2016 when Prop 64 passed.
These draconian and politically motivated attacks were perpetuated by both political parties leading to the break up of families, incarcerating growers that were more interested in farms than Ferraris. Inevitably, the higher stakes involved with cannabis farming pushed most of the hippies and alternative lifestyle crowd out. These actions elevated prices and attracted a more determined element leading to decades of cat-and-mouse skirmishes between local law enforcement, the federal government, and cannabis growers. The persecution of users all across the country ensued along with the mass incarceration of anyone involved—growers, suppliers, and users. The net was cast wide but hit communities of color especially hard. However, change was coming.
The Green Rush
With the passing of state ballot initiative Prop 215: The Compassionate Cannabis Act in 1996, the situation again changed. Cannabis slowly became more socially accepted as a medicine, smashing decades of stereotypes and leading to a national reawakening of cannabis’ medical properties. Farming in the triangle boomed. For the next 20 years a complete ecosystem grew into being, employing some quarter of a million people around the ‘gray’ market caused by Prop 215’s vagaries. The medical cannabis legislation facilitated huge amounts of much needed tax revenue into local economies on top of the spending power that cannabis had brought to farmers and suppliers.
Across Mendocino, cannabis revenues have built schools, parks and even roads, but friction with
law enforcement continued due to the conflict between state and Federal laws. The farming boom echoed across the all three counties and a concerted rush to cash in on what had become a highly profitable business drew prospectors from across the country. Of course, not everyone wanted to play by rules. Although demand in California was strong, it was paled in comparison to the demand from the rest of the U.S. As a result, increasingly criminal elements farmed the region, leading to the rise of the ‘trespass’ grows.
Cannabis grows easily in the perfect conditions of the triangle, including the wilderness that connects the three counties. With the price of cannabis in other parts of the country far exceeding the California market, criminal farming encampments sprung up and thrived. With no oversight, slash and burn tactics, illegal pesticides and damming streams for irrigation rose with little consideration for anything but money. With little chance of capture, these farms were responsible for every type of ill, from human trafficking to the poisoning of groundwater.
This occurred across terrain so remote that it would require an entire paratroop regiment to try and round up a four-person operation, making enforcement of any laws an incredibly expensive proposition. Gangs from across the globe, cartels, and independent entities have cut huge swathes across pristine untouched wilderness areas to grow cannabis. These farms are one of the legitimate industry’s biggest beefs as so little is done to curb this side of the illicit market. Instead, the focus has always been on smaller, easier-to-reach producers leaving those that try to comply exhausted and disillusioned.
In 2016 California’s voters approved Prop 64, The Control Regulate and Tax Adult Marijuana Use Act, more commonly branded as AUMA. Implemented in 2018, RTAMUA began a new era of the industry by abandoning 20 years worth of business intelligence, infrastructure, and successful enterprises employing upwards of a quarter of a million Californians. It was replaced with a tax and regulate system that treats cannabis as more of a security threat than explosives.
Almost immediately, 90% of the jobs of the 215 era evaporated and a plethora of complex licenses, regulations, and rules were implemented. This effectively destroyed the county’s ability to compete with the illicit market. State taxes at the farm and retail level, combined with a ‘devil’s bargain’ that allows counties to levy their own taxes and/or completely prohibit farms should they wish, created ‘cannabis deserts’ across the state where constituents had no access to the legal market. Even previously free compassionate donations were initially taxed as if they were retail sales until 2019’s Senate Bill 34 enabled tax free donations again, but only after 98% of the collectives had died out.
Indoor and greenhouse farms in regions outside the triangle that previously had little to no cannabis footprint exploded into life and a battle royale among counties desperate for tax revenue encouraged new types of cannabis companies. These virtually integrated umbrella companies controlled every aspect of their supply chain, from farm to retail, despite the specific promises made in Prop 64.
Small providers had to shop their flower to state retailers more interested in quick turn around and profit margins than quality, leaving triangle farmers at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, local government continues to drag its heels amid accusations of self sabotage at the behest of long term grudges that saw the roll out of Prop 64’s rules proceed at a snail’s pace. To this day the vast majority of legal farms in Mendocino still operate on provisional licenses.
With one single company, Glasshouse based in Los Angeles, now growing more cannabis than the entirety of Mendocino County, the future looks bleak. The price collapse caused by massive oversupply was instigated by counties outside the triangle handing out licenses like confetti. This dropped the price of cannabis from thousands of dollars per pound to hundreds, causing many of the best farmers to quit or move to areas more favorable to farming such as Oregon.
Those that survived have been forced from their annual full-term harvesting practices into employing temporary ‘hoop’ greenhouses and light deprivation techniques to enable two to three harvests a year. Hard foundation greenhouses are also making their way deeper into farms that still have the profits to invest. Slowly but surely, newer technologies like tissue culture and various forms of automation are changing the face of the triangle yet again. But competition from the now illicit market has grown exponentially, putting the whole legal market and its 30-35% taxes at risk.
As trespass grows in the wilderness prove difficult to control and consumers walk away
from the legal market’s high taxes and limited choices, the legacy habits of word-of-mouth supply have returned. But there remains hope: Cannabis enthusiasts are beginning to recognize the differences between small batch, naturally grown outdoor flower and indoor controlled environment agriculture. When added to test data about cannabinoids and terpenes shown to be far more prevalent in outdoors craft cannabis as opposed to cannabis grown purely under lights, across the country.
Today, Mendocino desperately needs to move toward a more mixed economy by integrating tourism and in-person events and doing everything it can to help those left standing stabilize. The alternative is to be forever known as the region that wasted its opportunity to become the “Napa of weed” out of nothing but spite over drug war era grudges. There’s even a push to create formal growing regions called ‘Terroir’ copying the wine industry to showcase each region’s unique attributes. Unfortunately, nobody knows if these practices can be implemented in time to save what’s left.
Cannabis will always be grown in Mendo, but whether a national market ever gets to legally try it themselves is still an unanswerable question.
*Ukiah Valley is a bit nonsensical linguistically speaking as the word “Ukiah” comes from the local native population - the Central Pomo word yokaya, meaning ‘south valley’ - kind of like Lake Nyasa in Malawi (Africa), where Nyasa means ‘lake’ in the local language, resulting in the translation: “Lake lake”. ❖
By Andrew Ward
Mike Glazer, the L.A.-based comedian, writer, actor, and gold medal winner (yeah, that’s right) has established his name as one to watch for on stage, on camera, and behind the scenes. Influenced by pot and psychedelics at times, Glazer’s work demonstrates how to manage life while looking toward the bright side whenever possible.
Glazer, a mainstay in the cannabis comedy and culture scene for years, is now breaking through onto the mainstream stage. The well-earned notoriety comes after years of cutting his teeth. Over the years Glazer has served as a comic at the NHL Awards and co-hosted at potcentric events including the Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference.
A down-to-earth, funny dude in the eyes of many, Glazer’s industry ascent includes being a must-have at pot events and becoming a monthly mainstay at L.A.’s famed Comedy Store. Recent accolades for the comedian include the release of his first full-length special earlier this year, “Life Rules! Mixtape Vol. 1.” A spot on this year’s Netflix is a Joke comedy festival parlayed into another
upcoming special, and it all came about thanks to LinkedIn.
The growing resume as well as social media posts about psychedelic hot dog experiences and Taylor Swift, have contributed to Glazer’s recent notoriety boost, as well as sscorn from a few largely anonymous accounts on social media.
Undeterred by any detractors, the comedian is shining a positive light on himself and the pot scene. Cannabis & Tech Today Editor-inChief Chuck Warner and Managing Editor Andrew Ward spoke with Glazer about his upward trajectory and how community, mental health awareness and a heavy dose of determination and positivity contribute to his success.
Glazer’s credits include shows at top venues across the world, as well as appearances on popular shows, digital properties, and events. During his recent appearance on “Cannabis & Tech Talks,” the LA-via-Missouri comedian took a moment to acknowledge his progress.
“I feel like I’ve been working really hard on momentum and I feel like I have momentum right
now,” Glazer said, who started in comedy in 2017.
Glazer credits his current momentum to taking big swings. For example, he admits to being an introvert but says working on becoming more extroverted has paid off.
“I got the Netflix is a Joke fest through LinkedIn,” Glazer said. He credits C&TT’s Warner for inspiring him to search for festival employees on the platform, leading to a connection after messaging “50 to 100 people.” After auditioning, Glazer sent a follow-up thank you to his new connection, leading to Glazer getting a show on a roster of comedy heavyweights and emerging names.
The one caveat — Glazer didn’t want to perform old material. So he had to create a new 30-minute act in roughly three weeks. To make it happen, Glazer and friends Billy Anderson and Carmen Morales hit the road as “The Gateway Tour.”
“Got to Netflix is a Joke Festival, sold it out, did a new half hour, crushed it,” Glazer said. He reports that the show has led to increased booking interest already.
He added, “Putting yourself out there and taking those big swings, it’s so important.”
Glazer established a name for himself as an authentic, vulnerable performer who can leave crowds laughing and checking in on themselves. To get to this point, he’s done and continues to do the work on himself, pushing himself to reach his goals.
I go to therapy with my guy, Peter, Tuesdays at noon,” Glazer said, adding, “Also, sometimes Peter on Fridays at nine; it depends on the week I’m having.”
Glazer credits weekly therapy sessions with boosting his life and career. He feels they help him speak more candidly, resulting in a more honest, vulnerable, and funnier show.
Pot and substances like psilocybin also factor into the comedian’s ongoing self-care and exploration of the world. Glazer embraces various plant-based substances in his material and lifestyle, often incorporating one or more into his show preparation.
“I’ll tell you what,” started Glazer. “Performing on mushrooms, I would say it’s a pretty big swing.” He added, “Performing dabbed out is a pretty big swing,” adding he feels he’s had more hits than miss shows when swinging big. He continued, “Every single time is unique and different. You got to be present because you don’t know what’s going to happen.”
During his recent tour, Glazer reported being given so many mushrooms by fans that he didn’t know what to do with them all.
Determined to See the Positive If any vestige of the 'pot smokers are lazy' stigma remains introduce them to Mike Glazer.
His recent accolades stand as a testament to making your own luck. Earlier aspirations in life included reaching the Olympics resulting in Glazer becoming a gold medalist in roller hockey in 2005. The dream only fell short when the Olympic Committee selected mixed doubles badminton over roller hockey that year, leading to Glazer’s reported lifelong disdain for the sport. Though he jokes about it, Glazer also came away with lasting marks from the sport, including major hip surgery.
“Accomplishing something that was a dream come true since I was a child and then retiring with that gold medal in my hand, that I’ll always be grateful for,” Glazer said. Later in life, the same determination helped push him to reach personal and professional bests and continues to propel both endeavors. While some may assume he now aspires to sell out stadiums or become the next huge star, that isn’t the case. The comedian just wants to enjoy the good times with those he’s come up with.
While still having big dreams, Glazer doesn’t need to reach the upper echelon of celebrity status to feel he’s reached his professional dreams.
For him, that ideal would include “Selling out theaters all over the world, and then being able to treat all my friends to Michelin star meals, and where we take Ubers everywhere for the rest of our lives.” ❖
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By Patricia Miller
Iration is an alternative reggae band with eight albums and over a billion streams and counting to its name. Each member of the five-piece act is a proponent of the plant and sustainable living.
In February 2024, the band announced a partnership with Autumn Brands, a Santa Barbara-based brand of ethical growers and plant enthusiasts. As part of the deal, the two brands collaborated on a new curated line selected by the band, offering fans a curated trio of indica, sativa, and hybrid offerings.
In March, Hanna Brand, Autumn Brands’ owner and chief strategy officer, and Micah Brown, Iration lead guitarist and backup vocalist, spoke with Cannabis & Tech Today’s Patricia Miller to discuss the collaboration, their shared views on the world, and how tech is changing the landscape for musicians. Below are excerpts from their conversation.
Cannabis & Tech Today: What drew you two together?
Micah Brown: I think for us as a band, it’s been a long time coming, thinking about entering this space. Our music pairs well with cannabis. We use it daily to enhance our touring life and our studio life. For Autumn Brands, they’re a similar, local, family-owned business in the Central Coast area from Carpinteria, our band formed in Santa Barbara. We met Autumn [Shelton, Autumn Brands CFO and co-founder] at a show, and she pitched us this idea years ago. It’s taken this long to get to the finish line, but we’re finally here, and we’re excited about it.
Hanna Brand: It really made a lot of sense just from the way they conduct themselves as individuals and as a band and their presence. Their section of the music community really aligns with how we carry ourselves as a family and as a cultivation and farm. We share a lot of the same ethos. What we’re trying to produce is just quality, good cannabis for the final consumer, and they’re doing the same thing in the music space.
C&T Today: Autumn Brands is doing some pretty cool stuff as far as being pesticidefree, sustainably grown. Do you want to talk about that a bit?
HB: We stopped spraying any pesticides in 2018. For us, it was about consumer safety. We don’t really have many testing or longterm results of what these- well, they are regulated, but they still may be harmful, pesticides are that are in the cannabis market.
So, we decided to just do away with all sprays. We don’t even use the organic soaps or oils. And for us, it’s something that we were able to change how we grow. We use biocontrol instead of pesticides, and then we do a lot of genetics hunting.
We felt that since this plant has such a shorter life cycle in our greenhouse, we’re really able to use the more limited tools and produce something that we know has our stamp of good, clean, quality cannabis.
Sustainability-wise...my family has farmed [everything] from cut flowers to cannabis for 38 years. So, that has always been something we’ve talked about. My dad had won a few green awards when he was doing cut flowers. So, going into cannabis and having more opportunities to take the extra steps to be more sustainable, reclaim water, don’t use pesticides, and then also choose sustainable packaging was really important to us.
C&T Today: And that was important to you as well, Micah?
MB: I think for all of us as band members, individuals, as a business, we all strive to be as mindful as we can. Obviously, touring, it’s hard to really eliminate your carbon footprint. But, there are little ways every day you can try to be healthier and be more conscious and just try to be helping and part of the solution, not part of the problem.
For us, just seeing how [Autumn Brands] operate…it was just cool to see their story and meet them and see how they operate. It was a very family vibe from the jump.
Sustainability and good vibes are some of the shared core values between California’s Autumn Brands and the band Iration, helping forge a pot-filled collaboration between the two.
C&T Today: You hand-picked some strains, is that right?
MB: When we first started getting this process going, we tried about 15 different strains as a band. Each band member went off and did a bit of personal R&D, trying them all out. We came back to the table and narrowed them down to our favorites, choosing one sativa, one hybrid, and one indica to launch this line.
We’re really happy with the strains we chose and love the quality, taste, and the way it looks in the jar — everything about it. We had all those things in mind when we were picking, and I think we came down to some good choices.
C&T Today: How does technology play a role in how you’re creating music?
MB: There are definitely technological advances in the process of recording music that has come a long, long way with all the different platforms you can use to make music. I can go down a rabbit hole on that, but in general, the way we come up with, write, and create songs as a band, it’s still pretty true to who we are.
I think technology plays a bigger role in how
you market the music and how you get it out to the people these days. Like you said, CDs and record sales are a thing of the past at this point. It’s all about streaming, and the DSPs (digital service providers) that you have to play the game to figure out how to get your music heard by the most people. And with the way Spotify is and all these platforms nowadays, technological advancements definitely play a role in how you get your music out there to the market.
There are ways to tap into the algorithm and strategy for releasing and how you do all that. It definitely has changed over the years. We’re thankful for our management team. We have people that are dedicated to always seeing what’s on the forefront.
Now, with AI coming into the picture, it’s always good to stay educated about what other artists are doing and what record labels are doing just to know if that’s something we want to try or something that we feel is worthwhile to put into our strategy.
So yeah, it’s definitely something that we keep our finger on the pulse of as much as we can. ❖
By C&TT/Patricia Miller
Do you enjoy cannabis products loaded with CBG, CBN, and other minor cannabinoids? Those products may rely on sophisticated biotechnology to make their active compounds.
In this on-site interview from MJBizCon 2024, Patricia Miller and Baymedica Senior Vice President and General Manager Dr. Shane Johnson delved into how companies use chemistry, like yeast fermentation, for mediation processes to harness and synthesize rare cannabinoids.
With a growing demand for rare cannabinoids, such as CBC (cannabichromene) and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), the demand for safety and regulation only grows stronger. In this interview, Miller and Dr. Johnson delve into this demand, the future of the market, and how the current regulatory landscape benefits synthesized cannabinoids.
Cannabis & Tech Today: So, you’re making synthetic cannabinoids?
Shane Johnson: We basically employ what would be traditional biotechnology approaches to making compounds. So synthetic biology, in our case, yeast fermentation, we utilize chemistry. These are the same types of processes that are used to make
citric acid found in a lot of foods, used to make caffeine found in your Red Bull or Coca-Cola — because that’s not extracted from tea leaves or coffee beans — and used to make vitamins A and D found in the organic milk you or your kids may drink
So, we are basically employing tried-and-true science methodologies to make some of these rare cannabinoids that the plant does make, but in very small quantities.
C&T Today: How are you using yeast to simulate these?
SJ: When you use synthetic biology, you’re reprogramming the genetics of that organism to basically take sugar and other materials as input and convert that into the cannabinoid of choice.
In this case, we’re basically using the same yeast that is used to make beer. At the end of the day, rather, you reprogram the yeast so that it’s making cannabinoids rather than beer. We’ve made, I don’t know, 20, 30 or more cannabinoids using this.
A lot of the work that we’ve done at scale is done using chemical synthesis as well. The market isn’t there yet for metric tons of these rare cannabinoids on a routine basis, which is really where one
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needs to get to have synthetic biology make sense from a financial perspective in this industry.
C&T Today: What are the cannabinoids you’re finding the most demand for?
SJ: The two cannabinoids we make that are in the most demand are cannabichromene, or CBC, and tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV. Both are very interesting cannabinoids in their own right.
C&T Today: I’ve heard THCV termed as ‘diet weed,’ like it’s not supposed to be munchieinducing. Can you tell us more about it?
SJ: More recently, with all the recent press around some of these new pharmaceuticals in this space, people are even calling it the Ozempic of cannabis or cannabinoids. There’s some pretty good human data around that one done in some phase two clinical trials in Europe. For THCV, what they’ve found is that it can help to normalize metabolism and blood sugar levels. There are certainly a lot of people who believe it increases energy and focus as well as decreases appetite.
C&T Today: Are people asking a lot of questions around the safety of using synthetic compounds?
SJ: To some extent, but I would say, if the question is around the safety of it being synthetic, it’s misguided as a question.
If you take a multivitamin, pretty much everything in that multivitamin is synthetic or synthesized. We prefer to use the term synthesized. If you tell me synthetic cannabinoids, I think K2 and spice. Those are cannabinoids that have no molecular similarity really to any of the cannabinoids from the plant. They happen to bind the CB1 receptors really, really tightly. So that’s why they came to be, and people use them, and it gets you high as a kite.
I tend to talk about them as synthesized cannabinoids. They’re the same as what you would find in the plant and done right. Honestly, even in normal extraction processes for the plant purification processes, conversion of CBD to CBN, a lot of these things that people do all the time with hempderived material, we’re doing the same thing.
We’re using very similar chemicals. We’re using very, you know, and we start with natural ingredients, natural starting points as well. We start with, olivetol is found in the plant…These are common ingredients and we just happen to use other techniques to put them together to make cannabinoids.
And at the end of the day, it comes down to purification. Do you have an understanding of the purity profile? Do you understand the impurity profile? Do you have a good handle on residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and all of that? And I would say, generally speaking, when you synthesize compounds, you have better control over all of those aspects, not less control. You should have a more safe product at the end of the day.
C&T Today: Is this something that would typically be added to a distilled resin or rosin product?
SJ: Certainly, people are adding cannabinoids we make to other products, whether it’s a CBD extract or a THC distillate, in part to provide more effect-based
outcomes, right?
Where you can say, “Okay, I want this product. I want to have my customer, my consumer feel this way.” By adding some of these other rare cannabinoids, they can create a more consistent profile because there are plant strains that will make THCV. There are strains that will make CBC.
Getting that to be truly consistent from harvest to harvest, from extraction to extraction, is really, really tough.
Utilize some of these rare cannabinoids that you want to have a more prominent presence in your product. You can create a much more consistent product profile that, frankly, is more portable across state lines, even in a regulated market than not, because we can sell what we make across state lines. If you want to, then you may have a different profile input material in California than in Nevada, in Illinois.
You want to make your products relatively similar but employ rare cannabinoids — this is a way to do that. ❖
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The Blazy Susan Black Backpack has been custom-designed for the on-the-go roller. It has everything you’ll need to store your gear, including holding joint straps and a laptop sleeve. The bags are smell-proofed with carbon and include combination locks to keep your stash safe! $84.99
O2 Vapes’ patented Traveler Extreme All Glass Disposable Vape Pen offers the purest vaping experience with an all-glass cartridge tank, internally heated ceramic atomizer, and a rechargeable 330 mAh battery. This discreet, lightweight vape pen features dual air intake for smooth flow, customizable temperatures, and a USB-C port for convenient charging, making it perfect for any journey. $11
Hawthorne Gavita RS 1900e — Illuminate your grow with six rails of lightweight, foldable LEDs that balance output and efficiency, delivering 1900 umol/s at 3.0 umol/j. Featuring premium Gavita Diodes powered by the Broad Range Gavita Driver, this dynamic fixture dims to 10% with an EL3 Master Controller (sold separately). Gavita diodes emit a broad-spectrum white light with increased blue spectrum, which may enhance terpene and cannabinoid profiles. Visit Gavita.com to learn more. $900
Introducing hi Seltzer, the award-winning, hemp-derived THC-infused seltzer with zero calories, zero sugar, and zero alcohol, made with only three ingredients. Now expanding to include delta 9 THC, hi Seltzer continues to innovate with a cutting-edge nano-emulsified base for a clean, clear pour every time, available in refreshing flavors like Peach, Watermelon, and Wild Berry. 12 pack for $49.95, 24 pack for $94.95, 48 pack for $179.95
Happy Fruit is a leading provider of delicious and nutritious fruit gummies crafted with care and innovation. Committed to quality and wellness, Happy Fruit offers a range of products designed to support consumers' overall health and enjoyment. With a dedication to using the finest ingredients and cutting-edge techniques, Happy Fruit delivers a delightful experience in every bite. $39 per 10 pack
Green Rebates is the leading expert in horticulture energy rebates, helping commercial growers get up to 100% of project costs covered for LED grow lights, HVAC systems, and dehumidifiers. With millions of dollars in rebates secured for customers and unmatched expertise in energy-saving technologies, Green Rebates empowers you to maximize your savings. Visit greenrebates.com to learn more.
HIGH 90’S, California's premier cannabis brand, now offers two new premium indoor flowers: Cherry Boppers and Milk and Cookies. Cherry Bopperz delivers a sweet, candy-like flavor for a creative boost, while Milk and Cookies offers a nutty, vanilla profile for relaxation and socialization, all embodying the laid-back spirit of the ’90s. $40 per 3.5g
As the weather starts to improve, my trips to the local farmers market ramp up. Our meal planning is seasonally based, and we look forward to what Mother Nature has to offer, trying to avoid food that is processed or grown in a far-off land, whose growing practices often leave much to be desired. Not that I never use frozen foods, sometimes there are no options, but everyone is better off when the food is fresh and grown locally. Over the years, I have come to know the local farmers and feel good feeding my family the freshest food grown, using safe and healthy growing practices. It’s really hard to be a farmer, I try to support as many local farms as I can. Cannabis farms included!
Cumin and caraway seeds flavor this creamy, soothing soup. Carrots and potatoes are such a great pair. Alternatively, you can make the soup with sweet potatoes instead of the russets, which adds a lovely addition of sweetness. That version deserves a dollop of sour cream. One thanksgiving I served this soup in tall and thin 2-ounce glasses. Anticipating a hearty meal, this soup was a perfect appetite whetter. And we were all buzzed by dessert. I infused this soup with one of my favorite strains, Forbidden Fruit, just a delightful taste and smell, and is good to smoke too! This soup is yummy cold in the summer. Top with chopped chives or quickly fried sage.
What You’ll Need:
4 teaspoons canna- oil
½ cup chopped sweet onion
1 ½ cup chopped carrots
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups vegetable stock, chicken stock is fine too ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper
Chives Serves
Directions:
1. In a medium soup pot heat the canna-olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté for 7-9 minutes.
2. Add the potato, smoked paprika, and cumin and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable stock to the pot and simmer for 35 minutes. Add more stock if needed.
4. Puree the soup in the blender until smooth. Add salt and pepper.
JULY
30-JULY 5 | ICRS2024 Symposium | Salamanca, Spain
18-21 | The Research Society on Marijuana 8th Annual Meeting | Toronto, Canada
23-26 | CHAMPS Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV
AUGUST
16-17 | CannaCon Midwest | St. Paul, MN
7-8 | The Flower Expo | Lancing, MI
SEPTEMBER
6-7 | NECANN | Atlantic City, NJ
13| ICBC Slovenia Science and Technology | Slovenia
20-21 | Hall of Flowers | Santa Rosa, CA
27-28 | Lucky Leaf Expo | Albuquerque, NM
OCTOBER
4-5 | NECANN's Connecticut Cannabis Convention | Hartford, CT
10-12 | Alternative Product Expo | Atlanta, GA
25-26 | New York Cannabis and Hemp Convention | Albany, NY
Can’t wait for the next cannabis event? Scan now to discover what’s happening worldwide with the Cannabis & Tech Today Events Calendar.
Celebrate the powerful women making waves in the cannabis industry. From entrepreneurs to researchers and multinational CEOs, we’ll highlight the stories of inspiring women who are shaping the industry and propelling it forward into a new, exciting era. Join us for exclusive interviews and profiles that showcase their contributions and vision.
The future of cannabis extraction technology is here. Like many industries today, automation and advanced robotics are revolutionizing various processes, and extraction is no exception.
We’ll explore the latest advancements, including vapor static technology, which offers high efficiency and minimal environmental impact by using heated air streams to vaporize biomass and collect high-quality concentrates, ultrasound-assisted extraction, which uses ultrasonic waves for rapid processing and preservation of cannabinoid integrity, and more!
Our upcoming issue covers the latest in vape technology, transdermal patches, and personal lubricants. Discover innovations like supercritical CO2 extraction, which ensures high purity and targeted cannabinoid extraction, and the use of biodegradable solvents that enhance product safety and environmental sustainability. Come explore the versatile world of cannabis oils and their various applications with us!
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By David Wallach
This is an excerpt of David Wallach’s “The Corporatization of Cannabis: Has Big Weed Lost Its Soul?”:
I was taking a stroll through a flea market in Jamaica recently, and as sometimes happens in Jamaica, someone asked me if I wanted some ganja. I asked if it was an Indica or Sativa. How was it processed, was it grown inside or outside, was it vegan, flavored, and which celebrity or investment fund was backing the grow?
The kind fella looked at me, laughed, and said “It’s just ganja! Americans — you people know how to complicate everything!”
Since I was with my 11-year-old, I passed. But it did make me think, “Was the weed-toting stranger right? Have we taken the fun out of the cannabis industry?”
One of my favorite cannabisinduced memories was back in college. My then-roommate Tim VanThiele (not his real name) had scored some weed (that’s what we called it back then).
We put on the brand new Van Halen album “OU812,” invited a few friends over, and played a righteous game of “Bong Monopoly.” Think Monopoly, but instead of using money, you had to take Bong hits (1 hit = $100 and so forth).
If you couldn’t take a hit but really wanted a property, you had to eat a mouthful of Cheetos and hold it in your mouth for the amount of minutes that equaled the amount of money ($300= three minutes). Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a Cheetoencrusted cotton mouth.
At some point Tim’s brother,
let’s call him Scoffy McNofun, came into our room, looked at our Cheeto dust shenanigans, and called us “stoners.” After that it gets pretty fuzzy. I bought Boardwalk.
An epic night with great friends, laughing, and playing board games. No $300 cover charges, no trade shows full of $250,000 video screens and dudes in branded golf shirts, just fun and camaraderie.
We were “fringe, counterculture, breaking the law,” and free. Fuck the establishment, we’re playing Bong Monopoly in Waukesha, Wisconsin!
Somewhere along the way, the fun part of pot became “stonery.”
“Weed” became “cannabis” and in the desperation to be seen as a legitimate business, cannabis lost some of the innocence that made
us fall in love with it.
Lighthearted revelry has been replaced with medical benefits, monetization, and Zoom meetings — at least in the marketing.
I am not here just to preach but to testify, because I have also been sucked into the commoditization of pot.
Recently at MJBizCon, I waited in line for an hour to go to an after-party that was no different than what you would find at any other club, in any city, anywhere in the world. Insanely loud music, selfies popping off everywhere — and branding, so much branding. ❖
Visit Cannabis & Tech Today online to read the rest of David Wallach’s “The Corporatization of Cannabis: Has Big Weed Lost Its Soul?”
