Sensi Magazine Massachusetts - Fall 2023 Publication by Sensi Magazine

Quality stocking stuffers for the weed lover in your life

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SHROOM REFORM

Psychedelics on the 2024 ballot

LEGENDS OF HASH

Choosing America’s best hash

CASH CROP

The rise of co-op licensing

scan here to see what’s inside

Smoke Heat, Not Hype @glorious.main gloriouscanna.com

MASSACHUSETTS SENSI MAGAZINE FALL 2023

sensimediagroup @sensimagazine @sensimag

FEATURE

Gift Guide

Sensi’s top picks for stocking stuffers and under-thetree gifts for the cannabis lover in your life.

DEPARTMENTS

15 EDITOR’S NOTE 20 THE LIFE Contributing to your health and happiness 16 THE BUZZ THE LIVING LEGENDS OF News, tips, and tidbits to keep you in the loop PSYCHEDELICS on next year’s ballot MASTERCARD declines cannabis COLORADO SENATOR

reintroduces legalization bill A SPOOKY GOOD TIME at

Halloween Cannabis Expo

KHALIFA KUSH AND CRESCO LABS expand

partnership

HASH At the annual get-together of the Legends of Hashish, luminaries decide who has the best hash in America.

32 THE SCENE Hot happenings and hip hangouts around town

AWAKENING A SLEEPING GIANT Massachusetts’s

craft co-op licenses are ready for big changes.

50 THE END

Quality stocking stuffers for the weed lover in your life

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SHROOM REFORM

Psychedelics on the 2024 ballot

LEGENDS OF HASH

Choosing America’s best hash

CASH CROP

The rise of co-op licensing

ON THE COVER

‘Tis the season for weed lovers. PHOTO BY GEAR PREMIUM®

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EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder ron@sensimag.com Jade Kolb COO jade@sensimag.com Jona Patterson Creative Director jona@sensimag.com Carolyn Scott Communications Director carol@sensimag.com PUBLISHING

Tyler Tarr Market Director, Colorado Jamie Cooper Market Director, Michigan Richard Guerra Market Director, Massachusetts Jake Boynton Market Director, Massachusetts EDITORIAL

Matthew Solan Executive Editor Matthew.Solan@sensimag.com Mike DiPaola Copy Editor Mike.Dipaola@sensimag.com Claire Barber Colorado Editor Allison Farley Michigan Editor Andrew Ward Massachusetts Editor Tyler Curtis National Contributor Debbie Hall National Contributor Matt Jackson National Contributor Elizabeth McWilliams National Contributor DESIGN

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director jamie@emagency.com Rheya Tanner Art Director Wendy Mak Designer Josh Clark Designer Andrew Ontko Designer PRODUCTION

Neil Willis Production Director & Client Support Specialist

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FOUNDER’S NOTE

Magazine published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC.

This is my favorite time of year! The holiday

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FAC E B O O K Like Sensi Media Group to infuse your newsfeed with more of our great cannabis lifestyle content.

TWITTER Follow @sensimag for need-to-know news and views from Sensi headquarters.

I N S TAG R A M Pretty things, pretty places, pretty awesome people: find it all on @sensimagazine

season—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—brings family and close friends together for moments of connection and celebration. We have some exciting events lined up as we end 2023. The Sensi community will soon be hosting our last Sensi Night event of the year, bringing together thousands of owners and consumers from all our markets. We’re also excited about attending the annual MJBizCon at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 28 to December 1, where we’ll be hosting our 4th annual gathering of CEOs and decision-makers. (Go to mjbizconference.com for more information and use the code 23SENSI10 when purchasing tickets.) To kick off the conference week, we’re teaming up with our friends at Hearst Media Group on the first night. We will have limited tickets available, and drops begin the first week of November. (You can find tickets through our social media channels and the Sensi e-newsletters.) Speaking of great gatherings, in this issue, you’ll read about our experience at last year’s Legends of Hash in California as we prepare to return for this year’s event in Los Angeles. It’s definitely one of our favorite occasions. Finally, are you looking for some great cannabis-themed holiday gifts? Check out our Annual Gift Guide showcasing some of our favorite ideas and much more. We look forward to connecting with you in 2024 and wish you and your loved ones a Happy Holiday Season!

The Sensi community will soon be hosting our last Sensi Night event of the year, bringing together thousands of owners and consumers from all our markets.

Yours truly,

Ron Kolb

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Psychedelics on Next Year’s Ballot Massachusetts activists have submitted two initiatives to legalize certain psychedelics and establish licensed facilities for supervised services. The initiatives would remove criminal penalties for low-level possession of five entheogenic plants and fungi while creating a licensing system for psychedelic service centers. One of the initiatives would allow adults 21 and older to cultivate their psychedelics. The campaign is backed by New Approach PAC, which has 16

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supported similar reform efforts in other states. Massachusetts has seen a local psychedelics movement, with six cities across the state already decriminalizing natural plants and fungi. The initiatives also aim to address the mental health crisis in Massachusetts by providing alternative therapies. The measures will go before voters on the state’s 2024 ballot if the approximately 74,500 valid signatures from registered voters are collected.

SENATOR PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MASTERCARD DECLINES CANNABIS Mastercard has instructed financial institutions to stop allowing marijuana transactions on its debit cards. This move deals a blow to the cannabis industry, which is already on the fringes of the financial system in the United States. Despite several states legalizing the medicinal and recreational uses of marijuana, it remains illegal at the federal level. As a result, most banks in the country do not service cannabis companies. Mastercard’s spokesperson stated that the purchases of cannabis are not allowed on their systems due to the federal government considering cannabis sales illegal. Industry executives expressed disappointment with the decision, seeing it as another obstacle for the state-legal cannabis industry and its consumers. The cannabis industry has advocated for reforms like the SAFE Banking Act to make banking services easier. However, Senator John Cornyn of Texas recently expressed skepticism about the prospects of passing such legislation.

BY THE NUMBERS Seven American cities made a recent list of global cities that consume the most cannabis annually, based on metric tons, including the No. 1 spot:

62.3 METRIC TONS 1. New York City

35 Colorado Senator

3. Los Angeles

24.9 Reintroduces 4. Chicago

18.5 6. Houston

11.4 12. Phoenix

10.6 15. Philadelphia

6.8 20. Denver

SOURCE: CFAH’s 2023 Cannabis Price Index

Legalization Bill

In other news regarding cannabis and federal legality, Senator and former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper recently reintroduced the PREPARE Act. This bill aims to lay the groundwork for federal regulation of cannabis in the United States. The PREPARE Act proposes the establishment of a federal commission, inspired by Colorado’s regulatory commission, that would advise the government on the proper safeguards for federal cannabis legalization. The commission’s responsibilities would include advising on a federal regulatory framework based on state cannabis regulations, considering potential regulations similar to those for alcohol. It would also address the disproportionate impact of cannabis prohibition on minority, low-income, and veteran communities. The PREPARE Act has received broad support from various stakeholders, including advocacy groups and industry associations. FA L L 2023

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THE BUZZ

Khalifa Kush and Cresco Labs Expand Partnership

A SPOOKY GOOD TIME AT HALLOWEEN CANNABIS EXPO

Cresco Labs, a leading cannabis producer and distributor, has announced the expansion of its partnership with Khalifa Kush. The collaboration will involve Cresco exclusively cultivating, manufacturing, and distributing Khalifa Kush's premium cannabis products in Massachusetts. Khalifa Kush is a popular brand associated with multi-platinum-selling artist Wiz Khalifa. The products, including the widely recognized KK and Khalifa Mints strains, will be available exclusively at Sunnyside dispensaries in Fall River, Framingham, Leicester, and Worcester. Cresco Labs, which already has a strong presence in the Massachusetts market, sees this expansion as a significant opportunity for growth.

The 2nd Annual Halloween Cannabis Expo (known as "The Hexpo") is going down on Oct. 29 at the Teamworks event complex at 1314 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk. The event's founders, Bobby and Bailey Nuggz, have been hosting a smaller version for over a decade and are equally passionate about Halloween and cannabis. "Fun, campy, and everything that Halloween should be" is how the couple describes their hybrid event concept that combines their favorite holiday and plant. With more than 100 vendors, dozens of costumed performers, and an appearance from Mark Dodson (voice actor from "Star Wars" and "The Gremlins"), attendees are in for a uniquely freaky, cannabis-friendly treat. General admission is $10 and VIP tickets are $50. halloweencannabisexpo.com.

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The Living Legends of Hash

cized part, Legends did not launch with the intent to identify America’s best hash. The idea was born during a session of getting stoned. It was 2002 in Amsterdam, and the elusive legendary breeder and hash maker At the annual get-together of the Legends of Hashish, Skunkman Sam suggestluminaries decide who has the best hash in America. ed he and co-founding partner Marcus “BubbleTEXT TYLER CURTIS PHOTOS WILLIAM NAGY man” Richardson throw a dinner at a friend’s Lebanese restaurant during ment will often depend the city’s iconic High makers in the game,” When you make an inon factors like flavor Times Cannabis Cup. says Jess. credible pie or grow a preferences, differing The restaurant known as Winning a competicrazy pumpkin, you head taste buds and palettes, The Artist had held space tion like Legends does to the county fair to and connections with in years past for folks like much more than stroke claim your prize. When certain profiles that may Richardson and Sam to it comes to making hash, one’s ego. It’s a useful influence judgment. puff to their hearts’ deplatform to promote a you head to the event Even different textures sire out of German-made brand and a great way known as Legends of Roor bongs while enjoyHashish, but there are no to show consumers that can extract different ing incredible cuisine. open signups or tryouts. your work is truly of the responses from differSince not everyone ent people, whether best quality. Rather, your invitation it’s based on the hash’s who attended the Cup Since premier hash is held within the power ability to be handled or was a hash nerd, the makers have attended and possession of the the amount of terpenes team decided to create event organizers, and in- Legends for years, atvisually present in the 50 tickets and hand-sestead of the whole coun- tendees often compete top layer. lect folks to gather in against the best, which ty rolling through, your puts many connoisseurs’ Inviting makers to The Artist’s private room spectators are mostly for the evening. Due to eyes on the results. All of judge their peers in a other top-tier makers the high profile and senthis builds hype and pub- proper setting with acand a select few lucky sitive nature of those in licity, which is one of the cess to the right tools is spectators. the only way to find what attendance (many were driving forces between Sometimes, that instands out and “wins.” wanted as hash smugsuccessful hash brands vite leads to a win, as Legends give their judgglers), Legends did not in the traditional and in the case of Icehouse allow cameras or phones. adult-use markets. With es everything they need Jess of California’s Ice for a true assessment: a Despite being a celeHouse Melts, who, after more folks than ever torch and butane, isopro- bration, the event soon producing solventless taking second place in became a full-blown 2021, won his first blue hash, standing out is the pyl alcohol for cleaning, path toward success. a temperature gauge, and friendly competition. ribbon last year for the 30 grams of sample hash. The Artist would host best full melt. Best in show at least 10 Legends “It’s an honor to be over the next 15 years, Back in the days invited to compete with Trying to find the best further advancing the some of the most rehash can be subjective. While the competition competitive culture and may be the most publispected and top hash A connoisseur’s assessFA L L 2023

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THE LIFE

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N

Visit legendsofhashish.com

overall demand for higher quality solventless hashish. Since its inception, the event has been hosted in four countries: The Netherlands, Spain, Canada, and now the United States. Born in the USA Legends’ entry into the U.S. began with Addison DeMoura. He has been in the cannabis industry for more than 25 years, having launched Steep Hill Labs, and now works in the marketing and sales sector of cannabis. After attending two Legends of Hashish dinners and being a huge fan of Bubbleman, DeMoura reached out to the hash mogul. Could he try a United States

edition? A friend had access to a venue in downtown Los Angeles that recalled the same ambiance from The Artist, and COVID restrictions had just been lifted. “Hash is the elixir that makes people love peo-

ple more,” says DeMoura. “When you get good hash with good people in a good environment, it breaks down all the walls. Legends is all about the best food, the best hash, the best people, all in the same place.”

Legends, American-style The American version of Legends has made some tweaks to the traditional format. For instance, historically the winner is chosen by the first plate to be empty. To mimic this approach, a point-ofsales system was implemented during the first U.S. event in 2021 to keep track of requested samples, but the following year scorecards were kept for better accuracy. This year’s event is set for December 2-3. And, for the first time, Legends will have an official outsider host: Twitch star and cannabis talk show host Adam Ill. The event, in keeping with tradition, should be legendary. FA L L 2023

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Gift

GUIDE Sensi's top picks for stocking stuffers and under-the-tree gifts for the cannabis lover in your life.

GEAR Premium® Sidekick Water Pipe

Designed with a beaker base and a durable 7mm thick construction, these water pipes are built to withstand the test of time. Elevate your sessions with the patented lighter holster and enjoy a convenient spot to stash your lighter between uses. gearpremiumsidekick.com Use code SENSI for 20% off + FREE shipping.

HighOnLove Their products use the benefits of cannabis oil for intimacy and self-care products that really work (and are gorgeously packaged, so they’re perfect for gifting). The entire line is cruelty-free, vegan, and bottled in small batches. HighOnLove was designed for all women, whether solo or coupled up, young or old. highonlove.store

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Puffco

Windstar Glass Unique handmade jewelry from glass artist Shayla. (Check out her pendants featuring a Monarch butterfly wing.) Clothing and other fun accessories are also available. windstarglass.bigcartel.com Save 20% with exclusive promo code SENSI20

We’ve come a long way since torches, big dab rigs, and overwhelming hits were the poster child for hash culture, which is exactly why Puffco has created a sleek, hi-tech consumption device. With the touch of a button, the device is in session. It’s modular, portable, discreet, and compatible with a suite of accessors. puffco.com/ pages/proxycollection

Focus V Their CARTA 2 boasts a larger atomizer with a 360° heating element and optimized airflow. An OLED screen displays everything you need to know in real time, and the new mobile app allows full control with seamless response times. focusv.com. $50 off Black CARTA2 with code SENSI

Culinary Cannabis These hemp spice blends are made from locally grown, hand-harvested raw cannabis. Use them for pain relief, or add them to your favorite recipes. myculinarycannabis.com HOLIDAY DEAL! Buy One Get One 50% Off

Ardent FX The Ardent FX is a decarboxylator that packs a punch. With one push of a button, you can decarb, infuse, and bake all in one, whether it’s THC, CBD, CBG, or a custom mix. Ardent also gives the option of an instant edible, so you can sprinkle the activated cannabis on anything. ardentcannabis.com Save 20% with code SENSI20

Flower Mill USA These grinds are designed to crumble your herb where it naturally wants to break apart, providing a uniform and fluffy result. Two screens offer coarse or ultra-fine texture. flowermillusa.com Get 15% off entire order with code SENSI.

Genius Pipe Genius is a multifunctional pipe designed for flower and oil consumption, used by modern consumers worldwide for enhanced taste and a unique user experience. geniuspipe.com Use code SENSI10 to get 10% off.

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S TA F F P I C K S

Asa Angel Holistic Healing “The energy-balancing sessions and readings that I booked with Asa were powerful! There isn't someone in this field who is more down-to-earth and able to help you make sense of the ethereal. If you know someone needing a breath of fresh air and a brighter perspective, Asa can help.” —Richard Guerra, Market Director, Massachusetts

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Element Apothec “CBD is a well-documented anti-inflammatory agent. Infusing it into a pain patch so that you can apply it directly where you experience pain is a fantastic way to get one of nature’s most powerful medicines directly to where you need it … and fast.” —Carolyn Scott, Communications Director

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Use the code SENSI to receive 20% off your next session.

Oaksterdam University “I’ve read about how many people have entered the country’s first cannabis college to gain the knowledge and expertise they need to advance their careers in the cannabis industry from cultivation to business to policy. If you are serious about cannabis, this is the place to go. And, for those of us who cannot attend the college, The Budtender's Guide is the MUST HAVE for all of us who want to be truly educated about the science and history of cannabis.” —Matthew Solan, Executive Editor

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LOCAL SELECTS

Gentlemen Smugglers. For those who relish a superior cannabis experience and appreciate premium flowers, all while championing social justice causes. Each strain offered has earned the stamp of approval from the venerable Gentlemen Smugglers—the original purveyors during the cannabis resurgence of the 70s and 80s—who evaluated product quality based on global user feedback. The proceeds contribute to the Last Prisoner Project, exemplifying our commitment to social equity. gentlemensmugglers.com.

Legacy Hash Smoke like the ancients. Traditional old-school hashish, hand-crafted with love. legacyhash.com.

Ahh Moments This premium handcrafted chocolate uses a full spectrum RSO blend accompanied with 25 milligrams CBN to support rest, relaxation, and revitalizing. A smooth marriage of high-quality vegan, fair trade, single-source Dominican cacao, sweet and chewy wild organic blueberries, and luxurious vanilla bean powder. ahhmoments.com.

The Pass Berkshires The Hash Rosin Vapes are packed with high levels of THC and aromatic terpenes, creating a blissful finished product. To preserve the flower’s original profile, these hash rosin carts are made through solventless hash extraction, then pressed with immense pressure and heat using premium flowers grown on-site. Hash Rosin Gummies combine the benefits of solventless, full-spectrum hash rosin with mouth-watering cherry to make a truly unique edible experience. The Muscle Gel is infused with menthol and organic aloe leaf juice, giving you a cooling, tingling sensation on the applied area, relaxing any sore muscles in the process. thepass.co.

Northeast Alternatives Runtz OG.

This Indica strain from Northeast Alternatives is known for its fruity terpene profile, but this version brings a diesel scent, sweet undertones, and a taste to match. Consumers report that Runtz OG’s effects are euphoric, uplifting, and long-lasting. nealternatives.com. Scan this code to unlock a VIP Promotion. Offer expires 12/31/23 while supplies last.

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Awakening a Sleeping Giant Massachusetts’s craft co-op licenses are ready for big changes. TEXT ANDREW WARD PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIE BEAUCHEMIN

Massachusetts craft marijuana cooperative licenses are intended to provide local farmers access to the cannabis industry. Introduced as part of the Cannabis Control Commission’s (CCC) March 2018 adultuse cannabis regulations, cooperative licenses allow growers to come 32

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together and produce up to 100,000 square feet of cannabis plants and to manufacture, transport, and process cannabis on-site. However, in the five years since Massachusetts enacted regulations, cooperative licenses have failed to get off the ground. The obstacles

include everything from local red-tape regulations to taxes. With no farms gaining full licenses, alternative routes have been proposed as more realistic and beneficial options. Still, some don’t plan on giving up their co-op license dreams. They have compared the

licenses’ potential to “a sleeping giant” about to be awakened. A Promising Program Aspiring cooperative operators say that the licenses would benefit both small businesses and consumers seeking an alternative to major brands.

Schwartz agrees that HCAs pose one of the most difficult challenges to licensing. “I think it’s a little bit backward here in Massachusetts in the sense that the local governments don’t seem to be giving a lot of opportunities to farmers,” he says. “They create a lot of local regulations.” Other major hurdles are tax filing regulations and procuring the necessary operating capital. Under the current rules, one member of an aspiring cooperative is required to file a Schedule F tax form within the past five years of their application. “When I first met with our cannabis co-op attorney, one of the first things he said to me was, ‘You need a million dollars to start a cannabis company in Massachusetts,’” says Beauchemin. “He was right.” Beauchemin highlights Lying dormant Why has the craft co-op other problems, such as infrastructure, security license program failed requirements, banking to launch successfully? restrictions, and a lack of It mainly comes down private equity, among the to regulations, taxes, challenges facing these and capital, according often asset-strapped to CCC Commissioner cannabis startups. Nurys Camargo. DeWitt states that In terms of regulations, he points to host commu- additional local hurdles present further probnity agreements (HCA), which often include a set lems for operators. In High Dunes’ case, it has of additional municipal received its HCA from parameters businesses Truro. However, addimust meet in order to tional local parameters operate in a town. Eric Schwartz, co-founder of Somerville’s Farm Bug Co-op, also feels that MSOs dominate the industry. He agrees that the cooperative license helps small farmers, adding that customers also win. “At the end of the day, I think the consumer wants to see more of a locally-owned product,” says Schwartz. Julie Beauchemin, founder and general manager of South Deerfield’s Greenjeans Farms, adds that craft cooperative licenses offer existing Massachusetts farms cannabis opportunities. “I was born and raised in central Massachusetts, and my career has centered around clean energy and sustainability, which, in cannabis, translates to supporting outdoor-grown, sun-andsoil practices,” she says.

Dave DeWitt, a Truro-based farmer with 37 years of experience growing various organic crops and cannabis, has joined three other members along the Outer Cape in an attempt to complete the licensing of their coop, High Dunes. DeWitt worked with a Provincetown-based

cannabis advocate, the late Tim McCarthy, to ensure that craft co-ops were included in the 2018 regulations. DeWitt says that the bill helps give small farmers a “leg up” against multi-state operators, or MSOs. “It’s a great license, and it’s got the potential to be phenomenal,” he says.

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THE SCENE

“I think this one is going to have to be a team effort because I think we're going to have to think about how we pivot this license.” —Cannabis Control Commission’s Nurys Camargo

now hold up the process. He notes that his site requires a special permit and a site review plan. He alleges that several neighboring properties are now holding up the process. “As soon as we go to attempt to get those two permits from the town of Truro, the abutters weigh in and then threaten to litigate if they put a pot farm next to their property,” says DeWitt. He adds that tracking down property owners who live mostly outside the region has been an additional stumbling block. In addition to the high cost of litigation and local pushback, DeWitt believes additional burdens include outdoor testing protocols, which, until recently, prevented cultivators from using pesticides or herbicides permit-

Camargo says that while she wants to see cooperative licenses be issued, current regulatory focuses suggest that other priorities will continue to overshadow co-ops, noting that social consumption and mandatory two-person home delivery regulations were next on tap for her. Regarding co-ops, she says, “I think this one is going to have to be a team effort because I think we’re going to have to think about how we pivot this license.” Workarounds, but not In response, Schwartz everyone is on board Local rules and high cost suggests that microbusiness licenses could be an of entry leave few small alternative for aspiring farmers able to receive their complete full coop- co-ops. “I know there’s erative license. With the a lot of micros that are out there that seem to be current circumstances, CCC’s Camargo suggests operating pretty well,” he says. However, Dethat a microbusiness license may provide an Witt disagrees with this entry point for would-be workaround, noting that co-ops. a co-op license grants ted on hemp products. However, under the new governor, Maura Healey, the state Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner, Ashley E. Randle, has taken action to approve their use. Still, DeWitt says most would-be co-ops struggle between tracking down contesting neighbors, testing, and the high cost of operating and litigating. “We’re a bunch of broke farmers. It’s tough to fight.”

100,000 square feet of production compared with a microbusiness’ 5,000 square feet. Still, Camargo says that while she thinks a microbusiness license is more likely to be achieved than a craft co-op license, the market could eventually change the licensing process. “Who knows what it looks like in the next seven to 10 years and what this license turns into later on,” she says, adding that she hopes to see co-op licenses becoming viable in time. But perhaps the greatest barrier to overcoming HCAs and other local regulations is the persisting negative perception of cannabis. “The plant should be viewed as an agricultural crop,” says Schwartz. “And right now, they’re sort of viewing it as if it’s plutonium.” FA L L 2023

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D I S P E N S A RY

GREEN GOLD GROUP @GREENGOLDGROUP / GREENGOLD.GROUP

reen Gold Group started its operations in 2015 (originally known as Healthwise Foundation) and opened our ﬁrst medical dispensary in 2019. We currently offer a large variety of cannabis products including ﬂower, pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates, edibles,

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apparel, and more. At our Charlton store we offer medical patient sign-up assistance, and Marlborough will have medical soon.

Where can people find your products? We have dispensaries in Marlborough and Charlton, with a third under construction in Palmer, and we

wholesale to many dispensaries across Massachusetts.

How many employees do youhave? Over 175 between all locations

everyone. Education is something we’re passionate about as well. We placed 1st and 2nd at the Cannabis Cup and High Times last year!

Describe the key highlights and benefits of your product / service? Our production SKUs are very diverse, so we have a product for most

What was your mission at the start of your company? Our mission to provide high quality cannabis products to the Mas-

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sachusetts market has been the same from the moment the company was conceived to present day.

What made you choose to start a company in this industry? Our founder, Ralph Aronov, saw the effects of prescription drug abuse and overuse in his community, and

BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS ed, which is a rarity in our market. Due to this, we are focused on meeting the needs of our customers on a very local level. And finally, while we are Green Gold, we also have additional brands: Liquid Gold which offers more concenHow would you deWhat three things you trate based products scribe your company’s want customers to ,and Muncheas which workplace culture? know about you? offers sweet edibles We have a team-based, We are passionate for the users who want family oriented culture. cannabis people! We a sweet treat while Every department works spent years homing in together to ensure that on growing the plant to consuming. We’ve also we have everything in its fullest potential and partnered up with the multi-award winning place to reach deadcontinue to find new distillate company The lines and maximize the & innovative ways to Clear as well as country amount of product we continually improve. can get into customers We are family owned legend Willie Nelson’s hands. and vertically integrat- brand, Willie’s Reserve. wanted to offer a safer alternative. Along with his brother and sister, he founded the company to bring tested, regulated products to Massachusetts as one of the first medical marijuana companies to receive their license.

ﬁnancial support and volunteering our time; such as Earth Day cleanups or sponsoring events at an elder care facility. We believe that the best way to destigmatize cannabis is to be a good corporate citizen and good neighbor.

Describe your perfect customer. All of our customers require a diverse use and need for cannabis products so we focus on educating them in order to get them the best product possible to match their needs, whether that’s ours or

another brand. We really mean it when we say that we are committed to the needs of those we serve!

What are you looking forward to in 2023? We’re looking towards ﬁnishing the year stronger than ever!

We believe that the best way to destigmatize cannabis is to be a good corporate citizen and good neighbor.

Why do you feel your business is important to the community? Besides economic growth that comes with employment at our facilities and dispensaries, we are proud to provide the community with products that help them mentally, physically, and spiritually. With further education to the public, we’re hoping to be one of the leaders in destigmatizing cannabis. Does your business give back to your community? Every month, we are involved in several community donations, including giving back to the towns in which we are located. We’ve participated in many town events to help our neighbors, both through SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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es to launching and sustaining a cannabis business. We understand the industry’s risks and regulations, and our specialists have the underwriting experience and relationships to guide businesses through the insurance roadmap. We are strategic advisors, going beyond insurance and becoming integral to advancing and protecting a business’ growth.

Where can people find you? For the convenience I N S U R A N C E S E RV I C E S of all we are set up to help virtually, if preWe discern a business’s vices. Our agency came ferred, but we have a needs, then provide together to help these team of licensed agents recommendations and local professionals who often meet clients referrals for services @BUDRISK_INS / BUDRISK respond to the insurat their own facility. We that our clients require BUDRISK.COM ance requirements and also meet with clients to operate smoothly regulatory hurdles of of the community at and manage risk. Our a new and burgeoning our headquarters in team has developed industry. We soon beNatick, MA. Our office udrisk strives to network nationwide. expertise to identify came part of a commusits proudly over a local be the cannaWhat services or prod- problems before they nity that we love. We family owned restaubis industry’s arise, while providing ucts do you offer? are dedicated to helping rant where we treat #1 Trusted Choice for guidance to help naviWe often get called to this community grow our clients who visit us specialized insurance gate the many hurdles help businesses naviand succeed, while profor lunch or gatherings. services. We educate gate through contracts of regulatory and conactively managing risk. We truly enjoy personthe community through and regulations that tractual compliance. the insurance process Why do you feel your alizing our relationship require basic or initial What made you is important with each client and and help protect each insurance requirements, choose to start a com- business to the community? bringing our community of our client’s growth pany in this industry? The cannabis industry but our relationship together. You can find and success. In 2016, as legalization with each client goes operates in a highly reg- us online to learn more in MA was on the How many employees beyond insurance for ulated and risk-prone about the community operational and pre-op- horizon, a syndicate of does your company ecosystem. Navigating events we will be have? insurance professionals insurance coverage is erational businesses. attending nationwide We currently have 10 We continue to bring were fielding questions one of many challengthroughout the year. employees and are ac- value to our clients and concerns from their tively hiring insurance throughout the business clients in the Northprofessionals, operaeast. Most of these lifecycle, leveraging tions and administration the knowledge we gain concerned clients were roles, and marketing about each business to involved in real estate, positions to carry our strategically accelerate property management that clients’ growth. service, message and and professional ser-

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BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS want to help cannabis businesses change society and pitch that to buyers the right way. It’s important to the legitimacy of the industry, that brands are putting their customers ﬁrst and providing sufﬁcient education alongside selling their products. That’s where we come in. D I G I TA L M A R K E T I N G

How does your business give back to your community? We strongly believe that it is our duty to reach back to those that have been particularly affected by the War on Drugs, such as people of color. It isn’t right that there are still hundreds cannabis, and more. If you want to take things of people incarcerated or unable to ﬁnd work to the next level, we won’t say no to a follow due to cannabis-related crimes when the induson Instagram. try is legal and thriving Why do you feel your business is important in so many states. For that reason, we to the community? offer pro-bono services In a world where canto businesses and nabis is still stigmatized, businesses have non-proﬁts that align with our values in this the opportunity to tell their story to consumers industry, including social equity applicants, and actually get them cannabis compassion to change their minds. organizations, environThat is an incredible privilege – one we don’t mental justice groups, and the like. take for granted. We

CANNABIS CREATIVE @CANNABISCREATIVEGROUP / CANNABISCREATIVE.COM

annabis Creative began in late 2017 when the Massachusetts adult-use cannabis was up and running. It was a time when cannabis business owners were unsure how to market their dispensaries. Not only did we want to help, but with an extensive background in digital marketing, we knew we could. Cannabis Creative has always pursued excellence in cannabis marketing through regulation-informed, performance-based digital strategies that help our clients stand out from the crowd. We want to ensure that brands are ethically and efﬁciently marketing their businesses and our team specializes in doing just that.

What services or products do you offer? We are a full-service cannabis digital marketing agency, which means if it has anything to do with marketing or branding, we can do it. Services include brand identity, print and packaging design, website design and development, digital advertising, SEO, social media, email and SMS marketing, photography and videography, and just about everything in this ﬁeld. What made you choose to start a company in this industry? The opportunity to help business owners was undeniable. The medicinal beneﬁts of the plant have been known to cultures around the world for centuries. As our legislation catches up,

it’s important to us to ﬁll the gap where cannabis businesses struggle to navigate the marketing rules and regulations.

How many employees do you have? We are proud to have 29 employees from cities across the US, including Boston and Chicago. We also have countless consultants and contractors in the industry as part of our network. Considering our parent company started with our founder in his college bedroom – we’ve come a long way. Where can people learn more about you? You can binge-read all about us on our website, where we have our services, examples of our work, and lots of articles about cannabis marketing, diversity in SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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EVENTS

DIASPORA

Where can people find you? You can visit our website and Instagram to see @DIASPORA_EXP / DIASPORAEXP.COM a schedule of events, including Canna-Yoga, Policy Discussion, Gaming/Trivia Nights, Clack Underground Live Music series and other industry related events with music, food and consumption. We’re excited to announce that in 2024, Dx will also provide the DxTech platform to assists people in scheduling and executing their own gatherings Our membership performances. The top iaspora (Dx) community is where the Massachusetts Cannais a 21+ Canna-curious to the Membership bis brands have utilized O.G. can connect with Dx-infused spaces for Association (Private our community by pairing corporate network Club) that opened infused curated experimixers as well as in March 2023. Our ences with culturally rich purpose is to build com- infused social events. offerings. In 2024 Dx will munity through curated, Dx also has also partbe launching its Memnered with educational infused events via bership Program that will institutions including its multiple locations include exclusive access the Harvard Business across Cambridge and to our day time coffee the Boston Metro area. School Cannabis Club shop/co-working space, for an infused dinner, Dx has produced evening events program, educational events, and a range of infused and more. policy discussions events from wellness (canna-yoga), Cannabis (Let’s Talk Weed) all Where did the name Diaspora come from? centered around sharindustry brand activaThe term Diaspora ing experiences with tions, Comedy shows, Cannabis. Over 12,000 typically refers to the Culinary events, and large-scale social events individuals have already dispersion or scattering of people or community with full entertainment, participated in the outside of their normal sponsored events! alcohol, and live music

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traditional homeland. For Cannabis users, the negative stigma and targeted governmental enforcements has driven many of us away from our families, communities and workplaces in order to connect with the plant. Dx has created elevated spaces for the Diasporic tribe to return, convene and connect. As a Black-owned company it was also important to create safe spaces for marginalized communities that are not well represented in the Cannabis Industry thus far.

buying Cannabis, there is a shortage of elevated spaces to connect with others and share experiences. I believe my purpose in life is place-making, and this purpose is fulﬁlled for me through DX. There is no other industry outside of Cannabis where entrepreneurs of color can help shape the trajectory of an industry with one great idea and a lot of hustle.

What else does Dx offer besides infused experiences? Keep an eye on Dx as they continue to redeﬁne the cannabis What made you choose to start a com- experience. Follow them pany in this industry? online and prepare for the launch of the DxTech As the co-owner of platform in 2024. The Yamba Market and Yamba Boutique, I know future of cannabis ﬁrst-hand the challenges tech and community is evolving, and Dx is of selling Cannabis. leading the way. I realized that after

BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS R E TA I L

EASTERN CANNABIS COMPANY @EASTERNCANNABISCOMA / EASTERNCANNABISCO.COM

astern Cannabis Company is a family-owned joint that recently opened on Route 1N in Malden, MA. As a North Shore-based crew, we decided to follow our interest in cannabis culture and were thrilled to join the industry with our ﬁrst recreational dispensary in a brand-new building in May 2023.

Where can people find you or your products? Eastern Cannabis is located on Route 1 in Malden on your way heading north out of Boston, right next to Kappy’s and Glenn’s Roast Beef. Check out our website to explore our menu, and don’t forget to follow our Instagram. How many employees do you have? We currently employ about 20 people from our nearby communities and are excited to expand our team as we grow and open additional locations.

needs of our diverse customers, Eastern offers several different ordering options. Using our website is a convenient way to have your order ready for you arrive. You can also order in-store using one of our quick self-service kiosks or by speaking with one of our Budtenders. We proudly offer simple, everyday, low, prices to avoid the frustration of ever-changing deals. Customers are also invited to sign up for the ECC VIP Club which unlocks extra perks and event updates!

We saw that the cannabis industry was missing locally owned, locally minded stores, and felt that we could be the ones to provide that for our community. It was a challenge, but we’ve really enjoyed the research and preparation in the process.

Why do you feel your business is important to the community?

We understand the importance of working in and with our local community. Eastern Cannabis welcomes everyone that comes through our doors and strives to make dispensary visits simple and easy. We understand that having a retail cannabis license is a privilege and have therefore built our store with the highest regard to safety, security, and compliance.

Does your business give back to your community? The family that owned and operated Kappy’s for the last 80 years truly understands the meaning of supporting

local businesses and the community and has brought that same energy to Eastern Cannabis. We value providing employment opportunities for those in our surrounding area so we can contribute to improving the local community’s economy and culture. We’ve also teamed up with MassCultivatED in sponsoring many valuable programs. We also give back to our local and surrounding communities through staff volunteer efforts, and by simply being a good neighbor.

What is your company mission? Eastern’s owners, Scott Moore, Steve Selby, and Joe Selby have 20 years in retail ownership, and owned and operated local Kappy’s Fine Wines & Spirits. We have a passion for providing an exceptional shopping experience, and a gratifying workplace.

What services or prod- What made you ucts do you offer? choose to start a comIn order to meet the pany in this industry? SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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empowering individuals to explore cannabis’ profound potential.

H E M P/ C A N N A B I S C O M PA N Y

ERVA

@ERVAHERB / ERVAHERB.COM

ello, I’m Ruben Marques, the founder of Erva. In 2018, I established Erva with a vision to revolutionize the hemp industry. Through my own research and experience with cannabis, I realized that the medicinal properties of the plant were not being utilized as they should. Big Pharma has pushed holistic, ancient medicine out of the mainstream, so I founded Erva as a way to bring it back in style. Our hand-crafted hemp products have quickly gained recognition and can now be found in leading dispensa-

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ries throughout MA, along with our newly-launched THC line!

How many employees do you have? We are fortunate to have an ever-growing team of 9 exceptional individuals who passionately contribute to Erva’s mission. Tell us about your products. We started with hemp products, crafting exceptional tinctures, topicals, hemp ﬂower/pre-rolls, and concentrates. Now we are embarking on an exhilarating journey with our highly-anticipated THC line! The spotlight shines on Legacy Hash,

an exquisite temple ball hashish, evoking nostalgia and fascination. Celestial Oil, meticulously blending CBD, CBG, and THC, captivates with harmonious potency, inspired by the ancient Holy Anointing Oil recipe. Our Sleep Capsules’ recognition at the Harvest Cup attests to their groundbreaking sedative effects, rendering benzodiazepines obsolete. Driven by innovation and excellence, we resurrect ancient remedies for the modern world,

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What was your mission at the start of your company? At Erva, our driving force is the pursuit of health and wellness. Providing a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals is our unwavering commitment, especially amid the opioid epidemic’s impact on Boston. We prioritize accessibility, ensuring our products are available to all, regardless of financial means. Education is pivotal in dismantling the stigma surrounding cannabis. We actively engage the community, promoting responsible use for its multitude of health benefits. Our profound belief in cannabis’ transformative potential drives us to enrich lives and contribute to society’s greater well-being. What made you choose to start a company in this industry? Motivated by a passion for cannabis and its untapped potential, I set out to fill a void in

the market. By infusing traditional expertise with sustainable practices and a medicinal approach, my aim was to tackle prevalent health issues, contributing to the betterment of society’s well-being in this thriving industry.

How does your business give back to the community? At our core, we empower the community through education and medicinal support, crafting custom formulas with The Green Nurses and other donation-based companies for patients facing various illnesses. We take pride in collaborating with local start-ups, empowering them to transform their product ideas into reality. Witnessing how we can amplify the beneﬁts of cannabis through our assistance brings us great fulﬁllment. During COVID-19, our ethanol supply enabled us to produce hand sanitizer, and we donated thousands of bottles to healthcare workers and those in need.

BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS R E TA I L & G R OW FAC I L I T Y

MELLO

@MELLOCANNABIS / MELLOCANNABIS.COM / REALTALKCANNABIS.COM

chemicals that create the beautiful colors, pungent aromas and full body/mind highs of great cannabis. Studies show that cannabis that smells best to you is the cannabis that is best for you. So, we cultivate our flower based on aroma, the way cannabis has been selected by growers for thousands of years. Because of its genetic history, all cannabis strains fall into one of six categories that we call Mello Aroma Profiles; Cheese, What was your Dessert, Fruit, Gas, mission at the start of Pine, and Purple. your company? How many employees To open a dispensary do you have? with a warm, open Mello employs 25 at atmosphere, welcoming our retail store, and 23 to cannabis consumers of at our grow facility. all types, ages, and cultural backgrounds, while offering the best cannabis products available in our market.And to open a cultivation facility combining an indoor controlled climate with the benefits of a greenhouse with a clear roof, allowing the plants to enjoy the full spectrum of sunlight, and to source the finest genetics from which our cultivation team can pheno hunt for high quality Gene McCain, CEO, Mello Cannabis craft cannabis.

ello Haverhill is an adultuse dispensary and Mello Farms is a hybrid greenhouse cultivation facility, in Haverhill and Amesbury, Massachusetts. We launched in 2021 as Mellow Fellows, Ltd. and rebranded as “Mello” in 2022. We grow the highest quality cannabis at three levels of THC. Easy strains, under 20% for new or occasional users, strains for experienced users between 21% and 26% and strains 27% and up for high-tolerance and medicinal users. ALL our ﬂower, regardless of THC percentage, are robust in the cannabinoids, terpenes, and bio

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What made you choose to start a company in this industry? I previously founded Canna Provisions in Western Massachusetts, where I opened two stores and a cultivation facility. After building that company to a robust level of proﬁtability, I wanted to start a new business that would focus on industry-changing efforts to distribute and grow cannabis in a way that is most informative and helpful for the Cannabis market place.

on food security, education, and community clean-ups. Mello has partnered with Ozzie’s Kids, Mass CultivatED and The Emmaus House this year to assist families in need in the Greater Haverhill area.

Why do you feel your business is important to the community? Relegating personal use of this wonderful ﬂower to criminal prosecution was an enormous mistake. Helping to bring this ﬂower into the legal market and working through How does your all the challenges is business give back? a great service to our We give back to the community with a focus community. FA L L 2023

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game-changing. You cannot improve upon that which you don’t measure, and LightLab is a genius investment for anyone who understands what operational excellence and process analytics really means, or could mean, for their cannabis business. When we help knowledgeable growers push their harvests to peak commercial viability by monitoring cannabinoid profiles, or inform extraction teams how to dial in processes per strain, it allows them to leverage their team’s abilL A B O R ATO RY ity to learn and do better. Moreover, as the large-scale manufacturnation surges forward to ing in pharma and food AgroSciences to bring the a rescheduling/national cannabis picture, Lightscience to its users. @ORANGEPHOTONICS / ORANGEPHOTONICS.COM Lab is front and center: What is your FDA Greenlights Mobile company mission? Cannabis Analyzer To Our mission at Orange Boost Accuracy And the US Food and Drug accurate cannabinoid range PhoPhotonics is to provide Safety (forbes.com) tonics was test panels. Administration. accessible, accurate launched in scientific solutions for Does your business What makes your What made you 2015 in New London, give back to your business unique? choose to start a com- industries that need NH, where we currently Orange Photonics is pany in this industry? them. For the first eight community? The Orange Photonics manufacture instruDylan Wilks is a 3rd gen- years, we focused the analytical bridge team collects and ments and support eration spectroscopist between recreational on cannabis analysis donates basic necessiour customers. We and former NASA optics because there was a and regulatory staketies for a local facility offer the LightLab 3 solutions provider, who holders. LightLab is significant gap in the Cannabis Analyzer and agnostic and accuinvented LightLab and still data available to cultiva- that provides safe, clean its more-sensitive big leads our team as Chief rate: it gives the right tors and extractors. We housing for women and children fleeing domessister LightLab 3 High Technical Officer. In 2014, have since expanded answers regardless of tic violence. Sensitivity Cannabis Dylan recognized that the to new industries and your technical backAnalyzer, which our cannabis industry was ground or the testing testing applications. customers use to test operating without onsite application. LightLab Why do you feel your the potency of cannabis has been adopted by product testing capabili- business is important plants and products at every industry segment ties. In the years that fol- to the community? their facilities. Lightincluding hemp farmers lowed Orange Photonics In a space where “Tribal Lab is the world’s only across America, nine of truly shaped the way the Wizardry” is king, the fit-for-purpose HPLC the top ten MSOs, over cannabis industry uses ability to have any team (High Performance a dozen State Cannabis science. Jill Carreiro, member accurately colLiquid Chromatography) Control Commissions joined the team in 2021, lect potency data with and similar agencies, that any non-scientist to lead the sales team, LightLab from a simple can use for repeatable, and most recently by 12-minute test is truly using her background in

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BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS Breaking down the barriers and stigmas surrounding cannabis is a mission close to our founder’s heart.

D I S P E N S A RY

STEM

@STEMHAVERHILL / STEMHAVERHILL.COM

tem Dispensary is nestled into historic downtown Haverhill at 124 Washington St., Haverhill MA 0132. We believe that cannabis is a source of well-being and a vehicle for selfcare, which is why we intentionally source the ﬁnest cannabis to create products with purpose. We carry a wide array of ﬂower, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, vapes, and topicals. For us, it’s about building a brand that fosters inclusivity, education, and empowerment. For example,

community around legal cannabis and work to end the stigma that exists around the plant, @LITBYSTEM and it takes a community to do so! We believe in education and community activism, supporting we’ve recently intropeople and causes that duced Stem Wayﬁnder, a align with our mission. personal service geared Its not every day to the needs of the nov- you get to be a part of ice user. Consumers can a brand new industry, meet one-on-one with which is exciting. Breakone of our kind, knowling down the barriers edgeable budtenders. and stigmas surrounding Folks can learn about cannabis is a mission the plant, ask questions, close to our founder’s explore our menu and heart. “I believe in the get expert guidance on medicinal beneﬁts of products based on their cannabis and the positive wants and needs. impact it can have on Stem founder Caroline peoples lives. By creating Pineau’s experience as a welcoming and apa yoga studio owner proachable environment, plays a large role in I hope to encourage our concept of mission open conversations and and culture. Stem was educate consumers on an opportunity to build all things cannabis.” SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

There are so many ways our business shows up for our community. The economic impact that Stem has on the community through job creation and tax revenue is substantial. We also support and partner with many other local businesses to create a hub for community engagement. And, we provide education and awareness and help to dispel the myths and stigmas surrounding cannabis. We show up. We show up everywhere! At Stem, we want to be actively involved in our local community, making meaningful connections with our customers and partners. That’s why we’ve started producing our own curated experiences, bringing together people who share the love for

cannabis in unique and exciting ways. One of our most popular events was Bong & Pong, where we brought together 350 people for a day of friendly ping pong competition, community building, and an epic glass blowing experience with our friends at Witch Dr. Together, we raised 17K for the local YWCA to help support sexual assault victims in Haverhill. Another event that we are incredibly proud of is the Green Goddess Invitational. Our 2nd annual Green Goddess Invitational is scheduled for Sept 11 and 100% of the proﬁts from the event will go directly to Patriots Helping Vets, a MA based non proﬁt committed to providing veterans safe and affordable access to cannabis and helping veterans heal with horticultural therapy. We’d love to have you visit us in person, but you can also email us at info@stemhaverhill.com FA L L 2023

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SOLAR CANNABIS CO.

@SOLARTHERA @SOLARCANNABISCO @ SOLARCANNABIS.CO_MA SOLARTHERA.COM

olar Cannabis launched at the end of 2017 (originally as Solar Therapeutics due to our medical origins). Since my background was in engineering, and I’d been tinkering with advanced indoor grows for years, I really believe we took production to the “next level” at Solar.

What is your company mission? I founded Solar to manufacture premium cannabis ﬂower and products with a smaller energy footprint. I believe to create a sustainable industry we need to pioneer new ways to conserve power and utilize energy efﬁciently on site.

Tell us about your products. We manufacture many form factors as well as white label for other companies. Products include ﬂower, pre-rolls, various concentrates including vapes and solventless, and our kitchen produces some of the best gummies and chocolates in the State! All our edibles are vegan/paleo/keto friendly using a “less is more” mentality in production.

realize they can have an The moral of the story is impact on the direction that we’re trying to do right by our communities of the industry. by being responsible How does your How many employees Why do you feel your business give back to corporate citizens. do you have? business is important your community? Where can people find We employ over 200 to the community? Solar regularly partners you or your products? people! with numerous nonprof- We are physically locatSolar showcases that its! We also support our ed in Dartmouth MA, What made you choose there can be sustainlocal Police and Fire de- Somerset MA, Seekonk able and innovative to start a company in this industry? partments. Some of the MA, and Warwick, RI. ways to create canI have been a cannabis nabis products, while non profit groups involve Check out our business grower and advocate for remaining profitable. It’s veterans, others involve on our website or on years. When MA was important for people to animal rescue shelters. our socials. going legal for Medical, I felt I had to get involved in any significant way that I could.

I believe to create a sustainable industry we need to pioneer new ways to conserve power and utilize energy efficiently on site.

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BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS E-COMMERCE

WEEDMAPS

@WEEDMAPS / WEEDMAPS.COM

eedmaps allows consumers to easily search for the best weed deals near them, check out consumer reviews on products, discover new brands and products, and order for delivery and pick up through participating retailers. Consumers can download the app in IOS and Android, or at weedmaps.com. We can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @weedmaps On the Businessto-Business side, Weedmaps also offers compliant technology solutions to cannabis business and brands through Weedmaps for Business, our suite of omnichannel advertising, marketing, operations and e-commerce tools, which can be found at weedmaps.com/ business. Weedmaps’ mission is driven by our passion for the plant, with a goal of championing the truth about cannabis and standing with all who believe in open, safe and legal access to cannabis. Weedmaps was founded in 2008 by

two California Prop 215 medical marijuana patients who weren’t having any luck ﬁnding reliable, local information about cannabis products, or dispensaries. Weedmaps launched as an online directory, similar to Yelp, with an easily accessible directory of medical dispensaries to guide fellow medical cannabis patients in their own research. As U.S. state medical programs began expanding, and the onset of adult-use cannabis moved forward both in the U.S. and Canada, Weedmaps expanded to support emerging markets, eventually growing into the two-sided marketplace we provide today. And now, Weedmaps employs approximately 500 people across the U.S. and Canada, with our headquarters in Irvine, CA. We believe that our business is valuable to the cannabis community because trustworthy information on cannabis is still tough to ﬁnd, and the continued stigma of the plant also brings misinformation, especially in newer adult-use markets. At

Weedmaps, we see ourselves not just as a place to buy weed through our clients, but a place for consumers to get educated about cannabis products before they even step foot in a dispensary. Our Weedmaps News and Learn content also provides detailed, expert information on the latest consumption methods, as well as a host of how-to’s to support cannabis users regardless of if they’re beginners or expertlevel consumers. SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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Yamba Market is and has been serious about leading the cannabis culture through its local renaissance, and it shows.

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Yamba Market has received the Best Small Business Award from the Cambridge Chamber @YAMBAMARKET / INFO@YAMBAMARKET.COM of Commerce in our YAMBAMARKET.COM first year of operation, becoming a verified model for cannabis retail What is your company Market has aimed to be in Cambridge. Yamba ocal, honest, mission? and Veterana model Economic EmMarket is and has been Yamba Market was creand Blackpowerment Retailer that serious about leading ated to be the weed store Owned, with deep continues to broaden the cannabis culture for everybody, from the legacy cannabis roots, the market and increase through its local renaisexperienced connoisseur equitable opportunities sance, and it shows. Yamba Market is a true to the cannabis-curious. as we grow. home-grown original. We are highly focused What made you Co-Owner and CEO Sieh choose to start a comon creating a welcoming What makes your “Chief” Samura was an cannabis culture while pany in this industry? business unique? Army Truck Driver in the respecting the legacy of Since opening in April With deep roots in Iraq War, and has been cannabis, and changing 2022, we have quickly unlicensed and legacy a well known cannacannabis, we saw how become known for having the stigma around both. bis rights activist and We invest in diversity one of the largest connois- legalization offered an cannabis community enhanced ability to have and inclusivity as we build seur-curated, adult-use caregiver, in Massachu- our team, and constantly cannabis menu offerings a positive impact on peosetts for over a decade. work to build up and sup- in the entire state. As ple, neighborhoods, and Yamba Market is one port other brands. In our an independent retailer, communities that have of only a handful of first year all promotions Yamba Market maintains been harmed during the homegrown brands that were internal, allowing numerous relationships Drug War, and to address is dutifully living out the opportunities for growth with local and national many of the cultural vision of local licensed and development for stigmas. We wanted to brands, creating a true cannabis that voters create jobs and change “local buyers market” for future industry and marwere looking to create. ket leadership. Yamba cannabis consumers. the culture for the better.

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How does your business give back to your community? We work with other businesses, law enforcement, elected ofﬁcials, and active locals. We have held public safety, and educational meetings in our community meeting space, “Yamba Joint,” and will be organizing and promoting donations to local vet. shelters this fall. Yamba Market also worked with City Councilor Denise Simmons to remove the punitive “Impact fee” requirement for all equity-oriented cannabis establishments in Cambridge, adding to all of their bottom lines. Where can people find your business? Yamba Market is at 580 Massachusetts Ave, in the heart of Cambridge’s Central Square, known for its arts culture and progressive values.

BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS immersive experience, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive and progressive environment @NEWDIACO / NEWDIA.CO that truly represents the people of Boston. New Dia strives In addition, our locaFounded November to be an exceptional tion includes a unique 2019, New Dia is the minority-owned busi1,200-square-foot events ness, neighbor, and the East Coast’s ﬁrst and only cannabis mall. Our space that houses a benchmark for inclu11,200-square-foot brick- weekly podcast and sion and diversity within and-mortar store located upcoming artists. the marijuana indusLocated on historic steps from Fenway try. Our vision, “DiverLansdowne Street in Park is a one of a kind sity in Action” reaches experience that includes Boston, New Dia was well beyond being a marMario Kart tournaments built to serve as a one ijuana retailer. Our diveron a 14-foot LED, custom of a kind cannabis sity-centered philosophy destination for local on-site t-shirt printing, represents doing busiappearances from local and tourist consumers. ness in a responsible, celebrities and countless New Dia’s mission is ethical and compassiondedicated to revolution- ate way that gives back opportunities to win tickets to neighborhood izing cannabis retail by to communities and peoconcerts and ballgames. creating a unique and ple who have been disMALL

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proportionately harmed by the war on drugs. Part of our efforts to giving back, is ensuring our staff and ownership are reﬂective of those communities that have suffered the most. Currently, the majority of our managers and employees identify as individuals of African American or Latino decent.

Aside from our workforce, New Dia is actively engaged in local non-proﬁts and cannabis advocacy groups such as the Equitable Opportunities Now (EON) and the Parabola Center, who assist in providing education and access to minority owned business breaking into the cannabis industry.

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Dale “Rick” Thompson IN MEMORIAM:

The legacy of one of Michigan’s giants of cannabis will continue to live on. Dale “Rick” Thompson, a prominent cannabis advocate in Michigan, passed away on September 18, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of tireless activism and dedication to the cannabis industry. The 57-year-old father of three children and a grandfather died at his home with family in Flushing, where he lived with his elderly mother. He was diagnosed with colon cancer three months prior. “Rick” Thompson, here with Sensi’s Jamie Cooper, was a leader in cannabis advocacy for more than two decades.

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Thompson’s involvement in cannabis advocacy began in the early 2000s. Through his work, Thompson aimed to educate the public and destigmatize the use of medical marijuana. His efforts contributed to the passage of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act in 2008, which allowed for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. A fervent advocate for patient’s rights, Thompson tirelessly fought for the

rights of patients, ensuring their legal protections and access to safe, reliable cannabis products. He often attended Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Meetings, voicing his concerns about the regulations he felt needed to change. The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency even invited Thompson to join a consumer advocacy committee. Thompson also co-hosted the “Jazz Cabbage Cafe” podcast and regularly wrote about cannabis, including as the former editor-in-chief for Michigan Medical Marijuana Magazine, launched in 2009, and the Compassion Chronicles, an online medical marijuana publication started in 2012. When Thompson’s health began to decline, he resigned from his position on the board of the Michigan chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), which he’d held since 2014. He held his role at the Re-

demption Foundation up until his death. Aside from his advocacy work, Thompson was also a respected journalist and expert in the field. He regularly contributed articles to cannabis-related publications, shedding light on new research, policy developments, and industry trends. His extensive knowledge and ability to communicate complex information in an accessible manner helped solidify his reputation as a leading authority in the cannabis community. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve and gain acceptance, Thompson’s imprint will forever remain, reminding future generations of the importance of fighting for justice, understanding, and equality. Whether through the successful legislative battles he fought or the countless lives he touched, Rick Thompson will be remembered as a true pioneer in the fight for cannabis reform.

TOP PHOTO BY BROCK KALNASY

TEXT JAMIE COOPER