Sensi Colorado Winter 2024 by Sensi Magazine

WHAT’S U.P. IN THE 906? Michigan’s hot spots

BETTING ON THE FARM Grazing with Miraflora Naturals

C O LO R A D O WINTER 2024

BRAND CHAMPIONS

Egozi Family Farms knock out the competition

SETTING NEW HEIGHTS

Advocate Ann Brum leads the way

REDEFINING WELLNESS

Have you freed your mind today? Liberate yourself with deals on your favorite cannabis products on Weedmaps.

Must be 21+ to download the app

SHOW HOURS FRI 10 - 6 SAT & SUN 10 - 5 ADMISSION $20 BUDTENDER SAMPLING EVENT $25 MUST BE 19+ TO ATTEND

CannExpo is the ultimate gathering, bringing together Consumers, Budtenders & Retailers in a vibrant three day marketplace.

EXHIBITORS

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Licensed Producers & Retailers

Discover Exciting New Products

Craft Growers

Infused Cooking & Mixology CANNfluencer Awards & Top Bud Awards CannExpo Tournament of Champions

Edibles & Beverages Cannabis Accessories

Budtender-Retailer Sampling Event

Wellness & Beauty

Educational Seminars & Workshops

Home Growing

@cannexpotoronto

cannexpo.ca

hello@cannexpo.ca

EVENTS

CANNEXPO MAIN STAGE

Hosted by the Disciplined Stoners, CannExpo's main stage showcases the Cansell TOP BUD and Influencer Award Ceremonies, Daily Joint Rolling Competition, and sessions on cannabis and wellness. The Disciplined Stoners, led by Ellevan and Winny Clarke, offer insightful talks on mindfulness through the plant's healing lens, promising a vibe boost at CannExpo!

SAMPLING EVENT Budtenders & Retailers: The most anticipated event at CannExpo will take place each day from 12 to 2:30 pm. Over 30 brands sampling and launching new products for spring 2024 drop at OCS. Open to Cannsell certified budtenders.

CAMP CANNA AT CANNEXPO!

Blunts&Beans brings three days of camp activities, games, crafts, contests, and more. Experience the ultimate summer camp with an inclusive, intergenerational adventure for the cannabis community. Camp Canna is coming to Ontario in 2024!

TOP BUD AWARDS The Top Bud Awards is an event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work, knowledge, and passion of budtenders in the industry! Vote for your favourite at cannexpo.ca

CANNEXPO CULINARY STAGE CannExpo 2024 highlights the benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes, featuring top Canadian brands. Engage with global CannExperts, including chefs and medical professionals, through unique demonstrations and a groundbreaking culinary competition. Join us for interactive experiences that educate and entertain!

CANNEXPO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

Chef Jordan Wagman

The canna-curious are looking for familiar ways of consuming the plant, and everyone eats and drinks. Hosted by Chef Jordan Wagman, the CannExpo Tournament of Champions competition will shine a light on culinarians and mixologists, demonstrating creative ways to infuse cannabis into food and beverage.

COLORADO SENSI MAGAZINE WINTER 2024

sensimediagroup @sensimagazine @sensimag

FEATURES

Betting on The Farm

Egozi Knocks Out The Competition

Miraflora Naturals couldn’t find a hemp farm that met their production standards. So they launched their own.

Egozi Family Farms champions a different kind of brand.

DEPARTMENTS

13 FOUNDER’S NOTE 18 THE LIFE Contributing to your health and happiness 14 THE BUZZ CANNABIS IN THE 906 News, tips, and tidbits to keep you in the loop ZAPRÈS DAYS Fun snow events CANNABIS AND GUNS

Colorado proposal hopes to change permit law RAY’S LEMONADE New flavors for Michigan market PREGNANCY JUSTICE

Oklahoma group works to protect moms-to-be MUSHROOM MANIA

Massachusetts to vote for legal psychedelics CONSUMPTION LOUNGES

Here’s what’s up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

WHAT’S U.P. IN THE 906? Michigan’s hot spots

30 THE SCENE Hot happenings and hip

BETTING ON THE FARM Grazing with Miraflora Naturals

C O LO R A D O

SETTING NEW HEIGHTS

Advocate Ann Brum leads the way

REDEFINING WELLNESS

WINTER 2024

BRAND CHAMPIONS

Egozi Family Farms knock out the competition

hangouts around town SETTING NEW HEIGHTS

In Massachusetts, cannabis advocate and Joint Venture Co. founder Ann Brum helps cannabis businesses and brands market globally.

ON THE COVER

Elias Egozi goes from the ring to the farm. PHOTO COURTESY EGOZI FAMILY FARMS

58 THE END

Nevada grants conditional licenses

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EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder ron@sensimag.com Jade Kolb COO jade@sensimag.com Carolyn Scott Communications Director carol@sensimag.com Chelsea Moynihan VP of Sales chelsea@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 Allison Farley National Contributor Debbie Hall National Contributor Lucie Hanes National Contributor Matt Jackson National Contributor Elizabeth McWilliams National Contributor Gretchen A. Van-Monette National Contributor Andrew Ward 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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EXPLORE EMBODI

FOUNDER’S NOTE

Magazine published by Sensi Media Group LLC.

New Year, New Beginnings!

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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

As Sensi embarks on its 9th year in the cannabis space, change becomes imperative for us. Evolution is key to maintaining the level of value our partners have come to expect. In this issue, two significant shifts mark the beginning of a transformation that will fully blossom in our upcoming spring edition. First, we are redirecting our publishing arm with a new focus: “Redefining Wellness.” This tagline guides us as we explore cutting-edge ways in which plant medicine contributes to healthy routines for our readers and partners, even at the molecular level. By delving deeper into these topics, we aim to broaden our audience, reaching those who are intrigued by cannabis but are not necessarily daily consumers. Embracing these individuals into our local communities opens up significant opportunities for all. Second, we’ve forged a partnership with our friends at Hearst Media Group. This collaboration aims to integrate Hearst further into our local communities, adding value and creating a more meaningful impact. Sensi will now provide a range of digital products, including programmatic advertising and highly sophisticated content marketing. These tools empower us to enable small- and medium-sized companies to advertise with the precision that the largest corporations have come to expect. Remaining true to our community-based roots, Sensi will continue to host events annually, and to produce our award-winning publication and digital reach products. Now, armed with a deeper toolkit, we embark on telling new stories to better assist our partners across the country.

Evolution is key to maintaining the level of value our partners have come to expect.

Enjoy this issue, and we look forward to seeing you in the community soon.

Ron Kolb

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ZAprès Days Slopeside cannabis networking and fun ZAprès Events is hosting an exciting series of ski and snowboarding events in Colorado and Michigan this winter. Aimed at promoting community engagement and bringing industry professionals and consumers together, these events promise a thrilling day of skiing and riding, followed by an Après after-party. 14

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In Michigan, the first event is scheduled for February 5 at Highlands at Harbor Springs, and then on February 8, the action shifts to Mount Bohemia, known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking views. Meanwhile, Colorado enthusiasts can mark their calendars for April 3 at Keystone Ski Resort

and April 4 at Copper Mountain. Beyond the exhilarating ski and ride sessions, the Après after-party offers a chance for participants to unwind and celebrate the day’s escapades. Held separately from the ski areas, this lively gathering will feature music, entertainment, and opportunities

to connect with others who share a passion for winter sports. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or new to the slopes, these communityfocused events provide the perfect platform to connect with like-minded individuals and create lasting memories. To register for a ZAprès Day, visit zapresevents.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAY’S LEMONADE

Colorado cannabis consumers could soon carry concealed weapons

A gun-rights organization called Guns for Everyone is working on a ballot initiative in Colorado that would allow marijuana users to obtain concealed carry permits for guns. The proposal went before the state’s Legislative Council Staff in December 2023. The organization argues that marijuana users should have the same rights as alcohol users to defend themselves. Currently, Colorado law prohibits sheriffs from issuing permits to individuals who are not eligible under federal law, which includes marijuana users. The proposed initiative aims to change this by stating that a sheriff cannot use a permit applicant’s lawful use of marijuana as a reason to deny them a permit. If the initiative’s wording is deemed clear and reasonable, it will be accepted and titled by the Secretary of State’s office. Guns for Everyone will then need to gather 125,000 signatures in six months in order to place the initiative on the ballot. The organization wants marijuana users to be treated equally in terms of gun ownership and permits, similar to alcohol users who can legally purchase guns, but cannot possess firearms while under the influence.

BY THE NUMBERS States with the highest interest in medical marijuana, based on average monthly Google searches on the subject per 100,000 people for each state:

1. FLORIDA 2. ARKANSAS 3. RAY’S LEMONADE MISSISSIPPI MAKES ITS 4. MICHIGAN DEBUT LOUISIANA 5. SOUTH DAKOTA

6. 7. VIRGINIA 8. UTAH 9. KANSAS 10. KENTUCKY MISSOURI

SOURCE: www.leafwell.com

Ray’s Lemonade, a well-known cannabis-infused beverage brand, is set to enter the Michigan market this year. With its unique blend of refreshing lemonade, Ray’s aims to provide a new and exciting experience for cannabis enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. There will be several flavors hitting the market sometime in February or March: Original, Mango, Dragon Fruit, Huckleberry, Citrus Kush, and Pineapple. Currently sold in Washington, California, and Canada, Ray’s Lemonade is known for its commitment to quality and safety. The brand sources carefully selected premium cannabis from reputable farms, ensuring a premium product for consumers. They will distribute out of Prime Tree Farms, LLC, located in Lawrence, Michigan. Because of compliance requirements, the packaging of the product will look slightly different, as cannabis operators are not allowed to include images of fruit on packaging.

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THE BUZZ

Mushroom Mania Massachusetts voters contemplate legalization of psychedelics.

Oklahoma advocacy group fights to protect pregnant women

Pregnancy Justice, an advocacy group based in New York, has submitted an application to the Oklahoma Supreme Court requesting a halt to the prosecution of pregnant women who use medical marijuana. Lourdes A. Rivera, the president of the organization, stated that pregnancy should not strip individuals of the protections provided by the law, and it is not the role of prosecutors to manipulate or charge people based on personal biases. The group highlighted that Oklahoma's Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, which came into effect in 2019, legalized medical marijuana use for all adults with valid licenses from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. However, despite this law, investigations conducted by The Frontier revealed that at least eight Oklahoma women possessing state-issued medical marijuana cards have been charged with felony child neglect for using marijuana during pregnancy since 2019. This charge carries the possibility of a life sentence.

Excitement is brewing in Massachusetts as supporters of psychedelic treatments gather signatures for a ballot question in 2024, aiming to legalize the use of “magic mushrooms.” To secure a place on the ballot, campaigners for the Massachusetts for Mental Health Options initiative had to collect 74,000 signatures from registered voters. Impressively, they managed to submit more than 95,000 signatures for certification, drawing attention to the growing interest in alternative therapies for mental health. It could take officials several weeks to verify all of the signatures submitted. The measure would create a regulatory framework for lawful and supervised access to psychedelics at licensed facilities. It would also legalize the possession and gifting of psychedelics, such as psilocybin and ayahuasca, but it would not otherwise provide for commercial retail sales of the substances.

LIGHT UP LEGALLY IN VEGAS LOUNGES In Nevada, the Cannabis Compliance Board has granted conditional licenses for six more consumption lounges to various cannabis companies. These include Curaleaf Holdings, Green Thumb Industries, Desert Evolution, Higher* Archy, NevadaPure, and TGIG. The CCB has been steadily approving more licenses since the announcement of new regulations for consumption lounges in June 2022, with 65 licenses projected to be issued. So far, including the latest approvals, 15 conditional licenses have been granted. Many of these lounges are located in popular tourist areas like The Strip. The cannabis industry in Nevada continues to thrive, with notable developments, such as musician Future entering the market with his cannabis line, Evol by Future, in partnership with Redwood Cultivation. The opening of consumption lounges and the growth of the overall cannabis industry are expected to drive more traffic, revenue, and tourism to the state.

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COURTESY OF DISPENSARIES RACING OUTHOUSES

Cannabis in the 906 Here’s what’s up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula TEXT ALLISON FARLEY

With 84% of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) covered in plush forest, the 906 area code is home to just 3% of the state’s entire population, spanning from the eastern Wisconsin border to the mighty Mackinac Bridge. Since recreational cannabis was legalized in December 2017, the U.P. has seen the opening of more than two dozen recreational and medical cannabis facilities within its 15 counties. Here is a look at some hotter spots where you can enjoy the local sites and sample the local cannabis. Dispensaries Racing Outhouses Upper Michigan’s slew of unusual events has always been one of its greatest appeals. And perhaps nothing says unusual more than the last week of February’s Trenary Outhouse Classic (a Yooper favorite since

its origin in 1994), where attendees from around the Midwest gather in the small town of Trenary to race man-made and often hilariously themed outhouses. Local cannabis companies Dunegrass and Higher Love got involved with the event soon after opening their doors. “We knew Dunegrass would be a great fit,” says Brian Buchanan, director of tourism strategy for Dunegrass. “The event attracts nearly 2,000 locals and friends just hanging out, enjoying the frosty winter weather, and is something uniquely U.P. It’s also a way for local businesses to give back to the community since the whole thing is a fundraiser for the city.” All proceeds directly support the city of Trenary, and the cost is $20 per person to race or $3 in advance to attend. www.trenaryouthouseclassic.com

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KNOW MORE HpLVd

516-939-0808 info@scientificcell.com www.scientificcell.com/verne-bioanalytics

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THE LIFE

TOP: Elevated Exotics Summer’s End Smokeout (SESO) BOTTOM LEFT: Great Lakes Cannabis Education Conference

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY OF MICHAEL FORD; THE DELFT; NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY CANNABIS CONFERENCE

BOTTOM RIGHT: The Delft

Great Lakes Cannabis Education Conference Further north in Marquette, budding entrepreneurs and those seeking to further their education and connections can attend the annual Great Lakes Cannabis Education Conference at Northern Michigan University. The event incorporates local brand owners like Meghan Poglese of North Coast Cultivators and course leaders of NMU’s Medicinal Plant Chemistry and Cannabis Business Programs to educate ticket holders on the state of Michigan’s cannabis market, advances in canna tech, and to

give guests a networking opportunity. The conference takes place on the NMU campus and is open to the public. nmu.edu/great-lakes-cannabiseducation-conference/home

Consuming Up North Escanaba is likely to become another hot spot for Yooper Cannabis Tourism. In 2023, the city opened its doors to three additional provisioning centers and one privately owned consumption lounge and event space (after only allowing Tribal businesses to set up shop within city limits). The private event space, formerly known as The

Delft Nightclub, is now home to monthly events and get-togethers, where cannabis is not only celebrated on-site but also consumed. “We are becoming an extension of all the area dispensaries hosting various events from prohibition roaring 20s parties to comedians to live music and puff and paint events,” says James Peterson, owner of The Delft.

the grounds of Boulder Alley Disc Golf Course the weekend of August 8, 2024. Camping is available on-site all weekend, and the party keeps rolling until 4 a.m., bumping EDM beats into the night and displaying multiple impressive laser light shows. Headliners like Devin The Dude, Unity the Band, The Widdler, and Echoes of Pink Floyd have taken the stage over the past two years, along www.facebook.com/thedelft with dozens of other reA Festival in the Forest gional and international If you’re looking for live performance artists. The music and art installaevent hosts two stages, a tions, consider Summer’s half dozen food vendors, End Smokeout, Repuband cannabis sales on lic’s annual celebration of site. Hidden secret about music and cannabis, on this venue: Not only is W I N T E R 2024

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NECANN TURNS 10! March 22-23, 2024 Hynes Convention Center Boston, Ma 3 full exhibit halls 400+ exhibitors 100+ speakers & special guests THE afterparty

NECANN Cup New England Cannabis Poll

Aww, it’s our baby picture from Feb 2015 - IFKYK! For info on exhibiting, sponsoring, speaking, or attending, visit:

necann.com 22

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THE LIFE

TOP: MC3 Botanicals BOTTOM: The Stoney Moose Bud & Breakfast

it a disc golf course, it’s also on the same property as a BMX/Motocross Dirt Track.

(FROM TOP): COURTESY MC3 BOTANICALS: BUD & BREAKFAST

www.elevatedexotics.com/seso

Yooper Strains Paying homage to the area, MC3 Botanicals, based in Crystal Falls, have developed strains that tie directly into U.P. heritage, such as Amasa-AK, Frosty Yooper, and Mastodon Mama. “Our first Lead Grower, Bruce Primo, loved creating unique strains, so we were creating right from the start,” says MC3 Botanicals founder and president Sherry Smies-Evins. “Since we are proud to be in the U.P., we also wanted those strains to highlight and honor our beautiful location.” For instance, Amasa was a favorite location for Bruce, so the first custom strain was

branded Amasa-AK; and Mastodon Mama honors Mastodon Township for approving local cannabis businesses. Another local brand favorite, Frosty Yooper, pulls its title from the lovable nickname of anyone living in the U.P. (Yoopers), and has impressive trichomes on the

bud, giving it a frosty appearance. www.mc3botanicals.com

Bud & Breakfast in the Northwoods Looking for a bud & breakfast option? Check out the Stoney Moose Bud & Breakfast set to open its new relocation in Deerton at the start

of the camping season in May. The B&B offers a canvas bell-top tent perched in the middle of an overflowing flower and produce garden. The site includes cannabis tastings and fresh produce charcuteries. www.budandbreakfast.com/ properties/the-stoney-moose-farmmichigan

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BETTING ON

the farm Miraflora Naturals couldn’t find a hemp farm that met their production standards. So they launched their own. TEXT LUCIE HANES PHOTOS COURTESY MIRAFLORA

et’s face it: none of us are getting any younger. The same activities that were easy to do five years ago are bound to take more effort now and perhaps even more another five down the line. But just because our bodies change doesn’t mean our dreams of big adventure have to. Still, sometimes we might need a little extra TLC to keep our muscles supple and our joints less squeaky. That’s where CBD brand Miraflora Naturals comes in. The brand cares about more than supplying quality CBD for all the aches and pains that high-achieving humans accumulate regularly. That’s part of the motivation, but the drive doesn’t stop there.

Lay of the land Miraflora is so committed to supporting self-care that they launched their own farm to ensure they could provide the best quality CBD products. “The high majority of CBD companies pull from eight central mega hemp farms,” says Miraflora CEO Zach Glassmith. The streamlined nature of such a conglomeration offers brands easy access to the ingredients that make up their products. It makes sense from a business standpoint: minimize hassle to maximize output. But simultaneously, it removes any sense of character from the resulting products. You’re left with different names for the same product no matter where you shop. Further, mass production

carries baggage: contamination, pollution, and waste. High-yield CBD also comes at a cost to the health of both the consumer and the environment. Instead of sharing the same pond with so many other CBD brands, Miraflora started from scratch. All ingredients originate from their USDA-certified organic farm in Boulder, which the business purchased directly from the family that first received the deed for the land from President Ulysses S. Grant. “Most cars have more owners than our farm,” says Glassmith. Working from a blank canvas allowed Miraflora to set themselves up for their definition of success. Not only that, but Miraflora could use the land in good faith, knowW I N T E R 2024

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ing that it had never endured pesticides or pollutive practices, even before they came onto the scene. The practices that big-box farms typically employ don’t do Mother Earth or her population any favors. At Miraflora, the goal is to make CBD manufacturing more sustainable. Glassmith and his team at Miraflora have figured out how to tackle every possible problem on their farm with a natural solution. Instead of terrorizing the soil with manufactured fertilizer, they brought their own alpaca herd to do the job. (The alpacas are viral stars in their own right as they tell the Miraflora story on TikTok; see “Miraflora’s TikTok stars.”) Ladybugs take care of pest control in place of pesticides. Rather than lose gallons of water by the minute via easy but wasteful pivot irrigation systems, Miraflora installed individual drip systems for each plant. Local snowmelt runoff meets a good amount of their hydration quota in the first place.

Easing the pains The team does not fear hard work, only the consequences of avoiding the work that needs to be done. That’s because Glassmith knows how people work. “Those who have enough fire in them to fight for more adventures ahead will find a way to do so,” says Glassmith. As a small team of single-source hemp farmers and manufacturers, Miraflora manages to produce

an impressively wide selection of CBD goods including balms, body butter, and beverages. From skincare to mood management, the brand strives to be a one-stop shop for self-care. Several of Miraflora’s products are designed to soothe inflammation, manage pain, and rejuvenate the mind. For example, Miraflora’s sparkling +RELAX beverages balance 35 milligrams of cannabinoids

“Those who have enough fire in them to fight for more adventures ahead will find a way to do so.” —Zach Glassmith, Miraflora CEO

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We are proud to be the first bank in Michigan to help grow our local cannabis industry.

Nicole Perry

517.883.9260 NPerry@dartbank.com

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Miraflora’s TikTok stars and full-spectrum hemp flower oil with ingredients like adaptogens, ashwagandha, and L-theanine for heightened relaxation. Their best-selling CBD Tinctures and Soft Gels include MCT oil to sharpen mental focus. The Essential Serum targets inflammation with vitamin E and jojoba oil, while the Recovery Balm with infused shea butter and essential oils aromatically induces relaxation. That’s all on top of the antioxidant properties of the core ingredient, CBD, that regulate inflammatory responses, as supported in recent research on the role of cannabinoids as inflammatory agents. Miraflora has adopted a “Be Your Best, Naturally” mentality. Anything that helps you get the most out of what your mother gave you is fair game to see on their shelves. Crafting a CBD drink that doesn’t “taste like dirty bong water” (as Glassmith says with a chortle) poses enough of a challenge. Still, Miraflora’s Hemp Infusions rise to the occasion. The Miraflora team may seem too small to cast such big shadows, but they’re mighty. A strong sense of purpose goes far. Most businesses operate with the same good intention in mind: to help people feel better. But not all good intentions lead to action. Miraflora walks the walk to help keep their customers moving forward to whichever new adventures await them.

Miraflora’s herd of alpacas has a popular side hustle, as they’ve garnered quite a following on their TikTok page, Alpacas Hemping, where they share the inside scoop about life on Miraflora’s organic hemp farm. The channel’s main stars are Burrito, Irish Whiskey, and Jackson Hole. Miraflora added alpacas to their farm crew because their high-nitrogen manure adds powerful nutrients to the farm’s soil. That, and they make good eye candy. “They’re cute, sure, but they’re also essential to the hemp production process,” says chief operating officer Brent Facchinello, adding that the compost they help create allows Miraflora to operate sustainably and meet its USDA-certified organic standards. The viral TikTok videos capture the Miraflora alpacas eating, lounging, playing with their friend the farm dog, and—most importantly—doing their job of creating great manure. The clips and memes have earned them a few hundred thousand likes. Miraflora has noticed a serious uptick in customer traffic since the herd became a sensation, with Burrito and his friends now the farm’s best marketing tool. “The business wouldn’t exist the way that it does without the herd,” says Facchinello.

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Setting New Heights

In Massachusetts, cannabis advocate and Joint Venture Co. founder Ann Brum helps cannabis businesses and brands market globally. TEXT ANDREW WARD PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANN BRUM

The way Ann Brum tells it, the community has been her focus for as long as she can remember. A child of 1970s immigrants from the Azores, the archipelago comprising nine autonomous Portuguese islands roughly 1,000 miles from the mainland, Brum learned firsthand what family and community were. Like many expatriates in the United States, the family maintained a strong sense of community with immigrants from their native country. Ann’s parents and extended family helped build the Portuguese-American community in Massachusetts towns like Cambridge and Somerville. She tells Sensi that the early and ongoing exposure to community building, cultural traditions, and meager living showed her just how important community support can be. “Literally when I was in the womb, I was already

around this community—building, supporting one another, doing Portuguese traditional stuff like folk dancing and fundraising a lot of our weekends,” she says. Those foundational years helped shape Brum’s lifelong commitment to service and community. Its importance became that much more apparent in the early 1970s when Ann’s father became ill when she was 18, eventually leading to his passing. “It led me on to this journey of personal development, spiritual development, and what self-care and the most sustainable way meant to me,” says Brum. New education She studied nonprofit development, earning a certification from Boston University, and learned from nonprofits in the Massachusetts town of Braintree. Additional education included attending an herbalism school in Salem.

“When I was growing up, my parents did not grow up with antibiotics. It was folk medicine from the land that’s been passed down for years and generations,” she says. The combination of new education and traditional herbalism would shape Brum’s approach to care going forward. By her mid-20s, Brum was back in the workforce, volunteering in hospice as part of what she described as her healing journey. Volunteer work led to the next step in her career, working at Ascend Hospice. There, her work focused on developing noninvasive patient therapy programs, which included singing. The experience and learning about endof-life care helped her better comprehend staying present and what she considers the meaning of life. In time, she realized the need for increased cannabis education. Layoffs saw her time in the hospice end around

early 2016. What may be seen as a letdown provided Brum with the next opportunity in her career and healing journey—a year working in retail ops for In Good Health, Inc., the second dispensary to open in Massachusetts. In 2017, she joined the telemedicine brand MedWell Health & Wellness Centers, working on the company’s business and brand development across the state. “We created access to communities that didn’t have access to becoming a state-certified patient,” says Brum, who worked with patients from the Berkshires to Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard, and numerous other locations across the state. In her two years with the company, Brum helped establish a home visit program for non-ambulatory patients and those with various social or emotional needs. Brum tapped into her community of hospice professionals, pediatric care centers, W I N T E R 2024

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THE SCENE

helping brands market with intention. To do so, JVC offers various service levels, including improving stock imagery and content and serving as a de facto chief marketing officer if the client needs it. Brum says a company must be ready to invest in success regardless of the level of marketing help required. But the investment can only take a company so far. In many states, including Massachusetts, state and municipal regulations can often hinder or cancel the progress of a would-be brand. Brum urges marketing teams to know the rules and healthcare profesously work for a patient The following year, to counter potential sionals to help spread care provider and a the group released its setbacks while valuthe word about the state-certified dispensa- Veterans Health and ing a “hyper-localized program’s launch. ry or cultivator. Howev- Medical Cannabis Study. marketing approach,” er, she wanted to provide The results found that of she says. Raising awareness help to brands that were the 565 military veterPart of that approach In 2018, she also began planning on launchans surveyed, including goes back to community work co-founding the ing in Massachusetts. 201 from Massachusetts, building among cannabis Cannabis AdvanceAfter a meeting with an every person reported brands. Brum emphasizment Series, an effort industry colleague, she using medical cannabis es that plant-touching to raise awareness for realized that launching a to treat or help with brands should remember its Veterans Health and brand marketing agency mental health issues that ancillary brands are Medical Cannabis Study. was the solution. related to depression, not only there to collabThrough its research, In September 2018, anxiety, or panic attacks. orate on business, but the group intends to take Joint Venture Co. (JVC) The endeavors were they also can help with a “systemic approach was founded. Brum moving along and proregulations, especially of creating access and found happiness at JVC, gressing fine until the on the municipal level. choice for our veteran noting that the position pandemic. However, the “They have been in population.” allowed her to work with company survived the the community for a That same year saw plant-touching and andowntimes and is back long time,” says Brum. Brum foray into another cillary brands. In either on stable ground. Now “They know the ins and cannabis-centric vensector, her goal was to celebrating their fifth outs of the timeline, the ture. Due to state laws, build brands and comyear of operation, Brum turnarounds of things she could not simultane- munities around them. and JVC are focused on getting approved.” W I N T E R 2024

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LOCAL I COLORADO

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THE COMPETITION Egozi Family Farms champion a different kind of brand. TEXT DEBBIE HALL PHOTOS COURTESY EGOZI FAMILY FARMS

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ments. This is back in 2010, long before medical marijuana was even being talked about in Florida.” Elias would pivot into Florida’s political scene and eventually take the role of State Director for United for Care, an advocacy group behind Florida’s Amendment 2 in 2016. “We began to pay attention to medicinal cannabis,” says Egozi. “We started with patient advocacy and then you ask Elias Egozi, owner and into the political realm to legalize founder of Egozi Family Farms, cannabis in Florida.” The amendwhat words might describe his ment was passed, developing a approach to cannabis, “dedication” and “passion” come to mind. legal medicinal cannabis program in Florida. “Unfortunately, Egozi is a vertical, single-source most people, including us, were cannabis company focused priced out of participating in the on cultivation and solventFlorida cannabis market,” continless extraction. Their hands-on approach and intense attention to ues Egozi. “That’s when I moved to California and began to get my detail warrant their reputation of delivering premium quality canna- feet wet, so to speak.” After moving to Colorado in 2017, bis at an affordable price. Elias entered the world of mixed Egozi is the family name of the martial arts (MMA) by joining founder and owner, Elias Egozi, Elevation Fight Team—the squad who moved to Denver in 2017 behind UFC champions Justin seeking more precise and more Gaetje, Kamaru Usman, and Cory straightforward cannabis regulation after spending three years cul- Sandhagen, to name a few. “The tivating in Northern California—a overlap between MMA and cannamuch different regulatory climate bis was very surprising to me,” says Egozi. “I thought I would be an outthan Colorado, especially from cast in the sport because of my con2014 to 2016. The company is sumption habit, but I found I was family-owned and operated, and actually amongst friends.” in February 2023, they expanded, Egozi’s cultivation team relies opening Alto Dispensary. on every controllable factor, The family name is associated with unity, advocacy, and care. The including the plants’ genetics, veins of advocacy run deep, begin- watering and dry back cycles, nutrient cycles, environmental ning with the matriarch of the controls, and pest controls. The Egozi family, Karen Basha Egozi, Egozi team follows a strict schedPresident and Chief Executive ule and avoids non-organic pest Officer of Epilepsy Alliance Florida. “Patients would ask about control methods. Their flower is CBD and Charlotte’s Web (a strain grown in a hybrid soil, blending developed by crossbreeding canna- unique sources of nutrient input with streamlined processes. bis with industrial hemp) treat-

“I THOUGHT I WOULD BE AN OUTCAST IN THE SPORT BECAUSE OF MY CONSUMPTION HABIT, BUT I FOUND I WAS ACTUALLY AMONGST FRIENDS.” –Elias Egozi, owner and founder, Egozi Family Farms

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“It is not rocket science, even though some people would have you believe that,” says Egozi. “Our procedures include extreme cleanliness, consistency, and attention to detail from start to finish. We master fundamentals and consistently perform them very well.” As for developing strains, the company’s in-house breeding program has begun working to discover, develop, test, and implement new genetics that express unique characteristics in structure, color, smell, taste, and effect. “What keeps our team excited is finding new expressions of genetics that haven’t been discovered yet. That keeps everyone motivated, creative, and excited, chasing the newest, coolest, and most flavorful strain.” Egozi’s cutting-edge approach to creating their extracts involves using ice, water, heat, and pressure to make them completely solventless. This ensures the hash is potent, pure, and a more

health-conscious option. The company is particular about its quality standards, providing only the finest input materials and quality controls on every product. Their team will never release anything that uses chemical solvents, as solventless extraction produces a cleaner product and eliminates the risk of residual solvents remaining in the final product. Solventless also contributes to a better plant expression than hydrocarbon or solvent-based extraction. It naturally preserves the trichomes without disturbing or altering their original terpene profile. This is evident in the effects produced by hash rosin, which closely resembles the effects of flowers. All Egozi flowers used to make concentrates are hand-harvested and hand-trimmed with a prolonged cure. “It takes more time but contributes to a more potent and favorable end product,” says Egozi. A low-and-slow cure is also used to process the hash instead

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of a sped-up heat cure, contributing to terpene preservation, expression, and stable shelf life. Egozi is committed to consumer education, providing educational terpene booklets with packaging and informative pop-up displays at dispensaries. Consistency is vital, so the focus remains on delivering a reliable and affordable option for customers while educating the market and bringing overall awareness to cannabis and its intricacies. The Egozi goal is for a genuine connection with the people they serve. After witnessing the corporate world of cannabis that developed in Colorado and across the country, Egozi wanted a different feel for his brand. He wanted consumers to know who created,

developed, and put their lives into the Egozi brand and its products. The concept is always to be transparent about where the product comes from, how it’s made, and who is behind it. “We want to continue to serve the community and culture that brought us here in the first place while offering high-quality, clean, safe products at affordable prices,” says Egozi. “We want to ensure that the culture and values that created the industry we all love remain in place through the changes we are experiencing and the prevalent political pressures. We hope our passion and dedication come through in everything we do, from products to packaging, operations, and community participation.”

EGOZI WANTED A DIFFERENT FEEL FOR HIS BRAND. HE WANTED CONSUMERS TO KNOW WHO CREATED, DEVELOPED, AND PUT THEIR LIVES INTO THE EGOZI BRAND AND ITS PRODUCTS. W I N T E R 2024

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CANNABIS GOLF LEAGUE

others perceive it as dangerous, which adds a lot of challenges. This often results in the industry relying on cold calls and unsolicited drop-ins, which, more often than @CANNABIS_GOLF_LEAGUE / CANNABISGOLFLEAGUE.COM not, lack the personal touch crucial for building trust. Additionally, our What is the name of What services or prod- to join forces, give us interactions at events ucts do you offer? your business and a shout! Our specialty when did you start? or conferences can be We organize a series is bringing community Five years ago, we limited to short conversaof networking events together. Creating real, started the Cannabis tions and the swapping aimed at fostering genuine connections Golf League with just of business cards. connections. Whether and to foster authentic a couple of calendar Translating these brief you grab an individual relationships has always invites and a not-soconnections from an ticket for our regular organized weekly golf event to the golf course season golf games and been at the heart of game. Fast forward can be transformative. let us match you with a what we do. to today, and it’s The golf course can group, or you’re eyeing What made you turned into something choose to start a com- serve as a catalyst for bigger collaborations, way bigger than we our goal is to create net- pany in this industry? turning fleeting introAs anyone in the MJ ever imagined. You ductions into in-depth working events where industry can attest, can find us online at dialogues that could real business gets establishing a business cannabisgolfleague.com. done. Partnering with potentially birth your goes beyond mere For all the latest on our other cannabis brands next great partnership. entrepreneurship. events, sign up for our is also our jam – it’s a Why do you feel your Starting a journey in the business is important newsletters and make great way to spotlight MJ industry is complex. to the community? sure to follow us on different companies. If While many view the Instagram @cannabis_ you’re thinking of hostAt the CGL we recognize ing an event and want golf_league. that bringing people plant as medicinal, SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

together is the bedrock of any thriving community. By curating events where professionals from all sectors of the industry can connect, we lay the foundation for a myriad of business relationships and synergies that might have otherwise remained undiscovered. The essence of the cannabis industry is deeply rooted in relationships, understanding, and community. And in this context, we do more than just host events – we foster the relationships that truly deﬁne and drive our vibrant community forward.

Does your business give back to your community? Absolutely! Recently, we produced a tournament in collaboration with Colorado Leads, an incredible organization driving cannabis policy and connections within our industry. From this event, we were proud to support the Denver Assessment and Intake Diversion Center, aiding individuals in ﬁnding their footing after being released from jail. Additionally, a portion of our proceeds was donated to Realm of Caring, which is an organization that means a lot to us. With every tournament we organize, our overarching goal remains consistent: to harness the spirit of community and the ability to give back. W I N T E R 2024

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E X T R AC T I O N S

CO2LORS

• Our 1g refill syringes come with measurements on the side and a precision tip for easy @CO2LORS / CO2LORS.COM refills, drawing lines on rolling papers, or infusing pre-rolls. • Our cartridges have What is the name of Solution, Medicine Man, an airflow valve so your business and Lightshade, Starbuds, when did you start? you can completely Emerald Fields, Nature’s Evolab was founded personalize your expeHerbs and Wellness, in 2011 by a team of rience! Have it open and Igadi locations. chemists, physicians, for a smoother, easier and product developers How many employees pull that won’t irritate does your company to bring clean Co2 exyour throat or cause a traction to the Colorado have? coughing attack. Close market. We started here The Colorado team has it up for a stronger, in Denver, Colorado and 30 employees across the deeper pull for immewholesale department. introduced the Co2lors diate effect and large Brand to our Brand vape clouds. They are What services or prodlineup in 2017. Co2lors ucts do you offer? also refillable All Co2lors flavors are quickly took off due to We have 10 permaits unique flavor profiles made with all-natural nent flavors: Apricot, plant terpenes, canna- Blueberry, Cosmic and clean extractions and has become one of bis terpenes, and 100% Apple. Grape Dreams, cannabis oil. Nothing the most popular vape Strawberry Lemonade, synthetic or artificial brands in Colorado! In Strawnana, Sweet Melfact, the Co2lors Sweet is ever used. They are on, Watermelon, White available in the follow- Cherry, and Wild Berry. Melon flavor is the most popular vape sold ing hardware: Keep an eye out for our • 1g AIO, 0.3g AIO, 1g rotating limited-edition across Colorado. refill syringe, and a seasonal flavors! Where can people find 0.5g cartridge you / your products / • Our AIOs (All-In-One) What was your your service? mission or purpose are rechargeable and at the start of your We are in over 250 refillable disposables. company? dispensaries across the The best of both We wanted to create state including LivWell, worlds! the cannabis indusSilver Stem, The Green SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

try’s ﬁrst clean Co2 extraction technology to preserve the ﬂavors, aromas, and experiences that we love so much about the plant while pushing the limits of cannabis science to deliver only the purest experience and taste.

cannabis can feel very intimidating, and people are often overwhelmed with all the options on the market. Co2lors is an easy-to-use, fun, and ﬂavorful vape option. Consumers can expect and depend on our consistency. Plus, not everyone enjoys the taste of cannabis, but they may still want the beneﬁts and experience that comes from cannabis. We offer several different vape options in our product lineup to ensure that every consumer is covered.

Does your business give back to your community? Yes! Two of our most recent initiatives What made you choose to start a com- were in support of our pany in this industry? LGBTQIA+ community and the environment. In 2011, the cannabis industry looked very dif- For PRIDE this year ferent than it does now, we released a limited-edition flavor under and there weren’t a lot of options in the market our Co2lors line called Rainbow Reign, and we for vapes that focused donated to the Center on clean extractions. on Colfax here in DenCo2 extraction was ver. We also donated to relatively unknown at that time, and we knew Pike Peak Pride in CO Springs for their Club based off our research Q Memorial. On Earth that we could develop Day, our team joined a products that focused on preserving the flavor community group in a day-long river clean-up profile of the plant. initiative, and together Why do you feel your business is important we were able to help clean up miles of the to the community? We feel that it is import- Colorado River in downant to have high-quality, town Denver. With all the waste that can clean, and accessible options to choose come from the cannabis from when it comes industry, it’s important to cannabis. We know to us to do our part that for many people, where we can. W I N T E R 2024

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CANNABINOIDS

MC NUTRACEUTICALS @MC NUTRACEUTICALS / MCNUTRACEUTICALS.COM/

What is the name of your business and when did you start? MC Nutraceuticals. We started in October of 2020. Where can people find you / your products / your service? mcnutraceuticals.com Facebook and LinkedIn: MC Nutraceuticals How many employees does your company have? We happily employ 50 people at this time. What services or products do you offer? We have 42+ Different cannabinoids for bulk wholesale. We also provide consulting, white labeling, custom

blends, international services, and third-party analytical testing. We’re committed to providing world class customer service. We also provide overnight air shipping on orders of $1,000. The main cannabinoids we work with are CBD, CBG, CBN.

an effect in the political landscape by bringing about the correct regulations in order to protect our industry in the future.

bringing trustworthiness and transparency through our practices. We ensure all of our products are third party full panel tested to ensure safety to our brands and ultimately the end users can enjoy the products the way they are intended.

focuses. We are giving back by working directly with American Healthy Alternatives. One of our biggest focuses is the proper regulation of cannabinoids. We have donated money and time to this cause that we believe deeply in. This industry is always ever changing so working to for this cause allows us be on the forefront of the industry.

Does your business give back to your community? Giving Back has become What made you choose one of our biggest to start a company in this industry? Our founder was We hold the industry to brought in to help turn around a distressed a higher standard buy What was your mission or purpose at the start CBD processor. After bringing trustworthiness of your company? accomplishing that, he and transparency through Our mission is to bring saw the opportunity for transparency and minor cannabinoids to our practices. trustworthiness through be the front runner of —Bret Worley, CEO third party testing to an the industry. And away industry where this was we went. lacking constancy. Third Why do you feel your party tested quality business is important to the community? products ensures product safety to consumers. We hold the industry We also wanted to have to a higher standard by SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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G R OW E R S

SMOKEY’S CANNABIS CO.

skus that are in the R&D stage but in the current industry environment we are waiting for the perfect time to roll those out. Right now we want @SMOKEYSLIVINGSOIL @SMOKEYSCANNABIS / SMOKEYS420.COM to focus on what we do best, which is cultivating amazing flower and being innovators in the What is the name of corner, it is hard to stick reading a book. We want organic pre-roll space. your business and to provide a product that What does your future to your guns and say, when did you start? look like? “we are not giving up on is beyond organic and We are Smokey’s CannaSpreading the imporhas terpenes and cannathe dream of growing as bis Co. and we’ve been tance of regenerative binoid profiles that can nature intended”. operating since 2009. agriculture is definitely only come from a living Why is sustainability soil environment. Why is our company a major focus as many important to you? important? For us, a healthy plant What do you do best? people still do not know I love that we have what living soil means means a healthier end Our best sellers are never taken the easy or how growing in dirt product and aligns with our “Little Smokey’s” road, even when what with salt based fertilizer our focus on an active multi-packs which are we are trying to do consumer as a target .25 gram pre-rolls. They is not the same thing as seems bat crazy. When market. We know that living-soil-grown. We are perfect for that the price per lb is so are actively looking for self-care is vital in active consumer and dirt cheap there are no individuals and comtoday’s world and part my personal favorite. margins it would have panies that align with of self care is watching However, our Smokey’s been easy to give up our what we consume when Select packaged flower our mission to advance focus on sustainability we are doing the things is probably our best kept small batch organic and clean cannabis. cannabis. We have we love and that make secret. It is in a Tree Growing in soil takes a been in business since us happy. For some that Hugger Glass Jar and lot of love and attention. is getting together with a Sana Ocean plastic 2009 and have actively When pricing pressures friends, for others it is worked on educating lid which seals in the freshness. We have new consumers and fellow yoga or hiking or just are backing you into a 54

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stakeholders by teaching cultivation classes such as the one provided by the Color of Cannabis. We are also excited to be fundraising capital for some major innovations in our processes.

Where can people find you/ your products/ your service? We have to give a huge shout out to all of our awesome partnered dispensaries here, who are too numerous to mention. Our “Little Smokey’s” stash packs can be found all over Colorado (Northern CO, Southern CO, Denver, the mountains, and even the Western Slope). We are really lucky to be increasing our sales when even just surviving within the cannabis industry has become incredibly difﬁcult for small companies. We are thankful to have great products, great people, great partners, and great customers!

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BUD & MARY’S @BUDMARYS @BATCHEXTRACTS / @BUDMARYCOMPANY

What is the name of your business and when did you start? Bud & Mary’s. We started in 2017. Where can people find you / your products / your service? You can ﬁnd us all over - we are in hundreds of dispensaries in Colorado! You can ﬁnd us at budmary.com and batchextracts.com. What services or products do you offer?

We create amazing cannabis products. We offer ﬂower, vapes, and TheMyx (powdered THC), creams, and tinctures.

What was your mission or purpose at the start of your company? Our company was initially founded as a research company. Our focus on science drives our research which drives us to create incredible cannabis products. We

are vertically integrated, so we control every part of the process from seed to sale. Bud & Mary’s is a multi-generational family-owned and operated company with a rich history rooted in decades of plant science. Our core values reﬂect who we are as a brand – a company built on longevity and family values. We take great pride in being a 3rd generation,

locally-owned family business. Our ongoing mission is to cultivate good vibes everywhere.

awareness to cannabis consumers statewide and providing ﬁnancial support to diverse stakeholders, including Does your business BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and give back to your community? other underrepresented We are very active in giv- communities. Through ing back to the commuour annual product nities we serve. With the drops and partnerships Aware-N-Us campaign with nonproﬁt organizaour focus is on promoting tions and communities, diversity, equity, and we celebrate diversity inclusion (DEI) in the can- and work to advance nabis industry by bringing social change!

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MJBizCon Meeting and greeting at MJBizCon 2023

This past December, the Sensi team joined the top luminaries of the cannabis industry at the 12th annual MJBizCon, the country’s largest cannabis conference and expo. The 2023 event, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Dec. 3-6, hosted more than 30,000 cannabis entrepreneurs, 1,400 exhibitors, and 100plus industry speakers. Sensi helped to kick off the event with a pre-conference party hosted in conjunction with Hearst Media, with 750-plus people in attendance. The conference also hosted several pre-show forums. One of the high points was the reMind

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Psychedelics Business Forum, which brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, policymakers, and healthcare professionals at the forefront of the rapidly evolving psychedelics marketplace. “Having spent five years immersed in plant therapies within the cannabis markets and having heard numerous impactful stories of how these therapies positively affect individuals in their daily lives, it was a truly enriching experience to participate in the reMind conference for two days,” says Chelsea Landow-Moynihan, VP of Business Development for

Sensi. “I had the opportunity to listen to people from around the world share the various benefits of psychedelics in their everyday lives and healing journeys. It was apparent that I was witnessing a renaissance on more natural therapies.” Another standout pre-show event included the MJBiz Women in Leadership Forum, offering round table discussions and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The International Cannabis Bar Association led

a cannabis law session to explain how cannabis startups can build the right professional team to help them succeed in all facets of business, from licensing and branding to intellectual property and banking. MJBizCon ended with its black-tie international cannabis awards, the Emjays, where Sensi founder and publisher Ron Kolb was one of the award presenters. Don’t miss out on the 2024 event. It’s the place to be for every kind of cannabis connoisseur.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIE WEST, PEACEFUL EVENTS.

TEXT MATTHEW SOLAN