Sensi Magazine Colorado - Fall 2022

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THE SCENE

PHOTO BY JENN STATE

EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder ron@sensimag.com

Stephanie Graziano CEO stephanie.graziano@sensimag.com

PUBLISHING

Jamie Cooper Market Director, Michigan

Richard Guerra Market Director, Massachusetts

Jake Boynton Market Director, Massachusetts

Nancy Reid Market Director, National

EDITORIAL

Jen Bernstein Executive Editor

Gregory Frye National Contributor

Debbie Hall National Contributor

Hudson Lindenberger National Contributor

Bonnie Pipkin National Contributor

Will Brendza Contributor, Colorado

Christine Watkins Contributor, Colorado

Sara Brittany Somerset Contributor, Massachusetts

Eric Hoppes Contributor, Michigan

Elizabeth McWilliams Contributor, Michigan

Tracy Ross Contributor, Michigan

Matt Dinger Contributor, Oklahoma

Addison Herron-Wheeler Contributor, Oklahoma

Mike DiPaola Copy Editor

DESIGN

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director jamie@emagency.com

Rheya Tanner Art Director

Wendy Mak Designer

Josh Clark Designer

Andrew Ontko Designer

PRODUCTION

Jade Kolb Social Media / Global Recruiting

Neil Willis Production Director

Richard Guerra Digital Production

MEDIA SALES

COLORADO

Nancy Seidel Media Sales Executive

Amy Sharp Media Sales Executive

Tyler Tarr Media Sales Executive

MICHIGAN

Eric Lutey Media Sales Executive

Kyle Miller Media Sales Executive

Will Oostendorp Media Sales Exec.

Leah Stephens Media Sales Exec.

OKLAHOMA

Levi Clark Media Sales Executive

Samantha Grigsby Media Sales Exec.

Leidy Torres Media Sales Exec.

PUERTO RICO

Piper Emory Media Sales Executive

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

NCRMA Risk Management

ADVISORY BOARD

COLORADO

Colorado Cannabis Company THC Co ee

Concentrate Supply Co. Recreational Concentrates

marQaha Sublinguals + Beverages

Source CO Wholesale Consulting Terrapin Care Station

Recreational Dispensary Uleva Hemp Products Witlon Inc. Payroll Processing

MICHIGAN

Arono Law (Craig Arono )

Licensing Law Firm

Cannabis Counsel Cannabis Law Firm

Etz Chaim Attestations

Grapp Lerash Accounting/CPA Services

Great Lakes Natural Remedies

Lakeshore: Provisioning Center

Kush Design Studio

Cannabis Facility Design & Build

Northern Specialty Health

Upper Peninsula: Provisioning Center

Pure West Compassion Club Caregiver Connection & Network Rair Medical Flower

MASSACHUSETTS

Corners Packaging Packaging

Green Goddess Supply

Personal Homegrown Biochamber

The Holistic Center

Medical Marijuana Evaluations

Revolutionary Clinics Medical Dispensary

Royal Gold Soil

Tess Woods Public Relations

Public Relations

Vantage Builders Construction

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Finding reason in the season … to everything

turn, turn, turn. I’ve always been inspired by the beauty of fall. How Mother Nature dips her brush and paints a canvas of trees in a dazzling array of cranberry, golds, and greens. But as she stands back admiring her masterpiece, change is already on the way. From these breathtaking and inspiring moments of autumn, soon comes a time of reflection when the winds shift course and usher in winter.

With fall comes harvest, and a season of preparation. We dutifully take down our plants after months of tender care, then patiently wait as we cure and mature to perfection, and, perhaps in anticipation of a long winter, stockpile our headstash.

Just as we’re welcoming new changes in our grows, we celebrate the next evolution of the garden grown here in the pages of Sensi. Since May, I’ve had the pleasure of rolling up my sleeves and joining the talented team tending to the publication’s growth – and it’s remarkably true that one reaps what one sows. It’s an honor writing this letter to you knowing that under the guidance of the leadership team, this magazine will bear the cannabis industry’s fruit for many years to come – and I’m excited to see what each season will bring.

FACEBOOK

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.

So, as the seasons change, so do we. I hope you find pleasure and purpose in this annual shedding of leaves, and find a reason this season to turn over a new leaf.

Gratefully yours,

INSTAGRAM

Pretty things, pretty places, pretty awesome people: nd it all on @sensimagazine

Jen Bernstein @nycjamgal

Just as we’re welcoming new changes in our grows, we celebrate the next evolution of the garden grown here in the pages of Sensi.

VEGAS, BABY!

MJBizCon2022 draws the who’s who of cannabis to Sin City this November.

If you’re one of them, have fun! But don’t limit that fun to the showroom oor.

The largest cannabis expo, MJBizCon, returns, bringing the biggest and brightest to Las Vegas from November 15-18. Even with the best planning and squeezing in every moment to walk the expo, meet the canna-leaders, engage with other attendees, and gather knowledge, four days can be (almost) overwhelming. Along with the parties, valuable networking, and glitz of the Strip, this all-encompassing event expands boundaries in a mind-blowing experience away from the expo.

At the end of day, with your free conference tote bursting at the seams and your pockets stuffed with business cards, where can you go to decompress and find some peace and serenity? Fandom abounds in Vegas for those still obsessed with Princess Diana. Art lovers can surround themselves with culture, including art by Van Gogh or da Vinci, before heading back into the frenzy.

If you’re interested in exploring another side of Sin City, Sensi has uncovered some of the latest

offerings outside of the conference to renew your spirit. Join us as we peel back and discover the layers that make Las Vegas a number one travel and vacation destination.

PHOTO COURTESY OF

STRIPPED BARE

Skip the insanely-famoussuperstar residencies in favor of these Vegas originals.

BY THE NUMBERS

$25 BILLION

US total legal sales of cannabis in 2021.

LIGHT SHOW: Lights, motion, dance, and color create the show iLuminate at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod. Figures from another dimension, outlined in vibrant LED lights emerge from complete darkness, bringing enlightening energy of joy, sadness, friendship, and hope. The nightclub on stage, with rays of light and love streaming across the dark, celebrates the very human dance on every level.

iLuminate / The Strat Hotel, Casino & Skypod thestrat.com/entertainment/featured/iluminate

RECKLESS ROCK: The Rat Pack played the Strip in the early ’60s. But with its residency at Sahara Las Vegas, the group Reckless in Vegas brings them roaring into the 2020s by reimagining iconic pop tunes as classic rock songs. Frontman and lead guitarist Michael Shapiro calls Las Vegas his hometown, which must be why the band so perfectly captures the never-ending energy of the city and the musicians who gave it life over the years.

Reckless in Vegas / Sahara Las Vegas / recklessinvegas.com

50 TH

Nebraska’s rank among all US states for kind cannabis laws.

$24 MILLION

New Jersey’s cannabis revenue in its rst month of sales.

2.5

Maximum number of grams of hard drugs— opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA—to be decriminalized in British Columbia’s 3-year pilot project starting in 2023.

A World Away

Transformative yoga, art, golf and more at Area15.

Minutes from the Strip, Area15 transports guests into a surreal, immersive playground with art, music, attractions, amusement, culture, and culinary delights. This is the place to see, touch, and feel.

For the social media minded, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to take sel es against the backdrop of 360-degree panoramic views of the Strip on Lifto , an open-air balloon ride tethered to a pole that takes guests 130 feet into the sky. At night, surrounded by the estimated 12 million neon lights on the Las Vegas Strip in the distance, you’ll groove on this amazing creation in the desert.

Let’s face it: walking, standing, talking, engaging, and keeping it all organized can suck the energy right out of you. Trade the stress of the day with stretching, focused breathing, and movement to re-energize and rejuvenate, especially surrounded by the dreamlike environment.

Relax and revitalize with Yoga and Wellness with Dray. Explore non-ordinary states of consciousness, but do it consciously with Frequency Breathwork, modulated breathing that creates a psychedelic experience through the power and safety of your own oxygen supply.

Incorporate movement, meditation, and sound bath healing at the Sacred Lounge.

JONES SODA CO.; BY RUSSELL FERRER; COURTESY SUNDAY SCARIES

L I F T E D L I Q U I D

For 25 years, Mary Jones craft soda has generated buzz by printing a fan-submitted photo on every label. Now Jones Soda Co. is creating buzz of a di erent kind. A cold soda has always hit the spot, and adding spirits adds that tingle that tickles the tongue and the brain. But elevating that drink even further is a growing market. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global cannabis beverages market is projected to grow from $915.06 million in 2021 to $19.1 billion in 2028.

Mary Jones’ new infused sodas (available in Berry, Lemonade, Green Apple, Orange Cream, and fan-favorite Root Beer) comes in 12-ounce bottles with a 4-pack carrier to bring to a party and share with friends. Take a sip and decide for yourself if you’re ready for the zzy lifting drink of the future.

Mary Jones 10mg Cannabis-Infused Soda / gomaryjones.com

Lose the Blues

Weekends are the best and then … they end, and everyone dreads those Sunday night blues. Turn to Sunday Scaries, CBD stress-relief products to help defeat the impending doom of the impending work week.

Start your day zenned out on Vegan CBD gummies, or end it with Big Spoon CBD Sleep Oil inducing a refreshing slumber. Need both? Have your cake and eat it with the Side Piece bundle of each product. Cheer the coming week, enjoy the weekend, and chill.

Sunday Scaries sundayscaries.com

(Check website for availability.)

After working the conference oor all day, it is totally therapeutic to go throw something to get the stress out. Release that frustration with ax throwing at Dueling Axes, featuring 18 throwing lanes and a full-service bar (just be careful with those sharp blades around your coworkers!).

Enjoy Five Iron Golf, an urban indoor golf experience with teaching professionals, golf simulators, and a full bar. Golf is back and bigger than ever! Embrace your inner child at Emporium by getting lost in new and classic arcade games (while imbibing like an adult at the bar).

Surround yourself with art and culture, including Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, known as “America’s Most Exceptional Grocery Store.” In what appears to be a nondescript market, labels such as Impact Corn, Caltucky Freedom Glaze, and Americanized Beef will change that perception. Continue the surreal by entering into Wink World: Portals Into The In nite, created by Chris Wink, co-founder of Blue Man Group. Explore di erent dimensions that bend the mind as theatrics, art, music, and technology explode in cataclysmic layers. The out-of-body inspirational experiences will motivate you to hit the ground running the next day, ready to expand your horizons in business, pleasure, and consciousness. Step into this space and you step through a gateway into a world of inspiration and transformation.

Area15 / 3215 S. Rancho Drive / area15.com

COURTESY

Explore di erent dimensions that bend the mind as theatrics, art, music, and technology explode in cataclysmic layers.

BOX BROWNIE BUZZ

Want a brownie that’ll blast you to the moon and back? Look no further than I Heart Jane’s Hot Box Brownies. They come with a pre-made pack of brownie mix, a 100mg bottle of THC concentrate (yes, it’s A LOT) and instructions. Just add water (maybe a little melted butter if you’re feeling gourmet), and toss it in the oven. The result will blow your taste buds—and your mind—into the stratosphere.

CAMPGROUND CHIC

This camper is your new stylish travel buddy.

Trailers have been in need of an upgrade for a while. They’re all made using chintzy materials, extremely heavy, and don’t have that air to make you stand out in the campground. These were all the problems that Tracey Canaday saw in car-towed tiny trailers, and which he set out to solve himself.

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, Canaday’s Colorado-born camper crushes the competition. Its style is classy, homey, and comfy, and it comes with solar panels, an outdoor shower and an attached awning. It’s like hooking up a hip living room/bedroom to your car and hitting the road. And as light as they are (only 1,500lbs), almost any vehicle with a hitch can pull a skyview to just about anywhere. Where to? That’s up to you.

Skyview Campers / skyviewcampers.com

Ice cream is exquisite. What a pity it isn’t illegal.

—Voltaire

Life is Jort

Ripton and Co is bringing back denim shorts, to the delight of athletes and dads everywhere.

“Performance jort” is not a term often thrown around. At least, it wasn’t until Ripton and Co hit the scene. Started by a small group of Colorado mountain bikers and skiers dedicated to getting out there with high-tech gear and looking fly as hell while doing it, Ripton is a confluence of all you could ever want from a pair of active legwear. Their proprietary fabric is 80% denim, stretches three ways, and is quick-dry and super-soft, stitched together into the most comfortable pair of denim shorts ever. Not to mention that anywhere you wear them—spring skiing, summer bike riding, rock climbing, or river rafting—you’re going to be the envy of the great outdoors. People are going to ask where you got those sweet athletic jorts, because denim isn’t all that common in the outdoor sports world. But, “Life is Jort” (as their slogan avows) so you might as well rock on in denim.

Ripton & Co Performance Denim / riptonco.com

Better Call Lenny

How Leonard “Lenny” Frieling went from associate district judge to staunch defender of cannabis legalization.

The year was 2009. The City Council of Lafayette, Colorado was on the verge of passing a law that would increase the max penalty for simple marijuana possession (which was still illegal at the time) from $100—the state standard—to $1,000 and a year in jail.

It was a measure that associate judge Leonard Frieling found repulsive. One that o ended his morals and seemed a “ridiculous” and unnecessary revivi cation of drug war policy. So he did the only thing he saw t to do: he resigned in protest.

“I cannot in good conscience sit on the bench while being unwilling to enforce the municipal ordinances,” his resignation letter read. “I nd that I am morally and ethically unable to sit as a judge for the city.” Lenny (as he likes to be called) stood indignantly from the bench and walked away.

“When I took that stand, it accomplished exactly what I hoped to accomplish—more than I could have hoped for in my wildest imagination. The City Council backed o ,” Lenny says. Since then, he’s dedicated his legal career to advocating in favor of cannabis legalization. He started working with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and he’s been ferociously defending people convicted of drug crimes ever since, in Colorado and across the country.

Lenny is out there ghting the good ght. And he’s not going to stop until justice is served.

JUICED-UP JOINTS

Sometimes a joint just doesn’t last long enough (or pack enough of a punch). If you need something that’ll go around a large circle more than a few times, look into the Escape Artists’ Live Resin Infused Pre-Roll. The terpene avors are bold, dank and weedy, and the effects will get you higher than any normal joint ever could. Because the ower is infused with oil, it’s essentially a turbohyprdrive-super-joint.

The brand’s evolution began when founding partner Anthony Scotti, a native New Yorker, moved to Colorado with a dream of starting a cannabis company. Upon his arrival, Anthony hit it off with plant talker and expert geneticist Jason MacLean, now the brand’s lead horticulturist. The seeds of the Cherry brand were sown.

While countless people set out with similar goals, the X factor for Cherry was their eye for what really mattered in the industry: in-depth knowledge of the plant and the people who consume it. Immersing themselves in the ins and outs of cannabis business, community, and lifestyle fueled the brand’s positive rapport with consumers in the Colorado market.

How Cherry Sets the Standard for Craft Cannabis Brands

Connecting with consumers and building relationships are driving success.

At its core, the cannabis industry values quality, culture, and community above all else. As recreational markets grow across the country, it has become clear that brands that prioritize these essential elements will find the most sustained success. In Colorado, the brand paving the way is Cherry.

For over a decade, Cherry has created top-quality cannabis products. As craft growers, the company is now well-known for perfecting cannabis breeding and genetics to curate high-end strains targeted at long-time cannabis connoisseurs and future generations of enthusiasts. It was recently recognized as the Best Wholesale Cultivator in 2021 by Westword.

In 2020, that sensibility became evident when Cherry collaborated with rapper N.O.R.E to name one of its strains, Super Thug. N.O.R.E. felt strongly about sharing Cherry’s mission and quality product, which led to an ongoing partnership and brand ambassadorship.

Cherry is more than just a cannabis company. It is also a lifestyle brand that encompasses all the positive things that the cannabis plant, and cannabis culture, can do for people’s lives, which has been a catalyst for success and growth.

With its reputation in Colorado established, Cherry is now expanding into other markets. The brand will soon be operational in Oklahoma with cultivation and retail, and will soon enter the booming East Coast market as well, with a license secured in New Jersey through a partnership with Premium Genetics and additional aspirations for New York and Florida.

Cherry Cannabis Brand cherrybrand.com

The People (and Plants) Have the Power

Amanda Reiman inspires and empowers others to curate their own sacred plant relationships.

TEXT JEN BERNSTEIN

Cannabis has always been Amanda Reiman’s ride or die. When she’s waxing poetic about cannabis, you get the sense that Reiman’s life has manifested their very symbiotic relationship. “From the minute I ingested cannabis, it felt like coming home,” describes Reiman. “All of us have certain plants that we have good relationships with, kind

of like a veggie that always sits well and makes you feel good,” she says.

“I can’t claim to know why, but for me it’s always been cannabis.”

Backed by twenty years of studying the relationship between humans and plants, Reiman also holds a PhD from UC Berkeley, and has had an inspiring career working with Berkeley Patients Group

and the Drug Policy Alliance.

From helping with the decriminalization of psychedelic drugs (Senate Bill 519) to her newly appointed position as Chief Knowledge Officer with New Frontier Data, Reiman describes herself as a translator between science and media. She’s finding ways to make data accessible and understood

by everyone. Reiman is helping to create sound policy and research that’s not based on propaganda or fear. As a 24/7 activist, drug policy expert, and scientist, Reiman relies on her “Spidey Sense”— meaning, she’s always looking at ways the media is portraying our relationship with plants, investigating what the research is actually saying, and

then is translating this important information to help avoid the public being misinformed or misled. In her new role at New Frontier Data she’ll be leading the research team, looking forward to helping businesses succeed, and getting a better understanding of how the industry can be successful.

As the founder of Personal Plants—a multimedia platform that encourages and supports home cultivation of entheogenic plants—Reiman is again proving the power of cultivating our relationship with the plant queendom. Knowing that our journey with plants can be just as unique as hers, Personal Plants goes beyond cannabis to explore the whole sacred garden, empowering us to become our own researchers, scientists, and enlightened wanderers of the plant world— by crafting and curating our own new friendships. Reiman took the time to speak with Sensi about being a plant person.

What if the plants have been cultivating us? Plants have successfully gotten humans to cultivate, protect and distribute them around the world.

Knowing is always important and very often frightening. Our brains like to keep us in the dark

when the truth is scary or overwhelming, but ignorance is worse.

Social Justice is the number one reason to legalize cannabis. Capitalism demands regulation, taxes and licensure, but legalization isn’t about that. It’s about reducing the likelihood of criminal justice involvement and the collateral sanctions associated with said involvement, full stop.

I love to just dance, especially to 80’s music. Movement is freeing and music is healing.

Creativity shows up when you stop thinking. Loosen the grip on your mind and new connections will form. I always get my best ideas when I am engaged in strenuous exercise because my brain can’t concentrate on any one thing except what my body is doing.

I entered the drug policy reform space to change how we view and treat substances and those who use them. It’s more than just changing laws, it’s about changing long standing, entrenched paradigms about intoxication, euphoria and fear of the “other”.

Music can provide a healthy escape. It’s a mood elevator, senso-

ry experience and can invoke warm feelings of nostalgia, so turn it up!

Your mind will always take the easy route, don’t let it. Be mindful of your mind. Challenge it when you feel a reliance on stereotypes and slow it down when it wants to take shortcuts without critical thought.

Boundaries can be blurry when your work is also your passion. I am a drug policy activist 24/7 so I have to make a concerted effort to disengage (see number 4 :)

Cannabis is coffee, not wine. Both the cannabis and coffee plants have been cultivated for thousands of years for medicinal benefits. Both became alternatives to alcohol, are consumed in public social spaces (often accompanied by discussions of rights, politics and other intellectual curiosities), and both were demonized by the powers that be for bolstering free thought and criticisms of those in power. Decaf coffee has health benefits even without its intoxicating chemical, caffeine (the same can be said of CBD) and regular coffee drinkers are not as sensitive to the intoxicating effects of caffeine as irregular consumers, just like cannabis. Espresso = dabs.

I immediately knew that I had a special relationship with the cannabis plant. Ever since I grew my first plant in 1998, my relationship with cannabis has been easy, natural and symbiotic. I relate to other plants as well, but cannabis is my ride or die.

When starting something new, enjoy the time when no one expects you to be good at it. That’s when it is the most fun. Being a perceived expert comes with pressure and expectations, being a novice is pure joy, learning and gradual improvement.

Words are often reflective of more than they are saying. Words like “drug” are like the tip of the iceberg poking out above the sea, but underneath an entire mass of bias, history and assumption. Maybe it’s time to retire “iceberg words”.

Awareness always precedes action. This can be a double edged sword, for once you have awareness the pressure to take action grows. Many people avoid awareness as a way to avoid the pressure of taking action. Don’t be one of those people, and recognize that “action” can take many forms. There is no one way to be an activist.

AMANDA REIMAN Chief Knowledge O cer with New Frontier Data

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create the ultimate software tracking solution for businesses, the Adilas system is used in a wide variety of industries. By drawing on a broad range of experiences, they have been able to design the perfect POS system for cannabis.

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One of the most important decisions any business owner can make is choosing the right point-of-sale system, especially anyone in the cannabis industry. While not as exciting as working on a fresh strain or dreaming up a new package, effectively tracking your business’s financial aspects under one platform is crucial. It can eliminate regulatory issues, ensure inventories are correct, and, most importantly, save money for

your business.

Colorado-based Adilas offers an all-inclusive cloud-based POS software system that can be specifically tailored to each user, yet is flexible enough to adapt to any changes. Adilas provides clients with a wide array of detailed data, enabling cannabis businesses to understand all the financial nuances of their business quickly.

Part of what makes it so unique is its broad reach. Founded by three passionate individuals who wanted to

Recognizing the struggles many cannabis businesses face in the burgeoning e-commerce space due to the ever-changing regulatory environment, Adilas offers a built-in e-commerce solution. Their customer-facing e-commerce system seamlessly syncs your website with your on-site inventory. Any business’s online store can easily offer loyalty points and discounts while also directly messaging consumers through the software, bypassing SMS or other FTC-regulated systems. All of this helps Adilas customers increase sales and profits.

Maximize your time, minimize liability, and run your business with one all-encompassing software solution. Contact Adilas for a free demo to see how they can help your business grow.

Adilas

Cannabis Software adilas.biz

Stephanie Shepard shares her story of unjusti ed incarceration, and how she now ghts for those imprisoned for crimes that are no longer criminal.

TEXT BONNIE PIPKIN

Stephanie Shepard is not a drug dealer. She is a woman who enjoys cannabis and who has a big, bright smile despite everything she’s been through. She is a collector of hats who embraces the simple and beautiful moments of life, such as a walk to the park or a ride on her skateboard, and is a champion for those still wrongly imprisoned in today’s cannabis climate.

In 2010, after a year on pretrial, she was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 1000+ kilos of cannabis, and has since served nine years of her 10-year sentence. She is not a drug addict and, more importantly, she is not a threat to society, despite what the felon label she carries around may imply.

We sat down with Stephanie to hear her story. Her whole story. Who she is, what she lost, and how that loss became fuel for the fire to help those still incarcerated. As she shared her experience, she had her tissue ready because Stephanie wears her heart on her sleeve and doesn’t shy from the emotion and pain. It still overtakes her. Imagine losing ten years of time with your loved ones, ten years of making memories, of having the freedom to decide what happens next for you, and of not being able to spend time with your father as he passes away. Imagine spending 10 years locked away while others are now thriving in a legal cannabis industry.

WHERE THE NIGHTMARE BEGAN

Stephanie grew up in Sacramento, California, where she currently resides, the youngest of seven children. In 2005, she moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn—hap-

py, hopeful, and looking forward to her future. None of her siblings had ventured away from home, but she loved the energy of New York City and so she left the nest with all the dreams in her heart. Following in her father’s footsteps, she got her real estate license, and then of course, met a guy. That guy sold cannabis. Stephanie didn’t think much about it, as it was just cannabis. Her first time smoking had been at age 28, when she sought to manage her anxiety. It helped.

There are moments in life that make you wonder how things could have been different. The whatif moments where your life path splits. Stephanie’s path split at age 40; her now-ex-boyfriend had been arrested, and she agreed to be his medical-leave guardian while he awaited sentencing. Before that, she wasn’t on anyone’s radar. A judge even told her she was a responsible person with a good place for him to be released.

On the day she was getting ready to pick him up, there was a buzz at her door, and her nightmare began.

LIFE WITHOUT AN “AFTER”

Nothing about her arrest felt real. So much so, that while she spent a year on pretrial, she begged her siblings to keep it secret. She could not bear to tell her parents.

There was no way she was going to be found guilty of any crime. That year was the hardest on her. There was a lot of shame and guilt to carry. She lost her real estate license with the pending felony and suddenly found herself trapped in New York, unable to go home where she would have had support.

On the way to her own sentencing, when her sister asked if she wanted to stop for something to eat, her response was they would get something after. There was always an “after” in her mind.

But the jury found her guilty, and ten years was the mandatory minimum sentence. She finally had to tell her 91-year-old father, and his response was, “Stephy, I don’t have ten years.”

Stephanie was found guilty of distributing cannabis illegally. She had just wanted others to benefit from the medicine that was helping with her anxiety and making her life better in general. There was never any conspiracy. But that didn’t matter now; she was a prisoner.

THE FREEDOM ULTIMATUM

Disbelief in her situation lasted for five years. Halfway through her sentence she woke up, looked around, and realized this was her reality. It was time to prepare for the rest of her life.

Stephanie is driven by helping others. While inside, not wanting to do anything to benefit the prison system, she chose to teach ESL classes to other inmates. Her goal was to help them be better when they were able to return to society. Her fellow inmates were her family. She empathized with other women incarcerated for cannabis offenses.

Funny thing though: she never

But the jury found her guilty, and ten years was the mandatory minimum sentence. She nally had to tell her 91-year-old father, and his response was, “Stephy, I don’t have ten years.”

met a white woman who was incarcerated for cannabis. Only Black and Brown women. Was this a war on drugs? Or a war on people? How could this be, and how could she help? This stuck with her, and a new commitment was born.

Stephanie was offered an opportunity to shave one year off of her sentence. The catch? She had to admit she was a drug addict and enter a rehab program. She resisted. There was no reason to attach the drug addict label to herself and create even more hardships for the rest of her life. But Stephanie’s father got sick and that would make the decision for her. She desperately wanted to see him before he was gone.

Her father was a 40-minute flight away, but the powers that be dragged their feet in granting permission for her to see him one last time. By the time they finally approved the trip, it was too late; he passed away later that day.

She did make it out for the fu-

neral, but what she wanted was more time to explain, to share her love for him, to hold him one last time. It’s something that’s so easy to take for granted: time and freedom to choose how you spend it.

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER AT ITS WORST

Stephanie was released. Her sister gave her a safe space to re-enter life. But wait, what is this? A billboard on their way home advertising for cannabis deliveries? How could this be when she had just been in prison for nine years? When she was going to be a felon for the rest of her life! She had to ask if that was real. Her sister said, “Oh yes, there are dispensaries all around town now and delivery services that bring it right to your door!” This wasn’t so-called back alley dealing anymore. And certainly, no one in those shops were being labeled drug dealers.

Armed with her newfound commitment to help those incarcerated for a crime that has yielded a

thriving industry in so many states, Stephanie Shepard attended Last Prisoner Project’s (LPP) first fundraiser in San Francisco in 2019 wearing her ankle monitor. It was the first real social event she experienced after her release, and she wanted to hear what they had to say. This was an important event in the trajectory of Stephanie’s life. It was there she met people who would welcome her into this community.

UNTIL EVERYONE IS OUT

LPP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cannabis criminal justice reform. Stephanie is now their Partnership Manager and was very recently appointed to their Board of Directors. “There’s nothing else I can do in my life right now other than what I’m doing. People incarcerated for cannabis offenses are feeling helpless and hopeless. I’m here to use my voice to uplift them and do right by them because they deserve it. They don’t deserve to be incarcerated for cannabis.

BE THE CHANGE

Stephanie is ghting hard for the underserved. She never stops working. So, how can we help?

The easiest way is visiting the LPP website and clicking the “Take Action” tab. It has a portal to accept donations, as well as links to petitions to sign and politicians to call. Just spreading the message on social media is a big help.

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHANIE SHEPARD

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHANIE SHEPARD

BREAK THE CHAIN

The Last Prisoner Project was founded in 2019 out of the belief that no one should remain incarcerated for cannabis o enses. We are a team of advocates, experts, leaders, and justice-impacted individuals who are deeply committed to freeing every last prisoner of the unjust war on drugs.

POLICY: We impact legislation that redresses the harms caused by cannabis prohibition. We work with stakeholders across the country to pass and implement bills that will (1) provide release for individuals still incarcerated for cannabis, and (2) automatically clear cannabis records.

LEGAL: We focus on clemency initiatives at the state and federal level, ling motions for compassionate release, and record relief for individuals. This all made possible through our partnership with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).

REENTRY: We ensure our constituents have the tools and resources they need to rebuild their lives after incarceration and create pathways to employment within the legal cannabis industry.

ADVOCACY: We raise public awareness of the harsh reality of cannabis-related incarceration through a variety of advocacy campaigns, including letter-writing drives, constituent storytelling, and direct actions; and empower our supporters to join the ght to secure the full freedom of the communities we serve.

There are other things I could do to benefit myself more, but that’s not what it’s about right now. It’s not about ego.”

As Partnerships Manager, Stephanie works tirelessly for the constituents. She knows exactly how they feel sitting inside while the cannabis industry makes billions of dollars. Every dollar made is off the backs of those incarcerated. Stephanie feels this so deeply, she wishes that she could just trade places with some of the young people who are in prison. She says she would give her life so young people such as Kevin Allen, who has life in prison for selling $20 worth of weed to a friend, could be free.

Stephanie implores everyone in the industry to just do something, whether that’s their “Roll It Up For Justice” program, where people can round up their purchases at checkout with a donation, or more boots-on-the-ground efforts. Whatever it takes to prevent

anyone else from losing another day, minute or second.

Stephanie lost nine years. She lost her job, her freedom, her last chance to tell her father she loves him. But she did not lose her spirit, no matter how hard the system tried to break her. Her greater calling is now to help people in the same position. There is no stopping until everyone is out. Legalization is not enough. What’s needed is retroactive justice. With the label of felon, there are many things in society that she no longer has access to. But her voice is loud. We have heard it now and hope you have as well. How we care for each other is the most important thing. “I want to be the voice in the room for them. I’m the emotional crying, possibly screaming, voice. The collateral consequences are too large.” Stephanie knows who she is. She is more than a felon. Nothing imposed upon her is going to put out the fire inside her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bonnie Pipkin is an author and freelance writer located in Northern California.

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Become your highest self

Dadirri is a family-owned and operated lifestyle brand dedicated to bridging the gap between people, nature, and cannabis. Dadirri products are all designed with the consumer in mind. They include premium cannabis that is sustainably and locally sourced, as well as high THC products. Dadirri’s Botanical line strives to stand out from the crowd by being made with the utmost love, respect, and intention.

The Botanicals line includes three blends for each time of day – morning, daytime, and evening. Each blend has been carefully and intentionally

created to promote wellness and to be consumed in moderation.

The three blends are named after moods to match times of day, such as Align (morning), Thrive (daytime), and Soothe (evening/nighttime). Each has its own distinct herbal and cannabis pairing and comes in a convenient package—0.5-gram pre-rolls made from unbleached bamboo paper.

Customers can experience the euphoric effects and benefits of the infused cannabis and herbs with just a few puffs.

Align stimulates the senses, relieves tension, and sharpens the mind with mullein, marshmallow leaf, and

other light-foundation herbs beneficial to the respiratory system. Its holy basil improves concentration, mood, and overall well-being. It is a peppermint-flavored afternoon refresher for the mind and body combined with a high-quality sativa strain.

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Soothe is a soothing nighttime blend to relax the heart, mind, and body. Damiana is used to relax the nervous system, while holy basil and passionflower aid in the natural sleep of a hyperactive mind. Its skullcap benefits the nervous system, and the lavender flavoring promotes restful sleep by relaxing mind and body. This herbal blend includes a premium indica strain for sleep.

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breaking away

TEXT CHRISTI WATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY JENN STATE

In the last ve years, the Colorado cannabis community has become very familiar with top-selling company MedPharm. Using phytopharmaceutical science and research, MedPharm has taken an atypical approach, boasting certi cations and credentials including good manufacturing practices, good agricultural practices, and a DEA Schedule 1 research license. This unorthodox path has successfully led its expansion beyond Colorado into two new markets—Iowa and Michigan.

We spoke with the president of their Colorado operation, Albert Gutierrez, and Group President Lucas Nelson about how they’ve managed to succeed without selling out, their future growth plans, and why they’ve decided to rebrand.

leading a legacy

The Bud & Mary’s business model seems simple. Listen to the people. Trust the science. Don’t sell out. “Producing high-quality, innovative and successful cannabis products has become less of a challenge and more of a natural result of how we operate,” Gutierrez says. “Science is our cornerstone. People know that our products are great, and that’s because of how we built our foundation. They trust our brands to deliver that quality, and consistency every time.” Bud & Mary’s is dedicated to discovering the medicinal values and advancing the scientific body of knowledge of the plant.

One of the most interesting aspects of the company is their ability to look into the “what, why, and how” behind cannabinoids, and how they interact with the human genome. “Our team of scientists focuses on neuropharmacology, and we were granted funding for our study on cannabis and neuroinflammation from the Institute of Cannabis Research,” says Gutierrez. “This is truly groundbreaking research.”

The company plans to launch this study in 2023, with the hopes of discovering how cannabis can help address neurodegenerative diseases like Alzherimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Bud & Mary’s continues to produce their family of lifestyle and wellness brands such as Batch,

Aliviar, Become, and The Myx. So if their production model and people-first values remain the same, what’s actually changing? As it turns out, not much at all. Bud & Mary’s is the same family-owned company with the same science-driven team, the same research license, the same brands, and the same storefronts. The new name is a nod to the cannabis company’s family-oriented roots and operation.

Lucas Nelson leads Bud & Mary’s cannabis operations as a third-generation member of the family business. “It was time to put a fresh face on the brand,” he says. “The name change not only reflects who we are as a team a little better, it also honors the legacy of my family. My grandparents, Bud and Mary, got a kick out of it when I asked if we could name the company after them. They’re in their 90s and recently visited our newest Michigan dispensary on opening day.”

The name change comes at a pivotal point for the company. Operationally, they had been successful in every market. Their team growth, product sales, and customer following is a clear indicator of that success. Their biggest obstacle is competing with large corporations, as the industry begins to mature and nation-wide legalization looms on the horizon. As a family business, Bud & Mary’s is in a unique

“The name change not only re ects who we are as a team a little better, it also honors the legacy of my family. My grandparents, Bud and Mary, got a kick out of it when I asked if we could name the company after them.”

—Lucas Nelson, group president, Bud & Mary’s

position compared to the big corporate brands. Without short-term shareholder profits to answer to, they are free to invest in long-term projects and products.

“Our company’s financial freedom allows us to do what’s right, not just what makes a quick profit,” Nelson says. “We can invest in our team. Invest in research. We can invest in better talent, better processes, better techniques. We can fight for progress at state and national levels. We’re not going anywhere and we’re not selling out. That’s why we can truly say, everything we do is for the people.”

the next generation

Bud & Mary’s is thoughtfully aware of the country’s complicated history with cannabis and believes we should celebrate cannabis and its remarkable impact on culture, without forgetting the marginalization experienced in communities throughout the nation. “For the People,” guides the company’s vision and goal to create the perfect cannabis product for every consumer. Drawing on customer feedback and science-based evidence, Bud & Mary’s leads the way in product development while maintaining the highest quality standards each step of the way. “All this began as a vision to put people and science first. I’m proud of what our team has accomplished over the past few years and of the trust that the consumer has for our company,” says Albert. “I’m confident in Bud & Mary’s future influence on the cannabis industry.”

Their research has led to cutting-edge cannabis production

trends, making the BATCH brand a top seller in Colorado and introducing minor cannabinoids, microdosing, and eco-friendly product packaging. Among their most recent products is The Myx, a water-soluble powder that fully dissolves into anything with even a hint of moisture, in seconds. The Myx allows users to infuse their favorite beverages, baked goods, or even less conventional items like spaghetti sauce or hummus.

The company operates out of a state-of-the-art research lab, and they have recently received a grant from the Institute of Cannabis Research to fund their proposed research project: Isolation & Pharmacological Evaluation of Phytocannabinoids for Alzheimer’s Disease. Bud & Mary’s immediately focused their attention and resources on exploring the potential benefits cannabis might have on individuals afflicted with this unfortunate disease.

Managing a rebrand in the middle of the expansion of their existing production facilities in Colorado and Iowa, a new cultivation and production facility in Michigan, and DEA-approved research may be daunting for most companies. However, Albert and Lucas are truly excited for the upward movement. They have expressed full confidence in Bud & Mary’s dedicated team of professionals.

“All this began as a vision to put people and science rst. I’m proud of what our team has accomplished over the past few years and of the trust that the consumer has for our company.”

—Albert Gutierrez, Colorado president, Bud & Mary’s

Merchant Advocate

Experienced payment professionals at Paybotic provide solutions suitable for every type of legal high-risk business.

Cannabis laws and regulations are constantly changing. Paybotic provides cannabis merchants guidance and relief with its customized payment solutions. More than just a business, they are a team of professionals committed to their clients’ success in every facet of the cannabis industry, from retail dispensaries to ancillary businesses.

This team of experienced payment pros has developed and strengthened a domestic and international partners network that delivers solutions for ev-

ery type of high-risk legal business. For debit-card processing, ACH processing, check service, or any other payment option, Paybotic customizes payment solutions for high-risk transactions that best suit a client’s exact needs. They take pride in providing expert customer service, while finding the best fit for cannabis payment processing.

Smart Safe, an end-to-end cash storage and banking solution built for the cannabis industry, is an innovative, cost-effective way to deposit cash. Smart Safes protect cash from internal and external theft while

simplifying cash processing, utilizing the latest and most secure hardware and proprietary software to streamline in-store cash handling. Smart Safe technology is designed to protect and secure deposits, improve reconciliation, and increase cash visibility for cannabis retail businesses, such as dispensaries and delivery services.

Paybotic will soon be launching a Text2Pay platform using ReachPay technology designed explicitly for dispensaries and their customers. This innovation combines the technology and experience of Everyware’s pay-by-text with Paybotic’s extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry. This easy-to-use and secure payment platform will complement all currently accepted payment solutions.

This simple payment option for the cannabis industry gives merchants and their customers access to funds faster than ever. Text2Pay will provide dispensaries with instant approval without the burden of receiving funds, and with approved transactions guaranteed against insufficient funds.

All businesses have unique needs and Paybotic is a unique and complete solution provider. Its extensive network of partnerships – including Millers Mutual Insurance, Accountabis Advisers, and in-house expertise –ensures they can find a program that suits any growing business’s needs quickly and efficiently.

Paybotic has worked hard to build a reputation for quality pricing practice because, above all, these professionals nurture and value strategic long-term relationships with their merchants.

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NFTs: Fad or the Future?

Love them or hate them, you may be buying your next toke with non-fungible tokens. TEXT GREGORY FRYE

So, have you bought your first non-fungible token yet? Awareness of the new technology, better known as NFTs, is steadily rising and more people are learning how to tap into the benefits. But a lot of folks are still scratching their heads, uncertain about all the fuss and downright dubious toward the idea of digital art NFTs selling for millions of dollars.

What’s the point of NFTs? Are they a silly

trend, a scam, or is there intrinsic value in this emerging technology? More important, what does all this mean for cannabis lovers and the industry as a whole?

NFTs Explained

Let’s keep this simple. NFTs are essentially an evolution of cryptocurrency. They exist on a blockchain, which means any transactions are securely recorded and largely

tamper-proof. You buy an NFT, it’s yours and nobody can ever dispute that.

These cryptographic tokens can represent the ownership of both digital and real-world assets. NFTs could be art, music, event tickets, and even real estate.

When you hear the term “Web3” this is a big part of what people are talking about—increased privacy, data security, and token-based economies.

Depending on the project, NFTs can also come with ongoing membership perks and community benefits. This is primarily where people find potential risks, as when NFT project organizers do not follow up on their promises.

The technology itself is mostly secure with lots of potential, but mainstream adoption of NFTs is slow because of the learning curve and a clunky set-up process, which requires

ART COURTESY OF ELI ROBBINS

opening a crypto wallet, buying cryptocurrency, and vetting new NFTs before you buy.

Every step in this process is intimidating to the average person, for now. Even with credit-card access entering the picture, the NFT world has plenty of work to do. Just like the early days of cannabis, a lot of storytelling and education is needed to ease peoples’ minds toward the possibilities around this unfamiliar concept.

NFTs + Cannabis = Community Imagine buying a cannabis NFT where you get ongoing discounts, early access to new products, and invitations to exclusive events and online groups. Like consumer brands in other industries, many cannabis brands are already offering such NFTs.

If done right, this model could help solve the engagement and customer loyalty challenges in cannabis, which involves inspiring people with an irresistible NFT offering, educating them on how NFTs work, and then following up on the offer.

Crypto Cannabis Club (CCC), which launched its first NFT in July 2021, has grown into one of the most ambitious NFT projects in cannabis. In addition to their own weed brand in

California, they also have dozens of chapters across the U.S. and in other parts of the world.

“Some people approach NFTs because they like the art and view it as an investment; other people approach NFTs out of a sense of community,” says Ryan Hunter, CEO of Crypto Cannabis Club.

“Members of our community are getting together on their own organically to socialize and sesh and to network,” Hunter says, mentioning parties in Florida and at the Indianapolis 500, as well as CCC’s own organized events for NFT holders, such as spring break in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, an event at Art Basel in Miami, and a big meetup at MJBizCon last fall.

Additionally, CCC partners with about 30 accessory brands, which gives their members discounts on everything from dab rigs to rolling papers.

On the virtual side, CCC has developed a range of virtual offerings with their followings on Discord and Twitter, where they host cannabis and psychedelics-education conversations every week on Twitter Spaces.

“Those environments create a natural platform for online communities, and our real-world experiences are an extension of that,” Hunter says.

—Polly Lieberman, cofounder of thric3

“We love seeing our community members in the real world. We have folks that go to all of these events and travel to see one another. There’s a kindred spirit vibe mixed in with the art and culture, just like we’ve seen for decades with stoners wanting to hang out and sesh. NFTs are a natural extension of that.”

NFTs are also a way for brands and marketers to draw new members into the cannabis world and educate, notes Polly Lieberman, cofounder of thric3, a Web3 and cannabis 2.0 community. “The number one challenge that all cannabis companies have is access to customers. Web3 presents a unique marketing opportunity because there are fewer restrictions than traditional media.”

This is how cannabis brands can engage the massive demographic of canna-curious people, consumers who are interested in incorporating cannabis into their lives but don’t know where to start and need help.

To engage this untapped demographic, thric3 is preparing to unveil a new NFT collection where the art showcases everyday people as consumers, rather than as the stereotypical stoners featured on other cannabis NFTs.

“The number one challenge that all cannabis companies have is access to customers. Web3 presents a unique marketing opportunity because there are fewer restrictions than traditional media.”

“We built a collection to represent everyone,” Lieberman explains. “Our hope is that people look at our collection and see someone who looks like them and thinks, ok that’s me, this is cool, I can be open about my use. This will go a long way in helping to reduce the stigma.”

Like the Early Days of Cannabis When projects like CCC host regular shows about their projects on Twitter Spaces, it’s not about promotion. “It’s more about authentic, organic building of community. That to me feels like early cannabis,” says Amanda Reiman, Founder of Personal Plants.

Reiman has been around long enough to remember the early days of cannabis cooperatives where, much like NFTs,

people could buy into a community for shared benefits. That’s how she feels about much of the Web3 space. “Those of us from early cannabis have almost an advantage coming into this because we understand the culture behind how this is being built,” she says.

NFTs became a solution for Reiman’s project Personal Plants, a psychedelic-plant nursery that sells specimens like huachuma cacti and salvia cuttings. Even though the plants she sells are legal in most states, she got tired of dealing with payment-processor rejections and shadow bans on Instagram.

Reiman needed to find a subversive way to keep her business alive, and now,

thanks to NFTs, she’s co-founding a new project called Sacred Garden, where people can enter a psychedelic marketplace, safely and securely.

“In our vision, we have a network of people who grow psychedelic plants at home for hobbies, and your NFT enables you to access these farmers,” she explains.

“If you have one of our NFTs you go to our website, you connect your wallet, it sees the NFT is in there, and now you can enter the marketplace. It’s a way for us to give a benefit to our NFT holders and to vet who comes into the marketplace, which is for the safety and security of our farmers. And it’s a way to give opportunities to people to be part of the community, anonymously if they desire, and you just have to buy membership once – it’s not that different from the old cannabis collectives.”

Hype Vs Opportunity

Reiman sees two different types of NFT projects popping up in cannabis. One type of project is like what Crypto Cannabis Club is doing—authentic experiences, community, and excellent benefits that make the NFT a worthy asset.

“This is the future for cannabis companies, and it’s a great way to reach our communities because even SMS texting is shutting us down,” she says. When you’re promoting an NFT instead of a psychoactive plant, it’s a different story.

“The other type of project we’re seeing in the cannabis space, which builds on what I call the phase one of NFTs, is all flash and no substance. People are trying to capitalize on the sexiness of weed, but they don’t

really know a lot about it. They think they can create NFTs that appeal to stoners, but when you look underneath the hood, there isn’t anything there.”

The Importance of Education

To help fill those NFT knowledge gaps Reiman has teamed up with Lisa Snyder, cofounder of Tokeativity, for a virtual education series hosted by Women Employed in Cannabis.

“Web3 and NFTs are like the early days of the internet, where people are like, ‘inter-what?’ Amanda and I are trying to educate people, especially women and BIPOC folks, so they get to know it, and it’s not as scary,” Snyder says, who has been building websites since 1995 and was early to embrace

NFTs, starting her own collection out of curiosity. Snyder, a trained graphic designer, is also the artist on the upcoming thric3 project. This project will have 9,999 NFTs, each NFT in has unique variations based on a theme, some rarer and more valuable than others.

“This is still the early days of NFTs, and like with early internet, there’s going to be a lot of experimenting. The first experiment was to make art and see if people would buy, and they did,” she says.

The Future of NFTs

Both Snyder and Reiman believe NFTs will continue to rise in popularity over the next few years, as an integral part of safer digital transactions, community building, asset ownership, and new

investment opportunities.

However, the space still requires a degree of caution on all sides. For instance, NFTs for cannabis breeding or community-owned cannabis companies open up a whole new can of worms when you consider the “fuzziness around federal and state cannabis laws combined with the fuzzy laws around NFTs and securities. Is it a company and are people buying shares and what does that mean?” Reiman asks.

Reiman explains how the Sacred Garden project required a ton of background work on legal issues, understanding what was allowed, and untangling hairy questions around crypto-based revenue versus traditional revenue. The space is still really new, and people have to be careful, she says, but that doesn’t mean NFTs aren’t worthwhile.

“If the cannabis industry taps into this now and starts educating themselves about it, they’ll have an amazing opportunity to connect with Generation X and Z and Y. That’s all the people who are embracing this technology,” Snyder says. “They’ll be looking at cannabis companies and asking about Web3 projects. If you’re like, ‘Web3? What’s that?’ you’re going to be out of touch.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHEL JASPAN; CRYPTO CANNABIS COMMUNITY

“This is still the early days of NFTs, and like with early internet, there’s going to be a lot of experimenting. The first experiment was to make art and see if people would buy, and they did.”

—Lisa Snyder, graphic artist, cofounder of Tokeativity

No More Risky Business

Time spent with the National Cannabis Risk Management Association can lead to long-term success.

Note: NCRPS recently combined with the National Cannabis Risk Management Association (NCRMA) and will serve as the lead risk solutions brand while NCRMA manages association membership and the NCRM Academy’s educational offerings

In today’s increasingly complicated cannabis marketplace, business owners must employ every tool in their toolbox to ensure success. Fresh new products, increased digital engagement, and consumer-friendly retail spaces can grab all the attention and

help drive profits. Still, there is one critical area that is routinely overlooked.

We are talking about risk management. While it’s not as sexy as many other parts of the industry, it is crucial to ensuring your long-term health and possibly survival. Ensuring that inside any cannabis business’s four walls that their property, product, worker safety, banking, and on-premises risks are secured is no simple task. While many people think that by having insurance, they are safe, they are incorrect.

“Any risk has the potential to make your business worse, period,” says Rocco Petrilli, the CEO and president

of the National Cannabis Risk Prevention Services (NCRPS)). “So, if you can mitigate and eliminate that risk, you improve your business. Nobody has ever mitigated risk by buying insurance coverage. Insurance simply shares or transfers the risk that cant be fully reduced. What successful businesses do is take care of any risks up front.”

NCRPS is a pioneering and innovative risk management platform that solely focuses on the complexities of the cannabis world. Their members enjoy access to a whole suite of educational materials and access to cannabis-focused partners, and insurance plans. But one of their most critical offerings is their expert risk management assessment.

By crafting a complete risk assessment from time spent by one of their team, they identify and completely break down everything into easy-to-understand sections. Each facet of your business has a risk score detailing any identified issues and a list of recommendations to solve them. By using tried and true safety standards for non-cannabis industries and the many cannabis-specific problems, they know and understand, they can create a detailed action plan to ensure a safe workplace and peace of mind.

They are not finished once they hand over their report. That’s when NCRPS can bring their whole host of in-house and service partner resources into play to ensure their clients succeed. This hands-on execution ensures your business safety, security, and success are secured.

National Cannabis Risk Prevention Services Risk Management ncrps.com

“Any risk has the potential to make your business worse, period.”

—Rocco Petrilli, the CEO and president of the National Cannabis Risk Prevention Services (NCRPS)

From left: Amy George (Earthly Labs), Charlie Berger (Denver Beer Co.), Kaitlin Urso (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) and Brian Cusworth (The Clinic) stand in the center of Denver Beer Co.’s beer fermentation cellar.

The Missing Link

A groundbreaking Colorado collaboration between a brewery and cannabis grow op could spark a new era of sustainable beer and weed—if they buy into it.

TEXT WILL BRENDZA

It was 2020 when Bill Germain first read about a new joint experiment between Denver Beer Company, The Clinic, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) and a carbon capture company known as Earthly Labs. It was a unique venture

to capture carbon waste from a craft brewery and try reusing it to grow super-dank cannabis.

Sparks started flying in Germain’s mind. With his background as a sustainability professional, he saw the partnership for what it was: an environmental game-changer.

But he also saw opportunities to improve and expand upon the idea.

“That pilot program was great, and yet it was very small-scale,” Germain says. And there was a critical barrier of entry preventing craft-sized breweries from getting on board. “It’s very

costly technology… the fi nancial hurdle is the main hurdle.”

Germain’s aim is to break down that cost barrier, allowing more small businesses to reap the benefits. It’s an idea he’s calling Co2nscious, and it could be the missing link between beer and weed,

PHOTO COURTESY THE CLINIC

between now and a new era of sustainability. “It’s a big undertaking,” Germain says. “The potential benefit of this alternative supply chain can really bring big rewards.”

Connecting the Dots It all started in 2020 with Kaitlin Urso at the CDPHE. She was the department’s small business consultant, working exclusively with breweries from 2016 to 2017, and then with cannabis companies from 2017 to 2021. Urso has a knack for increasing sustainability. And among the many, many details about the cannabis and craft beer industries she learned, were two contrasting facts.

The first: fermentation produces a lot of carbon dioxide— around 10 pounds of it per barrel of beer, by Denver Beer Company’s own estimates. And with US breweries producing some 24.5 million barrels of beer annually, that translates to 245 million pounds of carbon dioxide.

The second fact: cannabis consumes a lot of carbon dioxide. It’s an important ingredient for photosynthesis, and as far as plants go, cannabis absorbs more carbon dioxide than almost any other. A single hectare of hemp can absorb almost 50 thousand pounds of

carbon dioxide, making it one of the fastest carbon-to-biomass conversion tools available, according to the European Industrial Hemp Association.

Breweries also use carbon dioxide to charge their kegs and carbonate beer. But because they can’t capture their own, they’re stuck buying it from the same source as cannabis growers: industrial providers capturing emissions from energy or chemical plants. Com-

panies like General Air, Airgas, and Matheson operate out of distribution centers and deliver the gas by truck—producing their own carbon emissions along the way. So, when Urso found out that a little company in Austin, Texas called Earthly Labs developed technology that could capture the carbon emissions from breweies, a lightbulb went off. “It just clicked… cultivators in the area would gladly purchase CO2 locally at

a discounted rate, if the supply was there.”

Enter Denver Beer Company and The Clinic, who agreed to use Earthly Labs’ technology to connect the first breweryto-cultivator circular economy in history.

The Power of the Pilot Urso brought the three companies together and set up the pilot project: Denver Beer Co. would collect and deliver one tank of compressed carbon to The Clinic’s cultivation facility. Then, The Clinic would use that carbon return the empty tank for a refill, every week for 16 weeks.

And beyond, actually; the project was so successful that Denver Beer and The Clinic continued their partnership for a full year. Instead of running into problems, the pilot partners kept discovering new benefits to locally sharing carbon dioxide. “The CO2 coming from the natural fermentation at the brewery doesn’t have the same hydrocarbon contamination as when it’s sourced from combustion,” Urso explains. That not only led to better mouthfeel in the beer, but it produced better weed, too.

According to Chris Baca, the head grower at The Clinic, the plants grown with Denver Beer

Above: Over the 16-week pilot project, the Clinic saved the equivalent of 93 trees of carbon. Hence the name of the product line produced with that carbon dioxide: 93 Hoppy Trees.

Center: A pressure valve on the CO2 tank reads zero as production for the day comes to an end.

“The CO2 coming from the natural fermentation at the brewery doesn’t have the same hydrocarbon contamination as when it’s sourced from

carbon had almost 5% higher terpenes than control batches. And because they didn’t have to rent tanks from a commercial producer, they cut their carbon costs by 15%.

“This pilot was a success,” Urso says. “And it was a repeatable success.”

An Unrepeated Success

In the two years since the pilot project wrapped up, no other Colorado breweries have implemented the technology. Not publicly, at least.

According to Amy George, founder and CEO of Earthly Labs, they’re working with several breweries around Colorado to implement carbon capture technology. They have another partnership in Virginia, and another starting up in the Northeast between a “quasi beverage maker” and a brewery. All told they’ve got 50 active projects and another 20 in the works.

Any business that uses CO2 as an input can partner with a brewery to purchase a locally sourced, environmentally friendly supply. That is, if the brewery can afford it.

Earthly Labs’ “CiCi” units start at $75,000 and can go above $100,000, depending on the model.

According to Urso, it’s an investment that, in the case of Denver Beer Company, can pay itself

off in 18 months through revenue and savings from captured carbon dioxide.

But that doesn’t make it less of a hard up-front for small businesses.

“The biggest hurdle is the initial input cost,” Urso admits. “It’s pretty high.”

That’s where Co2nscious comes in.

Cost-Conscious “Co2nscious is designed as a subscription platform,” Germain explains.

“Instead of having to get financing entirely on your own, you could have Co2nscious install and operate a recovery system for a subscription period.”

The brewery could extend and renew its subscription or buy the system outright at a dis-

count. By purchasing the carbon capture system and essentially renting it out, Germain’s idea would lower the price of getting a carbon capture system up and running. Co2nscious would maintain the units, assist with all carbon capture, and manage the purification. Then the brewery could do whatever it wanted with it, either using the captured carbon dioxide themselves or selling it.

The model is currently being considered for funding through Boulder County’s Climate Innovation Fund, which is awarding $450,000 between three project applicants. With or without that fund, though, Germain will still need

partners and financiers to make this dream a reality—to surmount the very barrier of entry he’s trying to break down for others.

“The ability to contribute to healthier air, cleaner air, the ability to develop this alternative market that gains trust, that creates biogenic CO₂, that’s locally sourced and is equivalent, if not better, than the industrial CO₂ that’s traditionally used— the ability to participate in that [system], to me, is really exciting,” Germain says. “It represents a circular economy approach to CO2 that we have the ability in our community, in our region, to [create].”

Hopefully, he says, that’s going to attract a lot of attention.

Top: Chris Baca (The Clinic, center) explains to Charlie Berger (Denver Beer Co.) and Kaitlin

Urso (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) how the vegetative state of growing cannabis works inside The Clinic’s grow operation.

Above: Driving sustainability with cannabis and beer, these two tanks will hold 500 pounds of CO2

Bright Lights, Big Savings

Lower Emissions Higher Yields

X ce l Energy’s bold plan to give you money for buying less of their product.

cel wants indoor growers to refit their facilities with energy-saving LED grow lights and they

are enticing customers with generous rebates to do it.

“The goal is to provide growers with incentives for purchasing and installing energy-effi cient equipment,” says Joe Sullivan, Franklin Energy program manager for Xcel Energy’s Indoor Agriculture Business Energy

Assessment. “A person might ask, ‘Why is my utility company giving me money to use less of their product?

Well, rebates give customers more control over their bills which increases customer satisfaction and helping customers make the switch to energy effi cient equipment helps avoid building more power plants.”

And for growers the incentive to switch to LED lighting goes beyond just energy savings. “There will be signifi cant savings on the electric bill, but LEDs also benefi t cannabis plants in the sense that they can increase yield,” says Sullivan. “With higher intensity light they enhance the quality of the product, the plant. With LEDs you can have pretty much any spectrum you want, so you dial

PHOTO COURTESY OF XCEL ENERGY

it in to whatever your needs are. And there’s reduced operation and maintenance costs, because LEDs have a longer life than standard high-pressure sodium lights. You’re not replacing bulbs every six months or so, and they also emit less heat so you’re able to further save on AC or HVAC costs as well.”

The process for customers to receive a rebate for LED grow lighting is now easier than ever. “All customers have to do is download the LED grow lighting application to verify that their LED lighting equipment qualifi es for rebates. After purchasing and installing qualifying equipment, customers fi ll out and submit the rebate application and their rebate check should arrive in

Joe Sullivan, program manager for Xcel Energy’s Indoor Ag Business Energy Assessment

six to eight weeks. If customers need help getting their rebate application processed Franklin Energy can help support that as well as provide expert technical assistance to help growers identify other energy savings projects at no cost.”

Franklin Energy was hired by Xcel Energy to help indoor agriculture customers navigate the entire rebate process and has extensive experience working with the cannabis industry.

How can a grower know if a transition to LEDs is right for them? “Well if they want to lower costs, be more competitive, increase yield and product output without making dramatic changes to the operation, that’s when LEDs are a really good choice.”

CONTACT INFO: xcelenergy.com/LightingE ciency

Franklin Energy: 720-285-8780 or XcelIndoorAg@ FranklinEnergy.com

For additional questions about the rebate and how to apply, customers can also contact The Business Solutions Center at 855-839-886.

Check out the QR code for details and links to rebate forms.

Xcel Energy Energy rebate program xcelenergy.com

“There will be significant savings on the electric bill, but LEDs also benefit cannabis plants in the sense that they can increase yield.”

E ve r y t h in g t h at t o uch e s y our l i p s s hou l d ta s te t h i s b e a u ti fu l

Do y ou r lips d re a m i n c o l o r ? I n t ro d uci n g Co2lo r s: hig h p o t en c y frui t- a v o re d c ann a bi s oil, formula t e d u s i n g p u re c ann a bi s and all - n a tu ra l fruit t erpe n e s fo r a p o t e n t exper i e n c e th a t ’s b i g on t a s t e. E nj o y Apri co t, Blueb e rr y, G rape D reams, S t ra wb e rr y Le mona de , S t ra w nana, an d S w e e t M e l o n . L i v e vib ra n tl y a n d n d y ou r fa v or i t e a v o r. co2 lors .com

Another fall another turned page

—WALLACE STEGNER, ANGLE OF REPOSE