Cyo Nystrom: The Intersection of Cannabis Medicine & Vaginal Health

3/30/2022

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Despite our movement towards a more sex-positive society, the topic of vaginal health is still often left untouched. For example, even the medical treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI) can lead to an environment encouraging yet another UTI.

This cyclical experience is what led Quim co-founder Cyo Nystrom to consider creating her own vaginal self-care products. In this Q&A, Cyo discusses crafting her own vaginal health products and how that led to her founding a business with a childhood friend, Rachel Washtien. The interview also touches on Quim’s research and development process, strategies to help their products reach their target audience, and more!

Scroll down for the full interview.

Ganjapreneur: How did you meet co-founder Rachel Washtien?

Cyo Nystrom: Rachel and I grew up together in San Francisco and met when we were five years old playing soccer in the Golden Gate Park youth rec league.

Why did you and Rachel decide to start Quim together?

I had been making infused vaginal health and sexual wellness products for for myself and some of my girlfriends. I never in a million years thought it would turn into a business but after a few years my friends kept coming back asking for refills and I’d get texts from friends of friends asking to try it. At that point I realized that maybe there was an opportunity to turn this personal project into a real business and started looking for a business partner. I know what I’m good at and what I either hate doing or just simply have no aptitude for so I wanted to find a partner who had a complimentary skill set.

Rachel had just gotten back from 9 months of traveling in South America and we reconnected at a friend’s birthday in Sonoma. She was talking about what she wanted out of the next chapter of her life and career and honestly a light bulb just went off — I knew she would be an amazing business partner and starting Quim would be a true adventure for both of us. I “proposed” to her the following week and we’ve been building ever since.

Did you study plant medicine prior to co-founding Quim?

I haven’t formally studied plant medicine but have always been interested in the medicinal benefits of plants and have been making my own vaginal health products since I was 23.

What does the R&D process look like from the moment that you have an idea for a new formulation to the product hitting shelves?

All of our products are born out of personal need. As someone who has struggled with vaginal health issues for over 15 years, I’m incredibly aware of gaps in the market. We’re not interested in launching “Quim versions” of existing products that are already available and effective. Once we’ve identified a need — both personally and for other folks with vaginas — we brainstorm what we’re looking to solve, if the product can have multiple use cases, and ingredients we’re excited about incorporating. From there we start working with our product development team which includes doctors, herbalists, and naturopaths. Depending on the complexity of the product, the process of taking it from idea stage to sample-testing stage can take anywhere from 4 months to a year. We’ll usually receive a couple of samples with slight variations in the formulation and begin a blind-sampling process with friends, family, and volunteer consumers. Once we collect all the necessary data points and ensure that the chosen formula is scalable with our manufacturer, we’ll move forward with production. Typically, we begin the naming and product packaging process with our design firm, DesignSake Studio, as soon as we’ve identified the key hero ingredients, size, texture, and rough estimation of MSRP. This allows us ample time to incorporate the upcoming product into brand messaging, make the necessary updates to our website, and secure all the packaging components from our suppliers.

What were your priorities when choosing a packaging partner for Quim products?

Sustainability, reliability, and cost.

Have customers shared any noticeable differences between the products that include THC and those that are just CBD?

In general, the effects of the products vary so much from person to person so it’s hard to say what the most noticeable differences are between the THC products and CBD products. Anecdotally, I think the THC products can bring a bigger WOW factor to sexual experiences and that the CBD products are incredibly helpful for folks working to overcome pain, inflammation, or dryness.

How does Quim strategize reaching their target customer demographic in the California adult-use market?

Since launching the THC products in 2018, we’ve learned that Quim is not a fit for every dispensary. And while that lesson was a tough one to learn, it’s allowed us to partner much more deeply with the shops that are a good fit. Our products require a pretty high level of education so we need to work with dispensaries that invest in staff training and prioritize consumer education, not just which products have the highest THC level per dollar amount.

How does the team identify which dispensaries will be a good fit for Quim products?

Since we’ve been in the market for a while, we already have great partners for most geographic locations. We generally look for dispensaries that catered to a more femme identifying audience that carry other high-end “boutique” products like Garden Society or Pure Beauty who are also deeply committed to both staff and consumer education.

Does the brand do trial buys or have any other strategies for testing a new retail partnership?

The California Cannabis regulations make it nearly impossible for a smaller brand like Quim to do trial buys but we do recommend that shops begin with a smaller initial order (one case of each SKU) and that we do a budtender/staff training the week before they launch Quim’s products to ensure quick sell through of existing inventory.

Do you educate retail staff on Quim formulations, uses, and selling points when introducing products to their store?

100%. We will only sell Quim products to dispensaries that are deeply committed to educating their staff members and typically train teams on a quarterly basis.

What has been the biggest challenge in launching a vaginal self-care product in the California cannabis industry?

Educating people on the benefits of putting weed in their vaginas! Most people come into a dispensary looking for flower, edibles, or vapes. If they are looking for topicals, it’s probably to relieve muscle pain of some sort. As a company, Quim has to overcome a number of taboos and really invest in helping people understand the intersection of plant medicine and sexual wellness.

Is Quim working on any new formulations and/or entering any new product categories?

Yes! We’re launching a number of new products this year and are so excited about bringing new plant-based solutions to the market.

What is a piece of advice that you wish you had when starting Quim?

Sometimes the greatest opportunities arise out of what appear to be the biggest challenges, obstacles, or setbacks. Trust your gut and have faith in the process.

Thank you, Cyo, for answering all of our questions! To learn more about Cyo Nystrom and Quim, visit ItsQuim.com.

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Pabst Labs Opens Production Facility for THC-Infused Beverages

3/30/2022

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Pabst Labs is opening a “cutting edge manufacturing facility and distribution center” for its Cannabis-Infused Seltzer in Desert Hot Springs, California, Food & Wine reports. The company describes the facility as “one of the few dedicated cannabis beverage facilities in America,” which would give the company more than triple its current product production capabilities.

Chuck Barlick, Pabst Labs’ director of production said that the new factory “will operate under customary world-class manufacturing practices,” such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Safe Quality Foods (SQF), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Lean Manufacturing, and Visual Work Instructions.

“Leveraging over twenty years of beverage manufacturing experience, the goal while building our factory was to establish a standard for quality and efficiency that would set the bar in all cannabis infused beverages facilities for years to come. It’s a game changer.” – Barlick to Food & Wine

The company will produce its 10 milligram THC, non-alcohol High Seltzer, Not Your Father’s Cannabis-Infused Root Beer, and the St. Ides Cannabis product line – which includes their 100mg cannabis-infused four-ounce shots – at the facility. Pabst will also allow other brands to access the facility through co-packaging relationships, which the company said should “raise beverage quality and opportunity across the industry.”

According to Headset data outlined by Food & Wine, PBR High Seltzer is one of the top-selling THC-infused carbonated beverages in California.

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Kentucky Bill Would Outlaw Delta-8 Products

3/30/2022

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A bill introduced in Kentucky – which passed the Senate earlier this month – seeks to ban delta-8 THC products in the state, according to a Spectrum News report. The proposal comes following a February decision by a Boone County Circuit Court judge that imposed a temporary injunction on officials cracking down on the products in lieu of specific legislation outlawing the compound. That lawsuit was brought by the Kentucky Hemp Association.

State Sen. Paul Hornback (R), who led the effort to legalize hemp in the state, said that while he doesn’t want hemp production to be impeded in the state, he believes the industry is “growing in the wrong direction … with a product that is hazardous to the public.”

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture had previously warned hemp growers and processors that distributing delta-8 products is illegal, claiming it is considered a controlled substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dee Dee Taylor, founder and CEO of 502 Hemp and Wellness Center, said that if the bill is approved “it would be detrimental.” She said that her customers use the products most commonly for sleep and anxiety.

“I mean, it will completely decimate the entire hemp industry,” she said.

In a statement last July, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture argued that delta-8 products are not derived naturally from the hemp plant and are lab-made, which excludes them from the hemp reforms. The agency also claimed that producers use “battery acid and pool chemicals” to make delta-8 products from hemp.

“Now, some want to argue that lawmakers accidentally legalized an intoxicating synthetic substance called Delta-8 THC,” the agency said in the statement. “This position is outside the mainstream, so much so that even Colorado – a state known for legalizing recreational marijuana – has banned Delta-8 THC products.”

The proposal is currently in the Senate Agriculture Committee and Committee on Committees.

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Majority of New York Voters Oppose Prioritizing Licenses for Cannabis Offenders

3/30/2022

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A majority of New York voters – 54% – oppose giving the first batch of the state’s adult-use cannabis licenses to social equity applicants, according to a Siena University poll published on Monday, which found a just a third of voters approved the plan.

According to the poll, the proposal is opposed by 72% of Republicans, with 19% in favor. Less than half of Democrats (45%) support the plan with 43% opposed. More than half (55%) of all independent voters also oppose giving social-equity applicants the state’s first adult-use licenses.

Less than half of Black voters (48%) support the proposal, with 37% in favor, while a slim majority (52%) of Latino voters are in favor, with 30% opposed, the poll found.

“Giving first dibs on marijuana licenses to those previously convicted divides Democrats and New York City voters,” Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said in a statement. “Strong majorities of Republicans, independents, voters outside New York City, and white voters give it a thumbs down. Latino voters support it by 12 points and Black voters by 11 points.”

Under the program, called the Seeding Opportunity Initiative, the first adult-use retail licenses in the state will be made available to individuals with prior cannabis-related offenses that also have a background in owning and operating a small business.

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has said that giving the first licenses to the social equity cohort “takes a major step forward in righting the wrongs of the past.”

Hochul has also included a $200 million social equity investment program in her 2023 Executive Budget.

This Siena College Poll was conducted March 20-24, 2022 among 804 New York State registered voters.

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Top Five Packaging Trends for Cannabis Branding

3/29/2022

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Cannabis packaging is becoming a significant subject as the marijuana industry gains traction and global attention. With support for cannabis hitting new levels, the number of marijuana companies and consumers is expected to rise. For this reason, the future of designer weed packaging holds a great deal of excitement for consumers and packaging companies alike.

Market reports predict that the global cannabis market value will reach $1.6 billion by 2024. Hence, cannabis brands must prepare for the supply challenges imminent with this exponential growth. Moreover, cannabis packaging companies should also brace themselves for the changing regulations within the industry.

As with any other industry, various novel trends are also expected to crop up as the sector advances. Therefore, marijuana firms need to keep up with cannabis packaging trends to ensure they remain ahead of the curve and stay afloat in the competitive market.

Furthermore, since the best cannabis brands are the most likely to benefit from the new changes, small integrated cannabis producers must fight to keep up with the changes. Keeping yourself abreast with the most prevalent cannabis packaging trends can help you position yourself for the growing industry.

Positioning Your Brand For Success

There has been a growing need for cannabis brands to stand out among the masses. Building an effective brand strategy is one of the best ways to position your business for success within the market. Here are some practical ways to develop the best cannabis dispensary branding strategy.

Identify Your Target Audience

A common mistake cannabis brands make when positioning themselves for success is assuming that they serve everyone who consumes marijuana. Unlike previously, when cannabis dispensaries were rare, opening a marijuana store is no longer enough to lure more customers.

For this reason, marijuana brands need to identify their target audience to precisely cater to the consumers who will benefit from their products and services. After that, they must find the weed package design that best appeals to this demographic. Doing this will help you decide the messaging, imagery, and overall tone of your cannabis package design.

Determine What Makes Your Firm Unique

Once you have an idea of your target audience, the next step is figuring out how your cannabis product brand can uniquely cater to their needs. Whether it provides custom cannabis packaging, specific products, or expertise, a unique value proposition will be a plus for your business, setting it apart from the competition. Capitalizing on the factors that make your cannabis packaging design exceptional will lure more clients to your stores.

Keep Up With Local And State Regulations

Lawmakers are yet to legalize cannabis on a federal level. Therefore, weed brands require a mixture of extensive knowledge of local and state regulations and creativity to market their businesses. Apart from dictating where cannabis brands can operate and what products they can sell, these regulations also have a say in advertising policies.

Therefore, staying up to date with these laws will help you stay on the right side of the law, preventing you from incurring costly penalties. For instance, policies require products like custom edible packaging to meet specific standards. Thus, advertising goods with a cannabis packaging design that lacks these specifications could be detrimental.

The Top Five Trends For Cannabis Branding

Change is the only constant thing. This adage is especially true for the cannabis branding industry since it faces regular policy changes.

Consequently, entrepreneurs must keep up with the latest cannabis packaging trends to ensure they don’t break the law while luring consumers to their products. The following are the top five trends for cannabis branding that can help bring substantial changes to your business and position it for success.

Sustainable Packaging

Climate change is a global problem that continues to raise concerns. Radical solutions need to be adopted to tackle the problem head-on. A sustainable weed package design is arguably the most proactive measure to reduce the carbon footprint of the marijuana sector.

It’s crucial to consider the type of cannabis packaging design acceptable in the market since the industry is becoming immensely lucrative.

Hence, creating cannabis dispensary branding that markets biodegradable packaging and sustainable business practices is a significant step in the right direction. Business owners can utilize a recycling marijuana logo design to indicate that their packaging products are free of harmful chemicals.

Customizable Packaging

Customizable packaging is also among the cannabis packaging trends that will take over the industry soon. Custom packaging items make products stand out on shelves, increasing the chances of sales. This is why many cannabis entrepreneurs are sourcing beautiful cannabis packaging unique to their brand to ensure they make as many sales as possible.

Custom weed jars are some of the most customizable packaging items for marijuana dispensaries. The products can accommodate a variety of cannabis packaging design, which makes them versatile. You can match them up with custom labels for jars to make your brand even more spectacular and unique.

Marijuana producers can also use custom cones when making joints for cannabis stores and dispensaries. Apart from giving your products a premium look, the custom weed package design also makes them stand out. You can easily use the beautiful cannabis packaging designs to convey various messages to your clients.

Compliance Packaging

Lawmakers have already legalized marijuana in more than half of the states in America. Consequently, the best cannabis brands are sourcing custom concentrate packaging and other compliant packaging solutions to ensure they remain relevant.

Child-resistant packaging products like custom mylar bags are perhaps the most sought-after compliant packaging goods in the market. Given that cannabis regulations are subject to regular changes, entrepreneurs within the industry must get a cannabis packaging design that eliminates the need to re-envision their packaging.

Fortunately, most of the regulations surrounding marijuana packaging are rules meant to protect the safety of children. Hence, it’s best to purchase bulk child-resistant items like custom pre-roll packaging to avoid overhauls in their cannabis dispensary branding and packaging.

Minimalistic Packaging

There’s no denying that the modern consumer market is filled with advertisements and marketing campaigns. Previously, brands competed for consumer attention using flashy logos and bold colors. However, such cannabis branding may cause more harm than good to a business since consumers feel overwhelmed by the packaging.

Alternatively, business owners can use a minimalistic weed package design to ensure they don’t swamp their clients. Achieving this requires companies to strip down to the essential elements and avoid clutter. The goal of this cannabis branding technique is simplicity and functionality without any unnecessary embellishments and decorations.

Apart from achieving a more refined and fresh look, weeding out unnecessary elements in your cannabis packaging can help reduce the number of materials required. What’s more, you can achieve all this without compromising the quality of your goods.

Bold New Designs

Although many cannabis companies are leaning towards minimalistic cannabis packaging trends, innovation is not dead within the sector. Marijuana brands can use a mix of bold and contemporary ideas to produce excellent new packaging designs.

Given that the number of marijuana consumers is on the rise, other forms of consuming cannabis are becoming more popular by the day. Cannabis-infused edibles like cookies and sweets are among the most suitable alternative way to enjoy cannabis for many people. Therefore, cannabis producers must adopt bold new designs for custom edible packaging to keep their products fresh.

For this reason, weed brands are coming up with ingenious designer weed packaging solutions to accommodate these products. Marijuana firms must select befitting packaging products to help retain the potency and shape of the edibles. This has led to the rise of bold new concepts within the cannabis industry.

These innovative packaging products are the best solutions for cannabis edibles, from tin containers to custom mylar bags. Not only do they prevent the edibles from losing their taste, potency, or shape, but they also help increase the longevity of the goods on shelves.

The Bottom Line

Cannabis legalization is rising rapidly in America and across the world. Entrepreneurs in this sector must keep up with trends in the market to strategically position themselves for success. Considering that packaging is a significant part of any marketing strategy, keeping up with cannabis packaging trends is paramount for companies within the sector.

Fortunately, there are numerous innovative packaging options for cannabis companies to explore. Nevertheless, with policies and regulations constantly changing within the industry, staying ahead of the curve is paramount to succeed in such a competitive business environment.

One of the most popular packaging trends that can help cannabis companies retain clients is customizable packaging. While other trends may vary depending on industry policies, custom cannabis packaging will always give marijuana firms an edge over their competition by allowing them to dictate the appearance of their packaging solutions. Even so, the other marijuana packaging trends can also help your business stay afloat and are worth a deeper look.

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New Mexico Issues Medical Cannabis Recall

3/29/2022

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The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) has issued a recall for products sold by licensed medical cannabis vendor Sacred Garden, according to the NM Political Reporter. The recall comes after a medical cannabis patient found flower tainted with mold and reported it to the Division.

Although the flower passed presale pathogen tests, the more contaminated flower was found upon further inspection. The CCD says all Sacred Garden products must be retested before they can return to the shelf.

Customers should be on the lookout for “cannabis bud, pre-rolls, and food products” of the Gardens Snow Cone and Protégé strains at locations in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Ruidoso, and Santa Fe. For those who may have purchased recalled products within the past 30 days, the lot numbers are available for viewing.

The moldy flower tested at 35,000 Colony Forming Units, 35 times the 1,000 Colony Forming Unit threshold allowed under New Mexico’s medical cannabis rules. Inhaling mold can be extremely dangerous, especially for those with certain medical conditions, the report says.

Sacred Gardens was previously involved in the decision to exempt medical cannabis sales from New Mexico’s gross receipt tax like other prescription drugs. The case began in 2014 when Sacred Gardens asked for a refund on their gross receipt taxes paid that year to the Taxation and Revenue Department. The department denied the request. Sacred Gardens filed an appeal and in 2020, a court of appeals ruled in their favor. The state disagreed with the ruling and in February 2022, New Mexico‘s Supreme Court settled the question, siding with Sacred Gardens and other plaintiffs in the case.

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B Real Launches New Dr. Greenthumb’s Flower Line

3/29/2022

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Cypress Hill frontman B Real has announced a new line of flower coming out under his Dr. Greenthumb brand. Available first in Dr. Greenthumb dispensaries in April, wider distribution is planned for the brand in May across California.

Recognizing consumers’ different price point tolerance, the line is divided into three categories, “loyal,” “legacy,” and “unapologetic.” In addition to each batch of flower passing B Real’s quality test, Dr. Greenthumb flower producers are vetted for their “history, authenticity, and dedication to cannabis culture,” the company said in a press release.

In an email to Ganjapreneur, B Real said he plans to expand the brand in the near future outside of California, possibly starting in Colorado, Michigan, and Massachusetts. He said he wants to deliver what he “would smoke, at the price point it is worth, from a gardener that I would stand behind as a soldier in this war against both prohibitionists and culture suckers looking to appropriate the plant.”

“I have a twofold mission with Dr. Green thumb’s flower. I want to honor the legacy of cannabis by ensuring the original cultivators have a place in the industry and provide accessible, quality cannabis for everyone’s budget.” – B Real in a statement

Dr. Greenthumb partner farms are approved by B Real and his team, who share the approval process via online video through a QR code that comes with each purchase. Strains will change according to each farm’s menu and will be exclusive to the brand. Farms will change regularly, the company said in a press release.

The rapper indicated that a line of concentrates will follow flower in each market and he wanted to assure fans Dr. Greenthumb “remains independent” and everyone should expect to “see the brand in a lot of really cool places, doing some awesome things.”

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Arizona’s Social Equity License Drawing Set for April

3/29/2022

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Arizona officials are set to hold a drawing next month for social-equity cannabis licenses. In all, there are 26 licenses set aside for individuals from communities that were disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

The state Health Department said in a press release that more than 1,500 applications for the licenses were filed but it is not yet clear how many of those will make it into the April 8 drawing.

The lottery will be conducted by New Jersey-based Smartplay International Inc. which is used throughout the U.S. for state lottery and raffle drawings. The company serves more than 400 lottery, gaming, and promotional organizations in 114 countries. The accounting and auditing firm Henry and Horne will oversee the drawing, the agency said.

The drawing will be held at the Arizona Department of Health Services with industry and news media representatives witnessing and streamed live on the agency website.

The social-equity licenses are each valued at more than $10 million. Applicants had to pay a $4,000 non-refundable fee to enter the lottery and the state made $6 million from the applicants.

Under the state’s social equity requirements, principal officers or board members of the applying company holding at least 51% ownership in the entity must meet three of four criteria, including having an annual household income in at least three of the years from 2016 through 2020 that, for the respective year, was less than 400% of the poverty level; has – or had expunged – a prior state or federal cannabis-related conviction; a close relative who has a prior cannabis-related conviction; and has lived for at least three years from 2016 through 2020 in an area that has been identified by the Health Department as being disproportionately affected by the enforcement of Arizona’s previous cannabis laws.

 

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Louisiana Bill Would Jail Minors for Low-Level Cannabis Possession

3/29/2022

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A bill proposed in Louisiana would reimplement jail time for individuals under 18-years-old convicted of possessing 14 grams or less of cannabis, the Louisiana Illuminator reports. The measure would impose a 15-day jail term for a minor’s first offense, a two-year sentence for a third conviction, and a four-year term for a fourth offense.

The proposal comes less than a year after state lawmakers approved a cannabis decriminalization law that eliminated jail time for individuals convicted of possessing 14 grams of cannabis or less, opting instead for fines that cannot exceed $100.

Under the bill, proposed by state Rep. Larry Bagley (R), adults would still face no jail for possessing less than 14 grams of cannabis. The measure also includes exceptions for children possessing their own medical cannabis products.

Bagley said the change is needed because K-12 schools in his community are unable to keep cannabis off their campuses and that the district attorney in his hometown, DeSoto Parish, has no way to force minors into drug treatment through drug court without the threat of incarceration. Bagley said he believes that the threat of incarceration could be used to push the children into the rehabilitation programs and argued that the proposal is not about “trying to put people in prison.”

State Rep. Nicholas Muscarello (R) agreed that laws around minors possessing cannabis should be tighter but argued that “no judge” would put “a kid in jail for six months for marijuana.”

“We are trying to rehabilitate children,” he said in an interview with the Illuminator. “This allows our courts to kind of keep them in check and put them in drug courts.”

State Rep. Danny McCormick (R) questioned why the penalty for minors possessing cannabis would be harsher than that for possessing alcohol.

“Alcohol, in my opinion, would be greatly more harmful than marijuana,” he said in the report.

The bill was advanced last week by the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice to the full chamber.

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Austin, Texas May Let Some First Responders Use Medical Cannabis

3/29/2022

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The Austin, Texas City Council Public Safety Committee is considering allowing some city employed first responders to use medical cannabis, FOX 7 reports. If approved, the policy would cover all first responders except those that carry firearms – such as police officers and arson investigators – and those who operate commercial vehicles due to federal prohibition.

The policy would also prohibit the use of any THC on the job, which is prohibited under the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Assistant City Manager Ray Arellano said the state’s medical cannabis law is “silent” on whether registered patients are permitted to use low-THC products at work. He looked at other cities’ medical cannabis policies and found that, of the 20 cities surveyed, only Boston allows medical cannabis use among first responders – nine cities surveyed do not allow it while 10 did not respond.

“I think what we’re trying to do is find a solution that keeps us square with all the regulations that are out there.” – Arellano to FOX 7

The proposal comes as some city agencies, like Austin Police Department and Austin-Travis County EMS face staffing shortages; EMS in November removed a question from their applications about prior cannabis use but first responders can still be fired if they test positive for cannabis on a drug test.

Arellano said he would defer to individual agencies to address the issue during the contract negotiation process but a specific measure has not yet been introduced to the council.

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How to Get the Most Out of B2B Cannabis Events

3/29/2022

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Business-to-business (B2B) cannabis conferences are an extremely useful resource for cannabis entrepreneurs at any stage of launching and/or operating their business. Whether you are attending your first-ever cannabis conference this year or you are returning to the events circuit after a pandemic-driven hiatus, this is a guide to help you get the most out of your ticket.

Setting your expectations

While cannabis consumption is not necessarily prohibited at these B2B conferences (although it frequently is, due to either state law or restrictions set by the hosting venue), these are not typically consumption-focused events. It is important to set this expectation so neither you nor anyone on your team is surprised or disappointed with their event experience.

That said, it’s not like attendees are going to be offended by some light cannabis use and you’re unlikely to be ostracized if someone spies you sipping on a vape pen outside (note: this can of course vary to a degree, depending on the city and/or venue). The bottom line is that one must “know thyself” — i.e. make your own call on consumption. Just remember that most of the people attending these events are either there on the clock as a representative for their company or brand, or they are there to both develop themselves professionally and expand their industry knowledge.

Our last tip here is to consider saving your smoking circles for the after-parties! (More on those, later).

Endless opportunities to learn

B2B cannabis events offer a wealth of educational opportunities including keynote speaker presentations and topic-specific seminars featuring industry experts at the top of their fields. Such seminars also typically end with open Q&A sessions so you can get answers to your questions directly from the masters of their craft. Some events even offer roundtable discussions where you can get your answers in a more intimate/efficient setting — but if not, there is plenty of opportunity for gathering peer-to-peer knowledge by networking on the exhibition floor!

The latest trends on display

From advanced robotics to the latest in grow light technology, the cannabis space is a petri dish for innovation and cannabis industry events are where service providers and inventors go to show off their latest goods. You never know what you’re going to see; it could be the latest development in nano-emulsification technology, the newest fish-based fertilizer to hit the market, or something way out of left field — like a fleet of flying robots to monitor your massive industrial hemp crop — if it’s new and successful, it’s going to be a hit for the industry.

Business-to-business cannabis conferences are often where these trends are first proven or discovered.

From keynote addresses to intimate Q&A sessions with the industry’s leading experts, B2B conferences are an excellent resource for the modern cannabis entrepreneur.

Exhibiting your brand

While attendees obviously stand to gain a lot from their trip to a cannabis conference, there are also enormous benefits to being an exhibitor at one of these events. The ability to put your brand and/or product face-to-face with hundreds if not thousands of potential purchasers can be worth the asking price of exhibition alone, but there are other advantages.

“Networking” at these events, for example, is often more than just meeting new people or collecting business cards — some businesses at these shows are conducting wholesale purchases on the exhibition floor, signing new partnerships, meeting and securing investors, and more. Even though they may have paid for admission or an exhibition booth, a particularly successful conference will generate huge savings for a brand in the long run due to these special opportunities.

Some tips for networking

Nearly everyone at a B2B cannabis conference is going to be after the same thing: expanding their knowledge of the industry and pursuing new, fruitful partnerships.

Here are some final tips to consider as we return to the B2B events circuit:

  • You’re going to see more ancillary businesses on display — such as accountants, insurance agents, packaging firms, security consultants, etc. — than you will actual cannabis entrepreneurs (and that’s by design). People in attendance, however, are much more likely to be “touch-the-plant” entrepreneurs, or at least considering such a career.
  • Cannabis is going mainstream, so don’t be surprised to encounter representatives from the more “mainstream” brands you would find in any other industry. They might even be attending their first-ever cannabis industry event, so be friendly and say “hello” — they are probably just as excited as you!
  • Don’t forget about the after-parties! There is an impressive amount of business networking that goes on during the after-hour parties that inevitably crop up around a B2B cannabis conference. Keep your eyes and ears out if this sounds like something you would enjoy — lots of times, these parties will be arranged by brands who are local to the area, and sometimes even by the event coordinators themselves.

Conclusion

Our final recommendation is simply to remember to approach each event with a goal or list of goals that you hope to achieve. Whether it’s finding some new investment dollars, connecting with a staffing agency, or just learning more about the cannabis cultivation process from experts at the top of their field, cannabis industry conferences are an excellent and exciting resource.

Bottom line: in-person events are back! It’s time to make your plan and get back to doing business.

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U.S. House Poised to Approve Federal Cannabis Legalization

3/28/2022

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The U.S. House is set to vote this week on the MORE Act, which would legalize cannabis federally, The Hill reports. The vote could come as soon as Wednesday, and the Democrat-controlled chamber has the votes to pass the broad reform package.

Last week the Senate unanimously passed a bill to expand scientific and medical research on cannabis and last month the House passed the SAFE Banking Act for the sixth time, which would allow cannabis businesses access to traditional financial services from which they are currently blocked due to federal prohibition; the Senate, which is narrowly controlled by Democrats, has never taken up the proposal.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), a co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, told The Hill that this Congress “represents a sea change” on cannabis policy.

“What we have seen is that the majority of people now realize that the War on Drugs failed. Drugs are more accessible and cheaper and more potent and dangerous. Nobody won this war, except people who were involved with the drug dealers themselves.” – Blumenauer to The Hill

The MORE Act – or the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act – would establish a process to expunge nonviolent federal cannabis convictions and impose a federal tax on cannabis sales that would be used to fund programs to help communities negatively impacted by the war on drugs.

The chamber passed the legislation in December 2020 by a 228 to 164 margin with five Republicans crossing party lines to vote in favor and six Democrats joining the opposition. One of the Republicans, Rep. Don Young (AK), who voted for the bill died last week and Blumenauer said the margin “might be tighter” for the vote.

A Pew Research Center poll from last April found 91% of U.S. adults said cannabis should be legalized federally, with 60% saying it should be legalized for both medical and adult use and 31% saying it should only be legalized for medical purposes.

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Georgia Police Forced to Return Cash and Hemp-Derived Products Seized During Raids

3/28/2022

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Law enforcement agencies in Georgia are being forced to return hemp-derived products they seized during recent raids, Channel 2 Action News reports. The products range from CBD to hemp-derived THC products, such as delta-8, that are considered legal under the state’s hemp law.

In November, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office raided Sahil Kumar’s grocery store in Danielsville and seized all of their delta-8 and CBD products – worth $30,000 – along with all of the money in his register.

“He took cash out of my register, and my cousin was there, and he had cash in his pocket. For two days, I couldn’t sleep, because I’m thinking in my mind, ‘We’ve done something wrong, we’re going to go to jail for breaking the law.’” – Kumar to Channel 2

Kumar’s products and cash were ultimately returned after he hired an attorney, Devin Rafus, who proved the products were legal and that deputies didn’t understand the state’s hemp law.

“Because the label has THC on it, law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office thinks it must be illegal because we all think it’s delta-9, which is illegal,” Rafus told Channel 2.

Earlier this month, Fulton County, Georgia Superior Court Judge Craig Schwall issued a 30-day restraining order against Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gaston from prosecuting people for selling or possessing delta-8 and delta-10 extracts. In his ruling, Schwall questioned whether Austin-Gaston was acting as a “rogue DA.”

A lawsuit has been filed against Austin-Gaston and the state by companies that were subject to over-enforcement.

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Michigan Cannabis Sales Reach $1B During Fiscal Year 2021

3/28/2022

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Michigan cannabis sales topped $1 billion during the fiscal year 2021 which equates to $42.2 million distributed to the state’s municipalities, the Oakland Press reports. In the fiscal year, the state collected $111 million from the 10% excise tax on cannabis sales and other fees and the state had $172 million available for distribution from the Marijuana Regulation Fund.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said the funds represent a “doubling” over last year’s payment amounts which she said, “will have a larger impact on local government budgets.”

In all, 62 cities with 262 adult-use cannabis retailers and microbusiness licensees will split $14.7 million; 15 villages with 31 adult-use cannabis retailers and microbusiness licensees will split $1.7 million; 33 townships with 81 adult-use cannabis retailers and microbusiness licensees will split $4.5 million, and 53 counties with 374 adult-use cannabis retailer and microbusiness licensees will split $21.1 million, the report says.

Another $49.3 million from cannabis taxes and fees will be sent to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education and another $49.3 million to the Michigan Transportation Fund once appropriated by lawmakers. The remaining $31.2 million will be used toward start-up and administrative costs.

Marijuana Regulatory Agency Executive Director Andrew Brisbo told the Press that it is “rewarding to see that the agency’s balanced regulatory approach is effectively protecting consumers while still allowing Michigan businesses to grow and thrive.”

“The funding provided directly to local governments – and the thousands of jobs created across the state – show that Michigan is leading the way in the cannabis industry,” he said.

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New York Potency Tax Could Drive Prices as High as $70 an Eighth

3/25/2022

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New York’s adult-use cannabis law includes a potency tax, which, in addition to the state’s sales and local taxes, could drive the price per eighth as high as $70, Syracuse.com reports. The law taxes distributors half a cent per milligram of the amount of total THC for flower, eight-tenths of one cent per milligram for concentrates, and three cents per milligram of THC for edibles.

The state’s sales tax rate is 9% and localities can impose their own taxes as well, which could raise the overall tax rate for flower as high as 30% or as much as 55% for edibles, said tax attorney Jason Klimek, who co-leads the Cannabis Team at law firm Barclay Damon.

By comparison, neighboring Massachusetts has a maximum 20% tax rate which is tied to sales which could put New York at a competitive disadvantage once sales launch. The state is also home to several Native American tribes, some of which have already launched cannabis sales, and carry no taxes.

Kaelan Castetter, founder of business consulting firm Castetter Cannabis Group and co-founder of the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association, told Syracuse.com that including a potency tax could also work to squeeze out smaller operators who are not in the financial positions of large multistate operators who would be able to withstand the tax and still offer competitive prices.

“Really, you’re setting up cultivators to be in a position down the line where they’re not able to eke out a profit, and the ones that will are the biggest ones.” – Castetter to Syracuse.com

Lauren Rudick, co-founder of law firm Hiller, PC’s cannabis law practice, said the THC tax could incentivize cultivators and distributors to offer products that are lower in THC but balance other cannabinoids and terpenes to create a better user experience and that it could offer an opportunity for the industry to better educate consumers who may think THC is solely responsible for the experience of a product.

“I see this as a tremendous opportunity for people to become educated on the endocannabinoid system,” she told Syracuse.com. “I think it’s going to spur some really unique product development.”

Ulrik Boesen, director of excise tax policy at The Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy nonprofit, said that the THC tax makes sense from the government’s perspective because, generally, cannabis markets start out hot but sales fall as markets mature and since THC is one of the few commonalities between cannabis products, it seems logical to pin the tax to the molecule.

“It’s really hard for states to forecast revenue if it’s based on the price of a volatile commodity,” he said. “It’s much easier for them to forecast volume.”

New York lawmakers approved adult-use reforms last year but sales are not expected to commence in the state until 2023.

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Ukraine’s ‘Freedom March’ Calls on Global Cannabis Industry for Wartime Assistance

3/25/2022

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Cannabis legalization activists with the Freedom March campaign in Ukraine are calling on the global cannabis industry for donations to help the Ukrainian people in their fight to defend their lives and national sovereignty from neighboring Russia.

Originally founded in 2005, Freedom March is a cannabis advocacy group that pushes for reforming Ukraine’s cannabis laws, expanding access to medical cannabis, and which defends in court people accused of possessing cannabis products, which remain outlawed in Ukraine.

In a statement provided to Ganjapreneur, Nazarii Sovsun, a representative for Freedom March, described the effort:

“Today, with weapons in our hands, we have to defend our sovereignty and democracy, shining rays of hope at the uncertain future of the entire free world. This war was cast on Ukraine not just to steal our territories and resources and eradicate our population. This war is against freedom and identity, a threat that reaches beyond borders. We invite all cannabis professionals to stand by our side while we still resist.” — Sovsun, in a statement

The group says donations will go towards two primary efforts: first, supporting the children of slain soldiers and civilians who need medical and psychological care and financial support; and second, providing proper treatment for the patients of Ukraine including wounded soldiers and civilians, cancer patients, and “other vulnerable groups impacted by the war.”

Notably, Freedom March is soliciting the donations not through their own platform but via the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), which has updated its website to describe a new humanitarian campaign “together with Ukrainian businesses and state-owned companies … to provide food supplies, transportation, refugees help for Ukrainian citizens affected by the war,” and to “purchase necessary medicines, first aid and protective kits for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Ukrainian Paramedic Association, and the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces to shield them against Russian aggression.”

Russia launched its military invasion of Ukraine 31 days ago on February 24, 2022, in what has become the first major war in Europe in decades. Since the invasion was launched, millions of refugees have fled the country while countless more have joined the resistance effort.

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Detroit Delays Vote on Adult-Use Regulations

3/25/2022

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The Detroit, Michigan City Council has again delayed a vote on its long-awaited adult-use cannabis regulations until April 5, MJBizDaily reports. Detroit first approved an initial set of rules in November 2020, but a residency requirement – the Detroit Legacy Applicant – in the ordinance was challenged in court in early 2021, delaying any action by the council; however, a judge recently tossed the residency requirement on the grounds it was “likely un-Constitutional.”

The council only began the rule revamp last month, says MJBizDaily.

The new plan includes the approval of 100 cannabis licenses, up from 76, half of which are reserved for social equity applicants. This is a change from the scrapped plan which said 50% of the licenses must go to so-called legacy applicants. At the time the ordinance was passed in 2020, Mayor Mike Duggan (D) called the residency requirement “by far the most controversial provision.” The city will not issue a license to any business unless half of the licenses in that category are Detroiters.

Although the language is different, the defunct legacy provision and the addition of social equity stipulations in Detroit’s adult-use regulations may accomplish the same goals. The suggestion that applicants must be from Detroit was included to correct the harms caused to Michigan communities by the war on drugs. Notably, Detroit City Councilman James Tate said in 2020 that the inclusion of the legacy program “was imperative” for officials to right the wrong.

“We have individuals who are making a very good living on marijuana today,” Tate said. “The same plant that created this situation of mass incarceration around our country in the city of Detroit, so this is an opportunity for us.”

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Japan Sees Record Number of People Involved in Cannabis Crimes Last Year

3/25/2022

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Japan saw a record 5,482 people involved in cannabis-related criminal cases last year, an increase of 448 the previous year, with 70% of offenders in their 20s or younger, Kyodo News reports. Overall, 5.6 individuals per 100,000 people were involved in cannabis-related offenses in 2021, which is nearly double the 3.0 rate in 2017.

Among all of the cases, 4,537 were for possession, 273 were for distribution, and 230 were for cultivation, the report says. In all, police confiscated about 726.9 pounds of cannabis in Japan in 2021.

Among the offenders, 186 were high school students, eight were in junior high school, with the youngest offenders aged 14; 2,823 individuals involved in cannabis offenses were in their 20s and 994 were under 20-years-old, according to National Police Agency data outlined by Kyodo News.

By age group, 14.9 per 100,000 people under 20-years-old were involved in cannabis cases, up from 4.1 in 2017, while 23.6 per 100,000 people in their 20s were involved, up from 9.4, according to police data.

In a survey of 829 drug offenders by the National Police Agency, more than 70% said they did not believe cannabis is harmful, the report says.

The number of all drug offenders in Japan did fall overall last year to 13,862 – a decrease of 217. The majority of cases last year, 7,824, were for “stimulant drugs,” such as amphetamine or methamphetamine, which is a decrease of 647 from the year prior.

Japan’s Cannabis Control Act criminalizes the import, export, or cultivation of cannabis and simple possession carries a sentence of up to five years, according to the law firm Ohara & Furukawa. Possession with the intent to profit is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment and/or up to a 2,000,000 yen fine. Growing, importing, or exporting cannabis in Japan can be punished with up to seven years in prison, and engaging in any of those acts with the intent to profit carries a punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment.

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Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Flower Prices Fall but Patients Not Seeing Relief

3/25/2022

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The average wholesale price per gram for medical cannabis flower in Pennsylvania has declined 36% since the start of 2020 but the average retail price paid by patients is down just 14% over that same period, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer report. John Collins, the outgoing executive director of the state Office of Medical Marijuana (OMM), called the discrepancy “a red flag that needs to be investigated.”

At the beginning of 2020, the average price of medical cannabis was $10.19 per gram which fell to $6.56 last month; the average price paid by patients at the beginning of 2020 was $15.67 per gram, and that average price dropped about $2.20 last month to $13.40 per gram.

During a meeting of the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, Collins said there wasn’t much the OMM could do about the price discrepancy.

“We can’t particularly force a price point. Dispensaries take title to the product and have the right to price it. What we can do to encourage more competition is to put a spotlight on it like we’re doing today.” – Collins, during the meeting, via the Inquirer

In an email to the Inquirer, Jeff Riedy, executive director of the Lehigh Valley chapter of the NORML, said advocates have long been seeking officials to act on “excessive pricing,” noting that the director’s “acknowledgment of pricing inequities exemplifies that industry players are concerned more about profits and less about helping” the state’s 400,000 active medical cannabis patients.

The state Health Department does have the legal authority to cap medical cannabis prices, but has so far declined to do so, the report says.

Meredith Buettner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition said Collins’ remarks “fail to recognize the regulatory reality of operating in Pennsylvania” and said the high prices are due to duplicative product testing requirements, the inability of operations to remediate contaminated cannabis into something else they can sell, and other regulatory factors.

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Denver’s First Social Equity Consumption Lounge Receives License

3/24/2022

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Tetra Lounge in Denver became the first social equity applicant to be licensed as a cannabis consumption lounge this week, pending inspections, according to a 9NEWS report.

Such lounges used to operate in Denver but after cannabis industry reforms in 2021, private companies were required to secure a license from the city to allow on-site consumption. Previously, Tetra Lounge had operated as a consumption lounge but had to close its doors following the new license requirements — after finally getting the license on Monday, however, owner Dewayne Benjamin told 9NEWS that he hopes to have the lounge open for business by 4/20.

“Getting the license really gives us the foundation to grow and keep establishing new experiences within the cannabis hospitality realm. There’s still a lot of financial aspects that kind of hinder a lot of businesses, but having the opportunity and the input into the industry I think is going to be very beneficial especially with new markets.” — Benjamin, in the report

Tetra Lounge will accept patrons at three different membership levels: daily membership will cost $20, monthly membership will cost $50, and annual membership will cost $350. The business will operate on a BYOC model, or “bring your own cannabis.”

Denver is currently issuing new cannabis licenses with an initial focus on social equity applicants. Two other proposed social equity establishments — the Patterson Inn and the Denver Weed Lounge — are still being considered by the city.

Meanwhile, the Tetra Lounge is set to join Denver’s only other operating cannabis lounge, The Coffee Joint, which received its license last week despite not being a social equity applicant because the city rules also prioritize pre-existing cannabis companies —The Coffee Joint was initially licensed by the city in 2018.

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Medical Cannabis Sales in Arkansas Top $21.1M in February

3/24/2022

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Medical cannabis sales in Arkansas totaled $21.1 million in February, an increase of more than $500,000 over January’s sales, according to state Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) figures outlined by Talk Business & Politics. The state collected $2.333 million in tax revenues from February sales – up from $2.309 million collected the previous month.

Since the first dispensary opened in Arkansas in May 2019, patients have purchased about 80,000 pounds of medical cannabis and the state has collected $62.525 million in taxes, which include a 6.5% sales tax and a 4% privilege tax on sales from cultivators to dispensaries, the report says. Most of the revenues are earmarked in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences National Cancer Designation Trust Fund.

DFA Spokesman Scott Hardin told Talk Business & Politics that medical cannabis sales “really started to increase beginning March 2021 through early fall.”

“We anticipate stimulus funding played a role. Although sales remain fairly strong today, we are not seeing the levels reached in spring and fall last year.” – Hardin to Talk Business & Politics

The Arkansas Department of Health reported 82,410 active patient cards in February, a slight decrease from 82,696 active patient cards in its January report.

Earlier this month, the state’s 38th licensed dispensary opened in Van Buren, and Hardin described the market in central Arkansas as “very competitive,” noting that there are now seven dispensaries within 30 minutes of Little Rock.

“As a region, northwest Arkansas leads the state with almost 800 pounds sold in February through the Fayetteville and Bentonville dispensaries,” Hardin said.

Natural Relief Dispensary in Sherwood reported the most February sales with 372 pounds, while The Releaf Center in Bentonville was second with 299 pounds, according to state data.

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Local Cannabis Possession Reforms Advance In Tuscaloosa, Alabama

3/24/2022

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The Tuscaloosa, Alabama City Council Public Safety Committee on Tuesday approved a measure proposed by the city’s police chief that would lower penalties for low-level cannabis crimes to a simple citation, according to a Patch report. Under the measure, second-degree cannabis possession, improper identification, possession of drug paraphernalia, and other low-level misdemeanor offenses would be reduced to citations.

Under current law, those charged with second-degree possession of cannabis face a maximum penalty of 180 days in the county jail and a fine not to exceed $500.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley said law enforcement officials believe low-level cannabis possession and other crimes covered under the proposal “can be handled with a ticket” and would save officers time. However, he told the council that individuals who “fight or run” from police would still go to jail for the offense.

“Officers will still use officer discretion and it’s just like an open beverage [citation] we do now. It’s the same basis as that, so we’re hoping if you do have a dime bag in your car, we’ll pull you over and we’ll give you a ticket and you go on your way.” – Blankley to Patch

Under state law, those found guilty of misdemeanor cannabis possession face up to a year in prison and fines up to $6,000; the state spends $22 million in taxpayer money every year enforcing cannabis laws, the report says.

Blankley told Patch that he thinks the council “is in favor” of the proposal.

“We’re always trying to be innovative at the police department and this has always been something that’s weighed on us in the past,” he said. “Not as many people will actually go to jail and there is always overcrowding, so we think this will be much better for the community.”

The measure is expected to be considered by the full council next week and City Attorney Scott Holmes said that if it passes, the reforms would take effect June 1 or July 1.

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Maine Legislative Committee Advances Three Medical Cannabis Bills

3/24/2022

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The Maine Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee has advanced bills to ensure patients have access to telehealth services, allow caregivers to sell plants to patients, and asks for a legislative review of any patient privacy changes made by the Office of Marijuana Policy (OMP), according to a WABI report. Paul McCarrier, a member of the Cannabis Council of Maine, told WABI that the OMP was “working with the community and listening to us.”

He said the agency wants to collaborate “to keep the prices for patients fair and low and to make sure that patients can continue to access that therapeutic cannabis.”

This is the second iteration of the rules authored by the OMP after the first draft was scrapped due to industry outcry. The OMP has created a 17-member workgroup to help streamline licensing and compliance and to align the system more with state law, the site wrote in their report.

McCarrier said he appreciates the work the legislature has done to recognize medical cannabis and said the OPM will create a digital medical cannabis card similar to other digital forms of identification like insurance cards or other medical cards.

Maine is currently blocking the out-of-state ownership of medical cannabis businesses after a federal judge ruled the state had to begin granting cannabis licenses to out-of-state owners. Maine officials agreed to permit out-of-state owners for adult-use licenses, but have continued to block the cohort from their medical cannabis system.

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Iowa Republicans Reject Bid to Add Adult-Use Cannabis Amendment to Drug Reform Bill

3/24/2022

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Senate Democrats in Iowa attempted, unsuccessfully, to tack on an adult-use cannabis amendment to a bill concerning heroin penalties, Iowa Starting Line reports. The proposal was struck down without a hearing because it wasn’t related to the bill being debated.

The proposal, which would have amended the state constitution but eventually leave the final decision to voters, was introduced by Sen. Joe Bolkcom, who described Gov. Kim Reynolds’ (R) and Senate Republicans’ failure to even debate the issue or explain why they oppose the reforms as “insulting.” He also emphasized that cannabis prohibition disproportionately impacts Black Iowans and their families.

“You should tell Iowans why you don’t trust them to have legal access to marijuana like tens of millions of other Americans.” – Bolkcom, during the debate, via Starting Line

State Sen. Jackie Smith (D) said that the state would see $60 million to $100 million annually were the state to legalize cannabis for adults.

“Nineteen states now regulate marijuana like recreational alcohol. We’re surrounded by them,” she said during the debate. “And it was the voters in South Dakota that spoke during the 2020 elections to approve of marijuana use for adults. So I think giving voters a voice on this is what they want.”

A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa poll from March 2021 found 54% of Iowa adults support the reforms, with 39% opposed and 6% unsure. The numbers are similar to a March 2020 poll, which found 53% support for broad legalization in the state, with 41% opposed.

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