California Marijuana

LOS ANGELES – Virginia Maggiore, AIA, has been named Principal of RDC, a full-service, award-winning architecture firm. Since joining RDC in 2019, Maggiore has built the firm’s Retail Store Rollout and Planning practice, adding notable retail and cannabis industry clients to the firm’s roster and garnering accolades for her work. Virginia Maggiore “Virginia is constantly striving for excellence and has been a force multiplier in RDC’s effort to expand our national retail offering. She inspires confidence in clients, colleagues, and staff,” said Brad Williams, AIA, CEO of RDC. Maggiore is a licensed architect, responsible for developing the in-store experience and customer journey, creative strategy, visual communication, and marketing integration for retail clients. She offers clients nearly 20 years of experience in the retail, wholesale, and international markets where she has successfully developed and implemented retail strategies for global brands. She works in close collabor

Rastafarianism and cannabis are inextricably linked to Jamaica. But which came first, the religion or ganja? Ganja did. The relationship between cannabis and Jamaica predates the pro-African movement that created Rastafari in the early twentieth century. Cannabis was introduced to the island in the 1850s and ’60s, reportedly in the form of seeds indentured servants from India brought with them. (Both nations were under British rule at the time). This explains much of the India-sourced slang used by Jamaicans when referring to the plant, including the term ganja, which was borrowed from Hindi about 1856. While not expressly legal, ganja cultivation and use was popular on the island — especially among the lower classes and in poor neighborhoods primarily inhabited by Black former slaves — until the blatantly racist Ganja Law of 1913 outlawed the herb. The act was proposed by the Council of Evangelical Churches and plantation owners, the latter of whom remained prickly after Britain abo

SUDBURY, Mass. — Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (CPPC) has released the spring 2022 pilot report of its Regulatory Determinants of Cannabis Outcomes Survey ( RDCOS ). The RDCOS will be a quarterly survey that provides the largest and most comprehensive data set to date on trends in cannabis policy, market and health outcomes. CPPC is recognized as a data-forward leader in the field of cannabis legalization. “Through our work with more than a dozen clients to develop safe and effective cannabis regulation, it became very clear to our team that there is a significant gap in the data available on the cannabis industry,” said Mackenzie Slade, director of CPPC. “The RDCOS is CPPC’s original research initiative that aims to solve that gap. With this data, policymakers, governments, institutions and ancillary businesses will be better equipped to improve regulations and cannabis legalization to drive better economic, social and public health outcomes.” The pilot report presents initia

SAN JOSE, Calif. —  TPCO Holding Corp. (“The Parent Company” or the “Company”) (NEO: GRAM.U) (OTCQX: GRAMF), a leading consumer-focused California cannabis company, today announced the appointment of Roz Lipsey as Executive Vice President of Operations & Wholesale effective June 6, 2022. In this newly created role, Ms. Lipsey will focus on implementing operational efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives across the Company as well as the continued growth of the Company’s omni-channel retail platform. Ms. Lipsey brings over 25 years of experience in evaluating and scaling businesses and products for success. Prior to joining The Parent Company, Ms. Lipsey served as Chief Operating Officer of MedMen, where she led the strategic initiative to evolve their California distribution platform to a more cost-effective drop ship model. Prior to being appointed Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Lipsey held the positions of Senior Vice President of Business Operations as well as Vice President of

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Companies looking for a more sustainable, tobacco-free and cost-effective alternative to traditional foil wrapped blunt wraps now have a new option: Botani Gummed Wrappers . The new gummed wrappers offer a wide range of benefits over their traditional tobacco counterparts. Traditional blunt wrap papers come in single-use foil packages to keep them from drying out. Botani’s gummed wrappers are made using proprietary technology that does away with foil packaging for a more sustainable and cost-effective cannabis smoking experience. The wraps are ideal for blunt applications and moisture optimized for slow burning, safe storage and an extended shelf-life. “The technology behind Botani’s natural hemp flower gummed wrappers helps roll-your-own tobacco influenced brands make a seamless entrance into the cannabis market without adding costly new machinery or storage solutions. This makes our gummed wrappers the ideal product for brands looking to go to market quickly, cos

OAKLAND, Calif. and TORONTO — Harborside Inc. (“Harborside” or the “Company”) (CSE: HBOR) (OTCQX: HBORF), a California-focused, vertically integrated cannabis enterprise, today announced the expansion of its leadership team, appointing Kavi Bhai as vice president of financial planning and analysis and Angela Pih as vice president of marketing. Mr. Bhai has over 11 years of relevant experience, having previously worked for BellRock Brands, where he served as chief financial officer. Prior to BellRock, he served as chief financial officer at Mary’s Medicinals and led audit and advisory engagements at Frazier & Deeter, LLC. In his current role, Mr. Bhai will be responsible for planning, forecasting, budgeting, and analysis to support the execution of the Company’s strategic plan. Ms. Pih is charged with expanding Harborside’s market share by strengthening the company’s brands and sales capabilities. She was previously chief marketing officer at Papa & Barkley, the category lead

DENVER — BellRock Brands Inc. (“BellRock” or the “Company”) (CNSX: BRCK.U), an industry-leading cannabis multi-state house of brands announced today several key changes to management. BellRock announced that Kavi Bhai, BellRock’s Chief Financial Officer, is leaving the company.  He has agreed to provide consulting services to the Company during the next few months to ensure a smooth transition for his replacement. As a result of the change, BellRock has engaged West 4th Holdings, LLC.  Founded by Zachary Venegas and Scott Ogur. West 4th Holdings is a management consulting firm focused on improving operational productivity for small to mid-size companies.   Venegas is a proven business leader across many industries with a particular expertise in cannabis.  Venegas’ most recent cannabis venture was his role as Founder and CEO of Helix Technologies (a SaaS/Reg Tech platform that addressed asset protection and compliance in the cannabis market), which he successfully exited to Forian (N

TORONTO — As the cannabis beverage category gains traction in Canada, Truss Beverage Co. is significantly expanding its portfolio with 15 new cannabis beverages for summer, one of the largest beverage occasions of the year. With innovation driving all growth for ready-to-drink cannabis beverages last year, the leading cannabis beverage company is continuing to craft delicious and differentiated products that appeal to various taste preferences and beverage occasions. While cannabis beverages have steadily gained momentum since legalization, the arrival of new flavours continues a year of category-defining product development for Truss. With cannabis beverage year-to-date growth being up by over 45 per cent, nearly three times higher than the total cannabis year-to-date sales data, Truss is poised to meet the growing consumer demand for cannabis beverages. “Consumers are looking for other adult-beverage options to alcohol, particularly for social occasions, and are turning to cannabi

A new nationwide study reveals consumer confusion around US standards for cannabis product safety and quality, showing there is a widely-held, inaccurate assumption that cannabis products have the same basic protections that exist for food, pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the US. The national study was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of SICPA, a leading provider of regulatory compliance solutions, and the Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards (FOCUS) among over 2,000 U.S. adults. Results include: Nearly three-quarters of Americans overall (72%) and 80% of American cannabis consumers think cannabis products are grown and produced using consistent product safety standards (regardless of which state they are legally purchased in). More than four in five Americans overall (81%) and 84% of cannabis consumers think that no matter where they are located, the businesses licensed to grow and produce cannabis products must meet consistent environmental standard

SAN FRANCISCO — PAX , a leading global cannabis brand, today announced the launch of PAX Diamonds pods for PAX Era. This marks the latest cannabis product from PAX, known for its history of design, innovation and unique consumer offerings. Available across California at launch, this first-of-its-kind product brings the experience and potency of concentrates to a convenient, easy to use form factor at an accessible price for the first time. THCA diamonds are the purest, most potent form of THC—the plant’s most celebrated cannabinoid. Designed specifically for PAX’s Era line, PAX Diamonds introduces THCA diamonds in a portable, reliable and easy to use Era pod. Sourced entirely from California cannabis flower, PAX Diamonds is free from non-cannabis additives, residual solvents, harmful heavy metals or other combustion byproducts. “We can’t wait for people to experience this product, from its true-to-cultivar taste to the underlying kick that THCA is legendary for,” said Collin Palmer,

WASHINGTON – The Capital Lending and Investment for Marijuana Businesses (CLIMB) Act was introduced Thursday by U.S. Congressmen Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA). If passed, the bill would provide safe harbor for private financial institutions that offer lending services to legal cannabis businesses. It would also provide protections for government agencies including the Small Business Administration (SBA), Minority Business Development Association (MBDA), and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), allowing individuals and small businesses to receive funding for cannabis-related businesses and services. “The bipartisan CLIMB Act is a huge opportunity to bring equity and equal opportunity into our nation’s burgeoning cannabis industry,” Carter said . “From my work on the Small Business Committee and by working directly with small, minority, and veteran-owned cannabis businesses, it’s clear that access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers

SEATTLE – Get ready for the best tasting brand in cannabis, available now in California. After 25 years of creating signature craft soda flavors and famously featuring fan- submitted photo labels on every bottle, Jones Soda Co. is entering a whole new category with the new Mary Jones brand of cannabis-infused sodas. Mary Jones 10mg Cannabis-Infused Sodas are available in Jones’ fan-favorite Root Beer, Berry Lemonade, Green Apple and Orange & Cream flavors. Every flavor tastes like the Jones Soda original, thanks to Jones flavor scientists who have spent more than two decades as innovators in flavor and have now adapted their iconic recipes for cannabis. These delicious sodas are sold in single-serving 12 oz glass bottles with a 4-pack carrier perfect to bring to a party and share with friends.  The new Mary Jones products also continue Jones Soda’s tradition of using photographs submitted by consumers on their bottle labels and printing quotes from fans under the bottle caps.

Cannabis Drinks Expo , a super hit b2b trade show returns in July, providing the cannabis and drinks industry a unique platform to do business, learn about the category and source amazing brands. The theme for the 2022 show will be ‘Growing The Category’. The 2022 show will focus on helping anyone looking to get into the category learn and develop new products, it will help existing brands expand into other states by meeting other state manufacturers. It will help retailers and distributors develop their store own brands, it will find new ways cannabis beverages can be marketed and sold. It will find new ways cannabis beverages can be developed to grow end consumer market share. The 2022 show will focus on increasing the overall category by showcasing exhibitors who can help do that and by creating networking opportunities and focusing on multi-state bottlenecks that are in place. The show will have an international and national focus instead of a state-based focus. This is where mul

It is no secret that cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the marketplace today. Each day, new brands are being launched and new products are being designed. When consumers walk into a nearby dispensary, they are welcome with a wide array of pre-rolls, edibles, etc. At times, it can be exciting to witness the evolution of the marketplace , but it is important to note that humans are often creatures of habit. Customers will stop by the usual storefront for their morning coffee, visit the restaurant that makes them feel at home for lunch and return to their favorite recipes while cooking dinner. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, it is incumbent upon brands and industry leaders to understand who and what continues to pull customers back in time after time. Popular Strains In The Evergreen State The expansive medicinal and recreational cannabis markets within the state of Washington provide valuable insights into the repeat purchase trends of pre-roll customers.

LOS ANGELES – Cannabis powered, sexual wellness brand Lavinia is on a mission to bring pleasure to the masses. Founded by Katie Enright during the height of the pandemic, Lavinia products are designed to empower, delight, and transport users into a space where orgasms come frequently and with more power. The Los Angeles based brand has launched from zero to nearly 100 dispensaries throughout California in less than a calendar year, and has priced its product at a wallet conscious $48. After all, everyone deserves access to the fast lane of pleasure. The journey could not have been more of a U-turn for Enright, who originally planned to side step sexuality all together by becoming a nun. After a chance encounter while studying abroad, the religious studies major met an impossibly enticing man and made the decision to ditch the habit. As a late bloomer, Enright felt behind in sexual experience and decided to hit the books and learn everything she could about pleasure and created the pr

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The  CA State Fair Cannabis Awards  today announced the inaugural award-winning cultivars and cultivators from throughout California. More than 300 entries were evaluated for this year’s competition. A total of 60 trophies and medals were awarded, consisting of gold and silver medals by division and category, as well as the coveted Golden Bear Award for the “Best of California” overall winners.  MOCA Humboldt ,  Esensia , and  Greenshock Farms  are among the top winners. “Adding cannabis cultivation, alongside wine, craft beer, cheese and olive oil, was a perfect fit with the CA State Fair’s history of celebrating California’s rich agriculture history,” said California Exposition & State Fair Board of Director Chair Jess Durfee. The science-based competition evaluated cannabis flower across three divisions: indoor, mixed light and outdoor. Lab testing was provided by SC Labs, California’s premier testing facilities, to determine the winners in 10 categories:

The cannabis industry is growing in multiple ways: Legalization, revenue, and sophistication all are on the rise. As the industry continues on its trajectory to surpass The Arcview Group’s projection of $42 billion in revenue by 2024, many companies face challenges that come with rapid growth and increased consumer demand. In order to keep up, growers, processors, packagers , and manufacturers alike are looking toward a future in automation to increase efficiency , lower costs, and bring products to market on an accelerated timeline. In addition, widespread labor shortages are challenging the manual-labor tactics the industry has relied on for so long. Almost every business could benefit from adding equipment and machinery that automate processes and impact long-term scalability. The bottom line: There are outstanding opportunities for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to help businesses streamline their operations and pave the way toward industry standards and best practices.

WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) reportedly is discussing with other congressional leaders a bipartisan omnibus cannabis bill that would grant new provisions for small business loans, criminal justice reform, medical research, veteran support, and banking access for the legal cannabis industry. Schumer met with Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) in early June at an International Cannabis Bar Association conference where the two discussed the potential for a bipartisan effort to tackle criminal justice and banking reform measures. According to Politico, they specifically talked about the possibility of combining the Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act sponsored by Reps. Joyce and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Act introduced by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO). As a standalone bill, SAFE passed in the House last year by a vote of 321 to 101, with 106 Republicans voting in favor of the federal banking reforms. H

A patchwork of strict regulations and vague guidelines across North America has created a difficult path for marketers to navigate, one that regularly lands businesses in hot water with improper ad placement, content, and promotions. A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs examined 328 of the Washington State’s marketing violations from 2014 to 2019, highlighting the growing pains and penalties businesses face in a fledgling recreational market. While the specifics of your marketing campaigns may need to vary from state to state, understanding where other companies have gone wrong offers valuable insights for brands across the country. In addition to the study’s conclusions on the most common types of marketing violations, researchers also found members of the local community were as likely to report violations as officers working for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, especially in the case of content appealing to minors. They also found “very f

To navigate the evolving role cannabis plays in society, we must operate through a healing lens. American racism, bore from the imperial pursuits of Western Europe and enshrined by an economy built upon chattel slavery, is inextricably woven into the criminalization of cannabis. As the legal industry continues to grow in value, we must always remember who made it possible for cannabis businesses to thrive. The cannabis industry is built on the labor of the Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) community, who endured decades of unjust violence under the guise of the war on drugs. Prohibition was an intentionally racist policy instituted by the United States government and continues to disproportionately harm BIPOC citizens across the country. Prohibition policies, described by author Michelle Alexander as the New Jim Crow , are a glaring example of structural racism in the nation. The legal cannabis industry has a responsibility to help dismantle the injustice perpetuated by