2025 Archives | Cannabis Means Business

Christine Ianuzzi, CEO CMB on Highest in the Room Podcast

February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 By CMB Global

HITR #26: Christine Ianuzzi, Be in the Right Room, CMB

In this episode, KymB sits down with Christine Ianuzzi, CEO of Cannabis Means Business (CMB), to get the blunt facts on the state of cannabis today and the upcoming CMB Conference in NYC.

What’s Hot in Cannabis Right Now?

The push for nationwide legalization – Over 70% of Americans support it!
Entrepreneurship – Breaking into the industry and making it work
Branding – Standing out in a competitive market is more important than ever

What’s Out?

Unhealthy, low-quality products
Negativity – Cannabis is about community, business, and lifestyle

CMB is More Than a Trade Show – It’s a Movement!

Christine and KymB talk about why CMB, formerly CWCBExpo, is getting back to its roots and why being in the right room matters. NYC and CMB are where business happens!

February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 By CMB Global

HITR #25: Patty Roe, Community Building, Pink Sesh, PS Society

Patty Roe, Founder of Pink Sesh and the PS Society

From Passion to Purpose: How Patty Roe Built a Community for Women in Cannabis.

In this episode, KymB sits down with Patty Roe, founder of PS Society, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting, elevating, and empowering women in the cannabis industry. Discover how Pink Sesh evolved into PS Society, fostering a powerful community of women leaders. Beyond the cannabis industry, PS Society empowers women across various fields, offering programs that combat loneliness and isolation, creating connections that uplift and inspire.

Learn how Patty’s journey took her from California to Michigan, navigating the cannabis space, overcoming challenges, and building a thriving, mission-driven organization. Gain valuable insights and advice on breaking into the industry, including the challenges of letting go of what isn’t working and the courage it takes to start something entirely new.

Listen now and be inspired by a pioneer in cannabis entrepreneurship and community building.

Cannabis Retail Marketing in the Digital Era,From the left: Mike Zaytsev, Ed Keating, Solonje Burnett, Mike Ballard, and Jon Lowen

January 31, 2025February 15, 2025 By CMB Global

A new year. Unpredictability. Entrepreneurship & Opportunities in Cannabis.

Power and Deal Rooms at CMB Conference & Expo.

Happy New Year!

As we look toward the rest of 2025 and beyond, the industry and our thousands of entrepreneurs continue to be faced with challenges. The difficulties the industry had at the end of 2024 still remain, with 2025 arriving with additional concerns including:

Uncertainty of the Rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III and what appears to be stagnation of any progress, as the anticipated January Rescheduling hearing has been postponed.
A new congress and government administration whose support for cannabis reform is also uncertain.
Threats to ballot measures that have been approved at the ballot box for medical and/or retail cannabis legislation– will they be challenged to the point of not being economically feasible, or not being implemented at all?
Continued tax burdens for legitimate cannabis business owners as collateral damage of the Rescheduling stagnation.
Debanking issues where business owners are prevented from opening bank accounts and obtaining other financial services from banks in the name of risk management and risk aversion.

Amid the many challenges, the industry has much to be optimistic about, thanks to the business owners who continue to build and expand it with their passion for the plant, their ingenuity, their dedication to developing the plant’s health benefits, and their perseverance. In addition, as the new year unravels, the industry will welcome new entrepreneurs and investors who see the opportunities ahead.

Cannabis Means Business – Now in its 11th Year – Be There

Cannabis Means Business, formerly CWCBExpo – now in its 11th year– is a conference and expo that reflects the rapid growth of cannabis as a legitimate global industry. It is the place to be if you want to expand your business in the cannabis industry.

Cannabis Means BUsiness Conference & Expo
June 4 – 5
Javits Convention Center, NYC

Federal News

Rescheduling Hearings

As we highlighted in our December Newsletter, on December 2, 2024 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) held its first hearing about Rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug – without testimony from selected participants. Full hearings with testimony had been delayed into 2025 with the timeline set by Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney. Hearings with actual witness testimony were set to start January 21, 2025, but have again been postponed.

More background on this cancellation can be found from The Hill.

See the media advisory statement from the DEA asserting postponement of the hearings.

SAFER Banking Act

Whatever Happened to SAFER Banking Act?

High hopes abounded for well over a year regarding the SAFER Banking Act, which was not brought to a vote despite good prospects that it may have gotten passed. “Debanking” has become an issue in the newly Republican-controlled Senate. Where this all goes will have to be seen.

New York State Cannabis News

New York State Office of Cannabis Management, Cannabis Control Board, Cannabis Advisory Board

The OCM, the CCB and the CAB held meetings in January with much to celebrate – as NYS retail cannabis sales exceeded $1B and over 295 dispensaries were opened for business. Several items were addressed and discussed at these meetings including:

Market Update & Data Highlights
Environment & Sustainability
Advocacy
Social Equity and Licensing
Training Programs for Licensees
More Adult Licenses Approval

Download the CCB January 9th meeting deck here.

Download the press release detailing the CAB’s January 28th meeting here. Training Workshop info sheet here.

Recent New York Adult-Use Dispensary Openings

Noteworthy is that 298 legal Adult-Use dispensaries are were operational by the end of January. Congratulations to these newly opened dispensaries in NYS.

Woodstock Oasis
BETHEL | 2166 NY-17B, Bethel 12720
Website: woodstockoasis.com

Kaya Bliss Dispensary
BROOKLYN | 8412 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn 11209
Website: kayablissnyc.com

The Spot Dispensary
BROOKLYN | 154 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn 11205

Cannabicity
SCHENECTADY | 220 Harborside Drive, Suite 111, Schenectady 12305
Website: cannabicity.net

The Phinest Buds
DEPEW | 576 Dick Road, Suite 10, Depew 14043
Website: thephinestbuds.com

Phenos*
*This is a microbusiness with retail location.
BUFFALO | 69 Allen Street, Buffalo 14202
Website: phenosnewyork.com

Canna Planet Kingston
KINGSTON | 1221 Ulster Avenue, Kingston 12401
Website: cannaplanet.com

Canna Planet Ellenville
ELLENVILLE | 37 N Main Street, Ellenville 12428
Website: cannaplanet.com

The Station Beacon
BEACON | 463 Main Street, Beacon 12508
Website: thestationbeacon.com

Clouditude Dispensary
STATEN ISLAND | 4034 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island 10308

Website: clouditudedispensary.com

Wild Flower Dispensary
AUBURN | 41 E Genesee Street, Auburn 13021
Website: nywildflower.com

Monticello Cannabis
MONTICELLO | 73 Pleasant Street, Monticello 12701

Vaporize
SOUTH RICHMOND HILL | 124-20 Liberty Avenue, South Richmond Hill 11419
Website: vaporizeny.com

The Dabber Hashery*
ELMIRA | 1051 College Avenue, Elmira 14901
Website: dabberhashery.com

Buddeez
ROCHESTER | 1460 Lyell Avenue, Ste 200, Rochester 14606

Caffiend Cannabis
BROOKLYN | 892 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn 11237

The Flowery Upper West Side
MANHATTAN | 2465 Broadway, New York 10025
Website: thefloweryny.com

New Jersey Cannabis News

Certain NJ Employees’ Insurance Now Includes Medical Cannabis

Some good news for certain municipal NJ employees who will now have insurance coverage for medical cannabis. Learn more from NORML.org who has been front and center on supporting health coverage for medical cannabis patients everywhere.

Read about it from NORML.

Cannabis Tax Revenue Helping to Fund Violence Intervention Programs

More good news in NJ as Governor Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin credit the NJ cannabis industry, through adult-use tax revenue, for helping to fund violence intervention programs.

Read more from NJBiz.

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Licensing Portal Timetable

The NJCRC set a timeline for applications for cannabis consumption areas. Consumption areas must be attached to a licensed dispensary.

The Consumption Area Endorsements Licensing Portal began accepting applications for consumption area endorsements in January 2nd.

Here is the timeline:

- January 2, 2025: Applications open for Social Equity designated retail businesses (owners with cannabis-related convictions or residents of Economically Disadvantaged Areas)
- April 2, 2025: Applications for all other microbusinesses and Diversely-Owned dispensaries (minority-owned, women-owned, disabled-owned)
- July 2, 2025: Applications open for all other Class 5 retail operators

Read more details from the NJCRC.

California Cannabis News

Wildfires Have Impacted Cannabis Business Owners

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of the victims affected by the CA wildfires. So many businesses have been affected both inside and outside the cannabis sector. The entire supply chain has been impacted to an astronomical degree.

Ohio Cannabis News

Lawmakers Propose to Roll Back Voter-Approved Cannabis Legalization

In our December newsletter we highlighted that Ohio had surpassed $200MM in adult-use sales in only the four months since it started. In spite of this strong start, Ohio is one of the states with cannabis legalization laws being challenged by its own lawmakers. The laws that are being challenged were approved by voters in 2023 and have started a thriving and sound adult-use cannabis industry.

The state Senate is proposing severe changes that would impose higher taxes on retail cannabis sales, restrict home-grow, limit the statewide retailers, and bar adults from sharing cannabis.

Read more from NORML.

Colorado Cannabis News

Colorado Springs City Council Attempting to Overturn Voter-Approved Adult Use

The Colorado Springs City Council is trying to flatly overturn the 54% voter-approved ballot measure to allow adult-use within the city’s limits. Rejected was a ballot measure that restricted allowing it. Now, council members are trying to overturn it by asserting that voters voted on confusing write-ups of the ballot measures and are second guessing the voter-approved outcome.

Get the details from NORML

Corporate News

Door Dash

Door Dash will begin to deliver to legal-aged customers hemp-derived THC and CBD products for on-demand delivery in select states.

This Month’s Archived Video

Cannabis Retail Marketing in the Digital Era

This month we feature a session from our June 2024 conference that focuses on retail marketing for dispensaries and brands.

This session explores marketing cannabis brands in the digital era. What are the best methods and platforms to market cannabis brands? What are the demographics that guide how cannabis brand owners create campaigns? What works and what does not work to market your brand front and center? What platforms should you spend your marketing dollars on? Should Artificial Intelligence (AI) be figured into your digital marketing budget? How does influencer marketing figure into your digital budget? Hear from experienced dispensary owners on how to secure shelf space for your product, what is driving the marketing for certain products, how a dispensary makes decisions in what products they sell, and what analytics are used.

Moderator: Michael Zaytsev, Academic Director, LIM College

Speakers: Michael Ballard, Vice President Sales, Leafwire; Solonje Burnett, Weed Auntie, Co-Founder and Chief Culture & Community Officer of Erven; Ed Keating, Co-Founder CannaBiz Media; Jon Lowen, Co-CEO, Surfside Media

This session was recorded at CWCBExpo, Javits Convention Center, NYC, on June 6, 2024.

To watch this session now, click here.

We look forward to seeing you at the Cannabis Means Business Conference & Expo.

June 4 – 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center, NYC

January 17, 2025February 14, 2025 By CMB Global

Cannabis Means Business Opens Registration

Cannabis Means Business (CMB), New York Global Edition, Opens Registration

Experience the Premier Trade Show & Conference, June 4-5, For Cannabis Industry Professionals

(New York, New York, January 2025))—Cannabis Means Business (CMB), the premier business to business conference and expo, announces that registration is now open for its highly anticipated 2025 event. Taking place June 4-5, 2025 at the Javits Convention Center In New York City, the epicenter of commerce and innovation, CMB will bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts from across the rapidly growing cannabis sector.

Now in its 11^th year, CMB (formerly CWCBExpo) is renowned for providing an unparalleled platform for networking, education, and business development. With an expansive exhibit floor and a diverse slate of industry-leading speakers, CMB attendees can expect an array of educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to address the complexities of operating within the regional, national, and global cannabis marketplace.

What to Expect at CMB 2025:

- Expert-Led Panels & Sessions: providing insights from industry leaders covering critical topics like market trends, investment strategies, global opportunities, regulatory frameworks and innovative business models that are shaping the industry.
- Product Showcases: featuring the latest products, services, and technologies driving the cannabis industry forward.
- Workshops and Trainings: practical sessions designed to provide actionable knowledge and skills for business success in the cannabis sector.
- Networking Opportunities: including exhibit floor activations, mixers, and after hours events.

Featured keynote speakers and panelists will include top industry figures, government representatives, and thought leaders who will discuss the most pressing issues shaping the future of cannabis business.

“As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, CMB remains at the forefront of shaping its business landscape,” said Christine Ianuzzi, CEO of CMB. “Our mission is to provide a vibrant space for industry professionals to connect, learn, and discover the tools they need to succeed in this dynamic market. This year’s event promises to deliver even more value with a carefully curated lineup of speakers, exhibitors, and innovative content.”

Who Should Attend:

- Cannabis Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
- Dispensary and Retail Operators
- Investors and Venture Capitalists
- Manufacturers, Cultivators, and Suppliers
- Legal, Compliance, and Regulatory Professionals
- Industry Influencers and Advocates

Register Now to take advantage of early bird rates at this premier industry event here: https://cannabismeansbusiness.com/2025-registration/. There is still time to submit a speaker application and be a part of the prestigious CMB conference program: https://cannabismeansbusiness.com/speaker-application/. For more information on exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities visit; https://cannabismeansbusiness.com/exhibiting-sponsoring/

About Cannabis Means Business (CMB)

Cannabis Means Business (CMB), formerly CWCBExpo, is the premier North American trade show and conference for professionals and companies who are serious about growth, innovation and building their business in cannabis. As champions of a responsible, ethical, sustainable and profitable cannabis ecosystem, CMB reflects the vibrancy and complexity of New York City—a global hub for business, innovation and the cannabis supply chain. Visit: www.cannabismeansbusiness.com

Cannabis Means Business – Conference & Expo
June 4 - 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center
New York City

HITR #26: Christine Ianuzzi, Be in the Right Room, CMB

HITR #25: Patty Roe, Community Building, Pink Sesh, PS Society

Power and Deal Rooms at CMB Conference & Expo.