Christine Ianuzzi, CEO CMB on Highest in the Room Podcast

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

CMB, Cannabis Means Business, NY Global Edition, formerly CWCBExpo

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!

CMB Press Release

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 11th 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

CMB Press Release

Cannabis Means Business, a Bold New Vision for CWCBExpo

The Leading New York Cannabis Trade Show & Conferences Launches an Exciting New Vision and Rebrand Reflecting the New Directions for Advancing the Vast Cannabis Industry

 

(New York, New York, October 2024) Cannabis Means Business (CMB) is a new vision for the show previously run as CWCBExpo. This evolution is a significant shift in the landscape of cannabis industry events and reflects the needs of today and the future of the industry. Taking place June 4-5, 2025 at the Javits Center in New York, this transformation to CMB reflects a growing recognition of the cannabis sector’s evolution and its increasing relevance in business discussions across a multitude of industries and around the world.

 

CMB–New York Global Edition will serve as a dynamic platform that encompasses an impactful range of topics, emphasizing the integration of cannabis into mainstream business practices. The event will foster an environment where industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and key stakeholders can engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of cannabis and New York’s growing influence as a global hub.

 

“The entire global cannabis supply chain is looking at the Northeast United States, and especially New York, for the latest business opportunities and cannabis innovations. More than 10 years ago, CWCBExpo was a pioneer in championing the New York market when it started the first annual cannabis business trade show at the Javits Center. This transformation into Cannabis Means Business (CMB) underscores the importance of this key market, marked by growing consumer demand, an inclusive regulatory framework, international access, and the potential for incredible growth,” said Christine Ianuzzi, CEO of CMB.  “New York is quickly becoming not only a sales epicenter but is also taking the mantle of a hub of commerce and insight at the national and international level.”

 

With this evolution, CMB attendees can expect a greater array of educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to address the complexities of operating within the regional, national, and global cannabis marketplace. Topics will include market trends, investment strategies, global opportunities, regulatory frameworks and innovative business models that are shaping the industry.

 

The Cannabis Means Business conference will highlight successful case studies and best practices from both cannabis-specific companies and traditional businesses that have integrated cannabis into their ecosystem. This approach will provide valuable insights for those looking to navigate the evolving landscape and market dynamics.

 

“As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, the transition from CWCBExpo New York to Cannabis Means Business–New York Global Edition reflects our commitment to advancing the conversation around the global cannabis supply chain. This focus aims to empower and equip attendees with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive and international market,” said Jennifer Hoff, President of Taffy Event Strategies.

 

The tranformation to Cannabis Means Business will continue to attract the decision making audience that gets business done, including those from adjacent industries who are exploring opportunities within the cannabis space. CMB will also continue to incorporate and empower the multi-faceted nature of the cannabis industry.

 

For more information and to learn about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities at CMB–New York Global Edition, visit: www.cannabismeansbusiness.com.

 

 

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

Womxn Luncheon Montage, February 17, 2024

Licensing in NY, Cannabis in Germany, plus Womxn Luncheon with CWCBExpo

Introducing CWCBExpo’s New Podcast

Highest: In the Room

Highest: In the Room
A podcast series that discusses the business of cannabis in a LIT way

Reporting from the weed capital of the world, KymB interviews the power players in the wild industry of cannabis.

In Episode #1, KymB gets the “blunt” facts from the Beard Bros, Bill and Jeff Levers, on cannabis restrictions on Instagram and why cannabis media is an integral part of business.*

*Contains explicit language.

Highest In the Room, with KymB
New York State News

Judge Rules for NYS in Lawsuit

NYS has gotten over another hurdle in court. On February 2, Judge Nardacci ruled against plaintiffs citing unfair issuance of licenses that was based on the social equity criterion laid out in the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act passed on March 31, 2021. Previous lawsuits claiming similar complaints were settled. The result of the latest ruling by Judge Narducci is a good sign that NYS is continuing to move the industry forward.

Plan to Shut Down Illicit Cannabis Operations

In our January 2024 Newsletter, we noted that Governor Kathy Hochul is committed to shutting down illicit cannabis shops across New York State. The movement to get this done has taken off in recent weeks with several local lawmakers at the NY Assembly and Senate levels supporting legislation and funding targeted at the closing of illegal shops and providing more authority to NYC Mayor Adams and the NYPD to get the job done.

Queens Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has aggressively been pushing her proposal to shutter illegal cannabis operations across the city, while Queens Senate member Leroy Comrie has pushed to get the law into the budget. It is called the Smoke Out Law.

Spectrum News NY1

Dispensary Openings

The Adult-Use dispensary openings continue across NYS and NYC. Here are 18 of the most recent openings.

New York State Office of Cannabis Management NYS OCM

Legacy Dispensary

COLONIE | 1839 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY
Website: www.legacy-dispensary.com


High Stone
STATEN ISLAND | This is a temporary delivery only location.No in-person or pre-order sales are allowed at this location.
Website: www.highstone.nyc


Royale Flower
ALBANY | 350 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY
Website: www.royaleflower.com


Brownies
COLONIE | 1686 Central Avenue, Albany NY
Website: www.browniesbrand.com  


Northern Lights NY
MENANDS | 90 Broadway, Spc 8, Menands, NY
Website: www.nldispo.com/


Buddega NYC
WHITE PLAINS | This is a temporary delivery only location. No in-person or pre-order sales are allowed at this location.
Website: www.cannabisrealmny.com


The Grass Hole Cannabis
PLATTSBURGH | 779 State Route 3, Plattsburgh, NY
Website: www.thegrasshole.com


Cannavita
ASTORIA | 30-30 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY
Website: www.cannavita.us



Etain
WHITE PLAINS | 75 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY
Website: www.etainhealth.com

The Emerald
BUSHWICK | 85 Suydam St, Bushwick, NY
Website: www.theemeralddispensary.com


NYCBUD

LONG ISLAND | 44-45 Vernon Blvd, Long Island, NY
Website: www.nycbud.com


Puffalo Dreams
BUFFALO | 900 Niagara Falls Blvd, Buffalo, NY [Corrected Address]
Website: www.puffalodreams.com


New Metro

BAYSIDE | 221-50 Horace Harding Expy, Oakland Gardens, NY
Website: www.newmetro.club


Public Flower

BUFFALO | 232 Allen Street, Buffalo, NY


Elevate

MOUNT VERNON |127 S Terrace Ave Mt. Vernon, NY
Website: www.elevatecannabisny.com/


Exit 31 Exotic

UTICA | 255 Genesee Street, Utica, NY
Website: www.uticacannabisco.com


Tiki Leaves

CONEY ISLAND | 1511 Neptune Ave., Brooklyn, NY


Silk Road NYC

QUEENS | 166-30 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY
Website: www.silkroadnyc.com/

Licensing News

Some good news for NYS revenues: NYS’s total adult-use cannabis sales are climbing toward $200MM since MRTA was passed. As of this month, total adult-use sales reached $183MM, as reported by the Office of Cannabis Management and Governor Hochul.

Also this month, the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM):

  • Issued over 100 licenses in mid-February including 38 new Retail Dispensary Licenses, and 26 Micro-business Licenses.
  • Approved Home Grow Cultivation Regulations
  • Opened a new application window for more type 3 processor applications and to allow conditional cultivators and processors to continue transition to non-conditional licenses
Seal of Governor Kathy Hochul
New Jersey News

New Jersey Closes in on $1B in Total Cannabis Revenue

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) reported on February 15 that there were 102 medical and adult-use dispensaries across the state. In addition, total sales for medicinal and adult-use cannabis sales were closing in at $1B combined. These milestones are very good news.

NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission
Pennsylvania News

Governor Josh Shapiro Wants to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

Will Pennsylvania legalize adult-use cannabis anytime soon? Governor Ron Shapiro is supporting it and presented some key points during his February budget presentation as part of his efforts to legalize adult-use in PA. In his presentation he cited estimated cannabis revenues, social equity, and expungement of minor cannabis offenses and arrests. Not all groups in PA are supportive of the Governor’s efforts.

CBS News
Majority of U.S. Voters Favor Legalization

U.S. Voters Want Legalization

We highlighted in our January newsletter that the issue of de-scheduling vs. rescheduling cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug was heating up. A poll found that the call to de-schedule cannabis is overwhelmingly supported by both Democrat and Republican voters. The results of a poll featured in NORML.org, compiled by The Tarrance Group, showed that well over 50% of respondents want to see full legalization in all 50 states.

Ukraine Legalizes Medical Cannabis

Ukraine’s President Zelensky Signs Medical Cannabis into Law

On February 15, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the December 21, 2023 bill that was approved by Ukraine’s Parliament. This new law will provide access for medical patients seeking treatment for a variety of conditions including PTSD. The war has created the need for medical cannabis to help treat the traumas of the war suffered by soldiers and citizens. Patients will need a prescription from a doctor to get the medical cannabis and to legally buy it. Recreational cannabis remains illegal. The new law takes effect in July 2024.

Germany Legalizes Adult-Use

Germany Legalizes Adult-use Cannabis

As of February 23, Germany became the third European country to legalize recreational use cannabis for anyone aged 18 or above.

CNN
Community News

Building Community Through Recognizing WOMXN Entrepreneurs

On Saturday February 17, CWCBExpo was honored to be the Nourishment Sponsor for the WOMXN Brunch. The brunch was expertly produced and organized by Solonje Burnett and Kymberly Byrnes (KymB). Solonje Burnett is Weed Auntie and Co-founder and Chief Culture & Community Officer of Erven. Kymberly Byrnes is Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of TribeTokes, and Host of “The Highest in the Room” podcast. 

The luncheon took place in Williamsburg Brooklyn at the Moxie Hotel and was sold out. CWCBExpo was in attendance and is sharing some photos below. Thank you Solonje and KymB for making such a memorable afternoon.

Womxn Luncheon Montage, February 17, 2024

Womxn Luncheon, February 17, 2024. Clockwise from the top left, Solonje Burnett, Weed Auntie, Co-founder and Chief Culture & Community Officer of Erven, with Christine Ianuzzi, CEO, CWCBExpo; Kymberly Byrnes (KymB), Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of TribeTokes; Women in attendance; “Local Roots” food table, the woman-owned small business which prepared the healthy, fresh and delicious lunch that was served at the event.

Check out the CWCBExpo BLOG

CWCBExpo blogs contain relevant, timely information.

Recent subjects include cannabis testing laboratories, packaging, facility security, and legalization and regulatory updates.

Lighting a Joint

This is the event you need to attend.

CWCBExpo, Cannabis Means Business, 11th Annual

June 5 – 6, 2024
Javits Convention Center, NYC

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