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

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 yearis 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.

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
NYS OCM Office of Cannabis Management

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.

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.

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
NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission

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.

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.

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

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.

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

June 4 – 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center, NYC
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

Business & Culture at a Crossroads: Cannabis & Psychedelics, From the left: Ryan Hurley, Gaetano Lardieri, Maurice Hinson, Lisa Gora, Kymberly Byrnes, and Joe McKay

Be in the Right Room

Shape, Witness and Own the Next Phase of Cannabis History.
Be Part of CMB – the Business Leader of the Pack.

As December ends, it is also the lead-in to a new and challenging year ahead for the cannabis industry – perhaps like no other. As we leave 2024 and usher in 2025, there is so much that lies ahead for cannabis business owners, regulators, lawyers, accountants, medical professionals, and investors to watch including:

  • The establishment of a new government administration and new nominees and appointees to sensitive government agencies that regulate and mandate currency and financial markets, health, medicine, drugs, education, the flow of public information and social media platforms

  • The outcome of the Rescheduling hearings to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug as the hearings unfold

  • Ballot measures for several states that voted on medical and/or retail cannabis legislation and how they get implemented or challenged as the year progresses

  • How an economic layer due to cannabis tax revenues is being built in states that have legal adult-use cannabis laws

  • The legitimate cannabis business and industry can’t be ignored much longer nor be unsupported long-term at the federal level without some banking provisions finally being passed by Congress

  • New York is expected to exceed $1 Billion in 2024 retail sales

  • New Jersey surpassed $1 Billion for 2024 in combined medical and retail sales – up 25% compared to 2023

Cannabis Means Business (CMB)

Be ready for the future and making your mark in the industry. We announced our rebrand from CWCBExpo to Cannabis Means Business (CMB)—designed to better serve the modern cannabis industry and build your business to seize and create the future. New York is not just a sales epicenter – it’s becoming a hub of commerce and insight, influencing the cannabis market on a national and international level.

Cannabis Means Business–New York Global Edition is a transformation that reflects the rapid growth of cannabis as a legitimate global industry. Make sure you are it the right room – the CMB room!

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

Federal Rescheduling News

CMB Recorded Discussion About the DEA’s December 2nd Hearing

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 have been delayed into 2025 with a timeline set by Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney. Hearings with actual witness testimony is set to begin January 21, 2025.

We share with you a special conversation that dissects the issues of rescheduling and its ramifications for the industry with Steph Sherer, Founder, Executive Director, President of the Board, Americans for Safe Access, and moderated by Chris Day, Co-Founder of GCNC.

Rescheduling Discussion, Steph Sherer and Chris Day, December 2024

Re-Scheduling Hearings – January through March 2025

Witness testimony is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 and continue with a sequence of scheduled sessions through the beginning of March.

Conservative Think Tank: 73% of Americans Support Some Form of Legalization

In past newsletters we highlighted polls that show there is an overwhelming majority of Americans who support cannabis legalization at the federal level for medical and/or adult-use. Recent poll data as of December 18, 2024 – from the conservative think tank, Manhattan Institute – has yielded more of the same. In fact, the data shows that 73% of its respondents supported some form of legalization.

NORML

Federal Farm Bill News

Farm Bill Extended

As part of the last-minute government congressional action to avert a government shutdown as 2024 comes to a close, the Farm Bill was extended for one year which leaves the hemp and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) definitions and rules alone.

New York State Cannabis News

New York State Office of Cannabis Management, Cannabis Control Board

The final meetings for 2024 were held by the NYS OCM this December. A number of issues were addressed as the last meetings were conducted.

The December 11, 2024 CCB meeting discussed details of the year in review including:

  • Number of operational dispensaries
  • Retail Sales hitting $1 Billion
  • Number of adult-use licenses and types of licenses issued
  • Medical and Cannabinoid Hemp Licenses Issued
  • Enforcement efforts to shut down illicit shops
  • Compliance Inspections
  • Medical cannabis program
  • Energy & Sustainability
  • …and many other items

The Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) held their last meeting on December 13, 2024 and discussed the number of retail licenses that should be issued in NYS. The number they decided on was 1,600 retail dispensaries that could be sustained. This figure was based upon market data that was presented by the OCM.

To close out the year, the NYS OCM has some good news for its “budding entrepreneurs.” It announced that the OCM and Our Academy are partnering together to provide workforce development and mentorship for justice-impacted entrepreneurs.

NYS OCM Office of Cannabis Management

Recent New York Adult-Use Dispensary Openings

As 2024 comes to a close, the OCM has reported that a total of 269 legal Adult-Use dispensaries have opened for business.

Congratulations to these newly opened dispensaries in NYS:

Peace, Love, & Bud
LOCKPORT | 320 S Transit Street, Lockport 14094
Website: www.plbud.com   

Beleaf Calverton
CALVERTON | 4462 Middle Country Road, Calverton 11933
Website: https://beleafny.com

Cannabis Central
CLIFTON PARK | 1520 Crescent Road, Clifton Park 12065
Website: https://shopcannabiscentral.com

Domes Dispensary
KINGSTON | 268 Forest Hill Drive, Kingston 12401
Website: domesdispensary.com

Farmers Choice Dispensary
FISHKILL | 18 Westage Drive, Fishkill 12524
Website:
https://farmerschoicedispensary.com/   

Long Island Cannabis Club
DEER PARK | 94 East Industry Court, Deer Park 11729
Website: https://cannabisclubli.com/

RR Legacy Dispensary
GLENS FALLS | 12 Hudson Avenue, Glens Falls 12801
Website: https://rrlegacydisp.com

Cloud 914
PEEKSKILL | 807 Washington Street, Peekskill 10566
Website: https://cloud914.com

ROC Dispensary*
*This location is a microbusiness with retail dispensary. ROCHESTER | 324 Jefferson Road, Rochester 14623
Website: https://rochester420.com

Evexia Cannabis
HALFMOON | 217 Guideboard Road, Halfmoon 12065
Website: https://evexiacannabis.com

The Cannabis Store
BUFFALO | 1936 S Park Avenue, Buffalo 14220

Strain Stars Riverhead
RIVERHEAD | 1871 Old Country Road, Riverhead 11901
Website: https://strainstarsny.com

82-J Cannabis Company
BUFFALO | 1673 Hertel Avenue, Suite B, Buffalo 14216
Website: https://eightytwo-j.com

Wilde Roots
CASTLETON | 4179 State Route 20, Castleton 12033
Website: https://wilderoots.com

The Green Village Dispensary
NEW HARTFORD | New Hartford Shopping Ctr, Suite 41, New Hartford 13413

Transcend Wellness
TROY | 289 Oakwood Avenue, Troy 12182
Website: https://transcendwps.com

Charlie Fox
MANHATTAN | 719 7th Ave, New York 10036
Website: https://shopcharliefox.com

Upstate Pines
RED HOOK | 7345 South Broadway, Red Hook 12571
Website: www.upstatepines.com

The Flowery Brooklyn
BROOKLYN | 692 Grand Street, Brooklyn 11211
Website: www.thefloweryny.com

The Kokoro Way Cannabis
KENMORE | 2454 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore 14217
Website: www.thekokoroway.com 

The Emerald Dispensary Manhattan
MANHATTAN | 1190 Lexington Ave, New York 10028
Website: www.emeralddispensary.nyc

I Bud You NY
BRONX | 898 Gerard Avenue, Bronx 10452

Housing Works Cannabis Co NoMad
MANHATTAN | 846 6th Avenue, New York 10001
Website: www.hwcannabis.co

Ripe Cannabis
SCHENECTADY | 245 Broadway, Suite 4, Schenectady 12305
Website:www.ripecannabisny.com

New Jersey Cannabis News

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Issues Announcements

New Jersey was also busy in December having their final meeting and decided on several things heading out of 2024 and into 2025.

  • Consumption areas will be a reality very soon. The NJ-CRC approved a Notice of Application Acceptance (NOAA) for consumption areas and will be accepting applications from specific licensee groups starting on January 2, 2025, and continuing on April 2, 2025 and July 2, 2024. All applicants must use the portal to submit their applications.

  • In our November newsletter we highlighted that The Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) decision amount for 2025 regarding cultivation had been extended past November 1 to give the NJ-CRC more time to get an appropriate (SEEF) rate determined. The SEEF is collected from cannabis cultivators when they sell or transfer products to other license classes. During their final public meeting, they voted that the SEEF be adjusted to $2.50 per ounce, an increase of $1.24 from 2024.

  • The 2025 10 public meetings schedule was approved at the final meeting of the NJ-CRC.

New Jersey Surpasses $1 Billion in Sales

There is more good news out of NJ regarding the combined medical and retail cannabis sales – combined they reached $1 billion this year – an increase of 25% when compared with the combined cannabis sales of 2023.

NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission

Pennsylvania Cannabis News

PA House Democrats are Drafting a Legalization Bill

Will Pennsylvania join the other 24 states to legalize recreational cannabis? House Democrats are trying to do just that for PA with new legislation that is currently being written. Dan Frankel, Representative of Allegheny, and Rick Krajewski, Representative of Philadelphia are co-sponsoring legislation.

Ohio Cannabis News

Ohio Adult Use Sales Surpass $200 Million in 4 Months

High hopes are in the air in Ohio for cannabis recreational sales. This past August, Ohio began recreational sales. In the four months since, Ohio recreational sales has hit over $200M.

Nebraska Cannabis News

Lawsuit Seeks to Stop Voter-Approved Measure for Medical Cannabis

We highlighted in the November newsletter that Measures 437 & 438, (Medical Expansion), both passed during the November election by Nebraska voters. Former Senator Kuhn has filed another lawsuit that seeks to stop the two voter-approved measures for medical cannabis legislation.

Austrailia Cannabis News

Australia Capital Teritory (ACT)

Australia is known as the down under continent. Did you know that within Australia, there is the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which has cannabis rules that were enacted in 2020 specifically around personal use, and were designed to help people to stay out of the justice system?

Recently, in 2024, changes were made to those rules to shore up support of that goal. While cannabis is not legalized in the ACT, it has been decriminalized in the ACT.

It is illegal to sell, share or give cannabis to anyone as a gift, for people under the age 18 to grow, use or possess cannabis, and to drive under the influence of cannabis.

Some of the recent allowable changes regarding personal use include:

  • Having possession of 50 grams of dried cannabis or up to 150 grams of fresh cannabis
  • Growing 2 cannabis plants per person, up to 4 plants per household
  • Using cannabis in one’s own home

Some of the changes that are not allowable regarding personal use and are considered offenses include:

  • Smoking or using cannabis in a public place
  • Exposing a child or young person to cannabis smoke
  • Storing cannabis within the reach of children
  • Growing cannabis using hydroponics or artificial cultivation
  • Growing plants where they can be accessed by the public

This Month’s 2024 Archived Video

Business & Culture at a Crossroads: Cannabis & Psychedelics, From the left: Ryan Hurley, Gaetano Lardieri, Maurice Hinson, Lisa Gora, Kymberly Byrnes, and Joe McKay
Business & Culture at a Crossroads: Cannabis & Psychedelics, From the left: Ryan Hurley, Gaetano Lardieri, Maurice Hinson, Lisa Gora, Kymberly Byrnes, and Joe McKay

Business & Culture at a Crossroads: Cannabis & Psychedelics

This month we feature a timely session from our June 2024 conference that ties into current conversations around psychedelics and cannabis.

As cannabis has been emerging out of isolation and extreme stigma, it has created numerous opportunities across the United States and the globe. Cannabis has evolved and is still evolving as a business layer for ancillary services, the medical community, adult-use markets, and government research. The psychedelic market has also emerged as an opportunistic business layer. While both cannabis and psychedelics offer business opportunities and potential for investors – the culture and the business pressures are each at a crossroads.

In this panel we discuss the progress and obstacles for the next level of business and opportunities for these two Schedule 1 drugs. Tune in to this informative, timely, energetic and forward thinking panel discussing the legal, medical and cultural crossroads of cannabis and psychedelics.

Moderator: Gaetano Lardieri, Co-Founder of Future Entheogenic Medicines LLC (F.E.M.), Co-Founder, THCBD

Speakers: Kymberly Byrnes, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, TribeTokes; Lisa Gora, Attorney, Epstein Becker Green; Maurice Hinson, MD, Founder, Director, MediRootz Medical Group; Hospitalist, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center; Ryan Hurley, Cannabis Practice Leader, Rose Law Group; Joe McKay, Retired FDNY Firefighter, Board Member, Clusterbusters

This session was recorded at CWCBExpo, Javits Convention Center, NYC, on June 5, 2024.

To watch this session now, click here.

We look forward to seeing you at Cannabis Means Business 2025.

June 4 – 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center, NYC
Transactions and Services to Expand Your Cannabis Business, From the left: Neil Kaufman, Drew Mathews, Jacob Miller, Jeff Booker

Seize and Create The Future

New York Approaches $1 Billion in Sales.
Ballot Measures are In.
Rescheduling.

November was a big month for our industry. Important cannabis news includes:

  • A presidential election is finally over. Cannabis ballot measure results are mostly in
  • Stakeholders remained poised for the first Rescheduling hearing set for December 2, 2024 – a hearing that will not include the planned testimony from selected participants
  • New York State is on target to hit $1Billion in retail cannabis sales this year
  • New York State clocked 252 total retail dispensaries open for business – with New York City’s own cannabis culture icons Vladimir Bautista and Ramon Reyes opening up their second dispensary in Brooklyn, NY
  • A cannabis update from Morocco, and more…

Cannabis Means Business (CMB)

Another happening in November was CWCBExpo’s rebrand to Cannabis Means Business (CMB). The new CMB is designed to better serve the modern cannabis industry and build your business to seize and create the future. New York is not just a sales epicenter – it’s a hub of cannabis commerce, culture and insight, influencing the cannabis market on a national and international level.

Cannabis Means Business–New York Global Edition is a business-to-business conference and expo that reflects the rapid growth of cannabis as a legitimate global industry.

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

Rescheduling News

DEA December 2nd Hearing to be Without Testimony

On December 2, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will hold its first hearing about rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug – without the planned testimony from the many selected participants. Full hearings with testimony have been delayed into 2025. As this first hearing approaches, there is a lot of anticipation surrounding it.

NCIA and the Rescheduling Hearing

The National Industry Cannabis Association (NCIA) reported that they have been selected to participate at the December 2 hearing. As a member of the NCIA, CMB thanks the NCIA for their continued efforts and advocacy for the cannabis industry.

New York State Cannabis News

New York State Office of Cannabis Management, Cannabis Control Board

New York State has continued its efforts to strengthen and expand the build-out of its cannabis industry. The most notable and exciting news is that the state is closing in on $1 billion in retail cannabis sales by year’s end. In addition, the Cannabis Control Board held a meeting on November 12, 2024, resulting in a number of approvals and decisions including:

  • Adult-Use License Approvals 
  • Medical Cannabis Patients and Increased Access Across NYS
  • Processing Type 3 Branding Licenses
  • Market and Social Economic Equity Report for NYS

New York City Cannabis Culture Icons Open Second “Happy Munkey” Dispensary

Congratulations to Vladimir (Vlad) Buatista and Ramon Reyes, Co-Founders of Happy Munkey who have successfully opened up their second retail dispensary in New York City. With Happy Munkey, Vlad and Ramon have built a thriving lifestyle brand that has helped shape New York City’s iconic cannabis culture.

Their hard work and passion recently evolved into two culture-forward legal cannabis dispensaries in upper Manhattan and Brooklyn. Their first dispensary opened this past September on Dyckman Street, in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood. Their second opened in November and is the first legal retail dispensary inside the Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn.

Both Vlad and Ramon and their new dispensaries were recently featured in the Brooklyn Paper.

Learn more about Vlad and Ramon and their iconoclastic Happy Munkey enterprise.

Vladimir (Vlad) Buatista and Ramon Reyes, Co-Founders of Happy Munkey

Recent New York Adult-Use Dispensary Openings

As November comes to a close, the OCM has reported that a total of 252 legal Adult-Use dispensaries are now open for business.

Congratulations to these newly opened dispensaries in NYS:

Happy Munkey Brooklyn
BROOKLYN | 453 Fulton St, Brooklyn 11201
Website: happymunkey.com

Just Breathe Syracuse
MANLIUS | 185 W Seneca Street, Manlius 13104
Website: https://dutchie.com/dispensary/just-breathe-syracuse/info

Twisted Vibration
BROOKLYN | 301 Broadway, Brooklyn 11211
Website: twistedvibration.com 

Fireleaf
BROOKLYN | 2102 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn 11234
Website: fireleafny.com

Rochester’s Finest Cannabis Dispensary
ROCHESTER | 74 Lake Avenue, Rochester 14608
Website: rochestersfinestcannabis.com   

Waterman’s Greenhouse LLC (dba Greenside Cannabis)*
*This location is a microbusiness with retail dispensary.

EAST CONCORD
| 12317 Vaughn Street, East Concord 14055
Website: greensidecannabis.com

Munchies Dispensary
QUEENS | 8701 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway Beach 11693
Website: munchiesdispensaryny.com

Budd’s Dispensary
CATSKILL | 70 W Bridge Street, Catskill 12414
Website: buddsdispensary.com

NY Cannabis Co.
MANHATTAN | 743 9th Avenue, New York 10019
Website will be provided on the OCM Dispensary Verification page soon.

Northern Lights Dispensary
CANTON | 51 Main Street, Canton 13617
Website: nynorthernlights.com/

THTree
WEST COXSACKIE | 12187 Route 9W, West Coxsackie 12192
Website: thtreeny.com

Weedside
QUEENS | 50-22 72nd Street, Woodside 11378
Website: weedsideny.com

High Tide Dispensary
LANCASTER | 1829 Como Park Blvd, Lancaster 14086
Website: hightide716.com

By Any Other Name
BROOKLYN | 946 Fulton St, Brooklyn 11238
Website: byanyothernamebk.com

Buzzsaw Cannabis Company*
*This location is a microbusiness with retail dispensary.
NEW HAMPTON
| 5044 Route 17M, New Hampton 10958
Website: buzzsawcannabis.com

Diamond Tree Dispensary
SYRACUSE | 2700 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse 13224
Website: diamondtreedispensary.com

Root 9 Dispensary
WAPPINGERS FALLS | 1546 Route 9, Wappingers Falls 12590
Website: root9dispensary.com

Misfits Dispensary
ROCHESTER | 420 Jefferson Road, Ste 2, Rochester 14623
Website: misfitsdispensary.com

The Plug
BROOKLYN | 428 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn 11225
Website: theplugny.com

Juniper NY
MANHATTAN | 229 Avenue B, New York 10009
Website will be provided on the OCM Dispensary Verification page soon

Herbology
BROOKLYN | 304 Ellery Street, Brooklyn 11206
Website: herbologynyc.com

Flower City Dispensary
VICTOR | 8053 Pittsford Victor Road, Victor 14564
Website: nyflowercitydispensary.com

New Jersey Cannabis News

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Issues Announcements

New Jersey made significant decisions and announcements as they continue to build the economic layer of their cannabis industry. Among them:

  • On the municipality front, the NJ-CRC is trying to build community around legal cannabis and allow towns to benefit from the tax revenue that gets generated by these sales. The NJ-CRC created CREAMMA – Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act which allows municipalities to “opt-in” to allow cannabis businesses to exist in their communities. In return, those communities would economically benefit by reaping a portion of the tax revenue, while also allowing the local governments to control how many cannabis businesses would be allowed in their communities. Up to 2% of the cannabis tax revenue would be allocated to the municipalities who opt-in.
    Read more here.
  • The Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) amount decision for 2025 regarding cultivation has been extended past November 1. It will give the NJ-CRC more time to get an appropriate SEEF rate determined. Learn more from the NJ-CRC.
NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission

State Ballot Measures: Election Results

Many States Had Cannabis Ballot Measures

While not all legislative measures passed as the industry may have wanted, it only proves there is much more to work to be done. States that had ballot measures  were:

  • Florida – Amendment 3, (Recreational Use), Failed
  • North Dakota – Measure 5, (Recreational Use), Failed
  • South Dakota – Measure 29, (Recreational Use) Failed
  • Nebraska – Measures 437 & 438, (Medical Expansion), Both Passed
  • Arkansas – Issue 3 (Medical), Votes Not Yet Counted

See a wrap-up of state ballot measures here from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

Morocco Cannabis News

Legal Harvest Approved for Export

Morocco has always been an intriguing country. Cannabis, as an industry there, is also interesting and has seen some significant emerging opportunities. While recreational cannabis remains illegal in Morocco, it is quite fascinating that in some parts of Morocco, cannabis is the main economic activity.

This year some notable occurrences have transpired in the Moroccan cannabis space. First, it is important to note that in 2023, Morocco celebrated its first major legal harvest approved for export – for medical and industrial uses. This past September 2024, the King of Morocco – Mohammed VI, pardoned 4,800 illegal cannabis farmers to help build a legal cannabis industry there.

The Moroccan cannabis laws are regulated by the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (Anrac). It is led by Mohammed El Guerrouj. Anrac has been in the process of approving thousands of licenses and is working to make cannabis much more accessible and legal, with the goal of creating prosperity and developing a thriving legitimate Moroccan cannabis industry.

Learn more about these emerging opportunities from Arabian Gulf Business Insight.

This Month’s 2024 Archived Video

Transactions and Services to Expand Your Cannabis Business, From the left: Neil Kaufman, Drew Mathews, Jacob Miller, Jeff Booker
Transactions and Services to Expand Your Cannabis Business, From the left: Neil Kaufman, Drew Mathews, Jacob Miller, Jeff Booker

Transactions and Services to Expand Your Cannabis Business

We share a session from our recent June 2024 conference that featured innovators and thought leaders who continue to build and shape the modern cannabis ecosystem. In this energetic session, we learn about the importance of transactional platforms that help business owners reach their end goals of expansion, M&A, and more. This session sparks workable and actionable ideas for every cannabis business owner to consider.

Hear from panelists who conduct transactions in the areas of: Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), leasing and sales of full-scale cannabis operations, compliance, insurance, real estate, loan and credit solutions, payment platforms, and more.

Moderator: Neil Kaufman, Managing Member, Kaufman McGowan PLLC

Speakers: Drew Mathews, Founder & CEO Green Life Business; Jacob Miller, COO, Paybotic; Jeff Booker, Co-Founder and COO, CannaCoverage

We look forward to seeing you at Cannabis Means Business 2025.

June 4 – 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center, NYC

New Look. New Opportunities. Reinvention.

As we enjoy the foliage and leave October for the November election and the start of the holiday season, CWCBExpo is excited to launch our new look and reinvent ourselves as Cannabis Means Business (CMB).

“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.”

Christine Ianuzzi, CEO, Founder, Cannabis Means Business

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 in the US 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.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, with press, 2024
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, with press, 2024

“The Politics and Medicine of Cannabis: A Multi-state Approach.”

In keeping with the political season, and with many states having ballot measures up for a vote on election day, we feature one of the sessions from our June 2024 conference, “The Politics and Medicine of Cannabis: A Multi-state Approach.”

This session holds a timely relevance as 40 states have passed laws for medical and/or adult-use of cannabis – without waiting for changes on a federal level to cannabis regulations.

Read more about this session at the bottom of this newsletter, or click here to view the session now.

Rescheduling News

Rescheduling Decision Delayed

DEA Hearing Delayed Until 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) just announced (on November 1), that the scheduled December 2 hearing, with testimony and witnesses, will be delayed into 2025.

Before this delay, the DEA had just begun to notify the selected participants who would speak at the December 2 hearing. The purpose of this hearing was for the DEA to gather more information from stakeholders and experts on the issue of rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. Applicants submitted a letter requesting to speak at the hearing.

New York State Cannabis News

New York State Office of Cannabis Management, Cannabis Control Board

Noteworthy happenings have transpired this month regarding New York State and its efforts to strengthen and expand the build-out of its cannabis industry efforts. Among them include:

 

  • The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) held a meeting on October 17, 2024. At the meeting they reported that the total Cannabis Retail Sales amount is close to reaching $700 million. Other valuable stats were reported about NYS cannabis sales, dispensaries, licensing, etc.. To learn more about what transpired at this decisive and informative meeting, read through the meeting slides: https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/10/october-10-2024-ccb-meeting-deck.pdf

     

  • The public comment period ended on October 28, 2024 regarding the proposed amendments to marketing and advertising cannabis and cannabis products in NYS. Proposed amendments were filed by the NYS CCB to the Department of State to Parts 128 & 129 Packaging, Labeling, Marketing and Advertising Regulations. The full list of the proposed regulations can be found here:  https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/08/exprs-trms-prts-128-129-amend-final.pdf

  • NYS opened up the application process for Adult-Use Processor Type-3 Branding licenses. Though not a plant-touching license, it allows the licensee to enter into white labeling agreements with NYS licensed cannabis processors who will manufacture a brand’s cannabis products. Stipulations as to what this Type-3 Branding License does can be found here:  https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/answers/cms/a_id/3833

  • NYS launched a grant application program called the Community Reinvestment Program. This program aims to fund non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting young people in under-served and under-resourced communities. This program will be funded by legal adult-use cannabis sales in line with the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) which legalized Adult-Use cannabis sales in NYS. Read more about the grant program here:  https://cannabis.ny.gov/reinvestment

  • Since MRTA was introduced in 2021, much has occurred in NYS and its efforts to build its legal cannabis industry. A comprehensive Implementation Report on MRTA was issued by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Download the report here: https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/10/mrta-implementation-report.pdf
NYS OCM Office of Cannabis Management

Congratulations to These Recent Adult-Use Dispensary Openings

Bayside Cannabis Dispensary

OAKLAND GARDENS | 224-15 Union Turnpike, Oakland Gardens 11364
Website: https://baysidecannabis.com

Secret Garden 716

BUFFALO | 1363 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo 14209
Website: https://secretgarden716.com

Back Home Cannabis Co.

STONE RIDGE | 3056 State Route 213, Stone Ridge 12484

Joint Jungle

LIBERTY | 187 Mill Street, Suite 6, Liberty 12754
Website: https://jointjungleny.com

FingerLakes Cannabis Co

VICTOR | 5 Railroad Street, Victor 14564
Website: https://flxcannaco.com

Catskill Mountain High

KINGSTON | 308 Plaza Road, Kingston 12401
Website: https://catskillmtnhigh.com

Brown Budda New York

SOUTHAMPTON | 1533 Country Rd 39, Southampton 11968
Website: https://brownbuddanewyork.com

Collegetown Dispensary

ITHACA | 105 Dryden Road, Ithaca 14850
Website: https://collegetowndispensary.com

NUGHUB NY

STATEN ISLAND | 1350 Forest Avenue, Staten Island 10302
Website: https://nughubny.com

Hazy Daze

WAVERLY | 332 Broad Street, Waverly 13743
Website: https://hazydaze.store

Mammoth Cannabis

BUFFALO | 212 Ohio Street, Buffalo 14204
Website: https://mammothcanna.com

NUG Yonkers

YONKERS | 2371 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers 10710
Website: https://nug.com/nug-cannabis-yonkers

Treehouse Cannabis

NYACK | 28 Route 59, Nyack 10960
Website: https://treehousecannabis.com

County Road Cannabis

HUDSON VALLEY | 1326 CR-12, New Hampton 10958
Website: https://countyrdcannabis.com

KushKlub NYC

NEW YORK CITY | 186 Orchard Street, New York 10002
Website: https://kushklub.com

Salmon River Cannabis Company

PULASKI | 3808 State Route 13, Pulaski 13142
Website: https://salmonrivercannabis.com

Happy Munkey

NEW YORK CITY | 151 Dyckman Street, New York 10040
Website: https://happymunkey.com

The People’s Joint

SCHENECTADY | 501 State Street, Schenectady 12305
Website: https://thepeoplesjoint.com 

New Jersey Cannabis News

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Issues Announcements

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Issues Announcements

 

Much has happened in New Jersey. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC ) has made progress in many areas. Here are several of their many recent announcements:

 

  • The NJCRC held its final virtual session to seek input from stakeholders of medicinal cannabis on October 1, 2024. They sought participation from healthcare providers, patients, and business owners. These meetings were focused on Product Safety, Packaging, and Labeling Committee (PSPLC), and Permitting and Licensing Committee (P&LC).
  • The Cannabis Training Academy opened on October 16, 2024

  • The final Medicinal Cannabis Program (MCP) Registration Clinics are set for November 13, 15 and 19, 2024

  • As of October 22, 2024, there are 2,108 approved Recreational Licenses

  • As of October 17, 2024, 170 retail and medical dispensaries have opened across 21 counties in NJ
NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission

Learn more and access the slides and information from the most recent NJCRC meetings held on October 17th and 30th, and get info on future meetings:
https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/about/meetings/

Military Veteran Opens New Jersey Dispensary

Congratulations to Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez, CEO & Founder of the recently opened adult-use dispensary “The Other Side,”  located at 36 Congress Street in Jersey City.

Dr. Alyza spoke in our June 2024 CWCBExpo conference in the Dispensary Workshop and at the Women’s Entrepreneur Luncheon. She earned her doctorate in Leadership Management, and is a twice disabled combat veteran and a former U.S. Navy military police officer. She is also an industry trailblazer being the first Black, LatinX, LGBTQ, Female, and Disabled Veteran licensed cannabis operator in NJ.

Visit the TOS Dispensary website here.

Delaware Cannabis News

Cannabis License Lottery

The Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner awarded cannabis licenses on October 24, 2024 in a lottery held via a Facebook live event – it was monitored by an accounting firm.

 

Learn more about the outcome of the lottery from the Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner.

OfficeoftheMarijuanaCommissioner-Delaware1

Learn more and access the slides and information from the most recent NJCRC meetings held on October 17th and 30th, and get info on future meetings:
https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/about/meetings/

Ohio Cannabis News

Sales Exceed $75 Million in Two Months

Recreational sales started in Ohio on August 6, 2024. Ohio Adult-use sales have been in the green ever since. In less than two months they exceeded $75 million.

Read more here from the Ohio Capital Journal.

National Cannabis News

VOTE: State Ballot Measures

As we have been highlighting in our recent Newsletters, many states have ballot measures in this election.  With early voting yielding a large voter turnout across the states – anticipation grows. Which states have ballot measures is very important to know.  Michelle Rutter-Friberg, Director of Government Relations for the NCIA, highlights which states are on the ballot.

(Michelle Rutter-Friberg is also featured in this month’s session recording, located at the bottom of this newsletter.)

Learn more from NCIA here.

Smoke the Vote with NORML

Visit NORML to stay informed about legalization efforts across the entire country.

 

Learn more from their Smoke the Vote guide.

Uruguay Cannabis News

Meet the First Country to Legalize Recreational Cannabis

Did you know that Uruguay was the first country in the modern era to legalize recreational cannabis? The year was 2013 under president Jose Mujica. He did it to combat drug crimes and to improve health. The legislation was monumental as it allowed ultimately for home grow.

 

The cannabis laws in Uruguay are regulated by the Instituto de Regulación y Control del Cannabis (IRCCA) which has been successful in its evolution of regulations and building the cannabis industry in Uruguay.

 

Read more from Uruguay’s IRCCA.

Smoke the Vote with NORML

Visit NORML to stay informed about legalization efforts across the entire country.

 

Learn more from their Smoke the Vote guide.

THIS MONTH’S CWCBExpo NY 2024 ARCHIVED VIDEO

The Politics & Medicine of Cannabis: A Multi-state Approach

This session is a discussion of regulation and policy, highlighting supply chains for both medicinal and adult use channels. Subjects include the latest regs and the potential impact of re-scheduling to Schedule III from Schedule I for the adult-use retail market and for medical patients.

 

Moderator: Nichelle Santos, Founder, CEO, CannaCoverage

 

Speakers: Tosin Ajayi, Senior Policy Research & Policy Analyst, Cannabis NYC; William J. Caruso, Partner, Archer-Greiner; Michelle Rutter-Friberg, Director Government Relations, National Cannabis Industry Association; Ken Weinberg, MD., Founder, CEO, Cannabis Doctors of New York

 

To watch the full session recording, click here.

We look forward to seeing you at Cannabis Means Business 2025.

June 4 – 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center, NYC
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

HITR #19: Jane West

In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Jane West.

Jane West is both a leading cannabis activist and CEO of the eponymous lifestyle brand Jane West. KymB refers to West as a true “pilgrim of the plant.” As part of her activism, West founded Women Grow in 2014, a pioneering organization that hosts networking events featuring industry leaders to empower women to succeed and influence the cannabis industry.

West shares her journey as a woman entrepreneur in the cannabis space, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision to make the industry more inclusive for women. From starting all of her businesses as a solo entrepreneur from her home office, to leading a movement, Jane’s story is one of resilience and dedication.

Tune in to hear West’s insights on how to survive as an entrepreneur and advocate in the cannabis space.

Original Queens of Cannabis, 2024

Hot Summer. Hot Topics. Hot Entrepreneurs.

Hot Summer. Hot Topics.
Hot Entrepreneurs.

The OQs, June 2024
The OQs, June 2024, (from the left) Tanya Osborne, Saki Fenderson, Britni Tantalo, Jessica Naissant, and Kymberly "KymB" Byrnes

The Hottest Entrepreneurs

In this newsletter, we are delighted to share a hot topic from the 10th Annual CWCBExpo 2024: “Journey to Legitimacy: The OGs and OQs of Cannabis.”

This session is steaming hot with our industry’s bravest, courageous and committed who are building and transforming the industry legally, legitimately and enthusiastically. These entrepreneurs and business owners share their stories with passion and heart. Be sure to watch this poignant session of our lovable and remarkable Original Gangsters and Original Queens on their individual journeys to legitimacy.

Read more about these sessions at the bottom of this newsletter.

The OGs, June 2024
The OGs, June 2024 (from the left) Christopher Louie, Hawaii Mike Salman, Coss Marte, Puma Robinson, and Jayson Tantalo
Federal Regulatory Cannabis News

Rescheduling Decision Delayed

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has delayed Rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III and has set a hearing for December 2, 2024. As we reported in our July Newsletter, the public comment period terminated with the DEA receiving over 40,000 comments. Now, Administrator Anne Milgram set a hearing to gather even more input before a decision is made. Who is going to attend this hearing? Who is going to present reasons for and against rescheduling at this hearing?

NORML
New York State Cannabis News
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul Announces Shutdown of Over 1,000 Illicit Shops

Governor Kathy Hochul is keeping her commitment to shutting down illicit cannabis shops across New York. Heading into August, Governor Hochul reported that she and NYC Mayor Adams successfully shuttered more than 1,000 illicit shops statewide. This action has helped increase  sales for the legal shops. Seizures of illegal products are estimated to have been worth over $63MM.

“I am pleased to join Mayor Adams and other officials to celebrate a milestone and recognize the enforcement teams who shut down more than 1,000 unlicensed stores statewide, bringing us closer to our goal of building the strongest, most equitable cannabis industry in the nation.”

– NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

New York State Government
Licensing News from the Office of Cannabis Management, Cannabis Control Board

The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) held a board meeting August 6th and the meeting minutes reported that the cannabis industry is thriving with legal dispensary openings across the state. Cannabis sales are increasing as more illicit shops get shut down. Some notable assertions and resolutions from the August 6th meeting minutes include:

  • Social and Economic Equity Update
  • Enforcement Update
  • Market Update*
  • Adult Use Application Review
  • Public Comments

*It says NYS legal cannabis sales surpassed $492M.

NYS OCM Office of Cannabis Management

Congratulations to These Recent Adult-Use Dispensary Openings

Purple Owl Dispensary
WHITE PLAINS | 405 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains 10605
Website: https://thepurpleowldispensary.com/

RISE Dispensary East Syracuse
EAST SYRACUSE | 6701 Manlius Center Road, East Syracuse 13057
Website: https://risecannabis.com

IGNYTE
WHITE PLAINS | 145-18 14th Avenue, White Plains 11357
Website: risecannabis.com

LotusWorks Wellness
BEACON | 251 Main Street, Beacon 12508
Website: https://lotusworkswellness.com

400 River Dispensary
TROY | 400 River Street, Troy, 12180
Website: https://400rivertroy.com

Chronic Brooklyn
NEW YORK CITY | 483 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn 11215
Website: https://chronicbrooklyn.com

Green Philosophy 716
WEST SENECA | 101 Slade Avenue, West Seneca, 14224
Website: https://gp716.com

Cannadreams
NEW YORK CITY | 862 9th Avenue, New York 10019
Website: https://cannadreams.nyc

NUG Yonkers
YONKERS | 2371 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers 10710
Website: https://nug.com/nug-cannabis-yonkers

Treehouse Cannabis

NYACK | 28 Route 59, Nyack 10960
Website: https://treehousecannabis.com

County Road Cannabis
HUDSON VALLEY | 1326 CR-12, New Hampton 10958
Website: https://countyrdcannabis.com

KushKlub NYC
NEW YORK CITY | 186 Orchard Street, New York 10002
Website: https://kushklub.com

Salmon River Cannabis Company
PULASKI | 3808 State Route 13, Pulaski 13142
Website: https://salmonrivercannabis.com

Happy Munkey
NEW YORK CITY | 151 Dyckman Street, New York 10040
Website: https://happymunkey.com

The People’s Joint
SCHENECTADY | 501 State Street, Schenectady 12305
Website: https://thepeoplesjoint.com
 

New Jersey Cannabis News

New Jersey Seeking Stakeholder Input on Medical Cannabis

This September and October, the New jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission will host scheduled virtual sessions that seek input from stakeholders of medicinal cannabis, including healthcare providers, patients, and business owners.

There will be four such virtual meetings. The meetings will be roundtables led by the Product Safety, Packaging & Labeling Committee, the Permitting & Licensing Committee, and the Public Engagement & Education Committee.

Stakeholders are invited to share feedback with the Board on key issues related to regulation, patient access, and institutional care in New Jersey.

The meetings are scheduled 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on each of the following dates:
  • September 5
  • September 23
  • September 25
  • October 1

The sessions will each be focused on specific topics, so make sure you check for more information.  Click here to get the full listings.

If you want to participate in any of the meetings, click here. (Invitations are required in order to participate, and you will need to fill out an invitation request form.)

NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission
Ohio Cannabis News

Ohio Cannabis Sales are Hot

On August 6th, Ohio started its Adult Sales and right out of the starting gate, sales were hot. In its first week it passed $11.5MM and continued its successful climb since. Combined medical and Adult Use is expected to be a billion dollar market.

Read the story from the Cannabis Business Times.

Cannabis Business Times
Ukraine Cannabis News

Medical Cannabis Available

As of August 16th, medical cannabis was made available in Ukraine to veterans with post traumatic stress disorder and patients with serious illnesses. We reported in previous newsletters that President Zelensky signed into law a bill legalizing medical cannabis on February 15, 2024. Distribution of medical cannabis will be controlled by the government. Patients with a prescription from a doctor for qualifying conditions can now buy the drug legally.

 

THIS MONTH’S CWCBExpo NY 2024 ARCHIVED VIDEO

OGs, June 2024
OGs, June 2024, (from the left) Hawaii Mike Salman, Jayson Tantalo, Coss Marte, Puma Robinson, and Christopher Louie

Journey to Legitimacy: The OGs and OQs of Cannabis

This exciting session is being featured in two segments that share the journeys of those who started with illicit cannabis business practices and have pivoted to building legal cannabis businesses.

Hear the personal and poignant stories from “OGs” (original gangsters) and “OQs” (original queens) and learn about their journeys to legitimacy. Their stories are impactful and are not to be missed.

Segment 1: Journey of the “OGs”
Moderator: Hawaii Mike Salman, Founder, Chef for Higher
Speakers: Christopher Louie, Co-Founder, Made in Xiaolin; Coss Marte, Founder ConBud, Entrepreneur; Puma Robinson, Entrepreneur, Actor, Music Producer; Jayson Tantalo, Co-Founder & COO, Metavega Corp., Flower City Hydropoincs, and Flower City Dispensary, Co-Founder & VP of Operations, New York Cannabis Retail Association

Segment 2: Journey of the “OQs”
Moderator: Tanya Osborne, Founder & CEO, The CannaDiva
Speakers: Kymberly Byrnes, Co-Founder & Chief marketing Officer, TribeTokes; Saki Fenderson, Speaker, educator, community activist; Jessica Naissant, Owner, CEO, Wake & Bake Café; Britni Tantalo, Co-Founder and President, New York Cannabis Retail Association; Co-Founder and President of Flower City Dispensary

OQs, June 2024
OQs, June 2024, (from the left) Tanya Osborne, Saki Fenderson, Britni Tantalo, Jessica Naissant, and Kymberly "KymB" Byrnes

Don’t miss out. Get prime exhibit space now.

CWCBExpo, 11th Annual
June 4 – 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center, NYC

 

HITR #17: Dharsh Casinathen, Joyleaf

In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Dharshini Casinathen, Co-founder and President of Joyleaf Recreational Weed Dispensary in Roselle, New Jersey.

In this interview, Dharsh shares her personal journey with cannabis, which began in 2018 as a medical patient in New Jersey. After starting her career as a CPA at KPMG Canada and spending over 13 years at PepsiCo, a Fortune 50 company, Dharsh held multiple leadership roles, building a strong foundation in leadership, finance, and operational excellence.

 

In 2020, an exciting opportunity in the cannabis industry arose, and Dharsh fully embraced it, marking the start of her true passion for cannabis. She went on to co-found the Joyleaf Dispensary in New Jersey, where she created a retail space that offers the perfect product for every moment, while actively working to destigmatize the plant. Dharsh talks about her love for selling cannabis and her dedication to providing her customers with the best possible experience and service. She explains how her corporate experience guides her thinking and her methods to surviving as an entrepreneur in a difficult retail environment.

Cy Scott, CEO, Headset

Where is the Industry? What Will Happen With Rescheduling? The Comment Period is Over.

The Future is Upon Us. Where is the Industry?
What Will Happen With Rescheduling?
The Comment Period is Over.

What is the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) going to do now?

In our May and June newsletters we noted that the DEA was accepting public comments on rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. The public comment period is now over. The DEA has over 40,000 comments to sift through. What will the DEA do? What is a likely outcome? And will the impending election have any impact if the DEA does not have a decision or has not taken action prior to the election?

According to the latest HEADSET analysis, 94% of respondents favored rescheduling or descheduling cannabis.

Read the latest from HEADSET.

HEADSET’s Cy Scott delivered the Industry Update at CWCBExpo New York on June 5.  At that time, the comments were already overwhelmingly favorable for rescheduling or descheduling.  Listen to Cy’s entire presentation on this month’s archived video.

“If they take these comments seriously and really take into account what the people are saying, this is pretty overwhelming, right?

“You’re going to see new investors coming in, new opportunity, and more capital available, which is good, especially for an emerging market like New York.”

– Cy Scott, at CWCBExpo, June 5, 2024

HeadSet
Cy Scott, Co-founder. CEO, Headset
New York State Cannabis News

Licensing News from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Cannabis Control Board (CCB) 

 

  • Issuing more licenses across several categories bringing the total for 2024 to 730
  • Amendments to packaging, labeling and marketing regulations for licensees
  • Ongoing efforts to padlock illicit shops across NYC and NYS
New York State Government

At the meeting, the CCB asserted that the cannabis industry in NYS is thriving and growing and that cannabis sales in 2024 will reach $200MM by this June. They said that to date, NYS cannabis sales have surpassed $420MM.

NYS OCM Office of Cannabis Management

Recent Adult-Use Dispensary Openings

Just A Little Higher Murray Hill
NEW YORK CITY | 628 2nd Avenue, New York 10016
Website: justalittlehigher.com

 

Stoops NYC
NEW YORK CITY | 182 Fifth Ave, New York 10010
Website: stoopsnyc.com

 

RISE Dispensary Halfmoon
HALFMOON | 1675 Route 9, Watkins Plaza, Halfmoon 12065
Website: risecannabis.com

 

Riverbend Dispensary
HUDSON | 531 Warren Street, Hudson 12534
Website: riverbenddispensary.com

 

Happy Times Cannabis Co.
CHEEKTOWAGA | 3807 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga 14215
Website: happytimescannabis.com

 

Silver Cannabis Company
SARATOGA SPRINGS | 75 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 12866
Website: silver-therapeutics.com/location/saratoga/

 

Twisted Cannabis FLX
GENEVA | 501 Exchange Street, Geneva 14456
Website:
twistedcannabisflx.com

 

Kings House of Fire
CORTLANDT MANOR | 3006 E Main Street, Cortlandt Manor 10567
Website: kingshouseoffire.com

 

Green Genius NYC
NEW YORK CITY | 214 3rd Avenue, New York 10003
Website: greengeniusnyc.com

 

Cussin’s Cannabis
SCHENECTADY | 2075 Central Avenue, Schenectady 12304
Website: cussinscanna.com

 

Polanco Brothers Ridgewood
NEW YORK CITY | 6633 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood 11385
Website: polancobrothersridgewood.com

 

Herb-Z
NEW YORK CITY | 109 E Taft Road, North Syracuse, 13212
Website: herb-z.com

 

Robinson’s Dispensary
ALBANY | 106 Everett Road, Albany, 12205

 

Arkansas, Nebraska and North Dakota Cannabis News

New Ballot Measures

Cannabis advocates in several states organized and gathered signatures to get legalization measures on their 2024 state ballots. The advocates in three states, Arkansas, Nebraska and North Dakota, had more than enough signatures to get the respective measures on the ballots. Arkansas and Nebraska seek medical ballot measures while the North Dakota ballot measure supports adult-use legalization.

NORML
Delaware Cannabis News

Transitioning Dispensaries from Medical to Adult Use

Delaware Governor John Carney signed a legislative bill that allows a pathway for medical licensees and dispensaries to transition to adult-use operators. That pathway has fees to transition. The bill is meant to catapult the development of the adult-use cannabis market.

South Africa Cannabis News

South Africa Works to Build its Cannabis and Hemp Sectors

In November of 2023, CWCBExpo editors visited the South African Consulate in New York City to discuss developing a cannabis industry. CWCBExpo has  been following that country’s cannabis progress since our visit. Here are the latest developments.

South Africa has embarked on several priorities for their country’s Investment Strategy that will spur job creation and growth, and foster recognition of people’s rights.

This past spring, South African President Ramaphosa took significant action regarding the Cannabis and Hemp sectors. In May, President Ramaphosa signed a law called the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (CfPPA) which regulates the cultivation, possession and use of cannabis by adults in private settings. It also removed cannabis from their Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. The President’s action opens up the medical market even further for the medicinal cannabis and for further regulatory opportunity for cannabis use among adults.

President Ramaphosa’s actions continued in June when he took the results of a Phakisa that explored the Cannabis and Hemp sectors. A “Phakisa” is a targeted program that seeks to fast-track the government’s targets and goals that help business, education, society and government. The Phakisa for cannabis and hemp brought stakeholders together from several groups. The goal was to develop a cohesive plan to define policy and get various sectors of the South African government to work together to build a meaningful regulatory program for the cannabis and hemp sectors.

President Cyril Ramaphosa
Art installation of South African record labels inside the South African Consulate in New York City, November 2023
Art installation of South African record labels inside the South African Consulate in New York City, November 2023.

THIS MONTH’S CWCBExpo NY 2024 ARCHIVED VIDEO

Industry Update by Cy Scott:
“Trends, Challenges and Opportunities –
Why New York is the Market to Watch in the Midst of Rescheduling”

This Industry Update, recorded at CWCBExpo on June 5, 2024, gives us a big-picture overview of the adult-use market across the United States including the implications of rescheduling from a Schedule I to a Schedule III classification. Also addressed are growth market trends, consumer behavior preferences and sales of different form factors. The data and analytics focuses on the New York Market and why you should put it front and center in your sights. This is a not to be missed market analysis.

Presented by Cy Scott, Co-Founder, CEO, Headset, with Tim Seymour, Portfolio Manager, CNBS Cannabis ETF; Co-Host, CNBC Fast Money.

Cy Scott and Tim Seymour, June 5 2024 at CWCBExpo NY

((from the left) Cy Scott and Tim Seymour

Don’t miss out. Get prime exhibit space now.

CWCBExpo, 11th Annual
June 4 – 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center, NYC

 

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