Tag: KymB
HITR #21: Ramon Reyes, Happy Munkey
In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Ramon Reyes, co-founder of Happy Munkey.
Ramon tells how he, along with Vladimir Bautista, founded Happy Munkey, a lifestyle brand and underground cannabis institution that has recently evolved into two culture-forward legal cannabis dispensaries in upper Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Ramon describes the uniqueness of New York City’s cannabis culture, where “flower is still king.” He says local weed quality has improved rapidly since last year, as new indoor strains are being developed. Ramon sees New York as leading cannabis in “every aspect, because it’s just getting better. It just started three years ago, and it’s just getting better.”
Listen as Ramon describes the keys to Happy Munkey’s success, which include creating venues where all people feel they are VIPS, feel they are safe, and can just be themselves.
Don’t miss this discussion of New York City vibes, culture and business.
HITR #20: Renata Serban, Highly Elevated CPA
In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Renata Serban.
Renata Serban is an award-winning cannabis accountant and Founder/CEO of Highly Elevated CPA. Renata Serban has a wide-ranging background in many disciplines, including chemical engineering and finance, making her eminently qualified to advise cannabis entrepreneurs and guide their businesses forward.
Renata, a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant, is driven by a passion to help cannabis businesses start, grow, and thrive. With a unique mix of private and public accounting experience, she has successfully served her clients while advocating for the cannabis industry through state and global organizations.
Renata is excited to see more women entering the cannabis space and breaking down stereotypes. She also discusses the specific obstacles faced by cannabis entrepreneurs, many created by the new business operators themselves, who enter a difficult industry with passionate ideals but without a clearly formulated business plan. She describes the challenges of operating in a highly regulated industry and the lack of specific guidance for accountants. Tune in to learn some fun facts about Renata and hear her thoughts on the future of cannabis—change is coming!
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.
HITR #18: Solonje Burnett, The Weed Auntie
In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Solonje Burnett, the “Weed Auntie.”
Solonje is a trailblazing Brooklyn-based entrepreneur and activist in the cannabis space. As a two-time co-founder, first with Humble Bloom, and now as Chief Culture & Community Officer at Erven, Solonje shares her insights on how data and community-driven strategies are shaping the industry.
Solonje dives into her passion for self-care, mental health, and creating mindful moments, all while advocating for more diversity and inclusion. Tune in to hear how Solonje is leading the fight for cannabis by putting community first.
Photo by Mara Hoffman
Hot Summer. Hot Topics. Hot Entrepreneurs.
Hot Summer. Hot Topics.
Hot Entrepreneurs.
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.
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?
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
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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.
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:
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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.)
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.
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
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
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.
HITR #16: Venus Rodriguez, NYCRA
In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Venus Rodriguez, Chair of the New York Cannabis Retail Association’s Women’s Committee.
With 25 years in the birth and wellness space, Venus Rodriguez has a wealth of experience as a doula, homebirth midwife assistant, and childbirth educator, enhanced by her work with Peruvian Curanderos. As the CEO of Sana Cannabis LLC and Chair of the New York Cannabis Retail Association’s Women’s Committee, Venus is a leader in merging health and wellness with cannabis. She is passionate about holistic healing, women’s empowerment, and promoting social equity in the cannabis industry.
In this conversation, Venus shares her cannabis journey, the challenges women face in the industry, and the importance of removing the stigma around cannabis. She also discusses this year’s NYCRA Women’s Soiree, which will take place at the THC NYC on August 15th.
Highest: in the Room,” a New Podcast Series Lit by CWCBExpo
June 5 – 6, 2024, New York City, Javits Convention Center
“Highest: In the Room,” a New Podcast Series Lit by CWCBExpo
New York’s Premier Cannabis Business Trade Show Launches New Unfiltered Program Featuring Power Players in Cannabis and Hosted by Influencer and Entrepreneur, KymB
(New York, NY, February 2024)—CWCBExpo, the premier cannabis business trade show and conference for 10 years at the Javits Center in New York City, has launched a new podcast series. “Highest: In the Room,” will feature top cannabis industry players discussing their pathways to success as well as feature candid conversations about current market opportunities.
Cannabis influencer and entrepreneur, Kymberly Byrnes “KymB” will be the host of the podcast. KymB is Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of TribeTokes, a women-owned and operated cannabis brand that creates premium, craft cannabis vapes, wellness and beauty products for the next generation cannabis consumer.
The inaugural guest on “Highest: In the Room,” will be Bill and Jeff Levers, Founders of Beard Bros Pharms. Beard Bros Pharms is a multi-state cannabis brand, advocacy and consulting firm, and grassroots media magnate.
Upcoming guests of “Highest: In the Room” include Coss Marte, Owner, Conbud + Conbody; Parisa Rad, The Marijuana Momma; and Jane West, Founder of Women Grow and The Jane West Brand.
“From the weed capital of the world, New York City, I will be talking to top cannabis players who have pushed through the doors of opportunity. I am excited to share their real stories, uncut and unfiltered, from the highest in the room,” said KymB, host, “Highest: In the Room.”
Plans are underway for the biggest and most immersive 10th Annual CWCBExpo New York, June 5-6, 2024 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Highlights will include an energetic exhibit floor; a relevant conference program with expert speakers in finance, start-ups, investing, science and technology; and non-stop
networking opportunities including a Rooftop Biz Bash and the Industry Yacht Party. Debuting alongside the Women’s Pavilion, that features established sponsors and businesses that employ, support and mentor women to become executives, will be a “Women in Cannabis” Luncheon with presentations from industry pioneers and trailblazers.
“CWCBExpo is honored to sponsor ‘Highest: In the Room,’ and underscores our commitment to support and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the brave, courageous and committed entrepreneurs, business owners and advocates who have helped shape the cannabis industry and its continued economic and cultural impact,” said Christine Ianuzzi, CEO, CWCBExpo.
To listen to “Highest: In the Room,” go to: https://cannabismeansbusiness.com/podcast/. Early bird registration is in effect for CWCBExpo New York, visit: www.cannabismeansbusiness.com. For more information on sponsoring or exhibiting contact: cwcbe@cannabismeansbusiness.com or call 201-580-2050.
Registration is now open for CWCBExpo New York. To register and secure the best pre-show pricing go to: https://cwcbexpo/registration_ny/
For more information on sponsoring or exhibiting contact: cwcbe@cannabismeansbusiness.com or call 201-580-2050.
Editor’s Note: Qualified members of the media are invited to register as press for CWCBExpo New York, email: press@cannabismeansbusiness.com
About Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo)
CWCBExpo, produced by LEExpos, is an established business-to-business trade show event for the legalized cannabis and hemp industry. It is held in New York City, the largest business, financial, and media market, and is the leading forum for dispensary owners, growers, suppliers, investors, medical professionals, government regulators, legal counsel, and entrepreneurs looking to achieve business success and identify new areas of growth in this dynamic and fast- growing industry.
Visit: www.cannabismeansbusiness.com.
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.
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.
Dispensary Openings
The Adult-Use dispensary openings continue across NYS and NYC. Here are 18 of the most recent openings.
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
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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Recent subjects include cannabis testing laboratories, packaging, facility security, and legalization and regulatory updates.
This is the event you need to attend.
June 5 – 6, 2024
Javits Convention Center, NYC