Tag: Marijuana
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
((from the left) Cy Scott and Tim Seymour
The Illegalization of Cannabis: How We Got Here, Where We May Be Going
The Illegalization of Cannabis:
How We Got Here, Where We May Be Going
Tune In to the WNYC Archives
While business owners, investors, medical professionals, and activists look toward the prospect of rescheduling, it begs the question of how did cannabis become a Schedule I drug in the first place? It has been a Schedule I drug since 1970, when Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). With that, the modern war on drugs was born and it has continued to proliferate for decades since.
In 1969, NYC’s own former Mayor Ed Koch, at the time a US Representative, held a conference attempting to classify cannabis differently than what it is today. A broadcast from the archives of WNYC, “Tensions High at 1969 Conference on Marijuana” is quite informative and highlights the history of how cannabis landed on Schedule 1.
Federal Rescheduling
Comment Period to Federally Reschedule Cannabis
At our June CWCBExpo New York Conference Program, we highlighted rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III drug and its implications for the cannabis industry. The Justice Department’s proposed rule change to reschedule cannabis requires a public comment period. The deadline is July 22, 2024.
How to Submit Comments
The public comment period runs through July 22, 2024, and comments can be submitted electronically through their portal. Get your comments in
Why is Rescheduling So Important for Business?
Hear it concisely stated from CWCBExpo speaker Matt Karnes, Founder, GreenWave Advisors.
“The re-classification from Schedule I to III is significant because it removes the punitive 280E tax burden that cannabis operators have had to endure. As a result, cash flow profiles are poised to accelerate at a time when capital is scarce. This marks an attractive entry point for investors as valuation multiples are on the cusp of meaningful expansion.”
–Matt Karnes, Founder, GreenWave Advisors
New York State Cannabis News
Licensing News from the NYS Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board
In our May Newsletter, we highlighted the operational changes that governor Hochul started to make at the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) since the final report from Jeanette Moy, the Commissioner of General Services. Significant changes and announcements in management at the OCM continued this June. NYS Governor Kathy Hochul appointed the following individuals into roles that she expects to help run the OCM more effectively and efficiently:
- Felicia A. B. Reid has been appointed Executive Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director.
- Susan Filburn has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer.
- Jessica Woolford has been promoted to the position of Director of External Affairs.
NYS Retail Cannabis Taxation Rules
More action at the OCM pertains to the taxation of retail cannabis. The OCM has reformed the taxes associated with retail cannabis sales including:
- Repealed the THC tax
- Excise tax on medical cannabis has been reduced to 3.15%
- Other taxes remain in effect such as the wholesale tax, the local tax, and the state tax
Illicit Shops Being Shut Down
NYS and NYC continue to see more legal dispensaries open up and more illicit shops shut down. By June 18, Governor Hochul’s appointed NYS Task Force closed down 114 illegal cannabis shops. This helps increase sales at legal dispensaries and builds a stable and legal cannabis industry throughout the state.
Recent Adult-Use Dispensary Openings
Terrapin Greens LLC
NEW YORK CITY | 587 Fifth Avenue, New York 10017
Website: thetravelagency.co
Gratitude Buds
FISHKILL | 814 NY-52, Fishkill 12524
Website: gratitudebuds.com
SESH NYC
BRONX | 4219 Webster Avenue, Bronx 10470
Website: myseshnyc.com
Air City Cannabis
UTICA | 1707 Oriskany St W, Utica 13502
Website: aircitycannabis.com
NY Elite Cannabis
QUEENS | 4215 Bell Boulevard, Bayside 11361
Website: nyelitecannabis.com
Nicklz
NEW YORK CITY | 797 8th Avenue, New York 10019
Website: nicklzny.com
Bedford Club
BROOKLYN | 1102 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Website: bedfordclub.com
Update Exotics
NIAGARA FALLS | 9200 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls 14304
Website: upstateexotics716.com
The Higher Co.
SYRACUSE | 123 E Willow Street, Syracuse 13202
More NYS Licenses Issued
The positive news continued all through June and what NYS has been doing to build its cannabis industry statewide. An additional 105 cannabis licenses were issued across various types including, Adult-Use Retail, Cultivator, Distributor, Processor, and Microbusiness.
Kentucky Cannabis News
Cannabis License Application Period Opens July 1
Applications to get a license for medical cannabis businesses begins July 1, 2024. Applications can be submitted via the Kentucky state government portal. Several medical license types will be awarded including, Cultivator, Processor, Safety Compliance Facility, and Dispensary.
Ohio Cannabis News
Ohio Approves First Adult-use Dispensary Licenses
Ohio became the 24th state to legalize the adult-use of cannabis on November 7, 2023. This June, Ohio has approved the first licenses for adult-use dispensaries. They issued 62 provisional licenses and 31 dispensary licenses across Ohio.
Ohio Now Taking Applications for Dispensary Licenses
On June 7, Ohio opened its window to apply for a recreational dispensary license. Medical dispensaries in Ohio are also eligible to apply to sell recreational cannabis is to adults 21 or older, effectively a dual-license.
Pennsylvania Cannabis News
Pennsylvania Introduces Cannabis Legalization Bill
Pennsylvania wants to join the cannabis industry and also pursue expungement for prior cannabis convictions with a newly proposed legalization bill.
Maryland Cannabis News
Maryland Issues Pardons for Misdemeanor Cannabis Offenses
Maryland is among the 24 states that have legalized adult-use cannabis. Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued 175,000 pardons for misdemeanor related cannabis offenses on Monday June 17, 2024. This is a giant step toward trying to help those who have been harmed by the war on drugs. As this action by Governor Moore is welcomed, the damage may never be undone for most, even with a pardon.
Delaware Cannabis News
Delaware Expands Its Medical Cannabis Program
Delaware expanded its medical cannabis program to allow physicians to make medical cannabis accessible a wider range of patients who may benefit from it. In addition, Delaware allows registered patients who are from other states to access Delaware dispensaries.
Netherlands Cannabis News
“Coffee Shops” to Try Quality Regulated Marijuana
The Netherlands is conducting an interesting experiment with the goal of providing options for “coffee shops” in the Netherlands to buy quality weed within a regulated network of growers. This would make both quality and quantity accessible to the “coffee shops” without relying on illegal weed. The regulated program launched in late 2023 and is expanding from two cities to ten cities and 80 “coffee shops” across the Netherlands.
Slovenia Cannabis News
Slovenian Citizens are in Favor of Cannabis Reform
Recently, Slovenian voters gave their opinions about cannabis reform proposals that were non-binding and had no guarantee that they would become law. The two measures that were “voted” on included opinions on home grow for medical patients, and home grow of cannabis plants for personal use. In both instances, the support was over 50% for each.
CWCBExpo Thanks PROTEUS 420
Exhibitor, Women’s Luncheon Sponsor, Women’s Pavilion Sponsor
Why Should You Exhibit at CWCBExpo New York 2025?
Hear what Dawne Morris, Proteus420’s Co-Founder & CEO said about CWCBExpo 2024:
“Attending CWCBExpo was an incredibly enriching experience, making it the most beneficial and rewarding show we’ve participated in within the cannabis industry.
“The event was meticulously organized, facilitating meaningful business-to-business interactions and offering valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations. The vibrant and inclusive atmosphere fostered a strong sense of community, bringing together passionate professionals dedicated to advancing the cannabis sector. The knowledge and connections we gained have already started to benefit our business.
“We highly recommend CWCBExpo for anyone seeking to deepen their engagement with the cannabis community and explore new business opportunities.” – Dawne Morris, Co-founder, PROTEUS420
THIS MONTH’S CWCBExpo NY 2024 ARCHIVED VIDEO
““Fireside Chat with Chair Wright of the New York State Cannabis Control Board”“
In this fireside chat, recorded at CWCBExpo, June 5, 2024, we get the current status of New York State’s market and regulations. Front and center is the vision that Chair Wright sees for the NYS cannabis industry amid the DEA moving forward with rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug.
This session was moderated by Will Yakowicz, Staff Writer, Forbes; with Precious Hester Brown, Founder, CEO, Entertaining & Elevating With Cannabis; Ariel Palitz, Founding Director, NYC Mayors Office of Nightlife; and “Hawaii” Mike, Founder, Chef for Higher
((from the left) Tremaine Wright, Kristin Jordan
The CWCBExpo BLOG: Timely News & In Depth Articles
CWCBExpo blogs contain relevant, timely information. Recent subjects include cannabis research updates and Pennsylvania’s preparation of an adult-use cannabis bill.
Unveiling Recent Research Highlights
Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers a convenient roundup of the biggest cannabis news stories and hemp headlines emerging across the nation. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter (now X) to get the most recent edition when it’s published.
In this month’s national news update, we’re exploring some notable developments in cannabis research, including its social impacts and upcoming studies focused on specific product types. Additionally, we’ll take a look at the market dynamics surrounding cannabis beverages and edibles, two high growth market segments that are popular with a wide range of consumers. Read on to learn more about some of the headlines affecting the cannabis industry nationwide.
Rolling paper company seeks volunteers to smoke pre-rolls
Cannabis rolling paper company DaySavers is seeking 200 volunteers aged 21 and older to participate in their “Science of Smokeability” study. Volunteers will receive $4.20 as a stipend to smoke two free pre-rolls (shipped at the company’s cost) and provide feedback on their experience.
In partnership with the Cannabis Research Coalition and the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), DaySavers aims to investigate how different cultivation and processing methods influence the quality and consistency of the smoking experience. Over a two-year period, researchers will analyze laboratory tests and consumer feedback to refine cultivation practices and overall smoke quality.
“This research not only has the potential to improve product quality and consistency but also promote sustainability, profitability, and a deeper scientific understanding of cannabis as a medicinal and recreational product,” the company said in a press release.
Study finds older medical patients experience improvement in health and well-being
A new study published in the journal Drugs and Aging highlighted promising findings regarding the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis for older adults. The research indicates that cannabis products have the potential to significantly improve health, well-being, sleep, and mood among older patients – mainly related to pain severity and chronic pain.
The study was conducted by a five-person research team and addressed what authors called “a common methodological practice of excluding those aged over 65 years from clinical trials.” Of the products prescribed during the study, patients over 64 were “more likely to receive CBD dominant oil and less likely to receive THC dominant flower by prescription.”
“International evidence that older individuals may be the fastest-growing increase in the use of medical marijuana, coupled with their frequent exclusion from controlled trials, indicates a growing need for real-world evidence to assess the effectiveness and safety of these drugs for older individuals,” reads the report.
College enrollment increases in states with legal cannabis
A recent study analyzing college enrollment trends in states that have legalized recreational cannabis reveals an impact on high education participation. According to the findings, the adoption of recreational cannabis laws increases college enrollments by approximately 9%, with no adverse effects on degree completion or graduation rates.
The study also highlighted that legalization can enhance colleges’ competitiveness, attracting out-of-state students who perceive legal cannabis as a positive amenity. Researchers found no evidence that recreational cannabis laws affect college affordability, education quality, or enrollment rates for in-state students.
“The results indicate that both women’s and men’s enrollments rose significantly after the fourth year of the first dispensary opening,” the report says, noting that the delay could be due to the time it takes for students to decide on and apply to college, as well as the often slow rollout of cannabis retail markets.
Cannabis beverage sales grow more slowly than edibles sales
Cannabis beverage sales have grown more slowly than the total edibles category between Q1 2022 and Q1 2024, according to recent data from BDSA reported by Cannabis Business Times. In Q1 2024, cannabis beverage sales generated $50 million in total across BDSA-tracked markets (AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, MA, MD, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA). That represents a 6% share of total edible sales, and a 1% share of total cannabis sales. Comparatively, in Q1 2023, beverage sales totaled $48M across those markets. BDSA forecasts that cannabis beverages will maintain approximately 1% of total cannabis sales across legal markets moving forward.
Cannabis gummies continue to dominate the edible market, consistently outpacing other types of edibles in consumer preferences. Three-quarters (75%) of medical and recreational edible consumers have enjoyed gummies in the past six months, while just 8% of the same group report drinking cannabis beverages or teas during the same period.
Continue exploring trends with CWCBExpo
As more national research and trends unfold, staying informed and connected is essential for industry professionals and consumers alike. Cannabis World Congress Business Expo (CWCBExpo) is the premier event for staying updated on the latest developments and networking with industry leaders. Join us next year and follow us on socials to immerse yourself in the forefront of cannabis and stay connected within the industry.