June 4 - 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center

HITR #22: Lauren Mundell, Hi-Curious

In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Lauren Mundell, author and creator of the Hi-Curious app and content marketplace.

 

The Hi-Curious app is designed to help wellness consumers explore cannabis without fear of stigma. It connects users with advocates, experts, brands, and like-minded individuals in a safe space.

 

Mundell is also founder of the Hi-Curious content market place, an on-line portal to find the influencers and ambassadors to build your brand. Find out what makes a good brand ambassador and how influencer marketing can help your business. Get tips on selecting the brand ambassador that’s right for you.

 

Don’t miss this discussion about cannabis brand building.

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 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.

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.

Media Booth

Highest: in the Room,” a New Podcast Series Lit by CWCBExpo

Press Release – February 29, 2024

CWCBExpo, 11th Annual
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.

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