From Marketing Agencies To The Vermont Cannabis Market: An Interview With JB Sugar, Founder of Route 7 Brands
Written By Casey Renteria
After talking with JB, it’s clear that he makes products that he loves, but also are aimed at having a good time and maybe even rediscovering a love of cannabis. “I think there's a huge market for those who are re-entering, people are kinda scared to get back into it for whatever reason: it’s too strong, stigmas, or fear. I’m trying to give people permission to have fun again, weed is supposed to be fun.”
Higher Conference Review
Written By Kenya Alexander
The Higher Conference is not a traditional cannabis conference. This space, guest list, and speaking topics are curated specifically for women of color in the cannabis industry, something that you won’t get at any other cannabis conference in the country. The conference organizers expand on the idea of the traditional cannabis industry by including healers like Morgan Dominique of Sacred House Maryland, who hosted yoga sessions at the Wellness Pavillion–a healing space that was an integral part of the conference.
Breaking the ‘Curse’ of Menstruation: Celebrating a Woman’s Cycle with the Support of Cannabis
Written By Dr. Dana Lillestol, PhD
The miseducation, misinformation, and social programming have removed the beauty of a natural hormonal process of a woman that is life-giving. The time has come to celebrate the amazing biology of the female body, to support our female travelers on this road called life and to relish a woman’s ability to create life.
In tandem, marijuana as a unique plant provides healing properties to any mammal (women are mammals) yet this plant has been discredited and put in question. The propaganda has been very effective in hiding the truth.
SXSW and Texas Cannabis
Written By Shelley Peebles
When people have a choice, the overwhelming majority of them prefer to consume flower, and these shops provide a way for that demand to be met. Then you have the traditional market, which is still very much alive and well, and has been since the 70’s.
While I was attending SXSW this year, I noted the more laissez-faire attitude everyone had towards public consumption. I felt like I was in LA, or someplace other than Texas. It was incredibly freeing to feel like I didn’t have to hide, as if everyone seemed to understand and accept it even if they didn’t partake themselves. Heck, they even had psilocybin and ketamine as topics of discussion throughout the event!
Cannabis Culture Shock in Germany
Written By Marge Thomas
With legalization having just happened, acquiring cannabis felt much like the days when I had to buy off the street. Not speaking the language fluently and not interested in venturing to a park hoping to find someone loitering, I called up a connection living in Berlin. Fred was a fellow Ganjier and I thought he could help me. I knew it was around, more than once smelling weed wafting in the Berlin air. Plus it’s a city of 3 million, and prohibition doesn’t work.
How Cannabis Saved Me: An Interview With Richard Mitchell
Written By Casey Renteria
I was introduced to Richard Mitchell a couple of months ago. Before that, I affectionately knew him as the guy who got the Fat Nugs tattoo. Dustin made the official introduction and I’ve since gotten to talk with him about his life and what his journey has been like. Going into this interview I wasn’t sure what to expect - let me tell you it's quite the story!
It affected me so deeply to hear him talk about his experiences and it took a day or two of debriefing before I was ready to listen back to the recording. I am so inspired by him and all he’s been through has turned him into a warrior! I’m so proud and thankful to be able to share that with you. Please meet Richard Mitchell.
Who Told Y’all Mississippi Can’t Grow?
Written By Jessica Reilly-Chevalier
And yet if you said there was no good weed in the South, you’d be wrong. The Mississippi medical program is new (opened in 2023) and small (currently numbers hover around 32,000 enrolled) but to say either of those things equals poor quality product is off-base and rooted in Southern discrimination.
I visited Mississippi in February 2024 blissfully unaware of even the slightest movement towards legality, but when I left the state, I did so with a much deeper understanding of and respect for the Mississippi medical marijuana program.
The Revelry Buyer's Club: Gathering Together the New York Cannabis Industry
Written By Riana Lynn Kush
A clear trend at this year's show was the emphasis on product innovation, notably with the move towards more advanced cannabinoid profiles and full-spectrum products. Many brands showcased infused pre-rolls and full-spectrum rosin and resin offerings in response to increasing consumer demands. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that boast full-spectrum cannabinoid profiles, and Revelry gave brands a chance to show off their newest creations.
How the Stars Have Aligned Ricky Williams’ Game Plan
Written By Isabella DeChard
Upon his return in 2006, Ricky was suspended for an entire football season after he broke the NFL drug policy for a fourth time. The Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts negotiated Ricky Williams with the NFL’s Dolphins, offering him to play for a year in the CFL if he could return to the NFL in 2007. Ricky said during his time in the CFL for the Toronto team, they didn’t test for cannabis as part of their drug policy at all.
Blunt Horoscopes: Astrology for the High Life
Written By Stardust Bee
A financial resource may culminate at this time. It’s possible your partner, (in love or in business), will come into some money but they may hide it from you. You might not know for quite some time about their windfall, which would obviously create tension between the two of you. Or, you may have a transformative experience with some sort of psychedelic substance, (remember that transformative and pleasant aren’t always the same thing). Please use common sense and take good care of yourself if you choose that last route. Watch out for deception around this time.
Ego Tripping into the Business of Cannabis: Lessons from BCB Mastermind
Written By Rudy Brown
Despite the economic benefits of legalization, many communities remain untouched by the wealth generated from cannabis. The discrepancy is obvious to small business owners, no matter their backgrounds, values, or ambitions. Through all interactions, conversations, and shared moments, we have the opportunity to set standards across an entire industry.
Exploring Buffalo, New York’s Dispensaries
Written By Riana Kush
I must be honest; I have struggled with how to write about the dispensaries in NY because I’ve fallen in love with all the humans owning and operating them.
This journey is pure love, and I hope to show these dispensaries and humans the respect they deserve. The company I work for is exploding with growth, and they've hired a new rep for Western NY. It only feels right to start in Buffalo and work across the state.
Sunstone Winery and Sunstone Cannabis Official
Written By Kellie Frederick
Driving up the gravel path to Sunstone Winery, the sound of the city drops away. The most prevalent sound in the air is bird song. There's peace and quiet, a natural beauty enhanced by the rows of grapevines sleeping, waiting to come to life just as spring is about to emerge. The entire estate is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Learning To Feel Again: Lavinia Sex Gummies Review
Written By Casey Renteria
Summer of 2023 I became single for the first time in 5 years. One of my objectives in 2024 is to meet myself again both in and out of the bedroom. Long gone are the days of backseat tangos, and sneaking out to find a spot in the woods. That doesn’t jive well with parenthood, especially when you’re a single parent.
Needless to say, my sexplorations look a little different than before and I was beyond ready to take things to the next level. I got both the pre and post-sex gummies, so even though it was a solo venture–I had a whole experience.
From Books to Buds: My Career Journey to Cannabis PR Michael Mejer
Written By Michael Mejer
I first got interested in the cannabis industry around 2012. This was when the medicinal impact became very clear, and more companies began investing resources into the healing powers of the plant. But it was one specific moment when I knew a career in cannabis was right for me.
Navigating Grief: Finding Solace in Cannabis through Community
Written By Kellie Frederick
I think most people I know have been navigating some form of grief recently. I recently lost my grandmother’s physical manifestation on Earth. I’m so grateful she lived to almost 100 and she’s been a strong and present force in my life as long as I’ve been alive. I’m still navigating the waves of emotion that threaten to capsize my breaking heart, but as Leonard Cohen said, “The cracks are where the light shines through.”
CannaCon South 2024 Recap
Written By Casey Renteria
If you’re looking to make deeper connections a little faster, this is the event to go to. They aren’t big and showy but they focus on keeping the events small in order to let each region evolve and become more of an experience rather than just another cannabis event. It is a much slower intentional feel and you get that from the vendors as well, many of which have been there for several years in a row. It’s a nice change of pace and I think they deserve way more attention than they get.
Cease & Desist: THCV Elimination Order Causes Confusion in Massachusetts
Written By Jessica Reilly-Chevalier
On Monday, May 6, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR, as it’s called in-state) issued a cease-and-desist order to Bay State Extracts demanding the company destroy and cease all production of THCv. The days since have left hemp and cannabis businesses in the state confused and uncertain.
Hawaii Now Allowing Pre-Rolls Under Their Medical Program
Written By Harrison Bard
Up until this spring, medical cannabis consumers in the Aloha State have not been able to enjoy a customer favorite that has come to help define the cannabis industry: pre-rolled joints.
But in April 2024, the state of Hawai’i began allowing pre-rolls as part of its medical marijuana program. The popular products have begun showing up in dispensaries all across the state as manufacturers are lining up to claim their share of the fastest-growing segment of the cannabis market, and the No. 1 add-on at dispensaries around the country.
The Jaine Aid Awards: An Afternoon of Inclusivity
Written By Casey Renteria
Good vibes were swirling through the air and women of all shapes, sizes, & backgrounds were there for one purpose: to uplift and learn from each other and advocate for the plant we all love so much. When you first walk in you’re greeted by the registration table and immediately to the right is a breakfast bar complete with mimosas & coffee.