Author: Cynthia Salarizadeh

Founder and CEO of AxisWire, Founder and President of the luxury cannabis brand the House of Saka, Co-founder of Green Market Media & Industry Power Women. Cynthia is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur and Forbes. She sits on the Forbes Communications Council and holds a degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a certificate in journalism from Georgetown University.

Recent Stories by Cynthia Salarizadeh
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Cynthia SalarizadehApril 20, 202119min04

For the 50th anniversary of 4/20, we decided to highlight and honor the original “OG” cannabis journalists. These are the pioneers who covered this plant, the industry overall and its community for decades. 

The evolution of the cannabis industry and its reversal from prohibition is one of the most interesting topics to witness in our lifetimes. Sitting front row, and the ability to chronicle these changes, has been a priceless experience to each one of these individuals.

Writing for everything from High Times to Rolling Stone, as well as book deals, this is a list of a few of the most important writers to ever document the plant. Today we would like to thank Danny, Mary, Steve and Sharon for their hard work in this industry. 

 

About Dan Vinkovetsky (formerly Danny Danko of High Times)

Danny Danko is a Cannabis editor, writer, and photographer who was the Senior Cultivation Editor of High Times Magazine for 18 years. He has personally selected HIGH TIMES’ annual Top 10 Strains of the Year since 2005 and is also the creator and founder of the HIGH TIMES Seed Bank Hall of Fame. He has judged more Cannabis Cups than anyone else on Earth.

Danny is the author of “The Official High Times Field Guide to Marijuana Strains” (2011) and “Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Marijuana” (2018). Danny hosted the podcast HIGH TIMES presents Free Weed from Danny Danko” from 2011-2018. He currently hosts the podcast “Grow Bud Yourself!” and is the editor of Northeast Leaf Magazine since July 2020.

Links:

Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/freeweed

Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/dannydanko

Amazon Book Link: https://amzn.to/2HHvVnJ  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannydankoht  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DannyDanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danny.danko

 

Northeast Leaf Magazine

https://neleafmag.com/

@northeastleafmag on Instagram

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Northeast-Leaf-Magazine-106484277804820

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NELeafMag

 

 

About Mary Jane Gibson 

Actress, writer, and former culture editor at High Times, Mary Jane Gibson is a prominent female voice in one of the largest emerging industries and worldwide cultural shifts in modern times, traveling the world tracking the legalization of medical marijuana, adult-use cannabis, and CBD with integral public figures, brands, and personalities since 2007. She’s the co-host of the top-rated Weed + Grub podcast alongside fellow actor/comedian Mike Glazer. Raised in Newfoundland, Gibson performed in theater and film in Montreal, Dublin, London, Paris, Seattle, and New York City before moving to Los Angeles. Her unique perspective in cannabis and world culture has earned her work with numerous media outlets, including Rolling Stone, Playboy, and PBS, and the title “one of the 15 most powerful women in the weed industry” from Complex Magazine. Complementing her writing, film, production, and performance credits, Gibson’s received the Overall Excellence in Performance Award from FringeNYC, the William and Eva Fox Foundation Fellowship, and two Seattle Fringe Festival PONCHO Artistic Pick awards (2002, 2003). Gibson is a graduate of the British American Dramatic Academy: Midsummer in Oxford and the National Theatre School of Canada. She also performs voiceover work using a range of regional American, Canadian, European and Australian dialects. Gibson has conducted in-depth celebrity interviews with Margaret Cho, Melissa Etheridge, Awkwafina, Charlie Sheen, Jim Belushi, Laganja Estranja, and the Super Troopers. She also created and starred in the piece “Fatal Attraction in 10 Minutes” with Reggie Watts for his show Radio Play at PS122.

https://www.thisismaryjane.com

Mary Jane wrote and edited for High Times for over a decade. She was named one of the “15 most powerful women in the weed industry” by Complex and was featured in Forbes. She now writes for a number of outlets including Rolling Stone and Playboy. Mary Jane covers cannabis culture, entertainment, and cutting-edge trends, and has interviewed stars like Margaret Cho, Melissa Etheridge, the Super Troopers, Awkwafina, and Reggie Watts. She co-hosts the Weed + Grub podcast with comedian Mike Glazer. Vulture called them “true experts in comedy and marijuana.” Mary Jane is also an award-winning actor and playwright. Follow her on IG @thisismaryjane_.

https://www.thisismaryjane.com

 

 

About Steve Bloom

Steve Bloom is a longtime journalist and author with 32 years in the cannabis community. His credits include:

Publisher of CelebStoner.com, one of the leading sources for marijuana and celebrity news on the web since 2007.

Former editor of High Times from 1988-2007, and producer of the Stony and Doobie award shows and the two Hempilation benefit albums for NORML (1995 and 1998) while at High Times.

Former editor-in-Chief of Freedom Leaf magazine and freedomleaf.com from 2014-2019.

Former Editor-in-chief of two Centennial Media titles, Marijuana Goes Mainstream and The Complete Guide to CBD from 2019-2021.

Co-author of Pot Culture: The A-Z Guide to Stoner Language and Life (Abrams Image, 2007) and Reefer Movie Madness: The Ultimate Stoner Film Guide (Abrams Image, 2010) with Shirley Halperin.

Recipient of NORML’s Media & Culture Award in 2004, Cannabis MVP by the Cannabis Business Awards in 2018 and New York NORML Activism award in 2019.

Has appeared as a moderator, panelist and speaker at many marijuana-reform events, including the NORML Conference, the Drug Policy Alliance Conference, International Cannabis Business Conference, Cannabis Media Summit, Seattle Hempfest, Boston Freedom Rally, Cypress Hill SmokeOu, the NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally and more.

Board member and co-organizer of the annual NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally.

Discovered 420 in 1990.

Founder and organizer of the Teapot Party with Willie Nelson since 2009.

Founder and commissioner of the New York Media Softball League since 2007.

Author of Video Invaders (Arco, 1982) and Watch Out for the Little Guys (St. Martins Press, 1989). 

Lives in Bronx, NY.

Contact Info

bloom@celebstoner.com

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In

 

 

About Sharon Letts

Sharon began her professional career as a gardener at the age of 24 in Southern California, with many assuming she grew cannabis. In reality, she designed, planted and maintained flower beds for high-end homes in Southern California for 17 years, before becoming a producer for television, then advocating for the plant.

Gardening turned to television when she was asked to host and produce visiting gardening show, In and Out of the Garden, for local television in Southern California. This led to executive producing travel series, Off the Beaten Path,  for PBS in California, which led to producing national documentary and magazine shows in Los Angeles.

Sharon was brought up to Humboldt County in Northern California to produce a news show, then became the lead features writer for the Times-Standard, the longtime daily paper in the county.

While working in media in the cannabis capital of the world, Sharon presented with breast cancer and was given cannabis oil made by Pearl Moon of the Bud Sisters of Southern Humboldt. Much to her surprise, the oil successfully put the cancer into remission, while simultaneously doing away with upwards of 10 prescription medications and supplements taken for numerous ailments.

Since she already had a voice in the media Sharon followed the calling and has written exclusively and extensively on cannabis as medicine ever since. Called one of the most prolific and informative writers in the space, for the past ten years she’s written for just about every cannabis publication and platform, penning patient profiles, telling successful stories of healing with cannabis.

Sharon also shares her own stories of healing regularly, penning essays on her own cancer experience in using cannabis as medicine, treating and preventing colds, flu, the coronavirus, broken bones, fractures – and replacing opioids with cannabis oil. She’s even included her dogs in the mix, from their rescue near death, to their current healthy lifestyle that includes dosing daily with cannabis and/or CBD.

Recently, her path has brought her full-circle back to media, developing television series from the series she’s written for magazines for years . Her two series, What’s in Your Stash?, written for High Times for the past two years, and Weed Traveler, a travel series for Weed World Magazine in the UK, are currently being shopped by Montel Williams as executive producer, with ten more show concepts on her list.

She’s currently being represented by Pam Pho of D4EO Literary Agency, with an equally long list of book concepts, also based on the series she writes, being developed and shopped now.

This past weekend Sharon’s work was honored by Cannabis Activism Now Magazine, voted Best Writer in the cannabis industry by readers. 

You can read Sharon’s work, as follows: High Times: Higher Profiles, What’s in Your Stash? (TV); Weed World Magazine: Kitchen Apothecary, Weed Traveler (TV); Women of Weed World; Vegas & Tahoe Cannabis Magazine(s): Daily Dose, A Day in the Life of a Cannabis Patient; Dope Magazine: Road Trip: In Search of Good Medicine,  Cannaopolis (eBook/Amazon & scripted TV series); The Emerald Magazine: Humboldt Medicine; Humboldt Stories, eBook/Amazon (winner 2016 Tokey Awards); Toke Signals: Toke Stories; Educated Stoner: essays of personal healing. Self-syndicated globally in several languages.

Email: sharonlettsgardens@gmail.com
URL: http://www.sharonletts.com


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Cynthia SalarizadehNovember 25, 202016min01

The holiday season is right around the corner! So what do you get the cannabis grower in your life?  Although the obvious choice might be a pair of socks decorated with cannabis leaves,  for the more sophisticated cannabis cultivator, we’ve found 14 gifts every grower would be stoked to receive. 

1. A mobile farm radio for grows in weak cell reception areas

Don’t let a weak signal put your communications in jeopardy! With a farm radio from Midland, you’ll always be able to get in touch with team members. The system from Midland can provide a range of up to 50 miles in areas with little or no obstruction.

2. Software to streamline their operations 

Traditionally, growers have used notebooks and whiteboards to track daily tasks and record grow data. But as the industry matures and operators scale their businesses, a need for smarter tools is born.

Meet Trym– user-friendly software built just for cultivators. Trym’s task management system allows a team to map out its tasks for a new plantings’ entire growth cycle. And Trym’s integrations with leading environmental sensors automate the monitoring of grow conditions. 

The coolest part is being able to access past data on harvests in order to optimize future ones. One thing all growers have in common is that they never stop trying to improve.

Help the grower in your life reach the success they deserve. With Trym they’ll quickly increase their operation’s productivity and consistency.

3. An environmental controls system to keep conditions at optimal levels

The professional grower who’s into tracking all of their environmental conditions will dig TrolMaster products for their powerful control systems and sensors that monitor lighting, temperature, humidity, and CO2.

Imagine how a plant experiences the sun outdoors, with gradual light intensity increasing from morning to afternoon. Now, a grower can program the light cycle and specific environmental conditions they desire to simulate natural outdoor conditions.

4. Microbiometer for quick and affordable soil tests

For farmers growing in soil, microbial biomass is considered to be the best indicator of soil health. With a product like a Microbiometer, growers can take their own on-site soil tests in only 10 minutes. 

Results are read through a mobile app and data is stored for later analysis. This is a great tool to track and evaluate the effectiveness of soil amendments. And for those who simply need to know their soil is healthy as can be, the Microbiometer is a fast and affordable way to do so.

5. Rapid wireless charging for long days 

12-hour days, lots of communication, research and note taking can take a toll on a grower’s phone. That’s why having a quick and easy way to charge up throughout the day is crucial. 

That’s where this Belkin charging stand comes in as the perfect gift. It offers up to 10 watts for Apple and Samsung so that you spend less time charging and more time tending to crops. 

6. A botanical illustration to dress up your wall

For a tasteful depiction of the beloved cannabis flower, these gorgeous prints from Goldleaf make a wonderful gift for anyone in the cannabis industry. 

Plus, all proceeds raised from these prints are donated to Project Sanctuary, an organization that helps military families and veterans returning from service. 

7. A garden gnome to watch over the crop

Help keep things lively in your grower’s work space. Whether they cultivate outdoors or in, a properly placed garden gnome will surely bring smiles. 

Gnomes are symbols of good luck and they are thought to provide protection. Who better to keep a close watch over a crop or home. There are plenty of gnomes to choose from–both big and small, so choose one that fits your grower’s personality.

8. Jeweler’s loupe to keep a close eye on the trichomes

After months of caring and nurturing their plants, one of the most important moments in a grower’s journey is deciding when it’s time to harvest. 

Growers listen to their plants and pay close attention to the trichomes, or resin glands on cannabis flowers. When they change from clear to milky, that’s when they know it’s time.

To monitor the trichomes, growers must be able to see them close up. This jeweler’s loupe has a handy LED light so they can see their handiwork day or night

9. Method 7 glasses for eye protection

Spending lots of time under grow lights can do serious damage to a grower’s eyes. Modern grow lights manipulate the natural light spectrum to mimic the sun’s rays, and too much exposure is not a good thing.

Every grower should protect their eyes while working in a grow room or light-assisted greenhouse. The most popular, high quality glasses in the industry are made by Method 7.

You’ll need to ask the grower what kind of lights they grow under because Method 7 makes glasses for all types including HPS, LED and Metal Halide.  

10. Airtight UV glass storage jars to keep their herb fresh

The freshness of cannabis diminishes rapidly with time, and the most harmful elements are oxygen and light. 

For a grower who smokes and wants a tasty, high-quality smoke each time, gift them a premium air-tight ultraviolet glass jar.This UV glass container from Masterdam will store and preserve their herb, increase its shelf life, and prolong its potency.

11. Smartphone camera lens for better quality grow photos and videos

One thing all growers have in common is pride in their work. Give them an opportunity and they’ll talk at length about their unique approach and how it results in the best cannabis possible. 

And they’re most likely to show you with a picture or video of their room. The issue is that if they don’t have a special filter on their phone, their shots will come out orange (if growing under HPS bulbs). 

This clip-on lens filter attaches to a phone and filters out the red-spectrum light to help the growers showcase their prized garden. 

12. A utility holster organizes necessities 

Growers have lots of tools and items they need within reach. It’s a hassle to pack your pockets before you step into the grow area and then clean them out each day. Instead,  this utility holster does a better job of keeping their things tidy and in one place. 

The holster easily clips on to waistbands, belts, or straps, and makes the perfect gift for someone needing a little bit more organization in their work space.

13. Hemp Coasters to bring their passion into their living space

These aren’t just any coasters. They’re made of hemp rope and are a subtle but distinct nod to the cannabis and hemp industry. These coasters are hand-made and can be found on Etsy.

Forget plastic, hemp is the promising crop towards increased sustainability. A simple, yet unique gift for any and all growers. 

14. Lava soap for clean and smooth hands

Anyone who has  worked with cannabis knows how sticky the flowers are. Even short tasks like pruning or deleafing result in sticky hands that are layered with resin from the plants.  

Regular old soap doesn’t cut it, which is why the perfect stocking stuffer for the growers in your life is Lava Soap.

This pumice soap cuts through all that resin and is a heavy-duty alternative to regular soap. Help a grower keep their hands clean and soft with this pumice soap, used by many since 1893.

 


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Cynthia SalarizadehOctober 22, 20202min00
Women Grow, the largest professional network for women in the cannabis industry, is uncertain if their annual Leadership Summit will return in 2021.
“We’re still uncertain if we will return next year. When we considered the risk and our protocol is everyone’s safety is first. Yes, we are a business but our community is important to us,” said Gia Morón, President of Women Grow. “But with no Leadership Summit this year, we had to come up with other creative ways to stay engaged so we shifted to social media LIVE talks. Meet them where they are,” said Morón.
In March at the start of the pandemic, the company shut down all of its Signature Networking Events (SNE) before lockdowns began. The shift to social media joined Women Grow with the ranks of their peers but it was during the lockdown the company launched its #adulthomeschooling program.
Women Grow took all the elements it used at its SNE and applied it through various education options.
“We wanted to keep our community engaged just as they would at SNE or summit except virtually. We’ve partnered with some amazing companies like Green Flower Arcview, Curaleaf, and M4MM with more partnerships to come. The idea of a virtual conference is still on the table but we’re still in talks,” said Morón.

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Cynthia SalarizadehSeptember 18, 20204min00

Haus of Jane announces Women in Plant Medicine Virtual Summit! to be held on September 30, 2020. The online event brings together women working in the stigmatized plant medicine industry to build community, network for business and inspire political activism. Tickets are on sale now: http://hausofjane.com

“By bringing women together on a global level we have the opportunity to make our voices heard politically, find the support we need in growing our businesses and strengthen the women’s movement at home,” Kyra Reed, Co Founder, Haus of Jane. ‘The event will be packed with opportunities to network, make friends and build community.”

What: Haus of Jane is hosting women in a virtual environment that facilitates networking, education and engagement on a dynamic platform.
When: September 30, 2020 –10 am PT to 6 pm PT
Where: Online, sign up now: http://hausofjane.com

Guests will find a DJ on the Main Stage, Salons type group networking and over 30 presentations to learn about how women in plant medicine are advancing the industries in which they work.

“Whether you are new to plant medicine as a career and you’ve been leading the charge against prohibition for decades, you’ll find inspiration, new information and a community of like minded women to explore how plant medicine can heal the world,” added Reed.

Haus of Jane Co-Founder, Lisa Snyder, adds, “It is imperative as women that we take this opportunity to strategize and unify with an intentional desire to connect with like minded individuals who support global health and the well-being of all humans on this planet.”

Many well-respected industry leaders are showing resounding support for the Haus of Jane community including White Buffalo SpiritMCS Accounting ServicesCannasitePotencyACS LaboratoryNternal / XternalClark Howell & Barbari.

“The Women In Plant Medicine Summit is produced and curated by women working in cannabis with the goal of creating a virtual conference that fosters conversation, establishes unity among women in the industry and informs with real, raw presentations on science, policy and what it means to be a woman working in stigmatized plant medicines,” explained Snyder. “Whether you’re new to plant medicine as a career or you’ve been leading the charge against prohibition for decades, you’ll find inspiration, new information and a community of like minded women to explore how plant medicine can heal the world.”

Haus of Jane is an events series focused on creating networking experiences for women in cannabis. Founded as a collaboration between Women Empowered in Cannabis and Tokeativity.


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Cynthia SalarizadehSeptember 16, 20206min00

National Expungement Week (N.E.W.) 2020, the third annual week of awareness across the U.S. that offers expungement and other forms of legal relief to some of the 77 million Americans with criminal records will take place September 19-26, 2020

Adapting to address COVID-19 health and safety concerns, N.E.W. 2020 will continue its vital work through a mix of online and in-person clinics, workshops, and events – featuring crucial supportive services including pop-up food pantries and voter registration at select locations.

N.E.W. 2020 clinics will cover all 5 regions of the U.S., representing states including California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington. Besides record clearing services, legal advice, and education, N.E.W. 2020 will continue its mission to restore individuals and communities through wraparound services focused on key areas of relief exposed by the ongoing pandemic, including reparative justice, voting rights, housing, and food insecurity.   N.E.W. 2020 is made possible by Canopy Growth Corporation, local sponsors, partner organizations, and a tireless community of grassroots organizers working directly with disenfranchised communities.

“Our year-round work never stops, and we are determined to use this week to inspire communities to take action, clear records, and restore the rights of some of the 77 million justice-impacted people in the U.S.,” says LaTorie Marshall, the founder of National Expungement Week.

N.E.W. is a permanent assistance network for marginalized communities nationwide, which has helped over 1,000 people start to clear or seal convictions on their records. More than 3,000 people have also received related social services offered at N.E.W. clinics and events, including employment resources, voter registration, and health screenings. Since its launch in 2018, the grassroots network has generated a public benefit of over $10,000,000.  

N.E.W. 2020 is powered by people of color, supported in full solidarity by Cage-Free Repair, and brought to communities through a dedicated group of community organizers and activists.  The collective advocates for uniform legal relief laws and automatic expungement policies nationwide and raises awareness for the 44,000 legal and socioeconomic barriers that exist for the disenfranchised.  Though not cannabis-specific, mitigating the impact of the War on Drugs is a key focus, as it works to put marginalized communities directly in touch with valuable services and resources.  N.E.W. has also created an online toolkit to further their expungement efforts year-round.

N.E.W.’s partnership with Code For America continues in a number of forms in 2020.  Code for America’s National Day of Civic Hacking (September 12, 2020) will focus on the social safety net, and those efforts will be amplified by the wraparound services offered at N.E.W. events one week later. In time for one of the most consequential election cycles of a generation, N.E.W. 2020’s push for voter registration also coincides with National Voter Registration Day, which takes place on September 22, 2020. 

For more information on N.E.W. 2020, including a full list of locations and events,  please visit www.nationalexpungementweek.org

 


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Cynthia SalarizadehSeptember 16, 20202min00

Latina-owned Indiva Advisors LLP will join an elite roster of accounting firms and representatives on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion (NCDI).

The NCDI was formed in 2012 to be diversity and inclusion advocates in the accounting profession. The team at Indiva Advisors has broken its own barriers when it comes to diversity and inclusion and looks forward to using its extensive experience to champion minority advancement in the field. Indiva Advisors holds the “small CPA firm” seat on the 2020 roster.

Managing Partner Jessica Velazquez, CPA

Managing Partner Jessica Velazquez, CPA said that she and her team are “proud and honored of this appointment and to serve in this seat,” and that “Representation matters.” She explained that she is looking “forward to advocating for women and minorities on the NCDI” as she has done throughout her career.

Indiva Advisors LLP is the leading accounting firm dedicated to the cannabis industry. Their mission is to transform the expertise and understanding of the evolving cannabis industry into innovative, value-added solutions for those they work with.


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Cynthia SalarizadehApril 3, 202011min00

So many things have been turned upside down with this pandemic, and saying we live in interesting times would be an understatement. Industries and businesses are being demolished and altered in ways unheard of just a month ago, and a rare few are actually booming. 

For the cannabis industry, one of the biggest changes leading to a boom is that as a whole cannabis is now being considered an “essential” part of life nationwide. The level of legitimacy this brings to the industry would have normally taken another decade. 

Delivery services and curb side pick-up have been implemented across the country also erasing years of necessary effort overnight. But overall, the complete change in cannabis consumer behavior has been one of the most interesting developments to witness for many of us.

As reported by Vice, politics and current events are major sources of anxiety for many in the United States and this leads to an increase of unhealthy behaviors like drinking alcohol, smoking, or eating poorly to cope with what is termed as “headlines distress disorder”.

In times of great stress, the sale of alcoholic beverages has proven to surge without fail. With legal cannabis now implemented around the country, the same is now proving to be true. According to Headset, during this current Coronavirus crisis, US adult use cannabis markets show average daily sales at large increase by 10%.

Sue Bachorski, formerly with Constellation Brands for 30 years and currently with the House of Saka, explained that “historically, alcohol sales frequently rise during times of economic downturn, regional disasters, etc. There is no reason to believe that cannabis sales would be any different and there will likely be a prolonged upswing for the foreseeable future.”

The Numbers Say It All

As of April 2, 2020, Headset released data that shows how the landscape of preferred cannabis products and consumption methods has proven to alter completely.  In the analysis, Headset compares the average daily sales of each product category before the COVID-19 sales bump began (January 1st through March 6th) to the COVID-19 crisis time period (March 7th through March 31st).

Cannabis infused beverage sales have increased by 14% while edibles accounted for a 28% increase. With infused beverages previously only accounting for 1% of the market, this is a big jump for the category. The reasoning for this change in consumer sales makes sense considering the virus attacks your respiratory system, so people would rather eat or drink their cannabis instead of smoking or vaping it. Pre-rolls and topicals have actually fallen by 13%.

I reached out to some key players in these categories to find out why they feel these increases have occurred. Warren Bobrow, co-founder of cannabis infused beverage brand Klaus Apothicaire and a Vices writer for Forbes, told Green Market Report that he felt that “while being quarantined in our homes, it makes perfect sense to further expand our inner space with high quality cannabis beverages and edibles. Smokable products could prove tricky with this particular virus.”

Ben Larson, CEO of Vertosa, said that “in these uncertain and challenging times, it’s an encouraging silver lining to see cannabis consumers increasingly seeking out infused beverages. There are likely several factors affecting the recent rise in sales, but an important takeaway is that infused beverages are typically designed for individual consumption and can be consumed discreetly, which is ideal during social distancing. They are also an approachable, familiar way to consume cannabis for less experienced users and those looking to avoid smoking during this time.”

The Women Stepped Up Their Spending

Beyond the types of products surging, the Headset data showed that even gender sales show a change in behavior during this crisis. While both genders saw significant increases in cannabis spending, females had more than double the sales growth of males. As Headset previously reported, males make up roughly two thirds of cannabis spending on any given day. Therefore, it could be speculated that females were less likely to have cannabis products on hand and more likely to feel a sense of urgency to stock up.

Tracey Mason, CEO of House of Saka, explains that she believes females could be a major driver in these increased category surges because “there is a triangulation of needs that beverages and edibles meet specifically for the female consumer: They offer precise dosing which provides a safe and controlled means by which to experiment, they offer a subtle means of consumption which removes the stigma associated with smoking and vaping and they are multi-use which drives sociability and expands usage occasions. Safe, Subtle and Social, those are the benefits of infused beverages in a nutshell.”

It remains to be seen as to whether these changes will become market altering over the long term, or if it was truly just a panic surge with no real impact. But as far as the change in gender sales, if this pattern continues, brands will need to evolve their marketing campaigns to appeal more to women.  

“Women are often seeking a healthier alternative to alcohol, but want an elevated social experience. To do this with cannabis is ideal. In addition, women want a product that has relatable packaging, tastes amazing, and feels safe. This tends to be achieved with an edible or an infused beverage, so I am not surprised that when their sales surged during the panic buys, they gravitated toward these products. The cannabis consumable sector has come a long way. The existing products have nailed the experience for the female consumer, so this demographic will continue to grow in the coming years,” says founder & president of Viv & Oak, Alana Burstein.
Will It Last?
If the patterns remain the same for edibles and beverages for the duration of the pandemic’s hold on our behavior, which could affect our lives for up to 18 months, it is safe to say that habits may have altered indefinitely with far reaching consequences for the foreseeable future. 

Understandably, edible and beverage brands are predicting continued growth. “We’ve seen exponential growth in our edibles sales at Garden Society and expect that as these shelter in place orders remain in place, we will continue to see growth. We believe this will have an impact on the overall market and consumer trends over the next year,” said Karli Warner, co-founder of The Garden Society

Geoff Doran, founder and CEO of Van Doran Brands, stated that “right now we are watching this trend very closely as edible and infused beverage companies. We aren’t too surprised that there is a current spike with these categories. We think the current spike has a lot to do with the “newbies” that are bored at home and giving cannabis a shot because of easy access they have through delivery, and quite frankly because they have nothing else to do with their days. A lot of the new cannabis buyers tend to gravitate toward a method of consumption that is familiar to them, which is obviously through eating and drinking. We’re excited about this spike because we know people will realize that edibles and cannabis beverages are a great cannabis experience!”


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Cynthia SalarizadehMarch 31, 20205min00

There are so many disturbing and upsetting developments that have occurred over the last month concerning the global pandemic, Coronavirus, that it is hard to count. But one specific development has been pretty interesting in regard to cannabis legalization. State after sate has determined cannabis to be an “essential” part of life. This is quite the validation the industry has been seeking since prohibition. And with this “essential” new status has come a surge in sales across the board as users stock pile the items they feel they need the most to get through these trying times.

Although sales are surging for the industry overall, one group of license holders have become more essential than others: delivery services. Considering the nature of a viral pandemic and the need to stay as far away from other human beings as possible, it makes sense that having your groceries, alcohol, toilet paper and weed delivered would feel the safest.

States like Louisiana, Pennsylvania and NJ, among many more, have changed their cannabis rules almost completely to allow for either delivery or curbside pick-up. It would have normally taken years to have these services accepted and implemented. Over the next year, as the virus begins to recede, it will be interesting to see if these changes will remain permanent.

Driven Deliveries Inc. announced that over the last 10 days the company has experienced record growth and demand with a greater than 100% increase in sales. Following California’s decision to deem Cannabis deliveries an “essential business,” Driven is increasing infrastructure to provide California customers safe access to legal cannabis through the government mandated quarantine.

“Driven Deliveries was founded on the bedrock principle of enabling universal access to cannabis to California’s population,” said Driven Deliveries’ CEO Christian Schenk. “Driven is the only service that provides deliveries to 92% of California’s population, giving millions of people access to on-demand legal cannabis from the security and safety of their own home during this very difficult time”.

The impact of coronavirus has required Driven to scale its driver network to meet the increase in demand. In an effort to comply with Government orders to stay home, Driven expects further growth as people continue to incorporate delivery services into their new routines.

Finally, Driven continues to innovate in ways to make delivery both easier and safer. Driven’s delivery system allows consumers to leverage electronic payment methods as well as cash, making it significantly more convenient than other options. In addition to the extra steps being taken to ensure safe deliveries through the use of protective disposable gloves and continuous sanitization, Driven is also exploring new ways that technology can be used for a contact free delivery while still meeting the ID verification requirements.

Groups like Driven Deliveries understand that anxiety and stress are increased around the country, and that both medical and recreational customers want access to cannabis without the risk of exposure associated with visiting a dispensary.

Tokr, a Los Angeles-based delivery service, reports a delivery increase of 287 percent since March 12, 2020. The company also says that its average cart size has tripled. “People are really stocking up anticipating they will be home for an extended period of time,” explained Matthew Singer, CO-founder & CEO of Tokr . Its drivers also remain 6 feet from all consumers during delivery transactions, Tokr says.

Delivery has emerged as the ideal way to get your cannabis. It will be difficult for states that had not allowed delivery services prior to the virus to go back to business as usual once things clear up. Cannabis delivery will most likely be a staple to the cannabis industry country-wide moving forward.


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Cynthia SalarizadehJanuary 29, 202022min01

As journalists, brand owners and industry professionals, daily we must interact and engage with communication specialists to accomplish a myriad of goals. Like anything, some individuals tend to be more efficient, trustworthy, effective and more of a pleasure to work with overall.

There is nothing more upsetting than wasting time and money on services that do not meet your company’s needs, especially if it can be avoided. So understanding who these people are can help us in our collective decision making when it comes time to scout talent or in hiring firms and consultants.

Over the last year and a half, our team at the Green Market Report has created a running list of the top communication professionals that we feel warrant recognition. After careful consideration among the GMR team, we have selected the top ten that we feel you and your company can engage with effectively.

We feel comfortable recommending each person in this group for their work and accomplishments within their special areas of the industry for communications.

Each one of these individuals rank among the most knowledgeable, influential, helpful and professional to work with.

 

Daniel Yi, Chief Communications Officer at Shryne Group Inc.

Daniel is a seasoned communications executive with more than two decades of experience crafting narratives that connect with audiences.

In 2016, he joined a little known cannabis management firm called MedMen and helped the brand become one of the most recognized names in the industry, earning the company more than six billion earned media impressions in 2018.

As a former journalist, Daniel understands and believes in the power of narrative to change minds and hearts. In the span of a 10-year career at the Los Angeles Times, he covered several beats and later transitioned to marketing communications and public relations, helping organizations like the Port of Long Beach, the County of Los Angeles and Edison International connect with diverse audiences.

Today, Daniel is the chief communications officer of Shryne Group, a vertically integrated cannabis enterprise focused on California, the largest, most mature legal cannabis market in the world.

 

 

Rosie Mattio Founder & CEO of Mattio Communications

Rosie is the founder and CEO of MATTIO Communications, the preeminent cannabis marketing agency in the U. S. She helped usher in the New Cannabis Age, garnering global media coverage in mainstream publications for clients, including the first cannabis article ever published in Oprah Magazine.

Over the past year, her New York firm has grown alongside the industry, adding marketing and communications services for clients, including content, SEO, investor relations, event planning, and influencer marketing.

Today, Rosie is considered a market maker in the world of cannabis. She has been acknowledged in High Times Female 50, and Forbes Fifteen Powerful and Innovative Women In Cannabis. MATTIO Communications has been named in MG Magazines Top 50 Cannabis Employers and Green Entrepreneur’s Top 100 Cannabis Companies.  Ranked the #1 cannabis PR firm by Greenmarket Report, Rosie is a strategic powerhouse, industry connector and influencer. 

 

 

Jason Erkes, Chief Communications Officer at Cresco Labs 

Jason joined the leadership team of Cresco Labs as their Chief Communications Officer and Spokesperson in 2018 after working with the company as a consultant since its inception. Cresco Labs (CL:CSE), based in Chicago, is one of the largest vertically integrated multi-state operators in the United States. The company has a mission to normalize and professionalize the cannabis industry and bringing in subject matter experts like Erkes greatly helps Cresco move closer to that goal.

Erkes has been a journalist, political advisor, entrepreneur, Influencer, turnaround expert and philanthropist. He has been identified as a “rising star” as a Crain’s Chicago Business “40 under 40”, won Emmy Awards for excellence in journalism through his work at ABC and FOX News, and received national political recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Reed Award from Campaigns & Elections Magazine.

Erkes has been instrumental in helping craft and share Cresco’s narrative overseeing the company’s media relations, employee relations, investor communications as well as working cross-functionally with all departments on any external communications.  Most recently he facilitated the company’s launch for Illinois adult-use sales achieving a record one billion earned media impressions in the first week for their Sunnyside* Dispensaries.

 

Gia Moron, Founder and CEO of GVM Communications, Inc

Gia is the Founder and CEO of GVM Communications, Inc. a public relations, brand & business development consulting firm launched in 2012. She has a team of consultants & freelancers work with an array of clients in the Arts, Education, Financial Services, Diversity & Inclusion, Publishing, Sports & Entertainment, Technology, and Wellness.

In 2015, the firm expanded its services into the cannabis industry. Gia leverages her 25+ years of experience in corporate communications, and her firm remains equally vested in diverse markets of business ranging from: (Non-Profits, privately owned to Publicly traded Fortune 500 companies. The firm has a client base that ranges from small to mid-sized businesses, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, authors and celebrity clients).

Prior to launching her firm, Gia was a Media Relations Officer in the Corporate Communications department for fifteen years at Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. While at Goldman Sachs, Gia oversaw various business areas from Private Equity, Urban Investment, Investment Research and Technology to the firm’s organizational focus on Corporate Engagement, Diversity, Recruiting, Human Resources and Corporate Services. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Gia was Director of Promotions and Publicity for six years at The Fremantle Corporation, an international television distribution, and production company. 

 

Linda Marsicano, VP Corporate Communications at Green Thumb Industries

Linda Marsicano joined Green Thumb Industries in February 2018 as Vice President of Corporate Communications and manages all aspects of media and public relations. She has more than 20 years of experience in communications working for publicly traded companies, private entities and nonprofit organizations.

Her background includes leading external communications for Fortune 500 nuclear power company Exelon Corporation, serving as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Playboy Enterprises, and Vice President of Public Relations for mortgage lender Guaranteed Rate. She has also overseen public relations for medical societies and not-for-profit professional associations. Linda has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Miami University in Ohio.

Marsicano serves on the advisory board of the Civic Leadership Foundation, an educational organization dedicated to preparing under-served young people for college, career and active citizenship. She lives in Chicago with her husband and 12-year-old twin daughters.

 

Alex Howe, Head Of Corporate Communications at Harvest Health & Recreation, Inc.

Howe has two decades of experience working in corporate strategy and communications for cannabis, consumer, technology, Fortune 50 and sports and entertainment companies and has helped launch dozens of companies and build brands across industries.

Howe is currently the Head of Corporate Communications for Harvest Health & Recreation Inc., a vertically-integrated cannabis company with one of the largest and deepest footprints in the U.S., where he leads communications and strategy focusing on patients, consumers, media, regulators, investors, local communities and partners.

Howe formerly served as president and co-founder of Powerplant Global Strategies, the first strategic partnerships, communications and investor relations firm exclusively focused on the legal cannabis industry. At Powerplant he worked closely with many of the best-known companies in the cannabis industry, including PAX, Arcview, Merida Capital Partners, I Heart Jane, THC Design and many others. In 2018, he was named one of Marijuana Venture magazine’s “40 Under 40.”

Prior to joining Powerplant, Howe was a director at fama, North America’s premier boutique PR firm for technology companies, where he launched startups and developed thought leadership campaigns for enterprise companies in the B2C and B2B spaces. Before fama, Alex was a vice president at Global Strategy Group in New York City, where he provided public affairs support, digital, traditional and crisis communications and produced award-winning campaigns for Google, Formula 1, UFC, Nestlé Waters, Time Warner, Inc. and the New York Road Runners.

 

Shawna Seldon Mcgregor, Founder & CEO of Maverick Public Relations 

Shawna Seldon McGregor is the founder of Maverick Public Relations, which was established in 2018 and quickly garnered recognition as one of the most effective cannabis PR agencies.

McGregor’s cannabis and hemp experience is unparalleled, working from the inception of adult-use in Colorado to bring brand messaging to the national stage and working closely with national and trade reporters, as well as infiltrating specific emerging markets. With two decades of experience in New York City and Denver, McGregor has deep experience representing a multitude of sectors including health & wellness, biotech, agribusiness, associations and media. Her mission is to provide big agency expertise with outstanding client service by seasoned and knowledgeable communications expert.

She’s passionate about good journalism and wants to see the Fourth Estate not just survive but thrive. She is hands-on, sincere, genuine and responsive, and oversees a diverse team based in metro Denver, California, Florida and Pennsylvania.

 

Lewis Goldberg, Managing Partner at KCSA Strategic Communications

Lewis is a Managing Partner at KCSA and oversees the firm’s public relations practice.For more than 20 years, Lewis has worked to implement eminence, thought leadership, and public affairs programs designed to build business and garner fairer valuations.

Lewis developed a campaign mentality working in national, state and local politics for U.S. President Bill Clinton, U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli and then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. He designs programs with a specific business objective in mind, a targeted timeframe, attention to maximizing limited resources and a measurable ROI.

In 2015 Lewis helped found KCSA’s cannabis practice and has become recognized as one of the most effective strategic thinkers in this growing field. He is the co-host of KCSA’s weekly podcast, The Green Rush, and speaks regularly at conferences on the use of strategic communications to achieve specific business objectives.

 

Evan Nison, Founder & CEO of Nison Co.

Evan Nison is the youngest member of the NORML Board of Directors and sits on the Board of Directors of Students for Sensible Drug Policy. He is the founder of the PR firm NisonCo, which connects leaders in the legal cannabis, medical marijuana, and hemp industries with influential journalists across the U.S. and world. As part of his mission to build socially driven businesses, he co-founded Whoopi & Maya, a women’s-focused cannabis brand with actress Whoopi Goldberg and fellow NORML board member Rick Cusick. He then went on to co-found Emerald Farm Tours, a Northern California-based cannabis tour company to give the public a transparent hands-on view of the cannabis industry from seed to sale, and Bloody Good Vape & Smoke, a smoke shop in New Jersey he founded with a victim of cannabis prohibition who was held in jail for a year awaiting trial.

Evan has been mentioned in news sources such as the NY Times, CNN, Politico, USA Today, NBC New York, Bloomberg TV, Forbes, and has been profiled in The Cannabist, Civilized, Ithaca Times, Home News Tribune, The Marijuana Times, and the Sun Times. He also received the 2011 NORML Student Activism Award and High Times Freedom Fighter Award for his advocacy. He also received one of the pens used to sign the New York 911 Good Samaritan Law and New York medical marijuana law for his involvement in the passage of both bills.

Heidi Haller Groshelle, Founder & CEO of Groshelle Communications

After four decades of technology public relations, which included launching consumer products like the first plasma TVs, the first mobile phone for kids, and the first flying car, Heidi tackled the cannabis industry in 2015. Heidi’s passion for the plant has allowed her business to thrive with a stellar client roster including PHILTER Labs, PLUS Products, PrestoDoctor, CannaBiz Connections, TraceTrust, and Solful Dispensary to name a few. 

In the past five years, Heidi has introduced the first cannabis-infused gum, rolled out the first line of doctor-designed and approved cannabis topicals, and launched dozens of cannabis brands onto the national stage. 

Heidi has earned numerous accolades for her work including the Hermes Award, Bulldog, and Communicator awards. Heidi’s unique approach to cannabis (and her stellar client roster) has given her a reputation as a leader in the cannabis market and more importantly as a champion of all women in the industry.

 


Cynthia SalarizadehJuly 16, 20198min00

Bethlehem, Penn. (July 16, 2019) — The Hemp Heals Hockey Wellness Camp is a first-of-its-kind camp that will include hemp educational sessions in its week-long training schedule led by former NHL player, Riley Cote. Campers ranging from 10 to 17-years-old will spend the day hitting the ice and wrap up with an informational discussion about mindfulness, and the healing and nutritional benefits of hemp paired with yoga.

Cote, retired Philadelphia Flyers left winger and founder of BodyChek Wellness and nonprofits the Hemp Heals Foundation and Athletes for CARE, will be coaching young athletes on the ice and educating them about the benefits of hemp to aid in recovery and overall well-being in classroom sessions. Cote developed BodyChek hemp-derived products after experiencing the natural pain management and recovery benefits first-hand.

The camp is free and will consist of warm-ups, on-ice play, educational sessions and special guest speakers. Parents of participants can also see what the hemp hype is all about during a condensed educational session on Friday, July 26. Media attendance is welcome and encouraged.

 

What: Hemp Heals Hockey Wellness Camp

When: July 22-26, 2019

Activities for the week include:

Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Off-ice warm up and training
  • On-ice training
  • 30-minute classroom session including topics such as:
  • Nutritional benefits of hemp: a complete superfood, digestible protein source and an ideal ratio of essential fatty acids.
  • Hemp innovation: a hempcrete workshop featuring a hemp house on wheels and education about the viability and endless uses of the hemp plant.
  • Hemp wellness and recovery: managing pain and inflammation, and promoting proper sleep to optimize performance and recovery.
  • Mindful exercise and yoga

Friday, July 26: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Off-ice warm up, training and games
  • Full ice scrimmage
  • Two 30-minute classroom sessions; one for campers and one for parents
  • Mindful exercise and yoga
  • Special appearances including two-time Stanley Cup winner and former Philadelphia Flyers star Dan Carcillo

Where: Steel Ice Center

320 E. 1st. Street

Bethlehem, PA 18015

Interview Opportunities:

  • Riley Cote, retired NHL athlete and founder of BodyChek Wellness and the Hemp Heals Foundation and Athletes for CARE, will be available during the week to speak to the media about this first-of-its-kind camp, BodyChek Wellness products and the mission of his nonprofits.
  • Participants at the camp
  • Parents of the participants

About the Hemp Heals Foundation

The Hemp Heals Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2011 by former NHL player, Riley Cote. Through education and innovation, the organization supports sustainable agriculture practices, sustainable health and clean natural medicine, while focusing on a holistic approach to optimum health. Guided by the core belief that keeping our bodies nourished with more plant-based whole foods helps keep our mind, body and spirit healthy, the Hemp Heals Foundation is working to build and sustain a healthier society and planet. To learn more about the Hemp Heals Foundation, visit hemphealsfoundation.com.

About BodyChek Wellness

BodyChek Wellness, founded in 2017 by former NHL player Riley Cote, develops high-quality, sustainable hemp-derived products that support positive change, balance and recovery in individuals from all walks of life. The company lives by the philosophy that there is an athlete in all of us and everyone can benefit from a natural solution for pain relief, improved sleep, and mental health management. By implementing BodyChek products into a larger wellness regimen, BodyChek’s hope is that individuals experience a better road to recovery and achieve balance, something every body deserves. For more information about the company and its products, visit bodychekwellness.com.

About Athletes for CARE

Athletes for CARE (A4C) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping athletes find support, opportunity and purpose after a career in sports. Founded in 2016, A4C creates a community to help athletes leverage their influence to give back and build meaningful relationships; advocates for the health, safety and wellbeing of more than two billion people of all ages who compete annually in sanctioned sports globally; supports research efforts that have a direct impact on the quality of life of athletes; and educates the public about effective alternative treatment options for mental and physical illnesses such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, substance abuse and opioid dependency. For more information about A4C, visit athletesforcare.org.

###

Media Contact:

Kayla Weimer

kweimer@wearecsg.com

720.726.5431

Onsite Contact:

Ashley Cote

ashley@bodychekwellness.com

302.540.9947


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