Private Archives - Green Market Report

StaffMay 13, 2019

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Infused beverages are a growing trend in the cannabis industry. According to the food and drink consultancy group Zenith Global, sales of cannabis-infused beverages are expected to reach $1.4 billion by the year 2024.

While most companies, like Lagunitas or Constellation Brands, are focused on dominating the cannabis beer market, a smaller group of brands are aiming at filling the demand for cannabis wine. One such company is House of Saka.

Formed by women for women, House of Saka is a brand dedicated to the development of luxury-infused relaxation, beauty & wellness products for sophisticated cannabis consumers around the world. Last month the company officially debuted its line of luxury infused beverages, dubbed Saka Infusions, at an exclusive launch party in Napa Valley, California.

Serendipitously taking place during the rise of the Pink Moon, House of Saka premiered its pink cannabis beverages inspired by Rosé wines before an audience of top executives from throughout the wine industry, beer industry, and cannabis industry. The event was organized by Nicki Wolfe, one of the wine country’s most premier event planners.

“Boldness and innovation is the key to the new cannabis game, so when House of Saka Founder Cynthia Salarizadeh approached me, I said, I’m in, as long as I can make it unique, special, and focused on the guest experience,” said Wolfe. “We wanted House of Saka’s launch to exemplify all that is special about wine country.”

Called High Fete: The Most Luxurious Evening in Cannabis, the event lived up to its name; featuring extravagant décor and a sumptuous selection of appetizers, beverages, and a full-course meal that featured vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Interspersed throughout the venue were samples of Saka, allowing the guests to try the infused beverage for the first time.

As the four-hour event came to a close, House of Saka founders Cynthia Salarizadeh and Tracey Mason were on hand to thank their guests and reaffirm their brand’s mission.

“The concept for the House of Saka was to build the perfect luxury brand owned and operated by the most powerful and influential businesswomen across cannabis and wine, and we are confident that we have achieved this,” said Salarizadeh.

“From that start, we envisioned House of Saka to set the bar for female-centric, infused-luxury products in both the cannabis and CBD space,” added Mason. “Brands like House of Saka are the future of the industry and a platform from which we hope to inspire female entrepreneurs and draw women toward the extraordinary plant that is cannabis.”

Cynthia SalarizadehMay 12, 2019

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Located along the central coast of California you’ll find farms of berries, lettuce, and garlic. That is, until you hit Sparx Cannabis in Monterey County. The family-owned and vertically-integrated cannabis lifestyle company has recently announced the acquisition of multiple licenses that allow the company to cultivate and distribute cannabis and cannabis-derived product across the state of California.

Who is Sparx Cannabis?
Sparx Cannabis sets out to be the premium flower producer for the everyday cannabis consumer. Dedicated to being a leader in the industry, the company plans to do so by implementing multiple unique and sustainable practices throughout its technologically-advanced and solar-powered greenhouses.

“We have some of the most advanced technologies and greenhouses on our Sparx Cannabis properties, and these licenses will help us not only create and grow our products but distribute it statewide,” said Sparx Cannabis Co-founder Chandler Halpern. “We have incredible locations in one of the most fertile areas in the entire country to grow and greenhouses that are unlike anything that has been built on the central coast of California. With these licenses, we are planting our flag in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.”

With the distribution licenses, Sparx Cannabis plans to sell various high-quality sativa and indica-based products through dispensaries state-wide.

Environmentally-controlled automated cannabis facilities

Sparx Cannabis has over 100,000 square feet of cultivation space that is divided between two environmentally-controlled automated cannabis facilities. The first, Harkins Grow, is currently in the fifth harvest and each harvest has been producing approximately 600 pounds of high-quality cannabis flower. At Harkins Grow, the facility also has the ability to produce clones.

At this cultivation site, the 3,800 plants are trimmed by hand to ensure the high standards Sparx Cannabis has for its products is met. The site also utilizes state-of-the-art drying containers that are able to dry the product more efficiently than other methods on the market.

Sparx Farms is the second sustainable cultivation site the lifestyle cannabis company operates. This location has one of the newest state-of-the-art greenhouses and over 10,000 clones. The company plans to harvest every two weeks.

Along with producing quality cannabis flower for California, Sparx Cannabis has a commitment to the community. The company looks forward to creating jobs in the Monterey County and adding open positions to the booming industry. According to a recent report more than 10,000 jobs will be added to California’s cannabis market in 2019.

The Sparx Cannabis Plan for the Future

Sparx Cannabis Co-founder and President Jared Helfant said, “The newly acquired licenses for cultivation and distribution will allow Sparx Cannabis to truly expand our presence in the cannabis sector with the high-quality cannabis flower that we strive to provide to our customers. With these licenses we have acquired, we are excited to demonstrate to the cannabis community the quality of our products and further establish our everyday cannabis lifestyle brand.”

In addition to producing high-quality cannabis for the everyday consumer, the company wants to eliminate the stigma that has followed the industry for decades. They plan to do so by being a community-focused company that strives to be as eco-friendly as possible. They are proud to be one of the first farms to have technologically-advanced greenhouses and state-of-the-art LED lighting that provides the highest-quality nutrients for the plant.

StaffMay 3, 2019

Indose, a groundbreaking precise dosage vaporizer that measures and displays exact dosage in real-time, down to the milligram, for a customized and controlled cannabis experience, announced today that it has closed a $3.5 million Series A round led by Casa Verde Capital.

Vaporizers are currently the fastest growing segment in cannabis, according to market research company ArcView. By next year, the vape segment of the legal marijuana industry in the United States is expected to more than triple to $3.9 billion. By 2021, vape sales are predicted to surge to a total of $5.2 billion — accounting for 25% of the entire industry.

Indose brings to market a proprietary metered vape pen technology that measures the precise dose — down to the milligram — of THC delivered with every draw. As a person inhales, their dosage is shown in real-time on an LED display that ranges from .05 MG to 4 MG, creating an individualized, controlled cannabis vaping experience.

The device is a drastic improvement over existing vaporizers on the market that provide either no control over dosage, or a one-size-fits-all approach using timers to deliver the same dose to everyone.

This $3.5 million raise will go towards expanding partnerships with cannabis oil manufacturers and brands across the country, increasing the size of the R&D team, filing for additional patents, and pursuing medical device certification.

“Dosage control is key to an effective and consistent cannabis experience, and there is no such thing as a universal dosage that is right for everyone,” said Indose co-founder and CEO Benzi Ronen.

Following three years of intensive research and development (and 15 filed patents) the Indose vaporizer features two proprietary sensors which take 10 measurements per second to calculate the precise milligrams of THC and CBD being inhaled by the user. This dosage is presented on the device in real time via an easy to read LED display. Whereas less sophisticated dosage-driven vapes deliver a “standard dose” between 2 and 3 MG, Indose allows users to micro-dose in .05 MG increments.

“We created Indose to address the critical gap we observed with first-generation vaporizers that guestimate dosage based on draw time or by moderating the temperature of the heating element. There is no universal dosage amount that is consistent to everyone regardless of their stature, experience or tolerance level. Dosage needs to be modified to each individual based on their receptors, body attributes and desired effects. With people using cannabis for therapeutic reasons in mind, we’ve developed a science-backed delivery system that’s both precise and personalized.”

Indose is democratizing this medical-grade device at an affordable price point. The vaporizer retails for less than $70, is recyclable, and comes paired with some of the world’s top cannabis oil brands — further customizing the experience. Indose is currently available in select pilot dispensaries in California and will announce a large-scale distribution partnership this summer.

“With decades of combined experience in product development and manufacturing, the Indose team was uniquely positioned to develop this innovative new technology,” said Karan Wadhera, Managing Partner of Casa Verde Capital. “We believe precise, self-regulated and responsible dosage will be the next frontier in vape delivery systems, and Indose is ahead of the curve with a device that brings medical precision to the mainstream.”

StaffApril 30, 2019

As an industry, it is well documented and understood that the edibles market and extraction sector are the future. Today, TR Concentrates, the producer behind The Root of It All cannabis-infused essential remedies designed for everyday conditions in Colorado, announced that their product line will be available in 13 Native Roots locations across Colorado.

Native Roots is one of the largest Colorado state operators and among Colorado’s top cannabis dispensaries providing a variety of high quality medical and recreational marijuana, extracts and infused products. Native Roots will be stocking all five products available under The Root of It All lineup.

“Colorado has been a trailblazer in the cannabis industry since 2014, equating to almost 30% of the nations’ total cannabis revenue,” said Kurt Junggren, Vice President of Sales and Brand Acquisition at TR Concentrates. “Colorado chains like Native Roots have been imperative to that success by providing consistent and quality products to consumers statewide. This partnership enforces those standards, and ensures that Coloradans will have further access to the best ingredients cannabis has to offer.”

Known for its innovative botanic remedies and precise formulas, The Root of It All provides best-in-class cannabis-infused essential oils and topicals that are targeted towards everyday conditions such as low energy, restlessness, sleeplessness, stress, and discomfort and lingering pain from sore muscles and joints.

“The Native Roots brand has set high expectations amongst consumers, both medical and recreational, across Colorado,” said Chris Znerold, CMO of Native Roots. “Our brand standards have elevated us as the leading dispensary in the front range and high country. Partnering with brands like The Root of It All work to ensure we’re carrying the most exceptional products on the western slope. Consumers can expect to see more products from The Root of it All in select Native Roots locations throughout the year.”

All of the products under The Root of It All are free from alcohol, glycerin, and/or propylene glycol, promoting a more holistic culture and the community around cannabis. This partnership paves the way for further retail expansion as North America continues to legalize cannabis.

Cynthia SalarizadehApril 24, 2019

New Leaf Data Services, LLC (NLDS), the cannabis and hemp industry’s only independent Price Reporting Agency, has officially launched a pricing vertical for hemp called Hemp Benchmarks®. It is now collecting, assessing and reporting on the wholesale price of biomass, dry flower, clones, seeds, crude hemp oil, refined hemp oil and CBD isolate.

As hemp is considered the future for the cannabis plant as a global commodity, the launch of this platform is a major step in the right direction. This signals to Wall Street that the commodity is ready for prime time trading.

“With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill last year, the hemp market is poised for massive growth with unprecedented interest from farmers, processors and consumers, fueled in part by the extraordinary demand for CBD-based products. Industry participants will be seeking price transparency to analyze and navigate what we believe will be a dynamic and chaotic market as the projected supply and demand for hemp and hemp derived end-products comes into focus over the next few years.” said Jonathan Rubin, CEO of NLDS. “We are pleased to offer the market another independent reference benchmark to support strategic, operational and investment related decisions.”

These new assessments expand NLDS’ portfolio of benchmarks, which include more than eighty weekly benchmarks covering the wholesale price of cannabis in legal U.S. and Canadian markets through its Cannabis Benchmarks® division.

“We expect volatile hemp and CBD markets until supply and demand reach an equilibrium,” noted Rubin. “Price Reporting Agencies play a critical role in managing risk associated with volatile markets, enabling buyers and sellers to transact with confidence, support fundamental analysis by investors and equity analysts, and provide definitive benchmarks for commodity traders.”

StaffMarch 13, 2019

1.) Mattio Communications

Launched in 2005 by Rosie Mattio, Mattio Communications (AKA: Rosie Mattio Public Relations or RMPR), is a full -service communications firm specializing in the cannabis industry, with clients spanning every sector of the trade, including, but not limited to, cultivation, manufacturing, finance, technology and ancillary services. Over the past four years, RMPR has represented some of the most recognized and well-respected brands in the cannabis industry, including: Canndescent, Headset, Papa & Barkley, Flowhub, LeafLink, Caliva, Navy Capital, Seed & Smith, Van der Pop and many more.

Since launching their cannabis-specific unit in 2014, Mattio has secured well over 1,000 media placements in print, digital and broadcast outlets for its clients. An industry favorite, Mattio Communications is recognized as the leading PR firm for cannabis brands and is directly responsible for cultivating the image for some of the most dominate names throughout the industry.

2.) ICR

Established in 1998, ICR partners with companies to execute strategic communications and advisory programs that achieve business goals, build awareness and credibility, and enhance long-term enterprise value. The firm’s highly-differentiated service model, which pairs capital markets veterans with senior communications professionals, brings deep sector knowledge and relationships to more than 650 clients in approximately 20 industries. ICR’s healthcare practice operates under the Westwicke brand (www.westwicke.com). Today, ICR is one of the largest and most experienced independent communications and advisory firms in North America, maintaining offices in New York, Norwalk, Boston, Baltimore, San Francisco, San Diego and Beijing. ICR also advises on capital markets transactions through ICR Capital, LLC. Learn more atwww.icrinc.com.

Some of the impressive multi-state operators, manufacturers and distribution companies that ICR stakes claim to are recognized as the largest companies in the industry. These names include Tilray, Aphria, TILT Holdings, CV Sciences, Flowr, Greenlane, Growpacker, and Hydrofarm.

3.) GVM Communications

GVM Communications, Inc. is a woman minority-owned public relations, branding and business development firm. Launched in 2012, led by Founder and CEO, Gia Morón, the company’s client base ranges from small to mid-sized businesses, non-profits, entrepreneurs, authors and celebrity influencers across multi-disciplined industries. GVM Communications expanded into the cannabis space in 2015, and has since worked with clients such as Women Grow, Viridian Capital Advisors, Simply Pure, Tikun Olam, Ilera Healthcare and more. Overseeing the PR efforts for one of the longest running parades in the country the “New York City Cannabis Parade.” Gia and expert team – who have over 60 years of combined experience – have partnered with industry conferences to identify top talent to diversify speaker representation. The firm has been credited by its clients for its first-rate approach for crisis managment and was coined the “client whisper”. In addition, Gia and her team have work with higher education universities to bring cannabis business education events, worked closely with advocacy groups to leading groundbreaking industry events at state buildings to faith based organizations. GVM Communications represents many of the leading voices in the cannabis industry today. Currently the team is working on expanding its communications platform into publishing and multimedia. The team just signed with a small group focused on CBD products and sports fitness.

The powerful list of current leading clients include Women Grow, Ilera Healthcare, National Holistic, Simply Pure/Cannabis Global Initiative and Viola Brands. Clients that GVM has worked with in the past include CWCBE, Yale School of Business on Business of Legal Cannabis 2018, Viridian Capital Advisors, and the Emmanuel Baptist Church, The Business of Cannabis Summit 2019.

4.) KCSA Strategic Communications

KCSA is a fully integrated, partner-owned, communications agency specializing in public relations, shareholder communications and social media, with expertise in cannabis, financial and professional services, technology, healthcare, digital media and energy. Since 1969, the firm has demonstrated strategic thinking and program execution that drives results for its clients in the ever-changing communications and digital landscape. The company was recently included in the “2018 CBE Ancillary Business 155” list by Cannabis Business Executive, an integrated business to business media company serving the cannabis and hemp industries. KCSA’s cannabis practice has been representing companies in the cannabis industry for more than five years. Clients span the entire supply chain from companies that grow the plant, process it and dispense it, to companies that provide consulting services, financial services and even ancillary products such as lighting, nutrients and packaging

In 2017, KCSA launched The Green Rush, a podcast about cannabis, the capital markets and culture. On a weekly basis hosts Lewis Goldberg and Anne Donohoe from KCSA Strategic Communications, speak with the CEOs, Regulators, Legislators and Cultural Icons pushing the cannabis industry forward.
To date we have interviewed some of the most powerful people in the business including:
• Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
• Bruce Linton, CEO of Canopy Growth
• Ziggy Marley, Grammy award winner
• Ricki Lake, actress, activist and documentarian
• George Allen, President of Acreage Holdings
• Tim Seymour, CNBC
• Marvin Washington, former NFL player and cannabis investor

In 2018 KCSA acquired the leading cannabis and hemp PR firm Salar Media Group. KCSA is responsible for one of the largest PR campaign efforts surrounding the 2019 Super Bowl with Acreage Holdings. Some of their clients include KushCo Holdings, Acreage Holdings, Terra Tech, iAnthus, Aurora Cannabis and MJ Freeway. In the past the have represented such brands as The Emerald Cup, Vangst and Curaleaf.

5.) Nison Co

NisonCo has a proven track record of successful political advocacy and policy change supporting the legalization of marijuana and other causes. With over 3,300 active media contacts at over 2,900 outlets, NisonCo is one of the best cannabis industry PR firms, with an unmatched network of relationships with mainstream media, industry specific media, product reviewers, and thought leaders from around the country.

Evan Nison, founder & chief executive officer of Nison Co. He is the youngest member of the board of NORML, and sits on the Board of Directors of Students for Sensible Drug Policy. In 2016 he helped launch Whoopi & Maya, a women-centric medical cannabis company with actress Whoopi Goldberg and edible maker Maya Elisabeth and currently acts as its chief financial officer.

Nison Co. agency has grown to well over 30 clients in cannabis, some of which include Bluebird Botanicals, Ardent, MoneyTrac, Brightfield Group, Headcount, Terra Tech, Nexien BioPharma and Civilized Media.

6.) Grasslands Agency

Grasslands is a full-service boutique agency working with clients in highly regulated industries. A nimble 10-person firm with offices in Denver and Los Angeles, Grasslands specializes in best-in-class Public Relations, Content Marketing, Social Media, Thought Leadership work, Newsletter Campaigns, Book Development and Event Execution for businesses and brands. Founder and CEO Ricardo Baca, a 20-year newspaper veteran, has built a seasoned team with more than six decades of top-level journalism experience at outlets including Men’s Health, The Denver Post, the Chicago Sun-Times, The Daily Beast and Wonkette—and PR experience with clients including IKEA North America, K12 Inc., REI, Dupage Medical Group, Fisher-Price and Emeril Lagasse (bam!). Grasslands has a deep bench of experience supporting clients through product launches, acquisitions and IPOs, crisis management and capital funding initiatives. Grasslands works with businesses in cannabis, hemp, traditional healthcare, technology and other highly regulated industries and is proud to count Willie’s Reserve, Cliintel Capital Management Group, Coda Signature, General Cannabis and others among its roster of clients. Find out more: mygrasslands.com

7.) The Rosen Group

After a stint in Washington, DC handling policy communications, Lori Rosen founded Rosen Group in New York City. For over three decades the agency has had success handling thought leadership campaigns for industry associations in alternative energy; embracing the tech boom with digital and tech launches and more recently establishing a budding cannabis practice, beginning in 2013 when Colorado became a legal market. Headquartered in New York City, with a 16-person team of media savvy professionals, Rosen Group has had offices in Denver, Los Angeles and Washington, DC over the years. Today, Rosen Group represents a number of cannabis clients including Nug in Oakland, CA; Azuca in New York, and HEALTH (Hawaiʻi Educational Association for Therapeutic Healthcare), for a campaign to allow out-of-state patients legal access to medical cannabis dispensaries while visiting the island.

8.) Maverick PR

Maverick Public Relations’ mission is to provide big agency expertise with outstanding client service by a seasoned and knowledgeable communications expert. Maverick PR was established by Shawna Seldon McGregor in 2018 after two decades at communications agencies in New York City and Denver. McGregor’s cannabis and hemp experience are unparalleled, working from the inception of adult-use in Colorado to bring cannabis messaging to the national stage and working closely with national and trade reporters as well as infiltrating specific emerging markets to educate and convey critical narratives. She has represented the biggest brands in the industry, including Wana Brands, L’Eagle Services, ebbu, Good Chemistry, L’eela CBD Body Care, Fortis Law Partners, Elevate Hemp and Verra Wellness, among others.

Maverick PR has deep experience representing a multitude of sectors including the regulated cannabis industry, biotech, agribusiness, sustainable technologies, renewable energy, associations and media companies. Offerings include public relations, media training, investor relations, content development, thought leadership development, speaking engagements and response strategy/crisis management.

9.) Ingrid Marketing

Ingrid is a full service, award winning, PR firm deeply embedded in the cannabis industry. Founded in 2015, Ingrid creates brand recognition, and strategically guides and supports the people building the cannabis industry’s future. Clients include PLUS Products, PHILTER Labs, Kadin Academy and Cannabiz Connection.

Ingrid clients are covered by top-tier, mainstream-media outlets including ABC-TV, Businessweek, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, New York Times, Time Magazine, USAToday and The Wall Street Journal, and in target-right news outlets like Leafly, High Times, DOPE, Civilized, MSNBC.com, and TechCrunch.

10.) Cannabrand

Cannabrand is an award-winning, full-service marketing agency and the first to specialize in the cannabis industry. The team has played an integral role in helping cannabis businesses across the United States develop their brand identities, increase their marketshare, and appeal to emerging markets. They work with companies ranging from B2C dispensaries and mobile applications, to B2B cultivation facility operations and wholesale markets.

The agency has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Bloomberg Business, The Atlantic, Fortune, and Elle Magazine and has been praised by the American Marketing Association. PRWeek named co-founder Olivia Mannix the top 50 Public Relations Innovators of 2015. The agency brings their expertise in cannabis products, cconsumer insights, and the unique cannabis marketing laws and regulations to its clients on a national scale. Cannabrand has helped over 100 cannabis businesses intimately connect with their desired markets, and has been established as a leading voice in the normalization of cannabis. Some of the names that Cannabrand has worked with in the past include Women Grow, Mary Jane’s Medicinals, Caliva, Vangst Talent, Verde, and Gold Flora.

Cynthia SalarizadehMarch 8, 2019

In an announcement released on AxisWire, 710 Security LTD, a fully-integrated cannabis security firm with offices in Colorado, Ohio and Michigan unveiled the news that it had officially acquired Leif Alert, a company headquartered in Evergreen, Colorado that provides custom security systems in homes and commercial cannabis facilities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but Lief Alert Owner, Chris Boyd, will now join 710 Security as the Chief Operating Officer.

“I am extremely excited to work with Chris Boyd again. I had the pleasure of working with him right before Amendment 64 passed. He has a vast knowledge and understands the regulated struggles we face every day,” said David Beckett, Founder of 710 Security.

Since its inception, Lief Alert has positioned itself as a reputable cannabis security company, securing facilities in Colorado, Michigan and Oregon for Viola Extracts, Simply Pure, Starbuds, Bonfire Cannabis, A Cut Above and Dark Horse Genetics.

“I knew and worked with David for a small dealer in Denver for a few months before the industry started. How ironic that ten years later we are back together taking on America with the most experience in the cannabis industry hands down,” said Boyd. “His team is what I’ve needed for a few years now. I am now driven more than ever to make 710 Security highly successful.”

With the restructuring, 710 Security also added Ryan Shields as the Vice President of Operations. Shields has worked with Beckett for the past several years.

“Ryan has really become an amazing asset. 710 Security would not be able to provide the high level of service or support without his dedication and perseverance,” said Beckett. “Adding these guys to the team will allow us to focus on quality over quantity during our nationwide expansion strategy.”

“Teaming up with David and Chris, in addition to our combined years in the industry will allow us to provide a leading, innovative service to the cannabis industry nationally,” said Shields.

710 Security has worked with clients from more than 20 different states and works for cybersecurity experts, speaking with manufacturers on how to best protect customer data and intellectual property within the cannabis space. 710 Security’s work is not exclusive to the cannabis industry. It also caters to projects like FEMA construction camps and classified clients in the government arena. With offices currently in Colorado, Michigan and Ohio, 710 Security is the process of opening a fourth office in Florida.

In an interview with Benzinga on the transaction, Jamie Cooper of Cannabiz Connection explained that “It’s great to have security experts like 710 Security bringing their experience and service into the Michigan market. The entire state is on the cusp of a massive cannabiz explosion and working with experienced companies is incredibly important.”

William SumnerNovember 27, 2018

During the massive gathering of cannabis industry leaders at Marijuana Business Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, the leading women came together to honor the achievements of their peers. The 2nd Annual Industry Power Women Awards, the ceremony aimed to recognize the accomplishments of women in the cannabis industry; from entrepreneurs and investors to influencers and advocates, commenced.

The award ceremony was hosted by the group Industry Power Women (IPW) and made possible with generous sponsors that included Dr. Robb Farms, High Times Holding Company, Organa Brands, Regs Technology (Cannaregs), Skunk Factory, Mood33, Passport Cannabis, The GoldQ, CH3 Ventures, Greenhouse Ventures, Saka Wines and Pink Haze.

IPW was founded in 2017 and is an organization established to help advance female businesswomen in cannabis. IPW aims to elevate and empower female entrepreneurship within the cannabis industry by creating a support network of like-minded individuals.

Attending the invite-only ceremony was an assortment of women from across the industry and all walks of life. These women include founders, CEOs, C-suite executives, trade organization leaders and community organizers.

Green Market Report co-founder and CEO, Debra Borchardt, and managing partner of KCSA Strategic Communications as well as the founder of AxisWire, Cynthia Salarizadeh acted as hostesses for the event. The first to take home an award was Kristin Hope for the Rising Star Award. At just 15 years old, Hope became the first person to launch a pharmaceutical grade hemp beauty line, HOOP, and was most recently nominated for the Bell scholarship.

The next award recipient was Gaynell Rogers, who won Influencer of the Year. As one of the most respected voices in public relations, Rogers has worked with some of the best and brightest in the cannabis industry; including Harborside Health’s Co-Founder Steve DeAngelo.

Outside of the cannabis industry, Rogers is also known for her work as the senior publicist for Lucasfilm and the Head of Feature Film Publicity at Pixar for the first “Incredibles” and “Cars.”

For her outstanding work as a cannabis advocate, Amy T. Margolis was granted the 2018 Leadership Award. Margolis is the founder of the Oregon Cannabis Association, which is one of the largest trade organizations in the cannabis industry.

Most recently, Margolis was also named by Cannabis Business Executive (CBE) as one of the 2017’s 100 Most Powerful Political People in Cannabis and one of the 50 Most Important Women in Cannabis in both 2016 and 2017.

Taking the prize for Advocate of the Year was Wanda James. As an outspoken political voice and serial entrepreneur, James has been honored by High Times Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis and was also named as one of the 50 Most Important Women in the Cannabis Industry by CBE.

Emily Paxhia, co-founder and Managing Partner of Poseidon Asset Management, was named IPW’s Investor of the Year. Throughout her career, Paxhia has reviewed thousands of cannabis companies and has always taken the time to uplift promising female entrepreneurs by helping them shape their pitch preparations, go-to-market strategies/ product launches, and advised on day-to-day business operations.

Taking the Industry Power Women top honor of 2018 Business Woman of the Year was Jessica Billingsley. Billingsley is the Co-Founder and CEO of MJ Freeway Business Solutions; a technology company that provides software solutions to cannabis firms, as well as small-business, consulting services and application license support. In addition to her entrepreneurial accomplishments, Billingsley has also been named to Fortune Magazine’s list of Top 10 Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs.

Following the ceremony, many of the attendees would later recount with exuberance how empowered the event made them feel. For many, this event stood out as one of the few places where they could be with other women and talk about their trade. In an industry that continues to be dominated by men, that matters; and it only serves to highlight the continued relevance, and need, for ceremonies like the Industry Power Women Awards.

StaffMay 22, 2018

The cannabis industry took a big leap towards the mainstream earlier this month with the official launch of the world’s first cannabis focused communications firm, AxisWire.

Founded by a seasoned team of cannabis professionals, AxisWire was created in response to the severe lack of access to basic business services that many entrepreneurs take for granted.

Although cannabis is legal in some shape or form in more than half of the United States, many newswire services and public relations firms have refused to do business with anyone associated with the cannabis industry; due primarily to the substance’s Schedule I status and fears of federal interference.

Despite the lack of access, the cannabis industry has flourished nonetheless. According to a report by ArcView Market Research and BDS Analytics, the economic impact of the cannabis industry is expected to grow to $40 billion by 2021, leaving plenty of room for savvy operators to fill the void left by traditional communications firms.

“The cannabis industry is on the brink and ripe for a platform that will provide the infrastructure for all cannabis businesses, journalists and PR representatives to be able to access one another and exchange their news,” commented AxisWire founder and CEO, Cynthia Salarizadeh. “After two years of development, our team is confident that AxisWire will stand at the center of all things media for cannabis.”

Conceived of as a one-stop-shop for the cannabis businesses to grow their brand, AxisWire offers a variety PR and marketing tools, like its STAR (Submit To A Reporter) source locator subscription service. With STAR, entrepreneurs hoping to grow their cannabis brand can get connected with journalists looking for expert sources for a small fee.

One of the most powerful tools in AxisWire’s employ is its newswire service. Cannabis brands signed up with AxisWire can have their press releases distributed to over 1,700 targeted journalists and producers at industry specific publications as well as hundreds of publications like Forbes, The Washington Post, CNN, TIME, Business Insider, and VICE. In addition to distributing press releases, AxisWire also offers a service to write them as well.

But it’s not just as simple as sending out a press release and hoping for the best. In many states, like Washington, there is a myriad of confusing rules and regulations regarding cannabis advertising. To help assist their users stay compliant with state law, AxisWire has partnered with the cannabis compliance firm CannaRegs to offer discounted compliance consultations.

In addition to compliance, AxisWire also offers media consultancy services where businesses can learn how to maximize their marketing strategies and increase brand awareness. Led by Evan Nison, the company’s Chief Public Relations Officer and founder of the PR firm Nison Co., AxisWire’s media consultancy team is backed by some of the best PR and marketing minds in the business; with experience ranging from Fortune 500 Companies to small businesses.

In a statement, AxisWire Chief Marketing Officer of AxisWire and Founder of Wick & Mortar, Jared Mirsky, said that the creation of of AxisWire was a no-brainer and expressed excitement at bringing the new platform online.

“It only makes sense that something like this should exist, especially given the fact most traditional marketing methods aren’t so traditional for the cannabis industry,” explained Jared Mirsky Chief Marketing Officer of AxisWire and Founder & CEO of Wick & Mortar. “We are forced to be even more creative in our approach and often rely on so-called ‘cannabis marketers’ to help move our brands. I am extremely excited to bring this platform to the forefront for my clients and the industry, and proud to be part of this new venture with AxisWire and our team of cannabis industry leaders.”

StaffApril 20, 2018

KCSA Strategic Communications (“KCSA”), a fully-integrated communications agency specializing in public relations, investor relations and social media announced today that it has acquired Salar Media Group (“SMG”), a leading public relations and marketing firm specializing in the cannabis industry. SMG founder and CEO, Cynthia Salarizadeh, will join KCSA as a managing partner. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Along with the three core industry focus areas of KCSA – Technology, Healthcare and Financial Services – we are committed to expanding our considerable communications expertise across the entire supply chain in the cannabis industry,” said Todd Fromer, Managing Partner of KCSA Strategic Communications. “We are excited to welcome Cynthia and to integrating her experience and expertise in cannabis into our already robust offering.”

Since its inception, SMG has positioned itself as one of the cannabis industry’s leading public relations firms, representing many of the most respected brands and producing some of the most recognized conferences and events in the space.

SMG will remain a holding company for the media properties and projects that Salarizadeh is part of, such as the Green Market Report, the cannabis entrepreneur tech platform AxisWire.com slated to launch next week, the Industry Power Women production of Wonder Women of Weed, and the weekly broadcast of CannaBIZ & Company.

“Over the past couple of years I have watched KCSA establish a position of leadership in providing expert communications counsel to the cannabis industry. The opportunity to join KCSA was too good to pass up, and I look forward to working closely with the entire KCSA team,” said Ms. Salarizadeh. “KCSA’s vast infrastructure, combined with SMG’s knowledge of the cannabis industry, will uniquely position us to offer unparalleled service and support to our clients from around the globe.”

This move brings together two of the largest names in cannabis public relations. KCSA Communications now has the advantage of housing one of the most influential operators in cannabis communications.

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