Blunt Business

Lift Conferences and Expos Expands Into The United States and we learn more from their Director of Marketing Lisa Petty. The Lift Expo has been a staple in the Canadian cannabis scene since 2016, bringing different aspects of the industry together for networking, education, and merry-making at their annual Toronto and Vancouver events. The Expo has undergone several changes over the years, with new ownership and branding and, like all large events, a hiatus during COVID. The event remains the same industry staple, though, with people from across Canada flocking to those two cities to ensure they don’t miss out. The Lift Expo was initially a part of Lift Cannabis (and briefly Lift & Co), an online news and review site for the industry, from 2014 to 2020. The Expo was purchased by a new owner in 2020, MCI Group, an international leader in event management. Following a hiatus due to COVID restrictions, the Lift Expo returned to Toronto in late 2021 and May 2022, followed by Vancouver in January 2023. Lift

Mike McDonald is President at Dablicator and how their patented oil applicator continues to connect with more brands. Experienced in consumer products manufacturing, finance, marketing, and sales, Mike has guided Ammonite’s rapid development from a start-up to one of the most innovative hardware platforms in the cannabis industry.Originally created by one of California’s leading cannabis brands, Dablicator partners with vertically integrated operators and premium extract brands to deliver the easiest, most versatile way to experience cannabis. Their patented Dablicator™ oil applicator is designed to replace a messy syringe and is ideal for all oil types including live rosin, solventless, live resin, RSO, distillate, hemp CBD, and more. The Dablicator brand partner program provides a turnkey solution with fully brandable hardware, packaging, and marketing materials that drive product innovation and accretive retail revenue with your brand and your oil.Dr. Jim Woody, CEO and Director of 180 Life Sciences, a cli

Millennial environmental trailblazer Eloisa Lewis is this generation’s fiercest champion and a changemaker. A climate scientist and founder of New Climate Culture, Lewis leads a think tank that designs “disaster-proof” human environments using biomimicry and low-cost, high-yield protocols. With so much knowledge to impart with a distinct sense of urgency, Lewis is a frequent speaker at global events on topics ranging from redesigning and rewilding built environments to the future of psychedelics (The National Psychedelic Conference 2022) to the role of permaculture in preventing natural disasters (Natural Disasters Expo 2023). https://www.newclimateculture.com/Dr. Safiya Lyn-Lassiter recently joined the interesting debate focusing on the effectiveness of medicinal marijuana (MMJ) use among Florida residents. As an advocate of MMJ, she created a user-friendly website (www.askdoctorlyn.com) to identify, evaluate, and recommend MMJ for qualifying patients.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivac

Blunt Business is joined by David Nathan MD, Founder, Past President, and Current Board Member for Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR). David founded the Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, the first national physicians’ association dedicated to the legalization and effective regulation of cannabis in the United States. We learn how, prominent public health, social justice, and patient advocacy groups, are compelling cannabis policymakers and regulators from the U.S. and around the world to adopt a universal International Intoxicating Cannabinoid Product Symbol (IICPS) for all cannabis product packaging.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Blunt Business welcomes back Larry Scheffler to update us on their recent membership interest purchase agreement to acquire all of the ownership interests of VidaCann, LLC. giving Planet 13 30 Florida stores plus a state-of-the-art Cultivation and processing facility with the capacity to supply up to 60 dispensaries. We also learn more about their first Nevada State Consumption Lounge License.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The burgeoning cannabis industry, once heralded as a beacon of economic growth and innovation, is now facing a significant red flag that bears striking similarities to the legal action taken against the creators of RoundUp. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) once cannabis is federally legalized could launch into a formal investigation into pesticide use in the cannabis industry amid mounting concerns over potential health risks and environmental damage.The EPA's eventual inquiry focuses on the utilization of pesticides in cannabis cultivation, which would echo the landmark legal battles waged against RoundUp's manufacturer, Monsanto, in the previous decade. While the cannabis industry has experienced explosive growth and widespread legalization in recent years, the regulatory framework surrounding pesticide use has struggled to keep pace.The EPA could allege that some commonly used pesticides in the cannabis sector pose serious threats to human health and the environment.The EPA's inqu

Introducing MAISON BLOOM All-Natural Hemp-Based THC Elevated Seltzers: A Revolutionary Craft Cannabis BeverageMAISON BLOOM, renowned for its position as a premium craft cannabis beverage beloved by bartenders and mixologists, proudly announces the launch of MAISON BLOOM All-Natural Hemp-Based THC Elevated Seltzers. This release marks an evolution from the brand's established lineage of Strain Specific, Whole Plant, Single Barrel craft cannabis beverages, showcasing an artful fusion of botanical alchemy. Crafted with an exclusive blend of all-natural hemp-based delta-9 THC, THCV, CBD, CBG, CBN, and a proprietary botanical terpene blend, these seltzers epitomize innovation and elevated craftsmanship.With its pioneering spirit, MAISON BLOOM redefines everyday experiences as the world's first purveyor of craft cannabis-infused beverages. Driven by a commitment to transform well-being and recreation, the brand masterfully combines the enchantment of plant magic with culinary ingenuity. This dedication shin

We discuss Cannabis Equipment Challenges and Compliance Issues, including AI integration and automation and more. We speak with David Mantey, editor-in-chief of Cannabis Equipment News Host of the Cannabis Equipment News Podcast, and Editorial Director of Digital Media at Industrial MediaDavid is the Editorial Director of Digital Media at Industrial Media, a publishing company that owns some of the most recognized websites in the manufacturing industry, including Industrial Equipment News, which has been around since 1933, Manufacturing Business Technology, Manufacturing.net, and Food Manufacturing.Millions of manufacturing professionals consume Industrial Media content, including manufacturing industry news, deals, insights, product reviews, user reports, and more, monthly, using it to save time and money when researching machinery and accessories and make the best decisions for their manufacturing businesses.David has been covering the design engineering and manufacturing industries for 15+ years and is res

Nidhi Handa, founder and CEO of LEUNE, discusses her experience in brand building and marketing, and how it led her to start her own cannabis lifestyle brand. She shares her insights on the importance of understanding the consumer and challenging gender stereotypes in the industry. Nidhi also explains how LEUNE's neutral packaging and universal branding appeal to a wide audience.Nidhi Handa is the founder and CEO of LEUNE, a California-based lifestyle brand that aims to redefine the narrative surrounding cannabis culture. With a background in luxury brand communications and working with influencers and talent, Nidhi brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We speak with Ben York, the CEO of Genetica, the Kansas City-based tech company behind Flora AI and their new advanced AI solution, Flora Match. The Flora Match platform, designed specifically for the cannabis and CBD industries, offers personalized product recommendations based on an analysis of over 650 million data points, including product components, customer lifestyle factors, and desired effects.Ben explains that by bridging the data gap, brands can benefit from a more holistic understanding of their consumer base, and consumers can find products that best cater to their needs. This partnership signifies a significant step towards a future where technology and retail merge to provide a seamless, personalized, and efficient cannabis shopping experience.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We discuss California Cannabis Flower Testing with Myron Ronay, Co-founder and CEO of BelCosta Labs. Myron Ronay is the Co-founder and CEO of BelCosta Labs. Myron founded the lab in 2017, with the mission of providing the highest quality, dependable, and timely cannabis testing and analytical services. He has played a vital role in implementing the lab's testing methodology and service offerings, helping BelCosta become one of the most trusted names in lab testing for the cannabis industry and the leading lab for all California cannabis flower testing. We also talk about Pest Management, Organic Pesticides, and More For Cannabis and Hemp with Aaron Appleby, Owner of White Coat Laboratories.Aaron recently Spoke on "Understanding Cannabis Ecology to Better Manipulate Secondary Metabolites and Pest Populations" at NoCo Hemp Expo 2023. Recognizing the lack of research and dissemination of information from universities and extension agents to the cannabis industry, Aaron created White Coat Laboratories

Josh Kesselman and Scheril Powell discuss the new RAW seeds fellowship for legacy cannabis operators. RAW Rolling Papers (BBK/HBI), the independent international brand of high-quality rolling papers and smoking innovations, announced today a donation of $100,000 to The JUSTÜS Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to facilitating the entry of legacy cannabis operators to the legal cannabis market.The RAW Seeds Fellowships aim to provide opportunity to legacy cannabis operators - those involved in the cannabis industry prior to its legalization - who are trying to navigate the new, legal market.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We speak with George Jage, best known for producing the bi-annual MJ Unpacked Conference, one of the most influential cannabis events of its kind that places passionate cannabis retailers, brands, and accredited investors at the center of it all, with unique opportunities to connect, collaborate and access capital. We also the conference's commitment to social equity and their upcoming Fall 2023 event in Detroit, Michigan, from October 10th through 12th at the Motorcity Casino Hotel.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Maryland is becoming the 23rd state to legally sell adult-use cannabis. About 100 stores that already have been licensed to sell cannabis for medicinal purposes have begun selling it recreationally, more than five years after the state started selling medical marijuana. Today we talk about the changes in Maryland is one of those dispensary owners, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Remedy Maryland. Brandon Barksdale.Remedy Maryland is on a mission to give Maryland’s registered Medical Cannabis patients a curated selection of the highest quality, most effective, and clean products available today. And they do it all in a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment; that’s why they’re Maryland’s leading cannabis dispensary.Cannabis today is much like acupuncture when founder Bob Duggan crisscrossed the globe to bring understanding and legitimacy to natural healing. Unfortunately, cannabis is a stigmatized plant, despite its growing acceptance and legality, but, like their founder, they believe knowledge is healing,

Ricardo Baca is a 20-year veteran journalist and cannabis futurist, widely respected in both modern media and drug-policy circles. He was appointed The Denver Post’s first-ever cannabis editor in 2013 and founded the news vertical The Cannabist, where he extensively covered the advent of the U.S. adult-use cannabis market and related issues around the world, as seen in the feature documentary Rolling Papers.We talk to Ricardo about the intersection of cannabis and psychedelics based on his observations attending the 2023 Psychedelic Science Conference in Denver. We also talk about the positive media coverage from the likes of Rolling Stone and Vice about the event and how that compares to the critical coverage cannabis gets. We also discuss the paths of legalization with psychedelics getting leverage by needing only FDA approval for each treatment while cannabis needs policymakers. We also discuss Ricardo’s appointment as a board member to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board in Colorado under the leadership o

We discuss Cannabis Attractions and Exhibits to Visit with April Arrasate  the Executive Director, Core Social Justice Cannabis Museum, and Founder & CEO of Seed Dispensary in Boston. We also hear from the Co-Founder of The House of Cannabis, Robert Frey. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our next guest has 25 years of experience working in the food and beverage industry and has guided multiple startups from concept to table and shelf. Her expertise is in the intersection between food, science, and technology. She entered the cannabis industry in 2015 and is known for being a provocative thought leader in the realms of the future of food and cannabis consumable innovations.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we catch up with Chris Chiari about his work on Denver’s historic Patterson Inn, the keystone of The 420 Hotels portfolio. We discuss the obstacles to building up cannabis hospitality and what the upcoming Las Vegas consumption lounges are currently dealing with.  Chris Chiari is a driven entrepreneur and award-winning film producer with a wealth of experience in corporate strategy and regional politics. Skilled in marketing and messaging, he has engaged exclusively with the cannabis industry since 2011 and is a tireless advocate for cannabis policy reform and fostering industry growth. Chris owns and operates Denver’s historic Patterson Inn, the keystone of The 420 Hotels portfolio. As CEO, he uses his expertise in hospitality, operations, and community outreach to address the stigmas and ignorance that still exist around cannabis use while creating a unique and upscale environment for cannabis consumption. With a deep appreciation for the power of collaboration, Chris has built a wide-ranging network

Our next guests represent a widely recognized cannabis line of flowers, G-pens, exclusive merch, and lifestyle products, that recently announced a partnership positioned to take the brand on its way to global expansion, and its products are set to be sold at top dispensaries across the nation gaining access to 22 states and 15 countries.The announcement from last November we prefaced at the top of the show was that Gumbo Brands would now be sold by Cookies. Karim said, “Uniting Cookies and Gumbo just made sense—we all share the same values when it comes to helping others, producing quality products, and expanding our footprint, while still keeping it true to the culture.” We talk about connecting with Berner to make this relationship.Gumbo Brands also hosted a sold-out 4/20 Gumbo Pop-up and live concert in Elizabeth, New Jersey, marking the first-ever 420 market and concert. Our guests had vendors showcased various cannabis-infused products and strains, food vendors, and a live concert with Chinese Kitty, Lol

Khari Edwards is an experienced leader in healthcare and government. During his 25 years of public service, Khari worked for several elected officials, non-profit organizations, and city agencies with a dedicated focus on strengthening communities by advocating and addressing racial, health, and civic disparities.He most recently ran for Brooklyn Borough President after serving 8 years as the Vice President of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center – the hospital’s first Vice President of color. Khari has also served as the Brooklyn Council President for Make-A-Wish New York, where he led a two-year campaign to enlist volunteers to enroll over 400 wish granters for children in Brooklyn.As Ayr’s Head of Corporate Responsibility, Khari is responsible for providing strategic leadership and advancing Ayr’s commitment toward being a Force for Good by creating a culture of inclusion and providing avenues of opportunity in the cannabis industry.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivac