Table of contents for Fall 2021 in Cannabis & Tech Today

Cannabis reform continues to march across the European continent and it’s creating tremendous opportunities in the legal cannabis industry. No other large industry on the planet is growing at the rate of the emerging cannabis space, and there’s no end in sight — especially on the European continent. Europe’s legal cannabis industry is based primarily on medical cannabis. However, that will change in the coming years. Several countries are poised to legalize cannabis for adult use, including commercially, and legal European cannabis sales will explode once that happens. Switzerland is already providing a glimpse into how commercial legalization will look. Low-THC cannabis products are already legal in Switzerland and have been on sale since 2017. Even with a limited amount of products to offer, sales are substantial and increasing every…

Whether we like to admit it or not, the cannabis industry creates an awful lot of waste. Millions of units of products are sold throughout North America annually, with the vast majority packaged in single-use plastic, often due to regulations. Labeling requirements, child safety protocols, and tamper-proof seals make for fairly hefty containers in most markets. These jars and mylar bags are typically destined to reside in landfills, despite the conscious efforts of many consumers to place what they can in the recycling bin. Moxie is a brand on a mission to help combat the growing garbage issue within the industry. Currently available in seven states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, this Long Beach, CA-based business is changing the game in terms of its environmental impact. And…

It’s an exciting time to invest in cannabis as a generational wealth creation opportunity. The legal cannabis industry is projected to grow to $100 billion in 2030, and the investment opportunities are enormous. Key Reasons to Invest in Cannabis Now Cannabis is a market where consumer demand already exists, but there is a lack of professional venture capital to support business growth. As a result, cannabis businesses are actively looking for investors, which equates to significant opportunities for smart angel investors. Consumer Demand Already Exists Because demand exists, investors are essentially investing in the transition of a $75 billion (U.S.) annual illicit (“informal”) market to a legal (“formal”) market. In the United States, legal cannabis sales are forecasted to reach $23.6 billion in 2021, less than a third of the…

So, I know what you’re all thinking… What’s up with the National Cannabis Party? Well, we had a chance to catch up with them and get the scoop on where they are now and what they have in the works. January 2021 was the birth of the National Cannabis Party (NCP), and it seems as if they haven’t slowed down one bit! The NCP crew have been making the rounds from being officially introduced by Redman on the massive music platform Verzuz, to speaking at our virtual Emerge Summer conference, and attending the National Cannabis Festival in D.C. where NCP co-founders Sephida Artis-Mills and Andrew Behringer shared the stage with Redman and Method Man. Sephida, president of NCP, took center stage to share the party’s mission and send a message…

Bill McCall had never tried cannabis until his home state of Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016. McCall, 62, suffers from chronic pain and a seizure disorder but has neither mobility issues nor arthritis in his hands. However, he could not open mylar bags containing his medical cannabis. The child-safety closure keeping the baggie airtight wasn’t user-friendly, either. “The biggest problem I have was with the capsules in blister packs and foil you had to peel the backs off of. I couldn’t do it. My wife had to. There was no way to cut those out without damaging the product,” said McCall. His ultimate solution? He changed brands to one with more accessible packaging. McCall isn’t alone in complaining about the challenges associated with opening cannabis packaging. In a recent…

As new tech social platforms seem to arise often in our era, often pointless in their existence, it’s exciting when a new app fills a needed niche. Buddy Jane, a social networking app, was built to connect the cannabis community. The app allows users to share their passion for cannabis without the risk of being flagged or deleted for being cannabis related. The Buddy Jane app offers a fully immersive, no judgement community where cannabis is not only welcome, it is the major focus. Unlike other popular social apps like Facebook, this concept spans beyond social, offering unique and completely new targets with value ads and emerging technologies directed at a youthful, cannabis-friendly, tech-savvy community. As the first social platform to integrate blockchain and partner with a cannabis-inspired cryptocurrency, Buddy…

Sweet cherries, crisp apples, and juicy pears aren’t the only agricultural crops sprouting out of Washington. The Evergreen State is also a primary exporter of hops, cannabis, and spearmint. Cannabis contributed $1.85 billion to gross state product in 2020 according to research from Washington State University. Since legalizing adult-use sales in 2012, the sector has seen rapid growth. Washingtonians spent more on cannabis than alcohol last year, and almost $85 million more than they spent on tobacco products. The state is also a global hub for information and communication technology. It’s the birthplace of Microsoft, Amazon, Zillow, and Expedia, just to name a few. Tech goliaths like Facebook, Google, Apple, and Twitter also call Washington home. The state’s Department of Commerce reported their tech sector employment has grown by 34%…

Packaging is so common these days that it’s nearly invisible. Everything comes in some sort of package — so much so that we often mindlessly throw them away without really thinking about where the packaging came from or where it is going. With packaging as prolific as it is, it’s crucial consumers and companies alike start to question the source of their packaging and how it can be made more sustainable. According to Ponder Seattle, there are nearly twice as many producers/processors as there are dispensaries in Washington state, resulting in competition for limited shelf space. Sustainable packaging might be a key to standing out. Alpha Packaging is a manufacturer of bottles and jars for the cannabis industry and others. All of their packaging is manufactured with sustainability in mind,…

Edibles manufacturers face a host of challenges ensuring product quality and stability through the supply chain. In heated conditions, like in a truck cargo bay during transport, cannabinoids can leach out of packaged products before they get to their destination. Additionally, over time, in traditional edible manufacturing the distillate in the final product can crystalize, which can be accelerated by cold temperatures. Supply chain stability is a persistent problem in the edibles space. How do you create a shelf stable product that travels well despite changes in temperature? The Washington marketplace can be especially vulnerable to supply chain and distribution problems because of its diverse geography. While transporting goods across the state, a truck might travel through rain forests into dry canyons and high into the Cascade Mountains before hitting…

One amazing property of the cannabis plant is that it cleans soil. It sucks up heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes from the dirt. That’s great news for soil and slightly terrifying news for those consuming the plant. Where cannabis is grown is important. If the dirt is laden with industrial pollutants, like arsenic, lead, or mercury, cannabis grown in that soil is likely unfit for consumption. Consumers need to know how and where plants are grown. More importantly, the public needs precise, transparent certificates of analysis for adult-use products. Assessing the Source Consider Butte, Montana. The state legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021. If one were to call dispensaries around Montana and ask, “Where is your cannabis grown?” The answer is typically, “It’s grown in Montana.” Cool, but where exactly? Exactly…

We’re living in “high” creative times. The creativity in today’s cannabis marketing is soaring; it’s not just enough to have great marketing and a nice package for your product — your brand and product must stand out, shouting above the noise to be seen and heard. Cannabis marketers are doing that amazingly well. Packaging & Labeling: Compliance Components However, creativity and branding aside, there are a myriad of compliance components that must be adhered to in packaging and labeling your product — with some of the most critical being “light resistant” (to what’s visibly inside) and “child resistant,” the latter including the requirement that it not be easy for a child five or under to open, while also not appealing to children (a subjective concept that must be handled with…

Remember when you could walk into a grocery store and buy anything you wanted? Aisle after aisle of beautifully stocked shelves — and if the store didn’t have it, you could just order online and wait for two-day delivery. It was a luxury many took for granted until the pandemic brought the illusion of abundance to a grinding halt. Supply chain shortages are rocking every industry from car parts to cannabis. These shortages are scary for consumers, but they’re downright disastrous for business owners. Look at any industry right now and you’ll see the impact of pandemic closures, labor shortages, raw material deficits, and shipping delays. Impacting Every Industry Soaring plastic prices are challenging several sectors. President of United Solutions David Reilly told Reuters his plastics company is being crushed…

The cannabis retail experience is rapidly changing. Gone are the days of dimly lit dispensaries with tacky flashing signs. As retailers seek to differentiate, it’s no longer about selling a product. Instead, it’s increasingly about selling a complete consumer experience. Planet 13 is the epitome of this new wave of retail, toting cannabis as a destination. With the world’s largest cannabis store in Las Vegas, Nevada, and now with the second largest store in Santa Ana, California, they are on a quest to transform the cannabis retail landscape. In an interview, Larry Scheffler, co-CEO of Planet 13 Holdings, discussed the vision behind making cannabis retail a sharable experience. He reflected on what it took to move the cannabis industry in this new direction, including wielding the power of social media…

At 2,500 times smaller than a single grain of salt, it may be hard to believe that nanobubbles would have any significant effect on your cannabis plants. So you might be surprised to learn that nanobubbles could be the key to healthier cannabis. With a record amount of cannabis being grown each year, nanobubbles could hold the key to more efficient and productive cultivation. Enter Enrichment Systems, whose CEO Rex O’Neal explained to Cannabis & Tech Today the importance of their work and nanobubbles. What is a Dissolved Oxygen System? In August 2021, Enrichment Systems LLC, launched its P-150 Dissolved Oxygen System. “The P-150 Dissolved Oxygen System is the lowest priced and most effective dissolved oxygen solution available in the cannabis market,” says O’Neal. “It is capable of increasing dissolved…

When you first think of RAW rolling papers you might think of a natural and more sustainable rolling paper that has organically grown into a worldwide brand. But, when you peel the layers back, you realize that the brand and the attitude of the company is a direct reflection of its leadership and more specifically Josh Kesselman. Since starting RAW officially, Kesselman has amassed a massive social media following and has become a true steward to the planet, while being entertaining as hell. His rolling papers are made from natural hemp fibers and don’t contain chemical whiteners like other brands, but that is just the beginning of his story. He walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to sustainability and not wanting to “piss acid on the…

SERVES 4 What You’ll Need: 2 cups rinsed and dried arugula 1/2 cup shelled walnuts 6 garlic cloves, peeled 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1/3 cup EVOO olive oil 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil 1 lb. pasta, your favorite type Salt and coarse black pepper to taste Parmesan for dusting Directions: 1. In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add the arugula, walnuts, garlic and Parmesan. Process to a smooth paste. 2. With the machine running, drizzle in the two oils. 3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain and add to your serving bowl. Add the pesto and salt and pepper and toss to distribute the sauce evenly. Plate and top with additional cheese. Laurie Wolf is the author of such cannabis cookbooks as Marijuana Edibles, HERB, The…

NOVEMBER: 4–6 8–10 15 18–20 20–21 DECEMBER: 2–3 4–5 6–7 7–9 15–17 Coming Next Issue INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR In every issue, Cannabis & Tech Today explores the people and technology pushing the cannabis space forward. Our editors take a hard look at which sectors are seeing the most innovation and select from the masses one person who embodies the spirit of progress. Who will receive the honor of being 2021’s Innovator of the Year? You’ll have to pick up the next issue to find out. LEADERS IN SUSTAINABILITY One mission of this publication is encouraging sustainable development. Cannabis has the potential to be a life-saving, world-changing crop. But if everyone doesn’t do their part to build an earth-friendly foundation, this plant could become just another wasteful consumer packaged product.…

Building a brand is about strategy. With a dazzling array of SKUs available, knowing where to direct one’s focus is crucial. Offering a pre-roll line is fairly inexpensive and a convenient form of consumption for users. Dope Automation Chief Operations Officer Jessica Jaeger offered a key consideration for moving into pre-rolls. “The question that should always be asked first is what the expected consumer experience will look like for your brand,” said Jaeger. “This single question is the driver to achieving a strong, efficient, and optimized pre-roll manufacturing program.” Once the operator has a vision in mind for the customer journey, it’s time to consider the other factors for pre-roll success. Cone Size Pre-rolls are usually available in sizes ranging from a half gram to a full gram. “The paper…

Supply chain management is a material issue for most industries and particularly relevant to the changing conditions of cannabis industry supply chains. Shifting regulations, evolving distribution models, product quality testing, and labeling pressures mean that supply chain risks are more complex, and breakdown is increasingly more probable. Cannabis companies must optimize supply chain engagement, collaboration, and oversight to reduce these risks as the cannabis market expands globally. To manage the complexity inherent in engaging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues across an enterprise, the composition of the Board and Management Team, and their associated experiences, credentials, and effectiveness, can have a profound impact on ensuring ESG becomes a source of competitive advantage. At Regennabis, our approach is based on a series of specific steps that all organizations should follow when…

Cannabis & Tech Today started the Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference & Expo as a way to unite the cannabis industry during the pandemic. Now that in-person events are making a comeback, it’s a great time to highlight some of the influential thought leaders who have graced the Emerge virtual stage. Their insights prove this industry really does have some of the most hardworking, tough-as-nails, game-changing people in the world working to bring cannabis to a global audience. Redman Record Producer, Actor, DJ, legendary MC, and longtime cannabis advocate. Redman has worked cannabis into his art and his lifestyle and is now helping others medicate safely through his work with the FEC-approved National Cannabis Party. Redman’s passion for cannabis drove him to become a licensed patient consultant at Oaksterdam University in…

What comes to mind when you imagine a beautiful dispensary? Perhaps it’s laden with bright colors and dazzling technological displays highlighting the latest and greatest in cannabis. Maybe you imagine a warm, inviting space where you feel like you’re coming to visit an old friend. Everyone has their own vision for their ideal business. Very few are able to bring that vision to life on time and within budget. To understand more about what goes into designing a successful retail establishment, Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with the team at SevenPoint Interiors. While SevenPoint is focused on the newly-emerging cannabis scene, its parent company Visual Elements has been building high-end retail spaces for more than a decade. Their client list includes Coach, Louis Vuitton, and several other designer brands known…

“Prison is tough — coming home is tougher. It’s equally, if not more traumatizing than prison itself.” Imagine paying for a crime for the rest of your life. You’ve paid your dues, and now you’re ready to begin life as a free American again. But it doesn’t work that way. The label “felon” restricts your every move, lessening your civil liberties. You’re out of prison but never truly free. This cruel awakening is the reality for ex-offenders. The cannabis industry is focused on releasing those in prison for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses, but equal attention is needed for the devastating aftermath of incarceration. That’s the reality for Shepard. Now with a purposeful career at The Last Prisoner Project, she’s an inspiring woman who paid her debt to society — only to…

“Among gardeners, enthusiasm and experience rarely exist in equal measure. The beginner dreams of home-grown bouquets and baskets of ripe fruit, the veteran of many seasons has learned to expect slugs, mildew, and frost.” — Roger Swain In the past decade, the U.S. has started to change its view on cannabis. There are now 48 states with some form of legalized cannabis. Of those, 33 require mold, mildew, and bacterial testing. Washington State was an early adopter of adult-use consumption and has enacted several important consumer safety regulations over the last nine years. While the state’s testing system is imperfect, catering more to medical users than adult-use when it comes to safety standards, it does regulate the presence of mycotoxins in all products. Some molds can produce toxic byproducts, known…

In early 2021, Washington legislators attempted to pass a bill that would make it legal for consumers to grow cannabis at home. While many states allow this, Washington state does not. With the increased interest in homegrown cannabis, Cannabis & Tech Today sat down with Dan Mair, Product Specialist of Emerald Harvest, to discuss plant nutrients and supplements. With so many different nutrient and supplement options, and labels with mountains of information, how is one supposed to decipher what their plants need? “If even one essential plant nutrient is deficient, yields will suffer.” This bold statement from Mair describes the phenomenon “Law of the minimum,” which means that plants need at least a minimum amount of every essential nutrient in order to flourish. “It doesn’t matter if a plant gets…

The western side of Washington is one of the most humid places in the country. While it may not feel humid due to the temperate climate, persistent rainfall keeps the air damp. That moisture can make it difficult to properly dry and cure flower. Powdery mildew and mold are pervasive problems for farmers in the Evergreen State. An innovative approach gaining a foothold across the U.S. and Canada is Cryo Curing. Michigan-based Cryo Cure has reimagined traditional freeze drying and is using their patent-pending tech and U.S.-made machinery to advance the industry. CEO and co-founder Tracee McAfee explains, “Commercial Freeze dryers are designed to remove all moisture from whatever it is that is being dried. For a smokable flower that’s not good because when you’re drying it out like that,…

Who’s allowed in the counting room? Are all your keys ready for the next shift? There are a lot of nagging questions when it comes to securing a retail business. As the second state in the nation to legalize adult-use cannabis, Washington has had plenty of time to refine its security regulations. Yet surprisingly, the state has no regulations around who controls important facility keys. Business owners are required to have surveillance cameras, track-and-trace systems for products, and of course identification badges for all employees and visitors — but the state offers no guidance on key control. It’s one area where the forward-thinking entrepreneur will have an advantage. Tracking physical keys provides control over access and better accountability for those in charge of a company’s most important assets. As vulnerabilities…

The cannabis industry is now in more than half the states in the country, and it’s not a secret anymore. Hell, the first thing you see when you drive into Michigan is a billboard for Herbology, in Kalamazoo it’s #PureMichigan. When you drive into Gary, Indiana you see billboards for dispensaries in Illinois, finally giving you something to look at as you drive through Indiana, other than corn and traffic cones. Dispensaries are the new micro-brew and following that model there is a dispensary for just about every taste, all touting this experience or that for their customers. We are in a cannabis renaissance and it’s wonderful. There are thousands of dispensaries in America and that number continues to grow faster than you can say “Starbuds.” For this article and…

Acapulco Gold Origin: Acapulco region of Mexico S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Happy, Uplifted, Energetic Available from: Barney’s Farm Durban Poison Origin: Durban, South Africa S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Energetic, Uplifting, Creativity Available from: Dutch Passion Afghani Origin: Afghanistan S/H/I: Indica Effects: Relaxation, Euphoria, Sleepy Available from: Sensi Seeds Thai Origin: Thailand S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Happy, Focused, Energetic Available from: The Real Seed Company has a variety of rare seeds from Thailand, but it is largely believed that original Thai is forever lost. However, with many landrace strains from the region, this is your best chance to get close. Panama Red Origin: Panama S/H/I: Sativa Effects: Happy, Uplifted, Talkative Available from: Ace Seeds sells a feminized version adapted to withstand modern growing situations. They also have a close replica made from a blend…