Tabla de contenidos para Vol. 7 Issue 1 en Cannabis & Tech Today

With wildly fluctuating temperatures and political vicissitudes the only constant, we in the cannabis community are turning to each other to rekindle a sense of stability. That’s why we are partnering with many of the premier events in the industry, aiming to bridge the gap between brands, advocates, ambassadors, journalists, scientists, and everyone else standing under the wide canopy of cannabis. To our esteemed colleagues at NECANN, MJ Unpacked, Women Grow, ICBC, Alternative Products Expo, NoCo, and more, we salute you. Resilience is a theme that is woven throughout this issue as we highlight the inspiring journeys of NFL Hall-of-Famer Champ Bailey and former New Orleans Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux Sr., both of whom have excelled at the highest level in the sporting world and are using their platforms to…

MJBizCon 2024 descended on Las Vegas from Dec. 4 to 6, attracting more than 30,000 attendees from over 70 countries. For three days, the Las Vegas Convention Center became a bustling marketplace of innovation, ideas, and collaboration, cementing MJBizCon’s place as the mustattend event for cannabis professionals worldwide. With 1,400 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products and services, insightful keynotes, and electric energy coursing through the halls, the event was a vibrant reflection of an evolving and maturing industry. Keynotes That Defined the Moment This year’s conference kicked off with the keynote panel, “From Weed Wars to High Hopes: A Pop Culture Journey from Legacy to Rescheduling.” Cannabis pioneers Andrew and Steve DeAngelo, joined by Slava and Mishka Ashbel, offered a raw and compelling look at the industry’s journey from underground markets…

Year after year, innovators are flocking to the cannabis industry. The science of extraction, physical delivery systems, cultivation, and more is being driven forward by leaps and bounds due to the acquisition of top talent in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Carly Bader, Manager of Science at Willow Industries, is one of the individuals carving out a space where science and innovation meet. With a background in infectious disease and molecular microbiology, Bader brings a unique perspective to an industry that has often straddled the line between art and science. Her journey, marked by curiosity and a deep understanding of cannabis as both a user and a scientist, positions her as a leader in the burgeoning field of cannabis infusion technology. Bader’s approach to cannabis is grounded in her…

Few figures have been as pivotal in shaping the international cannabis industry as Alex Rogers, founder of the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC). In 2014, Rogers envisioned a global network where entrepreneurs, policymakers, and advocates could collaborate to push cannabis reform forward. Early on, he planted his flag in Berlin, predicting it would become the epicenter of European cannabis legalization—a bet that has since paid off. From the U.S. to Europe: A Growing Influence ICBC began in the United States at a time when legalization was still in its infancy. Recognizing that industry growth and policy modernization were inextricably linked, Rogers expanded to Canada and later to Europe. Today, the conference is a crucial meeting ground where cannabis investors, regulators, and business leaders shape the future of the industry. Germany’s…

It all starts with cultivation. Our multi-billion dollar industry, the countless patients the cannabis plant has helped, and the soulnourishing, THC-induced, late-night conspiracy theory debate sessions all hinge on some seeds, soil, a little bit of water, and a lot of light. Technology plays a critical role in shaping the future of cannabis, but knowledge of how to most effectively utilize that technology can elude us the more complicated it becomes. It’s the classic “analysis paralysis” paradigm. As growers aim to optimize yields, enhance terpene profiles, and reduce operational costs, selecting the right lighting has become a pivotal and multi-faceted decision. To help unravel the tangled ball of yarn that lighting solutions have become, we spoke with Dr. David Hawley, principal scientist at Fluence, a company at the forefront of…

The cannabis industry has never had it easy. Between regulatory uncertainty, banking restrictions, and sky-high tax burdens, even the most successful operators often feel like they’re just treading water. At the heart of that financial squeeze is Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code—an outdated tax provision that forces cannabis businesses to pay taxes on gross income rather than net profit. But what if there was a way to turn the tables on 280E? Growise CPAs, a firm dedicated to cannabis taxation, has done just that. While many accounting firms have relied on the well-known 471A strategy to mitigate tax liability, Growise has taken things a step further. By implementing a new tax strategy, they have slashed tax burdens by up to 57% for dispensaries and up to 25% for…

In the Northeastern United States, the cannabis industry is exploding like a firework over Coney Island—bright, loud, and impossible to ignore. This region, once known for some of the toughest drug laws in the country, is now embracing legal cannabis. What was once considered taboo is now plastered on billboards and raking in billions. New York alone surpassed $1 billion in retail sales by the end of 2024, while neighboring New Jersey approved over 1,500 cannabis business licenses, fueling rapid market growth in the region. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have swapped prohibition for profit, unleashing a green tidal wave that’s reshaping the economy and society alike. Recreational cannabis is now legal across these states, reflecting a shift in public perception and policy. Connecticut, which launched its adult-use market…

The highly regulated cannabis testing industry in Massachusetts demands both scientific precision and exceptional client service. Assured Testing Laboratories (ATL), based in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, is raising the bar for accuracy, transparency, and compliance. Founded by North Shore native Dr. Dimitrios Pelekoudas, an expert in cannabinoid science, ATL is transforming the landscape of cannabis testing with a commitment to scientific excellence and customer service. Science-Driven Beginnings While completing his doctoral studies at Northeastern University’s Center for Drug Discovery, a leader in cannabis science, Dr. Pelekoudas witnessed the inconsistencies plaguing Massachusetts’ cannabis testing industry. From unreliable turnaround times to poor customer service and widespread skepticism about lab practices, these challenges fueled his determination to create a better solution. With a clear vision, he founded ATL, a testing facility built on transparency, scientific…

In recent years, the conversation around cannabis has shifted dramatically, particularly in professional sports. Once stigmatized and strictly prohibited, cannabis is now being recognized for its therapeutic benefits, especially in pain management and recovery. A growing number of athletes are coming forward to share their experiences, advocating for a reevaluation of cannabis policies in sports. One such advocate is Champ Bailey, a Hall of Fame NFL cornerback, who has become a prominent voice in this movement. Bailey had an illustrious 15-year career in the NFL, primarily with the Denver Broncos, after being drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1999. Widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in league history, he was known for his exceptional coverage skills, speed, and football intelligence. Over the course of his career, he recorded…

Delvin Breaux Sr.’s journey from a high school athlete to a professional football player is the quintessential story of resilience and determination. A New Orleans native, Breaux attended McDonogh 35 High School, where he quickly distinguished himself as a formidable cornerback. His performance on the field earned him a scholarship offer from Louisiana State University (LSU), a dream come true for the young athlete. However, during a fateful game on October 27, 2006, Breaux’s life took an unexpected turn. While returning a kickoff, he suffered a severe injury, fracturing his C4, C5, and C6 vertebrae. The gravity of the injury was such that his doctor remarked it was “like a miracle” that he was neurologically fine. Despite the severity of his injury, LSU honored Breaux’s scholarship, and he joined the…

Sara Brittany Somerset, Ph. D Sara Brittany Somerset, a United Nations and cannabis correspondent, brings a global perspective to cannabis reporting, covering key issues and developments at the intersection of international policy and cannabis reform. Danielle Russell Danielle Russell, also known as Edible Dee, is a cannabis industry veteran and multipublished author. She has worked as a consultant and formulator since 2006, helping brands develop compliant kitchens, labs, and products. Her work emphasizes the healing benefits of cannabis, shared through books, media, and speaking engagements. Mary Jane Gibson Mary Jane Gibson has been tracking cannabis legalization since 2007. The former culture editor at High Times, Mary Jane writes for a number of outlets covering cannabis culture, news, cutting-edge trends, and the communities that have given rise to the cannabis industry.…

On Dec. 05, 2024, the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas hosted the highly anticipated 2024 Emjays Cannabis Awards. This second annual celebration brought together cannabis industry professionals, advocates, and innovators for an evening dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements across 26 categories. The Emjays, produced by Farechild Events in collaboration with MJBizCon, provided a platform to honor the visionaries and pioneers shaping the global cannabis landscape. Public voting determined the nominees, and a panel of industry experts selected the winners, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Celebrating Legacy and Newcomers The awards highlighted the industry’s depth and diversity. Royal Queen Seeds, based in the Netherlands, won Cultivation Company of the Year for its dedication to the homegrown market. President Shai Ramsahai emphasized the potential of…

What started in 2014 as a regional gathering to educate and connect cannabis entrepreneurs has since evolved into one of the largest cannabis industry conventions in the country. But, unlike other big-name events, NECANN has maintained its grassroots feel, emphasized social equity, and focused on giving back to the cannabis community. Marc Shepard, co-founder and president of NECANN, was working in the alt-weekly newspaper industry when he saw an opportunity to create something different. At the time, Massachusetts had legalized medical cannabis, but access was nearly impossible— there were no dispensaries open yet, and home grow regulations were murky at best. “We knew there were a lot of people who wanted to learn about medical cannabis, as well as those eager to get into the industry,” Shepard recalled. “So we…

Anyone who’s tried traditional cannabis edibles knows the routine: take one, wait an hour, feel nothing, take another, and then suddenly find yourself overwhelmed. This unpredictability has long plagued the edibles market. Azuca has carved out a distinct position by addressing unpredictability. The company’s TiME INFUSION technology has twice landed them on Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing private companies, signaling broader market acceptance of their approach to edible consumption. “One of the biggest challenges with edibles is taste and trust—long wait times, unpredictable effects, bitter flavors—that really kept a lot of consumers hesitant,” explained Corinne Butler, Senior Vice President of Growth at Azuca. The company’s solution exploits basic human physiology. Their TiME INFUSION process delivers onset times of 5-15 minutes through soft-tissue absorption, bypassing the liver’s firstpass metabolism that typically…

CO2 has a reputation problem. While the excess CO2 drives the deepening climate emergency, it also plays a vital role in industries like food production, beverage manufacturing, and, accelerating plant growth and crop yield in vertical farms and greenhouses—including cannabis cultivation. As cannabis growers expand operations amid growing global legalization, CO2 is a critical resource to meet this booming demand. But it doesn’t come without its challenges. Most cannabis growers are now relying on fossil fuelbased CO2, delivered in tanks and canisters, to hit their desired PPM levels. However, the supply of liquid CO2 is limited, and cannabis growers compete with other large corporations and industries for consistent deliveries. To make matters worse, the onerous contracts given by gas suppliers are unfavorable and restrictive as a result. Seven-year contracts with…

In the rolling hills of Vancouver, Washington, RollPros is quietly reshaping the cannabis industry. At the helm is Kyle Loucks, a founder and CEO whose vision blends high-tech innovation with the artisanal spirit of craft cannabis. The company’s flagship creation, the Blackbird jointrolling machine, offers a fresh perspective on what pre-roll production can be, challenging industry norms and empowering small-scale producers to compete with the heavyweights. A Machine That Rolls, Not Fills “The Blackbird isn’t just another cone filler,” Loucks explained. “It’s the only machine that truly rolls joints at scale.” This distinction goes beyond semantics. Traditional cone-filling methods often demand that cannabis be dried and pulverized to fit the form factor, a process that can rob flower of its natural qualities. The Blackbird sidesteps this compromise, handling fresh, sticky…

Arnie’s Wellness — Discover legendary recovery and skincare with Arnie’s, the new wellness brand created in partnership with Arnold Palmer Enterprises. This premium line of natural topicals combines the highest-quality CBD with powerful botanical ingredients, offering relief, recovery, and protection for an active lifestyle. This potent, plant-based formula delivers 3,000 mg of CBD, Arnica, and Turmeric for deep relief and muscle recovery. Providing a wide range of products for every situation, this is the perfect buy for any cannabis enthusiast. Muscle Cream $59.99, Mineral Sunscreen $39.99, Roll-On: $34.99, Aftersun Gel: $29.99 Green Queen’s Potency Booster Herbal Infusion Cooking Oil — Green Queen’s Potency Booster Herbal Infusion Cooking Oil is a new and unique product designed to simplify the process of creating potent cannabis-infused edibles. Unlike traditional methods that can be…

Business Service: Sapphire Risk Advisory Group Financial Services: Green Check Verified Business Software: KayaPush Law Firm: Vicente Retail Cannabis Brand: Zamnesia Retail Services: Temeka Group Retail Software/Tech Company: Cova PR Agency: Grasslands Marketing Agency: PufCreativ Cannabis Journalist: Javier Hasse, Benzinga Content Creator: Sara Payan, Planted With Sara Cultivation Technology (Hardware): Fluence Testing Lab: SC Labs Cultivation Software: TSRgrow, GrowHub Packaging/Printing Company: Gold Leaf Print & Packaging Cultivation (Non-tech) Company: Royal Queen Seeds Cannabis-Infused Brand: Wyld Extraction/Concentrate Brand: The Clear Cannabis (Flower) Brand: American Weed Co. CBD/Hemp Brand: Chime & Chill Consumer Gear/Tech Product: Boveda Vaporizer Product: Venty by Storz & Bickel Advocacy Organization: Last Prisoner Project Best Packaging Design: Jeeter x Marley Best Marketing Campaign or Collaboration: DaySavers Stoner Dream Job Best Newcomer Brand: 55Plus…

Every year, extraction, cultivation, marketing, manufacturing, and every other sector in the cannabis industry is propelled forward by innovative technology. The 2024 CannaTech Innovation Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and companies leading this transformative sector. From preroll automation to eco-friendly cultivation solutions, this year’s winners represent the ingenuity that’s pushing the cannabis industry forward. These awards, hosted by Cannabis & Tech Today, celebrate the forward-thinkers whose work addresses both industry pain points and untapped opportunities. Behind the Awards Now in its third year, the CannaTech Innovation Awards were designed to recognize exceptional contributions to cannabis technology, safety, and sustainability. Each submission was evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges, whose diverse expertise brought a well-rounded perspective to the selection process. Among the judges were Mary Jane Oatman, COO…

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) has firmly established itself as a cornerstone in the global cannabis industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and collaboration among professionals, policymakers, and enthusiasts. As we look ahead to 2025, ICBC is set to continue its tradition of excellence with a series of events that promise to be both informative and transformative. Upcoming 2025 Events Kicking off the year, ICBC will return to Barcelona, Spain, on March 13, 2025. Known for its rich cannabis culture, Barcelona provides a vibrant backdrop for this B2B event, which will feature industry speakers, exhibitors, and an after-party at the Edition Hotel. This conference is strategically scheduled just before Spannabis, Europe’s top cannabis expo, allowing attendees to maximize their experience in one trip. Following Barcelona, the conference will…

For cannabis lovers, aroma is everything—whether it’s the skunky punch of Sour Diesel, the sweet berry blast of Blue Dream, or the creamy dessert notes of Gelato. The science behind these complex and captivating scents is what drives Abstrax, a company at the forefront of terpene research and flavor innovation. Founded by chemist Kevin Koby, who transitioned from materials research to the cannabis industry, Abstrax has become a leader in terpene research and innovation. Koby’s journey began in various roles within the cannabis sector, from trimming to manufacturing, eventually leading him to focus on the flavors that define award-winning cannabis strains. “The real differentiator for all these cannabis cups that I won was all the flavors that I made,” he reflected. A Scientific Approach to Terpene Analysis Abstrax’s dedication to…

Life is seldom simpler than when digging in the dirt. Connection to Mother Nature is an essential part of the human experience and one that seems to be diminishing in an increasingly chaotic world. That’s why gardening saw a renaissance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A little time away from the bustle allowed us all to ‘get back to our roots.’ For cannabis enthusiasts, a shift toward home cultivation was inevitable. Beyond cost savings, home cultivation offers enthusiasts a chance to engage in a therapeutic activity, control the quality of their product, and contribute to a more sustainable cannabis industry. With the legalization of home cultivation in 23 states and Washington, D.C., cannabis gardening is moving into the mainstream. As horticulture, in general, surged during the pandemic— marked by a boom…

When Big Mike Straumietis steps into a room, he commands attention. Not just because of his larger-than-life personality but because he has spent more than four decades revolutionizing the way cannabis is cultivated. The founder and CEO of Advanced Nutrients isn’t just another entrepreneur in the industry—he’s a grower, a scientist, and, perhaps most importantly, a relentless innovator. “I’ve been growing since I was 23,” he said during an exclusive interview at MJBizCon. “Fortytwo years on this beautiful blue planet, growing killer cannabis.” Straumietis’ journey into the cannabis industry is the kind of story that blends ingenuity, persistence, and a bit of outlaw spirit. As a young entrepreneur running a lawn care company in the early 1980s, he was introduced to the world of indoor cultivation by two salesmen who…

The Northeastern U.S. is rapidly becoming a cannabis powerhouse, transitioning from restrictive drug policies to a thriving legal market. The numbers speak for themselves: Massachusetts has surpassed $1.7 billion in sales, Connecticut’s new adult-use program is projected to hit $200 million in its first year, and Maine’s craft cannabis model is gaining national recognition. Yet, challenges persist. Regulatory red tape, high operating costs, and limited banking access continue to hinder operators. The illicit market remains a major competitor, and while social equity programs show promise, their impact has been mixed. Still, Northeast cannabis businesses are proving resilient, driving innovation across financial services, branding, and compliance. In this Regional Spotlight, we highlight five companies shaping the industry: High Times Accounting (MA): Expert financial guidance for cannabis businesses navigating Section 280E and…

With cannabis continuing to enter the mainstream fold, education, and accurate information are more important than ever. Enter High Science TV, a show that merges captivating storytelling with in-depth cannabis science to demystify the plant and combat lingering misconceptions. Founded by Emmy-winning producer David McKilop and cannabis advocate Ed LeClere, the series has become a beacon for curious viewers seeking reliable information about cannabis’s medical, cultural, and scientific significance. We sat down with McKilop and LeClere to discuss the show’s origins, the challenges of working in an industry marked by federal restrictions, and their ambitious plans for the future. From overcoming network hurdles to helping a 95-year-old embrace THC cream, their journey underscores the power of education and entertainment in shifting perceptions. Here’s what they had to say. This interview…

Psychedelic medicine is still a largely unexplored frontier in the modern scientific age. However, entheogens—psychedelic compounds that produce spiritual effects or experiences—have been administered as medicine for pain and emotional trauma since ancient times. Only now, following decades of cannabis advocacy and legislation, are chemicals like psilocybin and MDMA being introduced into the plant medicine conversation and studied for their therapeutic potential. Stephanie Karzon Abrams is at the forefront of plant medicine and psychedelics, helping rewrite the rules on how these products are understood and accessed. As the founder of Beyond Consulting, she leverages her expertise in neuropharmacology and passion for public education to empower consumers and reshape the retail experience. In a world where plantbased therapies and psychedelics are finally gaining mainstream attention, her insights into education and technology…

JUNE 4-5 | Flower Expo Massachusetts | Greenfield, MA 4-5 | Cannabis Means Business | New York City, NY 11-12 | BevNET Live | New York, NY 12-13 | CannaCon Northeast | Rochester, NY JULY 9-11 | Cannabis Business Summit & Expo | San Francisco, CA 16-20 | Psychedelic Science 2025 Conference | Denver, CO 18-19 | Lucky Leaf Expo | Oklahoma City, OK 24-26 | Southern Hemp Expo | Raleigh, NC AUGUST 2-4 | USA CBD Expo | Miami, FL 14-16 | NECANN Chicago | Chicago, IL 21-23 | Indo Expo | Portland, OR Can’t wait for the next cannabis event? Scan now to discover what’s happening worldwide with the Cannabis & Tech Today Events Calendar.…