Innehållsförteckning för Vol. 7 Issue 2 från Cannabis & Tech Today

From premier events like MJ Unpacked and AltPro Expo in the states, to high-profile international gatherings like ICBC and Spannabis, the industry is jet setting to all corners of the globe. And we’re making friends along the way. The psychedelics movement, a longtime ally of cannabis, is finally moving out of the shadows and into the mainstream. Psilocybin and ketamine therapy are proving to be paradigm-shifting solutions to a range of psychological conditions including PTSD, depression, addiction, and more. We believe it’s time these medicines are highlighted as we move to a post-stigma and propaganda society. Our 2025 Health and Wellness issue is a perfect opportunity to do just that, offering insights into the latest research, commercial uses, and legislation around entheogens. In addition to another season of expos, conferences,…

Pink Pepper, a visually arresting cannabis variety with rich magenta tones, is turning heads for more than its aesthetic. In early 2025, scientists at Colorado State University Pueblo’s Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR), in collaboration with Kangwon National University in South Korea, unveiled a nearly gapless genomic map of the cultivar—now the most complete Cannabis sativa genome on record. According to Pink Pepper project co-leader Sang Hyuck Park, the map locked in 99.6% completeness with over 30,000 annotated protein-coding genes, making Pink Pepper genome the new reference standard. This is reflected in the fact that it has been officially recognized by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. It replaces the patchy and inconsistent assemblies that have held cannabis research back for years. According to researchers at Kangwon National University, the…

My relationship with cannabis began with a single puff, a moment that sparked a deep love for this plant. This affection only grew during my college days as a budtender, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of cannabis. Yet, despite its potential, the industry was shackled by outdated stigmas—the lazy stoner stereotype, “bro-y” branding, and barriers to accessing quality products. This disconnect ignited a spark in me. I purchased the domain “missgrass.com,” planting a seed that would take a decade to bloom. In 2018, Miss Grass blossomed as an online magazine and marketplace for hemp-derived products and accessories. We didn’t just sell products—we cultivated a brand that embodied the modern consumer. Our foundation was built on education and community, creating a space where people could explore cannabis without stigma…

What started as a modest gathering for New York’s emerging cannabis community has transformed into one of the most dynamic B2B events in the industry. The Cannabis Means Business (CMB) Conference & Expo—now heading into its eleventh year—returns to the Javits Center in New York City this June, boasting a sharpened focus on business development, deal flow, and global cannabis connectivity. According to Chris Day, co-founder of the Global Cannabis Network Collective and industry advisor to CMB, the event’s evolution mirrors the maturing cannabis marketplace it serves. “The ten-year history of the show has tracked along with the changes in the cannabis industry,” he said. “It started as a hub for the cannabis community to gather and connect before New York legalization took hold and has grown into a premier…

What began as a continuing education initiative for Florida attorneys has since blossomed into one of the most influential cannabis business associations in the southeastern U.S. CLAB-short for Cannabis Law, Accounting, and Business—was born from a simple but potent observation: “If you put a bunch of lawyers in a room, nothing happens. But if you put a bunch of lawyers, accountants, and business owners together, now you get commerce,” said CLAB founder, Robert Friedman, in a recent interview with Cannabis & Tech Today. Founded in 2017, CLAB evolved from dry legal seminars into an industry-defining network that now hosts monthly meetups, webinars, and its flagship annual conference, returning this October to the Diplomat Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The Future Is Global This year’s theme—The Globalization of Cannabis—reflects an increasingly interconnected…

From the courts of Red Hook to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, Carmelo Anthony has been a symbol of focus, grace under pressure, and self-assurance—a steady presence through a career worth of chaotic games. Now, the Hall of Fame forward is channeling that same presence into the cannabis arena. With the launch of STAYME7O in New York and the Grand National agency alongside partners Jesce Horton and Brandon “Beedy” Pierce, Anthony is helping reshape the industry. According to Anthony, STAYME7O is a philosophy in flower form, built on balance, authenticity, and community uplift. From cultivar selection to social equity partnerships, Melo’s vision is deeply rooted in purpose. And for a man who made his name by staying calm and hitting his shot, it’s only fitting that his next…

A moving drama set in 2008, Grassland explores the human cost of cannabis criminalization, with Jeff Kober delivering one of his most layered performances to date. In Grassland, Kober trades in his long history of playing outlaws for the uniform of a conflicted police officer. The new drama executive produced by Common places Kober in the role of John, a widowed grandfather and retired cop navigating the quiet minefield of post-recession suburbia. But this is no standard cop drama. Grassland tells a more intimate, high-stakes story—one about family, grief, and the quiet injustices that come with selective enforcement of the law. John moves into a modest apartment with his grandson, only to find that his downstairs neighbors—Sofia (Mía Maestro) and her son Leo (Ravi Cabot-Conyers)—are quietly breaking the law by…

Tanasi 1:1 CBD+CBDa by Greenway Herbal Products— Tanasi’s product line is built around a university-developed 1:1 formula of CBD and CBDa, supported by $2.8 million in research. Designed to enhance absorption and therapeutic potential, the formula is used across a wide range of offerings, including topicals like salves, lotions, and menthol or unscented relief sticks, as well as ingestibles such as gummies, tinctures, softgels, and fish oil blends. Products are categorized by need—Calm, Recovery, Sleep, or General Wellness—making the science more accessible to everyday users. Visit https://tanasi.com for pricing on individual products. Teapot THC-Infused Teas— Crafted to elevate your teadrinking experience, Teapot offers premium, THC-infused beverages that perfectly blend relaxation with refreshment. Available in flavors like Mango Green Tea, Lemon Black Tea, and Blueberry Chamomile, each can contains 5mg of THC—…

THE WOMEN'S ISSUE. POWERFUL VOICES. BIG IDEAS. REAL IMPACT. Back by popular demand, our Women’s Issue returns for Summer 2025—building on the success of last year’s celebrated edition, which featured some of the most insightful, inspiring voices in cannabis. The 2024 Women’s Issue was one of our most widely read and shared editions, and in 2025, we’re continuing the momentum with an even deeper dive into the women shaping the industry today. From award-winning cultivators and trailblazing tech entrepreneurs to advocates and policy experts fighting for equity, this issue will highlight the women redefining what success looks like in cannabis. We’ll examine the systemic challenges still present—like funding disparities and underrepresentation in executive roles—while celebrating the resilience, creativity, and leadership that continue to drive the industry forward. Expect exclusive interviews,…

Holly DuPart is the founder of Holly’s High Society and Intrepid Green, blending 20+ years of experience in real estate, cannabis, and strategic development. A licensed cannabis infuser and former city project lead, Holly brings a wellness-first, community-driven approach to building compliant, profitable cannabis ventures. She is passionate about transforming the industry through purpose, innovation, and inclusive growth. After years in entertainment as a producer of concerts and music festivals, Jon Stone became a Creative Arts teacher at a Montessori school in Denver. There, he grew interested in telling stories and eventually produced his first short film. Screenwriting bootcamps and countless books helped launch the next phase of his life as a writer and storyteller with a growing catalogue of scripts, articles and a novel on the way. Livi McKay is…

Consuming edibles entails a variety of chemical reactions within the body. While smoke inhalation prompts rapid onset via the lungs into the bloodstream, cannabis drinks and edibles go through the digestive system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract instead. They metabolize into the bloodstream through the gut and intestines. Oil-soluble cannabinoids take much longer to kick in because they are absorbed through the liver and pancreas. The liver converts THC into a metabolite called 11-HydroxyTHC, which is known for its enhanced potency and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. Reaching Higher Levels Edibles require more restraint than smoking since the dosage is harder for a consumer to regulate. As mentioned, a more extensive chemical breakdown occurs when consuming edibles to form 11-Hydroxy-THC. Once this compound forms in our bodies, it…

In cannabis, some of the most serious threats to your brand aren’t obvious until product gets flagged, pulled, or worse. Microbial contamination, cross-contamination, and incomplete remediation can all put your operation at risk, especially if your decontamination process is not designed to detect and correct the problem before it spreads. Plenty of brands still treat decontamination as a basic step on the path to compliance. But “good enough” doesn’t hold up when you're dealing with complex regulations, third-party testing, and real consumer safety concerns. If your process isn’t validated, traceable, and built to prevent exposure at every point, you’re opening the door to serious legal and reputational fallout. This article is about protecting what you’ve built. No growth talk, no branding spin, just a real look at the risks that…

In the haze of college dorm rooms, makeshift devices like toilet paper rolls stuffed with dryer sheets—affectionately dubbed “sploofs”—were the go-to for masking the telltale signs of cannabis use. Brandon Shroyer, then a student in Oregon, was all too familiar with these rudimentary tools. “We’d crank up a steamy shower, stuff a wet towel under the door, spray Febreze everywhere, and exhale through a toilet paper roll stuffed with dryer sheets,” he recalled. But the inefficacy of these methods, coupled with the risk of disciplinary action, highlighted a glaring need for a better solution. This realization sparked the inception of Smoke Trap—a personal air filter designed to effectively eliminate smoke and odor, offering a discreet and efficient alternative to traditional sploofs. Engineering a Cleaner Exhale Smoke Trap’s advanced filtration system…

When Katie Motta launched Jade Stone, she wasn’t coming from a background steeped in cannabis. In fact, her earliest impressions were shaped by prohibition-era narratives. “I was raised in a family with strong anti-cannabis beliefs, and I carried some of that stigma myself,” Motta said. It was a branding project for a friend’s rolling paper company that became the catalyst-not just for a career shift, but for a reframing of cannabis itself. That project revealed a market void: little existed in the way of modern, inclusive design targeting women or canna-curious consumers. “That’s when it clicked,” Motta recalled. “There was a real need for a design agency that could bring fresh energy and representation into the space.” A New Design Language Jade Stone is on a mission to dismantle stereotypes.…

On April 10, 2025, legendary musician and actor Ice-T and cannabis industry leader and entrepreneur Charis Burrett officially opened the doors to The Medicine Woman Jersey City, bringing their mission-driven cannabis brand to the East Coast for the first time. Located at 660 Tonnelle Avenue in Jersey City, the 10,000-square-foot dispensary blends modern retail with social impact, featuring everything from curated cannabis offerings and EV charging stations to future plans for on-site consumption and manufacturing. The grand opening celebration commenced April 19, followed by a 4/20 community event that featured live music, local vendors, celebrity guests, and Ice-T himself curating the vibes in signature style. Ice-T has spent decades building a name for himself in music, film, and television. Now, he’s bringing that same authenticity and drive to the cannabis…

Cannabis is in a state of chaos and existential self-reflection. All hopes were pinned on the Biden Administration moving the needle in some fashion, only to be completely sideswiped by the hemp industry. It’s caused funds like Navy Capital and large operators like Gold Flora to call it quits, with more and more closings on the horizon. Hemp, on the other hand, is “living cannabis’s dream,” as insiders on X have been buzzing. What they mean is that hemp gets to enjoy the benefits of tax deductions, banking, advertising, interstate commerce, and low regulations. It is the dream, indeed—but is it sustainable? The Farm Bill That Changed Everything In 2018, Congress passed legislation that legalized “hemp” as long as it tested below 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.…

The cannabis community prides itself on quality craftsmanship and culture. It’s an admirable trait. But many are resisting modernization and tools like automation for fear of losing authenticity. I get it. No one wants the cannabis industry to lose its customs and historic flare. However, automation is not here to erase tradition. Rather, its job is to protect it and enhance the way we currently manufacture cannabis. By reducing raw material loss, ensuring quality consistency, and improving operational efficiency, smart automation allows cannabis brands to scale without sacrificing the integrity of the plant or the values that built the industry. The Hidden Costs of Manual Cannabis Production Craft cannabis is often thought of as handmade, which definitely attracts customers looking for an authentic, classic product. But manual operations often result…

In cannabis cultivation, where every square foot is engineered for precision and performance, energy costs often loom as one of the greatest operational challenges. Powerful lighting arrays, HVAC systems, and dehumidifiers are necessary to mimic optimal growing conditions indoors—but they also come with steep financial and environmental costs. As regulators and consumers increasingly demand sustainability, growers are searching for viable ways to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising product quality. What many don’t realize is that the path to greener cultivation may already be paved—with utility-backed energy rebates that offer real financial returns for choosing more efficient systems. The Cannabis Industry's Energy Problem Indoor cannabis cultivation is among the most energy-intensive agricultural practices in the United States. A 2021 report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimated that indoor grows…

When Calyx Peak Companies decided to scale its cannabis operations across multiple states, it knew that technology would be the foundation—not an afterthought. The company, known for brands like Smackers and Pinchy’s and for its flagship cultivation facility in Missouri, turned to Netverta to design the infrastructure that would support its ambitious growth. What began as a small advisory role has evolved into a multi-year strategic partnership reshaping the operational backbone of one of the most forward-thinking cannabis operators in the country. A Meeting of Minds—and Markets Netverta and Calyx Peak were first connected by a mutual industry executive, a typical origin story in what Mike Cote, Managing Partner at Netverta, calls “a very small world” when it comes to cannabis. “The initial engagement was to simply come in as…

The cannabis industry isn’t short on trade shows. From sprawling convention center expos to niche regional gatherings, there’s an event for nearly every vertical. But George Jage saw something missing. Despite the boom in cannabis commerce, there was no national event built specifically for licensed brands and retailers—the consumer-facing core of the industry. So he built one. MJ Unpacked launched with a clear mandate: cut the noise, elevate the experience, and deliver value to people with the least time to waste-operators, founders, and decision-makers. In Jage’s words, it was about “designing a show for the vanguard of our industry.” That meant upending the standard trade show playbook. Gone are the endless rows of vendor booths and the flood of unqualified foot traffic. In their place: curated brand showcases, intentional networking,…

2016 Medical cannabis sales launched in New York. 50.0% Share of Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) from Cartridges, the topperforming category. 12.0% Share of GMV for Flower, which saw increasing consumer interest. $2,000+ Flower prices are shifting towards this top-end quintile, signaling luxury demand. December 2023 Recreational cannabis sales officially began. -19% Price drop for both Cartridges and Concentrates, despite maintaining mid-$30 premium pricing. +11.7% Price increase for Flower, highlighting demand for high-end, premium buds. $20–$29.99 Concentrate prices are increasingly settling into this more accessible range. 20.2 million Total population of New York, making it one of the largest potential consumer markets in the U.S. 27.8% Share of GMV for Edibles & Ingestibles, which saw the largest price decrease across categories. +69.3% Massive average price surge for Pre-Rolls, now often priced…

Jesce Horton is the kind of entrepreneur that builds the blueprint while others are still sketching. An engineer by training and a cultivator by trade, Horton has spent the last decade navigating cannabis from nearly every angle: nonprofit advocate, policy contributor, licensed grower, educator, and now brand builder. His fingerprints are on some of the most influential equity initiatives in cannabis, including the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) and NuProject, which has awarded over $4 million in grants and loans to entrepreneurs affected by the war on drugs. His latest venture, Grand National, is focused on the next generation of cannabis brandsthose that can speak fluently to the culture while building lasting equity. Co-founded with NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony and award-winning creative director Brandon Pierce, Grand National is…

The first thing you need to understand about magic mushrooms is that they are not magic at all. They are fungi. Once relegated to the fringes of psychedelic counterculture, magic mushrooms are now entering the mainstream with remarkable speed. From medical research labs to boutique smoke shops, psilocybin—the psychoactive compound found in these fungi—is generating excitement, scrutiny, and a fast-evolving legal framework. With state-level reforms, emerging analogs, and increasing scientific validation of therapeutic benefits, psilocybin stands poised to reshape both medicine and public perception in the next decade. Psilocybin in the Body As mentioned, magic mushrooms refer to a group of fungi—most commonly Psilocybe cubensis—that contain psilocybin and psilocin, two compounds responsible for their hallucinogenic effects. When ingested, psilocybin is rapidly metabolized by the liver into psilocin, the primary active…

JUNE 2025 CANNACON NORTHEAST | Rochester, NY | June 12–13 PSYCHEDELIC SCIENCE 2025 CONFERENCE | Denver, CO | June 16–20 CANNMED 25 INNOVATION & INVESTMENT SUMMIT | Río Grande, Puerto Rico | June 17–20 MARY JANE BERLIN | Berlin, Germany | June 19–22 AUGUST 2025 NEWTOPIA NOW | Denver, CO | August 20–22 SEPTEMBER 2025 PBC CONFERENCE | Washington, D.C. | September 3–4 MJ UNPACKED | St. Louis, MO | September 3–5 NECANN NEW JERSEY | Atlantic City, NJ | September 5–6 HALL OF FLOWERS | Santa Rosa, CA | September 10–11 NECANN NEW YORK | Rochester, NY | September 19–20 Can’t wait for the next cannabis event? Scan now to discover what’s happening worldwide with the Cannabis & Tech Today Events Calendar.…

In a keynote that left Silicon Valley gasping for air (and not from smoke), Apple today unveiled its boldest, most uncalled-for innovation yet: the iBong 3000. Sleek, overengineered, and wildly impractical, the iBong 3000 is set to “revolutionize the way you get high,” according to Apple’s VP of Product Delusion, Trent Vapeworth. “Other bongs are just tubes with water,” Vapeworth said, dramatically pacing a minimalist stage set. “We saw a vertical cylinder… and said: what if this cost two grand and couldn’t be cleaned without a certified technician?” Priced at $1,999, the iBong 3000 features Face ID activation, titanium aeration chambers, and—of course—an unremovable MagSmoke charging cable. It ships in only one color: “Space Resin.” Features That No One Needed Face ID Bowl Lock: Refuses to light unless it recognizes…