Grassroots Marketing

Craig Henderson, founder of Extract Labs, discussed the importance of terpenes over THC percentages in dictating cannabis effects, emphasizing the need for industry-wide consumer education on terpene profiles despite current labeling practices.

He also explored the potential for increased cannabis research and standardization, such as a universal cannabis aroma and flavor wheel, if cannabis were rescheduled. Craig additionally detailed Extract Labs' diverse product line and their Fetch for Pets line, which offers full-spectrum hemp oil products.

Kyle Loucks discussed RollPros' expansion into packaging design to offer a comprehensive solution for cannabis brands, aiming to consolidate fragmented supply chains and maintain product quality.

The RollPros Founder and CEO explained that this move leverages their bulk purchasing power to provide competitive pricing and efficient timelines on packaging, supported by account managers who act as outsourced supply chain and technical support.

RollPros also plans to introduce automated packaging solutions by Q4 of this year or Q1 of next year, with beta units already in use.

Daron Hudson, a multifaceted entrepreneur and social worker, shared his journey from Housing Works to establishing Sanctuary Garden, a mission-driven cannabis dispensary in New York. Sanctuary Garden aims to provide care and invest in the community, navigating the complex and challenging New York cannabis market, which is characterized by regulatory issues and illicit sales. Hudson emphasized the crucial role of "justice involved" operators and highlighted Sanctuary Garden's dedication to community focus and strategic partnerships as it prepares for its grand opening at 2610 Broadway. The discussion also touched upon the significant bureaucratic hurdles involved in the licensing process.

Hudson detailed the transition from Housing Works, where he lacked equity due to nonprofit license limitations, leading to the creation of Sanctuary Garden. He explained how the initial card license program evolved into the Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, despite facing regulatory gaps, predatory loans, high fees, and inspection hurdles. A key point of the discussion was the importance of the term "justice involved" over "social equity," recognizing legacy operators who built the cannabis market and were disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. The pervasive issue of illicit cannabis sales in New York was also addressed, with Hudson attributing some responsibility to the state for allowing unlicensed smoke shops to proliferate before full recreational legalization.

The conversation also covered funding and support for CAURD licensees, with state grants being mentioned as helpful despite initial program challenges. Hudson underscored the necessity of strategic partnerships, such as with Indoor Trees for Sanctuary Garden, and the resilience required to navigate the legal cannabis market. Sanctuary Garden's upcoming grand opening at 2610 Broadway was announced, with Hudson aiming for sales by mid-July after initial inspections. Hudson highlighted Sanctuary Garden's commitment to stocking products from minority-owned and mom-and-pop manufacturers, and emphasized the importance of community engagement beyond just sales, reflecting on the challenging yet rewarding licensing process and expressing anticipation for the grand opening.

Marianne Cursetjee discussed her personal journey using cannabis, specifically RSO, to manage cancer treatment side effects, emphasizing its positive impact on nausea, fatigue, and overall well-being.

Marianne also shared the evolution of her family's acceptance of her work with cannabis. They advised cancer patients considering cannabis to consult doctors and knowledgeable sources.

The conversation also covered cannabis consumption trends, the challenges of product sampling, and the branding and product line of Marianne's company, Alibi Cannabis, including an upcoming New York launch and their website, alibi.co.

Ravens View Genetics is a craft cannabis company co-founded by Joann Kudrewicz, located in upstate New York. The company's origins are deeply personal, stemming from Joann's desire to honor her daughter Nina's legacy and her passion for holistic health, which converged with her husband Michael's dedication to cannabis cultivation and genetic preservation. The name "Ravens View" itself came from a message received from a medium after Nina's passing, reflecting a shared connection between Michael, Nina, and their focus on old-school cannabis genetics.

Joann transitioned from a corporate healthcare career to the cannabis industry after Nina's death, leveraging her experience in building healthcare practices to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. The move upstate allowed her and Michael to grieve and pursue their shared passion for cannabis when New York began its legalization efforts.

Ravens View Genetics has built its brand through active advocacy and community engagement. Early on, due to limited dispensary access, Joann became deeply involved in advocacy, chairing the cultivation committee for the Cannabis Association of New York (CANNY). These efforts led to the creation of the cannabis grower showcase model, allowing cultivators to sell at events in partnership with dispensaries, which significantly boosted brand awareness and fostered relationships with future dispensary owners.

The company has navigated New York's challenging cannabis market, which initially suffered from slow dispensary openings. The grower showcases were instrumental in building a sense of community among cultivators and dispensaries.

Grassroots Marketing speaks with Carol Tyson, Director of Marketing at Jaunty. They delve into Jaunty's successful entry and expansion within the New York cannabis market. Tyson emphasizes Jaunty's "100% New York grown" identity and their dedication to addressing consumer needs through product development.

Key points include Jaunty's position as a leading vape brand, their strategic marketing approach in a developing market, and their efforts to educate retailers and consumers on new product lines like concentrates.

The conversation also highlights the importance of pop-up events for understanding regional markets and Jaunty's commitment to transparency, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Matt Hutchinson, SVP of Product and Head of Logistics at Leaflink joins the discussion to explore their innovative payment on sale through (POST) model. This consignment-style system guarantees payment to cannabis brands upon consumer sale, while providing retailers with capital relief and brands with real-time sales data. Hutchinson details the system's features for brand protection, automated fund movement, and how it mitigates overstocking issues.

The conversation also highlights Leaflink's acquisition of DAMA to build a robust financial infrastructure, including a mobile banking app and credit lines. The episode addresses the significant delinquent payment problems in the cannabis industry and emphasizes the need for self-reliance amidst uncertain regulatory changes.

Hutchinson explains how Leaflink's solutions aim to support cultivators and manufacturers by ensuring consistent cash flow and improved inventory management, while also discussing the expanding availability of the POST model and Leaflink's commitment to industry advancement.

We hear from Everett Smith about Presidential Cannabis. The company specializes in "world's strongest" infused moon rocks since 2012. They focus on quality ingredients and collaborate with growers and brands like Ball Family Farms and Maven.

Presidential Cannabis has recently expanded into New York and plans to launch in Washington. Smith also talked about future product innovations like live resin strains and rosin-infused products.

Kenny Morrison, CEO and Co-founder of CQ, is positioning his brand at the forefront of the burgeoning cannabis-infused beverage market.

CQ aims to offer a mainstream alternative to alcoholic drinks, providing consumers with potent mixable shots and ready-to-mix beverages designed to be as socially acceptable and easy to share as beer or wine.

The brand is capitalizing on evolving consumer trends, including the "California Sober" movement and Gen Z's reduced alcohol consumption, by offering a controlled, predictable, and hangover-free experience.

CQ's product line, which includes various potencies and flavors like spritzers and shots, is expanding its availability from traditional dispensaries into liquor and convenience stores in states such as California, Massachusetts, Illinois, Washington, Michigan, Arizona, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Minnesota.

Morrison highlights the significant shift in consumer interest towards cannabis beverages as they become more accessible outside of dispensaries, noting this as the "beginning of the beginning" for the category.

Lisa Altschuler Liberman, founder and CEO of Lifted Lodging, was interviewed about her new cannabis-centric resort concept launching at Lake of the Ozarks in September 2025.

Lifted Lodging aims to be an upscale, adults-only national network of accommodations where guests can bring their own cannabis. The resort will offer lakefront cottages, activities such as culinary experiences and cannabis-related classes, and themed events.

A Founding OG membership program is being offered to support the expansion and provide exclusive perks to members.