Grassroots Marketing

Lilach Mazor Power, representing Giving Tree Dispensary, joined the show Grassroots Marketing to discuss her upcoming panel at MJ Biz in Las Vegas where she will be sharing insights on navigating the Arizona cannabis market. Lilach highlighted key factors for success in Arizona, including understanding market trends, product categories, pricing strategies, and emerging opportunities like the recent legalization of adult-use cannabis home delivery.

Beyond market analysis, Lilach emphasized Giving Tree's commitment to community engagement and education. Their "Coffee and Cannabis Series" provides a welcoming space for adults aged 55 and older to learn about cannabis in a pressure-free environment. This initiative reflects Giving Tree's dedication to responsible cannabis education and accessibility.

Giving Tree's success stems from its strong community ties. Lilach highlighted their commitment to corporate citizenship, with over $120,000 donated to charities and extensive employee volunteerism. By fostering a welcoming and transparent environment, Giving Tree aims to destigmatize cannabis and demonstrate its positive role in the community.

The dispensary's competitive pricing, focus on high-quality products, and support for local businesses contribute to its unique selling points. Located at 701 West Union Hills Drive in Phoenix, Arizona, Giving Tree Dispensary offers a comfortable and informative customer experience. Customers can also access their products through a partnership with Grasp delivery services.

Chloe Kaleiokalani, founder of CAKE She Hits Different, sat down for an interview to discuss her unique brand at the intersection of music, cannabis, and immersive experiences.

A DJ and producer with a passion for melodic techno and house music, Chloe's love for cannabis and her Hawaiian heritage inspired her to create CAKE. She aims to infuse her work with the aloha spirit and promote joy and love through her brand, especially in challenging times.

Chloe's journey in the cannabis industry is a partnership with Jason, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience. Together, they've mastered cultivation, extraction, and brand identity, adapting to the market's shift towards vapes and concentrates. Their collaboration leverages Chloe's strength in brand identity and Jason's expertise in technology and procurement. This has led to the creation of their popular cryo live resin product.

CAKE is expanding its product line with a rosin line, a dab device, and a new concentrate line. Currently available in California, Arizona, and Nevada, the brand is actively involved in events in Arizona and anticipates a Nevada launch in early 2025. Customers can find CAKE products through a location map on their website.

Grassroots Marketing explores the evolving landscape of cannabis delivery services in California, featuring insights from Louis Samuel, founder of Golden State Cannabis.

Samuel discusses the impact of economic challenges and market shifts on the industry, emphasizing the enduring power of passion and customer service.

He also highlights Golden State Cannabis's commitment to innovative products like their new Groovy Chews, a high-potency CBN and THC blend designed for sleep enhancement.

The conversation touches on the company's delivery strategies, including their online presence and personalized customer interactions, reflecting their dedication to navigating the changing tides of the California cannabis market.

Brasco and SRĐA, Partnerships and Events Manager at Travel Agency.. discussed the establishment and growth of their social equity cannabis businesses in New York.

SRĐA explained how their partnership with the DOE fund, which supports individuals transitioning from former incarceration, homelessness, and other issues, has been instrumental in their expansion. They have opened three stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with plans for more.

SRĐA highlighted the importance of their non-profit partnership, which provides infrastructural support and fosters relationships with community leaders. They also emphasized their commitment to hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and legacy operators, providing them with opportunities to thrive in the legal cannabis industry.

Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp, discussed the implications of California's hemp regulations, which ban hemp products with any detectable THC. He criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for aligning with the House Freedom Caucus and issuing strict regulations without legislative approval. Higdon highlighted the need for federal regulation through the Farm Bill, noting delays and potential negative amendments.

He praised Senator Ron Wyden's Cannabinoid Safety Regulation Act and Senator Rand Paul's Hemp Economic Mobilization Act, which the latter could raise THC limits to 1%. Cornbread Hemp recently launched USDA-certified organic THC gummies, available in 49 states, emphasizing responsible sales practices.

Jonathan Robbins discuss the Florida cannabis industry and the upcoming vote on Amendment 3, which could expand Florida's cannabis program from medical to adult use. Robbins, Chair of Akerman's Cannabis Practice, highlights the well-funded pro-Amendment 3 campaign led by medical marijuana treatment centers, contrasting with Governor DeSantis's opposition. He notes the need for 60% voter approval and the potential tax revenue increase from $2 billion from $500 million annually. Robbins also addresses the regulatory challenges, including enforcement and social equity, and emphasizes the importance of responsible industry practices.

Ryan Thomas, Director of Marketing at Aeriz, shares the company's journey to success in the competitive cannabis market. He emphasizes the importance of consistent branding, a passionate team connected to cannabis culture, and a diverse product line featuring live rosin batter, live resin vapes, hash drops, and edibles. Aeriz's commitment to quality has earned them recognition, including being named one of Marijuana Venture's 40 under 40 and securing awards for their products, like the Jenny Kush strain and Lucid Blue live resin, in the New Times Best of Phoenix edition.

Thomas highlights the company's unique approach to marketing, building an in-house agency over the past seven years. This allows for greater creative control and agility, fostering a strong brand identity. He discusses the challenges of navigating the evolving cannabis market, including pricing strategies in light of awards and seasonal fluctuations.

Kyle Neathery, CEO of Samson Extracts, discussed their significant growth, extracting and processing over 1.5 million pounds of biomass in 2023, aiming for 3 million in 2024. They are expanding domestically and exploring international markets, particularly in Europe and South America. Neathery expressed concerns about the expired 2018 Farm Bill and its impact on the industry, highlighting the need for regulation to ensure product quality and safety. Samson Extracts focuses on GMP-certified operations and advanced extraction techniques, aiming for high purity and affordability. They also launched a skincare line, Wiregrass Wellness, to diversify their product offerings.

Vanessa Yee-Chan, owner of Alta, the first legal cannabis dispensary in Chinatown, NYC, shares her journey of launching the business rooted in her family's history with the building. The dispensary emphasizes supporting local businesses and integrating with the community through educational outreach and partnerships, particularly targeting newer generations of Asian Americans. Alta focuses on women's health, offering products designed for menstrual pain and anxiety in a boutique-inspired store. The aesthetic features a pink, white, and gold design, and products are organized by mood. Vanessa also highlights the importance of community engagement and plans for future in-store events, all while adapting offerings based on customer feedback.

Dr. Monica Werkheiser, a leading cannabis advocate and former pharmacist, discussed her transition from traditional pharmacy to cannabis advocacy. She highlighted her efforts in Pennsylvania to include anxiety as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, citing studies showing cannabis's benefits for anxiety, sleep, and pain. Dr. Werkheiser emphasized the importance of dose control and education in cannabis use. She also detailed the design and community-focused approach of her new dispensary, Canna Remedies, in Ewing Township, New Jersey, which aims to provide a welcoming, educational environment for customers. The dispensary offers a range of products, including flowers, edibles, and concentrates, and hosts community events and classes.