Grassroots Marketing

Elisabeth Chambry, a media professional and product developer, discusses her journey of creating a unique, concealed smoking apparatus. Inspired by a desire for both form and function, she designed a bong disguised as a decorative object, emphasizing discreetness and timeless design with Mantelpiece. The manufacturing process, which prioritizes sustainability and fair labor practices, is detailed, including the challenges of finding a suitable factory and the use of high-quality materials like borosilicate glass.

Elisabeth also outlines her plans for product line expansion, patent acquisition, and strategic promotion through partnerships and media outreach. The limited-edition nature of the first release, featuring a unique engraving, is highlighted, alongside a commitment to donating a portion of the profits to the Last Prisoner Project.

Mark Cozzi, founder of the Bettering Company, discussed the expansion of his luxury edible brand into New York, following its success in Illinois. The company offers premium, vegan, gluten-free THC gummies and chocolates, with unique flavors like blood orange and fennel fig.

Cozzi highlighted the use of minor cannabinoids for specific effects, such as sleep (Midnight Cherry Slumber Gummy) and energy (Lemon Zest Energized Gummy). The Bettering Company also supports LGBTQIA+ charities, pledging a portion of New York proceeds to local organizations. Future expansion plans include New Jersey and Ohio.

Chef Stacy Rae, a New York-based Latina chef, shared her experience and knowledge about incorporating CBD tinctures into cooking. She emphasized the importance of using the right temperature and not overcooking the tinctures to preserve their potency. Chef Stacy also discussed her cookbook "The CBD Recipe Guru: More Than 60 Delicious Foods Without the High," (available on Amazon and her website) which features color-coded recipes using CBD or THC and provides educational resources on using CBD in the kitchen. She also touched on the cultural significance of certain ingredients, like the Achiote seed, in ancestral cuisines.

Chef Stacy also shared her background as a licensing agent and her previous success with a cookbook on romantic recipes. As a licensed cosmetologist with 20 years of experience, Chef Stacey Rae has always been interested in both beauty and food. Her first book, which included recipes like "Oysters, Rock Your Fella," was a hit, leading to sold-out book signings worldwide. Now, Chef Stacy is excited about her new book focused on CBD and THC-infused recipes.

The conversation then turned to the current trend of home cooking and the rise of meal delivery services. Chef Stacy's recipes, which include a cilantro pistachio pesto and vegan protein balls, cater to various lifestyles and preferences, suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions. The cilantro pistachio pesto, in particular, has been praised for its unique flavor and versatility.

Chef Stacy also introduced her new savory and sweet recipes featuring Buddhabites, a versatile ingredient. The decadent cocoa cake and the fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors in Chef Stacy's dishes were particularly appreciated.

Finally, Chef Stacy Rae discussed healthy and flavorful meal options, sharing her tips on using healthy ingredients like shrimp, chicken, and tofu in dishes like fried rice and enchiladas.

Johnathan MacFarlane, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RollPros, discussed the potential of their automated pre-roll production system, the Blackbird, to transform the cannabis industry. They highlighted the product's ability to reduce human error, increase efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations. The discussion also touched upon the evolving market trends, the impact of potential federal legalization, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in the cannabis industry.

Andrew Wells, the Chief of Staff at Sorting Robotics, discussed the growing role of automation and AI in the cannabis industry. They highlighted the parallels between the cannabis and wine industries, both of which have leveraged technology to improve efficiency and product quality.

Andrew emphasized that automation is not about replacing workers, but rather about enabling them to take on more strategic roles within the company. The discussion also touched upon the importance of quality in the cannabis manufacturing process and how Sorting Robotics' technology helps brands optimize their operations.

Matha Figaro, the founder of ButaCake, discussed her company’s journey into cannabis-infused edibles, beginning with a simple butter cake business in 2015. A classically trained pastry chef, Matha expanded into cannabis-infused products following a customer's request. She emphasized that all ButaCake products are handmade with natural ingredients, without additives or preservatives, ensuring compliance with state laws. The company initially launched in Delaware, partnering with Columbia Care due to the lack of edible regulations in New Jersey. After successful entries into the Delaware and New Jersey markets, ButaCake recently expanded into Maryland.

Matha shared insights into the delicate balance required when infusing baked goods with cannabis, aiming to create products that are both flavorful and effective. Initially, the company’s products were distillate-based to comply with New Jersey’s legal requirements. Matha highlighted their commitment to catering to all consumers, including those who prefer not to taste the cannabis. She also revealed plans to introduce strain-specific baked goods with more complex flavor profiles, reflecting their dedication to innovation.

The conversation also touched on the production and distribution challenges, particularly regarding ButaCake’s popular "Butter Cake." Regulatory and compliance hurdles, such as the inability to ship cannabis products, have influenced the company’s strategy. Despite these challenges, ButaCake is focusing on growth in New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware while exploring opportunities in other states. Matha emphasized the importance of having a diverse team of professionals to support the company’s success, showcasing ButaCake's commitment to quality and expansion.

Monica Olano bravely shared her battle with postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD after the traumatic birth of her twins. The unexpected complications and lack of transparency from medical professionals took a toll on her mental health. Monica found healing through therapy, plant medicine, and her conscious decision to avoid alcohol. She discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood, running a business with her husband, and how vital a strong support system was throughout her journey.

Monica has become an advocate for cannabis as a healthier alternative to alcohol, celebrating her 17-month alcohol-free journey and its positive impact on her physical and mental well-being. She encouraged mothers to explore cannabis as a wellness tool and shared how accessible it is to obtain a medical marijuana card, even in conservative states like Louisiana. Her journey towards sobriety also led to a spiritual transformation, incorporating therapy, exercise, and cannabis into her daily life.

Through Cali Sober Mom,, Monica is dedicated to empowering individuals, especially women, to embrace sobriety and take control of their health. She highlights the potential of cannabis-based products as a viable alternative to alcohol, advising a gradual approach to dosage and stressing the need for accessible education on these products. Monica’s mission is to create a supportive community for those looking to heal, grow, and thrive through sobriety and cannabis.

Danielle Wildstein, the founder of Blue Oak Dispensary, opens up about her mission to normalize cannabis use and empower patients through education and compassionate care.

She shares her vision for the company, her personal journey into the cannabis industry, and the importance of providing personalized guidance to medical marijuana patients.

The conversation touches on the challenges facing the New Jersey medical cannabis market, community engagement efforts in Bloomfield, and the broader landscape of the cannabis industry, from education and professionalism to the increasing popularity of edibles. Discover how Blue Oak Dispensary is breaking barriers and transforming the way people perceive and experience cannabis.

Grassroots Marketing welcomes back Sarah Patel, founder of Kelia to talk about their company's captivating climb in the past year. Conquering challenges and celebrating successes, they've launched their luscious libations in 40 dispensaries across Massachusetts, expanded their reach to Louisiana, and fortified their online presence.

Focused on functional formulations and the fusion of flavor and health, Kelia is carving a niche in the cannabis beverage market. With more mouthwatering flavors and invigorating effects on the horizon, this women-owned wonder has shaken up the industry.

Dan Davis discusses the forthcoming 4/20 Expo in Edison, New Jersey, emphasizing its festival atmosphere with varied exhibits, seminars, and entertainment. They stressed the importance of social equity and the positive impact of cannabis on the local community.

The 3rd Annual 420 Expo is September 13th to 15th in Edison, New Jersey, boasts a massive outdoor smoking area, food trucks, live music, and over a hundred cannabis vendors. Dan, one of the executive producers, highlighted the event's accessibility, being conveniently located near major airports and within an hour's drive from Newark, Philadelphia, and New York City.

For the past three years, Dan and his business partner have been orchestrating a three-day event celebrating cannabis. Held in Edison, New Jersey, this festival features an extensive outdoor consumption area, food trucks, celebrity smoke sessions, and over a hundred exhibitors showcasing cannabis-related products and services. The event's mission is to reduce the stigma around cannabis, appealing to both seasoned users and newcomers. With cannabis legalization spreading in nearby states, Dan expressed optimism about the future of the event and the industry.

We also discussed the growth and demographic diversity of their annual event, which attracts cannabis enthusiasts, food lovers, and music fans. They highlighted the event's inclusivity and success in uniting people from various backgrounds. The announcement of the 420 Expo Cannabis Cup, a groundbreaking event on the East Coast featuring award-winning cannabis products and live entertainment, added to the excitement.

Dan explored the expo's partnership in the New Jersey music scene, organizing events with a wide range of musical acts from hip-hop to rock. They emphasized the unique atmosphere created by the blend of live music and festival vibes. Educational seminars on legal expungement, cannabis recovery, and industry investment were also discussed, with Dan praising the diverse audience these topics attract.

Dan reflected on the success and popularity of the 420 Expo and Cannabis Cup in New Jersey. They announced the upcoming event featuring B-Real from Cypress Hill, a notable figure in both the cannabis industry and mainstream culture. The event is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all, whether they consume cannabis or not.

Dan shared his personal advocacy for medical marijuana and both highlighted the need for responsible consumption and reducing cannabis stigma.