Grow Life 420

#KahliBuds #MMJ #CBD #THC

New York’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program currently boasts 108 processors and 480 growers with over 20,000 acres for production. While the state has seen its fair share of growth, uncertainty looms over the entire supply chain. 

After the December 20, 2018 passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, much of the legislative attention turned to the official rules from several federal agencies. Since then, little has come in the form of definite rules around hemp. Despite the urging of lawmakers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not released any rules at this time. 

Recently, one federal agency took steps to solidify its regulations. On October 29th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its proposed rules for the plant and its derivatives. Dubbed the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, the proposal aims to establish a regulatory framework for the industry. Once created, hemp producers will be able to qualify for federal programs, including insurance coverage.  

The draft rules then moved to a 60-day public comment period, which is now underway. Once the period finishes, the USDA will determine its state and tribal plans. Over 500 comments were logged as of November 12th. 

While federal lawmakers determine its regulations, New York cultivators and its companies are seeing booms and burdens in the nascent space. Such booms include the market growth of the state. That said, many – including New York Senator Charles Schumer – believe that New York can only grow so much without the guidance of federal regulations from agencies like the FDA. 

Uncertain federal regulations are just one concern looming over New York hemp cultivators as their first significant harvests came to fruition in November. A range of cultivation production headaches joined processing capacity and labor as critical concerns to farmers in the Hudson Valley. However, the most pressing concern appears to be the decline in prices. Stemming from an oversaturated market, the unbalanced supply and demand have dropped prices per pound from $40 last year to $15 as of late.

That said, farmers may receive a reprieve from their financial burdens after state lawmakers made a November ruling allowing medical marijuana companies to use farmers’ hemp for the production of their products. The decision would allow the state’s 10 licensed producers to source less expensive hemp from in-state farmers rather than be forced to cultivate their own. 

The news may serve as the latest boom for the state’s hemp market. Still, issues with the law continue to present a problem for cultivators and cannabis companies alike. On November 6th, New York City police proudly posted on its social media that it seized 106 pounds of cannabis coming from a Vermont farm. The problem is, they seized cannabis sativa L. The hemp bust marked the latest example of the uncertainty surrounding law enforcement of hemp and marijuana in the space. 

CBD Business Owners Find Joy in Customers, Not Regulation

Business owners lamented a lack of legal clarity as well. Jennifer Babaian is the founder and CEO of the hemp-wellness brand 7 Leaf Clover. Babaian said she was excited to see the market develop, but highlighted the state department’s inability to delineate concise rules. 

She believes that a negative connotation of the market needs debunking as well. “There seems to be an underpinning that businesses are somehow trying to get away with something,” said the CEO. Babaian attempted to clarify, saying, “Until now, we have been self-regulating, holding ourselves to strict quality standards with nothing but ethical operations as an impetus.”

Lou Sagar is CEO of Manhattan’s The Alchemist’s Kitchen, a hemp retail store and education center. Sagar added that companies continue to face issues that very few other legal entities face. “The major challenge for selling CBD has been the restrictive access to merchant service processing online as banks remain highly conservative.” Sagar said banks will remain conservative until federal laws are further defined. 

The work does have its highlights, according to both ventures. Each boasts physical locations that are thrilled to work with the public. For The Alchemist’s Kitchen, it includes serving as a learning destination where people can attend classes and seminars. 7 Leaf Clover’s Babaian noted the work they’ve done with the FDNY, NYPD and first responders to help those suffering from PTSD and addiction. 

Going forward, Babaian expects to see larger cannabis companies turning to hemp as a revenue stream. She hopes that the new regulations, when passed, won’t make entry difficult for those looking to join the industry. Meanwhile, the CEO and founder hopes to see more accurate and in-depth reporting covering the space. She recalled the effects of the news coverage of the vape crisis. Babaian noted many publications were failing to disclose that the source of the products appeared to come from illicit market products. 

The CEO discussed the effects of the news coverage. “Here in New York, the fall out manifested in the destruction of the retail portion of an entire industry, which is largely owned by immigrants who from one month to the next lost their livelihood through no fault of their own.”

New York’s Legal Future Appears Promising, Yet Hazy

Legal experts remained uncertain over New York’s hemp future. Jesse Harris, an attorney at Fox Rothschild, said the state was behind more proactive states like Pennsylvania, who implemented a state program immediately after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. On the other hand, New York remains stuck developing its program while it operates under the 2014 Farm Bill rules, severely limiting farming opportunities.  

While Pennsylvania’s plan is under USDA review, the Empire State’s future is uncertain. “New York still needs to develop its own state plan before it can seek USDA approval, assuming the state wants to regulate commercial hemp.” Harris elaborated,”If not, cultivators will likely have to rely on the federal plan.”

Jessica Wasserman, an attorney for Greenspoon Marder’s cannabis practice, noted that if the state were to submit its own plan to the USDA, it would undergo a 60-day period where it can ask New York for amendments before deciding. During this window, state cultivators cannot obtain licenses, further hurting the market. 

As such, Wasserman believes in one choice. “New York is not a state that is ahead of the game on getting a licensing system in place and would be advisable to follow the USDA federal option.”

Both attorneys believe that the market will continue to remain strong – despite any pain points – and prosper. Wasserman suggested that the U.S. could eventually become a leading global exporter of hemp and CBD in time. The attorney also mentioned the potential of hemp demand increasing in sectors from clothing to building materials. 

Harris, on the other hand, sees a well-defined, segmented market covering the plant and its derivatives. He pointed towards Colorado, where the state Department of Agriculture oversees the plant, while the Department of Public Health & Environment oversees derivatives. He explained the rationale. “This is because, despite the similarities in source, the products are very different. The hemp plant is an agricultural commodity, just like corn, while hemp derivatives are more of a dietary supplement.”

420GrowLife

via www.KahliBuds.com

Andrew Ward, KahliBuds, 420GrowLife

#KahliBuds #MMJ #CBD #THC

A Google search of cannabis and sex produces no shortage of results, ranging from studies on the subject to better sex tips to porn. However, there is something to be said about learning hands-on that none can provide.

Few – if any – other educational experiences can stack up to the first-hand accounts at NSFW. The New York City-based private member club for cannabis and kink is home to a series of exploration through various events each month. They include speed dating, play parties, infused fine dining and BDSM seminars.

Founder and chief conspirator Daniel Saynt brought the idea to life roughly five years ago. The 36-year-old Saynt explained how a divorce from his wife led to a bout of loneliness and a need for intimacy without wanting to date. This led the then Nylon Magazine digital professional to use his spacious apartment as the first of what would become many clubhouses in NSFW’s history. 

He wanted the club to be more than just a fulfilment for gratifcation using cannabis, sex and exploration. Saynt sought to educate attendees as well. He aimed to use NSFW as a way to inform others as part of each event. The decision came from a lack of educational resources available to most adults. “I found that aside from porn, there really wasn’t any options for people to learn from,” explained Saynt. 

Thus began an exploration of intimacy, touch and, above all else, consent. Saynt, a closeted bisexual man at the time, learned from attending sex clubs and gay spaces that more queer-inclusive venues were needed. He added that he always knew cannabis and sex would be central to that community. 

The inclusion of cannabis comes from more than just Saynt’s preference for the plant. “There were a lot of elements that came from my belief in the importance of cannabis as a way to heal and to bring people together.”

While his own Bronx, New York upbring in the Jehovah’s Witnesses forbade consumption, the religion also had Saynt and other children learn their bible. They were instructed to learn about other religions as well. Saynt said with a laugh that this was so that Witnesses could tell people why their religious choices were wrong. Over his years of studying, he found plenty of references to cannabis in biblical texts. For him, this served as further proof that the plant served as a healing property made by God. 

Those references were the closest he’d come to cannabis for some time, however. He recalls how a combination of a closed off community and non-Witness family members dealing with drugs created a restrictive environment. “I had family members who were not Witnesses who were dealing with drug abuse and going to jail for cannabis-related crimes. So, there was just this overarching fear of anything that was related to sex or drugs in my family.”

He explained that he discovered cannabis in his teens, but wouldn’t gain an appreciation for it until his early 20s.

At age 18, Saynt left the religion. His interest in cannabis would soon turn into more frequent consumption of the plant. His fondness for kink would come into play around this same period. Over time, he realized how well the two worked together. “There’s a lot of elements in cannabis that work for aftercare. There’s a lot of elements of cannabis at work for getting excited for sex, increasing libido, making you more social, more likely to lessen anxiety.”

By 2014, when NSFW was just beginning, Saynt continued working his day job at Nylon while serving as NSFW’s chief conspirator. Popularity for the club would soon grow. Applications would come trickling, then pouring in. Publications began picking up the news about the club and Daniel.

For a while, the chief conspirator remained anonymous. Then, a story about the business of NSFW was slated to come out. “I really couldn’t hide it at that point,” Saynt recalled. “So, we went full fledge.” 

His bosses weren’t fond of Saynt’s growing side business. So, they parted ways. At that point, Saynt embraced a new career. “I’m running this whole sex club cannabis club thing.” 

Membership continued to grow steadily in the years following. Today, NSFW boasts roughly 2,000 active members, with upwards of 100 applicants coming in each day. 

Regardless of the type of event a person attends, NSFW aims to provide a safe, judgement-free space, according to Saynt. To ensure this is this case, consent lessons are often taught before beginner events and encouraged throughout the night. The dress code is also part of the judgement-free environment. Saynt chose to deviate from the more lavish dress code some clubs employ, instead opting for all black. 

“I wanted to create that space where a person can go in and almost be anonymous, but still feel like they’re part of the community,” Saynt said of the attire. “Like no one’s gonna really know who you are.”

At NSFW, Saynt and his team aim to cater to a sliding scale of preferences within the cannabis and kink community. Whether a person attends a cannabis-centric event, a kink-centric event or something in the middle, the goal remains the same for the club, according to its founder. He said this goal includes putting attendees on a path to sexual enlightenment while feeling comfortable about themselves in an accepting community they may not find elsewhere. 

Such acceptance is not always felt by the community at large, however. Over the years, numerous NSFW locations have been shuttered for one reason or another. The previous location in downtown Manhattan was threatened with immorality clauses by a landlord. In another, Saynt was arrested in May 2019 during an off-night when he was at the clubhouse alone. 

“It’s a constant fight,” Saynt explained. Struggles include being banned on video and social media platforms, as well as losing payment processing through services like PayPal and Stripe.

Despite the issues, acceptance for cannabis and sex positivity remains the prime focus. That said, while marijuana’s popularity has grown steadily in the public eye as of late, sex lags behind in most communities. Saynt believes lag adversely impacts men and women alike. In one case, men are often taught to remain quiet about their feelings, including sexual desires. Meanwhile, women rarely have a safe space to celebrate their body in any fashion, much less unclothed. 

While he hopes NSFW helps bridge this gap in some ways, Saynt believes sexual acceptance and equality is still several decades away. 

With NSFW thriving, expansion is possibly on deck, with locations into other markets that may one day be announced. Other plans include a possible TV show and a branded strain of cannabis created with Cherry Kola Farms aimed at increasing libido. 

The club is also focused on making change in New York City. Plans for a PRO SEX Act are underway. The act would call for protecting the rights of the sexually explorative within the city. The group conducted their first rally two weeks ago and plans to introduce the bill in January in the city’s Congress.

Saynt expects pushback, as usual. However, he hopes the eventual passage of the bill would protect rights while allowing businesses like NSFW to find secure banking solutions like any other legal entity. 

With many projects in the air and the threat of closure always looming, Saynt and NSFW move forward championing responsible adult experimentation of many varieties. It almost seems like such concerns aren’t a concern, with all the positivity amongst the community. This mentality may be due to what Saynt has seen being born out of NSFW.

“I can see the results of it helping people. I see people’s lives changing and they’re changing for the better,” he stated. “That shouldn’t be something we have to lie to people about.”

420GrowLife

via www.KahliBuds.com

Andrew Ward, KahliBuds, 420GrowLife

#KahliBuds #MMJ #CBD #THC

After nearly a decade of living in New York City, I thought I understood what it’s like to live in a major destination that, kind of, sort of, tolerates marijuana use. 

Then, a few months ago, I traveled to Spain. 

There, I got to experience a cannabis marketplace that reminded me of home while opening my mind to new approaches, both positive and negative. In both Manhattan and Madrid, I felt touches of progress, as well as rumors of older-era illicit market techniques that may or may not still be in practice. While I felt at home, there was enough to let me know that stark differences were around.

What is for sure is that both Spain and the U.S. can learn from one another. In the weeks since my return home, I’ve unpacked my thoughts and experiences in both semi-illicit markets. 

To begin, Spanish cannabis laws are often as hazy as the smoke that emanates from the burnt cannabis plant. For example, cultivation for personal use is allowed. However, selling and trafficking pot remains prohibited, as does any public consumption or possession. The latter will likely result in a punishable offense, often a fine. Those caught selling and trafficking can face jail time. That said, you can legally sell and possess cannabis paraphernalia. You can also smoke in the privacy of your own home. 

Finding your own cannabis in Spain seems to largely boil down to how you want to go about it. Some I spoke with reported growing their own pot. Others found their supply through a number of alternative means. Some relied on a trusted supplier, often a friend who sold what they cultivated. Others claimed to just wait on certain friends to offer them a few hits at parties and other social gatherings. 

Then, there was the method that most reminded me of back home: buying from someone with a backpack in the park. Much like in Central, Washington Square and other parks in New York, backpack dealers remain a common – yet slightly risky – recommendation for picking up cannabis. While these folks assuredly do exist, it seems like their heyday has passed as access to legal, fair priced options have grown. 

I attempted to find pot using the backpacker method in a commonly recommended area of Madrid, Parc Retiro. I was prepared with 100 Euros and the understanding that my poor grasp of Spanish would likely net me a higher price point. However, one late afternoon attempt and another early morning walk in the area produced no success. While I saw many families and backpackers, no one seemed keen to offer me any pot. Nor, did anyone give me the look to make me feel like it was worth approaching them.

After two days of making attempts, I was a day away from moving out of Madrid and onto smaller cities where my hopes for hash or marijuana would likely lessen. With worries that I wouldn’t pick up, I turned to a more legal option that I came across in my research: cannabis clubs.

Cannabis clubs have existed in Spain since the early ‘90s, serving as a somewhat legal destination for people to buy and consume their cannabis. These clubs operate as a collective to skirt that law. To do so, cannabis isn’t sold, per se. Instead, buyers give their money to reimburse the club for the allotment of cannabis they take out each visit. It’s exactly the same as a purchase, but it’s not. 

While attempts to punish early founders have been undertaken over the years, the law eventually sided in favor of the businesses. That said, their legal status remains uncertain. Despite its longstanding questionable status, hundreds of clubs exist across the country today, mostly in Madrid and Barcelona. 

That said, you can’t just enter into any ‘ol club and make a purchase. While some people I spoke to said you can with the right amount of persuasion and funds, most recommend getting sponsored as rules stipulate. 

Lurking around outside the club asking someone to recommend you won’t work. I tried once, and all I got was a guy who wouldn’t look at me as he walked away. 

I found sponsorship success by Googling tips, tricks and information about Madrid’s cannabis clubs. Many wrong turns eventually led to success. On my second day in Madrid, I found a website that not only provided in-depth information about clubs. They also sponsored qualified applicants in Madrid and Barcelona. I would link to this site, but they did not confirm their preference to be included in the article. 

The application process was rather simple, though I was concerned about missing any steps, fearing I’d be rejected. The first step included agreeing to a set of rules. Rules stated you must be aged 21 or over, agreeing to only use the purchased cannabis for personal use and consenting to pay a 30-60 Euro one-year membership fee. 

Once I agreed to the terms, I was given an appointment the following day. I went to a nondescript building not too far from Central Madrid. I was told to look for a green storefront with frosted glass and to show up at 9 PM local time. After being buzzed in, the experience resembled what you’d find at a no frills dispensary in many major American locations.

A quick stop in the waiting area led me to the front desk, where I completed my sign up. I didn’t run into any issues, but some hurdles did arise. During my pre-application referral process, I was told by my sponsor that you must provide a residential Spainish address. They said that hostels and hotels would not be allowed. When I got to my sign up, however, I was told that a Madrid address was better to use than the residential address in Toledo that I planned to list. 

Once those small issues were cleared, I paid my 35 Euro membership fee and was led to a nearby sales desk. I was offered six different strains, three sativa-dominant and three indica-dominant strains, all relatively well-known. I opted for three grams of Gorilla Glue at 45 Euros. The flower did the job, but was dry and felt less potent overall. 

Now, here comes a different part that may not suit everyone: Unlike an American or Canadian dispensary, you simply can’t walk out of the store after making a purchase. In fact, rules at the club I was at stated that you must consume all your cannabis on-site. Doing so is considered the only legal way to avoid the police, as on-site consumption falls into one of the country’s legal loopholes. 

If you choose to carry your purchases out, you risk facing the consequences for possession. Some recommend putting your pot in your underwear to be safe. That said, you can carry it out with little concern. Just stick to the usual rules of discretion and you should be fine.

Another reason you can’t just leave after a purchase is to maintain appearances in the neighborhood. A steady flow of people smelling like or carrying pot is sure to attract attention. Instead, clubs may have you wait a period before leaving. I was told to remain for at least 30 minutes. The club had a downstairs area for consumption, which included seating, a pool table, music and snacks. 

Before I headed down there, the staff offered me bowls, grinders and papers to borrow while consuming downstairs. I stuck with my dry flower vape. After 45 minutes downstairs, I tucked my excess flower into my crotch and was on my way. 

In all, the purchasing experience was rather easy and painless. Outside of Madrid and Barcelona, that may prove less true. In Toledo, I was contacted on Instagram by a person who lived in Cantabria on Spain’s north coast. They were in Toledo looking to pick up. They reported no luck using the park method. Instead, they only saw police. 

The best advice I could offer them was visiting the CBD shop inside the walled UNESCO World Heritage site. While they didn’t have THC, they had a tolerable CBD-infused red wine. 

The rest of my travels had little to do with cannabis. A few conversations about the plant would buzz by me at times, as would the occasional waft of pot in the air. In the south of Spain, a few stores in and around the Arabic markets sold hemp backpacks with the leaf on the back. But, for the most part, cannabis didn’t come up much. While it was clear that the people consume the plant, it did not seem to be a focal point in anyone’s day or lifestyle. 

Back in the States, I look at the two markets and see much of the same. Approaches to buying are different, but the old ways of illicit sales are both seemingly fading, as are their approaches to dispensary purchasing. 

While public consumption is less obvious in Spain, there is something to be said about the aroma of marijuana as it zips past you on the city streets. In New York, it’s a common occurrence. In Spain, it was a treat. And while Spain’s overall approach to lounges and cafes for everything from Burger King to cannabis do help you slow down and appreciate the day, there is something to be said about New York’s efficient and rapid takeaway system – marijuana or otherwise. You know you can always grab and go in the Big Apple.  

Overall, in my limited, two-week experience in Spain, my main takeaway is that the stuff should be legal. Both countries stand to benefit from it. In Spain, cigarette smoke continues to be an ever-present fixture in public spaces. If they’re going to keep that up, then adding a little pot into the air wouldn’t be so bad, would it? 

Meanwhile, in New York and countless other U.S. cities, you still can’t buy recreational pot without inviting someone to your house or some other potentially dodgy interaction. While the convenience is nice, the experience sometimes may not be. When presented with the two, I think that if I had to stay in a club for 30 or so minutes to buy my stuff from a trusted location, I might rather do that. Especially if there were tapas.

420GrowLife

via www.KahliBuds.com

Andrew Ward, KahliBuds, 420GrowLife

#KahliBuds #MMJ #CBD #THC

On October 22nd, the recently established New York City chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) held its first award ceremony honoring some of the city’s top advocates and companies. Founded in May 2019, the group represents one of the newest entrants to the organization that now boasts over 150 chapters in the U.S. and abroad. New York State has several branches, including Long Island, Hudson Valley and Western New York. 

New York City chapter Deputy Director Ryan Lepore said that the group was born out of a need to further represent New York City in the cannabis community. Lepore explained that, while unified, the New York State cannabis community has slightly differing views and priorities. He said the same of the cannabis community within New York City. The award show was one attempt to solidify all parties further.

“What we want to do is bring together the community that already exists…the community that is pretty unified, but also extremely fragmented,” Lepore said. Such fragmentation can be found on topics like home growing and equitable social measures, among numerous others. The latter is seen as one of the most significant parameters in garnering support for an adult-use bill amongst voters and lawmakers in the state.”  

As Lepore notes, New York City’s chapter represents just one facet of a continually growing NORML. This includes the views of legalized nations, like Canada. In October, NORML Canada launched its post-legalization platform to represent the first-year of adult use cannabis in the country. The anniversary also marked the legalization of cannabis products like concentrates, edibles and topicals, which will hit store shelves in mid to late December. 

NORML Canada’s platform calls for, among other parameters, increased access, civil justice measures and protections against social discrimination. 

In Manhattan, the organization took steps to promote cannabis community involvement in the legalization process. The group partnered with the Cannabis Voters Project for the evening. The partnership allowed attendees to register to vote and contact their legislators. 

Buddy’s Bodega, Higher Standard, Saucey and VIBES Paper sponsored the award show. In addition to branded sponsors, 17 community partners took part, including High NY, the Cannabis Cultural Association and the Last Prisoner Project. NORML chapters from New York and New Jersey also sponsored the event.  

“It was great seeing so many New York cannabis community leaders together in one place, honoring each other’s work,” said High NY Founder Mike Z. 

Buzz for the event resulted in the organizers changing some of its plans not too far before the show. The awards ceremony originally intended to house 120 attendees. However, Lepore reported that demand drove interest up to roughly 200 attendees. The venue, Hudson Terrace, was able to accommodate the occupancy. 

Lepore said that the ceremony modified the evening by turning the event from an entirely sit-down evening to a more casual affair. “It’s a good problem to have,” he said. “It shows us what the potential is of this award series.”

Attendees had to adjust to a little less elbow room, but did receive items from a menu made in collaboration by eight notable chefs in the cannabis and culinary spaces, including “Hawaii” Mike Salman and Twenty Past Four’s Chef Chris Cedeno. 

NORML founding member and attorney Keith Stroup delivered the night’s keynote speech. Stroup, who founded the organization in 1970, was pleased with the crowd. “It was an impressive turnout for the pro-pot community in the city,” Stroup told The Marijuana Times. 

The show also featured performances from comedian Buddha Chief and Baba Israel. Grace Galu of Soul Inscribed performed portions of their musical, Cannabis!, inspired by Martin Lee’s Smoke Signals. 

Israel and Galu would later take home the Artist Activist award for their work on Cannabis!. Lepore explained that the group won the award, in part, for their ability to blend inspiration and education with activism. 

Israel told The Marijuana Times, the award is motivating and uplifting. “I want the show we are creating to be a platform for activism and look forward to working with NYC NORML towards legalization.”

Of the eight award winners, the most notable story may be Saki Fenderson of Tainted Love. The founder of the education platform, which uses products, events and seminars to promote responsible consumption, is not your common cannabis personality. Fenderson, who is allergic to consumption herself, remains convicted to the cause. Such a belief in cannabis and its education helped earn her the award, according to Lepore. 

Tainted Love’s founder noted that winning an award for a cause still being fought was “difficult”. However, Fenderson called the distinction an honor and inspiration. “To recognize those on the front lines not only fuels the fires to carry on but also inspires others to do the same.”

Other award winners included companies like Manhattan CBD retailer Come Back Daily. The store doubles as a meeting and event space for cannabis education and activist events. Hudson Hemp was also recognized for its sustainable quality control efforts. The woman-owned company has been considered pioneers in the field of regenerative hemp growth by some. Additional awards were given out to The Happy Munkey for its work in consumption experiences. 

Individuals were recognized, as well. Michael O’Malley of Curved Papers was given the Champion for Corporate Social Responsibility for his close involvement with NORML. O’Malley’s efforts have included donations to the organization, as well as organizing two of its formal events. Chef Joshua Tepperberg of The Mediblist was given the MVP award for his contributions to NORML events as well. 

Meanwhile, Kassandra Frederique and Melissa Moore of Start Smart NY/Drug Policy Alliance were given the Doug Greene activism award. The two were recognized for their efforts in the tri-state area’s Drug Policy Alliance and Start SMART program, according to Lepore. Greene, a prominent cannabis and animal rights activist in the region, was a fixture at New York City events until his tragic passing in June 2019.

420GrowLife

via www.KahliBuds.com

Andrew Ward, KahliBuds, 420GrowLife

#KahliBuds #MMJ #CBD #THC

Not too long ago, the Northeastern United States was considered the next hotbed of cannabis legalization. The region saw Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont first pass adult-use laws. In and around that time, speculation swirled about the prospects of similar legislation passing in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, among other states in the region. Rumors of the impending legalizations even prompted reluctant lawmakers in New Hampshire and Rhode Island to consider the measure – despite their own convictions. 

Yet, to date, nothing has come to fruition. The Northeast has not seen any significant movement in the bid for adult-use legalization in months. After setbacks in the region, attention shifted to the Midwest, where Michigan and Illinois picked up the charge for such legislation. 

The region now sits at an impasse where many believe a bill will pass but remain uncertain of when. The issue is further compacted by the looming fears stemming from the vaping crisis that saw thousands of cases of lung injury from a yet-to-be-concluded element in vapes and e-cigarettes.

To combat the issue, governors from the Northeast convened on October 17, 2019 to align their views on cannabis legislation and the vaping matter. Joining governors Ned Lamont (Connecticut), Phil Murphy (New Jersey), Andrew Cuomo (New York) and Tom Wolf (Pennsylvania) were representatives from Colorado and Massachusetts. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo was not in attendance, but did send aides. 

The all-Democrat meeting saw the state leaders agreeing to key parameters around regulation, social equity, taxes and other measures. The summit’s resolutions were billed as a “set of core principles” in a press release announcing the meeting. 

Key agreements include establishing a tax structure focused on benefiting communities most impacted by the war on drugs. Among its parameters, key goals include supporting the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act as well as prioritizing small and diverse business participation in the space. 

The summit also focused on public safety, health and enforcement. Packaging and advertising were also discussed, with an agreement reached to prohibit vape and cannabis products aimed at youth. A deal to create programming and public health campaigns geared at young people was also agreed upon. A limit on flavored products nicotine and cannabis products was mentioned as well, but not elaborated on.

The resolution acknowledged the limitations law enforcement faces. The press release cited a lack of reliable field tests for cannabis impairment. It mentioned Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) and lab blood tests as viable ways to determine if a person is intoxicated. However, no standard method exists at this time. 

As such, each state agreed to several measures to improve cannabis impairment assessment. They include having a uniform treatment of DRE evidence. A uniform standard for both saliva and blood tests, which applies to lab and roadside tests when available, was reached. The states agreed to share information on enforcement tactics as well as information on suspected “bad actors” in the legalized space.

All of the states acknowledged concern for youth consumption, vaping and the recent wave of lung injuries.

As of November 5, 2019, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) recorded 2,051 cases of lung injury, affecting every state but Alaska. While unsure of the exact cause, the damage does stem from e-cigarettes and vaping. Most of the reported cases have occurred in Texas, California and Illinois. That said, much of the eastern portion of the country was affected as well. Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey had between 50 and 90 cases each. Connecticut experienced between 10 and 49 cases. 

The summit led to agreements on vape product safety standards, which applies to cannabis, nicotine and other cannabinoid products. Measures will also be implemented for cutting agents and other additives. Regulation around temperature controls on devices was also discussed, as was increasing enforcement of sales to people under 21 years old. 

Andrew Glassman is a member of the law firm Pullman and Comley, where he practices in New York and Connecticut. His firm represents several cannabis businesses in Connecticut. Glassman noted hurdles each state will have to clear as resolutions turn to regulation. He mentioned differences, such as New York’s current ban on smokable flower while Connecticut bans edibles that resemble candy. 

Glassman noted that the state’s differences may influence the governors to act on legislation. He cited Gov. Lamont’s willingness to advance cannabis legislation playing a possible role in influencing Gov. Cuomo, who had a long history of opposition until recent years. He did not say if the same could be said for Pennsylvania’s Wolf, who first voiced support for the measure in September and New Jersey’s proponent Governor Murphy. 

Despite the hurdles, Glassman commends the efforts made so far. “As we have already seen with Massachusetts…consumers in this region will readily cross state lines to purchase cannabis products despite laws prohibiting them from doing so. This means that some level of coordinated regulation makes great sense.”

Andrew Freedman is the co-founder of Freedman and Koski. He is also a partner with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP), a research firm in the health and behavioral health space. Freedman and AHP have worked with Maine on its rules and policy implementation. The legal expert called the summit “historic,” commending its efforts to shape cannabis policy in the region. “This wasn’t a publicity event to stake out positions of legalization for political gains; it was a policy event to think through the complexities of legalization and how best to move forward,” Freedman stated. 

Another pressing topic, social equity and justice reform, was also a focus of the summit. The states won’t have to align on social equity policy, per se, according to Pullman and Comley’s Glassman. However, he said learning from one another may help shape legislation around complex issues like record expungement. 

In all, the first cannabis and vaping summit left some with hope for additional cannabis progress in the region. While much is to be figured out, the meeting appears to lay the groundwork for what could eventually become a more regulated, legal cannabis industry in the Northeast. 

So far, Glassman is encouraged by the progress and its impact on social equity. “There seems to be general agreement among them that it’s important to use this transitional moment to right the historical wrong of the communities of color disproportionately affected by previous cannabis enforcement policies.”

If executed properly, more regions of the country could follow suit with such summits. Though, that is purely speculation at this time. 

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For many New York cannabis businesses operating in the illicit or gray market, preparing to go mainstream is essential. Some have made the move and are ready to share their wisdom. For those who haven’t, preparing during the lead up to the state’s eventual adult-use legalization could prove critical to securing a place in the one-day legal market. 

However, making the transition has its series of difficulties. 

New York State currently allows a select few options for cannabis business licenses. Ancillary businesses that don’t directly touch the plant are popular due to their ability to replicate virtually any other market without risk of violating the law. As such, these ventures often require little to no additional licensing, acting as any other legal business would. 

Companies like head shops and manufacturers are also seeing opportunity to a lesser degree. When it comes to the plant itself, though, the closest most companies can currently come to touching it is CBD. Under regulations, CBD cultivators and retailers can sell products, provided that they contain less than .3% THC. 

The only businesses allowed to touch THC-rich plants are the few vertically-integrated license holders granted by the state. New York officials began its program granting five licenses to companies, giving them the opportunity to open four dispensaries and one manufacturing location across New York. 

As program interest grew, parts of the state further suffered from lack of access to a dispensary. The state granted five additional licenses under the same four-dispensary, one manufacturing location arrangement to meet the demand. 

A limit on licenses is just one hurdle. The history of high entry costs have been a constant concern as well.

Estimates suggest that the price of entry for vertically-integrated licenses were between $15 and $30 million, according to various sources. The high price point to enter the space, if it were to open again any time, includes various fees and start-up costs. According to the state Department of Health, fees include a non-refundable $10,000 application, a $200,000 refundable payment to the state and the ability to prove a company can open the five mentioned locations. 

With limited access and a significant financial hurdle to clear, many deemed the venture impossible. Under adult-use legalization, however, access could expand greatly. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s so far failed adult-use legalization bill came at the expense of many promising outcomes. Criminal justice reform took the spotlight, and deservedly so. The shortcoming to pass the bill and overhaul a broken justice system, which includes scores of non-violent cannabis offenders, sparked the state to pass decriminalization measures as a momentary plan B for New Yorkers. 

If passed, the Governor’s Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act would further address criminal justice efforts in the state, emphasizing penal justice and criminal procedure reform. 

Under the bill, entrepreneurs would also see expanded opportunities. The proposed Cuomo bill calls for licenses allowing cultivation, processing, distribution and sales of cannabis to people 21 or older. Licenses would expand to resemble those of other legalized adult-use markets. 

A plethora of business opportunities eventually will exist for companies, such as cannabis transportation, co-operatives, processing and just about every other venture imaginable. One area not likely to have been included in the bill was social consumption, an ongoing topic of discussion in cannabis as of late. 

Some entrepreneurs have already been able to pivot their illicit efforts into the mainstream. Often, this includes growers and cultivators. Adrian Edwards is the founder of Life Gardening Tools, a CBD venture that also focuses on urban gardening and bee advocacy. The company supports ethical beekeeping in Brooklyn, Staten Island and New Jersey in addition to selling an array of products from CBD oil, edibles, accessories and pre-rolled options it calls Hempette’s. 

The now legal CBD grower, extractor and retailer has over a decade of experience in the grey/white market. Most of his time has been in the illicit market, despite always seeking to enter the legal side of the market. 

Edwards, a black man, said he spent much of his time in the illicit market, often referred to as the black market, positing the inherent inequality of the growing legal, or white, market. To date, the industry continues to be largely caucasian-owned after decades of disproportionate policing during the drug war. Such policing continues to be an issue across the country. 

In the summer of 2018, Edwards saw a white-owned hemp store in the city. The revelation inspired him to go legal himself. “I realized if I didn’t get in now, then there was going to nothing but white-owned hemp and THC dispensaries while black people are still arrested and affected by the selective war on drugs,” Edwards explained.

When he wanted to make the transition, he did so with insights from leaders in the community, like Rep. Tremaine Wright, the representative for New York State Assembly District 56, representing the Bedford-Stuyvesant district of Brooklyn. 

Edwards attended a cannabis 101 event Rep. Wright hosted, which educated the community about CBD and its products. Rep. Wright passed on worthwhile advice to Edwards. “She told me to focus on advocacy and education in order to empower the folks who have been barred from benefiting from the cannabis industry,” said Edwards. 

He added, “Local politicians are doing their best to protect and heal their communities from the war on drugs.”

Edwards also credits Gia Morón, Executive Vice President of Women Grow, for teaching him “the importance of long-term thinking, patience, education and being an advocate.” He said Women Grow welcomed him with open arms, allowing him to be a representative for the black male community in the space. 

Going legal led Edwards to spend his time growing numerous revenue streams, including exclusive events and in-store sales. He also had to step out of his community to advance his network and funding. 

“When I first started, people in the African American community really didn’t know or care about hemp CBD. So, initially, I had to go to areas with the people who knew about CBD and had the money to pay for it.” He credits efforts like Rep. Wright’s for bridging this gap.

A year later, Edwards is fully mainstream and licensed. He considers the money, time and effort all worth it. He continues to network and market Life Gardening Tools today, and believes he has a business that can easily translate to an adult-use market if and when New York should legalize. 

He recommends others in the illicit market do the same. 

Transitioning from an illicit venture to a fully licensed one varies for businesses. Avis Bulbulyan is CEO of SIVA, a nationally cannabis consulting firm. Bulbulyan has over 12 years of experience in various cannabis sectors, including the Los Angeles’ Cannabis Task Force . He explained how market, sector, available resources and their commitment to the bigger picture all play a part. He noted a company should expect downtime during the transition. The cease in operation causes a loss in revenue. The downtime can last anywhere from a month to a year. 

“Most illicit operators can’t survive this part of the transition because of a lack of planning, short-sightedness in giving up immediate untaxed revenues for long-term growth and success,” he noted. 

He noted that New York’s current market is even more difficult due to the restriction on available licenses. “If you’re an operator in New York planning to stay in the industry, your best bet is to probably relocate to a different state.”

Bulbulyan agreed the financial hurdle is an issue, but is not the only one causing problems for possible entrepreneurs. He elaborated on what he considers a larger issue under current regulations, licensing. 

“What makes the state difficult is the nature of the licensing process, and the approach regulators take. New York has an extremely restrictive program with limited licenses issued. Being the best grower in the state would have nothing to do with securing a license.”

With scores of hurdles affecting New York and other illicit American cannabis ventures, it is unknown how many will successfully transition as the new cannabis normal sets in across the country. Hopefully, their hard work and sweat equity won’t be lost in the change.

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Job applicants who use cannabis in New York City and Nevada can breathe easier over recent legislation protecting their right to consume.

This past spring, New York City took a progressive step forward when it enacted a law prohibiting most employers from screening applicants for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The measure was adopted May 10, 2019, and goes into law one year from that date. 

Nevada followed suit the next month. The first of its kind statewide ban on pre-employment THC testing comes two years after Nevada passed adult-use legalization. Like New York City, the bill will go into effect one year after its enactment.

Some would consider adding Maine to the list as well. The state’s adult-use laws essentially ban the practice. Under Maine state regulations, companies are prohibited from turning away applicants or firing employees for a positive cannabis test. 

Both bills mark significant steps in cannabis rights and workplace acceptance. No longer can applicants or recent hires be subjected to screenings for substances that are entirely legalized or decriminalized. 

The law does come with stipulations that applicants need to be aware of. Joe McNelis, an associate at the labor and employment law practice Fox Rothschild, pointed out that only job applicants are affected by the law. “This law does not affect current employees, and specifically states that it applies to ‘prospective employees.’” 

Both New York City and Nevada excluded several careers from the impending ban as well. Nevada made exemptions for public safety positions and other roles that require federal drug testing. In the five boroughs, such exemptions include law enforcement, construction and maintenance jobs. Others, such as roles requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or caring for children or medical patients, are also excluded. 

Other jobs could still be eligible for drug screening, according to McNelis. He singled out a “catch-all provision” in New York City’s law. Per the regulations, the provision can include any roles that can have a significant impact on employees or the public. These exceptions will be determined by the city’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services. 

McNelis went on to list other possible exceptions under the law. They include:

• Transportation roles which require drug testing under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. 
• Roles requiring pre-employment federal drug testing 
• Pre-employment drug testing required by an employer for federal financial assistance
• Any drug tests required by prospective employees under any other federal statute or regulation for the purpose of safety or security
• Prospective employees required to undergo pre-employment screenings per a collective bargaining agreement

The decisions by New York City and Nevada have been met with praise by those we spoke to. Katie Ziskind is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She said, “Marijuana is something that so many Americans use now, that it is essentially pointless to not hire someone because they come up positive.” 

Labor and employment attorney Jonathan Bell cited cannabis’ growing acceptance for the change in city law. He compared cannabis to a legal, yet addictive substance to push back on pre-employment screenings. “New York City employers do not test prospective employees for alcohol use, so marijuana should not be treated any differently.”

Tonisha “Dr. Toni” Pinckney, Ph.D. is the owner of the risk, crisis and strategy firm Revelatus Specialized Accounting & Consulting, LLC. Dr. Toni has over 15 years of experience working with low-income, disabled and veteran populations. Her work extends to victims and offenders in the criminal justice system. She believes the opportunity applicants get to grow and advance themselves is the most significant benefit to come from the law. 

She believes removing drug screenings helps employ people hoping to re-enter the workforce after prison. “By removing the testing, a person can more easily return to the workforce, enabling them to reduce the gap between social goals and the means to achieve those goals.”

Once employed, Dr. Toni says the benefits of stable work should start to come to light in significant ways. “A stable job is a step toward many forms of recovery, be it an addiction, financial, or mental health.”

Employers in New York City and Nevada have some time to prepare for the change. Though, they will not need to make much of an effort to adapt. 

Rahool Patel, Esq. leads the cannabis practice at New Jersey’s Ansell Grimm & Aaron. Patel suggested companies consult with an attorney to ensure company policies and procedures are compliant for when the new law takes effect. Patel said, “As legal requirements are constantly changing, it is important you stay up-to-date because something permitted two years ago may no longer be allowed.”

Companies across the country may not wait for their states to pass similar measures. While cannabis may be part of their decision making, hiring talent for particular roles may be the top concern for companies. Human resources software company Zenefits wrote that “many employers across the nation are dropping or rethinking pre-employment drug testing because they don’t want to eliminate candidates for hard to fill jobs.”

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Rosie Mattio is an influential figure, whether she’s in the home or at the office…or whatever other location her job takes her on any given day. 

The founder of public relations consulting firm MATTIO Communications has worked with some of the top companies in and out of cannabis to help shape their brand. Just a few names include Canndescent, Vangst, NYC-based LeafLink, Springbig and Harborside. 

She’s also done it all while raising a family of four kids with her husband, Daniel – and no nanny. 

In 2005, Mattio moved to Chicago to launch her own firm after leaving New York’s Alison Brod, where she was an account executive. With a background in specialty food and one client, Popcorn Indiana, Mattio began her endeavor.

In time, she would add tech to her covered industries when Daniel opened a tech firm. In 2014, the family moved to Seattle for a job opportunity. 

Calling the move “serendipitous”, Mattio would find cannabis to be the next industry she expanded into. She discovered the opportunity after she was tasked with the launch of a cannabis cookbook. It was there Mattio realized that her PR experience could benefit the cannabis space. 

“Once I got this idea in my head, I started going to networking events in Seattle and cannabis tech meetups,” Mattio explained. The firm would add Seattle-based cannabis data intelligence company Headset as one of its next clients. The company has grown rather steadily in the years since, picking up several accolades along the way. They include obtaining the first cannabis articles written in Vogue Magazine and Oprah.

Discussing the placements, Mattio said, “We feel like we played a really small part in bringing this plant that has been demonized for so many years to a really mainstream media and helping brand it as something that’s acceptable and can be something that’s fashionable. That’s been really great.”

The growth of MATTIO Communications coupled with a new job opportunity for her husband lead to a move back to her home, New York City. The Bronx-raised, Manhattan-educated Mattio found several benefits to moving back East. She said that despite most of her clients being based in the legalized areas of the western U.S., the media they dealt with were based in New York City. 

The support of nearby family members proved just as beneficial. “I was able to really grow my business because I had the support of my family, who is all New York-based, to help me with my kids.” Mattio added, “And now we’re a New York-centered agency.”

In addition to helping grow the family and her business, Rosie also took the return home to reach a long-time fitness goal and complete the 2015 New York Marathon. Growing up with a father who has completed 18 marathons to date, and watching it live each November, she calls the achievement a “highlight of her life”. 

The highlights continue at the office today. MATTIO Communications boasts over 35 clients and 15 employees working out of the company’s Midtown Manhattan office, which it recently moved into. In April, the company announced that it had closed its seed investment fund. Investors included PhytoPartners and New York-based venture capitalist Alan Patricoff.

While growing the business, Mattio is also tasked with raising her four daughters, all between the ages of five and 10 years old. The children are aware of the industry mom works in, sort of. Last year, her nine-year-old said her mom works in “that thing you paint on”, (AKA a “canvas”).

One thing all four girls are certain of is that they have a working mom. In their New Jersey neighborhood, that isn’t always the case. Despite heading a PR firm, Mattio’s routine includes time for her kids each day. She said her routine consists of a 4:30 gym session with school drop-offs and pick-ups bookending the work day. 

The family’s living dynamic took a bit of a positive twist in the summer of 2019. After years of following her husband’s entrepreneurial aspirations, Daniel decided to stay at home with the girls so Rosie could focus on growing MATTIO Communications. 

“It’s been pretty cool that my daughters have grown up in an age where we have these roles where dad can be home with the kids, mom can be out there growing her business, and it being a cannabis business, and that’s totally our normal,” Mattio remarked. 

The combined entrepreneurial spirits of the Mattios contrast with the typical backdrop of stay-at-home moms of their community. In doing so, that contrast provides their children with the knowledge that they can have a thriving career of their own. 

One of Mattio’s favorite times is when the girls come to the office. “I have this pretty busy and vibrant career, but I have my own business. My daughters come into the office,” she proudly said. The mom and entrepreneur added the girls love coming in and hugging the staff. “I feel grateful that I’m able to show [my daughters] my world.” 

In New York, Mattio gets to hear her daughters in the office, as well as the buzz in the cannabis space. As the market progresses, Mattio is excited to see the growing New York media and investment communities. 

“[The public] were not talking about cannabis five years ago when I launched this company at all. So that’s been great.” She added, “It’s blossoming out here.”

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The political divide between New York City and upstate New York is definitely real – even if there is a debate about what really is considered “upstate”. That said, was that why adult-use cannabis legislation failed to pass this past session? 

The friction between the more liberal and conservative sides of the state can be found in numerous examples and attempts at legislation. However, while cannabis views do certainly differ, the opposition to cannabis extended into New York City’s region while crossing across the aisle as well. 

The Divide Between City and Upstate

When it comes to politics and ways of life, the two often rival. “Upstate and downstate are basically different countries in terms of culture and politics,” said entrepreneur and activist Evan Nison. Often, it is assumed that the area in and around New York City is liberal while the rest of the state is conservative. However, it should be noted that some liberal cities and areas do exist north of the city – and vice-versa.  

Nison said that despite there being more registered Democrats than Republicans in all of New York State – at around two voters to one – large parts of the state north of New York City are heavily conservative.

“This is both why the Republicans have succeeded for so long in gerrymandering control of the Senate, and also why it can be difficult for Democrats to win in some Upstate districts,” Nison added.

The fighting between the two parties could shift soon enough. In 2014, New York voters approved a bipartisan commision to redistrict congressional and legislative regions. The commission is set to take effect in 2020. 

Re-shaping the districts wasn’t far enough for one lawmaker. This past winter, Republican state Sen. Daphne Jordan suggested looking into splitting the state. The first year lawmaker representing Columbia county and parts of Saratoga, Rensselaer and Washington counties said, “There’s all kinds of things being passed (in Albany) that aren’t necessarily of Upstate interest.” 

Jordan is the latest to propose such an idea that didn’t gain much traction. Richard Azzopardi, a spokesperson for Governor Andrew Cuomo, a centrist-leaning Democrat, called the effort “the Godzilla of pandering.”

What About Cannabis?

The contrasting views between conservatives and liberals runs deep, just like in most states. While cannabis is part of the discussion, it is far from what divides the parties. 

While marijuana was a significant discussion this past session, it was not the only topic at hand. Other significant recent debates in the state legislature have centered on a variety of issues, including transportation and the statute of limitations on laws and gun control, to name a few. Since Democrats have taken over in the past election cycle, they have targeted New York City’s infrastructure, reproductive health care rights and criminal justice reform, among others.

A key issue is tax revenue. In 2018, state Budget Director Robert Mujica said 70% of New York’s income came from New York City and three additional counties surrounding it: Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk. PolitiFact found the statement to be true, though the actual number was between 66 percent and 82 percent. This is one likely reason many conservatives would not support measures to split up the state. 

When it comes to cannabis, Cuomo himself represents a bit of a pan-New York perspective. Despite being raised in Queens, Cuomo long-held a more conservative approach to pot. Until he was primaried by progressive Cynthia Nixon in 2018, Cuomo had been on the record calling cannabis a gateway drug of sorts. 

Cuomo, under pressure from Nixon’s long-shot primary and growing voter support for cannabis, has since relented and supports legalization, or at least criminal justice reform. 

Upstate New York is not unified in opposition to marijuana, either. Nick, a 30-something Brooklyn resident grew up in Upstate New York near the Montreal border in Saratoga. He explained that his liberal hometown represented a pocket of support for cannabis. “But outside of it is really red. So, a lot of anti[-cannabis],” he said.

The sentiment in his area may be misplaced, according to Nick. “I really think it’s because  heroin is more of an issue so they blame weed as a gateway…[Heroin is] always all over the local news up there. I knew a few guys who OD’ed.” 

While Upstate had its fair share of conservative dissention to the measure, New York City area Democrats are also credited with killing the bill. They include nine lawmakers from Queens, Brooklyn, Westchester and Long Island. Those that gave responses for their opposition boiled down to pressure from schools and police while citing a lack of readiness for legalization. 

Meanwhile, a May 2019 survey from Democrat & Chronicle found that six counties would not allow cannabis sales. Columbia, Chemung, Nassau, Putnam, Suffolk and Rockland each said they would not, while New York City’s five counties pledged to participate. 

What Really Killed the Bill?

Upstate versus city fighting certainly does not help get bills passed regarding cannabis or anything else. And while it may have played a part in the bill failing, other factors seem to be the true death nail for this year’s measure. 

The official stance is that the bill “ran out of time”. Though true, the bill ran out of time due to a number of issues – mostly within the ruling party. 

Democrat opposition as well as lawmakers’ failure to include adequate social justice parameters were huge factors. Such failures prompted certain black lawmakers to withhold support. Coupled with Democrats in more conservative swing state districts fearing re-election, and it becomes much clearer how a seemingly can’t-miss bill does exactly that. 

Instead of adult-use legalization, New York has since passed a decriminalization bill to address criminal justice measures for the time being. 

That said, Nison believes public support should compel lawmakers across the aisle to support the measure. 

“This is one of the few political issues being discussed right now that is supported in a bi-partisan way among the vast majority of Americans and New Yorkers. Politicians should know that their constituents want them to get this done whether your district is Upstate or downstate, Republican or Democrat.”

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Scores of adult-use marijuana enthusiasts from surrounding states have flocked to Massachusetts since the state began legal sales in November of 2018. This includes many New Yorkers who have turned to their eastern neighbor to find legal cannabis after the Empire State failed to pass its own legislation. 

The result has left states wondering when it should legalize cannabis, and what is the impact of not doing so. While other states mull next steps, one thing is clear: Massachusetts is generating a great deal of revenue from neighbors wanting to get their hands on legal adult-use marijuana. 

The Cause

People want to buy legal cannabis that they can trust. Even if a person has to go to Massachusetts to get it, they will. Caps on quantity and sales taxes be damned, people want to buy from a source that is legally certified. After years of being sold mislabeled products from a variety of dealers and illicit options, people will go the distance, literally, to get their hands on trusted cannabis products. 

In Massachusetts, adults 21 and over can buy up to an ounce of marijuana, according to state law. If purchasing the maximum quantity, New York residents would not only have to worry about transporting cannabis across state lines – a federal offense – but also state law that allows for possession of up to 25 grams. The risks aren’t as much of a concern these days, though. New York police often opt against pressing charges for cannabis possession under a certain amount.

With risks in decline, consumers have another reason to make the trip. This writer’s own friends made the roughly three-hour trip from the Northern New Jersey to Pittsfield to buy cannabis and CBD products from the dispensary Berkshire Roots. 

They chose to go through three states to buy cannabis that was slightly overpriced rather than going through an illicit local option. In selecting the long trip, they were able to obtain a strain that provided relaxation and physical relief confidently. With a local option, the reliability of the product’s labeling can make the reduced cost not as much of an alluring prospect.

Massachusetts could also find an increase in out-of-state visitors if the state moves forward with plans for marijuana cafes. With in-state residents saying they are not legally allowed to consume in many rented properties, the demand for cafes could satisfy local needs. At the same time, it could provide New Yorkers and others another reason to make the drive.  

The Effect

One of the more publicized dispensaries in Massachusetts is Theory Wellness in Great Barrington, a town just 15 minutes from the New York border. In five months of business, Theory racked up $11 million in sales. CEO Brandon Pollock said the company generated 1,000 customers each day, with half of the business coming from carpooling New Yorkers. 

While New York has earned much of the attention, Pollock noted that license plates from Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and others are also often present. 

Leland Radovanovic, Senior Strategist at Powerplant Global Strategies, expanded on the access many New Yorkers have to their neighbors’ legal cannabis market.  

“The reality is that two million people live in the Hudson Valley and that New York State is ranked number one in emigration rates. Which means that ten percent of New Yorkers have a relatively short drive to buy legal adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts.” 

Theory’s owners told Crain’s that 25% of the 50,000 customers Theory saw in the early months came from the New York City metro area.

Radovanovic added that consumers, as well as entrepreneurs, are happy to make the leap over to a friendlier market, with business not returning once it has gotten its pot. Discussing the collective damage, Radovanovic said, “Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of all tax revenue will be lost to Massachusetts if [New York] doesn’t make legalizing cannabis a high legislative priority.” 

PrestoDoctor Business Operations Manager Ryan Lepore has worked in the cannabis space and New York State legislature. The ongoing flocking to Massachusetts shows why steering clear of adult-use sales is not the way to go. 

“[It] shows us that prohibition or opting-out does not stop consumers from consuming, or cannabis use from existing – it rather causes users to go to exorbitant lengths to break more laws, or support illicit markets, and spend their money outside of a local business or economy,” said Lepore.

How Will Neighboring States Respond?

Theory and other first-to-market dispensaries have already seen their swell of business dwindle thanks to additional dispensaries opening in Massachusetts. However, businesses are still experiencing the benefits of being the only state in the area to legalize sales. 

When New Jersey began to appear as the next state to legalize in the past year or so, New York’s cannabis community was abuzz at events. Conversations on how being sandwiched between two legal states would finally force New York to legalize adult-use were quite common. 

In a previous article, founding partner at Sichenzia Ross Ference and adjunct professor at Hofstra School of Law, Marc Ross added that tax revenue is just part of the concern. Public health can’t be lost in the conversation. Ross explained that states seeing citizens drive to Massachusetts find themselves at risk of increasing driving under the influence instances. 

Recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont went fishing and discussed legalization. 

“We talked about policy issues like the marijuana issue, which is obviously also relevant to contiguous states,” Cuomo said at a post-trip press conference. “What Connecticut does on marijuana is relevant to New York, what New York does is relevant to Connecticut so we talked about that and a lot of issues.” Cuomo added, “We had fun.”

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Those of us fortunate enough to have a supporting family understand the benefits it can provide. That love, care, support and advice can help take kids and their ideas and transform them into complex people capable of taking on the world. Often, the credit goes to parents, siblings and grandparents. However, others often deserve the credit as well. For Shellise Rogers, MBA and TiYanna Long, MPA they credit their aunts – or aunties, to be exact – who helped do just that. 

Today, the duo are a bicoastal team taking that familial approach when handling their clients’ goals as ‘Ya Business Aunties. Long explained the importance of an auntie.

“They weren’t our mothers. They weren’t hovering over us being a mother. They were Auntie. They were there when we need it…they were always just a phone call away.”

Rogers is a New York-based multi-hyphenate entrepreneur and activist with a focus on the intersection where cannabis, spirituality and mental health meet. Long is a New York and Bay Area co-resident with focuses ranging from business strategy to real estate. 

The two bring diverse insights to their clients, with Rogers holding a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and an MBA, just to name a few of her degrees. Long has a few herself, including a Master’s of Public Administration from New York University.  

The two are active in their own projects as well, with Rogers heading up her own faith-based strategy agency, Sistah Rogers. The company lists affiliations with the Minority Cannabis Business Association, the New York chapter of NORML and several others. Long is the founder of Medisi Ventures, a social impact venture aimed at re-imaging various aspects of the industry. Some of Medisi’s partners include the New Jersey Cannabis Commission and NYU Wagner.  

The duo’s insights and efforts have landed them notable media coverage and speaking engagements as well. They include speaking at events like What’s Next in Tech’s careers in technology as well as serving as panelists for the National Black Chamber of Commerce Conference. They are also prominent on podcasts, as features on Young Money, Cash Color Cannabis and In The Know 420, to name a few.

The two met through networking at various cannabis events. From there, the two would decide to meet up for work sessions in their living rooms. A whiteboard full of ideas soon came to fruition, which continues to serve as the duo’s action plan today.

‘Ya Business Aunties would eventually launch Synergy Sesh. The venture would serve as the vehicle for Keep ‘Ya Network Poppin’, a series of events and information sessions that strive for positive social impact, upward mobility and connecting others like Long and Rogers did themselves. Events bring out a mix of established professionals from government, staffing, financial services and real estate. Events have been held in the ladies’ home areas while also extending to New Orleans and Washington, D.C. 

The sessions are catered to small audiences, maxing out at 30 people to ensure people can connect with one another. To further build the connection, the sessions tap into the local market. “We won’t just like, bring entrepreneurs from all of these other markets into this space,” explained Long, “That doesn’t do exactly what we asked it to do. It gives great examples of what’s going on elsewhere, but we also need heavy representation of what is local so that it resonates.”

Rogers discussed the power of connecting local residents with entrepreneurs in their area. “Just to see when people truly engage and take advantage of the opportunities and resources that we’re providing them. All it takes is that action.” She added, “That’s the beautiful part of being a business auntie…seeing the results.”

Long mentioned another success story of a local Washington, D.C. attendee who was able to win a Levo oil machine at a giveaway. She discussed the importance of working with major brands like Levo and the benefit it can have for attendees. “To have a native D.C. grower utilize this product…to further her business and then be able to make oils easier out of the flower that she herself is growing…that’s amazing.”

Even with a growing brand and their own ventures to manage, Long and Rogers made it seem as if working bi-coastal and away from each other was not much of an issue. “We both have a lot going on currently, and that’s going to be a forever thing. But, creating great relationships is also a part of what Synergy Sesh hopes to really be an example of how two people, two women can come together who didn’t know each other and collaborate on a company that is successful.”

The success the two create will hopefully serve as inspiration as well, Long said. “That’s something that we want to resonate throughout the cannabis industry as well, especially in communities of color. It’s recognizing the benefit of collaboration and also how to find those great people to collaborate with.”

When asked about their favorite parts of being in the cannabis space, Rogers touched on the connections made. “I think it’s the people, the social consciousness, mindfulness around people and the ability to meet your tribe. I feel like there have been so many people that I never thought I would really relate to.” 

Long built off of Roger’s point, adding “It’s exciting to share information with them that we’re constantly learning.” She elaborated, “And as we’re always connecting with new people and building relationships, it’s always great when I hear that they’ve got a lot of new information from us.” 

420GrowLife

via www.KahliBuds.com

Andrew Ward, KahliBuds, 420GrowLife

#KahliBuds #MMJ #CBD #THC

Certain people serve as beacons of information in industries. Fewer also serve as beacons of action in the industry. Ryan Lepore is as an example of the two coming together. 

In both capacities, Lepore consistently demonstrates these traits without effort. His passion for the industry and policymaking are abundantly clear. To call his frequent rushes of information a flood would be inaccurate. A deluge would be more fitting. Such is the case of Lepore and others that care that much about the future of cannabis in America. 

Full disclosure: I met Ryan through networking in New York City’s thriving group of passionate industry professionals. He also helped get me a job writing for the company for which he is currently the Business Operations Manager, PrestoDoctor. They would be one of my clients for some months. 

His presence can be seen at various events in New York City. Often, he will pose questions to guest speakers or snap along in support of issues he is passionate about. Some areas of his interest include equitable measures, sustainable product production and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, just to name a few. 

Lepore’s cannabis journey began at an early age, somewhere between 14 and 16, he wasn’t quite sure when we spoke. He mentioned smoking rather copious amounts of marijuana at the time. 

While Lepore is aware of early age use concerns, he credits his early start, in part, in helping to build his base of knowledge for the plant. “It allowed me to think outside of the box,” he explained. Lepore pointed out that a person’s usage should not stereotype them as a failure. “There are so many people that are successful that use cannabis all the time that, even in their teens, that have been successful…it’s all based on the person.”

He also dabbled in selling to friends in high school. The activity would continue into his freshman year of college at SUNY Albany. That would change when he was arrested for possession. The process would open his eyes to the imbalance in the criminal justice system. The half-white, half-Asian Lepore said, “It really showed me that disparity is the way people are treated with cannabis.”

After being cleared, Lepore’s priority was remaining in school to continue his degree in Communication Sociology. After entering into a program for offenders, Lepore was able to stay in school under certain conditions. 

The rest of his time in college would further serve as a catalyst to make cannabis part of his career. Some searching and going down conspiracy rabbit holes one day led to Lepore discovering that the government had a patent on medical cannabis, including CBD treatments. 

He explained how he felt, “The fact that there’s one side of the government saying that there is no medical benefits for cannabis, and then the other side of the government is saying that there is, owning the patent…that’s so fucking wrong.”

Skepticism in the government would be coupled with grave health concerns for both his aunt and uncle that began between his high school and college years. While many interests serve as drivers for entering into cannabis, Lepore said that his uncle’s cancer diagnosis served as the most significant catalyst.

Lepore also credits Rick Simpson Oil for inspiring him, albeit through a negative experience. His pain could be felt when describing the miseducation people in need, like Lepore’s uncle, have had about medical marijuana. “He never even knew that this is something that could’ve helped him dramatically.”

These motivations would create a college experience where Lepore would be quite vocal and known around campus. A political internship his senior year allowed Lepore to turn his concerns into even more action. He credits the experience with changing his life. He explained the lasting experience he felt in the role. 

“I started to see how local government works, statewide government. I started seeing how a lot of the issues we have are actually a lack of people actually participating in the system that we currently have.” 

He added that this lack of citizen action is part of what keeps lobbyists and corporate interests persisting. He recalled an experience when an organized group created change in the office he worked at. “Hundreds of people to call us about [an issue]…I couldn’t do my job because we were getting so many calls to do it.” He explained, “It showed me if people participate in these things, you can make a change.”

Lepore would go on to work in the New York State Assembly, first as a Community Liaison in Mount Kisco, and then a brief stint as the District Office Director for Assemblyman David Buchwald. He recalls being on the floor of the state legislature in the early morning hours as medical cannabis was passed. 

After politics, Lepore found himself working in the account management, advertising and marketing world. He even considered moving out to Colorado to get into the flourishing legal cannabis industry. However, he figured that New York State would become a hub for the market and opted to stay in-state. 

LinkedIn would bring Lepore back to cannabis with a job at the telemedicine company PrestoDoctor, where he has helped the company weather the storms cannabis startups face. For an information sponge like Lepore, the job has been ideal.

“I get to understand what’s going on in Nevada. I get to understand what’s going on in New York and look at other programs. It puts me in a good perspective of being comparative of what’s working and what’s not.”

Lepore’s passion and drive for developing a fair and equitable cannabis industry have also led him back to advocacy. He has been integral in developing NORML’s New York City chapter, where he serves as Deputy Director. In doing so, Lepore is able to speak to the cannabis concerns of the state’s most populous city while providing insight from the upstate perspective as well.    

Looking back, Lepore has no regrets on choosing to stay in New York over pursuing green rush gold out west. “If you’re [in New York City], you’re potentially at an epicenter of what the whole industry is going to look like.”

420GrowLife

via www.KahliBuds.com

Andrew Ward, KahliBuds, 420GrowLife