The “Gateway Drug” Myth: It’s Time to Deschedule Weed

I remember growing up with D.A.R.E. programs and “Just Say No” commercials. These messages were everywhere, constantly warning us about the dangers of drugs. At the center of it all was weed. Marijuana was painted as the ultimate “gateway drug,” the thing that would lead you from puffing a joint to spiraling into a life […]

The Science Behind Cannabis Emulsions

Cannabis-infused beverages are popping up everywhere, delivering that smooth, consistent experience we’ve come to expect. A while back, a subscriber asked a great question that got me thinking: “How do these drinks actually work? What keeps the cannabis evenly spread in the liquid?” The answer lies in a little science trick called emulsions. Emulsions let […]

From Passion to PR

Michael Mejer, founder of Green Lane Communication, didn’t enter the cannabis industry by accident. He was inspired. Years ago, while visiting a hemp wellness center, he watched CBD ease the tremors of a patient right before his eyes. That moment of transformation left a lasting impact. “It was like a light bulb went off,” Michael […]

From Toilet Paper to Rolling Paper

Lisa Hurwitz is no stranger to big brands and big moves. She once helmed global marketing efforts for household names like Huggies and Kleenex at Kimberly-Clark, managing a team of over 75 and developing new global strategies. But after years in corporate, she traded toilet paper for rolling papers. She left the predictable world of […]

Innovating NA Beverages: Inside ABV Technology

ABV Technology is on a mission to make high-quality NA drinks accessible to more people and producers. Alex, the sales manager, and Spencer, the marketing lead, are helping drive the brand’s focus on providing a better non-alcoholic experience. Here’s how they’re innovating the industry. Bringing Better-Tasting NA Beverages to Life ABV Technology’s story began in […]

Is Cannabis Replacing Alcohol, or Are They Finding a New Balance?

Is cannabis really replacing alcohol, or is the story more complex? As more states legalize recreational cannabis, you’d expect a dip in alcohol consumption. But data from Sightlines News tells a different story. In several states where cannabis is legal, alcohol consumption hasn’t dropped—it’s actually increased. Cannabis and Alcohol: The Data Behind the Debate Between […]

Cali Sober: A New Wave in Sobriety and Cannabis Beverages

The Birth of Cali Sober: Combining Business & Personal Discovery Flip’s journey began long before the launch of Cali Sober. His background in the hemp industry, advertising, and launching a gummy company called Goodkind set the stage for his eventual pivot to THC beverages. It wasn’t until he saw the rise of water-soluble Delta-9 THC […]

Rethink Your Hemp Beverage Brand Positioning: A Step-by-Step Guide to Standing Out

Let’s be honest, this market is crowded. It’s easy for brands to blend together, each offering similar promises of health, relaxation, and natural ingredients. To truly stand out, it’s essential to differentiate your brand in a meaningful way. One effective strategy is to consider the opposite of conventional positioning to uncover unique opportunities. I put […]

Founder’s Spotlight: Jonny Locarni, Founder of Magic Cactus

Some founders are motivated by profit. Others are driven by passion. For Jonny Locarni, founder of Magic Cactus, his business journey has been fueled by something much deeper—a personal mission to change the way we approach unwinding, without the harmful side effects of alcohol. From the Midwest to LA: The Entrepreneurial Spark Jonny’s story begins […]

Lars Miller Media, Herbal Profiles, Protis Global… Allow me to Re-Introduce Myself

Hey there, I’m Lars Miller—Welcome to My Ecosystem! Since many of you are new here (shout out to the now 2,300+ subscribers!), I thought it’d be the perfect time to reintroduce myself and give you a behind-the-scenes look at everything I’ve got going on. From my full-time roles to my personal ventures, I’m working across […]