Herbal Profiles #53

Proudly sponsored by the Hemp Beverage Alliance Welcome Note Hello hello y’all! 🍃 Is weed to strong these days? This week I asked my communities: is weed too strong these days and this was a hotly contested topic. I had people chime in on both sides to defend. Ultimately, and I feel this way about […]
Founder Spotlight: Todd Harris of Plift – Crafting Accessible Cannabis Beverages for All

When Todd Harris, one of the founders of Plift, set out to make his mark in the THC beverage industry, it wasn’t just another business move; it was personal. After a career spanning tech, media, and digital strategy, Todd’s latest venture was fueled by a desire to create something meaningful. “I always wanted to create […]
Creator Spotlight: Paulo Sobral on Cannabis Beverages and the Future of Functional Drinking

In this edition of the Creator Spotlight, we chat with Paulo Sobral, an industry veteran who’s seen the ins and outs of both corporate giants and the fast-paced cannabis startup scene. Currently with Sierra Nevada Brewing, Paulo shares his journey from PepsiCo to pioneering in the cannabis space, driven by passion and curiosity. From Corporate […]
Featured Story – Mapping Success in the Cannabis Beverage Industry: A Guide for CPG Professionals

Building Loyalty and Authenticity in the Cannabis Beverage Segment What are the top challenges consumer packaged goods professionals face when transitioning into the cannabis beverage industry? The cannabis industry’s nascent and heavily regulated status, combined with fragmented sales channels and the cannabis beverage category itself, makes accurate market data scarce. This scarcity hampers consumer packaged […]
Founder Spotlight: David Gonzalez, Fizzy THC

I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Gonzalez, founder of Fizzy THC—a brand that’s redefining the cannabis beverage landscape with an innovative approach. From tech and startups to the bubbling world of low-dose THC beverages, David’s story is a fascinating blend of passion, innovation, and a keen eye for market opportunities. From Tech […]
Unpacking Brand Strategy with Sam Arellano: A Journey from Sony Walkman to Cannabis Branding

Exploring the Roots of Brand Affinity Sam Arellano, co-founder of ABC Brand & Design, traces his passion for branding back to a single product that defined his early experiences: the Sony Walkman. “I remember spending a couple of bucks on a Walkman,” Sam recalls. “It took a beating during international travel but kept working. That’s […]
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 […]
Herbal Profiles #52

Proudly sponsored by the Hemp Beverage Alliance Welcome Note Hello hello y’all! Welcome back to Herbal Profiles Newsletter and this week is a very very special week – It’s my 1 year anniversary of my first send. Which is exciting for many reasons but what have we accomplished in the last year? Well, there’s now […]
Wyden Bill’s Momentum Signals a Turning Point for the Hemp Beverage Industry

Understanding the Wyden Bill and What It Means for Hemp Beverages The Wyden Bill, introduced recently, seeks to clean up the regulatory confusion surrounding hemp products and aims to keep these products out of children’s hands while providing much-needed clarity for the industry. It proposes establishing a clear federal framework for hemp-derived products, which could […]
Spotlight on Sage Flores: From YouTube Kid to Video Marketing Maverick

In this edition of the Creator Spotlight, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sage Flores, the driving force behind Sunburst Films. Sage has turned his childhood passion for video creation into a thriving business, becoming a go-to partner for video marketing and production. His journey is one of dedication, creativity, and an unyielding […]