Ben Larson

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (MI-CRA) "...gave strong consideration to the bidders ability to prevent fraud, abuse, and other unlawful and prohibited activities..." What??? As a laboratory consultant who works exclusively in the #cannabis industry, I believe #outcomes and #value are far superior to a slick sales pitch and low price. Since 2017, the only feedback I have heard from my Michigan cannabis business clients is that fraud, abuse, and illegal activities are rampant and have only accelerated. That doesn't seem like a desired outcome. Many exceptionally talented scientists and businesspeople I’ve worked with to establish and grow their laboratory businesses have suffered life-altering economic losses and barriers to future employment. They chose to stand against consumer fraud, ultimately closing their #laboratories and vaporizing several million dollars of investment along with years of backbreaking effort and now get ghosted by any non-cannabis scientific opportunity. That is the antithesis of value. I am strongly pro-MI CRA and fully acknowledge the complexity and difficultly of their mandate, but IMHO neither the published outcomes nor value appear to match the KPI's for this software selection.

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As the cannabis industry matures, we are starting to get reliable data. This can help make decisions based on real sales figures and not predictions. 10 years ago, there was only one state with adult use sales (#colorado) and a handful of states with medical seals. Now there is 24 sates with adult use sales and an additional 15 states with medical seals. At the moment #california leads with total seals but #michigan leads with per capita seals. #florida leads in medical seals. #missouri with a relatively small population and only 17 months since they launched their adult-use market, is already in fifth place. Thank you Debra Borchardt from Green Market Report for the financial update. #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #cannabisnews #cannabiseducation #cannabispolicy #cannbislaw https://lnkd.in/gc96gcCh

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Patients and consumers: Demand Safe Medicine!!! Demand Safe Products!!! Great news for product safety standards in California could be very bad news for cultivators who are not in compliance with Categeoy 4 testing requirements. What is Category 4 testing, you ask? Category 4 testing in California’s cannabis industry represents a distinct and voluntary elevation of safety standards, a refinement born of both necessity and virtue. While the state, through its Department of Cannabis Control, mandates the testing of 66 pesticides, this regime—though foundational—is but a baseline. Category 4 testing emerges as a more meticulous endeavor, screening for nearly 400 pesticides and contaminants. It is a broader net cast into the murky waters of potential impurity. This heightened vigilance stems not from regulation but from a moral imperative—a response to unsettling revelations. Reports, such as those by the Los Angeles Times, have unveiled the limits of existing protocols, with products deemed compliant still harboring toxic residues in disconcerting quantities. In light of such findings, some among the industry have chosen to lead where the law has yet to follow. Retailers and brands committed to Category 4 testing signal not only their adherence to consumer safety but also their defiance of complacency. This initiative is not dictated from above; it is a choice, a testament to the integrity of those who have embraced it. Brands like KANHA, adopting this elevated standard, underscore their fidelity to both the craft and the conscience of cannabis production. Category 4 testing, then, is more than a procedure—it is a declaration. It proclaims a commitment to cleanliness, transparency, and the highest good of the consumer. It acknowledges that in a burgeoning industry, trust is not merely earned through compliance but through the courage to exceed expectation. It is the voluntary standard setting that we want to see across the entire cannabis industry. Starting in California, this enhanced focus will spread to other states and, eventually, worldwide. Patients and consumers should know that the medicine and products that they put in their body are not only marginally clean, but are in fact contaminant-free and botanically pure. Bravo to those early adopters who are committed to consumer safety and who are raising the standards for cannabis safety everywhere.

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Cannabis startups are DEF a rollercoaster - 2 wks ago I was reeling from several gut punches... but today, things are looking bright: ✅ LOTS of new products in the pipeline that I'm SO pumped about... our Live Resin Vapes drop in NY before 710 and they're 🔥 🔥 🔥 . A bunch more new stuff I can't reveal them yet too… ✅ in NY, LIVE NUGS are in almost completely sold out - with most places re-ordering after < 2 wks selling a $100+ SKU! We’re getting a ton of inbound interest - shows that innovative products that deliver real value sell. Still early, but we should 2-3X our best month ever... NY as a market feels like it’s FINALLY getting its footing (hope I’m not jinxing us here). ✅ in CA, we've signed 4 MONSTER accounts since HoF and our new SKUs (esp Live Rosin Pre-Rolls and Live Rosin Vapes) are FLYING... it's painful for our cash flow to be scaling to meet demand, but feeling very positive about the turnaround in the most challenging state. About to sign up for the next big show in Sept… ❓thinking about expansion - though it's still early (wanna make sure our foundation & processes are solid in CA / NY)... but what potential partners should we be talking to in NJ for cultivation / processing / sales & distro? HMU via DM pls... None of this would be possible without our incredible team (Martin Mills, Cirona Labs, Peter Pietrangeli, Euphoric life , Lowell Farms Inc.) and our amazing retail partners. In general, I try not to get too high or too low - but feeling immensely optimistic about the state! Gotta celebrate the wins - as tomorrow I'm fully expecting to be punched in the face again LOL. BTW, in the rollercoaster analogy - which part is “good”? I assume it’s when you’re going downhill (despite Kevin Hart’s face)?! But then when we talk about life’s ups and downs or highs and lows - it’s the opposite right? Make it make sense?!

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🌿 **The Art of Cannabis Selection: Why Terps Matter More Than THC** As someone who buys cannabis based on how it smells, how it burns, bag appeal, and price, I firmly believe that Terpenes (Terps) are more important than THC content. It’s easy to sell flower based on the lowest price or the highest THC percentage, but truly understanding and selling based on flavor and effects requires knowledgeable budtenders. This deeper level of expertise helps consumers make better choices tailored to their preferences and needs. At Erva Inc., we offer a wide variety of products to ensure we have something for everyone. Our commitment to quality and diversity in our offerings stems from our belief in the power of education and experience. We put our money where our mouth is and stand behind all of our products, ensuring each item meets our high standards for excellence. Let’s foster a market where terps and overall quality take precedence over just the numbers. Here’s to more flavorful, effective cannabis experiences! 🍃 #CannabisCommunity #TerpsOverTHC #QualityOverQuantity #CannabisEducation #ErvaInc #Wellness #FlavorfulCannabis

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💪 How Do #CommercialCannabis Cultivators Reach Top 5% of the Market? At Flower of Life, a family-run cannabis production and retail business in Michigan, the Murphy brothers faced a critical make-or-break moment when pound prices plummeted. With over a decade of #cultivation experience, they’ve remained committed to producing world-class medicine, like pictured below—despite the challenges of cannabis. Determined to survive and thrive, the Murphy brothers turned to us for support. With Advanced Nutrients in their grow, they experienced a transformation so remarkable, they rose right up to the Top 5% of price per pound in #Michigan. What products are key to their success? Devin Murphy calls our Bud Factor X® a “cheat code” for maximizing resin and #terpene production. 🚀 How maximized? Their Apples & Bananas strain consistently reaches 3.5-3.7% terpenes. 👉 Even hitting 3.8%! Flower of Life uses Advanced Nutrients for their entire system, but you don't have to overhaul your whole setup to see major benefits. Here's how it works: Integrate Bud Factor X®, Big Bud®, and Voodoo Juice Plus Tablets into your existing base nutrients and you can achieve remarkable results. Our scientifically validated fertigation protocols ensure your crops receive optimal nutrition, leading to maximum #yield, #potency, and #profit. No matter your growing system—hydroponics, aeroponics, drip irrigation, NFT, or deep water culture—Bud Factor X® seamlessly integrates. Why settle for “good” when you can achieve #Greatness? Download our Custom Feeding Charts here to see how you can #MakeYourBasesBetter and elevate to the top, all while using your existing base nutrients: https://lnkd.in/gkkF7Ehn Advanced Nutrients #AdvancedNutrients #CannabisCultivation #GrowYourBest #MakeYourBasesBetter

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Hey #cannabisindustry, The WeedWeek newsletter is up! -- Pesticide questions pile up in California Link and lots more in the comments

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In the first quarter of 2024, with federal cannabis-reform efforts not yielding any practical changes, Curaleaf made a strategic decision to enter the hemp market. This is a trend we are starting to see. Cannabis can only be sold in the state it was produced and only allowed to be sold through dispensaries (in a hand full of states such as #california it could be sold through a delivery service). Intoxicating products that derived from hemp, are legal to ship across state lines, are available via e-commerce and mainstream retail channels. As well the producers of the products do not need to comply with burdensome licensing requirement and predatory taxation. A lot of politicians say that they support small businesses, but for small cannabis businesses to be able to properly compete, they need to have access to the same distribution channels as #hemp. Thank you Chris Roberts from MJBiz for the market update. #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #cannabisnews #cannabiseducation #cannabispolicy #cannbislaw https://lnkd.in/gJHjPYgG

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Trichome cap sizes in cannabis are pivotal in maximizing oil production, terpene storage, and cannabinoid synthesis. These microscopic structures act as the plant's chemical factories, with larger caps enhancing the potency and yield of essential compounds. Understanding and optimizing trichome cap sizes can revolutionize the efficiency and quality of #cannabis cultivation, driving advancements in medicinal and recreational applications.

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The Hemp Hound Agency has conducted a critical analysis of the FSA's 10mg ADI for CBD, referencing 14 key studies. The findings raise intriguing questions, ones that demand open discussion. It’s time for a public dialogue, because behind-the-scenes conversations won't help the industry move forward. Whether you agree, disagree, or want to challenge the findings, let’s engage and show the FSA that the industry is capable of constructive debate about the wider concerns and their management of the novel foods process. https://lnkd.in/eNF3NT5q

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💰 Have you ever heard of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and wondered why it matters? 📊 Understanding #TCO is essential for optimizing your cannabis cultivation investments. The right nutrients, biostimulants, and biologicals directly affect your bottom line. Cultivators growing with Advanced Nutrients US LLC are increasing their profits $300-$700 per pound by integrating #science backed commercial cultivation solutions. For example, let’s take a look at Cookies. They recently switched back to Advanced Nutrients and are making an additional $400 per pound and yielding 2.5 pounds per light. That’s $1,000 more profit per light. Currently running 1,000 lights, Cookies is on track to make an additional $5.5m just this year. Mike Tuna, their head grower, was using Advanced Nutrients before. Curious to get an edge like any grower would (including myself), decided to test out every product currently on the market. When he returned to Advanced Nutrients, Mike Tuna brought Cookies Maywood: • An extra $1,000 in crop revenue per light 💸 • An additional million dollars per crop 💰 • A staggering $5,500,000 (yes, $5.5 MILLION) per year in extra revenue 🔺 Bottom line: their ROI with #AdvancedNutrients is a whopping 26.31X — THAT is why TCO is so important. Yesterday, we launched the Growroom Showroom Program, seeking 17 elite cultivation facilities to join us as exclusive National Strategic Partners. Partners will showcase their grow rooms, while unlocking unprecedented income streams and sustainable #TotalCostOfOwnership through superior yields. 🤝 How? You’ll earn quarterly #commissions on every sale from showcasing your facility—no inventory needed! Plus access to the best genetics, insights from leading scientists, and our world-class cultivation specialists 24/7 to support your operations at new heights. While you focus on cultivating excellence. 🏆 We only have room for 17 National Strategic Partnerships in the next 30 days. Apply for your spot here now: https://buff.ly/4eCRGRm #AdvancedNutrients #CannabisInvestment #CannabisBusiness #Cannabis #Cultivation #Investment #ROI #CannabisScience #CannabisNutrients #CannabisGrow #CommercialCultivation #CannabisIndustry #Strategic #Partnership

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The majority of people said they are investing in Cannabis Biotech and Genetics! Now the followup question: who are you? If you are indeed investing in genetic innovations in hemp and cannabis - please leave a comment, shoot a DM, or send an email to [email protected]! S3 Genetics would love to show you how we are making cannabis and hemp production sustainable. Cheaper for cultivators, better for the environment - a true win-win! #BetterCannabisThroughScience

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The cannabis companies that ‘WIN’ in 2025 and beyond will have these five things in common: 1) They understand the scale that they are trying to achieve and their entire operation is appropriately focused based on that scale. -Local companies need to market and connect locally (in an extremely authentic way) while focusing on profitable, sustainable revenue streams that are mostly consumer driven. -Statewide companies need to do the hard math and modeling to understand what realistic growth means for them. Set specific growth targets based on achieveable modeling. Too many statewide brands operate, market and spend like a national brand, and it will cost them in the end. -National brands must focus on lean profitability and maintain a highly targeted approach to their spending, despite a world that may seem like it has limitless customers. 2) They don’t try to do it all. Developing mastery and economies of scale in specific sectors, while building strong partnerships in the rest of the market, is the model for success in the years to come. The great companies from 2025-Federal Legalization will seek out expansion via truly strategic partnerships (and careful aquisitions) while the mediocre companies attempt to do it all themselves. The largest, best capitalized MSOs will be buying up statewide and regional businesse with lean, focused, positive-cashflow operations, which solve specific problems in their infrastructure. 3) They are building a business that is designed for the New World of Cannabis, and the Era of Commercialization. -We aren’t trappers anymore. -Hitting licks can only take you so far. -Weed is a CPG product. -THCA is sold openly online and in gas stations. -D9 Bevs and Gummies are sold in some of the deepest red states. -Weed by mail is probably here to stay. -Mushrooms are legal in various cities and states. -Consumer trust in a brand is the most valuable asset in the industry. No matter their scale, the companies that win in the next five years will integrate themselves into the new ways consumers interact with and purchase cannabis…. (Online, DTC, Low-Dose, Mixed Nootropic, Bev, Smoke Shop/Gas Station, Mass Market, Seshes, N.A. bars/lounges, add-on dispensary licenses) 4) They build continuous feedback loops with their customers. The great brands and companies that succeed into the 2030’s will have a deep, data-based understanding of their consumers at all levels. Brands must understand the buying criteria of the stores that carry them as well as the buying criteria of the consumers that drive sell-through. The very best will encourage a rewarding consumer engagement loop that directly influences operational decision making. 5) They just don’t quit. (In fact, they continue to innovate, pivot, and understand that at the end of the day, their business is change). A lot of cannabis operators will quit in the next five years. In all business, but especially in cannabis, sometimes it’s just about being there tomorrow.

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The comment period just ended for the recent Cannabis Species Inflorescence Proposed Draft Monograph from the USP. The newest proposed monograph tightened the range of THC and CBD to 90 - 110% of the labeled amount. This is in alignment with most drug products but could be a challenge with the inherent variability of plant material. Another change to the monograph is the addition of a second option for microbial limits. The second option has significantly tighter limits for at risk populations such as immunocompromised patients. Not sure if the intent is to label product for different patient populations. Curious to hear thoughts on how this would be implemented! https://lnkd.in/gfGE6F6p

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Let’s get real: if you’re not taking #nutrient #storage seriously, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Neglect this condition, and you risk degrading nutrients, inviting mold, and wasting money. Stop making excuses! Control your #environment, use a FIFO system, and stay compliant with regulations. At #AdvancedNutrients, we’re here to help you optimize every aspect of your grow. Don’t let poor storage ruin your profits! #CannabisCultivation #AdvancedNutrients #NutrientStorage #GrowSmart

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