Davina Kaonohi

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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Navigating #Amazon's New #DietarySupplements #Policy can be daunting, but Nuherbs' own Lisa Thomas is here to simplify it for us. In her insightful article, Lisa unpacks the recent updates from Amazon that affect anyone in our industry selling dietary supplements. These changes are crucial for ensuring our products are not only compliant with FDA regulations but also meeting Amazon’s stringent new requirements. From increased scrutiny to mandatory third-party testing, the landscape is shifting. Why is this important? Because these changes underscore a collective effort toward greater transparency, safety, and quality—values that resonate deeply with us at Nuherbs and our commitment to you. https://lnkd.in/gxFWRYsS Let's stay informed and proactive together. If you have questions, reach out to us, and let's ensure your operations align seamlessly with these new standards.

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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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Remember when everyone thought the craft beer market was "saturated," yet new breweries keep popping up and thriving? I’ve been hearing the same buzz about the cannabis industry way too much lately. But is it really that saturated? Saturation suggests a market can't grow anymore. But growth is exactly what we're witnessing. Are these 3 examples not proof of growth? 1) Regulatory Evolution - With more states and even countries rethinking cannabis laws, new markets are opening up regularly 2) Untapped Demographics - There's many segments of potential consumers who haven't even been reached yet (think wellness community, seniors, and beyond) 3) Innovation is Booming - From functional beverages to tech, we are starting to seeing products and solutions that didn't exist a few years ago, leading to new emerging submarkets within the emerging #cannabis market as a whole So, is the #cannabisindustry truly saturated, or are we on the cusp of even greater expansion?

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It is sad to see the state of #california's cannabis industry. Eaze, California’s largest cannabis delivery company, that was dubbed the “Uber of weed,” is shutting down. Eaze is currently “winding down operations” with a “full closure” expected by Dec. 31, according to CEO Cory Azzalino. The company is laying off nearly 500 workers, according to Jim Araby. The failure of Eaze is only the latest high-flying California startup to fall during an economic collapse in the California market, following the likes of mega-retailer MedMen, which failed earlier this year, and Herbl formerly the state’s largest distributor, which shut down in 2023. Big or small, it is very hard to operate a cannabis business in California. We have a big battle next year. Two years ago when Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 195, that among other things got rid of cultivation tax. The bill includes a clause that if the tax revenue from cannabis, drops for two years in a row (which it did), that the exercise will go from 15% up to 19%. This will be a nail in the coffin for our industry. Join us, to make sure this dose not happen. Thank you Lester Black from SFGATE for the state update. #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #cannabisnews #cannabiseducation #cannabispolicy #cannbislaw https://lnkd.in/gKG6Dqth

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CBD X Skincare X Women’s Health CBD, derived from the cannabis plant, has been increasingly incorporated into skincare products, offering a range of skin benefits. Potency No. 710's Modern Mist, a #CBD Skin Mist, exemplifies this trend by combining CBD with nature's finest ingredients to enhance skin health. Current #CBDskincare product trends include a shift towards #wellness-oriented products, with CBD-infused items leading in beauty regimes. These products are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and soothing qualities, addressing various skin concerns. The market is experiencing significant growth, reflecting modern values towards clean, sustainable ingredients. Follow: MANDY LILE Cannabinoid Skincare Products that work! #potency710 #womenshealth #cbdskincare

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🚨 Insightful DEA Report: Illicit marijuana flowers average a THC potency of 16%. 🌿💨 This statistic underscores a significant advantage of purchasing from licensed dispensaries—quality and safety. Unlike the unregulated market, dispensaries offer products that are tested, compliant, and consistent in their THC content. This not only ensures a safer consumer experience but also supports the legal cannabis industry committed to high standards. Why risk the unknown? Choose quality, safety, and reliability every time with dispensary-bought cannabis. Let's advocate for more informed consumer choices and support regulations that emphasize these benefits. Stay informed and choose wisely. #CannabisIndustry #ConsumerSafety #DispensaryQuality #THCPotency #RegulatedCannabis

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https://lnkd.in/eMBPBmBn I am really happy with the way these taste. Good creamy to crunchy ratio.

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Optimizing egg quality is crucial to your fertility journey, especially if you're considering IVF. At AIM Women’s Wellness Center, we guide you through natural strategies to improve egg health—nutrition, stress management, and quality sleep play a key role. Ready to elevate your fertility naturally? Discover how holistic methods can enhance your chances of conception: https://vist.ly/3migic9 #fertility #fertilitysupport #eggquality

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🌿 Despite #high hopes, the #cannabis industry has faced significant challenges. Turns out, it's not as #dope as investors toked it'd be. 📉 The leading player, Curaleaf, saw its value drop from a peak of 💲11.5B in 2021 to 💲4B today, highlighting the downturn in #marijuana stocks. The #market: 💰 Total U.S. Cannabis Market (legal + illegal) is valued at 💲75B, while the the legal US TAM, currently 💲32B, expected to grow to 💲43B by 2027 (source: BDSA) 🗽Just the New York state TAM is a hefty $6 billion cannabis market (and if you've strolled through NYC lately, you'll know it's not just the hot dog vendors adding to the aroma). 🌿 🍺 In comparison, the U.S. #Alcohol Market was valued at $247B in 2021, with the beer market alone at $115 billion, a stark 8x times cannabis TAM. 💼 Diageo, the leader in the spirits market boasts a 💲76B market cap, 💲21B in revenue and over 💲4B in net income. AB InBev, the leader in beer, commands a 💲120B market cap, 💲60B revenue and 💲5B net income. Some analysts believe that if a cannabis leader emerges, it might eventually reach similar figures. A long way to go for Curaleaf and others... 🌍 Besides the US and Canada there's potential in Europe with countries like Germany, Poland, and the UK that loosening cannabis regulations. More are expected to come. The #issues: 💸 Profitability hurdles include prohibitive taxes, with cannabis businesses unable to deduct common expenses, resulting in significant tax burdens despite losses in net income. 🤝 Fragmentation plagues the industry, with no player holding substantial market share, signaling a potential need for consolidation through mergers. 📊 Data on major companies: 📈 Revenue (2023) Curaleaf - $1.35B Trulieve - $1.22B Green Thumb Industries (GTI) - $1.02B Verano - $879M Cresco Labs - $825M 💹 Gross Margin (2023): Trulieve Cannabis Corp. - 52% Verano Holdings - 51% Green Thumb Industries Inc. - 49% Cresco Labs Inc. - 48% Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. - 45% 💼 EBITDA (2023): Green Thumb Industries Inc. - $291M Verano Holdings - $284M Trulieve Cannabis Corp. - $263M Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. - $239M Cresco Labs Inc. - $125M 👥 Total Employees: Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. - 5,650 Trulieve Cannabis Corp. - 5,400 Green Thumb Industries Inc. - 4,561 Verano Holdings - 3,900 Cresco Labs Inc. - 2,760 💼 Market Cap (may 3rd 2024): Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. - $4.17B Green Thumb Industries Inc. - $3.13B Trulieve Cannabis Corp. - $2.33B Verano Holdings - $1.75B Cresco Labs Inc. - $1B Fast forward a decade, where do you envision the cannabis industry? Do you anticipate pharmaceutical companies making their mark in the cannabis market? Could tobacco or alcohol giants venture into cannabis diversification?

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Where are the Cannabis #marketers? I recently attended CannMed24 in Florida. As a former marketing guy from Procter & Gamble, I was crying marketing ''nerd tears'' over the amount of amazing #innovation on display😭. But a startling realization hit me: there were no Cannabis #marketing professionals present. There were amazing #leaders at the forefront of #RandD in Cannabis. Like Dr Ethan Russo, MD, Dr. Bonni Goldstein MD, and major companies like Advanced Nutrients, Trulieve and Cookies—but not much #commercialization. It was an ''Ah Ha'' moment. I realized that's probably why so many Cannabis products I saw at Hall of Flowers are basically all the #same. Flower is flower, vape oil is vape oil, edibles just edible etc. Only differentiation is through brand identity or #nonsensical THC levels. There's a huge #disconnect between R&D & consumer engagement. For example: -->There's no groups (that I know of at least) conducting regular, #qualitative insight focus groups with consumers in Cannabis except for one or two agencies (e.g. omnibus consumer #insights). -->There's no groups regularly fielding #quantitative needs-based market #segmentation, habits & practices, or satisfaction/dissatisfaction studies to understand the market's consumer groups & market's Jungian #archetypes. One moment really stood out to me. There was a #poster on a tripod showing research proving high bio-availble-CBD cures #restlessleg syndrome. (I looked it up: a condition affecting 29 million Americans). Yet, no one is commercializing this life-changing product to the standards it deserves. Imagine if even half of these #sufferers spent $200 a year on effective medical CBD products. (I added that up: $2.9 billion in annual revenue). Thinking about my experience at Procter & Gamble, where we pushed, harassed, #tortured and browbeat R&D teams to #innovate billion-dollar ideas, it was shocking to see so many R&D people and their innovations at CannMed24 just lying around.... with #few poised to reach the market effectively. I counted at least 7, billion-dollar ideas (as seen through a P&G lens). At P&G, we not only developed but also #commercialized innovative ideas, turning them into billion-dollar products. For example, P&G found the psyllium-based supplement market growing at 7.3% CAGR to reach US$3 Billion by 2033 & #positioned brand Metamucil to ride that #wave. At CannMed24, there were plenty of investors and plenty of innovations, but not many people who could apply the science to #commercialize these ideas. We need to #bridge this gap between groundbreaking research and commercialization to truly realize the potential of Cannabis science. I can’t wait for CannMed25! Ultimately, we'll only succeed when we can #apply the science to our product development. But most marketers are more interested in #SEO than Science. Indeed, whoever wins in the coming years in Cannabis, will have understood & mastered the #appliance of the science in #Cannabis

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What does craft mean? Here a number of artists and creatives talk about what craft means to them. How can we apply this to cannabis? For me craft is a mastery, a nuanced understanding. A thoughtful approach. Using quality materials / inputs. Hand made by someone with a strong skill set and understanding. So, for me, for cannabis; feeding salts is not craft. Hiring laborers with little to no grow experience is not craft. Using conventional methods and practices is not craft. Growing conventional varieties is not craft. A small footprint is not inherently craft. Hand trim is a good practice but that alone does not make it craft. If the business is struggling to pass testing, it is absolutely not craft. Thoughts? I think the word is already dead. But what do you think makes a cannabis business CRAFT?

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There is a 44-page proposal that has been circulating in political circles in #sacramento since June as an amendment to Assembly Bill 2223, which was originally intended as new rules for hemp businesses. It’s also reportedly backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. There has been a artificial split between hemp and cannabis. In 2018 hemp was legalize nationwide through the farm bill. That opened a loophole to sell intoxicating hemp products with virtually no oversight. For the past two years there has been an attempt to regulate the hemp industry at the federal level through a new farm bill. Last year the bill got pushed to this year and it looks like the bill will be pushed again to next year. Some states such as #california are working on their own bills to regulate hemp-derived intoxicating products. The new adamant if attached to AB 2223 would require intoxicating hemp products to be overseen by the Department of Cannabis Control, potentially overloading the office. It would open up regulated interstate cannabis commerce, but only for hemp products and not for state-legal cannabis products, setting a new legal precedent that cannabis farmers could be left out of. It would give interstate import and export exclusivity to cannabis distributors, artificially creating some winners in the cannabis trade while disadvantaging others. We need to work together and not have hemp and cannabis producers being pinned against each other. We need one set of rules for both. We need a system that consumer safety, and access is the top priority. Thank you to John Schroyer from Green Market Report for the state update. #cannabisindustry #hemp #cannabiscommunity #cannabisnews #cannabiseducation #cannabispolicy #cannbislaw

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Post 4/5 - No Synthetic Cannabinoids 🌿 The THC used in Rebel Rabbit's formula is what's known as "mother liquor". Mother Liquor contains natural cannabinoids versus synthetic cannabinoids. Our partners at SōRSE Technology and Open Book Extracts handle this process for us but I'll attempt to explain.... The process starts off pretty standard with an extraction from hemp biomass into a crude extract. Then the crude is distilled into a "Full Spectrum Distillate". The next step is unique - the CBD is then crystallized from the Full Spectrum Distillate, leaving behind some CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids - this is called "Mother Liquor". From here, there is another round of distillation followed by chromatography. These steps are intended to refine the other cannabinoids down and isolate the THC. Does this make sense?? 👨‍🔬 How am I doing Diana Eberlein Danny Willis ? The point here is that the THC found in the Mother Liquor is the same THC that was naturally present in the hemp plant. Meaning nothing was synthetically created or converted. Customers and even some regulators prefer this method because the cannabinoids truly are natural. This method is more expensive than synthetic conversions but at Rebel Rabbit we felt it was important to be as natural as possible. We're already using natural and organic flavor and sugar, so why not stay natural with the THC? #drinkcannabis #hempbeverages #highseltzer

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You're a marketing director for a cannabis dispensary. But really you're doing it all & don't have anyone to direct. While the title sounds good; you're an island. Your day feels like a game of whack a mole Your day usually involves: - Making graphics in Canva for your in-store menu - Posting blogs to the website to drive SEO - Writing copy for social media on IG - Coordinating marketing strategy w/ store managers & GM - Working on creative for your next campaign in Surfside - Coordinating with local companies for event activations - Designing emails in AIQ.com (Alpine IQ), building audiences, etc - Updating banners on website to reflect most recent deals - Ensuring marketing scorecard is updated - and this is all before lunch Some days it's easy & others it feels like like a never ending list Reality is; the above IS doable by one person; it's just not ideal You're context switching constantly And you're being asked to do things that likely aren't in your zone of genius. Beyond that; when you're "doing the work" it's hard to be strategic. Let's assume you went to hire these folks PT You'd be on the hook for: - Posting job, interview candidates, onboarding them - Negotiating salary, managing payments, etc - Ensuring they deliver on-time / quality of work - Training them to align w/ company goals - Building project mgmt protocol So now instead of doing all the marketing work; you're playing HR / project mgr / director / coordinator / strategist / recruiter / therapist. To even further the challenge; it's unlikely you need the same PT folks / output each month; so you'd have to keep the interest over time (contractors will follow the money & focus where they're being paid today); so when you need them for spot jobs; you'll have to get back in line / queue. Curious what the other option is? Hit those DMs

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The last thing the California cannabis industry needs is more taxation. The CDTFA and our “Governor” aim to do exactly that with Regulation 3802. You can learn more and how to advocate to stop it in this article put together by Rachel Wright, CPA, MST https://lnkd.in/g7vT5w_4 There’s still 2 hours left to submit an email. I got an email response quickly confirming receipt. Beyond getting this repealed, lawmakers and the CDTFA need to be pushed to build a real plan, not a concept of one, that involves working with the industry to helps the CDTFAs tax collection issue, and our tax woes.

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Good morning California Cannabis Industry, Today, in the economic evolution of cannabinoids (both cannabis and help), there's one question remaining: WHO WON THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  

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