Daniel Fowler, PhD’s Post

Cannabis beverages are a once in a generation opportunity. - To provide adults with harm reducing substances - To increase tax revenues for our struggling economy - To open up the consciousness of our anxious fellow humans that are fighting with strangers they don't seek to know What else am I missing? The category is going to continue to grow despite road bumps up the mountain. As it pertains to California, I advised the work wasn't done when AB 2223 was held in suspense. Similarly, it's premature to be gloomy about the political theater we saw Friday. Long term, I'm still as bullish on the category in California as I've ever been. The state can only ignore the will of the consumer and their tax revenue for so long. If you're a cannabev brand, you need strategic alignment with BevAlc today. This is your time. Big companies aren't moving without data and more legal clarity. They're all active or curious. You see the product/market fit already and can give them a head start. The cannabis industry & lobby doesn't have your categories best interest in mind, and neither does the hemp lobby. Neither has the power or money of BevAlc either. This is an uncomfortable truth I say to many of my friends, and I only say it because I care. I know because I tried to move cannabevs through the cannabis industry for years, learn some of the struggles in my interview with Lars Miller #drinkcannabis https://lnkd.in/gXB2FhzE

Biggest day at BRĒZ yet 🔔😮💨 I hope these posts don’t come across as bragging or gloating—that’s not the intention. The goal here is to show what’s possible in the low-dose cannabis beverage space for all of us. Dispensary sales reflect that <2% of total sales are for drinks—not due to lack of demand but because people look for sessionable drinks where they already buy alcohol: liquor stores, groceries, restaurants. Most of our growing, canna-curious customer base aren’t traditional cannabis users; they’re alcohol consumers looking for a feel-good alternative that doesn’t bring the downsides of alcohol. Often, the fact that it’s infused is the biggest barrier for first-timers—until they try it and realize how awesome cannabis and canna-bevs can be. This journey has made one thing clear to me, and I hope you’re seeing it too: low-dose infused beverages are the biggest opportunity cannabis has seen yet. The social impact of these products going mainstream is a net-positive for all, offering a radically beneficial alternative, especially for those struggling with alcohol abuse, creating a ripple effect that reaches everyone around them. I share these posts to be transparent about the opportunity we all have, so we can build a future together and bring these products to more people, quickly, safely, and effectively. Ensuring safe access to these products means supporting sound regulation that protects adult consumers while also fostering a free market that allows everyone to thrive. ❤️🔥 3x PM spikes = 3 distro orders, 2 yesterday. 1x AM spike = subscription orders Incredibly proud of our whole team and especially Brian Dewey, Brandon Fink, Jem Bourouh, Daniel Gelshteyn, Nick Shackelford 👏 October monthly recap coming next! 🤘

A guy walks into a bar and says, "Give me the strongest alcohol you’ve got back there." That doesn’t quite sound right, does it? While we might ask for a stiff drink, potency isn’t usually the main focus in a normalized environment like alcohol. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for cannabis. Even though the plant is legal in many states, we’re still operating with a prohibition-era mindset that prioritizes potency over experience. I wonder how long it will take for the cannabis industry to shift its focus from potency to experience. While we’ve made some progress normalizing 5mg and 10mg doses for edibles and beverages, potency still seems to dominate the conversation, especially when it comes to pre-rolls and flower. The emphasis on THC levels is everywhere. Take pre-rolls, for instance. While I can appreciate the oil-laden, high-potency options, they often aren’t smooth to smoke. Many of the coated or oil-infused pre-rolls can be harsh, especially as you get past the halfway point. So, I’d like to ask the community: How much value should we place on a good smoking, vaping, or edible experience over the sheer potency of the product? At the end of the day, if the goal is efficacy—or, let’s be honest, getting high—shouldn’t the journey matter just as much as the destination? Personally, I’d rather smoke something that’s well-cured, well-rolled, and offers a great smoking experience, even if it’s not the most potent. I might even be tempted to have another if it’s enjoyable enough. But that’s just me. What are your thoughts?

A great article covering the current Cannabis v. Big Alcohol landscape. Let’s be partners not enemies in changing drinking culture. Let's go Monica Roerig Olano, MBA, also featured in this article!

Cannabis is an enhancer. Whatever it is you have, it will increase the amount. Lazy? Welcome to being a total slob. Productive? Welcome to doing it with a smile. Lonely? Now introducing the new and improved Stonedly! You can go on and on and on with the list... For me though it's almost exclusively about managing the fat ball between my ears that pilots the meat suit. I'm a deep thinker by nature. I ponder, mull, stew, and ruminate often. My issue it almost never "not enough brain power" and almost always "Too many options, too much stuff, try to do them all at once." Weed is like the guy in the tower at the airport making sure everyone is where they should be. Especially when it comes to more "ethereal" concepts like the meaning of life or my purpose in the world. What do you think? Does cannabis enhance your natural traits? Do you enjoy a good Puff and ponder? Disclaimer: If I'm ever silent and staring into spacd while in a group... this is what I'm thinking about.

Tell us about a time when you first became more aware of your own cannabis consumption! Are you utilizing the plants, or are the plants using you!? Having just read @michael.pollan's book Caffeine, it really brings Conscious Cannabis consumption to mind - He was saying are we utilizing Caffeine or are the plant's using us!? How do you feel on that balance 50/50? 60/40? Let us know where you are at and what are you plans! #readytofeeltheburn #nonobviousdisability #nonobviousability #michaelpollan #caffeine

Forget the first wave of cannabis consumers—I'm all in on the second. Most brands and retailers are still targeting that initial group, and for good reason. These early adopters, whether they were "stoners" or occasional users, have been the ones consistently spending, especially since they had some experience before adult use became mainstream. But I believe the real potential lies in the second wave—the consumers just now stepping into the space, whose full impact hasn’t yet been realized. I’m talking about the minor cannabinoid edible enthusiasts, the alcohol-alternative beverage drinkers, the Gen Z vapers. This wave will be the one to elevate the industry to new heights. The businesses that see this opportunity and invest in it will be playing the long game—and they’ll win. Do you think a second wave is coming? What impact could it have on the industry? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Happy GratiTuesday! I think it is very important to shine the light on people who I admire and are doing wonderful things in the cannabis industry. About two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Josh Swider at one of the Elite Cannabis Operators Mastermind meetings. Josh runs Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs and educated all of us on cannabis safety when it came to conversion oil and vape hardware. In an industry where we are saying that we are "healing people" and have a "passion for the plant" I tend to see a lot of people/brands taking shortcuts in order to turn a bigger profit. I can totally understand why brands do this, it is a tough industry and in order to keep the lights on and stay competitive, they have to find ways to cut costs and increase margins. Unfortunately, it is the consumer that suffers because of this and let's face it, we have done a great job marketing all the positives of cannabis and doing a really good job hiding the things we don't know or we don't want the consumers to think about. I was also shocked to learn that many analytics labs provide inconsistent data when you compare results of the same item being tested. Josh's approach to testing is what it ought to be, figuring out ways to identify if anything in the products has a negative effect on our health, not just doing the minimum testing so that you can get your products on the shelf. I want to acknowledge the great work Josh is doing and if you are a brand that really wants to ensure that your growing, your manufacturing, etc is producing a product that is HELPING your customers, I would highly recommend reaching out and working with Josh. As with most PHDs, he isn't a slick talking salesperson so I want to make sure that brands in CA and MI know that there is a higher standard to testing that is available, and doing that testing will only IMPROVE YOUR BRAND. I am GRATEFUL that individuals like Josh still exist 🙏

Absolutely fascinating to observe how market dynamics and shifting perceptions about cannabis are driving innovation in the CPG industry. This is creating new competition in a sector previously dominated by alcohol and spirits. I believe cannabis will revolutionize the adult beverage market, offering an alternative for those seeking the social experience without alcohol. Additionally, the growing demand for stress relief in our demanding economic climate and the changing social attitudes toward cannabis are accelerating its acceptance and integration into mainstream culture. Artet ayrloom Cann Cantrip are changing the game... for good! #cannabis #beverage #cpgtrends #CBD #THC #cannacurious #innovators #moversandshakers

Happy Weeducation Wednesday! Here's this week's topic: Cannabis Cocktails! THC-infused beverages, also known as cannabis cocktails, are becoming increasingly popular as a social and recreational alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. One interesting aspect is that these beverages often use nanoemulsion technology, which breaks down THC molecules into tiny particles, allowing for quicker absorption into the bloodstream. This means that the effects of THC beverages can be felt much faster than traditional edibles—often within 15-30 minutes! Get the buzz without the hangover! We call that a win-win.