Martell Williams’ Post

5 things I've learned so far about building a business in the Australian medicinal cannabis industry 2.5 years in, these are my key takeaways: 𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲. New research and regulations are always popping up in this industry. It comes with the territory. So you've got to find your ways of staying informed and keeping agile as the landscape shifts. 𝟮. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. When you're in the early days of operating in a new industry, it's so important to find others that share your vision. Collaboration over competition keeps you sane and generates way more momentum than a scarcity mindset and keeping cards close to your chest. 𝟯. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆 The whole point of a new venture like this is to help people improve their lives. Hearing patient stories and understanding their needs has inspired us to push forward despite the ever-present stigmas. 𝟒. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭. Like any industry, there are challenges, but resilience, grit and perseverance have been especially crucial while breaking into the medicinal cannabis industry. Not here to mince words - it's been bloody hard...! 𝟱. 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 - 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹. Whether it's a successful milestone or even just a meaningful conversation, making a point of acknowledging and celebrating the wins is huge for the motivation required to stay on the journey. If you're on a startup journey yourself like Sacha La Forgia and I, I'd love to know - what are the big realisations you've had along the way? #startups #newbusiness  #GoldenDaysCultivators

Herben Influence emerges as a dynamic platform tailored for cannabis entrepreneurs, highlighting the intersection of cannabis culture with entrepreneurial ventures. Here's how it stands out: Community and Networking: Herben Influence acts as a hub for like-minded individuals, offering networking opportunities, expert guidance, and industry insights. This facilitates connections and knowledge-sharing among those in the cannabis industry. Content and Resources: The platform curates a diverse range of cannabis-related content, which not only includes the latest trends but also showcases stories behind businesses shaping the cannabis landscape. This approach not only educates but also inspires potential and existing entrepreneurs. Ethical and Sustainable Focus: There's an emphasis on ethical practices, sustainability, and responsible consumption, aiming to foster a positive and inclusive cannabis culture. This aligns with broader societal shifts towards more conscious business practices. Empowerment through Technology: Utilizing tools like Gamma.app, entrepreneurs can leverage technology to enhance their content strategies. Gamma.app, for instance, offers AI-driven tools for content creation, making it easier for entrepreneurs to develop compelling, on-brand materials swiftly, which is crucial for visibility and engagement in the digital space. Global and Legal Considerations: While Herben Influence itself might not directly comment on global cannabis laws, the broader entrepreneurial push in the cannabis sector reflects a response to changing legal landscapes. Countries like Canada, Germany, and Uruguay have set precedents by legalizing recreational use, while numerous others have approved medical use, signaling a growing market for cannabis-related products and services. For Cannabis Entrepreneurs: Opportunity Recognition: The legal shifts around the world, as noted, provide a fertile ground for entrepreneurs. Whether it's through cultivation, distribution, or ancillary services like tech platforms for growers or consumers, there's a broad spectrum of opportunities. Challenges and Considerations: Despite the opportunities, entrepreneurs must navigate complex regulatory environments, public perception, and the need for continuous education on cannabis's effects and benefits. The low awareness of cannabis smoke's dangers compared to tobacco, for instance, underscores the need for educational initiatives within the industry. Technological Integration: Tools like Gamma.app exemplify how technology can be a game-changer for content creation, offering cannabis entrepreneurs a competitive edge in marketing and engagement. In Summary, Herben Influence and platforms like it are crucial in shaping the future of cannabis entrepreneurship. #herbeninfluence #explorecannabis #mnroots #cannaamz #fatnugzmag #gonzostyle #thecannabist

The cannabis industry is more than just a business—it’s a community and a movement. 🌱💪 I was honored to be quoted in this article by ABQ News, which highlights a reality we all signed up for when entering this space. I’m highly against closing licenses. 🚫 This isn’t just about regulation; it’s about preserving opportunity and allowing small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive. I’m grateful that the media has taken the time to listen to all sides of the story and share a broader perspective on the impact of these changes will have on the industry. 🙏🏽we know what closing licenses does here already. #CannabisCommunity #CannabisAdvocacy #SmallBusiness #CannabisIndustry #NewMexicoCannabis #CannabisRegulation #SupportLocal #Entrepreneurship

🚀 Thinking about scaling your cannabis startup? 🌱 The cannabis industry is full of opportunities—but also unique challenges. As we’ve seen with companies like MedMen and Eaze, rapid growth across fragmented markets can lead to operational and financial hurdles. In my latest article, I explore: ✅ Why responsible scaling matters ✅ The potential of franchise models in cannabis ✅ How unified regulations can create a healthier market ✅ The value of brand penetration & localized marketing If you’re in the cannabis space and aiming for sustainable growth, this is a must-read! 📈 https://lnkd.in/evNt4Bhh

🍁 Hey there Cannabis Community of LinkedIn, have you ever wondered what happened to some of the promising cannabis companies that simply disappeared off the radar? They seemed like they were set up to make it big, and yet, like smoke in the air, they vanished! 💨 🔸 Today, let's spare a thought for those weed businesses that left us wondering. Entrepreneurship in this exciting yet challenging industry is no joke, and these companies gave it their best shot. We're dissecting why some of these ventures failed to sustain. 💠 There's the case of Ebbu, promising a budtender in a bottle concept, wanting to revolutionize how people experience cannabis. The company sprang into action, with lots of buzz and capital, only to die down after being absorbed by Canopy Growth. 🌿 💠 Delivra Corp took a shot at the cannabis market by focusing on transdermal applications. Unfortunately, they just couldn’t compete with the big boys and ended up joining Harvest Health and Recreation. 💠 Chic California cannabis brand Hmbldt, recognized by TIME, also couldn't survive. They rebranded to Dosist, but it wasn't enough to keep them afloat despite a gorgeous product line and celebrity endorsements. 🎬 Every failure leaves behind lessons, and in the case of these companies it mostly came down to: - Struggling to secure stable funding 💰 - Not being able to adapt and innovate quick enough 🔄 - Overexpansion before establishing a reliable customer base 📈 It's an important reminder that even in an industry as booming and budding as cannabis, understanding business fundamentals is crucial. Yes, the industry is ripe with opportunities, but foundational principles still apply. So, my question to all you hustlers out there is... 🤔 If you were to start a cannabis business today, what sector would you focus on and why? Would you learn from other's failures or would you carve your path? These tales of faded cannabis companies, while glum, serve as lessons in building sustainable ventures. We all learn from each other's experiences, after all. 💡 Remember, you’re getting all your insightful and thought-provoking cannabis content from CannabisRadio.com. If you found this post valuable, feel free to share. Thanks for reading and for keeping the cannabis community well-informed and engaged. Smoke on! 💨🤝

💥 The Downfall of Giants 💡: Lessons from the Michigan Cannabis Market I recently came across an article about Tend.Harvest.Cultivate. closing its Adrian facility, one of Michigan's first licenses. While the company attributes its downfall to issues like dehumidification in their $40+ million facility, I think the real problem runs deeper. This is a textbook case of shiny object syndrome: They pulled in a $40 million loan, focusing on building a rocket ship without learning how to master a paper plane first. They entered the cannabis space as outsiders, prioritizing greed over knowledge and assuming money alone could guarantee success. Around 18 months ago, we were reading an article that said Fluresh had a $40 million note due at the end of 2024. Based on market trends and where the market was headed, we knew there was no way they could service that loan. What can we learn from these mistakes? 1️⃣ Test drive the car before you buy it. - Start small, learn the market, and scale up only when you're ready. 2️⃣ If you’re going to spend $40 million on a cultivation facility, hire the best growers in the world. - Talent and expertise are the keys to achieving a strong ROI. 3️⃣ Identify winners in the space and study their tendencies and operations. - Success leaves clues—follow them. 4️⃣ Debt will kill a company. - Build to your market's needs, not your greedy vision. Build to your needs. The cannabis market is brutal right now, with prices dropping drastically since 2020. Many more companies will meet the same fate before the end of 2025. 🏷️💨 To all those still in the game, I wish you the best of luck for the rest of this year and the future ahead. 🍀 What are your thoughts? 💬 Can these lessons save other companies from the same fate? How can new operators avoid the "shiny object syndrome" and focus on sustainable growth? Let’s discuss below! ⬇️ #CannabisIndustry #MichiganCannabis #IndustryLessons #BusinessStrategy #CannabisCommunity #MarketTrends #Sustainability #ShinyObjectSyndrome #CannabisCulture #Entrepreneurship

I’m excited to share a recent interview published on Medium, where I addressed some of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face in the cannabis industry. I tackled tough questions, including the ongoing debate between rescheduling and descheduling cannabis, and my goal was to be candid and transparent about my personal perspectives and experiences, with the hope of sparking meaningful change in the industry. Read the full interview here: https://bit.ly/3MPJK2E #cannabis #entrepreneurship

Good morning folks! 👋 A stunning sunrise accompanied by a rather intriguing thought clung to my mind as I sipped my morning jolt. 🌄☕ Where have some of our beloved cannabis companies gone? 💼🌿 As we peek into the history of the cannabis industry, we are met with surprising stories of some of today's giants, but what about those that didn't survive the green rush? 📚💔 • Many of us remember Agrimed Industries. With their state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, they seemed poised for success. But alas, we watched them crumble amidst licensing issues. 🏭💥 • Then, there was the aspiring titan, CannTrust. Initially breaking grounds with innovative products, they were left in shambles by not-so-legal operations. ☹️ • Not forgetting MedMen, which underwent a drastic downfall marked with financial distress, despite its widespread presence and iconic red logo. 💰😢 • Who could forget the dramatic fall of DionyMed? Once a popular brand spread across many states, it could not escape the trap of bankruptcy. 💼🔥 Isn’t it fascinating how these promising tales turned into stories of loss and lessons? 💡 Yet, amidst these apparent tragedies, a profound narrative emerges, nudging us towards the importance of integrity, financial prudence, and the ability to adapt rapidly to a largely unpredictable industry. These stories serve as a vivid reminder that while the appeal of the green rush is undoubtedly tempting, it's not an easy hill to climb.🏆 Now, here's an inquisition for you all. 👀❔ What do you think were the key reasons for the downfall of these companies? And importantly, how can budding entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry avoid these pitfalls? 💭 Remember! Success is not just about sprouting; it's about sustaining and growing without losing sight of compliance and long-term profitability. 💪🌱 Thank you for stopping by to engage with this piece of content from CannabisRadio.com 📻 Do share your thoughts, and if you find this post interesting, feel free to share it within your circles. Always remember, your interaction encourages us to bring more such impactful dialogues to our faithful followers. Stay safe out there! 🙌 #CannabisIndustry #BusinessLessons #Entrepreneurs #CannabisRadio.com 🎯🌿🎧