Mitchell Osak’s Post

Round 1 ✅ #BOSTON, MA – Today the Healey-Driscoll administration awarded 50 grants to cannabis social equity businesses in 28 communities, totaling $2,350,000, through the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund (CSETF). These awards follow Governor Healey’s recent pardon of marijuana possession misdemeanor offenses as part of the administration’s efforts to advance equity and justice in Massachusetts. The Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund was established to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of encouraging the full participation in the state’s regulated marijuana industry of entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement. The Immediate Needs Grant Program was launched in January as the first grant program to offer financial assistance from the Trust Fund to support eligible cannabis social equity license holders with urgent financial needs. “Our administration is committed to righting historic wrongs from the War on Drugs, both by addressing inequities in the criminal justice system and by advancing equity in the cannabis industry. With the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, we’re creating a sustainable and inclusive path to the industry for Massachusetts entrepreneurs that have faced barriers to entry,” said Governor Maura Healey. 🕊️Congrats to the following Social Equity & Economic Empowerment cannabis businesses: Advesa MA, Inc. - $50,000 Apple Guy Flowers, LLC - $50,000 Aunty Budz LLC - $50,000 Bada Bloom! Inc. - $50,000 Bailey’s Buds LLC - $50,000 Belle Fleur Holdings LLC - $50,000 Blossom Flower LLC - $50,000 Blue Sky Organics LLC - $50,000 Boston Bud Factory Inc. - $50,000 Bracts & Pistils, LLC - $50,000 Cloud 9 Cultivation LLC - $20,000 DB Delivery MA, LLC - $33,000 Delivered, Inc. - $30,000 Dris Corporation - $50,000 Elevation Inc. - $50,000 Ember Gardens Delivery LLC - $50,000 Freshly Baked Company - $50,000 Gan Or LLC - $50,000 Gas Bus LLC - $50,000 Grassp Ventures LLC - $50,000 Green Flash Delivery LLC - $50,000 (Continued in press release) https://lnkd.in/egGbPCPJ

Cannabis Pubcos:  Is it Time to Go Private? “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”  Albert Einstein It’s no secret that cannabis valuations are in the crapper, down ~90% from their Feb 2021 highs and ~38% from April 30 when Rescheduling (major industry news!) was first reported. Every positive development is met with an initial share bump followed by a disappointing drop.  Rightly or wrongly, cannabis is seen by most investors as a failed industry especially when you compare returns to other trendy sectors like AI.  Not surprisingly, cannabis firms are hoping with bated breath that RIII and SAFER happen in 2024.  Sadly, hope is not a strategy to boost your share price. It’s time many Pubcos came to the realization that their true market value will not be fully realized till legalization - which won’t happen for at least 5 years.  I understand their initial impetus to go public and the reasons for staying the course.  However, it no longer makes sense for most publicly listed companies for the following reasons: 1. Major capital markets gaps A lack of liquidity, short sellers, a dearth of institutional capital, poor research coverage and missing custodial services will limit valuation upside till full legalization.  SAFER (depending on what’s passed and when) may help but there is that forlorn hope thing, again.  Uplisting is beneficial to a point but has shown to be no remedy for a depressed share price. 2. High cost and stress Pubcos pay millions in regulatory and professional services fees plus expend considerable IR and management effort.  Your brand and CEO frequently get pummelled by disgruntled retail investors and shit-talking online commentators. Finally, the disclosure requirements and scrutiny are not to every firm’s liking. 3. Equity market headwinds Persistently high interest rates are dampening valuations, constraining M&A activity, constricting risk capital and introducing serious downside market risk. IPOs for plant-touching firms remain out of the question. Greener pastures don’t exist in weed-friendly markets such as Germany.   The Deutsche Börse CEO called the Frankfurt Stock Market ‘A Junk Shop’  Its DAX index is trading at a record 25% discount to the US S&P 500. 4. Other financing options are available Companies don’t need the public markets to raise capital.  There is lots of available debt funding plus copious amounts of dry powder sitting with private funders. Cannabis leaders, it’s time to accept a sad reality: your share price is unlikely to appreciably rise without legalization.  Buybacks might help but they are not a long-term panacea. For Pubcos with market caps below $100M, the juice may no longer be worth the squeeze; you have better things to do with your money, time and sanity.  🔔 Hit that follow bell to always get my unique, impactful content #cannabisindustry #MSOS #LPS #publicmarkets #cannabis #buybacks  

Taking public companies private allows for greater flexibility, long-term strategic planning, and the ability to focus on sustainable growth without the pressures of quarterly earnings reports. Don't fall for the cannabis adjusted EBITDA trap. #followfordailyadvice #cannabis #goprivatetransaction #broderickcapital #trustedadvisors

Dispelling 3 Cannabis Myths “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.” Daniel Boorstin I’m often stupefied by the cannabis culture wars raging online.  I get that many take them seriously but like other issues these days, the interactions generate more heat than light i.e. they don’t lead to sector unity or smart business & policy making. Why is that? One reason has to do with the beliefs regularly tossed around.  While appealing on the surface they often lack substance and credulity.  Let’s unpack just 3 (paraphrased) myths: 1. “We produce the best quality products” Really?  Is there a best car brand, wine or fashion designer?  Of course not. Yet these kind of bold statements underpin the strategy of many cannabis producers. In cannabis, the ‘best’ is subjective, difficult to measure and relatively short term in nature not to mention irrelevant to what really matters.  Your goal should be to constantly produce a level of quality (i.e a product feature set that meet needs states) at a price your target consumer is happy to pay. If you want to create a sustainable business, the best product could be your ticket but most often is not. 2. “Cannabis entrepreneurs are unique” Yes, to a point insofar as each entrepreneur is a unique person. However, after speaking to thousands of cannabis founders I have concluded that they are not all that different from other entrepreneurs.  When you get beyond the ‘cannabis is medicine’ style platitudes, you’ll find their concerns turn quickly to mundane issues like cash flow, employee turnover and service levels. There is one aspect of many cannabis entrepreneurs that is exceptional:  their background in the OG market.  While critical to understanding consumers, strains etc. this legacy can also blind the operator to dealing with conventional business needs as well as learning from people outside their bubble.  3. “The cannabis community believes…” This belief takes first place in the reductive Olympics.  Outside of shared ‘War on Drugs’ experiences and motherhood hopes like legalization there is little uniformity within the broad cannabis community.  To say otherwise is to gloss over many different voices, locales, and experiences, not to mention their ideas for addressing pressing challenges such as furthering social equity or lobbying for smart regulatory policies. Plenty of bad actors try to speak for the weed community, ignore basic economics and smother dissent. On the other hand, many corporate types cynically pay lip service to the community and disregard their interests - but not their wallets. Perpetuating bad myths wouldn’t really matter if the industry stakes were low and the consequences of bad thinking were trivial. Alas, this isn’t reality.  Its time many took off their rose-colored glasses. 🔔 Hit that follow bell to always get my unique, impactful content #cannabisindustry #cannabis #cannabiscommunity

Best practices for cannabis business startups within today’s landscape. Once relatively easy to break into, the cannabis industry now demands a leaner and more conservative approach to financial management along with precise forecasting and a great deal of patience. Continue reading to learn more. This article was contributed to Cannabis Business Executive by AAFCPAs' Cannabis Practice leaders Dave McManus, CPA, CGMA and Destiny Flood, CPA. #CannabisIndustry #BestPractices

Matthew Krupp, the co-founder of Canterra NY, Western NY's first cannabis e-commerce platform and delivery service, is facing the imminent danger of having his business shut down due to the OCM's refusal to extend Temporary Delivery Operator licenses. This decision has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond just one business. If Canterra is forced to end it's delivery service, the impact will be significant: Job losses: Canterra currently employs 45 individuals who will lose their livelihoods. Economic impact on local farmers and economies: Canterra works with local farmers and processors who rely on the company's business model to sustain their operations. Potential increase in unregulated cannabis market activity: Without legal delivery services like Canterra, consumers may turn to the unregulated market, undermining the goals of the MRTA. Matt has every right to be critical of the OCM's handling of this situation. The lack of communication, inconsistent policies, and failure to support the MRTA's objectives have left entrepreneurs like him in an impossible position. As a business owner, he is doing everything in his power to save his company and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on it. We must stand with entrepreneurs like Matthew Krupp and demand that OCM extend TDO licenses. Here's what you can do to help: - Contact your state representatives and senators, urging them to support the extension of TDO licenses. - Write letters to the Governor's office, emphasizing the economic importance of cannabis delivery services. - Participate in local town halls and public OCM meetings to voice your concerns. - Use social media to raise awareness and show your support for businesses like Canterra. - Sign and share petitions calling for the extension of TDO licenses. By supporting these businesses, we are not only protecting jobs and local economies but also ensuring that the MRTA's vision of a well-regulated, equitable cannabis industry becomes a reality. Share this post, contact your representatives, and show your support for the hardworking entrepreneurs who are the backbone of this industry. https://lnkd.in/eUPAPMez

🌿 Historic Shift in Cannabis Reform Sparks Industry Excitement & Opens Doors for Entrepreneurs 🚀 In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden has electrified the cannabis industry by announcing a commitment to decriminalize cannabis possession during his recent State of the Union speech. This historic announcement has ignited a buzz across the sector, with experts and stakeholders analyzing the potential implications for the business landscape of cannabis. William McKenzie, CEO of Left Coast Holdings and a voice of experience in the cannabis world since 2006, shared his insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Despite the excitement, there's a nuanced debate about the effects of rescheduling cannabis, with concerns over how it might reshape the competitive landscape, possibly paving the way for pharmaceutical giants to enter the market. However, McKenzie also highlighted a significant silver lining: the potential alleviation of the burden posed by Section 280E of the IRS code. This could be a game-changer for improving profitability and fostering growth in the sector. 🚀 Franchise Opportunity Alert with Cannabis10x: Dive into the Green Revolution! 📢 As we stand on the brink of these transformative legal shifts, the time has never been more opportune for forward-thinking entrepreneurs to step into the burgeoning cannabis industry. With the conversation around capital and technological advancements taking center stage, the scarcity of funding in traditional financial avenues underscores the need for innovative business models and franchise opportunities. 📍 NOW IS THE TIME!! Join the green revolution with Cannabis10x and explore how you can lead in this transformative era. As the industry flourishes, there's a burgeoning potential for entrepreneurs to innovate, expand, and thrive. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a newcomer eager to make your mark, the evolving cannabis landscape offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a dynamic and rapidly expanding industry. For more information, feel free to leave a message or DM us. Seize this opportunity today and position yourself as a pioneer in the thriving cannabis industry. 🌱💼 #CannabisReform #Entrepreneurship #GreenRevolution #CannabisIndustry #Innovation #FranchiseOpportunities https://bit.ly/3xbEf9C

Crafting a Winning Business Plan for Your Cannabis Startup Creating a robust business plan is a foundational step for any aspiring entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. Given the unique challenges and regulatory hurdles in this sector, a well-thought-out plan is crucial for navigating the path to success. Here’s a simple framework for your cannabis startup's future business plan. Executive Summary Your executive summary should provide a compelling snapshot of your business, encapsulating your mission, vision, and the specific niche you intend to fill within the cannabis market. Highlight your business goals, target market, and what sets you apart from the competition. Remember, this section is your first impression, so make it count. Market Analysis In-depth market research is vital. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the cannabis industry's landscape, including current trends, customer demographics, and an analysis of your competitors. This section should underline the demand for your product or service and your strategy to capitalize on this market opportunity. Business Model and Operations Detail your business model, explaining how your startup will make money. Will you be focusing on cultivation, retail, ancillary services, or a combination of these? Outline your operational strategy, including your supply chain, production methods, and any proprietary technology or processes. Regulatory Compliance Given the legal complexities surrounding the cannabis industry, your business plan must include a section on regulatory compliance. Detail how you intend to navigate federal, state, and local regulations, including licensing, product testing, and safety standards. This part reassures investors of your commitment to legality and ethical business practices. Marketing and Sales Strategy Your marketing strategy should address how you plan to attract and retain customers. Discuss your branding, marketing channels (while considering the restrictions on cannabis advertising), and sales strategy. Include how you'll leverage digital marketing, PR, and any unique selling propositions to build customer loyalty and brand recognition. Financial Projections Provide detailed financial projections for at least the next three to five years. This should include startup costs, operating expenses, revenue projections, and profitability timelines. Use realistic assumptions based on your market analysis and be transparent about the risks involved. Management Team Investors invest in people as much as in ideas. Highlight the experience and skills of your management team, advisory board, and any key partners. Show how their expertise will contribute to the success of your business. Appendix Use this section for additional information that supports your business plan, such as resumes of your team members, detailed market studies, legal agreements, or product schematics. "Not planning is planning to fail." #Cannabis #BusinessPlanning #CFO

🍁 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! 💨🤝

New Cannabis Ventures Bloom in Great Barrington In a recent development, Great Barrington has officially sanctioned and renewed agreements with three cannabis retailers, bolstering its position in the burgeoning cannabis industry. Currently, one retailer is operational, while two others anticipate launching soon, reflecting the town’s increasing embrace of cannabis commerce. The new ventures are taking significant steps toward opening doors, promising an exciting shift in the local economic landscape. As Great Barrington moves forward, these developments highlight the town’s commitment to fostering legal cannabis businesses within its community. The Select Board’s recent decision to endorse two additional host community agreements marks a pivotal moment for Great Barrington’s cannabis market. These agreements, essential for any cannabis-related business to operate, align with amended state regulations to ensure the terms reflect actual impacts of such businesses on the community. As the state modifies its policies, local agreements adapt to maintain fairness and accountability. Among the new entrants, Peak Cannabis is set to unveil its retail outlet in a space previously utilized by Valkyrie Cannabis Inc., following notable renovations. Meanwhile, OBCC LLC is progressing with its plans to open a dispensary on Railroad Street, leveraging a strategic town-center location to maximize visibility and access. With these initiatives underway, Great Barrington stands to see an increase in its cannabis retail landscape, expanding consumer options and strengthening the local economy... Continue reading at: https://lnkd.in/eHpQK9nM