Author: Conrad Martin

The latest state news, a hip hop legacy lives on, and Maryland’s ultimatum. Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. Tennessee ‘volunteers’ a later date for cannabis In what seems like a sad trend, Tennessee has become the latest state to say no to marijuana. The volunteer state’s lawmakers shot down a medical marijuana proposal due to a lack of support. Advocates anticipate a new vote in 2020 Related: Not In New Jersey A hip hop legend’s son takes action CJ Wallace, the son of legendary hip hop artist, Biggie Smalls is launching a cannabis company with a mission. The company, “Think BIG” plans use the proceeds of cannabis products to invest in social and criminal justice reform. Think Big’s first proprietary strain, Frank White, set to debut this year.  Related: Rapper Nipsey Hussle: From Gang Life to Self-Made Millionaire […]

Read more

A big celebrity gets into the weed game, the FDA sets a date, and someone else got my dream job! April 3, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg start a cannabis brand Seth Rogen and his filmmaking partner Evan Goldberg have launched their first joint cannabis venture. The two have teamed up with Canopy Labs to launch their cannabis brand, Houseplant. The brand will offer flower, softgels, and prerolls in Canada exclusively.  Related: Seth Rogen Teams Up With Evan Goldberg to Launch New Cannabis Brand Ahlot hires people to smoke weed Do you love your job? Not as much as Amanda Bladon does. Bladon is one of 8 applicants hired by Canadian company AHLOT to consume and evaluate different weed strains. How much does one get paid […]

Read more

New Jersey says no, Canada’s New Tax, and a huge Pharmacy sells CBD. March 27, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. New Jersey postpones the vote on Cannabis In a twist upset, Garden State law makers shot down a highly anticipated vote this week that would have legalized recreational adult use. On the bright side, Jersey, we still have someone else to pump our gas and Taylor Ham.   Related: Legalization Stalls In New Jersey Legislature Canada will tax based on THC content It’s been a while since we talked about our neighbors up north, but the Canadians have leveled up their taxation. Beginning May 1st, Canadian edibles, extracts, and topicals will be subject to excise tax at a proposed rate of one cent per milligram of total THC content. Related: How Canada’s Marijuana Legalization Changes […]

Read more

A first for New England, MedMen gets booted, and a story I still can’t believe is true. March 15, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. New England gets its first drive thru The Southern Vermont Wellness dispensary became the first medical cannabis drive thru in New England. Patients can pick up pre-ordered prescriptions, but they can’t place new orders at the window. Locals say it’s the best thing to happen to the region since Tom Brady.  Related: These 3 Companies Are Finding Creative Ways to Connect With Their Customers The NYMCIA gives MedMen the boot The New York Medical Cannabis Industry association has expelled MedMen from its organization. This comes on the heels of a Papa John’s style lawsuit against CEO Adam Bierman who’s accused of using racist, sexist, and homophobic slurs.  Related: Spike […]

Read more

Whole Foods wants in, an on-demand weed company expands, and Leafly gets a new CEO. It’s the Week in Weed. March 8, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. Whole Foods will definitely sell cannabis products – when it’s legal During a talk with the Texas Tribune, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey said that when cannabis becomes legal, the grocery giant will sell derivative products. While a timeline is unclear, Mackey did say  Related: 3 Entrepreneurial Lessons From the Amazon/Whole Foods Mega-Merger A weed delivery company takes its show on the road California based Weed delivery company Eaze announced that it’s expanding it’s operations to Portland, Oregon. The service is partnering with Oregon’s Kaleafa dispensary to stretch its reach throughout the state.  Related: ‘Alexa, Order Me Some Gummy Edibles’ Leafly appoints a new CEO […]

Read more

Bodegas want weed (legally), Michigan ups the curriculum, and cannabeauty is so Fetch right now. It’s the week in weed. February 22, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. NYC corner stores want a piece of the ‘pot pie’ Cannabis is on the way to becoming legal in NYC and bodegas want to be able to sell and distribute cannabis when it does. While some experts note the increased risk of robbery and sale to minors, advocates say the move would prevent big businesses from monopolizing. Imagine a world where you can get a chopped cheese and an eighth – all in one stop!  Related: Mayor de Blasio’s Vision for Legal Cannabis in New York City The University of Michigan offers a serious cannabis class If you’re interested in a serious cannabis education, […]

Read more

Barney’s is Bud and Bougie, California claps back, and an industry Giant “stubs its pinky toe” February 15, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. Barney’s dips its toe into the ‘Lux’ cannabis market Luxury retailer, Barney’s has plans to open up a high-end cannabis shop inside of its Beverly Hills location. Aptly named – The High End, the installation, will offer highly-curated and priced cannabis paraphernalia and is scheduled to open in March Related: How This Brand Is Making Cannabis Feel Like a Luxury California’s Gov declares war against illegal farms California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he’ll be dispatching the National Guard to target and eliminate illegal marijuana grows in the state. Newsom cited the dangers of illegal grows including cartels, destruction of forest land, and increased fire hazards. Related: California Has a Serious […]

Read more

February 8, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. NYC ups the regulation on CBD in food items New York City is tightening the belt on businesses that include CBD as an ingredient in its food items. While there’s no definite reason for the crackdown, the New York City department of health has already begun to embargo food items claiming that eateries were not “permitted to add anything to food or drink that is not approved as safe to eat.” Related: New York Goes Green Cannabis jobs are up (and so are salaries) It’s not too late if you’re still thinking of jumping into the cannabis industry. According to Glassdoor, cannabis job opportunities increased by approximately 76% last year. Still not convinced, they also reported that cannabis workers on average – […]

Read more

February 1, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. California testing labs find lead in vape cartridges As part of new state regulations put in place at the top of 2019, recent lab testing in California has found lead to be present in a number of vaporizer cartridges. Experts claim that while the oil doesn’t have lead in it, the building materials of the carts themselves could pose a danger.  Related: California Has a Serious Compliance Problem Los Angeles will crack down on those leasing to illegal canna-businesses Are you a landlord in LA renting out to a cannabis business? You’ll wanna make sure that paperwork is in order. The LA city council will soon decide on penalties to property owners leasing to unlicensed businesses. Those in violation could see fines of up to $20,000 a day and […]

Read more

No weed ads during the big game, interesting findings out of Michigan, and High Times goes global. It’s the week in Weed! January 25, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. CBS says no to cannabis ad during Super Bowl Are you ready for some football? Apparently football isn’t ready for cannabis. CBS has rejected a proposed super bowl ad from cannabis company Acreage Holdings. The ad was intended to outline the medical benefits of cannabis and featured a veteran with combat injuries and a child with seizures.  Related: Here’s the Medical Cannabis Super Bowl Ad CBS Refused to Run University of Michigan has interesting survey results In a survey conducted by the University of Michigan, 44% of medical marijuana users have ceased or significantly reduced the usage of their prescription medication. The survey also […]

Read more

Massachusetts cops crack down, Boston issues its first recreational permit, and buds cut into suds. January 18, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. Massachusetts police can arrest based on observation alone If you’re in Massachusetts, beware. Not that you should be driving under the influence anyway, but the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that police officers can arrest for simply observing signs of intoxication.  Related: Massachusetts May Leap Ahead on Cannabis Cafes Boston issues its first recreational permit Speaking of Massachusetts, Boston has issued it’s first recreational use sales permit to Ascend Massachusetts. The subsidiary of Ascend Wellness will be located in downtown Boston and is expected to open by the end of 2019.  Related: Massachusetts Is Helping Legal Cannabis Businesses Get Started in Areas Hit Hardest by War on Drugs Cannabis may swipe millions from tobacco and alcohol […]

Read more

The black market thrives, edible prices won’t budge, and Congress introduces a new bud bill. January 11, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent, Conrad Martin. The Black Market is still popping in Canada At the end of 2018, Canada legalized Cannabis, and contrary to early predictions – the black market is still thriving. According to an Ipsos poll, 35% of Canadians are still buying from their dealers. And for $3 dollars less per gram according to statistics Canada. Related: 11 Facts Cannabis Entrepreneurs Should Know About the Black Market Weed costs less, but edibles remain the same price Dispensary sales tracker BDS analytics is reporting that while the cost of weed has gone down, the cost of edibles has remained the same. Why? Some experts cite the complexity of creating infused products, while others […]

Read more

Big tobacco vapes, weed may being taxed too little, and Michigan businesses use a cannabis hack out of the movies. January 4, 2019 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent Conrad Martin. Big Tobacco Looking to Vape A few weeks ago, Altria announced a huge investment with Canadian Canna producer – Cronos group. Now the company is taking a 35% stake in vape company Juul. With this latest investment Altria’s valuation shoots to $38 billion dollars.  Related: Marlboro Ready to Buy Marijuana?! Study: Weed taxes should be Higher! Economics professors at UCLA and Yale have issued a research paper in the pursuit of the perfect cannabis tax. Taxes too low would cost states revenue. Too high would drive consumers to the black market. The study concluded that states could raise taxes up to as […]

Read more

New York politicians make a big move, a new study may debunk an old myth, and it’s not love in the air that some Californians are complaining about. December 21, 2018 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent Conrad Martin. New York may be next to legalize! In a speech outlining his 2019 agenda, New York governor, Andrew Cuomo endorsed recreational cannabis legalization for the empire state. In a rare instance where these two agree, New York City mayor, Bill De Blasio cosigned the endorsement calling it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to get a historic issue right”. Related: New York Officials Urge Banks to Work With Marijuana Industry CBD may not actually be good for Glaucoma Is your grandmother still smoking weed for her “Glaucoma”? Might want to tell Gramz to chill. Researchers at Indiana […]

Read more

Michigan ends prohibition, big tobacco eyes the bud game, and counterfeit carts hit the black market. December 7, 2018 2 min read Brought to you by peter page Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent Conrad Martin. Michigan Legalizes Adult Recreational Use On Thursday, Michigan became the 10th state to legalize cannabis for recreational adult use. You can’t buy weed at dispensaries yet, since State regulators are still drafting guidelines around cannabis sales, but you can smoke privately without getting busted. Related: In Michigan, It’s Beginning to Smell A Lot Like Cannabis Altria Group in talke to acquire Cronos The world’s largest tobacco manufacturer and owner of the Marlboro brand, Altria Group (formerly Phillip-Morris), is poising itself to acquire Cronos Group – one of Canada’s top weed producers. While it’s being made clear that no agreements have […]

Read more

South Korea ‘goes green’, Massachusetts spends on weed, and Vegas projects cannabis lounges! November 30, 2018 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent Conrad Martin. South Korea becomes the First East Asian Country to Legalize South Korea’s National assembly approved an amendment to the country’s Narcotics Control Act – allowing medical cannabis oil to be imported and sold. The move makes South Korea the first east asian country to legalize cannabis. Import and sale could begin in the first half of 2019 Related: South Koreans Can’t Get High?! (Week in Weed 8/31) Massachussetts stoners spend $2M during first week of rec sales During the first week of legalized recreational cannabis sales in Massachusetts, consumers spent $2 million dollars on cannabis and cannabis products. Two dispensaries reported revenues of $480k on black friday alone. And […]

Read more

Americans make big weed decisions in midterm elections, Jeff Sessions is out and cannabis stocks rise, and can cartels keep up? November 9, 2018 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent Conrad Martin. Americans Vote on Cannabis During Midterm Elections Were you one of the 36 million people successfully shamed and guilted into voting in Tuesday’s midterm elections? If so, you may have contributed to legalization depending on where you live. Voters in Michigan, Missouri, and Utah chose to legalize in all three states. Related: Marijuana Wins Big in the Midterm Elections Jeff Sessions: OUT. Weed Stocks: UP! Longtime cannabis prohibitionist and former attorney general, Jeff Sessions resigned on Wednesday. The “hemp hater’s” resignation had positive ripple effects — after the news broke, cannabis stocks including Tilray jumped 30%. Related: AG Jeff Sessions Was (Basically) Fired […]

Read more

A major airline allows smoking on premises, the world’s largest dispensary opens, and Coca Cola thinks again! November 2, 2018 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent Conrad Martin. Vancouver International Airport is Letting Flyers Get High Ever gotten weed someplace only to have to throw it away once you get to the airport? Fear not, if you’re leaving Vancouver. Vancouver International Airport, has become the first major airport allowing passengers over the age of 19 to smoke or vape cannabis in designated outdoor areas. You still can’t smoke inside, so no hotboxing the duty free Related: The Surprising Airport With the Fastest Cell Service The World’s Largest Dispensary Opens in Las Vegas Planet 13, the world’s largest dispensary, opened up it’s doors in Las Vegas this week. The 40,000 square foot bordello of bud […]

Read more

Kevin O’Leary ‘can’t’ with cannabis, Mexico goes to Canada for weed, and a statistic that you could have predicted… October 26, 2018 2 min read Welcome to Green Entrepreneur’s video recap of the cannabis news you might have missed this week, hosted by our cannabis correspondent Conrad Martin. Mr. Wonderful won’t invest in Cannabis Thinking about taking your canna business to shark tank? In an interview with Yahoo finance shark tank, investor Kevin O Leary said he’d never invest in cannabis unless it was legal in the US. He stated, “When you invest in a Schedule I narcotic, you are at risk to breach the RICO statutes of aiding and abetting the transfer of a Schedule I narcotic across state lines.”  Related: 13 Million-Dollar Businesses That Turned Down ‘Shark Tank’ Deals Mexican officials head to Canada to talk Cannabis The office of newly elected Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is set to meet […]

Read more