Austin Hodge

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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Expectations expectations it’s all about expectations The longer section about expectations and backstage behavior Make no assumptions about prior understanding. Lay it out, stick to it, keep working towards priorities #camnabisindustry #expert 🌱🌱🌱strive to thrive🌱🌱🌱

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🌿 How Franchise Laws Could Impact the Hemp Beverage Industry 🌿 Franchise laws have long influenced beer distribution, establishing stable relationships between brewers and distributors. Now, there are rumblings that beer wholesalers want similar laws applied to hemp beverages. While these laws could provide advantages, they also pose significant challenges for hemp beverage brands. Potential Benefits: - Long-Term Stability Franchise laws create stable, long-term distribution relationships. For hemp beverage brands, this means consistent access to retailers and fewer concerns about contract renegotiations. This stability allows brands to focus on growth and innovation. - Access to Established Networks Beer wholesalers often have well-established networks with retailers. Hemp brands could leverage these networks to reach a wider audience quickly, benefiting from distributors' established relationships and market reach. - Distributor Investment Franchise laws give distributors security, encouraging them to invest more in promoting the brands they carry. This could include marketing support, securing premium shelf space, and increasing overall brand visibility—particularly beneficial for smaller hemp brands. Challenges: - Loss of Control Franchise laws would make it difficult for hemp brands to change or terminate distribution agreements without "good cause." If a distributor underperforms, brands could be stuck in unproductive relationships, hampering growth. - Difficulty Exiting Poor Relationships Franchise agreements often make terminating contracts costly and legally challenging. Hemp brands may find it difficult to pivot to more effective distributors without facing significant penalties. - Distributor Prioritization Similar to the beer industry, distributors might prioritize larger, established brands, leaving hemp beverage companies with less attention and resources despite long-term contracts. As franchise laws are discussed for hemp beverages, brands must understand their potential impact. Whether you’re evaluating distribution strategies or negotiating agreements, having expert legal counsel can help mitigate risks. If your brand needs guidance in this evolving area, I can help. With my legal experience and my decade of entrepreneurship in the regulated beverage industry, I can offer tailored legal services to support your growth. Let’s connect to discuss how I can assist your brand as the industry develops. #HempBeverages #FranchiseLaw #DistributionStrategy #HempIndustry #BeverageLaw #BusinessLaw #LegalServices #CBDProducts #BeverageDistribution #CraftBeverages #RegulatoryCompliance #Entrepreneurship #GrowthStrategy #HempBusiness #FoodAndBeverageIndustry

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✨ 🥊 🌿IT'S TIME TO FIGHT✨ 🥊 🌿 Calling ALL Hemp Advocates, Businesses, Customers and Other. While we may have lost the first round. Our will is strong 🍃💪 The Miller Amendment threatens our Federal Hemp Farm Bill and jeopardizes the future of hemp beverages and edibles. It's time to take action and defend our industry. This move is driven by special interests, aiming to hinder our progress. But we won't stand for it. Let's unite and safeguard our hemp future, including our favorite products. Here's what you can do: 📢 Voice Your Concern: Contact your representatives and express opposition to the Miller Amendment. Explain the importance of hemp to our economy, environment, and the accessibility of hemp products including beverages and edibles. 📢 Click Link Make Your Voice Heard: https://lnkd.in/gj8rA3zu 📢 Spread Awareness: Share this message to increase awareness about the threat posed by the Miller Amendment. The more people informed, the stronger our collective voice. 🤝 Get Involved: Join advocacy groups and participate in efforts to protect the hemp industry. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a secure future for hemp and its associated products. Now is the time to act. Let's stand together and demonstrate that the hemp industry is essential, including the hemp beverages and edibles category. Hemp Beverage Alliance U.S. Hemp Roundtable Hemp & CBD Media Canna Connect MN Cannabis Beverage Association #StopMiller #ProtectHempFuture #HempAdvocacy

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https://lnkd.in/gYiS25Cz Some very good quotes from Beau Whitney , decision making needs to be fact based and so much of what's happening with legislators is based on emotions and triggers. As an industry we need to be prioritizing education for consumers and legislators. Fact based decision making will always get a better result.

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“Prescription Cannabis - Smoking vs Vaping” • The landscape of prescription cannabis consumption has evolved, offering users diverse methods to embrace the plant’s benefits based on individual preference and desired effects • Two prevalent methods today are vaping and smoking • Smoking- Cannabis smoking, a traditional consumption method, involves inhaling the smoke from combusting dried cannabis flower • Vaping - Cannabis vaping has become a modern, popular method, offering a controlled and nuanced experience. Unlike smoking, vaping doesn’t involve combustion; specialized devices heat cannabis concentrates or flower to release cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor • Safety- Regardless of smoking or vaping, understanding health impacts is crucial • As cannabis ages, its chemical composition changes. Improper storage conditions can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, impacting efficacy. Mold or mildew growth becomes a concern, posing health risks. Store cannabis in a cool, dark, airtight environment, regularly checking for signs of aging or contamination https://lnkd.in/ePdwVrGZ

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It is quite shocking, even for me, to see that it is the mainstream press, not the #cannapress which is covering the #juicyfields story. Undermines again the need for a truely independent cannabis press and journalists who are not afraid to ask questions. Not to mention lawyers willing to sue, and investors willing to stand up for themselves and seek justice. Beyond the Russian mafia, beyond the cannabis buzz, beyond the bank failures, the story here, at least for me, is that a bunch of investors who love the plant stood up and said enough. And look what is starting to happen. It is awesome! #cannabisindustry #juicyfields #cannabisinvestors #activistinvestors #investmentfraud #germany #germancannabisindustry #cannabismedia #cannabispress #cannabislaw #lawyer #cannabislawyer #cannabiscoverage #whistleblower #fraud #bank #crypto #fiat #ponzi @danieljohansson @larsolofsson @ninajansdotter

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In the linked article, I discussed the operational challenges that Impact Farms LLC faced as a result of the current U.S. Border Patrol policies impacting the legal cannabis industry in New Mexico. Our experience with unexpected checkpoint seizures has underscored the need for regulatory change to support not only our operations but the industry at large. I encourage professionals within and connected to our industry to read about these pressing issues and consider the broader implications of our current regulatory environment. Read the full article here: Biden Called On to Help With Checkpoint Seizures https://lnkd.in/grraAqR3. Let’s work together towards sustainable solutions. #CannabisIndustry #BusinessAdvocacy #RegulatoryReform #ProtectThePounds Thanks Joshua Lee New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce The Plug Ben J. Lewinger Matt Kennicott Top Crop Cannabis

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What gives each cannabis strain its distinctive scent? 🌿 It's because of terpenes! These are natural compounds that give each strain of cannabis its own unique smell. Different Smells: Weed comes in many different smells, from fruity to earthy. Terpenes are the reason behind these smells. Each type of terpene gives the weed a different aroma. 🎵 Working Together: Terpenes also work with other compounds in weed, called cannabinoids. This combination can change how the weed affects you, making your experience more interesting. Environment Matters: The place where weed is grown can change its terpene profile. Things like soil and humidity can affect how much of each terpene is in the plant. This can lead to differences in smell from one batch of weed to another. Quality Indicator: A strong, pleasant smell usually means the weed is good quality. So, terpenes can also tell you if you're getting a good product. Different Types: Terpenes help us tell the difference between types of weed. Some types might have an earthy smell, while others might have a citrusy smell. This is because of the specific terpenes they contain. Want to learn more about cannabis? Read our blog posts: https://lnkd.in/ep8vf_kA 🔍 #Terpenes #Cannabis #CannabisCommunity #SmokingCommunity

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Hmmmmm...this Minnesota's approach to CannAbis Event Organizers application fee $750  initial license fee $750  Cannabis event organizers plan and host events featuring cannabis, and may allow for the sale of cannabis, cannabis products, and lower-potency hemp products to consumers at events like festivals (an event cannot last more than four days). They can also provide spaces for consumers to use cannabis. An event organizer must receive local approval, including obtaining any necessary permits or licenses issued by a local unit of government. Do Better Maryland

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The rules regarding CBD in Japan have been decided. Oils, fats, and powders are now less than 10 ppm THC, drinks are less than 0.1 ppm THC, and other products are less than 1 ppm THC. The effective date is 12/12 of this year. This will rule the CBD market in Japan, and the prediction is that the market will move forward significantly. However, the strict THC residue limits will force many small CBD companies to pull out, at great cost for a time.

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Cali Cannabis Brands May Take Over but Maybe Not Cali Firms Californian (and BC) weed brands have a well-earned image and mojo – which will soon come under serious attack.  The foe is in plain sight:  shrewd MSOs & LPs who will use marketing precepts to beat the West Coasters at their own game.     In cannabis few brand values count more than pedigree, exclusivity, and authenticity. West coast brands have this in spades backed up by plenty of expertise and genetics. However, right now any MSO or LP can freely copy (with slight modifications) or create their own ‘Cali’ style brands.  As I type, I can sense the outrage and pushback by some.  Read on. Yes, true authenticity and community is not easily replicable to a connoisseur.  But for much of the current market as well as most future consumers, it’s a different story.  According to research, they care far less about the 'real thing' if their other needs are being satisfied.    The producer payoffs are great if you get it right.  To wit, the supply of Louis Vuitton handbags is small and exclusive.  Conversely, the market for fast-fashion Chinese knock offs is much bigger.  We’ve already seen Cali-inspired brands (e.g., Aurora’s San Rafael '71). However, these were early efforts, launched without deep consumer knowledge and constrained by onerous branding regulations.  This track record should not breed complacency.  Consider what’s going in the UK beer industry. Madri, a fake Spanish lager is eating share leader Carlsberg’s business. Madri has been criticized for marketing itself as “the soul of Madrid” despite being brewed in Yorkshire by Molson Coors.  The boss of Estrella Galicia, which has brewed beer in the Spanish region of Galicia for more than 100 years accused Madri of a “lack of transparency” over its heritage. This spat is part of a larger row around other so-called world beers that are actually brewed in the UK for British drinkers.  The Italian lager Birra Moretti, for instance, is brewed by Heineken in Manchester, while San Miguel, which was founded in the Philippines but is based in Spain, is made by Carlsberg in Northampton. Brand cooption is widespread in consumer goods.  For example, Haagen Daz is not a craft European brand;  it was invented in the Bronx in 1960.  Fashion accessories Parfois (French for "sometimes") is actually a Portuguese company.    Importantly, copycat brands don’t have to be great or authentic but rather skillfully created and able to create strong product-market fit. Countering this threat requires proactive effort including: 1. Establishing/meeting regional appellation programs & quality standards; 2. Creating IP-driven differentiation and; 3. Sustained, effective investments in brand building not only to protect but also build on home field advantages.    Let’s talk.  I help firms address these threats and capitalize on growth opportunities. #cannabis #brands #cannabisindustry #MSOs #beer #alcohol #LPs #California #BC 

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As a cannabis company leader you have so much to share with consumers… your passion, your dream, your knowledge and respect for the plants. 🌿🌟 It’s challenging to package that all up in a way that consumers understand and connect with. There is often a disconnection between what you want to say about your company and what consumers actually hear. I’ve noticed that craft companies are doing a good job at selling the concept of craft, but not doing well at selling your individual company. That’s a big problem as consumers can’t tell you apart… except by price. They buy the cheaper option because it all seems the same. They aren’t brand loyal yet. They are barely brand aware. When you figure out how to bridge that disconnection it takes the guesswork and stress out of your marketing. You’ll know how and what to share with consumers to stay relevant and connected to them. You’ll know how to give them what they want. That’s where the money is. 🌿💰 . #craftcannabis #cannabisindustry #cannabisbusiness #phenologic

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