Daniel Dvorsky

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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Is anyone calling for the head of California's Department of Cannabis Control to resign over this? California Cannabis Industry Association where are you on this story? A MAJOR selling point of the "Legal" market is testing and consumer safety. Remember when "vape gate" nearly DESTROYED the legal vape industry in 2019? Not that it had anything to do with "legal" product. In fact, it taught us all to "go legal" so we didn't end up inhaling poison. Now, in the news we learn that the DCC sat on this info for *seven* months. $9MM and 4 years after approval, the DCC can't manage to certify an independent accredited lab to protect public safety? Who cares about the THC%, I want to know that the product I'm consuming doesn't have poisonous chemicals in it. The DCC is overseeing a legal market that is shrinking? If this is overblown, I'd love to know and regain confidence in the program. As a *former* California taxpayer, I'm beyond frustrated. I sat on this for a few days, but I just can't help saying something here. The responsible parties/good actors in this industry are speaking up. We've all invested incredible amounts of time and capital to build trust with the public and navigate a byzantine set of regs and mandates to grow the legal industry. Nothing erodes that trust quicker than headlines like these.

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The last thing the California cannabis industry needs is more taxation. The CDTFA and our “Governor” aim to do exactly that with Regulation 3802. You can learn more and how to advocate to stop it in this article put together by Rachel Wright, CPA, MST https://lnkd.in/g7vT5w_4 There’s still 2 hours left to submit an email. I got an email response quickly confirming receipt. Beyond getting this repealed, lawmakers and the CDTFA need to be pushed to build a real plan, not a concept of one, that involves working with the industry to helps the CDTFAs tax collection issue, and our tax woes.

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False or misleading labeling is a violation of 21 USC Section 351 (a)(1). This article and attached indictment indicates that besides illegal Viagra sales, these bad actors were selling federally illegal misbranded products in counterfeit packaging. This is relevant because marijuana industry lobbyists are running around elected officials, showing off pictures of hemp THC products with counterfeit packaging imitating well known candy or snack brands, and saying that hemp is unregulated and that there are no laws against bad actors distributing illegally labeled and packed THC products. This is false. The US Food, Drug, & Cosmetics Act prohibits this activity, and the FTC has engaged in previous enforcement actions (see: https://lnkd.in/gvuZiV9D). This indictment indicates the federal government is taking its enforcement duties more seriously to protect consumers against misbranded products. The next time a marijuana industry lobbyist shows an elected official in your state counterfeit packaging for a hemp derived THC product in an effort to promote a ban on federally legal hemp products, tell them that they should be calling the Federal Trade Commission and initiating an enforcement action against these bad actors instead of trying to put hardworking Americans out of business. https://lnkd.in/gSjxgxYU

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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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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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📊 New data from BDSA reveals a fascinating trend: Daily cannabis consumption now exceeds daily alcohol consumption in the U.S.! 🍃📈 However, it's not the beverages driving this shift. Despite a growing market, cannabis beverages still only make up a small fraction of total sales: ▶Q1 2024 Sales: $50M ▶ Share of Edibles Market: 6% ▶Share of Total Cannabis Sales: 1% In contrast, cannabis gummies dominate the edibles scene, with 75% of consumers enjoying them over the past 6 months, compared to just 8% for carbonated beverages or teas. 🔍 Key Insights: ▶73% of adults in adult-use states have either tried or are open to trying cannabis. ▶51% of inhalable cannabis consumers use it more than once a day. ▶By 2026, 62% of U.S. adults will have access to adult-use cannabis, potentially opening the market to 80 million consumers. The cannabis market is expanding rapidly, and consumer participation is on the rise. Are you ready to tap into this growing industry? #CannabisIndustry #MarketTrends #CannabisBeverages #Edibles #BDSA #ConsumerInsights #CannabisGrowth

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A new set of criteria for qualifying for a public convenience and advantage waiver was proposed at today’s Cannabis Control Board meeting. The criteria include the following: 1. Distance from Other Retail Dispensaries: The proposed location must be at least: - 1,000 feet from any existing retail dispensary in jurisdictions with a 1,000-foot minimum distance requirement. - 2,000 feet from any existing retail dispensary in jurisdictions with a 2,000-foot minimum distance requirement. 2. Geographic, Structural, or Topographic Barriers: The existence of barriers (such as waterways, major roadways, highways, or significant travel distances) that separate the proposed location from existing dispensaries. 3. Travel Distance: The actual distance between the proposed location and existing dispensaries, as measured by pedestrian or vehicle routes. 4. Unique Factors of the Proposed Location: Factors that may justify the location, such as: - High consumer demand for additional retail dispensaries or microbusinesses. - The presence of illicit or former illicit cannabis dispensaries near both the proposed and existing locations. - Other relevant factors that may support the need for greater access to adult-use cannabis in the area. 5. Notification to Local Authorities: The licensee must send a notification to the local municipality or community board, informing them of their intention to request a waiver from the Board for not meeting the 1,000-foot or 2,000-foot minimum distance requirement. The municipality or community board will have 45 days to respond before the Board considers the application. Mr. Kagia mentioned that the Board would consider more than this information alone when deciding to grant a waiver and that it would be up to their discretion. Chairman Wright raised concerns about the 45-day period, and the Board voted to approve the criteria with an amendment for licensees who have already received municipal support.

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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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The first cannabis testing lab in #california lost their license for allegedly faked test results and tampered with equipment so it could offer passing test results to cannabis products potentially contaminated with dangerous pesticides and mold. We all know that THC inflation has been a big problem for a long time. When California cannabis legalization went into effect in 2018, it stopped the practice where patients/consumers could see and smell the product they were buying. THC percentage become the top indicator of quality. With a lot more cultivation licenses compared to retail licenses there was limited shell space. Companies had to find the way to stand out including lab shopping. As the market matured the Department of Cannabis Control started cracking down on labs. As well consumers are becoming more sophisticated and are realizing that terpenes and how it was grown, are much better indicators of quality. Thank you Chris Roberts from MJBiz for the state update. #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #cannabisnews #cannabiseducation #cannabispolicy #cannbislaw https://lnkd.in/gCR9T4TM

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Tiss the Season! Octoberfest is Here – Cannabis Style! It’s that magical time of year again when the leaves change colors, the air gets crisp, and the cannabis world buzzes with excitement. Every October, we eagerly await the unveiling of the strains that will dominate the market. What wild names will catch our attention this year? What creative packaging will make us do a double-take, especially if you're in a state like Michigan where the rules let you really let your design skills shine? I’ve got a few packaging ideas up my sleeve – DM me for a chance to make your brand the talk of the town! So, what strains have you successfully harvested this season? Here are the top five I’ve stumbled upon so far: Galactic Gelato – Out of this world and smooth as ice cream. Peanut Butter Breath – Because who wouldn’t want a buzz that tastes like your favorite sandwich? Quantum Kush – For those who prefer their high with a side of mind-bending physics. Blue Lobster – As rare as the crustacean, and just as much of a catch. Tropical Burst – Take a mini-vacation with every hit. No plane ticket is required. Got Your Packaging Ready? Don’t wait until the last minute! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen brands scrambling to get their packaging sorted just as they’re about to launch. Trust me, packaging is a priority – not a procrastination project! The smoother your packaging process, the smoother your distribution. And the last thing you need during Octoberfest is a packaging meltdown. These Bag Fronts are available if you need your flower bags and like what you see, DM, and let's have some fun with your packaging! #packaging #mylarbags #Cannabisindustry #cannabispackaging

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New Mexico Cannabis % of Sales What stands out? 1⃣ Despite JUL '24 with TOTAL Sales ➚ of 4.2% and REC sales ➚ of 4.1%, only 59% of storefronts reported positive M/M REC sales. 2⃣ The # of storefronts that reported in excess of $100k in REC Sales last month righted itself, breaking three consecutive monthly declines. In JUL '24, nearly 14% of all storefronts (96 total) reported >$100k in REC Sales. 3⃣ The % of storefronts that reported <50k in TOTAL Sales is (still) critically low, despite improvement in JUL '24. JUN '24 was near an all-time high at 59% of storefronts. #newmexicocannabis #cannabisdata The Data Heard

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Holistic Approach to Revenue Operations A common error in management is compartmentalizing sales, marketing, and operational roles too rigidly: that all teams are aligned and working towards common goals. Marketing should generate leads that sales can close effectively, while operations should ensure fulfillment capabilities match sales efforts. Recognize that while sales teams are directly responsible for driving revenue, other departments like marketing and PR play crucial supportive roles that prepare the ground for sales to succeed. Each function strengthens the other, and their activities should be integrated rather than segregated

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