Alex Bayer

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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🚨 Insightful DEA Report: Illicit marijuana flowers average a THC potency of 16%. 🌿💨 This statistic underscores a significant advantage of purchasing from licensed dispensaries—quality and safety. Unlike the unregulated market, dispensaries offer products that are tested, compliant, and consistent in their THC content. This not only ensures a safer consumer experience but also supports the legal cannabis industry committed to high standards. Why risk the unknown? Choose quality, safety, and reliability every time with dispensary-bought cannabis. Let's advocate for more informed consumer choices and support regulations that emphasize these benefits. Stay informed and choose wisely. #CannabisIndustry #ConsumerSafety #DispensaryQuality #THCPotency #RegulatedCannabis

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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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“Every sale of THC beverages outside dispensaries robs the state’s cannabis tax fund roughly $6.08,” Caren Woodson, president of the California Cannabis Industry Association. This quote is entirely uninformed and sensationalist. Tax on zero sales is zero, nobody wants to buy low dose beverages in dispensaries and dispensaries don’t want our drinks! The dispensary ecosystem is not built for beverage. Also why do you think people are leaving your hyper taxed weed alone? Could it be you expect to take an extra 6 dollars from your constituents? America is built on finding better ways to do business, do not penalize our industry for leaving a bad relationship. If your market is worthy of THC drinks… improve yourself instead of running to lawmakers to crush us, California Cannabis Industry Association. https://lnkd.in/g2CUAMA7

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Good morning California Cannabis Industry, Today, in the economic evolution of cannabinoids (both cannabis and help), there's one question remaining: WHO WON THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  

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Cannabis startups are DEF a rollercoaster - 2 wks ago I was reeling from several gut punches... but today, things are looking bright: ✅ LOTS of new products in the pipeline that I'm SO pumped about... our Live Resin Vapes drop in NY before 710 and they're 🔥 🔥 🔥 . A bunch more new stuff I can't reveal them yet too… ✅ in NY, LIVE NUGS are in almost completely sold out - with most places re-ordering after < 2 wks selling a $100+ SKU! We’re getting a ton of inbound interest - shows that innovative products that deliver real value sell. Still early, but we should 2-3X our best month ever... NY as a market feels like it’s FINALLY getting its footing (hope I’m not jinxing us here). ✅ in CA, we've signed 4 MONSTER accounts since HoF and our new SKUs (esp Live Rosin Pre-Rolls and Live Rosin Vapes) are FLYING... it's painful for our cash flow to be scaling to meet demand, but feeling very positive about the turnaround in the most challenging state. About to sign up for the next big show in Sept… ❓thinking about expansion - though it's still early (wanna make sure our foundation & processes are solid in CA / NY)... but what potential partners should we be talking to in NJ for cultivation / processing / sales & distro? HMU via DM pls... None of this would be possible without our incredible team (Martin Mills, Cirona Labs, Peter Pietrangeli, Euphoric life , Lowell Farms Inc.) and our amazing retail partners. In general, I try not to get too high or too low - but feeling immensely optimistic about the state! Gotta celebrate the wins - as tomorrow I'm fully expecting to be punched in the face again LOL. BTW, in the rollercoaster analogy - which part is “good”? I assume it’s when you’re going downhill (despite Kevin Hart’s face)?! But then when we talk about life’s ups and downs or highs and lows - it’s the opposite right? Make it make sense?!

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Was the best marketing of Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) #iftfirst just googley eyes hot glued onto a walnut? Possibly. Everyone that came by this booth took home a freakin’ walnut with googley eyes. I have mine on my desk at home. Will I always associate California Walnut Board & Commission with this simple yet effective swag? Of course. Sometimes the best most effective marketing is the simplest. #marketing #influencermarketing #tradeshowmarketing #tradeshows

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Now Open! Access a whole new level of Ganjier training: TODAY marks the highly anticipated launch of Ganjier's new cannabis product and connoisseurship training - the Ganjier Product Specialist Program (GPS) - will officially open for enrollment. In case you’re not familiar, the Ganjier Product Specialist program is a cannabis product and connoisseurship training created by Ganjier, the cannabis sommelier certification. Also, I’m excited to share that I’m an instructor for this program, teaching: An Introduction to Assessing the Quality of Flower! When you enroll, you'll receive instant access to this 100% online, expert-led, comprehensive deep-dive into today's cannabis products, a proven framework for how to assess the quality of those products, and a detailed understanding of how to properly consume those products for optimal effectiveness and enjoyment. Check it out at https://www.Ganjier.com and receive special launch discount pricing at enrollment. #ganjier #ganjierproductspecialist

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California tax revenue from cannabis has declined each of the last two years from a peak of 2021. (Source:DCC) Where do we expect 2024 to finish? It sure seems to be a broken system, with very few profitable operators. The state is trying, and AB 2223 will be a pivotal moment for the industry. Many brands have given up, and are finding better margins and consumer access in hemp, that allow them to do basic things like make payroll. I voted in favor of prop 64. At the time, I had faith that the state supported profitable industry to boost the economy and provide jobs. I didn't believe they had altruistic motives to improve access to a beneficial plant. I didn't think the mismanagement would be so bad that the industry would already be in a decline 3 years into it. Question: How much tax revenue would we generate for the state if we had low-dose cannabis beverages accessible everywhere alcohol was? How much would we need to tax cannabis beverages to achieve their goal? Allowing adult beverage producers, distributors and retailers to freely sell low-dose cannabis beverages isn't competing for revenue from the dispensary channel. People buy beverages where they already are. Someone ordering a Coke at McDonalds or a Red Bull at a concert wasn't going to buy the same drinks at a grocery store later that day. Please tell me where I'm wrong, or your ideas to fix this decline -

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Awesome morning🌅, Entrepreneurs, Professionals, Leaders, and Creators! Check out this excellent and insightful article by HIGH TIMES A.J. Herrington! Ben Kovler, the CEO of Green Thumb Industries (GTI) is pitching a merger between his company and The Boston Beer Company, the manufacturer of the Samuel Adams family of brews. The Boston Beer Company has a market capitalization of about $3.6 billion, while Green Thumb Industries (GTI) is worth about $2.8 billion! Alcohol consumption is declining with young adults drinking less than previous generations. Stock market analyst Aaron Grey, CFA, CPA, CEO of Alliance Global Partners, said on Monday that the proposed merger would allow The Boston Beer Company to enter new markets as alcohol sales continue to decline. Aaron stated that a Green Thumb merger with Boston Beer would give the cannabis company a listing on the New York Stock Exchange, making its shares available to a wider base of shareholders. Read more below 👇🏿

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I have more than one industry client who has expressed to me (often in a hushed tone in an offline convo) that despite so much internal attention on other brands as competitive threats, the real pressure to guard against is losing market share to private label. I can't disagree as private label comes on stronger every year by building more of a brand identity that consumers increasingly recognize as a "regular" brand not private label necessarily. This article argues the following.... Traditional private-brand innovation has focused on the removal of negatives (i.e., “free-from” artificial flavors/preservatives/sweeteners/hormones/GMOs) and increasing the affordability and accessibility of organics. Future innovation will focus on improving the nutritional quality of food products and the promotion of innately healthy whole foods that are the cornerstone of FAM initiatives (fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, beans/legumes, seafood). So, the question becomes will private label become the place of products of improved nutritional quality and "innately healthy whole foods" that support the Food As Medicine movement? I would like to think this future exists for private label, but I have my doubts. Private label is about cost savings for the consumer, and at the same time, margin increases for the retailer. This doesn't exactly line up with making say a better-for-you pasta sauce with tomatoes grown specifically to increase lycopene density. Your analysis of private label in grocery? #food #diet #health #nutrition #medicine #foodasmedicine #foodscapefinds

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Hey Produce People!! Look out --> It's a bird, No....It's a plane, No.... It's a 6ft shark eating a BANANA!! In episode 462 of The Produce Industry Podcast, I chat with Madison Hopper 🍌🦈 of Equifruit on DISRUPTIVE MARKETING. . . . But, is #disruptive marketing enough or do you need some more steps? Establishing brand guidelines is a crucial role when marketing and evolving your brand. Tune in and Turn on to this episode by clicking the link in the comments below. If you are interested in seeing more of the visuals we spoke about in the podcast check out our Mobile App - -> 2024 Visual Content From Videos and click to view more. #freshproduce #fresh #freshfood #freshfruit #freshfruits #freshvegetables #freshveggies #freshness #freshfoods #fruitsandveggies #fruit #fruits #fruitsandvegetables #producelife #theproduceindustrypodcast #aglife #farmlife #farming #agriculture #canada #bananas #fairtrade #fields #freshfromthefields #supplychain #foodie

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A question I get asked a lot is what’s our most popular flavor. Let me introduce you all to Mojito Mint & Lime 🍋‍🟩 Hype. Currently in the energy drinks market, there is no other brand that offers this unique flavor combination. NONE! The most common response after sampling - “It tastes just like a Mojito! 😳” Unique flavors in the energy drinks market, like Mojito Mint & Lime, distinguish our brand by offering a novel taste experience that can't be found elsewhere!. This uniqueness attracts consumers looking for something different, driving demand and setting the brand apart in a competitive market. Also our entire range is certified halal, vegan and gluten free 🙌🏼 You have to try it to understand what I am referring to. The students love it! Its also serves as a very popular mixer with your favourite tipple! It’s a winner with those who enjoy the mint and lime combination, hence we sell millions of cans of this flavor in the Middle East every month. We also now have many takeaways and shisha lounges making enquiries in the UK 🇬🇧, which is slightly removed from our usual retailers. The unique mix of lime and mint takes your taste buds on a wild ride with a flavor as irresistible as the original. Get ready for more power with every sip to keep you at the top of your game. Take the night by storm and own it with the zesty kick of Mojito 🍋‍🟩 🍋 #EnergyDrink #UniqueFlavor #MojitoMintLimeHype #StudentFavorite #MintLimeCombination #QualityIngredients #Mocktails #ZestyKick #MoreFxckingFun

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Burping you're cannabis is the most important process while curing besides temp control. If you're buds are extremely sticky and tend to clump together. You should dump you're flower onto parchment or whatever tray you'd like to use. And separate anything sticking together. When flower sits in contact it doesn't allow airflow and transpiration to happen. Which ends up with wet spots in you're flower. That unavoidable mistake ends up creating spots where mold can grow. Potentially causing health problems if you ingest or smoke. Please take care of you're flowers <3

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💰 How Private Equity Is Losing Millions In The Pet Food Industry. I can't believe so many PE firms are funding so many bad business models. I think it's because they lack understanding of the industry. - The Customer Acquisition Cost is greater than the Lifetime Customer Value. - Churn is high pet food & customers can be gullible. - The incumbents are well established and their margins healthy (rice and wheat gluten are cheap ingredients!). Furthermore, big box retailers such as Pets at Home or Petco have limited shelf space, with thousands of old and new brands pitching for space. You only have to look at annual accounts and ROCE's to see how tough the space is. Guess what? If you want your product on their shelves you have to lower your margins. How about going B2C directly? Well, deal with a high churn and the fact that 80% of food sales are still done in situ. Unless PE is deploying capital because THEY HAVE TO, and not because a model is good, this does not make sense. You then have PE firms selling low returning investments on to other PE firms, this is literally smart money selling to really dumb money. We get between 5-10 new brands pitching us new products EVERY DAY. Most of these companies don't make money. Half of these products are pretty poor. It simply does not make sense. #privateequity #petfood #petfoodindustry https://lnkd.in/eqUci-ph

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“It’s like the wind in our cannabis sails in Colorado has just been sucked all the way out,” said Wanda James, founder of Denver dispensary Simply Pure, one of the first recreational dispensaries in the state. A messy assortment of factors has led to the pioneering industry’s struggles. A supply glut caused weed prices to plummet in the wake of the pandemic. The spread of cheap, largely unregulated intoxicating hemp-derived products further heightened competitive pressures. And marijuana remains federally illegal, subjecting operators to sky-high taxes and costly regulations. But more than any other factor, Colorado’s market has been sapped by the rapid spread of legalization across the country. Neighbors New Mexico and Arizona are among the 24 states with their own adult-use legal marijuana markets, wreaking havoc on the business plans of dispensaries on Colorado’s southern border. Tourists who once flooded the state for the opportunity to legally experience Rocky Mountain highs have largely disappeared as the novelty has worn off. Even Texans aren’t driving north to buy weed anymore, satisfied with the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products in their own state. #coloradocannabis #cannabisindustry #simplypure #wandajames #cannabismarket #coloradocannabismarket https://lnkd.in/gpGxG8mA

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To California Cultivation Facilities: If you are worried about your bottom line, your profitability, your output per sq. foot and overall reputation in the industry. You must ask yourself are you wasting money by guessing what is wrong? If your month over month harvest output is declining and overall THC% potency also on the slide- you have unidentified issues and could be a great fit for the custom solutions Verne Bioanalytics provides. If you want to double your canopy efficiency, make more per pound, increase THC and yield, we can custom fit a solution to your specific needs. Are you needing an upgrade to equipment, your facilities or your processes? We can help with all three plus diagnose why your plants look like that, using a combination of AI and human surveillance onsite. Our team will provide actual answers and hard SOPs on how to fix the issue... stop wasting your money on ineffective and inefficient processes. To find out more, contact me directly- we boast a vast network of partners that can assist with every aspect of the cultivation process... don't just take my word for it- As a cultivator myself, the lack of data and it's on demand usability is an issue in cannabis unseen in other industries, don't get left behind. If you merely work at a facility and know this is an issue, we have a referral program for you, too. Let Verne help make you day to day workload lighter using data and science, no guessing!

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