Luke Schneider

Looking for ways to mitigate those equipment fees in your beverage agreement? Here's one idea...

8

1 Comment

Struggling to Reduce Cannabis SG&A or Cost of Goods Sold? To achieve major cost reductions in a MSO and LP, you need to address visible and unseen operational complexity. This corporate flab is found in- --> SKU/Brand proliferation --> Overlapping roles & responsibilities --> Process confusion --> A jumbled Bill of Materials --> Poor operating model design I have led complexity reduction initiatives - analysis, cuts, implementation - that delivered 12x ROI plus improved organizational speed and flexibility Thats 12x initiative ROI plus indirect savings! Send me a DM to chat about how we can painlessly reduce your cost and enhance your competitiveness. #cannabis #cannabisindustry #complexityreduction #costreduction #operations

14

2 Comments

Back in 2020, I found it both exciting and validating to discuss cannabevs with a craft brewer and hop farmer. Their interest in this new category made me feel less like an eccentric cannabis enthusiast and more like a visionary. Patrick Smith informed me they had secured a license and facility to manufacture cannabevs in Yakima, Washington where they also grow hops and brew Bale Breaker Brewing Company. Yakima is ideally positioned to be the hops capital of the US, thanks to several advantages. The Yakima River provides plentiful irrigation and fertile soil. Additionally, Yakima enjoys over 200 days of sunshine annually, offering ample sunlight for hop growth. As I mentioned earlier this week, hops and cannabis belong to the same family. It's logical that a hop farmer would understand cannabis cultivation, and a craft brewer would know how to create a delicious beverage. Sun Gaze is a tribute to Yakima, and its golden cans reflect my golden summer tan. My personal favorite is the Lemon Ginger flavor. It tastes like a mix of natural lemonade and ginger ale. As a fan of spicy flavors, I enjoy mine garnished with extra lemon peel and fresh ginger. The low-dose version contains no sugar, making it a perfect refreshment for a warm summer day. Washington and Colorado were the pioneers in legalizing recreational cannabis 12 years ago. Now, they share another similarity with respect to cannabis laws - both states restrict hemp. In Colorado, you cannot distribute a hemp beverage containing 2mg of THC. Washington has even stricter rules, so it's unfortunate that these products are only available in certain Washington dispensaries. In my opinion, widely distributed cannabis beverages hold greater potential to compete with alcohol than the dispensary market, where low-dose beverages nationally account for less than 1% of sales. It’s a shame that alcohol wants to advance the mission of making cannabinoids accessible and some protectionist cannabis companies are the adversaries in that goal. Quality beverage producers and distributors are ready to support this category. It will be interesting to see when laws begin to meet unmet consumer demand. It’s 2024, the will of the people will win. The public safety concerns in regards to hemp are valid. The best way to mitigate against that is to let quality producers produce. People didn’t stop selling bathtub gin until they could no longer compete. Not sure when we’ll get national distribution on cannabev, but when we do the drinking culture will never be the same again.

32

11 Comments

We’re often faced with tough decisions that test our priorities, especially when it comes to balancing work and family. Is there a shift happening between expectations vs. exceptions? Case in point: Missing an NBA Playoff game for the birth of your first son.    You may remember NBA 4-time DPOY Rudy Gobert for infamously becoming the first NBA player to test positive for Covid in 2020. Monday, he once again captured the spotlight when he missed a crucial game 2 against the Denver Nuggets to be there for the birth of his first son. Some were quick to criticize the decision, calling him “selfish” and “unprofessional.” They argued that as a professional athlete, his commitment to the team should have come first, regardless of personal circumstances. I, along with many others, disagree. Gobert's decision was likely not made lightly. He understands the significance of his presence on the court, especially during a huge road game. However, in this instance, the opportunity to witness the birth of his first child outweighed the importance of any basketball game. Despite Gobert’s absence, the team was still able to stack together another win against the defending champions.   WHY IT MATTERS:  >>>Success isn’t just defined in championship rings. Success can be earned every day, simply by the quality of our relationships and experiences.   >>>It’s okay to prioritize yourself and unapologetically seek joyful moments.    >>>You just have to have the confidence that your teammates will be there to pick up the slack. Minnesota Timberwolves National Basketball Association (NBA) #worklifebalance #worthit #trust

17

4 Comments

Rescheduling is a historic moment for the #cannabisindustry, congratulations to all that have ridden the wave and sacrificed. No doubt the impact will be huge for the future of operators. Viridian Capital Advisors predicts the industry can eliminate $1.4bn in 280e expenses. Thank you to the Biden Administration, HHS and DEA for recognizing the health benefits of #cannabis. People will have better access and research to their medicine and all those impacted by the racially driven war on drugs will finally be recognized. But……, as the saying goes “the devils in the details.” For those not familiar with legislation change, it is never easy or goes as expected. There are very strict requirements for companies in the Schedule III space. Will licensed cannabis companies be forced into spending millions of dollars to comply? Can’t image the IRS walks away from billions without imposing an excise tax to offset it. It will remain federally illegal, so can’t see Chase, BOA, Citi jumping in. A lot of messages saying “here comes investment dollars.” We are raising funds, let’s see. A lot of companies are still deep in the red, will this help the bigger companies finally get rid of the them? The 280e eliminations are half of what accounts receivables are, that will take time. I love the headline and applaud all that made it possible. But history tells me to wait until all the details are out before popping all the champagne. Stay strong! #michigan #cannabiscommunity #investincannabis

35

3 Comments

Totally legalize is the solution🔥🔥🔥

2

A second cannabis dispensary wants to open in Macon County. It should be located in Decatur - Residents of Decatur have waited over 4 years since adult-use cannabis was legalized in Illinois for a cannabis dispensary in the city.  Nearby Harristown has one and there is a possibility that a second dispensary will be constructed in unincorporated Macon County at the edge of Decatur.  Given the likelihood that the largest share of customers to a dispensary are Decatur residents, the cannabis dispensary should be in the city rather than outside it. It is unclear what the arguments are for requiring our citizens to drive out of town to Harristown or unincorporated Macon County to purchase a legal product whether for recreational or medical use.  The city is simply losing tax revenue to nearby municipalities and inconveniencing its citizens.  Furthermore, whatever the negative consequences to these legal sales may be, they will be in Decatur where the cannabis is used as opposed to the location where the cannabis is sold. As one example, I am concerned about the adverse effects of elevated THC levels in some cannabis products. However, whether the product is sold in Harristown, rural Macon County, or Decatur, the product will have the same negative impact to the Decatur resident. The city council should reverse its decision prohibiting dispensaries and other cannabis-related businesses soon. Since adult-use cannabis has been legalized over four years ago, the Decatur City Council has taken only one formal vote on whether to allow dispensaries, and only one council member (yours truly) has ever formally voted yes for a dispensary in the city.  Meanwhile, residents of our city have long supported having a dispensary.  On March 17, 2020, residents of Decatur Township (which comprises ~70% of Decatur residents) voted in an advisory referendum on whether the city should allow the sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products to individuals over 21. There were 5,382 ballots cast with 62% voting yes and 38% voting no. According to the April 2024 Treasurer’s Report for Decatur, revenue is down 9% ($2.128 million) and expenses are up 2% ($575,000) compared to projections.  Rather than proposing new taxes on residents such as a streaming tax or a storage unit tax, why not get tax revenue from individuals that voluntarily choose to purchase medical or adult-use cannabis? The city originally estimated the annual revenue from sales of cannabis products at $206,000 - $360,000.  While this new revenue cannot offset our shortfalls entirely, it can be used to help fund the city's priorities such as neighborhood revitalization and/or assist in providing public services such as police and fire protection. A cannabis dispensary and other cannabis-related businesses will bring a new and needed source of revenue and jobs to the city. 

10

1 Comment

🌿 ALERT: Major Shift in Federal Cannabis Regulation 🌿 📜 The DEA, in agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has proposed moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, signaling a historic shift 50 years in the making. 🔬| 💵 This move will open up research opportunities and allow state-legal cannabis businesses to claim federal tax deductions previously denied under IRS code 280E. ⚖️ Although this doesn't legalize cannabis federally, and some penalties remain, it acknowledges cannabis's medical use and lower abuse potential compared to more dangerous drugs. 📊 Over 30,000 healthcare professionals in the U.S. can now recommend cannabis for medical purposes, highlighting its recognized medical benefits. 📢 Next steps? The proposal moves to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review, then to public comment before possible finalization. 🚀 Join the Movement! 🚀 This monumental shift towards groundbreaking federal cannabis reform is just the beginning. Now, more than ever, having a united voice and a dedicated space to learn, adapt, and advocate is crucial for shaping the industry we envision. Don’t miss out—click the link in our bio to become a CIAO Member today and ensure your voice is heard!

27

16 Comments

DIDN'T SEE THIS COMING, LOL... "Brokers handling the asset sale of cash-strapped #marijuana brand and publication #HighTimes are nearing a deal to unload its #WestHollywood store, MJBiz has confirmed. A separate buyer has placed a six-figure offer on 420.com, one of several other assets up for sale from the Los Angeles-based parent of HIGH TIMES, Hightimes Holding Corp., which entered receivership in April. The stalking-horse bid will set the pace for the online asset, with other interested bidders required to up the ante in any successive offers. “My goal is to maximize the sale for the receivership,” said Drew Mathews, CEO of San Diego-based Green Life Business Group INC., which is handling the #liquidation proceedings of one of the most well-known #brands in the #cannabisindustry. Other assets for sale, according to Green Life marketing materials, include: Five operational or built-out California stores in Blythe, Coalinga, Redding, San Bernardino and Shasta Lake. A #distribution, manufacturing and delivery operation in Lynwood. A 10,000-square-foot cultivation business in Sacramento. Intellectual property, including High Times magazine and related assets, 420.com, DOPE Magazine, #CannabisCup events, social media accounts and more. Assets could bring $11 million-plus... Mathews told MJBizDaily on Tuesday the lot of assets could fetch more than $11 million, though the window to attract substantive offers is closing with a May 17 deadline approaching. “It’s one of the biggest deals ever through a #receivership,” Mathews said. At its peak, High Times was grossing more than $21 million annually, he added. The sell-off also includes certain assets of the California operation of multistate company Moxie. Los Angeles-based Hightimes Holding Corp. acquired Moxie in November 2022. Under that deal, Long Beach-headquartered Moxie received about 1.4 million shares of Hightimes voting common stock, #MJBizDaily reported at the time. Auction an option If the assets fail to generate substantive offers, they will placed on auction and sold to the highest bidders. All asset sales must be approved by the court. Kevin Singer was appointed receiver for High Times in April. He also served as receiver for the recent unwinding of now-defunct California marijuana distributor HERBL., which had outstanding debt likely eclipsing $10 million, according to court documents and industry sources. CRB Monitor, which tracks and monitors licenses in the regulated industry, reported last month that High Times shuttered at least three of its branded marijuana stores in California, leaving affected employees and vendors in the dark. Its stores in Blythe, Redding and Shasta Lake remain open, Mathews said." - MJBiz

3

Is it just me or is every cannabis producer doing the same thing…. If I have one more person try and sell me Ratio gummies, infused pre ground, or mid grade infused pre rolls…. 😂😂😂 I had a few sellers ask me this week what makes you pick a sales menu to pop off. Honestly if you don’t have the top shelf flower in the entire state you better come hot with the prices. Unique products are becoming fewer and far between. Yes we’ve thought of it all… As a quality critical buyer you have to bring the (clean) fire. Yes I look for PPm and PPb… I feel like all of the major producers come to the same conclusion ”this is our thing” at the same time.. Who is shaking up the game? I see seeds, clones, and so many multi packs of pre rolls, infused and regular. With a few dozen similar menus a week coming in, anyone have that fire I haven’t seen yet?? Always looking to diversify for my local customers. Cheers,

89

32 Comments

Looking for the perfect humidor? 🎁 Size really does matter! Whether it’s a thoughtful gift or a treat for yourself, choosing the right-sized humidor is crucial for optimal cigar storage. For 10-20 cigars, opt for a smaller humidor to ensure it maintains the proper humidity levels efficiently. Larger humidors might look impressive, but they can struggle with humidity control if they're not adequately filled. Browse our extensive selection of quality humidors online and find the best one to suit your needs. Make gift-giving memorable or elevate your own cigar experience! 🌟 #HumidorTips #CigarStorage #GiftIdeas #ShopHumidors #CigarCare #PerfectHumidor #CigarGifts #CigarAccessories #MaintainCigars

4

This is my first post in many years. I have and own franchise food concept units, am a BoD member of a multi regional franchisor and several multi unit regional franchisee BoDs. I find it interesting = as units struggle with inflation, pricing and unit volume that the precent of gross or net sales that franchisor royalty income is generally increasing even net of gradually declining unit volume. Not sure what to say or suggest but there seems to be a disconnect .....

5

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 👇🏿

7

Feeding the community, corporate, senior homes, detox facilities, law enforcement, and sports teams. Do you need to feed your staff? Healthy food that’s macro-friendly and high in protein. #CommunityFeeding #HealthyFood #Protein #CorporateWellness #NutritionSupport Gainzandshredsmealprep.com

2

What are your thoughts? Is sleepy joy after your vote or big pharma money? I sat in a very interesting meeting this morning; it was all based around the rescheduling of cannabis; There is no denying the fact that we have a great distribution model in place for schedule III drugs; before all the high 5's and the dancing in the streets takes place, we might want to be cautious as to the positioning; with one clean swoop and making cannabis legal on a federal level, couldn't the cultivation and dispensing fall inline with all the other schedule III drugs; we already dispense #ketamine, #testosterone and low dose #codeine so why not #cannabis ? The pharmacy network is positioned perfectly; government could be giving you exactly what you've been screaming for; easy access to the plant, more distribution and a national footprint.. all while eliminating all the cultivators, dispensaries and state laws. It's illegal to make and or dispense schedule III drugs without the proper licenses and with the federal rescheduling the states technically would no longer have jurisdiction.. I think it's a long shot but scary to think that billions of dollars would be left unattended and or controlled by the elites that long for control in every aspect of our lives; Nothing make cannabis more special than any other schedule III drug; look what they just did to the growing peptide market.

21

5 Comments

Local. Food. Is. Important.

6

Too much #cannabis? Until legalization I've never heard of such a thing. Too much competition, sure. Why am I hearing that we are growing too much cannabis? Are the streets just overrun by vendors rolling carts up and down the market selling off like its a bazar? That's what I picture when I hear people talking about too much pot. I don't know, just roll bigger joints. Maybe start smoking it in the first place. or.. and here's one hell of an idea. #Grow better pot. I've only heard the 'too much pot flooding the streets' argument spoken by those who have yet to connect to #quality. Too much bunk.. yes, I'll agree to that. "Sure, its easy to say roll bigger joints, Tom, but what if we grew hundreds of pounds of swag that we cant offload? What then?" "Should we find an other country to dump this garbage on?" No, we shouldn't flood our export market with garbage. That's very short sighted and counter productive to being able to create #Canadian dominance of the #global #cannabisindustry Thanks for showing up and playing though. Well, without my pointing out that this is an #agricultural product that requires #crop management - which includes growing towards demand... I would say that the bunk you are sitting on is still useable as a spray foam insulation.. so that 'too much pot' problem you have can be #monetized. Just need to effectively lobby towards being able to operate effectively. Over the last five years I have not seen a lobby group in cannabis make a real ask that can help the industry as a whole. So, if we want to whine about too much pot, maybe we should actually be whining to the government directly about how we can re-purpose cannabis refuse instead of destroying it. Wouldn't that be an interesting idea? #cannabisculture

30

7 Comments

Discover how a Kansas City distillery is redefining the game, pioneering unique products, and transforming American Agave spirits! 🔍 Tune in to our latest "Harvest to Pour" episode as we dive deep with Tyler Gloe, co-owner and head distiller at Mean Mule Distilling Co. This episode is packed with insights on navigating growth and sourcing changes in the dynamic world of craft spirits. The Agave Spirit Revolution The craft spirits industry is evolving rapidly, with distilleries like Mean Mule leading the charge. As the demand for unique and high-quality spirits grows, distillers are pushing the boundaries of traditional methods. Mean Mule’s journey from using agave nectar to whole agave plant distillation showcases their innovative approach and commitment to quality. Meet Our Guest: Tyler Gloe Tyler brings a unique perspective to the craft spirits industry. His journey with Mean Mule Distilling is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community. Insights from the episode: 💥Innovative Distilling Techniques:Tyler shares how Mean Mule transitioned from agave nectar to whole agave plants processed in the US, introducing variety and quality of their spirits. 💥Community and Collaboration: Learn about the supportive network of American Agave producers and how they work together to push the industry forward. 💥Navigating Market Challenges: Discover the strategic decisions Mean Mule makes to overcome challenges such as market demands and potential relocations. 💥Family-Driven Success: Understand how a family-run business thrives on open communication, honesty, and shared goals. 💥Future of Agave Spirits: Get a glimpse into the exciting future of agave spirits in the U.S., driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. 🎙 Don't miss this episode! Dive into the full discussion for a wealth of insights and inspiration. 🎧Listen now at https://lnkd.in/g62FHbVy, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. #CraftSpirits #AgaveSpirits #HarvestToPour #PodcastInterview #KansasCity #MeanMuleDistillery #BusinessGrowth

2