Savanna Akins

We’re all drawn to the cannabis industry for different reasons. But it’s our ‘why’ that keeps us persevering. For Marc Whitehair, Account Manager with Wana Brands in Colorado, it’s all about the community. WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL “WHY” (YOUR PASSION) FOR WORKING IN CANNABIS? To help push the community forward, to meet some of the most amazing people, and to feel like I found a home that doesn’t view me as a criminal. WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY, WHAT PERKS AND/OR RISKS DO YOU SEE?  A perk is to feel free to express the love and care for our plants, patients, partners, and customers. CANNABIS HELPS ME ______ Feel free to be myself. HOW HAS WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY IMPACTED YOUR CANNABIS USE? YOUR PERCEPTION OF THE PLANT? I actually take more tolerance breaks and treat my consumption/stash drawer with more respect. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CANNABIS WORK COMMUNITY? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER WORK ENVIRONMENTS YOU’VE KNOWN? It’s got the good and bad. Find the helpers and be a helper. #thatsmywhy #cannabiscommunity

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"Colorado cannabis sales continue on downward spiral in May Legal marijuana sales in Colorado continued their downward trajectory in May, falling to $113 million from $120 million in April, one of the worst sales months in six years. Apart from November last year – when Colorado dispensaries sold just $110 million in legal cannabis – May’s sales total was the worst the state has seen since February 2018, when sales topped just $112 million, according to data from the state Department of Revenue. May’s $113 million total includes $98.4 million in recreational sales and another $14.7 million in medical sales, the state reported. Sales thus far for the 2024 calendar year reached $589.7 million, with an all-time total of $16 billion since the market launched in January 2014. State cannabis tax collections for the month of June registered at $18.3 million, down from the $22 million collected in May, suggesting the summer may also not be bringing a reprieve for struggling marijuana shops. To find a worse month of May for Colorado’s cannabis industry, one would have to wind the clock back to 2016, when the mountain state’s dispensaries sold only $101.4 million in legal marijuana." by John Schroyer at Green Market Report https://lnkd.in/gW6bbgaK

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Launching canned beverages allows you to tap into a rapidly expanding market, diversify your product offerings, and meet the evolving demands of today's consumers. Here's some wild statistics 😲 - Cannabis canned beverage market is expected to grow to $117B by 2032 - Ready-to-drink Coffee surging towards a projected $64.78 billion by 2032 - Hard Seltzer market, valued at $16.5B in 2023, is expected to more than quadruple by 2033 Beverage production can be daunting, but knowing where to start and how to optimize your procedures is the first step to tap into the explosive growth of canned beverages. If you're considering launching a craft beverage, check out the complete guide to production and packaging here. https://lnkd.in/eRRDG72Z

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We crack open the Midwest marijuana markets for you! 🌿 Illinois vs. Michigan: The Ultimate Cannabis Showdown 🌿 Our team has been analyzing the Midwest's two biggest cannabis markets for our upcoming pilot! What we uncovered might reshape your understanding of the industry. 🔥 Hot takes from our report: The surprising winner in regulations and market access Which state is the true haven for cannabis culture The shocking price gap that's affecting consumers Who's really leading in social equity (it's not who you think) The unexpected champion of quality AND affordability But here's the kicker: One state is miles ahead, and it's changing the game for everyone – from consumers to entrepreneurs. 🚀 Why this matters for YOU: -Investors: Discover where the real growth potential lies -Entrepreneurs: Learn which market offers the best opportunity -Consumers: Find out if you're getting the best deal -Policymakers: See which approaches are truly working Don't miss out on these canna-industry insights! Are you team Illinois or team Michigan? Comment below and let's spark a discussion! #MidwestCannabis #MarketAnalysis #CannabisIndustry #bakedbotInsights

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These are 10 common mistakes #cannabis dispensary owners make with social media... 🚩 Don't start documenting their journey early enough. 🚩 Don't properly invest in marketing team + budget. 🚩 Say things like "we need to go viral" without doing anything interesting. 🚩 Focus on highlighting products/discounts rather than people + stories. 🚩 Focus on quantity of posts instead of the quality (posting just to post). 🚩 Micromanaging your marketing team. 🚩 Using #cannabis or #marijuana related hashtags on Meta platforms. 🚩 Underutilizing IG stories. 🚩 Ignoring the TikTokification of social media. 🚩 Not responding to every comment/engagement with your page. These are just some of the things we'll be helping operators and other #cannabisindustry marketers be aware of and work through during #CannabisCMO's Weed Doesn't Sell Itself Live Training Series that kicks off on June 24th. With the proven strategies we'll be teaching, we're confident we can help you drive triple digit growth across your digital channels. Sign up for an alert when registration goes next week! https://bit.ly/CMOTraining

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Want to know the biggest mistake I see #cannabisindustry operators making? It's not understanding the graphic below 👇 I see it time and again. "We need marketing" followed by "Why aren't they closing sales." Or "Why won't this PR agency guarantee me article placements?" Or "I hired a sales team and it's working for our wholesale business, but not doing a thing for retail" The list of examples could go on for a bit... The reality is: Every. Single. Cannabis. Company. Needs. It. All. They just don't know that. They THINK they need 1 or 2 of them, and then some slick sales person promises them the world. They sign on with a marketing agency expecting sales, or a publicist expecting advertising, or SOMETHING like that. 6 months later the account rep is catching heat for it. The business owner is mad and likely hurting in the pocketbook region. The agency's reputation is damaged. Or... They hire a new CMO and expect them to run a sales team, or they hire a new VP of sales and wonder why the marketing calendar is hurting and all the article pitches keep getting rejected. Or... They hire someone and expect them to do 5 jobs, or they hire an agency and expect the same level of commitment as an employee. Or. Or. Or. Many Scenarios. Same Errors. Every Time. And it's always the operator's fault. ALWAYS. It's their duty to ask the right questions. Here's my three best tips to start you off right: 1.) Clearly explain your goals, and ensure any KPIs align with them. Want more sales? Tie success to that metric alone, and make sure you get a detailed explanation about how each planned activity drives towards that goal. 2.) Agency's scale faster, Internal Teams scale better. Early stage companies need strategy internally and to contract out the work, late stage companies need to contract out the diversity of thought (and occasionally the work). Hire accordingly. 3.) Think holistically. CROs and Rev Ops people get a bad rap for being "just another sales guy" but with some spreadsheets... and that just isn't the case. A good CRO (Even a fractional one, or an agency filling that role) is the glue that holds the front end of a business together. Find one of those and you can ignore the rest of this post. Have any other tips on this topic? Drop them in the comments 👇 Disclaimer: This post is brought to you by a former sales person who got a master's in PR (that he rarely uses) and parades around as a marketer (and somehow people believe it). 🤷‍♂️ Take it with a grain of salt. 🧂

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In the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, Native American tribes in the United States have emerged as significant players. Over the past year, Native American cannabis businesses have experienced substantial growth, asserting their sovereignty and tapping into the emerging market. The past year has been pivotal for tribally owned cannabis businesses. According to MJBizDaily, as of May 2024, there are 57 tribally owned medical marijuana dispensaries and adult-use stores across nine states. This impressive expansion represents a 25% increase from the previous year. These stores are spread across various states, including California, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Washington. Keep reading at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gCgguUUP

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MNG BRANDS is here! We distribute top cannabis & kratom brands to retailers nationwide. Our focus? Minor cannabinoids & quality (testing & sourcing). Follow for industry insights, new minor cannabinoid products, & retail tips! Tell us what interests you (cannabis, kratom, minor cannabinoids). #retail #cannabis #wellness  

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Controversial opinion: Loyalty programs are largely a wasted investment in Cannabis/Grocery if you're focused on multiple states/national expansion. Too costly for what you get in return. Customers will still switch based on price and are not loyal enough to your store. People, price, and place matter more here than marketing $. Loyalty programs only matter in small markets where you can better focus on experience>price. Largescale, it's very hard to keep that experience consistent. Margins can become too slim when you multiply. I'd rather follow Aldi's model. I always know I get the lowest price. I don't need to follow any gimmicks to get what I want, I'm confident it just happens. Reinvest those marketing dollars back to your customers. Lowest prices win in grocery. Look at Walmart's success. Same logic for cannabis. I'd love to hear any comments about why you disagree with my opinion.

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Relying on just one way to grow your #cannabis business? It’s like using only one part of the plant. The leaves, buds, and oils all offer something different. Using just one part means you’re missing out on all of the amazing benefits while wasting valuable resources. The same goes for your marketing. Using only one method is risky. If that single channel changes or adds more restrictions…. Your entire marketing strategy could collapse overnight. Diversify your approach with a proven system. We’ve found that using a strategic mix of Social Media, Email, and SEO together helps cannabis brands grow. This approach reaches more people and keeps your business safe from changes in one area. Plus! By owning your own traffic with email and SEO, you’re not at the mercy of social media algorithms. Don’t have enough hours in the day to do it all? Let us handle it for you. Our done-for-you services ensure you get the most out of each marketing channel without the stress. Want to learn more? Message “🔥” to get started #cannabismarketing #cannabis #hemp #cannabisbusiness #cannabisindustry

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I was interviewing a Street Team candidate yesterday for Two|15 Collective and the words "purpose-driven" came up That's not all that surprising when you're discussing a role that requires one to have compassion for cannabis patients to truly buy in to what we're doing. What was surprising was the "throw away" nature of the term. The way the candidate said it, it was almost reduced to nothing more than an adjective. Then I started to realize that we're kinda just headed in that direction as a society. Many people don't seem to understand what "Purpose Driven" really means. For Two|15 Collective it isn't a marketing term. It's not a cool phrase to throw out so people will look our way. In fact, I rarely use the words "purpose driven" when talking about Two|15 because it doesn't even begin to describe us. We exist only because we feel a responsibility, as patrons of the cannabis community, to give back, to focus our efforts collaboratively on compassion, and to NEVER forget the spirit of the community. So yeah...I guess we're "purpose-driven". Or maybe we just human beings.... #cannabis #community #Sunday #compassion #mindset #purpose

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🌈 At CTrust, we proudly recognize the profound contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the cannabis industry. From the earliest days of the movement, LGBTQ+ activists have been at the forefront, driving change and championing cannabis reform. Without their tireless efforts and advocacy, there wouldn't be the thriving cannabis industry we know today. During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 90s, the use of cannabis for relief marked a pivotal moment in history. Activists worked tirelessly to secure the rights of patients to access cannabis, emphasizing the critical intersection of healthcare and human rights. Mary Jane Rathbun, affectionately known as Brownie Mary, became a beloved figure for baking and distributing cannabis brownies to AIDS patients, highlighting the compassionate care within the community. Their determined protests and advocacy efforts drew national attention to the potential benefits of cannabis, playing a crucial role in changing public perception. The passage of Proposition 215 in California, a landmark event in cannabis legalization, was significantly influenced by the dedication and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. This legislation marked the beginning of a broader acceptance of medical cannabis, setting the stage for the widespread reforms we see today. This Pride Month, we encourage everyone to delve into this rich history. Learn about the co-activism that united the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and cannabis reform. Discover how these early efforts laid the groundwork for the acceptance and legalization of cannabis, shaping the industry into what it is today. Let’s honor and remember the significant contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the cannabis movement. Their dedication and resilience continue to inspire us to this day. 🌿 #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #CannabisHistory #CTrust #EqualityForAll

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In the spirit of the week of 4/20, I will be shouting out a few projects, brands, and colleague buds that have been a strong influence to me and my work within the cannabis industry…because why not? There are no rules. ¯\_(ツ)_/ I’m starting with the team at Joints // Fresh Joints. They are a small batch pre-roll brand in Colorado with the sole focus on making quality pre-rolls...no shake, stems, or seed shit -- these are simply whole-flower pre-rolls made with flavorful and unique terpene-forward cultivars. With their production process, each pre-roll, in a way, is ‘made to roll’ (or made to order) and they partner and produce for major dispensaries throughout the CO market. I swear no one there has asked me to say any of this, but (in my opinion) they are what cannabis pre-roll production should be like in every market. Open up your dispensary pre-rolls and you’ll see what I’m talking about.  When I met Hunter Garth and he introduced me to his brand and idea with Fresh Joints, I immediately realized that he was someone who understood the power and potential of redefining a quality pre-roll. Their brand and name are simply who they are – passionate people who only stand for the freshest pre-rolls. Plus, if you ask me, they are kick-ass with their social media content. It crosses The Office with SNL but in short, social media form, and of course, weed style. Check 'em out: https://lnkd.in/e3R9iYC2

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You know your nugs stand out! 🔥🍃 But what about your #cannabis brand? Share what makes your products special. - Highlight unique benefits - Tell your story - Connect with your community Tired of doing it all yourself? Ready to make your brand shine with expert help? Let’s chat! DM 🔥 to learn more. #cananbismarketing #cannabisbusiness #hemp #cannabisindustry #cannabinoids #cannabisculture #hempproducts #cannabiscommunity #cannabisbranding

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If there is one tool/company that I love in the #cannabisindustry, yet see get a lot of flack, it's got to be Cannabiz Media. And when I say LOVE, I mean absolutely think it's the best thing since sliced bread, those fancy ash trays with the bowl poker built in, and the internet. Then why do they get so much hate? I'll tell you, but you have to keep it a secret... USER ERROR, EGO, or IGNORANCE. I hear it several times a week. Marketing thinks the email functionality is trash. Sales thinks the data is garbage. Compliance usually doesn't even know it exists. Yet... I've seen it used and personally used it for all three purposes and seen amazing results. The email functionality only works if you establish a cadence, give the audience time to warm up, and actually write good emails (honestly that last part is the most crucial... most of the ones I see thrown around regardless of platform are lackluster) The data is actually amazing if you actually take the time to learn how the system displays it. I can find anyone from nearly any company and reach out within minutes. Compliance folks have used it for dozens of reasons. Negative news checks, license verification, etc. (once they are made aware of it). Basically... It's a tool and 99% of what I see is people who have no idea how to use it. Oh, and before all of you who are about to rebut this or day it's the companies fault for not teaching you... I know they offer training. I've seen it and taken it. I also know their customer support team is like... AMAZING and will spend as much time as you need. Unfortunately, most folks would rather complain than bite the bullet and ask for help. That's it. That's the post. I 💚 Cannabiz Media. Everyone who doesn't is wrong. No, they didn't pay me to say this and don't even know I'm writing it (side note: I'm not an influencer. I don't accept money or favors or gifts or anything else for posting).

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Minnesota has started the first phase of its preapproval #cannabis licensing process. How do you apply? Who can apply? We have all the answers here: https://hubs.la/Q02DDrd60 #Cannabis #CannabisBusiness #CannabisLicense #MinnesotaCannabis #LicenseApplicationGuide #SocialEquity #Cure8

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Registration for our #cannabis marketing live training series called Weed Doesn't Sell Itself just went live! We've got an exclusive discount for anyone who signs up this week. Click the link to learn more: https://bit.ly/4bsNHEY #CannabisCMO #cannabisindustry #cannabisbusiness #cannabisbrand #marketing #digitalmarketing #contentmarketing

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Guys packaging is so important in the Cannabis world right now. Studies show 7 out of 10 customers decisions to purchase a product was influenced by the the quality of the packaging. On top of that if you have been to a dispensary ever, you know that there a million different strains and hundred different brands all fighting for the same market. To invest in your packaging material is to invest in your brand.

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