How the general election could impact cannabis retail

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October 29, 2024 l Sign Me Up

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Election season is here, and the cannabis industry is on high alert!

Source: Voting Super Tuesday / giphy.com

As ballots across key states present cannabis legalization initiatives, each vote is a pivotal step towards shaping the future of our industry in 2025.

Scroll down for details on how both North and South Dakota in particular will be impacted by next week's election results. Plus, see how retail brands are campaigning with new presidential strains.

And you already know, whatever the election outcome is, we're heading to MJBizCon on December 3-6 in Las Vegas to talk about it. Join us!

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M A R K E T W A T C H

How the general election could impact cannabis retail

Voters in South Dakota could become the first to legalize recreational marijuana possession and cultivation without setting up a market for regulated sales.

That half-measure is all that Initiated Measure 29, funded by South Dakota's medical marijuana industry, offers after a more expansive adult-use legalization initiative approved by voters in 2020 was later declared unconstitutional by a state judge.

Photo by Leonid Andronov / adobe.stock.com

To avoid the same fate, IM 29 is limited by design to legalizing marijuana possession and small-scale home cultivation for adults 21 and older.

Recent polling suggests a close race, with a South Dakota News Watch survey released last week showing 51% of voters opposed to the measure, 44% in support and 5% undecided.

MJBizDaily reporter Chris Roberts' election preview story details the peculiar history of marijuana ballot measures in the prairie state.
Read story >

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L E G A L I Z A T I O N

Three strikes in North Dakota?

Could voters in neighboring North Dakota reject the third recreational cannabis measure in six years?

We'll know next week if the national movement to legalize adult-use marijuana has legs in a deeply red state, where the GOP controls the offices of governor, secretary of state, attorney general and both chambers of the legislature.

A win would mark a significant milestone and fuel hope for future federal reform, as more Congressional lawmakers would represent states with regulated adult-use cannabis.

Despite the national implications, the medical marijuana industry-funded bill does little to prop up the local market.

Our latest update about Measure 5 provides the backstory and potential for business opportunities. Read story >

B R A N D P L A Y

A new battleground strain

Photo by renaschild / adobe.stock.com

Multistate operator Curaleaf Holdings is hosting a special election this year. The New York-based company launched its "Take the Vote" campaign across dispensaries in Arizona, Florida and Illinois, where they will tally sales of three hybrid strains through election season.

Curaleaf stores in Arizona and Illinois will carry 100 units of the strains, aptly named Kamala Kush, Donald OG and Space Jill.

Five Curaleaf stores in Florida (Jacksonville/Orange Park, Orlando South, Pensacola, St. Petersburg Tyrone and Tamarac) will carry 100 units of each strain.

The first to sell out will be declared the winner.

Meanwhile, two more Republican-leaning states that could sway national momentum for the industry: Medical marijuana is on the ballot in Nebraska, and Florida voters will decide whether to legalize adult-use cannabis.

Follow election coverage including poll day updates at: MJBizDaily.com/election.

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S E S H H I G H L I G H T S

MJBizCon Agenda now LIVE!

It's time to celebrate the launch of the most comprehensive MJBizCon to date — we're talking 200+ speakers and four full days of sessions.

This year we're doubling down on our Retail and Brands Conference Track. Below are a few session highlights.

RETAIL AND BRANDS

Building a Retail Tech Stack to Increase Sales and Efficiency

Thursday, Dec. 5 • 2:00 - 2:40 p.m.

Cannabis dispensaries must leverage technology to stay competitive, increase sales and streamline operations. This session will guide you through the process of developing a robust tech stack tailored specifically for cannabis dispensaries. The panelists will share insights and strategies on selecting and integrating the right tools to enhance customer experience, optimize inventory management, and drive revenue growth. Attendees will learn about point-of-sale (POS) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, e-commerce platforms, and data analytics solutions that can transform your dispensary into a high-performance retail operation.

Michael Blanche

CEO, Surfside

Michael Blanche is the co-founder/co-ceo of Surfside, a technology company powering the infrastructure, APIs, and software businesses need to quickly build custom ad platforms for personalized commerce, native ads, sponsored listings, internal promotions, and more. A leader in the advertising industry, Michael is a actively working on creating Retail Media Standards with the IAB.

Lisa Williams

Founder, The TOKE Agency

Meet Lisa Williams, the founder of The TOKE Agency. Bringing over 35 years of marketing know-how and a deep-rooted love for the cannabis industry, she's passionate about creating connections and building a community. Lisa combines authentic storytelling with the latest digital marketing techniques tailored for the cannabis dispensaries. At The TOKE Agency, they craft content that resonates with people and drives actual results and ROI.

Gary Cohen

CEO, Cova Software

Gary Cohen is the CEO of Cova, the most trusted cannabis POS brand. Having met with over 2,000 dispensary operators from coast to coast, he leverages expert knowledge to offer cannabis retailers the support they need to get a dispensary license, pass inspection, evaluate technology, launch a store and scale operations. Gary leads seminars on retail tech, compliance, business operations and cannabis banking laws at the industry's largest events including NCIA, CannaCon and MJBizCon.

RETAIL AND BRANDS

How to Perfect the Consumption Lounge Experience and Promote Sales

Thursday, Dec. 5 • 10:50 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Cannabis consumption lounges are emerging as vibrant hubs for customer engagement and brand experience. This session discusses how to create an exceptional cannabis consumption lounge experience that not only entices patrons but also drives sales and enhances brand loyalty. From layout and decor to staff training and customer service, this session will cover the essentials for making your lounge a standout destination and driving revenue.

Brian Applegarth

CEO, Applegarth Strategies

Founder of the Cannabis Travel Association International and ongoing sole expert advisor on the first-ever 'cannabis travel audience' research in the U.S. in collaboration with MMGY Travel Intelligence, Brian is an award-winning data-driven cannabis travel innovator and marketing strategist for destinations and brands. His work in cannabis tourism and travel and has earned recognition from the U.S. Travel ESTO Awards, the Visit California Poppy Awards, the Clio's and the International Federation of Fairs and Expos (IAFE) Awards.

Lauren Fontein

Founder & Chief Compliance Officer, The Artist Tree

Lauren Fontein, Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer of The Artist Tree, began her professional career as a corporate lawyer in L.A. In 2009 she founded a cannabis edible manufacturing company. She launched the first Artist Tree location in West Hollywood in 2019 and has since opened several more The Artist Tree retail stores and two of California's only cannabis consumption lounges.

Teddy Cabugos

President, Sunstone Winery

Teddy Cabugos is Owner and President of Sunstone brands including the Santa Ynez Valley's premier destination winery, Sunstone Winery; and Sunstone California as a brand expansion into the CPG cannabis and hemp-THC space. In 2023, Cabugos founded Sunstone California, releasing an exciting new cannabis- and hemp-derived infused product line into the market: the Sunstone Spritz sparkling beverage, the Sunstone Splash drink additive and the Sunstone Gems gummies.

View the MJBizCon Agenda

R E S O U R C E S

September/October Issue of MJBizMagazine

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