Group hopes to empower women in cannabis industry

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November 6, 2024 l Sign Me Up

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As more women enter the cannabis industry, they need an outlet to connect to discuss business, trade war stories and talk about the challenges they face in a male-dominated environment.

An MJBizDaily report estimated that more than 39% of marijuana executives were women in 2019, but by 2021, women accounted for only about 22% of executive positions in the cannabis industry.

The percentage of women holding executive positions in the cannabis industry returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, but the number of women marijuana leaders remains shamefully low.

Blunt Brunch, a Phoenix-headquartered events business that brings together women cannabis professionals for networking, aims to address that void.

The women-led company's events help participants make connections, gain valuable leadership insights from female peers and engender inspiration and confidence in women to take leadership roles in the cannabis industry.

Blunt Brunch co-founder Adelia Carrillo said her goal for the events is to empower more women to take leadership roles at the companies where they work.

"We have brunch and blunt conversations," Blunt Brunch co-founder Adelia Carrillo Carrillo told MJBizDaily.

Those conversations range from finding your voice and acting with authenticity to working with male colleagues.

A Blunt Brunch content and networking lunch will take place during the "Women in Leadership Forum" that kicks off MJBizCon Week on Dec. 3. Read story >

2024 marijuana post-election updates, analysis & highlights

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MJBizDaily reporters and editors are providing live coverage of the 2024 election, focusing on the aftermath of several legalization ballot measures in four states, and how today's results could affect marijuana reform and other post-election-related tidbits.

Read story >

More Headlines

Marijuana company Agrify gets $20M from Green Thumb, shakes up C-suite. Read story >
Canadian province Ontario pledges $31 million toward illicit cannabis battle. Read story >

E L E C T I O N R E S U L T S

Will the grass be greener for the marijuana industry in 2025?

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Hemp-derived & medical cannabis news

California report spotlights potential risks of high-potency marijuana

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A new California report highlights potential risks associated with high-potency marijuana and recommends further restrictions on marketing, product development and business opportunities for licensed cannabis operators in the world's largest regulated market.

The 42-page report - prepared by scientists and medical experts selected by the California state health department - identified 20 key policy recommendations.

The findings, according to the report's authors, are intended to guide policymakers and raise public awareness to improve consumer safety in California's evolving cannabis market. Read story >

Kentucky to decide medical cannabis dispensary licenses in 2 lotteries

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The fate of Kentucky applicants seeking medical cannabis dispensary licenses will be decided starting in late November.

The state's Office of Medical Cannabis will select the winners during two lotteries held at the Kentucky Lottery Corp.

Winners for four licenses available in nine of Kentucky's dispensary licensing regions will be drawn in a Nov. 25 lottery.

A Dec. 16 lottery will then determine four licensees in the remaining two regions and Jefferson and Fayette counties. Read story >

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DEA picks 25 to participate in marijuana rescheduling hearing

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has contacted 25 "designated participants" to testify at a Dec. 2 hearing about marijuana rescheduling, according to documents obtained by MJBizDaily.

Before marijuana can be moved from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram ordered that the matter go before an administrative law judge.

Among other instructions, the documents direct "Designated Participants who will participate" to "come prepared with January-February 2025 availability dates" for participants and counsel to appear.

That's a strong indication that marijuana will remain a Schedule 1 substance until after President Joe Biden vacates the White House on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2025. Read story >

W E B I N A R

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Optimize operations and build cost-efficient, profitable grow facilities.
Explore the critical role product innovation plays in increasing yields while simultaneously lowering input costs.
Streamline operations from facility design to ongoing grow management.

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More Headlines

Florida governor lands more hemp money to fight adult-use legalization, report says. Read story >
Virginia chooses Metrc to run state's medical cannabis seed-to-sale tracking. Read story >

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MJBizCon Conference Agenda is 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. Below are a few session highlights:

MANUFACTURING, PROCESSING & DISTRIBUTION

The Keys to Successfully Manufacturing and Distributing Hemp Beverages

Thursday, Dec. 5 • 2:50-3:30 p.m.

This presentation will focus on the rapidly growing hemp beverage market. The panelists will provide a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the complexities of manufacturing and distributing hemp-infused drinks, from initial product development to market launch. Whether you are looking to enter the market or expand your existing product line, this session will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies.

Christopher Lackner

President, Hemp Beverage Alliance

Christopher Lackner is the founder, president & CEO of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, the trade association representing the hemp beverage industry. With more than 175 members in the U.S. and Canada, the Alliance is creating a safe and thriving industry through education, advocacy, best practices and partnership.

Diana Eberlein

VP Marketing & Business Development, Sorse Technology

Diana Eberlein leads the Marketing and Business Development Departments of Sorse Technology and generates the strategy behind all digital and experiential campaigns including events, PR and advertisements. She is Chair of Cannabis Beverage Association representing the cannabis beverage category as the future of cannabis consumption.

BUSINESS SERVICES & POLICY

Navigating Farm Bill Implications: Can the Farm Bill Provide a Lifeline to Cannabis Operators?

Thursday, Dec. 5 • 2:50-3:30 p.m.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the transformative effects of the Farm Bill on the cannabis industry. As the legislation continues to evolve, its impact on hemp and marijuana cultivation, production and commercialization is increasingly significant. Our expert panel will delve into the latest updates and regulatory changes, exploring how these developments influence business practices, market dynamics and future opportunities.

Kerry Hinkle

Director of Membership and Public Affairs, U.S. Hemp Roundtable

Kerry's journey in the cannabis industry began only months before the 2018 Farm Bill was signed, as the first retail employee of an upscale franchised CBD store in Indianapolis. Serving as Director of Membership and Public Affairs with the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Kerry has worked with multimillion- and billion-dollar companies to champion and secure hemp-friendly legislation at state and federal levels.

Michael Bronstein

President, Bronstein & Weaver, Inc.

Michael Bronstein is the co-founder and president of Bronstein & Weaver, Inc. In 2011, Michael was named to the Democratic "Dream Team" of American Political Consultants. Michael received Politics Magazine's Rising Star Award, was named a "Top Ten" political consultant by PA2010.com and listed as one of the 500 most "influential" political consultants in the U.S. by Campaigns & Elections Magazine.

View the MJBizCon agenda

R E S O U R C E S

Breaking Through: Four Brands Share Blueprints for Profitability

MJBizMagazine Nov/Dec issue: Breaking Through to Profitability
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