420 on 4/20 and Social Savvy
420 on 4/20 and Social Savvy
News, opportunities & advice.
The Broccoli Report
Monday, March 21, 2022
Time to read: 4 minutes, 13 seconds. Contains 845 words.
Good morning!
Spring has arrived; thank Goddess. I know I’m in need of a shift in energy (at the least, a dose of real Vitamin D 🌞). As we kick off another week working in the wild world of weed, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that we are humans, not machines, and no matter how many things there are to do, only so many can get done while maintaining sanity. So don’t forget to get what you need: a good sleep, a good read, a good cry, a better topical—whatever helps you feel your best. We’ve got 4/20 in a month; the time for self-care is now!
This Friday, we’re talking money. Moolah. The other green. I’ll be rounding up a couple of our favorite financially-minded newsletters, some updates, and additional noteworthy resources to beef up your spending savvy for the busy spring and poppin’ summer ahead. Sign up as a paid subscriber to stay up to date.
One-Hitters: Cannabis News at a Glance
This April 20, 2022, the connection between our cannabis celebrations and the health of our planet is more cosmic than ever. On that date, the Earth's atmospheric carbon concentration will reach an average of 420 parts per million (ppm) for the first time in recorded history. To mark the moment, a Venice, California-based 4/20 activation will join climate scientists, regenerative cannabis farmers, environmentalists, artists, futurists, and anyone interested in combating climate change to “channel the high-vibe energy of 420 into direct action toward adaptation for a 420ppm-and-higher world.” Head here for details on attending and/or sponsorship opportunities.
Weed for Black Women, a newly launched online hub, aims to create a warm and welcome space for Black women to indulge comfortably, learn about cannabis, and find entrepreneurship, employment, and wellness opportunities. Follow them for updates.
In a piece on 2022 cannabis trends for Rolling Stone, marketing whiz Dan Serard wrote a helpful guide on creating more video content with a list of great prompts and easy conceptual ideas to incorporate into a brand’s social presence. (For more suggestions on sharper social practices, check out this LaterCon recap for a ton of tips.)
Jones Soda is making a bold weed play, and it won’t be some roundabout infused product like Pabst’s seltzers. The Mary Jones brand will debut in California with infused sodas of varying potencies, concentrated syrup, and gummies in four of the most popular Jones Soda flavors. While it’s an exciting announcement, I’m disappointed by the loud aesthetic. Jones Soda defined alternative cool to NW teenagers like me, and this look gives me zero nostalgia. Although, if they still accept random photo submissions for these Mary Jones labels, that’s a start.
Speaking of new aesthetics: Miss Grass’s full-scale rebrand cleverly uses color to define the effects and contents of its offerings. The buzzy “Fast Times” is a hot, shrimpy red, while the more versatile “All Times” is dressed in mellow lilac. They also launched more nuanced pre-rolls: .5g, .3g, a THCA diamond-infused pre-roll, and a 1:1. For the rest of March, $1 from every Miss Grass Minis or Flower purchase will benefit the Women's Prison Association.
Colorado’s Cannabis Business Office has launched a Cannabis Business Pilot Grant to provide financial support for social-equity-licensed cannabis businesses. Eligible businesses are divided into Foundational or Growth categories and awarded up to $25,000 and $50,000, respectively. Businesses must complete the Cannabis Business Technical Assistance program or a partner program and prepare a proposal detailing the projected use of the grant funds. You can visit the home page to learn more. If you’re eligible, be sure to get in your application by April 11.
As pseudo-THCs like Delta-8 and THC-O gain popularity and stress out regulators, more states are considering banning these gray-area cannabinoids. If you need a refresher, Dr. Adie Poe wrote a good, clear explainer on the state of Delta-8.
If you need a refresh of body wash, consider Dr. Bronner—you can donate 10% of your purchase to cannabis nonprofit Supernova Women at checkout.
Philadelphia social club Black Dragon Breakfast Club is organizing a series of networking and wellness meet-ups in the coming months—feel free to reach out if you’re interested in participating as a vendor/sponsor/host.
Is your brand interested in getting into the wedding game or connecting with other matrimonially-inclined brands? The Cannabis Wedding Expo is happening in Los Angeles (April 3), San Francisco (May 1), and New York (June 19). Expect inspiring decor, entertainment, and gourmet snacks—even models for showing off wearable offerings. To inquire about exhibitor opportunities, email hello@cannabisweddingexpo.com.
The SPLIFF Film Fest is back. The NW festival of short films “made by the stoned for the stoned” will hit Portland on April 16th and Seattle on April 30th. Submissions will be available to stream from April 20th–23rd.
Mix-n-match multicolored accessories are trending: The tops and bottoms of Yew Yew grinders can be swapped to spice things up, and Another Room is about to do the same with their Jointlockers.
Off to power clash some strains,
Lauren Yoshiko