Equity Loopholes & Deep Sea Weed
Equity Loopholes & Deep Sea Weed
Fresh news and launches of note.
The Broccoli Report
Monday, February 21, 2022
Time to read: 4 minutes, 20 seconds. Contains 867 words
Good morning!
Whew, last week was a busy one. I wrapped up a story on an international brand I’m particularly stoked about for Broccoli’s upcoming 15th (!) issue, caught up on the past few episodes of The Righteous Gemstones—its second season is a lot more satisfying than Euphoria’s, IMO—and I even got to lend a hand to PDX pipemaker, Stonedware, for a nail-centric content shoot. (If you’ve been looking for a perfectly-toned periwinkle piece, she’s got you.)
Now, I get to focus on planning a party—my birthday party! And you’re invited. Well, paid subscribers are invited.
When: Friday, February 25th
Where: Your inbox (for new subscribers, possibly your Social tab)
What to bring: Your morning beverage and wake-and-bake of choice.
Theme: My dream cannabis things, experiences, and legal + cultural shifts
Become a subscriber to RSVP 🥳 and to help keep the Broccoli Report in motion. We can’t do it without your support. Thank you!
One-Hitters: Cannabis News at a Glance
The fact that we need better paths towards equity in cannabis is no secret, and the Minority Cannabis Business Association’s sprawling new Social Equity report and state-by-state map make plain the problems with existing equity programs.
While legislators rush to write in equity components, the problematic resale of equity licenses is heating up. Right now, there are no rules prohibiting wealthy white people from buying equity licenses from a qualifying minority. A recent episode of Al-Jazeera’s podcast, The Take, covered this issue well, focusing on how this sort of resale activity is complicating Illinois’ stumbling adult-use program. Deciding how to regulate the resale realm is on the horizon—the episode is worth a listen.
It was incredibly frustrating to watch ice skater Kamila Valieva compete in the Olympics despite testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Following that absolute meltdown in her long program skate, I don’t think that she feels great about it, either. Sharp comparisons were drawn between the different outcomes for Valieva and Sha’Carri Richardson—the sprinter who wasn’t able to compete in the summer Olympics after testing positive for THC, a non-performance-enhancing drug consumed in a legal state. The situation is yet another manifestation of the utterly unhinged and political state of drug policies at all levels of sport and illustrates the dire need for widespread reform, now. It’s also sort of par for the course at this point in one of the strangest Olympics ever.
Last week, New York Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes launched a new political action committee to support legislation and candidates committed to fostering equity around three key pillars: cannabis, education, and environmental resiliency. The EquityPAC aims to “vitalize voters from communities most impacted by systemic racism and structural inequities,” and fellow elected officials Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, and Assemblymember Charles Fall have shown support.
Lucy Thackray rounds up CBD spa experiences in luxury hotels from Switzerland to Bangkok in this piece for the Independent.
Massachusetts cannabis delivery service KindRun is hosting a job fair Thursday, February 24th, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. EST. Cannabis industry-curious candidates can RSVP by emailing a resume to hello@kindrun.com.
Fashion brand Tombolo—known for cheeky, embroidered terrycloth pieces—has announced a new artist residency program. They will turn two of the selected artist’s works into Tombolo shirts and host a solo show in October in NYC (the brand won’t be taking any commission). During this April to August residency, Tombolo will provide free Williamsburg, Brooklyn studio space and a $500/mo stipend. Head here for more info; applications close March 1st. An intriguing opportunity for whimsical designers out there looking for an adventure, I know I would love a weed-y take on the brand’s “inactivewear for leisurely escapes.”
I went on my first adventure into the metaverse via this virtual dispensary created in a collaboration between Saucey Extracts and Higher Life CBD Dispensary. Note that in order to exit the tab, you have to press the “Esc” key (for a minute there, I thought I was trapped à la “Tron”).
Philippe Cousteau Jr.—the grandson of famed oceanic explorer Jacque Cousteau— has launched an oceanic-inspired, cannabis-infused California wellness brand called SeaWeed Naturals. The products contain algae extracts and notably dynamic cannabinoid contents, like the 3:1 CBD-dominant and the 1:3 THC-dominant variations of the body balms.
If you’re in L.A. next month and looking for vibes (and fantastic selfie backdrops), check out The Last Call on Saturday, March 19th, hosted by Hidden Jewel's Teas. There will be vendors, snacks, RSO goodies from Seductive Delights, infused tea cocktails, tarot readings, and a live D.J. You can RSVP here.
Currently in my purse: Mini packets of infused condiment brand Saucy’s new Southern-style hot sauce. Their “Roadies” come in two sizes, but the 1 oz. 5 mg packet is the ideal, generous single serving for an extra kick (and lift) when you’re out and about.
Did you see that Edie Parker dropped a heart necklace pipe on Valentine’s Day? I love that it’s almost comically large, like a smokable, wearable ornament (a trend we highlighted in a past newsletter). It’s the aesthetic opposite of one of those Oura rings in the best, most charming way.
To stoned hearts and oversized fun year-round,
Lauren Yoshiko