IRL Weed Fairies & Stoned Salmon
Also: 7/10 is silly.
The Broccoli Report
Monday, July 5, 2021
Time to read: 5 minutes, 11 seconds. 1038 words.
Good morning!
The cannabis marketing calendar has anointed a new “holiday”: 7/10, a.k.a. “Oil Day” or “Dab Day.” (This is because 7/10 looks like the word “oil” upside down.) But frankly, I don’t care. Not because I’m not a big dab gal—to each her own. All cannabis consumers deserve space to honor however they practice The Ritual. But isn’t that what 4/20 is all about? A celebration of consumption and appreciation of cannabis in all its forms and functions? I reject the notion that 4/20 exclusively centers flower, and I really reject a holiday that seems designed to capitalize on oil consumers, not celebrate them. 4/20 exists—and retains its sentimental power—because we kept conducting our traditions, not because someone filed the right paperwork with the right bureau or issued a press release.
Now, does that mean there isn’t room for other, more meaningful weed holidays? Not necessarily. More to come on that train of thought in future installments of the Broccoli Report.
One-Hitters: Cannabis News at a Glance
Politico reported that “political jockeying” is delaying the implementation of New York’s adult-use regulations. The yet-to-be-assembled Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board—both created under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act legalizing adult-use—are appointed positions, many selected by the governor, and the 2021 session ended without any official nominations. With the governorship on the ballot in 2022, establishing the next phase of NY’s legal cannabis market may be delayed until after the election.
MJ Biz Daily published a helpful guide to buying used extraction equipment: do’s, don'ts, red flags to avoid, and the right questions to ask.
The miniature trend expands beyond snail books and joints with a wave of fresh one-hitters (ha) for quick solo seshes wherever. Vaporizer brand Vessel is about to drop a tapered glass chillum, and Session Goods just released their first iteration. It comes with a silicone tab that multitasks as a sort of holder-handle and fixture to affix the piece to a keychain.
CA-based lifestyle brand Mister Green is hiring. They’re seeking a part-time retail position as well as a summer intern interested in the fields of design, production, and marketing. (If you are looking to break into the cannabis industry, I literally cannot imagine a summer internship with more clout.)
Virginia-based advocacy group Virginia Marijuana Justice (VAMJ) celebrates July 5, the first day of cannabis legalization in the state, with a free cannabis seed giveaway. Growers donated the seed, hoping to inspire a “new crop of legal home growers within the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Leafly publishes a comprehensive document outlining strategies for a fair and equitable cannabis industry. “Seeds of Change” identifies eight strategies and assesses each legal adult-use state on its implementation of those strategies. It aims to help regulators and business owners in newly legal states avoid overlooking less obvious contributors to disparities in cannabis: “In other words: Here’s what’s needed, here’s how legal states are doing, and here’s why these strategies are necessary.”
Silo Wellness announces a partnership with the family of Bob Marley on Marley One, a new psychedelics brand that will reportedly sell “mushroom products ranging from gummies and capsules to cosmetics.” I have questions! What is this about psychedelic-infused makeup on the supposed horizon? Aren’t we concerned about mirrors and psychedelics not mixing well?
Industry-centric web series On The Revel is back in action with informative live chats/smoke sessions every Wednesday at 7 p.m. EST. This week’s featured entertainment industry veteran Jessica Cohen talking about the process of getting cannabis products placed in film and TV.
The next installment of the Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference will be an in-person, two-day event at Hudson Yards in NYC this November. The B2B event curates an assortment of “beauty, food/beverage, wellness, & premium lifestyle brands” to discuss trends and challenges in the space. Brands are welcome to apply to be involved in the event, and you can check out my recap of last year’s digital conference here.
Michigan-based event brand Cannasis Co. announced details for their 2021 Midpoint Campout, and it’s got a theme: fairies. This overnight experience in Jonesville, MI, includes an infused dinner and dessert, brunch the next day, yoga workshops, forest bathing, moon rituals, floral crowns, “sensual somatic movement”—you know, the usual fairy stuff. 🧚🏼♀️
A new Broccoli Talk episode just dropped, along with our first official podcast merch! (We designed a colorful pair of lightweight socks featuring our happy weed friends.)
Not one, but two noteworthy drops of late from Sundae School: mask freshening eucalyptus-scented stickers and a “poolside/bedside” collection of terrycloth shorts and shirts.
Even if you have heard of the behind-the-scenes, celebrity-approved Chef Nikki, I bet you didn’t know her infusion expertise started with Hennessy cakes in college. Read my latest for Thrillist to get the full story on how this CVS pharmacist-turned-culinary chemist took what grandma taught her and became the “go-to girl” when Dave Chappelle has more than 10 people he needs to feed.
I’m hooked by this new campaign from weedy lifestyle brand Studio A-OK aimed at preserving natural waterways and saving the environmentally vital salmon. They partnered with non-profit marketing and creative studio Obabika and Arnold Park Studios on a collection of stickers, zines, and tees featuring salmon-centric reimaginings of classic cannabis culture designs. Profits will go to the #TreatOurSalishSea campaign.
See you downriver,
Lauren Yoshiko