Content Hub

Join Cannabis Marketing Association and Jennifer Whetzel of Ladyjane Branding for an hour-long webinar covering health claims in the cannabis industry. When it comes to marketing and advertising cannabis, CBD and hemp products, the rules and regulations can be daunting. Making any sort of claims regarding the health benefits of these products is illegal based on a number of laws that are applicable to all foods and beverages, not just cannabis. The risks for breaking these laws can be steep. So how do you market and advertise your cannabis products without running afoul of these laws and risk penalties, legal fees and jail time? Learning Objectives This seminar will teach you how to understand health claims and how to navigate the risks of making health claims. You’ll also learn how to build a messaging platform that helps generate a solid emotional connection with your customers. What you’ll learn: Laws & agencies that regulate product health claims Risks & barriers to making health claims Penalties associated with making product health claims How to understand health claims How to build a messaging platform that focuses on features, benefits & building an emotional connection with customers   Speaker Bio: Jennifer Whetzel, a marketing professional and founder of Ladyjane Branding. For over 25 years, Whetzel has worked on branding, advertising, marketing, strategizing and researching for Fortune 500 companies and B2B/B2C small businesses. After finding significant symptom relief in medical cannabis and emotional support from community members, she was inspired to use her professional expertise to help businesses in the cannabis industry develop smart, strategic and consistent brands that create deep connections with consumers. From do-it-yourself evaluations, branding makeover strategies and design assessments, Ladyjane teaches businesses how to multiply their marketing and advertising efforts with techniques used by Fortune 500 companies. Jennifer’s signature creations, Ladyjane’s Brand Archetype Quiz, and Two-Hour Brand Makeover, empower entrepreneurs in the industry to take their brand strategies into their own hands to stand out and sell more.

Cannabis Marketing Association is hosting a panel discussion examining how to pass a comprehensive adult-use bill through effective advocacy New York has been taking steps towards adult-use legalization, but with the last attempt failing to pass during the 2019 legislative season, it is time to look deeper into what happened and why. Hear from government officials, industry representatives, and legal experts about what it will take for comprehensive cannabis reform to happen in New York in 2020 that benefits patients, adult-use consumers, and minority communities impacted by the drug war. This panel will take a look at what happened during the last legislative session and will discuss the critical issues concerning the future of the industry. Following the event, there will be a cash-bar mixer at the 230 Fifth Ave Rooftop bar at 8:30 pm. During our hour-long expertly moderated panel we will discuss: What happened with the failed adult-use bill in New York How the industry can advocate and interact with government officials effectively What's important in the political and cultural agenda for a successful adult-use bill to be passed Speaker Bios: Brad Usher, Chief of Staff, Senator Liz Krueger's Office (NY D-28) Brad Usher has served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Liz Krueger for the last 17 years, and has worked on developing a wide range of legislation, particularly around government and electoral reform, tax policy and economic development transparency.  More recently he has been involved in the drafting of Senator Krueger's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (S.1527-B).  Prior to joining Senator Krueger's staff, Brad worked for State Senator Tom Duane, and has also participated in numerous political campaigns. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the New School for Social Research. Vivian Wang, Reporter, The New York Times Vivian Wang is a New York Times reporter covering New York state politics and government. She joined The Times in 2017 and previously worked for The Boston Globe and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She grew up outside of Chicago and graduated from Yale University.Joseph Levey, Partner, Helbraun Levey Joseph is a Founding Partner of the firm and oversees all New York State Liquor Authority and other licensing matters for the firm. Joseph’s primary area of expertise is New York State Alcohol Beverage Control Law and he has extensive experience practicing before the New York State Liquor Authority with regard to various licensing and disciplinary matters. He regularly attends local Community Board meetings on behalf of the firm’s clients and has developed a stellar reputation as a well-prepared and knowledgeable advocate. Joseph proudly serves on the Executive Board of the New York State Restaurant Association, the Board of The American Institute of Food and Wine and is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. Tanya Osborne, Tri-State Regional Market Leader Director, Women Grow Tanya Osborne is a true community leader in every industry she touches! From the Music Industry to Financial Services, Business Coaching and now...Cannabis. The common theme here is the connection...from being a champion for Women in the Music industry, sharing the importance of women investing in and for their future, Coaching women entrepreneurs and now contributing to changing the stigma of the plant and bringing awareness to the role of women in the Cannabis industry. She is currently serving as the Tri-State Regional Market Leader Director for Women Grow, a National organization encouraging and supporting women to build and "grow" in the Cannabis industry and is the Founder of CannaDiva, LLC, a brand committed to supporting women in the space from hosting Canna-events and shining a spotlight on women entrepreneurs and the products and services that are women-focused. A passion for entrepreneurs, diversity, and inclusion, and women-focused initiatives has led Tanya to the Cannabis industry which is positioned for exponential growth. Her goal is to educate, connect and support women leaders in this industry.

Join CMA and our expert panel to discuss the new cannabis delivery and social consumption laws in Colorado. Colorado recently passed HB19-1234, The Regulated Marijuana Delivery Bill, and HB19-1230, The Marijuana Hospitality Establishments Bill, changing how cannabis business will operate forever. We are bringing together cannabis stakeholders from all over Colorado, from the government offices to cannabis business to discuss how these laws will impact the Colorado cannabis supply chain and industry moving forward. During our hour-long expertly moderated panel we will discuss... How social consumption will change the marketing landscape for brands How the delivery bill will change the cannabis supply chain What cannabis marketers need to consider before these two bills take effect Speaker Bios: Representative Jovan Emerson Melton (CO-41) Jovan Emerson Melton is the State Representative from House District 41 to the Colorado General Assembly. He serves as the House Majority Deputy Whip and the Vice-Chair of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado. He is also Founder and Senior Consultant for Emerson Hamilton Consulting and Strategies, LLC based in Aurora. Born in Denver, CO in 1979, Jovan grew up in a working-class household in Northeast Denver, and later in Aurora. He personally experienced the disparities between social-economic classes. In witnessing the challenges his family faced to make a living, Jovan was taught the importance of equality and social justices early in life. He credits this as what led him into politics and his desire to help lower-income and disenfranchised Coloradans. Kristi Kelly, Executive Director, Marijuana Industry Group Kristi Kelly is recognized as one of the country’s 50 most powerful women in cannabis, and one of the top 100 political cannabis influencers. She is the executive director of Marijuana Industry Group, Colorado’s most impactful trade association for licensed cannabis businesses. Kristi initially entered the cannabis space as an investor/owner/operator of a group of marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensing businesses at the beginning of legal and regulated medical cannabis, and exited the Colorado businesses. She now maintains marijuana and hemp interests in the licensed space outside of Colorado, and also offers consulting services. She is a founding board member of the Fourth Corner Credit Union, the world’s first marijuana financial institution. She is the founding trustee of CannAbility Foundation, a patient advocacy and resource network for families of children living with conditions and disabilities that can be helped by cannabis. She currently sits on the (Colorado) Governor’s Marijuana Education Oversight Committee and the Colorado Task Force for Drunk and Impaired Driving. She was the lead profile in the book, Breaking the Grass Ceiling: Women, Weed & Business and has been recognized for years by Cannabis Business Executive as an operator, influencer, and leader. She was recently profiled in The Guardian as one of America’s Dope Queens, and her story has also been featured in The Washington Post, 60 Minutes, Bloomberg/Businessweek, The New York Times, and more. Sarah Woodson, CEO, Kush and Canvases Sarah Woodson comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, business is in her DNA. After receiving two Paralegal certificates, an Associates of General Studies. Sarah attended CU Denver to pursue a BA in Sociology and a Minor in Legal Studies. She left in her senior year to purser her dream as an Entrepreneur. She founded one of the largest Pro-Se Bankruptcy & Divorce companies in the state, she closed her doors for good in 2017. Sarah had decided that she was going full force into cannabis. Not as a dispensary or a grower but as a Cannabis Experience Provider. She founded of Kush & Canvases, a consumption-friendly cannabis art class. She is currently serving as the legal redress chair for NAACP Denver Chapter.

Get under the hood with us on the art and science of selecting keywords for the marketing of cannabis brands online. Spend an hour in this webinar with us and you will take away the following actionable advice from a CMA member who's been doing this work successfully for over 22 years: Who... owns the responsibility for the data driven research, selection and applied use of keywords within an organization, whether a brand or an agency? What...all will you will be able to use keywords for? Many of the top tier channels of traffic to generate new leads, customers and sales, from SEO, SEM, select display advertising, & hashtag selection for social media Where...do you source the best possible keywords for use, once you have a strategy & defined objectives? Do you solely trust the keyword data from one source, even a reputable one or do you pull from many? What keyword sources, paid or free are the gold standards and actually include data on cannabis related terms & phrases? When...should you do your initial keyword research, in support of a new brand, product debut or campaign? How often should you update & refresh your available keyword data & data sources to inform your judgement? the almighty Why..context is everything!! We will explain from both a sales and marketing view as well as cannabis industry specific compliance view on why you should or shouldn't select certain types of keywords, based upon specific scenarios for cannabis industry brands online. Scott Rabinowitz has spent the past 22 years specializing in keyword based SEM advertising (paid search), marketing compliance planning and digital media for age restricted industries, including cannabis. He is Google AdWords and BingAds accredited, serves as Digital Media Advisor for online youth safety firm ResponsiTech & has studied the traffic impact of more than a billion keywords. Having spent more than $300 million on search engine ads and display media for clients over time, his focus is on expanding the range of cannabis-friendly digital advertising options in every jurisdiction for brands throughout the industry.

This panel of San Diego based cannabis marketing experts will provide insight into navigating the regulations, best practices, and more. Best Practices in San Diego Cannabis Marketing for 2019 Legal cannabis has arrived. But with seemingly endless opportunities coming into focus for marketing professionals in our nascent industry, it can be hard to know where to spend your time, money and energy when bringing the next great cannabis product or service to market. With new legal frameworks and regulations, marketing and communications professionals often find themselves working harder than they need to, spending too much on simple execution, and often finding their campaigns don’t earn the proper reach for the investment. Panelists: Adelia Carillo, Founder & CEO, Direct Cannabis Network Kary Radestock, Founder & CEO, Hippo Premium Packaging Kyle Dukes, Co-Founder, Dr. Raw Organics Susan Rust, Founder & CEO, 4Blooms Cannabis companies continue to struggle for access to traditional marketing channels like digital advertising, social media, and mainstream publications. Not to mention, cannabis still faces a huge branding issue as the stigma still pervades. Join us for a deep, candid conversation with the top local minds in cannabis marketing, communications, and public relations. This panel discussion will be expertly moderated by Lisa Buffo, Founder & CEO, Cannabis Marketing Association. **Reserve your Early Bird tickets in advance. Ticket pricing goes up Day-Of. CMA Members get in FREE** Members of the press please email info@marketingcannabis.org with your credentials for press access. Topics to be addressed in our discussion include: - Navigating Existing Marketing Regulations- Authenticity and Inclusivity in Cannabis Advertising - Improving Your Bottom Line Through Best Practices Agenda There will be time for a moderated audience Question & Answer session at the end of our panel discussion. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with their relevant cannabis marketing questions for our panelists. Light snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided. 6:00 pm - Doors Open 6:30 pm - Panel Discussion and Q&A 7:30 pm - Open Networking (Light refreshments and snacks provided) Event Sponsorships Available Now Get your brand in front of a targeted group of cannabis business owners, executives, and communications professionals. There are 3 corporate non-competing sponsor slots available for this event at $350 each. Event sponsors receive: - One 6 foot table and two chairs at the event to showcase your brand to cannabis professionals - May provide one item for the raffle - May provide swag items for the group - Your company logo permanently branded on the official CMA event video which is made available to all CMA members nationally through the CMA Member Portal - 20% off a First Year CMA Corporate Membership - May submit a 100-word blurb to the CMA National Newsletter Speaker Bios Adelia Carrillo, Founder & CEO, Direct Cannabis Network. DCN is the leading digital B2B news network covering the latest tech, entrepreneurs and innovative companies in the cannabis industry. With her roots in the corporate and consumer electronics industry, her passion for technology, startups and innovation has been a key strength in her transition into the cannabis space. Becoming a voice for the upcoming startups, uniting the cannabis business community, Adelia is building an inspiring yet prominent voice in the world on the topic of cannabis entrepreneurship. For more information on Adelia Carrillo or Direct Cannabis Network, you can visit. www.directcannabisnetwork.com Twitter/Instagram: @missadelia Kary Radestock, CEO, Co-Founder Kary Radestock brings over 20 years of award-winning print and packaging expertise, and has worked with some of the top brands in the world. She launched Hippo Premium Packaging in order to fill a need for professional and compliant packaging, plus branding, marketing, public relations, graphic and web design, and social media expertise to the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. Named “Cannabis Industry Woman of the Year,” Kary is a true visionary, and helps her clients increase market share and navigate to a more successful future. Whether it’s full brand development or a simple new compliant packaging design, Kary approaches each project with passion, professionalism, and pride. Kyle Dukes, Co-Founder, Dr. Raw Organics Dr. Raw Organics is a line of premium infused cannabis products in San Diego, California co-founded by Kyle Dukes and Meghan Muckenfuss. The two crafted homemade cannabis products for prohibition-era dispensaries in San Diego starting beginning in 2011. Dr. Raw's wholesale line of infused cannabis products was soon born, including infused edibles, tinctures and topical balm. Dr. Raw pioneered quality in cannabis products by ensuring use of pesticide-free cannabis oils during a time when most infused product brands were not. Dr. Raw products have earned shelf space in nearly 100 dispensaries throughout California as a result of this integrity. In January of 2019, Dr. Raw formed a partnership with Indus Holding Co. to continue providing this elite standard of quality in cannabis products in the licensed, recreational market. To learn more about Dr. Raw products find us online at www.drraworganics.com, Facebook and Instagram @dr.raworganics and Linked In @dr-raw-organics.  Susan Rust, Founder & CEO, 4Blooms With her strong background in enterprise web development and marketing, Susan Rust leads the 4blooms team with a wide range of strategies and tactics related to operations, go-to-market planning, and digital marketing. Throughout her career, Susan’s smarts, savvy and spirit have nurtured a team-oriented approach to brand development and messaging for her tech clients and colleagues. Her focus has always been on people-based marketing through contact social media amplification, brand building, design, website design and build-out, as well as SEO/SEM. Susan has served as Chief Marketing Officer for Benefunder, a philanthropy-based startup that specializes in connecting high-net-worth individuals and families with researchers innovating on medical and societal causes. She’s recognized nationally as a trainer, speaker, and mentor in the Drupal open-source community. As a Business Consultant at Drupal Anywhere, Susan trademarked Client Wrangling and taught firms how to deliver successful projects. Her expertise includes web project rescues and operations specialists who help companies scale through process, accountability and leadership training. Susan is a graduate of North Texas University with Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art History.

Come meet Los Angeles's top cannabis marketing professionals to celebrate CMA's national launch. Join the Cannabis Marketing Association on Thursday, May 30 at 6:00 pm for our 2019 Membership Kick-Off Mixer! This event will bring together the Los Angeles's top cannabis marketing professionals to celebrate CMA's national launch. Come mix and mingle with the cannabis industry and learn more about what a Cannabis Marketing Association membership can provide for your business. Boomtown Brewery is located at 700 Jackson St in Los Angeles's Arts District. Drinks and entrees are not included. Please join us for an evening of networking, connection, and fun after work! Learn more about CMA at www.thecannabismarketingassociation.com We are seeking one exclusive sponsor partner ($500) to set up a booth at the event. Please email info@marketingcannabis.org for sponsorship information.

Meadowlands is an annual event designed to build a united and collaborative cannabis community. Held in the redwood forests of Mendocino County, the gathering brings together like-minded cannabis entrepreneurs, decision-makers, state regulators and industry professionals. Come share knowledge, build valuable alliances across the supply chain, and participate in educational, interactive, and wellness programming under the stars. Please note: This is an event for professionals in the California cannabis industry. We reserve the right to refund your ticket if you are not an active member of our community. Tickets can be purchased here through this special link --> https://www.eventhi.io/event/meadowlands-50-1109 Connect Converse face-to-face with the leaders of the California cannabis community. Hear from colleagues across the state facing the same issues challenging our movement and growing industry. Form real, in-person relationships up and down the statewide supply chain with other legal operators. Share a joint around the campfire with your next lead. Learn Gather in the outdoor amphitheater to get insight from top state regulators and city officials about the state of cannabis in California. Attend intimate fireside chats to help you increase your knowledge and grow your business. Bring your questions for growers, retailers, producers, regulators, distributors, advocacy groups, consultants and more. Recharge Meadowlands was designed as an opportunity for members of the cannabis industry to come together to collectively breathe, pause, and recharge. Wake up with morning yoga and the sounds of the birds, walk through ancient redwood forests, swim in the river, hone your focus with archery and other classic camp activities. Choose your own adventure; attend afternoon talks, take a nature hike, or just relax on the lawn and connect with your cannacommunity. This all-inclusive weekend pass includes: Delicious outdoor meals & snacks Educational & interactive programming Entertainment & wellness activities S’mores over the bonfire A campsite to pitch your own tent (or choose from lodging upgrades at checkout) Please note: There will be absolutely no sales or commercial cannabis activity at this event. However, personal consumption is allowed and encouraged. Additional information to help you plan for a camp weekend in the redwoods: If you don't purchase a lodging upgrade, you'll need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag & pillow. We encourage guests to carpool to camp; please visit our DIY Ride Share to offer rides or find a lift. A full packing list can be found in the FAQ section at the bottom of the Meadowlands site. And please be sure to join the Meadowlands Facebook event page for community updates as this special retreat weekend gets closer. Need more information? Contact events@getmeadow.com with any remaining questions. Meadowlands is hosted by Meadow, a team of cannabis advocates and enthusiasts whose mission is to build the best point of sale and dispensary management software for the industry.

Best Practices in Cannabis Marketing for 2019 — Los Angeles Legal cannabis has arrived. But with seemingly endless opportunities coming into focus for marketing professionals in our nascent industry, it can be hard to know where to spend your time, money and energy when bringing the next great cannabis product or service to market. With new legal frameworks and regulations, marketing and communications professionals often find themselves working harder than they need to, spending too much on simple execution, and often finding their campaigns don’t earn the proper reach for the investment. Panelists: Kimberly Dillon Chief Marketing Officer, Papa & BarkeleyAllison Margolin, Esq. Partner, Margolin & Lawrence Avis Bulbulyan CEO, Siva Enterprises Alice Moon Public Relations & Social Media Manager, Paragon Cannabis companies continue to struggle for access to traditional marketing channels like digital advertising, social media, and mainstream publications. Not to mention, cannabis still faces a huge branding issue as the stigma still pervades. Join us for a deep, candid conversation with the top local minds in cannabis marketing, communications, and public relations. This panel discussion will be expertly moderated by Lisa Buffo, Founder & CEO, Cannabis Marketing Association. **Reserve your Early Bird tickets in advance. Ticket pricing goes up Day-Of.** Members of the press please email info@marketingcannabis.org with your credentials for press access.   Topics to be addressed in our discussion include: Navigating Existing Marketing Regulations Authenticity and Inclusivity in Cannabis Advertising Improving Your Bottom Line Through Best Practices Agenda There will be time for a moderated audience Question & Answer session at the end of our panel discussion. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with their relevant cannabis marketing questions for our panelists. Light snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided. 6:00 pm - Doors Open 6:30 pm - Panel Discussion and Q&A 7:30 pm - Open Networking (Light refreshments provided) Event Sponsorships Available Now Get your brand in front of a targeted group of cannabis business owners, executives, and communications professionals. There are 3 corporate sponsor slots available for each event. Event sponsors receive: One 6 foot table and two chairs at the event to showcase your brand to 100 cannabis professionals May provide one item for the raffle May provide swag items for the group (quantity 100) Your company logo permanently branded on the official CMA event video which is made available to all CMA members nationally through the CMA Member Portal 20% off a First Year CMA Corporate Membership May submit a 100-word blurb to the CMA National Newsletter   Speaker Bios Kimberly Dillon Chief Marketing Officer, Papa & Barkeley Kimberly oversees the marketing efforts for the Papa & Barkley, Papa’s Select, and Papa & Barkley Essentials brands. As one of the early employees, she helped grow the business to the #1 selling Cannabis Topical and Tincture brand in California. Kimberly speaks on the topics of Cannabis & Women’s Health and CBD & Self-Care. She has spoken at a number of conferences including Goop, Adweek, and SXSW. In 2018 she was named one of LA’s Brand Stars by Adweek. Ms. Dillon previously worked at several Blue Chip companies including Procter & Gamble, Clorox, and Accenture. Kimberly has two undergraduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from the University of Michigan. She lives in Los Angeles where she performs stand-up comedy. Allison Margolin, Esq. Partner, Margolin & Lawrence A founding partner of Margolin & Lawrence, Allison Margolin is recognized nationwide as one of the leading attorneys in cannabis licensing and law. She was one of the first lawyers to specialize in cannabis and has built a practice over the last 15 years that is unrivaled in the space. A graduate of Harvard Law School and Columbia University, Allison combines top credentials and an extensive depth of experience in cannabis business law, with a life-long passion for cannabis policy reform. Allison is frequently awarded for her work in cannabis business law. She has been named a SuperLawyer Rising Star 7 times, including most recently in 2017, and is widely recognized as a thought leader in the cannabis industry. She is routinely called upon for her expertise in publications like The LA Times, LA Weekly, and The New Yorker. Avis Bulbulyan CEO, Siva Enterprises Avis Bulbulyan is the Chief Executive Officer of SIVA Enterprises, a full-service cannabis business development and solutions firm that provides turn-key management, venture opportunities, product and brand development, and licensing to entrepreneurs across the United States. He currently serves as the President of the Los Angeles Cannabis Task Force and the Education Chair for Cannabis Legal Accounting Law. As one of the industry’s leading cannabis business authorities, Avis is a highly sought after speaker and a valued expert resource for many national news sources and publications. Avis oversees corporate direction, business development and strategy at SIVA Enterprises, facilitating company activity in consulting, alliances and channels, marketing, investments and operations. Avis leads a high-caliber team who collectively provides clients with the highest level of support from ideation and concept, through execution. SIVA Enterprises’ clients are some of the most well-known and highest-grossing companies in the cannabis industry. For more information, please visit: http://www.sivallc.com/   Alice Moon Public Relations & Social Media Manager, Paragon Alice Moon is the Public Relations and Social Media Manager for Paragon, a cannabis seed to sale tracking software built on the blockchain. Moon has 8 years of experience working as an entrepreneur in the cannabis industry and is most notably known for founding her own cannabis tech startup, which was nominated Best Tech 2017 by Dope Magazine Awards. Known as a “personality” within the space, Moon has also excelled with writing, brand development, event production and creative consulting for industry leading companies. Her 8 years of experience in the cannabis industry has landed her features in LA Weekly, High Times, Merry Jane, and Civilized, with appearances on CNN and Viceland’s Bong Appetit.

Join the Cannabis Marketing Association on Thursday, April 11th at 6:00 pm for our 2019 Membership Kick-Off Mixer!  This event will bring together the Bay Area's top cannabis marketing professionals to celebrate CMA's national launch.  Come mix and mingle with the cannabis industry and learn more about what a Cannabis Marketing Association membership can provide for your business. Zeitgeist Beer Garden is located at 199 Valencia Street in San Francisco's Mission District.  Drinks and entrees are not included.  Please join us for an evening of networking, connection, and fun after work! Learn more about CMA at www.thecannabismarketingassociation.com Please email info@marketingcannabis.org for sponsorship information.

Join the Cannabis Marketing Association on Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:00 pm for our 2019 Membership Kick-Off Mixer!  This event will bring together Denver's top cannabis marketing professionals to celebrate CMA's national launch.  Come mix and mingle with the cannabis industry and learn more about what a Cannabis Marketing Association membership can provide for your business.Rino Beer Garden is located at the corner of 38th and Walnut in Denver's River North district.  We will have a private room, but if the weather is nice we will be on the patio!  Drinks and entrees are not included.  Please join us for an evening of networking, connection, and fun after work! Learn more about CMA at www.thecannabismarketingassociation.com Please email info@marketingcannabis.org for sponsorship information.