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Stem’s “Beach Bash” raises $10,000 for military veterans assistance group

Massachusetts cannabis retailer Stem Haverhill took over two popular locations on Salisbury Beach Monday September 17 to host its first-annual Beach Bash, which raised $10,000 for Patriots Helping Vets, a non-profit that provides equipment and services to veterans who benefit from plant medicine.

The event, which drew 300 attendees, was held at the Surfside and the Carousel on Salisbury Beach and featured a DJ and dancing, a boardwalk caricature artist, carousel rides, a glam station, an Italian ice station, and local artists and musicians. 

The Beach Bash was the last in a trio of events held by Stem this year to benefit its non-profit partners.  In August Stem hosted Blast in the Grass, which raised $10,000 for the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts, and in May Stem hosted Power of Flower, raising $10,000 for the Parabola Center, a non-profit think tank devoted to cannabis policy reform and anti-monopoly regulations.

And next April Stem will host the second Bong and Pong, which will also raise money for local charities.

“Our mission from the beginning has been to provide customers with the best cannabis products on the market while helping worthy charitable organizations bring their vital services to more and more people in the community.  The Beach Bash was a great bash indeed, and I couldn’t be happier with the turnout and the money raised to help an organization that does such important work for our veterans,” Stem owner Caroline Pineau said.

Pineau said the Beach Bash and the two preceding events once again highlighted the cannabis community’s commitment to local and regional assistance and charitable causes.

“This may be a young and evolving industry but it’s certainly proving to be a power when it comes to local philanthropy and charity. That’s a testament not just to the industry, but to the entire cannabis community,” Pineau said.

Since opening in 2020, Stem has raised more than $250,000 for local charities.  Pineau has also made her mark on the Massachusetts cannabis industry by targeting the unfair collection of community impact fees by host communities when those communities have documented no negative impacts from legal cannabis sales.

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Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneur who brought focus to unfair “impact fees” charged by municipalities blasts city for unfair collection practices.

HAVERILL, June 29, 2023–The Haverhill, Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneur whose lawsuit has shined a spotlight on the state’s controversial law allowing municipalities to collect “impact fees” from cannabis retailers is accusing her host city of unfair collection of the fees.

Caroline Pineau, owner of Stem Haverhill, recently requested that Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini place the three impact fees paid by Stem since its 2019 opening into an interest-bearing escrow account.  Pineau’s request came after the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune newspaper reported that other cannabis retailers in the city had made one or no payments.

“I find this to be an extraordinary, and indefensible, double standard,” Pineau wrote in her June 26 letter, which requested that her three payments remain in escrow until the city “enacts a consistent and equitable impact fee payment or non-payment policy” applicable to all cannabis businesses.

” I also request that the city refrain from all future impact fee collections until a clear and equitable payment policy is in place.  I find it disturbing that the city is negotiating on a store-by-store basis rather than establishing an across-the-board policy that treats all operators fairly and equally,” Pineau continued.

Stem has made three impact fee payments to the Haverhill, totaling $887,487.91.  The payments were made on May 28, 2021 ($358,942.53), May 31, 2022 ($328,568.35) and June 1, 2023 ($199,977.03).

The June 15 Lawrence Eagle-Tribune story cited city records showing that the city’s other three cannabis retail shops have paid far less than Stem in impact fees.  Full Harvest Moonz has made a single payment of $314,246 and CNA Stores has made a single payment of $176,864.  The third shop, Mello, has made no impact fee payments.

Pineau, who filed suit against Haverhill in 2021 in part to force Haverhill to produce documentation of actual cost impacts to the city by Stem’s cannabis sales, said her efforts have generated significant attention to municipalities collecting impact fees without demonstrating actual impacts.  Since Pineau began her legal battle, several communities have returned the impact fees or have declined to collect any more fees.

“I’m grateful that my legal efforts have benefited many individual operators and the industry in general, but those efforts have come at a great legal cost borne by me alone. To see that other operators in Haverhill are not being forced to pay the fees while I still am discouraging and incredibly unfair,” Pineau said.

Pineau’s suit against Haverhill is still pending. 

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Gum join us. Suncrafted Cannabis’ new offering is the berries—cranberries. Middleborough, MA cannabis grower partners with local cranberry grower to create Cranberry LR Gummies 

Suncrafted Cannabis, a medical and recreational cannabis grower and retail store with a focus on sustainable practices in cannabis production, will unveil its Cranberry Sunnies, solventless rosin chews, on April 13 at a special launch party being held from 5pm to 8pm at the Speedwell Tavern, 47 Main Street, Plymouth, MA.

Suncrafted’s Cranberry Sunnies feature all natural ingredients locally grown. That includes cranberries from a local cranberry grower from Carver, Mass.

“Cranberries are synonymous with the Plymouth-Middleborough-Carver region. So it was literally and figuratively a natural idea to use cranberries in some of our products,” said Suncrafted Cannabis President Tim McNamara. “As we’re a Middleborough-based business, we’re grateful to the Speedwell Tavern for letting us come here Plymouth to share some information on the cranberry gummies and our other products.”

Those 21 and over are welcome to attend the event at the Speedwell Tavern. To RSVP, go to shorturl.at/hjzA9.

Later in April, Suncrafted Cannabis will hold its Grand Opening. Suncrafted opened for business in September 2022.

The Grand Opening will take place on April 20—AKA 420—at its store/farm at 477 Wareham Street, Middleborough, MA. A ribbon-cutting with local officials and members of the business community and the general public will headline the April 20 grand opening. Food trucks will provide refreshments with live music for entertainment.

Additionally, Suncrafted Cannabis representatives will also be available to share information on its products and educate visitors on the benefits of cannabis beyond recreational use.

For information on the Grand Opening and Suncrafted Cannabis in general, visit  http://suncraftedma.com. Suncrafted Cannabis is open Sun-Wed from 9am to 6pm, Thurs-Sat. from 9am to 9pm.

About Suncrafted Cannabis

Holistic Health Group, Inc. d/b/a Suncrafted Cannabis is a vertically integrated cannabis production and sales company housed all under one roof at 477 Wareham Street in Middleborough, MA. All investment, ownership and management is held by Massachusetts residents and the company serves both medical and adult use markets. The organization is focused on sustainable production with a medical focus using environmentally friendly techniques for contaminant free cannabis products. Patients and soon consumers can view and pre-order the company’s products at http://suncraftedma.com.

Gum join us. Suncrafted Cannabis’ new offering is the berries—cranberries. Middleborough, MA cannabis grower partners with local cranberry grower to create Cranberry LR Gummies Read More

420 Cannabis Celebration – Hollow or Inclusive?  Is social equity all smoke, no fire?

Does the 420 Celebration include everyone? 

Is it just a lot of smoke?  Although the specifics differ from state to state, the goal of social equity laws are intended to ensure that people from communities disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and discriminatory law enforcement are included in the new legal marijuana industry.

Change is yet to come, according to African American couple Maur Stringer and Cynthia Mompoint, who both have roots in the cannabis industry and are the creators of http://shaktigreenlit.com, a new THC infused energy shot. The couple also founded the Danbala Group, a consulting firm providing equity programming and business solutions across sectors to companies, organizations and agencies. 

The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) National Cannabis Equity Report found that the number and efficacy of state social equity programs do not reflect the expressed commitment to achieving equity through cannabis. The report found that there are social equity programs in only 13 of the 21 adult-use states and in two of the 18 medical-only legal cannabis states. Despite having social equity programs, many of the programs lack the necessary structure to bring about meaningful social equity. 

Ironically, according to Weedmaps,  57% of cannabis users believe that everyone should have access to cannabis industry opportunities, with just as many people believing that everyone would benefit from those equal opportunities. 

“We have personally experienced the lack of follow through on the ‘promise’ of social equity,” noted Maur Stringer, a cannabis entrepreneur from legacy to legal who was first charged as a cannabis dealer as a teenager. He added, “And, we are not alone.”

Massachusetts rolled out its social equity program in phases. Phase 1 included 123 economic empowerment certificate holders who sought to become licensed cannabis operators in MA and were granted this status because of their demonstrated ability to empower people from communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. As of February 9, 2023, after more than 4 years of adult use licensing in MA, only 18 of the 495 operational Cannabis businesses are owned by economic empowerment certificate holders. (*1)

Maur’s wife and business partner Cynthia Mompoint added, “There is plenty of lip service about social equity, but when it comes to the deliverables – fast track for licensing, access to capital, technical support and training – states and cannabis commissions have fallen far short.”

The second phase of the MA equity program has brought in an additional 750 social equity participants. Thirty of the 495 operational Cannabis businesses are owned by this category of equity participants. Combined, the businesses owned by equity program participants is still less than 10% of all operational Cannabis businesses in the MA market, a far cry from the legislative mandate of “equitable participation”.

In response, Cynthia Mompoint developed a program that leverages Massachusetts legislation and regulatory requirements to foster a more equitable industry. This program was designed to impact the lack of equity owned businesses, particularly those with majority black/brown ownership despite explicit measures to ensure that happens in the state.

Cynthia Mompoint, a Georgetown University grad with a degree in Political Science, brings over 25 years of business, policy, and equity experience with her investigative examination of the structural, conscious, and subconscious biases. 

Cynthia developed the PIES program. The program is made up of four key actions: Pairs, Incubates, Excels, and Seeds.  Thus, the program “pairs” existing Marijuana establishments and with economic empowerment business owners. It “incubates” these businesses –including a benchmarked series of activities such as mentoring and training with the goal of obtaining a local Home Community Agreement (HCA) and obtaining a state license. It helps participants “Excel” – by providing 3-5 years of support for start-up, ongoing mentorship and technical assistance.  And lastly, the “seed” action is also critical and includes capital, grants and loans for nonrecoverable and recoverable costs/expenses.

This program can be tweaked and customized by state.

For those interested in promoting the spirit, not just the mirage, of social equity, contact Maur Stringer and Cynthia Mompoint, via mailto:admin@danbalagroup.com or visit https://www.danbalagroup.com/.

*1 Data taken from MA Cannabis Control Commission Meeting, February 9th, 2023 or accessed here https://masscannabiscontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Meeting-Book-February-Monthly-Public-Meeting-Packet.pdf on February 23, 2023.

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Maryland legalizes “Mary Jane”. Home grow sprouts.

Maryland voters, 66% of them, enthusiastically voted “yes” to legalize cannabis.  Now they face a two year time lag before even the first recreational dispensary is open to the public. 

Thus, the initial frontier of legalized cannabis use for is “home grow.” The initiative will allow adults to grow up to two cannabis plants in their home, out of the public view, starting July 1, 2023.

Cannabis remains illegal in Maryland until July, 2023. Currently, possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana carries a $100 civil fine. Decriminalization will be expanded up to 1.5 ounces from Jan. 1 to June 30.

“Sorting out the tax considerations, the application process, the licensing selection and building out of dispensaries has typically taken two or more years in the other early adopter states,” noted Eric Robichaud, CEO of Green Goddess Supply, a leading supplier to the cannabis industry.

Robichaud added, “Most cannabis consumers don’t want to deal with red tape or politics.  They just want high quality, clean, organic bud at home quickly, easily and inexpensively.”

To help fill in the gap for cannabis consumers, Green Goddess Supply offers greatly simplified home grow systems. Most newcomers to cannabis cultivation are overwhelmed by the process – bugs, odor, mold and general complexity are the common enemy of the new grower.  But Green Goddess Supply offers a Concierge Service that’s designed for beginners, coupled with several fully-equipped, turnkey home grow systems that tremendously simplify the process. 

“The Armoire” is an award-winning home grow system which is designed to look like furniture and meld nicely into any home décor, while making it very easy for anyone to start growing at home, no experience necessary.  Additionally, the company offers the new ATS-42 Grow Tent System is a complete kit that contains all of the hardware you need to start growing. 

“Growing your own should be a simple, fun adventure,” asserted Robichaud.  “From turnkey systems to live, concierge advisors, we help consumers save money and grow high quality cannabis. Easily.”

About Green Goddess Supply

Green Goddess Supply is a “Cultivation to Consumption” cannabis technology lifestyle brand offering a line of high-quality products to grow, store, prep and consume hemp flower and cannabis products. The company sells direct to consumers at MSRP through its website, and also offers wholesale and distributor accounts to brick and mortar storefronts and industry distributors. Green Goddess Supply strives to exceed expectations and delight customers with quality products and amazing customer service. Green Goddess Supply is a privately held company headquartered in Hopedale, MA with a satellite office in California. For more information about Green Goddess Supply, visit the website at https://www.greengoddesssupply.com.

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Shakti Green Lit shooting its shot at the Canna World.

Shakti Green Lit, a new THC infused energy shot created by a local African American couple with roots in cannabis and health, is emerging as a sales leader in Massachusetts’ $1.4 billion per year adult-use cannabis industry. Fifty-five dispensaries are currently carrying the product and over 4,000 units have been sold since their quiet launch. Following their immediate success, co-owners and equity applicants Maur Stringer and Cynthia Mompoint are looking toward expansion in other legal markets across the country. The product was developed in a collaboration with Revolutionary Clinics.

Unlike many other products found on dispensary shelves that often leave users physically sluggish or mentally foggy, Shakti Green Lit is designed to enhance ‘energy, ability, strength, effort, power and capability’, for which the word in the product’s name ‘Shakti’ refers to. A synergistic balance of 5mg nano-emulsified cannabis extract, 100mg caffeine combined with a proprietary blend of Vitamins  B12, B6, B3 and L-Taurine, L-Theanine deliver an immediate, smooth and euphoric effect.

The drinks compact 1.93 fl oz package (the same size as a 5-hour Energy®) makes it an ideal delivery system for workouts, social gatherings and other smoke-free situations that can be elevated with a burst of focus and shift in perspective. At 2mg of sugar per bottle, both the lemon green tea and strawberry     lemonade varieties can be accommodated by even the strictest diets.

Husband and wife team Maur Stringer and Cynthia Mompoint have had their roots firmly planted in cannabis culture for decades. Maur is a survivor of the War on Drugs. His first major scar came as a felony conviction for sale of a class A substance (marijuana) to a minor, though he was a minor himself at the time. At just 14 years old, he was tried and punished as an adult. After years of black and gray market operations, Maur is ecstatic to finally ‘go legal’. Cynthia’s relationship with cannabis is primarily therapeutic in nature. The plant helped her to safely and comfortably deliver the last 2 of the couple’s four children.

For information about wholesale delivery or stores that currently carry Shakti Green Lit, visit www.ShaktiGreenLit.com.

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“Cannabis 101 for the Cannacurious” is the topic for a complimentary presentation at High Hopes, Hopedale.  21+ sessions set for  Saturday August 27, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Are you a potential first time cannabis user?  Or are you a Baby Boomer returning to cannabis after many years?  Are you looking for more information about using cannabis for anxiety, sleep issues, chronic pain? Or do you seek a euphoric state?

The “Cannabis 101 for the Cannacurious” presentation by nationally recognized cannabis educator Shari Berman MS, addresses the frequently asked questions by cannabis newbies and old school cannabis veterans.  What are the myths and facts of cannabis?  Is the Indica or Sativa strain a better fit for you?  What is the best delivery method? Is it better to smoke cannabis or savor gummies and baked goods? What accessories are helpful?

Additional questions to be addressed include dosing?  How do you start low and go slow?  How do you avoid a bad experience?

The August 27, Saturday, event will include two separate sessions set at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  After each presentation, Ms. Berman will be available for questions and product insights.

Ms. Berman received a Masters Degree in Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy.  She has worked in healthcare to improve the patient experience for the last 13 years. As a two- time cancer survivor, she became passionate about including the patient voice in all aspects of healthcare including the co-design of healthcare solutions.

Ms. Berman moved into the cannabis arena after publishing an article in STAT news and The Boston Globe entitled “I wanted to try medical marijuana. Why couldn’t my doctor help me?” There is a clear need for educating people wanting to use cannabis as an alternative therapy, however there is little if any support or guidance from their personal physicians. She helps bridge the gap in knowledge.

“Bringing objective and credible information to the community is a key component to our mission,” noted Hopedale resident and High Hopes Founder/CEO Russell Bogartz.  He added, “A well informed cannabis user is a happier, healthier person”

High Hopes is a recreational cannabis dispensary, owned and operated by Hopedale residents. The prides itself on providing an Elevated Experience that transcends what you would expect in a dispensary.  The staff is knowledgeable, passionate, and eager to guide guests to the right product(s) for them. It is not a cookie cutter operation, but a unique experience.

For more details about the Anniversary celebration or the recreational cannabis dispensary, please visit High-Hopes.biz or the store location of 1 Menfi Way, Hopedale MA.  Store Hours are 7 days a week, 10:00 am until 9:00 pm.  Phone is 508-381-0565 and email is info@high-hopes.biz

“Cannabis 101 for the Cannacurious” is the topic for a complimentary presentation at High Hopes, Hopedale.  21+ sessions set for  Saturday August 27, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.Read More

Massachusetts’ first female-centered cannabis-themed golf tournament

The Green Goddess Invitational, a first-of-its-kind cannabis-themed golf tournament by, for and of women entrepreneurs in the young legal industry, will take place at the Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill on Monday, August 1 at 11 a.m.

Caroline Pineau, owner of Stem in Haverhill and one of the first economic-empowerment retail cannabis licensees in Massachusetts, is the founder and chief sponsor of the event.  It will feature a nine-hole tournament, panel discussions, lessons with a LPGA golf pro, unique cannabis educational offerings, wellness clinics, a painting workshop and other activities.

Sen. Diana DiZoglio, a candidate for state auditor, will officiate the shotgun start and Methuen City Councilor Eunice Ziegler will sing the national anthem.  Former MA Cannabis Control Commissioner Shaleen Title will participate in a panel and discuss pending state and federal cannabis-related legislation.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit Power of Self-Education (POSE), a Haverhill-based nonprofit that promotes racial and social justice through community engagement, youth engagement and cross-sector collaborations.

“The Green Goddess Invitational is meant to bring canna sisters together from near and far, spending a fun-filled day celebrating each other, lifting each other up, and talking about what’s important in our lives and our communities.  It’s going to be an epic day from start to finish,” Pineau said.

WHAT:            The first annual Green Goddess Invitational

WHEN:            Monday, August 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE:          Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza Street, Haverhill

WHO:              Caroline Pineau, owner of Stem in Haverhill; Katrina Hobbs Everett, co-founder of POSE; Shaleen Title, CEO of Parabola Center and former commissioner on MA Cannabis Control Commission; Dr. Uma Dhanabalan, Founder/CEO, Global Health and Hygiene Solutions; Kim Napoli, Council/Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Vicente Sederberg LLP: Mitzi Keating, Partner, Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC; LPGA Pro Cathy MacPherson; nationally-known cannabis entrepreneur Freeway Ricky Ross; more than 40 co-sponsors, many golfers and female cannabis entrepreneurs

NOTES:            Caroline Pineau and other attendees will be available for on-site media interviews

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High Hopes has Lofty Plans for First Anniversary Celebration.  21+ Public celebration Saturday August 6, 10 am – 9 pm.

High Hopes, the recreational cannabis dispensary owned and operated by Hopedale residents, was launched one year ago with high expectations. On Saturday, August 6, from 10 am – 9 pm, rain or shine, the dispensary is celebrating the first-year anniversary with fanfare.

The public is encouraged to join the celebration, which is to be held on the 1 Menfi Way, Hopedale grounds of High Hopes. 

Event highlights include live music by local bands, participatory outdoor games, pizza by the slice from next door neighbor Hopedale Pizza Market, a variety of food and snacks and more.  There will also be a showcase of local art and pop ups booths of local vendors and partners.  Additionally, there will be a spinning wheel on hand to provide a chance to win High Hopes clothing and other gear.

“We are excited to celebrate our first successful year of operation with Greater Hopedale residents and look forward to continuing the momentum of creating career opportunities, revenue for the town and maintaining a safe environment for the community,” noted Hopedale resident and High Hopes Founder/CEO Russell Bogartz.

High Hopes is a recreational cannabis dispensary, owned and operated by Hopedale Residents. The prides itself on providing an Elevated Experience that transcends what you would expect in a dispensary.  The staff is knowledgeable, passionate, and eager to guide guests to the right product(s) for them. It is not a cookie cutter operation, but a unique experience.

For more details about the Anniversary celebration or the recreational cannabis dispensary, please visit High-Hopes.biz or the store location of 1 Menfi Way, Hopedale MA.  Store Hours are 7 days a week, 10:00 am until 9:00 pm.  Phone is 508-381-0565 and email is info@high-hopes.biz

High Hopes has Lofty Plans for First Anniversary Celebration.  21+ Public celebration Saturday August 6, 10 am – 9 pm.Read More