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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

“Higher Ed” Pop-Up Series Launched by Green Goddess Supply

— Complimentary Cannabis Educational Workshops
Offered to Dispensaries Throughout Southern New England —

DATELINE: HOPEDALE, MA

What is the best cannabis strain for a chill-out at the end of the day, or to achieve a certain effect? What’s a “terpene”? How do I infuse my favorite recipes at home? How do I better understand a cannabinoid test to know what to expect? How, exactly, are dabs and how do you do them? Heck, how do you roll a perfect joint? There are so many aspects to consumption alone that it can feel like falling down the rabbit hole.

These and many other commonly asked questions about cannabis will be addressed by the newly launched and complimentary “Higher Ed” Pop-Up educational programming series offered by Green Goddess Supply, a Hopedale, MA-based“cultivation to consumption” cannabis lifestyle brand offering a line of high-quality products to grow, store, prep and consume hemp flower and cannabis products.  The Pop-Up programming is being offered on a complimentary basis to cannabis dispensaries throughout southern New England (others may inquire, but it may not be practical to visit based upon distance).

“We’ve done a few of these already in a pilot program, and they’ve been very well received,” noted Eric Robichaud, founder of Green Goddess Supply. “In fact, we’ve been requested back more than once already, and we are only just launching this new initiative!” 

The company is excited about offering objective and vetted educational programming for both cannabis dispensary customers and staff. Green Goddess Supply has certified experts who have a number of prepared cannabis educational programs covering a variety of topics. Besides being educational, the company makes the sessions fun and interactive, presented in a casual and inviting manner to make consumers feel both comfortable and engaged.

“We typically book a 4-hour spot on-site to put on a show during retail hours. Additionally, we are happy to consider going outside the box, so to speak, to address other specific topics of interest to dispensary leaders, if its within our wheelhouse.  We aren’t restricted to our pre-set list of topics,” said Robichaud.

In addition to cannabis supplies, Green Goddess Supply produces an award-winning home grow system called “The Armoire” which is designed to look like furniture and meld nicely into any home décor.  Most Armoire owners are first-time growers looking for a small, simple system that “just works,” and comes with hand-holding Concierge Support services. Green Goddess Supply invented The Armoire personal home grow system to empower anybody to grow their own high quality, clean, organic bud at home quickly, easily, discreetly and inexpensively.

About Green Goddess Supply

Green Goddess Supply 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.

The Armoire, a turnkey home grow system that even your most judgmental aunt won’t detect, is patented by and a trademark of Green Goddess Supply. Green Goddess Supply is a privately held company headquartered in Boston, MA with additional distributions centers in Los Angeles, CA; Long Island City, New York and Pooler, Georgia.

For more information about Green Goddess Supply and the complimentary “Higher Ed” Pop-Up program, Contact Eric Robichaud, eric@GreenGoddessSupply.com, (617) 765-2334 x100, or visit https://www.GreenGoddessSupply.com. 

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Easy green for yourself. Affiliate program launched by Green Goddess Supply.

Fully automated and easy to implement, Green Goddess Supply has launched an Affiliate program.  The program encourages like-minded businesses and individuals to leverage their existing audience to expand revenue and share high quality products.

Green Goddess Supply is a “cultivation to consumption” cannabis lifestyle brand offering a line of high-quality products to grow, store, prep and consume hemp flower and cannabis products.

There are revenue opportunities for people without e-commerce websites too.  Retailers, dispensaries and smoke shops are also welcomed partners for a drop ship program.

On the other hand, digital partners include social media influencers (ie an individual person without a website), or owners of informational websites such as a blog or other non-ecommerce sites. Partners can earn 10% or more of sales by signing up for the Affiliate Program and simply making referral / recommendations.  

The referrals can be as simple as clickable text links, or take the form of more traditional-looking ads. 

Green Goddess Supply uses a third party affiliate system called ShareASale.com to power the affiliate program.  By using one of the original third party affiliate systems that has been around since the mid 90’s (Green Goddess principals have used this source several times in the past on other ecommerce projects, ranging all the way back to 1996), partners can rest assured that there’s a neutral 3rd party involved to manage and audit the program, handle payment of commissions, and that the account is pre-funded by the company, and it’s all automated on “auto pilot” – partners won’t be waiting around for anyone to do any accounting.

Partners’ promos can use text links or, if preferred, more traditional-looking ad creative (such as for sidebar space on a blog page).  There is an entire library of pre-designed ads (banners, square ads, skyscrapers, and more!) loaded up and ready to go in ShareASale.    

If the affiliate doesn’t work for a potential partner, the company offers other options including drop shipping and traditional wholesale.

About Green Goddess Supply

Green Goddess Supply is a “cultivation to consumption” cannabis 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 Boston, MA with additional distributions centers in Los Angeles, CA; Long Island City, New York and Pooler, Georgia.  For more information about Green Goddess Supply, visit the affiliate landing page at https://www.greengoddesssupply.com/blogs/blog/drop-shipping-green-goddess-supply-products. Or contact Eric Robichaud, pr@GreenGoddessSupply.com, 617.765.2334 x100

Easy green for yourself. Affiliate program launched by Green Goddess Supply.Read More

White Glove delivery is smokin’ fast in the Big Apple. Home grow system ready to go.

Many New Yorkers gnash their teeth over lingering supply chain and shipping concerns. Now they can exhale.

In stock and swiftly delivered via the white glove treatment to residents of the Metro New York City area, the trade-marked Armoire, a turnkey solution to cannabis home grow, is ready to go.  A dedicated fleet of trucks is poised to roll.

Designed by Green Goddess Supply, The Armoire has an heirloom furniture-inspired look, child proof lock, ergonomic design and even your most judgmental and disapproving aunt would not suspect that you are growing cannabis in your living room, home office or den.

The Armoire requires only two minutes of care daily to garner an impressive yield of 3-5 ounces of dried, hand-crafted flower in as little as 60 days. 

Eric Robichaud, CEO of Green Goddess Supply asserted, “Measuring just over four feet tall (50”) and just over 2 feet wide (25”), The Armoire is an impressive size and arrives essentially set up and ready to grow.  Although sturdy and solid, we make sure it is delivered with white glove care so that even the cannabis curious can start growing on day one. If you can water a house plant once a day, then you can now grow clean, healthy, top shelf bud quickly and easily, with no experience necessary.”

The Armoire is available in three finishes – Black, Cherry and Barn Board (aka “Shabby Chic”).  The models are currently priced at $1,595 MSRP.

Equipped with a high quality Australian carbon scrubber and 12 spectrum and high PAR, low-heat proprietary LED lighting, The Armoire inhibits mold, odor and pests. As a closed system, it is extremely quiet and also makes it difficult for pests to gain access. Childproof magnetic locks ensures that no one accidentally opens the cabinet.

Each Armoire comes with 90 days of complimentary concierge support. Live and experienced cultivators answer questions and trouble shoot, if necessary.

About Green Goddess Supply

Green Goddess Supply is a “cultivation to consumption” cannabis 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.

The Armoire is a trademark of Green Goddess Supply. Green Goddess Supply is a privately held company headquartered in Boston, MA with additional distributions centers in Los Angeles, CA; Long Island City, New York and Pooler, Georgia. For more information about Green Goddess Supply, visit the website at https://www.GreenGoddessSupply.com/ 

White Glove delivery is smokin’ fast in the Big Apple. Home grow system ready to go.Read More