Happy New Year!
I’m big on reflecting. As we turn the page to 2019, I wanted to take some time to give 2018 a proper (and much needed) sendoff.
A lot went down last year, and I always love some good alliteration, so I wanted to document some people, products, and places that stood out to me. The 3 P’s, as they say. (IDK if they actually say that)
There is so much good in this industry right now. So much awesomeness, it’s a bit overwhelming. Like you! If you’re reading this, you’re awesome. I only have awesome people on this e-mail list.
These are people I remember, products I’ve enjoyed, and places I’ve been. No one is paying me to do this! Mostly just trying to document for myself, and hoping other gain some value along the way. I didn’t link to anything or try to be super sales-y, because that’s not the point. If you’re curious, press ctrl (or command) + T and google it in a new tab. I believe in you :)
There is nothing at the end of the list, it’s just a long list with little descriptions of each. Sorry, this has taken a long time to write down and think about, and the whole “conclusion” part at the end is something I’m not going to get to this time around.
Feel free to send any feedback/thoughts/opinions! Always love knowing what the people in my network have to say about my writing and ideas.
Let’s make 2019 the best circle around the sun yet!
-Michael
People
David Goldman
Friend, mentor, and LinkedIn legend, David was one of the first people to welcome me with open arms. The guy is connected with just about everyone, and continually inspires me with his ability to mobilize and advocate for cannabis patient rights in SF. If you come to a Brownie Mary Democratic Club meeting - second Wednesday of every month - (plug!) you will see him in action, and meet him and his husband Michael who are the two adorable dudes always wearing hats with a little weed leaf on them.
Cat Packer.
She’s young, she’s smart, and she’s got a very tough job. She got like 17 degrees in 3 years (I’m slightly exaggerating), and has since committed herself to making cannabis work in LA. I actually got lucky enough to chat with her one on one at an event at UCLA for the CannaClub at UCLA (plug!). No shortage of critics, Cat consistently displays a commitment to excellence, social consciousness, and building an industry for the long term.
David Hua
Hua was first and foremost the homie when he responded to an e-mail where I was requesting to use Meadow’s space to host the first SF Blunt Talks. He’s someone I admire deeply for his commitment to excellence, community, and mentorship. After getting to know me a bit more, he offered me the opportunity to help make Meadowlands a reality, and the rest is history. Hua introduced me to levels of excellence, professionalism, and attention to detail that have helped me in my professional and personal life, and I will always be grateful for our time working closely together.
Luna Stower
It’s rare to find someone that shines as brightly as Luna Stower. She brings palpable positivity and has a massive network who all love her the same. Well, I would guess not everyone loves her. That’s because if you do something wrong (sexist, homophobic, racist, etc.) she will put your ass ON BLAST! Her righteousness is contagious and shines a little brighter in a society that so often asks us to accept the status quo. Also, she gives great hugs.
Ophelia Chong.
What a wild example of the power of social media in 2018. It was all so fast. The video went viral, within a week the products were removed from nearly every shelf in the state, and a week later the company was decimated. A wild case study with many takeaways... The two most blatant? As a founder, everything you do has to embody your company’s brand, and as an industry, cannabis is not afraid to take a stand against intolerance.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk goes on Joe Rogan’s Podcast, he takes a hit of a blunt, and the world goes crazy. Cannabis enthusiasts say he didn’t even inhale. SpaceX and Tesla investors say WTF. At Hall of Flowers Gary V said it well… “I think Elon pissed off a bunch of people who are going to die soon, and gained a lot of fans who haven’t been born yet.”
(Fuck!) Jeff Sessions
On Jan 4th this racist asshole released a memorandum to all US attorneys reminding us “that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that marijuana activity is a serious crime while also rescinding the Cole Memorandum. Weird flex, but ok. I thought it was a BS example of how the Feds are trying to stifle the movement behind cannabis. But hey, he lost his job, so, it all worked out, I guess?
PRODUCTS
Papa and Barkley
Damn this stuff is good. I’ve given it to my mom. My dad. My wife. My grandma. My aunt. Everyone loves it, and - most importantly - it works! I was a big believer in Tiger Balm, but now am firmly on the Papa and Barkley train. I throw this stuff on my cuticles when I bite my nails too much (I know, I need to quit, separate convo). I rubbed a little on my upper lip when I had a cold to sniff up the goodness. Anytime, anyplace. It’s the bomb. The bomb balm, you could say.
Mellows
Honestly, regular marshmallows don’t make the cut anymore. Sorry Jet Puffed. I don’t like you anymore. You just don’t taste as good, and you def don’t make me feel as good. Beyond that, I got the plug to give out HELLLA 1mg samples at my wedding. Some people actually tried cannabis for the first time… at my wedding… in the woods… in birthday cake marshmallow form. What a life!
Gushers by Big Al’s Exotics
Have you smoked this ish!? OMGGGGgggggGGG. At High Times in Sonoma County I walked up to the connected booth and was asking to smell a few options, and the guy was just like, “Bruh, you want the gushers.” Saying he was right was an understatement. If I walk into a retailer and they sell gushers, it’s basically money out of my pocket.
Treatwell
What a wild example of the power of social media in 2018. It was all so fast. The Permit Patty video went viral, within a week the products were removed from nearly every shelf in the state, and a week later the company was decimated. A wild case study with many takeaways... The two most blatant? As a founder, everything you do has to embody your company’s brand, and as an industry, cannabis is not afraid to take a stand against intolerance.
Potli
Local bees. Cool branding. Super tasty (and local!) honey. Count me in! Also, Potli is doing some awesome collabs with local tea shops, recipe books, and all sorts of good marketing. LA great product to introduce people to cannabis or to give to a daily user who wants to sweeten up that morning smoothie.
Weedmaps
Remember, I said I was documenting things that stood out. Weedmaps makes the cut because… what is Weedmaps? Distributor? Retailer? Tech? IDK, but they have had some kinda fun (grab your popcorn) beef with the state. It’s going to be interesting to see how the story develops.
February 7: City of Sacramento sends a Cease and Desist to Weedmaps saying, “hey bud, don’t know if you know this, but you’re promoting illegal activity by hosting these unlicensed operators.”
February 16: BCC sends a Cease and Desist to Weedmaps saying more sternly “you are breaking the law knowingly and need to stop.”
March 12th: Weedmaps responds, basically saying they aren’t breaking the law by promoting the unlicensed operators, but rather acting as advocates of change for supporting those who want to have a license but can’t. ?? Doesn’t quite make sense to me. But… sure, bud.
Kin Slips
Believe it or not, I actually really do enjoy our product. Come on, I wouldn’t work somewhere unless I stood by what we make! Cloud Buster makes me way sicker at video games. Park Life chills me out. And some new formulations coming soon help me sleep. I genuinely love Kin Slips!! (and the people under the hood as well <3)
Places:
Places
The Lounge at Barbary Coast
Undoubtedly my favorite cannabis friendly space in the bay area to bring people. No more coffee meetings or lunches, let’s just grab an eighth, twist it up, and smoke it in the swanky lounge in the back. I actually had a Saturday night a few months ago where my friends (not me!) suggested we go here and smoke a joint. I couldn’t believe it was actually an option that was being taken advantage of by non cannabis industry folks. Times are changin!
Brownie Mary Democratic Club Meetings
SF Brownie Mary Democratic Club meet monthly to discuss what’s going on with local cannabis legislation. It’s an awesome space. Dispensary owners, compassion patients, and even London Breed herself attended the meetings last year. I’ve met some of my best friends, and learned more about local laws in these meetings than anywhere else! Come to our meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of every month!
SF City Hall
Working in cannabis increased my commitment to civic engagement 10 fold. I actually gave my first ever public comment on the record to advocate for cannabis patients! Woo hoo! I found myself at SF City Hall regularly, and I’m actually considering a 2020 bid for D1 Supervisor…
High Times Cup
This is the only place I actually didn’t go, but, it stood out as an interesting hiccup last year that I wanted to include. Relationships with local regulators matter, people!
April 17th: (3 days before the unlicensed High Times Cannabis Cup): BCC releases a Notice Regarding Temporary Events stating “any bureau licensee participating in an unlicensed cannabis event may be subject to disciplinary action.”
April 19th: High Times responded, detailing their reasons for a late application and desire to run a lawful event. My favorite part is at the bottom… “More Information: Prop 215 Expires Jan 2019”
Meadowlands
Is it too biased to say that the event I worked on was also my favorite of the year? It was so awesome to bring together such a diverse group of industry professionals out to the woods for a weekend of fun, growth, and learning. Can’t wait for this year! (plug!!)
Hall of Flowers
Honestly, had zero to no expectations for this event, and it was totally awesome. The booths were all the same, so no one could flex their $50K conference setup. The smoking area was great, and Gary V gave a surprisingly insightful keynote. Looking forward to what they put together next year!