May 25, 2022
This week, we’re reporting from the floor of the MJ Unpacked Conference here in New York City. Over the course of three days, we had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the latest innovations in the industry and connect with a number of power players doing fascinating things.
First up is Elizabeth Becker. After working in film in LA, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, Elizabeth launched HiBnb–a fully compliant marketplace that offers cannabis-friendly accommodations and activities to enthusiasts while giving producers and retailers access to amazing marketing opportunities.
In our interview with Elizabeth, you’ll learn why she never assumes that cannabis consumers are dirty or might burn the house down, how her startup fosters community, and the unique challenges she’s facing as an entrepreneur in this fast-moving, fast-growing space.
Next, we’re joined by Brandon Dorsky and Maggie Wilson, CEO and CMO of Fruit Slabs which is an award-winning and kosher-friendly edible brand. Brandon has over a dozen years of experience as an attorney working to build businesses and create intellectual property, and Maggie is an expert-level cannabis sommelier–and became the first Black female to hold that title in 2018.
We had the chance to talk with them about how their business has changed since launching in 2015, the ins and outs of getting federal patents for cannabis products, and where to market in a world that’s so quick to punish cannabis brands that aren’t doing anything wrong.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- How HiBnb uniquely provides support to cannabis tourists, brands, and products.
- Why so many “cannapreneurs” can outsource so few of their operations to other companies–and why they often struggle to find funding.
- What makes California such a difficult place to build and grow a cannabusiness right now.
- How Fruit Slabs is connecting with customers while offering a better product at a higher price point.
- Why Maggie recommends that any business that loses access to Instagram move their operations over to Pinterest.
Show Notes
For complete show notes, including transcripts, takeaways, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SoHoExp.com/52
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