The Mother Cannaboid

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Often referred to as the “Mother Cannabinoid,” CBG is the precursor to the more wellknown cannabinoids THC and CBD. While research on CBG is still in its early stages, initial studies suggest that it may have a variety of effects on the body.

One of the most well-documented effects of CBG is its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that CBG can reduce inflammation in the body, which may be beneficial for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and neuroinflammatory diseases. CBG may also have antibacterial properties, making it a potential candidate for treating infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

CBG may have potential as an anti-depressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) agent. Studies have shown that CBG can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. This suggests that CBG may be useful in treating depression and anxiety disorders. In addition to its potential anti-inflammatory and mood-regulating properties, CBG may have neuroprotective effects. Studies have shown that CBG may protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress, which is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. CBG may stimulate the growth of new brain cells, which could potentially have implications for treating conditions such as depression and anxiety.

CBG research shows potential as a treatment for glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. Studies have shown that CBG can reduce intraocular pressure, which may make it a useful adjunct therapy for glaucoma patients.

Finally, CBG has potential as an appetite stimulant. Studies have shown that CBG can increase appetite in rats, suggesting that it may be useful in treating conditions such as cachexia (wasting syndrome) and anorexia.

While research on CBG is still in its early stages, these initial findings suggest that it may have a wide range of potential therapeutic uses. However, it is important to note that much more research is needed before CBG can be widely used as a treatment for any of these conditions. Nonetheless, the potential of it being a therapeutic agent is exciting, and future research will undoubtedly shed more light on its effect on the body.

BluntEMAN

When first seeing her name on the IG feed, it was definitely eye catching; the impression of a super hero character. To be fair,her super strength has been helping others to maneuver through a market that many don't know how to maneuver. Living in a social media world with several avenues to explore(prohibited and limited to), all the help we can get in this shadow banned market will definitely save the day amd your page..

As an innovative marketer who has made a name for herself in the cannabis industry. With years of experience working in the field, Eman Abdou has become an expert at navigating through the many restrictions and challenges that come with marketing cannabis, in this highly regulated industry. Her work has helped numerous businesses establish themselves in the market and build strong brands that resonate with consumers. Despite the legal and social barriers that exist in the cannabis industry, Eman has remained dedicated to helping her clients succeed. Through her innovative marketing strategies and deep understanding of the industry, Eman has proven herself to be a valuable asset to any cannabis business looking to make an impact in this rapidly growing market.

WD : How did you get into the cannabis industry and what inspired you to start Blunt Creative Inc. ?

BE : I came from a religious family that wasn’t enthusiastic about cannabis, so it wasn’t until the age of 20 that I first started using cannabis. By then I had moved out and was a post-secondary student with a lot of anxiety, but after my first cannabis experience (bong hit, classic) I instantly knew that it was not a drug. This realization sparked my desire to learn more about cannabis, and I learned that it helped me eat, sleep and function better. I was less anxious, restless and timid, I felt my appetite return, had more creative ideas and a stronger overall sense of ease. I haven’t stopped consuming since then, except for the occasional t-break, because I don’t believe in ‘taking a break’ from a plant medicine that improves my life in more ways than I can count.

Graphic design and digital art were the two artistic channels I was first indulged in during my teenage years, and when I graduated highschool, I pursued a post-secondary education in graphic design. While I was enrolled as a student I began freelancing my skills and received my first clients by marketing on Twitter. This experience helped me learn how to design logos, fonts, brand guidelines and other visual elements, as well as develop business leadership skills like self-development, sales and administration. Freelancing, additional certifications and courses, business coaches and previous jobs also gave me more knowledge and insight on effective social media marketing strategies and how to create content for platforms like Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and LinkedIn.

That’s when I decided to start offering social media marketing and content production as a service, and Blunt Creative Inc. was born. I chose to niche into the cannabis industry because of my extensive knowledge in using the social media apps as well as staying within their community guidelines, which is of utmost importance. Currently, social media marketing continues to be my passion and the most popular service offered by Blunt Creative Inc.

WD : How have you navigated the challenges and opportunities of running a marketing business in the cannabis industry?

BE : Once I learned the cannabis marketing laws in Canada, my job became much easier. Despite tight boundaries on what I can and can’t do, the biggest challenge I’ve faced so far has definitely been COVID-19, not marketing restrictions. This industry thrives on community events and faceto-face meetings and not being able to have that for nearly two years was devastating. However, it was during those years that I built up my LinkedIn and Instagram communities to include a plethora of cannabis professionals who I met in-person months later, some of which turned into friends and then clients, so it wasn’t all for nothing. the constantly evolving legal and regulatory landscape of the cannabis industry?

Today, the opportunities for myself and my company are looking green. As this industry grows, it becomes more and more important to work with people who A) share the same passion for cannabis as me and B) understand that without online marketing, they cannot communicate to their community.

WD : What sets your marketing services apart from other agencies in the Canadian cannabis industry?

BE : To put it simply: copywriting and analytics. Knowing how to create a visually aesthetic social media post is one thing, but knowing how to write a captivating caption and then track the performance of the post is another. What I know is that despite watching more videos than ever before, people are still reading online. Pairing a well-designed post with a well-written caption that doesn’t violate any social media guidelines is how I’m able to stay ahead of the game. My clients have never gotten their accounts deleted for posting cannabis content, and every three months they receive an analytics report that details how their likes, views, followers, engagements, comments and shares have changed. This solidifies two things: my skills are making an impact in the growth of my clients’ online communities, and they are happy about it.

BE : I’m really grateful for the range in the clients I work with because a large chunk of my work includes doing research for topics to post on social media. These topics range from legal, to retail, to human resources within Canada and the US, so I’m always updated on what’s evolving in our industry in my day-to-day work. I’m also a scrolling addict and learn a lot by consuming just as much content as I create, and I occasionally attend local cannabis events or conferences to learn from other professionals as well.

WD : Can you share a success story or case study of a client you have helped through your marketing services?

BE : My client in New York is a mom of two young daughters who suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety. She sells CBD products and offers consultation services as a cannabis coach to other moms who are going through similar experiences. Our weekly meetings include brainstorming ideas for Reels that can be used as educational content that inspires her viewers to take an action (like, follow, comment, message or share). She takes the videos herself then sends them to me to create into a Reel, which means I’m able to include video production in her services package while being completely remote.

WD : How do you stay up-to-date with

I came up with the idea to have her use a trending audio sound that said “tell me something you wish people understood...” and she recorded a 5-second clip of her standing in front of an art piece and pointing downwards (at nothing, but that was intentional). I took this video and uploaded it to her Instagram channel as a Reel, and added a text block onto the space below where she pointed (at nothing) that said “using cannabis doesn’t make you a bad mom.” It was essentially her spin on the trending audio, and the Reel ended up getting over 20K views. The comments were full of other moms expressing their thoughts, some of which agreed and some of which didn’t, but her message was loud and clear -- using cannabis doesn’t make you a bad mom.

This was a prime example of how social media video production doesn’t need to be too technical or complicated, it just needs to communicate the right message. I’m proud to say that my client consistently gets high views on her Reels and has been gaining followers and views for as long as we’ve been working together.

WD : How do you balance your passion for cannabis with the demands of running a successful business?

BE : Terpenes, terpenes, terpenes! A lot of people think that all cannabis makes you lazy and tired, but my own research and experience has confirmed that’s simply not true for me. I’m able to stay high, but functional while running a successful business by only consuming cannabis with the terpenes that I know work for me; pinene and limonene. I keep a pretty good routine by microdosing edibles in the morning (THC+CBG 2:1 combo is my favourite) and only smoking when I’m finished working, but even if I wake and bake I choose a strain with those two terpenes. Learn your terpenes! It’ll make your life so much easier.

WD : What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the cannabis industry?

BE : The only way to be a successful entrepreneur in the cannabis industry is to learn to work with other people and talk to them about what you do. Running a business is a lot of work and as cannabis professionals we’re all in it together. Besides, what you can’t do someone else can do, whether it’s accounting, law, branding, manufacturing or marketing, and vice versa. Keep a positive attitude, be willing to serve before being served, promote yourself on social media, start attending cannabis events and introduce yourself to LPs and retailers. Don’t have expectations for the seeds you plant, but know that the more you care for them, the bigger they’ll grow. New things are only scary because you’ve never done them before!

WD : What is your vision for the future of the cannabis industry in Canada, and how do you see your business evolving to meet those changes?

BE : I hope that Canada becomes the first country to allow cannabis advertising. Right now, there are a lot of restrictions around marketing cannabis, but I’m optimistic for a future where brands are legally allowed to create customized packaging, add special product perks, promote a sale or run a television commercial. I’d like to see cannabis products expand in every direction; beauty, environmental, health and entertainment to name a few. Blunt Creative Inc. will expand in whatever direction my heart calls to me, whether it’s a production agency, cannabis product or a consumption lounge. I’ll be ready for the signs to align!

WD : What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a business owner in the cannabis industry?

BE : There isn’t nearly as much competition as everyone thinks there is because it’s still a fairly new industry, but the only thing keeping cannabis businesses above water right now is nothing but pure, raw dedication. Expecting to start a cannabis business and get rich tomorrow is naive and a sure way to fail before you even start. Set the right intentions, goals and propositions, then commit to achieving them.

Angelina Blessed

is a multi-talented entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the cannabis industry. As the owner of Blessed Edibles, a reputable cannabis-infused food company based in Canada, Angelina has earned a reputation as an innovative chef and expert in the field of cannabis-infused cuisine. Additionally, Angelina is an integral part of the Weedpanion team, a leading cannabis information and networking platform, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with other cannabis enthusiasts.

Beyond her work in the cannabis industry, Angelina is also an accomplished Muay Thai practitioner. Her journey and passion for martial arts began over a decade ago when she started training in Muay Thai to stay in shape. From her elders anointing her with a tattoo to grace her accomplishments to bringing her knowledge of training and health to the cannabis market.

Over the years, Angelina has developed her skills and is now an experienced fighter, regularly competing in local and national tournaments. Her dedication to Muay Thai is a testament to her disciplined approach to life and her commitment to achieving excellence in everything she does.

WD : Tell us about your relationship with cannabis. When did you start consuming? How often do you consume? What consumption method do you prefer?

AB : I was a cannabis smoker in high school but stopped for over 10 years until the pain of muaythai started to consume me. I now consume every day, multiple times in different formats. My consumption method of choice is obviously edibles, but I love proper flower in a bong.

WD : Tell me about your background with fitness and muay thai?

AB : I was not athletic at all in high school, it was after I stopped partying but still had all of this pent up energy I needed to burn off... I ended up at a gym in Bloor West with a personal trainer whose background was in muaythai. After 8 months of training, and a big breakup, I got on a plane and started training and fighting in Thailand.

WD : Is there a connection between muay thai and cannabis?

AB : A connection between muaythai and cannabis!? Ha! Is there a connection between cannabis and your endocannabinoid system!? Feels exactly the same to me. I feel like they are two keys that just fit together perfectly.

WD : How did your journey into Muay Thai effect you?

AB : It completely changed me, it changed my life trajectory. I had never travelled so living in Thailand opened my mind to so much. I feel like the grind that goes into fight camp, the push to get yourself through the training, the pain, the loneliness, it strengthens. The courage it takes to fight makes life, especially in the cannabis industry less scary. I hold myself differently as a martial artist.

WD : Tell us about your experiences in Thailand? Where do you start with this incredible country? The food, the beaches, the heat, the immersion into Muay-thai Mecca.

AB : It was scary for me having never been over seas, not speaking the language... but it was all training and I always met the best people. I lived at the camps, slept on the floors.. all of the old school muaythai experiences. My life became all about getting to Asia and staying for as long as I could.

WD : Please talk about your experience with the tattoo that was chosen for you?

AB : When I would fight my trainers would either take me to or recommend a monk or monk apprentice to tattoo me the day before I would fight, in Buddhist culture they believe the tattoos, or ‘sak yant’ bless you, and protect you. My whole back has been done in ‘sak yant’ tattoos, before almost every fight I would be taken for it... they have been chosen for my strength, and protection in life and in the ring and my healing.

Sak Yant is a form of tattoing that consists of sacred geometrical and animal designs accompanied by Pali phrases. They are believed to offer power, protection, charisma, fortune and other benefits to the ones who wear them.

WD : When did you get the idea of Blessed edibles?

AB : Blessed was born out of a need, I was a full time hair colourist and fighter so it just authentically happened. I was never here to make money... I had pain, a friend had cancer.. people had questions and it just started. I started making cookies for myself and the guys at the gym (2012), but demand grew and I needed to start labelling (2015)... started with the name Blessed Buddha medibles and going into stores like Medicinal 416 (Amy winestein) and Kind Supply and having a table at Toronto’s Green Market (Lisa Campbell) (2016).

WD : Why do you think it’s important for athletes to have access to cannabis?

AB : It’s really important for everyone to have access to cannabis… but if you really want to learn about what an athlete and access to cannabis means please search Elias Theodorou. The most amazing human who we lost last September 11. He was the first professional athlete to receive a therapeutic use exception use for cannabis in North America in January 2020.

WD : How do you decide on the 100 cbd : 10 thc ratio?

AB : My original legacy bar was 120 mgs THC : 60 mgs CBD... I wish I could have made it comparable. I believe everyone, not just athletes should be consuming cbd everyday. This is the perfect percentage for people wanting to try edibles.

I wanted my ‘Float Bar 2.0’ to be as much of a recovery bar as possible within the Canadian regulations.

I would have put all the THC and CBD in if cost allowed as well..

WD : Where do you source your chocolate from?

AB : It’s a Mexican dark Chocolate.

WD : How do you select your other ingredients?

AB : This bar beautifully emulates the original. Nothing pairs better to me than sea salt and mint... ‘Float’ Toronto has been such a massive part of my healing, I named the bar ‘FLOAT’ For them... and the healing powers of sea salt and magnesium.

WD : Is there any tricks to consuming edibles to increase their absorption? (ie; empty stomach or with a fat)

AB : THC is stored in your fat cells, so this isn’t a consumption trick.. but I find after a evening of consuming edibles when I wake up and start training the next day, once I start to move my body, the edibles will kick back in! I like to always consume my edibles in or with a healthy fat.

WD : How often do you consume edibles? When do you like to consume edibles?

AB : I consume edibles every day. I’m a medical patient and I prefer edibles over smoking. I consume between 20-50 mgs during the day and 100-200 mgs at night dependant on body pain. (Dosage definitely NOT recommend for new consumers.) The legal limit in one cannabis package is 10 mgs… imagine how many packages I would need to eat if I didn’t make my own edibles?!

WD : What other ways do you utilize cannabis in your life? (ie; flower consumption, topicals, etc).

AB : I live with a hash maker so I’m really lucky to have fun and different inputs to play with, I love to make infused body butters, lubes, infused smoothies, soups and drinks and powders. I almost exclusively smoke Headwater.

WD : What products do you currently have on the market?

AB :

Blessed Float bar

Flir strawberry white chocolate basil bar

Little Farma Bruce banner shatter

Little Farma tropicali live vape

WD : Any new products coming soon?

AB : Ohhh we’ve got some plans... You can find us blessededibles.com blessededibles angelina.blessed

And you can find our products and price and location on ‘weedpanion’.

Jacqui Childs

is a renowned social media influencer who has made a significant impact on various social media platforms. With her captivating content and magnetic personality, Jacqui has amassed a massive following on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where she shares her life, interests, and opinions with her loyal audience. Jacqui’s journey to becoming an influencer has been nothing short of remarkable, and her rise to fame serves as an inspiration to many.

Jacqui Childs is a social media influencer who has made a significant impact on various platforms, . In addition to her work as an influencer, Jacqui is also a prominent figure in the cannabis industry, where she advocates for the benefits of cannabis and the importance of responsible use. Jacqui’s unique perspective and fearless approach to discussing taboo topics have earned her a loyal following of fans who admire her honesty and authenticity.

Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Jacqui has always been a trendsetter and a go-getter. She started her career as a model, appearing in various fashion shows and print advertisements. However, it wasn’t until she discovered social media that Jacqui truly found her calling. With her unique style and engaging personality, Jacqui quickly gained a following on Instagram, where she began sharing her daily life and fashion choices.

Jacqui’s involvement in the cannabis industry has been a natural extension of her passion for health and wellness. As a user of cannabis, she has experienced firsthand the benefits that it can bring, both for physical and mental health. Through her social media channels and speaking engagements, Jacqui shares her knowledge and insights about the plant and works to break down the stigma that still surrounds it. Similarly, Jacqui’s openness about her OnlyFans account has challenged the societal taboos surrounding a variety of stigmas and has inspired others to embrace their sexuality and individuality. With her commitment to authenticity and her willingness to tackle tough topics, Jacqui is a force to be reckoned with in the influencer world.

WD : How old were you when you first tried cannabis?

JC : I was 16 or 17 the first time I tried. When I was young hash was everywhere. Hot knives and bottle tokes!

WD : Did you always see cannabis positively or did something change that?

JC : It wasn’t until in I was in my 40s that I saw cannabis in a positive light. I was raised to believe ALL drugs were bad , unless they were s from your doctor.

WD : What was it like growing up in Burlington, ON? Was cannabis fairly easy to obtain?

JC : Ha ha! Burlington was a great place to grow up and YES cannabis was everywhere. Hash oil and hash. We did bottle tokes and hot knives. I would roll “pinnerz” for my friends. I’m so old school your readers might not know what I mean lol

WD : What would you say are the pros and cons of legalization so far?

JC : I like that it’s “legal” and more acceptable but I don’t know taxes and weed feels gross and legal limits are a tad low. But what do I know.

WD : What does it mean to you to be a female at the top of the cannabis industry?

JC : Ha ha! great question. It’s tough, very! This industry has many challenges and I think whether male or female we need to work together, for the most part we seem to have the same goals. I’m stuck on this question because in truth I’m not happy with a lot of things about the industry but I realize we’re still in its infancy. The community definitely has its problems too. I guess whenever humans are involved things will get messy.

WD : What’s the most fabulous cannabis product you’ve seen so far?

JC : O00h “most fabulous” hmmm so many come to mind! I’m loving everything from EXKA and Zele YUM and I gotta give a shout out to “The Monster” by good supply check it out! Hmmm I guess I could go on and on, I like a lot of the offerings out there. I’m like a kid in a candy store when it come to cannabis.

WD : What to you, is excellent cannabis? Describe the flower and high.

JC : I do like cannabis to taste and smell like cannabis and to me that reminds me of my youth, outdoorsy, skunky and I love a lil stickiness. I want (and need) a calming effect , something that quiets my mind but still allows for creativity. I write a lot and I write best in the evening after a smoke or an edible.

WD : What’s the best cannabis event you’ve been to?

JC : Pre legalization the events were so fun. Now not so much. I’m biased here but the Cannabis wiki conference and expo, now in it’s second year is pretty great! Lots of different people and perspectives. Cannabis wiki is owned by a black entrepreneur and is run by mostly women. Not only is our conference fun but it’s different, instead of the usual circle jerk of familiar faces and conversations.

WD : Would you say there are any defining moments in your life that really shaped who you are today? If so, what are they?

JC : Ha ha! this is a big question and I’ll say this… I am a survivor of some of the worst atrocities a human can experience and here I am! I’m doing the very best I can to lead with love and not be a victim. Do that inspire some? Maybe, I wish there was a way more people could see the world the way I do, without the process I went through. I am, who I am, I guess and I’m thankful to be here!

WD : Who inspires you the most?

JC : I’m inspired by many strong people. People that have challenges and have dealt with adversity. I have some amazing people in my life that inspire everyday. I won’t name anyone but they know who they are.

WD : Why is accessible cannabis so important?

JC : I’m a patient first and I know my looks and level of success confuses some. I have Crohns, ptsd , anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Having access to my medicine is extremely important and it’s still difficult when it comes to travel and limits etc …. I need my meds today not 7 days after the fact. The supply chain has issues and should our medicines be taxed ?

I think not!

WD : Do you feel there is such a thing as “recreational” cannabis?

JC : I’m not sure, I think all cannabis is medicine.

WD : How has cannabis helped with your physical and mental well-being?

JC : Cannabis helps me tremendously. It calms my nerves, helps me sleep and helps with my creativity.

WD : If any, how do you deal with the haters?

JC : Ha ha ha! I don’t! 2023 I only see love no response. There’s way too much hate and hurt in this community and the world.

I have empathy for people, but I keep it moving. I have to respect my boundaries and keep my distance from low vibrational people. My mental health issues don’t always play nice and my reaction isn’t always something I’m proud of, so I have to do my best to just smile and wave I’ve yet to see a hater doing better than me, and I think that says a lot. I let people think whatever they want. I’m good.

WD : What advice would you give to others looking to find success in the industry?

JC : Know your worth. Understand the value of time and be YOU! be different. You have to stand out, which is hard in a saturated market. I’ve always just been me. Show up and often, be everywhere! In the very beginning you should say yes to everything. If I could just give one piece I’d say “show up on time and look like you own the place” works for me! Even if I’m a sweaty ball of nerves.

WD : Do you have a favourite method of consumption?

JC :Edibles are my favourite. Infused food and drinks are totally my jam!

WD : What type of strain do you enjoy the most?

JC : I like the cheeses, real pungent and heavy ,they seem to help with my gut issues. I grow California orange and sour diesel every year.

WD : What’s your favourite munchie?

JC :Munchies.. chips and ice cream ohhh or McDonald’s but I’ve vowed to become vegan by 50, so I might need some new faves, real soon!

WD : You often speak about topics that carry a stigma with them (cannabis, mushrooms, only fans). Why do you think it’s important to have an open dialogue about these things?

JC : I think secrets aren’t always good and I think guilt and shame are silent killers. I won’t ever fit in or be shoved in a box… if I think it I say it ! I have no secrets hmmmm nope no secrets. I hope by speaking about taboo things and by bringing difficult conversations to the light I’m helping others, or not; But it’s what I do; Maybe I speak so openly because I’m bipolar; I don’t know I’ve always been this way; I’m shocking I guess. In order to break barriers and end stigma we have to have honest conversations. I’m a great conversation starter... funny because I’m not the best communicator. The other day I was called a thought leader and I agree I can start a thought or conversation but I’m open to where it goes. I love conversations and debates. It’s kinda sad that we have to associate hate with difference of opinions. I don’t agree with everything, but I’m very open to new ideas and opinions.

WD : Tell us about your journey with shrooms?

JC : Psilocybin, love it! It helps me see past the b.s. and be more open to change and experiences. It helps with my creativity a lot. I’ve got a lot going on both internally and externally all the time, using psilocybin helps ground me and helps to refocus. The noise in the community can be a lot and some how psilocybin helps me silence it, just enough to focus and understand what’s important.

WD : Do you think we will see psilocybin legalized in the near future?

JC : I hope all plant medicines are legalized in my lifetime.

WD : Tell us anout the projects you are currently working on

JC : My work with Cannabis wiki ( media. marketing and tech company) keeps me very busy. I hold the title ‘Chief Content Officer’ and I’m a podcaster on ‘The Green Room’ and we also have our latest product WEEDPANION. I’m very proud of what we’ve brought to the community and industry. I love the team at Cannabis wiki they not only survived the last few years but thrived. Our network is second to none with millions of monthly visitors. Now Weedpanion is changing the way consumers shop for cannabis and YES there’s an App coming soon. Wiki hosts a conference every June in London On with our partners at Fanshawe and Western fair district. Wiki keeps me busy and I’m really happy to be part of the team. My mental health issues along with my Crohns can make it difficult to work sometimes. I do my very best and they do their best to accommodate. We’re a family a very inclusive and diverse family. Aaah... The Green Room ! I love what we’ve created. We’re a bridge from the community to the industry with deep roots in the culture.

Shout to my friend and cohost Derrick Berney ( also the President and Founder of Wiki)! We discuss anything and everything related to cannabis, culture and community.

We’ve published over 200 interviews from all over the country and dozens from Jamaica.

We can be heard wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts as well as on the cannabis.wiki platform. Thank you so much for the opportunity to discuss my work in the cannabis space!

Allison Lategan is a talented marketer and communications professional who has made a name for herself in the cannabis industry. Currently, Allison serves as the Retail Marketing Manager at Ghost Drops, a leading cannabis company based in Canada. In her role, she is responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies that elevate the Ghost Drops brand and engage with consumers. Her extensive experience in marketing and communications has been instrumental in the growth and success of Ghost Drops. Prior to joining the company, Allison worked for several other well-known brands, where she honed her skills in branding, and public relations. Her expertise in these areas has helped Ghost Drops establish itself as a trusted and reputable brand in the competitive cannabis market. With her strategic vision and creative approach to marketing, Allison is a valuable asset to the Ghost Drops team.

WD : Tell us about your experience working for Ghost Drops?

AL : I honestly couldn’t think of a better place to work. Especially knowing the cannabis industry as intimately as I do. Ghost Drops has brought a newfound love and perspective into the legal market that had been lacking for so many years. I have come to learn over my time working at Ghost Drops that this is 100% attributed to the people we have on our team. Ghost Drops has grown itself to be an iconic brand in the black market and now proven itself in the legal market PURELY because of the people behind the scenes. I have never worked with a group of more hard working, dedicated and most importantly passionate set of personalities in my entire professional career. I feel honoured to be able to work alongside and be considered one of the pioneers on our team.

WD : What do you think makes Ghost Drops unique compared to other cannabis brands?

AL : As mentioned in my previous answer, I truly believe the people on our team is what sets us apart. The culture and unwavering passion that stands behind the brand cannot be replicated in the industry. This attitude trickles down and creates what everyone has grown to know and love as "Ghost Drops”. One thing that I have noticed that really sets us apart from an objective perspective is our ability to tap into and relate to cannabis culture. The authentic connection that Ghost Drops has on understanding what cannabis culture is, how to tap into it and how to perpetuate it in way that people can relate to is the secret sauce behind our brand. On top of having some of the country’s best cannabis of course.

WD : How long have you been consuming cannabis?

AL : I have been consuming cannabis since I was in grade ten, so roughly 13 years.

WD : What is your favourite Ghost Drops strain?

AL : Our Ghost Drops, Z-Splitter, is my current favourite strain. When I smoke, I really like to take my time and enjoy the experience. Flavour is a big part of that. Z-Splitter is the best-tasting, most sweet, fruity flower I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying. It’s consistently a smooth, delicious smoke.

WD : What is your title for GD and what are you responsible for?

AL : My formal title is Director of Retail Sales and Marketing though I wear many hats as you do in a company operating with a small team. I am essentially responsible for leading and overseeing the development, execution and management of our retail sales and marketing strategies. This includes taking on the responsibility of driving sales growth and increasing market share across the country. This is all executed by strategically managing our sales team, developing marketing strategy and building strong relationships with key stakeholders.

WD : What kind of challenges do you face working in marketing in the cannabis industry?

AL : There are plenty of challenges that everyone faces when it comes to marketing cannabis in Canada. Anyone who is involved in the industry will understand how difficult it can be to navigate the regulations that govern how we can and cannot sell in each province. One of the most prominent examples that come to mind is the limited access to traditional marketing channels. Due to regulatory restrictions we cannot advertise or utilize the same conventional tools other industries have at their disposal, such as radio, TV and out of home billboards to name a few. This causes us to become heavily reliant on alternative channels such as social media, website and events to market our products and brand. Some social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok make it virtually impossible to build and maintain an audience due to their own internal regulations. It is definitely a minefield that needs to be navigated carefully but there is always way through! We have a distinct attitude at Ghost Drops that allows us to take these challenges head on and find a way unique way to build our presence in the cannabis space.

WD : What’s one thing you wish consumers understood from a legality stand point?

AL : I think the biggest disconnect between consumers and licensed producers is how products are priced and who gets what piece of the pie from the final price consumers pay at the register. For example, if the cost of a Ghost Drops 3.5g jar is $50 tax in, the brand/LP does not make the total of the ticket price. There is a wholesale sell in price to the province, excise, Provincial markup and retailer mark up and let’s not forget HST.

WD : What’s your favourite part of being in the cannabis industry?

AL : There are plenty of benefits of working in the cannabis industry. As tough as it can be it will be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences you can have in your career. The industry is young and evolving constantly. This evolution comes from the people who are moving it forward. The pioneers. The work we are putting in today as challenging as it is, is building the future of the industry. What we are doing is having a large impact and it feels really good to be a part of that. I know that everyone in the community feels the same way. We have a duty today to build the future we want for our cannabis community.

WD : What types of stereotypes do you face as a woman who works in and consumes cannabis?

AL : This was a tough question for me to answer because I feel like my experience does not reflect every circumstance women may have encountered in their personal journeys. With that said, I have never felt there has been a stereotype placed on me that has inhibited my professional and personal growth due to the fact I am a woman. I have always put in the work to put myself out there, work my ass off and get to the position I am today. I have never felt I was provided less opportunity or was overlooked because of my gender – I made it too damn difficult for them to make that mistake ;)

WD :How many females are on the Ghost Drops team?

AL : Between our office and our production facility we currently have 8 women on staff.

WD : Any up and coming Ghost Drops releases you’re excited about?

AL : We have so many exciting new products coming down the pipe this year. With the introduction of our rotational listings, we now have the ability to drop new strains more often by circumventing the long wait times to get products listed. You may have noticed this with our new “Slimebag” listing that has given us the opportunity to drop a different strain in there every week. With that said, I am super stoked 3 for the release of our new Baklava and White RNTZ strains that we anticipate to hit shelves around mid-march.

WD :What changes do you foresee in the cannabis industry in the next five years?

AL : Geez, I think a lot can happen in 5 years, specifically with how fast this industry progresses and evolves. I think the industry will simultaneously expand and consolidate within the next 5 years. The cannabis industry faces a huge opportunity to expand into the US markets with more and more states legalizing. At the same token, the Canadian cannabis industry is in the process of consolidating across the board with seemingly every sector reaching the tipping points of market saturation. curating events that focus on catering to the consumer. We need to see more events that are centred around the interest of cannabis, the dedication to community and the responsibility to educate our consumers.

AL : This is a great question because I feel like it’s not focused on enough in the cannabis space. I think events are one of the most important marketing channels the cannabis industry should leverage and I’ll tell you why. Cannabis culture is largely based on bringing people together. The communal relationship people have with cannabis is very unique and not often seen in other industries. Cannabis events can be a place where we can share this communal energy and engage with like-minded people all while learning more about the products that brought us there in the first place. It’s about curating that culture and tapping into the community – bringing them together. I feel like this has been a massively missed opportunity in the Canadian cannabis industry specifically when it comes to

AL : This was an extremely tough decision for us to make. As you may or may not know Ghost Drops acquired a 10,000 squarefoot processing facility back in November, 2022. The new acquisition officially made Ghost Drops a Health Canada Licensed Producer that came with new regulatory provisions we have to abide by. One of these provisions states Licensed Producers can only own up to 25% of shares in a retail cannabis store (unless that store is located on the same site as a production facility). After assessing our position we decided our resources were better allocated towards controlling the manufacturing and distribution of products versus owning a retail location.

AL : There are no immediate plans to open additional retail locations but we are exploring new ways to allow our consumers to experience the Ghost Drops brand in-person and have some announcements coming soon.

Cannabis mocktails are a great way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the effects of alcohol. They are also a great way to stay hydrated and refreshed during social gatherings or as a fun addition to your self-care routine. Here are five cannabis mocktail recipes to try:

Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup honey

• 2 cups sparkling water

• 5mg THC or CBD tincture

Instructions:

• In a blender, blend the blueberries until smooth.

• In a large pitcher, mix the blueberry puree, lemon juice, and honey until well combined.

• Add sparkling water and stir gently.

• Add THC or CBD tincture and stir again.

• Serve over ice and garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon slices.