25_Mary_Jane_Berlin-6-2222 by Honeysuckle Magazine

Built to Scale. Powered by Science. Designed for the Future. Meet the Australian Cannabis Group (ACG)—the global engine quietly powering premier brands like Tyson 2.0. From couture cultivation to white-label production, ACG delivers GMP-certified manufacturing, real compliance, and pharmaceuticalgrade reliability.

Infrastructure. Intelligence. Integrity. With operations across Australia, the UK, and Thailand, they’re not chasing clout—they’re building the future. Founded by Ben Males with partners Andre and Dr. Russell Kinghorn, ACG is rewriting how cannabis moves across borders: safely, scalably, and without shortcuts.At the heart of it all is High Street, their Sydney flagship dispensary.

www.theacg.com.au

Born in the heart of Berlin in 2021, OnlyGrams has gone from underground favorite to international ﬂavor, blazing a trail across Europe’s cannabis scene with serious style. What started with bold vibes in Germany quickly caught ﬁre in Spain, Ireland, and Austria—turning heads and setting trends with every drop. Known for its top-shelf products and iconic branding, the brand serves both

B2B and B2C markets with everything from HHC vapes and CBD ﬂower to premium seeds and collabs that scream culture. And now? They’ve landed stateside. After lighting up the Champs Trade Show in Vegas with their U.S. hemp debut, OnlyGrams is oﬃcially global. From Berlin rooftops to California smoke sessions, the mission stays the same: keep it premium, keep it fresh, and always keep it OG.

W“Mary Jane”

BY RONIT PINTO

Welcome to Issue 22, our Mary Jane Berlin Edition—a celebration of global cannabis culture where innovation, independence, and ritual meet under one sky. From Germany to Australia, Israel to Thailand, Spain to the U.S., this issue unites voices shaping the plant’s future with purpose, passion, and power.

We’re proud to spotlight Yuval Soiref of Green Success 1.0 on our cover—a leader in global medical cannabis infrastructure. Yuval isn’t just building systems; he’s creating a language of care rooted in science, compassion, and access. Inside, he debuts an original comic where healing, data, and ancient wisdom collide—a rare glimpse into the ethos behind his mission.

In our special edition, B-Real returns to the spotlight with a monumental Insane OG seed drop, crafted with Barney’s Farm and master breeder Derry. Debuting at Mary Jane Berlin, the release bridges California legacy and Amsterdam excellence—decades in the making, now ready for the world.

Throughout these pages, we cross borders and blend genres. From the raw electricity of Frank’s Chop Shop to the meditative precision of Mechanic’s Farm, every feature celebrates depth and dedication. Compound Genetics, B-Eazy, and True Terpenes push the science of expression. In North Macedonia, PHCANN sets new standards for compliant cannabis, while FullMoon Sesh reshapes global events from Berlin to Bangkok.

We dive into cultural rituals with DOE and terpene lineage via Tim Hoebee of Sensi Seeds. In Berlin, Plusmacher fuses hip-hop with hash. In the UK, Natalia Faehnrich, one of cannabis’s leading women, steers Attitude Seed Bank forward. In Queens, Terp Bros shines as NYC’s top equity-owned dispensary, deeply rooted in community.

From Thailand to London, the Australian Cannabis Group proves medical flower moves best with purpose. In the Bronx, Mario Ramos of CONBUD III blends legacy with leadership in urban retail excellence.

Chef Matteo Quoiani chases a Michelin star for infused cuisine. Matca Films turns activism into art. Only Grams, born in Berlin, now thrives in Spain, Ireland, and the U.S. VIBES® rolls strong across Europe, while Highdel.Cloudzenergizes Germany’s nightlife. Zack Meghnagi of Israel High Life reminds us wellness and tradition go hand in hand.

And our centerfold, Farmacy? She’s iconic. She’s international. She’s elegance in the smoke and mystery in the mirror.

To Qube in Times Square—our NYC back cover partner—thank you for setting the standard on the East Coast.

Mary Jane Berlin, danke schön. This issue is a passport to the culture. Let’s fly. With love and wildflowers, Ronit Pinto Founder & Publisher Honeysuckle Media

goes BIG on Culture

0 PUBLISHER’S LETTER Meanwhile, At The Honey Hive… 1 T.O.C. A New Adventure Begins 2 MASTHEAD Honeysucklers Assemble! 3 CYNTHIA SALARIZADEH Cannabis’s Wonder Woman 4 DUC ANH DANG Mary Jane’s Lightspeed Man 5 TRUE TERPENES Dr. Vreeke’s Astonishing Tales 6 COMPOUND GENETICS League Of Bloom 22 FRANK’S CHOP SHOP No Ordinary Barbery 12 CONBUD III Mario Ramos Reborn 13 MECHANIC’S FARM Big Hero Grow 14 BEAZY Rise Of The Cereal Surfer 16 TERP BROS Astoria: Homecoming 18 MATCA FILMS Click! Flash! Bud! 20 NATALIA FAEHNRICH The Power of Attitude 44 B- REAL The Legendary Journeys 26 CENTERFOLD Farmacy Phantasm 28 GREEN SUCCESS 1.0 Super Yuval 37 ZACH MEGHNAGI Golem Global 38 PHCANN For Health& Justice 40 AUSTRALIA TO EVERYWHERE Thunder From Down Under 41 TIM SENSI SEEDS Enter Tim-Man 42 PLUSMACHER The Fantastic FarmBros 44 HONEY ON THE LOOSE We Join Our Heroes… 45 DZA SHERBINSKIS DIVINE FULL MOON SESH Fortress Of Awesomeness 46 VIBES HIGHDEL.CLOUDZ Wolkenz 47 VYBZ Musical Marvels 48 DANK OF ENGLAND Union Jack Fire 45 MATTEO QUOIANI Chef Supreme 50 LINDSAY LOO Lightening Magic 50 PHOTO CUP Get Me Canna Pics! 51 MARK WALLER World’s Greatest Accountant

Honeysuckle

B-Real, (c)

Eitan Miskevich

THE PR QUEEN OF GREEN CYNTHIA SALARIZADEH GOES WORLDWIDE

Cynthia Salarizadeh didn’t plan to become one of the most in uential voices in cannabis public relations. But then again, her path has never followed convention. She began her career in the heart of New York City’s fashion industry, working in public relations straight out of high school. What started as a favor to a friend quickly turned into a natural calling.

“I stepped into the rm and excelled in media relations and new business,” she recalls. “I did it for a couple of years, then moved on to a larger agency in Las Vegas, and later Miami. I worked across every possible industry in markets around the country.”

Her talent for strategy was undeniable. Yet even with rising success in the traditional PR world, Cynthia had her sights set on something bigger. She returned to school, completing her degree in international relations at the University of Pennsylvania. By the time she graduated, she was managing communications for governments both domestically and abroad—positioning her for a career in global policy and diplomacy. en tragedy struck.

“While I was attending the University of Pennsylvania, I was faced with two unfortunate and life-changing events,” she says. “My brother passed away from an opiate overdose. A year later, my mother passed on. Her health spiraled out of control from the trauma.”

She agreed to give it three to ve years. at was twelve years ago.

Today, Cynthia is the Founder and CEO of Asha Media Group -, a powerhouse communications rm that operates across ve continents. From grassroots advocacy to international market development, her work touches nearly every part of the cannabis space. She’s helped shape public narratives, launch global brands, and steer complex conversations across a highly regulated and o en misunderstood industry.

“I try to work with clients who can withstand the hardships of the cannabis industry and its restrictive laws,” she explains. “People with integrity and vision—who understand the patience public relations and media require.” at patience has become even more critical in a rapidly evolving digital age. With AI shi ing the way content is created and a volatile media economy slowing lead times, Cynthia says successful campaigns now require long-term thinking and trust.

“ e media landscape is absorbing a global economic downturn. Strategies take time to come to fruition.”

Grief shi ed her entire worldview. So when a cannabis company in Chicago approached her a er graduation with a proposal—apply her skillset to help advance the plant— she paused.

“At rst, I couldn’t imagine disengaging from the track I had originally planned. But once I took the time to process the o er, the research was clear. Cannabis would have been a tool to assist my brother in beating his addiction. I realized this industry could help people avoid the pain that my family experienced.”

What excites her most today is the global momentum behind the plant.

“ e overall bene ts—medically and economically—are undeniable,” she says. “And watching new countries open their access to patients and recreational users alike… that’s been incredibly gratifying.”

International work is where she thrives. Cynthia works with clients from Germany to Argentina, helping them navigate new markets and communicate with purpose. She credits cannabis with giving her the global platform she always dreamed of.

“I nd my international work to be the most exciting. Cannabis has delivered that opportunity for me.”

As a woman in cannabis, she re ects on how the emerging industry once opened doors that more established elds had kept shut.

“It required all hands on deck. at created opportunities for women. But statistically, there’s still a gap when it comes to raising capital. We’ve made progress, but there’s more work to do.”

Looking ahead, her focus is on U.S. federal reform.

“I genuinely hope the United States advances federal legalization. It would allow access to normalize across borders and unlock the full potential of the industry.”

For Cynthia Salarizadeh, cannabis wasn’t a detour—it became the mission. A career born from pain now stands as a beacon for global progress, healing, and change.

Duc Anh Dang is no stranger to the grind. As the Managing Director of Mary Jane Berlin, he’s been at the forefront of Europe’s cannabis evolution since 2016. What began as a small festival aimed at shedding light on the bene ts of cannabis has grown into one of Europe’s largest and most in uential cannabis trade events, drawing thousands of visitors, exhibitors, and industry leaders year a er year.

DUC ANH DANG

Dang’s path to the cannabis industry wasn’t conventional. Having seen rsthand the shi in Germany’s legal framework, he understands the challenges of bringing a previously underground market into the light. For him, the mission has always been about more than just business—it’s about changing perceptions, shi ing cultural attitudes, and creating a space where cannabis culture can thrive.

Today, Mary Jane Berlin is at the heart of Germany’s growing cannabis industry, leading the charge as it shi s from medicinal use to potential recreational legalization. In an exclusive interview for Honeysuckle Media with the team at Green Success - the premier house of brands revolutionizing US culture brands into the European medical market with big names such Tyson 2.0, Cali X, and Packs. Dang spoke candidly about the evolution of Europe’s cannabis market, the role of international brands, and what’s next for Germany as it continues to move toward broader legalization.

EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH DUC ANH DANG

Q: Duc, you’ve been leading Mary Jane Berlin since 2016. How have you seen the industry in Europe change over the years?

DUC ANH DANG: It’s been incredible. When we rst started, there was nothing. Zero. Cannabis was still illegal for pretty much everyone except medical patients. Fast forward to today, and Germany is legally allowing people to grow plants at home, there’s tons of medical cannabis on the market, and the conversation is shi ing to recreational use. e growth is almost impossible to compare.

Q: What can we expect from Mary Jane Berlin this year compared to last year?

DANG: Oh, this year is going to be huge. We’re talking about more halls, more exhibitors, more visitors, and the whole event area is going to be massive. We’re pushing the limits of what we can do. We’re building something bigger each year, not just in size, but in the energy and impact we can make in the industry. It’s going to feel like the industry is nally coming into its own in Europe.

Q: How has the German market evolved since you started, and where do you see it going?

DANG: It’s like night and day. Back in 2016, we were ghting for every inch. People didn’t even understand why cannabis should be legal. Now, there’s medical cannabis everywhere, and the conversations

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EUROPE’S CANNABIS MARKET

WITH MARY JANE BERLIN

are moving toward full legalization. People are nally accepting that cannabis is here to stay—and I think the next step will be recreational legalization. at’s the game-changer for us.

Q: What role are international brands playing in the European market, and how have U.S. brands impacted Germany?

DANG: U.S. brands like Tyson 2.0, Cali X, and Packs & More are de nitely changing the game. e U.S. has street credibility, a huge legacy in the industry. ey’ve been around longer, and they’re bringing that experience to Europe, which is a good thing for everyone. For us in Germany, it pushes the quality up. It's not just about competing for space; it’s about improving the market by o ering more variety and better products. When the big players come in, they raise the bar for everyone else.

Q: You mentioned quality—how do you feel about the current state of products on the market in Germany?

DANG: Honestly? ere’s a lot of room for improvement. e legal market is still guring it out. Some of the product quality just doesn’t cut it. People are looking for that real thing, not just something that’s legal and easily accessible. What we need is more artisanal, cra cannabis. at’s where we’re headed— toward micro-grows, quality over quantity. at’s where the heart of the culture is.

Q: ere’s been a lot of talk about the Green Success Initiative and its role in Europe. What’s your take on it?

DANG: e Green Success Initiative is absolutely a game changer. It’s bringing a lot of culture and lifestyle-driven brands into the European market— brands with a real message, not just a product to sell. ese brands are pushing the boundaries of what cannabis culture can be, and that’s going to resonate with the European market. It’s not just about the plant; it’s about the story behind it. is is how we make a lasting impact.

Q: Finally, what do you think the impact of federal legalization in the U.S. will be on the global cannabis industry, and how will it a ect Europe?

DANG: If the U.S. goes federal, it’s a big deal—not just for the U.S., but for the whole world. It’ll li the stigma, change the perception globally, and make it easier for other countries to follow suit. For Europe, it means more pressure to accelerate the push for legalization. And for the industry, it means more investment, more innovation, and more opportunities for everyone involved.

Duc Anh Dang isn’t just a part of the cannabis movement in Europe—he’s helping lead it. From Mary Jane Berlin’s early days to the high-energy, highimpact festival it is today, Dang’s vision is clear: build a community, push for quality, and ght for cultural acceptance. With a growing network of international brands and the momentum of a shi ing legal landscape, the future of cannabis in Europe is looking brighter than ever. And Dang’s not stopping anytime soon.

Dr. Shawna Vreeke’s Mission to Keep Cannabis Clean TERPENES WITHOUT BORDERS

As cannabis evolves into a global industry, True Terpenes is leading with what matters most: science, safety, and smart expansion. The Oregon-based company is not only pioneering terpene innovation—they’re setting a new international benchmark for consumer health and regulatory excellence. At the center of this mission is Dr. Shawna Vreeke, PhD, DABT, a certified toxicologist who built the company’s safety program from the ground up and continues to guide its global footprint.

“I’m the Director of Toxicology at True Terpenes,” Vreeke explains. “I created our toxicology program, which essentially reviews every ingredient that we use for safety based on publicly available scientific data..” This is the framework that became the ASTM Global standard. Dr. Shawna Vreeke established a groundbreaking toxicological review standard for vape safety and ingredient quality through ASTM International, setting a globally recognized framework that the EU market can now adopt to build a cannabis industry rooted in science, integrity, and consumer trust from the very beginning.

Vreeke came to cannabis through chemistry, earning her doctorate under Professor Robert Strongin, one of the first researchers to receive FDA funding to study nicotine vaping. “My research project was on toxin formation from electronic cigarettes, which… transfers over to cannabis vapes because [they’re] very similar devices.”

At True Terpenes, she’s turned that deep scientific training into a system of protections that are unmatched in the cannabis industry.

“We were the first terpene company to be cGMP. We were the first to get FSSC22000 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications. We’re really the first company to get a toxicologist on staﬀ to even start [saying] like, Hey, let’s make sure all the ingredients we’re using are also okay for human health.”

Each terpene undergoes its own risk analysis, regardless of origin. Some, like limonene and beta-caryophyllene, have high safety profiles. Others, like pulegone—even when naturally found in cannabis—demand more careful attention. “That needs to be thought of when manufacturers are creating these blends.”

Vreeke also reviews how ingredients behave under heat, especially for inhalable products like vapes. “I also like to factor in when heat is going to be applied to that compound, what happens.”

True Terpenes’s safety-first approach stems from a core belief: consumers shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to trust what they’re buying. “They should be able to go into a store and be confident that what they’re buying from a legal store is going to be okay for them to consume.”

As legalization spreads internationally, that belief travels with them. Europe is now a key focus for the brand, where Vreeke is helping manufacturers and regulators understand how terpene science fits into a maturing cannabis economy. “I am educating manufacturers not just on toxicology and safety… but also on eﬀects-based [formulation]. I have to read thousands of papers… so I understand eﬀects and benefits and formulations as well as the safety and toxicology of all these ingredients.”

She sees parallels between early U.S. markets and Europe’s current landscape—and knows what comes next. “Give it two years and they’re going to have vapes and dabs,” she says of Germany’s developing market. “And I think the fact that Germany is kind of leading the charge is really promising… They’re kind of breaking the rules for once.”

The international push isn’t just about product—it’s about policy. Vreeke is working directly with lawmakers and agencies to shape the regulatory frameworks cannabis companies will operate under. “We want to get into communication with both [manufacturers and regulators] because if both parties aren’t aligned, then the market’s just going to crash.” That real-time engagement is what excites her most. “I get to do [education and policy] in Europe now with more countries coming on board… That’s really exciting for me.”

And new discoveries are constantly fueling her mission. “There’s a professor… John Streicher… [doing] research on terpenes’ effects on their own, and then in conjunction with cannabinoids…. It’s proving that terpenes do have an effect on the body all on their own. It proves the entourage effect… and it’s just really cool to see the data.”

In an industry that’s growing faster than its standards, True Terpenes is proving that safety can scale. With Dr. Shawna Vreeke guiding the science and global markets opening up, this is what leadership looks like: clear, clean, and built to last.

To learn more, visit trueterpenes.com

Inside the Berlin

HOW COMPOUND GENETICS, LYONLEAF, AND 420 PHARMA ARE BRINGING FIRE TO THE EUROPEAN MEDICAL SCENE

The cannabis industry is full of buzzwords— premium ﬂower, clean medicine, global markets—but rarely do you get a front-row seat to watch how it all actually works. That’s what happened when we sat down with Daniel AdlerGolden of Compound Genetics, Matthew Katz of Canadian producer Lyonleaf, and Jan Wegner of German distributor 420 Pharma. Together, they’re the force behind Berlin Berries, a brandnew ﬂower drop that’s not only making waves for its genetic pedigree but for how it came to life.

“It’s a nice little trifecta,” Adler-Golden explains. “Where we get to sit around jars primarily in Canada and pick what goes into production, what makes the cut, what doesn’t make the cut. So it’s a super new space for the industry, for the breeder to sit with the producer, to also sit with the buyer and to have everyone be able to contribute to what’s going to make sense so that it can work for all three of us.”

It’s the kind of collaboration that’s rarely possible in North America, where regulations tend to box everyone into silos. But under Europe’s stricter but more uniﬁed framework, they’ve found a way to build something truly international—and exclusive.

So How Does It Work? An “Explain It Like I’m 5” Guide

To put it simply: Compound Genetics makes the seeds. Lyonleaf grows the weed. 420 Pharma gets it to patients. But the beauty is in the details.

“We make the seeds,” Adler-Golden starts.

“Compound Genetics makes the seeds. We'll then take some of that and dedicate it to private stock, meaning it will never be released to the

public. Some of that private stock we will then allocate to Matthew and his team in Canada where we'll pheno hunt and make selections.”

Katz continues: “We actually have a dedicated R&D facility with a special license speciﬁcally for the pheno hunting. So we would pheno hunt over a thousand di erent phenos in a year. So we really work hard to collaborate with top breeders like Compound Genetics… really just trying to assess its potential.”

After narrowing it down through a rigorous selection process involving small trial runs and evaluation sessions with all three companies, they scale up. “That next stage would be a larger scale trial. We would do a 25 kilo trial from there really to see how the strain performs more at scale, really also be able to dial it in,” says Katz.

At that point, the ﬁnished ﬂower heads to Germany—after clearing a mountain of paperwork. “We need all the international paperwork, import, export licenses, all that has to be prepared,” Wegner says. “Then we import this to Germany, we do another set of testing in our lab in Germany, assuming everything passes, we can release the product and we then sell it to the pharmacies here and it gets prescribed to the patients in Germany.”

Berries Drop

And yes, the prescriptions are that speciﬁc. “The prescription always has the speciﬁc product on it,” Wegner explains. “It says you need Berlin Berries 25/1 for the THC, for example, and you get 30 grams on your prescription.”

It’s a level of precision you won’t ﬁnd in a California dispensary—and that’s kind of the point. These guys are building a new kind of supply chain, one where a patient in Berlin can reliably get the same cut, the same e ects, the same quality every time.

The Berlin Berries Drop: Private Stock and Global Firsts

Berlin Berries isn’t just another exotic name—it’s a true one-o , bred from private stock (Georgia Pie x Gastro Pop) and only available in Germany. In a world where strains get passed around and renamed ad nauseam, the idea of geographical exclusivity is wild.

“This is not available in the US, which is a completely new concept to be able to drop strains exclusively in European markets,” Adler-Golden says. “So yeah, I’m super excited for the release of the Berlin Berries and to start to use this idea that we can bring strains exclusively to a nation is super fucking cool.”

Visually, it’s what the heads want. “Super gorgeous, really dark buds,” Adler-Golden says. “It’s more of a kush leaning… Earth and kush and some pine. Really glistening… what people are looking for with the modern tight bud rapper weed aesthetic.”

But beyond the bag appeal, it’s also built for consistency. “It’s an easy plant to grow,” Katz says. “And then on the trim side, they really love it… really from top to bottom consistent, which is awesome.”

Why It Matters

As Wegner puts it, “From before it was legal. Now we are able to do those things not being worried anymore… knowing what kind of product we're getting. We can sleep at night without being afraid.”

There’s emotion in that sentiment—a guy who once had to leave Germany to avoid persecution now sending ﬁre weed back home legally. “Now I’m involved in bringing more weed to Germany I could ever think of legally and making sure people get good weed,” he says. “So I think that’s the best part for me, to be honest.”

What Katz, Wegner, and Adler-Golden have built is more than just a product pipeline. It’s a blueprint for how international cannabis can work—if you’re willing to do the hard stu : pheno hunting thousands of plants, managing international compliance, and collaborating across borders.

As Adler-Golden sums up: “It deﬁnitely takes the responsibility seriously to bring ﬁre weed to Germany. It’s selected phenos of private stock. It’s really cool stu .”

And yes, they’ll be at Mary Jane Berlin this year. Ask them about the under canopy lighting experiments. Or better yet, ask them if they’re holding. Rumor has it there should be some Berlin Berries at Mary Jane this year…

Frank’s isn’t just where hip hop legends come for shape-ups. It’s also where growers meet buyers. “Literally a grower could meet a buyer, and they both could be getting haircuts. And it’s just a perfect match… I just provide a space where you can get a good cut and service and enjoy yourself and meet some new people,” with no ﬁnancial gain for him.

He sees it all evolving as New York’s legal weed market grows—but slowly. “The legal cannabis shops are faced with a dilemma… they’re not gonna have weed as far as some of the stu that’s coming in from Cali. They’re not gonna be able to get to that level right away.”

Mike’s tastes are still with the legacy market. “My friend just opened up a legal dispensary and I went and did a little tour… He’s like, ‘You want some weed?’ and I’m like, ‘No, I’m okay,’ because I know NYC legal market is not on the same level as we would smoke.

Beyond the barbershop, Malbon’s real peace is found on the water. “Fishing’s been my passion since I was a kid… You get on the water, there’s beaches, there’s marsh, there’s wetlands, there’s waterfowl… It’s just so incredible how good the ﬁshing is here. And nobody knows.”

He ﬁshes the East River regularly. “It’s like having a pond in my backyard… My daughter wants some ice cream, I’ll be right back. I’ll be back with the ice cream in an hour and I catch a couple of ﬁsh, throw ‘em back.”

Frank’s reach now goes beyond New York. The shop has expanded internationally. “We got shops in Japan. He has shops in Kyoto, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Okinawa Mike says. “Everybody says, why not Tokyo? I was like, let me do what everybody thinks can’t be done, he says he has done that, and mastered that, and then maybe we’ll do Tokyo.” The barbers train between countries. “A lot of my guys from here go out to the Japanese shops and do three-month guest spots… And then the Japanese guys learn more of the street aspect… So it’s deﬁnitely a winwin.”

At Frank’s, the energy isn’t curated—it just is. “Hip hop really lives here,” Mike says. “So does metal and hardcore, for that matter. It’s a spot for the culture.”

MARIO RAMOS AND THE BRONX ROOTS OF CONBUD YANKEE STADIUM

"I'm I Bud You, motherfucker. I'm the cannabis in New York." That’s Mario Ramos, co-founder of ConBud Yankee Stadium and the man behind I Bud You, telling his story like only a Uptown-born Marine-turned-cannabis-kingpin could. His voice, equal parts pride and grit, is the product of decades spent navigating the underground and emerging into the spotlight of New York’s legal cannabis world.

Ramos didn’t just fall into cannabis. He lived it, hustled it, survived it—and now he's building with it. "Before I was making $30,000 a day in the morning... another 30 in the afternoon, and at nighttime another 30. So you talk about 90,000 a day, right?” he recalls. “And then you go legal, and the compliance kills the cash flow. But it’s amazing because they used to call me a drug dealer, now I’m an Adult-Use dispensary business owner.

His early life was split between the Bronx and the Lower East Side, where he opened a graﬃti supply shop on Allen Street in 1996 while still active in the military. "My sign just said hip hop outside. And I made it. It was the five elements of hip hop." That shop became a hub for LES youth—including one Coss Marte, Mario’s now partner, the founder and CEO of ConBud and ConBody. “Coss was one of the many young men running around the LES, they would always pass by my store...it was a community staple in the neighborhood. I would tell their mothers like, “Hey, I'm going to charge you guys for babysitting because they would be hanging around my store all day. It was their second home.”

That was the 90s. Fast forward to 2024, and the two are back in business—but this time it’s licensed. ConBud Yankee Stadium, where Ramos is now a partner, sits in a spot pulsing with energy and memory. "Me growing up there and graduating from All Hollows only one block away, I already knew the neighborhood real good. During my time at All Hollows High School I worked at the stadium. I smoked weed for the first time there, bought my first chain there.

The location has soul. And the clientele? A mix as wild as the Bronx itself. “The diversity in the neighborhood is what New York City is iconic for. Everyone from native New

Yorkers, Australians, Japanese, you never know who’s going to come into the dispensary.”

Ramos and his team knows who’s coming and what they want: “They want the experience, their shopping for a wide variety of products that the newly legal market has to offer, and they appreciate the knowledge our staff delivers on the products and the effects they’ll feel more than anything”

Despite years in the shadows of the traditional market— dealing, growing, and transporting—Ramos was able to fly under the radar until 2017. “That’s the first time in my life. I had only got caught once before for a $20 bag. After that first cannabis charge I left to California for six years to master how to grow... I was like, I'm not going back to New York until it's legal. That’s when I Bud You was born”

It wasn’t until Governor Phil Murphy of NJ made a campaign promise to legalize cannabis in his first 100 days in oﬃce that Ramos decided to make the move back east. “I was consulting a grow that had hopes of being first in line for a license. That’s when we got hit. Detectives rolled in and ultimately took 6 years of my life because I was charged with conspiracy to operate a CDS facility.”

When he came back, it was Marte— who extended the olive branch. “He invited me to an intimate meeting with the Governor’s oﬃce, we hadn’t seen each other in a long time but he didn’t miss a beat. We started talking and nine months later we opened ConBuds third location.”

Now, Ramos is curating a menu with the same intensity he once reserved for hand-to-hand pound sales. “If I say, this cannabis is fire, its fire. I’m not playing games with the

selection we’re curating. I’m with the farmer because my store is the bridge between the farmer and the customer. Not just anybody gets in.”

ConBud Yankee Stadium isn’t just another dispensary— it’s a cultural checkpoint. It’s where legacy meets legitimacy, graﬃti legends become legal operators, and the street’s favorite plug becomes a proud owner. As Ramos puts it: “I'm cannabis in New York. Straight up.”

Mechanics of the Fire

CHRIS OF MECHANICS FARM IS BUILDING NEW YORK’S BEST BUD, ONE STRAIN AT A TIME

Chris of Mechanics Farm doesn’t care about hype. He cares about heat—real avor, real pheno hunts, and a real legacy grown right here in New York. Quietly, relentlessly, he’s becoming one of the most trusted cultivators in the state, working with top names like Doja, Fiya Farmer, SherbMoney, and BEazy. And if you ask him what drives it all?

“ is plant means everything to me… ey’re my babies. I tend to them the way they tend to me.”

Since debuting on the legal market in February, Chris has been navigating a new era for New York’s ower scene. It's not just about cultivating; it’s about educating consumers, holding the line on quality, and making sure the small batch growers get their shot. “Together as a community in New York, we could de nitely make a change.”

WHY ISN’T NEW YORK FIRE YET?

Ask Chris and he'll tell you straight up: too much old thinking, too little quality. “ ere’s an impact right now in regards to quality… It’s not all there, what consumers are actually looking for.” at comes down to a few key factors: outdated genetics, limited experience, and the dominance of outdoor growing in a climate that doesn’t always support top-tier results.

“A lot of these cultivators in New York are mostly outdoors at the moment… Everybody has their own perspective when it comes to indoor vs outdoor, [but] a lot of people don’t really like outdoor ower like that.” He also sees a knowledge gap. “Some of them are still stuck on certain strains that are just old in the past now… ese consumers are always looking for the newest and the best thing.”

CHRIS'S STRAIN ARSENAL: FLAVOR FIRST

Chris doesn’t play when it comes to terps. Here are the current top ve in his rotation:

1. ZELIUM “It was a seed hunt I did with Ryan from Doja… [We were] actually one of the only ones to get those seeds. We ended up nding the Zelium, which is Ryan’s Helium crossed to Strawberry Colada bred by Rusty from Duke of Erb… Right now that strain is making very big noise in New York. It’s one of the most requested. It’s always literally pre-sold out before it even drops.”

2. RC6 “Another new strain that me and Ryan are working on [and the RC stands for] Runtz Crossed with the Co n. at’s another one that I pheno hunted for him.”

3. COOKIES AND CREAM “Gives me that nostalgia feeling from 2018 when I rst smoked Cookies and Cream.”

4. ORIGINAL ZKITTLEZ“I’ve been a fanatic for Z. I love Z. And it’s a reason why Zelium is number one, because both parents [of that strain] have Z in them.”

5. GSC “For my h strain, something with some Girl Scout Cookies.” [No other explanation needed!]

His newest favorite? A standout pheno called Papayamosa, a Lemon Cherry Gelato crossed with Blueberry Mimosa. “But this smells literally like papaya mimosa. It’s so tasty. It’s mouth-coating in avor.”

SMALL BATCHES, BIG IMPACT: CHRIS’S DREAM FOR NEW YORK

Chris wants to see more shelf space for micro-cultivators. “I want to see more of these small micro brands… on the shelves… Show them that we could also produce some great quality here.” And it’s not just about his brand. “ ey’ve got the passion… ey know what it means to produce some of the best quality here in New York.”

CHRIS’S PICKS FOR THE TOP GROWERS IN NY RIGHT NOW:

» Epiphany » Marijuantauk Gardens

» Fus Flower

» Bushwacker

» Smokey Bodega

“I don’t look at them as competitors. e only competitor I have is myself… I look at them as friends, family. Anything they may need or help, I’m always here to help… We’re basically there to help each other. Any questions we may have, if we need genetics and we’re short on one end and they have it, then we just work together. I know they are passionate about this plant and I know they do what needs to get done to get the top quality that we’re looking for.”

A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION

Chris’s relationships with top breeders and growers are deep. His partnership with Ryan (Doja) runs especially strong.

“[Ryan said], ‘You are my rst New York cultivation partner. From here on out, I’ll send you all these strains. You keep pheno hunting for me and we’ll just keep dropping them.’” ey’ve already co-released Zelium, RC6, and Ivory. And more is on the way.

“Ever since that pheno drop, me and Ryan basically decided, ‘Hey look, this is no longer a collab. We are now partners.’” He’s also gearing up for a major drop with BEazy on June 7th.

“ is will be one of my biggest events… I’ll be premiering the Blue Chill [Blue Nerdz x Zkittlez] with BEazy, Paradise Nerdz [Tropical Nerdz x Runtz] with SherbMoney, and then also dropping Doja’s lineup… and three other strains from Fiya Farmer, which will be Crunch Berriez, Delish, and Kimber Slice.”

EDUCATING THE MARKET

Chris is passionate about closing the knowledge gap in New York’s rec market. “I would suggest more pop-ups, meet and greets… giving the consumers more opportunities to actually meet you and face-to-face and ask questions. A lot of consumers do have questions like ‘How do you grow it?’ or ‘How long have you been growing?’ ings like that matter to them.”

He sees rsthand how di erent the new rec crowd is from the legacy scene. “Most of the rec consumers are not really on social media… they’re like, ‘Oh, I need an indica,’ but they don’t really care about genetics. ey just need something that’s going to put them to sleep at night [or] looking for something to smoke throughout the day.”

His long-term goal is to change that. “We want to make these consumers more knowledgeable in what they’re smoking. ‘Hey, look, this is a Strawberry Colada crossed with Helium.’ ‘Yeah, I can taste the Strawberry.’ Teach them more so that they’re like, ‘Oh wow, this actually does taste like the genetics it states.’ So that next time… they’ll be like, ‘You know what? Let me look at this lineage. Maybe I want to try a di erent avor this time.’ It’s all about having the knowledge behind it.”

THE NEXT FRONTIER

International collabs may be next. Chris is in talks with Derry Brett from Barney’s Farm to tackle some of their most technical strains. “He had been talking to Ryan [and told me], ‘Every time New York comes up, your name comes up… I know not anybody else could really grow these strains… I would like for you to see what you could do.’” Even without an event con rmed, Chris says he’ll be heading to Berlin soon.

“Regardless of whether there’s an event or not, I was going to make my way out there just to meet with him.”

VISION: 2029

Chris doesn’t over-plan. He grows in the moment. But he’s got a clear sense of direction. “I’ve been just mainly living in the moment… But I still want to keep creating some of the best owers for the people of New York. For everyone, honestly, in this world.”

“I would love to just keep expanding, have more facilities where I could have my ower worldwide, and just still be known for what I am now: for growing the best ower.”

BOBBY RYAN ON ZEBRAS, ZKITTLEZ, AND SURFING THE CANNABIS WAVE

e California cannabis game is ruthless. Heavy taxes, brutal competition, and a volatile market have thinned the herd. But Bobby Ryan, the man behind B-Eazy, isn’t just surviving— he’s riding the wave with style, avor, and a killer sense for packaging that’s become iconic in weed culture.

“I mean the California market's up and down, just like any other market,” Bobby says. “I think the rec market in particular right now is a bit wavy to say the least... It's de nitely a tough game, not to be cliche, but only the strong survive.”

at gladiator mindset isn’t just talk. B-Eazy carved out its lane through bold aesthetics and even bolder ower, starting with loud candy strains in the Mylar era and evolving into the fullblown collectible packaging culture we see today. e cereal box drops? at’s Bobby. And it wasn’t a gimmick—it was a cultural reset.

“When we created the box and the cereal box with the Captain Runtz that came in a cereal box per eighth, it just took it to a whole ‘nother level,” he explains. “To the point when you see it now everywhere, they can't do a drop without a box nowadays.”

Bobby doesn’t claim to have invented the box, but he knows what B-Eazy brought to the table: “We are de nitely the ones that made it an industry standard and made it go viral… It made 'em feel like kids again.”

Before the box though, there was Duck Sauce—a Mylar pack shaped like the duck sauce packets from Chinese takeout spots, and Bobby’s rst viral hit. “It really fucking nailed the New York market and the consumer. Everybody related to it and they knew what it was right away... at was probably the rst viral moment I had as a brand.”

ough B-Eazy is L.A.-based now, Bobby’s roots are in Boston. And it’s New York—not his hometown—that’s stolen his heart.

“I love New York,” he says, emphatically. “ e city, the people, they have received B-Eazy, the brand, well from day one… I think that was a big advantage I had, being able to relate to the East Coasters... To me, I loved the city from day one.” Don’t tell Boston. at East Coast connection helped build B-Eazy into one of the most recognizable names on the traditional market. But Bobby’s not resting there. Now he’s setting his sights on global expansion—taking cues from brands like Alien Labs and especially Doja, whose founder Ryan is both a friend and inspiration.

“Ryan in particular is a homie. He is a close friend, but he's also a huge inspiration and role model… He was a trapper now he's the biggest brand globally, so he's relatable.”

For all the bold visuals and street- level appeal, Bobby’s real obsession is avor.

“I like weed that has a lot of avor. I like weed that gets me creative. I like weed that gets me focused. I don't necessarily want that couch lock… I'm a busy guy, you know what I mean? I have a lot of things going on at any given time, so I need to be focused and alert.”

His go-to? Zebras, a Zkittlez-based cross grown by his partner Elusive. “I'd

be smoking this all the time. My favorite strain... I'm trying to introduce the brand and my consumers to a di erent type of smoke than what we're known for traditionally.”

Zkittlez and its descendants are the foundation, but Bobby’s palate is broader than the B-Eazy stereotype. He’s not out here chasing THC numbers—he’s chasing taste.

“I'm looking for terpy things. I'm looking for stu that's going to taste great from start to nish... at's my number one thing is the taste.”

He smokes everyone’s weed, too—not just his own. “I smoke everybody's weed. I buy every brand's weed… I can sit here and tell you what's re for real and what's not because I've smoked everything.”

So what’s the latest re? “ e fucking Zang Banger dude from Wizard Trees right now is absolutely fucking smoking. It is sensational,” he says. “I still go to the delivery service and pay $60 an eighth, like a custy. It is that good.”

at humility—still paying top-shelf prices even when his own brand is booming— speaks volumes about his passion.

“I just want to smoke the best weed that's available.”

And that taste for the best has been there since day one. Even back in Boston, Bobby was the loudest voice clowning on fake candy bags and renamed strains.

“One day I realized, yeah, B-Eazy is successful, but I'm kind of just ghting this wave… So what I did was I got my sur oard and I hopped

on the Lemon Cherry Runtz wave and I rode that shit and I'm still riding it.”

It’s not just candy anymore. B-Eazy is expanding its genetics to Massachusetts and New York, with eyes on Europe and beyond. “My goal this year is… to bring [our success] over to the rec market,” Bobby says. “I really, really, really want to expand the brand globally.”

at’s not just talk either. B-Eazy has events lined up in Los Angeles, Berlin for Mary Jane, and a major New York drop in July.

And the secret to scaling? Getting di erent sectors of the market to grow with you.

“For the jar, I need it to be the best ower smoke and the best unique di erent terps.

e street drop, I need to be the best candy on the market. e rec, I need to test at 30% because they're not looking at it if it's not.”

But Bobby’s betting on education. “Hopefully with education and just more exposure to the brand, they get to grow with it... I want the B-Eazy rec consumer to smoke B-Eazy because they bought everything else in the past and they know it's re regardless of if it's 22% or 30%.”

He’s not just a ower purist—he’s a blunt purist. “I don't smoke papers at all. I smoke blunts every day. All day, de nitely.” Lately, it’s Fronto leaf daily, though Brothers Broadleaf made a strong comeback recently.

As for his smoking origin story? “I didn’t start smoking until I was 18 years old, graduated high school… it was the Mexican brick weed, nothing good, nothing special.” at rst high ended with munchies and a $20 snack mission, but it lit the path. From gravity bongs to high-end Zkittlez, Bobby’s journey is rooted in one thing: quality.

“I feel like we have done so well in the traditional market… but now I also want to give these other amazing options that smoke and check every box on the QC shot that there is,” he says.

“It goes back to our consumer growing with the brand.”

And B-Eazy is growing fast—with bold packaging, elite ower, and a mission to take top-tier terps worldwide.

RISE OF TERP BROS

team with open arms. “All of our neighbors were happy to bring us into this block… A lot of our business owners around here are cannabis consumers. The ones that weren’t were still really open to the conversation.”

For Rivera, who grew up in Queens and considers the borough home, that support means everything. “I love Queens. Queens is the best borough. There's no borough better than Queens.”

That deep sense of place shows up in every decision Terp Bros makes—from the brands on the menu to the music playing inside. “We really pay attention to the products we’re bringing in—the quality of the products, the story behind the products and the brands themselves,” he says. “We also keep our menu eligible for anybody in any ﬁnancial bracket to buy… People in each category can afford to buy something of quality.”

More than anything, Rivera believes in service. “They're getting that one-on-one interaction with a human being,” he says of his customers. “Somebody is able to talk to them and explain to them and listen to them… and give them the best recommendation.”

The experience is what keeps people coming back—not just from the neighborhood, but from across the city and beyond. “Ditmars is a super tourist destination,” he notes. “We have LaGuardia really nearby… This is the ﬁrst dispensary they’ve ever been in. So we try to give them the best customer service experience that they could get.”

Now, Terp Bros is growing. A second location in Ozone Park is already built out and awaiting ﬁnal approvals. “Yeah, Ozone Park, second location, rocking and rolling, ready to go built out,” Rivera says.

That growth reﬂects the staying power of Rivera’s vision—and the loyalty of a customer base that feels deeply connected to the brand.

“It’s the atmosphere,” he says. “When you walk in, it’s the look of the store. We wanted somewhere where people came in and off the jump, they felt relieved, they felt comfortable. They knew that they are going to get what they asked for when they left.”

Rivera has a knack for connection. He can speak with lawmakers, neighborhood grandmothers, ﬁrst-time buyers, and seasoned legacy operators without missing a beat. “I feel I am able to break bread with a lot of people because I pick good people to be around… but I never close the door, right? I'm always willing to have a conversation and I'm always willing to hear what people have to offer before I say yes or no.”

It’s that kind of unﬁltered authenticity—Queens humor and hustle—that makes Rivera so unique.

“Retail is my niche,” he says. “One thing I know how to do is buy and sell.” And the passion is real. “It is the responsibility I have to so many of my employees to make sure that we're doing the right thing and we're keeping these doors open.”

So, where’d the name come from? “My best friend Joe came up with the name… we love weed. Fucking, what's the best thing about weed is the taste. It's the terps—fucking Terp Bros.”

Simple. Real. Built different.

for a couple of years,” he explains.

“But it’s kind of very far away from all the work. So we decide to, with my partner—it is Lua, she’s the director of photography—we moved here to Barcelona eight months ago. Here it’s great. I mean we can travel a lot easier than being in Argentina.”

That mobility is paying off. Matca Films is currently working on projects in North Macedonia, Portugal, and Thailand. And they’re just getting started.

“We want to do more documentary parts, more short ﬁlms,” Cardozo says. “We are planning to make a documentary about the future of cannabis… maybe go to Asia too and try to see where we are as a community.”

But for all their movement, some of the most difficult work happens behind closed doors. Cardozo is a macro photography obsessive—spending hours alone in his studio, stacking photos so sharp they expose the soul of the plant.

“It’s very technical and a lot of gear used,” he says. “For the last couple of years, all my extra I invest in my gear because it’s very technical. Each lens needs to improve lighting, improve stack shots… I am a night person sometimes and I use it for macro photo shoots.”

The discipline is intense: “You get frosted sometimes because you get there one day, second day and you don’t get it, but you need to continue persist. So I think it’s that—it’s kind of patience and consistency.”

With most cannabis platforms still shackled by censorship, Matca is also launching 4MAG, a new print magazine heavy on macro visuals and minimal text. “It’s going to be kind of our portfolio and space to create without censorship,” he says. “Almost all the content I make is a red ﬂag for Instagram…The cover is a shot of a hash hole, and when you open it, you dive into the trichomes.”

They’ll launch 4MAG in Berlin during the Mary Jane Festival, with more issues released on their own timeline. “We don’t have a timing for the next launch. It’s going to be when we have ready our content… then we launch magazine.”

It’s a philosophy grounded in passion, purpose, and an unshakable respect for the plant. “One thing I like to do is going in nights when everything is calm… the house don’t move the vibration, the house,” Cardozo says with a smile. “You need to be blend with the plant.”

Her commitment to quality and culture comes from experience. Before cannabis, Faehnrich was a competitive cross-country runner—fueled by discipline and a bit of healthy obsession. When injuries derailed that path, she needed something else to throw herself into. Cannabis o ered both purpose and edge. “I only really knew this from a recreational user perspective, so I never even knew that it had those medical properties,” she says. “I fell in love with the industry almost instantly.”

Today, Attitude runs with a crew of 25 and an international strategy that spans from the UK to Spain to Brazil and beyond. Post-Brexit, Faehnrich opened a new distribution hub in Valencia to make sure European customers could still get their genetics without drama.

And she’s quick to adapt. In Brazil, Attitude helps medical patients legally import genetics. In Germany, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, new legislation is unlocking opportunities— and Natalia’s already ahead of the curve. Running a cannabis business still means navigating stigma. “I once had a problem printing something for an expo because it had a cannabis plant on it,” she laughs. Even merchant processing and banking can be a headache. But she’s not complaining.

“Luckily, the UK is a very e icient country,” she says. “Day-to-day operations are smooth.”

As one of the few women at the helm of a major cannabis company, Faehnrich says the industry is slowly changing. “Now I feel like we are actually celebrated,” she says. “When they do see women doing well, they want to work with them.”

Still, she’s not big on spotlight. “This is the ﬁrst feature I’m doing in many, many years,” she admits. But recent features with friends—people like Derry Brett from Barney’s Farm, Ciaran O’Leary, and others—have encouraged her to share more. With global cannabis burgeoning, it’s time to get in front!

Even Green House Seed Company gave her a nod in 2023, creating an exclusive strain in her honor: Gran Jefa, a cross of Moneymaker and Runtz. “They created this strain last year... it’s been made exclusively for me,” she says with a

shy smile.

This year, she’s bringing all the heat to Mary Jane Berlin, where Attitude will unveil new drops and ﬁnally o er direct sales to EU customers thanks to its Spanish base. “Last year people were disappointed,” she says. “This year, they’ll be hyped.”

At the heart of it all, Faehnrich is still about access. Rare genetics. Honest business. A global platform with underground DNA.

“Everyone always shows a lot of love, a lot of gratitude… we are really the only place where they can ﬁnd certain genetics.”

She still won’t name a favorite strain— “I don’t play favorites”—but it’s clear she’s helped thousands of growers ﬁnd theirs. In a business ﬁlled with noise, Natalia Faehnrich keeps it real: rooted, respected, and always one step ahead.

(left)B-Real, Derry

Brett Barney’s Farm

(c) Pedro Garcia

NOT JUST ANOTHER CELEBRITY DEAL

In today’s cannabis industry, celebrity tie-ins are almost expected. But this—this is di erent. There are no middlemen, no licensing shortcuts, no marketing

gimmicks wrapped around outsourced ﬂower. What B-Real and Derry have created is a seed-to-soul collaboration.

“This is the most exciting project I’ve ever done with a celebrity,” Derry says. “B-Real isn’t a name we slapped on packaging. He’s in the room. He’s in the grow. He’s been in this longer than most licensed companies have existed.”

He helped select phenos. He toured nurseries. His ﬁngerprint is on the genetics themselves.The ﬁrst two strains in the Dr. Greenthumb’s x Barney’s Farm lineup say everything about their approach:

» Insane OG, a West Coast legacy cultivar reborn with Barney’s Farm genetic reﬁnement—gas, purple, and power.

» Cherry Bomb, coming later this year, designed for high terpene production, heady highs, and eye-popping yield.

Mike Tyson, B-Real (c) Eitan Miskevich

Both strains will be released through Barney's Farm and protected under international IP frameworks, ensuring authenticity and traceability across all markets. But beyond ﬂavor and yield, it’s about the blueprint. Each drop is backed by IP protections, certiﬁed nurseries, and global distribution. No watered-down bootlegs. No anonymous pheno swaps. This is elite cannabis from creators who helped birth the culture.

“We’re protecting this the same way artists protect their masters,” B-Real says. “This is our IP. Our story. Our roots. And we’ve got the backend to match

the front,” he adds. “From phenotype registration to nursery exclusives, we’re playing long ball.”

A FRIENDSHIP FORGED IN SMOKE AND SURVIVAL

Long before the phrase “legacy operator” became regulatory jargon, B-Real was getting raided in L.A. for growing medicine, while Derry was skirting international law to preserve the future of the plant. They weren’t peers in business—they were brothers in resistance, separated by oceans but united by purpose.

Back in those Amsterdam days, it wasn’t about the market. It wasn’t about timing.

“It was just two guys who loved the plant and respected the hustle,” B-Real says. “And we knew, one day, we’d bring it to the world.”

That “one day” is now.

Their story mirrors cannabis itself: outlawed, misunderstood, underestimated—then, suddenly, at the center of everything. And still, they’ve taken their time.

“This wasn’t about capitalizing,” Derry adds. “It was about completing

Mary Jane Festival (June 19–22) will host the o icial launch, with limitededition seeds, branded gear, immersive experiences, and some surprise appearances teased behind the scenes.

LEGACY IN EVERY SEED

Ask B-Real what makes this project special, and he won’t talk about metrics or reach.

“This isn’t for the spreadsheet,” he says. “It’s for the growers, the believers, the people who kept the ﬂame lit.”

something we started a long time ago.” “We didn’t raise capital to do this. We raised intention,” B-Real says.

THE GLOBAL MOMENT

Berlin couldn’t be a more ﬁtting launchpad. Not just because of its legalization momentum, but because it’s a meeting point—East and West, old world and new market, culture and commerce. From here, the duo plans to scale their drops into Europe, Latin America, Asia, and beyond.

In an era of fast cash and fast fades, Dr. Greenthumb’s x Barney’s Farm is a slow-burn legacy play—one that values the roots as much as the canopy. It honors the ones who came before, while planting seeds for the next generation.

This isn’t business-as-usual. It’s personal.

Catch the drop: June 19–22, Mary Jane Berlin. Only from Dr. Greenthumb’s and Barney’s Farm.

Farmacy

Honeysuckle Issue 22 Centerfold

Cloaked in flavor and culture, Farmacy lights up our Issue 22 centerfold with effortless edge. Smoking on Zozi, Lemon Tree, and Zkittlez by TENCO, she’s a global force with New York roots, repping the plant with style, mystery, and intention. A true icon in the making. @farmacy.nyc

YUVAL SOIREF ON GLOBAL CANNABIS INFRASTRUCTURE, CULTURE, AND ADVANCING

THE MEDICAL MARKET

“We start with a vision. We manifested a dream. We conquered the success.” says Yuval Soiref, co-founder and CEO of Green Success 1.0, with unmistakable re in his voice. He’s talking about more than just a brand—he’s outlining a blueprint for what might be the most ambitious cannabis infrastructure in the world.

Based in Germany, Green Success 1.0 is an international house of brands, comprising six powerhouse names: Tyson 2.0, Cali-X, PACKS, Seed Junky, Topz n Popz, and Bud Remedy. Together, they form a uni ed medical platform operating across multiple continents— supported by a vertically integrated supply chain, a digital- rst model, and a deep-rooted belief in the plant’s healing power. e company has become a central force in transforming Europe’s medical cannabis landscape by combining premium genetics, regulatory expertise, and a passion for cultural expression.

“Infrastructure is going to win,” Soiref says. And GS1.0 is already leading that race. Anchored by an 18-ton EUGMP certi ed cultivation facility in North Macedonia, the company is the nexus where cutting-edge technology, compassionate patient care, and global cannabis culture converge. “Infrastructure doesn’t mean cold. It means consistent. We’re not here to dominate—we’re here to make sure the people who should be winning actually can win.”

BUILDING A GLOBAL HOUSE OF BRANDS

Green Success’s international footprint spans Germany, the UK, Australia, Israel, the Czech Republic, and more. In Germany, a key hub, Soiref and his partners have already made waves by launching a branded clone platform and expanding direct-to-patient telemedicine delivery systems.

But what makes the company truly unique is its portfolio. From launching the Tyson 2.0 medical line in Europe— “the most successful medical cannabis brand in history,” Soiref proudly claims—to partnering with top-tier breeders like Seed Junky and Cali-X. Green Success 1.0 has aligned itself with what Soiref calls “leaders in every category.”

”ThE MOSt SUCcESsFUL CELEBrITY MEDICAL CANnABIS BrANd IN HIStORY,” SOiREF PrOuDlY ClAiMs…

“FrOM TYSON TO CALI-X TO SEeD JUNkY ANd PACkS—WE NEeD TO HAVE AN ANsWER TO EVERY DEMANd. GrEeN SUCcESs ISn’T ChASINg HYPE. WE’RE BUiLdINg PlATfORmS SO ThE REaL ONES — ThE BrEeDERs, ThE CrEaTORs, ThE LEGACY CULtIVATORs — CAN WIN AT ScALE.”

“We want to have the in uencer brands, the street brands, the ower brands, the extract brands,” he explains. “From Tyson to Cali-X to Seed Junky and Packs—we need to have an answer to every demand. Green Success isn’t chasing hype. We’re building platforms so the real ones— the breeders, the creators, the legacy cultivators—can win at scale.”

e company’s digital and data-driven backbone is equally important. Green Success 1.0 integrates telemedicine platforms with automation tools to create an easy, seamless patient journey—from prescription to delivery. “We’re not a telemedicine company—but we work directly with the best in the space. Our strength is building automated access and brand funnels on top of those systems to help connect patients, strains, and prescriptions more e ciently.”

rough advanced analytics, they assess patient behavior, regional trends, and treatment e cacy, constantly evolving their o erings based on data insights.

INFRASTRUCTURE MEETS CULTURE

For Soiref, it’s not just about access or output—it’s about evolution. “We always knew infrastructure would win,” he says. “But it’s not enough to have the product. You need the culture, the vibe, the story. You need to make it feel like something.”

Green Success’s branding o en leans into that storytelling, with creative comic-style design, celebrity integration, and powerful product narratives like Alexander the Great, a new strain developed with Mike Tyson and inspired by one of Soiref’s historical heroes. Euphoric, avorful, and purpose-built from Gen-Zero genetics, it’s emblematic of the company’s dual focus on premium quality and cultural depth.

“EaCh PATIeNt OR CONsUMER LIKES DIFfERENt ThINgS,” HE EXpLAiNs. “GERmANs LIKE GAS.. ThE UK PATIeNtS, ThEy WOuLd LIKE MORE OF ThE SwEeTs, ThE FrUiT.”

“PARtNERINg WITh TYSON 2.0 IS ABOuT MORE ThAN JUSt LAuNcHINg A BrANd,” SOiREF ShARES. “IT’S ABOuT CrEaTINg A SEaMlESs EXpERIeNcE FOR PATIeNtS TO ACcESs HIGh-QUaLITY PrODUCtS, NO MATtER WhERE ThEy ARE.”

TOTAL

GREEN SUCCESS

“We’re not just launching products,” Soiref emphasizes. “We’re building infrastructure for culture to thrive inside a regulated system. at’s how we’re bringing legacy into the future.”

ey’ve also partnered with artistic teams to create immersive retail experiences and limited-edition drops that align with cultural moments. “We’re not here to copy the industry,” Soiref says. “We’re here to create a new standard.”

MEDICAL ROOTS, PATIENT-FIRST FUTURE

A former patient himself, Soiref’s journey into cannabis began with personal healing. “It changed my life. It helped me be more connected, more paced,” he recalls. “Whether it’s for sleep disorders, chronic pain, epilepsy, or PTSD—this plant performs miracles.”

at perspective drives Green Success’s telemedicine- rst model, which allows patients in Germany to receive prescriptions and legallysourced ower delivered within 48 hours. e platform, Soiref says, is powered by AI and digital automation to make the process seamless: “It’s not just about weed. It’s medical. It’s a prescription. We treat it with the seriousness it deserves.”

e company’s home grow website, Hanf365.com, extends that mission to consumers, o ering branded cannabis clones— beginning with Tyson 2.0 genetics and California staples like Cali-X—cultivated in Europe and shipped directly to homes.

e model not only democratizes access, but, as Soiref notes, “gives people a healthier, safer, and better alternative to the illicit market and changes the entire user experience—now you can sit back, watch TV, and order branded genetics to your doorstep.”

Green Success 1.0 also pays attention to regional preferences. “Each patient or consumer likes di erent things,” he explains. “Germans like Gas... the UK patients, they would like more of the sweets, the fruit.”

at hyper-local approach informs not just product selection but also education, patient support, and community engagement. “It’s not just about distribution, it’s about trust. We need to be present where the patients are and be responsive as we can to their needs.”

“IT’S ABOuT CrEaTINg A SEaMlESs EXpERIeNcE FOR PATIeNtS TO ACcESs HIGh-QUaLITY PrODUCtS, NO MATtER WhERE ThEy ARE.”

“ThIS ISn’T ABOuT MONEy,” HE SAyS. “IT’S ABOuT PERsONAL AWARENESs, ABOuT WAKINg UP EVERY DAy ANd BEiNg BETtER. ABOuT BUiLdINg SOMEThINg ThAT MAKES ThE WORlD SAFER, GrEeNER, ANd MORE ALIGnED.”

A STRATEGIC RISE, POWERED BY PARTNERSHIPS

Soiref is quick to credit his collaborators, from his internal team to global players like Tyson 2.0, CarmaHoldco, and PHCANN. “I’m nothing without my team,” he says. “And I’ve been blessed with great people—mentors, friends, growers, designers, patients. is is a team sport.”

at team has not only brought Tyson into Germany’s medical system, but helped launch the KO and Balance oil lines, and a growing extract category built around real patient needs. Green Success also supports regional avor preferences in each market, cultivating di erent strains for Germany, the UK, and beyond, all while managing a vast global supply network.

Soiref’s history in cannabis stretches back over a decade. He was part of the founding team of MedReleaf in Canada, which was later acquired by Aurora Cannabis in a landmark $3.2 billion CAD deal.

He later co-founded PHCANN, which now operates Europe’s largest cultivation facility. ese early wins paved the way for Green Success.

“Partnering with Tyson 2.0 is about more than just launching a brand,” Soiref shares. “It’s about creating a seamless experience for patients to access high-quality products, no matter where they are.”

In addition to Tyson 2.0’s medical success in Germany, Green Success 1.0 is launching the brand across Australia, with plans for further rollouts in the UK and emerging global markets. “We’re just getting started,” Soiref says.

LOOKING AHEAD

When asked what’s next, Soiref’s answer is both philosophical and un inching: “ e whole world —and everything in it.” But he’s not just chasing expansion for its own sake. For Soiref, Green Success represents a way to contribute something lasting, rooted in compassion and technological innovation.

“ is isn’t about money,” he says. “It’s about personal awareness, about waking up every day and being better. About building something that makes the world safer, greener, and more aligned.”

Whether it’s through telemedicine, clones, extracts, or the next strain to conquer Europe, Soiref’s Green Success 1.0 isn’t just playing the game. ey’re rewriting the rules—one country, one patient, at a time.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Real PACKS, Worldwide: Tony Capone and Green Success Take the Culture Global

By Honeysuckle Staﬀ

When PACKS teamed up with Green Success, it wasn’t just a business deal—it was a cultural reset. After years of global counterfeits and unoﬀicial drops, the brand is finally going international with full control.

“We’ve long been an international brand,” says PACKS co-founder Tony Capone. “But a lot of people never got the real thing.”

Now, through a global partnership with Green Success CEO Yuval Soiref, that’s changing. The alliance brings oﬀicial PACKS products—with verified quality—to markets like Germany, Australia, the UK, and Israel.

“Green Success gives us the opportunity to see our vision and deliver real PACKS product to all these countries that never got to try it,” Capone says. “It’s not Packwoods anymore—it’s PACKS.”

Capone had other oﬀers, but Green Success stood out.

“Yuval and I go way back,” he shares. “I knew how hard he worked. I knew he’d get the job done—and do it the right way.”

The two connected over more than logistics—it was about matching PACKS’ quality.

“Some people had okay stuﬀ,” Capone recalls. “But Green Success? Their lineup was fire.”

The brand’s legacy has long been shadowed by knockoﬀs, from Amsterdam to Southeast Asia. But now, they’re taking back control—with real infrastructure, verified genetics, and fullspectrum authenticity.

Capone sees this as the beginning of a much larger move: “The vision is to be in as many territories in the world as possible—and bring real quality product to markets faster.”

The oﬀicial launch kicks oﬀ at Mary Jane Berlin 2025, with PACKS x Green Success going big on June 19th.

“I’ve been really focused on the flower and the quality of the stuﬀ,” Capone says. “That’s always going to be the core of what we do.”

For PACKS, it’s global scale—same soul.

SUPER YUVAL

Origin of the empire

“WE’RE BUiLdINg ThE SYStEM ThAT CULtURE ALwAyS NEeDED BUT NEVER GOT. NOT JUSt FOR BrANdS — FOR BrEeDERs, PATIeNtS, ANd ThE FUTURE OF HOW CANnABIS MOVES.”

TEL AVIV TO TIMES SQUARE

Zack Meghnagi of Israel High Life on PTSD, Legal Weed, and Global Ambitions

Zack Meghnagi isn’t just talking about cannabis— he’s living it. Lighting up on a roo op in New York, the founder of Israel High Life & Plug Global blends the sharp instincts of a hustler with the calm clarity of someone who’s found purpose in the plant.

“I'm Zack Meghnagi,” he begins. “I've been in the medical cannabis industry for about nine years now since I was 17. Before I could buy a beer legally… I'm not from America. So way before I could buy a beer here…”

Based in Jerusalem , Meghnagi entered the cannabis world early and head rst. He carved out a name working with doctors, lawyers, and cultivators, soaking up the industry’s ins and outs while championing local culture through his content platform. “I started o learning from a bunch of industry professionals whether it was lawyers,farm owners, doctors, researchers,or legislators ” he recalls. “And it kind of gave me a professional angle for the industry.”

Alongside that professional rise came a mission: connect Israeligrown cannabis to global buyers in places like Germany, the UK, and Australia. “What I'm doing right now is also kind of bridging between the local market and the global market,” he explains. “I’m trying to help the local industry (which has been hit with a wave of Canadian Cannabis). So bridging between them and Germany has been the main work right now… and we've seen some serious interest in Israeli products from some big players.”

Meghnagi says Israel’s medical cannabis scene is bigger than most people realize. “ e medical scene, it is bigger than most of the world's medical scene,” he notes. “But the (illegal) recreational scene is actually huge…, it's not legally recreationally available yet, but you've got something like 30%+ of 18 to 55-year-olds who've consumed cannabis in the past year.”

For many, cannabis is more than relaxation— it’s relief. Meghnagi has worked closely with PTSD patients and knows the plant’s healing power rsthand. “I feel like, everyone growing up in such tense situations have it to a certain extent,” he says. “I hear a siren from an ambulance in New York and I jump, it automatically reminds me of red alerts back home.”

He credits a close friend and business partner with deepening his understanding of how cannabis supports trauma survivors. “He's a PTSD patient who was injured in a terrorist attack about 30 years ago. He got punched in the face and he's been blind in one eye ever since,” Meghnagi shares.

“He also lobbied against the health ministry with a variety of topics to help the patients receive better treatment and better products along with helping di erent illnesses be added to the list of what could be prescribed.”

at experience fueled Meghnagi’s drive to push for more options in Israel’s medical system. “What we have there is basically just topical oil and bags of 10 grams,” he says. “A lot of people don’t want to smoke… they want a vape or they want an edible.” He’s hopeful that as awareness grows, so will access: “I would hope very much so that the recreational side of things opens up because it'll create so [many] jobs, so much new opportunity.” Meghnagi hopes to see Israel’s CBD industry expand into a more impactful space—one that supports smoking cessation and o ers people healthier, less harmful ways to manage anxiety.

His loyalty , however, is rooted in something deeper than business. “When it comes down to it, there’s a third partner in every deal I make and it’s God,” Meghnagi says. “I know I can't cheat him, so I'm de nitely not going to try and cheat you.”

at kind of old-school honor meets new-gen hustle is what drives him—along with a love for quality ower, evolving culture, and connecting dots others don’t even see. And as he takes another smooth hit under the Manhattan skyline, he grins:

“New York is lovely but the beach in Tel Aviv hits di erent.”

strikes a balance between standardization and localization.

“We standardize what matters—quality, compliance, and brand

integrity—while customizing distribution, marketing, and product mix to local dynamics,” he says.

Germany remains PHCANN’s cornerstone in Europe. Poland, surprisingly, is an emerging standout.

“It’s early-stage but extremely receptive to medical cannabis with a strong pharmaceutical infrastructure,” Stefanoski notes. Australia, with its robust medical market, is also becoming a key area of expansion, especially as PHCANN prepares new product launches there.

Bringing Tyson 2.0 to Europe

A major milestone came when PHCANN partnered with Tyson 2.0, the brand founded by legendary boxer Mike Tyson.

“Bringing Tyson 2.0 to Europe was a strategic breakthrough,” Stefanoski says.

“It allowed us to pair a globally recognized brand with our cultivation and distribution expertise, creating immediate market traction.”

More than just a licensing play, the Tyson 2.0 partnership helped PHCANN evolve from a product supplier into a fullservice brand builder.

"

“We now offer partners a complete solution— from production to branding to market access. That’s changed how we operate and how we’re perceived in the industry.”

A Global Stage at Cannabis Europa

This year, PHCANN is stepping into the spotlight as the headline sponsor of Cannabis Europa in London, one of the most inﬂuential gatherings in the industry.

“Our goal is to drive a more serious conversation around scalability, quality, and international expansion,” Stefanoski says. “The industry needs fewer buzzwords and more operational excellence.”

PHCANN plans to highlight critical issues such as EU harmonization, pharmaceutical standards in cannabis, and building patient trust through consistency and data.

“Sponsoring now sends a clear message: PHCANN is not only expanding but helping shape the next phase of the industry across Europe and beyond.”

Introducing PHCANN Exotics

With eyes on a growing demand for premium ﬂower, PHCANN is set to release its PHCANN Exotics line this summer, starting in Germany, the UK, and Australia.

“This is our response to a demand for highpotency, terpene-rich ﬂower,” Stefanoski says. The line includes Black Amber, Red Pop, and Spritzer—each selected for distinct proﬁles and consistent effects. But it’s not just about potency. “What makes it special is the brand positioning: a luxury-grade experience, rooted in medical-grade quality.”

What’s Next?

The next 6 to 12 months will be a pivotal phase for PHCANN. The company plans to expand its brand portfolio, increase market penetration in key territories, and introduce new product formats—including extracts and vapes under both house and partner brands.

“We’re also enhancing our partnerships with clinics and digital health platforms to create more integrated patient access,” Stefanoski adds.

The mission, at its core, remains the same: build trust, improve access, and lead with integrity. “For partners, this means stronger supply chains and co-branding opportunities. For patients, it means more choice, better access, and greater conﬁdence in what they’re consuming.”

For more, visit https://phcann.com Follow @phcann.international

" We built the infrastructure the culture always deserved. From Berlin to Sydney, this isn’t just cannabis — it’s a global operating system, a movement powered by roots, data, discipline, and relentless execution.

Yuval Soiref, CEO of Green Success

From Australia to Everywhere:

HOW A QUIET POWERHOUSE IS REDEFINING GLOBAL CANNABIS

If you haven’t heard of the Australian/UK/ ai Cannabis Group and its subsidiaries, that’s by design. Behind some of the world’s most respected cannabis brands— Tyson 2.0, Greenhouse, and others —stands an anonymous-seeming engine of science, cultivation, and scale, reshaping the global medical market without ever chasing clout.

Headquartered in Australia with operations stretching from ailand to the UK and beyond, this vertically integrated operation is reimagining how cannabis moves across borders: scienti cally, compliantly, and globally. At its core are three uniquely di erent gures—agricultural strategist Ben Males, extraction and cultivation expert Andre, and pharmaceutical scientist Dr. Russell Kinghorn—each bringing a critical layer of vision to the whole. But this story isn’t about personalities. It’s about infrastructure, integrity, and the future of the plant on a global scale.

MANUFACTURING MEETS MISSION

While most cannabis companies build brands, the Australian Cannabis Group (ACG) builds the ecosystem those brands rely on. With GMP-certi ed manufacturing hubs in Australia and the UK, and satellite operations throughout Southeast Asia, the group specializes in production, compliance, and white-label services—handling everything from ower and vape cartridges to tinctures and 150,000 gummies per day.

“It’s not sexy,” says Males, matter-of-fact. “But it’s what actually moves product. We’re the factory that lets the farmers and brands focus on what they’re good at.” In ailand, the group exports tons of ower monthly from a network of GACP-compliant farms. In the UK, their latest GMP facility—modeled precisely a er their Australian lab—now o ers same-day delivery to pharmacists countrywide. On the surface, they’re building product. Behind the scenes, they’re building trust.

SCIENCE AS THE BACKBONE

No global operation succeeds without a data- rst approach. at’s where Dr. Russell Kinghorn, founder of the analytical lab Pharmac, comes in. Known for his eccentric brilliance and deep knowledge of pharmaceutical-grade testing, Kinghorn has been responsible for over 80 percent of Australia’s medical cannabis batch releases.

“He was building Lego in the boardroom when we met,” Males recalls. “I knew right then we’d get along.”

Kinghorn brought not only his expertise but a scienti c discipline that now underpins every corner of ACG’s operation. From microbial screening and heavy metals testing to real-time stability studies, his lab infrastructure ensures every product released by the group meets strict international standards—crucial in markets like Germany and the UK where EU-GMP rules the game.

He’s also part of the group’s wild charm. Between stability chambers and microbial fridges at the lab, you’ll nd an old Massey Ferguson tractor and espresso machines rigged to infuse rosin. As Males puts it, “Russell’s weird. But the kind of weird that wins.”

HIGH STREET AND THE HUMAN SIDE

If their factories are the backbone, Sydney’s High Street dispensary is the heart. e agship site—part vintage gallery, part medical clinic—looks more like an o eat social club than a pharmacy. With concrete oors, old Fender guitars, and nods to retro sneaker culture, it invites curiosity without compromising compliance.

“We didn’t want it to feel sterile,” Males says. “But it still had to play by the rules.”

In Australia, where only pharmacists can dispense and advertising is practically forbidden, High Street walks a razor-thin line with charm. Doctors see patients upstairs. Pharmacists dispense downstairs. ere’s no smoke lounge, but there are conversations—honest ones—about terpenes, e ect, and cost.

For Males and the team, the clinic is more than just a storefront. It’s a proof of concept: Cannabis access doesn’t need to be boring, intimidating, or underground. It can be clean, stylish, and radically human.

One patient, a veteran in chronic pain, recently described the experience as “the rst time I’ve felt like a person—not a liability—for asking about cannabis.” at, is the win that matters.

A SUPPLY CHAIN

LIKE NO OTHER

What sets ACG apart isn’t just what they make—it’s how they source and where they deliver.

Cultivation partners span ve continents, including South Africa, Portugal, Uruguay, ailand, and Canada. Products are shipped as pharmaceutical starting material—not nished goods—then processed, tested, and packaged in GMP-certi ed facilities before being released to market.

“Most companies chase one country,” says Andre. “We built systems that can move across many.”

Rather than replicate dispensaries or brands, the team creates scalable infrastructure that enables other groups to enter regulated medical markets with con dence. eir compliance team handles everything from COA formatting to label design, import approvals, and pharmacovigilance.

And yes, they do it all quietly.

While many in the cannabis world still trade on hype— NFTs, celebrity drops, in ated THC numbers—ACG plays a di erent game: precision and predictability.

As the group expands into Germany and negotiates new equity partnerships, its core services remain the same. From regulatory consulting and trade nance to full-suite manufacturing, the team o ers something increasingly rare in cannabis: reliability.

“People forget this is medicine,” Males says. “If you can’t deliver clean product, on time, with full traceability—you’re not in the industry. You’re in the illusion.”

It’s a principle that’s made them a trusted partner to dozens of brands, pharmacists, and government stakeholders. ey don’t make noise. ey make things work.

WHAT’S NEXT: GLOBAL NORMALIZATION

A second High Street location is already in development. More cultivation sites are coming online in ailand. e UK rollouts to soon follow. Altogether, over 50 brands currently run through ACG’s pipeline—and more are waiting to get in.

Still, the long-term vision isn’t empire. It’s longevity.

“I don’t want to retire,” Males says. “I just want to do a little less each day. Help more people. Smoke good weed. Enjoy the ride.”

For a company that began with a beat-up lab, a makeshi boardroom, and a few too many DIY logos, ACG has built something astonishing. Not just a business—but a blueprint. Infrastructure. Intelligence. Integrity.

Everything a global cannabis industry will need—if it’s going to last.

For more information, visit australiancannabisgroup.com and follow @highstreetdispensary and @ben.males.

URL: https://honeysucklemag.com/ben-males-glob-alcannabis-interview

“We’re not trying to be the face,” Andre explains. “We’re trying to make sure the face doesn’t get ned, shut down, or stocked out.”

Ben Males, the straight-shooting Aussie behind one of the fastest-growing cannabis infrastructure groups in the world, opens up about scaling from rural roots to global supply chains, the chaos of compliant cultivation, and why he still smokes every day.

TIM SENSI SEEDS

Growing Culture in the Shadows of Dutch Law

ere’s a certain kind of consumer who knows his weed like sommeliers know wine. Tim Hoebee is that kind of guy—and then some. He's not just a cannabis connoisseur, he's a cultural translator, genetic hunter, and global ambassador for Sensi Seeds, the legendary Amsterdam seed bank founded by Ben Dronkers.

In the world of European cannabis, where progress and prohibition perform a decades-long waltz, Hoebee stands out as both a product and a steward of the culture. "You are the weediest person I know," he laughs, citing the uno cial title bestowed upon him by Sensi’s leadership. And it’s not just a joke—Tim’s day job is handling community management and social media, but his real value lies in bridging old-school knowledge with the new wave of global cannabis expression.

a huge archive of Sensi. So you go through the vault and you see this stu . ey have this huge Russian collection, and it's always fun to try out new things."

sometimes you just need to burn it, get that thickness in."

You’ll find him in grow facilities and at global weed expos, selecting strains and testing ower like a DJ ipping through vinyl. "Well, a lot of Sensi stu that I have access to. It's also sometimes stu that I test out from other places. And I also have some buddies who in the cannabis community do co ee shop ower. And I have one particularly called Dream Bros that I really like at the moment. ey have a line of strains that Kosher Dreams and Dreams Gold, which are really great in this area. ey've been winning a lot of prizes, and they're in my local co ee shop right around the corner."

Hoebee’s curiosity isn’t con ned to Amsterdam. A recent trip to Hawaii doubled as a honeymoon and a pheno hunt. Now those island genetics are being run through the Sensi facilities, part of a new era that mixes legendary European archives with fresh global terpene pro les. "We're running some of those in our facilities now, and that's what we're really now hunting, hunting through, which is my favorite stu ... ey have such

But evolution in the Netherlands has never been simple. From the outside, Amsterdam seems like the cannabis capital of Europe, a chill utopia of co ee shops and open consumption. e truth, Hoebee explains, is more complicated. "Yeah. First of all, it's still illegal. That's it. It's a tolerance policy that was temporary for over 45 years now, I think."

In other words: legal to buy, illegal to grow. Co ee shops can stock 500 grams, but the grower who supplies them? Risking jail. "Yeah, it's not a chill situation for the co ee shop owners... [supply] So the cops are hunting it and the criminals are hunting it."

For someone like Hoebee, whose love for cannabis is both professional and spiritual, it’s maddening. He lights up when he talks about the ritual of smoking ower—"Sometimes I just think it needs re. Right. It's almost something spiritual with cannabis that

at pivot led him to Sensi, starting humbly on the museum oor, selling tickets and manning the register. But when it was quiet, he’d grab the audio tour, learning the deep history of Dronkers’ travels and cannabis’s global legacy. " at's when it really, the light bulb started burning from, now, this is something I want to spend the rest of my life with. I believe in this plant. I believe in Ben's dream."

Germany’s legalization, he believes, might pressure the Dutch to catch up. "For some reason, we were the most progressive in the eighties, are now one of the least progressive in the 2020’s."

And when it does, Hoebee will still be there— somewhere between the vaults of rare genetics and the late-night smoke sessions. Maybe watching Goldfinger for the hundredth time.

Because if there’s one thing you should know about Tim Hoebee, it’s this: He’s a Bond guy. A real one. "James Bond is very, very special to me... it was one of the things that my dad and me shared."

His favorite Bond? Connery. His favorite movie? Gold nger. But when he and his dad used to sit down and listen to those lush, orchestral intros over the crackle of a vinyl needle, it wasn’t just about spy gadgets or Aston Martins. It was about tradition. Ritual. Legacy.

Just like his work with cannabis.

In a country where legality remains a question mark, Hoebee is a cultural constant. A keeper of the ame— and sometimes, a little hash on top.

FULLMOON SESH BERLIN 2025: WHERE CANNABIS BECOMES CULTURE

Somewhere in Berlin, under the hush of secrecy and the glow of intention, a gathering is taking shape—part exhibition, part ritual, wholly devoted to the craft of cannabis. FullMoon

Sesh returns in 2025, not as a typical festival or cup, but as a living gallery where the plant becomes the medium and culture becomes the canvas.

What began with Igor, a Slovak-born cannabis advocate, has evolved into a global, community-led movement. FullMoon

Sesh brings together artists, growers, hashmakers, and visionaries from around the world to elevate cannabis as a form of art, expression, and connection. “We didn’t want to create just another cannabis cup,” Igor explains. “It’s about connection— between artists, cultures, and connoisseurs.”

Igor’s story began in a country where cannabis was criminalized, and persecuted. But what started as rebellion evolved into vision. After relocating to Spain, the seeds of FullMoon Sesh were planted.

But today, the Sesh is not about one person—it’s a collective force. The team behind it includes global creatives who help shape each gathering through collaboration, intention, and respect for the plant. Events like the 10-day Bangkok Sesh brought artists and cultivators from around the world to cocreate something unique. “It wasn’t just about weed, It was about energy, culture, and shared purpose.”

Now growing into a global institution—Art Basel for cannabis—FullMoon Sesh continues to push the boundaries of what cannabis culture can be. And the dream is still expanding.

In a world where cannabis is often commodified, FullMoon Sesh reminds us it’s still art, still community, still magic.

Follow @fullmoonsesh for updates on Berlin 2025 and beyond.

When Mary Jane Berlin returns this summer, the true culture won’t just be showing up—it’ll be making noise. In a groundbreaking collaboration, Smoke DZA, legendary cannabis breeder Mr. Sherbinski (Mario Guzman), Divine RBG, and the 10/10 BOYS are coming together to debut a limited-edition vinyl drop under the banner of VOP: Voice of the Plant. Only 100 copies will be released exclusively at the event.

But this drop isn’t just music. It’s the foundation of something much bigger.

VOP, short for Voice of the Plant, is a brand and creative movement that fuses music, plant medicine, and cultural storytelling. Known globally as the creator of Gelato and one of the most influential figures in modern cannabis genetics, Sherbinski is channeling his legacy into a sound-driven expression of the plant’s message. “This is the future,” he says. “Cannabis has always had a voice. Now it has a sound.”

The album, featuring lush production from the 10/10 BOYS and lyricism from Smoke DZA, delivers a sonic experience that is both soulful and sharp. It will be released on all music platforms worldwide on July 19, 2025.

“This is something you’ll dig out of a crate 20 years from now and it’ll still slap,” DZA says. “It’s timeless— just like the plant.”

The project was A&R’d by a trusted team working alongside DZA, bringing together authentic voices with the goal of building long-term cultural bridges through cannabis and music. And Mary Jane Berlin is the perfect stage. “This event is really getting love from the true culture,” DZA adds. “We want the world to know— we’re here to collab, to build, and to bring brands all over Europe.”

Joining them will be Divine RBG—legendary MC, activist, and voice for equity in hip hop and plant medicine spaces. Known for his work with Dead Prez, The Dey, and the Afro-Cuban fusion band Yerba Buena, Divine brings decades of cultural influence to the moment. “Moments like this don’t come from PR—they come from the people,” he says. “This drop is for the heads, the healers, and the ones who still play vinyl all the way through.” What’s being planned is more than a surprise—it’s a cultural signal: Voice of the Plant is here, and it’s just beginning. Expect collaborations, international energy, and stories told through the plant—by the people who live it.

Rolling Global: VIBES® Papers Lights Up Europe

Somewhere in Berlin, under the hush of secrecy and the glow of intention, a gathering is taking shape—part exhibition, part ritual, wholly devoted to the craft of cannabis. FullMoon Sesh returns in 2025, not as a typical festival or cup, but as a living gallery where the plant becomes the medium and culture becomes the canvas.

What began with Igor, a Slovak-born cannabis advocate, has evolved into a global, community-led movement. FullMoon Sesh brings together artists, growers, hashmakers, and visionaries from around the world to elevate cannabis as a form of art, expression, and connection. “We didn’t want to create just another cannabis cup,” Igor explains. “It’s about connection—between artists, cultures, and connoisseurs.”

From Spain to Thailand, Los Angeles to Berlin, each Sesh is curated like a fine art experience. Previous editions have featured rare rosin, one-of-a-kind hash, and a 220-hour glass sculpture by Hashba and Polteglass. The 2025 Berlin edition promises world-class flower, intentional design, and sensory detail—hosted at a private location, known only to those invited. Igor’s story began in a country where cannabis was criminalized, and persecuted. But what started as rebellion evolved into vision. After relocating to Spain, the seeds of FullMoon Sesh were planted. But today, the Sesh is not about one person—it’s a collective force. The team behind it includes global creatives who help shape each gathering through collaboration, intention, and respect for the plant. Events like the 10-day Bangkok Sesh brought artists and cultivators from around the world to cocreate something unique. “It wasn’t just about weed, It was about energy, culture, and shared purpose.”

Now growing into a global institution—Art Basel for cannabis—FullMoon Sesh continues to push the boundaries of what cannabis culture can be. And the dream is still expanding. In a world where cannabis is often commodified, FullMoon Sesh reminds us it’s still art, still community, still magic. Follow @fullmoonsesh for updates on Berlin 2025 and beyond.

We believe in a world where cannabis can legally be consumed and where our culture is celebrated openly. At Heatex Products we cross the Atlantic with US brands for the cannabis industry. We import, warehouse, sell and market to all European countries and further. We are master distributors for Integra Boost, Vibes Papers and Hydroponic Research fertilizers. Come meet us at the MaryJane Festival stand D32/D33 in hall 21a to pick product samples, explore resell options for any of our brands or just say High. You can also find us through www. heatexproucts.com / sales@heatexproducts.com / heatex_ products(insta).

fuses music, community, and cannabis in a 21+ setting built on real connection, not hype.

“Highdel.Cloudz isn’t about hype—it’s about human connection.”

From Heidelberg’s riverbanks to Berlin rooftops, each event blends chill vibes with sharp curation. Every detail, from guest experience to brand partners, reflects Decker’s commitment to a culture-first ecosystem. In addition to Highdel.Cloudz, he also drives Berlin Cloudz and Hamburg Cloudz—establishing an interconnected network of authenticity during Germany’s post-legalization gold rush.

Highdel.Cloudz Where Urban Culture Meets New AndreFreedom Decker on Germany’s Green Wave and Cannabis Culture Reimagined

The Highdel.Cloudz movement may be making waves across Germany, but according to founder Andre Decker, none of it would be possible without his core partners in Munich, Augsburg, and Berlin.

“My guys in those cities bring so much to the table. Without them, none of this would exist,” Decker says. “Sure, Highdel. Cloudz has the biggest buzz—but everyone on the team works hard and makes it real. That’s the most important thing.”

Launched on April 20, 2024—perfectly synced with Germany’s cannabis legalization—Highdel.Cloudz has become Southern Germany’s premier cannabis pop-up series. Known for immersive boat parties and rooftop activations, the brand

“There are so many sketchy events now,” he notes. “Since legalization, people have this gold rush vibe. We try to be on a community level, not a revenue stream level.” Decker, 31, brings 15+ years of experience from both the legacy market and regulated medical cannabis. By day, he consults with pharmaceutical companies and dispensaries, assessing suppliers for GMP compliance and bridging underground knowledge with clinical standards.

“I’m not a pharma guy,” he says. “But I’m well known when it comes to cannabis and strains. I support experts with black market knowledge—real culture knowledge.”

That credibility matters in Germany, where pharmacies may carry 600+ strains but lack frontline experience. Decker also challenges medical platforms that oﬀer instant prescriptions.

“You just type in your birthdate and get a script,” he says. “That’s not medical—that’s just funneling product under a legal umbrella.”

His events oﬀer an alternative: vibrant, educational, and community-driven.

One standout featured a three-deck boat turned cannabis expo, with over 10 brands, a pizza chef, live DJ, and 200+

guests from across Europe.

“Nobody’s hiding their plug. It’s not competitive—it’s collaborative.”

Decker emphasizes responsible use, especially for newcomers.

“A 21-year-old saw me smoking a huge joint and thought it was cool. I had to explain—this is once a month for fun. Not every day.”

He also warns against the obsession with high-THC strains.

“Unless you’re in chronic pain, high THC isn’t helpful. What people need is terpenes and balance. That’s the next step— learning how to consume, not just that you can.”

To foster that next step, Decker is launching a new education series with pharmacies across Germany this June to help patients navigate the legal landscape.

Highdel.Cloudz is also expanding rapidly, with upcoming stops in Munich, Augsburg, Tenerife, Amsterdam, and a major collab with VIBES and Honeysuckle at Mary Jane Berlin on June 19.

“The vision is global,” Decker says. “Legacy, legal, pharma— everyone has something to oﬀer. If we share knowledge, we all rise.”

But even as the buzz grows, he keeps it grounded.

“I had the idea, but the team made it happen. We build what people want. Not chasing profit—just real connection.”

VYBZ Berlin

Marco's Garden of Good Vibes and Global Vision at Mary Jane

Step into the garden, and you’ll feel it. The hum of connection, the rhythm of hip hop and reggae, the laughter of old friends linking with new ones—this is the pulse of VYBZ. At Mary Jane Berlin, Europe’s largest cannabis expo, Marco, founder of VYBZ Agency, has redefined what brand culture can look like in Germany’s evolving plant scene. With an activation that feels more like a family reunion than a business venture, VYBZ is where culture meets intentional strategy, where storytelling matters as much as sponsorship.

“Everything just clicked this year,” Marco tells Honeysuckle. “Berlin finally feels international. And the garden is the place where it all comes together.”

It’s not just a metaphor. The VYBZ garden at Mary Jane is a curated space with major impact. Over 250 square meters of chillout & graﬀiti area, sponsored by Mills Nutrients, oﬀer shade, music, and a place to reset. There’s a massage corner, a glass artist stage by Fullmoon Sesh, and anchor booths from standout names like RTZ, Calipo, Stoned Island, Samurai Pharmacy, Sluggers, and the Mallorca Social Club.

GreenBoyz sponsors the Bong Bar, while Barney’s Farm holds it down with a VIP backstage area and a four-tent welcome zone that will feature Backpackboyz, Doja, Insane OG and Fjaak.

But beyond the roster of

activations, what makes VYBZ feel diﬀerent is Marco’s story.

A media manager by training, born in a tiny German village and shaped by his Austrian roots, Marco’s journey took him from hip hop obsession to event production, from caring for his mother through cancer with homegrown plant medicine to becoming the first-ever speaker at Mary Jane Berlin in 2016. That early talk? It was about Rick Simpson Oil. Not a how-to—but a why. A moral imperative to

fight for access.

“Even the worst thing in your life can become your fuel,” he says. “When my mom was sick, I had to grow. I had to learn. I had to help.”

Since then, Marco’s made VYBZ a brand agency focused not on manipulation, but truth. His vision is about more than marketing—it’s about identity. “Branding is like being a person. Who do you surround yourself with? That’s your message,” he explains.

And his message is clear: Support the underdogs, welcome legacy voices, build something that lasts beyond the hype. From his years managing over 450 promoters in the tobacco industry to launching professional cannabis expos during the pandemic, Marco has always been five steps ahead—often learning the hard way. A short stint at a nowdefunct cannabis media company showed him what not to do. And a heartbreak in Berlin made him rethink what success really means.

“I founded VYBZ in 2019 because I needed to create something where I could be home, be

The Legacy of Dank of England:

Revolutionizing Cannabis Culture & Medical Cannabis in the UK and Beyond

Dank of England, founded by Screech and Black the Ripper, has transformed cannabis culture in the UK. From pioneering exotic strains to expanding into medical cannabis, they’re blending music, activism, and quality products to shape the future of the cannabis industry globally.

In the vibrant streets of North London, a movement was born. One that would go on to rede ne cannabis culture in the UK and beyond. Dank of England, founded by the visionary Screech alongside his late partner Black the Ripper, started as a humble yet potent idea that would grow into a cultural powerhouse. Now, a decade later, they’ve not only carved a name for themselves in the cannabis world but have fundamentally shi ed the way the UK—and the world—views the plant.

We caught up with Screech (co-founder) and Iron Barz, a key member of the Dank of England collective, at Spannabis 2025 in Barcelona, where the buzz around their brand continues to grow. From their beginnings in the underground cannabis scene to the current boom in medical cannabis, the duo shared their story, their ambitions, and their vision for the future of the cannabis movement.

THE BIRTH OF DANK OF ENGLAND: CANNABIS AS CULTURE

Screech, whose deep London accent paints a vivid picture of the city’s streets, explained the roots of Dank of England: “I founded Dank of England with my late partner, Black the Ripper (Rest in peace), a legendary gure in the grime scene," he shared. "Black was already one of the most respected names in UK music – a pioneer in the grime movement – and together, we saw a gap in the market for a cannabis brand that truly represented the culture we came from.”

Back in the early 2010s, the UK’s cannabis scene was con ned to the shadows of the black market. “ ere was no cannabis culture like what you saw in America or even Amsterdam,” Iron Barz adds. “It was all about your basic strains like ‘cheese’ and nothing more. But when we got a taste of the exotic avors from Amsterdam, we knew we had to bring that to the UK.”

It was this passion for quality cannabis—and the desire to bridge the gap between music, street culture, and the plant—that led to the birth of Dank of England. eir mission wasn’t just about selling weed; it was about creating a brand that was deeply embedded in the fabric of UK culture.

NORF LONDON

In the heart of North London, the Dank of England collective’s roots run deep, with Screech and his team acknowledging the key gures who helped shape the UK cannabis scene, all of whom grew up in close proximity before launching their now-iconic brands. “So from North London, me, Black the Ripper (rest in peace), Shout to TenCo Staks, shout to Jack the Plug, shout to K Cali-X, shout to Natchfrom Nature Boys as well,” says Screech, re ecting on the shared history. “Shout to Smokes QC Farms, bro. e English boys went out to Cali and took over. Top of the Cali game.” He continues, emphasizing the undeniable bond between them.

CHANGING THE GAME AND THE RISE OF DANK CULTURE

Screech credits their success to timing and the sheer authenticity of their approach: “We were one of the rst to show the UK what real cannabis could look like,” he said. “In 2012-13, Instagram was just starting to blow up, and we started posting pictures of what we were smoking—those exotic Amsterdam genetics. People went crazy.”

From the start, Dank of England wasn’t just a cannabis company—it was a community. “We toured the UK in a 1950s VW camper van, lled with merch, and went from city to city meeting people, connecting with the fans,” recalls Iron Barz. “It wasn’t just about the weed—it was about making sure people felt part of the culture. at’s why we’ve lasted this long. e community we built is what kept us alive.”

e duo recalls a time when cannabis use was still heavily stigmatized in the UK. Dank of England played a critical role in challenging those perceptions, normalizing cannabis use, and turning it into something that could be proudly embraced, rather than something to hide.

PIONEERING THE MEDICAL CANNABIS LANDSCAPE IN THE UK

As the UK’s cannabis laws continue to evolve, Dank of England is shi ing their focus to the medicinal cannabis sector. “We’ve always understood what the people want—what the culture wants. But now, we’re bringing that same energy to the medical space. We want to make sure that medicinal cannabis is just as high-quality as what you’d nd on the black market,” Screech explained.

With medical cannabis legalized in the UK in 2018, but access still limited, Dank of England is working to bridge the gap. “We went to Canada, smoked hundreds of samples, and we’re now bringing the best to the UK,” Screech said, visibly proud of their international e orts.

Iron Barz echoed that sentiment: “ e medical scene was so separated from street culture. But now you’ve got gures like Big Nasty and Nines coming in, representing the culture, and it’s shi ing the game.”

To help realize this vision, Dank of England has partnered with Cantourage, a company revolutionizing the medical cannabis market. Cantourage is committed to providing high-quality cannabis at fair prices, tackling the problem of expensive therapies for out-of-pocket patients. ey source cannabis globally—from Jamaica, Uruguay, New Zealand, and more—ensuring a variety of top-tier owers while passing on cost advantages to patients.

Dank of England’s collaboration with Cantourage brings them to launching DOE Medical, a platform aimed at giving UK patients access to premium medical cannabis legally, while breaking down barriers between street and medical markets.

e DOE medical team is working behind the scenes, traveling the world to QC ower. Over 100 facilities have

opened their doors to DOE Medical, and our QC team has personally visited these facilities, checked cultivation processes, and identi ed a handful of facilities we will be working with to bring the best quality ower in late 2025 and 2026. Quality and patients are our main focus as we enter the market.

KEEPING BLACK THE RIPPER’S LEGACY ALIVE

For Screech, the brand’s roots in music run deep, and their mission isn’t just about cannabis—it’s about cultural legacy. e untimely passing of Black the Ripper le a void in the cannabis and grime scenes, but Screech and his team are ensuring that his in uence lives on.

“We’re working on releasing an album from Black the Ripper this year, along with some unreleased tracks,” Screech said. “He was such a massive part of our journey, and we want to make sure his voice continues to resonate with the next generation.”

Music and cannabis have always gone hand in hand in the UK, and Screech is committed to making sure this connection endures. “Cannabis culture and music are intertwined. We’ve always believed that. And we’re going to push that even further with new projects.”

GLOBAL EXPANSION: DANK OF ENGLAND GOES

INTERNATIONAL

While Dank of England’s in uence is rmly rooted in the UK, they have their sights set on the world. eir global ambitions are already taking shape with plans to make a splash in New York and beyond.

“We’re ready to take this movement global,” said Screech. “We’re already active in Barcelona, London, and Amsterdam. Now, we’re bringing the culture to New York, and we’re going worldwide. O the Rip is going to be huge, featuring legendary guests and reviewing the best strains from across the world—from the USA to ailand, even Argentina and Uruguay. We’re taking cannabis culture to every corner of the globe.”

CANNABIS CULTURE IN THE UK

VS. THE US: A TALE OF TWO WORLDS

Screech and Iron Barz don’t shy away from discussing the di erences between cannabis culture in the UK and the US. While the US has a more established and regulated cannabis market, the UK’s scene is still playing catch-up.

“ e US has it easy. You walk into a dispensary, pick what you want, and that’s it,” Screech said. “But in the UK, it’s been a struggle. But that’s changing, and DOE Medical is our answer to that. We’re committed to providing the UK with the best medicine.”

THE FUTURE OF DANK OF ENGLAND

Looking ahead, the future of Dank of England is looking dank.. From the expansion into the medicinal market to new strains on the horizon, they’re far from slowing down.

“We’re not stopping,” said Screech. “ is is just the beginning. We’re here to change the way people think about cannabis, to make it easier for people to access quality medicine, and to keep

pushing the culture forward.”

As Dank of England continues to make waves in the cannabis industry, they remain at the forefront of cultural and social change, blending music, activism, and cannabis into a movement that is reshaping the world’s perception of the plant. Whether it’s through the legacy of Black the Ripper, the launch of DOE Medical, or their global ambitions, one thing is clear: Dank of England is lighting the way for a new era of cannabis culture.

To nd out more about Dank of England and their new medicinal cannabis platform, visit www.doemedical.com, and DOE Medical IG, Cantourage Clinic

Follow @doebcn, @dankofengland

Where Truffles Meet Terpenes

Matteo Quoiani doesn’t just cook with cannabis—he tells a story with every dish. Born and raised in Rome, the heart of Italy’s culinary heritage, Matteo now travels the world blending tradition with innovation, working as a private infused chef for clients in the U.S., Thailand, Germany, Holland, France, and Spain.

and I transform the medicine in the dishes and this is ﬁne… for the rest, no, I just go outside. I have my private client in different part in the world.”

“The people tell me, ‘Why you cooking with cannabis?’ Because I want to change the mentality,” Matteo says. “In Italy, when you smoke, you are toxic people. But when you cook, they very good. The people love it. They love you.”

That duality—stigma versus celebration—is what drives his work. Through infused cuisine, he’s breaking boundaries not just of taste, but of perception.

FROM MEDICINAL ROOTS TO MICHELIN DREAMS

Matteo’s journey into cooking with cannabis started with a medical prescription. “I'm from Rome, the capital of Italy with medical receipt,” he says. “For me, it's possible to cook because I take the medicine and I transform the medicine in the dishes.”

His vision? To earn a Michelin star for infused cuisine. “My dream is I want to open the Italian restaurant, infused, and I want the ﬁrst Michelin star with infused dishes. I work at for two and three Michelin chef.”

It’s not just a passion—it’s a mission to legitimize infused food as high art. Matteo’s dishes are meticulously crafted, bringing together the delicate science of infusion with the emotional soul of Italian food. He prepares everything from infused risottos to elevated pastas and multi-course tasting menus that highlight terpenes as much as they do trufﬂes.

CULINARY CANNABIS WITHOUT THE CHAOS

When it comes to infusion, Matteo is both precise and poetic. “I take the medicine

Matteo isn’t operating a restaurant—yet. He works under the radar, hosting intimate events, traveling between continents, and creating unforgettable culinary experiences for a growing network of global clients. His cooking is as much about connection as it is about technique.

He sees his craft as part of a broader cultural movement. “I want to change the mentality from the people,” he says. “Because when you smoke, it’s bad. When you eat, it’s good. It’s love.”

INFUSION AS RENAISSANCE, NOT REVOLUTION

Matteo describes his work not as a revolution, but a renaissance—a rebirth of respect and sophistication around the plant.

From plating to palates, his artistry is sensual and intellectual. He uses infusion not to overpower but to enhance. The experience is about elevation, not intoxication. His food speaks to a new generation of diners who want to taste something they’ve never tasted before— and feel something deeper in the process.

“I cook for love,” he says. “The people feel that.”

WHAT'S NEXT?

Matteo dreams of opening his own infused Italian ﬁne dining restaurant, where cannabis is not just accepted—it’s celebrated. Until then, he continues traveling, collaborating, and quietly building a reputation among the world’s most discerning (and well-fed) cannabis connoisseurs.

Through it all, Matteo remains grounded in one belief: “You cook with love, you change the world.”

Beauty and the Bud: Bleaching

By Lindsay Loo

WORLD CANNABIS PHOTO CUP

Argentina.

Cannabis culture has always been a muse for the creative spirit. Now, it’s getting its own global stage with the launch of the World Cannabis Photo Cup— an international photography competition that celebrates the plant, the people, and the power of visual storytelling.

Set to culminate at Expo Cannabis Argentina in Buenos Aires this fall, the World Cannabis Photo Cup invites photographers from around the globe— whether professional or passionate hobbyists—to capture the ever-evolving essence of cannabis culture. Registration officially opened on March 28, 2025, and will close on July 28, 2025.

A GLOBAL CELEBRATION THROUGH THE LENS

With categories ranging from Flowers and Extracts to Glass, Cannabis Clubs, Creativity/Artistic, and even AIgenerated art, the competition offers a platform as diverse as the plant itself. Entrants can submit one photo per category at worldcannabisphotocup.com, following official guidelines.

New in 2025: The competition’s Pet Friendly category embraces cannabis culture’s softer, more personal side, while the Cannabis Brand category challenges participants to spotlight a brand through a single unforgettable shot.

The Vision Behind the Lens

The mission of the World Cannabis Photo Cup is clear:

» Promote artistic expression within the cannabis community

» Showcase the diversity and richness of cannabis through powerful imagery

» Create a global space for education, appreciation, and cultural understanding of cannabis

By celebrating the plant’s impact in contemporary society—from underground movements to mainstream markets—the Photo Cup captures cannabis history in the making.

MEET THE MASTERS: A WORLD-CLASS JURY

Entries will be judged by a powerhouse lineup of renowned cannabis photographers and cultural icons.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by Helga Bucher, known for her work as a budtender, cannabis cup judge, and cultural ambassador.

by a powerhouse lineup renowned cannabis photographers and

The awards ceremony will be hosted by Helga known for her work as a budtender, cannabis

BIG

Photos will be evaluated based on creativity, technical quality, visual/emotional impact, and relevance to cannabis culture.

PRIZES, GLOBAL EXPOSURE

BIG PRIZES, GLOBAL EXPOSURE

Winners in each category will receive $500 USD, while the Grand Prize Winner will walk away with $2,500 USD or a high-end camera—plus the honor of having their work showcased in a traveling global exhibition that will spotlight cannabis-inspired art around the world.

ORGANIZERS LIGHTING THE WAY

LIGHTING THE WAY

ORGANIZERS

The World Cannabis Photo Cup is organized by a passionate collective of international artists and activists, including:

Photos will be evaluated based on creativity, technical quality, visual/emotional impact, and relevance

Winners in each category will receive $500 while the Grand Prize Winner will walk away $2,500 USD or a high-end camera—plus the of having their work showcased in a traveling exhibition that will spotlight cannabis-inspired

» Mariano Escobar & Cintia Alonso (Argentina)

» Carlos Marín (Colombia)

» Cristóbal (Chile)

Their mission is simple yet powerful: break the stigma and elevate cannabis through visual storytelling. Ready to Make History?

Whether you’re shooting a crystalline trichome, a handcrafted glass rig, or the soul of a local cannabis club, the World Cannabis Photo Cup is your chance to capture cannabis culture in its most authentic form— and leave your mark on history.

The World Cannabis Photo Cup is organized passionate collective of international artists Mariano Escobar & Cintia Alonso

Their mission is simple yet powerful: break the and elevate cannabis through visual storytelling.

Follow the journey and stay updated: worldcannabisphotocup.com Instagram: @worldgreenphotocup

Whether you’re shooting a crystalline trichome, handcrafted glass rig, or the soul of a local cannabis club, the World Cannabis Photo Cup is your chance capture cannabis culture in its most authentic

The World Cannabis Photo Cup 2025 invites MEET

(Argentina)

The World Cannabis Photo Cup 2025 invites photographers worldwide to capture the essence of cannabis culture. Submit your best shots across multiple categories and compete for global recognition and cash prizes at Expo Cannabis

MORE THAN A CPA FIRM

If you run a cannabis business in the United States, you already know the federal government treats you diﬀerently. Unlike nearly every other legal industry, cannabis operators can’t deduct the usual business expenses come tax season, thanks to an arcane provision in the IRS tax code: 280E. It’s a roadblock that’s ﬁnancially crushed countless startups, and one that continues to punish those with the audacity to follow state law, serve their communities, and pursue the American Dream.

But there’s a ﬁrm in Minnesota quietly changing the game.

Morem & Waller CPAs, a boutique financial strategy firm rooted in the wellness space, has become a lifeline for cannabis entrepreneurs caught in the crosshairs of compliance. With one foot in the medspa and wellness sectors and the other firmly planted in cannabis, this isn’t your typical group of number crunchers. They’re strategic allies with a passion for guiding ethical, plant-forward businesses through some of the toughest regulatory terrain out there.

WORLD-CLASS

powerhouse lineup of photographers and cultural

hosted by Helga Bucher, budtender, cannabis cup

on creativity, technical impact, and relevance to

EXPOSURE

will receive $500 USD, Winner will walk away with camera—plus the honor showcased in a traveling global cannabis-inspired art

THE WAY

Cup is organized by a international artists and Alonso (Argentina)

powerful: break the stigma visual storytelling.

“I’ve been an accountant for over twenty years, and my time in this profession has been incredible,” says Mark R. Waller, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of the ﬁrm’s cannabis division. “I’ve been most passionate about serving the cannabis industry, an industry essential to societal well-being and uniquely positioned to advance social justice through legalization. I’ve been fortunate to travel the country to talk to cannabis business owners about their pain points and their dreams as entrepreneurs in this emerging space. The biggest thing I’ve taken away from those conversations is that cannabis business owners, especially those who own closely-held businesses and particularly those founded on passion for the plant itself, are deeply committed to operating ethically, providing for their families, and supporting their employees. Despite signiﬁcant hurdles like IRS Code 280E and strict regulatory frameworks,

achieving sustained success through thoughtful, proactive ﬁnancial planning is entirely possible.”

That’s where Morem & Waller shines. From fractional CFO services to cash flow forecasting and deepdive tax planning, the firm offers something too few cannabis businesses have had access to: true financial clarity.

A 280E BATTLEFIELD

crystalline trichome, a soul of a local cannabis Photo Cup is your chance to most authentic form—

IRS Code 280E was originally designed to stop drug traffickers from deducting business expenses. But in today’s legalized markets, it’s hitting licensed cannabis operators the hardest—particularly those trying to do it by the book. Without the ability to write off standard costs like rent, salaries, and marketing, many cannabis businesses find themselves overpaying the IRS while running razor-thin margins. The result? A market where compliance can feel like a penalty, and ethical businesses are often the first to fold.

Morem & Waller’s strategy is to ﬂip that dynamic.

Instead of focusing on fear-based accounting, the ﬁrm empowers clients to build rock-solid foundations. Their approach starts with education—helping clients understand what 280E does and doesn’t allow— then moves into tailored planning to maximize legal deductions through cost of goods sold (COGS), entity structuring, and forward-looking projections.

“Financial planning isn’t just about survival,” says Waller. “It’s about realizing that there is a path to proﬁtability, even in cannabis. We help our clients not only stay compliant but build toward something bigger.”

A HUMAN APPROACH TO FINANCIAL STRATEGY

Founded by Betsy Morem and Mark R. Waller, Morem & Waller is known for its approachable, responsive team. Whether it’s helping a cannabis startup tackle

its ﬁrst tax season or crafting advanced strategies for wellness-focused businesses, the ﬁrm leads with relationships. They’ve appeared on platforms like the TSR Grow Podcast, headlined educational webinars, and contributed to The North Bloom to share their insights. In Minnesota’s emerging market, they’re also co-authoring a white paper with Jen Randolph Reise of North Star Cannabis Consulting, focused on longterm operational sustainability.

Waller’s message to the industry is clear: Passion isn’t enough. It has to be paired with a strong ﬁnancial backbone.

“Achieving sustained success through thoughtful, proactive ﬁnancial planning is entirely possible,” he reiterates. “It starts with knowing your numbers. But more importantly, it starts with believing that you— and your business—deserve to succeed.”

In an industry built on resilience, having an ally like Morem & Waller isn’t just an advantage. It’s a revolution in the making.

SOCIAL:

Follow @moremwallercpa on Instagram

Learn more at moremwaller.cpa

For cannabis inquiries: Mark@moremwaller.cpa