November 2025_Looper2

NOVEMBER ISSUE 306 | $9.99

Business by the beach ATEC’s Unusual Approach to Trade Shows. Pg. 26

Disaster-proof your business

Before you pop the champagne on New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to tie up any remaining loose ends with your business.

Pg. 38

Inventory reset Close-Out Strategies That Protect Profit. Pg. 58

God bless texas

The single largest government investment in psychedelics is happening down the road from rodeos, ranches, and rabid football fans. Pg. 70

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NOVEMBER 2025 | ISSUE 306 PUBLISHED BY HEADQUEST INTERNATIONAL LLC

HQ Magazine

President Sandy Caputo

As the industry’s leading publication for over two decades, we want to remind you all that we are more than just another magazine; WE are the nexus of commerce for the counterculture marketplace; headshops, smoke shops, vape shops, adult novelties, and dispensaries. Both publisher and platform, HQ exists to facilitate the continued evolution of a once-marginalized industry now on the cusp of legitimization.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 46

business by the beach

38

DISASTER-PROOF your business

women in cannabis

ATEC’s Unusual Approach to Trade Shows.

Before you pop the champagne on New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to tie up any remaining loose ends with your business.

For Sammie Pyle, cannabis has been a life-changing medicine, and she wants everyone to know about it.

58

70

76

inventory reset

god bless texas

a family tradition

Close-Out Strategies That Protect Profit.

The single largest government investment in psychedelics is happening down the road from rodeos, ranches, and rabid football fans.

How Marcos Hurtado continues a legacy of service with Lambo Industries.

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Expo Spotlight

BUSINESS

BY THE BEACH

ATEC’s Unusual Approach to Trade Shows

I

t was a balmy few days in Cabo San Lucas in August, where roughly 50 members of the smoke shop community, a mix of buyers and vendors, struck deals, built relationships, and caught one hell of a marlin.

But despite the vibes, the setting isn’t the main draw of an Alternative Trade and Event Company. It’s the structure.

With a 50-50 mix of vendors and buyers, ATEC shows are run as a series of meetings, where every buyer meets with each brand representative.

“Instead of having all those people walk by that are mostly consumers at those bigger trade shows, we do all the legwork to make sure you’re put in front of decision makers who are ready to buy your product and have money allocated to do so,” says Toddre Fulmer, operating partner with ATEC. “Our buyers come to the show with a budget, and they try and spread that budget throughout everybody there so that they can automatically make a return on the show.”

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BY M AT T WEEK S

The differences between ATEC and the standard industry schmoozefest are easy to spot: luxurious settings, exclusive guest lists, and highly formalized schedules— but it’s the philosophy behind the concepts that elevates the experience. Fulmer and his crew work to ensure that business is the only thing on the minds of showgoers.

ATEC arranges everything from airport transportation to booking off-site excursions.

“We try to make the show more intimate. That way, people have an easier time talking. At some of the big shows, you can lose somebody when they walk past your booth and never see them again. We make sure you get real time with them.”

A typical ATEC event begins with a Quick Connect, usually over breakfast, where participants mingle before heading to the sit-downs. Due to international laws, vendors send samples directly to buyers ahead of the show. The meetings feature pitches—vendors tote along packaging

materials and set up tables—but they’re primarily about closing deals. Business at ATEC happens at a brisk pace.

“The concept’s not new; we just made it better,” Fulmer says. “It used to be a little unprofessional. We’ve got a strong professional background in hospitality, and we really lean into that. It’s a more formal, professional environment where things were more structured.”

Good Vibrations ATEC’s greatest value comes from a format that fosters relationships. The small conference size encourages deeper connections. Beyond the structured meetings, vendors and buyers can sign up for off-site excursions that include fishing, snorkeling, and parasailing.

To participate, buyers must meet a minimum threshold of store locations or yearly revenue. And younger or lesserknown brands get first dibs on coveted vendor spots.

ATEC’s smaller size means that the same buyers and vendors cannot return over and over again without a break.

“We try and help people who are just starting up to put them in front of decision makers to get them pipelines to where they can start making money,” Fulmer says. “It’s a pretty good deal for them because they just have to show up, and we do all the legwork for them.”

In Cabo, one of the standout newcomers was Chewbies, a recently launched line of enhanced THC gummies that inked a big deal, thanks to the camaraderie and face time they had with retailers.

“Not everything happens in the meetings. Buyers and vendors do business on the side, too,” Fulmer says. “They talk and trade information back and forth. Everybody does business with everyone because we have events, like a cocktail hour, an award dinner, and planned excursions for those who want to participate.”

Inside, Outside USA ATEC runs six to eight shows every year. While many occur at all-inclusive resorts in international destinations such as Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Cabo, a few take place stateside.

On American soil, ATEC shows typically run for two to three days and focus more heavily on regional players.

When preparing shows outside the national borders, organizers include more nationwide buyers.

“The international shows are more laid back. Our shows in the U.S. use the same concept; it’s just more compact,” Fulmer says. “Instead of a resort, we usually hold our shows at a really nice hotel. We’ve gone to places like the Omni in Nashville.”

Even when the destinations lack exotic appeal, the shows’ primary focus stays the same.

“Yes, people have done this kind of show before, but we thought there was room for a more formal, professional environment for our industry, where everything was more structured,” Fulmer says. “That is kind of our goal: to put in front of those buyers, and you don’t have to worry about anything crazy happening, like somebody running off the resort or not showing up to a meeting. We kind of keep everybody together.”

The next international show is slated for Dec. 6-10, once again in Cancun, Mexico.

“The last show was all great.

People told me they made plenty of money. Everybody says they’re coming back,” Fulmer says. “We put it together. All they had to do was show up and make deals.”

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EdQuest

DISASTER-PROOF your business before year-end

BY JA M ES J OH NIVA N

Before you pop the champagne (or, in my case, spark the bowl) on New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to tie up any remaining loose ends with your business.

Unfinished tasks could cost you thousands if left dangling for too long, so start the New Year off right by taking care of any unresolved issues before January 1st.

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Inventory Reality Check Whether you typically take inventory quarterly, yearly, or sporadically, it’s always useful to make some time before the end of the year for a quick inventory reality check. Start by auditing slow-movers and bestsellers—you don’t want to rely on your memory here.

Next, flag anything that is expired, seasonal, or otherwise unsellable. There’s no need for these products to take up space on your shelves and counters if you can’t do anything with them.

You can also use this time to begin preparing for January returns or drafting credit requests for vendors. Taking care of these tasks at the end of the year can help your entire team ease back into the workplace following their New Year celebrations.

The end of the year is a great time to review your insurance coverage, too. Not only do you want to renew your policy in time, if necessary, but you’ll want to report any significant changes in your business, such as revenue or headcount, to ensure that your premiums are up-todate. If you carry items like THCA, D9, or other hempderived cannabinoids, it’s also important to ensure that you’re covered in case of a seizure.

Don’t forget to double-check any applicable licenses you may have. This includes local and state credentials, cannabis resale licenses for dispensaries, retail tobacco licenses for vapes, and others. Failure to renew these documents could result in fines and, in some cases, more serious legal repercussions.

“If you think compliance is expensive, try non-compliance.”

— Paul McNulty, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General

End-of-Year Staffing Moves Take some time to review employees’ hours, responsibilities, and holiday schedules. If possible, let go of problem employees before the holiday rush. Issues with attendance, attitude, and quality of work will only get worse during the chaos of Christmas and the New Year, so it’s best to nip these problems in the bud sooner rather than later.

Consider distributing year-end bonuses or gift cards as a way of rewarding your most loyal employees. Even a small token of gratitude can have a big impact on the morale of your staff—especially at this time of year.

Digital Hygiene You can use the end of the year to improve your digital hygiene, too. Start by backing up your point-of-sale (POS) system, especially if you haven’t done so in a while. If your data does become corrupted, you’ll be able to restore the data from this backup in a quick and efficient manner.

Since you’re already focused on your POS system, it’s a good idea to begin exporting data—such as customer lists and sales figures—to begin planning your Q1 strategy.

Taking care of these tasks now gives you a head start once you do enter the planning phase.

Make sure to change any system passwords and remove any user accounts that are no longer needed. For best results, use strong passwords that contain a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

“ 15-Minute Fire Drill” Checklist Here’s a list of five quick wins you can knock out whenever you have some unexpected downtime at the store. Taking care of smaller, self-contained tasks like these can help pass the time while making progress toward your end-of-year goals.

Re-Merchandise a Small Display: Rotate trending products in, such as fresh strains, best-selling vape flavors, or the newest glass pieces. A quick refresh makes the shop feel new and can help boost impulse buys.

Update Signage & Price Tags: Double-check product labels, deals, and signage to ensure everything is accurate and up-to-date.

Tidy Up the “High-Touch” Areas: Wipe down counters, glass cases, and demo products. Smudge-free glass makes the store look cleaner, while organized shelves can help shoppers find the products they need.

Prepare for Upselling: Identify several different products to recommend with common purchases (e.g., papers for flower purchases, coils for vapes, or bangers for dabs). Share quick talking points with staff so everyone can pitch addons and upsell as smoothly as possible.

Refresh Your Product Knowledge: Spend a few minutes reviewing a new strain, accessory, or brand. Then, share any new information with your staff so everyone can answer questions when asked.

“Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology; it’s also about processes, people, and governance.” – Intelligence and National Security Executive, Washington, D.C. Continued on pg. 40 NOV EMBER 20 25

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Physical Security Gaps Finally, you’ll want to address any physical security gaps you may have. Test your alarm system and ensure all cameras are in working order. If you’re worried about holiday break-ins, consider implementing timed lighting or motion sensors to deter would-be thieves.

If your cash handling isn’t tight already, now is the time to fix it. Resolving these issues ahead of time will help you minimize headaches and maximize revenue during the holiday rush.

Start Your Countdown Early You don’t have to wait until December 31st to start your countdown to the New Year. Use these few remaining weeks to analyze your business operations, address any unresolved issues, and begin planning for the year ahead.

Once the daily grind resumes in early January, you—and your staff—will be happy that you did.

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Women in Cannabis

WOMEN in cannAbis

BY E M I LY LONG

F

or Sammie Pyle, cannabis has been a life-changing medicine, and she wants everyone to know about it. A registered nurse with a background in critical care and travel nursing, Sammie became a frontline healthcare worker in 2020, working in COVID ICUs across the country. As a result of that work, she was diagnosed with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and insomnia. “The doctor wanted to give me a lot of prescriptions, but I already felt numb,” she says. “I needed something to bring me back to myself. So I chose a different path: the cannabis route.”

As a registered nurse, cannabis can be a tricky and controversial subject, but Sammie needed to put her own health first. “Our healthcare system is keeping us sick—we know that,” she says. “I needed to put my health above that.” As a long-time cannabis believer, Sammie dove headfirst into the world of medical cannabis, learning all about the endocannabinoid system and how different cannabinoids interact with the brain. “The more I learned, the more I healed, and the more I realized I had to talk about it,” Sammie says.

Now, she works with patients to bridge the gap between the doctor and the dispensary. She teaches a Cannabis 101 class in-person across her home state of Missouri, and she also offers it virtually. She’s distilled some of that knowledge into a booklet called “A Quick Guide to Medical Cannabis”, which is available to download on her website. “I’ve led groups at retirement communities, schools, and head shops,” Sammie says.

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Now, she’s focusing on educating other nurses, helping them break the stigma around medical cannabis use and best advocate for their patients. “We’re the ones at the bedside, actually dealing with the patients,” she says. “All you’re doing is educating [them] on an available medicine.”

At work at a Level 1 trauma center, Sammie’s coworkers come to her with questions, and she loves being able to educate other medical professionals about the resources available to them. She wants nurses to know that there are organizations offering support, like the American Cannabis Nurse Association, which offers legal support, as well as the Cannabis Nurse Network and the Society for Cannabis Clinicians, to name a few. “There are foundations laid for you to be protected as you support patients,” Sammie says to her fellow nurses. “There’s a place for us in this industry.”

To counteract some of the stigma and clear up misconceptions about cannabis as medicine, Sammie makes a point to refer to the plant by its proper scientific name. It’s been challenging to reach some patients, especially older ones, but often, Sammie says, “They’re the ones who need it most. It’s been challenging, but I love the challenges and breaking barriers.”

Sammie also teaches cannabis education classes specifically geared for women dealing with hormonal issues and pregnancy. “As a woman going through hormonal changes myself, there is so much we can connect on,” she says. Speaking of women in cannabis, Sammie serves as the Health and Wellness chair and sits on the Board of Directors for We Are Jaine, a Missouri-based organization that supports women in the cannabis industry throughout the state. With We Are Jaine, Sammie has led events across Missouri to support health and wellness. “We Are Jaine is focused on social equality and how we can support each other,” Sammie explains. “Business owners, moms, budtenders, nurses... we want everyone to be supported.”

As if Sammie isn’t busy enough with her nursing job and educational work at Nursing Nature’s Way, she’s also working on some exciting projects right now. From collaborating with a Springfield-based company that offers cannabis DNA testing to help with dosing to leading cannabis education initiatives in the Caribbean through the Bermuda Cannabis Association, Sammie is equally passionate as a student and an educator, always seeking to learn more and share that knowledge with people who might benefit from it.

Continued on pg. 48

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People have asked her if she wants to start her own line of cannabis products, and Sammie just laughs. “There are so many amazing products already out there—I don’t need to have my own,” she says. One of her favorites is Healer CBD, which not only offers a phenomenal suite of products but also has the research backing to support them. “They have a dementia regimen that has had amazing results with dementia patients,” she shares.

As Sammie talks about the endocannabinoid system and the medical basis for cannabis use, her eyes light up. “We have this whole system built into our bodies that supports us healing!” she says, and her excitement is genuine. She encourages the industry to keep medical at the forefront and continue to push for legalization, which is necessary to get even more research.

When asked where she wants to see the cannabis industry move, Sammie says more education is the baseline. “Cannabis works better when you’re educated about it,” she says. Her own cannabis journey has been incredibly empowering, and she wants other patients to have access to that same autonomy and empowerment.

“One of the beautiful things about [cannabis] medicine is it gives you power back over your body,” she says. “I want my patients to understand that it gives them control back over their health. It’s not just a pill you have to take for the rest of your life. With cannabis, you have options for different medicine, different ways to take it, and different ways to learn to listen to your body better.”

You can connect with Sammie on Instagram @cannabisnursesammie and check out her website at nursingnaturesway.com.

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EdQuest

INVENTORY RESET Close-Out Strategies That Protect Profit

BY K A R EN M A I N A

R

etailers may feel like they are working overtime in December. You have to deal with inventory taxes, holiday shoppers, and cleaning out shelves for the new year. However, the right strategies can help you turn dead stock into cash flow, protect your profits, and prepare for 2026.

This guide offers tested tactics to help you do that.

Clarity of What Needs to Go Before you can clear shelves strategically, you’ve got to know which products are weighing you down. Not every slowmover is worth pushing; there are items that are eating space and tying up capital. Here are the top culprits to target: Trendy SKUs that lost their buzz In retail, trends are always coming up, but most don’t last. Remember the kratom strains that were “hot” last spring but now sit untouched? They’re not expired, but the hype cycle moved on.

Seasonal flavors and gimmicks Pumpkin-spice gummies, peppermint CBD tinctures, or holiday-themed pre-roll packs might have sold in November, but come January, they will be clutter on your shelves. These SKUs have built-in expiration dates tied to the season.

Broken case packs and discontinued strains You know that half-empty box of limited-edition disposables or the discontinued CBD chocolate bar flavor nobody seems to buy anymore? Yes, you do. These are taking up prime display space, and the holidays are a great time to clear them out.

Holiday shoppers often love stumbling across quirky “last chance” finds, which makes moving oddballs feel less like a clearance.

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Smart Close-Out Tactics (That Don’t Look Like Fire Sales) Slashing prices across the board screams, “We’re stuck with junk.” The best strategy is to sell slowmovers quietly, creatively, and profitably. So how can you do that this holiday season?

Turn Close-Outs Into Events The psychology here is simple: when shoppers see inventory tied to events, they don’t think “clearance bin.” They think “limited edition.” That framing not only protects your margins but also makes customers eager to return for the next drop.

Try these retailer-tested plays:

“Buy This, Get That” Bundles Pair underperforming products with top sellers so both move in one shot.

For example, pair the seasonal hemp gummies with your best-selling CBD tincture or an overstocked kratom SKU added to a popular wellness kit.

Shoppers see bundles as added value as opposed to suspicious discounts.

“12 Days of Close-Outs” Countdown “On the 10th day of Christmas, my smokeshop gave to me…” Borrow from the holiday playbook and drop one surprise deal a day leading up to Christmas or New Year’s. It could be anything from discontinued SKUs to overstayed seasonal stock. Shoppers start checking in daily (online or in-store), and you build consistent traffic while moving inventory you’d otherwise mark down in bulk.

The “Mystery Bag” Gambit Turn dead stock into an experience. Prepack a variety of “mystery” slow-moving items into plain bags or boxes, sell them at a flat rate, and let curiosity do the rest.

Customers love the surprise factor, and you will empty your back room fast.

Bonus: the “treasure hunt” feel might keep them coming back for more.

New Year’s Resolution Tie-In It’s almost that time of the year that comes with the promise of a fresh start! Bundle detox teas, fitness accessories, mood enhancers, or wellness products from your stale stock and market them as “Resolution Kickstarters.” Not only does this reposition old items as timely, but it also taps into shoppers’ natural January optimism.

Secret Menu Sales (QR-only) This tactic works especially well for younger, mobile-first customers.

Hide close-outs behind a QR code at checkout or on your website. Shoppers who scan unlock “hidden” deals, while your regular shelf stays clean and premium.

Employee-Only Pop-Up Sale Before discounting to the public, offer old stock to staff or VIP loyalty members.

Employees feel rewarded, VIPs feel like insiders, and you generate fast cash while clearing space. It’s a win-win: you boost morale for your team, build a feeling of exclusivity for your best customers, and get clear shelves for yourself.

When done right, these strategies allow shelf-life management. You move what’s about to expire (whether in actual date or customer attention) while maximizing value.

Instagram Story Flash Sales It is possible to make close-out sales exciting, and lightning deals on social channels are a simple way to do it. Run a 24-hour story-only flash sale, with a “Swipe Up to Buy” option, to create urgency and exclusivity.

“When shoppers see inventory tied to events, they don’t think “clearance bin.” They think “limited edition.” That framing not only protects your margins but also makes customers eager to return for the next drop.

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Mistakes to Avoid When Clearing Inventory Ineffective close-out tactics can reduce revenue and harm your company’s reputation. Steer clear of these typical traps to maintain your profitability and brand strength:

You need your end-of-year sales to clear your shelves profitably. Tracking the right numbers helps you know if your strategy is working or if you’re giving margin away.

Keep an eye on these four metrics:

Publicly Discounting Your Bestsellers Never mark down your heroes. Slashing prices on top-performing hemp or cannabis products trains customers to expect discounts and to hold off on paying full price.

Retail pros call this “bad buying behavior,” and it can crush long-term margins. Focus your closeout strategy on slow-movers, discontinued SKUs, and items with shelf-life issues, not your stars.

Turnover Rate How quickly are you moving slow stock once markdowns start? The faster your turnover, the better your shelf-life management and the more room for new inventory.

Clearing too Much at Once As the end of the year inches closer, you may feel the urge to do a massive clearance event.

However, flooding your shelves or website with markdowns screams desperation and overwhelms customers.

Instead, stagger your end-of-year sales. Smaller, focused promotions create urgency, protect average transaction value, and keep the buying experience simple.

Impact of Basket Size Do close-out items increase or decrease your average ticket size? By combining stale products with top sellers, mystery bags and bundles should increase the value of the basket.

Using Aggressive Language Your messaging is key. When you use labels like “Clearance,” “Liquidation,” or “Everything Must Go,” they scream panic.

Make Margin, Clear Space, Own 2026

A smarter approach would be to frame offers around exclusivity (“Last Chance Finds”), seasonality (“End-of-Year Specials”), or forward momentum (“Get ready for 2026”).

The right copy moves stock without making your brand seem distressed.

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Close-Out Metrics That Matter

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Average Percentage of Markdown High discounts result in a lost margin. Instead of panic-driven fire-sale prices, aim for controlled markdowns between 15 and 30 percent.

Staff Hours on Markdown Handling Close-outs cost labor, too. Track the time spent tagging, repacking, and restocking.

Closing out the year can be calm and chaos-free. Treat your end-of-year sales like a power move, not a panic button.

Done right, you’ll finish strong in Q4, free up cash flow, and make room for the products that will define 2026.

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HeadSpace

GOD BLESS

TEXAS

The single largest government investment in psychedelics is happening down the road from rodeos, ranches, and rabid football fans. Welcome to Texas, where ibogaine research is a public good.

BY M AT T WEEK S

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They say everything is bigger in Texas..

When it comes to psychedelics research, that’s true. Thanks to a $16 billion budget surplus and a couple of persuasive advocates, the state has committed $50 million toward establishing an Ibogaine Research Center that will investigate how the drug can benefit mental and physical illnesses.

It’s the first step toward bringing the powerful psychotropic into the vaunted realm of accepted medicine. Through the investment, Texas hopes to defray the medical and societal costs that stem from addiction and trauma, and in the process figure out exactly how ibogaine affects such startling changes.

“Ibogaine is the most sophisticated molecule on the planet,” says Bryan Hubbard, CEO of Americans of Ibogaine and the architect of the Texas legislation. “Its capacity to produce regenerative effects on the brain is just now beginning to be understood, but science has recognized that they are profound. When you combine what it can do to resolve physiological substance dependency with what it can do to treat and heal traumatic brain injury — something that there’s nothing that exists to adequately address—we’re looking at a monumental opportunity to create some broadbased medical advancement for conditions that are stubbornly unresponsive to conventional synthetic pharmacology.”

While people in Gabon have used it for centuries, ibogaine has been resistant to Western acceptance because of its propensity to cause heart troubles and produce trips that last upwards of 30 hours. To combat these issues, medical workers in European and South American clinics outfit ibogaine patients with magnesium drips and heart monitors and encourage them to spend time mentally preparing themselves for the “work” that comes with an ibogaine experience.

Proponents point to these clinics as the way forward.

In ibogaine, they see a wonder drug that dismantles addictions, tamps down PTSD, and heals traumatic brain injuries. Research out of Stanford University showed that a single ibogaine trip can reduce PTSD, depression, and anxiety in over 80 percent of users.

Research out of Stanford University showed that a single ibogaine trip can reduce PTSD, depression, and anxiety in over 80 percent of users.

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But Why Texas?

The Lone Star State seems like an unlikely launch point for ibogaine’s mainstream acceptance. The Texas Ibogaine Initiative feels like a combination of everything conservatives find suspicious: it’s pro-science, progovernment, pro-drug, and pro-mental health. But Hubbard, a longtime Republican from Kentucky, knows his audience.

He pitched the Ibogaine Initiative as a way for the state to save money and support veterans through what he refers to as “God’s medicine.”

“I attribute the success to the unique nature of ibogaine,” Hubbard said. “You have a state that is very conservative, that is religious. And you have with ibogaine a very serious medication that can only be properly delivered in a clinically controlled medical setting. It does not come to the table with 1960s countercultural baggage. According to the individuals who are able to speak to its legitimacy, it has not only resolved physiological issues related to addiction and trauma, but it has spoken to their nature as a spiritual being who is more than just the material composition of our biology. That latter point has found broad-based resonance in Texas.”

But it was the veteran angle that moved former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who served as Trump’s first Transportation Secretary, to join the cause. After meeting with servicemen who’d found success with the drug, Perry flew south to take the treatment himself. The experience changed him, and he publicly dedicated his life to its advocacy. Central to that work is removing the substance from the Schedule I list.

Speaking alongside Hubbard on the Joe Rogan Experience, Perry said: “There’s a host of countries around the world that allow for ibogaine to be used for clinical trials and for medical purposes. Yet we’re sitting here with 20-plus veterans a day killing themselves, yet we have a compound that the data shows, when used and appropriately overseen, can absolutely change lives and save lives. And for me to be able to know that and then still see the government say, ‘No. We’re not interested.’ It’s really frustrating.”

First Texas, Then the Country The Texas Ibogaine Center may be the first high-dollar public investment in ibogaine, but it certainly won’t be the last. Hubbard is spearheading similar initiatives in six other states, with more to come. But his recent success doesn’t guarantee a smooth path forward.

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“The support for this is bipartisan, so the opposition is also going to be bipartisan,” Hubbard said. “The opposition is funded primarily by the opioid maintenance industry. That is one of the actors that monetizes sustained human misery and has no interest in the development of an alternative that could substantially impact their bottom line. The people who made the opioid epidemic are the people who also make its treatments. The companies that made OxyContin and all the others also make the treatment for them. And the politicians that are owned by those companies are the ones that will use their voice to oppose this.”

Even so, ibogaine has found plenty of supporters, such as Clayton Smith, a Silicon Valley executive and former U.S. Army infantry captain. After using ibogaine to treat his traumatic brain injury and PTSD, Smith became convinced he needed to share the experience with other veterans, so he partnered with the Mexican ibogaine clinic Beond to provide free services to veterans and their spouses.

“What Texas is doing is groundbreaking, and it’s incredible, and it’s so important—however, this medicine is not an antidepressant that you can take in a sterile laboratory. The experience is what makes this medicine as successful as it is. What we’re trying to do is to show the most efficacious therapeutic protocol, so that when Texas finally gets into clinical trials, we can show that this is how to maximize the benefits,” he said. “It’s not having people in a V.A. hospital with sterile white lab coats and who just walk in and give you some capsules and expect a miracle. It doesn’t work that way. You have to do the work, and that’s what the program we’re building is doing.”

Smith’s program, Beond Service, operates a nine-week course that spans work before and after the treatment in Mexico. It includes workshops, meditation, journaling, group therapy, and video lessons to help participants get the most from the experience.

“You don’t do this journey because someone else tells you that you have to. You have to want to do this work,” Smith said. “I’m a firm believer that the medicine meets you where you are, so if you’re willing to put 100% in, it’ll give you 100%. If you’re willing to put 10% in, it’ll give 10% back.

It’s really important for people to know it’s not a magic pill.

That’s what I say on every discovery call. It isn’t a chance to just take some capsules and see what happens. This is serious medicine.”

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Heads of Industry

AMEETS Family Tradition THE MODERN MARKET How Marcos Hurtado continues a legacy of service with Lambo Industries

BY JIM MY WOH L

W

“We are enjoying the business; it’s very tough. We work maybe 12 hours a day. Welcome to Lambo Wholesale!”

Marcos is from Puerto Rico, and his family is Cuban and Spanish. His father’s family in Spain farmed tobacco. For 170 years, they would grow the plant, roll it, and cut it into bushels with a saw.

Lambo is a business that’s riding the wave of growing demand in products like vape devices, e-liquids, disposable vapes, CBD, Delta products, kratom, glassware, supplements, and smoking accessories. Marcos’ company has over 20,000 SKUs, and it’s growing.

hat does it mean to do what you love—and what your father’s father’s father did to make a living?

That’s what Marcos Hurtado feels every day when he wakes up early to get to Harwin Drive in Houston, to run Lambo Industries.

“We’d put them into bags, a ‘chicken box’, to sell,” he says. The skills were passed down from generation to generation, and when Marcos was young, he got to experience this kind of work.

“I got this influence from my dad. We have this industry in our bloodstream.” And while the products may have evolved, the spirit of hard work and entrepreneurship has remained strong.

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Riding High in Houston

“We are doing really well, and we are creating different brands. After years of doing productions for other companies in many countries, I am now swimming like a fish in a tank because we’re doing things ourselves, and we’re enjoying it a lot.”

Lambo is in a competitive industry, but Marcos feels confident. In fact, he has started a brand called Underdog.

It reflects the spirit of their company, coming from behind to take the lead in a growing field. On Harwin Drive, which is nicknamed The Mahatma Gandhi District (it’s mostly populated by people from India and Pakistan), Marcos is the only Latin-run wholesaler. But he loves the entrepreneurial vibe there and is popular among his neighbors.

Marcos is also proud of his robust inventory, and particularly excited about his line of daiquiri machines and drinks.

“THCA drinks are the bestseller by now, we’re selling so many palettes. Flower is a hot seller too. We’re also selling daiquiris, many different types of potencies and flavors.”

He beamed when describing his bestselling offering.

“We sell a daiquiri machine as a combo. It comes with 12 jugs [each jug is half a gallon of syrup]. The machine is made in the USA, and it pays for itself. The cost of the machine is relatively cheap, and the profit for them is 80%.”

The business is getting bigger every month. Whether it’s flower, gummies, or accessories, Marcos has to hustle to keep everything in stock.

A Strong, Paternal Presence in a Perilous Time Marcos has a Tevya-in-Fiddler-on-the-Roof build that exudes authority. His whole family works with him—wife, sons, and in-laws. And his interest in the industry is also about making people’s lives better.

“Younger people, over 21, are moving away from alcohol, wanting to avoid that hangover, and enjoy products that elevate them without crashing them.”

But these good intentions and flush times come with a hint of danger.

“Before, it was super easy to work in Texas. But now key people in the government are making trouble because they have a lot of support from the alcohol business. The state legislature passed a bill spearheaded by the Lt. Governor, which would push out our industry. But, fortunately, the governor, Greg Abbot, vetoed it. He [Abbot] knows this is an $8 billion-a-year industry. Ending it would cause a lot of difficulty in the economy.”

“We are doing really well, and we are creating different brands.

After years of doing productions for other companies in many countries, I am now swimming like a fish in a tank because we’re doing things ourselves, and we’re enjoying it a lot.”

Still, it’s a perilous regulatory environment they’re being forced to contend with, and every day he feels like he’s going into battle, trying to keep his business moving forward while staying on the right side of the law.

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A Personal Connection His interest in the industry also hits close to home.

Marcos’ 84-year-old mother-in-law is battling cancer. “She had surgery for one of her breasts, she was on her bed for maybe 3 months, without an appetite. Then I gave her a gummy. After a few hours, she was in front of the fridge looking for food. She now microdoses and recommends gummies to everyone.”

Marcos sees this as a bigger-picture issue, that cannabis products are part of a new, better regime for wellness. His experience with his mother-in-law has been inspiring.

“My mother-in-law tried all sorts of pharma and felt bad, depressed. Now she’s so happy, she has more energy than me. She offers this to all her friends. This segment is growing because people are tired of heavy drugs and switching to gummies or something to smoke. Even trying mushrooms. We have several types of mushrooms that are selling well, like Amanita and Lion’s Mane. A lot of people prefer them instead of pharmaceuticals.”

Big Ambitions and Bigger Moves “My dream is to go nationwide. We are going to every trade show right now and getting great reception from all our customers. With our brand, Underdogs, we were underestimated by our competitors, and we are trying to become one of the best companies in this industry throughout the whole U.S. Every day we’re facing new opportunities and taking the good ones.”

About Us:

So, why Lambo?

“We give the customer A+ service. We have our own brands. The majority of people have other people’s brands; we are one of the first to have distribution with our own brands. If people want to open a new shop, they come to Lambo.”

And when they arrive, they get the kind of service and pride in quality that Marcos and his family have always given their customers—for generations.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale, a retailer sourcing the next big product, or an investor searching for emerging trends, MJBizCon is the definitive B2B cannabis conference and expo. With 1,000+ exhibitors, 100+ industry speakers, and 20,000+ cannabis professionals in attendance, this is where innovation meets opportunity — all under one roof in Las Vegas.

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MAR 31 - APR 2, 2026

SEE IT. SAMPLE IT. ORDER IT. Discover the vape, tobacco, and alternative products your customers crave. TPE delivers: Trendsetting product launches New vendor connections Show-only deals that move the needle

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Quest for Best

N OVE MBE R

PRODUCTSPOTLIGHT THE TEMPEST

ON7 Kratom by Occurs Naturally

Have you ever called a pipe sexy? If not, we’ve got a first for you: Meet The Tempest from High Artifact.

This precision-crafted piece takes a familiar ritual and upgrades it with design that’s equal parts engineering and polish. Its two-part magnetic body snaps together with a quiet authority, revealing a labyrinth beneath the bowl that cools and filters every hit. Add in titanium filters, and you’ve got a piece that handles both flower and concentrates with smooth, clean pulls that don’t torch your throat.

Kratom has been the wild west for a long time. Lots of vendors, lots of claims, not a lot of transparency. ON7 from Occurs Naturally is aiming to change that.

Function aside, The Tempest is built for the long haul. It comes apart in seconds, cleans easily, and feels solid in the hand. This is daily-driver durability wrapped in showme-off looks.

But here’s where ON7 really separates itself from the noise: Every batch is third-party lab tested with Certificates of Analysis to ensure everything is batchspecific and verifiable. That means you don’t have to play detective or gamble on whether what’s in the bag matches what’s on the label.

The Tempest doesn’t scream stoner gear, it’s the kind of piece you leave out intentionally – refined without being fragile, minimal without being boring. The Tempest cuts through the disposable hype with craftsmanship that is built to last.

Find it at: HighArtifact.com

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The line is simple and smart: Relief. Energy. Focus.

No “unicorn blends” or “magical miracle” hype – just straightforward formulations designed to do what the label says. Each option is crafted around natural kratom alkaloids, giving consumers a clear, reliable way to incorporate kratom into their routine.

Production is GMP-certified, sourcing is ethical and sustainable, and the product is 100 percent pure Mitragyna Speciosa – no fillers, no enhancers, and no additives. What you see is what you get.

Check it out: Occurs Naturally | OccursNaturally.com

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BLAZY SUSAN PINK ROLLING PAPERS These papers are on fire! Flying off shelves thanks to TikTok, these pink rolling papers in the classic 1 ¼” size are more than just hype. Crafted from ultra-thin, fine French paper, these papers burn slowly, smoothly, and evenly, letting the herb do the heavy lifting.

Proudly vegan, non-GMO, and chlorine-free, the Blazy Susan Pink Rolling Papers check all the boxes for clean, conscious consumption. And that signature pink hue is fun!

With fifty leaves per booklet (nearly double the industry standard), these papers hit the sweet spot for consumers who want quality, consistency, and a little flair.

Blazy Susan isn’t just tossing color at your smoking ritual. Their line expands into filter tips, pre-rolled cones, and bundle packs, meaning you can mix, match, and stack experiences like a pro. Each product feels premium without the pretension, designed for smokers who care about quality as much as they care about style.

Find them at: BlazySusan.com

SWIVEL HEMP INFUSED FLAVOR DROPS Dial in your buzz sip-by-sip with these portable, microdoseable, hemp-infused beverage enhancers from Swivel. Each squeeze delivers 5mg of hemp-derived THC with zero sugar, less than 100 calories, and no hangover – letting you finetune your experience exactly how you want it, without the guesswork, and down to the last drop.

These little flavor bombs are not about blasting you off; it’s more about fun and enhancing the everyday – crafted to be flavor-forward by beverage aficionados.

They’re the guilt-free way to sip your way to a better buzz.

Want to sneak a subtle squeeze into your sparkling water at brunch? Go for it.

Feeling fancy with a tiki cocktail at sunset? Easy. Swivel lets you fine-tune your vibe like a mixologist for your mood with effects noticeable in 20 minutes or less.

Swivel isn’t here to knock you on your ass; it’s here to enhance your drink and your mood. A squeeze here, a sip there, and you can have precisely the right amount of fun.

Check it out at: drinkswivel.com Continued on pg. 84

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Puffco Pivot Mobile Vaporizer For concentrate enthusiasts, there’s nothing worse than leaving flavor, vapor, and performance at home. Enter the Puffco Pivot Mobile Vaporizer, a pen-sized powerhouse that proves premium dabbing doesn’t have to be stationary.

Puffco has clearly put some brainpower into this one.

The quick-release 3D Chamber heats concentrates from the sidewalls, preserving terpenes and cannabinoids for rich flavor and dense vapor – think of it as a miniature flavor lab in your pocket. The real-time temperature control ensures your hits are consistently smooth, while four heat settings let you dial in the perfect experience.

Whether you’re chasing flavor, clouds, or full-bodied hits, the Pivot adapts. And Puffco didn’t skimp on practicality: extended battery life delivers up to 15 dabs per charge, and fast USB-C charging means you’re back in business quickly.

The light bar dab timer is a surprisingly brilliant touch; an instant visual cue for perfect draws every time. And the discreet, pen-sized form factor keeps it portable without compromising performance. It’s a tool that slips into your pocket as easily as your keys but delivers a concentrated experience that punches well above its size.

Hit it at: puffco.com

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Arvida Labs

28-29

The Meta Group

36

WRS Agency

65

Black Ball Corporation

49

Mikes Worldwide

54

Zig Zag / TPBI

8-9

BUDZBURN

37

MJBiz

68, 78

Zydot

84

CaliKulture

44-45 80-81

Not Ya Son’s Weed

41, 73

Formula 420

62-63

Orange Chronic

48

Got Vape

32,85

Organabus

52

The Goat Strip

40

Party Nuts

14-15 53

The Grow Room

12

Phresh Picks

6-7

Headway Designs

33

Pressure Smoke & Vape

56

High Forest Releaf

67

PT Bags

3

High Voltage

64

Serious Monkey Bizzness

55

Smoke Show Labs

18-19

HUSH

10-11

Hydroxie

30-31

88

Magazine

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