ALT PRO EXPO RETURNS TO COLOMBIA!
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FUTURE HEMP LEGISLATION: Florida in the spotlight!
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THE FUTURE OF SMOKE SHOPS: Navigating regulatory changes
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THRIVE IN THE INDUSTRY: The power of trade shows for retailers
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There are two bills in the Florida Legislature (SB1676 & HB1475) that would effectively give big mairjuana companies a monopoly for the manufacture and sale of all marijuana and hemp products. The bills were initially filed with 0.5mg per serving and 2mg per package THC limits, while exempting all of the medical cannabis dispensaries from the same regulations. You see, most consumable hemp products contain THC. One of the most famous hemp companies Charlotte’s Web CBD just inked a $30 million deal with Major
This is very important because THC naturally occurs in the plant and is one of the reasons so many people find relief with hemp products.
Cooler heads and common sense prevailed in the Georgia Legislature when a similar attempt to consolidate and monopolize the hemp industry was thwarted. In a David vs. multiple Goliath’s story, the hemp industry fought back against large international and corporate interests. Small businesses and farmers won the day in the final hour of the
There are two bills in the Florida Legislature (SB1676 & HB1475) that would effectively give big mairjuana companies a monopoly for the manufacture and sale of all marijuana and hemp products.
League Baseball and one of their most popular products contains 2.16mg/ml of Delta9 THC in a 100ml bottle. That’s 216mg of THC in the entire bottle, and the MLB isn’t asking them to completely reformulate one of their best selling products. The Federal Government defined hemp as Delta9 THC below 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
legislative session. Two bills, combined into one mammoth piece of legislation, would have upended the entire Georgia medical cannabis program and created a monopoly for a few chosen ones. The legislation would have given the Agriculture Commissioner the power to anoint a chosen few to become Georgia’s wealthiest marijuana purveyors.
In an equally catastrophic consequence, the legislation would have also granted a market advantage to a select few in the hemp industry, causing small hemp businesses to crumble under the increased pressure of regulation and compliance. During legislative session, the Georgia Healthy Alternatives Association (GHAA) worked diligently with lawmakers, staff, and stakeholders to highlight the obvious and sometimes not-soobvious consequences of similar language introduced early on in session.
“I look at a bill like this [and] I wonder how we go back to our constituents and say we had it on our desk, a major major bill we had less than 30 minutes to even look at, that’s not gone through the committee process. How can we say that to our people who trust us to make wise decisions and to rush into something like this.”
- Sen. Marty HarbinIf ever there was a time to be a proud small business owner in the state of Georgia, it was near midnight on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
“Our small business membership was caught flat footed at the beginning of session considering they have been operating their federally-legal businesses for a decade. Many of our members started their businesses 10 years ago following the original adoption of legal international hemp importation in the 2014 Farm Bill, and many more began their business ventures 5 years ago once the clear definition of hemp was provided in the 2018 Farm Bill and the Federal Controlled Substances Act [CSA] was amended. The 2018 Farm Bill amended the CSA’s definition of “tetrahydrocannabinols” to exclude “tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp”
- Zachary Daye President of the GHAA said.
“Small companies have been responsible for all of the net job growth in the U.S. since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and account for almost four out of five available job openings, according to a Wall Street Journal review of labor data and an analysis by Jefferies.”
- Wall Street Journal Jan. 25, 2023
Georgia legislators recognized that the colossal bill had not been thoroughly vetted within their deliberative committee process and did the right thing.
“We heard testimony; Let’s talk specifically on the hemp piece, there are small businesses out there that we are about to put out of business if we pass this.”
- Sen. Matt Brass
“What we’re doing by concentrating in the Agriculture Commissioner the power as this proposal would suggest that we do is, we would take an Agricultural Commissioner which is an important state wide position and we would create incentives for the marijuana industry to put their person in that job.”
- Sen. Ed Setzler
The Georgia Legislature voted to support the American dream against outside interests and saved an industry of hard-working individuals.
The Florida Healthy Alternatives Association stands steadfast alongside our sister association in Georgia, ready to defend our community which is currently under attack in the Sunshine State. Our small businesses, our consumers, our friends, and our family members all depend on these products and would like to see us stay in business.
Author: JD McCormick, President of American Healthy Alternatives Association
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing smoke shop industry, retailers face the urgent challenge of staying compliant with regulatory changes while simultaneously adapting to evolving customer demands. This delicate balancing act is crucial for the success of smoke shops, as regulations related to vaping, legal hemp-derived cannabinoids, and other products can significantly impact businesses.
By attending these trade shows, retailers can network with industry leaders and experts, learn about the latest products and trends, and gain valuable insights into how to improve their businesses. This knowledge can help them make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition, ultimately leading to increased profitability and long-term success.
Regulatory compliance plays a pivotal role in the success of smoke shops, and staying abreast of these changes is more important than ever.
Changes in laws and regulations can have farreaching implications for businesses, affecting product offerings, marketing strategies, and even customer preferences. From the 2018 Farm Bill to the banning of Juul products and more, the pendulum of regulations is constantly swinging.
Not staying current on regulatory changes can lead to significant consequences, making it crucial for smoke shop merchants to be proactive.
Attending industry trade shows can offer valuable insights into the latest regulations and their impact on the industry. These events often include seminars and workshops led by experts, providing attendees with current information and best practices for managing compliance and risk.
Customer preferences are constantly in flux, and smoke shop retailers must be agile and adaptive to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding the latest trends and meeting customer demands is vital for maintaining a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving industry, as lagging behind can result in lost customers and declining revenue.
Trade shows offer smoke shop retailers a unique opportunity to connect with industry experts, customers, and other retailers, enabling them to understand emerging trends better and shifting customer preferences. By learning about the latest innovations and market trends, retailers can quickly tailor their product offerings to meet customer demands and create a loyal and satisfied customer base.
Attending industry trade shows, such as those organized by Alternative Products Expo, provides retailers with a unique platform for networking, learning, and growing their businesses in real time.
By connecting with like-minded professionals, retailers can expand their knowledge, share experiences, and forge valuable partnerships to help them navigate the challenges of the smoke shop industry.
In addition to learning about regulatory changes and customer demands, trade shows often feature exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge products and innovations.
Retailers can explore these offerings, discovering new products that align with their target audience’s preferences and ensuring they stay ahead of their competitors while remaining compliant.
Ultimately, industry trade shows give retailers unencumbered access to the best brands, such as 3CHI, Pure Kana, Terp Boys, Delta Labs, Charlotte’s Web, and more.
The urgency of navigating regulatory changes and evolving customer demands has never been greater for smoke shops.
By attending industry trade shows like those organized by Alternative Products Expo, retailers can equip themselves with the knowledge, insights, and connections they need to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of the smoke shop industry.
Embrace the future, stay informed, and watch your smoke shop flourish in the face of adversity by attending the Alternative Products Expo!
Alternative Products Expo is committed to empowering smoke shop retailers with the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to excel in the industry.
Their upcoming events in Medellin, Dallas, and Las Vegas will bring together industry leaders, experts, and retailers, providing an unmatched opportunity to stay informed and connected.
“Alternative Products Expo is a gateway to the future of smoke shops”
The smoke shop industry is in a state of constant flux, with regulatory shifts and ever-changing customer preferences challenging retailers to keep pace.
To survive and thrive in this dynamic landscape, smoke shop retailers can look to industry trade shows to stay in the loop. This article will delve into the benefits of trade shows, offering valuable insights and strategies to help you stay ahead in the game.
Ever-changing regulation is a reality for the smoke shop industry, and any changes in legislation can make or break retailers. Remember the 2018 Farm Bill? It opened the doors for hemp-derived products with low THC levels to be sold in smoke shops, leading to an explosion in CBD and alternative cannabinoid offerings. The key to staying on top of these regulatory twists and turns? You guessed it— attending industry trade shows. Rubbing shoulders with industry experts at trade shows equips retailers with vital intel on the latest regulatory changes and their potential impact. Not only can you explore new products and innovations, but you’ll also gain access to best practices for compliance and risk management.
Keeping your finger on the pulse of customer preferences is non-negotiable for smoke shop retailers. Industry trade shows are goldmines of insights on the latest trends, enabling retailers to fine-tune their product lines to meet evolving demands and maintain a competitive edge.
“...well realistically coming into it as a manager of a shop, it’s just really good to get out there, get connections with brands and have some good products to bring into your store directly from the brand from the manufacturers”Ryan, Vaping Smoke Shop. Trade shows offer a unique opportunity to connect with customers, discover their preferences, and stay in tune with emerging trends. With this valuable knowledge, retailers can better anticipate and cater to customer desires.
Imagine having access to the brightest minds and leading brands in the smoke shop industry—all under one roof.
Industry trade shows make this a reality, with exhibitors like Kush Kollectiv, Charlotte’s Web, 3CHI, Cali Kulture, Urb, Terpboys, Mellow Fellow, Fume, Puro, and more showcasing their diverse, cutting-edge products. Forge connections with these brands, learn about their offerings, and tap into the latest industry trends and best practices. This vital information will help you stay ahead of the curve and better serve your customers.
The Alternative Products Expo empowers smoke shop retailers with the knowledge and resources to excel in this fast-paced industry. Our upcoming events in Medellin, Dallas, and Vegas will feature the industry’s leading brands and experts, offering retailers a unique platform to learn, network, and expand their businesses.
As a participant, you’ll gain insight into the latest regulatory changes and customer demands while exploring new products and innovations. You’ll also be able to attend workshops and seminars on regulatory compliance, marketing, and risk management, arming you with the tools to navigate this ever-changing industry successfully.
Staying ahead of regulatory changes, hot products, and evolving customer demands is crucial for smoke shop retailers looking to excel in this dynamic industry. Industry trade shows offer a wealth of knowledge, insights, and networking opportunities to help you stay ahead and maintain a competitive edge. Don’t miss your chance to harness the power of the Alternative Products Expo and propel your business to new heights.
“We will definitely be coming back to the All-Pro Expo next year we have had such an amazing time this year the amount of vendors and business opportunities that we’ve saw here today is just unmatched”
- Madison Prock, Derivative Manufacturing.
Medellín, the second-largest city in Colombia, has emerged as a hub for the vape and hemp industry in the country. With a growing market for these products and a favorable regulatory environment, Medellin is attracting businesses and entrepreneurs looking to tap into the industry’s potential.
The vaping and hemp industry is growing rapidly in Colombia, and Medellin is at the forefront of this trend. The city is home to a growing number of vape shops and hemp retailers, offering a range of products to meet the growing demand from consumers. This market growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of vaping as an alternative to smoking and the legalization of hemp-derived products in Colombia.
This expo has transformed the vape and hemp industry in Medellín. It is the leading trade show for the alternative products industry in Latin America, bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to showcase the latest products, innovations, and technologies. The event has helped to drive innovation, collaboration, and growth in the industry, providing a platform for businesses to network and showcase their products.
“Medellin’s hemp industry is impressive! The products are of great quality and the businesses are thriving. It’s exciting to see the city becoming a hub for this growing industry.”
