The Cult: The Cannabis Business, Culture, and Marketing Show

Conference session from MJ Unpacked St. Louis ’24. Explore how retailers and brands are using AI-driven personalization and large language models (LLMs) to enhance customer experiences and scale marketing efforts. Gain insights into the latest tools and techniques, learn how to implement AI-driven personalization in a retail environment, and discover how LLMs can streamline content creation while maintaining brand authenticity. Through effectively harnessing these technologies, both cannabis retailers and brands can drive both operational efficiency and more personalized connections with their customers.

In the cannabis industry (or any industry), trademarks are your first defense against copycats and confusion. A distinctive brand identity ensures consumers know who you are while laying the groundwork for geographic expansion, customer loyalty, and potential acquisitions. Generic names or overly familiar symbols (ahem, bud leaves) may seem appealing, but they're nearly impossible to protect—leaving your business exposed to risk. Trademarking cannabis comes with unique challenges due to federal restrictions, making state registrations and creative strategies essential.  From protecting your core products to leveraging trademarks for ancillary goods like merchandise, every step strengthens your position in the marketplace. A proactive approach saves you time, money, and headaches by reducing the risk of legal disputes and allowing your business to grow confidently. Safeguarding your trademarks isn't just about legal compliance—it's about securing your future in a competitive industry. Whether launching or scaling your brand, the right trademark strategy ensures your hard-earned reputation remains yours alone. Hybrid Director of Strategy Jen Lamboy and Seth Gardenswartz of Black Garden Law discuss trademarking in the cannabis industry during this recent webinar.

The ever-evolving cannabis and hemp beverage space is witnessing a shift driven by pioneering strategies from industry frontrunners. Our most recent webinar, hosted by our Director of Strategy, Jen Lamboy, explored the business models setting the stage for this new era in cannabis beverages with the industry heavyweights leading the way. Benjamin Kennedy, CEO of Fable Libations; Joel Canada from Bayou City Hemp; Erik Knutson, founder of Keef Brands; and Jake Bullock, Co-Founder and CEO of Cann, explored the gritty details of creating market entry strategies that cater to a broad consumer base while staying agile in a dynamic regulatory environment (and much more). The conversation covered critical strategies for success in the cannabis and hemp beverage space, including: Consumer-Centric Products: Developing drinks that resonate with evolving consumer preferences and lifestyle choices. Navigating Regulations: Leveraging regulatory challenges as opportunities for creative marketing and product positioning. Market Expansion: Techniques for expanding market reach and adapting to new consumer demographics with smart yet approachable products.

Successfully using influencers can be as challenging as running an ultramarathon. This episode tackles the subject, focusing on strategies to increase brand reach and authenticity. Hosted by Jen Lamboy, Hybrid Marketing Co. Director of Strategy, the session pools insights from a trio of industry experts: Lauren Mundell, founder of cannabis influencer marketing agency Hi-Curious; Aaron Rosenbluth, our Director of Content; and SJ Gingras, Social Media Manager and the personality behind ‘the Ouid Fairy.' Together, they explain what it takes to build authentic connections in the influencer space to drive cannabis brand success.

Hybrid Marketing Co‘s Director of Strategy, Jen Lamboy, recently hosted a webinar on creating authentic and captivating cannabis lifestyle brands. The webinar featured Luna Stower from iSpire and Crystal Miliken from Cookies. They emphasized the importance of deep community engagement, noting that authentic engagement is the heart of brand longevity. Building a brand identity goes beyond a flashy logo—it’s about embedding your brand's values, history, and vision into the consumer’s lifestyle. The conversation revolved around the practical application of analytics and heart-driven initiatives to elevate a brand from a mere participant to a cherished guide in the consumer’s journey. The importance of visual storytelling was underscored, with a focus on how packaging, promotions, and social media can be effectively used to engage and nurture a loyal following. Milliken and Stower also discussed the power of creating authentic connections that go beyond transactions. This includes fostering platforms for discourse, education, and shared experiences and rallying for causes that align with your brand’s and community's ethos. They reiterated the value of differentiating your brand through quality and innovation and embracing new opportunities like sustainability. Their insights serve as a valuable guide for integrating your brand into your audience’s lifestyles and conversations.

In this episode, Jen Lamboy, Director of Strategy, and Amber Littlejohn, Counsel at Ice Miller, explore the potential rescheduling of cannabis at the federal level. The discussion focuses on the implications for the cannabis industry, especially how this shift could affect the notorious 280E tax codes that have long been a financial obstacle for cannabis businesses. Amber offers a legal perspective, dissecting how legislative developments could reshape the industry's financial landscape. Join them as they navigate this complex and evolving regulatory environment, providing valuable insights for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Taken from the conference session at MJ Unpacked Detroit, Oct. 10-12, 2023, at the MotorCity Casino Hotel. This panel, hosted by Hybrid Marketing Co.'s Director of Strategy, Jen Lamboy, features expert commentary from Native Roots Cannabis Company Chief Sales Officer, Denise De Nardi, Ajoya Brands CEO, Joey Gindi, and Dispense's Business Development Manager, Jeremy Johnson.

In this episode of "The Cult" hosted by Jen Lamboy, Director of Strategy at Hybrid Marketing Co., features Geoff Trotter, CEO of Regennabis, and Tai Duncan, VP of Corporate Social Responsibility at Cresco Labs. The episode focuses on the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives in the cannabis industry. The panel discusses the significance of ESG for the longevity and success of organizations in the cannabis sector,  insights into how Regennabis is aiding companies in managing and reporting on ESG initiatives through a software solution, and how Cresco Labs is emphasizing the company's focus on corporate philanthropy, employee volunteering, and social equity. The conversation delves into the definitions and differences between ESG, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). They discuss the importance of ESG in risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and as a competitive differentiator. The episode also covers the challenges and strategies for implementing ESG initiatives, especially for smaller businesses and startups in the cannabis industry.

In this episode, host Jen Lamboy of Hybrid Marketing Co. and Curt Robbins, a cannabis education expert from Higher Learning LV, unravel the complexities and evolving conversations around terpenes in the cannabis industry. This episode isn't just a technical discussion; it's a journey through the intersection of science, marketing, and consumer education in the cannabis world. Curt, with his extensive background in plant wellness molecules, sheds light on the nuances of cannabinoids, terpenes, and the human endocannabinoid system. Meanwhile, Jen brings a marketing perspective, probing into how education is being leveraged in the cannabis industry and its impact on consumers and businesses alike. From the challenges of overcoming decades of misinformation to exploring the biochemical intricacies of the cannabis plant, this episode is packed with insights. It's a must-listen for anyone curious about the science behind cannabis, the role of terpenes, and the future of cannabis education and marketing. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, a professional in the industry, or just someone intrigued by the subject, this episode of "The Cult" offers a compelling and informative deep dive into the world of terpenes. Tune in to "Everything You Wanted to Know About Terpenes" for an engaging and educational experience that will deepen your understanding of cannabis and its components.

In this episode of The Cult, we explore the profound ways in which technology is reshaping our communication and social interactions within the cannabis industry. Hybrid Marketing Co.'s Director of Content, Aaron Rosenbluth, and Ajoya Brand's CEO, Joey Gindi, trace the evolution of communication from traditional methods to today's digital platforms. They examine the impact on personal relationships, societal dynamics, and cultural norms. Tune in to understand how technology is not just changing how we talk, but also how we connect and live.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the intersection of technology and the burgeoning cannabis industry. Hosted by Jen Lamboy, the Director of Strategy at Hybrid Marketing Co., this episode delves deep into the essential tech toolkit required to build and scale a successful cannabis business. With insights from industry experts like Eric Mercado of Terpli and West Paschal of AlpineIQ, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the tools and strategies that are shaping the future of cannabis entrepreneurship.

In this special episode of "The Cult," we delve into "Cannabis Brand Visibility 101: Strategies for Creating and Sustaining Brand Awareness." Tailored for entrepreneurs and marketers in the cannabis industry, this episode features industry experts Jen Lamboy, Director of Strategy at Hybrid Marketing Co., Peter Vogel, Co-Founder and CEO of Leafwire, and Raquel Hochroth, VP at Rosen Group. Together, they unpack actionable strategies for building brand visibility in the increasingly competitive cannabis market. Unlike other episodes, this one zeros in on the unique challenges and opportunities within the cannabis sector, offering expert insights and answering your most pressing questions.

In this enlightening episode, experts from the cannabis marketing world discuss the transformative potential of search engine optimization (SEO). Jen Lamboy of Hybrid Marketing Co. introduces the significance of the phrase "dispensary near me" and its potential to revolutionize businesses in the cannabis sector. Jeremy Johnson from Dispense highlights the growing relevance of online sales in the industry, emphasizing that the digital realm is not just an alternative but an essential sales channel. Tyler Jacobson, Marketing Director at Hybrid Marketing Co., underscores the pivotal role of SEO in the customer's purchasing journey, especially during the consideration phase. The conversation reveals that while SEO is primarily about guiding potential customers, it can also be a direct conversion tool, depending on the searcher's intent. Dive into this episode to grasp the nuances of cannabis marketing and discover strategies to harness the power of SEO in this burgeoning industry.

In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the bubbling world of cannabis beverages. With its legal presence expanding across 16 markets, including Minnesota, Florida, and Texas, the cannabis beverage industry is making waves. Our guest, Diana Eberlein, the current president of the Cannabis Beverage Association, sheds light on the rapid growth of this sector. Diana discusses the challenges and opportunities of the cannabis beverage market, the nuances of dosing, and the future of low-dose beverages. She also touches on the importance of understanding the roots of the cannabis industry and the collaborative spirit that currently defines it. Whether you're canna-curious or a seasoned industry professional, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on where cannabis beverages are headed. Tune in to quench your thirst for knowledge!

In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the budding world of cannabis consumption lounges with Sarah Stewart, a pioneer and leading expert in the space. Sarah has been at the forefront of this industry, managing two of the first consumption lounges in the country. Now, as the co-founder and president of Ritual Cannabis Hospitality, she's shaping the future of these unique establishments. Sarah shares her journey from the hospitality sector in LA, where she managed top nightclubs and restaurants, to her transition into the cannabis industry. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing cannabis consumption, much like how alcohol is perceived in modern society. With insights into the challenges of defining what a "consumption lounge" truly is, to the nuances of serving cannabis in a hospitality setting, Sarah provides a comprehensive look into this emerging sector. The episode also touches on the regulatory landscape, the need for standardization, and the potential pitfalls for those looking to enter the market. Sarah's perspective, backed by her hands-on experience, offers invaluable insights for anyone curious about the future of cannabis consumption lounges. Tune in to hear about the evolution of cannabis lounges, the importance of creating an inclusive and normalized environment, and the potential of this industry to redefine cannabis consumption in the modern world.

In the latest episode, Jen Lamboy, Director of Strategy at Hybrid Marketing Co., dives deep into the pressing concerns surrounding security in the cannabis industry. With dispensaries facing shutdowns and security breaches becoming more common, Jen invites Tony Gallo, the "OG of cannabis security" and Managing Partner at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group, to shed light on the matter. Tony, recognized as one of High Times Magazine's 100 Most Influential Cannabis People, brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive experience in retail security and his work with over 600 clients across the U.S. and Canada. Throughout their conversation, they discuss the challenges and misconceptions faced by new entrants in the cannabis retail space, the importance of understanding retail dynamics, and the surprising fact that a significant portion of losses in the industry are internal. From the unique security requirements of cannabis dispensaries compared to other high-risk retail businesses to the evolving state regulations, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state of security in the cannabis world. Whether you're a cannabis business owner, a consumer, or just curious about the industry's inner workings, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Dive in to learn more about the intricate balance between security, business operations, and consumer perceptions in the rapidly growing cannabis market.