#cannabis-industry

#cannabis-industry

On May 28, 2024, Lenore Elfand, the owner of Empire Cannabis Club, an unlicensed dispensary in New York's Chelsea neighborhood, received a frantic call from an employee. NYPD officers and deputies from the city's Sheriff's Office were lined up at the door, poised to raid the shop. Elfand said in an affidavit that when her security guard insisted on filming, officers placed him in handcuffs, killed the security cameras, and stormed in.

On Thursday, multiple outlets reported that the Trump administration is considering reclassifying marijuana from its current level as a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. The Washington Post was the first to report on the potential reclassification, citing six sources familiar with the matter. As with most things Trump does, he is expected to issue a reclassification directive via an executive order.

This has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the cannabis space with investors and industry giants likely taking note. Black cannabis leaders state that there has always been less funding and respect for them. "Politics has emboldened people to say what they really think," Alexander-Davis said. "When people think about DEI hires, they think the standards are lower when they're actually higher."

For the first time ever, the world-renowned Hall of Flowers is coming to New York City, marking a defining moment for the East Coast cannabis industry. Since 2018, Hall of Flowers has built its reputation as the premier cannabis trade show and expo, hosting groundbreaking events in California and Canada. Now, the show makes its long-awaited New York City debut at Pier 36 on October 8-9, 2025 - bringing its signature mix of innovation, collaboration, and connection to the heart of Manhattan.

The legalization of cannabis in New York brought more than celebration-it created a flood of competition. Hundreds of brands rushed into the market, each promising quality, each trying to stake a claim in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries. For consumers, the abundance of options often feels overwhelming. For brands, standing out requires more than flashy packaging or bold claims. It requires authenticity, consistency, and products that deliver more than hype.

This is the moment we've all been waiting for. We've been dreaming of bringing Hall of Flowers to New York for years, and now the market is mature enough to support a show of this size and scope. I started producing fashion trade shows in New York more than 20 years ago, including events held at Pier 36. It's a world-class venue where we will make our NYC debut in style.

With more than 500 licensed brands competing for space on dispensary shelves, the choices can feel overwhelming for both newcomers and seasoned consumers. Not every product lives up to the hype, and disappointment often follows when flashy packaging masks weak potency, bland flavors, or questionable quality. For consumers searching for products that balance premium craftsmanship, transparency, and cultural authenticity, knowing which brands to trust makes all the difference.

New York City is gearing up for one of its most highly anticipated cannabis and cultural events of the year: Revelry 2025, taking place on September 12 and 13 at Pier 36. Hosted by On The Revel, this two-day experience will merge cannabis business innovation with the creative energy of New York, bringing together entrepreneurs, cultural icons, artists, and community leaders. Since its founding in 2016, On The Revel has played a pivotal role in shaping New York's cannabis ecosystem.

The cannabis industry has rapidly evolved from a fringe movement into one of the most dynamic cultural and economic forces of the last decade. Once relegated to underground markets and counterculture circles, cannabis now shapes mainstream conversations in health, wellness, gastronomy, and lifestyle. From infused beverages appearing on grocery shelves to luxury lifestyle brands integrating cannabis into their marketing strategies, the plant's influence reaches far beyond dispensary doors.

Silly Nice, a Harlem-based Black-Owned and Veteran-Owned craft cannabis brand, has accomplished exactly that in just one year. Founded by a small but passionate team, Silly Nice celebrated its first anniversary in March 2024 and quickly secured its spot among the Top 150 cannabis brands in New York State.

For Britni Tantalo, President of NYCRA, this soiree represents more than just a partyit's a powerful platform for visibility and validation. Being president allows me to represent women and women minorities in this space, to advocate as an invested stakeholder, and to support the community of retail. It's about ensuring that the people on the groundthose building the backbone of our industryare seen, heard, and valued.

The Women’s Soirée is a powerful reflection of how far New York’s cannabis community has come and how strong it can become when united in purpose.

A Bronx lawmaker has introduced legislation to shield more than 100 state-licensed cannabis dispensaries from losing their ability to operate after the state's Office of Cannabis Management reinterpreted a key zoning rule last week. The measure would grandfather in any licenses that were approved in error and aims to protect many Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) license holders who acted in good faith.

Coss Marte, founder of Lower East Side dispensary ConBud, says the news could cost him everything. He's locked into a $40,000 per month lease and fears losing both his shop and his license. "I just feel like I was heading toward generational wealth and now I'm heading toward generational debt."

Koa's branding utilizes a sloth mascot to embody the laid-back cannabis experience, emphasizing relaxation while promoting sloth conservation efforts through symbolic adoptions.

"The employment of individuals under the age of 21 in the cannabis industry is strictly illegal, a serious matter, and is not tolerated."

Silly Nice's Northern Lights vape cartridge delivers 84.66% THC with a total cannabinoid content of 91.21%, promoting deep physical and mental relaxation. The indica-dominant profile is enhanced by various minor cannabinoids, creating a full-spectrum experience.

"We've set up medical receiving points at the incident so that patients can be treated and transported as needed," said Andrew Dowd from the Ventura Fire Department.

"We have an opportunity to build not just another industry, but a better one, one that isn't built on the misfortune of communities."

In 2020-21, cannabis tax revenues in the county reached an apex of $15.7 million. But by 2024-25, they dipped to nearly a third of that.

In a competitive cannabis market, Silly Nice stands out not only for its quality products but also for its organic growth through loyal customer support.

Silly Nice takes a rare approach that aligns perfectly with consumer demand for quality. None of their products are made in advance.

Kiva Confections has successfully married traditional Asian values with modern cannabis practices, setting a benchmark for quality and innovation in the industry.

Silly Nice's production philosophy emphasizes freshness; nothing is produced until an order is placed, ensuring customers receive only the highest quality cannabis products.