Looking Back
March 2014
After months of planning publisher Greg James and editor-in-chief Garrett Rudolph took a chance and sent out the first issue of Marijuana Venture, an eight-page, black-and-white, newsletter, out to Washington cannabis operators. The first issue opened with a letter from publisher Greg James who explained the magazine was “going to be about helping growers, distributors and retailers get the best information possible” about running an efficient and profitable legal cannabis business.
The issue featured an article by criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Steinborn addressing the risks of running a federally illegal business, a common concern held by applicants during the very early stages of legal recreational cannabis sales in Colorado and Washington. Steinborn walked through the major risks for operators and summarized the following warning: “Simply put, should the federal government (this administration or the next one) decide to prosecute for cannabis crimes, the consequences will be catastrophic.”
March 2017
Marijuana Venture saw a lot of change in a short amount of time. Within its first three years, the magazine had ballooned to 180 pages and was carried by every major bookstore in North America. The March 2017 issue featured a cover story on Outlaw Cannabis, an Eastern Washington cultivator growing both indoor and outdoor cannabis for its respective top-shelf and budget product lines. Although Outlaw’s products found homes in numerous retailers and its owners anticipated more growth in the future, the company officially dissolved in 2020.
The issue also featured coverage of Maryland’s upcoming medical marijuana program, which was looking to open by the end of 2017 (sales launched December 1, 2017), following three years’ worth of delays. The program surpassed $1.6 billion in sales by the end of 2022, and operators are now gearing up for the upcoming adult-use launch scheduled for July 2023.
March 2020
The March 2020 cover story explored how Emerald Triangle growers were adapting to California’s new world of highly regulated, adult-use cannabis. The cover story gathered insights from longtime cultivators from Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties who were once the backbone of the local economy and were now facing extinction due to high taxes, excessive regulation and heavy competition from well-funded operators throughout the state. Today, many Emerald Triangle growers are still grappling with this problem as wholesale prices for a pound in California, which averaged between $1,200 and $2,000 prior to adult-use legalization, are now going for less than $400.
Illinois’ infamous attempt to bring social equity to the cannabis industry was also previewed in this issue. State regulators promised to prioritize social equity applicants for the 75 retail licenses available in 2020. Industry outrage followed as only 21 companies, mostly owned by wealthy white men, were selected from a pool of more than 900 applicants, resulting in multiple lawsuits and delays.
Looking Forward
APRIL 2023
Next month brings Marijuana Venture’s first-ever Edibles issues, with a special section focusing on the best-tasting segment of the cannabis industry. Packed with statistics, sales trends, manufacturing innovations and profiles of high-performing and innovative edibles companies from across the country, this special issue will bring together all aspects of edibles manufacturing, production and sales. Additional stories will include a look at one of the leading retailers in New England.
Advertising deadline: February 10
MAY 2023
The May issue of Marijuana Venture magazine will feature an exclusive interview with one of the top marketing professionals working in the cannabis space, as well as stories about innovative new technologies aimed at the cannabis industry, including breakthroughs in cultivation and processing and new solutions for retailers. Also included will be a look at product packaging and new products designed to make life easier for budtenders and store owners alike. And, as always, the May issue will bring together the best advice and insights from top industry lawyers and experts to help cannabis business owners keep their business on track.
Advertising deadline: March 10
JUNE 2023
Marijuana Venture’s eighth annual 40 Under 40 issue, profiling the fast-rising stars from around the country and all parts of the cannabis industry, returns in June. Featuring interviews with 40 of the biggest names from the top cannabis companies and cannabis service providers, there’s no better place to get a sense of what the present and future holds for this fast-growing business. In addition to the profiles, the May issue will have articles about new products and trends in retail and cultivation.
Advertising deadline: April 14
Nomination deadline: March 14
March 2020
The March 2020 cover story explored how Emerald Triangle growers were adapting to California’s new world of highly regulated, adult-use cannabis. The cover story gathered insights from longtime cultivators from Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties who were once the backbone of the local economy and were now facing extinction due to high taxes, excessive regulation and heavy competition from well-funded operators throughout the state. Today, many Emerald Triangle growers are still grappling with this problem as wholesale prices for a pound in California, which averaged between $1,200 and $2,000 prior to adult-use legalization, are now going for less than $400.
Illinois’ infamous attempt to bring social equity to the cannabis industry was also previewed in this issue. State regulators promised to prioritize social equity applicants for the 75 retail licenses available in 2020. Industry outrage followed as only 21 companies, mostly owned by wealthy white men, were selected from a pool of more than 900 applicants, resulting in multiple lawsuits and delays.