In this year-end edition of The High-Rise, Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) revisit their 2024 cannabis industry predictions to see where they hit the mark and where reality diverged from their forecasts. They delve into the growth (and growing pains) of key state markets—highlighting Ohio’s adult-use ramp-up, New York’s steady climb in retail availability, and the stalled progress in Florida and Pennsylvania. They also discuss the swirling uncertainties around hemp-derived THC products, as states implement—or contemplate—stringent regulations to keep these products out of unregulated channels and away from children.

Cy and Emily reflect on the year’s challenges, including the ongoing push for federal reform that has yet to materialize, and look ahead to 2025. Will next year bring long-awaited legislative clarity, or will states continue to forge their own unique paths in managing adult-use cannabis and hemp-derived products? Tune in to hear their insights, data-backed analysis, and predictions for what the next chapter of cannabis legalization might hold.

Topics Covered:

• 2024 Prediction Recap: Reviewing last year’s forecasts for Ohio’s adult-use sales, Florida’s ballot efforts, and Pennsylvania’s stalled legalization push.
• Progress in Key Markets:
  • Ohio: Adult-use launch and near-$100M monthly sales targets.
  • New York: Steady increase in licensed cannabis retail and brand growth amidst ongoing legal and regulatory challenges.
• Hemp-Derived THC Products: Exploring how intoxicating hemp sales exploded in 2024 and the ensuing state-by-state crackdowns on unregulated sales, with particular attention to recent actions in California, Texas, Tennessee, and Illinois.
• State-Level Regulations vs. Federal Stasis: States forging ahead with their own rules to protect consumers, while federal reforms remain elusive.
• Looking to 2025: Predictions on potential movement from the new administration, the Supreme Court case, and what evolving hemp regulation frameworks might mean for the broader cannabis industry.

If you’re looking for a clear-eyed, data-driven year-end wrap-up and a practical preview of the cannabis industry’s future, this episode offers valuable insights. Cy and Emily’s grounded perspectives will help investors, operators, and stakeholders navigate the uncertainty and identify trends to watch in 2025.

Show Notes:
- Headset Vapor Pen Data (Bringing the Receipts)

Headset

Cy & Emily return fresh (or maybe not so fresh) from MJ BizCon in Las Vegas to dish on their 25-second meetup, cowboys everywhere, and what happens when you mix cannabis conference attendees with rodeo folks and AWS techies! 🤠

Plus:

• Green Wednesday numbers are in! Beverages went absolutely bonkers with a 130% spike (Cy may have helped with that...)
• The scoop on a game-changing brand that's "making cannabis fun again"
• Texas says "y'all need to stop" to thousands of hemp-derived THC stores
• Canada flexes on the illegal market with some seriously impressive stats
• Pennsylvania considers state-run cannabis stores (Emily has thoughts™️)

Fun fact of the episode: OnlyFans started as a recipe and DIY website! Who knew? 👩‍🍳

Bonus: Listen for Cy's attempt at a "news broadcast" sound effect - it's... something!

Join us for another laid-back, data-backed conversation about all things cannabis, from MSOs to LPs, products and market analysis. Whether you're an industry veteran or just cannabis curious, pull up a chair and hang with us! 🎧

#cannabis #data #industry #MSO #retail #cannabisbusiness #MJBizCon

Show notes:
- CAKE: She hits different
- Headset's Green Wednesday Retailer Benchmarking Tool

Headset

If you have any information on a weed burrito, be sure to contact Washington Township NJ police department at 856-589-0330!

In this conversation, Cy Scott and Emily Paxhia discuss the significance of Green Wednesday in the cannabis industry, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday week. They analyze sales data from previous years, highlighting trends in consumer behavior, discounting practices, and the impact of Thanksgiving on overall sales. The discussion also delves into promotional strategies that retailers can adopt to maximize sales during this period, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer preferences and market dynamics. The conversation also touches on a humorous delivery incident involving marijuana disguised as food, and concludes with their personal plans for Thanksgiving, emphasizing the role of cannabis beverages in their celebrations.

Links:
- Weed burritos in New Jersey [ABC 27 News]
- Judge halts cannabis licensing in MN [Minnesota Public Radio News]

Headset