Professional headshot of Aaron Smith photographed by mg Magazine photographer Thomas O'Brien. Aaron is the founding CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association.

NCIA Founding CEO Aaron Smith to Step Down After 15 Years

Aaron Smith will step down as NCIA’s CEO on August 15 after fifteen years leading the cannabis industry’s oldest and largest trade association.
Large batch of cannabis pre-rolls highlighting mass production and consumer demand for affordable, convenient, and potent products in today’s pre-roll market.

Roll with It: Pre-Roll Market Heats Up

Infused joints and multipacks are stealing the spotlight this summer as brands lean into flavor, convenience, and consistency — proving pre-rolls are no longer an afterthought, but a powerhouse.
A young Gen Z cannabis cultivator monitors a high-tech indoor grow under teal and purple lighting, symbolizing innovation, automation, and digital integration in modern cultivation.

Gen Z Cultivators Are Growing More than Weed

Tech-native and brand-savvy, Gen Z cultivators are blending innovation with authenticity to shape a new narrative in cannabis growing.
portraits of purpose

How Women Cannabis Leaders Are Creating a More Equitable Future

Women across the cannabis industry are redefining leadership, overcoming systemic barriers, and building a more inclusive, purpose-driven future.
Attorney Cat Packer was the first person of color to helm a major cannabis regulatory commission in the United States.

Cat Packer on Cannabis, Equity, and Reform

Former Los Angeles regulator Cat Packer reflects on cannabis policy, social justice, and what the industry must do to repair the harms of the drug war.
A hand opens a glowing orange box surrounded by a candle, journal, and glass bottle, symbolizing the emotional and aesthetic experience of modern cannabis packaging.

Packaging: the Trojan Horse of Cannabis Branding

Cannabis packaging is getting personal. Today's savviest brands use design to build trust, reflect values, and make the plant feel right at home in everyday life.
X-ray style image of a cannabis plant showcasing bud and leaf structure, representing cannabis sterilization through irradiation.

Why X-Rays Beat Gamma Rays for Cannabis Decontamination

X-ray decontamination offers cannabis producers a safer, more efficient, and more convenient alternative to gamma-ray methods. An MIT-educated engineer explains why.
metaphor-for-broken-social-equity-in-cannabis-industry

Social Equity in Cannabis: The Promise and Pitfalls Across the U.S.

In 2019, Illinois simultaneously legalized recreational cannabis and launched a statewide social equity program aimed at equalizing access for justice-impacted individuals and marginalized groups....
Logos of top CRM platforms for cannabis businesses, including Springbig, 365 Cannabis, IndicaOnline, Distru, Meadow, Apex Trading, AIQ, Zoho, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive.

Top CRMs for Cannabis Businesses

Whether courting consumers or managing wholesale accounts, CRM platforms built for cannabis offer businesses the tools they need to engage, comply, and grow.
Gotham’s Chelsea dispensary interior featuring sculptural retail displays, designer cannabis products, and integrated gallery space.

Bold New York Dispensary Design | Gotham Chelsea’s Artful Twist

In a city where rewriting the rules is par for the course, Gotham has found plenty of kindred spirits. The female-founded concept store recently...

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