Welcome Note

Welcome back Gardeners!

You know what I love seeing? Big publications and news outlets covering the space. And I love seeing brands show up in other newsletters that I read. I am huge fan of what Robbie Cumming is doing over at CPG Wire (check it out and give him a subscribe too he does great work!) and this week in multiple of his sends I saw our beautiful little industry show up in the mainstream CPG! I saw Wynk’s new seasonal flavor and AMASS’s new beverage launch show up over there. It’s just super cool.

I don’t usually talk much about my day job here, but since a few brands in the hemp and beverage space have worked with us—and more are reaching out—I thought it made sense to share a bit about Protis Global and Ace Talent Curators. I handle all the content marketing for both.

Protis Global is the premier retained executive search firm focused on the CPG industry. We’ve helped brands like Poppi, Olipop, Red Bull, and many others grow their teams across sales, operations, marketing, and more.

Ace Talent Curators is our sister company working with the same industries but specializing in fractional and interim executive roles—helping brands fill important positions with flexible, temporary leaders.

If you want an intro to one of our partners or want to learn more, just shoot me an email—I’d be happy to connect you.

Additionally, if you want to read more reviews on the consumer side of things, I have been rolling out a series of brand reviews over on the subreddit I moderate with Chris Fontes. So subscribe over on Reddit and follow along there!

The Free Spirits Podcast with David Gonzalez and myself is going strong and Episode 7 dropped last week with Adam Ruhland, Founder, Wild State Cidery & Birdie. Have a fresh episode dropping for you on Monday with Gordon Whelpley, Founder, Float House.

In upcoming episodes David and I sit down with - Ben Larson from Vertosa, Joanne Caceres from Dentons, Benjamin Kennedy from Fable, and Julie Rhodes from Kick Fizz. So subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don’t miss any of these amazing conversations!

If you could take the time to drop a review of the podcast or even just share it with a friend or two, it really does help us grow and continue to bring you this show. We have seen that our audience may be small for the podcast but you’re sticking around and listening to over 66% of each episode! So truly, thank you so much for your support!

You can find us on Youtube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter

And as always, my email is open!

-Lars

Any comments or questions? Leave comment on this post or shoot me an email. Would love to hear from you!

News Round Up

• Two exciting new THC drink flavors: Edwin’s Edibles and Elixirs unveils Bahama Breeze and Cherry Lime Fizz - Edwin’s Edibles and Elixirs introduced two new THC-infused drink flavors: Bahama Breeze and Cherry Lime Fizz. These offerings target consumers looking for flavorful, refreshing cannabis beverage options in the growing THC drink market.

  

• Afterdream Re-awakens; Amass de Soi Distiller launches THC RTD - Amass de Soi Distiller launched Afterdream, a THC-infused ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage. The product aims to blend craft distilling expertise with cannabis-infused drinks, appealing to consumers seeking premium THC RTDs.

• There’s no better place to sell THC beverages, expert says: cold vault - An industry expert highlighted convenience stores’ cold vaults as prime retail locations for THC beverages, citing impulse purchases and growing consumer interest. The article emphasizes refrigeration’s role in boosting THC beverage sales.

• Study examines marijuana’s effects on cardiovascular damage - A new study investigates the impact of marijuana use on cardiovascular health, exploring potential risks associated with THC consumption and its effects on heart function.

• Mindful drinking prompts growth for THC beverages - The trend toward mindful drinking, focusing on lower alcohol consumption and wellness, is driving increased consumer interest in THC beverages as alternatives for relaxation and socialization.

  

• Best Tasting Triple High Seltzer Continues with Debut of New Flavor Pineapple - Triple High Seltzer expanded its lineup with a new pineapple-flavored THC-infused seltzer. The brand focuses on delivering quality taste alongside cannabis-infused functional beverages.

• Texas lawmakers reach deal to ban hemp-derived THC products - Texas legislators reached an agreement to ban hemp-derived THC products statewide. The deal follows legislative debate and reflects ongoing tensions between hemp industry stakeholders and regulators.

• Cannabis drinks make splash at National Restaurant Show - Cannabis-infused drinks featured prominently at the National Restaurant Show, with industry players showcasing innovative THC beverage options targeting foodservice and hospitality sectors.

• Men are more likely than women to smoke marijuana, while females prefer cannabis edibles, drinks and lotions, federal study shows - A federal study found men tend to smoke marijuana more, while women prefer cannabis in edibles, drinks, and lotions. The research highlights gender differences in cannabis consumption preferences.

  

• Wynk launches limited-edition Mandarin Pomelo, a bright new flavor made for summer get-togethers - Wynk introduced a limited-edition Mandarin Pomelo THC-infused beverage flavor designed for summer social occasions. The launch aims to attract consumers seeking vibrant, seasonal cannabis drink options.

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Creator Spotlight: Monica Olano Talks Louisiana’s Cannabis Policies

This week’s Creator Spotlight took a different turn. Instead of diving into personal stories or brand journeys, I sat down with Monica Olano to unpack Louisiana’s complex cannabis and hemp regulations, and how they’re shaping the future of the industry.

Monica isn’t just an creator, she’s a small business owner running Cali Sober Market in New Orleans and a passionate advocate for accessible, consumer-friendly cannabis policies. Our conversation was candid, insightful, and focused on real-world impacts.

The Policy Rundown

Louisiana’s recent cannabis bills have shifted the playing field:

• HB 12 and HB 36: Signed into law, these tighten penalties for selling to minors and unpermitted production—treating violations almost like narcotics offenses.

• HB 187 and HB 235: Both proposed major tax hikes on hemp products (15% and 20%, respectively), though they were ultimately defeated. HB 235 also included a vague, state-controlled testing mandate that Monica called the “third layer of corruption.”

• HB 627: A still-pending pilot program for adult-use cannabis, with significant restrictions and oversight.

The Impact on Small Businesses

For small retailers like Monica, these laws are more than just paperwork, they’re existential threats. From forced use of distributors to expensive ID scanning systems, new rules pile on costs and risks that bigger players can absorb but small shops can’t.

“It’s going to push out small businesses that care about education and customer choice,” Monica said. “And when that happens, consumers are left with fewer options and no one to help them understand what’s in these products.”

Monica’s Vision for the Future

So what would Monica change?

• End mandated distribution: Let businesses choose how to bring in products, instead of forcing them through middlemen.

• Replace criminal penalties with smart fines: Make bad actors accountable without driving everyone out.

• Keep consumers at the center: Regulations should ensure safety, not limit choice.

For Monica, the fight isn’t just about protecting her shelves—it’s about protecting an entire community’s access to safe, trusted products. “We’re not anti-capitalism,” she said. “We’re just pro-fairness. Let’s build an industry that works for everyone.”

Watch the full conversation below on my Youtube Channel.