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Seed to Sale Show | Cannabis Conference Boston 2019

Feb 12–13, 2019

Hynes Convention Center
Boston, MA

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The industry’s most influential trade association leads the New England green rush with the market’s only true B2B cannabis summit. Be on the ground floor of untapped markets by networking with industry leaders and taking advantage of the latest advances in science and technology.


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Steve Trenk: Eclectic Cannabis Entrepreneur

STEVE TRENK PHOTO COURTESY: STEVE TRENK

I’ve never actually met Steve Trenk in person, but our circles probably are much closer than we might think. I too grew up in New Jersey, in a small town named, Morris Township. Not too far, as the crow fly’s from where Steve spent his formative years. It’s ironic somehow that we both have endured the brunt of ‘jersey’ jokes. They are quite familiar to me, and it appears to Steve as well. Isn’t “Jersey in England”, is my usual reply to this crude, and closed-minded anachronism aimed at those who think they know New Jersey, but end up in their irrational description somewhere near the Meadowlands, or the vast salt flats leading nowhere, and piling up near a garbage dump. It’s probably from watching TV shows such as the Soprano’s or having their plane re-routed to Newark Airport, or maybe they got lost at rush hour by the Lincoln Tunnel. That’s too bad, because New Jersey is an incredibly diverse and in the context of beauty, an unusually unexploited place. Most Americans don’t know the real New Jersey, and that’s how I like it.  At any rate, reading through Steve’s answers to my questions, brought me to a place of understanding of his own personal path to success.  While mine took me to the culinary arts, a fresh pasta corporation, and the wine business. Steve used his brains to make something different. He took a path towards success and he made something really marvelous of himself. Steve Trenk, as you will discover works in the legal cannabis industry, which is exploding in popularity with this new found acceptance and de-stigmatization. The amount of brain power that powers its way through the intricacies of the legal cannabis industry is far, far removed the past, when we sold a few joints to our cannabis family at a Grateful Dead concert to stay, on the bus. Cannabis has evolved greatly and is pushing forwards into the Post-Modern Era. It’s “High” time to get on that bus again with these self-guiding, upper-intellectual industry leaders such as Steve Trenk. Located firmly at the helm in their own unique place in the cannabis universe. An experience of their own making, and therefore responsible for their own success, and the success of their investors.  Thank you.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/warrenbobrow/2019/02/08/steve-trenk-eclectic-cannabis-entrepreneur/#63b2f25dca0d

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A Selection Of Cannagars You Must Acquire Today

Quite Frankly: Xiaolin WARREN BOBROW: IPHONE X

I received the honor of writing a Cannabis-Centric Valentine’s Day gift guide from my kind editors at Forbes- after my pitch, of course! The overall topic was certainly not your usual fare. The best diamond, best bottle of Single Malt Scotch, best Swiss-chocolates, nor the best online rose retailer interested me. I wanted something that most people have never thought about. And even fewer have tried. The Cannagar!

HiFi Farms (Detail)WARREN BOBROW: IPHONE X

A Cannagar is much more granular that just another dozen roses. So in the room that I have to entice you to either get on a plane and fly to the places where these, ‘hand-held’ works of art can be acquired, you should then start dreaming of next year. Because a Luxury Cannagar is one of those things in life that a cannabis smoker lusts after. He/she may have tasted the finest herbs that money can buy and rightfully so. They are successful cannabis-heads and they take deep pride in their educated, good taste regarding their passion for rare cultivars. These, of course come at an extreme cost. But as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. In the case of a Cannagar, it is a combination of the finest flowers, grown with love on the top quality farms, woven into a tangle of concentrates, waxes, rosins, shatters, oils, kief, or a combination of all or none! There is extraordinary soul that goes into the manufacture of a Cannagar. It makes shelling out over a hundred dollars or much, much more, for one even more deeply enticing and just the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.

https://lacannabisnews.com/a-selection-of-cannagars-you-must-acquire-today/
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Interviews Reviews

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Selection Of Cannagars You Must Acquire

Quite Frankly: XiaolinWARREN BOBROW: IPHONE X

 I received the honor of writing a Cannabis-Centric Valentine’s Day gift guide from my kind editors at Forbes- after my pitch, of course! The overall topic was certainly not your usual fare. The best diamond, best bottle of Single Malt Scotch, best Swiss-chocolates, nor the best online rose retailer interested me. I wanted something that most people have never thought about. And even fewer have tried. The Cannagar!

HiFi Farms (Detail) WARREN BOBROW: IPHONE X

Read More Here At Forbes! https://www.forbes.com/sites/warrenbobrow/2019/01/28/valentines-day-gift-guide-selection-of-cannagars-you-must-acquire/?fbclid=IwAR1BcMlQRyYMRIQohMZ82Bg0qB5ihm3zligDBUnrp14mcnOEQbAmdZtKZtI#ae60a4e24dfe

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Reviews

Luxe Cannagars: Demand Excellence

A Luxe Cannagar PHOTO: @AJI.FILMS ON INSTAGRAM

The more I spend time around the top of the house of the cannabis industry, I’ve even found certain niche environments that are exploding in popularity. And it’s not because the market is being flooded with these specialty products, far from! Nor is this incredible device being saturated with popularity in the media driven culture. No one really knows about them, (cannagars). This is probably because they are not inexpensive. This world of the best and the far better than just the best is exemplified by secretive, inner city culture and the explosion of wealth within the rap music industry. There is no lack of money for the very best loud that money can buy. And that’s really the rub, in a land of the good good , there are not enough hand-crafted cannagars to go around. So pay attention! Read More Here At Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/warrenbobrow/2018/12/24/luxe-cannagars-demand-excellence/#4acfbe5e7fec

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Interviews

CANNABIS JOURNALIST INTERVIEW SERIES: WARREN BOBROW

In this brand new interview series, I’ll be interviewing the most influential journalists covering the cannabis industry. The intent is for these interviews is to be fun, enlightening, entertaining and of course informative.

We’re kicking off this new series of interviews with Warren Bobrow Author/Chef/Barman/Cannabis Alchemist. Bobrow has published five books on mixology and written articles for Forbes,  Saveur magazine, Voda magazine, Whole Foods-Dark Rye, Distiller, Beverage Media, DrinkupNY and many other periodicals. Warran has also contributed to SoFAB Magazine at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and has written restaurant reviews for New Jersey Monthly. It’s safe to say that Warren has a natural talent for words that simply flows through, as you will find out from his answers below.

Read More Here! https://cannaimpact.co/2018/12/17/cannabis-journalist-warren-bobrow/

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Reviews

Xiaolin Cannagars: Luxury Cannabis Cigars Rolled Properly

Made In Xiaolin WARREN BOBROW: IPHONE X

From the very moment that the outer packaging, deeply reminiscent of luxury Chinese incense with lustrous gold leaf  on the outside of the box. This brings your attention to the strikingly handsome red lettering, and then the box opens to reveal the polished glass inner tube. From here an almost mystical experience fills the room and your head. The box, upon examination in cannabis, nerd-speak reads several very important statements about the contents and the provenance of the flowers held within. The first and foremost is the name of this ultra-luxury cannagar. That is, quite simply, Made in Xiaolin. Turning the smooth paper packaging, in the shape of an octagon, and twisting it in a circle, reveals more pertinent information. Rolled Proper comes into view. This statement provides the quality framework for what rests within. The lettering states the name again, Made in Xiaolin. Pure luxury. Drilling down deeper, more information reveals itself with every twist of the wrist. Ring Gauge, in this case, the cannagar resting in my hand is a 40. Then, in block letters it reads information on the lit time, and in this case it is at least 1.5-2.0 hours! The flower is equally as important with the strain listed, making up this cannagar as Electric Lemon G II flower and Electric Lemon G, Live Resin in the carefully chosen mix.

Please Read More Here At Forbes

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Events

Event: Learn How to Create DIY Infused Holiday Cocktails & Mocktails

As we celebrate the coming of cannabis edible regulations, it isn’t difficult to get into the holiday spirit. The cannabis industry has entered the post-prohibition era where anything is possible, and we are ready to ring in a new year of endless possibilities (HIGHly optimistic, right?).

  Image supplied

Image supplied

That’s why we are rounding off a killer 2018 with our friends at Lifford Cannabis Solutions — and you should definitely join us. Tomorrow, Wednesday December 19th, we’ll be learning how to craft the perfectly infused cocktail and mocktail with The Cocktail Whisperer.

Organized by The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Ontario in partnership with Lifford Cannabis Solutions, the hospitality community is in for a special treat, with learnings that they can bring to their home and holiday events to kick things up a notch. You’ll learn how to wow guests at ALL the holiday parties with some tasty takeaways that will dazzle taste buds and elevate spirits (literally).

Yes, even that hard-to-impress grinch in your crew who could use a little holiday cheer.

This month’s event will feature 6-time author Warren Bobrow The Cocktail Whisperer, as he educates guests on the fine art of cannabis beverages.  Warren is a cannabis writer for Forbes, and authored the very first book on cannabis cocktails. Guests will look forward to DIY cannabis cocktail demonstrations and learn about different types of infusions, dosing and flavour profiles.

If you’re in Toronto, we invite you to join us for the final Hospitality Sessions of 2018 at Lifford Wine & Spirits, and you can use HERBLIFE for 15% off at checkout.

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Interviews

CANNABIS JOURNALIST INTERVIEW SERIES: WARREN BOBROW

By Oren Todoros  December 17, 2018

In this brand new interview series, I’ll be interviewing the most influential journalists covering the cannabis industry. The intent is for these interviews is to be fun, enlightening, entertaining and of course informative.

We’re kicking off this new series of interviews with Warren Bobrow Author/Chef/Barman/Cannabis Alchemist. Bobrow has published five books on mixology and written articles for Forbes,  Saveur magazine, Voda magazine, Whole Foods-Dark Rye, Distiller, Beverage Media, DrinkupNY and many other periodicals. Warran has also contributed to SoFAB Magazine at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and has written restaurant reviews for New Jersey Monthly. It’s safe to say that Warren has a natural talent for words that simply flows through, as you will find out from his answers below.

Warren, take it away.

Please share your professional and personal background with our readers.

My degree is in film, from Emerson in Boston, and I had aspirations of working in the film industry- and did for a short time- but nepotism rules of the 1970’s permitted me to intern, but unfortunately, I could never get a full-time job in motion pictures. I worked in television for a time in NYC as an editor doing ‘hard news’ but mostly I spent my free time working with video artists and working in the video lounge at the world famous nightclub named Danceteria. I had moved to Maine to work in the TV industry back in the mid-1980’s- it didn’t last long and I found myself unemployed and hungry for meaningful work.  I found it by washing pots and pans – then graduating to a dishwasher. It was rewarding and it framed the next ten or so years of my life. I lived and worked as a cook in Portland, Maine- before it was trendy to live in Maine, and I couldn’t wait to get out of there. Which led me to Johnson/Wales in Charleston, South Carolina, where I attended culinary school and did work towards my ACF apprenticeship in culinary arts. My professional culinary background frames my passion for flavor as a saucier. I worked in restaurants from Maine to Arizona and was the owner/founder of Olde Charleston Pasta, the first manufacturer of fresh pasta in South Carolina. September of 1989 I lost everything in Hurricane Hugo. It would push me forward.

I was also fortunate to have been raised as a global traveler and eater. My parents were determined to show my sister and I the world, like millionaires would see it- because they were- and they instilled fabulous, old money tastes into me. Problematic, because you need to make a bundle of money to have this kind of old money taste- something that has, to date, evaded me. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly self-made, but not on their level. My luck! So, my parents made sure I knew about fine wine from age 5 or so on.  Cannabis was my own discovery at around 12. More on that later. My grandfather was in the patent pharmaceutical business. It afforded me an upbringing few can understand. I’ll just say, it was unique and it made me the man I am today…

You’ve written for Forbes, Saveur magazine, Voda magazine and authored several books. Tell us about your writing process.

Writing is easy for me. The words just flow- it’s conversational and emotional. I love to bring my readers into my life- not to show off, far from! But to share and hopefully add value. To experience the best, without being a snob. I hate those people. They suck! I was massively bullied growing up and it made me the man I am today. Forbes is a great honor.

I write for their Vices section. It’s pretty laid back there. Saveur is a thrill for me because most people don’t know I literally was starving before I found that I had a passion for cooking. NO one ever went hungry working in a professional kitchen. This insight allowed me to speak the language of a cook because I started cleaning bathrooms and greasy, burnt pots and pans. NO ONE who I know who is a writer or even a blogger can say that- given my timeline. Not that I should ever compare myself to anyone else, just the timeline is long, from the mid-1980s to today!

What’s your favorite cannabis cocktail and how do you make it?

My favorite is the viet iced coffee with THC infused condensed milk, you decarb the cannabis in the Ardent Lift to 100% bioavailability. I spoke on this topic at SXSW this past March. Disrupting the cannabis kitchen.  

I talked about how I infused cannabis into craft spirits. It’s so easy to gently heat the cannabis and condensed milk together, using my favorite machine, the Magical Butter Machine. It makes me look like a pro! You mix the cannabis-infused condensed milk into Vietnamese Iced Coffee and lazy away the afternoon!

Your writing sits at the intersection of cannabis and cocktails which is a very interesting mix. How did that come about?  

I had a dream. Really.  It’s that simple. I’m a classically trained mixologist from bar-back on up. My mentor, Chris James was not easy on me. I came to him at fifty years old- no youngster at the Ryland Inn located in the bucolic hunt country in NJ. People are extremely demanding there. It’s ultra-affluent and they want the very best without apologies. I learned from the best, Chef Anthony Bucco gave me a chance to become the Warren I am today. Not too many people start new careers at fifty.

Personally, I’ve never had a cannabis cocktail. What effect should I expect and what would you recommend I try?

It’s a lovely stone.  I’d love to make a mint julep for you with THC infused Rye whiskey from Barrell.  It’s barrel strength and quite luxurious!

What are some of the biggest opportunities and challenges you see in the cannabis industry?

I only see opportunity. I hate lipstick-stoners.  I have to use cannabis as part of my medicinal regiment.  If you can’t hold your cannabis, get out now. It’s different for everyone. Watch out for edibles, they can hurt you if you’re not careful. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! I see a massive opportunity for kind people to spread warmth and well- being to the world.

What stories are you most interested in right now? What topics do you enjoy writing about?

I love writing about Cannagars ( Handcrafted cannabis cigars made from organic flowers). I am enjoying one from Luxe at the moment, pure bliss.  I’m also enjoying one from the Las Vegas Cannagar Company. I have no idea how I got any of them.

As I’m sure you know, reaching relevant media and journalists is a major challenge for entrepreneurs, especially in the cannabis industry. What’s the best way to reach you, in a way that captures your attention?

Twitter is the best way to reach me. I love LinkedIn, but to be quite honest, I don’t always check my LinkedIn emails. Twitter is always there for me. I have a massive footprint and it opens many doors that are usually closed. @warrenbobrow1

Going back to the cannabis industry, how do you see the state of the industry right now, and where do you think we will be 5 years from now?

It’s the wild west with the liquor- three-tier system running the integration of logistics. I’m pretty unhappy about this.  We need more cannabis people in charge of things, not liquor people.

What do you think most entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry get wrong about their marketing strategies?

Lack of humility and certainly the lack of me time. You must be good to yourself and stop working so hard! What will be will be and the growth should be organic. Don’t try to force anything and by all means, do what you love. It will show!

Who would you recommend we interview next, and why?

I should suggest that you interview Zoe Wilder, also I suggest interviewing Rosie Mattio. 

Thanks for sharing your insights with us Warren, it was a true pleasure interviewing you! Looking forward to raising a glass with you in the near future. Cheers!

Oh, and don’t forget to check out Warren’s book – Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails & Tonics: The Art of Spirited Drinks and Buzz-Worthy Libations.

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Interviews

Rosie Mattio: The Intersection of Luxury Cannabis and Intellectualism

Rosie Mattio PHOTO COURTESY: ROSIE MATTIO, PR

Author’s Note: I love working with talented intellects who enjoy the cannabis space for more than just a job, these “think on their feet” entrepreneurs genuinely want to make a difference and are leading the thrust towards doing better by others, one step at a time. I am fortunate to work with several industry leaders in the Public Relations world of cannabis and all are supportive of my desire to document the talented and the entrepreneurial. One such talented person is Rosie Mattio. Rosie has her own cannabis-centric agency that specializes in luxury cannabis products. Her list of clients reads like a “Who’s Who” of the New Cannabis Age, but Rosie is not about shouting their accolades to the world. Quite to the contrary, her strength is organic. She brings people together through synergy and her ease of communication. She makes you feel comfortable in your path, because in the case of this company, brains push forwards- rather than sheer brawn. It takes more than one key player, however to make a team work in the cannabis space. As cannabis is organic, the methods of promotion are also organic. Not forcing, but guiding the guest, through the life of a product or service. Helping, guiding, but not doing is another method of great cannabis PR. Part of the passion of cannabis is the methodology of our tribe. Cannabis is not for everyone, but with the non-conformist views of this talented firm, what Rosie does is allow the consumer to learn along with the teacher, instead of the teacher knowing everything. Knowing everything is impossible in life, and it takes humility to discover the secrets of great Cannabis-Centric PR. I’m honored to share with you, Rosie Mattio, PR., and her five (or so) questions.

Read More Here At Forbes!