Cannabis: Social Media, Dispensaries, & Big Alcohol

Welcome to The Beat’s latest drop—a playlist of perspectives from the influencers and innovators moving the needle. Here’s what’s on repeat from the voices moving culture forward:

• Social Media Censorship influences cannabis businesses, discerning which platforms champion freedom and which suppress green content.
• Transforming customer interactions into exceptional guest experiences in dispensaries elevates both sales and consumer loyalty.
• The Big Alcohol's dive into the cannabis beverage market poses both opportunities and challenges for industry innovation and competition integrity.

For the uninitiated: The Beat is a free, biweekly newsletter designed for the influencers, tastemakers, and innovators in the worlds of music, entertainment, media, food & beverage, fashion, sports, gaming, and more. Each article featured below is penned by a member of Rolling Stone Culture Council, a community of influential leaders across an array of industries.

With the lineup set, let’s turn up the volume on this week’s insights.

Unveiling the Greens: Navigating Cannabis-Friendly Social Media Platforms

Lindsey Bartlett - Chief Media Officer Fast Buds

Cannabis continues its tightrope walk on social media, battling algorithms and policies that deem it undesirable despite its growing legal status globally.

Dive into the current landscape and discover which platforms are lighting up opportunities for weed aficionados and which are snuffing them out.

Here’s where the buds bloom:

???YouTube: A haven for educational cannabis content. Post freely, but keep it instructive to thrive under their user policies.

?? X (formerly Twitter): Under Musk's regime, it's all green! Open to ads and flush with cannabis content across feeds.

???LinkedIn: Surprisingly, the professional network embraces cannabis discussions, proving beneficial for industry networking.

???Reddit: Perfect for community-building among cultivators, with subreddits dedicated to cannabis strains and general discussions.

Not so friendly confines:

?? Telegram: Recently turned its back on cannabis, deleting notable accounts.

?? TikTok: Engaging yet risky. The platform's strict content policy means any cannabis-related success is precarious.

???Instagram, Facebook, Threads: Meta’s platforms continue their harsh stance on cannabis, frequently deleting or shadowbanning content.

Read The Full Article >

Redefining Cannabis Retail: From Transactions to Transformative Guest Experiences

Red Rodriguez - Founder Iconoclast Agency

In the bustling world of cannabis dispensaries, transforming every sale into a personalized guest experience isn't just nice; it's essential for standing out. Discover the game-changing strategies that can turn ordinary customer interactions into memorable visits that keep consumers coming back for more.

Explore insights to crafting unforgettable guest encounters:

???Greet with Warmth: Begin with a personal introduction, use the guest’s name, and understand their pronouns to set a welcoming tone.

?? Deep Dive into Needs: Tailor interactions by understanding whether a guest prefers flowers, vapes, or edibles; consider their usage purposes, tolerance, and budget.

?? Educate Intensively: Share compelling brand stories and detailed product knowledge – from THC content to cultivation techniques. It's not just selling; it's empowering through education.

???Sell the Experience: When closing the sale, highlight loyalty programs and inform about additional accessories and upcoming events, creating a holistic shopping experience.

???Transform Relationships: Treat every interaction, purchase or not, as a relationship-building opportunity. Offer advice on safe transport home or future inquiries to ensure they leave feeling valued and respected.

Read The Full Article >

Big Alcohol Dives into Cannabis Beverages: Trendsetter or Trouble Maker?

Peter Su, CTP, CCBP, CCCE, GRCP, GRCA, IDPP, ACBP, CBE - Director of Specialty Banking Hanover Bank

As the smoke clears on cannabis legalization, Big Alcohol sees an opening amidst declining liquor sales to tap into the burgeoning cannabis beverage market.

With a projected market value rocketing to $3.8 billion by 2030, this isn't just a fad. It's a seismic shift in consumption preferences as health-conscious consumers swap boozy nights for cannabis sips. But is this crossover a cause for cheer or concern?

Here’s the blend of progress and potential pitfalls:

???Market Expansion: Big Alcohol's entry could mainstream cannabis-infused drinks, enhancing distribution and acceptance while advocating for clearer regulations.

???Wider Reach: Brands like Samuel Adams have already launched cannabis products, hinting at a future where cannabis drinks are as common as beer.

???Potential Monopoly Risks: The muscle of major alcohol companies could sideline smaller cannabis businesses, monopolizing the market.

???Quality Concerns: There's fear that profit-driven motives could lead to poorer quality or health-compromising additives in cannabis products, mirroring some negative aspects of the alcohol industry.

Read The Full Article >

Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will love: Rolling Stone Culture Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together influential leaders and innovators in art, media, gaming, theater, social impact, fashion, film, hospitality, sports, and more.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on RollingStone.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Rolling Stone Culture Council today and become part of a group driving innovation in entertainment.