High! Canada Magazine Issue #80 New March 2023

THE TOP OF THE CANNABIS GAME IN CANADA

THE TOP OF THE CANNABIS GAME IN CANADA

THE TOP OF THE CANNABIS GAME IN CANADA

AUDREY WONG

AUDREY WONG

AUDREY WONG

FOUNDER + CEO

FOUNDER + CEO

FOUNDER + CEO

ZYRE BRANDS

ZYRE BRANDS

At High Canada Magazine Publishing Group, we are committed to providing our readers with the most current, relevant, and reliable information available.

To help us maintain the editorial excellence and integrity of our publication, we have assembled a qualified Council of dedicated experts and innovators and natural health and cannabis to serve on HCM’s Editorial Advisory Board:

With the help of these industry authorities, HCM offers fresh timely and accurate information about natural health and wellness as it applies to cannabis. The board members lend their expertise to our process of developing and commissioning or editorial lineup, and a post-publication review of each issue which is invaluable in maintaining our more than nine year reputation as Canada's most trusted cannabis health and wellness resource.

Every effort is made to ensure that the majority of advertised products will be available for sale in Canada.

The information provided in this magazine is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the advice of qualified and licensed practitioner or healthcare provider.

The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of High Canada Media Group, it’s affiliates or parent company. Different views may appear in future articles or publications. Articles in HCM are copyrighted and must not be reprinted duplicated or transmitted without permission.

Drivenbyabalancedapproachtoensuring responsiblecannabischoicesandcreating positivecannabisexperiencesforCanadians, HCMstrivestoinformandeducateourreaders.

HCMisnotresponsiblefortheactions,services orqualityoftheproductsandservicesrepresented withinorreportedon.

Allmaterialpresentedisintendedforamature 21+audienceandisintendedforentertainment, educationalandinformationalpurposesonly

Formoreinformationonmedicinalcannabis, pleasespeaktoyourfamilyDoctor.

Allrightsreserved,HCMisprintedandproduced proudlyinCanada.FormoreinformationonHCM, pleaseemailusateditor@highcanada.netorvisit usonlineatwww.highcanada.net

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TammiStanhope

OntarioEditorialTeam

XanderLandry BCEditorialTeam

TFPruden

AlbertaEditorialTeam

HarryWhite

OntarioEditorialTeam

RainbowSmithe BCEditorialTeam

OnellCrawford GuestContributor

DaveMacAdam BCEditorialTeam

SaraJaneWilson BCEditorialTeam

SabrinaMohamed

OntarioEditorialTeam

ZaraBoorder

OntarioEditorialTeam

DebiFacey

OntarioEditorialTeam

HarryResin BCEditorialTeam

www.highcanada.net

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Editor’s

We are excited to be

celebratingthethirdissue

of our 9th year of publishing High! Canada Magazine.

OnbehalfofourentireHigh!Canada Magazineteam-scatteredacrossthis amazingcountryofours-wewould liketowelcomeyoubacktoanother issue of information and education centeredaroundcannabisinCanada. Asyouknow,wefocusonthepeople behind the plant and we have an exciting issue for you full of phenomenal individuals and a very special focus on International Women’sDayandMonth.Ourentire team has put forward nominations forthewomeninthecannabisspace we would like to see celebrated and we have some simply amazing recommendations. We also have three phenomenal interviews with three leaders within the Canadian cannabis space. Amazing and inspirationaltoboot...

Notes by Cy Williams

MuchloveandHappyInternational Women’sDay!

March8thmarksInternationalWomen'sDay,aglobalcelebrationofthe

social,economic,cultural,andpoliticalachievementsofwomen.This year,thefocusisonDigitALLInnovationandTechnologyforgender equality, recognizing the need for change in a world that still struggles with gender disparities.While progress has been made in achieving gender equality, therealityisthatthecurrent"equalopportunities"arenotenough.

Women in STEM fields are still very underrepresented, with only 28% of women holding STEM-related jobs. Furthermore, the gender pay gap persists, with women earning only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. Women

continue to face d i s c r i m i n a t i o n , harassment, and bias, bothintheworkplaceand intheirpersonallives.

However, despite these challenges, women have been at the forefront of technological innovation and are making strides towards gender equality. From developing apps that empower women

and girls, to using technology to fight gender-based violence and discrimination, women are proving that they can be powerful agentsofchange.

One area where women have been making an impact is in artificial intelligence (AI). AI has thepotentialtotransform industries,butitisonlyas good as the data it is trained on. If that data is biased,thentheoutcomes oftheAIwillbebiasedas well. Women are workingtoensurethatAI

isfairandinclusivebyadvocatingfor diverse datasets and developing algorithmsthatpromoteequality.

Another area where women are innovating is in the development of blockchain technology. Blockchain has the potential to revolutionize industries such as finance and healthcare,butitisalsobeingusedto promotegenderequality.

Blockchain can be used to create secure digital identities for women, which can help to prevent genderbasedviolenceanddiscrimination.It can also be used to create decentralized marketplaces that empowerwomenentrepreneurs.

Despite these advances, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender equality in the tech industry.

Women need to be given more opportunitiestoenterandadvancein STEM fields, and workplaces need tobemoreinclusiveandsupportive of women. We need to break down gender stereotypes and biases, and ensure that everyone has an equal chancetosucceed.

Innovationandtechnologyhavethe power to transform the world, but only if we ensure that they are used topromotegenderequality.

OnthisInternationalWomen's Day, let us celebrate the achievements of women in technology and commit to creating a world where e v e r y o n e h a s e q u a l opportunitiestosucceed.

Womenhavethepowertomakeapositiveimpactinboththeirpersonal andprofessionallives.Byliftingeachotherupandsupportingone another,womencanhelptocreateabrighterfutureforthemselvesand fortheworld.Somewaysthatwomencansupport,helpeachother growandsucceedinbothbusinessandpersonallifeare:

Network and Collaborate: Building strong networks and collaborating with other women is one of the most effective ways to grow and succeed. By sharing resources, knowledge, and ideas, women can help each other to overcome obstacles and reach new levels of success. Whether it's through formal networking events or informal get-togethers, connecting with other women can provide valuable opportunities for growthanddevelopment.

Share Your Skills: Sharing your skills and expertise with other women can help to create a supportive and empowering community. By offering mentorship, coaching, and training, women can help each other to develop new skills, improve their performance, and achieve their goals.Whetherit'sintheworkplace orinyourpersonallife,sharingyour skills and expertise can have a positive impact on those around you.

Celebrate Each Other's Successes: Celebratingeachother'ssuccessesis an important way to support and empower women. By recognizing and acknowledging each other's achievements, women can help to build confidence and create a positive,supportiveenvironment.

Whether it's through public recognition, personal notes of congratulations,orjustasimplepat on the back, taking the time to celebrateeachother'ssuccessescan make a big difference in helping womentogrowandsucceed.

Provide Encouragement and Motivation: Encouragement and motivation are key to helping women grow and succeed. By providing positive reinforcement a n d o ff e r i n g w o r d s o f encouragement, women can help each other to stay focused and motivated, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. Whether it's through a supportive conversation, a motivational quote, or just a listening ear, providing encouragement and motivation can

help women to stay positive and focusedontheirgoals.

Create Safe Spaces: Creating safe and supportive spaces where women can come together, share theirexperiences,andbethemselves is an important way to help each other grow and succeed. Whether it's through online communities, local groups, or informal gettogethers, these spaces provide women with the opportunity to connect, grow, and support one another. By working together and supporting each other, women can makeapositiveimpactinboththeir personal and professional lives. Fromnetworkingandcollaboration, to sharing skills, celebrating s u c c e s s e s , p r o v i d i n g encouragement, and creating safe spaces, women have the power to helpeachothergrowandsucceed.

By lifting each other up and empoweringeachother,womencan create a brighter future for themselvesandfortheworld.

Happy International Women's Day! I am honored to introduce you to an amazing group of women who are leading the way in the cannabis space around the world. These inspiring women are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the cannabis industry, from entrepreneurs to scientists, activists to artists, and more. They are true trailblazers who are paving the way for the future of cannabis. Let's celebrate these inspiring women and their remarkable accomplishments!

- Tammi Stanhope - High! Canada Magazine

POLITA PEPPER

From Mexico - Co-founder of the civil association Cannativa, an association for multidisciplinary studies of medicinal plantsandentheogens.Sheisacontributor tothecannabisculturemagazinesCañamo, VICEandHaze.Sheispartofthedriving group of the Latin American Network of Cannabis Women since its creation in 2016.

Polita is currently studying for a PhD in Social Anthropology at the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH)andherresearchprojectisonthe production of cannabis in indigenous communities. She is a Master in Social Anthropology from the Center for Research and Studies in Social Anthropology(CIESAS).

ALICE REIS

AproudCaliforniaLatina,Alicebroughther psychology degree and her harm reduction skills to transform the way we educate in cannabis. Alice is the Founder and CEO in Girls In Green, an educational media company that specializes in marketing and contentproduction.

As an international speaker, hashmaker, cultivatorandteacher,Alicehastriedhashish fromallovertheworldinthelastnineyears. In 2019,Alice went to study agronomy at a college in the Humboldt County region, one of the largest in marijuana production in California, and in 2022 she won 1st Place alongside Flynn Abeln at the Emerald Cup fortheir"PersonalUseSolventlessCategory

-WooksauceWineryScreamingMints

SISTER LUNA

Co-Founder of Sisters of the ValleyMexico

SisterLunaisone of two sisters of Mexico and the co-founder of Sisters of the Valley Mexico. She was born and raised in Puebla. In 2018 she m o v e d t o Ensenada to start and operate a smallonlinestore, whilestudyingfor hermasters.

ShehasaBAinBiologyandaMastersin Biomedicine.Herresearchhasfocusedon cancer and the development of cancer vaccines. Luna has worked in hospitals withtransplantpatients.

She worked for several years developing environmental, social, and urban impact studiesfortheprivatesector

Herresearchgoalrightnowistobeableto focusontreatmentswithCannabis,andthe whole of all cannabinoids found in the plant.

Asawomanofscience,sherecognizesthe limitations within the field of science as there are still too many stigmas and stereotypesagainstthecamnabisplant.

The lack of research and scientific recognitionofCannabisissomethingthat hasmotivatedhertobeaspokespersonand activist who defends the properties and medicinaluse.

SISTER CAMILLA

Aproud California

Latina, Alice b r o u g h t h e r psychology degree and her harm reduction skills to transform the way we educate in cannabis.

A l i c e i s t h e Founder and CEO in Girls In Green, an educational media company that specializes in marketing and content production. As an international speaker, hashmaker, cultivator and teacher, Alice has tried hashish from all overtheworldinthelastnineyears.

In2019,Alicewenttostudyagronomyat acollegeintheHumboldtCountyregion, oneofthelargestinmarijuanaproduction inCalifornia.

In 2022 she won 1st Place alongside FlynnAbelnattheEmeraldCupfortheir "Personal Use Solventless CategoryWooksauceWineryScreamingMints.

KIMBERLY HOOKS

AKA MADAME CANNOLI

CEO-FrenchyCannoliBrand:Aroma&FlavorSpecialist,Educator Teaches:AssessingCannabisFlower&ConcentratesforGangierCouncil

KimberlyHooks,akaMadameCannoli,isthewidowofthelatefamedhash-makerFrenchy Cannoli. Frenchy and Kimberly met while traveling in Nepal and India in the early 1980s, wheretheirtravelsultimatelyleadthemtoCalifornia.Frenchybeganteachinghash-making, writinghash-making-relatedarticles,andmakinghissmallbatchVSOP(VerySpecialOld Press) line of hashish from plants grown by multi-generational Emerald Triangle cannabis farmers. TohonorFrenchy'slegacyandcontinuehiswork,Kimberlyhasestablishedthenonprofit Frenchy Cannoli Foundation and the completed documentary Frenchy Dreams of Hashish is theFoundation's first projectreleasein honor of Frenchy. Frenchy's book on the history of cannabis concentrates is slated to be released by the Foundation this year and MadameCannoliteaches"AssessingCannabisFlower&Concentrates"exclusivelyforthe GangierCouncil

LUNA VARGAS

BritishColumbia/Brazil

Luna Vargas has a Masters degree in AnthropologyandEthnomusicologyandsince 2020 is a Cannabis Educator at INFLORE –the first Cannabis training in Portuguese. She has developed a methodology called “From theplanttothemarket”whichaimstodeliver anoverallviewofthecannabisindustrybased on science and real world experience. Luna’s mission is to increase the knowledge about cannabisinitsmanyfacetsinsideandoutside the industry, which leads to increased safety and demand for higher quality products. She has already trained hundreds of students who are based in more than 15 countries, across 3 continents, which in turn are now spreading that knowledge in the different cannabis marketsintheworld.Thefocusofherworkis education.HereinCanada,it’stobringscience closer to the market, and, in Brazil, to open people's minds to the possibilities of the cannabisindustry.

JULIE CHIARIELLO

Owner/Editor-in-ChiefatSkunkMagazine

As a woman in business for the last 26 years, Julie has enjoyed bringing green, cutting edge products successfully to market and empoweringotherstosucceed.Sheisamedical cannabis user, a certified herbalist of 25 years andbelievesintheuseandprotectionofherbal medicinesinalltheirforms.

She is a champion of new style business that upholdsthetenetsofsustainability,empowered consumerism, philanthropy and a more intelligent use of our collective resources. In her work as Owner and Editor-in-chief at SKUNKMagazineforthelast10yearsshehas empowered small businesses to succeed and has given a voice to the unseen and unheard thatcontinuetosufferandbetornapartbythis heinouspubliccrime.Sheisdevotedtoagreen renaissance,notagreen/greedrush.

International Women’s Day!

- Cy Williams - High! Canada Magazine

ELIZABETH BECKER

As thetenaciousandpassionateFounderand CEOofHiBnb,Elizabethhasalwaysbeenan advocateforthelegalizationofcannabisandin 2018, when Canada became the first G7 country to federally legalize cannabis at the recreationallevel,Elizabethjumpedfrom25+ years as a writer and director in film and television to become an internationally recognized award winning innovator / disruptor Elizabethcombinesherpassionfor thefocusedgrowthofthecannabiscommunity with her highly-honed creative and communication skills Operating at the intersection of cannabis, hospitality, and technology,Elizabethisdevotedtosupporting astigma-freecannabislifestyleandcultivating a global cannabis positive community where people from all walks of life can generate increased revenue or a secondary revenue stream.

PAULINE HYDE

Pauline’s passion for the legalized cannabis industry is what lead her to join her husband David Hyde in 2013 as they built Canada’s foremost cannabis security consultancy –DavidHydeandAssociates(DHA).Withover 9 years of experience in the cannabis space, Pauline has established an extensive network within the industry allowing her the privilege ofworkingwith100’sofCannabiscompanies on key aspects of their business. Pauline has seen and experienced first-hand the remarkablebenefitsofCannabisinthemedical field; from end-of-life pain management to chronic pain relief. Pauline’s work in the cannabis sector is fueled by her personal experiences and desire to help those in need. As President and Founder of HAI and Managing partner at CannaNavigators, Pauline brings her 9 years of hands-on

cannabisindustryexperiencecoupledwith her extensive knowledge of business optimization, financial corporate development, team building, and client satisfactiontoourclientsandpartners.

I love the energy and passion I see coming out of the Canadian cannabis space - #embraceequity - Here are some of my favourite women in the space... Happy

AMY PRENTICE

AmyPrenticeisamemberofthefoundingteamatPINNRZ™andhasworkedinthe cannabisindustryforthepastnineyears.Sheisaseniorcommunicationsstrategistwith experienceleadingcorporate,product,executive,andhigh-profilecommunication campaigns.Amywasapublicistinthepublishingindustryforoveradecadewhereshe honedherabilitytopromote,conveystories,andbuildbrands.

JACQUI CHILDS

Jacqui Childs is a HIGHLY awarded influencer and international best selling author, with an online audience of millions. She co hosts the cannabis community’s favouritepodcast“TheGreenRoom.”Jacqui also holds the position of Chief Content OfficeratCannabisWiki,whereshehelpsto create stigma ending content and conversations.

Her passion and dedication to this community has taken her around the globe. Jacquispeaksfromtheheartaboutherhealth struggles,bothmentallyandphysically,and the incredible difference cannabis has made inherlife.

Jacquidoesnotclaimtobeanexpert,rathera storyteller helping to de-stigmatize plant medicinesandinvisibleillnesses.

SHERI AUBIN

SheriAubin worked with BC Cancer for 25 years in various roles when the opportunity arose to apply for a cultivation license with herhusband,Jeff.Withthehopeofproviding a job they could do together, they began the life-changing process. It was a challenging journey for them, to say the least. The full extent of their dream was finally realized whenSheriwasabletoretirefromthepublic sector and dedicate herself fully to Smoker Farms.Sherihasonlybeenabletoappreciate this new life for a short time but is loving being involved in the cannabis industry and experiencing its’exciting opportunities. She has had the honor of meeting some amazing womenintheindustryandisbeyondproudto be a part of it. She looks forward to moving SmokerFarmsforwardandseeingwherethis journeytakesher.

I think these women from our industry truly do deserve a shout out for all of the work they do. Cheers and Happy International Women’s Day!

- Sara Jane Wilson - High! Canada Magazine

I am honoured to introduce some Trail Blazing women for International Women’s Day! I am grateful to learn and grow in an industry which enables women to go above and beyond and continue to break barriers in our wonderful industry!

TrimQueen® - Sabrina Mohamed High Canada Magazine

CATHERINE DYCK

Artist,AncientLakeDesigns

Manitoba,Canada.

Cannabishasbeeninmylifesincetheverybeginning.My parents were both artists, and they loved 'grass' and consumed it regularly. My house had that sweet smell growingup.

When I was 15, I smoked my first joint and fell in love. Cannabishasbeenmygo-togalfor30yearsnow,andIdon't seeuseverquittingeachother.Sheliftsmeupandsupports me when I'm low. She makes my days and nights better.We've been through so much together. Thankyoutocannabisformakinglifebetter.

CYNTHIA LABELLE

JMFGrowers

Drummondville,Québec

When my mom was sick with cancer, her body wouldn’t metabolize the pain medication. She was going through a lot of pain and I knew CBD in inhalation form or suppositories would have helped her.Unfortunately,shepassedawayinpainbecause thedoctorscouldn’tgiveheranythingelseotherthen what was assigned to the protocol. When I was approachedbyJMFGrowerstobeoneoftheowners andtheCEO,Iknewthiswouldbemynewmission: save people because I couldn’t save my mom. Everyday,Imotivateourteaminthedirectiontohelp others.Wehavecreatedawonderfulmedicalvirtualcounterforcannabispatientstomedicate themselvesandweareveryproudofwhatwehaveaccomplished.

LINDA BIGGS

Art/CannabisQueenRX Sparks,MD,USA

Cannabis means endless opportunities. CannabisActually saved my life,afteratragiccaraccident.ItwasthehealingmedicineIusedtoget mebackonmyfeet.ImadesuppositoriesofRSOanditminimizedmy pain, and reduced inflammation. I did not know at the time that it changed my path and I began celebrating cannabis in my art.That is howmyCannabisAccessoryCompanybegan.

ANISHA REINDORF

HighKu.Co-Edmonton,AB,Canada

Cannabisisalifestyleforme,&rightfully,itshould be.Fromseedtoleafandeverythingin-betweenwe areabletousethisplant.Iwasabletoseeit’shealing benefitsatayoungage&wastaught,“Don’tsmoke weedtojustgethigh,smokeweedtomeditate”and thatisamantraIliveby.Forme,cannabisisaclear Catalysttorepairthiscurrentworldwelivein.By healingthemind,bodies,&hearts,throughherbsand plants.Iamheretohelpeducation&empoweritby breakingthejudgment&stigmas.

NATALIE COX

GrowingWithNatalie/EarthCellarFarms-Toronto

CannabismeansIcanfinallysleepagainafterdecades ofinsomnia. Beingabletosleepledtoaproductivity IwishIhadwhenIwasraisingbabies. Cannabis meansIhavecontrolovermymedication;asa grower. Cannabisisawayformetobondwithmy adultchildren. It’swildafteryearsofpolicingtheir use,Inowgrowformyadultchildren.Myquestto growweedbroughtmetocollegeforHorticulture Technician,againforHorticultureFoodandFarming. Imetmythreenewbusinesspartnersincollege,and we’vejuststartedEarthCellarFarmsInc.,asagroup ofurbanfarmersreadytotackleseriousissueslike foodinsecurityandlackofyouthandseniors programs.

NATALIE SOPHIA

NASkincare-Kitchener,Ontario

Cannabishasbeenapartofmylifeformanyyears. Especiallythelastsevenyears.ThisiswhenIdecided thatthereweresomanypeopletiredofBigPharma. Realizingtheyonlymademoneyiftheykeptyou sick.ThisiswhenIthoughtitwouldbeagreatideato infusemyskincareline.Ihavebeenabletoassist severalpeoplewithrelieffromChronicPain,Nerve Damage,Fibromyalgia,Anxiety,Depression,Cancer &somuchmore.Onapersonalnote,ithashelpedme getthrough&overanabusiverelationship.Cannabis helpedmegetoutofmyhead&knowmyworth.Iam amuchhappier&wellbalancedindividualandIwant tospreadthatpositivitytothemasses.

MILA JANSEN

ThePollinatorCompany

Amsterdam,theNetherlands.

Mylifehasbeenfullofcannabis-hashishto bemoreexact.Istartedsmokinghashishin 1964andneverstopped.In1994Iinvented thePollinator,thefirstmachinetoseparate trichomesfromtheplantmaterial.Pressthese trichomesandLo!Presto!youhavehashish. ThePollinatormademesofamous,theycall metheHashQueen. NowI'm78andspend timewithmyfamilyandmybusinessin Amsterdam.IalsogiveDab-a-dooparties aroundtheworld,enjoymylifeandhave writtenabookaboutitall.Wishingallyou beautifulladiesafantasticWomen'sDay!

MELISSA PHAM

DigitalContentCreator/ EdibleRecipe Creator

Toronto,Ontario

Therewasatimewhencannabistome broughtmethevibeof‘togetherness’fromthe greyworldandthelegalside.Bothworlds hadanunspokenruletorespectandallow eachothertodecidewhotheywanttowork withandgoaboutdoingtheirhustle.Thenthe pandemichit.Thentheculturechanged.The businessmindsetfromalotofpeople changed.Thenthenumberschangedandalso thequalityandjustthemassquantitythat’s beenoverproduced.Cannabishashelpedwith myanxietywhenit’stherightstraingrown properly.Ithelpsalotwithmydepressionand sexlife.Ithastaughtmeknowledgeandthe benefitsithastooffer.Itbroughtfoodtothe table.Idon’tconsumeitwithmanypeopleas muchasIuseto.Itdefinitelystillbringsmore positivesthannegativesintomypresentlife. Justhavetospotthebadseedsandremove thembeforetheygetmixedintothegood ones.

Happy International Women's Day!

These are some of the kick ass women I want to recommend!

- Rainbow Smithe- High! Canada Magazine

KARLI THIESSEN

LivingLeafRemedies-BC

Advocate,Activist-Afighterwho championscannabisandcannabis culturewitheverybreath.Shehasbeen intheindustryfor15yearsandis certifiedtohelpcanineswithcannabis aswellaspeoplewithcannabis.Her favouritethingaboutcannabisisthatit bringspeopletogetheranditsaves lives!

TERRA MAIBACH & SONJA RIDDLE

VioletWildCannabis-BC Sisters,founders,advocates, entrepreneursandcommunityleaders.

LISA PETTY

MarketingDirector|OwnedAssets| MCI-LiftEventsandExperiences

Savvy,stylish,smartandtheontopof hergame,Bringingnewlifeinto Cannabisfocusedeventsand conferences.

LETI OLMOS

BudtenderatInspiredCannabisVancouver,BC

RepresentingthefutureofCannabisin Canada

Happy International Women's Day!

JOCELYN SHELTRAW

JocelynistheCEOofBudist,acannabisproductreviews and ratings platform launching soon. Prior to Budist, Jocelynspent4.5yearsastheHeadofIndustryRelationsat Headset, the leading data and analytics company for the cannabisindustry.

Jocelyn currently serves on the Board of Directors of the California Cannabis Industry Association, the Advisory Board for American National Standards Institute, and lectures at StartSe University, an international business school. She is a recognized industry thought leader, influencer,andpublicspeaker.

Prior to the cannabis industry, Jocelyn spent 10 years workinginmobileadvertisingandtechnologydeveloping advertisingandmonetizationstrategiesforappsincluding: Flipboard, Spotify, SoundCloud, Pandora, and Uber to nameafew.

STEPHANIE HONIG

StephaniewasborninHavertown,Pennsylvaniaandgrew upinBuenosAires,Argentina.ShegraduatedfromFlorida InternationalUniversityandOxfordUniversity.

She has worked Marriott Corporation, Clicquot, Inc., and Rudd Winery building a career in the wine and spirits industry. She earned the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma and later produced and imported her own wine brandfromArgentinatotheUSA.

In 2006, she moved to Napa Valley and married Michael Honig. Stephanie travels the globe developing Honig's international and national presence. She is the founding President for the Napa Valley Cannabis Association and consults for alcohol beverage companies entering in the cannabisindustry.

Stephanie co-founded Yolo Brand Group, a house of cannabis beverages brands. She lives in Rutherford with herhusbandMichaelandtheir4children.

It is my honour to nominate the following women for being excellent role models and real life super heroes.

- Onell Crawford - Cannabis Related Podcast

ANNIE DAVIS

Annie is a Clio award-winning business strategist, marketing leader and investor with nearly 20 years of experience building lasting teams and brands for companies spanning consumer packaged goods, renewable energy,

In2018,shetransitionedhercareerintothelegal cannabis industry Through her strategy consultancy, Growing Impact, she has helped numerous cannabis clients across marketing, business development, and sales strategy includingCannaCraft,ProjectCBD,Humble& Fume,RebelSpirit,GardenSocietyandCresco Labs.

She is a fierce advocate for ESG (environmental,social,governance)anddiverse representationincannabis.Annieisafounding BoardMemberoftheCannabisMediaCouncil, and serves as a mentor to under-represented founders through Our Academy As a Fund Advisor with West Creek Investments and Receptive Capital, Annie also advises and investsinearly-stagecannabiscompanies.

JOYCE CENALI

Joyce leads operations at Big Rock Partners, a strategic advisory firm serving investors and companies at the intersection of food, hospitality and cannabis. Big Rock owns and operates Sonoma Hills Farm, a premium craft cannabis farm and organic culinary garden nestled on 60-acres in Sonoma Valley. A long time craft cannabis cultivator, she co-founded an Emerald Cup winning operation and began angel investing in various women-founded earlystagecannabisstart-ups.

Withamissiontoadvanceamodernregulatory modelthatunitescapitalismwithinclusion,she was co-chair of the Sonoma County chapter of Women Grow and recently co-founded the Cannabis Media Council. In 2020, she was recognizedby SanFranciscoBusinessTimesas aMostInfluentialWomeninBayAreaBusiness.

RALINA SHAW

Ralina is the CEO of House of Tyne, a fashionableandfunctionalvapebatterybrand thataimstomakeeverypuffastatement.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Ralina always felt likesomethingwasmissinginthemarket.

There were lots of products available, but noneofthemhadastylethatspoketoherasa modernconsumer

SoRalinadedicatedherselftocraftingstylish designsthatwouldbeenjoyableforalllevels ofconsumers.

With House of Tyne, Ralina is changing the vaping landscape; get ready to turn up your style,onepuffatatime!

WHITNEY BEATTY

Whitney is a dynamic former reality televisiondevelopmentexecturnedcannabis entrepreneur Her cannabis storage company ApothecarryBrands,Inc.wasselectedforthe first cohort of Canopy San Diego cannabis business accelerator and won the ArcView Groups2017LosAngelespitchprize.

She also serves as founder & CEO of Josephine & Billie’s, the first dispensary focused on the recreational and medicinal needsofwomenofcolor,whichwasselected as the first investment for the TPCO Social EquityFund.

Whitney is a fierce advocate for equity and women of color in the cannabis space, and serves as VP for Supernova Women and the CannabisEquityRetailersAssociation.

FELISA ROGERS

Felisa Rogers was raised by outlaw growers in the mountains of Oregon

During the medical years, she worked on cannabis farms in the Pacific Northwest, whilesimultaneouslybuildingacareerasa journalist.

She has written about cannabis for The Guardian and is the founding editor of MJBI,whichshegrewintoatrustedsource of news and intelligence in the cannabis space.

She has used MJBI as a platform to advocatefordiversityintheindustry,andto amplify the voices of women writers, as well as female business owners, equity licenseholders,andlegacyoperators.

IKA WASHINGTON

Ika is a public health professional and has worked with marginalized, racialized and underrepresented communities in Canada. Sheistheprincipalconsultantandfounder of DiversityTalk, where she works with stakeholders on equity-focused policy and program development work within health and cannabis. She is actively involved at federal, provincial and local levels in promoting health and social equity and justice, promoting the inclusion of underrepresented groups in research and practice.IkaisadoctoratestudentinHealth PolicyandEquity,focusingoncommunity engagementandpolicydevelopment.

SHEREE CARELLA

Shereeis,firstandforemost,aMamatoa crazy four-year-old. Following her main baby comes her family, dogs, and her career.

She is a Partner and Sales & Marketing Director in the cannabis and hemp space for two technology and manufacturing companies: One offering large-scale extraction systems and the second a consumer device for kief and trichome extractionandcuts.

Her passion is for innovation and providingsolutionsfortheindustrywhile loving to build relationships in the industry and connect others with complementarysynergy.

Shethrivesintheartofstayingbusy,along withboxing,fishing,andhiking.

GEETA PASSI SHOURIE

WOMAN IN WEED

Wh a t a n

honour to speak to Geeta Passi-Shourie, the founder of the Mantra Cannabis Brand for this special issue dedicated to the amazing women in the Canadian cannabis industry.

A G e o l o g i s t b y education, an MBA by background a finance professional by designation, her work in Risk Consulting with an international

c o n s u l t i n g o r g a n i z a t i o n , experience in internal Audit with a major chartered bank, and customer service experience in various industry sectors, have prepared her well to start a new venture in the new and exciting Cannabisindustry.She is also a mother of two teenagers and a “woman” in the Cannabisindustry.

Geeta - it is a real honour to speak with

you - how did you get i n v o l v e d w i t h cannabis?

I am East Indian and grew up in India in the land of Ayurveda surrounded by plant medicine. I grew up knowing about cannabis as part of a ceremonial drink used during the festival of Holi. I have always been fascinated bythisplantandwanted tolearnmoreaboutit.

As medical marijuana

starting gaining

popularityinCanadagrew, my interest in knowing more about the industry also grew. So, when the legalization happened, I took this opportunity to become involved in the industryasretailer.

As a retailer I learnt a lot from the resources available as well as from my customers. I had opportunities to identify thegapsinthemarketand decided to introduce more productsinthemarketthat could enhance the medicinal and wellness impact from this amazing plant.

How does cannabis factorintoyoureveryday life?

Cannabis has become part of my daily life. I have used cannabis in my own wellness journey to deal with migraines, IBS and anxiety. I suffered from migraines for many years and practically lived on pain killers to get through myday.OnceIintroduced cannabis into my daily routine, Iwasabletodeal with not only my migraines but also all the side effects of prolonged use of pain killers.After 3 years I am a much healthierversionofmyself and no longer suffer from migraines. Since using cannabis I am also sleeping better and have betterfocus.

Have you encountered any challenges or adversity as a cannabis user?

No, I started my cannabis use with the same principlethatweadviseall the new users to “start slow”. I started with very small dose of THC and CBDandslowlyincreased the levels to what worked best for me. I have not experimented with higher doses as I am not using cannabistogethigh.

How did you move past thesechallenges?

AsIhavenotencountered any negative experiences or challenges I can not speaktothat.However,as retailer I do encounter customers who would share negative experience from time to time. In such cases, I directed them to learnmoreabouttheplant, encouraged watching the dosage,payingattentionto the own body’s responses to different levels, strains and terpenes as well as purchasing from legal and reliable sources to ensure thepurityoftheproduct.

Advice for other women entering the cannabis space or thinking about trying cannabis for the firsttime?

Forthefirsttimeuser,my adviceistostartslow,buy legal and document their

experience to understand whatworksbestforthem.

For women entering the cannabis space, I would encourage them to embrace the industry. The journey is not easy as the industry is very male dominated. However we need to balance the scales and have more women leaders entering the cannabisindustry.

Lastquestion-Whatare three things that you thinkeveryoneneeds?

That is a philosophical question.Everyoneneeds good health, good support system and a career that they love. I base this answer on the fact that w i t h o u t h e a l t heverything else in life becomesinsignificant.

A good support system consistsofpeopleyoucan rely on and this is your family or friends who you cancountoninthetimeof need.

Lastly, the career that you choose is where most of your time is spent - so it should be something you love doing .This is one of thethingsthatIloveabout cannabis industry - that it is full of people who are passionateaboutwhatthey are doing because of their ownpersonaljourneysand the ways this plant has helpedthemintheirlife.

WOMAN IN WEED

KAITLIN MACAPAGAL WOMAN IN WEED

High! Canada

w a s v e r y happy to get the opportunity to speak with Kaitlin Macapagal, well known and respected Brand Communications and Public Relations Manager at Tilray, headquartered out of theTorontooffice.

Her work spans some of Tilray’s major brandstoriesincluding RIFF, Solei, Broken Coast, Good Supply,

C a n a c a , Ti l r a y Medical, and more.

F r o m p r o d u c t launches, portfolio updates, and overall c o m p a n y announcements, she crafts press releases, and pitches, alongside PR event concepts, strategizing and planning how to effectively amplify Tilray’s latest news and ensure they consistently connect withtherightaudience and communities that

support Tilray’s brandssothattheycan thrivelong-term.

Kaitlin, How did you get involved with cannabis?

I’ve always been fascinated by flowers andplantsandthebeauty of their life cycles, and prior to legalization, I always circled back to cannabisnomatterwhat IdidorwhereIwent.ifI were to pinpoint my official involvement, it

started years ago when I had friends that worked at a few dispensaries in downtownToronto.

Around this time, I started working freelance jobs as a creative consultant, designandbranding,and social media content marketing; I’d find myself purchasing p r o d u c t s m o r e frequentlyasitprovided many benefits for me firsthand. I then started tofindinterestinthefact that at the brink of legalization, brands would be looking for creative guidance in the legalmarket.

Fast forward, I came backfromsolotraveling

to Europe and was looking for another industrytotapinto.

I went from years of working in music and fashion sales and marketing, to working in cannabis retail doing sales and visual merchandising.

I went to many events, learned so much about regulatory affairs, and met a handful of great people who became my clients.

From here, I worked with a few smaller LPs as a marketing manager, to now working as a PR specialist for one of the

largest cannabis CPG companiesintheworld.

How does cannabis factor into your everydaylife?

Cannabisisawayforme to creatively explore new ideas when I’m writing, coming up with brand campaigns, and overall expressing myself through visual arts. With that being said, it serves a purpose inmydailyrituals.

Have you encountered any challenges or adversityasacannabis user?

When it comes to consumption,I’vefound that it’s beneficial to

really get to know yourself and your limits as you would anything else. As I got older, I started focusing on understanding what my mind and body needed and how much of that w

depending on what my dayorweekhasinstore. I realized I had to adapt

We'rehuman!

differently, and there's nothingwrongwiththat.

with a layer of stigma. This reminds me that we still have a lot of work to do around cannabis education and can continue pushing boundaries to make changes for a better industry.

Ontopofthat,beingan Asian in cannabis is also a broad topic to

cover in terms of

c h a l l e n g e s a n d adversity, but I'll just keep it short and say, although it hasn't been an easy ride, it's teachingmealotabout myself.

How did you move pastthesechallenges?

I've learned to say no when needed, and to find balance with consumption. I had to accept and recognize that self-managing my consumptionwasnever a bad thing and there's nothing wrong with knowing when you've had enough – even though I've dealt with feeling an odd sense of shame that I couldn't consume as much, or thewayIdidbefore.

As cliché as it sounds, for me it was re-

defining my selfconfidence,andturning

these challenges into opportunities; having

o p e n - m i n d e d conversations with people about cannabis

became fulfilling becausetherealityisthat it allows us to create room for change as we connect on many levels

with others. These conversations reinforce the fact that this plant provides a space for community, and I have hope that we're shifting thingsforthebetter.

Advice for other women entering the cannabisspace?

Despite the common ‘boys club’ mentality

or culture in the businessofcannabis,I believe this industry

h a s m a n y

opportunities for women to thrive and become meaningful leaders whose voices are amplified with the support from others you meet along your journey.

a b l e w i

h

e n v i r o n m e n t ,

to use my challenges and adversity

more growth and inspiration for t h e f u t u r e o f cannabis.

Though the legal industry is still in its infancy, the reality is thatitalsoprovidesan undeniable space for us to shake things up, establishingastronger foundation for the future and setting standards built on better values and practices. As more women enter the cannabis space, I’d say – keep your head up and don’t forget to be proud of yourself throughthechallenges you face; you’re part of something way bigger.

Lastquestion-What are three things that you think everyone needs?

Beingabletobring my knowledge and experience to the t

t

confidence and having a voice to catalyze change, hasempoweredme to move past the fact that I am a person of colour –mind you, in a corporate work

choosing

as fuel for

It sounds cheesy, but LOVE and Self-Love! which I’ve learned spills into every aspect of your life.

Inner child mindset or approach when times are tough, never forgettingtohavefunandbeingas present as you can be because timetrulyflies.

Having people around you / in yourlifethathonestlyloveyoufor you – those who genuinely supportyouandwanttocelebrate your wins and milestones like they’retheirstoo.

There’sadifferentkindofrespect, appreciation, and happiness that shows up when you’re able to share the process of growth and witness people you love achieve their goals and live out their dreams; it’s infectious in the best way possible, and I think everyone needs people who also truly surround themselves with that kind of warm energy that allows you to be 100% your unapologetically silly self, but alsobethatbadassthatyouarein whatever you do, pushing you to be the best version of you that sometimes gets lost among life stressesandpressuresthatweput onourselves.

For me, I’m grateful for my partner, my family, my friends whoshowupformethiswayand neverletmesettle.

Thank you Kaitlin - it was a pleasure!

THE TOP OF THE CANNABIS GAME IN CANADA

AUDREY WONG

FOUNDER + CEO, ZYRE BRANDS

It is our absolute

pleasure to have the opportunity to shine some light on one of Canada’s top cannabis l e a d e r s a n d entrepreneurs. High Audrey! Can you introduce yourself and tell our readers a little moreaboutyourself

Hi!I’mAudreyWongCEO &FounderofZyreBrands, the tiny BC cannabis company making the topselling, ultra-smooth, allceramic flavoured cured resinvapes.

Howdidyougetinvolved withcannabis?

Myentryintocannabisand its evolution has been a combinationofrightplace, right time and some good o l d f a s h i o n e d manifestation. I left my career in law for an amazingopportunityatthe BC Liquor Distribution Branch (they also run the BC Cannabis Store). So here I was, the youngest ever member of their Executive Management

Team and getting immersed in the inner workings of government operated distribution and retail of regulated goods. BeforethisIhadverylittle understanding of how much bureaucracy and

HOW A.I. AND CANNABIS INTERSECT! politics played a role in government regulated goods. I can’t express how invaluable those 4 years were in prepping me for legalized cannabis. Honestly, props to those who’ve managed to get to market and succeed without thisbackground.

I heard rumblings about Trudeau legalizing cannabisandIhonestlythoughthewasfullofit, I have to happily eat my words from the talk I gave to the heads of other government liquor (now cannabis) boards when I so confidently, and wrongly, said legalization wasn’t happening.

Well when it was announced, I knew that the timecomeformetoassumemyrightfulseatas HerRoyalHIGHness,Ieagerlytookontherole ofleadingcannabislegalizationactivitieswithin the LDB, but I saw how quickly the large

cannabis companies at the time were staffing up. I knew that my experience with the distribution and retail of alcohol would be valuable to the cannabis industry and that I’d be a juicyhire.

It was crazy time, nobody knew what they were hiring for and while none of these mega companies actually had a job posting formyposition-theywere allinterested.

Aurora Cannabis was the first to make me an offer.

Getting to lead the legalized roll-out into Canadawasawildrideand constant chaos, I actually laid down on the floor of my office to try and calm my mind many times during this period, but looking back I feel so privileged to have been leadingthecharge.

Now with Zyre, I finally gettomakeproductsthatI can stand by and actually buyformyselfandproudly sharewithmyfriends.

Howdoescannabisfactor intoyoureverydaylife?

Aside from championing theindustryandexpanding my cannabis community with like-minded, high performing individuals on thedaily?It’sactuallynota

part of my everyday life, while to be good at what I do I have to be highly knowledgeable about the plant and the market, from a consumption basis I’m an occasional cannabis consumer, social occasions and maybe an occasion pull on Zyre’s Recline 1.0 when I’m particularly amped after working into the late evening.

I100%don’tbelieveyouneedtobeafrequent consumerofanyproducttobeanambassadoror advocateforit,cannabisincluded.

Infact,IthinkI’mtheposterchildforwhatmost cannabisconsumers’consumptionpatternswill be as the legal industry evolves. Someone who occasionally uses cannabis products to complementtheiractivitiesandthevibethey’re lookingfor.

Have you encountered any challenges or adversity as a cannabis user?

Coming from an Asian Canadian community that has had little exposure to positive cannabis figures. I’vedefinitelyencountered a lot of discomfort from othersasI’vemadeapoint totreatmycareerthesame aswhenIdidanythingelse. I won’t shy away from talkingaboutweedandwill bring out my vapes for showandtellinrestaurants andotherpublicsettings. The discomfort from others can be noticeable, but I see myself as an ambassador for the plant. The fact of the matter is being a lawyer and having had a big business career seems to balance out the “lazy stoner” caricature that’s been embedded through decades of reinforcement. In fact, I now regularly have people express to me that they’d liketotrycannabis.

How did you move past thesechallenges?

Well becoming the top selling full-spectrum vape brand in BC and the #1 selling women-owned brand in Canada pretty muchputsthenaysayersto rest.Ican’tsaymymomis

proud, but at least she’s stopped threatening to takemeoutofthewill.☺

Advice for other women entering the cannabis space or thinking about trying cannabisforthefirsttime?

There’s something to be said about finding inspiration from those who remind you of yourself,andwhileI’vefoundamazingsupport inthisindustryfrompeoplewhodon’tlooklike me or remind me of myself, I’m particularly upliftedandfeeldeepkinshipwhenIfindpeers andmentorsthatlooklikemeandsharemylived experiences. Unfortunately, finding women, let alone Asian women running the show in cannabis has been uncommon but I’m hopeful thatwillchangesoon.

But for the younger, up and coming women I’d say look for mentorship, especially if you can find someone who has already accomplished what youhopetoaccomplishsomeday.Be purposefulaboutyourintentionsand goalsfromthatmentorship.

Having a network is amazing, and will build you lifelong allies, but if you add to that an understanding of what is it you want to learn from people and ask them meaningful questions, you’re maximizing both of your time. That way you get tangible learnings in addition to a

lifelong ally. Remember gratitude, sometimeswecangetsocaughtup in executing and getting things done,thatweforgettoreallyreflect on those who’ve helped along the way (even if it now seems distant and vague) to genuinely appreciate andthankthem.

Successandongoingsuccessreally is built on the relationships that you’ve formed. They can be the only thing you’ll have to right yourself, if things every go sideways.

So be purposeful in forming meaningful relationships with people who you relate to (be it gender, ethnicity, age, similar interests,livedexperience)thatinspireyou.

Take yourself out of your comfort zoneandputyourselfoutthere.

Last question - What are three things that you think everyone needs?

Well, how fitting that there are 3 Zyreproductlines.

Launch 1.0 takes your adventures tothenextlevel

Spotlight 1.0 helps you get shit done

Kicking back is always better with Recline1.0

Our USDAcertified Organic Fertilizer is patented and designed to promote the growth and harvest from your vegetation, along with protecting yourself from the harmful synthetic chemicals found in traditional fertilizers.

Our nutrients are optimized for use in fertigation lines, and cause no clogging issues.

REVIEWS

GoodSupplyhaslauncheditslatestinnovationof 'MONSTERS'infused pre-rolls.ThecompanyhasstatedthatMONSTERSpre-rollsaremade from a combination of two of its most potent signature strains, frankensteinedtogetherinaninnovativeway.

We had the opportunity to try the Golden Guy Good Supply Monsters Infused Pre-Roll and we were absolutely astounded at the potency, burn, taste and incredibly clean ash. This super-sized pre-roll was incrediblypotent,tastedgreat,burnedwellandlastedwell pastthe20minutemark.

HitslikeaSasquatch!Notfortheinexperienced. Thisreviewisforinformationandeducationonly.

PRODUCT FIVE STAR PRODUCT FIVE STAR

H O M E G R O W N A N O U T P O S T O F

C O M M O N S E N S E

ello neighbour, Handwelcome.

The ides of March are yet ahead,asIwritetoyouthis month.Andfortherecord, Iwritethisfeaturemyself, withouttheaidofartificial intelligence.Which,along with the other medium now destroying our society,socialmedia,inall its abundant forms, is the subject of this month's column.

To keep things on the square, I'm telling you it's also a fact that I'm a staunch supporter of the DIY. With most things, too, aside from stuff like medicine and science. That's because, as a farm kid,Ioftenthinkitbetterto doformyself.Atleast,Ido when reason makes it right,andpossible,too.

If you've read the column before now, though, you'll alsoknowIenjoygrowing my own. Here, the home grow is but the tip of a p

. Becauseintheseparts,the DIY is a habit often indulged.

From grinding coffee beans to making pizza from scratch, my usual approachistolookfirstfor amethodbywhichIcando things.

By now, however, much like the internet giants I call Big Tech, I've figured outthatmostpeopleprefer convenienceoverlearning something new. Likewise, manyofusseemtobelieve convenience is much better than freedom nowadays. And so, the oligarchsbehindthesocial mediaplatformsmakeitas

easy as possible to use their stuff, while at the same time hiding its true purpose.

Which is to perpetually track us and use the resulting data to reduce our behaviors to a few known and predictable outcomes.

Nowadays, it's mostly done without our being aware of it. Though our grant of permission is surely there, hiding in plain sight among the fine print of every user license agreed to when using someone's'free'software.

An online practise perfectedby socialmedia, datatrackingandsalesare now a worldwide routine. With the life of their companies often at stake, many find it impossible to

dootherwise,ifthey'reto compete.

That's the common refrain, anyway, when faced with charges of ripping off personal data from their customers. Likewise, Big Tech cries ignorance whenever we find out their platforms are often used for domestic terrorism and spyingbyforeignpowers.

Lately,thespecterofAIis on the rise. Once a pipe dream reserved for science fiction, the rapid rise of this new and dangerous tool of Big Tech also threatens people everywhere, in ways known, and many not yet imagined. Yet, despite the ongoing examples made by the twin nightmares of bitcoinandCanada'slegal cannabis industry, the latestcorporatecash-grab pushes its way onto Big Media's front pages worldwide.

Soitis,thatwithaneverquickening pace, we now build the prison into which our descendants will later be born. Soon enough, these wild-west days of early adoption, before the machine-age ratcheted up the pace of the race to end freedom, will be looked upon with fondness by those in chains.

If there remains anyone left who can think for themself, that is. Because the race to replace us with greedy, mindless, but consuming automatons, just moved into a higher gear.

It's also true the sky isn't falling.Yet. Not only that, buttherearenearasmany opinionsaboutthedangers and merits of AI as there are people expressing them.Becauseweliveina monkey-see, monkey-do world.Andwe'renowalso

c u r s e d b y t h e extraordinary demand for a response to the intense navel-gazing required by socialmediaworldwide.

Meanwhile, the corporate dictators

b e h i n d t h e A I takeover of our world remain blind to everything but profits. Because what is most sought afterbytheoligarchs behind Big Tech is t h e d e a t h o f independent thought andcreativity. What seems to have escaped everyone's attention, however, is that such a goal is also sure to end progress for our kind. Thatis,ifithasn'talready.

I mean, how many people must be harmed before a

populace will stand and defend itself from a real andpresentdanger?Sadly, that's a question easily asked, but not so quickly answered.

Anyway, while there's time,I'm addingmy voice to those opposed to the unfettered hegemony given to Big Tech companies nowadays. Because they seek only to exploit our ignorance in service of ever more obsceneprofits.Whilealso being quite willing to destroy the planet, and everything living on it, to grabmoreofthem.

Over time, our kind have learned that in all things, moderationisbest.Indays gone by, that included managing our progress. Because while a change canbeasgoodasarest,it's not always so. And right now, the unfettered capitalism of the internet oligarchy is using AI and social media to throw out more babies than bathwater.

For the sake of the greater good, Big Tech must be

financially penalized in those instances when the public interest is or has been betrayed.

As they've shown many times,by now, if we won't act, they will. Because, so far, they'vebeenlargelyunopposedbyus,the people.Instead,they'veusedBigMediato promotetheircause,boughtthepoliticians needed to get rules and regulations removed, and laughed all the way to the bankstheyownwithbillionsinprofits.

It's not too late. We can stop them from stoppingtheprogressandevolutionofour species. All we must do is act. By not acting.Becauseifwelimitouruseoftheir stuff, and we restrict their development and implementing of AI, and enforce regulations upon their social media platformsworldwide,wecanpreserveour future.

Byretainingtheabilitytochoose.Whileat the same time, saving us from the devolutionsuretofollowthedesirenotto thinkorcreateforourselves.

So,let'ssayNOtotheunregulatedgrowth ofAI.Andwhilewe'reatit,let'ssayNOto exposing children to social media of any kind.Instead,let'sdancewithwhatgotus here, individual creativity and imagination. And stop acting like mindless slaves living on pablum served bythebillionairesbehindBigTech.

Here,withmyhomegrowandasmuchof everythingelseIcanmanage,Ichoosethe DIY approach. I also limit my social media exposure and, despite reclusive personal habits, often choose to remain physically involved with people, not software.

Thatdoesn'tmeanI'maLuddite.Afterall, I'm writing this column using word processingsoftwareonalaptopcomputer. It does, however, mean that I limit the

degree

intrusion and control Big T e c h ' s software is allowed to make either into or over mylife.

Sometimes, it's a minor inconvenience. Because it means I must do some things for myself, instead of letting software do it for me. Other times, it forces me to reachoutandinteractwithaperson. In that way, I'm forced to make decisions about my life and remain involvedwiththeworldbeyondthe keyboard. It also keeps me from becoming a mindless slave to mysterioussoftware.

Asaresultofhavingtomakethose manychoices,andstayinginvolved in the daily minutia that compose my life, I also have far less time available for navel-gazing And believeitornot,thatseemstomake life less anxious, and more interesting.

Butyoudon'thavetotakemyword for it. Because you can DIY By disengaging from one social media programatatime.Andsayingnoto unregulated AI. And by letting family,friends,neighbors,andyour elected representatives know how youfeel.

Here,Iliveitthatway.Iencourage youtodothesame.

Until next time, smoke 'em if you got 'em, and happy growing.

MARCH'IN TO THEIR OWN BEAT.

In the Canadian

retail marketspace, Cannabis is sold at either...

Multi-store franchises with the big name (artist and/or athlete attached)tothem,and can often be found next to other familiar, big named chain stores, or within high traffic, multi-plaza commercial areas, province wide.

www.highcanada.net

scripted facts when product demo'ing by e m p l o y e e s a t franchise stores.

would be forced to makean'EXTRALike' b u t t o n , f o r .

Thebigchainwithstaff d e c k e d - o u t i n merched uniform; hoodies, fitted hats, andname-tagreadyto i m p r e s s .

Google reviewers noted that they feel more talked to with

Also reviewers noticed feeling rushed and impersonal connections in the form of greetings and g o o d b y e s . .Or sold at (the alternative choice c a n n a s t o r e s ) individually owned, oftentimesfamily-run, l o c a l s h o p s .

They're known mainly to the community it serves and across social settings online and irl via active f o l l o w e r s a n d gleaming personal reviews, Google

These unique spaces are your neighbours nestled amongst local bakeries, historical landmarks, and vintage clothing shops.

They're seen lining hip, pedestrianfamiliar, gentrified streets and on pathways many times wandered over by eager tourists' f o o t s t e p s , maneuvering the chase of the city's icy chill.

But once inside, its all warm smiles and greetings from your friendly canna friends.

This type of big-hugs-energy in a cozy ambience, welcoming of new faces, and first-name-basisregulars,alike.

So what type of high bar-setting goes on behind the scenes of these sheathed storefronts, that make weathering a -15° storm to shop,worthit?

In my experience at every independentsoloownedstoreI've visited, I notice employees, not just spewing out the product knowledge facts or quickly upselling to the highest brand mention before knowing the consumer's full needs. I've experienced up close and personal handling of product demos. Patientearsthattuneinto customer inquiries, and thoughts re:feedback.

I've noticed subtle promoting, gently guiding brand awareness in non traditional sales-y ways.

And mainly I've noticed connecting one to one on consumption likes and dislikes of current market products. It's the number one thing independent stores pride themselves on. And you'll find one to one personal interaction ratios at their highest in these community driven spaces

Haveyouvisitedalocalmomand popscannashoprecently?Tellus y o u r e x p e r i e n c e . . .

Canadian Canna Mamas from ProvincetoProvince...

Ihadthebesttimethisyearsofar, putting together the monthly canna mama features and highlightingtheselovelyladies.

Each are uniquely Dope Moms! They are your everyday consumers,theregularswhobuy, the shoppers of the home, the oneswhopotentiallywant,like,or dislikewhatthecannabismarket, hastooffer.

The thing about us Canna Mamasis,

"We March to our own beat."

See us. Believe in Us. We make changes happen with purchase power & choice. Ask us. Trust in Us.

Webreakstigmasdaily,inclusive ofallformsofconsumption,ofthe flower's abundant blooms. Happy Spring!.... just around the cornerandHappySpringFeature to our March Canna Mama, Sheron Hibbert, chilling and bloominginherartistry...

as well as booming styles from the busy city streets of Toronto, Ontario.

MEET THE CANNA MAMA Sheron Hibbert

ABOUT ME RE: CONSUMING

Years Old fifty +

Years Consuming thrity+

Residence Toronto, Ont

Occupation Actor/Performer

www.leighgrifithphotography.com

Children

Adult Children

FAVOURITES

Strain Pinapple Express

Food BBQ Meats

Exercise Dancing, swimming and Zumba

Time of day for a session

After work or during a lunch break

I started smoking it at 16 yrs old...

Yes, it was fun times with friends as a teenager.

As an adult smoking It helps me to relax and calms me right down. The times when I can’t sleep it’s right there to put me to bed. The CBD helps with getting my body to relax.

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES

Laying on the beach with a nice big spliff listening to some great tunes.

I enjoy going to different weed stores.

Depending on the week...$30 is my average spent consuming product."