Happy Independence Day / Month to cannabis consumers and related businesses . Words like independence , liberty , and freedom take on a whole new meaning for so many consumers , advocates , and related businesses after decades of fighting for the freedom to simply sell , purchase , and consume a harmless plant that is continually proving promise for many health-related benefits .
In June , MoCannTrade , “ The Voice ” of the Missouri cannabis industry , held its member meetup in the Kansas City area . Nearly 700 industry leaders and employees attended valuable panel discussions about microbusinesses and other in-industry regulations topics . There was also a mini expo with over 40 exhibitors displaying their newest products soon to hit dispensary shelves .
It was all very educational and enlightening . It reminded me that in early 2020 there were limited flower and gummy options — that was it . Then rather quickly , we had an explosion of new selection : chocolates , cookies , drinks , vapes , pre-roll cones , and concentrates . Today , there ’ s an ever-growing selection of new edible products and flower strains that seems to be endless . It ’ s quite amazing ! For newbies heading to a dispensary for the first time , it will be a mix of feelings from a bit overwhelmed to wow , there are a lot of selections ; where do I start ?
Aside from the mass selection of new cannabis products , there ’ s also a host of new , cool accessories . At the mini expo , we visited with a company that recently introduced pretzels and another with potato chips and coffee — who knew ! Plus , there were even more newly released edible products .
We met one company that sells unique cones with a company mission to “ Save the Bees ” with its banana leaf cones . These organic banana leaf cones are sun-cured in the Caribbean for 44 days , then wrapped around the company ’ s Bloomer™ wildflower-blooming tip . It ’ s a biodegradable filter tip that contains noninvasive native wildflower seeds . The company says its banana leaf cones result in the smoothest , cleanest , slowest , and purest burn , allowing users to truly taste their material down to the filter tip that ’ s designed to be planted in the ground after use and bloom wildflowers to help save the bees . Simply stick the tip in the ground when you ’ re done smoking , and it will grow flowers for honeybees . Sounds like a great product and mission . I hope plastic water bottles with wildflower seeds implanted in biodegradable plastic becomes Bloomer ’ s next venture !
We ’ ve again included within this issue four articles and information about microbusiness on pages 10 , 32 , and 38 to help those interested in learning more about microbusiness facility license eligibility and application requirements . Additionally , MoCannTrade will host a Free educational and informational event series presented by leading cannabis industry experts geared toward those who plan to apply and / or participate in a microbusiness . Learn the dos and don ’ ts from industry experts and leaders at this free event series to discover how to apply for a Missouri microbusiness facility license . This informational tour around Missouri will feature presentations and expert panel discussions to share important micro-applicant info on eligibility requirements , the application process , the timeline , and the lottery award process , along with best practices and recommendations for success from industry experts . See upcoming events and register at www . mocanntrade . org .
Have a happy , safe 4th of July , and celebrate your newfound independence throughout the month .
6 JULY 2023
From The Editor
Bill Cromwell , Publisher , Editor-in-Chief
Celebrating Our Newfound Independence
Missouri ’ s First Educational Medical Cannabis Magazine Published Monthly by Native Kansas City , MO , Advocates , Publishers and Writers . A True Missouri Born Grassroots Effort to Educate and Inform Patients , and to Provide Businesses within The Missouri Cannabis Industry an Economical Forum to Tell Their Story . We hope you join and enjoy “ The Evolution .”
PUBLISHER , EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : Bill Cromwell News , Articles , Advertisement , & All Requests Should Email to : Bill . C @ TheEvolutionMag . com Corporate Office ( New 2023 ) 816.886.9017 Kansas City , MO Mail to : P . O . Box 2196 , Independence , MO 64055
MANAGING EDITOR , VP OF OPERATIONS : Victoria Cromwell DIRECTOR MARKETING and EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT : Clayton Stallings CREATIVE DESIGNER , GRAPHIC ARTS and EDITORIAL : Bill Cromwell PHOTOGRAPHY : Clayton Stallings , and guests photographers
Our Team of Expert Writers and Cannabis Industry Leaders
● Danielle Buntyon ― Elevated Learning
● Kassie Ferrero ― Dispensary Product Reviews and News
● Dana Cunningham — Cooking with CBD and THC
● Dolores Halbin , RN — Patient Advocate and Awareness
● Peter Kershaw — Health and Safety Columnist
● Leah Maurer — Health , Awareness , Ask Leah Columnist
● Jason Mispagel , — Home Growers Education
● Dr . Poppa , D . O ., M . B . A . ― Medical Health News
● Jay Richardson ― Patient Features
● Rocco Scarcello ― Educational
● Todd Scattini ― Veterans News
● Monthly Guest Writers — Cannabis News & Patient Advocates
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