Jay Wren

California employers - important update! Here’s what you need to know: • Employers with 1- 4 California W-2 employees must register for CalSavers or claim an exemption by December 31, 2025 • Sole proprietors and self-employed individuals are not required to participate, but may opt in • New businesses must register within 24 months of becoming eligible (i.e., hiring California W-2 employees) • Employers can choose between the state-run CalSavers program or offer their own qualified plan (like a 401(k)) Note: This mandate has been in effect for employers with 5+ employees since 2022. Plan ahead now! #CalSavers #CaliforniaSmallBusiness #HRCompliance 

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Aganorsa Leaf has confirmed that 58 of its cigar products have been submitted to California’s Unflavored Tobacco Listing (UTL) database, a step required under the state’s latest regulatory measures for tobacco products. #cigarnews #cigars #tobaccoindustry https://lnkd.in/gbzU9Q_q

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How Arrogance Destroys Cannabis Businesses “The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility.”  TS Elliot Most cannabis companies have organizational challenges.  A big one is the presence of arrogant thinking and its associated behaviors. ⚠️ A postmortem on cannabis business failure would undoubtably find arrogance as a contributing factor. A definition Arrogance is overconfident and stagnant thinking.  Importantly, not everyone who is arrogant believe they are or seek to use this trait in a negative way. Arrogance and its associated habits are not limited to specific functions, roles or management levels.  It is an equal opportunity corporate saboteur. 💡 Enter the Illusory Superiority Effect Most people think they are smarter, more ethical, and more capable than they really are. On a scale of 1 to 10 (5 being average), research shows that people will rank themselves a 7 - and implicitly acknowledge their peers are less competent and hardworking.  The higher you go up the chain of command, the higher the person will typically rate themselves versus their peers.   However, basic mathematics shows us the impossibility of most people being well above the average. This 2 point gap is arrogance, and helps to explain why bad decisions are made and corporate morale is so low.  📌 Arrogance in a functional sense Problems occur when companies allow opinion to substitute for data, analysis and common sense.  We have all seen these examples in cannabis: one’s opinion trumps other opinions & conflicting data when it shouldn’t. And the corollary:  data & people that support your beliefs are favoured over data & people that do not. 🦓 The problem gets worse when the egotists have enjoyed prior success. These Zebras – Zero Evidence but Really Arrogant – often ignore the role of luck, the team, and other factors, instead doubling down on their own beliefs and abilities. 💥 Hubris on a corporate level Cannabis firms are prone to mono directional errors, or a predisposition to point strategies in one direction or cluster thinking in one area.  This shows up when competitors and outside ideas are disrespected; ‘sacred cow’ assumptions are not challenged and there is an ’it could never happen here’ approach to risk. The negative impact of arrogance goes beyond poor decisions and faulty analysis.  The adverse organizational effects include increased politics as well as unethical behaviours like falsifying reports and corruption. Firms can mitigate arrogance by: ➡️ Institutionalizing checks & controls that force cross functional input & decision making plus add guardrails on key strategic & capital decisions; ➡️ Foster a culture of evidence-driven decision making; ➡️ ‘Bring the outside inside’ in terms of consumer & supplier feedback and best practices. I help firms solve difficult strategic, cost & organizational problems and capitalize on growth opportunities. #management #cannabis #cannabisindustry #LPs #MSOS    

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Reminder for California Employers: By December 31, 2025, every California employer with at least 1 employee must take action on retirement benefits. That means you must either: Offer a qualified retirement plan (like a 401(k)), or register for the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program. CalSavers is a state-sponsored program designed to make saving for retirement easier. But employers do have to register, facilitate payroll deductions, and stay on top of communications. This is a great time for HR teams and small business owners to: ➡️ Review whether you already have a qualifying plan. ➡️ Compare options for fit and cost. ➡️ Prepare your payroll systems early to avoid last-minute stress. If your organization hasn’t looked into a retirement plan or CalSavers yet, now’s the perfect time to start the conversation. Future you (and your employees) will thank you. Need a referral to a retirement plan administrator? Comment below or send me a message, and I'll get you in touch.

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Surgeons from USC and UCLA successfully performed the world’s first human bladder transplant, restoring function in a patient who had relied on dialysis for seven years. The groundbreaking 8-hour procedure involved implanting both a donor bladder and kidney using advanced vascular techniques. Though currently suited for immunosuppressed patients, this milestone offers promising hope for those suffering from bladder failure or cancer. Further clinical trials are underway. Credits: CTTO

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USA: RJR Vapor Acquires Select PMTA Synthetic Nicotine Vape Assets of Charlies PACHA Devices “On April 16, 2025, Charlie's Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") entered into and closed an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company (the “Buyer”) pursuant to which the Buyer purchased twelve of the Company’s PACHA synthetic products and related assets (the “Assets”) that are covered by a premarket tobacco application (“PMTA”) first submitted by the Company in 2022. The purchase price for the Assets was $5.0 million paid at closing, plus a contingent one-time payment of up to $4.2 million based on product sold by the Buyer during the one year following the first day of commercialization of the Assets. The Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and indemnities by each of the parties.” https://lnkd.in/g3C_JFU9

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Cannabis industry hiring practices need a serious reality check. No one should be managing anything in cannabis for $15/hr. If you need experience, education, and skill, PAY for it. If you’re hiring for entry-level, then make it accessible and train people properly. This disconnect undervalues the workforce and hurts industry growth. Who else believes in fair pay for the value of the job? #cannabis #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity

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Since the RNDC / Reyes announcement, I’ve received several messages asking the same question: What does this mean for LibDib, LLC? The short answer is this: LibDib was a distributor before we partnered with RNDC, and we continue to be a distributor going forward. RNDC exited California, but LibDib continues to operate in California and other markets. Our business does not hinge on one partner, one market, or one structure. From day one, our model was built to be flexible, compliant, and durable ��� allowing us to nimbly partner with 3PLs, all distributors, and other fulfillment solutions to ensure brands can get to market legally and efficiently. However. Will there be changes? Yes. Will there be shifts in how business is done? Absolutely. For anyone watching what’s happening in the middle tier right now — this is the new reality. Consolidation, portfolio reshuffling, exits, and strategic pivots are no longer edge cases. They are becoming the de facto operating environment. I don’t make a habit of commenting publicly on our partners’ businesses, but I will say this: RNDC is a good partner to LibDib, and we appreciate the work we will continue to do together. eRNDC and On Demand are two game-changing developments of this partnership. They are incredibly innovative technologies that have created the tools and infrastructure this industry needs to meet this moment right now. In the broader macro environment, these disruptions can be unsettling and are causing many suppliers to reevaluate their go-to-market strategies. The question that should be asked isn’t just where large brands move—but whether those moves meaningfully impact results and grow their businesses. Bigger picture, what’s driving this industry right now isn’t just go-to-market strategy. It’s understanding and staying ahead of the new consumer-based realities we all face. Yes, people are drinking less. Yes, money is tighter. And that shows no signs of abating any time soon. The economic pressure on the next generation of our consumers matters deeply to our category, especially as older generations naturally age out. So here’s where I’ll close: Yes, LibDib is still operating. Yes, there will be changes. No, I don’t have all the answers yet. But I can promise this: LibDib’s distribution mission remains unchanged. Any brand. Any size. Any quantity. Our e-commerce, sales ordering, and data technology is available to both distributors and suppliers, helping lower costs, improve efficiency, and support all of us through the industry changes now shaping our market. That’s why we built this company, to create efficiencies in the three-tier system for all— and that’s not changing. If you want to talk to me/our team about how to navigate with us through all this change, DM me. Even better, I will be at Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Access LIVE, in a few weeks so let’s talk!

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There's a reason you get to wear jeans on Fridays and it's not what you think... In 1962, a group of Hawaiian garment makers launched “Operation Liberation” — a campaign to make Aloha shirts acceptable business attire. They handed out shirts to every member of Hawaii’s legislature, reframing professional norms from the top down. It worked. Aloha shirts became everyday office wear. And eventually, the ripple effect reached the mainland — giving rise to what we now call “Casual Friday.” After the pandemic, things shifted even more. I bet many of you are reading this in something even more comfortable than jeans... The point isn't about fashion. The story of the aloha shirt is a powerful example of strategic behavior change. By tapping into identity, peer influence, and contextual nudges, the campaign redefined what professionalism looked like — without passing a single law. For marketers and behavior change experts, it’s a powerful reminder: if you want to change behavior, don’t just target habits. Target people in power. #aloha #behaviorchange #psychology #casualfriday

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⏰Why Rapid Turnaround Times Matter in Cannabis Testing🌿 In the fast-paced cannabis industry, time is money—and when it comes to testing, delays can mean lost revenue, disrupted supply chains, and missed market opportunities. At Smithers - Cannabis Testing Services, we understand that cultivators, processors, and brands rely on accurate, fast results to keep their operations running smoothly. A slow turnaround can mean product sitting in inventory instead of on dispensary shelves. It can mean delayed launches, frustrated customers, and increased costs. That’s why efficient, reliable testing is critical: ✅ Accelerates time-to-market – Get your product on shelves faster. ✅ Improves cash flow – Faster results mean quicker sales and revenue. ✅ Reduces compliance risks – Avoid bottlenecks that can lead to regulatory issues. ✅ Strengthens trust – Partners and consumers expect consistent, reliable quality. At Smithers - Cannabis Testing Services we prioritize speed without sacrificing accuracy—because we know our clients need both. Let’s talk about how we can help keep your business moving with reliable results, on time, every time! Reach out to: 👉 Joel Allcock in MA, NJ & NY 👉 Monica Elabed in IL & OH 👉 Rosie Boyd, MBA in AZ #CannabisTesting #Compliance #QualityAssurance #Smithers #CannabisIndustry #TurnaroundTime

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🌿 Mini Field Guide to Cannabis by Jessi Cox (2025 Edition) Jessica Cox 1. Know the Plant, Not Just the High Cannabis isn’t one plant, it’s a spectrum. 🥬🥬🥬 • Sativa = buzzy, cerebral, “let’s clean the garage and then write poetry.”😘👌 • Indica = grounding, body-heavy, “let’s melt into the couch with a weighted blanket.”💻🕹️📸📻📺🎙️📟 • Hybrids = the spectrum in between.🌇🛣️🎆🌁🌉 • Terpenes = the real storytellers (aroma, effect, personality). Stop saying “just give me the highest THC.” That’s like asking for the strongest wine without caring if it tastes like vinegar. 🕋 ⸻______———> 2. Modern Forms of Consumption Forget the joint-in-a-movie stereotype😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫today’s menu is loaded. • Flower – timeless, but fresher genetics and better curing = smoother smoke. • Vape carts & disposables – convenient, but look for live resin or rosin if you want flavor over filler. • Edibles – not just brownies. We’re talking craft gummies, infused seltzers, even Michelin-star chef collabs. Always: start low, go slow (2–5 mg THC to begin). • Concentrates – dabs, diamonds, sauces. These are the espresso shots of cannabis—potent and not for beginners. • Topicals & tinctures – non-intoxicating relief for body pain or anxiety. ⸻____———->>> 3. Cannabis Culture: From Fringe to Mainstream • Dispensaries are the new wine bars—budtenders are sommeliers with sneakers. • Brands aren’t just selling weed, they’re selling vibes (farm-to-table sungrown, futuristic tech brands, wellness tinctures). • Events look more like farmer’s markets, music festivals, or TED Talks than dark backrooms. • Cannabis went from counterculture to multi-billion-dollar global industry—but the underground roots still shape the authenticity test. ⸻>>> 4. Modern Etiquette (How Not to Be “That Guy”) • Don’t hog the joint. Puff, puff, pass—>>still a sacred rule. • Don’t pressure anyone to consume. Cannabis is optional, not a team sport. • Know your tolerance. No one likes babysitting the person who ate the whole edible “because it tasted good.” • Store and label your stash. Grandma doesn’t need to confuse her lemon drops with yours.

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